SME Lake Life August 2022

2022

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ISSUE NO. 7 |

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STAFF EDITOR/GENERAL MANAGER C.E. Adams WRITERS Adam Powell, Emily Duncan, Emily Southern, Diana McFarland, William Seidel DESIGN | LAYOUT Jess Ingram GRAPHIC DESIGN | ADVERTISING Amanda Meadows FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, CONTACT: 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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SMITH MOUNTAIN EAGLE

INTERROGATION OF THE SOUL Attacked by endless echoes of guilt, uncertainty and responsibility I do not have an alibi, an excuse, an explanation.

Yes, I think I was there.

No, I do not remember.

I do not understand.

Explain it to me again.

What did I do?

Tell me I’m to blame over and over again.

Tell me what you want me to recall.

Torture me and I’ll confess to those things I did not do.

(A poem by Melodye Kimball of Moneta)

Lake Life ISSUE NO. 7

Cover and contents page imagery by Jeff Reid.

10 14 18

Reel Connections

Class Treat

Regatta Joy

21 22 25 29 30

Stop Invasive Plants

Puzzle With Memory

A Dairy Powerhouse

Sweet Tooth

6 34 - 45

SML SNAPSHOTS DIRECTORY ISSUE 7

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2022

Floral Flair 5

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

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.

Photo by Jeff Reid.

Shown are fireworks over Smith Mountain Lake on July 2 coming from Parkway Marina.

Photo by Jeff Reid.

Chris Bittinger Wakeboarding. Photo by Jeff Reid.

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

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The area recently endured several violent late afternoon thunderstorms. This lightning strike hit the shoreline just north of Mitchell’s Point Marina in Huddleston.

Contributed photo.

Jean Maas submitted this photo of a fish up close and personal at the end of Hales Ford Road.

Nancy Ellett submitted this photo of Brody Witmer, the grandson of Nancy and Rick Ellett of Sea Tow, having fun on the water of Smith Mountain Lake.

Stefanie Rucker submitted this photo of her 5-year-old son, Emmit Rucker, jumping off the dock at his grandparents Steve and Carolyn Holskey’s house.

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L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

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“BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!”

Reel Connections Story by Adam Powell

On the morning of June 25, the Smith Mountain Striper Club (SMSC) hosted the first annual “Reel Connections with Kids” fishing event at Crazy Horse Marina and on Smith Mountain Lake. The organization invited a group of local children to spend a day learning about boating, fishing and enjoying life on the water.

“

The idea culminated through the Striper Club back in the wintertime,” SMSC member and event organizer Kevin Bugg said in a recent interview with the Smith Mountain

boating. Providing the opportunity for local children who don’t

Eagle. “We decided this would be a good way to get some

“Lake Christian Ministries, they vetted out the children,”

children who maybe would never have an experience like this.

Bugg said. “They work with families throughout the area along

The toughest part was trying to figure out how to get kids that

with the Boys and Girls Club, who helped us find some children.

may have never been on a boat, or live around the lake and don’t

The criteria was (identifying) children who may never ever get to

really experience the lake like a lot of us can.”

experience something like this. That’s really who we were trying

get to spend much time on the lake or enjoying fishing was the primary goal of the first Reel Connections for Kids event.

The Smith Mountain Striper Club worked with Lake Christian

to get to. They work with families around our area. They know

Ministries and the local Boys and Girls Club to identify local

the families, whether they just don’t have the means.”

children who didn’t have much experience with fishing and L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

“Although they may live around the lake, many of them never 10

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Participants are shown at the Smith Mountain Striper Club’s first annual “Reel Connections with Kids” fishing event at Crazy Horse Marina. Contributed photo. On overleaf, Cayden Beckner and Chase Reynolds (above) show off their catches June 25 at the Smith Mountain Striper Club’s first annual “Reel Connections with Kids” fishing event at Crazy Horse Marina. Contributed photo.

see the lake. And probably a lot of them had never been on a boat

them about boater safety, and when you’re on a boat to listen to

before,” Bugg continued. “The majority of the kids came from

the captain, and stay in your seat until you’re told to get up. That

Lake Christian Ministries. They work with a lot of families in

kind of thing. So they did get some good education on boater

social services, so they know their needs. Next year, I think we’re

safety. The captains talked about boats in general, explained to

going to get both organizations to help us, because they really do

them the parts of a boat. So they got some boater education.”

work with the kids and know the kids in the area that would have

“Once the kids were out, they stayed out from about 6:30

the interest, and would want to show up.”

a.m. until 10:30; 11:00, the boats got back to the docks. We had

SMSC had a total of 16 children show up to participate, along

everybody come back to Crazy Horse (Marina), and they brought

with seven local boat captains who had agreed to take the

the fish. We also decided early on that it would make more sense

children out on the lake. While on the boat, the children got a

to take a member of the fishing club along with a licensed charter

chance to learn about boater safety, fishing and the technology

captain who does this for a living, and put them all together on

on the boats that assist captains in locating certain types of fish.

one boat,” Bugg explained. “On each one of those boats, we had

The captains spent several hours trolling with the children along

a couple of kids, one of their guardians, a club member, and of

the lake, helping them understand the process of catching fish.

course the captain of the boat. They got to see the electronics and

“We started the day; everybody got to the docks about 6 a.m.,”

see what fish look like on fish finders, and watched the captain

Bugg explained. “At 6:30, we had instructions for all the captains

bait the hooks and explain everything to them.”

and the kids. Making sure they had life vests on. We did talk to ISSUE 7

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“Everything was trolling, so they trolled for the striper. As 11

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

Fishing rods were available for children who didn’t have much experience with fishing and boating at the Smith Mountain Striper Club’s first annual “Reel Connections with Kids” fishing event at Crazy Horse Marina.

