Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake announces 2023 cleanup dates

Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake, SML’s annual cleanup initiative, will return to a hybrid model in 2023 with structured events planned on May 6, May 13 and May 20 at various marinas around the lake.

In addition, neighborhood groups, businesses, families, civic organizations and others may participate in any of the organized events or plan their own Take Pride cleanup for any date in May.

We’re also bringing back the volunteer appreciation gathering! Check back here soon for more details, including dumpster locations, and to register online.

Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Releases Results for 2022 Cleanup Days

Community volunteers collected approximately 8,600 pounds (4 tons) of debris as part of a modified version of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake (TPISML) cleanup days, according to the final 2022 collection report released today. 

Bill Butterfield, one of the event’s organizers, said the amount collected throughout the month of May fell short of 2021’s numbers. TPISML was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

“We think an abundance of rainy weekends in May and the lingering pandemic contributed to lower collection numbers this year, but we’re still really pleased with the progress made toward cleaning up SML prior to the opening of the season,” said Butterfield, president of the  Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), which organizes the program in collaboration with the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) and the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC).

Art Cournoyer, a volunteer with America’s Boating Club – Smith Mountain Lake, removes debris from Smith Mountain Lake at a Take Pride in SML cleanup event in May.

As in 2021, the TPISML committee relied on communities and homeowners/property owners associations to clean up their coves, along the shoreline, on the water or both.  Neighborhood groups, businesses, civic organizations, families and individuals were also encouraged to join the effort by joining these groups or by planning their own clean-up events anytime in May. Supplies were provided, as were several commercial dumpsters. Each volunteer received a commemorative waterproof cell phone bag.

According to the report, 128 individuals collectively covered more than 25 miles of shoreline, filling 125 trash bags and hauling off a vast amount of loose debris. Items collected included plastic and glass bottles, beverage cans, plastic bags, food wrappers, lawn chairs, logs and tree branches. 

“Our annual cleanup days are so important to the overall health, beauty and safety of Smith Mountain Lake,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. “Many, many thanks to the awesome volunteers and amazing sponsors who make Take Pride in SML possible.”

Sponsors for 2022’s Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake initiative included American Electric Power, Western Virginia Water Authority, Berkshire Hathaway Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate, Capps Home Building Center, Turner’s Dock Building, and The Windward Waterfront Lots and Custom Homes.

Take Pride in SML volunteers clean up a beach area at Mariners Landing during a TPISML event in May.

TPISML organizers announce plans for 2022 cleanup initiative

March 29, 2022

Organizers of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake announced today details of SML’s annual cleanup initiative for 2022.

“Last year, we organized a modified version of Take Pride in SML due pandemic restrictions, and the Smith Mountain Lake community really embraced it,” said Andy Bruns, Executive Director of the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC), which organizes the event in conjunction with the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) and the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA). 

“We’re hoping to gain even more momentum for this critical community initiative this year,” he added. “We all want the lake looking its best before the tourism season begins, so we’re encouraging everyone who uses and enjoys the lake to take a few hours and volunteer.”

In lieu of scheduling several large events, the TPISML oversight committee is asking volunteers to plan their own smaller events to clean up coves, along the shoreline or on the water any time in May. This includes neighborhood groups, homeowners/property owners associations, civic organizations, families and individuals. 

Bruns said TPISML will continue to provide volunteers with free heavy-duty trash bags and gloves, as well as offer up to $400 in reimbursement for groups that utilize commercial dumpsters for their events. Each volunteer also will receive a complimentary waterproof cell phone bag.

“We’re able to provide the materials and the thank you gift because of the continued generosity of our sponsors,” Bruns said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

SMLA President Bill Butterfield said nearly 200 volunteers participated in Take Pride in SML last year.

“The hybrid approach worked well, in part because groups and individuals were able to pick any day in May that worked best for their schedules,” he said. “Volunteers collected approximately 16 tons of debris, including scores of plastic bottles and aluminum cans, plastic bags, tires and, of course, natural debris such as tree branches and logs.”

Pre-registration is required by May 1 for volunteers to receive free gloves, orange trash bags and a commemorative gift.

REGISTER NOW!

