Local producers from Orion Neighborhood Television (ONTV) were in Mt. Pleasant on Friday, Oct. 17 to take home their Philo T. Farnsworth awards.
In a yearly award ceremony sponsored by the Alliance for Community Media, four ONTV producers received recognition for their work in five categories.
ONTV Producer Tom Watson won in both the sports entertainment and sports talk categories for Dragon Sports Review #2.
‘I had a really good team,? Watson said. ‘They have really talented players at the high school.?
Watson also produces several programs for playback on public access Channel 10, as well as government meetings. His time is volunteered for the ONTV events he covers.
‘Lunch at CJ’s,? produced by Kathy Wieland and Edward Peters, was a finalist in two categories: Community Events, for the episode ‘National Trails Day 2007,? and the Educational category for ‘Meet Lake Orion Schools.?
‘Lunch at CJ’s? is a talk show that features local businesses, organizations and events.
Former Review staff writer, Cathy Kimmel was a finalist in the Sports Event category for ‘Dragon Football vs. Pontiac Northern,? the game played on Oct. 5, 2007.
‘It was an honor to be considered as a finalist for this award, especially at the regional level,? Kimmel said. ‘The success of Dragon football is due in large part to a team of people and their hard work.?
Kimmel produces, directs and edits every LOHS varsity football home game. Commentary for the games is provided by former Review Editor Colin Baumgartner and Andy Schramek.
‘I am lucky to work with several talented and generous ONTV volunteers. When you combine that with the entertainment that commentators Colin Baumgartner and Andy Schramek provide, it’s hard for the show not to be a recipe for success. It’s great to work with a group that has a passion in promoting Lake Orion youth accomplishments and, besides that, who doesn’t love Lake Orion Football?? Kimmel added.
Joseph P. Belanger was also a finalist. His program, Lake Orion Aquatic Weed Control, was nominated in the Documentary Public Awareness category.
Belanger is a member of the Lake Orion Lake Association and is actively involved in the water quality of Lake Orion.
~~John Counts