by orionontv | May 30, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Thursday May 29th at 9:20 AM
Here are the previews for the Division One State Quarterfinals for Boys and Girls Lacrosse.
Boys
CLARKSTON vs Birmingham Brother Rice @ Seaholm
The Warriors are starting to get back to form which means that’s bad news for the Wolves. Clarkston and Birmingham Brother Rice were dominant in their regionals. The Wolves are a very young team and going against a team like the Warriors will be a very tough ask.
LAKE ORION vs Hartland @ Troy
This will be a rematch of a classic 13-12 Eagles win in Hartland over the Dragons. Lake Orion should be motivated for this matchup remembering what happened in that game. Both teams got through their regionals with ease. Expect this game to be very tight and very competitive.
PROJECTIONS: I see a Warriors vs Dragons State Semifinal matchup looming. I think overtime will be required again in the Hartland/Lake Orion matchup. Clarkston will have a rough time with Birmingham Brother Rice unless something happens, you never know.
Girls
TROY vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
The Colts are coming into this regional final with nothing to lose and everything to gain. The Blackhawks have been here before, they know how it works. This should be a very interesting matchup with the winner heading to the Division One State Semifinals.
LAKE ORION vs Hartland
The Dragons are coming off a tough 11-9 win over Huron Valley in the Regional Semifinals. They will have a really tall task going up against Hartland. The Eagles have been very good all season long. It will be a tall order for Lake Orion in this matchup.
by orionontv | May 30, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
The Maples have their new boys basketball coach.
Seaholm according to two very accurate sources has named Spenser Adams their new boys basketball coach. Adams takes over for Mike DeGeeter who was let go in the final week of last season.
Adams is the defensive coordinator for football under Coach Jim DeWald. He has a basketball background and is also a math teacher in the school. Adams has met with his new program according to one of my sources.
DeGeeter went 83-126 in his ten years coaching the program.
Seaholm will be in the White with Oak Park, Farmington, Lake Orion, Troy, Troy Athens, and Harper Woods this winter.
Program strength will be the key for Seaholm this season. The Maples went 17-3 with their freshman program and features a very talented player in Everett Wertz.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the MHSAA page confirming the hire of Adams
https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/seaholm/boys/varsity/basketball/2024
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.
