2022 | ISSUE NO. 8 | FREE Lake Life YOUR GUIDE TO SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE & THE SURROUNDING AREAS




540-721-0700 •westlakeautomotive.com 13720Booker TWashingtonHw y• Moneta Sales &Ser vice Nowofferingpreviously owned,qualityvehicles Ourexpertswill continue to maintain your vehiclein topnotch condition SaServiceandsaleswithintegritymegreatcustomerservice Your Smith Mountain Lake Auto Connection! Thank you for votingus Best Auto ServiceShop in Franklin County westlakeautomotive.com540-721-0700 13720 Booker T. Washington Hwy Moneta, VA 24121Best2010-2016Automotive Your Smith Mountain Lake Auto Connections! Service • Quality • Convenience • Foreign & Domestic • Tire Service Quality local service you can count on! You have the right to choose your repair facility! You want the best... we're here! "The finest in auto body & paint repairs" Located in Westlake... yes, we're local, your neighbors! 540-721-4000 95 Springlake Drive, Moneta, VA 24121 • absolutesml.com FreeWarrantyLifetimePickup&Delivery BEFORE AFTER AFTER You have the right to choose your repair facility! You want the best... we’re here! “The finest in auto body & paint repairs” Located in Westlake... yes, we’re local, your neighbors! 95 Springlake Drive, Moneta, VA 24121 • absolutesml.com 540-721-4000 Lifetime Warranty • Free Pickup & Delivery Best of sML 1stPLace Lake Life’s BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER































































































































































This ad was turned intentionally. Inc.Properties,RetreatLake years40overforLakeMountainSmithSelling 24104VAHUDDLESTON,ROAD,HOUSEWHITE6760 LLCProperties,RentalRetreatLake businesseslocalinbrochurerentalourforLook one.requesttouscontactor540-297-6002•800-421-6980 atshowingsrequestandlistingsareaallSearchwww.lakeretreat.com sales@lakeretreat.com:email franchisednotPersonalized, athomesrentalvacationfrontlake75overSearch www.lakeretreat.com rentals@lakeretreat.com:email StandWeUnitedofBest s ML 1 st P L ace Life’sLake





























(A poem by Melodye Kimball of Moneta)
EDITOR/GENERAL MANAGER C.E. Adams WRITERS Adam Powell, Courtney Mendenhall DESIGN | LAYOUT Jess Ingram GRAPHIC DESIGN | ADVERTISING Amanda Meadows FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, CONTACT: advertising@smithmountaineagle.com540-719-5100 Lake Life Magazine is published throughout the year by Womack Publishing Company, the publisher of the Smith Mountain Eagle “The Lake Newspaper.” FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Smith Mountain Eagle 1650 Scruggs Road Wirtz, VA 24184 or call 540-719-5100 PUBLISHED BY WOMACK PUBLISHING COMPANY ©2022 Let Me Help •••YourgrowYouBusiness!PrintEditionSpecialPublicationsOnlineMarketing SMITH MOUNTAIN EAGLE 434.441.1877 advertising@ smithmountaineagle.com Call TJ Today! Call Us Today! 540-719-5100 advertising@smithmountaineagle.com SMITH MOUNTAIN EAGLE STAFF
THE BUFFALO ROBE Whispering your name, you came as the wind caressing my skin, gently brushing my hair from my face, kisses as soft as breath. Lying dormant in the earth, I called and you brought life back to me as the sun, your fire burning my heart, teaching me the glories of light. I lay in darkness pleading for your touch and you revealed to me mysteries of moonlight dancing through the trees. I reached for you beneath the buffalo robe and discovered the warmth of your body next to mine. I danced for you around the fire, your hands bringing forth music that stirred my soul. I cried out for you and you held me, protecting me from unknown fears and realities too certain. I searched for you through the storm and you calmed the skies with your gaze. I beg for you now… and wait. I’ve loved you through the ages.





















5ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE Lake Life SML SNAPSHOTS 6 DIRECTORY 36 - 45 10 Pirate Days a Blast 14 100 Years of Church 19 Pet Volunteers 20 Rescue Horses 26 Horton’s Scholarship 28 Bringing ‘Hippie’ Back 30 Golfing Satisfaction ISSUE NO. 8 *Cover image of Deborah Carpenter on Smith Mountain Lake by Jeff Reid. This almost looks like time-lapse photography! It's the famous Shedoos of SML coming around the bend heading to Mitchell's after their weekly Thursday ride. Photo by Dale Grady.

John and Carol Light of Penhook’s six-month-old grandson Harrison LaMaster, their “little GA peach,” had his first experience in sharing the family’s love of living the lake life in Penhook. His parents are Justin and Emilee LaMaster. Contributed photo.
Burnt Chimney Volunteer Fire Department Truck at National Night Out at the Westlake Cinema Parking Lot. Photo by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
editor@smithmountaineagle.com.
Please include name of person who took the photo and where and when the photo was taken.
6LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKEMOUNTAINSMITH 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
A child has fun with bubbles at National Night Out at the Westlake Cinema Parking Lot. Photo by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Shown is a night photo taken June 29 by Susan Beraglia of the landmark arches at Vista Pointe.








People enjoy a nice boat day on the lake. Photo by Jeff Reid.
Dillon Johnson (right) of Winfield, West Virginia, was visiting his relatives for a family reunion at SML when he caught his very first fish July 29: a citation 38.5-inch, 23-pound striped bass. He fished with Captain Kenny Short. Johnson is a national standout saxophone player and straight-A student who will be entering West Virginia University this fall. He is shown with Uncle Tim Kaufman from Roanoke and Uncle Adam and Aunt Jennifer “Jennygurl” Clark from Port Charlotte, Florida. Contributed photo. Shreve Cassarino took this picture July 15 of her daughter Ella Cassarino on a beautiful day on Smith Mountain Lake.
7ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE
A child greets a police dog at National Night Out at the Westlake Cinema Parking Lot. Photo by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.







REG ANDERSON, LONG & FOSTER • HALES FORD BRIDGE • 16869 MONETA ROAD, MONETA, VA www.VirginiaProPertiesandHomes.com www.LeesvilleLakeRealtor.com (540) RegAnderson@Realtor.com580-6960 “SELLING 2 LAKES • 2 LIFE-STYLES!” ABR GRI 101 Lake Ridge Drive, Gretna, VA 24557 $857,000 • MLS#891570 Views of lake invite you into great room and straight out to back deck. A second deck off kitchen allows you to enjoy alfresco dining while enjoying sunsets. Gentle slope to 180 feet of shoreline. Upstairs offers antique oak barn board hardwoods throughout main level. Oversized master suite with walk-in shower & 6ft. insulated soaker tub. Downstairs offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Cortex flooring, wet bar with beverage refrigerator & family room!! 275 Lake Ridge Drive, Gretna, VA 24557 $559,900 • MLS#891569 Beautifully landscaped, rustic cape style southland log home on peaceful, natural, Leesville Lake! Upstairs bedrooms overlook family room w/log railing/spindles. Huge trex type deck outside overlooking the lake. Cozy rocking chair full width front porch. 3 car detached garage has floored man cave above, or potential extra bunkroom. Lower level has 10 foot high foundation walls/ceiling with a safe room and lots of potential expansion possibilities.
$750,000 • MLS#890584
UNDER
A magical lakefront estate privately nestled on 2.66 acres, double dock w/ boat lift & double jet ski lifts. Spacious kitchen, large breakfast area leading out onto the screen porch, great room w/ towering windows & fireplace, entry level includes master ensuite, office & dining room, lower level theater room & game room. Upper level offers a spacious family room w/ bar, two guest suites, 2 full baths plus bonus/office room. CONTRACT
240 Lakeland Drive, Moneta, VA 24121
UNDER
$2,125,000 • MLS#889564
Gorgeous lake home in one of SML’s premier gated communities. In-ground swimming pool, sandy beach w/ fire pit, deeded covered boat slip w/ lift, no mowing, boat ramp & gated storage area, guest/day docks & deluxe 6 person golf cart sold separately. Huge great room, kitchen , dining room, half bath, all hardwood flooring on entry level open floor plan. Plus 3 covered outdoor attached porches (600+ sq.ft) to enjoy the lake and nature! CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT
350 Lands End Circle, Union Hall , VA 24176 •










