Letter from the President – Jim Barry
Lake Orion Lake Association (LOLA)
June 2026

Dear Members, Riparian Owners, and Friends of Lake Orion,

On June 11, 2026, I had the honor of stepping into the role of President of the Lake Orion Lake Association. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and deeply appreciative of the leadership of outgoing President Dan Nelson, whose dedication to safety, education, and community has strengthened LOLA. His work — and the work of our board, volunteers, and community partners — has built a foundation I intend to honor and advance.

Our Mission Moving Forward
The mission of LOLA is clear — to communicate effectively with members and governmental agencies, to advocate for the best interests of the lake community, and to preserve the natural beauty and environmental health of Lake Orion. This mission guides every decision we make. In the year ahead, my focus will be on strengthening the pillars that define LOLA’s work:

Communication
As highlighted during the June 2026 Annual Meeting, improving communication is essential. We will expand email‑ based updates, quarterly newsletters, and social media communications to provide updates to membership of upcoming LOLA events, safe boating tips, lake environment issues, and both local and state issues and legislation that have a potential impact to our lake community. Clear communication builds trust — and trust builds community.

Safety
LOLA’s partnership with the Oakland County Sheriff Marine Unit, the LO Village Police Department, and the Orion Township Fire Department remain central to our mission. Their commitment to boating safety and education in coordination with LOLA will continue in the future with boater safety certification classes, CPR/AED training, and increased presence on the lake during busy weekend and holiday periods. A safe lake is a shared responsibility, and LOLA will remain a strong partner in that effort.

Environmental Stewardship
Our lake’s health depends on careful monitoring and responsible management. From water‑ quality testing (phosphorus, chlorophyll, and water clarity trends) to invasive species control, we will continue working closely with our scientific partners and environmental experts (PLM Lake Management and MICORP).

We will also begin to work with Rick Gillette who is certified by the DNR to assist in the management of the invasive Canadian geese and swan population on our lake.

Community Engagement
LOLA’s traditions — the Youth Fishing Derby, the Lighted Boat Parade, fireworks support, and safety patrols for the Dragon Boat Races — bring our community together. These events matter. They strengthen relationships, create memories, and remind us why stewardship is so important. I am committed to working with all of you and our community organizations to expand event participation, strengthen sponsorships, and ensure these traditions continue to thrive.

A Call to Membership and Participation
LOLA’s strength comes from its members. At $20 per year, membership is one of the most impactful ways to support lake safety, environmental protection, and community events. Sponsorships, which have grown significantly thanks to the efforts of Dan Nelson, play a vital role in funding CPR and boater safety training and education, allow us to upgrade equipment, and many other lake‑ wide initiatives and community events.

If you are not yet a member, I invite you to join us. If you are already part of LOLA, I encourage you to stay engaged, share your ideas, and help us continue improving. Your voice matters. Your involvement matters. And your support ensures that Lake Orion remains one of Michigan’s most vibrant inland lakes.

Closing
Thank you for your trust. I am honored to serve as your president, and I am genuinely excited about what this year can be — for LOLA, for Lake Orion, and for everyone who calls this community home.

Warm regards,
Jim Barry
President, Lake Orion Lake Association (LOLA)