The GYM of Lake Orion & Orion Judo Club

Today is the last day of being at The GYM for us. We have several odds and ends that we are giving away. Office stuff, old drop safe, computers and monitors, tables, chairs, some cleaning stuff(barely used ;)

We will be at the Gym from about 11am until mid afternoon if anyone wants to stop by and peruse.

All good things . . .

It's been a good run, over 17 years for myself and about 25 years for The Gym itself. So it is with a heavy heart that we must inform members that The Gym is closed - permanently. It has been an honor to witness The Gym family grow from children to adults, graduate, get married, get jobs, become parents and grandparents - every part of life - and we have been enriched to be a part of those experiences.

As much as we wish things were different, the circumstances of the pandemic, hence being closed by official order, have made the situation untenable. Not having any revenue and still being charged rent and utilities is simply too much to maintain. Even if we were to borrow our way through this, the conditions on which we would re-open would likely be very challenging - even impossible. As we see no other path forward, we are regrettably forced to close. All memberships are thus cancelled. We tried to arrange for one of our competitors to take over the memberships, but they are victims of the same circumstances and unable to commit.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience and want to say THANK YOU for everyone's patronage. I also want to thank many of you for your genuine friendship, some of you for your counsel, and one very special member for agreeing to marry me :)

I wish all of you success, happiness and most importantly good health.

Sincerely,

Rich Garvin

UPDATE: For obvious reasons, The GYM will NOT be re-opening on July 6th. Hope you all have a fun and safe July 4th holiday!

HELLO Gym Members!

Been awhile. Many of us are looking to get back to our gym routine sooner, rather than later. My thoughts on moving forward with this unprecedented situation are as follows-

As many of you know, there are some gyms opening up on Thursday, June 25th. This is because of a federal judge ruling on the Executive Order put forth by our Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, stating that gyms will remain closed "for the time being." Further statements by the governor remarked that, if things vis a vis the spread of COVID-19, continued in a positive direction, that the imposed gym closure would end after the July 4th holiday.
I realize that the level of concern for ill effects of this disease varies from person to person. I personally feel that the loss of even one member, or member of their family, because of a premature opening is unacceptable. For that reason I am deciding to favor the directive of Governor Whitmer. She has listened to health experts and guided Michigan through this horrible event with knowledge and principle, regardless of political pressure. I will always side with science and ethics, and do so in this case. Our intent is to closely monitor the COVID-19 updates daily https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/coronavirus-tracker-what-michigan-needs-know-now, and hopefully re-open The Gym on Monday, July 6th, with the appropriate protocols.

Sincerely, Rich

Coronavirus Tracker: Cases up by 221; U-M pulls out of hosting presidential debate This continuously updated post includes Michigan's confirmed COVID-19 cases, locations, unemployment numbers, and suggestions on how you can stay safe.

We hope this finds everyone of The Gym family well. It now appears that this will not be such a brief anomaly, but a more significant challenge. When Governor Whitmer closed all fitness facilities by executive order, we had hoped for a shut down period of less than 30 days. It now appears this will not be the case. There really isn't a playbook for this type of unprecedented crisis. We are just as worriedly apprehensive as you likely are, uncertain of what lies ahead and concerned for loved ones.
Accordingly, we are pausing all membership dues and fees as of today, April 10, until we are allowed to open once again. We are thankful to the members that have reached out to us and that realize rent and other expenses still need to be paid and have encouraged the billing to continue on their accounts. However, at this time we think it best to pause all billing and wait for this storm to pass.

We appreciate your patronage and look forward to seeing you as soon as the danger is over. Please be careful and stay well.

Be careful everyone. Things might get ruff!!

https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-522576--,00.html

Whitmer - Executive Order 2020-20 (COVID-19) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer -

https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/details-of-whitmers-bar-restaurant-closure-order-released-gyms-theaters-other-gathering-places-included

Details of Whitmer's bar, restaurant closure order released: gyms, theaters, other gathering places included Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-9, which temporarily closes theaters, bars, and casinos, and limits restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders.

After 14 years of diligent study and tenacious practice, Kevin Laidler has achieved the judo rank of shodan - 1st degree black belt. I can't think of a person that better embodies the ideals of judo. Congratulations, Kevin!

Ever thought about owning your own gym?

If so, GOOD NEWS!

The GYM is FOR SALE!

That's right, after 17 years we have decided to put the Gym up for sale for the same price we agreed to pay for it 17 years ago - $125,000. That includes all the equipment and membership receivables(no pug). The landlord is supportive and has promised to be a cooperative component of the transaction, helping to carry on the tradition of serving the Lake Orion community.

Please call or stop in during business hours with any questions.