It’s once again time to honor a citizen who goes above and beyond in the Orion community.
Yes, that’s right, the nominees for Citizen of the Year are in and we’re ready to consider the finalists.
For more than a month, we here at the Review compiled all the nomination forms you sent in.
Last year’s winner was Joe Mastromatteo.
This year’s award was given solely on the basis of work within the boundaries of the Lake Orion Community School District.
Candidates need not live or work in Orion Township to be eligible. They could not be elected government officials of any office, members of the Orion Area Parade Group’s (OAPG) Board or employees of Sherman Publications, Inc.
The following are profiles of each of the eleven finalists based on the returned forms. Come back next week to see who the winner will be in a special feature in the Review.
The selection committee consisted of staff here at the Review and the OAPG board.The Citizen of the Year will serve as Grand Marshall of the Lighted Parade through downtown and be honored at the Holly Jolly Folly.
Karen Appledorn
‘Karen is a wonderful supporter of our schools and community,? her nominator wrote.
Appledorn is involved in such groups as the Lake Orion Education Foundation, the Specials Olympics and PTOs at all levels.
Larry Denis
‘Every time we see Larry, he always has a warm smile, and a handshake with a warm greeting,? his nominator wrote.
Denis is involved with the American Legion Post 223, where he served as Chaplain for more than 20 years. A barber by trade, he also visits nursing homes and hospitals to give free haircuts.
Marie English
‘Never one to boast about her service, Marie English has quietly devoted most of her days to creating a richer sense of community for Orion residents,? her nominator wrote.
English is a Friends of the Library volunteer, curator of the Northeast Oakland Historical Museum and member of the Orion Historical Society.
Alexandra Hock
‘Allie’s leadership and service in the National Honor Society and the many other projects she’s worked on through her church and in Lake Orion sets her apart from her peers, and adults too!? her nominator.
Hock was also involved at ONTV, Relay for Life and was a volunteer at Scripps Middle School.
Katherine Johnston
‘The Smile Club was formed by Katherine maybe 20 years ago for the mentally handicapped. Now, she’s 81 years old and still going,? Johnston’s nominator wrote.
Johnston helps organize recreation, games and crafts for the club.
Edward Peters
‘As a retiree, Ed has not sat still,? his nominator wrote.
Peters is active in ONTV as the producer for ‘Lunch at C.J.’s? and is an alternate commissioner for Paint Creek Trailways.
Ed Roberts
‘Ed is, without a doubt, an outstanding citizen of Lake Orion,? his nominator wrote.
Roberts is involved with Lake Orion Lakes Association, Orion Historical Board and is an ONTV-trained producer.
Michael Sweeney
‘Mike works tirelessly for all the organizations he serves.?
Those organizations include the Orion Historical Society, Orion Veterans Memorial and the Lions Club.
Sara Van Portfliet
‘Without Sara, it’s hard to say how much of Lake Orion’s history and historic buildings would be lost,? a nominator wrote.
Van Portfliet is a founding member of the Orion Historical Society, assisted with the village’s historical project and is a volunteer with the Friends of William E. Scripps Estate.
Kathy Wieland
‘Kathy donates her time to senior citizens and ONTV,? her nominator wrote.
She is also the founder and director of the Church Street Singers.
Katrina Wise
‘She assists community children whenever possible, either in academics or cheerleading,? her nominator wrote.
Wise has been involved at Carpenter for six years.