News Releases

2026 In the News

April 28, 2026 Smith Mountain Lake Democrats at a Chamber of Commerce event.

May 1, 2026 The Democratic candidates for Virginia’s 9th Congressional District take a break during a forum conducted by the Smith Mountain Lake Democrats at their office on Moneta Road. The candidates will compete in a primary election on August 4. Pictured (l to r) are Adam Murphy, Joy Powers and Douglas Crockett.

SML Democrats celebrate the 250th year with a food drive!

July 17, 2026 Two members of Smith Mountain Lake Democrats sort some of the donations for local food banks received during their “250 for 250th” drive to celebrate the USA’s milestone birthday. The Democrats collected far more than the 250 items they set out to donate to Heavenly Manna and Bedford Christian Ministries food banks. Both organization requested items suitable for children at this time but welcome all food donations any time.

During the July 27, 2026 meeting of the SML Democrats, Tim Cywinski, communications director for the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club, explained the environmental impact of data centers.

2025 In the News

On July 28, 2025, the Smith Mountain Lake Democrats held their General Membership meeting with a guest speaker from the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), John Vidovich, SMLA President.

The membership was reminded that the lake was developed under a business model, created as a source of renewable energy, but has developed over the almost 60 years of its existence as a prime location for vacationers, fishermen, and full-time residents. The mission of the SMLA is to promote safe recreation and maintain the health of the lake. The organization will be celebrating the Lake Water Quality Monitoring Committee’s 40th anniversary next year.

The SMLA offers many services and resources in support of the health and quality of our lake, all of which are supported through volunteers. Such services and resources include the Buffer Landscape Program, Fish Habitat management, Septic Management, Dock Watch program, and more information can be found at the website: www.smlassociation.org.

The revenue that allows for the work of the organization comes from approximately 50% membership dues and 50% grant funding and donations. The focus is not just on the pleasure we get from the lake now, but protecting it for future generations.

A lively discussion among the membership followed the presentation.

To join SMLA go to www.SMLassociation.org/join-individual/

SML DEMOCRATS DISCUSS GUN VIOLENCE January, 2025

SML DEMOCRATS LEARN ABOUT THE BEDFORD BOYS February, 2025

SML DEMOCRATS DONATE TO FRANKLIN/BEDFORD COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETIES March, 2025

SML DEMOCRATS DONATE TO FRANKLIN/BEDFORD COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETIES (2), March, 2025

SML DEMOCRATS LEARN BENEFITS OF YOGA April, 2025

JOY POWERS MEET AND GREET April, 2025