Results released for 2021 Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Cleanup Days

Community volunteers collected approximately 32,500 pounds (16 tons) of debris as part of a modified version of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake (TPISML) cleanup days, according to the final 2021 collection report released today. 

John Rupnik, one of the event’s organizers, said the amount collected throughout the month of May fell short of 2019’s numbers. TPISML was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

“The lingering pandemic definitely played a role in the reduction of debris collected this year, but we’re still extremely happy about the progress made toward cleaning up SML prior to the opening of the season,” said Rupnik, president of the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), which organizes the program in collaboration with the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) and the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC).

Homeowners at Bernard’s Landing use Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake’s signature orange bags to collect debris along the shoreline and beach during their event in May. Twenty-six volunteers participated, kicking off the day with coffee and donuts.

Due to pandemic restrictions, the TPISML committee relied on communities and homeowners/property owners’ associations to clean up their coves, along the shoreline, on the water or both.  Neighborhood groups, businesses, civic organizations, families and individuals were also encouraged to join the effort by joining these groups or by planning their own clean-up events anytime in May. Supplies were provided, as were several commercial dumpsters.

“We’re hoping to return to a hybrid model for Take Pride next year,” said Paula Shoffner, Executive Director of TLAC. “That will allow the committee to once again plan structured events at various marinas around the lake the first three weekends of May, in addition to the individual group efforts.”

Fran Koch returns to shore via kayak after collecting debris on the water.  Koch volunteered for Take Pride in SML in May with fellow members of the Indian Pointe Property Owners Association.

According to the report, 166 individuals collectively covered more than 48 miles of shoreline, filling 190 trash bags and hauling off a vast number of loose debris. Items collected included plastic and glass bottles, beverage cans, plastic bags, tires, and food wrappers and containers. Some of the more unusual items collected this year were a paddle boat, a toilet seat and lumber with carpet attached, Shoffner said.

“Our annual cleanup days are so important to the overall health, beauty and safety of Smith Mountain Lake,” she said. “We can’t thank our volunteers and sponsors enough for stepping up to support Take Pride in SML.”

Sponsors for 2021’s Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake initiative included American Electric Power, Western Virginia Water Authority, Berkshire Hathaway Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate, Capps Home Building Center, Turner’s Dock Building, and The Windward Waterfront Lots and Custom Homes.

Volunteers load a barge with loose tree branches during Admirals Landing’s Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake event in May.

TPISML organizers announce modified cleanup event for 2021

March 30, 2021

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Organizers of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake announced today details of a modified version of SML’s annual cleanup initiative.

“We were so disappointed when we had to cancel last year’s event due to the pandemic, so the committee really wanted to come up with a way to have Take Pride this year, but do it in a manner safe for all volunteers,” said Paula Shoffner, Executive Director of the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC), which organizes the program in collaboration with the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) and the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC).

SMLA President John Rupnik explained that the committee will rely on communities and homeowners/property owners associations to clean up their coves, along the shoreline, on the water or both.  Neighborhood groups, businesses, civic organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to join the effort by joining these groups or by planning their own clean-up events anytime in May.

SMLRCC Interim Director Cheryl Ward said, “This plan allows people to pick any day or days in May that work for them, which makes it super convenient and allows the SML community to come together for this critical initiative. Everyone wants the lake looking its best prior to boating season, so we encourage everyone who uses and enjoys the lake to take a few hours and volunteer.”

Rupnik added, “We will continue to support the effort by providing free heavy-duty trash bags and gloves, as well as offering up to $400 in reimbursement for groups that utilize dumpsters for their events. We’re able to make those accommodations because of our amazing sponsors, who have continued to donate generously to Take Pride in SML.”

Pre-registration is required by May 1 for volunteers to receive free gloves, orange trash bags and a commemorative gift.

Register online now!

Organizers cancel 2020 Take Pride in SML Cleanup Days

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Organizers of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake, SML’s annual spring cleanup initiative, announced today organized events have been cancelled amid concerns related to coronavirus (COVID-19). 

“We extend our sincere thanks to volunteers, committee members and sponsors who were primed to help with this important community event,” said John Rupnik, president of the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), which organizes the campaign in collaboration with the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) and the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC).

“However, in light of the recent progression of COVID-19 and CDC recommendations, representatives of all three organizing bodies were in agreement this is the necessary course of action.”

