Celebrating the Class of 2020! Royal Oak High School grads, Churchill Community Education Center grads, Churchill Community High School adult grads, and Shrine grads are invited to the 2020 Grad Pop Up Celebration Spot?????
The City of Royal Oak is creating a special photo opportunity for its high school seniors and their families at the Royal Oak Farmers Market on Monday, June 1 through Wednesday, June 3 from 2-8 pm each day. There will be a riser with balloons, flowers, etc. to set the stage for backdrop of the photos.
Each Senior and their family will have 10 minutes, which we realize isn't a lot of time, but we had to make enough room for all those who may want to take advantage of this fun photo opportunity. We ask that everyone come prepared to pose, smile, and snap.?? There will be no opportunities/place for clothing changes so please keep this in mind. (Please also keep in mind that the ROFM will only allow up to 10 in each party at a time, per the current stay at home order).
Reserve your Senior's spot on the Sign-Up Genius here... https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0544A8AB29A5FE3-celebration
Just a few ideas:
?? Grad and Family Pics
?? Caps and Gowns
?? Prom Attire
?? Sports Gear
?? Etc.
Robert Bruce Professional Photography ?????
(https://robertbrucephoto.com/)
The City of Royal Oak is also partnering with Robert Bruce Professional Photography to offer professional photographs if families would like to participate in this opportunity as well. He will also be at the ROFM, on the opposite side of the building, and will be limiting his days to only Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2, from 2-8pm. If you'd like to snap a few photographs on the "free side" of the Farmers Market, as well as with Robert Bruce, we suggest signing up at coordinating times so that you can go to one side of the Farmers Market to the other in a timely manner.
Photographs can include each Senior in their Prom dress, Cap and Gown or with their family. There will be 2 options for backdrops and each Senior will receive a 15 minute session with Robert.
The total number of images you receive will vary. To maximize your time, we recommend that you wear your cap and gown over the outfit you wish to wear for the photographs. We will not have time allotted for outfit changes.
If your family will be participating, it may only include family members residing in the same home (ie: parents and siblings)
The investment is $50 and will include a free download of all your edited images for you to use as you choose.
Payment is due prior to the day of your shoot. You are more than welcome to make payment using one of the following options:
1) PayPal: robertbrucephoto@hotmail.com
2) Venmo: Robert-Bruce-Photography
3) Credit Card by phone to Robert Bruce Photography at (248) 336-9301
To reserve your spot, please sign up here, and make payment via one of the options above. Until payment is received, your time slot is not confirmed and may be given to another family.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0544A8AB29A5FE3-robert
??If you'd like to help check in families at the Farmers Market during the photo shoots, please sign up here! The ROFM will not be overseeing this event so we will need volunteers to make sure that folks are checked in at the times they are signed up for, and moving along per the schedule.?? Thank you so much!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0544A8AB29A5FE3-schedule |
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SOCRRA Offers Recycling Alternative Beginning June 1
While SOCRRA remains closed to the public for supplemental services, alternatives are now available to Royal Oak residents free of charge.
This link https://www.romi.gov/DocumentCen…/…/v4-HHW-ELEC-ALTERNATIVES provides locations and phone numbers for facilities providing services -- beginning June 1 -- for the recycling of electronics, paper, and scrap metal as well as household hazardous waste disposal.
Please read the flyer carefully for special requirements and be patient while SOCRRA determines the safest solutions for its staff and the people who use its services.
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Details to Follow...You probably saw the MoGo stations being installed around downtown Royal Oak and next week look for the bikes to be available. Stay tuned for the latest details! |
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Help for Downtown Business Arrives in Many Forms...
Oakland County ReOpen Tool Kits Arrive for RO Small Businesses: Small businesses (50 or fewer employees) can receive free took kits to help with their re-opening. The kits include: face masks, gloves, sanitizer, social distancing signs and health guidelines.
Royal Oak will begin dispersing to businesses that have applied this week on Wednesday June 3 and Friday June 5.
