by orionontv | May 29, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
LAKE ORION, Mich. – Memorial Day festivities were put on throughout Lake Orion on Monday, May 27. Events for that day included the Orion Veterans Memorial 5k and 5-Mile Run/Walk, ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty, as well as the Memorial Day parade that took place downtown.
At the start of the day at 9 a.m., representatives of the American Legion Post 233 gathered at Eastlawn Cemetery on Orion Rd. for a memorial observance. Ladies’ Auxiliary President Sandi Boyd placed a wreath at the World War Veterans Monument to honor those who gave their lives while defending their country. At the same time, at Children’s Park in downtown Lake Orion, over 350 participants gathered for the 6th annual Orion Veterans Memorial Race.
Photo by Joe Johnson
ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Jenny Bhatti, the Orion Township Communications & Engagement Specialist, before the start of the race about the running conditions and what this means to the community.
“Set up was interesting this year,” Bhatti said. “We had some giant puddles along our way and some pouring rain but the course is still beautiful and the runners are going to enjoy it.”
Gray, overcast skies draped over the course for the race, however, aside from the occasional drizzle and wet spot, runners were keen to start the race. This particular event is a fundraiser for the Orion Veterans Memorial and they have been putting on this race since 2017.
“We’re out here today for the Veterans Memorial, this is the only fundraiser they do, and all of the proceeds from this go towards the long-term sustainability of the beautiful memorial right there on Odanah and M-24.
At 9 a.m., the 5-mile race began, and 15-minutes later, the 5k runners headed to the starting line.
The first runner to cross the finish line this year was none other than Lake Orion’s Alexander Pollack, who was also the winner of the Dragon Dash 5k race at the Orion Center the previous weekend. Pollack pushed his two kids in a stroller to win with a time of 19 minutes and 28 seconds.
Photo by Joe Johnson
“We just like getting a good workout in and seeing people in the community getting out and about and enjoying the town,” Pollack said.
The first woman to cross the finish line was 17-year old Leah Zarrilli of Rochester Hills, who finished with a time of 21 minutes and 39 seconds. ONTV spoke to Zarrilli about why she spent her time this morning participating in the memorial day race in Lake Orion.
“To run with my friends and family and to honor those who have served our country,” Zarrilli said.
Like Pollack, sometimes participants race with unconventional gear or equipment, one of those runners was Lake Orion native Eddie Cromwell, who raced with a 35-pound ruck sack. ONTV’s Lexi McKinney spoke to Cromwell after the race and asked him why he raced today.
“It makes me feel great, to know that there’s people who are willing to come out and be able to run and to show support to people who have served our country and who have given their lives to fight for the freedom of America – it is such a great thing,” Cromwell said.
Everyone who crossed the finish line received a medal for participating in the race and supporting the local veteran community. VFW Post 334 Commander Jim Hubbard was busy handing our American flags in the drizzling rain to runners and walkers who completed the course.
Photo by Joe Johnson
When the race concluded, participants were invited to a ceremony hosted by the American Legion Post 223. Veterans and members of the community gathered together to dedicate some time to those who have served our country. Post Commander Steve Hauxwell commenced the ceremony with a heartfelt speech, afterwards, Ladies’ Auxiliary President Sandi Boyd then dropped a wreath into Paint Creek to honor those who lost their lives at sea.
ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Hauxwell about the ceremony that took place and how the community came together to honor the fallen soldiers.
“This is done for those folks who have given their lives for us,” Hauxwell said “This is very special to us.”
Following the ceremony, at 11 a.m., residents and members of the Orion area community lined the streets of downtown Lake Orion to view the Memorial Day Parade. The event started at Blanche Sims Elementary and took the marchers through Jackson, Flint and North Broadway streets. At the start of the parade, Hauxwell introduced the Legion’s Veteran of the Year, Oxford native and Army Veteran Bill Quinn.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The parade consisted of not only veterans and members of the community, but also the Cub Scouts, military vehicles and the Lake Orion Dragon Marching Band.
The final ceremony of Lake Orion’s Memorial Day events took place at 1 p.m. at the Orion Veterans Memorial. Bob Smith, the Chairman of the Orion Veterans Memorial, was the emcee for the event. Smith welcomed the crowd in attendance and introduced retired US Navy Captain Matthew Butkis, who delivered the memorial day address.
Afterwards, VFW Post 334 Commander Jim Hubbard introduced 2024’s honored veteran retired US Air Force Lt. Colonel Cynthia Wright.
To conclude the ceremony, the names of those who have lost their lives in every conflict since the Civil War, each followed by a bell toll. Then, a gun salute and the playing of the taps took place to close the event.
The Orion Veterans Memorial is on 312 S Broadway Street and is open every day to those who want to visit. For more information visit orionveteransmemorial.com.
by orionontv | 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.
by orionontv | 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].
by orionontv | 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.
by orionontv | May 23, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
Serene, calm and commanding. The atmosphere that 22-year old Billie Eillish brings about on her third studio album, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” is absolutely divine – especially on the first track, “SKINNY.”
