Special Partnerships

State Park Partnership
A survey taken a few years ago determined that 48% of LCM client families had never been to Smith Mountain Lake State Park.  Another 40% visited the park 3 or fewer times in the previous 5 years. The SML State Park staff was looking for ways to help those with limited resources take advantage of the amenities offered at their Park; LCM was looking for the same thing. As a result, a program was organized so LCM client families could receive vouchers for parking and swimming.  Many LCM families expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to visit the park. A pilot program was initiated in the summer of 2009. During the next two years, the level of interest and participation as well as the added burden on State Park facilities was monitored to determine whether the program could be continued or expanded. As a result the Park issued a permit to LCM to continue the visitation program for an additional 5 years.

Good Neighbors Partnership
In partnership with SML Good Neighbors, Inc. a summer school lunch program and day camp for local elementary-age children, LCM helps to acquire and assemble lunch “bags” during summer school including a weekend backpack filled with food for the family.

Good Samaritan Partnership
The Good Samaritans are volunteers from local congregations who work as a team to provide individuals with routine home repairs that they are unable to perform or afford, for whatever reason

Giving Garden Partnership
The Giving Garden started by the Rotary Club of Smith Mountain Lake in collaboration with the Franklin County Master Gardeners and the Booker T. Washington National Monument and with the help from many wonderful volunteers, continues to donate fresh produce to the food pantry located at Lake Christian Ministries.

Another productive week – 230 pounds of produce – mostly tomatoes that are ripening quickly. The total for the 2014
season is now at 717 ½ pounds. Crops harvested this week included tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, peppers and
potatoes. Great job by all!

Many thanks to all those who are watering the garden – it really helps, especially since we really have not had the rain needed to keep the plants healthy.

We will continue to harvest tomatoes, bean and peppers – starting at 8 am on Tuesday and Thursday.

LCM thanks the many dedicated and talented gardeners that work the Booker T. Washington Garden so that our clients will have fresh produce on their tables. THANK YOU.

Here's a recipe for Zucchini Pie from Mary Lareau:

Serves 6
Hands on time--15 min
Total time--1 hour 20 min

Ingredients:
3 cups grated zucchini 1 small onion, chopped 1 cup all purpose flour 1 cup grated provolone cheese--I buy slices and chop it 3 eggs--beaten 1/4 cup vegetable oil 4 Tablespoons grated Parmesan 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil--I use dried 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
1--Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, reserving 1 Tablespoon Parmesan.
2--Spoon the zucchinni mixture into a 10 inch round pie plate that has been coated with vegetable oil spray.
3--Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown, Sprinkle with reserved Parmesan. Cool 10-15 minutes before slicing.