The link for businesses to apply for a PPE toolkit from Oakland County: https://forms.oakgov.com/151
Downtown Development Authority Rebound Royal Oak:
The Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority awarded $1.3 million to 92 restaurants, retailers, salons, cafes and entertainment venues in Downtown Royal Oak through the Rebound Royal Oak Small Business Assistance Program.
This grant program was established to help eligible businesses, with no more than 50 employees, in the Downtown Development District impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The disbursement of the grant funds and the methodology for awarding the funds was approved at the DDA Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.
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Community Development Block Grants Offer Ongoing Improvements to Royal Oak NeighborhoodsRoyal Oak's Community Development Department which includes planning, engineering and building work hard all year round securing funds from the federal government to improve our neighborhoods. To see the latest news regarding community development block grants follow this link: https://www.romi.gov/268/Community-Development-Block-Grant-CDBG |
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We Need Your Opinion - What's Working and What's Not Working on the City's Website For You? FEEDBACK WANTED: The city's website (www.romi.gov) is eligible for a site resign (at no cost) from our provider Civic Plus. Here's your chance to share your thoughts on our current website and what we can do to make it better.
Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RO-Website-Feedback |
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Oakland County Offers Free COVID19 Testing to Residents#OaklandCounty has expanded FREE drive-thru #COVID19 testing to include people 18 and over, and especially adults that are returning to work: https://bit.ly/OCTestExpandsCOVID19
Individuals do not have to display symptoms to qualify for testing and no doctor’s note or prescription are needed.Public Health Oakland and Honor Community Health offer testing on a rotating schedule on weekdays, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. DAYS & LOCATIONSMondays and Wednesdays: South Oakland Health Center at 27725 Greenfield Rd in Southfield Tuesdays and Thursdays: Oakland County Complex, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd in Pontiac Fridays: Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Rd, Novi. ??Interested residents should call our Nurse on Call hotline at 1-800-848-5533 to schedule an appointment. “We all know how important it is for our economy that our residents start working again and our companies and businesses re-engage,” County Executive David Coulter said. “But we also know we’re not in the clear yet. As more people return to work, we need to be vigilant and mindful that the coronavirus is still with us. I urge anyone with underlying health conditions and those adults who are returning to work to get tested. The great progress we’ve made has put many residents back on the job. We need to keep our guard up.
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Flowers and Plants Every Saturday and
Sunday at the Farmers Market! Flowers and plants join the Saturday morning line-up at the Royal Oak Farmers Market - get your fresh produce and other yummy treats and take home something to brighten your flower beds or add to the back yard garden!
AND...now every Sunday the market will be open for flower and plant sales too!
Saturday hours 7:00am to 1:00pm
Sunday hours 7:00am to 2:00pm
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Census Deadline Extends to Oct 14Royal Oak Needs You! Did you know the census count is how funding from the federal government is calculated? It is and $29 Billion in federal funding was allocated to Michigan during the past decade based on population data from the 2010 Census. Make sure you are counted because we need you now more than ever!
The census does not end with the month of April - in fact counting usually goes through the summer months but with COVID-19 Stay Home orders, the deadline to be counted has been extended to Oct 14,2020. It's easy, just nine questions to answer and your answers are completely confidential - all responses are protected by law and kept confidential for 72 years. The U.S. Census Bureau never shares a respondent’s information with any other governmental agency or outside entity.
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Mayor Fournier's Reach Out
Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteer Program Continues to Shine the Light on Hometown HeroesReaching out and making neighbor-to-neighbor connections can play a role to help from senior citizens hunkered down, to a single parent coping with working from home while embracing their new role of educator, to first responders working countless hours. If you can make a phone call, walk a dog, pick up groceries or do some yard work. The mayor has begun sending letters and emails to the neighborhood and homeowners groups asking their help to get the program going. They after all, know their neighbors the best and can make the connections of who is in need to who wants to help.
