Smith Mountain Lake Lions seeking captains for a cause

For seven years, members of the Smith Mountain Lake Lions Club have provided boat rides for victims of multiple sclerosis who attend a camp at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center in Wirtz. The outings provide a respite for both those stricken with MS and their caregivers.

The club again will sponsor the boat rides, which, according to organizer Bill Telford, are more popular than ever with the campers from the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, whose territory encompasses southwestern Virginia.

"Word has gotten out; the respite camp is very popular, but of all the things they do there, this has become the one event everybody wants to participate in," said Telford.

Telford said 179 people have signed up for this year's outings, scheduled for Sept. 11, the most ever. Telford said the Lions may not be able to accommodate that number, so he is seeking more boat captains willing to help out. Rides last approximately an hour or hour-and-a-half and launch out of Bridgewater Plaza and the 4-H Center. Pontoons or other handicapped-accessible boats are required.

Those interested in volunteering should call Telford at 721-5972.