Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

by | May 23, 2024 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 23, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, Ski Area Safety Board, Michigan Board of Accountancy, Michigan Board of Social Work, Michigan Board of Counseling, Suicide Prevention Commission, Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science, and Michigan Opioids Task Force.

Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.

 

Michigan Aeronautics Commission

 

Ben Carter, of Farmington Hills, is the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Trinity Health. He is also a pilot and certified flight instructor. Carter received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Benjamin Carter is reappointed for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring May 27, 2028

The Michigan Aeronautics Commission is responsible for the general supervision of all aeronautics within the state. The Commission is empowered by state law to make rules and regulations governing all airports, flight schools, and other aeronautical activities.

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Ski Area Safety Board

Charles Gano, of Indian River, serves as general counsel at Boyne Resorts. Gano received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Miami University, and Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. Charles Gano is reappointed to represent the Central United States Ski Association for a term commencing June 9, 2024, and expiring June 8, 2028.

Benjamin Bartz, of Wakefield, is the chief of mountain operations at Midwest Family Ski Resorts. Bartz received an associate’s degree in ski area management from Gogebic Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in ski area management from Northern Michigan University. Benjamin Bartz is appointed to represent Upper Peninsula Ski Area Managers for a term commencing June 9, 2024, and expiring June 8, 2028. Benjamin Bartz succeeds Samuel Bracket who has resigned.

 

The Michigan Ski Area Safety Board was created to license and regulate ski areas and ski lifts in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the operation of ski areas, surface and chair lifts, and rope tows.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Board of Accountancy

Jacquelyn Dupler, of Dewitt, is an attorney and shareholder at Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. Dupler received a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and political science from Michigan State University, and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. Jacquelyn Dupler is reappointed to represent a general public member who is an attorney for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

 

Charles L. Moore Jr., of Lansing, is a certified public accountant and owner of C.L. Moore & Associates. Moore received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Adrian College. Charles Moore is reappointed to represent certified public accountants for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

 

The Michigan State Board of Accountancy is responsible for the certification, licensure, and regulation of certified public accountants and public accounting firms in Michigan.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Social Work

 

China Sells, of Grand Rapids, is a housing resource specialist at Inner City Christian Federation Community Homes. Sells is a graduate of Carthage Senior High School. China Sells is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. She succeeds Jasmine Calhoun whose term has expired.

 

The Michigan Board of Social Worker registers social workers in Michigan. Social Work is the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to counseling or to helping an individual, family, group, or community to enhance or restore the capacity for social functioning and/or provide, obtain, or improve tangible social and health services.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Counseling

 

Roberto Overton, of Berrien Center, is a school-based therapist for InterCare Community Health Network. He has also worked as an academic advisor for Southwestern Michigan College and as an English as a second language interventionist at Benton Harbor Area Schools. Overton is both a national certified counselor and a licensed professional counselor. Overton received both a Bachelor of Science in education and a Master of Science in counseling and human services from Indiana University. Roberto Overton is reappointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in providing counseling techniques, behavior modification techniques, or preventative techniques to clients for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

Rotesa Baker, of Detroit, is an adjunct faculty member at Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University, and Central Michigan University. She has also worked as a practicum site supervisor at Grand Canyon University, an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Michigan University, an associate faculty member at University of Phoenix, a licensed professional counselor at Oakland Psychological Clinic, and as a guest lecturer at the University of Detroit. Baker is a nationally licensed certified counselor. Baker received a Bachelor of Science in psychology and rehabilitation services from Florida State University, and a Master of Arts in counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Rotesa Baker is reappointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in teaching, training, or research in counseling for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

The Michigan Board of Counseling was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license counselors who render to individuals, groups, families, organizations, or the general public a service involving the application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures in an educational, business, health, private practice, or human services setting. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Suicide Prevention Commission

Dr. Natalie Kasiborski, of Petoskey, is an assistant professor for Michigan State University’s Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, and a public health consultant. Additionally, she is the director of the Womens Resource Center of Northern Michigan and past director of the School Community Health Alliance of Michigan. Dr. Kasiborski received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Public Health and Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. Dr. Natalie Kasuboski is appointed to represent a member nominated by the school community health alliance for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. Dr. Natalie Kasiborski succeeds Debra Brinson whose term has expired.

