Happy Cinco de Mayo! Cinco de Mayo (fifth of May) is around the corner! Celebrate the Mexican army's victory at the Battle of Puebla with a FREE churro.
Curbside churros will be handed out Wednesday, May 5 at the senior center (3500 Marais) from 11-11:30 am.
No RSVP needed; 50 to hand out. Come early and enjoy the cinnamon and sugar doughnut.
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Get Your Springs Plants and Furnish Funds for the FriendsPlease join the Friends of the Royal Oak Library for our first Spring Garden Fundraiser!
Now you can make your yard and Royal Oak beautiful and support the Friends of The Royal Oak Public Library!
From now until May 7, 2021, you can order flowers and fruit online, with a portion going to support the Friends!
Begonias Hostas Lilies Calla Lily Geraniums Strawberries |
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Meet the New City Attorney Welcome to Royal Oak Aaron Leal!
On Monday, April 26, the Royal Oak City Commission unanimously approved an employment agreement with Aaron Leal to serve as city attorney effective June 14. Leal, who will replace former City Attorney David Gillam, has 16 years of experience in municipal law. He has been serving the fast-growing City of Denton, TX (population 148,000) in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area since 2011. He has been in the role of city attorney for Denton since 2017. he city attorney serves as the legal adviser for the city and for all its officers and departments. Among his duties, Leal will be responsible for the preparation of development agreements, contracts and insurance policies, and will manage all civil litigation for the city.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Leal received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Indiana University School of Law. He began his law career in Grand Rapids, MI. He and his wife are looking forward to returning to Michigan to be nearer to immediate and extended family.
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"Are There Any Other Bingos?"The Royal Oak Senior Center Presents Free Parking Lot Bingo on Friday, May 7 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at the Royal Oak Senior Center parking lot, 3500 Marais. Call 248-246-3900 to register.
Bingo players will receive two FREE Bingo cards and the chance to win prizes. Four games regular Bingo and one coverall cash = $5.00.
Designated parking spots marked for the event. Feel free to play from your car or bring chairs to enjoy the sunshine.
Masks and social distancing are required. Restrooms available with health screen upon entry.
Don't go hungry while you're playing. Tim's Kitchen, serviced by Chef Erin, will be having a bake sale.
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CONSTRUCTION NOTICE:
Franklin and Lawson Parks
Franklin Park, Lawson Park & nearby traffic diverters
The city’s contractor (Warren Contractors & Development, Inc.) will implement vast improvements to Franklin Park, Lawson Park, and nearby traffic diverters.
Site work is scheduled to start in late April 2021. The parks will be closed during construction for safety purposes. It is anticipated that the project will be completed in the late fall of 2021. The scope of the project will be limited to the parks and nearby traffic diverters. Access to adjacent properties may be limited at times. Notice will be provided in advance.
During construction, there may be intermittent parking restrictions to allow for construction equipment to gain access to the parks and traffic diverters. If needed, “No Parking - Tow Away Zone 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.” signs will be posted well in advance to allow for various construction operations. There will be no change in the trash pickup dates and the trash will be taken care of as usual during the construction operations unless otherwise notified by the city.
This project is being funded exclusively through the city’s Community Development Block Grant allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Questions during the construction may directed to Todd Winkle (586-899-7015) at Fleis & VandenBrink. Mr. Winkle will conduct construction inspection services on behalf of the city.
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Rent and Utility Bill Assistance Continues to be Available for Royal Oak Residents The Royal Oak City Commission has teamed up with the South Oakland Shelter and Legal Aid & Defender Association to operate a rental assistance program on behalf of the city.
The program is designed to keep no, low- and moderate-income Royal Oak renters from being evicted. Many households have experienced a loss of employment or significant reduction in income due to COVID-19. Renters may be eligible for financial assistance for unpaid rent and/or utilities dating back no more than three months. Payments are made directly to landlords, not the renter household.
People in need of help may contact either of the below organizations.
South Oakland Shelter (248) 920-6000Legal Aid & Defender Association (313) 967-5555 OR email:
royaloakcares@ladadetroit.org |
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Oakland County Announces Grant Funds for VeteransOakland County veterans, service members and eligible dependents impacted by the pandemic and needing financial help can apply for up to $2,500 in assistance through the Veterans COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program.
