BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD
Insider Editor
As 2026 approaches, the Seven Lakes Landowners Association for the North and Southside communities is gearing up for an important election, a community center remodel and a stables reopening.
The Nominations Committee began canvassing for nominees to fill the upcoming three open board positions. The seats currently held by Jeff Neiter (Head of Security), Amber Johnson (Treasurer Finance) and Charlotte Kennedy (Compliances Committee and Board President) will be on the ballot. The two-year terms will begin on March 28 during the annual meeting.
Those interested in running for the board must be full-time residents of Seven lakes North or South and members of good standing with dues paid in full and no unpaid fees or fines. Nominations are open until Dec. 11 when the slate will be presented to the SLLA board for approval. Contact Nominating Committee chair Doug O’Brien at sllanominate@gmail.org if you are interested in running for the board or in joining one of SLLA’s seven committees: Security, Lakes and Dams, Architectural Review, Facilities, Recreation and Communication, Finance and Compliances.
Ballots will go out to residents by Feb. 15 and may be returned by mail or in designated boxes. To engage voters, the board will send out an e-blast when the slate of candidates has been approved. “Meet the Candidates” events for day and evening will be announced.
Big changes have been underway at the 7 Lakes Stables. The barn has been temporarily closed except for essential staff and adult volunteers while the newly hired team assesses the herd and gets organized.
New stables staff hires have been announced. Karlie Kivett was hired on Oct. 27 to be the new stables manager. Kivett brings over 23 years of riding and stables management to the role.
Olivia Meyer joined the team on Nov. 10 as the program coordinator. Meyer brings over 20 years of stables management, competitive English show and event riding, rider and horse training and veterinary knowledge to the stables program.
A part-time assistant manager role was being filled by a temporary worker as of mid-November while a search for a permanent employee to fill this position was underway.
Board President Charlotte Kennedy expressed excitement about the new stable staff and the positive energy they bring.
“They’re amazing,” she said. “They have so many plans and so many things they want to do. Their energy is contagious.”
Stables volunteers will be invited to a special event and training on Dec. 6 to review updated procedures and outline new roles and responsibilities within the program.
A barn lighting will welcome all back to the program from 1 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 20. This celebration will mark the official reopening of the stables. Festivities will include food trucks, face painting, horse activities and a lighting of the barn with the possibility of a firepit to close out the evening.
With a December packed with events, anticipated renovations to the clubhouse have been postponed to the new year. The refreshed space will have new paint, updated lighting and other enhancements. It will be formally unveiled on Feb. 14. The updates are being made possible through generous volunteer support.
Residents can find future updates about the election season and community-wide developments through the community emails.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
