SML Buzz

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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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57 recent

June 10, 202625 min

SML Songwriters Festival: Music, Community & Giving Back

🎶 The SML Songwriters Festival is bringing music, community, and giving back together at Smith Mountain Lake!In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ is joined by Doug Anderson, one of the key organizers behind the Smith Mountain Lake Songwriters Festival, to talk about the history, growth, and excitement surrounding this year’s festival.Doug shares how the festival has grown into a major celebration of live music at the lake, attracting songwriters from across the country, including Nashville, New York, Ohio, Florida, California, and beyond. He also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the festival week, from the Open Mic Grand Finale at Mango’s to the weekend lineup of songwriter sessions, live performances, auctions, raffles, and community events.This year’s festival supports two wonderful local charities: SML Good Neighbors and American Legion Post 62, making every song, every ticket, and every donation part of something bigger for the Smith Mountain Lake community. PJ and Doug also highlight the incredible sponsors, volunteers, host families, local venues, and talented artists who make the festival possible, along with special performances, including headliner Brady Seals, co-founder of Little Texas.Whether you love live music, local events, giving back, or simply celebrating everything that makes Smith Mountain Lake special, this episode is full of heart, history, and community buzz.🎧 Listen now and get ready to support the SML Songwriters Festival!Learn More About the SML Songwriters Festival: https://smlsongwriters.com Follow the SML Songwriters Festival on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smlsongwriters Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzzLearn more about PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com/If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com

May 15, 202622 min

Encore Episode: Celebrating the Arts at Smith Mountain Lake 🎨

With this weekend marking Smith Mountain Lake’s 30th Annual Photography Contest & Show, we’re bringing back a special encore episode of the SML Buzz Podcast featuring Sheridan Brown, President of the Smith Mountain Lake Arts Council.In this meaningful conversation, PJ Belle and Sheridan explore the heart of the local arts community—from Sheridan’s journey to Smith Mountain Lake to the incredible impact the Arts Council has made over the past 36 years. They also reflect on the significance of September 11th, the power of community connection, and how the arts continue to serve as a source of healing, inspiration, and unity.You’ll hear about the wide range of programs the Arts Council supports—including music, theater, and visual arts—along with the importance of fundraising, youth scholarships, and community involvement in keeping these initiatives thriving.Whether you’re an artist, supporter, or simply someone who loves this community, this episode is a reminder of how powerful the arts can be in bringing people together.🎧 Tune in and celebrate the creative spirit of Smith Mountain Lake!📍 Don’t Miss This Weekend’s Event: 30th Annual Photography Contest & Show Kaleidoscope – The Gathering Place 2500 Hardy Rd., Hardy, VA📅 Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17 🏆 Awards Ceremony: Friday 🖼 Exhibit Hours: • Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM • Sunday: 12 PM – 3 PMFREE & Open to the Publichttps://smithmountainartscouncil.com/photo-showJoin the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz Learn more about PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com/ If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com

April 29, 202621 min

Protecting the Lake: Inside Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ sits down with Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue President Frank Geovannello to talk about the incredible work happening right here on our lake.From its founding in 1975 to today’s fleet of specialized fireboats, this 100% volunteer organization plays a critical role in protecting over 20,000 acres of water and 500 miles of shoreline.Frank shares:His personal journey into fire service—including being in Manhattan on 9/11How the department responds to emergencies across the lakeThe advanced capabilities of their fireboats (including their newest landing craft-style vessel)What it really takes to operate 24/7, 365 days a yearHow YOU can support their life-saving missionYou’ll also hear about upcoming community events, including the exciting “Buzzing Up the SML Community”fundraiser at Mango’s, where several local charities—including Marine Fire & Rescue—will benefit.This episode is a powerful reminder of the people behind the scenes who keep Smith Mountain Lake safe—and why community support matters more than ever.👉 Listen now and learn how you can help support those who serve our lake every single day.Learn more about Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue: https://www.smlmfr.comFollow Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMLFireRescueFor NON-EMERGENCY Questions, Call Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue: 540-721-5585PLEASE CALL 911 FOR ANY EMERGENCY! Learn more about PJ at the Lake: https://www.pjatthelake.com/Email us with any comments or suggestions for future guests: PJ@PJatTheLake.comWhen You Are Ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134Join us for our May 9th Buzzing Up the SML Community”fundraiser at Mango’s: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DsDLMXzC2/

