by orionontv | Jan 6, 2026 | Local News, Nonprofit
Happy New Year!
As we say goodbye to 2025 and give 2026 a warm welcome, NOCC has some exciting information to share heading into the new year! Below, we will cover:
- Supporting your mental health in the new year
- Information about Dry January and what it can mean for you
- Opportunities to get involved in YAB
- Level Up Camp Dates for 2026
Here’s to another amazing year of connecting with others, serving our community, and supporting the well-being of us all! |
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| As we enter 2026, a new year can be an opportunity to pause and reflect not just on goals or resolutions, but on how we’re really doing. Mental health matters at every stage of life, whether you’re feeling steady, overwhelmed, or anywhere in between.
For some, the new year can be a chance to build new routines that support their well-being. For others, it may be the right time to reach out for extra support. Connecting with a therapist or mental health professional can be a powerful step toward understanding yourself, managing stress, and building healthy coping skills—and you don’t have to be in a moment of crisis to benefit. Maybe 2026 is the year that you gift yourself the time with a therapist to invest in yourself and mental health!
NOCC is committed to supporting mental wellness in our community. If you’re looking for local counseling options, crisis support, or mental health resources for yourself or your family, take a moment to explore our website: you can find local mental health services here, and more information about the importance of mental health support, coping strategy ideas, and more here.
Help is always available, and taking care of your mental health is ALWAYS worth the time! |
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| Dry January is an awareness initiative where individuals choose to reduce or pause alcohol use in the month of January. People participate for many different reasons: some are curious about how alcohol affects their sleep, mood, or energy, others see it as a way to reset healthy habits and support their mental or physical health, and some are curious about sobriety as a whole and want to try something new.
Participating in Dry January doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, and there’s no “right” reason to take part. Dry January is about being more intentional around alcohol, exploring alternatives, and learning what feels best for them. It can also be an opportunity to discover creative and flavorful non-alcoholic options that still allow for connection and enjoyment in social settings.
Many of our local establishments have delicious non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails on their menus—have some fun exploring their options! |
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| A new year brings new opportunities—for Oxford and Lake Orion High School students, one of those opportunities is getting involved with the North Oakland Community Coalition’s Youth Action Board!
YAB is a group of like-minded students who play an active role in shaping prevention and wellness initiatives throughout the school. This year, students may have recognized YAB involvement in campaigns at their schools, like Smart Dragons and Wise Wildcats Don’t Drink, No Vape November, and our recent bear raffle activity that encouraged family conversations around prescription drug safety. YAB members also support mental health initiatives such as Mindful Mornings or Mindful Mondays, promoting connection and stress management for their peers.
YAB gives students the chance to earn service hours, build leadership skills, let their voices be heard, and gain hands-on experience in advocacy work–all while making friends along the way!
If your student is looking for a meaningful way to get involved in their school and community in 2026, YAB could be a great fit. Interested students can email nocc@noccmi.org, and you can keep up to date on meeting schedules, events, and more by following YAB on Instagram! You can find the Lake Orion Instagram page here, and the Oxford Instagram page here. |
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| It may not feel like summer, but it’ll be here before we know it! NOCC is already preparing for fun in the sun, and you can too: Level Up Camp dates are here, and registration opens on Tuesday, February 3rd!
Have fun. Make Friends. Build Character.
Rising 6th graders in Lake Orion and Oxford Community Schools are invited to join the NOCC for a 4-day summer camp!
Camp will run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Your camper will play games, create art, and participate in fun group activities that will prepare them for middle school.
Students must attend the camp of the school they will be attending in the fall. Each camp is held at the middle school that your camper will be attending. See below to identify the week that your child can enroll in Level Up Camp for their school:
- Oxford Middle School: Monday, June 8 – Thursday, June 11, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Oakview Middle School: Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Waldon Middle School: Monday, June 22 – Thursday, June 25, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Scripps Middle School: Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Visit noccmi.org for more information now, and for registration starting Tuesday, February 3rd! We’re looking forward to a super fun summer! |
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by orionontv | Dec 2, 2025 | Local News, Nonprofit
| Hello and happy December!
It’s hard to believe that the end of the year is already here—but before we say goodbye to 2025, we have important information and resources to share! In the newsletter below, we will cover:
- Youth Action Board’s Mindful Mornings
- Facts About Fentanyl: Important Info Parents Need to Know
- Social Support Through the Holidays and Winter
NOCC wishes you all a safe, fun holiday season! |
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| As we enter December, it’s important to recognize the mixed emotions that our students may be feeling this time of year: for some, this season is full of excitement and fun; for others, they may experience depression, grief, or loneliness during their winter break—or even a combination of all of the above.