Contributed photo.

usual in Smith Mountain Lake, that’s what you typically catch.

their catches home with them,” Bugg said. “We supplied them

But we caught some catfish. We caught some large mouth bass.

a goodie bag of juice boxes and snacks for while they were on

So it was good to see some different species caught as well,”

the boat, but we also had them a little cooler, so we could take

Bugg continued.

the cooler and pack it with the fish so they had a way to get them

In addition to a large number of local volunteers who assisted

home. And then we gave them recipe cards, so they could take

the children with everything from holding the fishing poles to

them home and know how to cook the fish.”

packing them snacks, there also were sponsors who provided

“We also had a Department of Wildlife and Fisheries there to

the children all the materials they needed in order to go fishing.

talk about why we try to sustain fishability in the lake, and why

Once the children were back on the shore with their catch, a

we try not to overfish it,” Bugg continued. “We tried to explain

group of seasoned fisherman helped them prepare their fish

to them that if you want to continue to have fish, you have to be

for consumption, while a Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

good stewards and good conservationists. And I think a lot of

representative spoke with them about how the state regulates

them got it, because they had some good questions.”

fishing stocks in Smith Mountain Lake to promote sustainability.

“We had sponsors,” Bugg added. “The way we funded this

“We had probably 25 volunteers. We had volunteers on the

thing, we went to area sponsors, and we were able to get some

boats. We had volunteers getting the kids ready to go. And then

donations to go out and buy each kid a fishing rod and a tackle

we had volunteers cleaning the fish, so the kids actually took

box. Every child that participated got a rod and a tackle box with

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

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tackle in it. Kroger helped us out with food and drink. When they

it from them. They were so happy to think somebody gave them

got back to the docks, they had breakfast. Wendy’s in Westlake

a fishing pole and some tackle in a box. It was pretty neat.”

provided breakfast for everyone. Between volunteers and people

After such a positive initial experience, event organizers

from the community, and the kids, their guardians, and the

are already eager to begin making preparations for the second

community folks that came out, we probably had 70 people at

annual Reel Connections for Kids event in the summer of 2023.

the docks. It was a pretty good crowd. Everybody got a biscuit

“This was our first one. We actually got this whole thing put

and a drink. Then they got to take pictures with their fish, and

together in less than six months, which was a feat within itself,”

talk with some members of the club — experienced fisherman who cleaned their fish for them. It was a cool day. The boat

Bugg said. “We didn’t start this planning until about December.

captains loved it.”

The first thing we did was get the date on the calendar, and

At the end of the day, once everyone had assembled back at

then started calling captains. (SMSC member) Ken Britske was

Crazy Horse Marina, many of the children opened up about how

instrumental. He and Chad Gilmore, the president of the club,

much fun they had, and how they were hopeful to do it again.

really stepped in. It was a pretty cool event.”

Although some of them weren’t thrilled at the start of the day

“We felt like we kind of knew how it was going to go down, but

to get on a boat, most all of them were happy they participated.

it went off really well,” Bugg added. “So we decided that this is

They enjoyed learned about the fish-catching technology

going to be an annual event. Every year we’ll try to go in and start

and getting instructions on how to use their new fishing poles

working with Lake Christian Ministries and the Boys and Girls

and tackle.

“Each kid at the end, if they wanted to, could get up and talk

Club in getting kids scheduled, and make sure the boat captains

about the day, and a few of them did,” Bugg said. “They were 8

have the date well in advance. Every single charter captain wants

to 12 years old, so they’re not big public speakers. But probably

to come back next year. In addition, the ones who couldn’t do it

four of them got up and just talked and said how much fun it was,

want to. So I think right now we have maybe 14 captains who

and it was a great time. They were thankful that they were asked

want to participate next year. Which means we can serve a whole

to do this, and they want to do it again. A very positive end to the

lot more kids next year.”

day. When they got back, they were holding fish and smiling. It

“Lake Christian Ministries and the Boys and Girls Club, they

was pretty cool just to see the change in their attitude once they

will be our main sources to get the children. And we’ll talk to

actually got to participate.”

Franklin County and Bedford County Parks and Rec, because

“The electronics on the boats have changed a bunch. It’s not

they have good programs for children. We’re going to reach out.

like jumping in a canoe with a cane pole,” Bugg continued. “The kids did have questions about how do you know where the fish

We’d be happy if we can serve 20 to 25 kids a year. The age group

are. Each of these captains have pretty high-tech fish finders.

is about 8 to 12. We figured that’s a good age. They don’t get too

You’re looking at the screen, and it looks like you’re looking at

bored. They’re not too much into technology. We’ll do this again.

a fish. So that was pretty cool to them. But we also explained to

It was too cool not to do it.”

them that you can fish off a pier, and here are the techniques.”

