‘Larry Mullins is not being nominated for the organizations he belongs to or the meetings he attends,? said his nominations form. And yet, Mullins is Lake Orion’s Citizen of the Year.
‘Mr. Mullins,? the form states, ‘is nominated for the unwavering community commitment he has made to his home of Lake Orion.?
Born nearly 52 years ago in Lake Orion, Mullins has spent his entire life here. The citizen of the year is a father of two and a grandfather of two. He heads up three generations of Orionites, not counting his parents who moved here in the 1950s.
It’s that fact that, Mullins says, is the reason he tries to give back to the community.
‘We always try to return a little of what’s taken,? he said.
Sue Turpen is on the Orion Art Center’s (OAC) board of directors. She says Mullins ‘always listens and understands.?
‘Where support is needed especially in grassroots programs or events, he’s the person in this community that hears what it takes to get things going,? Turpen said. ‘He’s a Lake Orion boy and proud of it. He’s done well in this community, but he doesn’t forget his humble beginnings and how great it is to continually strive to make it a better place.?
Boardmembers also note that Mullins was a big contributor to Dragon on the Lake.
But Mullins goes beyond helping OAC.
He was also heavily involved in building soccer fields in Friendship Park. So heavy, that the fields were named after him ? Mullins Fields.
Mullins owns Environmental Wood Solutions in Orion Township and Newark Aggregate in Lapeer. Using those resources, Mullins also helped in constructing soccer fields at Orion Oaks Elementary.
Right now, the citizen of the year is working on a house-sized project alongside the Orion Historical Society. Well, more like a school-sized project.
Howarth School, currently located on Silver Bell Road and Bald Mountain, will be relocated to Friendship Park, with the help of Mullins? Environmental Wood Solutions. Mullins says a concrete pad will be poured this week in preparation for the move. He’s already had the site cleared and grated.
In waiting for the move, Mullins held ‘digs? with school kids in and around Howarth, where they found coins, pencils, ‘all kinds of different things,? he said.
‘The one thing that I know about him is that he is always extending his services in so many ways and so many places,? said Sara Van Portfliet of Orion Historical Society. ‘It’s amazing how much he does for the community. I know it’s because he loves Lake Orion.?
Alice Young, an Orion Township Trustee and treasurer for the historical society, says Mullins was also involved with Union Church renovations and the township’s amphitheatre project.
‘He does things quietly, he doesn’t get out there and say ‘I did this and I did that,? which is one of the reasons we thought he should be recognized finally,? said Young. ‘The parade group is very pleased to recognize him for all that he’s done for the community.?
To fulfill his citizen of the year duties, Mullins will act as grand marshal for Lake Orion’s Lighted Holiday Parade. Residents will see him traveling by horse-drawn carriage.
So what does Mullins think of his new title?
‘I was a little surprised,? he said. ‘I usually keep a low profile.?
‘I’m really flattered by the honor,? he added. ‘It’s really nice to be recognized for things done, though I don’t do them for that reason.?