It’s not just Lake Orion students that are approaching the start of school, but myself as well.
Alas, after spending a great year and a half reporting about my favorite town, it’s time for me to move on.
I’m a person that is lucky enough to have many passions in life, many of which were fostered in my time in Lake Orion Schools, and whether I’m creating television, writing or taking photos, I really am enjoying everything that I do. There’s just one more passion at the top of that list ? teaching.
So as the kids are picking out their new school clothes and deciding on a lunch box, I’ve been gathering my supplies and getting ready to send myself back through to get my teaching certification.
This fall brings a lot of changes. I am extremely excited to start student teaching, which I will be doing in one of the Macomb school districts, as well as taking classes in a full-time accelerated teaching program. The only thing I’m upset about? The demands of that program mean I have to say good-bye to a job that I have loved doing.
How many people get to say that?
My departure is bittersweet, as I am excited to start my new chapter, but am sad to let go of something that I love, something that the community made a great experience for me.
Sure, I’ve reported on things that I wish I hadn’t had to, but I’ve also gotten to witness some wonderful things, firsthand.
Thank you to all of you that invited me into your homes, events and lives, and told me your stories. I have met some truly inspirational people out in our community, seen some amazing things and have really had my life touched.
It’s not every job that you get to witness a surprise engagement (involving a Coast Guard helicopter), be part of celebrations for both a 100th and 105th birthday, see a sports team find success in the big game, or even watch as the community unites during a tough time.
Each and every experience is something I will take with me, something that I will eventually draw on as I teach my students, and for that, I thank you.
And while I may be saying good-bye to Lake Orion for a while, its certainly not forever. It’s hard to say good-bye to a place where your heart is, and just as they tell us at graduation, ‘once a Dragon, always a Dragon.?

Lake Orion High School’s graduation was a night of bittersweet moments.
On a personal level, I watched my younger sister and her friends receive their diplomas and join the ranks, among myself and my former classmates, as Lake Orion alumni.
As with any big moment in life, it’s hard not to be a little sad about the important people that can’t be there to share in them, whether it be parents, or grandparents, or in the case of the Class of 2008, some of their classmates.
As I mentioned, being an older sister, I watched, in a amazement of their strength, as two older siblings accepted diplomas on their younger brothers? behalves.
I can’t imagine the pain and courage it took for them to do this, but I have to imagine that for many, they were models of strength and perseverance, two words that have come to closely describe the Class of 2008.
In the face of everything that has happened for this class, one other thing they can probably teach us a little bit about is supporting one another — just as they supported their fellow classmate, Brittany Jasso, as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma. Jasso was seriously injured in a car accident when she was younger, spending many months in a coma, and her classmates cheered her on with a standing ovation as she crossed the stage. Another show of the strength of the Class of 2008.
And while this class had to deal with things kids their age should not even have to think about, I don’t doubt that they go into the world, and their futures, much stronger as a result.
So as we watch them go off to become teachers, doctors, sitcom writers, television producers, physical therapists, lawyers and everything in between, we know that they have the skills to succeed and we can look forward to the day we hear about all of their continued successes.
Congratulations Class of 2008 and thank you for all of things you have taught us this year. Best wishes as you continue into your future.
***
Additional note about graduation?
With close to 90-degree weather and bad thunderstorms and rain, thank goodness for the indoor arena where graduation was held. Looks like it turned out be to a blessing in disguise.

