SME Lake Life Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

| ISSUE NO. 1 | FREE

Lake Life

FEATURING SMLA & THE STEPS TAKEN TO PROTECT YOUR WATERFRONT INVESTMENT

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• Print Edition • Print Edition ••Special Publications Special Publications ••Online Online Marketing Marketing

Contributors EDITOR/GENERAL MANAGER C.E. Adams

WRITER

William Seidel, Glenn Ayers, Vicki Gardner, Smith Mountain Lake Association

LAYOUT

Jess Ingram

GRAPHIC DESIGN | ADVERTISING

Amanda Meadows, Jasmaine Motley, Lindsey Mason, Susan Lambert, Mary Beth Wellborn

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, CONTACT: TJ Walker, Account Executive 540-719-5100 advertising@smithmountaineagle.com Lake Life Magazine is published throughout the year by Womack Publishing Company, the publisher of the Smith Mountain Eagle “The Lake Newspaper.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Smith Mountain Eagle 1650 Scruggs Road Wirtz, VA 24184 or call 540-719-5100 PUBLISHED BY WOMACK PUBLISHING COMPANY ©2020

COVER IMAGE: Melissa O’Keefe submitted this photo of a sunset over Smith Mountain Lake’s main channel R28 in December.

TABLE OF CONTENTS IMAGE: Tim StJohn of Moneta submitted this photo of Smith Mountain Lake on Jan. 31.

Table of Contents 10 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT GOTTAGLOW SPRAY TANS MAKES SML ITS HOME

12 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT TWO YEARS AFTER FIRE, BEACON PUB IS BACK IN BUSINESS

14 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT AGENACARE HOUSECALLS HAS BEEN A BLESSING IN THE MIDST OF PANDEMIC

16 | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ONLINE APPAREL STORE OFFERS SML PRODUCTS

20 | LOCAL SPOTLIGHT WEINMEISTER’S MAKING PROGRESS WITH SKOOLIE

22 | LOCAL SPOTLIGHT THE GIFT OF ENTHUSIASM

26 | LOCAL SPOTLIGHT SMLA IS STEWARD OF THE LAKE, PROTECTING YOUR WATERFRONT INVESTMENT

30 | LOCAL SPOTLIGHT BOWLERS GET CHANCE TO PIT SKILLS AGAINST PROFESSIONAL

34 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT MACIEL WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS SMLCA’S FIRST HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

36 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, MASON WAS THERE FOR TEAM

38 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT NOW HEALTHY MILLER AND GREEN ARE PLAYING IN ONE FINAL SEASON

40 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT SMLCA SOPHOMORE KEEPS IMPROVING, HAS GROWN AS A LEADER

42 | SML SNAPSHOTS PHOTOS BY OUR READERS

44 | NOTES FROM THE RIVER THE “NOBILITY” OF LOGGING

50-69 | DIRECTORY 5

SPRING 2021

Early morning on Smith Moutain Lake.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GottaGlow Spray Tans makes SML its home

By William Seidel

At Smith Mountain Lake (SML), there are an abundance of outdoor activities to do such as fishing, hiking, camping, swimming and more. While outside, many can expect to catch some sunrays and get the satisfaction of a tan. A new business to SML will help anyone get a preferred shade of tan in a matter of minutes.

B

ecky Fogarty, who has been in the spray-tan business for six years, has been running her own business called GottaGlow Spray Tans for three years and decided to move to the lake.

Having previously done business in the Roanoke area, the spray-tan services are done manually by Fogarty, and she mentioned it’s a lot different than going to places that involve a spray-tan machine.

“The services I offer definitely cater to the individual,” she said. “I can customize your color, which is something that you normally don’t get at a place like that.”

Fogarty got her certification to spray tan from Norvell, and the equipment, solution and retail products she sells come from Norvell as well. Proven to be much safer than laying out in the sun or in a tanning bed, spray tan consists of an instant bronzer that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which starts to turn the skin color from the inside by penetrating the pores. The longer the bronzer sits on the skin, the darker the shade gets. Session times can vary, but typically an average session can take anywhere from 15-20 minutes.

Fogarty said for a regular client, they are always talking and making sure to see if there are any areas on their body that she could do better, if they need to apply more lotion, if they need to go darker or lighter, and more.

Having recently moved to SML, Fogarty had to find ways to get her name and business out there, and that’s when she was put in contact with Jessica “J Bohn” Bishop, who invited her to her open house. From there, Fogarty set up her equipment and tent in the room assigned by Bishop.

She said she went into the night not knowing what to expect but brought her spray tan equipment and tent just to show potential L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

10

PICTURED: Becky Fogarty captured by April Tidrow/Contributed.

clients the setup and how it’s done.

“I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to do it,” Fogarty said.

name around SML. She’s ready for make a name for herself and let everyone know what she’s capable of.

Even though she went in to the open house almost blind,

“If it’s in the middle of January and you’re going to the

Fogarty was met with a pleasant surprise. She ended up giving

Homestead and you just want to put on a nice dress and some

five spray tans throughout the night, and that easily topped Fogarty’s expectations. All it took was one client to get sprayed, and the rest soon followed.

Clients who got sprayed were able to show their tan lines to everyone at the open house, and Fogarty said that was important because people could see the results for themselves rather than be sold on it.

“You don’t have to say anything; the proof is right there,”

heels, I can give you that nice little shade to compliment it. But if you’re going to the Caribbean in the middle of the summer, I can make you look like you’ve been there all summer,” Fogarty said.

After a couple of months and slowly-but-surely getting new clients and positive reception at SML, Fogarty decided to give back to the community by doing a fundraiser for the Agape Center.

She is part of a spray tan forum comprised of business owners

Fogarty said.

Crystal Perkins was one of the five who got a spray tan, and she was amazed by Fogarty and her skills.

“She was very thorough, explained the process very well.

who come up with donation ideas among other things. With some ideas in mind, Fogarty needed to decide where she was going to donate for her charity event.

She was courteous, polite and the spray tan was absolutely

One night while in Food Lion, she spotted a food bank truck,

amazing,” Perkins said. “I’ve only had one other, and this one,

and that’s when she got an idea. After consulting it with Bishop,

by far, was 100 times better. She sprayed in directions and ways that didn’t happen the last time I had one. It came out so even and is absolutely flawless. It’s still holding on a week later.”

Being at that open house was the first stepping stone for Fogarty to try and establish her business at the lake. After the

who became her social media partner, they ultimately decided to go with the Agape Center. Fogarty mentioned that personal connections are what drew her to the Agape Center even more.

Their cause and mission were icing on the cake.

“You just hear on the news all the time that people are still

event, multiple people have now reached out to her with interest.

Two of her clients at the open house told Fogarty that they were

hungry,” Fogarty said. “When I lived in Roanoke City, that

talking about hosting a get together with GottaGlow Spray Tans

was a huge thing. I told myself that it’s probably a thing out

in attendance.

here, too.”

What makes her business unique is that she is mobile and

To go about the fundraiser, she gave out free spray tans —

can give spray tans at the client’s house. She also said she can

the first time for Fogarty. The only thing she asked was that her

expand and travel to areas outside of SML, but it would have

clients would make a generous donation at no specific amount.

to involve a spray-tan party that has four or more people in

“All I know is I was in here spraying, and they were putting

attendance. Examples include a Girls Night Out gathering, bridal parties, college sororities, etc.

Although most of her business involves women, Fogarty said she can also spray men, but the only requirement is they wear a bathing suit. Her schedule also is flexible. If clients who, for any reason, have a conflict in their schedule to where they can’t get to Fogarty or vice versa, she offers Norvell self-tanning lotion to

money in the jar,” she said with a slight chuckle.

At first, because she was still new, Fogarty was hesitant to try it. Bishop recommended to her 16 spots, and they mutually agreed that’s the number they would go with. By that night, all 16 slots were filled, much to Fogarty’s surprise. The event ended up raising more than $200.

Fogarty said this was the first time she has ever done something

help hold them over until they can meet.

Since she is still new to SML, Fogarty isn’t sure if this will be a seasonal or all-year type business. However, GottaGlow Spray

like this as the owner of a business and hopes to do more of this in the future to contribute to the community.

Tans is starting to show some promise that it can be a household

“I hope to do more of these for sure,” she said. • 11

SPRING 2021

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

TWO YEARS AFTER FIRE, BEACON PUB IS BACK IN BUSINESS

By William Seidel

O

wners of Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina, Garret Meyer and Darrin Main, have been overseeing the business for the past three years and have had their

fair share of challenges.

“There was never ever a question that ran through our minds on when we rebuild this, would we bring Beacon Pub back,” Meyer said.

During construction on the new building, the Virginia Dare

Back in February 2019, the main building of the marina

continued to do cruises and still had its Portside Bar & Grill

caught on fire and burned down as a result. The Beacon Pub

open during the summer season of the past two years, but both

was part of the building. Meyer and Main were only a year into

Meyer and Main will tell anyone that they have missed having

owning the marina when the fire took place, but both had the

the Beacon Pub as part of their services.

mindset that the Beacon Pub would make a comeback.

Main said the Beacon Pub opening has lifted a big burden off

PICTURED: Behind the counter at Beacon Pub (from left) are cook Alec Keane, owner Darrin Main, owner Garret Meyer, and bartender and manager James Wade. Photo by William Seidel/Lake Life.

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

12

his shoulders and added that there were nights where he would get two or maybe three hours of sleep because it was always on his mind.

The Beacon Pub is more of a grill than a restaurant, and Meyer said that they want it to be a “step up” from the Portside Grill and Bar. It has menu items such as hamburgers and wings as well as a pizza menu that caters to the crowd favorites from Portside. These include the Philly cheesesteak pizza, Portside chicken wing pizza, Cuban pizza, and a macaroni and cheese pizza.

“It sounds weird, but it’s delicious,” he said of the macaroni and cheese pizza.

Alec Keane, who is one of three cooks at the Beacon Pub and has been at the Virginia Dare Marina for more than three years, said they were experimenting with different recipes, and he just randomly thought of trying mac ’n’ cheese to see how it would turn out. It was met with positive results from management and staff.

“I’m always trying to come up with different ideas to make people think, ‘Wow I want to try that,’” Keane said. “I like to cook and make people happy with my food. I like to see them enjoy it and leave here impressed wanting to come back.”

The other two cooks for the Beacon Pub are Lukas Bailey and

Jacob Terry.

The Beacon Pub also offers soup and a salad bar. Meyer said they wanted to make it a little healthier than the Portside Grill.

Open only on weekends, Beacon Pub’s hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sundays. They have one bartender and one server during the three days they are opened, but Meyer said they are rock stars at their positions.

Main said their lone server, Luke Rice, is like a gazelle with how fast he moves from table to table making sure all the customers are satisfied.

James Wade, who is the bartender and manager of both Beacon Pub and Portside, said he was very excited to see the big turnout in the one month they have been open.

“Two weekends ago, people were just flooding in,” Wade said in January. “The docks were completely booked the entire time.”

Meyer said the whole goal is to have people come out to Come See Come See the Beacon Pub and enjoy good food with an amazing scene OurNew NewLine Line Our looking out at the lake.

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SPRING 2021

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Agenacare Housecalls has been a blessing in the midst of pandemic

By William Seidel When the pandemic struck back in March 2020 and forced shutdowns and quarantining, many residents were left in the comfort of their own home for safety. Many residents didn’t even feel safe going to the hospital, but a concierge urgent care house call service came to save the day.

