ONTV Wins 2025 Hometown Media Arts Award

ONTV Wins 2025 Hometown Media Arts Award

Orion Neighborhood Television Wins 2025

Hometown Media Arts Award from the

Alliance of Community Media

Foundation

 ONTV took home the Original Film/Drama Award

 Lake Orion ─ May 13, 2025 ─ Orion Neighborhood Television was a recipient of a 2025 Hometown Media Award from the Alliance for Community Media Foundation. The awards program was established to honor and promote community media, community radio, and local cable programs that are distributed on Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) access cable television channels.  Proceeds go to the ACM Foundation which is exclusively used for facilitating, preserving and promoting education in community media.

ONTV was the winner of the Original Film/Drama in the student category for its Wildwood Film Festival submission of “It Just Takes One.” The movie was produced by local filmmakers Andrew Carpenter, Parker Gannon, Ben Redmon and Freddy Velazquez.

“Me and a couple of my close friends came together to create this short film as an entry for the Wildwood Film Festival,” said Andrew Carpenter. “Four years ago, we felt the impact in our community during the Oxford High School tragedy and we wanted to try and flip this horrible situation into something that can give people hope and bring people together. We are so happy our film was named as the Best Original Film/Drama in the student category for the Hometown Media Awards.”

Each year, nearly one thousand entries are submitted. These entries, or programs, are submitted and evaluated on several factors resulting in over 100 award winners. A panel of over 150 judges from the industry evaluate the entries. Awards are presented to the most creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats, and move viewers to experience television in a different way.

“The Hometown Media Awards celebrate both the excellence of work and the diversity of media that appears on community channels being produced around the country. The ACM Foundation is proud of their achievement and of how they represent their communities in their work,” said Mike Wassenaar, President & CEO, Alliance for Community Media.
                                                                       ###

About the Alliance for Community Media (www.allcommunitymedia.org)

Founded in 1979, the Alliance for Community Media is a national, non-profit membership organization committed to ensuring access to electronic media for all people.  The Alliance for Community Media carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource for the more than 3,000 Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) cable channels nationwide.

Contact: Orion Neighborhood Television │ontv@orionontv.org │248.393.1060|

June at the NOCC

June at the NOCC

Hello!

In the newsletter below, we will cover:

  • Our June Board Member Spotlight
  • Level Up Camp information
  • Information about our Youth Action Board
  • Our 2025 Community Engagement Scholarship winners
Mike Luna, Board Treasurer 

Please share a bit about your family: 

My wife Adrienne and I have been married for over 25 years. We have 2 daughters who graduated from LOHS. Our oldest will move to Midland, TX and start her aviation management career. Our youngest will attend University of Pittsburgh in the Fall. We love Lake Orion and the community which has given so much to us.

What is your profession? 

I’m a tax planning specialist.

How long have you been on the NOCC board? 

I have been on the board for 14 years.

Why did you want to become involved with the NOCC? 

One of my core values is community involvement. I believe we can have a meaningful impact on the community by investing in it and nurturing our future leaders.

What is your favorite NOCC program? 

No Vape November. We can have a positive influence and our young adult and student community. It takes a village and commitment by all to be a positive influence.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Lake Orion/Oxford area? 

Relaxing at the lake, enjoying free time with friends and family and biking/running the trails.

     Registration for our 2025 Level Up Camp closes soon! Youth entering 6th grade at Oxford and Lake Orion Community Schools for the 2025-2026 school year are invited to join the NOCC for a 4-day camp. Camp will run Monday through Thursday, 9:00am-1:00pm, during the following dates:

Your camper will play games, create art, and participate in group activities while becoming better prepared for their middle and high school years. Topics covered include resiliency, goal setting, communication skills, dealing with stress, drug and alcohol refusal skills, and more. This is also an excellent opportunity for your child to become familiar with the middle school setting, practice opening lockers, and meet new friends that will be a part of their middle school experience. Campers will have so much fun they won’t even realize they are learning skills that will strengthen their future!