Lake Orion touts itself as ‘where living is a vacation,? but, more importantly, it’s a community that cares.
When Karen Vickers and her two teenage daughters, Brittney and Brandi, escaped their fire and smoke-filled condo out of a second floor bedroom window and awaited rescue, they were lucky to make it out not only alive, but uninjured.
And Karen feels that their luck extends further ? they are lucky to call Orion their home.
They are lucky to have local fire and police that are quick to respond.
‘The fire department responded in one minute and 58 seconds,? she said. ‘I thought that was amazing, and the sheriff even got there before that. They are our heroes.?
They are lucky to have firefighters that not quickly get them to safety, but also go above and beyond the call of duty.
According to Karen, some of the department, though they won’t tell her who, brought the family’s dog to safety, after it was found hiding in the girls? bedroom closet.
‘Those guys were so great,? she said, noting that she wishes she knew who they are so she could express her thanks to them for rescuing a part of their family.
The department also donated some toys to the family.
‘I want to call the firefighters to say thank you,? said Karen’s five-year-old son, Noah, who was luckily not home at the time of the fire.
They are lucky to have a community that is willing to donate clothing and money to help them get back on their feet.
‘We’ve had amazing support from everyone,? Karen said. ‘If it wasn’t for my family and the community, they are everything that’s holding us together. They are the glue that’s holding this family together. They’ve already done so much.?
In fact, people have donated so much clothing that Karen said they have more than they need, and she is looking into a way to give it right back to the Orion community.
‘I want our own community to be able to have these things back,? she said, noting that they don’t want to donate it to Salvation Army or something of that nature because they don’t want people to be charged for them and she wants them to directly benefit Orion people. ‘I don’t want to give (the donations) to just anybody. For me, they’re from people’s hearts.?
They are lucky enough to have individuals, such as Lake Orion High School counselor Sarah Budreau, that step forward and take care of setting up a fund, The Karen Vickers Fund, to benefit the family at National City Bank.
‘Everything that goes into that is what I am hopefully going to rebuild with,? Karen said, noting that she hopes to go back to that home. ‘There are a lot of good memories there.?
They are lucky enough, in the midst of this mess, to have some good news. Karen, who was laid off over the summer and struggled to find a new job, will start next week at Scott Ackerman’s insurance agency.
‘There is something special about his office. I’m so excited to be a part of it,? she said, noting that one of the first things she is going to do is get her life and health license, which is something she’s wanted to do for years. ‘He’s helping make a dream come true.?
Karen feels lucky that her and her children to be a part of this community.
‘I’ve always loved this community,? she said. ‘It’s always been home. This will always be home.?

You may not be able to see their wings, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a group of angels in the local area.
On Sunday, I was invited to attend a birthday/farewell celebration of a young Haitian woman at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (see this web edition for the story).
She was far away from her home and in a cold, wintry Michigan for one reason — to receive a miracle. Because of a group of angels, she did.
Reitte Joseph, 22, of Haiti, had a malignant tumor on the left side of her face, which left untreated could continue to grow and cut off her airways.
Enter a Lake Orion church on their mission trip to Haiti.
Enter a Clarkston woman who heard Joseph’s story from a missionary in Haiti and was prompted to bring back her medical information and x-rays.
Enter a local doctor that received a call about Joseph’s condition and offered to help connect the parish with someone who could help.
Enter the doctors and staff at POH Regional Medical Center. Enter a miracle.
This large group of people all decided to go out of their way to help a young woman they had never even met, and great things happened.
On Dec. 5, Joseph wasn’t able to celebrate her 22nd birthday because she was in a grueling 12-hour surgery, but she got the best birthday wish of all — a chance to celebrate her 23rd.
In early March, she will be reunited with her family, after having been seperated from them for several months. And what does she plan on doing? Getting back into school with hopes of learning English, so she can one day express her thanks to this group of people who gave her a miracle.

Last week, we were re-introduced to some of the interesting stories and individuals that we met in the first part of 2007. Here are the rest?
~~In July, we met the Pink Ribbon Trailblazers, a non-profit group that raises funds to support breast cancer services at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, and the two remarkable women behind the effort, breast cancer survivor Pat Nolf and her friend Teri Donaldson. The group hosted their first event, the ‘Stroll, Ride, Run ‘Fun’draiser,? on Aug. 4. Every $108 that was raised went to covering the cost of a mammogram for an underserved or underprivileged individual.
~~In September, we met Cristi Fischer, an LOHS freshman, who may have been too young to be a veterinarian, but wasn’t too young to save a goat that faced the slaughterhouse. The goat, which was purchased by a butcher at the Oakland County Fair, was bought back after Fischer went around her neighborhood and raised $200 to buy ‘Gert the goat.? After caring for the animal for several weeks, donated the goat to Blake’s Orchard and Petting Farm.
~~In September, we also met Ernie Butki and his family, a group of exceptional individuals that not only enjoyed each other as family and friends, but were also holding strong in an adverse situation as Ernie battled a terminal brain tumor. Ernie was a longtime Lake Orion resident, a husband of 38 years, a father of four boys, a grandfather and an educator. After a valiant fight, he passed away on Oct. 9 at the age of 66.
~~In October, a group of extremely talented individuals came to town to help some Lake Orion youth unleash their musical, dancing and performing abilities. The Young Americans, a touring and performing group, hosted a three-day workshop that culminated in a performance by the group, as well as Lake Orion youth who participated. It was quite a display of energy, enthusiasm and talent, and for at least one individual, a life changing event. LO grad Sam Krumrine tried out for the group after the workshop’s performance and has been selected as one of the newest Young Americans. He plans to finish out his freshman year at college and will most likely head to California in summer 2008 to start training.
~~In October, we also met the head custodian at Pine Tree Elementary, a man with a whole lot of ‘heart.? Dan Hart, who has worked in the district for 35 years (the past 16 at Pine Tree), goes out of his way to make the holidays fun for students by using his own money to decorate the school.

