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/

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

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

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

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

Buy your copy of SURVIVAL HAS CONSEQUENCES:

👉 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

When you’re ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134

You’ll be glad you did!

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 Marina

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!

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!

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

In 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.org

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

In this engaging conversation, PJ is joined by Liz Harrison, Executive Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Homes Tour to discuss the upcoming Charity Home Tour, highlighting the exciting new features, the impact on local charities, and the importance of community involvement. Liz shares details about the homes on the tour, innovative designs, and the unique themes that make each home special. They also cover ticket sales, logistics, and volunteer opportunities, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the community in supporting local charities through this annual event.

Takeaways

The Charity Home Tour has been running for 34 years, raising over $5 million for local charities.

This year's tour features eight homes, including a rental home for the first time.

The home tour is a 100% volunteer effort, showcasing community dedication.

In the last three years, over $500,000 has been raised for local charities.

The tour provides essential funding for charities that rely on it as their main fundraiser.

Innovative home designs focus on aging in place and creative renovations.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the homes during the tour.

Community involvement is crucial for the success of the home tour and local charities.

The event encourages social gatherings and community spirit among attendees.

Future plans include exciting new features for next year's tour.

Learn more about the SML Charity Homes Tour, Donate and Buy Tickets: https://smlcharityhometour.com/

Contact the SML Charity Homes Tour: SMLCharityHomeTour.ExecDir@gmail.com

Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz

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