ACREAGE & POINT LOTS “BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!” Lot 9 Robin Ridge Court Pittsville, VA Total24139Acreage:1.94$129,000MLS#875793 SMITH MOUNTAIN & LAKE VIEWS! Tract A-D Hines Chapel Rd, Pittsville, VA 24139 Total Acreage: 33.36 $395,000MLS#890151 Lot 34 Water View Court Gretna, VA 24557 Total $139,5000.90Acreage:MLS#876390 PREMIUM HERON LANDING LAKEFRONT Lot 13 Reservoir View Drive Pittsville, VA Total24139Acreage:5.20$135,000MLS#811398 OVER 700 FEET OF LAKEFRONT Lot 104 Greenberry Drive Pittsville, VA Total24139Acreage:0.69$160,000 MLS#866836 BEST-OF LEESVILLE LAKE POINT LOT! Lot 122 Justins Vista Pittsville, VA Total24139Acreage:2.08$119,000 MLS#858432 AMAZING 180 DEGREE VIEWS Lot 205 Acres Court Lynch Station, VA 24571 Total $149,9001.04Acreage:MLS#880408 GENTLE MAIN CHANNEL LAKEFRONT Lot 21 Goodview,ChannelWatersideDrive,VA24095TotalAcreage: 1.43 MLS#$129,000879325 AFFORDABLE SML LAKEFRONT 12 Sunset Bay Road Gretna, VA 24557 Total Acreage: 1.75 $125,000MLS#811969 LOOONG VIEWS WITH DOCK! Lot 200 Siah Glenn Pittsville, VA Total24139Acreage:0.95$97,500MLS#836040 LOOONG VIEWS POINT LOT, GREAT PRICE! JUST REDUCED NEW LISTING! 515 FEET WATERFRONT! 5 ACRES I Have 63 Lots Listed For Sale - LOTS OF POTENTIAL LAKE HOMES HERE!! Buyers: Call me with your wants and needs. Sellers: I personally sold 17 Lots in 2021 - yours needs my marketing!! “ Reg is an outstanding Realtor to work with! Throughout the entire process from initial listing to final settlement, Reg has consistently been a very valuable resource. He has a wide network of contacts in the region, when anything needs to be done, he is able to get it done in a timely fashion, he is incredibly responsive with his communications, and probably most importantly he remains calm, cool and professional in times of uncertainty. Buying and selling a home can be stressful at times, and I am very blessed that I could always count on Reg to help me through any challenges. I have moved a lot in my career - 11 times actually, and in my experience having worked with many Realtors, Reg is absolutely top notch.” -A.E. Leidel INVESTORS DREAM LAKEFRONT WITH 4 ACREAGE TRACTS!












“It is our intention to address any violations we observe,” said Sgt. Tim Dooley with DWR. “This can be done in
“We had a near capacity crowd Friday night (July 15) at Mango’s for the Pirate’s Ball. We had a packed patio and dock’s at Jake’s Place on Saturday with an extended wait to be seated,” Nagel explained last week. “We had a sold out crowd at the Pancake’s and Pirates breakfast that was organized by The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce on Saturday morning. We had a packed restaurant and patio at Drifter’s on both Saturday and Sunday, and we had record attendance at Crazy Horse Marina from both boats and foot traffic. Attendees started showing up at Crazy Horse around 9:30 a.m., and at its peak, we have estimated that there were as many as 4,500 people on the property. The estimated total head count for the day is probably closer to 7,000. This year’s Pirate Days had to make a few changes from years past, notably to comply with a new state law regarding the use of water balloons. Due to an awareness campaign ahead of the weekend and vigilant watches over the various sites, there were no water balloon infractions at this year’s Pirate Days. Prior to the start of the this year’s Pirate Days, event organizers implored people to use other means for their water fights, such as super soakers, water hoses and buckets. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) were out and about during the three-day celebrations on the lake, on the lookout for violators of the water balloon bans.
P.J. Nagel, “The Commodore” of Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days, was pleased with the turnout throughout the Pirate Days weekend July 15-17.
10LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022
Pirate Days a Blast
Story by Adam Powell
I t was an exciting year for the Pirate Days, as the return to normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic brought out thousands of people to Smith Mountain Lake for three days of fun and festivities.

On opposite page, professional pirate Panama Pearl and her 14 -year-old parrot Sapphire are shown at Crazy Horse Marina on Sunday, July 17, as part of Pirate Days. Pearl roams the country in her own traveling pirate encampment where she portrays mermaids and pirates at festivals. Above, Chris and Pat Bechtler of Crazy Horse Marina pose for a photo on a golf cart that has been converted to a pirate ship on the morning of Sunday, July 17. Photos by Jeff Reid.
“It just gets bigger and bigger each year,” he said on the morning or Sunday, July 17. He was seen with Pat Bechtler on a golf cart that was
The majority of the boat water battles, which are a staple of Pirate Days, were held Saturday, July 16, at Crazy Horse Marina. Chris Bechtler, who manages the marina, also was pleased with the turnout this year.
The annual water battles around Smith Mountain Lake that are such a part of the tradition of Pirate Days were unaffected by the water balloon ban, and in some ways, the ban improved the battles.
11ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE a variety of ways to include educating the individuals regarding the changes to the code or, if warranted, an official warning or summons may be issued.”
“The capacity crowds at each of the venues were certainly an unexpected surprise but we — organizers, sponsors, vendors and attendees — were able to comply with the new laws regarding the use of water balloons with no known infractions,” Nagel said. “We were concerned that the banning of water balloons would drastically impact attendance of the water battles. From what I have seen, it actually increased attendance, the water battles were prolonged over previous years battles, and the spontaneous water battles that popped up were happening all over the lake. I have received numerous reports of battles in places that have not previously hosted them.”

12LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 converted to a pirate ship. The marina also hosted pirate reenactors and piratethemed events during the Pirate Days weekend.
Children had a wide range of activities to choose from Saturday at the Crazy Horse Marina, including treasure hunting at the beach, pirate pistol dueling, pistol pirate Lakegoers battle it out with water at the Crazy Horse Marina (above) and Jake’s Place (opposite page) during Pirate Days.
Jake’s Place held a Pirate Throwdown event Saturday, which included musical selections by a local DJ, as well as plank walking and water fights with pirates. The Crazy Horse Pirate Fest, held at the Crazy Horse Marina throughout the day on Saturday, included food and other vendors, as well as live music.
There were balloon animals, a treasure chest filled with fun items for children, and the children could get their faces painted. There also were Pirate Days specials at Drifter’s and special activities at Mariners Landing.
One of the events that kicked off Pirate Days was the Pirate Days Gala, the Champagne and Sea Shanties celebration, hosted by Margaret Craye and the Lifestyle and Lake Real Estate Group, brokered by EXP Realty, on the evening of Friday, July 15. The Pirates Day Gala featured a petting zoo, singing pirates, live music, and tons of food for its participants. Also on Friday night, a large crowd packed Mango’s Bar and Grill for the much-anticipated annual Pirates Ball, while a costume contest was held at the bar at Jake’s Place.
On Saturday, Mexico Viejo restaurant at Bridgewater Plaza held a “Pancakes with the Pirates” event, in which children came in pirate costumes for photos and live interactions with the Pirates of Smith Mountain Lake.
Numerous local businesses had an opportunity not only to take part in the Pirate Days festivities but also to reap the benefits of the extra people who came into town to Lakesidecelebrate.restaurants and attractions such as Los Amigos, Mango’s Bar and Grill, Jake’s Place, Portside Bar and Grill, Crazy Horse Marina, Mariners Landing, Drifter’s, and many others were filled with Pirate Days visitors, which made for plenty of good times and a profitable weekend for the local business owners.

13ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE
“Thepossible.sole reason for hosting Pirate Days is and always has been, to bring business to the lake, and to give the community an event that everyone can attend and have fun at,” Nagel said. “In the past we were voted as the Best Annual Community Event at the lake over many other large events. We treat that title as a badge of honor and try to surpass each previous year. When the event has been called “a new holiday” on the lake, and we know for a fact that Pirate Days has become a destination event for out-of-town guests, we like to think that we are giving the community and the local businesses a truly positive event and reason to be at the lake.”
target range shooting, water fights with pirates, an interactive pirate village for the children to walk through, and swimming with mermaids. A donation to the Mystic Pirates of the Kazim Shriners provided children the chance to obtain a wristband, which allowed them participate in one or all of the activities.
“The organizers of Pirate Days are pleased with the end result,” Nagel said. “We lucked out with the weather, we were blessed with record attendance, and before Pirate Days had ended, we had already received requests for being sponsors and vendors for Pirate Days 2023. We have also had many inquiries as to the dates of Pirate Days 2023 so people can request vacation, reserve rental accommodations, and start making preparations for their attendance — a year away.”
• Photos by Jeff Reid.
The Pirate Days organizational team thanked the numerous sponsors, without which the event would not be
On Sunday, the Pirate Days festivities concluded with a Party with the Pirates at Drifter’s, which was held in the early afternoon, along with the Paddle Sports Poker Run at the Crazy Horse Marina. It certainly helped the Pirate Days organizers that the weekend was filled with sunshine and warm weather, without a hint of rain. That brought out the large crowds that were vital to the event’s success, and brought strong promise for future years.

“This church has quietly become a proven, positive landmark in our Goodview community,” Fielder added.
14LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022
Story by Adam Powell Photos contributed G oing all the way back to the early 1920s, Goodview Baptist Church, located at 1057 Grace Court in Goodview, has been providing the local community with a place for worship and celebration.
Prior to the 11 a.m. worship service on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 21, the church welcomed testimonies and interaction time. Following the 11 a.m. worship service, which will include a dramatic presentation and a reunion choir, there was dinner around 1 p.m. For members of Goodview Baptist Church, who have been working on this 100th anniversary celebration for several months, the festivities are the culmination of a labor of love.
Along with the thousands of church services that have been held at Goodview Baptist over the decades, there are the scores of weddings, funerals, homecoming dinners, and other functions that have brought the local community together.
100 Years of Church
“You have people who move out of the area. You have people that attend different churches. We’re just inviting them back for the special anniversary celebration,” said Goodview Baptist Pastor Joey Phillips before the event.
This summer marks the 100th anniversary of Goodview Baptist Church ministering in Goodview, and Sunday, Aug. 21, was set aside for a special service and fellowship meal to celebrate this occasion.
“There’s a lot of excitement. We’ve been promoting and making this celebration known for most of this year,” said Phillips. “… Several committees have helped in different ways, so all of the load hasn’t fallen on just one person. The excitement has been high.”
“Many of the church attendees are long-term, as well as some newcomers,” added congregation member Ruth Fielder, who serves as a volunteer on the church’s Anniversary Committee. “This country, family oriented church has a rich history of pulling together to accomplish important goals. Throughout the years, many in the community have been positively impacted, encouraged, taught, loved and nurtured by this unassuming excellent pastor/teacher with his staff following his example. The church leadership is also greatly invested in the youth.”
Phillips has been engaging in a series of video interviews with Goodview Baptist parishioners, allowing them to

“I’ve began videoing people who have come to church, and let them share their memories about the church,” Phillips explained. “… I’ve tried to ask people questions according to their“Oneinvolvement.”ofthefamilies that I have talked to and interviewed, they were the first family married in the new sanctuary, which was dedicated in 1974,” the pastor continued. “I’ve tried to ask people different questions based on their association with the church. That has been an ongoing process that we’ve been doing for several months now.”
“We have a wonderful, beloved pastor (Phillips), who has been involved in the community and faithfully, humbly serving this church family for 37 years,” added Fielder. Along with Phillips, who has supported the Goodview Baptist Church community for nearly four decades, Associate Pastor Chris Walker has served the congregation
For the past 37 years, Phillips has been filling the Goodview Baptist Church congregation with love, faith and the Word of Christ. It has been a fulfilling career path for Phillips, who has embraced the local community every bit as much as they have embraced him and his family.
15ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE express their thoughts about the church and its 100 years of service to the local community.
“I came to Goodview in June of 1985. As a matter of fact, Shown on opposite page is the current building for Goodview Baptist Church. Pictured above are Goodview Baptist Church’s Kelly Phillips, Pastor Joey Phillips, Associate Pastor Chris Walker, Jessica Walker, and Children’s Director Nicole Sensenig. I came there the last Sunday of June,” he said. “The second Saturday of July, I got married. So for my wife and I, all of our roots to go Goodview. All of our children were born there and grew up there. We’ve been at Goodview for 37 years“It’snow.”been a great experience for us,” Phillips continued. “For me — everybody has their own experience — but for me, it’s a great family atmosphere. We love the people, and the people in many ways have shown their love to us. There’s a verse in Hebrews that talks about loving and supporting your pastor so they can minister and enjoy, and surely the church has been that for us. So it’s been a great experience.”

“We probably average around 200 (parishioners) on an average Sunday,” Phillips said. “I would say 400 to 500 would be the number of people who may come back (for the 100th anniversary celebration). As I’ve talked to people the last few weeks, a lot of people are planning on coming. These are people who once attended our church that I’ve happened to come across or talk to. Time will tell. It may be more than that. It may not be as much.”
LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE for nearly a quarter of a century, and Nicole Sensenig was brought on board as the children’s director.
“Our associate pastor, his name is Chris Walker. He helps me and works with the teens,” added Phillips. “He’s been with us for 24 years. We’ve got a children’s director who is working as an intern. We’ve got activities for the families, for the teenagers and our children. We’ve got a Family Life Center, which is a full-sized gym. So I think that has helped. A full range of youth activities helps. If we have weddings, or even funerals, a lot of people use the Family Life Center. That’s been an aid.”
“We also had planned on starting a streaming online service at Easter of 2020. Because of the pandemic, we moved that back a couple of weeks and started early with the streaming. We didn’t plan it that way, but the timing just worked out well for us. That probably for a lot of churches has been good and bad. It’s been good to have services online where people can watch it. The difficult thing is I think some people have gotten used to staying at home and not coming out to church, because it’s convenient just to watch at the house. I regularly run into people who are watching it, or people that used to be a part of our church, and maybe live in another state. Now they can touch base as often as they want. At least they get a feel for home from that.”
Goodview Baptist Church is active in the local community, supporting causes such as the Agape Center and various missions. Goodview Baptist has long been a supporter of charitable causes throughout its century of service to the people of the region.
“I think for all churches, the last couple of years have been a challenge because of COVID. Readjusting to meet peoples’ safety needs and preferences,” Phillips continued. “We have two services — an 8:30 a.m. service, and an 11 a.m. service. That helped us some. One service, we had masks required, and one was optional. People who wanted to wear a mask knew they could come to a mask-only service, and people who felt uncomfortable doing that, they had that option (for a mask non-required service) as well. So that helped.”
“We also have a great associate pastor, Christopher Walker, who has humbly served this church for 24 years,” said Fielder. “The associate pastor started off as the youth pastor and continues to carry this role very effectively in addition to his many other roles. Last year, a children’s director was hired, Nicole Sensenig, who is successfully developing programs to better engage and nurture the younger children.”
Along with having multiple services, Goodview Baptist also got through the pandemic by streaming services. But now that COVID-19 is falling by the wayside, Phillips and the rest of the Goodview Baptist congregation were excited at the chance to welcome back hundreds of former church members for the special 100th anniversary celebration.
Despite the persistent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted churches and their congregations all over the world, the membership of Goodview Baptist Church has remained strong. Propelled by the loyal service of local parishioners — many of which have been attending the church since they were children themselves in the 1950s and 1960s — Goodview Baptist Church still enjoys an outstanding weekly following.
“As far as the community, we’re back to full capacity. The pandemic hasn’t stopped us from the activities that we do,” Phillips added. “Our church, we support the Agape Center in Moneta. The Agape Center Rescue Mission. We’re planning a missions trip next summer to Tokyo. One of the men who grew up in our church is now a missionary in Tokyo, Japan. That was exciting to see somebody grow up in the church and feel called to ministry, and go out into ministry.”•
ARM & MORE! 11739 Moneta Road • Moneta, Va hop (540) 297-9166




