The Seven Lakes Insider

08/13/2026

A few hours of volunteer service in West End can change the lives of children thousands of miles away. The Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event returns to West End Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Sept. 19.

By Maggie Beamguard Insider Editor A few hours of volunteer service in West End can change the lives of children thousands of miles away.  The...

08/11/2026

When it comes to stories about “call,” one might first think of burning bushes, mountain peaks and neon signs. But they rarely manifest just so.

Melissa Frey's path to Jackson Springs Presbyterian Church stretched from the mountains of western Maryland, through hospitals, seminary classrooms, family joys, heartbreaking loss and, in her own words — a “stubborn faith.”

By Maggie Beamguard Insider Editor When it comes to stories about “call,” one might first think of burning bushes, mountain peaks and neon signs. But...

08/07/2026

For Jenn Wallace, horses have always been about more than a ride. As owner of Hollybrook Farm in West End, she has created an equine-centered community where riding lessons are only part of the experience.

Hollybrook Farm in West End is an equine-centered community where riding lessons are only part of the experience.

08/06/2026

From Rocketman to Aquaman: Two years ago, Andrew McPartland was launching a rocket into the Alabama sky as part of NASA’s University Student Launch Initiative. Now the Seven Lakes resident is charting a course in a different direction: the ocean depths.

By Maggie Beamguard Insider Editor Two years ago, Andrew McPartland was launching a rocket into the Alabama sky as part of NASA’s University Student Launch...

08/05/2026

Have you tried Teriyaki Express? The restaurant opened in mid-July and though it’s new to the area, the business began in Sanford in 2020. Owners Nicky and Jesus (Chuy) Lopez say they’ve been welcomed with open arms.

“I didn’t know I was such a small town person until I got here,” says Nicky Lopez. “It’s like a breath of fresh air.”

Read more:
https://thesevenlakesinsider.com/2026/07/teriyaki-express-opens-in-seven-lakes/

07/29/2026

As the Chapel in the Pines recently kicked off its 50th anniversary season, the congregation began by taking a glimpse into an era before social media, the iPhone and generative AI.

Following worship on July 19, members gathered for the opening of the time capsule. Inside: an old directory with some younger versions of those present, newspaper clippings, photographs, bulletins and an unlabeled cassette tape.

📷 + ✏️: SLI editor Maggie Beamguard

https://thesevenlakesinsider.com/2026/07/a-time-encapsulated-chapel-of-the-pines-marks-50th-anniversarya-time-encapsulated/

07/17/2026

Lake Auman looked a little different on Thursday morning. Were you there to see the training in person? Drop your photos in the comments.

📸: Ted Fitzgerald

07/05/2026

07/04/2026

Happy 4th! Share how you are celebrating America's 250th Year of Independence around Seven Lakes. Post your pictures below.

02/01/2026

Around six inches of snow blanketed Seven Lakes on Jan 31. Share your photos from this rare event in the comments.