Dear Editor,
A few weeks ago I overheard a woman saying that she wished she had moved to a different community such as Oxford or Lake Orion because there was nothing for her children to do in Ortonville. I couldn’t help but to think that I have been very happy raising my children in Ortonville. The community of Ortonville has always been supportive and compassionate. I believe that my children have learned important values living in this community. They have learned about hard work, respect, independent thinking and standing up for what they believe, even if it results in consequences. They have learned that you don’t always win and that life is not always fair. They have learned that life is not all about you. This community has always been caring. Who provides food for families in need? Our community’through OCEF. Who raises money to support cancer research? Our community’through Relay for Life. Our Sports Boosters work incredibly hard to support our student athletes. There are numerous organizations that exist solely to provide support for those in need.
Brandon High School’s student council decided to set a goal of raising $10,000 in one week to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. They canvassed the community asking for donations, acquired the support of the school staff and electrified the student body. In one week’s time they raised over $10,000 that will benefit the families of critically ill children. They did not do this to win an award or get on the front page of the paper. They decided to do this to give back! I am so proud of our high school students!
No, we don’t have a bowling alley or movie theater and there may not be much entertainment in our town, but I am very glad that I chose this community to live and raise my family. It truly does take a village to raise a child.

Mary Soave