Golden Opportunities for active living

There are many opportunities for seniors to get involved at the Orion Center and to enjoy being outside this summer. If you like birding, gardening, biking or walking; we have a program for you!!
The Gardening Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month from June through September from 9:00 – 11:00 am at the Orion Center. Gardeners and volunteers work on two raised bed gardens at Friendship Park in the Community Garden and on butterfly, hummingbird and pollinator gardens at the Orion Center. Monarch Watch is certifying the Orion Center this summer for creating Monarch Butterfly Way Stations onsite.
The Orion Center is offering many new programs, clubs and classes this summer. New programs include The Orion Biking Club on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 10:00 am and the Orion Walking Club on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:00 a.m. Both clubs run from June 18 – September 24 and cost $5 for each club for the four months.
The Birding Club will be meeting once a month on the second Tuesday of each month. The group will go out on the trails, park paths and safety paths surrounding the Orion Center, at Civic Center Park, at Friendship Park and along the Polly Ann Trail. This group will be involved in Feeder Watch, The Christmas Bird Count and the Nest Watch Programs at the Orion Center. Volunteers are building bat houses, wood duck houses, owl houses, bluebird houses and hummingbird/ bird feeders at classes and onsite to set up wildlife habitats. The Orion Center is certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
Additional new summer classes include Basket Making Class on July 17; Genealogy Lunch and Learn Series on Wednesdays (July 16, 30, August 13,
and 27) at 12:30; Know Your Tablet Lunch and Learn Series (July 9, 23, August 6, 20) on Wednesdays at 12:30, Autumn Harvest Lunch and Learn Class September 10 and 24 at 12:30. Other new programs include Needle Felting on June 12 at 6:30 pm and Adult Golf Lessons on Mondays June 30 – July 21.
Several trips have also been planned to visit different nature centers and bird watching locations in the area including Wint Nature Center in Clarkston, Hawk Woods Nature Center in Auburn Hills, Dinosaur Hill in Rochester and Seven Ponds Nature Center in Dryden. Dates are listed in the Summer Outreach mailed to residents in June and are on the website at www.oriontownship.org.
There is also a trip planned to a Detroit Tigers game this fall on September 24. We will visit the Parade Company Studio on August 6 and the Detroit Zoo on September 3. Join us for an Independence Day Luncheon on July 2.
Join us for Dinner Club at area restaurants on July 9th at Christi’s Bar and Grill, Max and Erma’s on August 13th and Casa Real on September 10.
Our Senior Afternoon Movie Club meets on the 2nd month. Bring a friend and we supply the popcorn. Join in our other clubs which include Mahjong Club, Card Club, Orion Pool Shooters Club, Bingo, Ham Radio Club, Crafters Club, Quilting Club, and Spanish Language Club.
Come in and get healthier by participating in yoga, Zumba, tai chi, and Stay Stronger classes. If you are 62 or older, you can join our exercise room at the Orion Center which has treadmills, exercise bikes and resistance equipment.
Senior Health Works with Beaumont Health Systems will be presenting seminars for seniors on Herbal Supplements on June 26, Senior Sun and Heat Safety on July 24, and How the Eye Ages on August 28 at the Orion Center. For more information on any of our classes, programs and events, call 248-391-0304 x 305.

