SML Buzz

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Oct 2026

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SML BUZZ is a podcast focusing on the people that make Smith Mountain Lake thrive! Each week we’re joined by community leaders, business owners and residents that make Smith Mountain Lake the special place we all know and love. Join the Voice of Smith Mountain Lake, PJ Belle, each week as she brings listeners the people, places and events that make Smith Mountain Lake the place everyone wants to live!

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October 27, 202621 min

SML BUZZ: Building Bedford: Mark Pauley & Bedford Groundwork

What happens when someone looks at empty storefronts in downtown Bedford and decides it’s time to DO something about it? On this episode of SML Buzz, PJ sits down with Mark Pauley, founder and director of Bedford Groundwork, a new community-driven organization focused on bringing people together, turning ideas into action, and helping downtown Bedford thrive. Mark shares how Bedford Groundwork came together, why revitalizing downtown matters to local businesses and families, and some of the projects already underway, including storefront improvements, plans for an entrepreneur incubator and accelerator, and opportunities for local businesses and residents to get involved. They also preview Bedford Groundwork’s upcoming community concert on November 21 at the Bedford Farmers Market Pavilion, featuring Seth & Nerva, Big Matt & The Time Machine and American Idol Season 21 runner-up Megan Danielle! The event will also feature food trucks, vendors and plenty of community fun, all while supporting Bedford Groundwork’s mission of investing back into the revitalization and beautification of downtown Bedford. Want to learn more, get involved or find event information? Visit https://bedfordgroundwork.com It’s another great example of what can happen when people who love their community roll up their sleeves and get to work, and PJ is excited to help spread the word! 🎙️ The SML Buzz Podcast is sponsored by PJ at the Lake. https://www.pjatthelake.com Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE! 540-525-0134 💃🏻

October 6, 202618 min

Feeding Kids, Strengthening Community | Food for Kids on SML Buzz

What does it take to make sure local children have food waiting for them when the school week ends? On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle sits down with Lynda Imirie of Food for Kids to talk about an incredible community effort that has grown from helping children at one local elementary school into a program serving students across multiple Bedford County schools. Food for Kids is currently packing more than 700 bags of food each week, and recently celebrated an incredible milestone: its 150,000th bag packed! Lynda shares how volunteers, churches, civic organizations, businesses, donors and grant writers all play a role in keeping the program moving forward. She and PJ also discuss the growing need among local families, the challenges of providing nutritious foods children will actually eat, and the many ways people can get involved. Then, the conversation heads to Smith Mountain Lake for a look inside the spectacular Peccararo home featured in the 35th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour. Food for Kids is one of the organizations benefiting from this year's tour, and Lynda gives us a preview of this remarkable three-story lakefront home — including incredible views, outdoor living spaces, a full outdoor kitchen and even an elevator! It's a conversation about neighbors helping neighbors, a community coming together and the simple but powerful belief that children shouldn't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Learn more about Food for Kids: https://www.foodforkidspackasack.org Learn more about the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour and purchase tickets: https://smlcharityhometour.com 🎙️ The SML Buzz Podcast is sponsored by PJ at the Lake. https://www.pjatthelake.com 📞 BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE! 540-525-0134

October 2, 202619 min

Changing Lives Through Horses: Tackfully Teamed & the SML Charity Home Tour

Horses can do far more than take us for a ride, they can help build confidence, independence, strength, and skills that carry into everyday life. On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle sits down with Julia Lafond , program staff member and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with Tackfully Teamed , to talk about the organization’s therapeutic riding program and the impact it is making throughout the community. Julia shares how Tackfully Teamed works with nearly 35–40 participants each week, using horsemanship and riding skills to help participants develop valuable life skills beyond the barn. She also talks about the horses that make the program possible, the volunteers and interns who help keep everything moving, and the many ways the community can get involved. The conversation also turns to the 35th Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour , where Tackfully Teamed is connected with the beautiful Sycamore Heritage Home in Penhook . PJ and Julia preview the approximately 5,500-square-foot waterfront home, its modern coastal style, unique guest spaces, and the generations of family history reflected throughout the property. Plus, learn more about volunteer opportunities, internships, community partnerships, upcoming Tackfully Teamed events, and how you can support the organization. https://www.tackfullyteamed.com/ Learn more and purchase tickets to the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: https://smlcharityhometour.com 🎙️ SML Buzz Podcast: sharing the people, organizations, events, and stories that make the Smith Mountain Lake community special. The SML Buzz Podcast is sponsored by PJ at the Lake / PJ Belle . BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE! https://www.pjatthelake.com

September 29, 202623 min

SML BUZZ: Agape, Community & the SML Charity Home Tour | Brad & Christine Broughton

