by orionontv | Jul 1, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Top Ten OAA Teams. These are NOT The Top 10 official rankings that comes in November, these are the rankings from who I’ve seen from the June camps.
Boys
1. Clarkston- Wolves have looked really impressive this summer especially John Kaul.
2. Avondale- Yellow Jackets are starting to gel this summer but can they gel in the Red???
3. Lake Orion- Dragons have played a really tough schedule this summer.
4. Oxford- Wildcats experience has really shown out this summer.
5. Groves- Falcons have looked really good against good competition this summer.
6. West Bloomfield- Lakers have been really impressive this summer.
7. Rochester- Max Mohl looks to be in mid season form this summer.
8. Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks were up and down record wise this summer but they could be really dangerous this winter.
9. Troy- Defense has been really concerning this summer despite having Mason Parker.
10. Seaholm- Maples were shorthanded but they still have that same grit for new coach Spenser Adams.
Girls
1. Ferndale- Eagles look like they could make some noise this winter.
2. Stoney Creek- Cougars look like they haven’t missed a beat.
3. Clarkston- Wolves have played a really tough schedule this summer.
4. Royal Oak- Ravens have shown a ton of improvement this summer
5. Lake Orion- Dragons were solid but they still have some issues to address.
6. Troy- Colts depth really starting to show this summer.
7. Rochester- Falcons are adjusting to new coach Andy Tomlie’s system.
8. Seaholm- Maples have been up and down seeing them this summer.
9. Avondale- Yellow Jackets have shown improvement this summer.
10. Oxford- Wildcats going through a transition period under new coach Phil Dawson.
by orionontv | Jun 27, 2024 | Feature Writers
Learning with Lex: Surviving College Classes During a Pandemic 101
By Lexi McKinney | June 27, 2024
Welcome back to the second edition of Learning with Lex. I am grateful for my avid readers who enjoy hearing about my raw take on all aspects of my college experience. Today’s topic is the most debated area for many students or former students.
I often receive questions about the classes I’ve completed, and honestly, the past two years have been phenomenal. From news editing to in-field reporting, receiving a college degree is just a bonus for completing required classes. However, it was not always this much of a breeze. My first semester of prerequisites was tedious. The courses were formatted like high school classes, and the homework load was unbearable for a student with a job. Most of the time, I was working the night shift to complete a math project or humanities essay, and the lesson I learned then was how the beginning of college was essentially a senior year of high school 2.0.
For the tuition alone, I understand why students are skeptical about choosing college to begin a career. The courses were saturated, and the exams were daunting; I felt like a recluse while trying to maintain all A’s. At this point, taking another required science or math elective was like sitting at the dentist for two hours getting a root canal. Unbearable, and counting down the seconds for it to be over.
If I am being honest, for the price point and time invested, I felt like the beginning of college was expensive, boring, and time-consuming. Most days began to feel like a hassle, and coordinating a proper schedule without classes filling up was nearly impossible. My greatest wish is for requirements to shift from core classes to adult-based life courses.
College students panic while debt is fearless. Understanding how important it is to be frugal with expenses could alter the next decade for young adults. It would also be beneficial to consider a course that teaches students about home improvement, survival skills, how to negotiate salaries at work, etc.
If I understood the concept of loans at 18 years old, could you imagine how differently I would have dispersed my Christmas money, graduation gifts, and additional income? Even saving a thousand dollars would have been a valuable resource with buying textbooks, or having more money to spend while attending school.
Overall, college has prepared me for the workspace, and I have received some of the most valuable knowledge. However, I fully support alternative routes after graduating high school. Whether it be trade school, or taking time to experience entry-level jobs and saving money before deciding, I think any route is productive and resourceful.
I would never say I regret attending college, but just like life, some moments made me doubtful, and while I am happy to earn multiple degrees, take time to map out a plan before throwing yourself in a classroom. Do the extra research, save money, and find the career path that makes you eager to wake up every morning!
by orionontv | Jun 27, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
This year has brought some really great music so far, from summer bops, to melancholic winter ballads, 2024 has been an incredibly well-rounded year for music so far. The year is halfway done as of next week, and with this (along with every other music blog) I will be counting down the best albums released so far this year.
To qualify for this list, an album would have to have been released this calendar year, as well not be confused with an EP (extended play) or a single. With this, I have gathered ten records that are varied in genre and tone, and generally stand out to me this year. These are not in any particular order.
Arooj Aftab – “Night Rein”
Jazz has not always been my thing, but with Arooj Aftab’s record, “Night Rein” I feel as though my love for jazz is finally surfacing in my year-end lists. “Night Rein” is a contemplative record that sparked not only me writing this list, but it solidified my affinity for indie artists. I put “Night Rein” here on the first spot because I feel as though it has not gotten a ton of love since it has came out. My favorite tracks on the record are “Na Gul” and “Raat Ki Rani.”