The quaint guitar, bass, and strings on that track completely entrance the listener into Billie’s world: one of heartbreak but also one of curiosity and inspiration.
The effortless transition into the next track, “LUNCH,” a silky and seductive banger that explores themes of Billie’s newfound queerness and her willingness to dive right into pleasure is a theme that is not foreign to pop songs, however, Billie’s sincereness and excitement with the subject makes me believe that this is a topic that she has wanted to tackle for a while now.
The lyricism and on-the-nose stylistic leanings of Billie is not just with her, but with her brother and sole producer of the record, Finneas, as well.
The crisp yet subdued bass lines are absolutely perfect for this record and its atmosphere. Billie, like she is in the cover, is completely submerged in water, however, she still is floating, a feeling directly felt in the next track, “CHIHIRO.”
Back to the lyrics and how they fit in with the theming of the record, Billie sings in “CHIHIRO,” “Open up the door, can you open up the door?/I know you said before you can’t cope with any more/You told me it was war, said you’d show me what’s in store/I hope it’s not for sure, can you open up the door?.”
In this track, Billie is struggling with not only this newfound sexuality and queerness, but she is also struggling with this new relationship she has found herself in.
Billie could even be read as borderline obsessive, with those themes carrying over into the eighth track, “THE DINER.”
“I’m waitin’ on your block (I’m waitin’ on your block)/But please don’t call the cops/They’ll make me stop/And I just wanna talk (I just wanna talk).”
Some would speculate that this verse reads as Billie musing from the perspective of one of her crazed stalkers, however, I interpret it as an analogy to her own loving obsession over the subject of the album’s story. I also view it as a sister track to “CHIHIRO,” showcasing the darker side to new love: obsession.
“HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” also has its grander moments, like in “THE GREATEST” and “BITTERSUITE.” The booming rock instrumental passages and vocals of Billie hit in both of those tracks, the latter of which shocked me with the fact that it has three tonal changes.
The last track, “BLUE,” is a synthy, cold but uplifting track about heartbreak and how you can move on from it.
“I try (I’m not what) to live in black and white, but I’m so blue (But I’m not what you need)/I’d like (Not what you need) to mean it when I say I’m over you/But that’s still not true, true.”
Then, the track fades out and fades in again for a soft, beautiful piano ballad about their past lover’s upbringing and how they are inherently more similar than she’d like to think.
The strings carry the track out and it fades, but not before we hear, “But when can I hear the next one,” referencing another album on the way soon, (or it could just be a plain tease to her fanbase.)
Overall, Billie Eillish’s gorgeous and stylistic new album stunned and shocked me, in all the best ways. She continues to make records equally as good as the last and has continued to carve her place in the pop-culture zeitgeist for years to come.
by orionontv | May 22, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
LEONARD, Mich. – On Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Addison Oaks Buhl Estate, the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its female-focused “Women of Inspiration Luncheon.”
The Chamber puts on several networking events each year in order for business people around the Orion area to connect with one another, this year they put on a new event with some truly inspirational speakers.
Approximately 120 attendees joined the Chamber at the Addison Oaks Buhl Estate, everyone was treated to a nice lunch and entered into a raffle to win prizes donated by sponsors. “Swag bags” were also handed out during the luncheon, within the bags were treats and trinkets given out by local businesses such as the Oxford Bank, Genisys Credit Union and Keller-Williams.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The primary speakers at the event were representatives from Dutton Farm, Michelle Smither, along with her daughters, Jenny Brown and Rebecca Smither. Founded in 2010, Dutton Farm serves the local special needs community through educational programs.
Joyce Donaldson, the President and CEO of the Orion Area Chamber, spoke with ONTV’s Joe Johnson at the event about it’s purpose that day.
“We are here to celebrate women – women of inspiration – and we’re super excited about our guest speakers today from Dutton Farm… This is an opportunity for us all to gather, to support each other, and to inspire each other,” Donaldson said.
After the guests had lunch, Michelle Smither talked about the history of Dutton Farm, their mission, as well as introducing her daughter, Jenny, as the next speaker.
Brown spoke to the crowd about how she started the organization with her mother and sister, their humble beginnings to now over 100 people in their programs. Brown also spoke to Joe Johnson about what the event means to her.
Photo by Joe Johnson
“Being just here today, with all of these women, has already been uplifting. But to know that all of these women come together and care about lifting each other up, and just hearing about what we do at Dutton Farm, just that alone means the world to us,” Brown said.
Brown then introduced her sister onto the podium, who greeted the crowd and gave remarks about herself, what she does now and her gratefulness to her supportive family and community.
Michelle Smither, the co-founder of Dutton Farm and the mother of Jenny Brown and Rebecca Smither, spoke to ONTV about what it meant to start an organization like this one and how she can keep paying it forward.
“It’s great to be successful and be go getters and achievers but don’t forget the people behind you or the people who can’t do that or don’t have the choices and opportunities and help them along the way,” Smither said. “It does my heart good, especially as I age, that this will go on.”
For more information about Dutton Farm and their programs, you can visit duttonfarm.org, and for more information about upcoming events at the Orion Area Chamber, you can visit orionareachamber.com.