April 8, 202620 min

Buzzing Up Business in Central Virginia with Heather Alto

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, host PJ Belle sits down with Heather Alto, Executive Director of the Central Virginia Business Coalition, for an energetic and insightful conversation about supporting local businesses and building stronger communities.Heather shares her journey from Lynchburg to the Smith Mountain Lake region and her passion for connecting people with the incredible businesses that make our area thrive. From favorite local spots to exciting upcoming events like the Central Virginia Home & Garden (and Health!) Expo, this episode is packed with ways to get involved and stay connected.They also dive into:✔️ The mission and impact of the Central Virginia Business Coalition✔️ Opportunities for small businesses to grow and gain visibility✔️ The upcoming Empower Women’s Conference and why it’s a must-attend✔️ How collaboration across communities fuels real growthIf you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone who simply loves supporting local, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take action.🎧 Tune in, get connected, and let’s keep buzzing up Smith Mountain Lake and beyond!Learn more about CVABC: https://www.cvabc.org Email Heather: Heather@cvabc.org Learn more about PJ at the Lake: https://www.pjatthelake.com/Email us with any comments or suggestions for future guests: PJ@PJatTheLake.comWhen You Are Ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134

March 13, 202620 min

SML Gives Day with Tabitha Collison

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle sits down with community advocate Tabitha Collison to talk about the upcoming SML Gives Day happening March 18, 2026 — a powerful 24-hour giving event that supports nonprofits across Franklin and Bedford County.This year, 50 nonprofits are participating with a collective goal of raising $300,000 for organizations serving our Smith Mountain Lake community.One important part of SML Gives Day is Early Giving, which begins March 16 at smlgives.org.Early giving is a great option for busy people who want to make their donation ahead of time. Even better, those early gifts activate at midnight on March 18, immediately showing up on each nonprofit’s goal meter. That early momentum helps inspire others in the community to give and helps organizations reach their fundraising goals faster.During this episode, Tabitha shares how SML Gives Day began, how it has grown each year, and how anyone in the community can participate.You’ll also learn about:• Early Giving starting March 16• SML Gives Day on March 18• The Nonprofit Fair happening March 18 from 2–5 PM at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta• The incredible nonprofits serving Bedford and Franklin CountyLearn more or donate here:👉 https://www.smlgives.orgLearn more about PJ at the Lake: https://www.pjatthelake.com/ Email us with any comments or suggestions for future guests: PJ@PJatTheLake.com When You Are Ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134

February 9, 202628 min

SML Buzz: Vicki Gardner: SURVIVAL HAS CONSEQUENCES: Shot and Left to Die: A Survivor's Story

In this powerful episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ sits down with Vicki Gardner for a conversation that is raw, honest, and deeply human.Vicki is the author of Survival Has Consequences: Shot and Left to Die, a Survivor’s Story, a gripping account of surviving a planned assassination. She was shot and left for dead, the only survivor of a live television interview turned double murder.But this story goes far beyond survival.Vicki shares the long road that followed: painful surgeries, a broken and frustrating legal system, and the invisible psychological scars that never fully disappear. At its emotional core, this is a story about consequences, and the relentless fight to reclaim a meaningful life.Rejecting the label of “victim,” Vicki opens up about the daily, often quiet choices that kept her moving forward: finding humor, leaning on community, choosing gratitude over bitterness, and accepting a “new normal” while still fully living inside it.This is an unforgettable conversation about resilience, strength, and hope — and a reminder of the power of the human spirit when life is irrevocably changed.Connect with Vicki:👉 https://www.facebook.com/vicki.gardner3Buy your copy of SURVIVAL HAS CONSEQUENCES:👉 https://a.co/d/9ZwjtIqHave a guest suggestion for the SML Buzz Podcast?Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134Learn more about the properties PJ has available:👉 PJatTheLake.comWhen you’re ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134You’ll be glad you did!

November 24, 202522 min

Feeding Hope at Smith Mountain Lake: Joey Donovant & the Story of SML Gives

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ sits down with Joey Donovant, founder of SML Gives Inc., to share how a deep love for Smith Mountain Lake turned into a powerful mission to fight hunger and end poverty across our community.Joey talks about his journey from nonprofit work in Durham, North Carolina, to landing full-time at the “jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains” and seeing firsthand the needs of homebound, food-insecure neighbors in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties. Unlike traditional pantries, SML Gives focuses on the people who can’t get to a pantry at all—seniors, those facing illness, and neighbors living alone in rural areas. Through partnerships with organizations like Lake Christian Ministries and Stepping Stone Mission, SML Gives delivers food directly to their doors… and just as importantly, brings human connection.Joey and PJ also spotlight the biggest fundraiser of the year: the SML Gives Holiday Benefit at Magnum Point Marina on Saturday, December 13, 2025, starting at 5:30 PM. Guests will enjoy a gourmet steak or salmon dinner prepared by the teams from Napoli by the Lake and Napoli Cowboy, with food provided by US Foods, entertainment by Sound Dog Productions, drink tickets included, a silent auction, 50/50 raffles, prizes, and a few surprise guests, maybe even one from the North Pole. 🎅Whether you live at the lake full-time, visit often, or just love this community from afar, this conversation is a reminder that it truly takes a village, and that your support can put real meals on real tables this holiday season and beyond.Learn more & get involved:🌐 Website: smlgivesinc.org📞 Call or text Joey: 919-432-3078 (on call 24/7 for SML Gives)🛒 Donate or learn about food drop-off locations via smlgivesinc.org🎟️ Holiday Benefit Tickets: online at smlgivesinc.org or in person at Detour Dental and Magnum Point MarinaIf you have suggestions for guests for the SML Buzz Podcast, message PJ Belle on Facebook or call her at 540-525-0134.Learn more about the properties that PJ has available by visiting her website, PJatTheLake.com and When you are ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134. You will be glad you did!

