Kenny May’s 1965 Proteus Jaguar C Type  

By Charlie Self  

The exhaust burble is surprisingly quiet for a race car, but this Proteus version of the Jaguar C racing car is gentlemanly. The original C Jags, built in the early 1950s, were race cars, pure and simple, first as factory works cars and spreading to a few teams.

Kenny May is Director of Events at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), a job that doesn’t allow him to run his car as often as he likes – he’s usually working during race weekends. Currently, mileage on his C Jag is 4,800, an addition of only 800 miles since he bought it nine years ago.

Kenny traded his 1965 Jaguar with a British friend, who got a containerized 1965 E Jag in trade. Kenny’s Proteus C Jag landed in Baltimore in 1998.

Only 48 to 54 hand-built Jaguar C types rolled out of the factory.  About 75 Proteus built replicas were built to satisfy enthusiasts’ desires. Proteus built about 75 replicas. Kenny’s rolled onto the track a dozen years after the ’53 original. The car has right-hand steering with a single, near weightless door on the driver’s side. The car is completely original, showing some gravel dings below the belt line, with an otherwise near-faultless, and original Ecurie Ecosse blue paint. Grey leather upholstery covers the two lightweight bucket seats. Kenny’s C type turns out 220 horsepower from its 3.8 double overhead cam, six-cylinder liter engine. Kenny explained that the car was built for club racing, but was put in street trim before it was shipped to the U.S. There is no true windshield, but a competition windscreen. The car is also lacking a heater, radio, windshield wipers and any kind of top. A tonneau cover keeps the interior dry, but driving in the rain means assures you’ll get wet.

The car has a superb engine with three Webber carburetors and a four-speed manual transmission, all set inside a tubular space frame chassis. The brakes are modified Girling four wheel discs that stop you right now from almost any speed. The C Jag and its Proteus replica were built to fulfill sports car lovers’ dreams.

Kenny was born and raised in London, but moved to the U.S. about 34 years ago, where he was a principal in a loss analyzing agency. When he sold out and retired a few years ago, he found himself getting very edgy with too much time on his hands, so he looked around for a job. He found a perfect fit as Events Director at VIR.  Kenny’s interest in cars is solid and lifelong, revealed today by the C type, plus an original 1953 XK120 Jag and a Ferrari sitting in his three-car garage. The family cars are relegated to the outside.

The Ferrari is a 308 Quatrovalve GTSI from 1983 that he has owned for about 15 years. It is in as lovely condition as the Proteus Jag. Both cars spend their lives in a heated garage, with special car covers protecting them from airborne dust and debris, even indoors.

Kenny has helped put together a big year of events at VIR, one in which he might be able to drive his Proteus C Jaguar in an event or two himself.  

To check out new and old race cars, motorcycles, and other action, visit Virginia International Raceway online at www.vir.com. See the track layout and learn about local accommodations, events and prices. VIR is an unusual track, offering its own country club, as well as general admission. Two track layouts may be run simultaneously if desired.

A Rocking Vacation

Houseboats Provide a floating home on the water

by Kate Hofstetter

Some of David Oliver's favorite customers over the 12 years he has been renting houseboats was a group of ladies, all school teachers, who decided they wanted to take a houseboat vacation on Smith Mountain Lake. Although they weren't experienced boaters, "they did just fine and they had a great time," said Oliver, owner of Parrot Cove Boat Rental at Hales Ford Bridge.

If you like being rocked to sleep while listening to water lapping against a boat, you may want to consider renting a houseboat for your next Lake vacation. Whether it's for a weekend or a week, rental houseboats are available at two locations on the Lake: Parrot Cove and Bay Roc Marina. Rental rates are listed on the marinas' individual web sites (see below) along with pictures and descriptions of the available boats. All houseboats come fully equipped with kitchen appliances and utensils plus gas grills for cooking out and deck furniture. They also have TVs and VCRs, and those ever-popular water slides. Bring food, clothing, linens and toiletries.