The Smith Mountain Striper Club is looking forward to

In addition to the great fishing, one of the boats ran across

helping make Reel Connections for Kids a regular and much

a remarkable moment of nature at Smith Mountain Lake, as a

looked forward to early summer event among Smith Mountain

black bear was spotted swimming nearby.

Lake’s youth.

“We even had one boat that ran across a black bear swimming,”

“The club really is a bunch of fisherman who are trading

Bugg said. “They were more excited about seeing a bear in

secrets on how to catch fish, and concerned about making sure

the lake than they were catching fish. That’s kind of a rare occurrence. It happens. I’ve seen deer, fox and a lot of things in

the lake stays healthy and the fishery stays healthy,” Bugg said.

that lake, but you don’t see black bears swimming all that often. I

“But also giving back to the community is a big part of it. This

think it was good for them to get out and get into nature. Each of

was our first really big community project, and I think the whole

them were holding those poles like somebody was going to take

club can get behind this, because it was a pretty cool day.” •

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L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

Class Treat Story by Emma Duncan and Emily Southern

At Franklin County High School, the Made In America class recently raised over $1,700 for the American Cancer Society through planning, dedication, and a little help from the community.

This creative operation, a small business called Festive Feeders, was mostly student-led; however, this didn’t stop them from making a massive impact.

B

y Friday, May 13, the Made In America class had collected a total of $1,721 from donations and sales of outdoor bird treats. Just a few days later, on Monday, May 16, two representatives from the Discovery Shop, an arm of the American Cancer Society, came to FCHS for a check presentation.

“The money will be used for research and support programs for cancer patients,” Co-manager Barbara Cobaugh said. “We have no paid staff, (so the society gets all the money).”

Made In America is a newer class through the Eagle Tech program that combines 11th grade English with Intro to Entrepreneurship in a project-based learning environment. Last year, when the class began, students created their own business L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

plans, but this year a change needed to be made.

“Teachers Lee Frye and (myself) found that (entrepreneurship students were) struggling with business startup activities because they had no business experience! (We) decided to remedy that by having the class launch and run their own business … to gain experience that would help them plan more realistically,” explained Shannon Brooks, co-teacher for the class. “In November 2021, Festive Feeders was born.”

Additionally, this year’s Made In America class differed from the previous year because those students’ personal businesses were only hypothetical, while Festive Feeders became more than just a grade — it was a reality.

The premise of Festive Feeders was to create outdoor bird 14

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At Franklin County High School, the Made In America class presents an oversized check, representing $1,721.61 the students collected, to Becky Morisette and Barbara Cobaugh, representatives of the Discovery Shop in Moneta, an arm of the American Cancer Society. Photo contributed by Emma Duncan.

treats in various shapes to be sold as gifts. Every design, production and marketing element, as well as several trial and error recipe phases, took place during 90-minute class periods, all while these students were also being taught English and other entrepreneurship skills. The teachers, of course, guided these other activities, but everything Festive Feeders related was led by a student board of directors. “(Students) chose a board of directors, CEO, and vice presidents for marketing, production, finance and sales,” Brooks said. “The stockholders (all class members hold stock) selected the American Cancer Society to receive all the profits from the business, in light of several teachers and family members currently battling cancer.

The students created a budget, and with funds donated by a teacher, they secured equipment and supplies to start operations with four production lines and a daily goal of 48 ornaments.”

Many Made In America students elaborated on Brooks’ point by sharing that they voted to support the American Cancer Society because it helps treat any kind of cancer. This reportedly stood out to them because their teachers each had/have different forms of cancer, including bone cancer and lymphoma, to name a few.

In order to raise money for this charity, students also had to find places in the community to sell their products. One ornament was $3, a four-pack, called the Birdie Bundle, was $10, and if customers wanted a Seasons Tweetings package, which was four ornaments ISSUE 7

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gift wrapped, it was $13 total.

“Their big break came when they were invited to set up a booth at (the) Rocky Mount Downtown Christmas Festival.

With thousands in attendance, the students sold close to 200 ornaments and raised over $800 in sales and donations,” Brooks recalled.

Although students felt their profit was substantial already, the Made In America class continued during the second semester, and, therefore, so did their production and sales.

“With spring on the horizon, and a unit on writing business plans coming up, Frye and I decided to launch the company for a second season, this time focused around Mother’s Day gift-giving.

We also added the requirement that students had to secure their own funding this time,” Brooks said.

On Thursday, March 31, a small team of Made In America students — Juniors Emma Wooldridge, Alex Wabalda, Raven Smith, Damien St. Vincent and Sav McClintic — met before school with the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount to deliver their business plan and funding request.

“When we first arrived at the meeting, we were all very nervous even though we were prepared,” said Wooldridge, CEO/president of Festive Feeders. “The Rotary Club offered us breakfast, and we waited for the meeting to begin. The club went through their normal meeting things they do, and they also 15

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

Franklin County High School Junior Brendan Mills, pictured at left, mixes ingredients for another batch of Festive Feeders during class time. The Festive Feeders, shown at right, came in several shapes, including circles and hearts. Photos contributed.

inducted a new member. Once all of this was done, it was time for us to present, (and) we all did well! We had requested $300 dollars in funding for our business. After we asked if anyone was willing to donate, there was an awkward pause where no one said anything and then one person said they’d give $20. Next thing I knew all of the people were pulling money from their wallets to give to us. I went from table to table collecting money from each of the people and we ended up getting $362 dollars, which was amazing!”

