by Becky Andrus | May 24, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Softball District Preview.
Written Thursday May 20th at 11:15 AM
Here is my preview and projections for the upcoming softball districts that will happen in a few weeks.
District 4 @ Grand Blanc
Grand Blanc vs. Davison
Grand Blanc/Davison vs. Lapeer
OXFORD vs. Holly
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be an interesting district in Grand Blanc. Grand Blanc, Davison, Lapeer, and Oxford are very good teams. The Bobcats have a very talented pitcher in Kendall Klochack whom is having a stellar season. The Cardinals and Lightning have been honorable mentions in the state during the season. The Wildcats are always a stout team and they have a ton of offense to boot as well. Oxford got a great draw. They could possibly get to the district final if they get by Holly in the district semifinals. Grand Blanc, Davison, and Lapeer know each other really well being in the Saginaw Valley League. The Bobcats who is state ranked have had a very strong season with their only loss was to the Lightning and they have had some tight games with the Cardinals. I think Grand Blanc behind Klochack will get to the district finals and eventually getting them to the regionals over the Wildcats. PICK: GRAND BLANC.
District 21 @ Berkley
BERKLEY vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
FERNDALE vs. Detroit Renaissance
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not a strong district when looking at the teams in Berkley. The favorite in this district is Detroit Renaissance with their talent and experience. Ferndale moves up to Division One after being in Division Two which resulted in two district titles but moving up in this district could pose a ton of challenges and to make things worse they play the Phoenix first in the district semifinals. Berkley is a very interesting team to keep an eye on. They have home field and a favorable district semifinal matchup with Southfield Arts and Tech. The Bears should get to the district finals. I really don’t see anyone challenging Detroit Renaissance in this district. PICK: DETROIT RENAISSANCE.
District 22 @ Sterling Heights
Warren Mott vs. ROYAL OAK
Warren Mott/ROYAL OAK vs. Warren Cousino
Sterling Heights vs. Warren Regina
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not a strong district in Sterling Heights but there is a powerhouse program in Warren Regina. Warren Cousino could pose some trouble. I really don’t see anyone challenging the Satellites in this district. PICK: WARREN REGINA.
District 26 @ Livonia Stevenson
Novi vs. Livonia Stevenson
Novi/Livonia Stevenson vs. Farmington Hills Mercy
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. FARMINGTON
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is going to be a very interesting district in Livonia. Farmington Hills Mercy, Novi, and Farmington have great chances to win this district. The Wildcats have a really good and talented pitcher in Reganne Bennett. Pending if they get by the Spartans then they would play the Marlins in the district semifinals. The Falcons have had a really good and surprising season. They are on the verge of winning the Red. Farmington takes on North Farmington in the district semifinals which is very interesting. The Marlins have had a very good season under a first year coach. I think Farmington Hills Mercy will get past Novi and Farmington to get to the regionals PICK: FARMINGTON HILLS MERCY.
District 27 @ Waterford Mott
Waterford Kettering vs. CLARKSTON
Waterford Mott vs. AVONDALE
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams at Waterford Mott. Clarkston is a slight favorite despite having a very rough season. The Wolves are very young but they are still Clarkston which is a proven powerhouse program. Avondale and Waterford Kettering could give fits especially the Captains. Until anyone gives the Wolves fits, this is Clarkston’s district to lose. PICK: CLARKSTON.
District 28 @ Groves
SEAHOLM vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
GROVES vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Beverly Hills. Bloomfield Hills and Groves are favored in this district however they will see each other in the district semifinals which will be very interesting. Seaholm has been picking things up lately and is a possible spoiler and darkhorse. West Bloomfield is also improved and is ready to make some noise. They will play each other in the district semifinals. The Maples should get past the Lakers and meet Bloomfield Hills in the district finals. I think the Blackhawks to move onto the regionals because of experience. PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS.
District 29 @ Stoney Creek
LAKE ORION vs. STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER vs. ADAMS
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is a very interesting district at Stoney Creek. Lake Orion is a mystery team to figure out but so has been Adams and Rochester. The Dragons and Highlanders are starting to peak at the right time. The Falcons have also been having a really good season. The Cougars have been very good throughout the season and features a standout in Emily Flynn. This one is a tough district to choose as all four teams have great shots to win this district. With what happened recently, Lake Orion is starting to get it’s act together which is not a good thing for the field. PICK: LAKE ORION.
District 30 @ Troy
TROY vs. Utica
Utica Eisenhower vs. TROY ATHENS
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at Troy. I see three teams having great chances to win this district in Troy, Troy Athens, and Utica Eisenhower. The Colts have been very inconsistent. The Red Hawks have been playing much better Utica Eisenhower has had a good season. The Eagles are peaking at the right time heading into this district. I think Troy should get past Utica in the district semifinals but the other game should be very interesting and tight. I’m looking at a Utica Eisenhower/Colts district finals with the Eagles moving onto the regionals. PICK: UTICA EISENHOWER.
by Becky Andrus | May 20, 2021 | Local News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2021
Independence Village of Oxford celebrated National Armed Forces Day with a luncheon
Independence Village is currently home to 20 veterans
Brighton, Mich. — Independence Village of Oxford honored their veteran residents and wives with a special luncheon. The staff wanted to recognize all of those who have served the country on National Armed Forced Day. Jerry Bambousek is among the 20 veterans that live at the community. Jerry was in the Airforce in 1948 and was stationed in New Mexico. He and his wife Jackie attended the luncheon and said, “We thought it was so nice to be able to sit with other Veterans and socialize and be honored with a wonderful lunch.” The culinary team made beef roulade with gremolata and fresh greens, smoked gouda mashed potatoes, broccolini, and a patriotic sundae for dessert.