Gregory S. Ginebaugh, of Lansing, is fire chief and emergency manager for the Delta Township Fire Department. He was previously the deputy fire chief for the City of Kentwood Fire Department. Ginebaugh is also a program instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness. Gregory S. Ginebaugh is reappointed to represent a member nominated by the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.

Sheriff Wilbur Yancer, of Lake City, is the Missaukee County Sheriff. Additionally, he is a certified police officer with over forty years of law enforcement experience, including working in all area’s including corrections, dispatch, patrol, investigations, and supervision. He previously served as the department honor guard, department marine division, and past coordinator of the Saginaw County Major Crimes Unit.  Sheriff Yancer is reappointed to represent a member who is a suicide loss survivor and is nominated by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.

Frank K. Fischer, of Plymouth, is the executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Michigan. He is also the executive director of The Dominique Fischer Memorial Foundation. Fischer received his Bachelor of Arts in business management from Western Michigan University. Fischer is reappointed to represent a national health care system whose work in this state focuses on providing comprehensive behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and adults throughout this state for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.

Dr. Kenneth Wolf, of West Bloomfield, is the CEO of the Incident Management Team. He is a licensed psychologist and has served as police psychologist, special deputy sheriff for Wayne County, as well as a psychological consultant for the Detroit Police Department. Dr. Wolf received a Bachelor of Arts in government from Columbia College and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Wayne State University. Dr. Kenneth Wolf is reappointed to represent a member who is experienced in crisis intervention for suicide response and is nominated by the Police Officers Association of Michigan for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.

This Suicide Prevention Commission works with state departments, and agencies, and nonprofit organizations on researching the causes and possible underlying factors of suicide in this state.

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science

Brian Joseph, of St. Claire Shores, is the owner of Chas. Verheyden, Inc., a southeast Michigan funeral home and cremation service. Joseph received an associate’s degree in pre-mortuary science from Macomb Community College and a Bachelor of Science in mortuary science from Wayne State University. He is a licensed mortician of the State of Michigan. Brian Joseph is reappointed to represent professionals for a term commencing July 1st, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

The Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science was created to license and regulate the practice of mortuary science and funeral establishments in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of mortuary science licensees, residential trainees, and funeral homes.

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Opioids Task Force

Bradley Casemore, of Battle Creek, is the chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health. He also is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a former member of the Opioid Advisory Commission. Casemore received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology, a Master of Social Work in administration, and a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. Bradley Casemore is reappointed to represent PIHP region 4 for a term commencing June 15, 2024, and expiring June 14, 2028.

Kristie Schmiege, of Royal Oak, is the director of strategic initiatives at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the Greater Detroit Area. Schmiege received a Bachelor of Science in clinical-community psychology from the University of Michigan-Flint, and a Master of Public Health from University of the Michigan School of Public Health. Kristie Schmiege is reappointed to represent PIHP region 8 for a term commencing June 15, 2024, and expiring June 14, 2028.

The Michigan Opioids Task Force was created as an advisory body within the Department of Health and Human Services and consists of 12 members of the executive branch of state government. Members of the Task Force are ex officio members and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director of the Department shall designate the chairperson of the Task Force.

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
DNR News Digest – ‘Summer safety’ smarts

DNR News Digest – ‘Summer safety’ smarts

by | May 23, 2024 | Recreation
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News Digest – ‘Summer safety’ smarts

A wooden slat pathway ambles through tall dunegrass into the bright blue horizon.

Planning a Memorial Day weekend trip? Make sure you’re prepared. Check out safety tips below!
Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.

Brush up on Great Lakes beach safety tips

A crowd of beachgoers sprawls across a shoreline, mingling in the water and on the sand.

Summer temperatures are here, and the water is calling! Many state parks, but not all, offer swim areas identified by buoys or markers, a beach flag warning system and water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation. Before you jump in, make sure to keep safety in mind, especially on big water. Remember the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems that hold more than 20% of the world’s fresh water. Strong currents can catch even the most experienced swimmer off guard.