Students must register under the school they will be attending in the fall. There is a $50 deposit upon enrollment that can be reimbursed or donated to the NOCC at the camp’s end.

Registration for our Level Up Camp is open at noccmi.org.

     Do you have a rising or current high schooler who is interested in mental health, volunteering, or working to make their community a healthier place? The Youth Action Board might be right for them!

Throughout the school year, YAB members work together to create school-wide initiatives to promote a mentally healthy, substance-free environment. Members will meet new friends with common goals and help to plan super fun school activities!
The best way to stay up-to-date with the Youth Action Board is to follow us on Instagram! To follow the Lake Orion Page, please click here. To follow the Oxford Page, please click here.

     Congratulations to the recipients of our 2025 Community Engagement Scholarship, Kate Kehrer from Lake Orion and Anna Terenzi from Oxford! We wish you both the best of luck in your future endeavors.
State of the Township Address: April 10th at Woodside Bible Church

State of the Township Address: April 10th at Woodside Bible Church

You are cordially invited to attend the annual State of the Township Address with Supervisor Chris Barnett. Hear firsthand about the progress of our Township, upcoming initiatives, and the vision for the future.

Date:  Thursday, April 10

Time:

  • Doors Open: 6:30 PM
  • Presentation Begins: 7:00 PM
  • Reception to Follow: 8:00 PM

Location: Woodside Bible Church, 2500 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360

Following the presentation, we invite you to stay for a reception where you can connect with Supervisor Barnett, township officials, and fellow residents. We are please to feature a taste of Orion generously provided by:

  • Culver’s
  • Palazzo di Bocce
  • Jet’s Pizza – Lapeer Road
  • Bad Brad’s BBQ
  • Ignite Tavern
  • Texas Roadhouse
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • Sprout Bake

Huge thank you to Ed’s Broadway Gift & Costume for generously providing costumes as well.

We look forward to seeing you there!

This email is a paid message as part of the Chamber’s Dedicated E-Blast Program, and is a benefit of Chamber membership. Messages distributed through the e-blast program do not represent an endorsement by the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to refuse any advertisements. If you are interested in sending an e-blast, please contact the Chamber office.

This email is a paid message as part of the Chamber’s Dedicated E-Blast Program, and is a benefit of Chamber membership. Messages distributed through the e-blast program do not represent an endorsement by the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to refuse any advertisements. If you are interested in sending an e-blast, please contact the Chamber office.

ORION TOWNSHIP AUCTION ITEMS FROM GLAC: March 18

ORION TOWNSHIP AUCTION ITEMS FROM GLAC: March 18

Biddergy.com
Contact: Ed Ouellette FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cell 269-317-4803
Email: eouellette@biddergy.com

ORION TOWNSHIP TO AUCTION SURPLUS AND ITEMS FROM THE GREAT

LAKES ATHLETIC CLUB DUE TO RENOVATIONS

Biddergy.com has been contracted to sell various surplus assets via online auction on Tuesday
March 18th! The online auction will consist of items ranging from late model gently used
kitchen equipment, tons of fitness equipment, computers, furniture, and much more! This is a
great opportunity to bid on well maintained equipment. The township purchased the Great
Lakes Athletic Club in 2023 and plans to turn the club into a new community center while still
keeping the fitness component of the building. Featured items include a Doyon double deck
oven, Life Fitness club series treadmills, and various Apple iPads.
All items will be sold online via www.biddergy.com! Visit www.biddergy.com to view all
items!
Pre-Auction Inspection (open to the public)
Tuesday, March 18th 10am-4pm
3800 S Baldwin Road, Lake Orion, MI
Online Auction (bid online, open to the public)
Tuesday, March 18th 8am-8pm
Online at www.biddergy.com
Post-Auction Removal
Thursday, March 20th 10am-4pm
Friday, March 21st 10am-4pm
3800 S Baldwin Road, Lake Orion, MI

Individuals who wish to participate but do not have computer access may contact Biddergy.com
at (866) 260-1611 for more information. Headquartered in Michigan, Biddergy.com has buyers
and sellers from all 50 States and from over 200 Countries! Biddergy.com opened its Las
Vegas warehouse just 4 years ago and conducts online auctions for virtually all industries! In
addition to its auction center locations, Biddergy.com conducts online liquidation auctions
throughout the Country for virtually all industries.

