A large crowd gathered around the front entrance to the Orion Center Thursday night as Orion Township Supervisor JoAnn Van Tassel described the work that went into executing the vision for the beautiful facility.

Lisa Sokol, community programs director, passed out gifts to people who had a hand in the development of the Orion Center and recognized staff and board members for their continued support.

"This is your community center, please come and enjoy it; come back often," Van Tassel said. "We have lots of activities going on and lots of programs."

"This new center will be used and appreciated for years and years to come," said Sen. Jim Marleau, who was in attedance and spoke prior to the ribbon cutting.

Everyone in attendance aided in the countdown for the Orion Center's ribbon cutting and cheers erupted as Sokol swiftly cut the ribbon.

"I was really excited that we had so many people show up, and people of all ages too, which was really important to me because it is a full community center," Sokol said. "We'll focus on senior activities but we'll also have youth, teen and adult programs."

Following the Orion Center's ceremony the crowd shifted inside the Orion Center, to Orion Neighborhood Television's (ONTV) studio to celebrate its ribbon cutting as well. ONTV moved from its location at 698 Lapeer Road into the Orion Center.

"When the opportunity to partner with the township, and the purchase of a portion of the Orion Center was made available to us, we knew we had finally found a home," said G. Brett Saunders, Orion Community Cable Communications Commission chairperson. "To have a community communications access center in a community activities building is a dream come true."

After both ribbon cutting ceremonies attendees enjoyed facility tours, refreshments and demonstrations of programs offered.

The Orion Center is located at 1335 Joslyn Road in Lake Orion. For more on the Orion Center see: 6 Ways Community Membes Can Enjoy the Orion Center.