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4 weeks ago | 
thepilot.com | Maggie Beamguard
By my estimation, I complete 70-90 interviews each year and the first, and most important, job of an interviewer is to confirm the spelling of people’s names. I can think of no other worse mistake than incorrectly putting someone’s name in print. When it happens — and since I’m human and not AI, it does happen — no profuse apology or offer of printed correction can undo the indignity. As a writer, I feel a fiery sense of shame. kAm$@ x 2=H2JD 2D<[ “xD E92E y@? @C y@9?n y677 @C v6@77n %C:DE2?
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1 month ago | 
thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard
Pola Fletcher Lipson, 75, of Seven Lakes, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025. Pola was the beloved wife of Arnold Lipson; cherished mother of Scott (Tina) Fletcher, Andrew Fletcher and Laura (Joshua) Beach; proud grandmother of Raegan Fletcher, Elizabeth Fletcher, Daniel Beach, Samantha Beach and Emma Beach; and loving sister of Lea Sakora and Regina (Robert) Lippman.
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1 month ago | 
thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard
Emilee Phillips Staff Writer An anonymous chip off the old block, known only as “Potato Man” or “Potato Bandit,” has been making the rounds in Seven Lakes North and South. Some may need a refresher on the definition of bandit because bandits steal. This spud slinger leaves potatoes on residents’ doorsteps in the dead of night. But, that’s neither here nor there. Potatoes have become the talk of the gated communities and no one knows why it started.
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1 month ago | 
thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard
BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD | INSIDER EDITORThe last item of clothing my mother sewed was a halloween costume for my daughter, Norah, then age 6. The heart’s desire of my child was to wear a red Princess Buttercup dress from the 1980s cult classic, “The Princess Bride.” What can I say about my daughter’s choice of a costume other than we are GenX parents of a certain age? Since the film was released nearly 30 years prior, the guise was unlikely to be found in our local Walmart.
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1 month ago | 
thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard
BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARDInsider EditorIn late winter, heavy machinery rolled in and orange barrels took up semi-permanent residence almost overnight along a seven-mile stretch of N.C. 211 which runs through Seven Lakes and West End. The project has dominated the attention of residents and business owners, especially those positioned in or near the right of way, since drawings were first submitted for feedback in 2017.
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1 month ago | 
thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard
By Maggie BeamguardInsider EditorAround the sturdy trunk of an old oak tree in the 7 Lakes Stable’s pasture, riders gathered recently to celebrate the life of their friend, Charlie. They came saddled with flowers, memories, tears and bitter-sweet smiles. One by one, they signed their names and thoughtful messages on a wooden cross provided by a riding family. An enlarged picture of the 24-year-old quarter horse paint was placed nearby in dignified remembrance.
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1 month ago | 
thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard
BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARDInsider EditorRunners, walkers and strollers raced the sunset on Saturday, May 17 at the 4th Annual Lake Auman Classic 5K. Registered runners totaled 118, not including the children participating in the free kids race. Many more turned out to enjoy music by Amanda Acoustic, food truck fare and the company of good friends. The family friendly event was plugged by enthusiastic race director Kevin Frost on social media for the last few months.
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1 month ago | 
thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard
By Maggie BeamguardInsider EditorIt’s been knives out in Seven Lakes. A recently rebooted monthly cooking class has become a hot reservation for chefs of all abilities. In May, the “Summer Sides” class filled in just a day or two. The kitchen of the community center where classes are held comfortably fits just a dozen people at three stations, so class sizes are bite-sized. Instructor Pat Konen kept a waiting list for the May class, but due to its popularity those on the list would go empty handed.
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1 month ago | 
thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard
ContributedIn keeping with its mission to serve the community, the Women of Seven Lakes recently reflected on the group’s accomplishments during this past program year. The group kicked off the year in September with a successful collection drive, gathering pencils, glue sticks and tissues for West End Elementary School. Throughout the year, it hosted several fundraisers, including the Pancake Breakfast, Spring Fashion Show, and Flower Power Fundraiser, raising over $4,000.
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1 month ago | 
thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard
ContributedThis year’s annual Lake Auman Sports Club’s Spring Team Bass Tournament took place on Saturday, May 17 on Lake Auman. A record number of teams and anglers participated, with 42 anglers making up the 16 teams that competed in this four-hour catch and release event. Prizes were awarded to the top three teams with the heaviest total weights for the day and to the top three individuals for the largest bass caught.
