Boutique Chic Celebrates Its Grand Opening

Boutique Chic Celebrates Its Grand Opening

LAKE ORION, Mich. – On Thursday, May 9, 2024, members of the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, Orion Township Board of Trustees and the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority, all gathered along with friends, family and fellow business owners to commemorate the grand opening of Boutique Chic.

Formerly “Simply Marcella,” Boutique Chic is a women’s clothing store that officially opened its doors on May 1, 2024. The store owner, Annalise Costantino, found out in January of this year that Simply Marcella would be vacant.

Photo by Joe Johnson

“[Marcella] informed me that she would be changing over back in January is when I first found out. The change-over didn’t begin until April 1, that is when the transition period began, and my lease didn’t begin until May 1. So, this has been home now,” Costantino said.

Boutique Chic prides itself on its women-focused mission, serving the community through female solidarity and direct support.

“My store primarily focuses on women-owned businesses, designs and organizations that give back to their communities and globally. I try to feature women-owned artistry, you’ll see that throughout the boutique,” Costantino said.

Boutique Chic’s current spotlight: “Ring True” – it is jewelry made by survivors of human trafficking.

“This is a way for them to earn an income, as well as helping the healing process,” Costantino said.

 

Photo by Joe Johnson

The DDA, as well as the O Area Chamber of Commerce, have been doing ribbon cuttings for newly-opened businesses for quite a while, and they have been vital in helping Boutique Chic.

“They have been vital in the changeover, everyone has been so welcoming, the DDA, they pushed and pushed. I was having trouble with my sign getting up on time and Matt [Pfeiffer] went to bat for me – he made it happen,” Costantino said. “All of the businesses have been so welcoming to me… The Chamber has given me so many different networking options and abilities and it’s been fabulous.”

Costantino, a Lake Orion native, was super grateful for this opportunity to not only operate her business in her hometown, but to her supporters, including her family.

“I work less than a mile from home – it’s wonderful,” Costantino said.

You can find Boutique Chic at 120 S. Broadway in downtown Lake Orion. For more information, you can call (248) 814-7400, or visit shopboutiquechic.com.

 

Girls Soccer District Preview

Girls Soccer District Preview

Girls Soccer District Preview.

Written Sunday May 12th at 10:20 AM

Here are the girls soccer district preview

District 5 at Davison

Lapeer vs. LAKE ORION

CLARKSTON vs. Grand Blanc

Flushing vs. Davison

Lapeer/LAKE ORION vs. OXFORD

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district, any team can win this district. Oxford and Clarkston have battled for the two seeds all season with the Wildcats getting the top seed in the district after the Wolves 3-2 loss to Lake Orion in Petoskey. The Dragons are the wildcard, they have had tough losses to Davison, Oxford, and Clarkston, there’s a real possibility they could see these three teams again. Grand Blanc has been a soccer power and has a very interesting matchup against Clarkston. This district could be as tough as any in the State with a ton of very good teams.

PROJECTION: This is anyone’s district to take, I think four teams have a great chance to win this district. I see Lake Orion going on a revenge tour. I think the Dragons have learned from their blown leads against Davison, Clarkston, and Oxford and going into Petoskey and finishing unbeaten has given them some confidence heading into the postseason. Grand Blanc could beat Clarkston and make a run themselves. I see Lake Orion making some noise and shocking people in this district. PICK: LAKE ORION.

 

District 8 at Waterford Mott

FARMINGTON vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD

NORTH FARMINGTON vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

FARMINGTON/WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

NORTH FARMINGTON/SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. Waterford Mott

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district with two division champs and a Red power. Southfield Arts and Tech won the Gold while Bloomfield Hills is a Red power, and West Bloomfield won the Blue. Farmington and North Farmington both struggled and Waterford Mott was up and down in the Lakes Valley Conference. There are a ton of storylines to watch in this district on Scott Lake Road in Waterford.

PROJECTION: Bloomfield Hills should have no problem in this district. I think West Bloomfield could give some trouble but the Blackhawks are battle tested and this district will see why. PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS.

 

District 14 at Seaholm

ROYAL OAK vs. FERNDALE

TROY ATHENS vs. SEAHOLM

GROVES vs. BERKLEY

ROYAL OAK/FERNDALE vs. TROY

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district in Birmingham. I think there three teams that could win this district and make a deep postseason run in the State tournament. Troy Athens and Troy have both been state ranked all season. The Colts won the Red this season but barely. Troy Athens and Troy tied at 1-1 in a rain shorten game a few weeks ago. Berkley could be a sleeper to watch and could give anyone in this district some trouble. Ferndale and Royal Oak could be a very interesting game between the two rivals. Groves has been up and down this season.

