Keep an eye out for Election Guide
We’re keeping busy here at The Clarkston News this holiday week, gathering candidates’ information and pictures for a primary election special section, Aug. 1.
Check out positions held by candidates in Independence and Springfield townships, and local state districts.
That election’s set for Aug. 7, but the News’ Best of the Best votes are in and counted. Check out who won in another upcoming special section!

Spray Master show
Spray Masters Water Ski Club and Show Team of Davisburg performs, 7 p.m., Thursday, July 26, on Big Lake in Springfield Township.
The young water skiers perform a breathtaking show in costume. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Admission is $3 per person, free for children 2 and under. Rain-out makeup date is Tuesday, July 31.
Call Springfield Township Parks and Recreation at 248-846-6558.

Camp Invention
Camp Invention returns to Clarkston this summer, July 23-27, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Community Education Center.
It is created for children entering grades Kindergarten through fifth as a weeklong adventure program. It immerses participants in engaging, hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as well as history and the arts.
Each day, children rotate through five integrated modules that employ creative thinking to solve real-world challenges.
All Camp Invention programs include high-energy games challenging minds and bodies, as well as an invention module in which children use discarded household appliances and other donated materials to create new machines.
Every program participant receives a Camp Invention T-shirt. Early registration and alumni discounts are available.
For more information go to www.campinvention.org or contact Kara Lomazov at kllomazov@clarkston.k12.mi.us.

Lake Orion’s own Dominic Maduri placed frist in the 14U category and 42nd overall out of 624 runners in the Annual 2011 Ronald McDonald Run for the House, Saturday March 26 at Hawk Island Park in Lansing.
Dominic ran for team ‘Chicken Brothers and Sisters.?
This team was established when Dominic’s cousin Dean was born pre-mature and had to be kept under intensive. His aunt and uncle stayed at the Ronald McDonald house near the hospital where Dean was trreated. Dominic attends Lake Orion High School and Plays for the freshman baseball team.

The annual Don’t Guess’Soil Test! program, co-sponsored by Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Water Stewardship Program, Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority and local retailers begins this Saturday. The program runs through May 1.
Gardeners can obtain a soil nutrient and organic matter analysis through the Michigan State University Soil and Plant Nutrient Lab for $19 per sample. The price includes delivery of the soil sample to the MSU laboratory as well as a customized fertilizer recommendation.
Identifying nutrients already in the soil helps know appropriate fertilizer options — over-application of fertilizers can pollute local lakes and rivers, reduce plant quality, and waste money. Pick up a soil testing kit at the following retailers:
Wojo’s Greenhouse in Lake Orion and Oxford Farm and Garden.

The Orion Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a $1,000 academic scholarship for Lake Orion High School grads pursuing a 2 or 4 year degree at a verified or community College. Applications and all eligibility requirements are located at the Lake Orion H.S. Counseling Office. The deadline for submitting the paperwork for this scholarship is May 6. The Orion Area Chamber of Commerce will present this award to the qualified student at the Honors Convocation on June 6.

Residents fortunate enough to be marked ‘eligible? may be visited by door-to-door salesmen from AT&T’s U-Verse program. At the Orion Township Board of Trustees meeting on March 21, AT&T received a solicitation permit good for 30 days to advertise with door-to-door sales.
‘We will go to residential areas and present this AT&T service to people who are eligible to get U-Verse,? said Matthew Arbeiter, external agent manager for AT&T.
Eligibility is determined by proximity to AT&T’s Video Relay Access Device, or VRAM. Solicitors will not visit houses that are not eligible. Sign-up will be on the spot, but no money will be exchanged at the door.

The Village of Lake Orion nearly became a bubble inside Orion Township where residents could purchase alcohol on Sunday mornings.
Yet thanks to the action — or inaction — of the Orion Township Board of Trustees, the sale of alcohol during Sunday morning is allowed throughout the township.
During a board meeting on Monday, March 21, Orion trustees decided to take no action on a moratorium introduced by the state of Michigan, which recently passed legislation allowing the sale of alcohol Sundays between 7 a.m. and 12 noon. Had the board decided to act on the resolution, they could have chosen either to ban the sale of alcohol on Sunday mornings completely, or restricted the sale of alcohol to stores selling for ‘offsite consumption.?
One reason for allowing the resolution to pass unhindered was to remain consistent with neighboring townships – all of which had allowed liquor sales.