VitaZ en 12 787 BOOKER T WASHINGTON HWY SUITE 103, HARDY, VA 24101 SALE! 17 items up to 40% off! Open 7 days per week! ▪ Sun. 12-5 ▪ Mon.-Thur. 10-7 ▪ Fri.-Sat. 10-6 www.VitaZen.net • 540-721-9365 SALE! $17.99 REGULARLY $29.99 SALE! $12.99 REGULARLY $18.99 SALE! $15.99 REGULARLY $26.99 SALE! $34.99SALE! $34.99 REGULARLY $56.99









AWARDSFAVORITESREADERS’2021 2944 ORANGE AVENUE NE,540-985-9160ROANOKEFSFOURSEASONSFSFOURSEASONS.COM PERGOLAS AND AWNINGS TREX DECK PLATINUM PROS ADDITIONS AND GARAGES EXTERIOR UPDATESYOUR SOURCE FOR KITCHENS AND BATHS, OUTDOOR LIVING, ADDITIONS AND MORE



Volunteering can be anything from fostering, fundraising, assisting at our spay/neuter shuttle, housekeeping, office maintenance or assistance to reaching out to the community at events.
BHS also is fundraising to build the first ever no-kill shelter.
Anyone who wants to volunteer with the Bedford Humane Society may send an email to volunteer4bhs@gmail.com to find out how to get involved.
Donors should tag donations as: “BUILDING FUND.”
“Our hopes for future are high, but for now our success is intertwined with our amazing fosters and volunteers,” BHS’ website states. “As long as there are homeless pets, we will need volunteers!”
The shelter would provide space for 10 dogs and 40 cats, creating a “safe, comfortable, less stressful place for animals.”There will be indoor and outdoor kennels as well as play areas for socialization and exercise. With the addition of this building, the humane society is looking to “alleviate overcrowding” from the Bedford County Animal“BedfordShelter.Humane Society has been a foster-based facility since 1993, and we are striving to take that next step: to fight the battle against homeless pets, overpopulation, and stand true to our slogan … Saving Lives, Building Families,” BHS stated. Anyone wishing to donate may visit www.bhsva.org to make a donation by PayPal or credit card.
• Story by Courtney Mendenhall Photos by Susan Pratt
19ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE
he Bedford Humane Society of Virginia (BHS) is looking for volunteers, fosters, and board members, and is fundraising to build a no-kill shelter.
The $550,000 fundraising goal includes electrical and sewer prep work, stormwater installations, concrete floor slab, concrete curbs and gutters, sidewalks, parking area prepped with stone, and landscaping.
Pet Volunteers
T
Some volunteers are available daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.
RebeccaPriscillaGraceDean
“We have a variety of volunteer opportunities for everyone, from kids to adults!” said Office Manager and Spay/ Neuter Coordinator Sarah Agoglia. “... Every minute is appreciated and put to good use for the animals.”
Another option for donations include mailing checks to the office at 829 Ole Turnpike Drive, Bedford, VA 24523.











Shown is the horse Promise who recently arrived at the facility from Secretariat Center in Louisville Kentucky. She is the company’s first Sanctuary horse who is 15 and has fractured withers that will prevent her from being ridden. Next to Promise are co-founders Heather Kourcklas (left) and Huxley Greer. Contributed photo.
20LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022



Rescue Horses
“Our mission is to hopefully, eventually just completely stop the ability of people being able to send horses to slaughter,” Kourcklas said in a recent interview. “There are definitely other options than that. Our cause is geared specifically toward the retired racehorses — the thoroughbred that comes off the track. We want to provide racetrack trainers, owners and other people that end up having these horses another option rather than sending them off to slaughter.”
By the end of June, the New Life Center for Thoroughbreds had rescue horses. The New Life Center for Thoroughbreds recently received its first sanctuary horse, named Promise. Promise made her way to Virginia from the Secretariat Center in Kentucky.
“In some cases, we’re going to have retired race horses that just cannot be ridden anymore, because they have a severe injury that is just going to be detrimental to them if they are ridden. Those horses will be retired, and live out the rest of their life at our facility. Those are the types of horses we’re calling “Sanctuary Horses,” Kourcklas explained.
The New Life Center for Thoroughbreds received nonprofit status in April of 2021. This past December, the facility received two additional rescue horses, Edicule and Wicked Ways. Renamed Elliot and Wren, the two horses have been relaxing and adjusting to post-racing life over the past several months.
Story by Adam Powell Photos contributed W hat happens to a racehorse when it can no longer run a race, or has suffered an injury that will not allow it to race?
“She (Promise) has fractured withers. She cannot be ridden,” she added. “She definitely has some issues, but the whole idea behind what we’re doing is these horses just deserve to continue to have a wonderful life. She has fractured withers, but they still have an amazing life to live, and much to offer humanity. They deserve that. We’re very excited to take her in, and use her to help educate others on the nature of the thoroughbred, and everything they can offer“(Promise)back.”
In addition to the new arrival of Promise, the facility also hosts Traveler, the founding equine member of New Life Center for Thoroughbreds who was adopted by the cofounders in 2018.
In a $100 billion sport such as horse racing, thoroughbreds are birthed for the specific intention of bringing the owner or owners riches on the track, and even more future riches through breeding. But the facts tell a sad story about many of the horses that are bred in this country specifically forAccordingracing.
to data on the website of the New Life Center for Thoroughbreds (www.newlifethoroughbreds.com), a rescue facility located in Wirtz, out of the 20,000 thoroughbreds born into the racing industry each year, only 60 to 65 percent make it to their first race. Only 0.2 percent advance to Grade 1 stakes races such as the Kentucky Derby.
Approximately 13,000 thoroughbreds each year in America are left searching for a new home after their racing careers have concluded. And while most major tracks have owners and trainers sign agreements that they will not send horses to slaughter, it still regularly happens throughout the sport. Approximately 10,000 thoroughbreds are sent to slaughter in Canada and Mexico each year, which leaves only 3,000 of the 13,000 retired racehorses each year that end up living out their lives in new homes.
At the New Life Center for Thoroughbreds, partners and co-founders Heather Kourcklas and Huxley Greer are dedicated to the mission of rescuing horses and providing them a happy, productive life once they leave the track.
comes from Secretariat Center, which is a very well-known thoroughbred aftercare program based in Kentucky, at the Kentucky Horse Park. We are developing partnerships and relationships with people, so that these horses can come to our facility,” Kourcklas added. “Ideally, it’s going to be developing long-term relationships with trainers and owners of horses and thoroughbreds, and being able to offer them a solution for the aftercare when these horses are done racing.”
The New Life Center for Thoroughbreds is housed within
21ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE Business Spotlight
It’s a process working with horses who are used to spending almost all of their lives in stalls to a more open life of fields and “Racehorsespaddocks.attheracetrack are pretty much kept in a stall 23 hours a day,” Kourcklas explained. “They don’t know how to be in a field. They don’t know how to socialize with other horses. So you have to gradually introduce them to a different life. So we start them out in very small paddocks and keep an eye on them. Maybe turn out a few hours a day, then stall time. It really also depends on the temperament and personality of the horse, and how much that horse raced.
“We’reonsite.very focused on bringing these horses in, and letting them have some down time,” Kourcklas explained.
There are some horses that are off the track that actually never made it to a race, because they got injured in training. We have one of those, too. We gradually introduce them to Shown are horses at the New Life Center for Thoroughbreds in Wirtz. Contributed photos.
“When my co-founder Huxley and I were talking about this, we just kept referring to our idea of giving them a new life. So it just kind of stuck,” Kourcklas said of the organization’s name. “These horses deserve a chance at a new life. They are started very young in their racing career, when their bones are not fully developed yet. There is a high risk for injury for these racehorses. They come out, and some of them are very successful.”
there’s a boarding piece that operates out of the facility. Other people’s horses, they are boarding with us, or they are training with our head trainer. And we’ve got a section for the rescue horses, for the New Life Center forTheThoroughbreds.”aimoftheNew Life Center for Thoroughbreds lives in its name, as the organization seeks to give as many horses as possible a new life once their racing careers have concluded.
“They come out of their racing career quite often with some sort of injury. Some of them are injured so badly that they cannot do anything else really for the rest of their lives. Or they are in discomfort for the rest of their lives. Or their lives are shortened because of it. We want to give these horses a chance at a new life. And they deserve a new life. They deserve to have a life after racing.”
“Some rest and some recovery from the high-intensity adrenaline rush of racing. Accessing whether or not they have any injuries. Letting them recover, and helping them recover and rehabbing those injuries. And then if they can be re-trained in another job, re-training them and then finding the right home for them.”
When the rescue horses arrive at the New Life Center for Thoroughbreds, they are given an opportunity to decompress from the stressful career of races and training, and figure out ways to socialize with their fellow horses
22LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 the New Life Equestrian Center on its 96-plus acre site. The facility can hold up to 40 horses, and has expansive field and stall“Currently,space.