Organized events were scheduled for the first three Saturdays in May at multiple locations around the lake, said TLAC Executive Director Paula Shoffner. 

“Obviously, having to cancel is disappointing, but ultimately, the committee felt this was the best decision for 2020. In the coming weeks, we’ll assess options for other ways we can achieve the goals of Take Pride in SML without placing volunteers at risk,” Shoffner said.

2019 Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Campaign nets nearly double last year’s total of debris

Community volunteers collected approximately 84,000 pounds (42 tons) of debris as part of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake cleanup days, according to the final 2019 collection report. 

According to Lorie Smith, one of the event’s organizers, the amount is nearly double what was collected last year.

“We got an earlier start on planning and increased our marketing efforts, which really help build awareness for how important these annual cleanup days are to the overall health, beauty and safety of our lake,” said Smith, president of the Smith Mountain Lake Association, which organizes the program in collaboration with the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce and Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC).

“The heavy rainfall we experienced over the winter and spring made this year’s efforts even more essential,” Smith said. “We put the call out for volunteers early and the Smith Mountain Lake community really stepped up.”

According to the report, 326 individuals participated in Take Pride in SML (a 32% increase over 2018). There were 50 registered events throughout May at various locations around the lake, including Crazy Horse Marina, Magnum Point Marina, Hardy Ford Boat Ramp, Westlake Waterfront Inn at Indian Point Marina, the David and Steve Byrd Boat Ramp, and the Pleasure Point Ramp. All volunteers received free gloves, trash bags and a commemorative t-shirt and were invited to a post-event celebration at Mango’s Bar and Grill.

Volunteers celebrate a successful 2019 Take Pride in SML cleanup campaign during a post-event celebration at Mango’s Bar and Grill at Bridgewater Plaza.

Debris collected along approximately 101 miles of shoreline included plastic and glass bottles, beverage cans, plastic bags, tires and food wrappers and containers. Paula Shoffner, TLAC’s Executive Director, said the most unusual items collected this year included dock furniture, a full-sized grill and a mega flamingo blowup float.

Sponsors for 2019’s Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake initiative included American Electric Power, Western Virginia Water Authority, Berkshire Hathaway Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate, Capps Home Building Center, Glenda McDaniel – Long & Foster Real Estate, Turner’s Dock Building, and The Windward Waterfront Lots and Custom Homes.

“Without the support of these businesses, there would be no Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake,” Shoffner said. “We are so incredibly thankful for their long-standing support, as well as the dedication and hard work of the organizing committee and all who participated.”

Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake announces 2019 cleanup dates

Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake, SML’s annual cleanup initiative, will take place throughout the month of May with organized events scheduled for the first three Saturdays in May from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition, neighborhood groups, businesses, families, civic organizations and others may participate in any of the organized events or, as in the past, plan their own Take Pride cleanup for any date in May.

Pre-registration is required by May 3 for participants to receive free gloves, orange trash bags and commemorative t-shirts, as well as participate in a post-event celebration at Mango’s Bar & Grill on May 22. Register here.

On May 3, Take Pride organizers will be at the SML Business Expo, a free event open to the public from noon to 5 p.m., to sign up registrants and hand out supplies and t-shirts.

Join a group for Take Pride in SML at one of these organized events.

• May 4: Magnum Point Marina, Crazy Horse Marina, Hardy Ford Boat Ramp
• May 11: Westlake Waterfront Inn at Indian Point Marina, David and Steve Byrd Boat Ramp (1252 Waterwheel Drive)
• May 18: Pleasure Point

NOTE: Pre-registration is still required for the organized events to ensure the proper number and size for gloves and t-shirts. Register here.

NEW! Easy online registration

New for 2019 is the ability to sign up completely online using our handy Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Online Registration Form. You may also stop by the TLAC office (400 Scruggs Road, Suite 200, Moneta) to register. Supplies will be available for pickup there, too.

From left, Pam Alford, Lori Smith, Vicki Gardner, Andie Gibson and Paula Shoffner, members of the Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake oversight committee, prepare to register volunteers at the 2018 SML Business Expo at the YMCA at LakeWatch Plantation.