Not a peaceful day of rest
David Washburn, an Anderson Street resident, was arrested and will be tried for third degree home invasion. According to police, Washburn broke down his neighbor’s door and smashed an entertainment system at 7:50 a.m., Sunday, June 13.
Washburn could face a five-year felony sentence and/or $2,000 fine if convicted. He is still lodged in Oakland County Jail, unable to post a $20,000 or 10 percent bond.
Lake Orion police said Washburn’s neighbor was playing music on a stereo when Washburn kicked in the front door, ripped it in two and threw the pieces inside. He then entered the house, walked to the entertainment center and destroyed a TV and stereo.
When police arrived at Washburn’s residence to question him about the incident, Washburn said he had no idea what they were talking about and that he was sleeping during the time of the incident, according to the report.
Washburn’s criminal history includes malicious damage, arson and a weapons violation.
– Megan Collier

Think it’s online? Think again
The Review reminds readers that only some of our editorial content goes on our Website, www.lakeorionreview.com. Here’s what’s missing from our online edition: public safety (police and fire logs), milestones, some feature and human interest stories, and photos, photos, photos. Did we mention photos?
Plus checking out the print version every week means being in the know about local businesses and classifieds.
Subscriptions are $30 a year.

Final fireworks fundraiser
Funding for bright lights at night is in sight, but this year’s fireworks show isn’t out of the dark yet, says Fireworks Association President Carl Cyrowski.
The show is expected to cost $25,000. So far, the association’s raised 70 percent, according to Cyrowski. Four poker tournaments earlier this year started fundraising efforts off well, but donations have slowed down since then, he said.
The show will be Saturday, July 3, with July 4 as an alternative date.
Coming up June 27, the association will hold their final fundraiser, a brunch at the Lake Orion Boat Club. A $12 donation for adults and $6 for children 12-and-under will get guests a plate. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon.
Call the boat club that morning for shuttle service ? 248-693-2900. Service is available from the Snug Harbor Bait Shop (Heights Road) and from the Lighthouse office building (M-24, north of Heights).
Cyrowski said he would like to clear up any residual confusion about a second fireworks display proposed by the Lions Club during the Jubilee.
To put it simply: the association’s traditional display is on; the Lions Club’s proposed display never came to fruition and is off.

New gas station on Baldwin?
Plans for a proposed gas station and party store located at 10 and 20 North Baldwin Road will come up for public comment when the Orion Township Board of Trustees and the Orion Township Planning Commission hold a joint public hearing at 7:05 p.m., Wednesday, July 7.
Plans for the PUD, submitted to the township by applicants Darrell and Mary Lou Enneking, will be available before the meeting.
Call Orion Township offices at 248-391-0304.

Spelling wizard
Waldon Middle School’s Kirk Hansen sailed all the way to the semifinal round in the Scripps National Spelling Bee before finally getting eliminated. Hansen, 14, of Lake Orion, is a president of Waldon’s student council, an accomplished trumpet player and an avid athlete. Looking to the future, Hansen hopes for a career in engineering.

Scouts talk citizenship
Boy Scouts from Orion, Oxford and Clarkston are invited to attend as Boy Scout Troop 128 hosts Orion Township Supervisor Matthew Gibb in a discussion of Citizenship Rights and Obligations, Tuesday, June 15 at St. Mary’s In-The-Hills Church.
The Citizenship discussion is part of the BSA’s focus on developing contributing citizenship and values in a youth program. Scouts will complete a First Class Rank requirement by participating in this discussion, and gain a better understanding of the function of local government and leaders. Register by emailing LOTroop128Scouts@aol.com.
Troop 128 is chartered by and meets at St. Mary’s In-The-Hills Episcopal Church, 2512 Joslyn Ct Tuesdays from 6.45 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

LOHS reunion
Lake Orion High School Classes of 1983 and 1984 are planning a reunion for later this summer.
Grads are invited to attend an informal gathering Friday, Aug. 6 at Christie’s in Lake Orion, 6 p.m., for dinner/drinks; and Saturday, Aug. 7, at The Post (across from the Palace), at 7 p.m.
No RSVP or deposits required; no-prepay. Just come and have a great time (dinner and drinks on your own).
Hotel Reservations are availbale at Springhill Suites in Orion Township, 4919 Interpark Drive. Ask for Lake Orion Reunion rate of $89 (includes breakfast). Must book by July 22. Call 248-475-4700.

14 vie for open school board seat
There are 14 hats in the ring for the next Lake Orion school boardmember. The list of candidates includes Todd Auspitz, William Beaumont, Todd Burk, Gary Burlak, Richard Klee, Eric Kurtycz, Terry Lang, Melissa Miller, Denise Mitchell, David Proksch, David Spolyar, Kelly Weaver, Kyle Dykman and Paul Foley.
Dykman and Foley were unable to attend the board’s May 26 meeting, where the rest of the group offered a brief introduction of their background, qualifications and interest in serving.
The board will narrow the pool down to a handful of candidates to be interviewed at their next meeting, June 9. At that meeting Dykman and Foley will also be offered a chance to introduce themselves.
The board must pick a replacement for former President Bill Walters before the end of June. Walters? last meeting was May 26.