A

genacare Housecalls provides urgent care and primary care issues at the home or business of the patient. The health provider serves a large area that encompasses

community to ensure they’re still getting top quality care while

the Roanoke/Smith Mountain Lake area as well as Danville to

Christmas and Easter. Pugh said the reason for offering 24/7

Lynchburg. All it takes is a phone call, and they’ll be on their

service is because she wanted to give patients the experience

way to serve the patient.

that she would want if she were one herself.

being safe inside their own home. What makes Agenacare Housecalls unique is that their service runs 24/7, except for

Agenacare Housecalls CEO Whitney Pugh said that instead

“That’s the reason that we’re 24/7,” Pugh said. “When I

of waiting for what could be hours at a waiting room, the

opened this, I said, ‘What would I want as a mom? What would

patient can call and let them know what time they want them

I want as a citizen that if I was having a company come to me,

to be there. Agenacare Housecalls employees then come out,

what would make me happy?’ That’s when we said it’s got to

check their vitals, perform an assessment and treat the patient.

be 24/7.”

All employees wear N95 masks, gloves and other safety gear when they visit to ensure that both parties are safe.

As a nurse practitioner for 11 years and an emergency room nurse since 2003, Pugh said she got her inspiration to enter the

“We’re able to get them typically within that same day that they call,” Pugh said.

medical field from her grandfather and said he helped start the Red Cross in Charlottesville. Pugh said he told her lots of stories

Not only does Agenacare Housecalls offer urgent and primary care services, but they offer telehealth, physicals,

about his experience running it and felt the medical profession was an amazing job she wanted to do.

corporate medicines and much more. Pugh mentioned that if

However, she noted that now in corporate medicine, she

they feel the service for a patient is an emergency, they will call

wasn’t able to have relationships and build the trust with

911 for them.

patients anymore.

“We’re kind of filling that gap in the community that instead

“I had got to where I just didn’t like it,” she said. “You didn’t

of having to go to the office or to a waiting room and wait for

get to have that relationship, you didn’t get to have that follow

hours, they tell us what time they want us to be there, we show

up, and you didn’t get to have that respect for each other.”

up right there at their door or their business and take care of them and we’re done,” Pugh said.

Pugh then decided that she wanted to try to fix it, and that’s how Agenacare Housecalls became a reality.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pugh said having a

The business started in November 2019, and Pugh said they

service such as Agenacare Housecalls has been crucial for the

would see an average of a couple of patients per week at

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

14

PICTURED: Agenacare Housecalls CEO Whitney Pugh gets ready to cut the ribbon with the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce in December at the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center to recognize her company.

Photo by William Seidel/Lake Life.

first. Although Agenacare Housecalls was slowly seeing more

plans to expand in Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Virginia Beach

business in the first four months since being founded, it didn’t

are also in the works later in the year.

fully take off until the pandemic officially hit. Actually, “takeoff”

Pugh noted that several different localities in other states want

might be an understatement. The number of patients they see

them to come there as well, but she wants to make sure they

have increased tenfold and are continuing to grow.

“They increase daily every single month,” Pugh said.

“Currently right now, we are probably, per week, seeing anywhere between 225 to 275 patients.”

build a strong foundation across Virginia before they decided to expand across state borders.

“We’ve actually been reached out to from several different

Also when Agenacare Housecalls first started, Pugh was

localities in other states wanting to come there,” she said. “But

the only employee, and she worked out of the back of her

we have to tell them we have to build it strong here, and then

car. Now? Agenacare Housecalls has an administrative office

we’ll grow.”

in Roanoke, a marketing team, social media team, multiple

When talking about the success of Agenacare Housecalls

vehicles and multiple providers. Agenacare Housecalls doesn’t

and how it’s impacted the many lives for the better, Pugh said it’s

take insurance, and patients can pay with cash at a flat fee with

all just been a humbling experience.

no extra charges.

The COVID-19 pandemic also has allowed them to expand from their original areas of services. Agenacare Housecalls originally just covered the Franklin County, Henry County,

“Agenacare Housecalls, truthfully, has truly been blessed by God,” she said. “… We are very blessed, and as we grow, we hope to continue to make bigger blessings to our community.”

Roanoke and Salem areas but now go to Danville up to

More information about Agenacare Housecalls and their

Lynchburg, Botetourt, Troutville and down to Abingdon. The

services may be found on agenacare.com or by calling 276-

expansion doesn’t stop there. They recently opened an office

620-0220. To schedule an appointment, the dispatch number

in Richmond and will be serving the surrounding areas. Future

is 540-529-5692.• 15

SPRING 2021

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

ONLINE APPAREL STORE OFFERS SML PRODUCTS

By William Seidel When tourists visit Smith Mountain Lake (SML), they are met with lots of outdoor activities, with the most noticeable being fishing, water-skiing and boat rides.

Daniel Dyer, who is a former Virginia Tech football player and current physical education teacher at Franklin County Public Schools, mentioned that he has spent many hours and weekends at SML with his family and friends. One weekend he was floating around a dock and realized the lack of apparel that represents the lake.

“

I was looking around and seeing all my buddies or family and everybody wearing different brands. The shirts, hats, swim trunks, everything they wore had nothing to do with the lake,” he said.

“I was thinking what is something that can portray what we’ve been fortunate enough to grow up doing and put it on T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats.“ Thus, Lakefront Traditions was born.

The online apparel store features clothing dedicated specifically to lake activities at SML such as slalom water skiing, catching bass and more. Underneath the logo reads “Est. 1989,” and Dyer said he gets a lot of questions about that year. 1989 is not when Lakefront Traditions was established but is when Dyer’s parents started going to the lake after they purchased a 24-footlong pontoon boat.

The art design on the shirts is done

by Dyer himself with graphic designer software on his computer, and he uses photos taken by him or Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Jessica “JBohn” Bishop. He digitizes them to make them appropriate for a T-shirt so they come out nice and detailed.

Dyer started Lakefront Traditions a year ago and had brainstormed ideas to market the brand at events and advertise with Bishop online. However, the world was struck with the COVID-19 pandemic, which took Dyer on the virtual path until the middle of summer. When that time L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

came, things didn’t get easier for him. Dyer and his now wife, Savanna Dyer, were in the middle of planning their wedding that they had postponed three times.

“There was definitely a mindset on which priority needed to be accomplished first,” he said with a slight laugh.

Savanna Dyer has been instrumental in helping Lakefront Traditions get exposure with Bishop, adding that they were able to sell their merchandise at Drifter’s and be a part of Bishop’s cruise on the Virginia Dare. She said they were able to do that four to five times, and it was important to get outdoors and sell in person. They plan to be at more events in the future.

The material the shirts are made of is soft and breathable, according to Daniel Dyer. He said he wanted his product to be as comfortable as possible during the hot summer days.

Currently, Lakefront Traditions is entirely online, minus products being sold at events. Both Daniel and Savanna Dyer have mentioned they would like to have their product sold in some local stores around the lake and continue from there.

Merchandise may be found at lakefronttraditions.com. Daniel Dyer mentioned that more merchandise, such as decals and stickers, are in the making and

will be put on the website. He also said he is always open-minded to ideas for art design on their apparel.

“Ultimately, what I envision Lakefront Traditions being is somebody goes to our site or they see a tent set up at an event and they see what all we have to offer and reminds them of the lake activities they did at SML with their family and friends,” Daniel Dyer said.

His willingness to provide what customers want and listen to ideas on improving his products is a couple of many reasons why his wife believes Lakefront Traditions has a bright future.

“Daniel definitely has an entrepreneurial spirit in him,” she said. •

PICTURED: Daniel and Savanna Dyer wear some of their Lakefront Traditions merchandise. Photo contributed.

16

MEMBER OF THE REMAX HALL OF FAME

PHYLLIs & CAsEY

JOHnsOn

REMAX Lakefront Realty, Inc. Combined 40 Years of Experience

Phyllis: 540-537-5312 • Casey: 540-537-0299

BestLakeBuys.com

Toll Free: 800-296-3923 Email: phyllis@bestlakebuys.com 16451 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121 • Associate Broker, GRI

$1,395,000

Contemporary Lake Retreat

Amazing, spacious 6,898 sq ft contemporary lake retreat. 2021 upgrades! 6 BR, 4.5 BA, gentle lot, beautiful wide water views. Main level features hardwood floors, cathedral ceiling, great room, master suite with 2 walk-in closets, sitting room and newly remodeled master bath.

Sunroom, laundry, dining room, fireplace, remodeled kitchen cabinets, new granite countertops, double oven, cooktop, microwave and dishwasher. Lake walk-out level has new deluxe vinyl flooring, theatre, game room with trey ceilings, fireplace, wet bar with Quartz countertop, bedroom suite, office with built-in bookshelves. Master bath had a complete makeover with double shower and new tile floor. Second level has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, Third level has large student built-in desks and large playroom.

Many new upgrades in this home with selling working with PAC Interiors. New carpet and new fixtures in top 1.5 floors. New stainless steel Whirlpool double ovens with voice control touchpad that can be connected to Google or Alexa. Circular paved driveway and 2-car garage. Trey ceilings throughout. Main level deck has 2 electric retractable awnings. Deck and dock have Trex decking. Keyless entry. Eight zone sound system. Boathouse has cabana, stationary dock, two floating docks, speakers, covered slip for boat and jet ski port. You can buy additional lot with lighted tennis and basketball courts and playground across the street.

Seller has 3 additional lots for sale across the street. Lot 9 lake access lot is the double lot with courts.

Lots 11 and 12 are also lake access and sold separately.

Additional lots available with this home

$75,000

$39,900 EACH

NEW LOT 9

Lighted Tennis & Basketball Court, Playground, Lake Access, Public Water & Sewer

LOT 11 & LOT 12

Wooded Lake Access, Public Water & Sewer

MEMBER OF THE REMAX HALL OF FAME

PHYLLIs & CAsEY

JOHnsOn

REMAX Lakefront Realty, Inc. Combined 40 Years of Experience

Phyllis: 540-537-5312 • Casey: 540-537-0299

BestLakeBuys.com

Toll Free: 800-296-3923 Email: phyllis@bestlakebuys.com 16451 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121 • Associate Broker, GRI

$849,900

Find your privacy on Smith Mountain Lake with this beautiful lakefront log home & 17 acres A rare find at Smith Mountain Lake with this lake log home with 17 acres. This includes the house with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths on a lake lot plus a second lakefront lot and a third acreage lot all selling for one great price! Great room with cathedral ceiling, stone fireplace and wood floors. Master suite with privacy balcony, sitting room/office and updated master bath. Kitchen with post and beam ceiling, cherry cabinets with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Separate in-law quarters on the lower level with private entrance. Living room with fireplace, kitchenette and 2 bedrooms and bath. Covered back deck overlooking the lake. Located 10 minutes to the Westlake area for shopping.

$410,000

AFFORDABLE BRICK LAKE RANCH

Enjoy an affordable lakefront home with low maintenance brick siding. This lake home has approx. 1,920 finished sq ft on the main level and 1,260 sq ft unfinished on the lower level. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room with real masonry gas fireplace. Additional fireplace on lower level. New metal roof approx. 4 years old, window sills are marble. Kitchen with hickory cabinets.

