January at the NOCC

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

December at the NOCC

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!

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

Parents, here’s what you need to know about fentanyl—and why these conversations matter.

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!

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!

November at the NOCC

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

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.

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!

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!

Happy New Year from the NOCC!

by orionontv | Jan 6, 2025 | Nonprofit

Happy New Year!

We hope your 2025 is off to a great start!

In the newsletter below, we have information on Dry January and the sober-curious movement, a look at some of our upcoming events for the first half of 2025, and the first installment of our Board Member Spotlight!

Each month, we will be highlighting one of our amazing board members, sharing a bit about them and their involvement with the North Oakland Community Coalition. This month, we will highlight our Board President, Andrea Martinec.

Andrea Martinec, Board President

Please share a bit about your family:
I have a wonderful husband of 23 years, Matthew. Three kids, Mason (22); Austin (20); and Madison (18). Two Dogs (Murphy & Aspen), 1 Cat (Meow Meow) and a Bunny (Mufasa)!

What is your profession?
I am the Customer Experience Manager at The Home Depot (In Lake Orion) and the owner of Lake Orion Printing & Design.

How long have you been on the NOCC board?
6 years.

Why did you want to become involved with the NOCC?
My kids were all in school when I became involved and am passionate about supporting our communities with the resources needed to be healthier. Including providing mental health resources, information on vaping & marijuana usage, suicide prevention information and workshops! The amount of information and support the NOCC provides to the community is just amazing and I am very proud to be a part of that!

What is your favorite NOCC Program?
I would have to say Level Up Camp! Our team gets to work closely with incoming 6th graders to help get them ready for middle school. It is a great way for them to get to know us and know that we are here to help support them. Growing up is hard, I remember middle school and to have an organization like the NOCC in the mix would have been so helpful.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Lake Orion/Oxford area?
Now that we are empty nesters…. My husband and I like to enjoy a dinner out and there are so many great places in Lake Orion & Oxford!

Are you participating in Dry January? Or are you one of the nearly 42% of Americans who are sober-curious?

Dry January, started in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK, is a movement that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the month of January, both to reduce overall alcohol consumption, as well as raise awareness about the benefits of a sober lifestyle. Benefits can be physical, like losing weight, better sleep, or better liver health, as well as mental, such as no longer feeling “foggy” or hungover, or feeling more creative. If you’d like to learn more about Dry January and the sober-curious movement, click here.

If you’re looking for something to drink other than alcohol this month, check out these 46 Mocktail recipes by clicking here.

Now that 2025 is officially here, we at the NOCC have been working hard to bring back some returning campaigns and programs for the beginning of the year, including:

Monthly Youth Action Board Meetings
March Marijuana focus
April Take Back Day (April 26th- mark your calendars now!)
Smart Students Don’t Drink prom campaign
2025 Level Up Camp
Protect It, Protect Them lockbox giveaways
And more!

As each event draws near, we’ll be sure to include any relevant information in our monthly newsletter, so make sure to check for us in your inbox as well! The best way to stay up to date with the NOCC is by following us on social media! We post reminders and information about events on both our Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as information and any registration links on our website, noccmi.org.

July at the NOCC

by orionontv | Jul 5, 2024 | Local News, Nonprofit

Happy July!

In the newsletter below, we’ve got a brief recap of our Level Up Camp. Additionally, we have some information about how to get involved with the NOCC.

Level Up Camp 2024 has come to a close! We had a great time with our campers and high school volunteers and are so grateful to Lake Orion Community Schools for allowing us to use Scripps Middle School for our camp. Throughout the camp weeks, we were able to talk to our campers about valuable life skills they’ll use throughout their middle school years and beyond, all while playing games and making friends

Thank you to Chief Ryan Allen and his amazing team at the Orion Township Fire Department for coming out and surprising our campers both weeks with a visit from the fire truck. The campers were so excited to run around in the spray!

If you’d like to see what we we were up to during camp, make sure to scroll to the bottom of this email for our camp photos!

Want to stay up to date with all that the NOCC is doing? Make sure to follow us on our social media! We share posts about what we’re up to in the community, information about substances and mental health, and information about upcoming events. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram!

If you would like to support the mission of the North Oakland Community Coalition, you can do so by visiting our website at noccmi.org or clicking here to make a donation. Your contribution helps us as we plan events and bring substance and mental health programming to our community.