Independence Village of Oxford offers independent living and enhanced living services. Unique to Independence Village, enhanced living is an “in-between” service offering that included all the benefits of independent living plus personalized care services for those who benefit from extra support.
Independence Village of Oxford is located at 701 Market Street in Oxford. To learn more about Independence Village, call 248-236-8300.
About Independence Village Senior Living
With 40 years of experience developing and operating senior housing communities, Independence Village Senior Living is the premier choice for seniors and families looking for an individualized, purposeful and engaging senior living setting. Independence Village operates communities across Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio. Each location offers unique independent senior living options with select locations offering enhanced living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing options. To learn more about Independence Village, please visit IndependenceVillages.com.
Contact
Irina Olgart
Director of Marketing
248-438-2224
[email protected]
by Becky Andrus | May 20, 2021 | Orion Township Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BECKY BOLIN, Community Relations Specialist
[email protected]
248.693.3000 x434
Orion Township Public Library Announces 2021 Summer Reading Program for All Ages
Lake Orion, MI | May 19, 2021: The Orion Township Public Library is offering an exciting, top-notch reading program that utilizes incentives and creative activities to promote reading and advancing literacy gains over the summer starting Saturday, June 12.
“This fun-filled animal theme ‘Tails and Tales’ will be enjoyable for all ages,” said Library Director, Karen Knox. “Whether you participate in the Youth (Birth-5th grade), Teen (grades 6-12), or the Adult program, you will for sure expand your vocabulary, sharpen your literacy skills, and have a great time reading.”
All family members can learn more at orionlibrary.org/summer-reading. The summer reading program runs from Saturday, June 12 through Saturday, August 7.
Youth Summer Reading Program
This summer we are closing out computers and taking the summer reading program offline! Stop by the library any time starting Saturday, June 12 to pick up your 2021 Tails and Tales Passport. Earn stamps for completing library-related activities and enter to win fun prizes. A staff member will stamp your reading log after each book or challenge completed. SRP Passports can also be downloaded from our website, orionlibrary.org. Children and students from birth through 5th grade are invited to log activities through Saturday, August 7.
Outside: Tales about Tails and Owls!
Sat, Jun 12 | 11 am
Kick off our summer reading program with a live animal show and stick around after the show for owl pellet dissection with our friends from Howell Nature Center!
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Outside: Backyard Party – Tales Finale
Sat, Aug 7 | 11 am
Celebrate a summer of library fun with our end of summer party! Join us for oversized lawn games, a nature scavenger hunt, and raffle prize giveaway. Plus more surprising fun to be announced!
Teen Summer Reading Program
This year we are moving away from digital and celebrating with an old fashioned game of bingo for the teen summer reading program for students in grades 6-12. Simply, pick up a game log and welcome bag at the library starting Saturday, June 12. The bingo card is made of reading challenges, win 3 squares and come back to the library for a stamp and a $5 gift card to a local Lake Orion business. Win at bingo and come back for free book of your choice! All winning bingo cards returned to the library by Saturday, August 7 will be entered into our grand prize drawing for $100 Amazon.com gift card.
Outside: Teen Escape Room
Sat, Jun 12 | 12:30 pm | Register online
Join us outside to see if you can escape the room in time. Bring your friends and phones and laugh your way through puzzles and riddles. Program outside in the Reading Garden.
Outside: Summer Reading Party – Teen Outdoor Movie
Fri, Aug 13 | 8 pm | Register online
Congratulations teens on finishing summer reading! Let’s celebrate with an outdoor movie in our Reading Garden. Movie will be PG or PG-13 and picked from the library catalog. Arrive at 8 pm with movie starting at 8:30 pm. Registration is limited based on current MDHHS guidelines at the time. Bring a blanket or camping chairs. Snacks are welcome, treat and drink will be provided.
Adult Summer Reading Program
Summer reading is returning to a paper format this year! So many people are suffering from digital burnout, that rather than tracking your reading online, you can pick up a reading log from the library starting Saturday, June 12 and log your books throughout the summer. Record your books on the log, get stamps from staff members for challenges, and when you are done, turn it in for a gift card to a local business. Each completed challenge will enter you in a drawing for a $25 gift card. Completing your reading log will enter you into the grand prize drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card.
Outside: Tails of Wildlife
Sat, Jun 12 | 2 pm
Listen to stories of local wildlife through a photo tour with naturalist Andrew Nowicki. We will be exploring different critters and how they use different adaptations to help them survive. After a short presentation, Andrew will lead a nature walk around the library and surrounding trails.
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Orion Center Branch
Jun 14 – Aug 6
Pick up a reading log and welcome bag at the Orion Center Branch library starting on Monday, June 14. Log your books throughout the summer and try the challenges to earn prizes! Return your completed reading log to the library by August 6 to be entered into a drawing for a $100 Amazon.com gift card grand prize.
NOTE: All Take and Make supplies will be available on a first come, first served basis starting at 9:30 am on the day of the program. Outdoor programs may be canceled, rescheduled, or moved to a virtual format depending on the weather and current COVID-19 restrictions. For the latest program updates please check the library events calendar at orionlibrary.org/calendar.
For more information about the 2021 Summer Reading Program contact Kathleen at [email protected] (Adult), Sabrina at [email protected] (Teen), or Ashley at [email protected] (Youth), or visit orionlibrary.org.
The Orion Township Public Library is located at 825 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48362 and is currently open for Grab & Go service Monday through Thursday 9:30 am-9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 9:30 am-5:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00-5:00 pm. Curbside pickup is available Monday through Thursday 11:00 am-2:00 pm AND 5:00 pm-7:00 pm, and on Friday and Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm. The library is closed on Sundays in the summer. Visit orionlibrary.org or call (248) 693-3000 for more information.