For overnight stays renters may dock at the marina or in one of the many coves along the shoreline. Gloria Burchette, who is in charge of reservations at Bay Roc Marina, said first-time renters are given a test drive on the lake until they are comfortable handling the oversized boats. They are also provided with a map that designates coves where there are no houses and, therefore, are appropriate for anchoring for an afternoon or even overnight. In case no one is in the mood to cook, the map also highlights area restaurants.

"Some renters," Burchette said, "prefer to come back to the marina at night to dock."  If they want, she added, they can stay in the slip for the whole time they are renting. Most people, however, want to get out on the lake and soak up the natural beauty. "They particularly like going to see the dam and mountains," she said.

 Oliver agreed that a favorite place for renters to drop anchor is at the base of Smith Mountain, near the dam. He also recommends to his renters that they may want to anchor in one of the many undeveloped coves along the State Park property.

Oliver's houseboats are powered by 115 hp Yamaha motors, which gives them a slow cruising speed. Plus, since they are made specifically for renting, they are built to be easy to operate, he explained. The 17 houseboats for rent at Parrot Cove were made by Oliver's boat building company here at the Lake. Parrot Cove gives renters a 30-minute orientation about boating safety and operation of the boat before they are approved to pilot the houseboats, and a map of the Lake is included in an informational packet.

The two marinas also offer smaller watercraft for rent that can be towed and used as a runabout while houseboats are anchored off shore. For the enjoyment of the younger crowd, tubes to pull behind the houseboat are also available for rent.

"Some bring their own boats or jet skis," Burchette added.

Houseboats must meet the same equipment criteria as other boats. That means life vests for everyone on board, proper fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Plus, whoever is going to be captain needs to understand the buoy system in order to safely navigate around the Lake.

"They start calling for reservations in February," Burchette said, "Fourth of July weekend goes first."

If a houseboat is rented for a full week, the holding tank for waste water and sewage will need to be pumped at least once. Besides the rental marinas, there are pumping stations at most of the major marinas on the Lake.

Bay Roc Marina

8360 Hardy Road, Hardy

540.890.2194 / bayrocmarina.com

Parrot Cove

16441 Booker T Washington Hwy., Moneta

540.721.5363 / parrotcove.com

Click on "boats" and follow the prompts on each website to view the houseboats and see floor plans and a list of equipment.

Lake Love Lures Channel 10's Karen McNew to Blackwater Shores

by Jerry Hale

Many Laker Magazine readers have no-doubt tuned in to WSLS “10 On Your Side” for area news, weather and sports. Not so many, however, know that Channel 10’s accomplished evening and late-night news anchor is also a Laker.

“I never thought I’d love the Lake as much as he does,” says broadcaster Karen McNew, referring to husband Matt McGuire who grew up weekending at Smith Mountain Lake. “But living here is something we both treasure.”

The couple bought a home on a secluded Blackwater cove in the fall of 2003, shortly after becoming engaged.

“We both had condos in Roanoke, neither of which was well-suited to married living,” Karen recalls. “We figured a waterfront home was out of our range but went ‘What if?’ shopping just to see what living at the Lake would be like.”

They stumbled across an appealing home, made an offer they could afford, and ended up proud owners of a Lake weekend retreat.

Karen’s route into broadcasting was a bit like the drive across Windy Gap from SML to Roanoke –  lots of twists and turns and a few ups and downs. Bit parts in two high school plays in Blacksburg put “Hollywood, here I come!” on her brain, but Karen’s mom convinced her to attend Virginia Tech first. She earned a degree in broadcast journalism and completed an internship with Roanoke’s WSLS her senior year.

“I loved it and wanted to work there in the worst way,” she says, “but without real work experience, it wasn’t going to happen.” Many resumes later, she landed a night producer’s job in Bluefield, W.Va. “…editing tape midnight to 9 a.m., but with occasional chances to cover stories as a fill-in reporter.” Her on-camera work earned her a morning anchor’s job where she was live every weekday until a similar position opened at WSLS. “February 3, 1998,” Karen pinpoints without hesitation.

