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

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, host PJBelle reflects on the significance of September 11th and its impact on the community. The conversation with Sheridan Brown, president of the Smith Mountain Lake Arts Council, explores her journey to the area, the vibrant arts community, and the various programs and events that the council supports. They discuss the importance of fundraising, upcoming productions, and the therapeutic benefits of the arts, emphasizing the need for community engagement and support.

Takeaways

• The arts play a crucial role in healing and community building.
• Sheridan Brown has a rich background in education and community service.
• The Smith Mountain Lake Arts Council has been active for 36 years.
• Community involvement is essential for the success of arts programs.
• Fundraising events are vital for supporting youth and scholarship programs.
• The council offers various activities, including music, theater, and visual arts.
• Membership in the Arts Council provides essential support and benefits.
• The therapeutic power of the arts can help individuals cope with stress.
• Collaboration with local organizations enhances community engagement.
• The arts council invites community suggestions for future events.

Learn more about the Smith Mountain Lake Arts Council and how you can help support all of their community efforts by visiting their website: https://smithmountainartscouncil.com/

Join 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

In this encore episode of SML Buzz with PJ Belle, you meet Celeste Bailey, owner of Hawaii Fluid Art at Smith Mountain Lake.

Celeste shares her journey from vacationer to full-time resident, and how her love for creativity led her to open an interactive art studio where anyone—from children to grandparents—can discover the joy of poured paint, resin art, and more. From summer kids camps to birthday parties and fundraising partnerships, Hawaii Fluid Art is quickly becoming a hub for fun, community, and giving back. Hear how Celeste combines her background in education, her Hawaiian roots, and her passion for service into a business that celebrates creativity, connection, and community at the lake.

In this episode Celeste also highlights several new events happening at Hawaii Fluid Art. These include puppy painting or “PupCaso” as we like to call it. It is an opportunity to see what real talent your puppy has!

We also have our Paint nights. We are going strong with a schedule of holiday themed paint nights over the next several months

Contact the studio for more information or get a group of people together for a private party.

Additionally, one of the most interesting new products that we are offering are either painted or embellished cowboy hats. These are beautiful with a mixture of leather and lace and gorgeous embellishments. if you prefer we will trace a design onto your hat and you can come in for private painting instruction to create a work of art you'll be proud to wear.

Finally, we encourage people to reach out to us for all those community events that need donations and support because there is nothing like our Smith Mountain Lake community and we love giving back to them.

Learn more about Hawaii Fluid Art Smith Mountain Lake:

https://hawaiifluidart.com/smith-mountain-lake-va/

Contact them: (540) 525-4249

Join 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

In this conversation, Jane Winters, Executive Director of Lake Christian Ministries, shares her journey and the impactful work of the organization in the Smith Mountain Lake community. The discussion covers the various programs and services offered, the challenges faced by families in need, and the importance of community engagement and volunteerism. Jane highlights upcoming events and fundraising initiatives aimed at supporting the growing demand for services, emphasizing the organization's commitment to helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency and stability.

Takeaways

Jane Winters moved to Smith Mountain Lake nine years ago and has a background in nonprofit management.

Lake Christian Ministries has about 280 volunteers who provide 98% of direct services.

The organization started as a food pantry and has evolved into a comprehensive crisis center.

New Tomorrow's program addresses the root causes of poverty and helps individuals find meaningful employment.

The pandemic has increased the number of families seeking assistance, particularly young families with children.

Lake Christian Ministries has seen a 58% increase in the number of people coming for help in recent years.

The organization relies entirely on donations and does not receive government funding for its services.

Upcoming events like the Walk to End Poverty aim to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

The Dine Out to Lift Up program encourages local restaurants to donate a portion of their proceeds to support Lake Christian Ministries.

Community engagement and volunteerism are crucial for the success of Lake Christian Ministries.