The Youth Action Board members recognize what may be coming up emotionally for their fellow students as we prepare for winter break. Together, YAB tries to help their peers during this time by hosting Mindful Mornings/Mindful Mondays at school! Lake Orion’s Mindful Mornings are held on a Wednesday morning late start, before school begins. This December, Oxford’s first Mindful Monday will occur during the lunch periods on Monday the week before the holiday break. YAB brings fun games and activities that include information and resources about mindfulness, self-care, and their importance to overall well-being.
Make sure your student knows when Mindful Morning/Mondays will be happening at their school!
Oxford High School Mindful Monday: Monday, December 15th during all lunch periods in the Oxford cafeteria
Lake Orion High School Mindful Morning: Wednesday, December 17th from 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM near the common area |
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| Parents, here’s what you need to know about fentanyl—and why these conversations matter. |
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| Talking with your child about fentanyl doesn’t always require a “big serious conversation.” It can be a simple check-in, grounded in care, curiosity, and honesty about the facts. What matters most is keeping communication open: asking them what they’ve seen or heard, sharing what you’ve learned, and letting them know they can always come to you if they’re unsure about something. These small moments build trust and help our kids navigate situations safely.
As a community, we can make a real difference by staying informed and connected. You’ll find conversation guidance, local resources, and additional facts about prescription misuse and steps to take to safeguard your home on the North Oakland Community Coalition website. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our youth safe, supported, and empowered with the knowledge they need to thrive! |
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| December has arrived, and so has the start of colder months and shorter days. This is when staying connected with others becomes especially important for our emotional well-being! This month, Lake Orion YAB members are putting on an activity during their Mindful Morning event focused on identifying those in their support—or their “snow”pport—system. Students will decorate small snow globe ornaments and write the names of those in their lives that help them feel safe, supported, and grounded. These ornaments are a reminder that they’re never alone, even during the longest stretch of winter.
Support doesn’t always look like a large social circle or picture-perfect family, and it doesn’t have to. Sometimes our support system is a mix of friends, teachers, coworkers, neighbors, or relatives that we trust. Support isn’t always a big event, either. It can look like a quick text, sharing a laugh, or simply knowing that someone would answer the phone if you needed them. What matters is the feeling you have from those in your support system: who helps you breathe a little easier and fills your cup? Who helps you feel like yourself?
We encourage you to take a moment to think about who’s in your own “snow”pport system: those who remind you that you don’t have to do life alone. If you’re able, offer a small expression of gratitude or connection back their way.
If this time of year feels heavy for you or a loved one, remember that reaching out is always okay and you’re never alone. Local mental health resources can be found on the NOCC website, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, even on holidays, for professional mental health support.
Together, we can enter this holiday and winter season where connection keeps us warm…even when the weather doesn’t!
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by orionontv | Nov 13, 2025 | Local News
Press Release
For Immediate Release – November 10, 2025
Celebrate the Season with “Hometown Holidays” in Downtown Lake Orion!
The holiday season is in full swing in Downtown Lake Orion! The historic district is adorned with twinkling
lights, festive décor, and all the charm that makes the downtown a beloved destination during the holidays.
From the glow of Children’s Park to the historic streets of Broadway and Flint, there are countless photo-worthy
spots to capture the magic of the season.
Fashioning the downtown with all the season splendors makes Downtown Lake Orion a destination for
shoppers and visitors ready for fun, family-friendly Hometown Holiday events. Nestled amongst quaint shops
and boutiques, cozy coffee houses, and ever-flavorful restaurants, Downtown Lake Orion is the perfect place to
shop, dine, play, and immerse into the holiday season.
Sing & Stroll Tree Lighting – Thursday, November 20
Kick off the holidays at the annual Sing & Stroll Tree Lighting in Children’s Park from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Enjoy
free horse & wagon rides, holiday music, warm fire pits with freshly prepared s’mores, performances, and
singing to holiday songs, along with festive decorations, and a warm community atmosphere as the downtown
tree is illuminated with the help of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Be on the watch for The Grinch, too! Tree lighting is
at 6 pm and you can get photos with Santa and the Grinch.
Shop Small Saturday – Saturday, November 29
Support local businesses during Shop Small Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Downtown shoppers can enjoy
special deals, festive activities, and horse & wagon rides through the district. Watch for a map on
www.downtownlakeorion.org, listing the deals and experiences you can enjoy on Shop Small Saturday in
Downtown Lake Orion. Use a QR code Selfie at participating stores to enter to win Downtown Dollars, good at
over 40 downtown shops. Don’t forget to snap a selfie at participating shops to enter the Local Gems
Sweepstakes, with a chance to win up to $1,000!
Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority
downtownlakeorion.org
Holiday Lighted Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 6
The annual tradition of one of Michigan’s largest holiday lighted parades takes place in the heart of Downtown
Lake Orion. Order up a warm cocoa or coffee, grab a bite to eat, then settle in along the streets of downtown
for a festive display of holiday pageantry. Parade kicks off at 6 pm from Blanche Sims Elementary.
Polar Express Trolley Experience – Saturday, December 13
The Polar Express Trolley Experience brings the wonder of the North Pole to Downtown Lake Orion! Families
check in and receive a Golden Ticket, enjoy the Hot Cocoa Creation Station, and Kids Crafts area, then when
your time to board is ready, get your ticket punched by The Conductor, and listen to The Polar Express story
along with singing holiday songs together. Arrive at the “North Pole” at Epique Realty (129 S. Broadway) for a
family visit with Santa, cookies, and then board the trolley for a return trip of more singing and excitement of
the day. The event has tickets timed for every half hour from 11 a.m – 3 p.m. Check in at Stadium Drive
Elementary to begin the journey to the “North Pole” station downtown. Tickets are $12 per person, aged 1 year
and up. Free under 1 year. These are timed tickets and there are 30 seats on the trolley per time slot. Learn more
at www.ShopOCMainStreets.com. Tickets for the Polar Express.
Horse & Wagon Rides
Experience the charm of Downtown Lake Orion during the holidays with free horse & wagon rides, offered
during Sing & Stroll Tree Lighting, November 20, 5 -7 pm, and Shop Small Saturday, November 29, 10 am – 2
pm.
Come experience what makes Downtown Lake Orion the perfect Hometown Holiday destination for your
shopping, dining, and gathering this season!
For further information, contact the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority (DDA) at 248-693-9742 or
see more details at www.downtownlakeorion.org. More information is also on Facebook: LakeOrionDDA,
Instagram: DowntownLakeOrion, or X: LakeOrionDDA.
by orionontv | Nov 10, 2025 | Local News
ORION TOWNSHIP INVITES COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE 15 YEARS
OF RECREATION THROUGH FREE REC CENTER OPEN HOUSE
Orion Township, MI – Orion Township invites the community to celebrate 15 years of recreation at the
Parks & Progress Open House on Wednesday, November 12, at Great Lakes Athletic Club (GLAC). The
event highlights the newly redesigned recreational space at GLAC—whose new name, now narrowed to
two finalists, will be revealed at 5:30 PM—and showcases the township’s recreational achievements over
the past 15 years, as well as exciting plans for the future.
“Over the past 15 years, Orion Township has made significant investments in parks, green spaces, trail
connections, and recreational programming,” said Supervisor Chris Barnett. “This event is a celebration of
that progress and a chance for our community to experience all of the amenities at the new recreation
center, and everything else that makes Orion a place where living truly feels like a vacation.”
For additional background, see the attached feature story, Where Living is a Vacation and Recreation
Leads the Way. We welcome our media and community partners to use or adapt it for their own
publications.
More information about the Parks & Progress event is available at OrionTownship.org or through the
event’s Facebook page.
The evening’s timeline is as follows:
4:30 PM – Choose Your Adventure
Heritage Park Ribbon Cutting: Explore our newest park at 3345 Pasadena, thoughtfully designed to
honor the families and history of our community.
FREE Family Fitness Class (Ages 11+): Strength & Cardio with trainers Jen Pozzi & Regan Slocum.
5:30 PM – The Big Reveal at GLAC / New Recreation Center
Celebrate the official transition of GLAC into the newly redesigned Recreation Center at 3800 S.
Baldwin Road.
Witness the facility’s new name reveal and enjoy an evening of recreation, community connection,
and fun.
6:00 PM – Open House Highlights (for members and nonmembers)
Tour the recreation center and explore the new children’s center
Sample a “Taste of Orion” from local restaurants
Take a FREE fitness class (Barre with Mykala or HIIT Core with Regan) or work out
independently
Swim with the family
Create crafts in the new art room
Play family bingo and more activities for all ages
Special Bonus: Nonmember participants who are Orion residents will receive a virtual punch card
redeemable for three future visits.
by orionontv | Nov 5, 2025 | Local News
ONTV’S WILDWOOD FILM FESTIVAL A SUCCESS
Festival Raises Funds NOCC
Orion Neighborhood Television, Orion’s community access television station, would like to thank all of the participants who took part in the 12th annual Wildwood Film Festival held on Oct. 22.
Movie goers arrived at the Oxford 7 theater for the screening of eleven short films produced by Lake Orion area filmmakers. The films were judged by ONTV volunteers and the top three were awarded prize money. Winners include: first place, “The Trail” produced by Emma Dorsey, second place, “The Legend of the Pie Bandit” produced David Pavelich, Ashe O’Dea and Brendan Cox, and third place, “Night of the Living Franks” produced by Drew Brouwer and The People’s Choice Award went to “Lowest Moment” produced by Owen Kurth.