Additional dumpsters available for 2019

Dumpsters will be available all three weekends at Crazy Horse Marina and the David and Steve Byrd Boat Dock (near the former Waterwheel Marina) for participants who want to unload debris collected on the water and along the shoreline. On May 11, there will be a dumpster available at Westlake Waterfront Inn at Indian Point Marina and on May 18 at Pleasure Point.

Please note, these dumpsters are for debris collected on the water and along the shoreline only.

In addition, businesses and larger groups that organize their own on-the-water cleanup event may apply for reimbursement of up to $400 for costs incurred for dumpster and landfill fees.

Volunteers offer limited debris collection from docks

The first three weekends in May, Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue will coordinate debris pickup from docks of those not able to dispose of it themselves. A few restrictions apply:

• You must register for Take Pride in SML by May 3 and use the signature orange bags provided for free
• The orange bags must be clearly visible and accessible by boat (e.g. placed at the end of the dock for easy access), not on the shoreline
• Locations will be limited primarily to the Main Channel and Blackwater Channel. Volunteers will not be able to go in narrow coves. More details will be provided in the near future. For the latest updates, please check our Facebook page!

Organizers

Now in its 32nd year, Take Pride in SML is organized by representatives of:

Smith Mountain Lake Association

Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission

Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce

For questions, please contact TLAC at 540-721-4400.

Take Pride in SML 2019 Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! 

DIAMOND: American Electric Power

PLATINUM: Western Virginia Water Authority

GOLD:
Berkshire Hathaway Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate

Capps Home Building Center

Carilion Clinic

Glenda McDaniel – Long & Foster Real Estate

Turner’s Dock Building

The Windward Waterfront Lots and Custom Homes

In addition, thank you to the following organizations, businesses and individuals who have committed to donating time, services or materials to Take Pride in SML 2019:

Crazy Horse Marina

Westlake Waterfront Inn at Indian Point Marina

Magnum Point Marina

David Byrd, Clifton F. Byrd & Sons

Pleasure Point Homeowners Association

SML Striper Club

Smith Mountain Lake Rotary Club

Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue

American Electric Power

Bartlett Tree Experts at Smith Mountain Lake

Bridgewater Marina and Boat Rentals

Grand Home Furnishings

Mango’s Bar & Grill

The McKelvey Companies

Franklin County Solid Waste Management

Bedford County Solid Waste Management

Virginia Department of Transportation

Bays Trash Removal

Franklin Container Services

For more information, contact TLAC (540-721-4400) or the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce (540-721-1203).

Revamped Take Pride in SML event nets 23 tons of debris

Community volunteers collected more than 46,000 pounds (23 tons) of debris as part of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake, according to the final 2018 collection report,

Read the report -> TPISML_final stats_2018

“We tweaked the format and got many more people involved in organizing and implementing Take Pride this year, and it made a huge difference. We are absolutely amazed with the numbers,” said the Paula Shoffner, Executive Director of the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission, which organizes the program in collaboration with the Smith Mountain Lake Association and the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Lou Feldvary and Steven Small take a break from Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake cleanup efforts on May 5 at Westlake Waterfront Inn at Indian Point Marina. The two are volunteers with Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire/Rescue, which is coordinating debris pickup from docks of those not able to dispose of it themselves. Details on the program are available at takepridesml.com or by calling TLAC at 540-721-4400.

A skid steer loader operated by Take Pride in SML committee member Joe Long pulls up to be loaded with debris collected by members of Smith Mountain Striper Club and Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire/Rescue on May 5. More than a dozen volunteers took part in the cleanup event at Westlake Waterfront at Indian Point Marina.

From left, Pam Alford, Lori Smith, Vicki Gardner, Andie Gibson and Paula Shoffner, members of the Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake oversight committee, prepare to register volunteers at the 2018 SML Business Expo at the YMCA at LakeWatch Plantation. More than 50 people signed up at the Expo, receiving a free T-shirt, work gloves, heavy duty orange trash bags, a grocery tote and a ticket to a celebratory dinner at Mango’s Bar & Grill.

Volunteers at Crazy Horse Marina unload from a boat debris collected on the water May 5 as part of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake. The event’s signature orange bags, along with work gloves and a T-shirt, are available for free to all registered volunteers, including homeowners who clean up around their own shoreline. Download a signup form at takepridesml.com.