For more information call Carol Schwanger at 248-246-3203 or email at Carols@romi.gov
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Blessings in a Backpack
Still Delivering If you need help or want to volunteer, BIAB can always use volunteers to pack and delivery food especially now as it cannot be delivered to the schools. Please reach out to Shelley Lake, Chairman of Blessings in a Backpack Royal Oak at 248-219-6437
Donations are welcome to help purchase the food in volume: http://www.blessingsinabackpackmi.org/donate/ .
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Food Assistance for StudentsRoyal Oak Youth Assistance (ROYA) offices will be closed during the time schools are closed. ROYA will be in touch with client families regarding alternatives to in-person counseling appointments. However, ROYA will check messages and remain available by e-mail.
PLEASE BE AWARE of ROYA’s emergency needs grants. If the loss of free breakfast or lunch or the loss of income from breaks in employment create a crisis for you, ROYA may be able to help with groceries, utilities or medication costs.
Email mincklern@oakgov.com and request an emergency needs application. ROYA remains ready and willing to help as we all move into uncharted territory together. Let’s make sure Royal Oak families know that HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you'd like to help us provide emergency needs money to families of Royal Oak students, here is our paypal link.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr… .
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Royal Oak Public Library Services and ResourcesAs the shelter-in-place order continues, Royal Oak Public Library strives to serve its community by providing intellectual, educational, creative, and recreational resources for all during this troubling time. There’s a whole world to explore with the library, even while you’re staying indoors.
Who can apply for a library card? - Residents of Royal Oak
- Students and teachers in Royal Oak schools
- Employees of businesses and companies located in Royal Oak
Visit the registration page for more information and to sign up for a temporary card to use online. What will a library card give you access to?A full downloadable library with hundreds of thousands of titlesDistance learning assistance- Live tutors to provide one-on-one homework help in all subjects and grade levels, paper review and proofreading, and assistance with math problems at tutor.com
- Databases for kids and teens to provide reliable sources for research
- Story books brought to life through Kanopy Kids
Digital access to major newspapersReliable information sources Self-improvement and creative outlets- Ancestry for genealogy research
- Pronounciator to learn a new language
- Creativebug for thousands of art and DIY classes
- Gale courses featuring hundreds of instructor-led courses covering numerous topics of interest
- Tutor.com for resume and cover letter review, as well as live interview preparation
Personal assistanceFollow us on social media for online events, story book readings, staff book reviews, contests, library news, and more!All services and resources are free of charge for cardholders.
Royal Oak Public Library is here for you! Take care and stay safe. |
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Love needed - Drawings WantedThe COVID-19 outbreak is a reminder of how we are all connected.
We know many Royal Oak children (and adults, too) are missing their grandparents while we all practice social distancing. We also know many Royal Oak residents living in assisted living and memory care facilities are feeling lonely and isolated without loved ones to visit them. So here's an opportunity to draw together, Royal Oak! Upload a drawing or a letter. Let us know what/how you are doing and we'll share those drawings and letters with the residents of local assisted living and memory care facilities. They'll print them, not us, so we'll all stay safe. Thank you in advance! Here's the link: https://seam.ly/t09ukoCz |
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Resource Page for Children and Families https://www.romi.gov/1465/Talking-to-Kids-About-COVID-19
Added to the city's COVID-19 information page this week is a new resource page aimed at children and families. How to talk to your children about coronavirus; safe ways to play; links to activities and the public library who have many, many online options available! |
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Helpful Resources and Links |
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City Facility Closures Continue
Garbage Pick Up Info Latest Updates Found At: Online, Mail, Drop Box OptionsThe Royal Oak City Commission voted to close city facilities effective Tuesday March 17, including City Hall, Department of Public Service, Animal Shelter, M/M Senior Center, Salter Center, Royal Oak Public Library, 44th District Court and Lindell Ice Arena, are closed to the public and in response to Governor Whitmer's Stay Home Stay Safe, non-essential city employees are working remotely.
Garbage Pick Up and Recycling Stays on ScheduleGarbage pickup/recycling are a go in Royal Oak! Remember refuse, recycling and yard waste (when in season) is collected once each week. Collection is between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Have all material placed at the curb no later than 7:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. the night before your collection day per ordinance. Emptied containers must be removed from the curb as soon as possible after collection.