“That’s what we want to happen,” Kourcklas said in regard to adoption. “We want to rescue as many as we can, but in order to do that, we obviously have to keep making room in our facility, because there’s only so much room in the facility. For the horses that can be re-trained and re-homed, is to get them to a basic level of being able to walk, trot, canter in both directions, and advertise them as available for adoption.”
“We’re going to be starting a community outreach program to give back to the community in a sense of going to the assisted living and memory care facilities around here to provide some comfort,” Kourcklas said. “These horses are just amazing animals.”
“We’rethoroughbred.goingtoscrutinize everybody,” she said. “We need them to come to the facility. We need them to ride the horse. We need to make sure it’s a good fit for the horse as well as the person. We need to make sure the person is capable of handling an off-the-track thoroughbred. Sometimes it’s just not a good fit, for whatever reason. We want them to come to the facility, and we want to meet them. They will have to provide a veterinarian reference, a personal reference, and an equine reference. They need to send us pictures and see where the horse is going to live, to make sure that it’s a safeAlongenvironment.”withitsrescue
While no breeding takes place at the New Life Center for Thoroughbreds, the owners are hopeful to rehabilitate horses to a point where many of them can be adopted by other horse lovers.
efforts, the New Life Center for Thoroughbreds is also putting together community outreach and horse sponsorship programs that will be implemented later this year.
23ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE What We Offer Classes: RSB offers classes to accommodate varying degrees of Parkinson s/fitness levels Class Schedule: Rocky Mount Friday 3:00 PM Smith Mountain Lake Monday & Wednesday 1:00 PM Camaraderie: Friends for fighters and caregivers Knowledgeable Trainers: Familiar with movement disorders caused by Parkinson's IN THIS CORNER, HOPE. FIGHTING BACK AGAINST PARKINON'S Smith Mountain Lake YMCA 293 Firstwatch Dr. Moneta, VA 24121 (540)721 9622
For more information about the New Life Center for Thoroughbreds, visit www.newlifethoroughbreds.com. •
a different way of life. Some catch on super quickly. Some, it takes a little bit more patience and time. It really depends on each horse. There’s no cookie-cutter solution. There’s a process that we go through. And they learn to become a horse again, learn how to socialize with other horses, be in a field, and do other normal horse stuff.”
Kourcklas indicated that the facility is going to carefully vet each potential adoptee to ensure that they have the skill set and the facilities to be able to properly care for an off-thetrack



24LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 BUY• BUILD • RENT • SELL @ SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE 124 Shore Side dr. 3BR, 2.5BA, 3250 SF, 2.07 Acres Lake view home in quiet area of Hardy $496,000 MLS#891107 Lot 5 daLton Point rd. 1.38 Acres - Waterfront w/ 2 story, deep water dock w/ 2 boat bays, large floater & 2nd level pre-existing dock house w/ party deck $1,200,000 MLS#891577 CeLebration Square CommerCiaL LiStingS: Unit 101 2265 SF $240,000 MLS#879418 Unit 110 1152 SF $80,500 MLS#887847 Unit 112/114 2304 SF $199,500 MLS#887903 Unit 116 1152 SF $80,500 MLS#887849 Unit 214 .................. 1197 SF ........................$189,000 .............. MLS#891746 Condo unitS: Unit 302 1741 SF 3BR, 2.5BA $329,000 MLS#887807 Unit 303 1032 SF 1BR, 1BA $179,000 MLS#889790 Unit 304 1178 SF 1BR, 2BA $225,000 MLS#889784 Unit 305 1344 SF 2BR, 2BA $250,000 MLS#891900 Unit 306 1122 SF 1BR, 1.5 BA $188,500 MLS#889779 Unit 402 1696 SF 3BR, 2.5BA $329,000 MLS#878771 Unit 406 1122 SF 2BR, 1.5BA $188,500 MLS#887809 Lot 94 CreStview rd. .94 Acre waterfront lot located in Lakeside Farms Subdivision $279,500 MLS#887882 6605 Smith mountain road #231 2BR, 2BA 1007 SF 2nd floor condo with 180 degree water view Private covered boat slip & PWC lift $450,000 MLS#890606 1245 graveS harbor trL, unitS 214 & 235 2BR, 2BA 964 SF Amazing View. Located in Mariners Landing. Unit 214 - $375,000 - MLS#886213 Unit 235 - $399,000 - MLS#889165 gobbLer ridge Lane - 9.14 Acres - Waterfront $219,000 MLS#858351 CALL 540-297-3679TODAY LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? SEARCH ALL AREA REAL www.ml-realty.comESTATE










Smith Mountain Lake - eyecaresurgery.com - (540) 721-4433 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, today.appointmentCallsurgery!cataractlaser-assistedincludingforyour Eye Care & Surgery Best of sML 1stPLace Lake Life’s Voted Best Eye Doctor Office


























