Invasive spotted lanternfly: See it. Squish it. Report it.
|
|
|||||||
 |
|||||||
News Release |
|||||||
|
Sept. 19, 2023
“We’ve heard reports of spotted lanternflies swarming New York City and covering beaches on the Jersey Shore. We’d like to prevent similar scenarios in Michigan,” said Rob Miller, MDARD’s invasive species prevention and response specialist. “Everyone can help by looking for spotted lanternfly and reporting suspected sightings.”
Take a few minutes to become familiar with spotted lanternfly life stages.
Week Five Picks
Week Five Picks.
Written Wednesday September 20th at 7:40 AM
Welcome to the 2023 football season, here are our pickers for the season. Here are everyone who is doing picks this season.
SANDY DUNES is Sammy Taormina, OAA Now host and blogger.
COTTER is Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western football and North Farmington basketball video coordinator
DUNLAP is Keith Dunlap, WDIV freelance writer
STICK is Dan Stickradt, North Oakland Sports writer
BURNEY is Scott Burnstein, MIPrepZone and State Champs sports writer.
TIM is Tim English, High School Sports Historian and Blogger.
SANDY DUNES 39-15
COTTER 46-8
BURNEY 36-18
DUNLAP 36-18
STICK 41-13
TIM 40-14
We’ll get Tim’s picks when we can.
Stoney Creek at 1. Lake Orion: The Cougars have been an up and down team despite their record, they have been very competitive. The Dragons are coming off an emotional 17-13 win over West Bloomfield last week. The Lake Orion defense has been the story, allowing 33 points in three weeks which was the same amount of points they allowed against Livonia Stevenson. That unit should be tested against a Stoney Creek program that likes to run a ton of time possession football. The Dragons need to be careful in this game, the Cougars are playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 38, STONEY CREEK 10.
COTTER: LAKE ORION 24, STONEY CREEK 10.
DUNLAP: LAKE ORION 31, STONEY CREEK 17.
STICK: LAKE ORION over STONEY CREEK.
BURNEY: LAKE ORION 33, STONEY CREEK 16.
TIM:
- Southfield Arts and Tech at Farmington: Farmington TV-10 should be in for a treat when the Warriors come to Falcon Field. Southfield Arts and Tech has been battle tested and has beaten four quality teams which three of them were at home. Tashi Braceful and Isiah Marshall have been the real deal for Southfield Arts and Tech. The Falcons we don’t know the status of Cam Pettaway after he got hurt in their 21-19 win over Bloomfield Hills last week. If Pettaway can’t play then Farmington is in big trouble against a very high octane offense.
SANDY DUNES: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 45, FARMINGTON 14.
COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42, FARMINGTON 14.
DUNLAP: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42, FARMINGTON 7.
STICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH over FARMINGTON.
BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 39, FARMINGTON 19.
TIM:
- Adams at 3. West Bloomfield: Civic Center TV and Tyler Kieft should have a very interesting matchup with the Lakers and the Highlanders. West Bloomfield has lost three straight to Adams and is coming off a tough 17-13 loss to Lake Orion last week. The Lakers should be motivated against the Highlanders that has found ways to win with Matteo Humbert, Ryan Watters, Drew Heppner, and Brady Prieskorn. West Bloomfield still has proven players in Nigel Dutton, Requen Nance, Brandon Davis-Swain, Jamir Benjamin, and Bryce Rowe. Discipline has been the Lakers problem lately, if Coach Zach Hilbers can clean that up then it should be a happy Homecoming for West Bloomfield in “the Swamp.”
SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 45, ADAMS 14.
COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 31, ADAMS 7.
DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, ADAMS 20.
STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD over ADAMS.
BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 23, ADAMS 21.
TIM:
- Avondale at Oak Park: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are on winning streaks. The Yellow Jackets are red hot right now winning four straight games and have a ton of confidence behind a changed offense and they can beat you in so many ways. The Knights have won two straight since their losses to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit and Oxford by beating both Troy schools which is big points since they are in Division One. This should be a very interesting matchup in Knight Valley and the coaching matchup is not too shabby either between Coach Greg Carter and Coach Bob Meyer.
SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 17, OAK PARK 12.
COTTER: AVONDALE 21, OAK PARK 12.
DUNLAP: AVONDALE 24, OAK PARK 20.
STICK: OAK PARK over AVONDALE.
BURNEY: AVONDALE 30, OAK PARK 24.
TIM:
- Seaholm at Troy Athens: The Maples are back to themselves since their hiccup against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Kinnie brothers along with Kyle Robbins are back to their normal selves which means great things for Seaholm and their athletic trainer Bill Watson. The Red Hawks have been struggling allowing 52 points in the last two weeks. That’s not going to make new principal Vernon Burden too happy. It should be a very interesting matchup but it could also be a long night for Troy Athens.
SANDY DUNES: SEAHOLM 63, TROY ATHENS 14.
COTTER: SEAHOLM 49, TROY ATHENS 14.
DUNLAP: SEAHOLM 27, TROY ATHENS 17.
STICK: SEAHOLM over TROY ATHENS.
BURNEY: SEAHOLM 45, TROY ATHENS 22.
TIM:
- Clarkston at Oxford: The Wolves defense has been the story since allowing 24 points to Northville in week one. They have allowed 17 points in the last two weeks. Clarkston has relied a ton on Desman Stephens to carry them in games. He had a touchdown run in their 14-10 win over Stoney Creek last week. The offense is still a work in progress but Brady Collins and the Bowman twins have started to settle in and they still have Brody Kosin. The Wildcats have really struggled moving the football. Luke Johnson has been their best option thus far but he needs his quarterback in Jack Hendrix to step up and create that balance. It’s a big game for Oxford if they want to turn things around.
SANDY DUNES: CLARKSTON 17, OXFORD 14.
COTTER: CLARKSTON 28, OXFORD 7.
DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 24, OXFORD 14.
STICK: CLARKSTON over OXFORD.
BURNEY: CLARKSTON 26, OXFORD 20.
TIM:
- Harper Woods at Bloomfield Hills: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are getting better. The Blackhawks despite the losses have lost two close games by a combined nine points. Kierran Crossley and Jace Reed have been the main catalysts for Bloomfield Hills. The Pioneers snapped a two game losing streak with a 56-26 win over Rochester last week. Harper Woods has a proven offense but the defense has had some issues lately. It should be a very interesting matchup in Bloomfield Hills.
SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 56, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.
COTTER: HARPER WOODS 44, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7.
DUNLAP: HARPER WOODS 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.
STICK: HARPER WOODS over BLOOMFIELD HILLS.
BURNEY: HARPER WOODS 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 18.
TIM:
Rochester at 9. Groves: These are two teams of Falcons that are at a crossroads. Rochester has really struggled all season long especially defensively. Groves has played Southfield Arts and Tech and West Bloomfield which are two really good teams. Groves has more talent on paper but it doesn’t always happen that way. Groves needs to be careful.
SANDY DUNES: GROVES 28, ROCHESTER 14.
COTTER: GROVES 35, ROCHESTER 7.
DUNLAP: GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 10.
STICK: GROVES over ROCHESTER.
BURNEY: GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 14.
TIM:
North Farmington at 10. Troy: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are in a crossroads. The Colts gave up their first points of the season and fell 28-21 to Oak Park last week. The Raiders have played a brutal schedule but picked up their first win by winning 22-7 over Troy Athens last week. Troy will have a big test against a proven quarterback in Ryan Shelby. North Farmington has to deal with a solid Colts defense also let’s not forget the Raiders won 9-0 with a third string quarterback in this game last season.
SANDY DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 24, TROY 14.
COTTER: NORTH FARMINGTON 17, TROY 7.
DUNLAP: NORTH FARMINGTON 24, TROY 21.
STICK: TROY over NORTH FARMINGTON.