There’s something special about a community coming together to help its neighbors, and few organizations represent that spirit better than Agape Center SML . On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle sits down with Brad and Christine Broughton , the new co-directors of Agape Center at Smith Mountain Lake, to talk about the organization’s mission, the hundreds of volunteers who keep it moving, and the many ways Agape serves families throughout Bedford and Franklin counties. Brad and Christine share their journey to Smith Mountain Lake, how they became involved with Agape, and what makes the organization’s approach to helping neighbors so unique. From food, clothing and household necessities to mentoring, furniture, firewood and programs designed to help families break cycles of poverty, Agape’s impact reaches far beyond what many people realize. Then the conversation turns to the 35th Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, October 9–11 , where Agape is partnering with the spectacular Schifferly Home . Sitting on approximately 1.4 acres with incredible water views, beautiful landscaping, contemporary and classic design influences, and plenty of unique features, it promises to be one of this year’s must-see homes. They also discuss volunteer opportunities during the Home Tour, accessibility considerations for the Schifferly Home, and how you can become involved with Agape throughout the year. Learn more about Agape Center SML and volunteer opportunities at AgapeCenterSML.org . Learn more about The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour and Purchase Your Tickets: https://smlcharityhometour.com 🎙️ SML Buzz is sponsored by PJ at the Lake 🏡 BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE! 📞 540-525-0134 https://www.pjatthelake.com

September 22, 202629 min

SML Buzz: The Ultimate Guide to the 2026 SML Wine Festival with Jason Hodnett

Grab your wine glass because one of Smith Mountain Lake’s biggest weekends of the year is almost here! 🍷🎶 In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ welcomes Jason Hodnett, General Manager of Mango’s Bar & Grill and The Copper Kettle , for a complete preview of the 2026 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival , happening September 26–27 at Bernard’s Landing . They’re talking wineries, distilleries, live music, food, vendors, tickets, parking, the VIP experience, what to bring, festival traditions and everything first-time visitors need to know. Jason also explains the important community impact behind the celebration. The Wine Festival supports local nonprofit organizations through Hook, Lines & Singers , with more than 100 volunteers helping bring the weekend together. Plus, hear about this year’s music lineup, the Copper Kettle’s VIP menu, improvements to parking and transportation, Jason’s favorite Virginia wines and memories from nearly four decades of SML Wine Festival history. Whether this will be your first SML Wine Festival or your annual tradition , this episode will get you ready for an incredible weekend at the lake. 🎟️ September 26–27, 2026: https://smlwinefestival.com 📍 Bernard’s Landing | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia 🕚 Gates open at 11 AM And don’t forget to visit the SML Buzz / PJ at the Lake tent during the festival! SML Buzz is sponsored by PJ at the Lake. https://www.pjatthelake.com 💃🏻 BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE! 📞 540-525-0134

September 15, 202628 min

SML Buzz & The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: 35 Years of Homes, Heart & Giving at Smith Mountain Lake

The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour is celebrating an incredible 35 years, and this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast takes you behind the scenes of one of the lake’s most anticipated annual events! PJ sits down with Liz Harrison, Executive Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour , from one of this year’s featured properties, the spectacular 13,000-square-foot Wilson Home, “Suite View.” Liz shares what makes the 2026 tour so special, including an incredible collection of eight featured properties showcasing everything from luxury lake living and global influences to a modular home, beautiful renovations, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired property, and even the tour’s first-ever Bourbon Barn and speakeasy! But the Home Tour is about far more than beautiful homes. Over its 35-year history, the event has distributed approximately $4.88 million to local charities serving communities surrounding Smith Mountain Lake. Even more impressive, more than $750,000 has been distributed since 2022 alone , with organizers hoping this year’s event could push that five-year total past the $1 million mark . PJ and Liz also talk about: • The stories and inspiration behind this year’s featured homes • The local charities benefiting from the tour • The special Raise a Glass for Charity wine tasting and auction • Unique auction items and experiences • What visitors need to know about tickets • Lake levels and whether guests will be able to arrive by boat • The volunteers, homeowners, sponsors and businesses who make the event possible Whether you love beautiful homes, Smith Mountain Lake living, supporting local nonprofits — or all three — this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎟️ Get your tickets and learn more: https://smlcharityhometour.com/ 🏡 And stay connected with PJ for more Smith Mountain Lake news, events, real estate and community stories at PJAtTheLake.com . BUY or SELL, Call PJ BELLE!

September 3, 202620 min

SML Buzz: 25 Years of Helping Bedford County Get There | Linda Brake & Bedford Ride

Transportation can be something many of us take for granted, until getting to a doctor’s appointment, treatment or other essential destination becomes a challenge. On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, sponsored by PJ at the Lake, PJ sits down with Linda Brake, Program Manager for Bedford Ride through the Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living, to talk about a program that has been making a difference throughout Bedford County for 25 years. Linda has been part of Bedford Ride for nearly 23 of those years and shares how the program provides non-emergency medical transportation for older adults, people with disabilities and veterans who may not otherwise have reliable transportation. PJ and Linda also discuss Bedford Ride’s involvement in the 35th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, where the organization will host the Cameron Home, a beautiful 4,300-square-foot, three-story lake home and the first modular home ever featured on the tour. They also cover ways the community can get involved, from volunteering and supporting Bedford Ride to participating in the Smith Mountain Lake Civitan Club’s annual charity golf tournament benefiting several local nonprofits. It’s another great reminder of what makes the Smith Mountain Lake and Bedford communities special: people stepping up, giving their time and helping their neighbors. Listen in and learn more about Bedford Ride, the Charity Home Tour and the people working every day to make our community stronger. Learn more about Bedford Ride on their website: https://bedfordride-cvacl.org/ Purchase Tickets to the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: https://smlcharityhometour.com/ Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the SML Buzz Podcast? Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134 . Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake real estate at https://www.pjatthelake.com BUY or SELL, Call PJ Belle! 540-525-0134 💃🏻 You'll Be Glad You Did!