To keep everyone safe, follow these must-know tips:

  • Check weather conditions and beach flags in buoyed swim areas (double-red flags = water access closed, red flag = high hazard, yellow flag = medium hazard, green flag = low hazard). By law, you cannot enter the water from the beach when double-red flags are flying or if otherwise directed.
  • Choose buoyed swim areas located in state parks. Swim areas offer additional safety measures and visual cautions. It’s important to note that not all state parks have designated swim areas.
  • Never swim alone, especially children.
  • Keep close watch on children and weaker swimmers: Stay within arm’s reach, have them wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, be conscious of their limits and take breaks frequently.
  • Be aware of water temperatures. Water can be much colder than the ambient air temperature might suggest, especially in larger bodies of water like the Great Lakes. Sudden immersion and/or sustained time in cold water can cause cold shock, making it hard to breathe and increasing your risk of drowning.

Learn more about these beach safety tips, including information about the benefits of buoyed swim areas, the beach flag warning system, how to spot (and escape) Great Lakes currents and more at Michigan.gov/BeachSafety.

Before you strike that match, take steps to keep your fire contained

An adult cooks a meal over a fire ring in a state park while two other companions watch in lawn chairs.

Summer is the season of grills, campfires, sparklers and fireworks, and with hotter, dryer weather comes fire season. To protect people, wildlife and landscapes, it’s important to follow fire safety tips and be prepared in case your fire does something unpredictable.

Here are some basic safety guidelines:

  • When making a campfire, build it in a ring or pit. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment. When you’re done, douse your fire thoroughly with water, stir and douse again.
  • When using fireworks, keep a hose handy and make sure to soak used sparklers in water before discarding them. Never shoot fireworks into dry grass, brush or trees. When barbecuing, never leave the grill unattended and keep a water source nearby.
  • If you are planning work, not play, for your holiday weekend, make sure your yard cleanup is safe. When towing trailers or equipment, ensure tow chains don’t drag and cause sparks, and avoid using heavy machinery like lawnmowers in dry areas. Always keep a water source handy.
  • Debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan. Check whether burn permits are being issued or if weather conditions allow for safe burning before you burn. Check the burn permit page or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) for more information.
  • Use firewise landscaping tips at home, too, to maintain a safe space around your house. Trim low branches, remove dead vegetation and keep firewood piles a safe distance away.

Nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people. If you see a fire grow out of control, call 911 immediately. Swift action can save lives.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/FireSafety.

‘Ride Right’ for safe, responsible, off-road fun

Three ORVs drive safely on the right side of a dirt forest trail.

Off-road vehicles are fun year-round, but ORV activity ramps up in spring and summer as people head to Michigan trails and ORV scramble areas to enjoy world-class riding experiences.

Keeping safety in mind is vital on any ride, for you and others. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes were primarily due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use.

“Always ride within your and the machine’s capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When operators ride too fast, they are more likely to lose control when they hit even the smallest bump, try to make turns or stop. Riding sober and at a safe speed are the best ways to stay safe.”

All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep this important guidance in mind:

  • Operate within the limits of your ORV and your own capabilities.
  • Ride at a safe speed.
  • Ride sober.
  • Ride on the right side of the trail.
  • Keep lights on when riding.
  • Always wear a helmet.

Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight. For more on where to ride and ORV laws in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.

Questions? Contact Cpl. Mike Hearn at [email protected].

DNR and McDonald’s kick off safe boating season

Three children properly wearing life jackets stand on a boat, proudly displaying newly-won McDonald's certificates.

Just in time for the holiday weekend, the DNR and McDonald’s of Michigan are teaming up to encourage young boaters to wear their life jackets this summer.

Now through Labor Day, conservation officers will pass out coupons for a free McDonald’s ice-cream cone or apple slice package (valid at participating McDonald’s locations) to youth boaters who are seen properly wearing a life jacket.

“We’re excited to partner with McDonald’s on this boating safety campaign to remind parents to encourage their children to wear life jackets,” said Lt. Tom Wanless. “It’s easy to get distracted on the water, and making sure your child wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is one of the easiest safety precautions you can take.”

According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 75% of boating deaths are due to drowning, and 85% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.

If you’re planning to be on or near the water this weekend – or at all this summer – take time before you leave shore to ensure you are prepared for a water emergency:

  • Complete an accredited boater safety education program.
  • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  • Leave a float plan with someone on shore.
  • Boat sober.
  • Stay alert for swimmers, wildlife, other boaters, escaped fish nets and debris floating near the surface of the water.
  • Make sure your vessel is in good operating condition and pack basic safety gear, including life jackets, a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tow rope and anchor.
  • Carry a cell phone or marine radio.
  • Pack water, snacks and weather-appropriate clothing in case you become stranded.

