SML Buzz

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 PM FREE & Open to the Public https://smithmountainartscouncil.com/photo-show [https://smithmountainartscouncil.com/photo-show] Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz [https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz] Learn more about PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com/ [https://www.pjatthelake.com/] If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com [PJ@PJatTheLake.com]

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 9/11 * How the department responds to emergencies across the lake * The advanced capabilities of their fireboats (including their newest landing craft-style vessel) * What it really takes to operate 24/7, 365 days a year * How YOU can support their life-saving mission You’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.com Follow Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMLFireRescue For NON-EMERGENCY Questions, Call Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue: 540-721-5585 PLEASE CALL 911 FOR ANY EMERGENCY! Learn more about PJ at the Lake: https://www.pjatthelake.com/ [https://www.pjatthelake.com/] Email us with any comments or suggestions for future guests: PJ@PJatTheLake.com [PJ@PJatTheLake.com] When You Are Ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134 Join us for our May 9th Buzzing Up the SML Community”fundraiser at Mango’s: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DsDLMXzC2/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/1DsDLMXzC2/]

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 growth If 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/ [https://www.pjatthelake.com/] Email us with any comments or suggestions for future guests: PJ@PJatTheLake.com [PJ@PJatTheLake.com] When You Are Ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134

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 County Learn more or donate here: 👉 https://www.smlgives.org [https://www.smlgives.org/] Learn more about PJ at the Lake: https://www.pjatthelake.com/ [https://www.pjatthelake.com/] Email us with any comments or suggestions for future guests: PJ@PJatTheLake.com [PJ@PJatTheLake.com] When You Are Ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134

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.gardner3 [https://www.facebook.com/vicki.gardner3] Buy your copy of SURVIVAL HAS CONSEQUENCES: 👉 https://a.co/d/9ZwjtIq [https://a.co/d/9ZwjtIq] Have a guest suggestion for the SML Buzz Podcast? Message PJ Belle on Facebook or call 540-525-0134 Learn more about the properties PJ has available: 👉 PJatTheLake.com [http://pjatthelake.com] When you’re ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134 You’ll be glad you did!