Beyoncé – “Cowboy Carter”
Beyoncé’s eighth studio record is genre-defying, groovy, you can dance to it, has a huge country influence, and I really love it. “AMERIICAN REQUIEM” and “II HANDS II HEAVEN” are my favorite tracks on the record and encapsulate the vibe really well: a soulful and heartfelt tribute to country, while also being quite the modern pop masterclass. Beyoncé’s cunning lyricism and ear for the old and new make her a current front-runner for album of the year at the Grammys, and award she has not won yet, but with this record, her goal is closer than ever.
Charli XCX – “Brat”
Brat, to me, is a once in a lifetime pop record. As I stated in my review of it two weeks ago: “’Brat’ by Charli XCX being this good does not make sense…‘Brat’ is confusing as it is liberating…” and I absolutely stand by this sentiment. Charli’s commercial and critical success with this record, (it is currently the number one rated album on the aggregate review site, Metacritic for 2024) is staggering to say the least. She has been on a rise since 2013, with early pop hits, then transitioning to underground electronic-pop fame, and now it seems everything has gone full circle with “Brat.” Charli has made a pop-hit record but stuck to her morals and her friends, no matter how hard it was.
Eunuchs – “Harbour Century”
One of the most blistering and fast-paced rock albums to have come out within the last five years, “Harbour Century” by Australian brutal progressive-rock band Eunuchs (think Black Midi or Mr. Bungle) is definitely a unique record. It juxtaposes crooning and melodic vocals with striking and angular guitar, drum, and saxophone instrumental breaks. Tracks I would recommend out of this one would be “Pat A Dragon” and “Bird Angel Dynasty.”
Cindy Lee – “Diamond Jubilee”
This one is hard to recommend because of just how inaccessible it is. You can only download it off of a GeoCities website, (a place on the internet I’ve never heard of before.) However, once you cross that barrier to entry, you’ll find one of the best kept secrets of 2024. “Diamond Jubilee” is a double-album worth downloading and worth listening to. It is for fans of psychedelic and hypnogogic-pop music (a la Ariel Pink, Flaming Lips or Animal Collective.)
The Lemon Twigs – “A Dream Is All I Know”
The charming Lemon Twigs returned from a pretty successful run in 2023 with their breakout record, “Everything Harmony” and while I personally thought the record was pastiche and lukewarm, lacking any real style and standout lyricism, their 2024 album, “A Dream Is All I Know,” is their best record to date. It is precise, compact and filled with amazing lyrics and incredible sunshine pop. “Ember Days” is one of my favorite songs of the year so far.
Chief Keef – “Almighty So 2”
As stated in my review on a previous edition of Tuned-In Thursday, I think this record is great. It’s bombastic, boastful, but most importantly it is well constructed and put-together. I will end this section with a piece from my review: “Chief Keef is arguably the most comfortable he has ever sounded, no awkward flows, no whack-sounding bars – all precision and all skill. Boastful yet introspective lyrics are what I usually look for on the lyrical side of a modern rap record and Chief Keef effortlessly delivers.” The best tracks on this LP are “Jesus” and “1,2,3.”
Amaro Freitas – “Y’Y”
Brazilian jazz musician and composer Amaro Freitas went on a retreat to an Amazonian basin where he experienced nature and the people who reside within the Amazon. Through this worthwhile experience he invites us in to a lush and beautiful landscape that acts not only as a personal diary of his travels, but a spiritual guide to the self. Freitas’s Bandcamp page write-up puts it best, “While Side A of Y’Y serves as an expression of connection to the earth and to the ancestors, Side B serves as proof of connections between the global Black avant-jazz community.” My favorite track on the record is the last track, “Encantados.”
Martha Skye Murphy – “Um”
“Um” by Martha Skye Murphy (guest vocalist on the infamous “Narrator” by Squid) is an odd egg – not a spoiled one though – just odd. On paper, the ambient and electroacoustic elements should not mix with the pop and rock ones. However, Murphy has created a sentimental and reflective world that tackles subjects such as para-social relationships, existentiality, self-image and the nature of a world constructed by humans. These philosophical musings don’t go over the casual listener’s head, Murphy simply invites the audience in, and gives her worthwhile perspective. Standouts on this one are “IRL,” “Kind,” and “Pick Yourself Up.”
Black Dresses – “Laughingfish”
Black Dresses’ “final” album stands alone as one of their boldest and brashest. It mixes industrial soundscapes with electronic and rock instrumentals. Duo Ada Rook and Devi McCallion have been making music together for over 8 years, but this record seems more like a sincere break-up album. Songs like “Wounded Animal” and “If You Find Me Gone” are not for the faint of heart or for the casual listener, because of this, “Laughingfish” is really hard to recommend, however, if you like bands like Rammstein and Nine Inch Nails, listen to this but proceed with caution. But if this is a true sendoff then it is one hell of one.
by orionontv | Jun 25, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
LAKE ORION, Mich. — On the days of Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, 2024m the Lake Orion Chapter of the Lions Club threw their annual Summer Jubilee celebration. This celebration primarily acts as a fundraiser for the Lake Orion Lions Club, proceeds from the fundraising go to charitable organizations and causes throughout the community.
