The Orion Senior Center’s new activities coordinator is new to the Lake Orion area, while the center’s new program coordinator has been an area resident for four years.
Michelle Williams, a Highland resident, was hired as the center’s activities coordinator, while Lake Orion resident Mary Ann Emick is the new program coordinator. Both positions are part-time.
‘I’m originally from Cleveland, but I have been in Orion for four years,? Emick said. ‘I raised my children in Clarkston.?
Williams is a Highland native who graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in community recreation. She spent eight months in Tempe, Arizona at a recreation internship.
‘I’m looking forward to the challenge of the center and creating new programs, while expanding old programs,? said Williams, who has worked with seniors before.
Emick worked for Lighthouse of Oakland County at its Clarkston branch and also at St. Anne’s before taking time off while her husband was working abroad.
‘It was time to get back to work and I always liked to work in the community,? she said. ‘My children are gone and my parents are seniors…I think this is a good fit for me at this point in my life.?
Emick and her husband Bob have three children; a daughter in Royal Oak, a son on New Jersey and a daughter attending medical school in Baltimore.
In her free time, Emick said she enjoys crocheting, gardening and riding her bike.
‘I’m also involved in the Warm Up America program at Christ the Redeemer,? she said.
Williams, an athlete in high school, enjoys playing soccer and basketball and wants to encourage seniors to get active in some sports leagues.
‘My main goal is to focus on increasing membership,? she said.
‘I’d like to see more people using this builiding,? Emick agreed. ‘But I think we have an obligation to find out better ways to serve the people, what they want…there’s a lot of interest in the community.?
Williams and Emick said they have experienced a warm reception at the senior center and Williams said she likes the Orion area so far.
‘Everyone’s very warm and friendly. It’s a great atmosphere,? she added. ‘It’s a cute little town, I like it. I feel at home.?