Curbside Yard Waste Pick Up Resumed March 30Yard waste pick up resumed on Monday March 30th. Remember to use proper containers which include 20-32 gallon trash cans with a "yard waste" bumper sticker decal facing the street OR 30 gallon paper landscape bags - no decal needed for these. NO PLASTIC BAGS they are not permitted for yard waste at any time.
To learn everything you ever wanted to know about yard waste and more; go to: https://www.romi.gov/340/Yard-Waste
Pay Bills Online, by Mail or Drop BoxLet’s minimize person-to-person interactions! If you have a bill to pay, consider paying by mail, online or use the drop box conveniently located on Third Street near the entrance to the Royal Oak Police Station. Go to https://www.romi.gov/868/Online-Payments to learn more. Online Forms and ApplicationsMany forms and application, including birth certificates, death certificates, dog licenses, and voter information, may be filled on online. Other forms may be downloaded. Learn more at https://www.romi.gov/535/Forms-ApplicationsThe Building Division Currently ClosedWe encourage anyone that can hold off on projects to due so. EMERGENCY WORK-
If your work is an emergency, you will need to notify the city prior to starting work. You can notify the city by either applying online or sending an email to building@romi.gov. In order to apply online, you will need to be registered with the city and have a BS&A online account. If you are notifying through email you will need to provide all contractor information, project address, and work description. Regardless of your method of notification, you will not receive a response until the department reopens.
INSPECTIONS- (applies to existing permits as well as emergency work)
Permit holders are responsible to ensure that all work is complies with code. When ever possible we expect work to remain exposed until we can resume inspections. If keeping the work exposed is not possible, you will need to document the work with pictures and videos. IF YOU COVER WORK PRIOR TO AN INSPECTION, YOU ARE DOING SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
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Community Development Block Grants Offer Ongoing Improvements to Royal Oak NeighborhoodsRoyal Oak's Community Development Department which includes planning, engineering and building work hard all year round securing funds from the federal government to improve our neighborhoods. To see the latest news regarding community development block grants follow this link: https://www.romi.gov/268/Community-Development-Block-Grant-CDBG |
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Reminders -
Love Your Dog, Leash Your DogAs we are all trying to get out of the house and enjoy a walk or run, remember when you take your canine companion with you they MUST be on a leash. Not only is it a city ordinance but in these uncertain times, an infected owner can transfer coronavirus onto their dogs fur and contact with other people could create another avenue for transmission of the virus. Additionally, as dog owners we may all think we know how our dog will react in a situation, but under stress you r dog may not react as you expect. Please don't put your dog or other people and dogs into completely avoidable situations.Love your dog, leash your dog! FROM CITY CODE CHAPTER 195: "It shall be unlawful for any owner to allow any dog to stray beyond his premises unless under reasonable control as defined by this article; or Keeping a dog on a suitable leash, cord, chain or rope of sufficient strength while under control of the owner, member of the owner's family or other responsible person who has the owner's permission, in all cases other than while confined upon the owner's property or while dog is confined in a closed automobile or shipping receptacle."
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...And No Contact Sports at ParksContact sports are not be permitted in public parks at this time. Per Gov. Whitmer's Stay Home, Stay Safe order, the only outdoor activities permitted are taking a walk, biking and other activities that can be done while social distancing.
“As we all try to adjust to the new normal, it's great to see so many people voluntarily complying with the governor’s and county executive’s orders," said Chief Corrigan O'Donohue. "Our health care workers are on the front line of this crisis and they really need our help."
Regarding physical activity, trying to find the right balance may be difficult, but any sports activity that puts people within close proximity of each other should be avoided, according to the chief.
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And All Oakland County Parks Are Free Too! Itching to get out of the house and wondering where you can go safely – without opening your wallet – now is the time to visit an Oakland County Parks and Recreation park.