A total of $182,000 is available through the grant provided by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. There is a cap of $2,500 per person, including food assistance, which has a $150 limit. The grants can be used for eligible food, utility, property taxes and personal care expenses. Applications can be made at www.oakgov.com/covid/grants. “There are more than 60,000 veterans in Oakland County and many of them are struggling to make ends meet,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Some veterans have lost jobs or income, while others may be faced with higher food bills and other increased expenses. These grants are designed to help those who sacrificed for our country in the past get some much-needed help today.”
Applicants must be an Oakland County resident and honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, reserves or women’s auxiliaries. Eligibility documentation is required.
Those without access to the internet should contact the Oakland County Veterans’ Services Division in Pontiac at 248-858-0785 for assistance.
“We expect strong interest in this new program,” said Garth Wootten, division manager. “The need is there, for the day-to-day living expenses for our veterans have not gone away during the pandemic. We hope these grants make life easier for them as they live through these challenging times.”
Oakland County has used $219 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding in support of its pandemic response, including more than $145 million in grants to help stabilize and support small businesses, residents, and communities in every part of the county. The grants were awarded to more than 15,000 local businesses, which employ 65,000 people; 22 local chambers of commerce; 57 cities, villages, and townships, 278 non-profit and 31 veterans services organizations; 28 local school districts as well as retailers, restaurants and community centers.
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It's Honeybee Swarm Season!
If you see a honeybee swarm PLEASE DO NOT spray, instead call Bees in the D right away at 313-462-9624 or email bees@beesinthed.com.
Bees in the D is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to create a cooperative effort between residents, schools, organizations, and businesses in the city of Detroit and Southeast Michigan to contribute to both the health of honey bee colonies and native pollinators, and the education of their importance to our environment.
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Your Royal Oak Stories - The Evolution of the Post Office
YOUR ROYAL OAK STORIES: James Lockwood, the first postmaster serving the territory now known as Royal Oak, was appointed by John Quincy Adams on April 6, 1825. The rest as they say is history.
Lockwood lived in a log cabin on the site of the present Washington Square Plaza building.
From 1831 to 1841, the post office was moved to Chase's Corners at 13 Mile and Woodward, which was the center of community in the pioneer days of Royal Oak Township.
With the coming of the railroad in 1838, the center of activity shifted again and the Postmaster Moses Johnson conducted the post office from his store at the northeast corner of Main Street and University. During the Civil War the post office was in a general store at Fifth and the railroad. This building was later moved to Main and First (now Main Street) and used as a milk house by William Hilzinger.
A little later, stagecoaches carried mail and passengers three times a week over a plank road from Royal Oak to Rochester. After a time, George Hickey began carrying mail three times a week on the Niles Road from Royal Oak to Troy Corners (Big Beaver and Rochester). Some people made hinged boxes for mail and nailed them to a fence and hired Hickey to bring their mail. This antedated Rural Free Delivery by forty years or more.
The post office was usually the center of attraction and men gathered at dusk after a game of horseshoes to tell tales and talk over the questions of local and national importance.
- Compiled by John A. Kuzemba, Royal Oak postal clerk, August 8, 2013
SHARE YOUR STORY: We're looking for longtime residents to help tell the story of Royal Oak.
Do you have a favorite Royal Oak tradition, place or person you would like to share with us?
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Give an Old Book a New HomeGive A Good Book A Home Reading Program is accepting patrons! Find your new favorite book at the Mahany-Meininger Senior Community Center. Our collection of books have been sitting for a year not getting any love, so why not "adopt" these books out to a new loving home!
Call 248-246-3900 for more details and to sign up.
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Blessings in a Backpack New Amazon Wish List! Doing your weekly Amazon online shopping? Why not check out the Blessings in a Backpack Wish List and put a couple of extra items in their cart while you're filling your cart! It is just that easy!!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3OJ2PH7G2PFP0…
Blessings in a Backpack has continued to feed Royal Oak School students through the pandemic and the need is always there because hunger never takes a break. |
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Free Food Distribution Also AvailableThe South Oakland Shelter has also been contracted to operate a FREE FOOD distribution program.
Low and moderate-income Royal Oak residents affected by COVID-19 are eligible for the program.