BURNEY: TROY 29, NORTH FARMINGTON 27.
TIM:
Berkley at Pontiac: This is a big game for both teams for different reasons. The Phoenix is coming off a really tough 40-14 loss to Royal Oak. The Bears have been outscored 160-0 in four weeks. It’s Berkley’s first road game. Pontiac needs to get that magic they had the first two weeks. It’s an interesting matchup between two teams finding their ways.
SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC 49, BERKLEY 35.
COTTER: PONTIAC 20, BERKLEY 14.
DUNLAP: PONTIAC 21, BERKLEY 7.
STICK: PONTIAC over BERKLEY.
BURNEY: PONTIAC 25, BERKLEY 17.
TIM:
Royal Oak at Ferndale: The Ravens have been up and down this season but the two wins they have had doubled their win total from last season. The Eagles had high expectations coming into the season but things have not gone their way as of late. This is a big game for both teams just for confidence sake.
SANDY DUNES: FERNDALE 34, ROYAL OAK 8.
COTTER: FERNDALE 20, ROYAL OAK 7.
DUNLAP: FERNDALE 17, ROYAL OAK 14.
STICK: FERNDALE over ROYAL OAK.
BURNEY: FERNDALE 38, ROYAL OAK 28.
TIM:
My Podcast
Legislation to Protect Children, Keep People Safe
September 19, 2023
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Children, Keep People Safe
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to protect minors in Michigan by preventing child marriage, building on previous legislation she signed earlier this year. The bills raise the minimum age of consent for marriage to 18 and updates laws to effectively implement the child marriage ban.
“Keeping Michiganders safe and healthy is one of my top priorities, and today’s bipartisan bills will build on our efforts to protect young people—especially young women—from abuse,” said Governor Whitmer. “As a county prosecutor, I went after those who used their power to prey on young people, and as governor, I am proud to sign legislation to strengthen protections for children and survivors into law. Together, we can make Michigan a safe, welcoming state where you can grow up and pursue your potential.”
House Bill 4294, sponsored by Rep. Kara Hope, D – Lansing, establishes 18 as the minimum age of consent for marriage.
House Bill 4295, sponsored by Rep. Alabas Farhat, D – Dearborn, prohibits secret child marriages, which are done when a marriage record is sealed to the public.
“It’s time for us to ban the cruel practice of child marriage,” said state Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), sponsor for HB 4295. Abusive adults take advantage of minor children, setting them up for a life of torment. It is our duty to protect the children of Michigan, and I’m grateful this legislation is being signed into law.”
House Bill 4296, sponsored by Rep. Betsy Coffia, D – Traverse City, is a grandfather law that ensures minors who are currently married do not lose their spousal benefits under the new laws.
“There are many aspects of our society that we restrict to legal adults — voting, signing contracts and more. It’s well past time for marriage to join that list,” said state Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), sponsor of HB 4296. “Not only is this action the right thing to do to protect children from predators, it’s just common sense.”
The governor intends to sign the final bill in this package, House Bill 4302, upon presentation. House Bill 4302, sponsored by Rep. Joey Andrews, D – St. Joseph, modifies references to married minors in the Michigan penal code.
“As a new father, I share in the worries of every parent, the foremost of which is making sure my daughter is safe and healthy. Banning child marriage is an overdue step in that direction,” said state Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), sponsor of HB 4302. “Child marriage is the domain of sexual predators and their enablers, and I’m proud to be part of erasing it from Michigan statute.”
The governor also signed legislation expanding use of ignition interlock devices, helping keep people safe on the road.
Together, Senate Bills 134 and 135 expand the current Driving While Intoxicated/Sobriety Court Interlock Program into the Specialty Court Interlock Program. The expanded program would include specialty courts in addition to DWI/sobriety courts and allow eligible participants to have a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device in order to obtain a restricted driver license. An ignition interlock device measures a driver’s alcohol concentration before the vehicle can be started.
