NEWSPAPERS n o i t i d E l a i c e p S
January 7, 2026 candgnews.com
Oakland County papers
St. Paul Lutheran Church celebrates history, upgrades BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — St. Paul Lutheran Church and school is the longest-serving church in Oakland County, and it just celebrated more than 150 years and some renovations with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 2. The ribbon cutting, hosted by the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the church’s history as well as the newly renovated welSee CHURCH on page 9A
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce recognized St. Paul Lutheran Church and School for its 150th anniversary and renovations on Dec. 2. At right, Chris Schultz, president of the congregation; Marshall Mackinder, financial secretary of the congregation; and Chris Francik, school principal, help the Rev. Jake Andrzejewski cut the ribbon during a ceremony.
Rosie the Riveter recognition transforms woman’s life BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — At 101, Delphine Tedeski Klaput can finally say she knows her worth, thanks to the acknowledgement she has received from people over the last few years since she has been recognized and honored for her service as a Rosie the Riveter during World War II. “I feel so honored, I really do,” said Klaput of the recognition she has received. “I went all through my life
thinking I wasn’t worth anything, and now all of a sudden I’m getting all of these places that they’re inviting me to. I’m very honored.” Klaput grew up in the rural coal mining town of Cadogan, Pennsylvania. Her parents did the best they could, but they were very poor. She said her mom worked odd jobs to help provide for them. Her father wasn’t able to work as a result of injuries he suffered during World War I. Because of her upbringing, Klaput said she devel-
oped low self-esteem. “We were very poor — very poor. My dad and mother raised the three of us on $50 a month. So, you can imagine I wore dresses that she got (from care packages),” Klaput said. “They would give us flour, rice, canned goods, some clothing once a month, and that’s kind of what I lived with.” The lack of finances greatly influenced Klaput’s decision to quit school and go work at the Glenn L. Martin See KLAPUT on page 7A
C & G NEWSPAPERS OAKLAND COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
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3A/ C & G NEWSPAPERS OAKLAND COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
Amazon unveils ‘Prime Air’ drone delivery service in Hazel Park DRONES WILL SERVICE COMMUNITIES WITHIN AN 8MILE RADIUS BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — Amazon will soon begin offering deliveries by drone, flying packages straight to the homes of customers who live within an 8-mile radius of the company’s Hazel Park distribution center at the corner of 10 Mile and Dequindre roads. The shipping option, dubbed Prime Air, will only be available for certain goods. It is being marketed as a convenient way to get last-minute items without a trip to the store. But some are concerned about the safety of flying packages over traffic and homes, the noise it might create and whether it violates the privacy of homeowners. To address any concerns, Amazon held a public event Nov. 20 at the Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. The event allowed guests to see the MK30 drone up close, learn about how its one-hour delivery service works, and meet the team members who operate it. Gordy Dalziel lives in Royal Oak, which is within range of the drones. Dalziel described how he had previously seen an Amazon drone
During an event at the Hazel Park Community Center Nov. 20, Kyle Degiulio, manager of economic development policy at Amazon, explains the delivery process for the MK30 drone that will deliver packages as part of Amazon’s new Prime Air program.
See AMAZON on page 8A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Dutton Farm launches job readiness program at OU BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/AUBURN HILLS — Dutton Farm recently launched a new job readiness program at Oakland University’s west campus. The program, according to organizers, is designed to prepare adults with disabilities for competitive employment in the community. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 22% of working-age adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are employed, compared to more than 65% of the general adult population. “Dutton Farm is looking forward to closing the gap on employment of adults with disabilities,” said AnnMarie Ottoy, director of communications at Dutton Farm. The collaboration between Dutton Farm and OU is a step forward in building a more inclusive workforce and strengthening access to real-world opportunities for adults with disabilities. Dutton Farm CEO Jenny Brown said the nonprofit’s new job readiness program will provide participants with structured support in resume building, interview preparation and workplace etiquette. “Job readiness is really important for the individuals with disabilities at Dutton Farm because in our skill-building program we’re learning a lot of skills for independent living — but specifically around job readiness — to make sure they are receiving individualized, specialized training on things like resume writing, etiquette, conflict resolution, working together as a team,” Brown said. “All of that now will be able to take place here on this campus, so individuals will have the skills and tools they’ll need to be successful in the workplace.” See DUTTON FARM on page 5A
Rebecca Smither, daughter of Dutton Farm founder Michele Smither, cuts the ribbon for Dutton Farm’s new job readiness program at Oakland University’s west campus. Photo provided by Duttong Farm
SPOTLIGHT ON FAMILY BUSINESS
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4A/ C & G NEWSPAPERS OAKLAND COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
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ABOVE: Fourth- and fifth-generation Allemons at work at Allemon’s Landscape Center on Mack Avenue in Detroit. RIGHT: Joe Allemon Sr., father of Joe Allemon, on furlough in 1942 during World War II.