PROJECTION: I think this could be the Battle of Troy Part Two but Berkley could spoil things and they are more than capable of upsetting Troy Athens. I think this is Red Hawks/Colts part two and whoever wins will have a deep postseason run. Troy Athens is more experienced and have been there but Troy has the best player in this district but experience matters in a tournament like this. PICK: TROY ATHENS.

 

District 15 at Rochester

Utica Ford II vs. Utica

Utica Eisenhower vs. Romeo

STONEY CREEK vs. ROCHESTER

Utica Ford II/Utica vs. ADAMS

EARLY THOUGHTS: This district has proven to be one of the most toughest districts in the State for girls soccer. Stoney Creek knocked off top ranked Rochester in the district finals on their way to win the Division One State crown last season. Stoney Creek and Rochester is going to be a very interesting quarterfinal matchup with that winner likely seeing Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. Adams got the best draw of the group getting a bye to the district semifinals. Utica Eisenhower will also be a tough out for anyone but they have Romeo first who has been improving

PROJECTION: Anyone can win this district as mentioned and whoever wins this district has a deep run in the State tournament in them. I think Adams has the best chance to get to the district finals. The bottom half of the bracket is brutal with Stoney Creek/Rochester with the winner likely getting Utica Eisenhower. This might be the Eagles best chance to win this district but the Falcons have a lot to prove even though they have not had the best of seasons. PICK: UTICA EISENHOWER.

 

District 31 at Avondale

Birmingham Marian vs. Detroit Renaissance

Warren Fitzgerald vs. AVONDALE

Farmington Hills Mercy vs. OAK PARK

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Lamphere

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Birmingham Marian looks to be the favorite in this district for a ton of reasons. Madison Heights Lamphere might have the best chance to make some noise in this district. There really isn’t any darkhorse teams that could make some noise besides the Mustangs and the Rams.

PROJECTION: I see Birmingham Marian winning this district easily over Madison Heights Lamphere. PICK: BIRMINGHAM MARIAN.

Girls Soccer District Preview

Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview

Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview.

Written Saturday May 11th at 7:45 PM

Here are the preview for the girls lacrosse regionals.

Regional 3 at Bloomfield Hills

Grosse Pointe North vs. Grosse Pointe South

Chippewa Valley/Macomb Dakota vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD

Utica United vs. M1 UNITED

Grosse Pointe North/Grosse Pointe South vs. TROY

BIRMINGHAM vs. TROY ATHENS

Chippewa Valley/WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Utica United/M1 UNITED vs. ROCHESTER

EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a very interesting regional. Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills look to be the favorite but keep an eye on Troy. Troy has beaten Birmingham this season. Rochester is a darkhorse as well and could also make some noise as well. Tough regional but have to go with the home team.

 

Regional 4 at Grand Blanc

Lansing Holt vs. Holly/Brandon

Waterford vs. CLARKSTON

Fenton/Linden/Lake Fenton/Goodrich vs. Howell

Midland United vs. OXFORD

Lansing Holt/Holly-Brandon vs. Hartland

Waterford/CLARKSTON vs. Grand Blanc

Fenton-Linden-Lake Fenton-Goodrich/Howell vs. LAKE ORION

Midland United/OXFORD vs. Huron Valley

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting regional. Lake Orion could see Oxford in a rematch if things go right after last season’s stunning upset. Hartland looks to be the favorite to come out of this regional and for good reason.

 

Regional 6 at Farmington

FARMINGTON vs. Dexter

Dearborn Divine Child vs. Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy

Temperance Bedford vs. Saline

FARMINGTON/Dexter vs. Farmington Hills Mercy

Ann Arbor Skyline vs. Tecumseh

Dearborn Divine Child/Wixom St. Catherine vs. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard

Temperance Bedford/Saline vs. NORTH FARMINGTON

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting regional between Dearborn Divine Child, Wixom St. Catherine Sienna, and Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard. I think either one of these three will have a shot to win this regional.