Keep in mind that current water temperatures throughout the state are still chilly, increasing the risk for hypothermia.

Learn more about boating safety or locate a boater safety education course near you at Michigan.gov/Boating.

Questions? Contact Katie Gervasi at 517-290-0679.

ICYMI: Tips to stay healthy during poor air quality days

Smoke clouds the air in a dry prairie.

The 2024 North American wildfire season is underway and warmer weather is increasing the risk of higher ozone levels.

In case you missed it, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is suggesting Michigan residents take steps to protect themselves from risks related to poor air quality.

Monitor the air quality index on the AirNow website, or sign up for alerts through the EnviroFlash system. Keep an eye on the news and weather and be prepared in case of smoke.

Before a wildfire smoke event, MDHHS recommends you:

  • Familiarize yourself with your forced air HVAC system or your window air conditioning unit. If it has a fresh-air intake or outdoor air damper, you will need to close it during a smoke event.
  • Ensure you have replacement air filters that are rated MERV-13 or higher.
  • Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner. If you don’t have one, you can make a do-it-yourself air filter.
  • Help neighbors and family members plan for possible wildfire smoke.
  • If you have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, heart disease, diabetes or another health condition that may make you more sensitive to wildfire smoke, talk to your health care provider ahead for guidance.
  • Children under 18, anyone over the age of 60, pregnant people and outdoor workers are also more at risk. Talk to your health care provider ahead of time to make a plan.

Find more information on the MDHHS Your Health and Wildfire Smoke page.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Lingering luminescence

A brilliant orange sunset casts a lighthouse at the end of a pier in hues of pink, blue and purple.See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Ryan Burger Devries, for the Michigan DNR, at Grand Haven State Park in Ottawa County).

THINGS TO DO

A safe cookout starts with safe food practices. Keep food safety tips in mind, especially around cleaning, storage and cooking preparation.

BUY & APPLY

Many outdoor recreation opportunities require a safety certificate; check out available safety and education programs to brush up on your safety skills.

GET INVOLVED

Accessing free, available resources is vital in a mental health crisis. Learn how to support yourself, friends, family and community with mental health first aid.
Chevrolet Silverado EV Acquired by Orion Township for Vehicle Fleet

Chevrolet Silverado EV Acquired by Orion Township for Vehicle Fleet

by | May 23, 2024 | Feature Writers, News

ORION TOWNSHIP – On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett visited Wally Edgar Chevrolet on Lapeer Rd. to take ownership of one Chevrolet Silverado EV, with this purchase, Orion Township becomes one of the first municipalities in Michigan to add an electric vehicle to its fleet.

This purchase of a Silverado EV was made possible by an energy efficiency grant through the federal government.

This model came from GM’s Factory Zero Hamtramck Assembly Center; however, GM’s Orion Plant is undergoing modifications to be able to mass produce the same type of vehicle.

ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Supervisor Barnett about the purchase and what this means for Orion Township.

“So obviously, the big news came out a year and a half ago, a little over a year ago I guess, when Mary Barra announced that they were going to produce the Chevy EV Silverado right here in Orion Township at Orion Assembly, effectively doubling the size of the four million square foot plant to eight million square feet, bringing thousands of new jobs and we have been on a high ever since,” Barnett said.

ONTV also spoke to Justin Edgar, the pre-owned vehicle manager at Wally Edgar Chevrolet, about the Silverado EV at large and what this means for the future.

“We’re excited to see what comes in, in the next couple of months to the next couple of years,” Edgar said. “There’s going to be a lot more infrastructure coming in the next three, four, five years.”

Supervisor Barnett has made it clear that the future government vehicle fleet for Orion Township will be all electric – an exciting prospect and a bold challenge.

“We will be, a Chevy Silverado EV fleet, as long as I’m here,” Barnett said.

You can visit Wally Edgar Chevrolet at 3805 Lapeer Rd. (M24). For more information about the new Chevrolet Silverado EV, visit chevrolet.com/electric/silverado-ev.