Stainless steel refrigerator approx 1 year old. Tinted windows. Deck has composite decking.

$289,900

1 1/2 STORy LAKE ACCESS HOmE

This home was built in 2004 and has approx. 2,672 sq ft finished.

3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, great room with cathedral ceiling and stone fireplace. Family room and office area. Enjoy main level living. 2 car garage.

Lake access has community dock and ramp. Wrap around covered dock and large open deck with a pergola.

MEMBER OF THE REMAX HALL OF FAME

PHYLLIs & CAsEY

JOHnsOn

REMAX Lakefront Realty, Inc. Combined 40 Years of Experience

Phyllis: 540-537-5312 • Casey: 540-537-0299

BestLakeBuys.com

Toll Free: 800-296-3923 Email: phyllis@bestlakebuys.com 16451 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121 • Associate Broker, GRI

FANTAsTiC dEvELOpmENT OppOrTuNiTy

168 Acres At SML • Scruggs Road • Public Water • 2600’ of Road Frontage

$199,900 ExTrAOrdiNAry pOiNT LOT WiTH 661’ OF WATErFrONT ANd FANTAsTiC viEWs OF smiTH mOuNTAiN Own your own peninsula with Lot 1 Sunset Pointe with incredible mountain views.

Lot 1 $999,900 .64 Acre with 661’ of WF

Lot 3 Lots 1 & 2 $429,900 sold together $1,399,900 .34 Acre with 110’ WF 1.14 Acres with 888’ of WF

BOArdviEW EsTATEs

.87 Acres with 150’ of Waterfront, 4 BR Drainfield Already In

$2 75 ,00 0

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PICTURED: Nik and Lauren Weinsmeister of Smith Mountain Lake have taken on a project of renovating a former 2005 international school bus into their new home, and they plan to travel across the country with it. Photo by William Seidel/Lake Life.

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

20

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Weinmeister’s making progress with Skoolie

By William Seidel

A

couple from Smith Mountain Lake have taken on a project of renovating a former 2005 international school bus into their new home, and they plan to travel across the country with it.

Nik and Lauren Weinsmeister first bought the bus in November 2019 in Ruckersville, Virginia, when they lived in Arlington. The bus, which had 140,000 miles on it when it was bought for $4,500, was retired for a couple of months in Loudon County before they purchased it.

These type of bus projects, known as “Skoolies,” had never crossed either of their minds until it was brought up at Nik Weinsmeister’s bachelor weekend by his best friend. A week before the wedding, Nik Weinsmeister then presented the idea to his then-fiancé.

“Nik comes home a week before our wedding, and he’s like, ‘Let’s buy a school bus and live in it,’” said Lauren Weinmeister, who said she didn’t want to discuss it until after the wedding was over.

The day after the wedding, Nik Weinmeister brought it back up to his now wife, and a month and a half later, they officially owned a school bus.

In March 2020, they moved to the SML area, where they bought and lived in a condo near Nik Weinsmeister’s dad. They brought the bus down with them in September and have been working on it since.

After a delay, both Nik and Lauren Weinsmeister have made great strides as far as progress goes. The bus currently has been painted over with a green color, seats and windows have been removed, part of the roof has been raised by ten inches, and plumbing and electric wires have been installed. Insulation is currently being put in, and the walls will follow, which will be made of plywood.

Nik Weinsmeister said he is at the bus every weekend and every evening trying to make even more progress on the former school bus. They also have a friend who is a contractor who will visit and provide tips and instructions.

The project, which has 250 square feet of living space, will feature a living area with a couch that 21

can turn into a bed, a 30-inch-plus television, and a hanging swing chair. There also will be a KitchenAire with a pantry and an air fryer. Near the middle of the bus will be a bathroom with toilet, shower and sink that will be hooked up to a 110-gallon water tank. The middle section also will feature a washer and dryer, dresser cabinets, and an area where the main power source will be placed, such as a breaker, battery bank, inverter and others. The back of the bus will be the bedroom where Nik and Lauren Weinmeister will sleep. They also plan to build a deck on top of the bus.

Though they would’ve originally liked to have the

bus

done

in

September

pre-COVID-19,

Lauren Weinmeister said the delay in renovating from March to September helped her and Nik Weinsmeister unwind and have a relaxing summer on the lake.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she said. “We had the best summer.”

They now plan to finish by April and will soon take off on their quest to visit the continental United States, with hopes of traveling to Alaska and Hawaii. They will start on the east coast, mainly because they have four weddings they are planning to attend or be a part of — two in Virginia, one in Vermont in June and one in New Jersey by July. They plan to start journeying to the west coast by January.

When Nik and Lauren Weinmeister first met in April 2017 at a college gathering during their junior year at Virginia Tech, little did they know they would embark on this unique life journey that was ahead of them. Nik Weinmeister said he first imagined that when they got married, they would work toward buying a house and having kids.

“I thought it would be the same ol’, same ol’, but I’m glad it turned into something unique,” he said.• SPRING 2021

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

THE GIFT OF ENTHUSIASM

By Vicki Gardner, Contributor

PICTURED: (L) Michele Tarantino, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, looks at certain letters on a large, clear plastic card imprinted with the alphabet and symbols to spell out words in order to communicate with her husband Jim. (C) Shown is the new deck built for Michele Tarantino. (R) Volunteers replace a decayed deck for Michele Tarantino, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, so she can go outside and feel the sunshine on her face. Photos contributed.

E

veryone has heard the saying, “’Tis better to give than receive.”

Recently a group of Smith Mountain Lake (SML) residents and representatives of local churches had the opportunity to test the “giving” theory; it proved to be true! Call it luck, or better yet, divine intervention, but we recently learned about a special woman’s simple request: to feel the sunshine on her face.

The lady I speak of is Michele Tarantino.

She has been described by friends as a natural athlete, intelligent, with great style and a radiant personality. Many area residents know Michele and her husband of 26 years, Jim; they just cannot remember how. The Tarantinos have been active in L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

the SML community. Their involvement in productions by The Smith Mountain Arts Council (SMAC) Lake Players could be the connection.

“It was with the Lake Players and church productions that I really got to know Michele and Jim,” Nancy King, a SMAC pal, noted. “Michele helped so much with costumes, make-up, wigs, stage props and giving good feedback on what she saw. She’s a hard worker, has great ideas and is always willing to help wherever she could.”

Another friend, Connie Canova, wrote, “What I recall most about Michele is when she comes in a room, she is like a bright shining light. Always sweet, positive, 22

happy and helpful, especially with our Lake Players. You have to love a person like that!”

“She had a hat for any occasion,” Sandy Sampson added. “I never saw her without a smile.”

There were so many wonderful comments from friends, but I must conclude with one last quote from Joyce Dittrich, writing, “I realized when we met that Michele had a great sense of style and creativity as well as being very bright, organized and dedicated in her work at Carilion.”

Michele’s aptitude for numbers directed her to a master’s degree and career in accounting. She excelled in numerous top management positions, national

and international, with firms such as CPI, Carilion Clinic and Renown Health. In 2007 Michele was featured in a national publication, The Journal of Healthcare Contracting, listing her as one of the top 10 businesswomen to watch. Ten years later, the same magazine wrote a follow-up expose on Michelle. Jim’s education and following career in areas of computer science led to positions as a tech support specialist. They earned and enjoyed the rewards of business success.

Michele’s talents include singing, playing piano and guitar.

Among her many passions are football, cheering for the Giants, and a love for making pottery by hand. A studio was planned for her retirement. In the “blink of an eye,” so to speak, all that changed. Michele, now bound to a wheelchair, depends greatly on her ability to see. She communicates through eye expressions. A blink says “yes” and she uses the universal code for “no” with a slight head motion.

She and Jim have another way to talk, and they are quite good at it. Their speaking tool is a large, clear plastic card imprinted with the alphabet and symbols. Jim holds up the card while Michele looks at certain letters to spell out words. Unable to swallow, she receives nutrition through a feeding tube. Michele’s very personal daily routines such as bathing, dressing, grooming and moving positions, which most take for granted, are now impossible without dedicated caregivers, like her husband Jim. Michele has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. ALS often starts in the hands, feet or limbs, and then spreads to other parts of the body. As the disease advances and nerve cells are destroyed, voluntary muscles get weaker. This eventually affects chewing, swallowing, speaking and breathing. ALS is progressive, meaning the symptoms get worse over time.

In 1996 the Tarantinos bought a lake home with 19 acres of land at Smith Mountain Lake. Their purchase was intended to be an investment and home base for retirement. They used it to move from their busy, crowded neighborhood in New York City to a relaxed, rural and social life at SML. There they would stay until 2015 when work took them to Reno, Nevada. In 2019, Michele became ill, terribly ill. Her doctors ran a multitude of tests before Michele was diagnosed with ALS. After research and guidance on what lies ahead, the couple moved back to

“She

their lake home. The home’s age and years left vacant had taken a toll on the structure. Jim resolved all the home issues he was able before Michele’s condition deteriorated to the point where she required care 24/7.

Isolated to her electronic wheelchair, couch or bed, Michele longed for one simple wish. She just wanted to sit outside and feel the sun on her face. Her wish was all but impossible. Her only access outside was a weathered and decayed deck, which could not support her 450 lb. wheelchair and 100 lb. Michele. The physical work and expense were beyond their means. For “emergency” sake, Jim set a plywood route to an outdoor elevator across the failing deck.

Divine intervention is real although sometimes it must be seen from a “rear-view” mirror. Their case was no different from millions of others. At a time when family and friends are forced to isolate due to the global pandemic, social media, phone and personal letters have become 2020 communication channels. A written letter was my choice of reaching out to friend, Charlene Maresca, for a favor. We had not seen each other in quite a while, but my letter prompted her to call me with a question. During our “catch-up” conversation, she told me about a sensitive issue her dear friends Michele and Jim were dealing with. She asked if my husband, Tim, and I would help.

My response was “Of course we will!” I inquired, “What do you need?”

She responded fast and to the point, “I need a project manager to replace a large, dilapidated deck for a very good reason.”

It was understood what the volunteer management position required; draft a rendering of the deck and materials needed, order the lumber and building supplies, arrange for a dumpster, obtain a building permit, and lead a team of volunteers.

She concluded with, “So many in our lake community have financially donated to the project; I believe we have enough money to buy all the materials.”

It is amazing how the dots connected. Tim was ready, willing and able to get started. My task was to create a work-inprogress spreadsheet keeping track of the project, volunteer information, purchases, communicate as needed and pen an

had a hat for any occasion.

I never saw her without a smile.

”

23

SPRING 2021

article on this SML community, “Labor of Love.”

Within one week “The Tarantino Project” became a priority with a swift goal of completion. Volunteers of all ages, building knowledge and strength were easy to find; you just had to ask.

This outdoor project was COVID-19 compliant with masks and respect for space. Many of the experienced volunteers brought or donated “deck building” tools. Their collaboration resulted in a sturdy, code-compliant structure upon which many new friendships were formed.

“This is the most rewarding and fulfilling volunteer effort I’ve ever served on,” stated Project Manager Tim Gardner.