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BY MARY GENSON genson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The Detroit area is filled with family-owned businesses that take pride in their work and build meaningful connections within the community. As such they are crucial to the economy on a local, national and global level. According to the Conway Center for Family Businesses, 59% of the country’s employment is generated by family businesses, defined as those where two or more people from the same family own a majority stake. Like every business venture, family businesses have their own set of pros and cons when it comes to running operations.
Keeping connection and history within the family
Matt Klopp, store manager at G.A. Fuchs Church Supply in Troy, owns the business with his brother, Greg. They are the third family to own the company since
it opened in 1919. “It’s a long-standing family business, and I love it. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Klopp said. He said owning the business with his brother has made it easier to keep in touch regularly. “It is nice to have something that we can all do together and have something that bonds us,” Klopp said. Because G.A. Fuchs Church Supply is run by a family, Klopp said that they highly value the connections they make with customers and employees. “Even if they’re not part of our blood family, they’re still our family,” Klopp said. Joe Allemon is in the third generation of Allemon’s at Allemon’s Landscape Center on Mack Avenue in Detroit — a business his grandfather started in 1929. Now, Allemon’s children operate the business, and sometimes, his grandchildren help out as well. Allemon said the biggest benefit of runSee FAMILY on page 5A
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C & G NEWSPAPERS OAKLAND COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
Family from page 4A
The struggles of a family business
Though both family business owners have many positive things to say about the experience of running things, there are a few obstacles that can come up in a long-standing family business. Klopp said he wears a lot of hats as a business owner, meaning he is hands on with everything having to do with the business. “Sometimes it can get overwhelming, trying to play a role in every single aspect of the business,” Klopp said. G.A. Fuchs Church Supply is closed on Sundays in order to give employees a guaranteed break every week to spend quality time with family. While Klopp said this is a decision that he values, he can see how it could be considered a drawback from both a customer side
Dutton Farm from page 3A
Opportunities to engage in higher education environments are rarely available to adults with developmental disabilities, Brown explained. The partnership, she said, creates new pathways to independence, purpose and inclusion, aligning with both Dutton Farm’s mission and Oakland University’s values. Penny Vigneau, executive director for finance and administration at OU, said the university is excited to provide Dutton Farm with space for their job readiness program. “We are so excited to have Dutton Farm as one of the tenants in this building,” Vigneau said. “One of OU’s goals is engagement with our community, and we’re super excited to be engaging with (Dutton Farm).”
Matt Klopp, left, and Greg Klopp, right, are the owners of G.A. Fuchs Church Supply. Photo provided by Matt Klopp
and the business side. When running a family business, Allemon said it is important to keep business and work talk at a minimum at home. “Believe me, it always doesn’t happen that way,” Allemon said. “But it’s a goal that you kind of set to keep work at work.”
The secrets to the longevity of a family business
Allemon said the key to running a family business is communication and the ability to work through the tougher times. “When times are good, things are easy,” Allemon said. “When the tougher times are there, that’s when it really comes down to brass tacks.” Klopp said it is important to “love what you do.” Though that advice can apply to anything, he said, “With a family business in particular, if you don’t love it, it can get really overwhelming,” Klopp said. Fortunately, Klopp said he loves what he does.
The job readiness program works with local workforce development partners, including Michigan Rehabilitation Services, to help participants transition into sustainable employment. Approximately 71 individuals are currently working in integrated community settings with Dutton Farm job coaching support. “Ten of those individuals are now working independently, contributing their talents and value every day, and nearly half have held their jobs for two years or more, which demonstrates lasting impact,” Brown said. “As we continue to break barriers, strengthen partnerships and create pathways to inclusion across Michigan, we appreciate everyone here that supports us, holds us up and moves us forward.” For more information, visit dutton farm.org.
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ning a family business is “the privilege of being able to work with family members.” He sees his sons at work every day, and even his grandkids from time to time, which he said he does not take for granted. The family business has also provided the opportunity to keep history alive at Allemon’s Landscape Center. “It gives them a chance to hear the history that I remember and that I retained from my grandfather, who started this business,” Allemon said. Allemon said the business has gone through several changes in the almost 100 years it has been operating. Passing on stories and history allows for the opportunity to compare and contrast the past and present.
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6A/JANUARY 7, 2026 C & G NEWSPAPERS OAKLAND COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION
2026 colors of the year celebrate warm, sophisticated tones
Behr’s color of the year, “hidden gem,” is a great hue for a relaxing bathroom.
