Archived News
We’re doing lots of cool stuff at Smith Mountain Lake Women's Club. Check out the latest news and media.
Join Us at Our Upcoming Meeting!
The Smith Mountain Lake Women's Club will hold its monthly meeting on September 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Vinny's Italian Grill and Pizzeria, Moneta, VA.
After a brief business meeting, a program will be presented. Lunch will then be served.
Guests and potential new members are always welcome. Please come and attend a meeting and see what a delightful group you could be a part of! For information on club membership, please email us.
"Butterflies are God's confetti, thrown upon the earth in celebration of His love."
K.D'Angelo
Holy Yarn Rollers Schedule
Well, it’s time to mark your calendars with the upcoming dates for Holy Yarn Rolling.
The donated yarn is rolled by the Holy Yarn Rollers and given to local crafters. These crafters make sweaters, scarfs, hats, lap robes, peace pal dolls, and other yarn crafts for our local and global communities in need.
Here are the dates for “Holy” Yarn Rollers:
No rolling in the month of July
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
No rolling on Fri, Aug 25, due to Trinity Treasures
Place : Trinity Ecumenical Church
40 Lakemount Dr Moneta, VA 24121
Time: 10:00 to Noon
For information please email us or simply show up at Trinity at one or all of the dates listed above. The Holy Yarn Rollers are always looking for new yarn rollers to assist them. Hope to see you there!
Upcoming Blood Drives
“Once a blood donor, always a lifesaver”
The SML Women's Club will be sponsoring Blood Drives on
Thursday, August 10, 2023
from 12:00PM – 5:00PM
at Bethlehem UM Church (13586 Old Moneta Rd, Moneta)
Appointments are required and can be scheduled by visiting redcrossblood.org. Please remember to complete your Rapid Pass on your phone the morning of your appointment.
Email us with questions.
2023 GAMEFEST a Great Success
The Smith Mountain Lake Women's Club 23nd Annual GAMEFEST was held on Wednesday, April 19, 2022, at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, in Moneta, VA. Approximately 130 participants attended to play various card and board games. They won door prizes, participated in a raffle and silent auction, and shopped for used books, puzzles, and hand made craft items made by members and friends of SMLWC. Attendees were treated to snacks, ice tea and lemon-aid throughout the day; a lunch consisting of an chicken salad, dilled potatoes, rolls and deviled eggs; and a buffet dessert bar of homemade cakes, cookies, and candies.
Proceeds of the event were distributed at the meeting on May 16, 2023, to:
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Franklin County Warming Shelter
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Healing Strides
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SML Fireboats
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Shepherd’s Table
On May 17, 2023 a $1000 scholarship was awarded at the Franklin County High School Awards Ceremony and on May 22, 2023 a $1000 scholarship was awarded at the Staunton River High School Awards Ceremony.
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Grace Trelease of FCHS Alice Milton of SRHS
For more GAMEFEST pictures see our GAMEFEST Post on our Facebook Page.
Our 2023 Scholarship Recipient at Franklin County High School
Each year the Smith Mountain Lake Women’s Club (SMLWC) awards of a scholarship to a graduating female senior at Franklin County High School who has been actively involved in the community. The scholarship recipient must complete a scholarship package listing her activities that demonstrate her leadership values and teamwork in serving the community. The scholarship winner is required to explain her educational and career goals. The 2023 SMLWC Scholarship recipient is Miss Grace Trelease, a graduating senior at Franklin County High School, and her explanation is listed in the bio below:
Grace Trelease
GPA: 4.348
Wirtz, VA
Attending: Syracuse University
“My intended major is Broadcast and Digital Journalism in the Newhouse School of Communication with and intended minor in Business or Marketing. I intend to be a sports reporter commentator for an NHL team once I graduate from Syracuse.”
Miss Trelease’s community service and leadership activities included National Honor Society President, Sontag Rec Park Christmas Land of Lights, Red Cross Blood Drive, Franklin County Humane Society, Back to School Night at Franklin County High School, Charity Home Tour at Smith Mountain Lake, Franklin Heath and Rehab, Franklin County Home Coming Parade Planner, Ferrum Folklife Festival and others.
The members of Smith Mountain Lake Women’s Club hope you will join them in congratulating the 2023 SMLWC Scholarship recipient of Franklin County High School, Miss Grace Trelease.
Our 2023 Scholarship Recipient at Staunton River High School
This year the Smith Mountain Lake Women’s Club (SMLWC) begins it first award of a scholarship to a graduating female senior at Staunton River High School who has been actively involved in the community. The scholarship recipient must complete a scholarship package listing her activities that demonstrate her leadership values and teamwork in serving the community. The scholarship winner is required to explain her educational and career goals. The 2023 SMLWC Scholarship recipient is Miss Alice Milton, a graduating senior at Staunton River High School, and her explanation is listed in the bio below:
Alice Milton
GPA: 4.086
Huddleston, VA
Attending: Liberty University
“My leadership experiences have guided me to my passions and have inspired me to pursue a Political Science degree to later study Law. As a trailblazer in my family, I have been faced with intimidation and adversity. Because of this, I strive to use my newly obtained voice to benefit the voiceless, as I understand what it is like to feel powerless in certain situations.