“Both students are excellent representatives of SML Good Neighbors,” the organization stated.
Lee was a camper, academy scholar and virtual programs participant with SML Good Neighbors. He volunteered at camp as a reading buddy and assisted at camp in various ways as an academy scholar. Lee also became our second former camper to work as a summer teaching staff intern this summer.
Outside of his volunteer experience with SML Good Neighbors, Lee also is a part of the youth department at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ. He volunteers his time on Sundays as the
26LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022
In fall 2021, she helped establish the SML Good Neighbors’ Nancy Horton Scholarship, and two high school graduates were awarded $2,500 scholarships on May 20. High school seniors who have participated in a SML Good Neighbors program and have applied to a trade school, community college or four-year institution are eligible to apply for the Nancy Horton Scholarship.
O n June 5, Nancy Horton lost her battle with leukemia, but not before she got to witness the first two recipients receive a scholarship she spearheaded.
Horton’s Scholarship Story by Adam Powell
The 2022 recipients are Franklin County High School graduates Cynthia Lin and Jeremiah Lee.
Additionally, Lin gathered a long list of awards and accolades throughout her high school career. Lin plans to study interdisciplinary studies with a focus on urban planning, environmental justice and historical storytelling at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Lin was a camper with SML Good Neighbors as an elementary school student. During her high school years, she also came back to camp to be a reading buddy. Outside of her volunteer experience at SML Good Neighbors, Lin also offered her time and talents to mentoring at the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School, being a camp counselor at the Southwest Virginia Science Museum summer camp as well as at the Roanoke Refugee Summer Camp. Her list of accomplishments does not stop there: Lin was captain on the Varsity Scholastic Bowl, head delegate on Model United Nations, president of the Student Advisory Council at Roanoke Valley Governor’s School, school representative for Virginia’s Girls State, a peace-builder in Youth and Peace in Action, a student ambassador coordinator for Virginia Climate Cooperative, and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, and Minority Youth Succeeding in Science.

Judy Wolfe provided this remembrance of Nancy Horton:
drummer and back-up piano player in the church musical group.
Both Lin and Lee were honored for their achievements at SML Good Neighbors’ Annual Good Neighbors Day Concert at Trinity Ecumenical Parish on May 20. SML Good Neighbors established the Nancy Horton Scholarship program to support students pursuing educational opportunities after high school. Nancy Horton, a longtime volunteer and supporter, pledged matching funds to launch SML Good Neighbors’ Nancy Horton Scholarship, benefiting students who have participated in SML Good Neighbors’ programs and who wish to further their education after high school by attending trade school, community college or a four-year institution.
“Here at the lake, she loved riding with the She Doos and enjoyed participating in their rides and events. She made many friends while volunteering at the Discovery Shop, SML Good Neighbors and swimming at the Bedford YMCA! Nancy loved life and loved her family and her friends. She was an active participant in SML Good Neighbors and she helped with many of our special events. She gave of her time, talents and resources to help with the Charity Home Tour, bingo, concerts and Good Neighbors Day Celebrations. She was particularly proud of the scholarship fund she established at SML Good Neighbors.
“She made this pledge and asked ‘that the money be given to deserving students who would attend either a vocational school, community college or a four year school. I wish the SML Good Neighbors also consider repeat scholarships to a student who is making strong progress toward completing their studies and that the award be large enough to increase the probability of success in their “Thanksstudies.’tothe generosity of the community, we were able to match the $25,000 and Nancy and John were there to award two $2,500 scholarships this past spring. Nancy lost her long and courageous battle with leukemia on June 5, 2022.”
“She was disappointed when we didn’t win the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant — she had encouraged everyone she knew to vote for Good Neighbors. Some of you may have received daily reminders! We were walking one day and she said she wanted to do something for Good Neighbors. She decided she would match up to $25,000 for two scholarships for graduating seniors who had participated in SML Good Neighbors.
The organization, founded in 2007, provides academic, enrichment and nutritional programs, free of cost, to students in rising first to 12th grades in Franklin County and Bedford County. Its mission is to develop good neighbors skills and values in children through programs that nourish, educate and support them while providing life-changing experiences for college students through leadership development internships.
“Nancy Horton was everyone’s best friend. She made friends easily and was always ready to have fun. She refused to be stressed. She was devoted to her family and handled the rigors of being a Navy wife with poise and determination including the many times John was deployed overseas. Raising a child with special needs qualified Nancy for sainthood.
In addition to his musical talents and faith, Lee played football at Franklin County High School, was the manager for the basketball team and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
27ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE
•
SML Good Neighbors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Moneta.
On opposite page, from left, SML Good Neighbors’ Nancy Horton Scholarship recipients Jeremiah Lee and Cynthia Lin stand with Nancy Horton and John Horton at SML Good Neighbors’ Annual Good Neighbors Day Concert at Trinity Ecumenical Parish on May 20. Contributed by Tabitha Collison. Vacation Rentals at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia Specializing in beautiful lakefront vacation homes and area long-term rentals. 13860 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Ste 103, Moneta, VA 24121 540-721-9797 • www.rsirentals.com
“Jeremiah made a wonderful and positive impact on our campers and his fellow interns this summer,” SML Good Neighbors stated. He plans to study education at Virginia Western Community College.







Bringing ‘Hippie’ Back
“On a personal level as well as related to many individuals, dealing with COVID and going through a deep depression, it’s always been my dream and my aspiration,” Patterson said about her inspiration for opening Trippie Hippie. “It was trying to get through such a dark time in many people’s lives. Finally getting through COVID and trying to go back to a new norm, I just thought it was the perfect time to have such an inspiration, upbeat and joyous atmosphere for everyone. Not just for the younger generation, or for those who grew up in the actual Woodstock era.”
“Trippie Hippie opened at the beginning of February. We’re basically a hippie shop. We have anything and everything from incense to dream catchers to crystals to Woodstock posters. We like to refer to ourselves as a peace, pipes and pretty things store,” Patterson explained in a recent interview. “There’s a little bit of a stigmatism that we’re a head shop. We’re not really a head shop. We do specialize in CBD products, but we have so much for anything and everyone, from spiritual and inspirational gifts, to incense. You name it.”
Patterson decided to open Trippie Hippie following the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to bring some happiness and retro joy to the area.
28LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 Business Spotlight
Trippie Hippie was the brainchild of owner Jennifer Patterson, who saw an opportunity to bring something new to the local retail community in the Smith Mountain Lake region.
Story by Adam Powell
While Trippie Hippie specializes in such items as CBD oils, sage, kratom, clothing, crystals and candles, the store has much to offer. Everyone from old-school hippies who lived through the 1960s, to modern-day young people who long for the vibe of the peace and love era, can find something special in this store.
“We literally try to cater to everyone,” Patterson said. “We have items that people will say I’m a witch. I tease them and say I’m a good witch. We do have crystals and items that are for pagan ceremonial purposes. But we also have devotionals and mantras,
T rippie Hippie, a store that opened at 130 Scruggs Road, Suite 104, in Moneta this year, has been finding its place in the community over its initial months of operation.