‘Hi I’m glad you’re here!? is the greeting that rings out as seniors walk in the door at Orion Center. Spring is packed full of golden opportunities for active living and we are confident you will be greeted with a warm smile and friendly service as you fully engage in the events at Orion Center.
Anna Stuben, Senior Program Supervisor has an array of activities planned and she extends a warm invitation to everyone to come and join the fun. Please give Anna a call at 248-391-0304, ext. 301 with programming questions.
Basket weaving was such a big hit in February that we wanted to give everyone another opportunity to take advantage of this unique class. The art of basket weaving is a lot of fun and surprisingly easy so please sign up today for this class offered on Monday, March 24th.
Because you have so many special people in your life, we thought it would be nice to give you the opportunity to make your own custom greetings cards. Advanced registration is needed for this creative class offered Wednesday, March 26th.
Have you heard about the K4 Knitter and Crocheting for Charity Club that meets every Monday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.? This group of charity minded crafters makes lap robes for the V. A. Hospital, Kitty and Puppy Cuddles for the Animal Shelter, and baby blankets for those in need. There is also a good deal of chit-chat going on and enjoying each other’s company.
Come cheer the Tigers to victory on Opening Day at the Orion Center on March 31st
5:00 p.m. Enjoy hotdogs, popcorn, and good times. Remember to show your team spirit and wear your favorite jersey.
We started a new group entitled Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Our partnership with OLHSA will provide useful information and resources for everyone who is involved in raising their grandchildren. You can network with other grandparents on Monday April 7th.
Do you enjoy eating out with your friends? Please give us a call and make reservations to join the Dinner Club on April 9th at 4 p.m. at Chicago Brothers located at 1480 S. Lapeer Road. It’s Dutch treat and Chicago Brothers has great pizza with affordable prices.
Hope you can join us again this year for the Lake Orion High School Play Legally Blonde on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. This is a time honored tradition and is sure to be a big hit with our seniors again this year. We meet at the Orion Center for brunch & travel by bus to Lake Orion High School’s auditorim.
Orion Centers boasts a beautiful game room where friends gather for an enjoyable time of cards and conversation. We play Euchre on Thursday afternoon or you can join the Senior Pinochle Club that meets each Monday and Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. Please join us for one of America’s favorite pastime, BINGO! We meet every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a lunch break at 11:45 a.m. You’re always welcome to make an ongoing Tuesday lunch reservation at Orion Center and stay for the afternoon Bingo games.
The Orion Center is pleased to announce a Health and Wellness Partnership with Troy Beaumont Hospital. Programming includes speakers and presentations on a wide variety of health topics geared for seniors. Medical staff will be on site three days a week. Orion Center will be holding a Blood Drive May 12, 2014. Please preregister online at www.redcrossblood.org and use Registration Code OrionCenter as the sponsor name.
Save the date for the North Oakland Caregiver & Senior Expo on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the Orion Center from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Over 60 exhibitors will provide useful information and resources for
seniors and caregivers that assist seniors with every day needs. at 6:30 p.m.
Please check brochures for dates and times regarding ongoing exercise classes and monthly movie nights. Registration is available online or in person for any class, lunch, or activity. Please give Anna Stuben a call at 248-391-0304, ext. 301 for information about any of the exciting programs offered at The Orion Center.