Science, health and spirituality
Unity Church of Lake Orion, along with Body Mind Spirit Guide, host the second annual Science, Health & Spirituality Festival, Saturday, June 5.
Experience personal growth, spiritual awareness, natural therapies, complimentary therapies and much more, and visit ‘Authors Corner? a new feature offering the opportunity to purchase a book, speak to
the author and request a book signing. speakers scheduled
throughout the event.
Unity Church of Lake Orion is located at 3070 Baldwin. Event
open to the public from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.. 40 vendors; admission
is free. Visit @www.unitylakeorion.org for more information.

Memorial Day activities
Help Lake Orion honor its fallen heroes this Memorial Day with a rifle salute and laying of the wreath in Children’s Park at 10 a.m., the annual Memorial Day Parade, parade, starting from Blanche Sims, at 11 a.m., and a fly-over of two A10 Warthog jets at 11:10 a.m.

Get ONTV with summer camp
Orion Neighborhood Television will host a summer video camp for creative students going into the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in the fall.
ONTV Summer Video Camp 2010 takes place June 21-25, from 9 a.m.-noon in the ONTV Studio
Participants will learn about various aspects of video production and produce a program that will play on ONTV Channel 10. Cost is $100, and includes instruction, an ONTV Video Camp t-shirt, field trip and a party on Friday.
.ONTV, a is the non-profit, public access television center for the Lake Orion area is located at 698 S. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, MI 48362. Visit us online at www.orionONTV.org
A few spaces remain in the ONTV Summer Video Camp 2010; for more information and to register, call ONTV at 248-693-3377.

St. Joe’s at JD’s
Anyone who would like a fun, adult night out is invited to enjoy great music and great audience participation during a fundraiser for St. Joseph School’s Destination Imagination teams. The event takes place Friday, June 5 at JD’s Key Club. Doors open at 8 p.m., entertainment begins at 9 p.m.
St. Joe’s especially encourages alumni and alumni families to come out and enjoy the fun. The evening includes pizza, 50/50 raffle and silent auction.
Purchase a ticket by sending $12 per ticket, along with name and contact information to the St. Joseph school office, c/o ‘Piano Bar.? Tickets held at the door, or sent in the mail. Tickets sold at the door will be $14. JD’s Key Club is located at 1 North Saginaw, Pontiac. Visit www.jdskeyclub.com or call 248-338-7337.

Twp. to collect village taxes
The village council unanimously passed a proposal at their May 10 meeting, allowing Orion Township to mail and collect village tax bills.
Letting the township take care of the legwork will cost $5 per parcel, but end up saving the village thousands in the long run, officials said.
The change also reduces the deputy treasurer’s position from full time to part time.

Can you help?
The Lake Orion Firefighters? Ladies Auxillary will sponsor a canned food drive Saturday, May 15.
Non perishable food items may be dropped off at Hollywood Market, 1101 S. Lapeer Road between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
All donated food items go to Orion/Oxford FISH, a local food pantry.

Got stuff?
Need stuff?
Orion Township will hold a Closet Clean-Out Community Garage Sale, Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Find new treasures or sell your own. Entrance for shoppers is free; 12×12 space fee for sellers is $15 (Household items only, no wholesalers).
Orion Township will also hold a silent auction for used monitors, printers/fax machines, hard drives, furniture, and more. . Sellers must register by May 18. Call 248-391-0304, ext. 143.

Cuts for a cure
Studio Glitz will host a Cut-a-Thon, Sunday, May 2, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m., to benefit ‘Glow, Team, Glow,? a local team participating in the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure!
Services include haircuts for women, men and kids’including shampoo, cut, and blow dry’as well as facial waxing, and Glitz will donate 100 percent of all services and tips to the fight against breast cancer.
Appointments with your favorite Glitz stylist are available, and walk-ins are welcome.
The day also includes door prizes, silent auction, light refreshments more. Studio Glitz is located at 345 S. Broadway in Lake Orion.
To request an appointment time, email cuts4thcure@gmail.com or call 248-891-9283.