These opportunities have allowed me to truly understand and
value government. This has inspired me to attend Liberty University to both expand my knowledge and develop as a Christian woman. I plan to carry my values of faith in my career as an attorney. By remaining firm in my faith, I want to advocate for individuals who do not have a strong voice or foundation. ”
Miss Milton’s community service and leadership activities include Virginia House of Representatives Page, Club Officers (President & Secretary) in 4-H Teen Leadership Club, Central District Ambassador for the Virginia 4-H State Cabinet, participant in National Youth Leadership Forum, Virginia 4-H Youth Action Overall Winner, Virginia 4-H Teen Summit Teen Lead, Virginia 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador, Helping Our Homeless Heros Thanksgiving Meal, Moneta Elementary School for Reading Across America, Bedford County Parks and Recreation Spooktacular, local Agape center volunteer, and Junior 4-H Camp Teen Volunteer. Not only will Miss Milton graduate in May 2023 from Staunton River High School, she also anticipates to receive a degree from Central Virginia Community College.
The members of Smith Mountain Lake Women’s Club hope you will join them in congratulating the 2023 SMLWC Scholarship recipient of Staunton River High School, Miss Alice Milton.
Our Members Cooked for Families at Ronald McDonald House
On March 15, 2023, a few of our members had the privilege of cooking for the children's family members who stay at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia. They prepared meatloaf, green beans with garlic butter, seasoned roasted potatoes, bread rolls and a delicious apple cobbler for dessert.
Members have made many items for Our Knitting 4 Peace Project
Knitting4Peace harnesses the power of love through compassionate creative action that invites, involves, and serves people of all genders, children, and families in our own communities and countries around the world.
Knitting4Peace welcomes hand-crafted yarn and quilted items (knit, crochet, woven, etc.) that incorporate an element of 3 in any creative manner. This element of 3 represents many aspects of what we do. Firstly, it represents the trifold connections among the creator of the item, the recipient, and the Spirit of Life that creates and unites all of creation. It also symbolizes the importance of the three Abrahamic faith traditions -- Judaism, Christianity, Islam -- to global peace: because these three traditions represent 2/3 of the world’s population, there is virtually no chance for global peace until our Abrahamic Family is knit together in a tapestry of respect and commitment to compassionate coexistence.
The element of 3 also represents our work of crafting three essential elements of life: hope, healing, and peace.
How you incorporate 3 in your item is up to you! Perhaps you can choose to incorporate:
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Use of 3 colors in your design
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A pattern based on 3s such as k3, p3; or a number of cast-on stitches or rows divisible by 3
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Fringe with 3 pieces of yarn
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Use of triangular shapes
Peace Pals are automatically a 3 with the head, torso, and legs.
There are many possibilities! See how you can creatively weave in your element of three to symbolize these loving connections.
Patterns are available online at:
https://knitting4peace.org/what-we-do/patterns
The national Knitting4Peace suggested providing the dolls and preemie hats to local organizations, but will accept them if shipped. We first considered the Domestic Violence Center, but they are not taking any donations currently. We donated these items pictured above to the Bedford Pregnancy Center, Bedford, VA, and the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center, Roanoke, VA in November 2022.
Skeleton Crew Visits Us at our October Meeting
We had some great visitors at our meeting on October 18, 2022! Thanks for joining us, Skeleton Crew.
GAMEFEST 2022 Was a Huge Success!
Each charity pictured received $1500
L to R: Stepping Stones Mission of Franklin County, Hope to Walk, Children’s Assistive Technology Services (CATS), Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center (CASA) and SMLWC President.
Also, Fireboats received $1000 and a $1000 Scholarship was given to Franklin County High School graduate, Madison Laken Adkins.
GAMEFEST was held on April 27, 2022, and had approximately 140 participates.
Our 2022 Scholarship Recipient
Each year the Smith Mountain Lake Women’s Club (SMLWC) awards a scholarship to a graduating female senior at Franklin County High School, Rocky Mount, VA, who has been actively involved in the community. The scholarship recipient must complete a scholarship package listing their activities that demonstrate their leadership values and teamwork in serving the community. The scholarship winner is required to explain her educational and career goals.
