Contributed
It has been a busy and rewarding season for the Women of Seven Lakes (WoSL). Board members — Co-Presidents Erin Marzella and Lee Williams, Vice President Kathy MacNamara, Treasurer Cathie Wilson, Secretary Barbara Leoncini, Membership Chairs Barbara Simpson and Angie Huber, Hospitality Chair Carla Neiswanger, and Publicity Chair Gayle van Dijk — have created engaging programs for members and to strengthen the organization’s community impact.
The September membership meeting kicked off the year with information about the organization’s mission and activities. Members also heard from The Care Group, who shared its work and community needs. During the same month, WoSL held a school supply drive that provided much-needed items to West End Elementary School.
Members also participated in the Rise Against Hunger event at West End Presbyterian Church, where volunteers packed 28,080 meals for those in need.
In October, members welcomed guest speaker Dr. Chase Baily-Dorton, who gave an informative and inspiring presentation on Integrative Oncology and patient-centered cancer care available at FirstHealth Cancer Center in Moore County. To honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, members wore pink and created luminaria displayed at the entrances to the North, South, and West communities. Members helped assemble a gift basket for the Sandhills Moore Coalition to be raffled off at their November event. The chosen theme was “Made in North Carolina,” and the goal was to create a basket valued at $150.
When the donations were tallied, everyone was delighted to discover that members contributed $465 worth of Made in North Carolina items. Board member Barbara Leoncini did a wonderful job arranging the items in the basket, and Angie Huber made sure it was safely delivered to the Coalition. The WoSL were proud to make this donation to the Sandhills Moore Coalition with the generous support of all its members.
Later in the month, members enjoyed a social outing to the Scarecrow Stroll at the Seven Lakes Horticultural Gardens.
The November meeting featured Dr. Karen Sullivan, who discussed how we can better support friends and family members experiencing brain change. She shared her ongoing work to educate caregivers and her vision to expand community support systems for individuals living with dementia.
Just a week before the meeting, members were asked via email to bring donations for the West End United Food Pantry — and the response was remarkable: 450 pounds of food, paper products, and $100 in cash donations were collected. In addition, WoSL hosted a successful blood drive with more than 30 donors participating.
The season culminates in December with the 10th Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast, one of the group’s most beloved fundraisers. Proceeds from the event will be distributed to several Moore County nonprofits that serve those in need.
Looking ahead, the installation of the 2026–2027 WoSL Board will take place in May. As some current members retire from the board, new volunteers will be needed to continue the organization’s important work. Board meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the North Side Landowners Office conference room.
Members are encouraged to attend a meeting and consider joining this dedicated team of women who make such a meaningful difference in our community. For more information about the Women of Seven Lakes email Wof7Lakes@gmail.com or visit their website at WomenOfSevenLakes.com.