Ciao for Charity
The Olson family of Lake Orion will host ‘Ciao (Chow) for Charity’an event benefiting Love Inc of North Oakland County and Problem Pregnancy Center of Oxford’Friday, April 30 from 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at Lake Orion United Methodist Church, 140 E. Flint Street.
The evening features an all-you-ca-eat pasta dinner, a fresh-from-the-oven bake sale, strolling musician and other surprises.
Suggested donation is $5 per person; children under 3 are free. Tickets are available at the door or may be purchased at the church in advance. For more information, contact Love Inc of North Oakland County at 248-693-4357.

Vendor open house
The Darci Seipke Benefit Foundation is sponsoring a Vendor Open House. This is multi-home parties under one roof. We have Watkins Products, Pampered Chef, Party Lite, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Ultimate Body, Inspirations, Avon, Stampin? Up, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, and Longberger Basket representatives all displaying their products for you to purchase. The event will be on May 15 from 1p.m.-6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall On Drahner Road in Oxford. Bring cash, checks, or credit cards and shop, shop, shop!
Please contact Pam at 248-721-1647 for more information or visit www.dsbfoundation.com

Promote your business at expo
The community expo is coming to Lake Orion High School, May 11, to showcase businesses in the community. Event coordinators are expecting over 1,500 guests to attend.
The expo will be from 4 to 8 p.m. in the high school’s field house and will feature a Monopoly board game theme.
There’s still room for more businesses and restaurants to participate. Those interested should contact the Chamber of Commerce at 248-693-6300. Deadline to register is April 30.

A St. Joe’s play
St. Joseph School Maverick Players will present Disney’s Beauty and The Beast on Friday May 7, and Saturday May 8 at St. Joseph School, 703 N. Lapeer Road.
Tickets may be purchased at the door for $5; children 5 and under are free. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the musical begins at 7 p.m. on both nights.
Call 248-693-6215 for more information.

Bridging generations
Grandparents and teens join for theThe Second Annual Game Day Challenge, Thursday, April 22 3 – 6 pm at the Orion Library Meeting Room.
The library has all the Wii games, Guitar Hero, Rock Band and more.
Last year the older crowd taught the teens how to play euchre, rummy and cribbage. Food and laughs are free.
Teens can earn community service credit hours by setting up the video games and welcoming the older generation to ‘your world.? ? For more information, contact Deb Motley, 248-693-3001.

Relay for life meeting
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Lake Orion will host the Team Captain meeting, Monday April 26 from 7 to 8 pm at Lake Orion High School.? Contact: Committee Chair Jennifer Smith gslakeorion@aol.com??? Please join us in our commitment to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

Shhhh..
Friends of the Orion Township Library will auction several book-themed gift baskets packed with some of our favorite books and gift items selected especially for these books.?
All funds raised from the silent auction will fund programs such as the fifth grade Battle of the Books, Summer Reading programs for teens and the Second Sunday Concert Series.
Baskets will be on display in the adult services glass case next to the circulation desk; bids accepted until 5 p.m., Saturday, April 17. Winners will be notified Sunday, April 18.

In the chips
Grab your shovels, wheelbarrows and buckets; Oakland County Parks is giving away free wood chips Saturday, April 24 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Orion Oaks County Park, 2301 Clarkston Road in Orion Township. Participants can enter at the Clarkston Road gate to load wood chips.
Chips are of assorted wood from power line maintenance pruning and storm damage. All wood chips must be loaded manually into vehicles and small trailers; no commercial haulers. Chips may also be picked up May 8, May 22, June 5 and June 19.
For more information, visit www.DestinationOakland.com.

Win a car
St. Joseph Church and School is now selling tickets in its 9th Annual Automobile Raffle. Win a 2010 GMC Sierra regular cab (outright ownership) or a 2010 GMC Acadia/Buick LaCrosse (36-month lease), or a $15,000 cash grand prize.
Four other cash prizes will also be awarded in the amounts of $2,500, $1,000, $300 and $200. Tickets are $100; only 500 tickets will be sold. Drawing held April 18 after 12:30 p.m. Mass; need not be present to win.
Please mail check to St. Joseph School, 703. N. Lapeer Rd. Lake Orion, MI? 48362 (ticket will be mailed back within 7 days), or, purchase after Sunday Masses. Raffle supported by Golling Buick/GMC. For more information, call 248-693-6215.

Teens and choices
Judge Julie Nicholson of the 52-3 District Court will’speak at the Orion Township Library, 7 p.m., April 27, to parents and teens about critical choices young adults must make throughout their lives’especially about drugs and alcohol’and to prepare them to make ‘the right choices.?
Facilitators say parental involvement is crucial, and encourage parents bring teens along. The Lake Orion Police Department will also make a presentation. The event is free;’PEP Talks occur the forth Tuesday of each month.