Tim’s comment was repeated in similar fashion by all the workers involved. Jumping into action were John Maresca, retired chemical engineer; Charlene Maresca, retired elementary school teacher; Gareth Kerlin, home inspector; Sandy Sampson, schoolteacher, retired; Doug Sampson, nuclear safety engineer; Donnie Leipert, home improvement contractor; Glenn Clairborne, retired engineer; Chuck Neufdorfer, Bedford County supervisor, retired; Peter Ohlerich, Josh Bouknight and Luke Faber, high school students representing their church, Trinity Ecumenical Parish; Tony Struzziery, home improvement contractor; Rebekah Boatright, vocal instructor; Chuck Besser; Bob McMican; Becki Fuzi, registered nurse and Michele’s co-worker at Carilion; and Al Fuzi, door and window manufacturing, retired.

Within the first two days the scaffolding was up, rotten boards were in the dumpster and new decking was well underway.

The crew worked together like a well-oiled machine for days on end.

Charlene and I helped by “staying out of the workers way.”

We spent some quality time in the house with Michele. I was somewhat of an acquaintance with Michele, recognizing her, but unable to recall any previous conversations. My first visit to the Tarantino home was inspiring. Michele’s remarkable brown eyes expressed what she was unable to say. When we first arrived, she was breathing through a loud respirator, which concealed most of her face. Jim stepped in the room and with the gentlest voice asked Michele if it was OK to turn off the air equipment. Her positive response was clear and easy for all of us to understand even though she is unable to enunciate words.

While watching Downtown Abby on TV, we both made lots of comments, mine were vocal while Michele’s were expressive.

Through it all, Bella, their loyal, aged, golden retriever, stayed

by Michele’s side.

“Michele and I lived most of our lives in communities near bodies of water,” Jim said. “We fell in love with this area because of the lake, but we stayed because we fell in love with the people. We have never lived in one place as long as we have here at SML. We have family and so many friends L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

24

that have become extended family. We love them all. When Michele’s career took us to Nevada, it was painful to leave, but we knew we would return. That return was planned for our retirement. Michele’s sickness hastened that decision.”

“Coming back to SML made so much sense in our world which had become senseless due to Michele’s illness. We had to leave great jobs and a few good friends, but the choice was clear. The one question was, could we make the house we built in Moneta work for a person with a disability? We built this house when we were both young and healthy, never imagining the worst-case scenario,” Jim stated.

Speaking for himself and Michele, Jim expressed, “The outpouring of love and caring we experienced since we have been back has been heartwarming and truly a Godsend. So many people have been praying for our well-being, and we have felt the positive effects nearly every day. The deck project with so many volunteers has been the most visual representation of God’s love. We would like to thank everyone who has been a part of this project. The finished project has given us a much safer and more beautiful living space than what was replaced.

I want them to know that every time we look at or go out on the deck, we are reminded of the many people who came out here to help us. Many are good friends, and many were people we had never met before but are now considered friends. This is truly a lasting gift of immeasurable quantity.”

He concluded, “We pray that everyone involved can feel our love and gratitude for the good they have done to improve our safety and everyday lives. Michele and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and may God bless every one of you.”

How does a couple get through the life altering issues of ALS? Unshakable devotion. The Tarantinos are believers. They place their trust in God. Jim and Michele work through daily challenges yet are genuinely thankful for each answered prayer. Enthusiasm comes naturally to this couple. I learned that the root word for “enthusiastic” is Greek. It comes from two words, Theos, “meaning God,” and En-tae says, “meeting within.” The early use of this word literally means, “God within you.” While Michele has lost muscle movement control, she holds fast to a positive attitude through this dark and difficult time. She is enthusiastic in letting her personality shine through.

She is immobile, yet people are drawn to her. Why? By placing their burden in the hands of the Lord, they have the strength to share enthusiasm.

The Tarantino deck project came to light just before Thanksgiving and was completed two weeks before Christmas.

It was a logical Christmas wish and dream come true for a deserving family. Once again, the SML community confirmed what they already knew, “It is truly better to give than receive.”•

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

SMLA is steward of the lake, protecting your waterfront investment

By Smith Mountain Lake Association The Smith Mountain Lake Association is the largest and oldest volunteer organization on the lake with more than 1,000 members.

“Our members provide monetary resources and dedicate their time to ensure Smith Mountain Lake not only survives the pressures of growth, but also improves the lake’s environmental quality as time marches on,” said SMLA President John Rupnik. “SMLA is the Steward of the Lake — protecting SML, preserving its water quality and promoting safe recreation.”

F

or the past 50 years, SMLA has taken multiple, effective steps to: (a) align and partner with organizations and stakeholders who work together to make a difference, (b) initiate focused programs that lead to enhanced environmental conditions, and (c) energize our community to volunteer time and resources — all for a better lake — all to protect your property values.

SMLA’s first half century began in 1970, shortly after the lake reached full pond. It started as an environmental spin-off of a boaters’ association.

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

26

“As some of you may remember, the ’70s was a time of environmental awakening, especially for our nation’s rivers,” Rupnik said. “While the Roanoke River was not in flames from industrial pollution like the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland that most recently caught fire in 1969, it was impacted negatively by local industrial pollution, waste debris, some untreated sewage and only moderate treatment from the wastewater treatment plant located upstream from the lake.”

SMLA collaborated with the Upper Roanoke River Roundtable to make their case to the City of Roanoke for upgrades to the

wastewater treatment facility, thereby promoting a significant improvement in water quality for decades to come. With a clear link to the local economy in the forefront, SMLA focused on ensuring the lake remained an attractive place to live, work and visit.

“Staying ahead of vulnerabilities and anticipated threats ensures Smith Mountain Lake remains clean and safe,” Rupnik said. “Over the years, Smith Mountain Lake has been exposed to a variety of environmental pressures that had the potential to or actually did impact the lake. Caring for Smith Mountain Lake takes a village.”

SMLA’s volunteers provide more than 3,500 hours annually, and many of their efforts are in cooperation with numerous regulatory agencies, partnering organizations and local governments.

For the past 34 years, in support of American Electric Power’s (AEP) project license requirement to monitor lake water quality, 53 of SMLA’s volunteers monitor 85 sampling sites in the lake and its tributaries.

“We know the lake,” Rupnik said.

Ferrum College executes a grant from AEP to direct monitoring, sampling, data analysis and reporting on the results of the sampling. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) provides additional resources in support of SMLA’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, which has been recognized as one of the most successful monitoring programs in the nation.

In a sister program, SMLA houses a local chapter of VA Save Our Streams, whose members train and field volunteers to sample benthic organisms (bugs) in lake tributaries to determine the health of water entering the lake.

27

PICTURED: (Opposite Page) A girl fishes at Smith Mountain Lake wearing a life jacket for safety. (Current Page) Heavy rains cause runoff that carries sediment and excessive nutrients from residential properties that have either been cleared for development or that feature minimal and over-fertilized landscaping. Key nutrients include phosphorus and nitrogen – both of which in excess can cause harmful algal blooms, or HABs. The Smith Mountain Lake Association has been working hard over the years to prevent this from happening at Smith Mountain Lake through both education and persistent monitoring.

Photos contributed.

SPRING 2021

The late Professor Carolyn Thomas, former director of Ferrum’s Water Quality Program, was always proud to say that “Smith Mountain Lake is acting several decades ‘younger’ than its true age.”

Rupnik added, “Together, these two collaborative efforts conducted over the past 34 years reveal trends of slowing eutrophication (aging). We aim to keep it that way!”

Heavy seasonal rains regularly deposit large trees, branches and other debris and trash in Smith Mountain Lake.

Floating obstacles can be a boater’s worst nightmare. Hitting a tree, piece of lumber or even a plastic bag can disable or severely damage a boat. Additionally, windblown debris can collect in coves and on the shorelines and become unsightly or worse: a hazard to swimmers. AEP has the responsibility to remove hazards to navigation in open waters using their floating excavator that scoops up large quantities of debris including trees, branches and man-made items like parts of docks as well as mixed in trash. In 2020 AEP removed a record 10,417 tons, over 20 million pounds, of debris from Smith Mountain Lake. Our “hat’s off” to their unprecedented efforts.

Despite AEP’s Herculean debris removal work, their equipment is unable to access SML’s hundreds of shallow coves where similar debris has collected thanks to the prevailing winds toward the ends of these coves. This is where SMLA volunteers come in. SMLA works hand in hand with the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission (TLAC) and the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce to conduct Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake – an annual lake clean-up effort.

“COVID-19 precluded the official Take Pride event in 2020, but during the May 2019 event, over 42 tons of debris were removed from 101 miles of cove shoreline in the lake through the efforts of 326 dedicated volunteers,” Rupnik said.

In comparison, it may not look like much, but this debris represents that which inhibits safe boating egress from many coves in the upper arms of the lake. This year the lake will be faced with much of the debris from 2020’s record-setting rainfall as well as upcoming spring rains. SMLA and their collaborators plan to promote another successful Take Pride event that will again clear our coves and shorelines.

Heavy rains also cause significant runoff that carries sediment and excessive nutrients from residential properties that have either been cleared for development or that feature minimal and over-fertilized landscaping. Key nutrients include phosphorus and nitrogen – both of which in excess can cause harmful algal blooms, or HABs. In 2019 the VDH issued a health advisory to Spotsylvania residents concerning HABs in Lake Anna and were forced to shut down the lake to swimming. The sometimes-toxic blue-green algae can be harmful to people and fatal for pets when swimming in waters where HABs are present.

SMLA has been working hard over the years to prevent this from happening at Smith Mountain Lake through both education and persistent monitoring. In cooperation with the Virginia Master Gardeners and Naturalists, SMLA manages the Buffer Landscaping Program to educate residents on the use of native plants on the shoreline to act as a buffer to filter sediment and absorb excess nutrients before they find their way to the lake. The historic success of this program resulted in reduction/ elimination of phosphorus from lawn and garden fertilizers; however, commercial landscaper fertilizers are known to sometimes contain phosphorus.

“With the housing and population boom on the lake in recent years, new homeowners need to be aware of the recent 200 percent increase of phosphorus in SML, causing more frequent algal blooms,” Rupnik said.

The increase in algal blooms encouraged Ferrum College, in cooperation with SMLA, to develop a simple Algae Reporting Tool for use online or via smart phone that provides SMLA and Ferrum with detailed sighting information that will be used to both assess the presence of potentially toxic blue-green algae as well as track these reports for location trending.

“Every homeowner can help identify and track potential HABs,” Rupnik said.

One source of pollution than can destroy a body of water is a leaking septic system. A majority of the homes around SML use septic systems for household wastewater. SMLA has been vigilantly monitoring for the presence of E. coli during their sampling; however, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to prevent septic leaks. SMLA is encouraging all three counties to invoke minimal septic inspections or pump outs. Additionally, the

“This is

sewage that historically was dumped directly into the lake a direct source of disease and diminishing water quality.

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

28

”

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is collaborating with SMLA to educate lake residents on proper maintenance of residential septic systems. In this spirit, VDH supports a very successful Vessel Pump Out Program in a cooperative funding effort with TLAC and SMLA. Many boats on SML have marine heads (bathrooms) on board. SMLA offers free pump outs of marine heads, yielding more than 5,000 gallons of effluent annually.

“This is sewage that historically was dumped directly into the lake – a direct source of disease and diminishing water quality!” said Rupnik.

Boating accidents and drownings are events that no community wants to face. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), a longtime Friend of the Lake, is an advocate for boating safety. DWR was instrumental in promoting successful legislation proposed by SMLA and the Water Safety Council for mandatory boater education. This, coupled with free boating inspections on select dates and No-Wake zones for July 4 fireworks displays, has resulted in a dramatic decrease in boating accidents on the lake.

