Take Pride in SML Cleanup Dates Announced

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE – 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 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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.

“Participation last year was up significantly so we hope to continue that trend for this important community event,” said Paula Shoffner, Executive Director of the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC), which organizes the program in collaboration with the SML Association (SMLA) and the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC).

Said SMLA President John Rupnik, “It’s critical to have Smith Mountain Lake safe and looking its best prior to the boating season, so we encourage everyone who uses and enjoys the lake to take a few hours and volunteer. It’s a fun way to spend time with family, friends and neighbors, and you’ll feel great knowing you’ve done your part to improve our beautiful lake.” 

Pre-registration is required by May 1 for volunteers to receive free gloves, orange trash bags and commemorative t-shirts, as well as attend a post-event celebration. Online registration is available at takepridesml.com. 

Another convenient way to sign up is at the SML Business Expo, a free event on May 1 open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. at the Smith Mountain Lake YMCA. Take Pride representatives will be on hand all afternoon to register volunteers and hand out supplies and t-shirts.

Following is the schedule for Take Pride in SML’s organized events for 2020:

• May 2: Magnum Point Marina (B37), Hardy Ford Boat Ramp (R87) and David and Steve Byrd Boat Ramp (R28, near the former Water Wheel Marina), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  
  
• May 9: Crazy Horse Marina (B10A), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
   
• May 16: Westlake Waterfront Inn at Indian Point Marina (R37) and Pleasure Point Boat Ramp (R52), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  
  

For the three scheduled dates, large dumpsters will be available at these locations for disposal of debris collected on the water. 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. 

“The Striper Club and Rotary Club of SML will be assisting again this year, and we’d love to have more civic groups sign up,” said Christopher Finley, SMLRCC executive director. “Neighborhood groups, homeowners associations, churches and other nonprofits are all encouraged to get involved.”

For additional information, visit takepridesml.com.