Improvements for safety path
Improvements are coming to the Orion Safety Paths. The Orion Township Board of Trustees on Monday awarded a bid in the amount of $277,893 to Commerce Construction and Landscaping Inc. for three projects set to begin this spring.
The projects include improvements or extentions to the safety path on Lapeer Road from Buffalo Wild Wings north to Indian Lake Road; Maybee Road from Forest Spring east to Ashley, and Orion Road, from Grampian southeast to Paint Creek Ridge Subdivision.

What’s biting?
Whether you’re taking your son on his first fishing trip or you just caught a whopper and want to brag to all your friends, we want to know!
Send your fishin? pics to lakeorionreview@sbcglobal.net or 30 N. Broadway, Lake Orion, MI 48362. Hard and digital photos are welcome. Please send digital photos in JPG format — the higher the resolution, the better.
Include names of those in the photo, location, and type and size of your catch.
Submissions are free of charge, but a donation of smoked fish is always welcome.

Smitko new village treasurer
Finance Director/Treasurer Jan Adams will offically say goodbye to the village April 7. Lake Orion can offer a ‘hello, again? to Willa Smitko when the current deputy treasurer will take Adams? place April 8.
The village council unanimously voted to accept her appointment to treasurer and with a $47,500 annual salary. Smitko has 10 years experience in the village and has worked alongside Adams for the last six.

Got green art?
The Orion Art Center is seeking producers of earth-friendly garden art, pottery, jewelry, mosaics, metal art, tile work and fiber art to participate in downtown Rochester’s Michigan Earth Day Expo, April 24-25. ?
‘Earthwise ~ Artwise? offers artists a 10×10 booth space in a large tent with overnight protection. Booth fee is $250. The event is expected to draw 80,000 attendees, so inventory is essential. ‘Artists are responsible for their own displays.?
Apply at www.miearthday.com/exapp.html (select Local Producer level) or call 248-693-4986 for more information.

Leaves alone
Spring leaf pick-up service in the Village of Lake Orion begins April 5, weather permitting, and will end approximately three weeks later. Brush and limbs may not be mixed with leaves, but also beginning April 5, brush and limbs may be placed with yard waste on regular garbage pick up days, provided they are less than 2? in diameter, bundled and less than 4 feet long.

Closed Friday
Orion Township municipal offices will be closed Friday, April 2 in observance of Good Friday. Call township offices at 248-391-0304 or visit www.oriontownship.org

Commissioners return
Planning Commission Members Dikka Berven, James Cummins and Thomas Sakala were reappointed to their positions by a unanimous vote from the village council, March 8.
The reappointed members? new terms will end April 30, 2013.

Construction continues
Orion Pointe developers now have until June 1, 2012 to complete the construction project after the village council voted on their request, March 8.
The project’s planned unit development (PUD) orignally called for a one phase project, to be fully finished June 1 this year. Now, the project will be completed in two phases.
The second phase, which includes finishing four condominimus, has a new June 1, 2012 completion date. The first phase includes all other aspects of the project, and will keep this year’s June 1 deadline.

Seats filled
Ron Zilka and Terry Hockstad will fill two vacancies on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board after being unanimously voted in by the village council Feb. 22.
Zilka’s term will expire Nov. 1, 2011 and Hockstad’s term will expire Nov. 1, 2010.

Demolition
With the proper equipment, like a bulldozer or backhoe, walls come down fast. And the sale of residential property on Newton — bought by the Village of Lake Orion using Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds — should come just as quickly.
Blue Star, Inc. won the bid to demolish the property’s existing house for $5,500. The residential property will go up for sale after the demolition and a new, prefabricated home is erected.
‘I think this will be a great improvement to the neighborhood, and a gateway to undeveloped property there,? said Village Council President Ken Van Portfliet.

Chamber music
The Orion Chamber Music Society will present a concert Saturday, March 13, 7 p.m., at Clarkston United Methodist Church, 6600 Waldon Rd., Clarkston.
The concert will feature Katherine Nold, organist, performing the Organ Symphony by Alexander Guilmant.
In addition to the Guilmant symphony and other works being performed, Leslie Wills will play George Frederic Handel’s Organ Concerto No. 13, known as ‘The Cuckoo and the Nightingale.??
The Orion Chamber Music Society (OCMS), formed to give Christian musicians an opportunity to perform the major classics, is comprised of college students and adult musicians who wish to have an outlet to perform some of these works.
The 45-member group is conducted by Leonard Holliday.
Child care is provided, and a free will offering will be accepted. Call Leslie Wills at 248-625-1611, ext. 229 with any questions.