On any given weekday at Orion Center, you will find at least a dozen activities to enjoy.
This is your golden opportunity to experience active living with area seniors who are
enjoying every day life in our community.
This past Thursday we found over 50 active seniors involved in
happenings, including shooting pool, playing cards, and working out in the exercise
room. The Spanish Club was engaged in lively conversation in one of the comfortable
meeting rooms and down the hall at the library, a gentlemen found a quiet corner to
read the daily news.
Lisa Sokol, Community Programs Director, is always engaged in the activities taking
place at this beautiful facility. Her contagious smile and friendly personality is certain
to make you feel right at home. Her staff is ready to serve you and will help you find the
perfect program that fits your interests.
Jacklyn Rolf is heading up a round table discussion that meets Thursday afternoons,
beginning March 6th, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Her hope is that seniors who are ready
to experience a full life after the loss of their spouse will find fulfillment and joy again.
Come for the friendship and stay for the adventure as this group enjoys laughter and
good times together.
Everyone is talking about the free Heath Works classes offered each Friday from 10
to 11 a.m. Pre-registration is required to participate in the ongoing series about
health-related topics geared for seniors. All presentations are given by local health care
professionals.
The annual Closet Clean Out is February 28 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.. There is still time to reserve a table to sell items that are filling up your closets; or perhaps you just want to come and enjoy hunting for treasures.
Have you heard about the Dinner Club that meets monthly at one of our local
restaurants? Please give us a call to make reservations to join us on March 12 at 4
p.m. at the Ox Bar & Grill on Lapeer Road. It’s Dutch treat and is always an enjoyable
evening with good food and friends.
There are monthly opportunities to engage in your favorite craft. Please see the current
brochures for program meeting details. We also want to extend a special invitation to
attend a unique class in the Art of Ukrainian Egg Decoration offered March 13th
Please register early because this class fills up quickly.
The Orion Center Players group will be delighting guests with a live reenactment of the
Bickersons radio show at our upcoming St. Patrick’s Day party on March 17th.
Lunch and live entertainment is just $5 and reservations are a must.
Orion Center is organizing a trip on March 30th for a matinee performance by the Avon Players of Arsenic and Old Lace. This will be a fun filled afternoon with your friends
and transportation is provided. Advanced registration is required.
GO TIGERS! Come watch the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals on opening day at
Orion Center on March 31 from 1 to 5 pm. Enjoy hotdogs and good times while
cheering the Tigers on to victory. Remember to show your team spirit and wear your
favorite jersey. Let’s pack the place.
Please check brochures for dates and times regarding ongoing classes like Tai Chi,
Hatha Yoga, Zumba, Stay Stronger Longer, and monthly movie nights. Registration is
available online or in person for any class, lunch, or activity. Please give Anna Stuben a
call at 248-391-0304, ext. 301 for information about any of the exciting programs offered
at The Orion Center.

Funny Bone: A grandpa was telling his young grandson what life was like when he was
a boy. ‘In the winter we’d ice skate on our pond. In the summer we could swim in the
pond and pick berries in the woods. We’d swing on the old tire my dad hung from a tree
on a rope. We had a pony and we rode all over the farm.? The little boy was amazed,
and sat silently for a minute. Finally he said, ‘Granddad, I wish I’d gotten to know you a
lot sooner!?

You might be surprised to see who’s already enjoying your new state of the art Orion Center.
With so many wonderful opportunities to engage in just about any activity, we are certain you will appreciate Orion’s newest destination spot, located at 1335 Joslyn Road. The community center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended hours on Monday and Thursday, to 9 p.m.
This state of the art facility was built with seniors in mind and is equipped to accommodate the active lives of busy seniors.
Want to keep your new year’s resolution? Then consider using the fitness room which is very popular for seniors over 62. The facility includes cardio training, treadmills, resistance machines, and recumbent exercise bikes. Everything is designed to encourage you to stay fit and have fun all year long. Annual membership is just $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. The fitness room is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is restricted to those aged 62 or older.
Looking for a great way to meet people? Then consider shooting the breeze over coffee or shooting pool at the Pool Shooters Club.
If you like playing bingo or cards, we’ll be happy to save you a seat. Perhaps you want to learn Spanish before you take your next vacation or maybe you want to learn how to operate a ham radio just give us a call at 248-391-0304, ext. 313 and ask to speak with Anna Stuben.
We also have a full service library at the center where you can sign up for computer classes or get involved in a book discussion group.
We invite you to explore the arts with us as we travel to Meadowbrook Theater on February 26 to see Lysistrata Jones. This murder mystery is set in the 1930s and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Please give us a call to make your reservations today.
Did you know lunch is served every weekday at noon at the Orion Center? Please call at 248-391-0304, ext. 313 and make reservations before you plan to join us for lunch. We will be waiting to serve you a hot meal and a warm smile in the elegant dining room overlooking beautiful grounds and lakes. What a delightful way to enjoy an afternoon with friends.
Transportation is never a problem when you contact NOTA at 248-628-7900 to schedule a ride to the Orion Center. This is an exciting time to live and play in Orion Township. Try something new; your friends at Orion Center are waiting for you.

Golden Opportunities for Active Living will be a recurring section in the Lake Orion Review every third week of the month. It will be printed in our Senior News section to keep you up to date with the latest and greatest happenings.