News Releases

The SML Democrats club maintains an active presence in our community. Learn more about us below.

2023 In the News

SML DEMOCRATS TO SHARE EXTENSIVE HOLIDAY VILLAGE
The Smith Mountain Lake Democrats invite nostalgia fans, young and old, to enjoy an extensive winter village display beginning December 2, 2023. November 19, 2023

SML DEMOCRATS DONATE TEACHER SUPPLIES
The Smith Mountain Lake Democrats delivered teacher supplies to Bedford and Franklin County Schools. October 29, 2023

SML DEMOCRATS DONATE TO PERINATAL EDUCATION CENTER
SML Democrats display donations from Club members for the Franklin County Perinatal Education Center. July 24, 2023

SML DEMOCRATS SHARE KUDOS WITH COMMUNITY
The SML Democrats road crew reports finding the least amount of roadside trash (17 bags) they’ve ever collected in their quarterly cleanups of Booker T. Washington Highway spanning the Halesford Bridge. June 28, 2023

SML DEMOCRATS ELECT NEW OFFICERS
The Smith Mountain Democrats elect new officers to serve the next two years. May 27, 2023

SML DEMOCRATS TAKE CPR/AED AND NARCAN TRAINING
Smith Mountain Lake Democrats learn to administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and use Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) devices from members of the Scruggs Volunteer Fire & Rescue. March 27, 2023

SML DEMOCRATS DONATE TO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTERS
Smith Mountain Lake Democrats delivered 250 pounds of pet food and supplies to Bedford and Franklin County animal shelters. March 24, 2023

2022 In the News

DEMOCRATS OPEN CHRISTMAS VILLAGE TO PUBLIC
The SML Democrats have invited the public to view the delightful Christmas Village display in its office through January 2023. Dec 19, 2022

ROAD CLEANUP CREW REMINDS DRIVERS NOT TO LITTER
Our Road Cleanup crew knows how to make picking up litter a little light-hearted. Oct 10, 2022

SML DEMOCRATS MEET TAYSHA DEVAUGHAN
Our Congressional candidate for the 9th District attended our annual picnic. Sep 22, 2022

SML DEMOCRATS DISCUSS BOOK BANNING
The club discussed the banning of books and challenges to classic books at local libraries. July 25, 2022

SML DEMOCRATS DONATE BOOKS
The club donated books to SML Good Neighbors for children enrolled in its summer enrichment program. Jun 27, 2022

JUNE ROAD CLEANUP CREW
Nine club members picked up 15 bags of litter and other discarded items from Route 122. Jun 25, 2022

SML DEMS MEET ELECTION OFFICIALS
County elections office representatives from Bedford and Franklin Counties emphasized the need for people to become Elections Officials to work the polls on election days. May 29, 2022

SML DEMS LEARN ABOUT REDISTRICTING
Liz White, executive director of OneVirginia 2021, discussed the state’s first redistricting under the newly created Redistricting Commission. Apr 28, 2022

QUARTERLY ROAD CLEANUP INCLUDES MORE THAN TRASH
Club members picked up garbage along a designated route of Highway 122, which included 16 bags of trash, two car grilles and several tools. Apr 2, 2022

SML DEMOCRATS HOST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY
SML Democrats celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with traditional food and Irish music. Mar 19, 2022

HISTORY PROFESSOR LEADS DISCUSSION ON 15TH AMENDMENT
Dr. Nicole Greer Golda of Ferrum College presented “The 15th Amendment: Broken Promise” at the February General Membership Meeting. Discussion covered how the Amendment has never effectively stopped state legislatures from enacting legislation that keeps people from exercising their right to vote. Mar 3, 2022

CLUB INTRODUCED TO LOCAL ASYLUM SEEKERS’ NEEDS
Herb Beskar, director of the Roanoke Asylum-Seekers Support Network (RASN), explained his organization, who these immigrants are, what they need and how RASN helps them navigate the complicated asylum process. Jan 27, 2022

2021 In the News

CHRISTMAS JOY AT THE LAKE
Smith Mountain Lake Democrats collected and donated more than 100 toys for local children during the holiday season. Dec 13, 2021

ROAD CLEANUP COLLECTS 17 BAGS OF TRASH
Ten members of the club helped pick up trash along Highway 122. Sep 29, 2021

MEET & GREET WITH TERRY McAULIFFE
The SML Democrats welcomed former Governor and current Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Terry McAuliffe, and his wife, Dorothy. Jul 3, 2021

CLUB HOSTS UVA CENTER FOR EFFECTIVE LAWMAKING
The club was introduced to the groundbreaking work of the Center, which seeks to advance new knowledge about the effectiveness of individual lawmakers and U.S. legislative institutions. Jun 28, 2021

CLUB ELECTS NEW OFFICERS
Smith Mountain Lake Democrats elected new officers for 2021-2023. May 28, 2021

ROAD CLEANUP NETS 13 POUNDS
On April 7, 2021, SML Democrats removed 13 pounds of litter from its adopted portion of Hwy 122. Apr 8, 2021

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE HIGHLIGHTS BIPARTISAN STATE BUDGET
SML Democrats held a virtual meeting with Del. Sam Rasoul (D-11th District) for updates on changes to Virginia law. He focused on the bipartisan passage of the state budget. Mar 24, 2021

ONLINE FORUM INTRODUCES LT. GOV. CANDIDATES
The club hosted seven Democratic candidates running for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in an online forum. Mar 18, 2021

CLUB HOSTS GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES
The Democratic candidates for Governor of Virginia participated in a Zoom call to introduce themselves. Mar 4, 2021

2020 In the News

NEW OFFICE SPACE ENHANCES CLUB ACTIVITIES
The Smith Mountain Lake Democrats recently expanded office space to accommodate growth in membership. Sep 22, 2020

PROTESTING WITH LOVE
Three young women from Franklin County organized a peaceful protest at Wendy’s, Smith Mountain Lake, VA, in support of Black Lives Matter. Jun 23, 2020

RASOUL AND CATS PRESENT TO DEMOCRATS
Del. Sam Rasoul presented a legislative update to the club, including his Democratic Promise outreach program. The club also learned about Children’s Assistive Technology Service (CATS), a local charity that provides adaptive equipment to children with special needs. Mar 6, 2020

SCHOOL BOARD UPDATES SCHEDULED
The club will host local School Board members at its monthly meeting. Jon Atchue, Franklin County, and Dr. Susan Mele, Bedford County, will discuss issues facing our local schools. Feb 26, 2020