Top it off
TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly) will host an open house Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Orion Township Senior Center, located at 21 E. Church Street in Lake Orion. Gain control, lose pounds, reduce inches, improve health, and make new friends. Event is free, with no obligation to join. For more information, call Janet Austin at 248-941-4905.

Bridge closure postponed
A one-day closure of the Silverbell Road bridge (half-mile west of M-24) planned for Feb. 23 has been rescheduled for a yet-to-be-determined date in the first week of March, said officials from Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC).
The closure, postponed because snow was forecast for Feb. 23, is necessary so RCOC can patch the bridge surface. A new date will be selected based on weather forecasts.

County has jobs
Oakland County Parks is looking for lifeguards, program leaders, program specialists, laborers, business assistants, and park attendants in a quest to fill some 450 seasonal positions. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
Student internships are also available. Submit applications online by Tuesday, March 2 at www.oakgov.com/jobs.

Candidate forum
The Greater Oakland Republican Club (GO-GOP) will feature candidates for public office at its monthly meetings, beginning Tuesday, March 2 with Gene Goodman, candidate for Congress, Beth Nuccio, candidate for the Oakland County Commission and Kim Russell, candidate for the State Senate.
Congressman Mike Rogers will speak April 8.
The Greater Oakland Republicans Club meets from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Orion-Oxford Eagles Club, 317 West Clarkston Road. All are welcome; those who come early can order dinner from the kitchen.

For the love of the game
Lake Orion and Clarkston Varsity Hockey teams will join together to sponsor the third annual ‘For Love of the Game,? a youth hockey night on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.
The event, recognizing youth hockey players from elementary to junior high from the Lake Orion and Clarkston school districts, will be held at the Detroit Skating Club, 888 Denison Court, Bloomfield Hills.
ALL youth players wearing their team jerseys receive free admission and have the opportunity to tour the varsity locker rooms and meet coaches and players.

Silverbell Bridge closed Feb. 23
The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) expects to close the Silverbell Road bridge over the Grand Trunk Western Railroad tracks in Orion Township (a half-mile west of M-24) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23.
The RCOC says the closure is necessary so crews can patch the bridge to prevent further deterioration of the bridge deck surface.
‘The project will not allow the re-opening of two traffic lanes on the bridge closed in November due to the rapidly deteriorating condition of the bridge’s superstructure,? said RCOC spokesman Craig Bryson.
During the Feb. 23 closure, the detour route for Silverbell traffic will be M-24 (Lapeer Road) to Brown Road to Giddings Road and back to Silverbell and vice versa.
The closure is weather dependent. If it is snowing or raining on Feb. 23, the work will be postponed.

Dems discuss the issues
North Oakland Democratic Club will host a discussion with guest speakers Alma Wheeler Smith, Mark Brewer and Casandra Ulbrich at the Orion Township Library, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Candidate for Governor, Alma Wheeler Smith is currently a State Representative for District 54 in Washtenaw County. Smith will discuss her campaign for Governor.
Mark Brewer is Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party and will discuss redistricting following the 2010 Census and elections.
Casandra Ulbrich, a member of the State Board of Education, and will discuss financing education in Michigan.
The library is located at 825 Joslyn Road. Contact Phil Reid for additional details at info@northoakland-dems.org

Scout Sunday
Boy Scout Troop 128 invites Lake Orion / Oxford / Clarkston area Scouts and their families to participate in the February 14th Scout Sunday Observance, 10:00 am at St. Mary’s In-The-Hills Episcopal Church, 2512 Joslyn Ct. (next to Olde World Canterbury Village). Scouts should attend in complete uniform which will qualify them for the 2010 Scout Sunday Observance patch ($2 each, limited quantity available).
For more information, contact The Rev Christine Humphrey, 248-391-0663 or email LOTroop128Scouts@aol.com.

Public input on Orion Pointe
The village council set March 8 as the date for a public hearing on Orion Pointe. The project’s developer asked to extend the completion deadline on four condominiums to June 1, 2012. Meetings are held at 37 E. Flint Street and begin at 7:30 p.m.

Friday: Gibb talks township
Orion Township Supervisor Matthew Gibb will present a state of the township address Friday, February 5 at Canterbury Village, 2369 Joslyn Court.
The event begins with light morning refreshments at 8 a.m., followed by Gibb’s address, ‘Our Challenge ? Our Vision? at 8:30 a.m.
The message, said township officials, will include an update and reflection of 2009 events and where those events left the community.
Gibb will also talk about pressures exerted by the current financial and political conditions in Lansing, progress made in positioning Orion Township to endure and succeed, and the broad vision driving that process.
Ample time will be provided for questions.