Smith Mountain Striper Club members help unload bags filled with debris collected on May 5 at Westlake Waterfront Inn at Indian Point Marina as part of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake. The cleanup events are organized each year by the Smith Mountain Lake Association, Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission and Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.

According to the report, 222 individuals participated in Take Pride in SML, which involved 32 registered events throughout May.

Shoffner said, “That’s more than double the number who participated last year when Take Pride was a summer-long event. Those volunteers contributed to collecting nearly four times more debris than what was reported in 2017. Amazing!”

Debris collected along 55 miles of shoreline included plastic and glass bottles, beverage cans, plastic bags, food wrappers and food containers. Gardner said the most unusual items collected included a kiddie pool, washing machine agitator and a bag of freshly shucked corn on the cob.

“We’re not sure how a bag of corn ended up in the lake but figure some family was pretty disappointed come dinner time,” Gardner joked.

Among the changes made this year that organizers say greatly impacted participation include:

• Declared May “Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Month”
• Re-branded the event with a new logo
  

• Established an organizing committee made up of community leaders, as well as volunteers with past TPISML experience
• Partnered with local civic groups and businesses to organize three events (May 5, 12 and 19) at various locations around the lake with large dumpsters provided for free
• Worked with Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue to coordinate limited debris pickup from docks of those not able to dispose of it themselves
• Offered participants the option to plan their own Take Pride cleanups anytime in May
• Made signup easier by allowing participants to pre-register and pick up their free supplies (t-shirt, work gloves and heavy duty orange trash bags) at the SML Business Expo in early May
• Added a post-event celebration at Mango’s Bar & Grill as a thank you for volunteers, organizers and sponsors

Sponsors for 2018’s Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake initiative included American Electric Power, Western Virginia Water Authority, Berkshire Hathaway Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate, Capps Home Building Center, Carilion Clinic, Glenda McDaniel – Long & Foster Real Estate, Turner’s Dock Building, and The Windward Waterfront Lots and Custom Homes.

“We’re so thankful for the long-standing commitment we’ve had from these businesses, because the success of Take Pride could not have happened without their support,” said Lorie Smith, SMLA President. “We feel like we’re definitely prepared to elevate the event to another level again next year.”

Photos from Take Pride in SML kickoff events

Check out these photos from a successful fist weekend of Take Pride in SML! Additional volunteers are needed for events on May 12 and May 19. Join us!

May 12
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Crazy Horse Marina (B10A)
Bay Rock Marina (R87)

May 19
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pleasure Point (R87)
David and Steve Byrd Boat Ramp at 1252 Water Wheel Drive (R28)
Magnum Point Marina (southwest of B37) – Dump truck only

Sign up now or plan your own event!

 

From left, Pam Alford, Lori Smith, Vicki Gardner, Andie Gibson and Paula Shoffner, members of the Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake oversight committee, prepare to register volunteers at the 2018 SML Business Expo at the YMCA at LakeWatch Plantation. More than 50 people signed up at the Expo, receiving a free T-shirt, work gloves, heavy duty orange trash bags, a grocery tote and a ticket to a celebratory dinner at Mango’s Bar & Grill.

Lou Feldvary and Steven Small take a break from Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake cleanup efforts on May 5 at Westlake Waterfront Inn at Indian Point Marina. The two are volunteers with Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire/Rescue, which is coordinating debris pickup from docks of those not able to dispose of it themselves. Details on the program are available at takepridesml.com or by calling TLAC at 540-721-4400.

Smith Mountain Striper Club members help unload bags filled with debris collected on May 5 at Westlake Waterfront Inn at Indian Point Marina as part of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake. The cleanup events are organized each year by the Smith Mountain Lake Association, Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission and Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.

A skid steer loader operated by Take Pride in SML committee member Joe Long pulls up to be loaded with debris collected by members of Smith Mountain Striper Club and Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire/Rescue on May 5. More than a dozen volunteers took part in the cleanup event at Westlake Waterfront at Indian Point Marina.

Volunteers at Crazy Horse Marina unload from a boat debris collected on the water May 5 as part of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake. The event’s signature orange bags, along with work gloves and a T-shirt, are available for free to all registered volunteers, including homeowners who clean up around their own shoreline. Download a signup form at takepridesml.com.