Until April 30, all park entrance fees have been waived, allowing anyone to enjoy the splendor of the Oakland County day-use parks and dog parks at no charge. The waiver was announced jointly by County Executive Dave Coulter, the County Board of Commissioners and the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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Do I Have a Lead Water Service Line?
Please Continue to Test and Register Results??
If you haven't performed the test to find out what material your water service line is made of the Department of Public Services (DPS) still wants to hear from you!
DPS estimates that approximately 6 percent of water customers in Royal Oak have lead water service lines. Taking the simple test helps the city develop its inventory and lead water service line replacement plan. Find out if you have a lead water service line and report it! Get started now at https://royaloakmi.seamlessdocs.com/f/LeadTestingSince 1992, the city has been testing the water of homes with known lead service lines. Tests were recently conducted on 30 of these homes and eight exceeded the new Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act action standard.And, again, thanks! |
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Outdoor Warning Siren System Tests Begin in MarchPlease be advised that Oakland County Homeland Security Division will once again be testing the outdoor warning siren system on the first Saturdays of the month at 1:00 pm beginning in March.
PLEASE NOTE:
A special test in recognition of Severe Weather Awareness Week (SWAW) will be conducted on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 at 1:00 PM. To avoid confusion, please mark this special test on your calendar. Due to the special SWAW test at the end of March, there will not be a siren test on the first Saturday in April.
FYI: Siren tests are NOT conducted during December, January, or February due to winter weather |
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Become a Storm Spotter in Your Own Home!Skywarn Weather Spotters provide a valuable service to the National Weather Service by reporting storm damage, precipitation and other observed weather phenomena.
Only one instrument can detect a tornado or funnel with complete certainty--the human eye. |
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Have a Neighborhood Homeowners Association or Want to Start One - We Want to Hear From You! The City of Royal Oak is updating its Homeowners Association page at:
https://www.romi.gov/632/Homeowners-Associations
If you are actively representing a Block Club, Condominium Association, Homeowners Association, Improvement Association or Neighborhood Association and are not listed but would like to be, please fill out the following form: |
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Police Department Update
Residents can find the most recent police reports on the city's website at http://romi.gov/963/Press-Releases
Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for crime alerts at crimemapping.com. Crime Mapping's goal is to assist police departments in reducing crime through a better-informed citizenry.
Sign up for public safety alerts from the police using Civic Ready. Click here to subscribe.
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Residential Lock Boxes Available at the Fire DepartmentWhen a person living alone calls 911 and is unable to open the door, firefighters must break through a door or a window causing costly damage to the person's home and wasting valuable time.
The Royal Oak Fire Department’s residential lockbox program is designed to get quick access to adults living in their own homes during medical emergencies -- especially senior citizens.
When you suffer a fall, stroke or heart attack, every second counts. The lockbox -- which contains a key to your home -- reduces the likelihood of property damage caused by first responders forcing entry into your home in response to an emergency call. The lockbox program is open to all Royal Oak residents who either live alone or are left alone on a regular basis and have a condition which may result in the need for immediate assistance due to being incapacitated or unconscious. This includes the elderly, physically handicapped or residents recovering from a major injury or surgery. For more information, go to https://www.romi.gov/1271/FAQ-Residential-Lockbox |
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Library Events
There is always something interesting and exciting happening at the Royal Oak Public Library. Go to ropl,org to learn more.
Library hours are: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (September through June only)
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Work for the City of Royal Oak
Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Royal Oak.
To browse through available opportunities go to: romi.gov/jobs |
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Senior Times NewsletterThe City of Royal Oak offers mature adults opportunities for lifelong education, fitness, nutrition and leisure activities.
Click here for the latest news and information from the Mahany/ Meininger Community Center.
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City Launches Mobile AppThe City of Royal Oak has a new mobile app! Find out what's happening, get meeting agendas, discover employment opportunities within the city and more.
Download the app at these locations:
Apple Store
Google Play Store
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Support Local Service Clubs & OrganizationsRoyal Oak service clubs support our public schools, local history, nature, senior citizens, young people, veterans and more. To learn more about Royal Oak service clubs go to www.romi.gov/interclub. |
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