Before long, station executives promoted Karen to the 5 p.m. newscast. Later she earned the lead anchor job for the entire 90-minute evening news broadcast plus each weekday’s concluding newscast at 11 p.m. A bit of a night owl, Karen doesn’t mind the late nights.

“I have mornings, early afternoons and weekends for home life,” she says, and she finds the drive to and from Roanoke relaxing. “Not much traffic…and it’s a time when I can listen to Spirit FM, talk with God about my day, and reflect on my many blessings.”

When they lived in Roanoke, Karen and Matt often met for dinner during her hour or so of downtime between the evening and 11 p.m. broadcasts. Now she’s more likely to unwind at the gym. And the couple’s “together time” is focused on SML.

“We water ski, especially down at Bull Run Creek,” Karen says. “Matt’s a pretty good wakeboarder; I’m just learning.” Boat rides into the many coves along the Blackwater, often with a picnic aboard, are peaceful and relaxing. “And I love just hanging out on the dock or floating on a life belt.” She giggles as she admits to periodic romps down the hill and off the dock to “…see how far out I can jump.”

So what’s it like to be already familiar to many Lake people you meet?

“I’m really flattered to hear they enjoy watching Channel 10 News,” she admits. But she promptly dismisses the idea of “celebrity.” “Mom taught me to treat everyone the way I want to be treated…with dignity and caring.” She does her best to answer viewer email and routinely smiles an acknowledgement to strangers who notice her in a restaurant or crowd.

Karen’s evident compassion also drives her support of area non-profit organizations — Roanoke’s Jingle Bell Run, Rescue Mission, Spina Bifida Association, Mended Hearts, the Discovery Shop and SPCA. “My one-eared beagle, Lucky, is a really important part of my life. Both of us are indeed ‘lucky.’”

And with that word, the Karen McNew interview returns once again to how much she loves Smith Mountain Lake. “Most of my jogging routes include Lake views, and I always slow to a walk and say a prayer of appreciation and thanks at those spots. Matt and I are so enjoying being part of the Lake community.”

Karen’s in-laws, Gene and Linda McGuire, also live on the Lake. “There’s a spectacular view of the Cliffs from their deck,” Karen effuses, “and it’s a neat place to tackle my latest challenge: learning to play a respectable “Margaritaville” on the guitar.”

Maintenance Free Living 

Smith Mountain Lake communities cater to the baby-boome rgeneration

by Andie Gibson

Over the next 25 years, the number of people 65 and older in the U.S. will double to 70 million - that’s 20 percent of the population. The unprecedented growth of the Baby Boomer segment is changing the way developers around the country – and at Smith Mountain Lake – are building. A number of communities at the Lake are specifically targeting the shifting needs of this lucrative market with housing designed to accommodate the wants and needs of boomers. If you’re considering going "maintenance-free" – a buzz word that describes communities where the burden of yard work and other chores become a thing of the past – there is no shortage of options at Smith Mountain Lake. However, maintenance-free can mean different things to different developers. Be sure to check out the chart on pages 76-77 to compare amenities offered by top developments at the Lake that bill themselves as "maintenance-free."

Bernard’s Landing

Bernard’s Landing Resort & Conference Center set the standard for convenient living back in the early 1980s. Condos and townhomes dot one of SML’s most beautiful point properties with a stunning view of Smith Mountain. While homeowners’ dues are on the high end, the POAs here include some utilities and even cable TV.

Bridgewater Pointe

Convenience is key at Bridgewater Pointe, luxury condominiums being built right at Bridgewater Plaza, where dining, shopping and entertainment are just steps away. In addition to luxury amenities, the community includes around-the-clock security in a gated environment.

