NEWSPAPERS n o i t i d E l a i c e p S
November 5, 2025 candgnews.com
Oakland County papers
In the VW eLabs, students can create using 3D printers, laser cutters and robotics systems. Photo provided by Christopher Behnan
New Volkswagen eLabs encourage innovation at Birmingham, Southfield elementary schools BY MARY GENSON
ORSON STARR HOUSE CELEBRATES 180 YEARS BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
BIRMINGHAM/SOUTHFIELD — Students at Birmingham Public Schools and Southfield Public Schools now have access to state-of-the-art Volkswagen eLabs — resources that promote innovation through STEM learning. The VW eLabs are digital fabrication laboratories that provide students with hands-on opportunities with 3D printers, laser cutters and robotics systems. In partnership with Volkswagen Group of America, the Public Education Foundation in Chattanooga funded these labs through a $1.8 million contribution. They are the first elementary schools in Michigan to have VW eLabs. “We are proud and excited to partner with the Public Education Foundation and Volkswagen, who have made this generous in-
ROYAL OAK — The Orson Starr House, a historic landmark in the city of Royal Oak, celebrated 180 years on Oct. 19 with a special birthday party. Guests toured the 1845 Greek Revival farmhouse, heard stories about the Starr family and enjoyed a celebratory slice of cake in honor of the milestone. “They had a number of families, kids and old folks come and see it (the house),” said City Commissioner Sharlan Douglas, who is a trustee of the Royal Oak Civic Foundation, which made the celebration possible. “Ninety percent of the folks that came had never been there before, so we really did the
See ELABS on page 9A
See ORSON STARR on page 4A
mgenson@candgnews.com
TOP: Alex Kerrington gives a tour of the Orson Starr House Oct. 19. The house features a decoration denoting its 180-year anniversary. ABOVE: A room in the Orson Starr House gives people some idea of what life was like in Royal Oak’s early days. Photos provided by Judy Davids