DWR also adopted SMLA’s proposal to eradicate invasive Hydrilla plants with the introduction of sterile carp, resulting in zero observations of Hydrilla within months of initiation. DWR has worked with AEP and SMLA to research and install fish habitat and non-invasive grasses to encourage a diversified sport fish population. Concern about infestation from invasive Zebra mussels raised proposals to require expensive boat ramp inspections and install washing stations. In response, SMLA worked with Ferrum College to compile a report citing several studies that concluded that both SML temperature and calcium were not optimal for mussel reproduction.

These critical actions are but a few accomplishments within a handful of impactful SMLA programs. What does this mean for you?

“For the past 50 years, SMLA has monitored key factors that determine the health and safety of the lake,” Rupnik said. “In partnership with its many collaborators and stakeholders, SMLA and its volunteers execute programs that have educated our residents in environmental and water safety best practices. They provided essential data that allows regulatory authorities to make informed, science-based decisions regarding lake regulations, restrictions and best practices — all designed to ensure that you safely enjoy Smith Mountain Lake, and all that it provides, and help you maintain your property value.”

How you can help? Membership and charitable donations support the good work of SMLA, and SMLA needs your help to continue their mission. Visit SMLA’s website (www. smlassociation.org) to learn how you can play a role in these continued efforts. This is the best insurance for protecting your waterfront investment and preserving our treasure — The Jewel of the Blue Ridge.•

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

BOWLERS get chance to pit skills against professional

By William Seidel

It’s not often that one can test their skills against a professional. Bowlers got that chance this year, and even though they lost, they had the time of their life. Kyle Troup, who has six-time PBA Tour titles, made a stop at the Vinton Bowling Center to take part in the New Year’s scratch tournament. “It was really fun having our local bowlers come out to see and play against Kyle,” said Vinton Bowling Center Owner Jon Jackson.

I

t isn’t Troup’s first-time bowling near Smith Mountain Lake, however, as he has participated in multiple bowling events at the venue with his most recent being in 2016. Troup was

in Staunton and happened to hear there was a tournament in Vinton. Since it was on the way home for him, he decided to sign up.

but they still have a few big events throughout the year. Troup said he has mostly been staying at home, which has freed up his time to bowl at local events.

Jackson said the tournament director had told him that he signed up and was coming, much to his surprise.

“I said why not stop in and see what we got for today,” Troup said.

“We were excited that he was coming,” Jackson said. “Just because of what he brings, which is lots of passion to the game,

Troup, who is part of Storm and Vice Grips pro staff, added that before COVID-19, they are normally on tour at the L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

beginning of the year. The pandemic has altered their schedule,

30

and he brings excitement to the game. It’s just good for the sport, and we enjoy that.”

Jackson said it was awesome to sit back and watch in person how Troup is able to break down the lane and figure out how

Jackson. “You can’t see the floor because confetti are covering it, but this year was a lot calmer.”

to score.

Widely known for his afro and nicknamed “Afro Fish,” Troup has gone viral for his celebration antics that involve pulling out hair picks after a strike and picking his hair. Although he did not do his celebration antics at the local tournament, he still had a lot of reason to smile, winning the scratch tournament by bowling a 255 in the first game and a 256 in the second game.

Jackson has run the bowling alley for the past five years with her husband Jon and their children. Their middle son, Jacob Jackson, is the lead mechanic and runs the back of the bowling lanes. The youngest son, Justin Jackson, is the cook and runs the snack bar. They have always done a New Year’s Eve event since they took ownership.

“He made such a high score that it was just hard to keep

Before COVID-19, Jackson said every lane was taken and

up with Kyle. You really had to make your shots to do so,”

they have had to turn people away because there were no more

Jackson said.

lanes to rent out. This year, however, only 10 lanes could be

Surprisingly, Troup said this was the first tournament he has won in about three to four months even though he’s entered plenty. He said it’s actually more common than some might think.

“One of our guys, Tim Mack (member of Storm), said it’s always hard to win a tournament no matter what the tournament is,” Troup said. “It feels good to get a good win here and cap the weekend off of bowling.”

Troup said after the victory that his wrist was a little sore

rented out, skipping a lane in between each group. Groups that were able to rent a bowling lane could bowl as many games as they wanted from 9 p.m. to midnight. Shoes also were included as well as a free pizza and non-alcoholic bubbly drinks. Once the clock was ready to strike midnight, the people in their respective groups huddled together, and all the groups did the countdown together.

because he bowled about 30 games the past two days. It was well-earned.

“I’ll take a day or two off and then hit the gym and get back

Though they were able to still hold the event, Jackson admitted it felt a little weird not seeing the bowling alley packed but said she still had lots of fun.

to practice,” he said with a slight laugh.

Not only has Troup won six PBA national titles (three in 2020), but according to Storm Bowling’s website, he has won 10 PBA regional titles; was the South Region Player of the Year in 20132014 and 2014-2015; was the 2018 USBC Team Trials winner;

“It wasn’t the same, but I had a great time watching everyone have a great time.”

When the pandemic hit, the bowling alley had to shut down for four months before it could be reopened in phase 3. Jackson

was a member of Team USA in 2018 and 2019; won a gold

said they met with a health inspector to effectively keep the

medal in the 2018 World Championship Trio with EJ Tackett and

bowling center as clean as possible and follow guidelines from

Andrew Anderson; and was the 2019 Weber Cup MVP.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jackson said they

He also is the son of retired PBA bowler Guppy Troup,

are constantly wiping down all bowling balls after they are

who won eight PBA titles and 41 regional competitions. Troup

used, chairs, tables and more. They have since followed those

mentioned that his father once bowled at the Vinton Bowling Center about 25 years ago, which is still talked about by the local bowlers to this day.

Just two days prior to Troup’s visit, the Vinton Bowling Center,

guidelines and it was no different on New Year’s Eve night as balls and chairs were wiped down once groups started to leave for the night.

The Vinton Bowling Center is one of the few bowling alleys in

located at 1200 Vinyard Road in Vinton, held its annual New Year’s Eve event. This year was a lot different compared to past

the area of Smith Mountain Lake, and it offers an all-you-can-

New Year’s Eve events.

bowl price of $10 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays;

“Usually it’s almost packed to the capacity,” said owner Liz

shoes are included. •

PICTURED: Kyle Troup, who has won six PBA Tour Titles. Photo by William Seidel/Lake Life.

31

SPRING 2021

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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Maciel will go down in history as SMLCA’s first head football coach

By William Seidel This year will mark the first time Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy will have a football program, and Kenis Maciel will go down in history as its first head coach. Knowing that he will be the very first head football coach at SMLCA puts a big grin on his face.

PICTURED: Kenis Maciel, who will be Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy’s first football coach in program history. Photo contributed.

“

To be able to say that you were part of something new or you were the first at getting a program started, the opportunity to do that is just extremely exciting,” Maciel said.

Maciel has a rich history when it comes to playing and coaching football, and besides rec league, this will be Maciel’s first head coaching opportunity. He is excited to not only be a head coach but also to get back into coaching.

He started playing when he was 5 at the rec league. At the high school level, Maciel L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

played for William-Byrd and was a four-year starter on the offensive and defensive line.

He earned all-district honors his sophomore year and then earned all-state honors his junior and senior year.

From there he played college football at UVA-Wise, where he started all but one game on the offensive line. According to Maciel, he was named offensive most valuable player his junior and senior year.

He also was a four-year starter on the wrestling team in high school and was a two-year state finalist, winning the state championship his senior year.

After college, he moved to coaching and did that until he became a father and taking care of multiple kids.

“That started to take up a lot of my time,” Maciel said.

His coaching resume involves coaching at William-Byrd High School with the junior varsity and varsity football team, as well as the wrestling team. Maciel also coached the varsity softball team at William Fleming High School for a couple years.

Once he stepped away from coaching to raise his children, Maciel actually tried to steer his kids, who attend SMLCA, away from football because he didn’t know if the school would ever have a program for their students to play. That never came to fruition. In fact, his kids embrace the game.

“The older they got, I guess it was just in their blood,” Maciel said with a slight laugh.

“It’s all they ever talked about.”

It wasn’t just his son, but lots of his classmates 34

at SMLCA. They would always go out and play football during recess every day and talk about the game. He then decided to see if having a program could come to fruition by reaching out to a couple of coaches he knew to see if they would be interested in helping him get the football program rolling.

A meeting was held with Maciel, Athletic Director Mike Greathouse, Principal Lincoln Bryan and Pastor Troy Keaton. They all said that they wanted to have a football team and they felt now was the time to do it. They asked Maciel if he would be interested in starting it, and the rest is history.

Greathouse said they will step into the program slow by just starting at the middle school level, sixth through ninth grade, and play teams on the road for the next one or two years. From there, they will add a grade every season until they reach the 12th grade.

Greathouse also said that for the kids in elementary school, they will work closely with Bedford Parks and Recreation and Moneta Elementary to get the younger kids in their type of leagues.

“We’re going to try and make this work,” Greathouse said.

Maciel also noted that the program is more than just teaching kids football.

“We’re there to teach these kids to grow into better men and give them a Christ-like male example to follow,” he said. “We’re going to have a faith centered coaching staff … all of our coaches will have a relationship with Christ and have faith in the center of their lives.” •

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Like a good Neighbor, Mason was there for team

By William Seidel

PICTURED: Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy boys basketball senior Mason Neighbors Photo by William Seidel/Lake Life.

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

36

T

he Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy boys

didn’t have to be a leader right away and could focus on

basketball team has seen a good amount of success from

finding his role on his new team. Dean saw much more in

last season and this season, which both featured a trip to

the VACA state semifinals.

One of the key contributors for the Ospreys has been senior Mason Neighbors, who has been a steady workhorse down

Neighbors than a role player, though, and he wasn’t shy to tell him. Neighbors mentioned that Dean told him midway through last season that he was the spark plug for the team to get going.

low for the Ospreys. This is Neighbors’ second year as a

Coming into his senior year, Neighbors knew he had to be that

student-athlete at SMLCA, transferring from Parkway Christian

same spark plug and step into a leadership role. With a team

Academy after his sophomore year.

that was looking to replace nine seniors, in a way Neighbors

Neighbors came in the same year athletic director and boys basketball coach Mike Greathouse did, and it wasn’t until a basketball camp in summer 2019 when Greathouse had his first

knew he didn’t have much of a choice but to embrace his new role for the boys team.

Greathouse mentioned Neighbors improved on his leadership

glimpse of Neighbors and the rest of the team.

“I thought, you know, this kid is really raw fundamentally, but

from last year. It’s a little out of his comfort zone because he’s

he is a workhorse,” Greathouse said. “He’s one that’s going to

quiet by nature, but Neighbors got more vocal as the season

do anything you ask, and he’s going to give you 110 percent

went on. Dean noted that there is more to being a leader than

every time he’s out there.”

just being vocal during practice and on the court, such as

Greathouse added that Neighbors still brought that same

leading by example.

energy but improved his skills from last year as he was a threat on the post, beyond the arc, and being tenacious crashing the glass.