 

Regional 7 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Grosse Pointe University Liggett vs. Cranbrook Kingswood

Sacred Heart Academy/Bishop Foley/Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes vs. Warren Regina

Utica Ford II/Sterling Heights Stevenson vs. ADAMS

Grosse Pointe University Liggett/Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Detroit Country Day

AVONDALE vs. STONEY CREEK

Sacred Heart Academy-Bishop Foley-Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes/Warren Regina vs. Birmingham Marian

Utica Ford-Sterling Heights Stevenson/ADAMS vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood, Grosse Pointe University Liggett, Warren Regina, Birmingham Marian, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, and Stoney Creek all have shots to win this regional. This should be very similar to what happened last season.

Girls Soccer District Preview

Boys Golf Regional Preview

Boys Golf Regional Preview.

Written Saturday May 11th at 7:35 PM

Here is my projections for the golf regionals.

Region 2 at Midland-Currie Golf Club West.

Midland

CLARKSTON

Lapeer

Bay City Western

Davison

Grand Blanc

Flushing

East Lansing

Grand Ledge

Hartland

Holt

Howell

Midland Dow

Okemos

Saginaw Arthur Hill

Saginaw Heritage

Swartz Creek

Traverse City Central

Traverse City West

EARLY PREVIEW: This should be a very interesting regional. Traverse City Central and Traverse City West should battle it out for the regional crown but watch for Clarkston, Hartland, and Midland Dow. They could make some noise in this regional. Traverse City Central looks to be the favorite because of the proven experience.

 

Region 3 at Royal Oak (Twin Lakes Golf Club)

ROYAL OAK

BERKLEY

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Livonia Franklin

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Stevenson

Milford

Novi

Lakeland

Waterford Mott

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Northern

EARLY PREVIEW: This is a very interesting regional. It’s hard not to go against Novi Detroit Catholic Central. Novi could give them some trouble although not likely. Bloomfield Hills could as well but this regional looks like this is the Shamrocks to lose.

 

Region 4 at Troy Athens (Fieldstone Golf Club)

TROY ATHENS

TROY

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

Chippewa Valley

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Romeo

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

Macomb Dakota

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Port Huron

Port Huron Northern

Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

Utica Ford II

EARLY PREVIEW: This is a very interesting regional. Troy Athens, Lake Orion, and Adams are loaded this season. Troy is the sleeper. This should be a very tight regional with three teams getting to the State Finals, I don’t see any changes thus far.

 

Region 6 at Wyandotte Roosevelt (Lakes of Taylor)

FERNDALE

Allen Park

Brownstown Woodhaven

Dearborn

Dearborn Edsel Ford

Dearborn Crestwood

Dearborn Fordson

Detroit Cass Tech

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

Detroit Renaissance

Fraser

Gibraltar Carlson

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Taylor

Warren Cousino

Warren DeLaSalle

Warren Mott

Wyandotte Roosevelt

EARLY PREVIEW: This looks to be a very interesting regional. I think seeing the regional, Warren DeLaSalle looks like the favorite but keep an eye on Wyandotte Roosevelt, Brownstown Woodhaven, and the Grosse Pointe Schools. They could make some noise in this regional along with Dearborn Crestwood as well.

Happy May at the NOCC

Happy May at the NOCC

Happy May!

We hope that your month has been off to a great start!

Below, we have some information about Mental Health Awareness Month, as well as an important update about our 2024 Level Up Camp.

     May is Mental Health Awareness month! In the United States, almost 1 in 5 people are trying to manage a mental health condition. That is a substantial portion of the population, and these individuals are now, more than ever, being recognized and supported. The negative stigma associated with mental health challenges is lifting. Increasingly, we are seeing less shame and more support for those who are struggling with their mental health. There is open conversation happening regarding seeing therapists and practicing self-care.

     We encourage every family to talk about the importance of being intentional in their mental health care. Here is a link to our Mental Health Guide which includes many good resources to help you understand different stages of mental health, find professional services close to home, and create a family plan that encourages early intervention.

     We are 35 days out from Level Up Camp! We’ve had a great response to our 2024 Level Up Camp registration, and a can’t wait to kick off another exciting camp season with you all.

Week 1 of our camp is now full, but week 2 spots are still available! Week 2 of our 2024 Level Up Camp will take place from June 24th to June 27th. You may also join the waitlist for Week 1 by emailing Sam Anker at [email protected]. If a spot becomes available, we will contact families on the waitlist in order of request received.

Registration is open at noccmi.org