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2020 Memorial Day Parade Cancelled
Celebrate and Show Your Support - Limited Edition Shirt Sale To Benefit the 2021 100th Memorial Day ParadeA MESSAGE FROM THE VETERANS EVENTS COMMITTEE:
"It's with great sadness that we announce that the 2020 Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled. The Veterans Events Committee simply could not put the lives of our residents and our veterans organizations at risk. The pancake breakfast hosted at the Farmers Market on Memorial Day has also been cancelled.
"We are planning for an alternate virtual event for Memorial Day to honor our veterans and commemorate those selfless soldiers who gave their lives for their country. Check for updates at https://www.romi.gov/492/Veterans-Events-Committee
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Bored? No Way!
Royal Oak Public Library Has You CoveredAs 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 newspapers Reliable 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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Mayor Fournier Launches Reach Out
Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteer ProgramWith help from the city's neighborhood block captains, homeowner associations and community leaders, Mayor Fournier announced the new Reach Out Neighbor to Neighbor initiative in an effort to have residents help their neighbors deal with the isolation and challenges they may face due to COVID-19.
Reaching 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
Reach Out is a multi faceted program and the spotlight this week is on Blessings in a Backparck. And more to follow....
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Reach Out Spotlight on Hometown Hero (and Shero)
Lew and Shelley LakeEvery Wednesday (prior to COVID 19) a group of dedicated volunteers gather at the school administration building and assemble 200+ packs of food for Royal Oak school children. The food is delivered to children on Fridays to make sure they have meals over the weekend. Lew and Shelley Lake lead this group of undaunted volunteers.
And the need doesn't go away because the school year has ended, in fact, as more parents are losing jobs it increases. Shelley Lake shared this story last week:
"Lew & I delivered two bags of food to a student whose mother called me yesterday asking if she could join BIAB Royal Oak. We talked and both she and her husband have been laid off and she was getting nervous about their ability to keep food on the table during these times. I told her I had bags in my car and would deliver this morning at 10:00 a.m. So we drove to deliver and get to the address and here is mom and son at the window with a sign thanking us for the Blessing Bags and waving to us. It was so emotional and rewarding.
Mom and I even talked yesterday about how things have changed in their lives as a result of this pandemic. They never thought they'd have to ask for assistance and I assured her we're all in this together and we're here to help, even though just a small bit. I added the family to our list of deliveries."
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/
Thank you Shelley and Lew Lake - Royal Oak Hometown Heroes making a difference!
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More 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 .
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Masketeers Still Needed! Mandy Safron"s Royal Oak apparel company WaywardWenchWare.com has shifted their operations to help address the face mask shortage, producing non-medical-grade washable cloth masks .
And here is how you can help, they need: • Volunteers for cutting, assembling, and sewing • Volunteers to pick-up and deliver masks • Financial donations • In-kind donations of mask material • Face Mask beneficiaries (first delivery was made to the Royal Oak House Assisted Living already!) Contact Mandy Safron through the website: WaywardWenchWare.comOr through the Wayward Wench Facebook email at: WaywardWenchWare@gmail.com Together, “We Got This!”
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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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Be Counted - 9 Simple Questions - 10 Years of ProgramsHere is something easily done from home! Census Day, April 1st began the process of counting everyone once, only once and in the right place. Every resident in the U.S. should be counted where they lived on April 1, 2020.
You can be complete the process online (link below); on the phone at 1-844-330-2020; or by mailing in the 2020 Census Survey you received in March. Counting will has been extended to August 14, 2020 but why wait, do it now!!
2020CENSUS.GOV
#2020Census #RoyalOakCounts #BeCountedMichigan |
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Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order 2020-48 Extends Ability to Conduct Public Meeting Remotely Through May 12LANSING, Mich. — To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, protect the public health, and provide essential protections to vulnerable Michiganders, it is crucial that all Michiganders take steps to limit in-person contact. These critical mitigation measures include social distancing and limiting the number of people interacting at public gatherings.
To that end, it is reasonable and necessary to temporarily suspend rules and procedures relating to physical presence at meetings and hearings of public bodies and other governmental entities in Michigan. These public bodies and entities must continue to conduct public business during this emergency, including actions to respond to COVID-19, and the general public must be able to continue to participate in government decision-making without unduly compromising public health, safety, and welfare.
Executive Order 2020-15 provided this limited and temporary relief from certain rules and procedures. Executive Order 2020-48 clarifies and extends the duration of that relief through May 12, as it remains reasonable and necessary to suppress the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public health and safety of this state and its residents.
Full text of Executive Order 2020-48 can be found at: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-525888--,00.html |
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Helpful Resources and Links |
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Update for the Royal Oak Farmers Market Community
The Royal Oak Farmers Market will remain open on Saturdays for our Farm Market 7am-1pm.
The Sunday Antique Market, April Food Truck Rally, Easter Saturday Children’s Day (Saturday, April 11) and all other events held at the Farmers Market are currently postponed until further notice.
Current information and updates will be on our Facebook page: www.facebook/RoyalOakFarmersMarket, or call 1-248-246-3276 and press option #1 for a recorded message.
The Farm Market will remain open because it is important that our community has continued access to the high quality, locally grown, farm fresh products our market provides. The Royal Oak Farmers Market has been supporting our local community for 95 years and will continue to be here for our loyal customers.
In addition, we encourage patrons to limit the handling of any market products as much as possible and to follow safe social distancing and safe hygiene practices as recommended by the CDC. In order to help facilitate safe social distancing our vendor set-up will be slightly reconfigured. Please check in the Market office if you have trouble finding something.
We would also like to stress, if you are sick or in a high-risk group, such as a comprised immunize system, heart disease, diabetic or elderly we strongly advise you to please stay home.