These funds allowed the class to make hundreds more ornaments and cover their booth fee of $40 at the Vinton Dogwood Festival, which was staffed by Juniors Alex Archinal and Raven Smith.

“Their goal (was) to produce and sell 200 more ornaments at the Vinton Dogwood Festival; between sales and donations, they (hoped) to raise another $900 for the American Cancer Society, bringing their total donation this year to nearly $2,000,” Brooks said.

This goal was almost met, as students sold just under 300 ornaments; however, they only received $650 due to their Birdie Bundles.

Some additional funds were raised by selling Festive Feeders L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

during the school day to end with a grand total of $1,721.61 by Friday, May 13. Along with this sum, Frye and Brooks both noted that their students gained maturity and professionalism this year.

One student, Wooldridge, was even offered a job after meeting with the Rotary Club.

In addition to collecting the funds, the Discovery Shop also took the remaining bird treats to sell at their store, continuing their many acts of giving.

“We have a resource center in the shop that has information on all types of cancer and places to go for help. We have a Breast Cancer Support group that meets monthly. We also helped establish a prostate cancer support group,” Cobaugh shared.

“The shop is the perfect example of a triangle: donors-shoppersvolunteers. The Discovery Shop is a place to come for a great bargain and more importantly for support when someone has cancer or a caregiver needs support.”

The Discovery Shop is located at 400 Scruggs Road, Suite 500, in Moneta and is open Wednesday through Saturday, opening at 10 a.m.

(Emma Duncan, who finished her junior year at Franklin County High School, is the editor of the school’s newspaper, The Eagle. Emily Southern recently graduated and was a staff writer.) • 16

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Shown are some of the boats in Blackwater Yacht Racing Association’s 2022 Invitational Regatta on Smith Mountain Lake.

Photo contributed by Ray Lekich.

Regatta Joy “The winds were not super cooperative, but we were able to run three races on good courses for the sailors,” said Tom Miller, fleet captain of Blackwater Yacht Racing Association (BYRA) who is in charge of running the club’s racing program.

H

e was referring to Blackwater Yacht Racing Association’s 2022 Invitational Regatta, which was held in June on Smith Mountain Lake.

“Our first race was great, though shortened due to light winds,” Miller said in an article published July 13 in the Smith Mountain Eagle newspaper. “The second race was set up well, but the wind shifted as we were starting the race so the course was not ideal.

Sunday we had to wait for the wind to fill in, but when it did, we had an excellent race.”

Three races were run in Bull Run and the Blackwater River L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

on June 4 and 5 to take advantage of the weekend’s prevailing northeasterly winds.

“I really enjoyed seeing all the sailors on the course, especially the younger crew members, some of whom joined us for their first racing experience,” said Jim Schaible, commodore of Blackwater Yacht Racing. “People think sailboat racing is a slow motion sport for older people to enjoy, but when you are in the midst of a racing start, it is anything but slow and boring. The great thing about sailboat racing is that it is a sport you can enjoy for many years, from youth to retirement, and both men and women can 18

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Participants in Blackwater Yacht Racing Association’s 2022 Invitational Regatta enjoy their time on Smith Mountain Lake. Photo contributed by Chuck Bittner.

participate. We had one boat compete that usually competes with a crew of only women.”

Following racing on Saturday, June 4, the club had a wellattended barbecue dinner for the racers and their families, catered by Dale Wright of Barbed Wire Sauces from Rocky Mount. Regatta shirts created by CS ThreadZ from Westlake were distributed to the participants. On Sunday, June 5, awards were given to the skippers of the top three boats in each class.

In Class I for overall results, Fourqurean/Kovach in the boat named Dark Horse placed first, Cliborne in Jolly Mon placed second, and Philip in Rascal placed third.

In Class II, Chapin in Sparkle Plenty was first, Toone in StressLess was second, and Whitt in Destiny was third.

In Class III/IV, Schramm in Freedom won first place, Schraw in Second Wind won second, and Oginz in Alarming won third.

The regatta was co-sponsored by ML Realty, an independent real estate agency that has been selling real estate in the Smith Mountain Lake area since 1999, and ML Hospitality, a property management firm based at Mariners Landing that offers waterfront condo accommodations for vacations, reunions, corporate events and more.

Sponsors also included Schnool Enterprises, which is a small to medium IT Service and support business offering consulting and IT support to nonprofits, for-profit companies and educational institutions, and Woodland Brittanys, which supports and promotes AKC registered Brittany dogs.

BYRA welcomes anyone who would like to learn to sail as crew on a sailboat, or race their own boat, to contact Jim Evans, membership chairman at sailboatnavigator@gmail.com.sport for older people to enjoy, but when you are in the midst of a racing start, it is anything but slow and boring. The great thing about sailboat racing is that it is a sport you can enjoy for many ISSUE 7

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years, from youth to retirement, and both men and women can participate. We had one boat compete that usually competes with a crew of only women.”

Following racing on Saturday, June 4, the club had a wellattended barbecue dinner for the racers and their families, catered by Dale Wright of Barbed Wire Sauces from Rocky Mount. Regatta shirts created by CS ThreadZ from Westlake were distributed to the participants. On Sunday, June 5, awards were given to the skippers of the top three boats in each class.

