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

Summary

In this episode of SML Buzz, PJ Belle interviews Karen Jones, the Director of the Agape Center of Smith Mountain Lake. They discuss Karen's journey to the lake, her involvement with the Agape Center, and the significant impact the center has on the community. The conversation highlights the various fundraising efforts, the history and growth of the Agape Center, and the outreach programs that provide essential services to families in need. Karen shares insights on upcoming events and how the community can get involved to support the center's mission.

Takeaways

Karen Jones has been with the Agape Center for over 10 years.

The Agape Center distributed over 503,000 pounds of food last year.

The center serves a significant number of families, with 639 families attending in July alone.

Community support is crucial for the Agape Center's operations.

The charity home tour is a major fundraising event for the center.

Agape Center provides school supplies and holiday gifts to families in need.

Over 300 volunteers contribute to the Agape Center's efforts.

The center has expanded to include multiple locations in the region.

Karen emphasizes the importance of community involvement and support.

The Agape Center's mission is to provide assistance and hope to families in need.

How Can You Get Involved?

Learn more about the Agape Center Smith Mountain Lake on their website:

https://www.agapecentersml.org/

Call the Agape Center Smith Mountain Lake: 540-296-0609

Visit and Like the Agape Center Smith Mountain Lake Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089821030634

If you have suggestions for guests for the SML Buzz Podcast, message PJ Belle on Facebook or call her at 540-525-0134.

Join the SML Buzz Group on Facebook to stay up with events at Smith Mountain Lake and the latest episodes of our podcast.

Learn more about the properties that PJ has available by visiting her website, https://pjatthelake.com/ When you are ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134. You will be glad you did!

This episode of the SML Buzz Podcast welcomes Vicki Gardner, longtime Smith Mountain Lake resident, business leader, and survivor of the 2015 on-air shooting that shocked the nation.

Vicki shares her journey from upstate New York to influential positions in local tourism and business, including her transformative work as Executive Director of the SML Chamber of Commerce. She recounts the harrowing experience of the shooting, her inspiring path to recovery, and the outpouring of support from the community.

Vicki also discusses her book, Survival Has Consequences, which offers an honest look at trauma, healing, and hope. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, faith, and the power of community.

Connect with Vicki through her company, Inspecx or via email: vgardner1120@gmail.com

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. When you are ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134. You will be glad you did!

In this engaging conversation, PJ and Jen Rowland discuss Jen's journey from being a licensed counselor to a leadership consultant. They explore the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the development of Jen's new book 'Chasing Wide Open', and her passion for helping leaders grow. The conversation also touches on community engagement and upcoming events in the Smith Mountain Lake area. 🐝 🐝 🐝

Takeaways

Jen Rowland transitioned from counseling to leadership consulting.

Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.

Jen's new book 'Chasing Wide Open' chronicles her personal journey.

Community engagement is a key focus for Jen's work.

Leadership development workshops are essential for emerging leaders.

Reflection on personal wins and frustrations aids growth.

Building strong leaders positively impacts organizations.

Jen emphasizes the importance of mentoring in leadership.

The Smith Mountain Lake area offers a supportive community.

Jen's passion lies in helping others discover their potential.

Contact Jen on her website: RowlandLTC.com

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. 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, Lorie Smith, Vice-Chair of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors joins PJ Belle to talk about the current and future developments in and around the Westlake Area of Smith Mountain Lake.

• Lori and her family have lived at Smith Mountain Lake for about 13 years, moving from Waynesboro in the Shenandoah Valley after vacationing at the lake for many years.
• They moved permanently after the 2008 market crash, finding an opportunity to make the lake their home.
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• Lori expresses a deep love for the area and gratitude for being able to call it home.

• The Westlake area is experiencing significant development:
• New nursing and skilled care facilities.
• Townhouse and patio home developments.
• Kroger is moving its gas pumps.
• Starbucks and McDonald’s are both in the process of establishing locations, though facing delays due to engineering and VDOT requirements (notably costly turn lanes).
• Summitview Business Park is seeing increased activity, including a new production facility for Traditional Medicinals, a tea company.

Contact Lorie: Phone: 540-649-0767 or Email: lorie.smith at FranklinCuuntyVA.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. When you are ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: 540-525-0134. You will be glad you did!

In this encore episode of SML Buzz, host PJ Bell interviews Angela Sherfield, the manager of Mango's at Smith Mountain Lake. Angela shares her journey from Virginia Beach to managing a popular local restaurant, discussing her extensive experience in the service industry. The conversation highlights various community events hosted by Mango's, including charity competitions and music festivals. Angela also talks about staffing, the excitement of returning employees, and the vibrant atmosphere at Mango's during the summer. The episode concludes with details on how to contact Mango's for events and more information.

Takeaways

Angela has been in the service industry for almost 20 years.

Mango's has been operating since 2001, celebrating its 24th season.

The restaurant hosts various community events, including charity competitions.

Upcoming events include the Hook Line and Mic competition and the Harmony for Hope event.

Angela has hired several new staff members for the summer season.

Mango's offers karaoke and trivia nights during the summer.

The menu changes seasonally, with new items introduced each year.

Angela emphasizes the importance of community engagement and support.

The restaurant has a strong returning clientele and positive reviews.

Listeners can find more information about Mango's on their website and Facebook page.

When You Are Ready to Buy or Sell, Call PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com