Our History

1996

The Smith Mountain Lake Newcomers club originated with thirty-eight “Welcome Wagon” ladies who on January 23, 1996, held a “Reorganization Meeting”. At this meeting the club’s new name and bylaws were adopted. It was also in this meeting that the first Special Interest Groups were formed. By the end of 1996 the club had almost quadrupled in size but was primarily comprised of women who had recently moved to the lake.

2001

Originally philanthropic in nature, money and items were collected for various area charities. Gradually the club began to introduce more opportunities for the club members to socialize, and membership was expanded to all women regardless of their location or years at the lake. Early groups such as the Wanderers, the Scarlette Ladies and the Brunchinees organized events open to the entire club. Monthly club meetings informed the members of area events and usually included a featured educational speaker. Club members were also mailed a printed monthly newsletter. By 2001 the club had grown to over five hundred members.

2019

But in 2019 the club was struggling to find leadership volunteers and SML Newcomers almost folded. To make matters worse, COVID shut down all non-essential organizations including SML Newcomers in March of the following year. But in the summer of 2021, members started meeting again outside at Moneta Park. Later that year they started meeting back inside with new leadership and a renewed sense of purpose. Also at this time, club membership was opened for the first time to men.

Today

Today the club demographics are changing as we have more couples and younger people joining. This change has been attributed to the expanded number of club activities offered as well as to the number of retirees and remote workers who moved to the lake during and after COVID. Our numbers have now recovered to over two hundred fifty enthusiastic members and we continue to grow. The club organizes about ten Special Events each year and has many ongoing Interest Groups which members can take part in.

If you are interested in learning more about our club, please come to one of our general meetings. They’re normally held on the second Monday of each month. You can also learn more about our club by checking out our Facebook Group.