Orion Township Recognized For Environmental Leadership

Orion Township Recognized For Environmental Leadership

by | May 23, 2024 | Feature Writers, News

ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Michigan Green Communities program has recognized Orion Township in their participation in the Michigan Green Communities Challenge. Over 60 local governments were awarded either bronze, silver or gold in their achievements in climate adaptation and resilience, environmental justice, recycling, energy efficiency and more.

Out of the 62 governments awarded, seven received bronze certification, 20 received silver certification and 35 received gold certification.

Orion Township received gold certification is multiple areas: economic development, land use, climate resilience, climate adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, materials management (recycling, composting, waste diversion), water conservation and protection, and community engagement.

According to a press release from the office of Chris Barnett, Supervisor of the Board of Trustees of Orion Township, “Most remarkable was Orion Township’s demonstrated increase in quantity and quality of both commercial and recreational development, while also increasing investment in and improvement of local parks and nature reserves all while prioritizing and enhancing community social, financial, environmental, and physical wellbeing. Examples include General Motor’s Orion Assembly, Orion Township’s purchase of Great Lakes Athletic Club and their investing in and re-visioning of the space into a community recreation center, upgraded and renovated several sewer lift stations and other waste management measures resulting in a 20% reduction in household disposal since 2020, and over $3 million invested in Orion Parks and trails.”

The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program is a sustainability networking, benchmarking and technical assistance program open to all local Michigan governments at no cost.

According to the press release, “Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.”

Additional questions regarding the Michigan Green Communities program can be directed to Danielle Beard, Michigan Green Communities Program Coordinator at [email protected].

Orion Art Center Hosts Art and Flower Fair 2024

Orion Art Center Hosts Art and Flower Fair 2024

by | May 23, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers

LAKE ORION, Mich. – The weekend of May 17, 18 and 19 welcomed back the Lake Orion Art & Flower Fair to downtown Lake Orion once again, the now 24-year old tradition of bringing beautiful flowers, many unique forms of art, family friendly activities and music to the streets of Flint and Broadway continued this year.

Photo By Joe Johnson

Before the Saturday and Sunday market opened up, a “Mystery Art Stroll” was put on 6 p.m., as well as a beer tent and live music an hour later to kick off the festivities.

Over 100 vendors were present in downtown Lake Orion this time, it was a great opportunity for artists to showcase and sell their work alongside the multitude of options folks had for picking out the perfect addition to their floral home-décor or garden.

The warm weather and fair skies made for a tremendous and record-breaking turn-out as four to five thousand people gathered to participate in the festivities, the event helped to support the Orion Art Center in their mission.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) used to run the fair, however, for four years now, the Orion Art Center has made this their show. Proceeds collected from the fair help run their artistic and community-based classes throughout the year.

Photo By Joe Johnson

On the 18th and the 19th, flowers bloomed from block to block, stunning framed paintings covered dozens of tents and there was even handmade art from recycled materials present at the event – the Orion area community’s talent shined through this weekend. ONTV’s Lexi McKinney talked to some of these talented artists and creators on Saturday about what inspires them and what they thought about the event.

“I’m so glad I could do this show,” one vendor from Clinton Township said. “It makes me feel relaxed when I do them, it gives me motivation.”

Art work shares stories and brings people together, this was made evident in another vendor ONTV talked to Saturday.

“What it does for me is I get out and I get to relate to people of all different walks of life, which is amazing,” a vendor named Joe Cilluffo said.

ONTV also talked to Holly Nicosia, executive director of the Orion Art Center about the event, as well as Monica Squarcia, a member of the Board of Directors at the Orion Art Center.

“This is one of our biggest fundraisers for the Orion Art Center and we love bringing the community out here and that’s one of our missions at the Art Center is bring creativity into the community, so it’s just a perfect way to get people into our beautiful downtown area…” Nicosia said. “It’s just a great community event all-around.”

Photo By Joe Johnson

Overall, the Lake Orion Art and Flower Fair was a great time for all, vendors and participants alike.

“I’m so proud of all the beautiful art tents we have, they’re looking fantastic,” Squarcia said.

The weekend was also a great way to tease and get a sneak peak into the 15th annual Dragon on the Lake Festival, August 23rd through the 25th.

For more information about the Orion Art Center, visit orionartcenter.org, and for more information about the upcoming Dragon on the Lake festival, visit dragononthelake.com.