Just a baby…
A benefit dinner will be held Feb. 22 for a toddler recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Proceeds from the event, held at Lelli’s in Auburn Hills, will go to The Mark Georgio Bejjani Cancer Fund.
Tickets are $50 and include dinner, entertainment, a live auction and 50/50 raffle.
In December 2009, the Bejjani family received devasting news when their 23-month-old boy, Mark, was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. Mark underwent surgery at Beaumont Hospital to removed a large brain tumor. Soon after, he developed serious complications and was transfered to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN to continue his treatment.
Mark recently began chemotherapy treatments, which will require him to stay at St. Jude’s for a minimum of six months.
Mark’s mom, Rita, is staying with him in Memphis, while his dad, Geroge, remains in Lake Orion to care for Mark’s older brother, Michael.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will help reuinte the family while allowing them to continue Mark’s treatment.
Karriann Conklin is organizing the event and can be reached at 248-820-1378.

Memorial Day observances

Celebrate the Memorial Day holiday in Addison Township at the Lakeville Cemetery for their special service on Saturday, May 24, beginning at Noon (gathering at 11:30 a.m.).
Highlights include special speakers, wreath-laying ceremony, songs sung by the Oxford Middle School ensemble, a 21-gun salute and a dedication of their new gazebo. Bring a dish to pass at the luncheon following the service. The cemetery is located on E. Drahner Rd.
In Oxford, services will start in Centennial Park at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26. County Commissioner Brad Jacobsen will be the guest speaker. Following the ceremony, a short memorial service will take place at the township cemetery on the south side of W. Burdick St. Memorial Day parade will feature local veterans, the Oxford High School Marching Band, local scouting groups and church groups.

Cityhood on ballot

In a 4-0 decision last week, the Michigan State Boundary Commission found the petition, signed by 151 village residents, requesting a referendum regarding cityhood to be legally sufficient.
Commissioners recommended the Department of Labor & Economic Growth’s director sign the order for a referendum.
Once he signs it, Oxford Village residents will get the chance to vote on whether or not the cityhood process continues in the Aug. 5 primary election.

Shop at Wojo’s,
help Women’s Club

Visit Wojo’s Greenhouse anytime on Wednesday, May 28 (2570 Oakwood Rd., Ortonville/7360 E. Court St., Davison), and mention Oxford Women’s Club to the cashier and receive 10 percent of your purchase will be donated to the club. Cannot be used with giftcards. For more information, please call Ruth at (586) 580-3194.

Cooking event to benefit literacy

Coldwell Banker Whitman-Pope, the Historic Whitehorse Inn and the Metamora Area Chamber of Commerece will be presenting What’s Cooking for Charity at Devil’s Ridge Golf Club on Tuesday, June 3.
Join the golf club’s Executive Chef, Bob Crossen, who will show you the ropes during an interactive cooking class followed by a delightful luncheon.
The best part of the event is that proceeds will benefit the Lapeer Family Literacy Center. Each guest will also receive a demonstration Recipe Collection Booklet for participating.
Cost is $25 per person (limited seating) and the event will run from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. Reserve your spot by Friday, May 30 by calling Pat Hackney at (248) 505-8986.

VFW Poppy Sales
North Oakland VFW Post 334 will be selling Buddy Poppies May 8, 9 and 10 at many locations in Orion, Oxford and Addison. This is the only fund raiser that the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars carries out annually and the money raised is used to assist needy and disabled veterans, support youth activities, the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan where there are many widows and orphans of men and women who lost their lives in the service of their country. For more information about the Post veterans can call the Post Commander Ernie Baker at (248) 391-6933.

Clean up Addison
Addison Township will provide dumpsters for their annual Spring Clean-up at the Township Complex parking area on Saturday, May 10, beginning at 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This service will be provided for Addison Township Residents only.
The township cannot accept paint, oil, gasoline, or any toxins; Refrigerators or air conditioners must be tagged properly. If not, a tagging fee will be charged or the unit cannot be accepted; Tire limitations are four per household. Car and pick up truck tires only; Please have valid driver’s license ready. For additional information, contact the Township offices at 628-3317.

FISH needs help
On Saturday, May 10, the Lake Orion and Oxford Postal Letter Carriers will conduct their annual ‘Help Stamp Out Hunger? Food Drive. All non-perishable items collected will be donated to the Oxford/Orion FISH Pantry to be distributed to the needy of the area. Just put a bag of items next to your mailbox for pick-up.
Volunteers are needed to help sort the food at the FISH Food Pantry that day from 1-6 p.m. and on May 11 from 12-4 p.m. (The pantry is located four miles north of Oxford, one mile north of Oakwood Rd., turn right on Thomas and right on First St.)