Contact South Oakland Shelter at 248-600-9541 or www.mycovidresponse.org
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Community Coalition Joins Forces With Lighthouse to Feed Royal Oak ResidentsThe Community Coalition has made a substantial donation to help LIghthouse in their efforts to feed Royal Oak's hungry. If you are in need or know someone, please email or call Lighthouse. |
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Crooks Road Resurfacing! The resurfacing of Crooks Road from 13 Mile Road to 14 Mile Road continues. Construction barriers have been placed resulting in one lane of travel open for northbound and southbound traffic, But access to businesses will be maintained throughout construction.
Commuters are encouraged to take alternate routes to avoid delays. Work is scheduled to begin mid-March and extend through November 2021.
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Looking for Summer Employment?
Oakland County Parks and Recreation is Hiring! Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) is hiring for a wide variety of summer jobs. Apply now and get the jump on making friends, memories and a difference while enjoying the great outdoors.
Jobs are open at all 14 county parks including five golf courses, two campgrounds, two waterparks, three dog parks, two nature centers and Holly Oaks ORV Park. Positions are also available with OCPR’s Natural Resources and Recreation Programs and Services.
Salaries start at $11.31/hr. Shifts include weekends, evenings and holidays. Flexible schedules are available and training is offered for all positions.
Applicants must be 16 years or older. To view job descriptions, salary ranges and |
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Calling All Crafters! As the heart of winter approaches, brighten your home and your spirits with Oakland County Parks and Recreation’s Virtual Take and Make crafting programs.
Throughout the winter season, participants can pick up program kits and then join livestream demonstrations to make the craft projects along with an Oakland County Parks and Recreation naturalist.
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Residential Lock Boxes Available at the Fire DepartmentWith the coronavirus increasing calls for transport to the local hospitals it is a good time to remind community members, that when 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 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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The Holidays are Over (well officially) but Downtown Dollars Gift Cards Continue www.visitroyaloak.com How It Works Select the value of your egift card. Choose your recipient (family, friends, team members) and send via email or text message. The recipient can use that value to make purchases at participating merchants. - International orders not accepted.
- While we usually process gift orders right away, there can sometimes be a delay of an hour or more and we may request additional information for your security via email. Please be sure to check spam and promotions folders for status email.
A Royal Oak Downtown Dollars eGift, powered by Yiftee, is better than a regular gift card or gift certificate because: - You can track when the egift is received and redeemed.
- Recipients receive reminders to redeem their egift.
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Parking in Structures - Free For The First Two HoursRemember when you are coming downtown to pick up those last minute holiday gifts that parking in the city's four structures is FREE for the first two hours, no matter what time you arrive!! And, NO MORE FLAT FEES just 75 cents per hours if you stay longer than two hours!
Why drive around block after block looking for on-street parking only to have to feed the meter and return to a snow covered car when you can zip right into a structure head to the stores and return to your clean covered car and pay with credit card on the way out. |
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Oh, The Things You Can Do OnlineOur phones are back on and the boxes are unpacked,but we still remain closed to the public. But, we leave the comfort of your own home anyway. Many city services are available online, or by email, mail and drop off.
We have put together a list of our most requested services at https://www.romi.gov/1…/Oh-the-Things-You-Can-Do-Online-More. Discover all the things you can do from the comfort of your home, office or favorite hideaway.
Can’t find what you are looking for?
Email citymanager@romi.gov and someone will get back to you. Even while we’re moving boxes, we want you to know we are still here for you!
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Library Adds Chromebooks to Checkout Services!
Cardholders may now reserve a Chromebook to check out for 14 days. Just visit the catalog, search Chromebooks, and narrow the library down to ROPL (see photos below for help). Then click on "Place Hold" (ignore the not available note...that just means they need to be checked in for the first time). When you recieve notice that your hold is ready, go ahead and schedule your pickup time through the MyLibro app or by calling 248-246-3700 and press 2. |
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2021 Oakland County Parks and Rec Annual Vehicle Permits Now AvailableThe Oakland County Parks and Recreation Annual Vehicle Permits are now available for 2021. Permits may be purchased online, by mail and in person at many locations throughout Oakland County.
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You Dirty Rat! What You Need to Know When Unwanted Visitors Come to Stay! Rats behave predictably. They like to live where people live and they can thrive on just one ounce of food and water per day.
Rodent control in Royal Oak is everyone’s responsibility. Good house keeping practices, which eliminate food supply and destroy shelter needed by rats to survive, are the best defense when it comes to rat-proofing our neighborhoods.
There is no magic to rodent prevention and control. Residents can win the war against rodents by using a variety of common sense techniques. Click here to learn more.
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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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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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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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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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