“Specialty treatment courts are a unique facet of our justice system that help offer a path to true restoration,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel. “By marrying treatment for underlying concerns with supervised rehabilitation, these courts offer reduced recidivism and increased community support. I am grateful to my legislative colleagues and the governor for their help in expanding these vital programs.”
Senate Bill 134 was sponsored by state Senator Ruth Johnson, R – Holly and Senate Bill 135 was sponsored by state Senator Kevin Hertel, D – St. Clair Shores.
Fighting to protect our veterans
|
|||
|
Funding to Shore Up Retirement Savings for Michigan Seniors
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Awards Funding to Shore Up Retirement Savings for Michigan Seniors, Putting More than $553 Million Back into their Pockets Grant Awards Help Local Communities with Promises to Local Retirees, Provide Fiscal Stability for Other Important Services
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that more than $553 million in Protecting MI Pension Grant awards are being sent to 123 Michigan communities, putting dollars back into the pockets of retirees and offsetting costs for local communities, keeping them from having to divert funds from critical public services.
“After a lifetime of hard work, Michigan seniors deserve to retire with dignity,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s Protecting MI Pension Grants will ensure that Michiganders who served our communities as police officers, firefighters, sanitation workers, and in so many other invaluable professions, will receive the stable, secure retirement that they earned. I am proud that earlier this year, I signed legislation rolling back the retirement tax on our seniors, saving half a million households an average of $1,000 a year, putting money back in their pockets for gas, groceries, or gifts for their grandkids. Today, we are continuing to deliver on our promise to Michigan’s seniors and shoring up municipal budgets across the state. Let’s keep putting money back in people’s pockets and building a brighter future.”
The Protecting MI Pension Grant Program was created to help Michigan’s underfunded municipal systems. Under the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget, the Michigan Department of Treasury was appropriated dollars to establish and operate a program for qualified retirement systems that were underfunded as outlined in state law.
Under the grant program, eligible cities, villages, townships, counties, and road commissions were encouraged to review their retirement system funding and apply for a grant by mid-June. A complete list of grant award communities can be found online.
“A major budgetary concern for our local governments is their pensions systems,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Funding these systems enables our communities to uphold their commitment to 25,000-plus public servants and focus on providing the services Michiganders come to expect.”
Local units of government from every Michigan region received a grant award.
“Receiving this grant is a huge weight off the village’s shoulders,” said Tom Ebenhoeh, interim village administrator of the village of Chesaning. “With an underfunded liability like that, it is constantly in the back of your mind. Having this relief brings us that much closer to being able to reach our goal of a pension that is secure. It has turned a 20-year project into a five-to-eight-year project when it comes to getting our pension reasonably funded. It also means the extra resources we are investing into the pension now will sooner be available to put elsewhere in our community.”
“Rising pension payments have drastically affected the City of Saginaw’s ability to provide necessary services to our citizens,” said Tim Morales, city manager of the city of Saginaw. “Saginaw has taken measures to reduce legacy costs including eliminating the pension program over 20 years ago and eliminating retiree healthcare 15 years ago. The city has also made payments in excess of our Annual Required Contribution (ARC); however, the impact of these actions hasn’t resulted in reducing our annual contribution. The Protecting MI Pension Grant Program will significantly improve our financial stability and help provide an overall benefit to our operations and ability to provide essential services. We are very grateful that the state of Michigan has awarded this funding to the city.”
“This grant award will provide a much-needed boost to the city’s ongoing efforts to address its underfunded pension liability,” said Erin E. LaPere, city manager of the city of Charlotte. We have made changes to our benefits, but our legacy costs continue to place a significant strain on the overall pension system’s funding levels and the city’s overall budget. For the past two years, City Council has approved funding additional $150,000 above the required annual contribution into our pension plan, but our current underfunded liabilities are approximately $14 million. As a small, rural municipality that operates on minimal staffing, this grant from the state will help bolster our ongoing efforts and accelerate our work towards fully funded status.”