Madison Laken Adkins
GPA: 4.2609
Boones Mill, VA
Attending: Virginia Western Community College
University of Tampa
"During my college experience I plan to take an internship with a real estate brokerage and an internship with a digital marketing agency to decide with path is for me or if I can incorporate both into the same career. I aspire to be a real estate agent by doing digital marketing on the side for the brokerage. Also, I plan to travel abroad during college and after college to learn more about other countries manage their businesses so I can find new ways to grow business here in the US.”
Miss Adkins community service involved participation in YADAPP (Youth Alcohol and Drug and Abuse Prevention Project), CHILL (Communities Helping Improve Local Lives), FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), IMPACT Missionary Work Camp with Franklin Heights Baptist Church, and YoungLife Leadership Camp in Lake Champlain, NY.
The members of Smith Mountain Lake Women’s Club hope you will join us in congratulating the 2022 SMLWC Scholarship recipient, Miss Madison Laken Adkins.
2022 GameFest a Great Success
The Smith Mountain Lake Women's Club 22nd Annual GameFest was held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, in Moneta, VA. Approximately 130 participants attended to play various card and board games. They won door prizes, participated in a raffle and silent auction, and shopped for used books, puzzles, and hand made craft items made by members and friends of SMLWC. Attendees were treated to snacks, ice tea and lemon-aid throughout the day; a lunch consisting of an Asian chicken salad, fruit cup, garlic bread and deviled eggs; and a buffet dessert bar of homemade cakes, cookies, and candies.
Proceeds of the event will be distributed at the next meeting on May 17, 2022, to:
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C.A.T.S. (Children's Assistive Technology Service)
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Hope to Walk
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Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center (CASA)
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Stepping Stones Mission of Franklin County
A $1000 scholarship will be awarded on May 11, 2022 at the Franklin County High School Awards Ceremony.
22nd Annual GAMEFEST
April 27, 2022
Trinity Ecumenical Parish
Hosted by Smith Mountain Lake Women's Club
Tickets $25/person
Contact Dianne Vallimont (540) 589-0093
Game players of all kinds are invited to our GAMEFEST fundraiser. It is day long event featuring bridge (duplicate and party), dominos, pinochle, mahjongg, marbles, and various other card and board games for approximately 200 attendees.
Participants decide what game they want to play and form their own tables. At our last GAMEFEST we had a table of knitters, so those who enjoy crafts of all kinds are also invited to do their craft together.
Attendees will be eligible to win door prizes, participate in a raffle, be served a delicious lunch including our very coveted delviled eggs and partake in our ever popular dessert table.
We will also have homemade craft items and gently used paperback books and puzzles for sale.
This year our proceeds will be distributed to:
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C.A.T.S. (Children's Assistive Technology Service)
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Hope to Walk
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Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center (CASA)
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Stepping Stones Mission of Franklin County
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$1000 Scholarship to a Franklin County High School Graduating Senior
With your help we will be able to continue our support in the community.
President's Message - A New Beginning
I read that Monarch Butterflies are declining. Three years ago, I decided I was going to make a butterfly garden. I bought quite a few milkweed plants and this year I saw my first caterpillar eating the leaves. It made me think of the pandemic and how butterflies could relate to us. We have all been in this cocoon, so to speak, having to stay home, not being able to do much, or go anywhere. Now, here we are, we have all come out of our cocoon and it is a new beginning for all of us. That is why I chose the butterfly as the symbol of my theme “A New Beginning”. I like to think that each of us is one of these pretty crystals hanging off of my glass butterfly. The crux of my theme is in this poem shown in the picture.
That’s what we are all about in a nutshell.
Dianne Vallimont
Dianne Vallimont takes over
for Marsha Melkonian
Due to work commitments, Marsha Melkonian had to step down as our president. Second Vice President, Dianne Vallimont, agreed to step in for the remainder of the 2020-2022 term. The members give Marsha a sincere thanks for "Zoom"-ing us through the pandemic during 2020 and helping to keep the Smith Mountain Lake Women's Club active. We couldn't have made it without her.
Blood Drives
The following blood drives will be held at SML YMCA, 293 First Watch Drive, Moneta, VA:
November 16, 2021
December 21, 2021
January 13, 2022
February 1, 2022
March 17, 2022
Our 2021 Scholarship Recipient
Members of SML Women's Club extend congratulations to our 2021 Scholarship recipient, Miss Madeline Sellars. Miss Sellars will be attending VCU and plans to attend law school afterwards. She is a 2021 graduating senior from Franklin County High School, Rocky Mount, VA, and lives in Hardy, VA. We send her heartfelt best wishes for great success.
Upcoming Blood Drive
The Smith Mountain Lake Women's Club will be sponsoring a Blood Drive on May 12, 2022 from noon until 6:00 p.m. at the Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Moneta. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by visiting redcrossblood.org to set up a time. Please remember to do your Rapid Pass on your phone the morning of your appointment. Contact Joyce at 540-721-4260 or email with questions