In Class I for overall results, Fourqurean/Kovach in the boat named Dark Horse placed first, Cliborne in Jolly Mon placed second, and Philip in Rascal placed third.

In Class II, Chapin in Sparkle Plenty was first, Toone in StressLess was second, and Whitt in Destiny was third.

In Class III/IV, Schramm in Freedom won first place, Schraw in Second Wind won second, and Oginz in Alarming won third.

The regatta was co-sponsored by ML Realty, an independent real estate agency that has been selling real estate in the Smith Mountain Lake area since 1999, and ML Hospitality, a property management firm based at Mariners Landing that offers waterfront condo accommodations for vacations, reunions, corporate events and more.

Sponsors also included Schnool Enterprises, which is a small to medium IT Service and support business offering consulting and IT support to nonprofits, for-profit companies and educational institutions, and Woodland Brittanys, which supports and promotes AKC registered Brittany dogs.

BYRA welcomes anyone who would like to learn to sail as crew on a sailboat, or race their own boat, to contact Jim Evans, membership chairman at sailboatnavigator@gmail.com. • 19

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

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physical, mechanical, biological and chemical have also been evaluated.

In 2016, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission released sterile triploid grass carp into Smith Mountain Lake as a way to combat the invasive SAV — a method employed in 46 other states.

The sterile carp, which live from nine to 10 years, eat the preferred invasive SAV first and hydrilla is one of the most common food eaten by the fish.

The fish have been successful in ridding the lake of the invasive SAV, but it also ate the native vegetation.

Each year, a survey is done to assess the changing conditions of the hydrilla beds. As the life span of the sterile grass carp nears its end, American Electric Power will watch to see if the native and invasive SAV beds reestablish themselves.

Recent inspections in the lake do not indicate regrowth of non-native submerged aquatic vegetation, however, seeds within the beds can remain dormant for years.

Once native and non-native beds begin to re-establish, local agencies such as the Trip-County Lakes Administrative Commission and the Smith Mountain Lake Association will assess whether further treatment is necessary.

Property owners and recreational boaters are a valuable resource in keeping an eye on these areas of underwater plant life.

As invasive SAV are often similar to native species, suspected hydrilla beds should be noted with a good description of the location.

Suspected non-native invasive beds of subsurface aquatic vegetation should be reported to TLAC. SMLA, working with TLAC, will confirm the type of bed found.

If fishing, and a triploid grass carp are caught, the angler is required to release the fish. DCNR regulations do not allow fishermen to catch and retain.

To prevent the further spread of hydrilla and other invasives, the Smith Mountain Lake Association asks boaters and individuals to adhere to the following practices: • Avoid boating through mats of hydrilla. This will minimize fragmentation and the spreading of plants.

• Clean any mud and/or plant fragments from your boat, propeller, boat trailer and all your gear including waders and boots before leaving a water body. Rinse equipment and boat hulls (with high pressure, hot water when possible) • Drain all of the water from your boat (including the bilge, live well, motor), trailer, tackle and gear before leaving the area.

• Dry your boat, trailer and gear after each use.

For aquarium owners, never release aquarium or water garden plants into the wild. Instead, seal them in a plastic bag and throw them in the trash.

Membership and charitable donations support the work of SMLA. To learn more, visit www.smlassociation.org. •

Hydrilla

Stop Invasive Plants Story by Diana McFarland

I

nvasive vegetation can arrive at Smith Mountain Lake by “hitchhiking” on boats, trailers and fishing gear. These aggressive plants, most notably hydrilla, can also get a foothold when individuals dump aquarium and water garden plants in the lake.

Once established, hydrilla and other non-native underwater can overtake native vegetation and choke off the lake for boating, fishing and other recreational uses.

Native submerged aquatic vegetation, or SAV, oxygenates the water, which helps fish, as well as provides food for waterfowl and turtles. Smith Mountain Lake contains many varieties of native SAV, including duckweed, longleaf pondweed, nitella, sago pondweed, slender pondweed, southern naiad, lily pads and waterwillow.

Hydrilla, on the other hand, can harm fish because it depletes oxygen levels of the water.

This invasive plant has been found in Smith Mountain Lake, along with curly leaf pondweed and Brazilian elodea — threatening the existence of the native species.

That is why the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) is asking residents and visitors to be diligent in cleaning boats, trailers and gear, as well as not dumping aquarium plants in the lake.

Hydrilla is native to Southeast Asia and arrived in the United States in the early 1950s through the aquarium trade. It is thought to have arrived in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., in the early 1980s.

Most likely, hydrilla spread across the U.S. through transfer of plant fragments by boats and personal watercraft. All it takes is a one-inch fragment of the plant to start a new colony. This plant forms extremely dense mats that grow to the surface of the water body making boating and swimming difficult.

To begin combating the invasive vegetation, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) had a full lake survey conducted of SAV from 2002 to 2006. The survey found that non-native species were in the lake and hydrilla was the main concern, according to the Smith Mountain Lake Association.

However, the study also found that the water level fluctuations in Leesville Lake prevented hydrilla from getting established there, as no beds were observed as part of the project.

