SML Buzz

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.comJoin the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzzIf you have episode suggestions, send us an email! [email protected] or SELL, Call PJ BELLE! 540-525-0134 💃🏻

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

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

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! 📞 540-525-0134https://www.pjatthelake.com

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 AMAnd 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