It’s hard to believe we’ve been hosting the Film Festival for 12 years,” says Ian Locke, ONTV Executive Director. “It’s inspiring to see the depth of creative talent right here in our own community. We’re thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity year after year while supporting a local charity.”
The event raised funds for the North Oakland Community Coalition. ONTV staff was thrilled to present the NOCC with a sizable donation this year. ONTV would also like to thank its sponsors for adding to the success of this year’s festival: The Oxford Tap, Imaginos Workshop, Shining Taku, MI Prime Health, Classic Lanes and the Orion Chamber of Commerce.
Filmmakers were given the challenge of producing a 10 minute film in five days. Each group was given a prop, location and a line of dialog which they had to use in their film. The producers worked in groups with production equipment supplied by Orion Neighborhood Television.
Orion Neighborhood Television is an award winning community access television station serving the Village of Lake Orion and Orion Township. ONTV is housed at the Orion Center at 1349 Joslyn Rd. ONTV can be seen on Comcast Cable, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, Roku Cablecast Channel and Amazon Fire TV. Programs can also be seen on-demand at www.orionontv.org. Contact ONTV by phone: 248-393-1060, Email: ONTV@orionontv.org.
by orionontv | Nov 5, 2025 | Local News, Nonprofit
| Hello and happy November!
This year is flying by, and we hope you are having a great fall season! With the final stretch of 2025 upon us, in the newsletter below, we will cover:
- Our November Board Member Spotlight
- No Vape November (or EVER!) Campaign Information
- Resources for Mental Health and the Holidays
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| Mrs. Rosa Everitt, Board Member
Please share a bit about your family.
My husband Beau and I have two boys, Lucas and Aidan, who attend Oxford Schools. Lucas is in 9th grade, and Aidan is in 8th. They’re both very active in sports throughout the school year—football, wrestling, powerlifting, and baseball keep us busy! As a family, we love spending time outdoors, whether it’s enjoying bonfires and s’mores, taking trips to the U.P., or gathering with family and friends. Life may be a little frenzied, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
What is your profession?
Dean (Principal) of OSTC Northeast in Pontiac
How long have you been on the NOCC board?
1 year
Why did you want to become involved with the NOCC?
NOCC offers a wide range of valuable programs and resources to the Lake Orion and Oxford communities, and I wanted to be part of that impact. I appreciate how NOCC embraces initiatives that are essential to keep discussing within our broader community—especially those focused on mental and physical well-being, as well as substance abuse and alcohol use.
What is your favorite NOCC program?
I love how Youth Action Board (YAB) has inspired some of our students to take initiatives into their own hands and come up with their own resources to give back to students and strangers.
What is your favorite thing to do in the Lake Orion/Oxford Area?
I LOVE attending the Soup Stroll in December in downtown Oxford. It has become a family tradition of ours.
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| No Vape November OR EVER educates our students and community on the risks associated with vaping. Throughout the month, the NOCC will be visiting both Lake Orion and Oxford high schools to educate students on the dangers of vaping and the importance of a healthy, vape-free lifestyle through a series of lunchroom visits, table displays, and fun activities. Ask your student this month what they’ve been learning about vaping and their health!
Want to talk to your child about vaping, but are unsure how to start the conversation? Visit https://www.noccmi.org/vaping for information and guidance on how to have open, honest communication with your family about vaping. Let’s make this November a breath of fresh air! |
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| With the holidays quickly approaching, there are a variety of emotions people can feel this time of year: this season can bring joy and excitement, but can also bring added stress, sadness, loneliness or grief. Between shortened hours of daylight, external pressures and expectations, or memories of those we’ve lost, it’s common to feel overwhelmed this time of year—even when surrounded by celebration.
Wherever you find yourself, remember that it’s okay to slow down and prioritize your mental and physical health. Even small, intentional steps can make a big difference. Setting boundaries, doing our best to maintain a regular sleep schedule, spending time outdoors, or reaching out to a friend, family member, or mental health resource are all ways to support our well-being this time of year. Remember: you don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it alone.
If you or someone you love needs support, help is always available:
988 is a 24/7 crisis line available to text, chat, or call for yourself or for someone you care about. You can text or call the number 988, or visit https://988lifeline.org/ for more information.
Visit https://www.noccmi.org/treatment-recovery for local mental health resources, and https://www.noccmi.org/mental-wellness for more information about mental health, identifying crisis, and coping strategies.
Let’s take care of ourselves and each other the best we can this holiday season, because connection and compassion are the greatest gifts we can share! |
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