Low water levels in Smith Mountain Lake in 2007 revealed several patches of hydrilla in several locations. To combat the beds of hydrilla, herbicides were used from 2002-2007. Other techniques, such as ISSUE 7

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21

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

Puzzle With Memory Story by William Seidel

G

rowing up, siblings Roy Martin and Thelma Perdue were inseparable best friends, according to Danny Perdue, who is the son of Thelma Perdue of Moneta. As the big sister to Martin, Thelma Perdue always looked out for him when they were children and helped him in his time of need, sometimes even taking care of him, Danny Perdue said.

Now, even though Martin has been dead for 10 years, he is returning the favor to his sister in her time of need with Alzheimer’s disease through a puzzle he created.

In the mid 1960s, Danny Perdue’s uncle always had the mindset of helping others and one day decided to create a puzzle to help identify animals and numbers to help parents develop the minds of their children. Danny Perdue said the puzzles allowed parents to teach their young children learning through visualization and putting the puzzle pieces of the animals and numbers in their right spot.

Danny Perdue said that one day, Martin decided to present it to his workplace in Bedford called Rubatex, a company that manufactured rubber. Danny Perdue said the company back then was always looking for potential ideas, in which Martin had presented ideas to them before, and decided to take a chance with his puzzle since it was made from rubber-like material.

Danny Perdue said that once Rubatex decided to move forward with his uncle’s idea, it was the last time his family had seen or spoken of the puzzle for more than 50 years. Not only did they not see or speak about it after that, but Rubatex closed permanently in 2010, one year before Martin passed away. The brand has since carried on through GCP Industrial Products.

Three days before Martin had passed away, his older sister Thelma Perdue was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is currently in her 11th year living with the condition. Danny Perdue said his mother has really started to feel the impact of Alzheimer’s, as she has gotten to where she is forgetting names.

Due to her memory declining, Danny Perdue decided to find simple puzzles online that he could sit down with his mother and do together to give her mind a little workout.

Once he started searching, Danny Perdue was met with one of the biggest shocks and nostalgic moments of his life – he L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

stumbled on the puzzle his uncle had created more than half a century ago.

“I had not seen them anywhere for a long time. I just went on the Internet searching ‘puzzles for Alzheimer’s patients,’ and when I saw it, I knew that’s what I wanted because her brother was the one that had created it,” Danny Perdue said.

He mentioned he even showed the puzzle to his siblings once it was delivered to his address and added that his sister in particular had a shocked reaction. Danny Perdue said his sister has an original puzzle that Martin had made for her when she was a child.

How exactly did he figure out it was the same puzzle his uncle created? According to Danny Perdue, when he found the puzzle, he said he noticed the puzzle contains ABCs rather than animals that Martin originally created. However, he found that the numbers puzzle had the same exact number designs and colors that Martin had used to make his puzzles 50-plus years ago.

He added Martin didn’t make the alphabet version of the puzzle but said he was sure that it arose from the idea of having animals and numbers puzzles. The puzzles don’t have a title but are just labeled Alphabet and Numbers Foam Puzzle. Danny Perdue said his uncle didn’t give a name to the puzzle when he created his version.

Danny Perdue remembers pulling it out for the first time, and it looked exactly like how his uncle made it. He added that the outside section of the puzzles even had a near-identical feel to it as the ones his uncle made 50-plus years ago.

“It was made just like these are made,” Danny Perdue said.

He said it was an overwhelming feeling knowing the puzzles went from helping kids to also assisting those with Alzheimer’s disease. Fighting back tears, Danny Perdue said when he rediscovered his uncle’s puzzle creation, he said he believes it was Martin actually speaking to him, telling him that even though he passed away 10 years ago, he was still going to find ways to help his sister, just like she helped him during their childhoods.

“That’s why it means so much,” Danny Perdue said in a choked-up voice.

He said when he showed his mother the puzzle, she didn’t 22

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This stock photo shows someone using a puzzle. Thelma Perdue of Moneta was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 11 years ago and uses a puzzle created by her brother Roy Martin in the mid 1960s. No photo of Perdue was provided.

he watches his mother do it, but he imagines her and her brother

have any memory of it. He mentioned that part of having Alzheimer’s disease is that those with it may experience a lot of anxiety because of what could be going on in their mind. When she starts having those episodes, Danny Perdue will pull out her brother’s puzzle and tell his mother to come help him work on the puzzle together.

They do both the numbers and letters puzzles, and he said it can take up to 30 minutes to complete both from start to finish.

“I would do one, and then I would let her have a turn.

Sometimes, it will take her a while to figure it out, but that’s good because it’s helping her mind work,” said Danny Perdue.

He added that they can’t do the puzzle for a long period of time because those with Alzheimer’s have difficulty staying focused and concentrating on the task at hand. He noticed that she actually enjoys figuring out each puzzle, but if they have nights where they can finish both puzzles, she will get overwhelmed.

“You can tell she doesn’t want to do it a second time, but we can always come back the next day and redo it. It’s new to her every time,” Danny Perdue said.

When they restart the puzzles every night, Danny Perdue said ISSUE 7

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now spending quality time together. He said it’s no coincidence that one of the happier and relaxing moments of her day is when she is sitting with him working on the puzzles his uncle created.

Danny Perdue also added that if anyone has relatives or loved ones who are living with Alzheimer’s disease, this type of puzzle can help them as well.

