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‘I Love Royal Oak’ youth drawing contest in full swing
ROYAL OAK — Students enrolled in Royal Oak Schools have a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and love for the city of Royal Oak.
Royal Oak is having a youth drawing contest in which students can enter a drawing representing their love for Royal Oak.
According to the Royal Oak website, romi.gov, the drawing can be anything ranging from a place, idea or feeling that shows what the participant loves about Royal Oak and why the participant loves being a part of the community.
The contest is separated into three divisions: high school, middle school and elementary school. Each division has different monetary prizes.
For High school students, first place will receive $750, second place will get $500 and third place will get $250.
In the Middle school category, the first place winner will get $500, the second place winner will get $250 and third place winner will receive $100.
Finally, the elementary school first place winner will get $250, the second place winner will get $150, and the third place winner will receive $100.
The city began accepting entries for the contest Jan. 16, and the deadline to enter is Jan. 26.
All entries must be submitted to any of the following locations before the deadline: Royal Oak City Hall, the Royal Oak Public Library, Sidetrack Bookshop, or virtually using a form provided at www.romi.gov/1827/I-Love-Royal-Oak-Drawing-Contest.
‘Born to Love — Trained to Serve — Loyal Always’
ROYAL OAK — Five-year-old K-9 Conan and 4-year-old K-9 Thorvi, of the Royal Oak Police Department, will be getting vests that could protect them from bullets and knives.
The vests will arrive within the next eight to 10 weeks, according to the Police Department.
The two vests are sponsored by the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc.
The vests will be embroidered with the words, “Born to Love — Trained to Serve — Loyal Always,” according to a press release.
Established in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has had a mission to provide bullet- and stab-protective vests to dogs in law enforcement throughout the United States.
According to the press release, the body armor is made in the U.S., custom fitted, and certified by the National Institute of Justice. Since 2009, the organization has provided more than 5,300 vests to K-9s in all 50 states.
The total value of those thousands of vests is approximately $6.9 million, which was raised through private and corporate donations.
Vested Interest in K9s Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount. A donation of $985 will sponsor one vest.
Each vest costs around $1,800 and weighs 4 to 5 pounds. The vests also come with a five-year warranty.
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call (508) 824-6978 or visit vik9s.org. People can mail contributions to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Royal Oak Whiskey Fest returns
ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak Whiskey Fest will take place 6-10 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Patrons can expect to sample different brands of whiskey as well as enjoy a live musical performance by Cosmic Groove.
A variety of ticket packages are available now at royaloakwhiskeyfest.com.
MSGCU accepting applications for scholarship programs
ROYAL OAK — Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is accepting applications through Feb. 27 for its annual scholarship program.
Credit union representatives are offering 33 scholarships of $2,500 each to help local students and educators reach career goals, and 14 scholarships of $2,000 each to support future first responders.
Scholarship applications can be submitted online at msgcu.org/scholarships. Nonmembers are welcome to apply for an MSGCU scholarship and must become a member if selected as a scholarship recipient.
Michigan Donated Dental Services are available to help
ROYAL OAK — Michigan Donated Dental Services has been helping senior citizens and individuals with disabilities who qualify to get dental care for approximately 27 years.
The program states that it has provided free dental services for more than 6,800 individuals since 1995.
According to smilemichigan.com, to qualify for the program, individuals must have a permanent disability, be 65 years old or older, or have a chronic health condition.
Other qualifications include an income below 200% of the federal poverty level, having no dental insurance, and a need for extensive dental care.
Dr. Howard Graef is a recently retired dentist and volunteer with the program who works alongside his daughter, Dr. Martina Richardson, who is also a volunteer in Clawson. He has been a dentist since 1966 and loves helping people in need.
“After seeing these people come in with no money or resources, and doing these treatments that can cost up to thousands and thousands of dollars, it’s a great feeling to help,” he said.
The program is made possible by a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as well as donations from dentists and dental laboratories.
Services include extractions, oral surgery and dentures.
To learn more about this program, visit smilemichigan.com/resources/michigan-donated-dental-services.
Learn about the influences on the ‘iGeneration’
ROYAL OAK — Nicole Runyon, a licensed master social worker who is an expert on social media’s effects on adolescent health, is coming to Royal Oak Schools to give a presentation on this subject.
Runyon specializes in child development, parenting, the effects of screens and devices on child development, and addiction to social media, internet and video games, according to her website, nicolerunyon.com.
From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29, Runyon will be giving a presentation on how screen usage influences the psychology of children.
According to the Royal Oak Schools website, Runyon describes this event as “an insightful talk for parents of children of all ages from infants to young adults. As parents and educators, understanding the fundamental causes behind the challenges our children face in this tech-driven era is crucial.”
The main goal of this presentation is to uncover the dynamics influencing the “iGeneration” and teach parents why and how screen usage shapes their experiences and lives.
The presentation will take place in the boardroom at the Royal Oak Schools administrative office at 800 DeVillen. To register for the presentation, visit royaloakschools.org/whats_new/connecting_to_your_i_generation_child.
