The Seven Lakes Insider

1 week ago | thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard

Karen Elizabeth Yelcich, 82, of McClendon Hills, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025 ,at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, after a brief illness. She was born Feb. 24, 1943, in Fairmont, W. Va., to the late John Edward Nuzum and the late Elizabeth Zelnak Nuzum. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 64 years, Mathew Yelcich; her daughter, Kelly Jones (Kevin); and her grandson, Matthew Antonio Gomez, all of New Bern.

2 weeks ago | thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard

CONTRIBUTEDAfter reading about the annual Blooming Art of the Sandills Exhibition hosted by the Garden Club of the Sandhills, Jo Cermele, a Seven Lakes Garden Club member, signed up to participate. The event challenges local residents to create floral arrangements representing a piece of art. Cermele requested a helper from her fellow members of the SLGC to create an entry inspired by “Feather Dancer” by David Ramos, a print from Cermele’s private collection.

2 weeks ago | thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard

By Maggie BeamguardInsider EditorSeven Lakes Ace Hardware turns lucky seven this spring. As the store matures, it is undergoing a revamp. “Every few years we like to change things up here at the store,” said Meredith French, the store’s manager. Two years ago, the store moved the garden center to the back of the store in anticipation of the expansion of N.C. 211. While they were at it, they added a 2000+ square foot greenhouse.

2 weeks ago | thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard

BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARDInsider EditorSightings of the famous and infamous were made recently at West End Elementary School. Oprah Winfrey holding a microphone, The Rock sporting his gold necklace, Prince Harry ready to sip from a cup of tea and Gloria Steinem wearing signature aviator glasses were among those spotted.

2 weeks ago | thesevenlakesinsider.com | Maggie Beamguard

BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARDEditorBy my estimation, I complete 70-90 interviews each year for the Seven Lakes Insider. 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.