Shown above and on opposite page is part of the interior of Trippie Hippie, located at 130 Scruggs Road, Suite 104, in Moneta. Contributed photos.
Trippie Hippie is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturdays, although those hours could potentially expand in the coming months and years as the business grows and more people catch wind of this Smith Mountain Lake business. For more details about Trippie Hippie, visit the business’ Facebook page (Trippie Hippie LLC) and its Instragram page (@thetrippiehippie21).
“We know that there’s a few stores in Roanoke. Roanoke is a much bigger city,” she continued. “There’s more of a demand for that. So we’re hoping that will start to trickle here, because there does seem to be an aspiration for that. We understand it’s going to take a little while to catch on. But at least now people don’t have to go all the way to Roanoke to look for 1960s or other retro items. It’s right Pattersonhere.”said Trippie Hippie has been very well-received by the local community in Moneta and beyond, as local shoppers are enjoying the wide range of eclectic items the store provides its“It’scustomers.beengreat,”
Patterson said of the reception Trippie Hippie has received from the local community. “Once you find us, because we understand we’re hidden — we’re not on a furnished road. We’re down next to Joe’s (Pizza) Restaurant, so we’re kind of off the beaten path. The vibe that we just get back, it’s so positive from people. (People are saying), ‘Wow, finally there’s a store like this here at the lake.’ And ‘Oh, I didn’t know you were here. And we have clients who say, ‘Oh gosh, I remember this from way, way back.’ I just love those kinds of stories.”
“I think once people find us, and they realize we’re 1,000 square feet — we’re a pretty good-sized store, and we have room to expand in the future — we hope that’s the case,” Patterson explained about expanding. “We are hoping in the very near future to expand those hours, but right now it’s typical bankers’ hours.”
29ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE SWVA’S LARGEST HIPPIE SHOP! CBD - SAGE - KRATOM - CRYSTALS CANDLES - CLOTHING - COOL STUFF BELLS - BOWLS - TIE DYEWWW.TRIPPIEHIPPIESHOP.COMTRIPPIETINCTURES10 % OFF FREE GIFT Any Store Item *Cannot combine with other offers. Excludes cbd and kratom products Limit one coupon per customer With Any CBD or Kratom Purchase *Cannot combine with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer LAKE PLAZA - LOWER LEVEL - 130 SCRUGGS RD. 719 HIPPIE-B-HIP along with candles and plenty of clothing. We’ll have the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin playing (in the background). It’s a peaceful, serene atmosphere, but it’s joyous. It’s hippie. It’s happy. It’s hopefully all those good vibes that if you were around during the 1960s. It brings back really great memories. And of course for the younger generation — I’m a very firm believer that anything old becomes new again, such as the bell-bottom jeans. We want you to walk in and have that aura of wow, this is great, and just all-around goodPattersonvibes.” saw an opportunity in Smith Mountain Lake to open such a business because most residents were forced to drive to Roanoke or even farther distances to find such a store with some or all of the items that Trippie Hippie offers. “I live here at the lake,” Patterson said. “It’s a great, small-knit community. Everyone knows everyone, and that’s wonderful. We know it’s going to take a little bit of time for it to catch on, the hippie vibe. There’s a persona of, ‘oh, it’s a head shop,’ but we’re so much more than what you would find in a head shop. We’re a hippie shop. We’re a happy shop. We’ve got a little bit of everything for everyone. So we’re really trying to get the word out.”
•









In March 2021, The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Hardy was purchased from McConnell Golf by an organization called McFreyVo Three LLC, which wasted little time in rebranding the facility as the Copper Cove Golf Club.
“This was my first head golf professional job, and I felt like I could make it work as an owner. Mr. McConnell approached me about purchasing the course from McConnell Golf since a public course did not fit their portfolio. Having been the golf professional at Westlake for 18 years, Mr. McConnell felt it would be a good fit and a great opportunity for me. I then reached out to Kelly Crovo, a fellow PGA professional and former PGA head golf professional at The Westlake from 1996 to 1999 to discuss the possibility of partnering with him. Kelly reached out to his high school friend, Jay Frye, about bringing him on board. We all bring something different to the table, thus making it a good fit for the three of us to do this. It seemed to all come together.”
30LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 Business Spotlight
The new ownership group, consisting of longtime Westlake Golf and Country Club PGA Golf Professional Billy McBride III, along with Kelly Crovo and Jay Frye, “My motivation (to purchase Westlake Golf Club from McConnell Golf) was, of course, due to the length of time I had been the head golf professional,” said McBride in a recent interview.
he Copper Cove Golf Club has been conducting a wide range of enhancements and improvements over the past year, with the aim of bringing in new golfers and satisfying those long-standing members of Westlake Golf and Country Club into sticking around.
Golfing Satisfaction
T
Story by Adam Powell
Due to his nearly two decades as the head golf professional at the former Westlake Golf and Country Club, McBride has come to know every turn and corner on the Russell Breeden-designed course, which was originally known as Chestnut Creek Country Club when it opened back in 1996. It was a natural transition for McBride to move into ownership.
“In my prior role as the head golf professional at Westlake, I was already part of the management team,” McBride explained.
“Transitioning into the role of ownership, has been a bit easier since I understand how the course is run. There have been challenges but I have great partners who have made the transition easier. It has been very rewarding. One I never would have dreamt of happening. I have a great support team, and I could not have been able to do this without the help of Kelly and Jay. We all bring something different to the table and work well together.
Copper Cove Golf Club pays homage to Franklin County’s roots, and the new rebranding has been popular with the

Contributed photo. Publishing Co., Inc. For more information call 540-719-5
local“Mycommunity.partnersand
omack
For more information about Copper Cove Golf Club, including booking tee times, visit www.coppercovegolfclub.com.
I wanted a clean slate with a new name and new logo,” McBride explained. “We felt it was a name that would fit for our area. We want our community to feel like the course is part of the Franklin County community. The Copper is a play-off Franklin County being the “moonshine capital of the world” and Cove is due to one of the holes sitting on a cove. The logo, a mason jar, just adds to the moonshine theme and we incorporated the CC inside the jar. Our goal, with rebranding, is for people to recognize our course and name when seeing the logo. Our community has been very positive regarding the rebranding.”
•
31ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE
“We are taking things slowly right now and just making small changes that need to be made first,” McBride said. “One of the small changes we have made, thus far, is to spruce up the bunkers.
On opposite page is the Copper Cove Golf Club, which has been conducting a wide range of enhancements and improvements over the past year, with the aim of bringing in new golfers and satisfying those long-standing members of Westlake Golf and Country Club into sticking around.
SHOWCASE OWCASEReal Estate Smith Moun ain Lake Area anklin and Pittsyl ania Counties August 2022 For more information, see Angie McGhee, Long & Foster Real Esta us New Construction o 2022 | SS NO. | FLake Life G TO R onst uctio ek orgeo SELL! M UN IN LAKRO NDING S HOSTI CAADOPTION EVE TURD BESTSELLINGAU OR BA DACC WILL ATSM L DEM CRATSDON BOOK CAL CH DRENAward inning Newspaper County from June theFranklin Sheri drug investigation thatindividualsreceiving214indictments directlyactivit“The County aggressivesalepursuitdangerous, fort protectthis ,” indictme include following: Possession saleschedule IIdrugsPossession saleschedule drugsPossession saleschedule drugsPossession intentmanufactureManufacture/distributescheduleschedule drugsDistribution drugsschedule Distribution drugsschedule Distribute greater Holland 86, knownwho serving Countyyears,He deputysheri priorelection of County July lateddomestic block See The County that hen ClevengeChel k,29, ondading matelyap ginia ildlifeepartment Con cycleriding eari 10 in Page111 indicted indrug busts in1st half of year Ex-sheriffWells dies Man chargedwith attemptedmurder of officer enforcement.KirkClevenger-wentcommunitytheShownarchiveClevenger-100allegedlyweaponwaslaw death of Goodview Ask about our Print & Digital Advertising Specials Keep Your Finger on the Pulse of Local News & Events 540-719-5100 • www.smithmountaineagle.com 1650 Scruggs Road • Wirtz, VA • 24184
Our long-term goals are to make changes in the course that will improve the pace of play and the playability of the golf course. We would like to see Copper Cove be one of the main reasons that visitors visit Smith Mountain Lake.”
Over the past year, Copper Cove has not only opened itself to local golfers but also the high school golfing community. Copper Cove is hopeful to expand golfing into the youth of the Smith Mountain Lake region by showing high schoolers and other young golfers how much fun the sport can be.
ownership has made a few subtle changes to the golf course, while prioritizing the renovations of the clubhouse area. In time, they are hopeful to make changes that will increase the popularity of the golf course by making it faster and more playable for all guests.
“Any time you can have people come out, whether it is to play through high school matches, charity events, or golf tournaments, it is a chance to show off the golf course and our facilities,” McBride said. “We feel that the golf course can sell itself with the topnotch conditions in which we try to keep the course. Good course conditions and the high level of customer service we strive for will bring people out. Kelly and I feel that as PGA professionals, we need to try and host as many events as possible to get people out on the course. Those events maybe only time a person comes out and plays golf. Our hope and goal are, if they see how nice the course is, how friendly the staff is, and how nice the facility looks, they will be encouraged to come out and play again. We also enjoy hosting the high school matches. We want to draw kids into the game. Golf is one of the few sports that can be lifelong.”
McBride indicated that heavy renovations have taken place in the clubhouse, while also improving the exterior surrounding the“Weclubhouse.haverenovated almost every area in the clubhouse other than the Pro Shop and the restrooms, which we plan to do in the future,” McBride said. “We updated the interior with new paint and paneling, updated the TVs in the bar area, updated the bar stools, new flooring throughout the whole club house, new paint in the ballroom area, and made improvements in our pool area. We have spruced the outside of the clubhouse up by replacing vinyl siding in areas, and cleaning out trees and brush, thus, giving it a cleanerCopperlook.”Cove’s





























