Bridgewater Bay

Also well-located off Rt. 122 near the Bridge is Bridgewater Bay. Homestyle choices here include villa patio homes and condos, all with a distinctive Mediterranean design and feel. Other features include golf cart paths, lighted tennis courts and walking trails.

The Carriage Homes at LakeWatch Plantation

The Carriage Homes are located within LakeWatch Plantation, a 479-acre rural village just off Rt. 122 in Franklin County. The homes will be within walking distance to shopping, medical facilities, dining, and a new YMCA.

Celebration Square at Downtown Moneta

If you’re looking for more of a cosmopolitan feel, Celebration Square may be the choice for you. These single-floor condominiums will overlook Downtown Moneta’s main thoroughfare from four stories above.

Golf Villas at The Waterfront

These Nantucket-style villas, painted a soft yellow, provide a quiet retreat along No. 4 fairway at The Waterfront Country Club. Close to the pool, driving range and clubhouse, they’re centrally located and are situated on level lots.

Golfer’s Crossing at The Water’s Edge

Golfer’s Crossing features 45 spacious single-family homes with New England cottage architecture. Most are on the water and have southern exposure and mountain views. All are convenient to the newly-renovated golf course and clubhouse at The Water’s Edge.

Hammock Pointe at The Farm

The Willard Companies began construction in the spring on their newest development, The Farm, located off Scruggs Road across from The Boardwalk. Hammock Pointe will feature 17 waterfront cottages in a rural setting and will incorporate "green" building technologies, with environmentally responsible products and techniques.

Lands End

Located on the south side of the Lake with easy access to North Carolina, Lands End is a gated community with Cape Cod-style homes. Lands End features longwater views, sandy beach and deeded boat slips.

Mayberry Hills at Downtown Moneta

Construction has begun and Mayberry Hills is beginning to take shape just off Rt. 122 in Bedford County. This development of single-family homes and townhomes will be interspersed with shops, dining and professional services to create a sense of old-time community.

Mariners Village

Mariners Village condominiums overlook a quiet cove within Mariners Landing on the Bedford side of the Lake. They are popular units for the community’s vacation rental program and are convenient to the golf course and The Pointe Restaurant.

The Grand Villas of Montego Bay

Montego Bay features stand-alone patio homes with beautiful mountain and Lake views. Newly constructed, these homes are smart-wired for security, sound, lights and more.

6th Fairway Townhomes at Mariners Landing

These family-friendly townhomes offer views of the Lake and the golf course at Mariners Landing. They are also convenient to The Pointe, an award-winning restaurant.

Sunset Cay

Construction began earlier this year on Sunset Cay, a 550-acre development that will feature single-family homes, townhomes and condos. The community will include commercial space with shopping and dining close by. A golf course is planned, and residents will have access to a nearby waterfront village with marina.

The Cottages at Contentment Island

The Cottages at Contentment Island feature flat lots and sweeping water views in a secluded atmosphere. Located on the south side of the Lake, The Cottages are popular with buyers who want close proximity to southside Virginia and North Carolina.

The Boardwalk

Another community built and marketed by The Willard Companies, The Boardwalk features Nantucket-style cottages with stunning views of the water and mountains. The development’s amenties include a pool, playground, volleyball and croquet courts.

The Pointe at Mariners Landing

The Pointe features 145 condo units in three buildings, all of which enjoy a beautiful vew of Smith Mountain. Construction has begun on a fourth building. The condos have a wide price range and can be short-term rented. Among the communities amenities are golf, private beach, multiple pools and walking trails.

The Villages at Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay is a new gated community located just off Scruggs Road in Franklin County. The development features single-family villas with upscale amenities, including a "smart house" option that offers the ultimate in home security and control.

Village Green at The Water’s Edge

Village Green features 18 single-level golf villas with views of the Lake, Smith Mountain, and the newly renovated golf course. Convenient to the clubhouse, pool and tennis courts, the Village Green units are located on flat lots and feature three floor plans ranging from 1,593 to 2,684 square feet.