“The way he (Neighbors) has grown from this year to last year was huge,” Dean said. “He’s taken the challenge of being

Looking at his stats from last season, it’s actually impressive

one of the leaders on the team and has been a great example.

that Neighbors improved. He was the second leading scorer on

He showed up hours before practice sometimes to get work in.

the team, averaging 14.8 points per game. He also averaged

He’s everything you want in a leader.”

nine rebounds a game, falling just shy of a double-double.

His contributions led him to being named second-team AllSouthwest District. Neighbors is currently averaging just under a double-double throughout his senior year, contributing 12.6 PPG and 8.7 rebounds.

Greathouse said that he is very pleased with Neighbors for being the all-around best model for his team and every studentathlete at SMLCA because of how well he does in the classroom and being great on and off the floor.

Former VACA first-team All-State and now assistant coach

“He’s one that if he was your son, you would say, ‘Man, I am

for the SMLCA boys team, Thomas Dean, said Neighbors was

so proud of the man he has become,’” he said. “He’s doing that

one of the best teammates to have on and off the floor, and he

for the basketball team and he’s doing it for our school. It will be

was very glad to have him on the floor with him his senior year

hard to replace somebody like a Mason Neighbors.”

during the 2019-2020 season.

“On the court, he was a beast that helped me out a lot,” Dean said. “He’s also a very smart basketball player, so it was nice to have another dominant big man.”

Dean echoed Greathouse’s comments, saying that Neighbors has been a great example for the all the kids at SMLCA and that he could talk for hours about how proud he is of him.

“He does everything the right way,” Dean said. “You couldn’t

Dean was part of nine seniors and was one of the captains on last year’s state semifinals team. Because of this, Neighbors

find a better example. I love that guy.” • 37

SPRING 2021

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

NOW HEALTHY Miller and Green are playing in one final season

By William Seidel

T

he Staunton River High School football seniors have gone through hardships after their freshman year,

which saw them one game away from the state championship. Since then, they’ve been through coaching turmoil and have only won one game in the past two years.

Two seniors, Blake Miller and Colby Green, have faced many hardships during their time with the Golden Eagles football team. Both have faced the same issue that have followed them through their careers – the injury bug.

Neither have been able to play a full season because of injuries. Miller had dealt with concussions and knee problems such as meniscus, MCL and a partial tear of his ACL, which required surgery. The concussion was the sole reason Miller missed one game his junior year against Lord Botetourt, but he was trying to play through it.

“I was expecting to play,” he said, “but Coach Leonard and Coach Smallwood came up to me before the game because they knew something wasn’t right and they

PICTURED: Seniors Blake Miller (left) and Colby Green, who are now healthy and embracing new positions for the Golden Eagles. Photo by William Seidel/Lake Life.

took me out.”

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

38

Head coach Shaun Leonard said Miller is one of the toughest

able to run the jet sweeps as effectively as they had with Green.

and hardest working kids on the team, so it’s no surprise to

Now that he is healthy, Green is looking forward to carrying

see him try to play through such injuries. He mentioned that Miller is the type who will play through any injuries if he physically can.

“That’s just the type of kid that Blake is,” he said. “He’s just a kid that’s going to lay it on the line. But head injuries are a big thing, and we’re never going to play around with those.”

Green, on the other hand, had a fractured elbow, dislocated shoulder and a muscle calf strain. Leonard said the injury bug likely hit Green the hardest. It’s not hard to see why, as Green’s injuries have caused him to miss his entire freshman year and multiple games his sophomore and junior year. He noted that Green is someone who they can really use to be a big contributor on both sides of the ball if he can stay healthy.

There are new positions for both Miller and Green their senior

the rock one final go around.

“It excites me a lot,” Green said. “I can’t wait to be out there and be a leader on the field.”

For Green, he remains in his normal position as a running back but is switching it up on the defensive side as he plays cornerback.

Originally an outside linebacker, Green said he has gotten quicker and has picked up speed, which will help him make the position switch a little easier for him. Green said he imagines himself being a physical corner and reading the offensive set up to put himself in better and productive situations.

Leonard said Green will cover the opposing team’s number one receiver and expects him to really help the Golden Eagles as they look to replace two starting corners from last season.

year. Miller was originally the starting center for the Golden

The football seniors at SRHS have dealt with one issue after

Eagles, but he dropped 40 pounds in the offseason. His new

another since their near state finals run, and this is the first time

position is running back and tight end. As far as what he brings

they have had the same head coach for multiple seasons during

to his new position, Miller thinks his time as an offensive lineman

their high school careers.

will help him.

“I know the perspective of thinking like an offensive lineman

Nothing has come easy for them, but both Miller and Green said there is a silver lining in all of this.

and how they block and create holes,” Miller said. “I also have

“It’s a big learning experience,” Miller said. “This new

an understanding of the skills positions now. I got knowledge,

challenge has taught me a lot and has made me stronger in

and knowledge is power.”

new ways.”

Leonard said they have been working with him catching the ball in practice. He struggled at first but has put in the work and is catching much better now. He added that Miller has embraced his new position, and through hard work, he’s able to adjust and continue to get better in his new role.

Green is someone on the offensive side who Leonard is looking forward to using as a wingback, adding that he is the best they have at hitting jet sweeps.

Green said it’s taught him to never take anything for granted and to make the most out of every situation. He added that even though it’s been rocky at times, it’s been great playing football for SRHS. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Green said.

Now, after the delay of the football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are excited to play.

“It’s not that he’s extremely fast, but his timing is impeccable,”

As far as their plans go after high school, both have said this

Leonard said. “It’s almost instantaneous that once the ball gets in

year will be their final year as an athlete. Miller hopes to enroll

the quarterback’s hands, he’s there to get the hand off.”

at either Virginia Tech or the University of Virginia and double

Last year against William Campbell in the first game of the

major in psychology and business. Green hopes to attend

season, Leonard said Green had a productive game but got hurt

Radford University or Virginia Tech but is undecided on what he

before halftime. Once he went down, the Golden Eagles weren’t

plans to pursue. • 39

SPRING 2021

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

SMLCA SOPHOMORE keeps improving, has grown as a leader

By William Seidel For the Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy girls basketball team, there was a lot of uncertainty that surrounded this season: new leadership and a young team that still needed to come together.

One of these young players is sophomore Taylor Keep, who has been playing the game since the fifth grade and is one of many underclassmen who played for the varsity team. She mentioned that last year was frustrating, but there was optimism for this year. She knew with only one senior on the team this year, she was going to have to step up.

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

40

“

We lost a few of our really good

Christian Academy.

to go but is encouraged by the results that

players from last year, and I knew

Beverly was quick to point out that Keep

I was getting to be one of the older

didn’t have an easy assignment for both

Keep feels this year’s team has shown a

girls,” Keep said. “The opportunity was

games, as she was tasked with defending

just there for me. I didn’t really know what

lot of potential and they will keep working

the other teams’ top post player, who also

to expect with our new coach, but I still

is one of their main scorers.

knew I needed to be more of a leader.”

Keep said it’s very encouraging to

are being shown along the way.

hard to improve their skills and chemistry for the next couple of years that they are together.

Amanda Beverly, who took over as

know her hard work is paying off and she

head coach, told Keep that she was going

is playing a big role in her team’s wins.

to need her down low in the post.

She credited her head coach for always

a chemistry standpoint and how they are

Why does that matter?

believing in her and the team that they

embracing their roles.

Keep has always played point guard or

can do more than what they think they are

wing position when she was younger, but she has embraced her role.

“She wasn’t fazed by it,” Beverly said.

“She said, ‘OK, let’s do it.’”

“She definitely pushes us out of our

play good,” Keep said. “Last year we

comfort zone, and that has been great for

kind of depended on a couple of people,

us,” Keep said.

but this year I feel we can depend on the

Even when pushed out of her comfort

been “incredible” at the post even with

zone, one thing that’s noticeable when

her limited experience, saying her shot

watching Keep play is how she doesn’t

selections has improved in the paint such

show

as her jump shots, fadeaways and layups.

mentioned that she never gets fazed or

She also mentioned that Keep has

panicked in practice or during the game,

grown so much as a player with her

saying there’s hardly an instance where

confidence, penetrating to the basket, and

they will see any change in her demeanor,

handling the ball. She’s done a lot more

her presentation or her play.

negative

emotions.

Beverly

than what her head coach has expected

Keep will maintain the same energy

out of her. In fact, Keep led the team in

whether he team is losing or winning by

rebounds per game with 6.1, including

30 points, which Beverly said is a key

offensive rebounds with 2.6. She also led

piece to have on the team.

“She’s just the same ball player

“I certainly think it’s a great spot for

constantly and consistently,” Beverly

her, and she has certainly lived up to my

said. “Which is important, especially

expectations,” Beverly said.

on a younger team to have that type of

She has been one of the top scorers in the two victories for the young Ospreys

“There isn’t just one star player; I feel like we need everyone to step up and

capable of.

Beverly mentioned that Keep has

the team in blocked shots.

She already likes what she sees from

presence out there that doesn’t get phased out there in those critical moments.”

whole team.”

With almost the whole nucleus of the team set to return next season, Beverly said that Keep is going to play a vital role on the court but believes there is more that Keep can offer on the court.

When asked, she said that she wants to see Keep be more of a vocal leader.

“She has proven that she has the capability to do that,” Beverly said.

Keep said that the team loves to play together, and they know what they are capable of.

With a couple of years left, she will be looking forward to growing as a player, a leader and as a team overall.

“We’re just going to grow more and

squad, scoring eight in an overtime win

Although she has improved her game as

more together these next two years,” Keep

against Grace Christian and then tallying

a post player in the two years since she

said. “I’m really excited to see what the

eight points in the victory against Westover

switched, Keep knows she has a long ways

future holds.” •

PICTURED: Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy sophomore Taylor Keep. Photo by William Seidel/Lake Life.

41

SPRING 2021

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE SNAPSHOTS SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS Send in your scenic photos of the Smith Mountain Lake area for a chance to be published in Lake Life magazine and Smith Mountain Eagle newspaper. Email quality photos at less than 10MB to C.E. Adams at editor@smithmountaineagle.com.

Please include name of person who took the photo and where and when the photo was taken.

Mark Wilkinson took this photo of an eagle occasionally seen around the B11 marker area of the Blackwater Channel.

Jim Evans took this photo of a boat decorated as the sun sets on Smith Mountain Lake.

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

George Bowers submitted this photo of an eagle hanging around Smith Mountain Lake on the afternoon of Dec. 22.

The sun rises on New Year’s Eve in Sontag over Chestnut Mountain looking toward Snow Creek in Franklin County — the “land between the lakes.”

Karl Martin of Rocky Mount wished all a happy and healthy 2021.

42

Shown is a sunrise at Mariners Landing Resort at Smith Mountain Lake.

Rar A.Smith-Schaaf took this photo of a mirror image of Smith Mountain Lake reflected in an ornament.

Katie Pagans of Wirtz submitted this photo.

Carolyn Coleman took this photo of Smith Mountain Lake from her home on Jan. 28.

Chris Levey submitted this photo taken from Saunders Point Road in Huddleston.

Tim StJohn of Moneta sent in this photo of a snowman taken Jan. 31.

43

Lois Pannell of Moneta woke up Jan. 28 on Park Way Ave. at Smith Mountain Lake to this scenery.

SPRING 2021

Notes From The River

RADIO

W

hen all else failed, owing to lack of transportation or weather — outdoor activities and even many churches closed in winter — there was always the radio. It was our contact with the outside world during our isolation. We ran ours by batteries through WWII, up to 1947 when Southside Electric finally reached us. However it was powered, the radio was a huge part of our daily life, whether it brought news, “preachin’,” or pure entertainment.

