The Current is a twice monthly online publication for Smith Mountain Lake and surrounding areas. It is designed as a gentle read to introduce you to people and places in the community and encourage you to create a life you love. We are a reader-supported e-magazine and resource website.
It's been a season for the books here at the lake. Low water levels have put the kibosh on so many activities that are synonymous with summer fun for residents and visitors alike. The inability to safely launch from a large amount of home docks has necessitated a new level of creativity for on-water entertaining.
One of the newest rental options to join the party is the Tiki Boat, moored at the Virginia Dare Marina.
This 33-foot vessel has been decked out in classic tiki style complete with a faux grass floor, bamboo siding, and tropical thatched accents. The interior is retrofitted with lounging couches, coffee tables, umbrellas, and an upgraded speaker system - perfect for hosting up to 12 guests.
The base rental fee of $650 includes two hours of use with the option to extend, if desired. An approved commercial captain who will work with you on charting the perfect scenic route for your event is included in this rate.
You provide the food, drink, and company to create the ideal cruising soiree. I, personally, love the idea of a sunset float - and how perfect would this be for a birthday, bachelorette party, or family reunion?!
You can book the Tiki Boat by calling the Virginia Dare Marina at:
540-297-7100
Though they do their best to accommodate last-minute reservations, it is recommended that you book at least a week in advance.
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."
- Coretta Scott King
two.
- SPIRIT OF THE LAKE -
Nominations are now open for awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the Smith Mountain Lake community. The following information was provided by a recent SMLA press release:
Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) is seeking nominations for the Melvin S. Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award and the SMLA Spirit of the Lake Award. Nominations can be made online or by printing and completing the appropriate nomination form - which can be delivered in person or via mail to the SMLA office, 400 Scruggs Rd, Suite 2100, Moneta, VA 24121.
Nominations for both awards opened August 1 and must be received by August 31.
The Melvin S. Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award is named in honor of Melvin Johnston, the founder of SMLA, real estate broker, land developer, and philanthropist. This award is presented to one or more people who have made the greatest contribution to the quality of life at Smith Mountain Lake.
The SMLA Spirit of the Lake Award recognizes people, groups, businesses, and organizations that cumulatively make up the Spirit of the Lake. This award may be presented to one or more nominees who routinely demonstrate support for the lake community. Criteria and nomination forms for both awards are listed via the button below:
Last issue we talked about inviting a few neighbors/acquaintances out for coffee to help nurture the depth and breadth of your local community. Did you take the plunge and reach out to anyone?
Today, I wanted to share a little article to keep in your back pocket for when your friends are in need of encouragement. It's been my experience that the world at large backs away when they see people going through hard times (assuming people want privacy, perhaps) rather than leaning in to help shoulder the load. Think of this as a cheat sheet for letting people know you care when you're not sure what else to do.
99 Words of Encouragement for a Friend Who Needs It:
If I had one word of advice to offer as someone who has gone through the loss of a father, a cousin, and two dogs in the space of nine months, it would be this: it's not helpful to say to someone who is struggling, “Let me know if you need anything.” While well meaning, they simply do not have the strength, clarity, or courage to reach out and ask for help. It is safe to assume that everyone going through a difficult time IS in need. So just bring by the meal. Send the card. Drop off the flowers. Invite them over. Or invite yourself over and bring dinner with you (they can always say no!). Text them every day for a week just to remind them that they're not alone. I don't know that anyone has ever been killed by kindness, but I do know that people have died of loneliness.
Let's become a community that never lets others suffer alone.
four.
- BATTLE OF THE BANDS -
five.
- LOCAL LOVE -
It's been a while since I 've posted a list of simple ways you can support our wonderful contingency of SML small businesses. The fact that tourism has been low this year has the vast majority of locally owned shops struggling to reach their projected numbers for the season.
Your loyal patronage makes such a difference to them – now more than ever!
Shop local instead of big box whenever you can.
Need a present? Buy a gift card.
Do you shop somewhere regularly? Purchase a gift card for your future self to help boost their late summer sales and use it to pay for your purchases in the coming months.
Share social media posts to increase their exposure and reach.
Do you trust Google or your best friend's opinion more? Don't underestimate the power of telling everyone you know about favorite businesses, products, services, food, employees, etc.
Invite a few other couples to come along to an event or out to eat with you.
Craft a full day of fun and shopping that includes only visiting small businesses. Make a game of it!
While the forwarding or linking of this entire e-mail is encouraged, reposting a portion of The Current without written consent of the editor is prohibited.
This issue may contain affiliate links. While they do not raise your cost at all, we may receive a small commission when you purchase through our links. Thank you for your support!
Smith Mountain Lake Moneta, VA 24121, United States