2007 was a crazy year, and for me personally, it marked one huge change ? a brand new job. When I signed up to work as a reporter for The Lake Orion Review in February, I didn’t really know what I was in for. And I certainly could never have imagined all the things I could see and all the people I would meet. I learned a lot about this town, my hometown, and its people.
Every year, The Review highlights some of the most important stories of that year in the community. In fact, the top 12 are analyzed and ranked (see Page 1), the year scrutinized (see Page 8) and even our athletics are reviewed (see Page 14). A lot of the times though, some of the most interesting stories don’t fall under the ‘news? category, so they don’t get mentioned. Here’s a look back at some of the most interesting features from 2007?
~ In March, we met David Schmidt, a Lake Orion graduate of 2005, who joined the Marine Corps and not only found military life, but also a wife, Beth. The couple met at Camp Pendleton in California, and were married months later before both deployed to different locations in Iraq. The couple was in town for their first visit as husband and wife, visiting David’s family before heading to Colorado to see Elizabeth’s family.
~ Also in March, Rev. C. Michael Vershaeve celebrated his 30th anniversary of ordination. ‘Father Mike,? as he is known at St. Joseph Catholic Church, ironically had his first paying job at the church many years before when he would cut the lawn during the summer.
~ In April, it wasn’t just love that was in the air, as a Coast Guard helicopter carrying Duane Zita, a 1999 Lake Orion graduate, flew in and landed on a field at Waldon Middle School. Zita flew in to surprise his girlfriend, Michelle Eberle of Waterford, at her birthday celebration and propose marriage. And, of course, she said yes, and a beach wedding is planned for the future.
~ In May, Lake Orion High School senior Kyle Snage was selected as the Michigan Video Student of the Year, and won the ‘All-MIPA? award. Not only did he take home some serious bragging rights, but also a $500 scholarship to Michigan State’s School of Journalism.
~ Also in May, we met an extraordinary individual in Darci Seipke. The 1998 Lake Orion graduate has been battling Type I Diabetes since she was three and a half years old. Over the years, the disease has taken a huge toll on her body, especially her kidneys, and she is need of a kidney transplant.
Her family has started a community initiative to raise money to fund the medical expenses associated with Darci’s disease, as well as search for a transplant donor.
~ In June, we learned all about true commitment by Lake Orion High School graduate Karey Miller. He graduated from school having never missed a day in all 13 years.
~ Also in June, we met longtime Orion resident Eddie Bird as he celebrated his 100th birthday. He has lived in Orion since 1940 and, before that, lived in Oxford.
He regaled us with stories of the times and of the community, including a glimpse of the amusement park and dance hall on Park Island, and how the hotel use to pay him and his friends for the frogs they caught, so they could be served as frog legs (eww?)
That’s a look back at the first half of 2007.
Come back next week to see the stories of July through December?

Schools become such important places for children growing up. It’s not just a place where they learn their reading, writing and ‘rithmetic, but also a place where they start to develop who they are, as well as find what they are good at and develop brand new skills.
Frequently, it is hard to remember to thank the people that go out of their way to make schools a special atmosphere where this learning and growing can occur.
On the rare occasion that we do remember, we might pass along a nice word or gift to the child’s teacher or even principal.
Last issue, I was able to do a story about a special man at my old elementary school who may not get the accolades, or the presents, but works extremely hard and gives of his time and money to make sure Pine Tree Elementary is a great place, a fun place, and a place where students want to be.
Every year, because of his love for the holidays, head custodian Dan Hart spreads that cheer and spirit throughout the school by decorating.
He brings magic into that school, and while it’s not something tangible that you can hold, he helps promote the excitement of learning by promoting excitement and energy in that place of learning.
Simply put, he is a wonderful man and while he may not spend his days teaching in a classroom, his love for children has helped touch many lives.
Whether its people like Dan Hart that go out of their way to make the school day a little extra special, or the secretaries in the various elementary schools? main offices who know every student’s name, Lake Orion students know that when they leave their house in the morning to head to school, it may not be home but it is a place where people care about them.
Speaking from experience and having spent all my school years in this community, we have a great bunch of educators, administrators and support staff.
A big thank you to Dan Hart, and all those like him, who make Lake Orion a special place for kids to learn.