A lesson in wildflowers
The Friends of the Addison Township Public Library is hosting a presentation on wildflowers native to Michigan on Wednesday, May 14, at 7 pm in the Senior Room of the Addison Township complex (1440 Rochester Rd, Leonard). The speaker will be Joy Jensen, author of Wildflowers in Michigan and the Great Lakes? States. Jensen is an instructor at Oakland Community College. She will be discussing planting, preserving and decorating with wildflowers.
The event is open to the public and free to Addison Township residents and/or members of the Friends of the Addison Township Public Library. A donation of $5 is requested of all others. All donations are welcomed. Some books will be available for purchase. For more information, please call (248) 628-6725 or (248) 628-7796.

Choirs to serve dinner

The Oxford High School choirs will be holding a fund-raiser on Tuesday, January 15, at the Oxford big Boy from 5-8 p.m. All tips and 10 percent of sales from the evening will be donated to the choirs to help support them on their spring trips.
Call Christopher Card at (248) 969-5168 for more information.

Packing party Jan. 11

The Desert Angel, Louise Downs, will be collecting breakfast items and any leftover Christmas cookies or candy to send to troops serving in Iraq at the Oxford Meijer from 2-6 p.m. on Friday, January 11.

Beer & wine tasting

Tickets ($25 each) are on sale now for the Oxford Women’s Club’s 4th Annual Beer and Wine Tasting Fund-raising event to be held at Addison Oaks (1480 W. Romeo Road) on Sunday, January 27, from 1-4 p.m.
Dean Rondy, owner of the Oxford Wine and Beverage Co., will be the wine consultant and will have suppliers at the event. Appetizers and desserts will be served.
Proceeds will benefit the club’s community service projects, such as scholarships, Oxford/Addison Youth Assistance Adopt-A-Camper program, Project Desert Angel and Girl’s State. Contact Sharon at (248) 628-9278 or Darlene at (248) 628-1796 for tickets. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Trick-or-
treating hours

Trick-or-treating hours for all those little ghosts and goblins will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Oxford Village and Twp. In Leonard and Addison, trick-or-treating is limited to 6 to 7 p.m.
Oxford Fire Stations #1 (96 N. Washington) and #2 (1565 W. Drahner) will be serving cider and donuts from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Cider and donuts will also be available in downtown Leonard at the old fire station immediately following trick-or-treating.

Euchre for robots

The OHS Robotics Team is having a Euchre Fund-raiser on Saturday, October 27 at the Boulder Pointe Golf Club & Conference Center starting at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for $25. Euchres will be 50 cents a team member and we will be awarding first, second and third place with cash prize money. There will also be a raffle and a 50/50 drawing. For more info ontact Sherry at 969-9111.

Women’s Club celebrates 75th

The Oxford Women’s Club is celebrating their 75th Anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 10 at Boulder Pointe Golf Club and Banquet Center. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served at Noon. All former members are invited to join this celebration. Should you have any questions or like to make a reservation, please contact Nancy Wray at (248) 628-3289.

Blood drive Nov. 2

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the American Legion Post 108 on Friday, Nov. 2, from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Pre-registration is appreciated. For appointment or to register, please call (248) 628-1051. Walk-ins are welcome.

BW’s hosts
fund-raiser

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar in Lake Orion (770 N. Lapeer Rd.) is hosting a special fund-raiser on Monday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m.-1 a.m. to support the family of Josh and Timothy Shrauger, both students were students at Lake Orion High School. Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 20 percent of all sales to the Schraugers.

Health and Safety Fair

The Oxford HeadStart program will be sponsoring a Health and Safety Informational Fair on Thursday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Lake Villa Mobile Home Park’s clubhouse off of Lakeville Rd. Representatives from the Oakland County Health Dept., WIC and the Oxford Kiwanis Club will be on hand to answer any of your questions. All are welcome.

Women’s Club celebrates 75th

The members of the Oxford Women’s Club are planning a 75th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, November 10, at Boulder Pointe Golf and Country Club. They are looking for all former members who would be interested in attending this luncheon.
If you would like to attend or need further information, please contact Ann Avesian at (248) 628-6282 or Nancy Wray at (248) 628-3289.

Baseball tryouts

Tryouts for the Oxford Federation Baseball’s U12 2008 season will be on Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 5 from 1-3 p.m. at Seymour Lake Township Park.
Contact Doug Brubaker at (248) 969-2351 for more information.

Oxford resident takes 1st at photo contest

The Orion Art Center is proud to announce Oxford resident, William Dwyer, as the 1st Place winner of their 2007 photography contest, Around the World. The full exhibit can still be seen through August 24, at the Orion Township Public Library.