We never played it in the barn. Earl thought it kept the cows from “givin’ their milk down.” But at the house, it was on from first light to lights out. In the morning, it was weather and news with Irv Sharp in Roanoke. His reports were interspersed with Dr. Pepper ads and music from Mac Wiseman, making his move from Crimora, Virginia, to immortality in Nashville.

Roanoke radio in the 1940s was his first big step. Later, Don Reno and Red Smiley became almost synonymous with Sharp.

At noon, as we ate what we called “dinner,” we had the news and farm report, brought to us by Smith-Douglass fertilizer.

Livestock prices were updated, and it’s here I learned what L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

44

a gilt and barrow were. Then came two 15-minute programs that helped create the term “soap opera.” We listened to them daily before returning to work.

The first was “Our Gal Sunday.” I forget which soap sponsored her, perhaps because I was never too excited about whether “a girl from a small mining town in the West could find happiness as the wife of an English lord.”

But “Ma Perkins” was a different story. Oxydol soap brought her rocking chair commentary into our kitchen daily, along with her buddy, Shuffle Shober, as well as her daughter Fay with her various amours.

(Duz, Rinso and other detergents similarly defunct, foamed over the air ways, as did Super Suds that delivered “Blondie and Dagwood” on Sunday evenings.)

Ma was so popular throughout America, that Frances Perkins, FDR’s Secretary of Labor, was called “Ma Perkins.”

The best part of this program was its slowly — I mean slowly developing plots. After school started, I could still pick up the action at Thanksgiving break, despite the lost episodes.

“Notes From The River” Series

By Glenn Ayers

If it was raining, or I was in the house before milking time, Vicey would be listening to “Pepper Young’s Family,” “Stella Dallas” or “Backstage Wife,” while at her sewing machine.

When she left to milk, I’d flip on “Jack Armstong, the AllAmerican Boy. In the evenings at supper, we loved “Lum’n Abner” in their “Jot-em Down Store,” as their lives were much like ours.

“Fibber McGee and Molly” were funny and cleared the listening palate for the show.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, from out of the past came the thundering hoof beats of the great horse, Silver. We sat riveted in our seats as “the daring and resourceful, masked rider of the plains, led the fight for law and order in the early western United States.” The Lone Ranger and Tonto stormed through our lives with a hearty “Hi-Yo Silver! (and) “Gittum up, Scout.”

Sports was a hot ticket item on the radio, then, though baseball and boxing were the only ones that interested us at the time. We often listened to fights at night, particularly the

championship bouts. We had our ears glued to the speaker when Joe Louis fought, especially the night after the War when he fought Billy Conn. It seemed most of America heard that fight on the radio.

A friend in North Carolina told me years later, he knew the exact date of the Louis-Conn match. He and his father capsized their boat in the Alligator River during a storm. They managed to get to a little island to await morning and rescue.

“We had a battery radio,” he said, “and we listened to the Louis-Conn fight.”

Station KDKA in Pittsburgh had a powerful signal at night.

We’d listen to the Pirates play baseball via the incomparable voice of announcer Rosy Rosewell. When the team was on the road, Rosewell would read the results on a ticker-tape, then “create” the game for us. We never knew any different, though we sometimes wondered why the crowds were so silent in those other ballparks.

Such was Radioland on the Road. • 45

SPRING 2021

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Lot 2 Hidden Grove Ct Goodview, VA 24095 Total Acreage: 1.18

$215,000 MLS#856387

2 WFT LOTS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

0 Hidden Grove Court Goodview, VA 24095 Total Acreage: 2.64

P

$199,000 MLS#842447

24.8 ACRES WITH BOLD STREAM

REDUCED

PERFECT CABIN IN THE TREES • POINT LOT

Tract 1 Serenity View Lane Wirtz , VA 24184 Total Acreage: 24.80

$117,500 MLS#844546 Lot 18 Jeramiah Run Lynch Station, VA 24571 Total Acreage: 1.11

$145,000 MLS#802251

Lot 104 F Greenberry Drive VA e Horse Farm, is on One of the Franklin market!

County’s finest, 174 Acre One Horse Farm, ofisFranklin onPittsville, the market!

County’s finest 24139 24137 • $ 1,600,000 • MLS#874616 1540 & 1704 Listening Hill Road, Penhook, VA 24137 • $1540 1,600,000 • MLS#874616 & 1704 Listening Hill Road, P Total Acreage: use, and a 2013 This gorgeous low-maintenance country This estategorgeous has 2 homes: a 50’s character one-level country updated Farmestate house, foreman’ and a 2013 has low-maintenance s 2home homes: one-level toforeman’s a 50’home s character to upda 0.69 x28 Art/Hobby care-for and Studio work care-for the Ranch. w/pine Nice almost-new andbeams work Morton 4 stalls the on Barn;Ranch.

Morton cathedral 22x28 Art/Hobby Nice ceiling; Studio almost-new w/pine beams Morton on cathedral Morton ceiling; Morton 4 stalls Bar wboy cabin; numerous Hay storage/Maintenance Hay horse 30x48 storage/Maintenance Tractor run-ins; Barn; rustic earlywood-shed 1900’s wooden cowboy30x48 cabin; barn, numerous Tractor horse and run-ins; a Barn; wood-shed fully barn, rustic and a fully early 1900’s $199,900 ape. There are fenced3 ARENA stocked riding fenced ring, andPonds, multiple ARENA gated/fenced and riding pastures, 175 dot ring, acres the landscape. and of There great multiple are 3 stockedhunting, Ponds, gated/fenced and 175 acres on of great pastures, do MLS#866836hunting, on ering over 3000’ gently rolling, feet mostly gently on pasturethe land rolling, withPigg tobacco barns River mostly and somewith woods, pasture bordering a sandy over 3000’ land feet swim-beach! onwith the Pigg River tobacco with a sandy swim-beach! barns and some AMAZING LAKE & MOUNTAIN VIEWS

“BUILD YOUR DREA

AKES LING 2 • LAKES 2 LIFE-STYLES!” • 2 LIFE-STYLES!” “SELLING 2 LAKES • 2 LIFE-STYLES!”

“SELLIN

ABR ABR ABR GRIANDERSON, GRI GRI RSON, DERSON, REG REG AND H a .com H www.V .com P a www H .com.V P

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ltor.com

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RegAnderson@Realtor.comRegAnderson@Realto

MONETA RIDGE • 16869 ROAD MONETA , MONETA, LONG & ROAD FOSTER VA • HALES , MONETA, FORD BRIDGE • 16869V LONG MONETA A ROAD,& MONETA, FOSTER VA • HALES FORD BRID

INT LOTS

ACREAGE & POINT LOTS Lot 2 Hidden Grove Ct Goodview, VA 24095 Total Acreage: 1.18

ACREAGE

Lot 16 Lot 2 Lot 16 Lakes Edge Drive, Hidden Grove C Lakes Edge Drive, Goodview, VA Goodview, Goodview, VA VA 24095 24095 24095 Total Acreage: Total Acreage: Total Acreage: 2.17 1.18 2.17

INCLUDES A DEEDED INCLUDES DOCK COVERED BOAT INCLUDES SLIP DOCKINCLUDES A DEEDED COVERED BOAT SLIP

$215,000

$95,000

$95,000$215,000

MLS#856387

MLS#875622

MLS#875622 MLS#856387

0 Hidden Grove Court Goodview, VA 24095 Total Acreage: 2.64

0 Gallows 0 Hidden Grove 0 Gallows Road Court Road Gretna, VA VA Gretna,Goodview, VA 24557 24095 24557 Total Acreage: Total Acreage: Total Acreage: 59.87 2.64 59.87

2ONE WFT LOTS THE PRICE OF ONE 2 WFT LOTS FOR THE PRICE OF PRIVATE HUNTING & FISHING TRACT • 59 ACRES PRIVATE HUNTING & FISHING TRACT • 59FOR ACRES

$199,000

$399,000

$399,000 $199,000

MLS#842447

MLS#860537

MLS#860537 MLS#842447

Tract 1 Serenity View Lane Wirtz , VA 24184 Total Acreage: 24.80

Lot 1B Alberts Lot 1B Alberts Tract 1 Way Serenity View La Way Lynch Station, VA Wirtz , VA Lynch Station, VA 24571 24184 24571 Total Acreage: Total Acreage: Total Acreage: 7.50 24.80 7.50

MAIN CHANNEL 24.8& ACRES MOUNTAIN WITH BOLD STREAM VIEWS & NOWITH HOA BOLD MAINSTREAM CHANNEL & MOUNTAIN VIEWS & NO HOA 24.8 ACRES

REDUCED

$117,500

$209,000

$117,500 $209,000

MLS#844546

MLS#844855

MLS#844855 MLS#844546

Lot 18 Jeramiah

Lot 120

REDUCED

LotLot 120 18 Jeramia Run Gretna, VA Lynch Station, V Gretna, VA 24557 24571 24557 Total Acreage: Total Acreage: Total Acreage: 2.28 1.11 2.28

AMAZING PERFECT & GENTLE LAKE FRONT VALUE AMAZING & GENTLE LAKELOT FRONT VALUE CABIN IN THE PERFECT TREES • POINT LOT CABIN IN THE TREES • Island POINT Point Drive Run Island Point Drive

Lynch Station, VA 24571 Total Acreage: 1.11

$145,000

$67,500

$67,500$145,000

MLS#802251

MLS#849500

MLS#849500 MLS#802251

8170 Tolers Ferry Lot 104 8170 Tolers Ferry Lot 104 Road Greenberry Driv Greenberry Drive Road Pittsville, VA Pittsville, VA Pittsville, VA Pittsville, VA est, 174 Acre Horse Farm, is on the market!

24139 24139 24139 24139 d, Penhook, VA 24137 • $ 1,600,000 • MLS#874616 Total Acreage: Total Acreage: Total Acreage: Total Acreage: pdated Farm house, and a 2013 low-maintenance one-level foreman’ s home to 0.69 0.69 w/pine beams on51.75 51.75 Barn; Morton 22x28 Art/Hobby Studio cathedral ceiling; Morton 00’s wooden cowboy cabin; numerous horse run-ins; wood-shed and a fully $199,900 $395,000barn, $395,000 $199,900 , dot the landscape. There are 3 stocked Ponds, and 175 acres of great hunting, on MLS#866836 MLS#870523 MLS#870523 MLS#866836 me woods, bordering over 3000’ feet on the Pigg River with a sandy swim-beach!

FROM THE TOP OF SMITH MOUNTAIN - 180 DEGREELAKE LAKE VIEWS FROM THE TOP OF SMITH MOUNTAIN - 180 DEGREE LAKE VIEWS AMAZING & MOUNTAIN VIEWS AMAZING LAKE & MOUNTAIN VIEWS

AM HOME!”

“BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!”

“BUILD YOU

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16869 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121 • 540-797-2247 • Licensed in the State of Virginia

Best of ssML ML

LODGING DIRECTORY

Lodging information sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide.

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LODGING DIRECTORY

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Are you aware how Hearing Loss affects your Brain?

According to researchers at John Hopkins University, untreated hearing loss may to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain resulting in possible social isolation, dementia, and balance issues.