COVERAGE FOR YOUR BOAT EFFORT FOR YOU (540) 576-1177 | TOUCHLESSCOVER.COM VOTED BEST DOCK IMPROVEMENT Best of sML 1stPLace Lake Life’s VOTED BEST BOAT COVER AUTOMATIC BOAT COVERS OF VA & NC, LLC. PROUDLYMADEINTHEUSA Remote controlled and custom made for your boat THANK YOU SML!



























Glenda McDaniel 16869www.TheLakeSpecialist.comMonetaRoad,Moneta,VA24121•540-797-2247•Licensed in the State of Virginia THE SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE SPECIALIST THE TIME IS NOW!





































34LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022

comfortableOurentirestaffisdedicatedtomakingyourvisitaandpleasantexperiencewhilerenderingthehighestqualitydentalcare.WhetheryouarelookingtobrightenyoursmileorrestoremissingteethourDoctorsandstaffareheretomakeyourdreamsmileareality! (252) (257 252) 257 DR. LYMAN B. HENDERSON, JR. DR. KARA M. HENDERSON Book your appointment with us today! ServicesOffered: Preventative MissingPeriodontalCareCareRestorativeCareToothReplacementCosmeticDentistry @thedamgrill 6724 White House RoadHuddleston, Virginia Wed & Thurs 11am - 10pm Fri & Sat 11am - 12am Sunday 11am - 9pm WP Graphic DesignYOUR LOCAL OPTION FOR DESIGN & PRINTING SERVICES Poster • Flyers • Coupons • Newspapers • Advertisements • Brochures • Programs • Menus Business Cards • Postcards • Color Printing • B/W Printing • Copies í Chilli Willies ORDER UP! 434-335-2454Wecan’twait toseeyou! 6201RenanRoad,Hurt,VA24563 CALL AHEAD FOR CARRY OUT 434-335-2454 OPEN HOURS MON-FRI 7AM - 9 PM SAT&SUN 8AM - 9 PM “WeSmokethemeats” Tryoneofourslowsmoked menuoptionsforaone of a kind tasteexperience. slowchickenAllourburgers,ribs&sandwichesaresmokedwithhickory&mesquitewoods&charcoal. BreakfastSERVINGBREAKFAST,LUNCH&DINNER.Sausage/Egg/Cheese/ToastedCiabatta $3.99 Sausage/EggonToastedCiabatta $3.49 Bacon/Egg/CheeseonToastedCiabatta $3.99 Bacon/EggonToastedCiabatta $3.49 Barbecue BarbecueSmokedPorkRib SandwichonCiabattaRoll $449 NorthCarolinaPulledBarbecuedPorkBBQSmokedChicken SandwichonCiabattaRoll $379$329 Parelli’s12inchPizza Pizza $999Pepperoni • Supreme Sausage,pepperoni,onions,greenpeppers,redpeppers&olives 4 Meat Pepperoni,ham,sausage&bacon ...and so much more! WHERE WILL YOU GO NEXT? Discover the world. CAVALIER TOURS,INC. 7212 Timberlake Road Lynchburg VA 24502 • 434 237 8087CaRteR’s store & Deli 6376 Bedford Hwy | Lynch station, Va 24571 | 434-309-1753 Valentine’s Saturday surf & turf Country MusicHighlight yourValentine weekend and bring yourValentine to Carter’s Store to hear live music by BoCo featuring the amazing musicians Bo Heatherley, Amber Short and Dale Reno!!Lunch special2/$15Grilled ribeye & shrimp sandwich on a ciabatta roll.Formealcount,pleasecheckoutourFacebookandmarkgoingifattending E Carter’s General store Wecan’twaittosharegoodfood,love&music! Optional sides available will be grilled mac and hoop cheese, baked beans, a variety of chips, Dot’s pretzels and drinks including craft sodas. CONTACTTODAY!US WP GRAPHIC DESIGN 30 N. Main Street | Chatham, VA 434-432-1654 ext. 26 MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00am - 5:00pm WP Graphic Design is a division of Womack Publishing Co. Inc. & a proud member of the Virginia Press Association. CREATIVE DESIGN To Make YOUR BUSINESS Stand Out! From logo creation to brand development, we offer a full spectrum of services to meet your graphic design and display needs. We invite you to contact us anytime to discuss your vision with a free consultation and project quote WP GRAPHIC DESIGN • 30 N. MAIN ST. • CHATHAM, VA • 434-432-1654 • 9a-5p


















































36LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 LODGING DIRECTORY Lodging information sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide.











37ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE










38LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 DINING DIRECTORY Dining information sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide.










39ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE Drifter’s at SML, formerly Waller’s , is a great place to bring the whole family! • NapoliDrifter’sby the Lake 773 Ashmeade Rd., Moneta • (540) 346-2205














40LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 DINING











41ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE Wake Cafe









42LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 EDUCATION DIRECTORY Education information sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide.








43ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE












44LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE ISSUE 8 | 2022 HEALTHCARE DIRECTORY Healthcare information sourced from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Guide.





45ISSUE 8 | 2022 LAKE LIFE MAGAZINE BodyShoppeFitnessLLC+AllCore360 Carilion Wellness Westlake The Centre at VitaZen



























167Penhook,Morgans (540) 167 Morgans Penhook, 167Penhook,MorgansP.O. OPEN 8:30AMSATURDAY8:30AMTUESDAY-FRIDAYTO5:00PMTO12:00PM www.smboats.com (540) 576-2755 www.smboats.com 167 Morgans Fork Road • Penhook, VA 24137











Saturday, Sept. 24. BRIDGEWATER PLAZA 16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy. 540-721-5303 540-721-5303 Bridgewater Plaza • 16430 Booker T Washington Hwy • Moneta, VA 24121 Souvenirs, jewelry, clothing & so much more! Delicious, mouthwatering fudge! Pick up in store or shipped anywhere in the U.S.! 540-721-1040 Smith Mountain Lake’s favorite resort wear & year-round lifestyle clothing store! We have all your favorite brands! 540-721-5959 60 games range from nostalgic, classic video games to the newest, high-tech games! Or save your tickets for larger prizes later! Redeem your immediately!tickets (540) 576-2755 167 Morgans Fork Road Penhook, VA 24137 www.smboats.com Morgans Fork Road P.O. Box 69 Penhook, VA 16724137Penhook,Morgans Call (540) 576-2755 Morgans Fork Road Penhook, VA 24137 www.smboats.com Morgans Fork Road P.O. Box 69 Penhook, VA 24137 (540) 167 Morgans Penhook, 167Penhook,MorgansP.O.












































Dee Price® LakeGastonRealtyGroup.com 252.209.1300 Lake Gaston Friendly people and endless water activities! • Wake Surfing • Wake Boarding • EFoiling • Paddle Boarding • Kayaking • Fishing • And More! Let Our Team Bring Your Lake Dreams To Life Today! ® Broker NC/VA







