SMLA Annual Awards Recognize Advocates for SML Health and Safety
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) is recognizing local individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to the Smith Mountain Lake community.
“As a volunteer-led organization, we rely on the community working together to keep Smith Mountain Lake clean and safe,” said John Vidovich, SMLA President. “We applaud this year’s award recipients for their contributions to protect the lake and everyone who enjoys it.”
SMLA Water Safety Council Lifesaving Award Presented to Nick Belotte
Conservation Police Officer First Class Nick Belotte was named for his response to a June incident in the area of the Hales Ford Bridge. Officer Belotte quickly arrived on the scene and located a person unconscious and unresponsive in the water. He transported the person to a nearby dock for medical treatment.
His immediate response and actions resulted in emergency medical responders being able to provide life saving measures and transport to the hospital.
Keri Green Named Melvin Johnston Citizen Volunteer
The Melvin Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award is awarded to Keri Green for her contributions to the quality of life around the lake. Green serves as SMLA vice president and chair of the Lake Quality Council.
Using her background in lake management, Green has been integral in bringing together state and local decision makers to address lake quality issues. She launched the SMLA Dock Watch program. Through presentations to community groups and interviews with the media, she has continued SMLA’s reputation as a trusted and credible advocate for the lake.
Andie Gibson and Jennifer Church Earn the Spirit of the Lake Award
The Smith Mountain Lake Association’s Spirit of the Lake Award is awarded to Andie Gibson and Jennifer Church, co-publishers SML Insider’s Guide and other valuable resources for lake residents and visitors.
The website and magazine they produce celebrate and connect the Smith Mountain Lake community by sharing engaging stories, trusted local insights and essential resources. Their efforts engage residents and visitors to make the most of lake life while supporting local businesses.
Karl Martin Water Safety Award Presented to John Honaker
A career volunteer firefighter, John Honaker has protected lake residents and visitors since 2001. Honaker has been instrumental in acquiring and maintaining a professional fleet of fire boats and earning the nationally recognized Insurance Service Office (ISO) fire protection rating. He educates firefighters and the dive team in operations in and around the lake.
Honaker has worked tirelessly to further water safety around the lake including life jacket awareness, safe boating, swimming and dock safety. He developed the department’s Dock Check program to check resident’s docks for stray voltage in the water.
SML State Park Staff Members and Friends of SML State Park Earn Clean Stream of the Year Award
The year-round work of staff members and volunteers at SML State Park keeps Buck Run remarkably free of debris and litter. Buck Run curves below the park campground and passes below two trail bridges. Park signage encourages campers, hikers, and visitors to remove litter as they depart the area and to keep it as undisturbed as possible.
Staff members were also acknowledged for providing strong support for SMLA monitoring and educational outreach efforts. They have hosted visits of many public school children who come on field trips for stream education, most recently Bedford County middle school students for an all-day ecology workshop.
More details about the SMLA annual awards program can be found at https://smlassociation.org/annual-awards/
About SMLA
The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) mission is to keep Smith Mountain Lake clean and safe. Established in 1969, SMLA is the longest serving advocate for the SML community. Activities help to retain the pristine beauty of Smith Mountain Lake and the vibrant local economy. SMLA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) volunteer-led organization that relies on memberships, donations and grants to support programs that protect SML.