The Lions Club International Foundation is a charitable and humanitarian organization that gives back to their chapters’ communities through fundraising, volunteering and more. The Lake Orion Chapter started in 1938, according to their website, lakeorionlions.org.
The Lions Club have hosted this event for more than 50 years throughout Lake Orion’s history, with each event seemingly getting bigger than the last.
ONTV intern Lexi McKinney spoke to Roger Brodeur, a member of the Lake Orion Lions Club, at the event about the impact of the Club on the local community.
“It’s one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, between this and our auction in November, we raise a lot of money to help our community… ,” Brodeur said.
Photo by Joe Johnson
According to Brodeur, the proceeds from the auction and the jubilee events go towards buying mass quantities of food in order to pack it all up and deliver about “2-3 weeks” worth of food to needy families.
“You’ll see me at some point, just standing there, looking around and I’m just grinning from ear to ear every year that the number of people that are just having fun… it just makes me feel good because I know we’re raising a lot of money to help others,” Brodeur said.
The main form of activities in the Jubilee are the carnival, with rides, games and tons of fun for kids, and the beer tent, with live music, drinks, and dancing for adults.
Many in the community also take this opportunity to reunite with distant and close relatives and simply have a good time.
ONTV asked festival-goers what they thought of the festivities going on during the weekend.
“I think it is a really great way to connect with the community and hang out with your friends while also donating to the Lions Club,” a community member, Paige Wied said.
Another member of the community Charlie Ghazal, said that the jubilee is “one of the best traditions here in Lake Orion.”
Finally, ONTV spoke to Lake Orion resident Cheryl Tront about what the jubilee means to the community.
“It’s very family-oriented, always something to do, always something different…” Tront said. “It’s a great place for kids growing up.”
For more information about events like these hosted by the Lake Orion Lions Club, visit their website at lakeorionlions.org.
by orionontv | Jun 25, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
ORION TWP, Mich. — On Thursday, June 20, 2024, residents from all across the Orion area flocked to the backyard of the Orion Center building to take part in fun, games and free food. The event was put on by a partnership between the Orion Parks and Rec. department and the First Baptist Church.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The overbearing heat mixed with brief showers did not stop or delay the event from happening, Orion area residents were treated to a ‘staycation’ right in their backyard. The celebration coincides with the Summer Solstice, a celebration of the start of summer.
ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke with Jennifer Vezina, a recreation programmer at Orion Parks and Rec. about the event that took place on Thursday evening.
“Every year we put this event together, and it’s just amazing to me how many families come out and enjoy it. What’s really nice, is anyone, everyone can come out because everything is free,” Vezina said.
The First Baptist Church sent volunteers to put on fun games and activities for all ages, as well as supplying tasty food to feed dozens of hungry residents.
“We are privileged every year to be able to partner with the township,” said Steve Sanders, a member of the First Baptist Church said. “The most fun I have is watching other people have fun.”
Photo by Joe Johnson
From snow cones, face-painting, cotton candy and more, this event helped bring the community together, whether they are involved in the church or not.
“They do it all, they bring it, they set it up, they pass it out and their volunteers are just happy to do it,” Vezina said. “Look at it, there’s families, families that perhaps couldn’t afford to go to something else and here they are, having that quality time together… everybody is happy and having a good time.”
One of the next big events for the township is the Dragon on the Lake celebration on August 23-25, an annual festival celebrating Lake Orion’s history put on by the Orion Art Center.
For more information about events like these, visit orionparks.com.
by orionontv | Jun 24, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Monday June 17th at 10:20 PM
The Wildcats have their new girls basketball coach.
Oxford named Phil Dawson as their new girls basketball coach. The move was confirmed on the school’s coaches page.
Dawson is the third coach in two months. He takes over for Rachel Bryer who stepped down in April and Will Jones who took the job last month but stepped down a few days ago.
Dawson coached at Waterford Kettering with the boys basketball program for a time and then at Avondale for two years from 2016-2018 coaching their girls program. He went 31-10 coaching the Yellow Jackets.
Dawson will have will have Allison Hufstedler, Sophia Rabb, Mia Champagne, Emma Buggs, Claire Bruski, Tegan O’Connor, Brynley Cardona, Camryn Quidort, Katelyn Brockway, and Jaylen Jacobsen coming back.
The Wildcats are also in the Red with West Bloomfield, Ferndale, Stoney Creek, Clarkston, and Lake Orion. They are in a very tough district at Swartz Creek with Davison, Swartz Creek, Grand Blanc, Lapeer, and Holly.
Thoughts
It will be very interesting to see how Dawson handles the transition at Oxford. He is known for his run and gun style and is defense first. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the conformation.
https://oxfordstrongathletics.org/head-varsity-coaches/