“It’s a way to distract them, and it’s a way to get their mind centered on something else when they are living in a moment of fear and anxiety,” Danny Perdue said.

He said that the fact that the puzzle was meant for kids at a young age when his uncle created it but has since become a helping tool for those with Alzheimer’s disease is just a reminder that life comes full circle sometimes.

“It blessed us when we were little, and I don’t think he had any idea or even thought that his idea would help so many people as I’m sure it’s helping worldwide now. But most importantly, he had no idea it would help the one person that helped him the most when he was little,” Danny Perdue said. • 23

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

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ISSUE 7

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Shown are employees working at Homestead Creamery.

A Dairy Powerhouse Story & photos by William Seidel

With hot temperatures these summer days, a nice cold and tasty treat can always be counted on. In Franklin County, one doesn’t have to look far to find the birthplace of Homestead Creamery, which creates some of the most popular ice cream and milk around.

F

ounded in 2001, Homestead Creamery has been treating the citizens of Franklin County for 20 years and has also been serving vendors outside county lines. One of the most noticeable food chains that carry Homestead Creamery products is Kroger, which has become a popular selection in their dairy aisle. Their products are also served in Wegmans and Whole Foods in parts of North Carolina and near Richmond.

The Homestead Farm Market is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Heather Williams, who is the farm market manager and has ISSUE 7

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been with Homestead Creamery for about three years, said the local creamery at first only served dairy, milk and ice cream.

“That’s how it first started,” she said.

She added that it grew from dairy and ice cream into the farm market store and opened a deli several years ago. The deli serves hot sandwiches, with the hot panini being a popular choice. The meat served is from Boar’s Head, and the panini bread is sourced through US Foods. For cold sandwiches, they use Boone’s Country Store bread.

“We do fairly well with our deli each day,” she said.

Williams noted that they feature produce, ice cream, dairy, 25

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

The milk selections also are extremely popular and offer a rich taste in any flavor one chooses. Williams said chocolate milk is the most popular flavor choice, and the popular choice for white milk is whole milk, followed by 2 percent milk.

No matter if it’s at the market or at one of the vendors, a large selection of people look for their products. She has seen lots of social media comments and received calls from customers expressing their concern if a store has ran out of their products, wanting to know when they will get them back in stock. All of this just shows how popular Homestead Creamery has become and how it’s become a destination that families can enjoy spending time together.

“Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to gain a very loyal client base between our locals and even our vacationers that are coming back this year,” Williams said. “It’s been great to see all the new faces. It’s just a local destination for a family to come and hangout and enjoy good products.” •

Shown are various jars of Homestead Creamery’s products.

Inside the Homestead Creamery store.

Apparel for sale at Homestead Creamery with the company logo.

gifts and knickknacks, which are different each season. They try to keep all the products locally through their farmers and vendors to keep everything in the community to support local agriculture and farms around the county.

The most popular section in the market, according to Williams, is the ice cream section, which has 22 flavors that they continually keep in stock. When someone pulls into the parking lot, they can almost expect to see a family sitting at an outside table or under a shaded deck on one of the rocking chairs or bench area enjoying their ice cream. They have hand-dipped ice cream and also carry ice cream by the quart.

“Between those two, we do much business,” she said.

Williams said the top choices are butter pecan, lemon crunch, black raspberry, moose tracks, peach, strawberry, and chocolate.

She also mentioned that they have been extremely busy serving ice cream this summer coming out of the pandemic with fewer restrictions than last year.

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

Some of Homestead Creamery’s products.

26

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new venture is taking care of the local sweet tooth in Huddleston. Mia’s Sweet Factory held a grand opening at 10102 Leesville Road in May, and provides local residents with all kinds of desserts, including their specialty: cheesecake.

“Mia’s Sweet Factory specializes in cheesecake. We also offer a range of pastries as well as ice cream and an espresso bar,” said Amanda Bodnar.

Bodnar was excited to get going in time for the summer months and is optimistic that Mia’s Sweet Factory will carve out a local niche in the area with its selection of pastries and other delicious sweet treats, along with organic tea from Greece, Stumptown Coffee, specialty partyware, baking accessories, organic candles and organic home remedies.

“I am thrilled to be able to open a bakery to Huddleston. The support from the local residents is abundant. Many have stated that I filled a need for the area,” Bodnar said.

Mia’s Sweet Factory started in October 2019 out of Bodnar’s home in Campbell County and has expanded as more people in the area have tasted their baked goods and other selections.

“I have always enjoyed baking with my daughter Mia, and with the support of friends and the community, they encouraged me ISSUE 7

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to start an in-home business,” Bodnar explained. “Being from California, I am used to there always being a local bakery or coffee shop on almost every corner. It was entirely different when I moved to Huddleston. While Lynchburg and Forest offer many bakeries and cafes, there was nothing out in this area. After speaking with local residents, many stated that one was needed in the area.”

In addition to offering special offer orders for cheesecakes in various sizes, including whole cakes, individual pieces, “Large Muffin Size,” as well as bite-size, which are perfect for gatherings, parties and even wedding dessert bars, Mia’s Sweet Factory also offers special orders for cupcakes and vanilla bean scones.