“The City of Sault Ste. Marie Police and Firefighters Pension is very pleased to be awarded $2,636,455 from the Protecting MI Pension Grant Program,” said Kristin M. Collins, finance director/treasurer of the city of Sault Ste. Marie. “The award is the full amount of our request and the maximum allowable amount that would bring the fund out of underfunded status. While funding levels have improved over the past five years, increasing from 52% to 57%, it’s a slow climb and this infusion will provide a boost that the fund really needed.”
“We were very excited to receive the news that we would be a recipient of the Protecting MI Pension Grant Program,” said Dan Stoltman, city manager of the city of Norway. “Helping us get to the 60% funded status makes the light at the end of the tunnel a little closer and a lot brighter for our future.”
“We have many priorities, in Lansing, and our long-term financial stability is always in mind as we do everything we can to grow Lansing. Long-term liability through pension obligations has tremendous impacts on our ability to service our residents and retirees,” said Mayor Andy Schor, city of Lansing. “We have implemented smart, responsible changes to bring our unfunded liability down significantly, and this grant will be another great step forward. I thank the Legislature and Governor for helping communities to serve their residents and to provide the pension payments for our retirees,”
“The City of Dowagiac is very pleased that the State of Michigan and Michigan Department of Treasury understand the importance of the pension system for public employees and established the Protecting MI Pension Grant Program that will strengthen the City of Dowagiac’s municipal pension system” said Kevin Anderson, city manager of the city of Dowagiac. “Especially now, when inflation is taking a bite out of local government’s ability to fund critical community services, the funding provided through the Protecting MI Pension Grant Program will not only strengthen the city’s retirement system, but also provide room within our annual budgets to continue to meet the service expectations of our citizens. We are also grateful for the Department of Treasury’s administration of the grant process. The process was clear, the grant documentation concise, and the communication was timely.”
“The Protecting MI Pension Grant Program was a real blessing to the City of Benton Harbor and our thanks to the Governor, Treasury, and the Governor’s whole team” said Ellis Mitchell, city manager of the city Benton Harbor. “As Benton Harbor is a financially distressed city, without this grant, the city would have had to place an additional burden on our citizens that they could not afford or have been years trying to catch up. Thank you again.”
“The Protecting MI Pension Grant Program is critically important for communities like Hazel Park with underfunded pension systems. The Grant Program provides relief for taxpayers and protects the pensions of retired workers” said Edward Klobucher, city manager of the city Hazel Park. “One of the best pieces of legislation for cities to come out of Lansing in decades!”
“The Ottawa County Road Commission is very appreciative of the Michigan Department of Treasury and the grant received to assist our underfunded pension system,” said Brett Laughlin, managing director of the Ottawa County Road Commission.
“The award from the Protecting Michigan Pension Grant program will benefit Presque Isle County Road Commission by reducing the length of time needed to reach our goal of being 100% funded for our MERS pension plan,” said David A. Kowalski, superintendent/manager of the Presque Isle County Road Commission. “Additionally, the grant award will help ensure financial stability going forward and allow the Road Commission to budget better for equipment purchases and road projects.”
Building a Trusted Partnership with Michigan communities, the Michigan Department of Treasury has developed tools and resources to help local communities navigate budget processes and enact the best practices to achieve fiscal stability. Programs like Protecting MI Pension Grant Program help alleviate some budget pressures and enable resources to be dedicated to important services that residents depend on every day.
To learn more about the Protecting MI Pension Grant program – including a list of grant award recipients, program description and frequently asked questions – go to Michigan.gov/MIPensionGrant.
|
Week Three Thoughts
Week Three Thoughts.
Written Saturday September 9th at 12:21 AM
West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a very unusual night despite winning 40-33 against Stoney Creek on Friday night. West Bloomfield has some concerns defensively. It should be a very interesting with Lake Orion looming next week.
Lake Orion: The Dragons overcame a slow start by a tough minded Oxford team by winning 38-14 over the Wildcats on Friday night. Billy Roberson was not 100 percent but gave it a go. Tristian Hill played well for Lake Orion. The defense was shaky early give Oxford credit but they settled down late. The Dragons have a big one looming with West Bloomfield next week.