August 25, 202621 min

SML Buzz Podcast: Community, Care & the Charity Home Tour with Dr. Tonia Socha-Mower of Bernard Healthcare Center

On this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast , PJ Belle welcomes Dr. Tonia Socha-Mower, Associate Director of Bernard Healthcare Center of Franklin County , for a conversation about community, healthcare, volunteerism, and one of Smith Mountain Lake’s favorite annual traditions, he Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour . Tonia shares her journey to Southwest Virginia and Smith Mountain Lake, her longtime work in public health, and the important role Bernard Healthcare plays in providing medical services and support to uninsured individuals throughout Franklin County and the surrounding communities. The conversation also gives listeners a special preview of the spectacular Benda Home , one of the featured homes on this year’s Charity Home Tour. From distinctive architecture and internationally collected pieces to a beautiful compass inlay representing Smith Mountain Lake, the home promises plenty for tour-goers to discover. PJ and Tonia also discuss how proceeds from the Charity Home Tour directly benefit local organizations, why Bernard Healthcare’s participation is so important, and the growing need for volunteers both during the tour and at the clinic itself. If you love Smith Mountain Lake, beautiful homes, and seeing the community come together for a meaningful cause, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎙️ In this episode: The mission and community impact of Bernard Healthcare Center Tonia’s background in healthcare and public health A preview of the Benda Home What visitors can expect during the SML Charity Home Tour How Charity Home Tour proceeds support local organizations Volunteer opportunities with Bernard Healthcare and the tour Why access to healthcare remains an important issue throughout the region Learn more about Bernard Healthcare and volunteer opportunities at BernardHealthcare.com . And be sure to make plans for the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, October 9–11 , with Raise the Glass on October 7 . You can learn more here: https://smlcharityhometour.com/ Do you know someone who would make a great guest on the SML Buzz Podcast? Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134 . Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake real estate at https://www.pjatthelake.com BUY or SELL, Call PJ Belle! 540-525-0134 💃🏻

August 11, 202625 min

SML Buzz: Behind the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: Supporting Our Community

The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour showcases some incredible homes, but the real story is the incredible impact it makes throughout our community. In this special episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle kicks off a series of conversations highlighting the charities and organizations connected to the annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour. Joining PJ are Andrea Fanzler, Director of Development for the Franklin County YMCA; Alicia Reid, Manager of the Franklin County YMCA; and Frank Geovannello of Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue. They talk about the people, programs and missions that make these organizations so important to the Smith Mountain Lake community, from youth programs and water safety to programs for older adults, emergency response on the lake and much more. You’ll also hear more about the upcoming Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, the spectacular Wilson property featured on this year’s tour, volunteering, and how supporting the Home Tour ultimately helps support organizations doing important work right here in our community. And somehow… trapeze yoga enters the conversation. 😂 You’ll have to listen to understand that one! PJ at the Lake is proud to be a multiple Platinum Sponsor of the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour and proud to help shine a spotlight on the people and organizations making Smith Mountain Lake such a special place to call home. Learn more about the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour: https://smlcharityhometour.com Visit the Franklin County YMCA: https://www.franklincountyymca.org Find out more about the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue: https://www.smlmfr.com Know someone who would make a great guest on the SML Buzz Podcast? Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134 . Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake real estate at https://www.pjatthelake.com BUY or SELL, Call PJ Belle! 540-525-0134 💃🏻 You'll be glad you did!

July 9, 202628 min

SML Buzz Encore: Vicki Gardner's Incredible Story of Survival, Strength & Hope

Some conversations deserve to be heard more than once. This week on the SML Buzz Podcast , we're bringing back one of our most powerful and unforgettable conversations as an Encore Presentation . PJ sits down with Vicki Gardner , author of Survival Has Consequences: Shot and Left to Die , to share the incredible story of surviving a targeted assassination that claimed the lives of two others during a live television interview. But this episode isn't simply about what happened that day. It's about what came afterward. Vicki speaks candidly about the physical recovery, emotional healing, the challenges of navigating the legal system, and the lifelong impact trauma leaves behind. Most importantly, she shares how she refused to let tragedy define her life. Her message of resilience, faith, gratitude, humor, and perseverance continues to inspire everyone who hears it. Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this remarkable conversation, you'll walk away reminded that even life's darkest moments cannot extinguish the strength of the human spirit. Connect with Vicki Gardner: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/vicki.gardner3 Get your copy of Survival Has Consequences: Shot and Left to Die : 👉 https://a.co/d/9ZwjtIq Know someone who would make a great guest on the SML Buzz Podcast? Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134 . Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake real estate at https://www.pjatthelake.com BUY or SELL, Call PJ Belle! 540-525-0134 💃🏻 You'll be glad you did!

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