by orionontv | May 14, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
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.
by orionontv | May 14, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
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.
by orionontv | May 14, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
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.
by orionontv | May 14, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
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.
by Becky Andrus | May 9, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
For many years, Dua Lipa has had a stranglehold on pop music. Releasing her first studio album back in 2017, she has been keen on the recent trends of the genre, transforming from RnB-inspired electropop, to anthemic dance-pop hits, and now psychedelic euro disco grooves.
Top charters like “Don’t Stop Now,” “Physical” and “Levitating” (along with its DaBaby remix,) have proved that Dua Lipa can tap into the pulse of the pop music zeitgeist – however, with her most recent studio outing, “Radical Optimism,” Dua seems to be losing her place on top of the pop music totem pole.
To start off the record, the first track “End Of An Era,” both indicates the end of Dua’s previous musical era, the “Future Nostalgia/Dance the Night Away” era, as well as the end and start of a new, exciting relationship in her life.
“No more ‘you’re not my type’, no more ‘at least I tried’/Done with the lonely nights, I guess/One chapter might be done, God knows I had some fun/New one has just begun,” Dua Lipa sings in “End Of An Era.”
As she has stated in countless interviews and press-releases, through self-reflection, Dua has a new outlook on life and the world through music she has been listening to for the past five years.
However, this perspective does not translate on the first song. Dua kicks off the record with a track indistinguishable from about half of the other songs on the record: samey-sounding synths, bass, drums and even vocals plague “Radical Optimism.”
The problem with an album like “Radical Optimism” is that the influences that Dua identifies and factors contributing to the album’s sound just are not present on most of the tracks.
“At the same time, I found myself looking through the music history of psychedelia, trip hop, and Britpop. It has always felt so confidently optimistic to me, and that honesty and attitude is a feeling I took into my recording sessions,” Dua shared when first teasing the record.
Dua Lipa also has worked with several producers who work on alternative and electronic music, including Danny L Harle and Kevin Parker (of Tame Impala.)
These ideas all seem interesting, provocative and innovative – but why does the album sound so manufactured and faltered.
The simple (yet speculative) answer is that Dua Lipa is signed to Warner Records UK, which is a ginormous music company. Labels like Warner snatch rising stars, sign them to lengthy and demanding contracts, all while filtering their visions and condensing their products to sell to the lowest common denominator.
Tracks like “End Of An Era,” Falling Forever,” “Whatcha Doing,” “Anything For Love” and “Maria” all contain incredibly similar elements and structure, not changing or contributing to the evolution of the album’s sound.
Frankly, the jump from a record like 2020’s “Future Nostalgia” and even the single “Dance The Night Away” from the “Barbie” movie soundtrack to “Radical Optimism” is downright depressing.
The few tracks on here that I can find some sense of unique identity in, like “Houdini and “These Walls” – feel as though they are the last remaining pieces of an album lost to weeks and months of executive board room filtering.
Although Dua seems to have gained a newfound appreciation for the world and has transferred that new outlook into her music – I do not buy it.
by orionontv | May 9, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
ORION TOWNSHIP – On Saturday, May 4, 2024, 31 vendors gathered and set-up tables in the Orion Center to offer a chance to get that perfect gift for Mom this upcoming Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12.
The fourth annual Mother’s Day Marketplace was brought to residents by the Orion Township Parks & Recreation Department, the event ran from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The only requirement to be a vendor during this event, was that the products being sold have to have been locally made: no mass produced, manufactured, or overseas products.
Admission and parking was free to the public, however, the Orion Center charged vendors fees in order to keep funding events year-round.
Jennifer Vezina is a recreation programmer at Orion Township Parks & Rec., she spoke to ONTV’s Joe Johnson about the event.
“You name it we have it: quilts, crochet, pottery, jewelry – a little bit of everything here.” Vezina said.
When the event started in 2021, the Orion Center just started opening its doors again to people due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and so the event they did was limited – this year is different.
The first year we did this show, we were only able to do it upstairs, but we got creative and it is throughout the entire building this year,” Vezina said.
Vezina and Johnson also remarked on the crowd – while there was not an exact number of people tallied at the event – the residents seemed to have a good time.
“So far so good! Looks like everyone is enjoying themselves; finding a little something for everyone,” Vezina said.
The next event for the Orion Center and the Parks & Rec department is the annual Dragon Dash 5k, open to runners and walkers of all-ages and skill levels. The event starts at 9 a.m., Sunday, May 19.
For more information on events like these, visit orionparks.com/calendar.
Photo by Joe Johnson
Photo by Joe Johnson