Jim Casper hasn’t had it easy.
He deals with Lyme Disease everyday, and due to a misdiagnosis early on (the doctors originally thought he had multiple sclerosis), the disease has taken a large toll on his body. He uses a cane to get around, and by late morning, has used his energy reserve for the day. He can’t work and has to live on a very limited budget.
A few weeks ago, he was down to his last $20, money he had to use to fill his car up with gas so he could run errands to pick up his medicines and food.
So while it was his last $20, gas was a necessity, prompting him to stop at the Admiral Gas Station on Lapeer Road.
According to Jim, it was around 10 a.m. and he was the only car there filling up, until a black car pulled in behind him.
Jim said, while he was ‘hopping around with his cane,? the person in the black car filled up, paid and left.
It wasn’t until Jim went up to pay that he realized that he should have paid more attention to the person in the black car, as they obviously paid attention to him, as well as paid his bill.
‘I give the guy the $20 and he pushes it back out the window,? Jim said, of paying the gas station attendant, ‘and I push it back in the thing and he pushes it back out.?
And when Jim questions the attendant to why he keeps pushing his money back out, he is told that the other guy (the one in the black car) just paid for his bill.
The Good Samaritan drove off without even saying a word to Jim, just having passed on a moment of kindness.
‘He didn’t even saying anything to me. He just paid my bill and off he went,? Jim said. ‘It was a black car and I don’t even know what kind it was, I didn’t even get a good look at the car.?
‘I want to at least thank the guy,? Jim added, saying that the guy must have seen his handicap stickers and him hobbling around out there. ‘What a nice guy. I really appreciate it.?
Have a story that you can share with me? Call The Review office at (248)693-8331 or e-mail lakeorionreview@sbcglobal.net.

The movie title above says it all. There are a few good men out in the world, and one of the good ones, if not a great one, calls Lake Orion his home.
Longtime resident Ernie Butki is fighting a valiant battle with a terminal brain tumor, but that’s not the most amazing part in the story of this man.
A husband of 38 years, a father to four sons, a grandfather to three (with a fourth on the way), a father-in-law, a former teacher, a longtime soccer coach and a good friend to a large amount of people, there are many things and so many stories that could be told about this man. But you won’t hear him telling them because he’d much rather make someone else feel special, allow them to enjoy the spotlight or help to make them feel at home. And with the Butki’s, there’s always room for one more in the group.
‘It’s all about other people,? said son Nate, a 1992 Lake Orion graduate, of his father. ‘It was like an open house at our home growing up.?
‘This was always the place that everyone was and loved being a part of,? oldest son Jason, a 1988 Orion graduate, said.
Brothers Nick, a 1991 graduate, and Drew, a 2001 graduate, round out the Butki brothers, at least when considering blood, but when it comes to family, the group is much larger.
Jason recalled a story about Drew, that when he was growing up and asked who his brothers were, he would go on to name at least 12 people.
Everyone was always welcome and this feeling spun into everyone wanting to always be around. And, while the boys may have gotten older, this concept never changed. Friends visit with their spouses or come to show off their children.
And while Ernie loves their company, he also loves to draw them into debates about life-issues, or education, or politics.
As a man who collected degrees, at least that’s how his wife, Margo, jokingly describes it (and many he has, ranging from a couple bachelor’s to master’s to a doctorate), he enjoys sharing that knowledge with others and seems to have passed on that love of learning to his children. The brothers already have seven degrees from Michigan State University between them, and who knows how many more are to come.
According to Drew, his dad has a bookshelf that ‘contains the sum of all human knowledge.? He said that they would always try to catch their dad on something he didn’t know, but ‘frustratingly so, it seems he knows everything.?
So much could be said about this man who loves to visit with friends, participate in an intellectual conversation or debate, or just cuddle with his grandkids and tell them ‘blub-blub? stories.
So much could be said, and it would never be nearly enough to tell the story of one dynamic family with a strong man at the head of the family as both their father, husband and friend, so we’ll just leave it as there are a ‘Few Good Men? out there, and Ernie Butki is one of them.