Please know that we are keeping a close eye on this situation and will be following the lead of the Oakland County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as it relates to keeping the markets open.
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New Resource Page for Children and Families Addedhttps://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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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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City Facility Closures - Garbage Pick Up Info 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-ApplicationsRegister for Recreation Programs and LeaguesEven though recreation offices are closed to the public. Did you know that you can register for all recreation programs and leagues online? Simply visit www.royaloakrec.com.We still have openings for our adult softball league, adult kickball league and other programs. The 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.
Latest Updates Found At: |
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Beaumont Health Launches Free Online COVID-19 Risk Assessment ToolBeaumont Health launched a free online COVID-19 risk assessment tool today, March 18, which allows patients to answer a series of questions about their symptoms and help them determine whether to stay home or seek medical attention.
After answering the questions, the online tool will suggest what action a patient should take such as:
· Contacting a primary care physician.
· Going to a curbside screening.
· Seeking treatment at an emergency center.
· Staying home and monitoring symptoms.
“Many people who become infected with COVID-19 can stay home and treat their symptoms with over the counter medication, unless their symptoms become severe. The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath,” Dr. Nicholas Gilpin, Beaumont Health’s medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, said. “This online risk assessment tool will help our patients better understand what steps they should consider taking if they are not feeling well.”
In addition, patients should also consider calling Beaumont’s Coronavirus hotline, 800-592-4784, or their physician’s office before attempting to get screened. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, please call 911.
“Everyone does not necessarily need to be tested. Most people who become infected with the disease will not experience complications and will recover. They will just need to go home, rest and take over the counter pain medication,” Dr. Gilpin said.
How you can help stop the spread of COVID-19· Stay home when you are sick (fever, cough, upper respiratory infection symptoms).
· Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the bathroom.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Note: If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or the number for your local emergency service. Beaumont’s online risk assessment tool provides general information based on interim clinical guidance developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The tool DOES NOT provide diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19. It DOES NOT take into consideration a patient’s complete current condition and medical history. It SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provide, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a medical professional for serious symptoms. |
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Beaumont Daily COVID-19 StatisticsBeaumont committed to transparency with the community, will share daily COVID-19 test and admission statistics effective immediately
In an effort to share COVID-19 testing and admissions information with the community, Beaumont Health will begin providing daily updates on its website.
“During this public health crisis, we have an obligation to share our COVID-19 data with the many communities we serve,” Beaumont Health CEO John Fox said. “We want to be transparent. The numbers reflect the gravity of the pandemic and our staff’s dedicated actions to detect and treat patients at all eight of our hospitals.”
Once a day, the following numbers/statistics will be available on Beaumont’s website - https://www.beaumont.org/coronavirus: Total number of patients tested by Beaumont for COVID-19. Number of patients who test positive for COVID-19. Number of patients who test negative for COVID-19. Number of patients with pending COVID-19 test results. Beaumont has shifted mainly to COVID-19 testing within its own labs, but will still use some outside national labs. Number of patients tested for COVID-19 currently in a Beaumont hospital. Number of patients tested for COVID-19 and sent home. Explained Dr. Nicholas Gilpin, Beaumont Health’s medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, “Most patients who test positive for COVID-19 will not experience complications and will recover. We’re telling people without complications or chronic health conditions to go home, rest and take over-the-counter medication for pain or fever.” The statistics have been compiled since March 1. Beaumont’s daily numbers will vary from the State of Michigan due to processing times. Beaumont Health also launched a free online COVID-19 risk assessment tool yesterday, March 18. It allows patients to answer a series of questions about their symptoms and help them determine whether to stay home or seek medical attention. Within the first 24 hours, more than 27,500 people visited the site and clicked on the risk assessment tool. To use the free online risk assessment tool, visit: beaumont.org/coronavirus |
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Oakland County to Waive Online Transaction Fees for Various County Services During COVID-19PONTIAC, Mich. – March 17, 2020 – Customers who use Oakland County’s online services to pay for parking tickets, dog licenses, legal documents or delinquent property taxes will not incur a credit card or electronic check fee beginning next week.
Oakland County Executive David Coulter today said the county would waive fees for online transactions to encourage residents and customers to use the online services rather than visiting a county office to make a payment in-person. The initial waiver period is March 25-April 30.
“I encourage those who have business with the county to use our online services to mitigate the risk of the coronavirus,” Coulter said. “The health of our residents, customers and our employees is paramount. I want to reduce any financial barriers to using the online services. If we can limit the exposure to our residents, and save them some money at the same time, that’s an easy call to make.” The county currently charges an access fee to make an online purchase. The fee covers the costs related to software, information technology support and a fee charged by the financial institution. Reprogramming of software to allow the waiver should be completed by March 25. “We are also asking our vendors, our payment processors, to help us and our customers by reducing their fees during this time period,” Coulter said. “We appreciate their willingness to support this effort.” The Enhanced Access Fee per transaction depends on the amount of each transaction. A transaction under $50 or payment with an electronic check is $2.50. A transaction over $1,000 requires a fee of 2.75 percent of the order. The complete fee schedule under the county’s G2G Cloud Solutions is found at https://www.oakgov.com/cart/fee/enhanced_win.html. |
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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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Be Counted - Census Day April 1Census Day, April 1st and the U.S. Census is about counting everyone once, only once and in the right place. Every resident in the U.S. should be counted where they live on April 1, 2020. Look for a postcard with more information about completing the 2020 Census Survey in your mailbox beginning March 2020.
For more information visit: 2020CENSUS.GOV
#2020Census #RoyalOakCounts #BeCountedMichigan |
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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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