Learn more about Lake Christian Ministries and how you can help or volunteer:

https://www.lakechristianministries.org/

Join 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

In this episode of The SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle sits down with Matt Karris, President of the Board of Directors for the Smith Mountain Lake Center, to talk about his inspiring journey from New York City to the calm beauty of Smith Mountain Lake. Matt shares how a vacation home turned into a permanent move during the pandemic, the serendipitous family connections that brought him closer to the lake, and his passion for the arts that led him to champion the transformation of Westlake Cinema into a regional hub for arts, culture, and community life.

We dive into the exciting upcoming production of The Addams Family Musical (September 18–21), a project that not only entertains but also serves as a test case for future live performances, concerts, and community events at the SML Center. Matt discusses the feasibility study underway, the importance of community involvement, and how volunteers and supporters can help make this vision a reality.

This episode is packed with local pride, community spirit, and the promise of an even brighter cultural future for Smith Mountain Lake.

👉 Visit smlcenter.org to learn more, get tickets, or get involved.

Join 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

Summary

In this encore episode of SML Buzz, PJ Belle is joined by Brent Hisey and Carla Essray of Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Brent and Carla highlight the importance of outdoor activities for children, and the various events and volunteer work that strengthen community ties around Smith Mountain Lake. They highlight educational programs at the state park and share insights on future plans to enhance community engagement. In this engaging conversation, PJ, Brent and Carla also discuss the return of ospreys to Smith Mountain Lake, upcoming events at the state park, summer programs for families, and the importance of community involvement and volunteer opportunities. They also highlight the fun activities planned for the summer, including music events and educational programs, while emphasizing the need for community support and participation.

Key Takeaways

Children benefit from growing up in nature.

Community events foster connections among families.

Volunteering is essential for local engagement.

Educational programs at parks are invaluable.

The winter lecture series was well-received.

Local history is important for community identity.

Outdoor activities promote family bonding.

Events like the Osprey Run bring people together.

Involvement in local organizations enriches lives.

Future plans include expanding educational outreach.

The ospreys are back and nesting at Smith Mountain Lake.

Upcoming events include a concert series and community activities.

The SML Boomer Band will perform for charity on Mother's Day weekend.

Summer music series will feature various bands and clogging performances.

Educational programs for children will be available throughout the summer.

Boat tours offer a chance to learn about the lake's history.

Volunteers are needed for community events and activities.

Community involvement is crucial for the success of local initiatives.

The Friends of the Park group welcomes new members and volunteers.

There are many outdoor activities available for families at the park.

Learn more about Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smlspfriends

Join 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

In this episode of the SML Buzz Podcast, PJ talks with Carol Young and Morgan Jamison from Healing Strides of Virginia. They discuss the transformative power of equine therapy and the therapeutic benefits of horses for individuals with various challenges. Carol and Morgan also share their personal stories and the importance of community support. The episode also highlights upcoming events and fundraising opportunities, emphasizing the organization's commitment to mental wellness and serving those in need.

Key Takeaways:

- Healing Strides has been serving the community since 1991.

- Horses provide immediate feedback, helping individuals learn about themselves.

- The organization serves a wide range of personal challenges, not just disabilities.

- Mental wellness is a priority, especially for veterans and first responders.

- Community engagement is crucial for the success of Healing Strides.

- Upcoming events include the Apple Festival and Wine Festival.

- The organization offers a welcoming space for all individuals.

- Equine therapy can help with physical, emotional, and mental health.

- Horses have a unique ability to teach boundaries and choices.

- The importance of education and credentials in therapeutic practices.

Healing Strides of Virginia

Learn more about Healing Strides of Virginia, check out upcoming events and learn how you can volunteer on their website: https://www.healingstridesofva.org/

Follow Healing Strides of Virginia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingstrides/

Follow Healing Strides of Virginia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingstrides/

PJ Belle & SML Buzz

Learn more about PJ Belle on her website: https://www.pjatthelake.com/

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

Subscribe to SML Buzz on Apple and Spotify

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