“I believe the advantages to opening a bakery is you get to brighten everyone’s day with something sweet,” Bodnar said. “I’ve once heard the statement, ‘When you give someone a dessert, it means you’re thankful for them.’ We are blessed to have a fabulous, hard-working staff with excellent service.”

Mia’s Sweet Factory’s summer hours started June 3. The business is open Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The business is closed Sundays and Mondays. • 29

L AKE LIFE MAGAZINE

Floral Flair Story by Adam Powell European floral designer Antonina Cretu, shown above, stands in the interior of Antonina’s Floral Design, which opened this year at Westlake Towne Center. Contributed photo.

T

he Smith Mountain Lake community has a new local florist in town, as Antonina’s Floral Design opened at Westlake Towne Center this year.

cut flowers and foliage. Antonina and her team design custom

Antonina’s Floral Design offers a wide range of fresh flowers,

“Antonina is my wife’s name, and we named the shop after her.

all arranged in-house by Antonina Cretu (hereafter referred to as

We recently moved in the area — we live in Hardy. We recently

“Antonina”), a distinguished European floral designer with more

moved down here after 25 years in New Jersey. Regionally, we are

than 20 years of experience in the floral design industry.

from Romania. The reason we moved here is we were looking for a

arrangements that best fit everyone’s personal style, aesthetic appeal and desired financial investment.

Antonina’s specialties include a flair for creating unique

peaceful area, and God found it for us,” said Cornel Cretu (hereafter

and custom floral designs that blend vivid colors and textural

referred to as “Cornel”), Antonina’s husband and co-owner. “My

combinations for any occasion. From just a simple “Thank You”

wife, she has been a florist for over 21 years now. She worked full-

bouquet, to all types of occasions, including funerals, weddings or

time for a flower shop in Central Jersey. The business was named

corporate events, Antonina’s Floral Design does it all, using fresh

the same — most of it was weddings and other types of events.

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Since we moved here, obviously she wanted to continue with her

fully trust God. We are Jesus followers. We had no idea about the

passion, and I support her passion. We are a family owned and

lake (Smith Mountain Lake) that exists, or those mountains, until

operated business.”

about a year ago, when we decided to move down here. It wasn’t in

Visitors to the store at 75 Westlake Road in Hardy, as well as those searching online at antoninasfloraldesign.com, will see that

our plan. We had never visited or vacationed down here. But God

Antonina’s Floral Design offers flowers and arrangements for all

led us here. And though we had different choices where to open up a

types of life events, everything from welcoming a newborn child

business, God said you asked for peace, and I brought you to peace.

into the world to assisting with funerals. Everything is fresh, and Antonina’s Floral Design also offers plants and planters in addition

He told us that Westlake is the peaceful area that we asked for. So

to flowers. Antonina’s Floral Design offers flowers for corporate

we listened to him. We just looked to have a nice business in a nice

events, as well as corsages and boutonnieres, fruit baskets, gift

location with an amazing landlord where we rent the space. We’re

baskets, roses, tropical plants and many other types of items.

surrounded by wonderful people in this area.

They can accommodate birthdays, anniversaries, get-well wishes,

Antonina’s Floral Design is open Monday through Friday from 9

congratulatory wishes, romantic flowers for events such as Valentine’s Day, and other occasions.

a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The business

“We do it all in-house, from newborn babies all the way through

is closed on Sundays. For more information about Antonina’s Floral

all kinds of life events. Weddings, graduations and funerals,” Cornel

Design, visit antoninasfloraldesign.com, or call 540-565-0255. •

explained. “We sell all fresh flowers, and a variety of plants and planters. We do it all in-house. You can bring your own planter in, and we’ll plant it for you. We are happy to be here and surrounded by amazing people — amazing residents. This area, we very much love, so far.”

The Cretus have found a happy home in Hardy and are excited to bring their years of expertise in the floral industry to the Westlake area.

“We chose the location in Westlake because it is a peaceful and beautiful area. We’re just happy to be part of this community. Not just to do business here, because it’s our hometown, but also to give back to the community. Give back to the county that we live

New family owned business. 20 plus years experience.

in, and participate fully with everything in our area and with our community,” Cornel said.

5 OFF $55 ORDER OR MORE

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The staff of Antonina’s Floral Design has been pleased at the way the local community has embraced the new business since it first opened up, and they are excited at being a part of the neighborhood.

They are thankful to God for bringing them to the local area, and they are looking forward to assisting residents with their floral needs for many years to come.

540-565-0255

“Everybody has embraced us. We’re amazed, everybody, because everybody shows us their love,” he said. “Since everybody is happy

75 Westlake Road • Hardy, VA 24101

that we exist, and they’re happy to have a flower shop in their town,

Westlake Town Center, next door to Verizon!

where they can just call and place an order, or go online and place

Orders@AntoniasFloralDesign.com

an order, or simply walk in and grab some fresh flowers for their loved ones.”

www.AntoninasFloralDesign.com

“All credit to God,” Cornel continued. “We are Christians. We ISSUE 7

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LODGING DIRECTORY

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

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DINING DIRECTORY

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

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Napoli by the Lake 773 Ashmeade Rd., Moneta • (540) 346-2205

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DINING DIRECTORY

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Wake Cafe

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EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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

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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

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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 ISSUE 7

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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

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 ISSUE 7

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

Sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide 43

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HEALTHCARE DIRECTORY

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

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