Chicago, IL • Detroit, MI • Kalamazoo, MI • Las Vegas, NV

SOME FEATURED ITEMS UP FOR AUCTION

All items can be viewed by visiting www.biddergy.com. All photos on Biddergy.com may be used for media

purposes.

February at the NOCC

February at the NOCC

Happy February!

In the email below, we have information on:

  • Our 2025 Board of Directors
  • Our February Board Member Spotlight
  • Dates and information about our 2025 Oxford Level Up Camp
  • Information about coping skills
  • How you can help support the NOCC

Have a great month, and thank you for reading!

     The North Oakland Community Coalition is fortunate to have a wonderful Board of Directors, each passionate about the health and wellness of the Lake Orion and Oxford community, guiding the work we do. In January we were thrilled to welcome five new members to the Board!

Introducing your 2025 NOCC Board of Directors: 

Ms. Andrea Martinec, President, Home Depot Lake Orion 

Ms. Jenny Bhatti, Vice President, Orion Township  

Mr. Michael Luna, Treasurer, Hantz Financial Services 

Ms. Kristin Sliwinski, Secretary, Lake Orion Learning Options 

Detective Jen Eriksen, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office   

Mr. Anthony Palmeri, Webber Elementary Principal 

Welcome new members:

Mr. Todd Barlass, Oxford Community Schools 

Ms. Rosa Everitt, Lake Orion Community Schools 

Ms. Jody Lee, Lake Orion Parent 

Ms. Tonya Potts, Oxford Parent 

Ms . Lauren Yearego, Yearego Professional  

Jenny Bhatti- Vice President 

Please share a bit about your family: 

I have a 12 year old son in the Lake Orion District. He is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and I am the luckiest mom in the world. Fun fact – our birthday’s are one day apart.

What is your profession? 

I work for Orion Township as the Communications & Engagement Specialist.

How long have you been on the NOCC board? 

5 years.

Why did you want to become involved with the NOCC? 

I wanted to make a difference in the community and have a desire to create a positive impact on future generations. I believe that working together as a community, we can create a stronger and more supportive environment for them to grow up in.

What is your favorite NOCC Program?

My favorite program would be the Youth Action Board. The YAB gives our youth a voice and a platform to advocate for change – a chance to make a real difference. They gain valuable skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, public speaking, and leadership.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Lake Orion/Oxford area? 

This is a tough question because I love so many things about our community. If I had to narrow it down, I would say that I really enjoy the Orion Veterans Memorial Day Run/Walk and spending time at Camp Agawam.

     Registration for our 2025 Level Up Camps are now open! Youth entering 6th grade at Oxford and Lake Orion Community Schools for the 2025-2026 school year are invited to join the NOCC for a 4-day camp. Camp will run Monday through Thursday, 9:00am-1:00pm, during the following dates:

Your camper will play games, create art, and participate in group activities while becoming better prepared for their middle and high school years. Topics covered include resiliency, goal setting, communication skills, dealing with stress, drug and alcohol refusal skills, and more. This is also an excellent opportunity for your child to become familiar with the middle school setting, practice opening lockers, and meet new friends that will be a part of their middle school experience. Campers will have so much fun they won’t even realize they are learning skills that will strengthen their future!

Students must register under the school they will be attending in the fall. There is a $50 deposit upon enrollment that can be reimbursed or donated to the NOCC at the camp’s end.

Registration for our Level Up Camp is open at noccmi.org.

    Coping isn’t something we’re born knowing how to do; it’s something we learn how to do with practice. It’s never too early or too late to start developing healthy coping skills in kids and teens. Teaching them healthy coping strategies will help them become more resilient. Learn about what coping skills are and how to teach them to kids by reading this article from Strong4Life here.