Call today to see if your family and friends ARE in fact mumbling!

We have all experienced the feeling of isolation and difficulty reading lips with the COVID mandates. Can you imagine what it is like for someone with hearing loss? They can no longer read lips due to masks which leads to more feelings of frustration and isolation.

Timothy Bratton, HIS noticed his mom growing more isolated as her hearing loss worsened, leading him to become a hearing care professional. We would like to help you hear and understand your world better as he did with his mother.

Tim and Veronica Bratton believe everyone should be able to get hearing help if they choose. They offer the best prices for the best technology with the best patient care.

We continue to pray for the safety of our patients and community.

Call our office today to schedule your complimentary hearing evaluation.

SOUNDZ LYNCHBURG

T

he Bible says “He that hath EAR, let them HEAR.” Timothy Bratton, H.I.S has been helping that come to fruition for people for over twenty years. Now, he and his wife Veronica are looking forward to their third year in Lynchburg as the new owners of the Soundz Lynchburg location. Tim and Veronica are committed to continuing the mission of helping people hear and understand their loved ones with the best technology, for the best price, and with the best service.

Fairway Village at Westlake 13335-A Booker T. Washington Hwy. Hardy, VA 24101 Tim knows first hand the importance of your loved ones hearing and understanding you. His own mother and sister each have profound hearing loss. He spent several years with his mother smiling and pretending she heard and understood the family. This is one of the reasons he chose hearing as a profession, he wanted to help his family.

Tim treats all of his patients as he would want his mother treated. Our best advertisement has been our happy patients.

After having been a Liberty University student in the late 70’s it has been a profound experience for Tim to be back in Lynchburg and seeing Jerry’s vision being fulfilled. Tim recalls the days of singing “I want that mountain” and now he gets to see the Rise of LU Athletics to FBS status.

540-912-0128

Most importantly, Tim and Veronica give all the glory for Soundz’s success to Jesus. When you do business HIS way you are doing it the right way.

www.soundzhearingcva.com

2018

FINALIST

Lynchburg • 1319 Enterprise Drive, Suite A Wyndhurst • 434-239-4327 (HEAR)

www.soundzlynchburg.com

DINING DIRECTORY

Dining information sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide.

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family! g the whole n ri b to ce la , is a great p rly Waller’s e rm fo L, M Drifter’s at S

Drifter’s •

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DINING DIRECTORY

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EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Education information sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide.

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HEALTHCARE DIRECTORY

Healthcare information sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide.

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Carilion Wellness Westlake

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Discover the King’s Grant

Difference!

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Lake Life’s Best of ssML ML

Now

may be the best time to move to King’s Grant. The confidence you get from living in a top-rated community recognized for its value and quality of care is priceless.

And the lifestyle choices you have are impressive as well.

• Thoughtfully designed cottages, many with open floor plans • An array of apartment selections, each with a balcony or patio • Welcoming garden homes surrounded by scenic backdrops • Walking trails with picturesque landscapes • A variety of health, wellness and social programs • A clubhouse where you can socialize with friends or engage in some friendly competition

Quality and choice.

That’s what makes King’s Grant distinctive.

Call today to schedule your virtual or in-person tour.

Only a few cottages and apartments currently available.

Independent Living. Assisted Living. Memory Support. Skilled Nursing.

350 King’s Way Road Martinsville, VA 24112 800.462.4649 | 276.634.1000

www.kingsgrant.cc

CHURCH DIRECTORY

BAPTIST Barnhardt Baptist Church 1033 Brittle St., Goodview, (540) 890-2076 Chamblissburg Baptist Church 9226 Stewartsville Rd., Moneta, (540) 890-2105 Franklin Memorial Baptist Church 3980 Truman Hill Rd., Hardy, (540) 721-3991 Glade Hill Baptist Church 6608 Colonial Tpk., Glade Hill, (540) 576-2580 Halesford Baptist Church 2485 Lost Mountain Rd., Wirtz, (540) 721-8640 Quaker Baptist Church 4665 Chestnut Fork Rd., Bedford, (540) 297-4454 Rocky Mount Baptist Church 85 W Church St., Rocky Mount, (540) 483-2641 Sandy Level Baptist Church 10817 W. Gretna Rd., Sandy Level, (434) 927-5459 Sandy Ridge Baptist Church 231 Bonbrook Mill Rd., Rocky Mount, (540) 483-2356 Vitalize Church 84 Westlake Rd., Hardy, (540) 580-8760 White Rock Baptist Church 8730 Edwardsville Rd., Hardy, (540) 890-1236

BAPTIST-MISSIONARY Franklin Grove Missionary Baptist Church 3727 Hatchett Rd., Penhook, (540) 576-1258

BAPTIST-INDEPENDENT Goodview Baptist Church 1057 Grace Ct., Goodview, (540) 890-4822

Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church 1307 Oakwood St., Bedford, (540) 586-8988

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

BAPTIST-SOUTHERN Palestine Baptist Church 9244 SML Pkwy., Huddleston, (540) 297-4442 Radford Baptist Church 1293 Radford Church Rd., Moneta, (540) 297-5214 Staunton Baptist Church 15267 SML Pkwy., Huddleston, (540) 297-6753 Westlake Baptist Church 2075 Scruggs Rd., Moneta, (540) 721-8784 BRETHEREN Boones Chapel Church of the Bretheren 2228 Circle Creek Rd., Penhook, (540) 576-1129 Smith Mountain Lake Community Church 6675 Burnt Chimney Rd., Wirtz, (540) 721-1816 CATHOLIC St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 15 Glenwood Dr., Rocky Mount, (540) 483-9591

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Resurrection Catholic Church 15353 Moneta Rd., Moneta, (540) 297-5530 St. Andrew’s Catholic Church 631 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke, (540) 344-9814 CHRISTIAN Greater Canaan Land Church 303 Canaan Land Dr., Gretna, (434) 656-3402 Christ Community Church 14900 Old Franklin Trnpk., Penhook, (540) 576-4242 First Church of Christ, Scientist/ Christian Science Church 2901 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, (434) 845-0526 Eastlake Community Church 1118 Hendricks Store Rd., Moneta, (540) 297-0966 Faith Fellowship 100 Wirtz Rd., Wirtz, (540) 334-3477 First Church of Christ, Scientist 1155 Overland Rd., Roanoke, (540) 343-4889 Goodview Church of God 1057 Grace Ct., Goodview, (540) 890-4822 Jehovah’s Witnesses of Bedford 1534 Link Rd., Bedford, (540) 586-2035 Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witness 5969 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Wirtz, (540) 721-1212 Mt. Ivy Christian Church 5120 Scruggs Rd., Moneta, (540) 721-5060

SML Seventh Day Adventist Church 10802 Moneta Rd., Moneta, (540) 296-2225

Penhook United Methodist Church 29 Morgans Fork Rd., Penhook, (540) 576-1768

Trinity Ecumenical Parish (Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran) 40 Lakemount Dr., Moneta, (540) 721-4330

Redwood United Methodist Church 3001 Old Franklin Trnpk., Rocky Mount, (540) 483-9090

West End Church of Christ 610 Vaden Dr., Gretna, (434) 656-1072

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church 35 N Main St., Rocky Mount, (540) 483-5338

Wirtz Assemblies of God 1718 Burnt Chimney Rd., Wirtz, (540) 721-3099 EPISCOPAL Trinity Episcopal Church 15 E Church St., Rocky Mount, (540) 483-5038 St. Johns Episcopal Church 314 N Bridge St., Bedford, (540) 586-9582 St. Thomas Episcopal Church 9575 Big Island Hwy., Bedford, (540) 586-4768 GREEK ORTHODOX Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 30 Huntington Blvd. NE, Roanoke, (540) 362-3601 St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church 1724 Langhorne Rd., Lynchburg, (434) 384-7585

OTHER Lynchburg Korean Church 2409 Judith St., Lynchburg, (434) 847-2523 Shekijah Preparation Assembly 104 Fleetwood Dr., Lynchburg, (434) 237-7721

Three Oaks Fellowship United Methodist Church 1026 Gravel Hill Rd., Vinton, (540) 890-8300 SYNAGOGUES Agudath Shalom Synagogue 2055 Langhorne Rd., Lynchburg, (434) 846-0739 Beth Israel Synagogue 920 Franklin Rd., Roanoke, (540) 343-0289 Temple Beth Shalom 129 Sutherlin Ave., Danville, (434) 792-3489 Temple Emanuel 1163 Persinger Rd., SW, Roanoke, (540) 342-3378

METHODIST Bethesda United Methodist Church 14340 Wyatts Way, Huddleston, (434) 944-8011 Bethlehem United Methodist Church 13586 S. Old Moneta Rd., Moneta, (540) 297-7957 Burnt Chimney United Methodist Church 6625 B.T. Washington Hwy., Wirtz, (540) 721-3392 Epworth United Methodist Church 60 Merriman Way Rd., Moneta, (540) 721-4926 Patmost United Methodist Church 1405 Patmos Church Rd., Huddleston, (434) 944-8011

Sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide 65

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PUBLIC MARINA DIRECTORY

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SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VIRGINIA JEWEL OF THE BLUE RIDGE 24

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Smith Mountain Lake, nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the most beautiful as well as popular destinations in the Southeast.

More than 40 miles long, the 22,000-acre lake meanders along 500 miles of water frontage. Spectacular views, including phenomenal sunrises and sunsets, provide the perfect setting to enjoy the life.

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SML MAP INFORMATION TO KNOW ______ RESCUE/FIRE/POLICE Emergencies: 911 RESCUE/FIRE/POLICE Bedford City and County: (540)586-4800 Franklin County: (540)483-3000 Pittsylvania County: (434)432-7800 ______ AIRPORTS Smith Mountain Lake Airport (W91): (540)297-4859 Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH): (434)455-6090 Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA): (540)362-1999 ______ BUS/RAIL SERVICES Amtrak (Lynchburg/Roanoke): (800)872-7245 Greyhound: (800) 231-2222

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Eye Care & Surgery

Lake Life’s Best of ssML ML

Voted Best Eye Doctor Office eye care with compassion and excellence

Taking care of your eyes is important and we are here to help! From comprehensive eye exams, contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery, diabetic eye care, glaucoma, macular degeneration, to the latest technology, including laser-assisted cataract surgery!

Call for your appointment today.

Smith Mountain Lake - eyecaresurgery.com - (540) 721-4433

Let the #1 Real Estate Company in the U.S. aggressively Market and Sell your Home!

Homes Needed

I have several families looking for homes.

Here are 3 examples of what’s needed in the Smith Mountain Lake, Franklin County and Bedford area ...

1.

Waterfront home with a dock

2.

Single family home in Franklin County and Bedford County area

3.

Waterfront lot to build that has a dock or able to build a dock

If you have a home you are thinking of selling ... contact ...

Michelle

VANDERGRIFT Realtor, Licensed in the Commonwealth of VA

540-819-1992

mvandergrift@kw.com Serving Smith Mountain Lake, The Roanoke Valley and Surrounding Areas Each office is independently owned and operated

KELLER WILLIAMS, SERVING ALL REAL ESTATE NEEDS AT SML AND IN THE ROANOKE VALLEY

Huge Selection • Great Service Great Location Will Deliver to Smith Mountain Lake

www.lynchburgpowersports.com 434-525-8200

1036 Jubal Early Drive, Forest, VA 24551