Clarkston: The Wolves defense really improved since the Northville disaster when they allowed 24 points. They have allowed the same amount of points but in two games in a very impressive 28-7 win over Adams. Desman Stephens really carried the Wolves in that game with his receiving, passing, and throwing the football along with defensive presence. Clarkston led 21-0 early and never looked back. They have a really interesting matchup with Stoney Creek looming next week.
Adams: The Highlanders had a rough night with Clarkston falling 28-7 on Friday night. Adams missed assignments and just didn’t play well. They need to get back to the drawing board especially with a tough Oxford program coming up.
Oxford: The Wildcats had a rough night on Friday night in Lake Orion falling to the Dragons 38-14. Luke Johnson had two touchdowns to lead Oxford. The Wildcats will be fine, no panic. They have a shot against Adams next week.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars hung tough with West Bloomfield in the Swamp which should help them going forward despite falling 40-33 on Friday night. Jayden McCarthy has proven that he can compete with the best of them at quarterback. Stoney Creek will be fine as mentioned. They have Clarkston looming next week.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors survived a very talented Harper Woods team winning 34-26 on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech has a great chance ahead of them when they play Groves next week.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers lost a tough one to Southfield Arts and Tech 34-26 on Friday night. Harper Woods will be fine going forward. They have Rochester looming next week.
Groves: The Falcons did not play well but did manage to get a big 26-7 win over Farmington on Friday night. Groves has a huge opportunity ahead of them when they head to Southfield Arts and Tech next week.
Farmington: The Falcons struggled in their 26-7 loss to Groves on Friday night. Farmington will be fine going forward. They have Bloomfield Hills looming next week.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had a really slow start but battled back in their game with Rochester on Friday night. However it wasn’t enough as the Falcons won 21-14 over the Blackhawks. Kierran Crosley played well. Bloomfield Hills has Farmington looming next week.
Rochester: The Falcons got a much needed win over Bloomfield Hills 21-14 on Friday night. Rochester wore their USA jerseys in the game. Jack Lower had two touchdowns. The Falcons get to go to Wayne County to play Harper Woods next week.
Seaholm: The Maples snapped on the Raiders Friday night in the Maple Forest winning 56-20. Seaholm is back to Seaholm again especially Colton Kinnie who was responsible for five touchdowns and Jack Lewis had 150 yards rushing. The Maples have Berkley looming next week.
North Farmington: The Raiders are really struggling defensively falling 56-20 to Seaholm on Friday night. North Farmington has allowed 134 points in three weeks which is not good. The Raiders have Troy Athens looming next week at Ron Holland Field.
Oak Park: The Knights earned their first win of the season with a hard fought 30-24 overtime win over Troy Athens. Oak Park has Troy looming next week in Knight Valley. The Knights have a great chance to win that game.
Troy: The Colts had no problem with Royal Oak winning 21-0 on Friday night. Their defense should be tested next week when they head to Knight Valley to play Oak Park next week.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks lost a tough one to Oak Park in Knight Valley 30-24 on Friday night. Troy Athens has North Farmington looming next week.
Ferndale: The Eagles got a forfeit win over Pontiac because of their COVID-19 outbreak. Ferndale has Avondale looming next week.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had no issue with Berkley winning 35-0 at Hurley Field. Avondale has a big game looming with Ferndale next week.
Berkley: The Bears had another rough week falling 35-0 to Avondale on their home field. Anytime you get outscored 112-0 in three weeks it’s not good. To make matters worse for Berkley they have Seaholm looming next week. The Bears and Coach Sean Shields are going through some tough times right now.
Royal Oak: The Ravens had a rough night with Troy falling 21-0 on Friday night. Royal Oak has Pontiac looming next week.
Pontiac: The Phoenix had a COVID-19 outbreak impact their program. I’m not pressing the panic button on Pontiac. They will be fine and they have Royal Oak next week.