November 10, 202523 min

SML Buzz; Building Bedford’s Future: Broadband, Growth & Community with Commissioner Edgar Tuck

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle sits down with Bedford County Commissioner Edgar Tuck—on his birthday, no less—to talk about how Bedford County is growing, evolving, and staying true to its roots.From expanding broadband access across the region to managing growth along Route 122, improving local infrastructure, and addressing key community needs like landfill management and school renovations, Edgar shares updates that impact every corner of the county. He also gives listeners a look ahead at exciting new residential and commercial developments—including major projects that could be game-changers for the Smith Mountain Lake area.Plus, you’ll hear a few fun throwbacks to 80s rock concerts and life on a fifth-generation family farm. This episode is packed with insight, laughter, and a true sense of community pride.Learn more about Bedford County: https://www.bedfordcountyva.gov/Contact Edgar: eTuck@BedfordCountyVA.gov If you have suggestions for guests for the SML Buzz Podcast, message PJ Belle on Facebook or call her at 540-525-0134.Learn more about the properties that PJ has available by visiting her website, PJatTheLake.com and When you are ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134. You will be glad you did!

October 27, 202516 min

SML Buzz Podcast with Bryce Martin, Executive Director of The Rotary Club of Smith Mountain Lake

In this episode of The SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle welcomes Bryce Martin, Executive Director of the Rotary Club of Smith Mountain Lake, for an inspiring conversation about how local service can create big impact.Bryce shares the long and meaningful history of Rotary — a global network of over 34,000 clubs built on the motto “Service Above Self.” He dives into how the Smith Mountain Lake chapter takes that worldwide mission and applies it locally through programs that support education, families, and emergency response initiatives.From student scholarships and teacher recognition banquets to grants for local law enforcement and community projects like playgrounds and bathhouse builds, Bryce highlights how Rotary’s volunteers quietly power countless initiatives around the lake. He also shares details about signature events such as Lobsters at the Lake and the upcoming Moneta Madness Disc Golf Tournament, which raise funds and awareness for important causes — often partnering with organizations like Lake Christian Ministries.The episode also covers the 911 Dock Sign Program, which helps improve emergency response on the lake, and encourages listeners to get involved — whether by volunteering, donating, or becoming a sponsor.As PJ says, it’s all about community — neighbors helping neighbors, creating that “win-win” spirit that makes Smith Mountain Lake shine.Learn more about The Rotary Club of Smith Mountain Lake: https://www.smlrotary.com/ Learn more about PJ at the Lake: https://www.pjatthelake.com/ Email us with any comments or suggestions for future guests: PJ@PJatTheLake.com When You Are Ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134

September 29, 202522 min

SML Buzz with Vicki Brooks, Executive Director Smith Mountain Lake Cancer Support Foundation

🎙️ SML Buzz Podcast – Episode with Vicki BrooksIn this inspiring episode of SML Buzz, PJ Belle sits down with Vicki Brooks, founder of the Smith Mountain Lake Cancer Support Foundation.Vicki shares her powerful personal journey as a breast cancer warrior, from diagnosis and treatment to her decision to give back to the community. What started as an idea for a luncheon quickly grew into a foundation and fundraising events like a sold-out golf tournament and the upcoming Warriors & Survivors Luncheon.Together, PJ and Vicki discuss:The difference between being a cancer warrior and a survivor.Why early detection matters—and the surprising insurance barriers that prevent women under 40 from getting mammograms.How Vicki’s faith and positive outlook continue to guide her through challenges.Ways the Smith Mountain Lake community can get involved through sponsorships, donations, and attending events.Listeners will come away uplifted by Vicki’s resilience, encouraged by her message of hope, and inspired to support the fight against cancer right here at Smith Mountain Lake.🔗 Learn more or get involved: smlcsf.orgLearn more about PJ at the Lake: https://www.pjatthelake.com/ Email us with any comments or suggestions for future guests: PJ@PJatTheLake.com When You Are Ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134

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