Thank you to Chris Barnett, Supervisor, and the Orion Township Board of Trustees for dedicating in my honor the bridge that links the Paint Creek Trail and the Polly Ann Trail. It was an unexpected honor, and I truly appreciate it.

It has been my pleasure to serve the people of Orion as a Township Trustee, Township Supervisor and Lake Orion Village Manager at various times since 1976.

Orion is known as a giving community because of hundred of residents who donate countless hours of volunteer time to make life better for others.

Among those are members of the Township’s Safety Path Committee, the Paint Creek Trail Commission and the Polly Ann Trail Management Council. They have worked together for years to improve and link these two magnificent trails which are enjoyed on a daily basis by hundreds of people.

I was Supervisor when Orion Township joined with Oakland Township and the cities of Rochester and Rochester Hills to acquire the Michigan Central railway that linked our communities and convert it into a trail. It was the first “rail to trail” facility in the State of Michigan.

I have also had the pleasure of serving on the Polly Ann Trail Management Council.

And thank you to all those who attended the dedication event on Monday, November 9. It was heartening to see and visit with so many friends and neighbors who make Orion such a great place to live. We are truly blessed to live and recreate in such a wonderful community.

JoAnn Van Tassel

Orion Twp.