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
Photo provided by Behr
METRO DETROIT — Trend forecasters from major paint brands have announced their colors of the year for 2026. From versatile neutrals to rich browns to earthy greens, these hues are expected to dominate interiors for at least the next year. Benjamin Moore’s color of the year is “silhouette,” a mix of “rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal,” according to the company’s website. Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore, said the connection between fashion and interiors has always been a source of inspiration, but this year in particular she’s noticed a renewed interest in suiting and classic silhouettes, the resurgence of timeless pieces, and the growing interest in the brown color family. “Silhouette embodies these qualities with its depth and luxurious blend of burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. Like a perfectly tailored suit, this hue has the versatility and softness to bring a space from expected to exceptional,” Magno said in a statement. Every year, the Benjamin Moore PaintOutlets.com locations in Rochester, Shelby Township and Macomb Township have a Color of the Year wall on display for patrons to see the color in person. “Every year, we repaint the wall and we use different sheens on the wall so people can see what sheen does to color also,” said Merlin Bush, president of PaintOutlets.com, which sells Benjamin Moore products. Bush said he really likes this year’s color. “They wove some luxurious burnt umber into the gray, which creates a nice hue that’s chic and looks great on the walls that people are doing,” he said. “It looks great with almost anything.” Behr announced “hidden gem,” a smoky jade, as its 2026 color of the year. The color,
“Universal khaki,” by Sherwin-Williams adds a soft look to kitchen cabinets. Photo provided by Sherwin-Williams
See PAINT on page 10A
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C & G NEWSPAPERS OAKLAND COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
Klaput from page 1A
aircraft factory in Baltimore. She said the work not only helped with the war effort, but it also helped her mother to care for her sister and her father. “That’s kind of why she went to work,” said Diana Kelley, Klaput’s daughter. “She gave her mom all her money except for she kept $10 from every paycheck.” “I kept $10 because I had to eat,” Klaput said. She explained that her uncle had found her the job at the plant, provided her with free room and board, but she had to pay for her own lunches. Klaput said her daily life as the only woman at the factory was “not very interesting.” She said she was in charge of a team of eight men. “I had to make sure that each man had a small part and that they had the blueprints to work on them,” she said. “I had to know when they were finished with that part, and I had to make sure it got to where it was supposed to go.” She said the parts were for the B-26 Marauder aircraft and were not much bigger than a small plate. Klaput said she would
Photo by Charity Meier
Delphine Tedeski Klaput sits next to a photo of herself as a young woman, when she served as a Rosie the Riveter. take them to various places within the building that they had to go. “Sometimes it was at the other end of the building. Sometimes it was just across the aisle, and sometimes I took them to the warehouse,” she said. “She said there were all sorts of different parts that she helped to
make. The parts went into the console of the cockpit. She said the best part of working at the factory was the way the guys treated her. “They treated me like a million dollars,” she said. She said the planes were assembled on the second floor of the factory, but Klaput was forbidden from going there. Klaput worked in the factory for about 14 months from 1944 until the war ended in 1945. Following the war, she married and had children. She ended up moving to Michigan when her husband got a good job offer and lived in Royal Oak until she recently moved in with her daughter. Approximately 20 years ago, she was told by someone in Baltimore that she was not a Rosie. However, about seven years ago, she was told that indeed she is a Rosie and within the last four years, she has become very active with the other Rosies. She attends numerous events and even goes to Pearl Harbor every December to remember those who fell on Dec. 7, 1941. Klaput said that she has enjoyed all the different events that she has been able to attend since being officially dubbed a Rosie, but her favorite by far was going to Washington, D.C., last year and receiving the Con-
gressional Gold Medal. “It made me feel like I accomplished something. Before, it was just talk. Then I got a medal, so it feels like I accomplished something. I was worthwhile, is really what it was — I finally felt worthwhile.” “She is just full of energy, but she didn’t get any of this energy until the last couple of years,” Kelley said. “She didn’t have an active life, whereas now she has no fear to go up to someone and talk to them now. Whereas before she would have sat in the corner,” Kelley said. “So yeah, she has come out of her shell over the last five years because of Rosie the Riveter and being involved and the people who she’s met.” “I love Rosie,” Klaput said. However, Klaput said the biggest change she has seen in the last century is in people’s attitudes. “Their attitudes. People have changed. Back when we were growing up, people couldn’t do enough to help each other,” Klaput said. She said her secret to longevity is to just take one day at a time. She said her advice to the younger generation is to just follow your heart. “Follow your heart, and you’re not going to go wrong,” she said.
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C & G NEWSPAPERS OAKLAND COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
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Amazon from page 3A
making a delivery in Berkley, in what he believes was a test run. “It was pretty noisy, which is how we noticed it, but it was fast — it took maybe five minutes once we saw it to drop off its package, and then it was gone. It hovered for a moment and took off,” he said. “When you see how it cuts over the houses and it’s gone so quickly, you can see the efficiency of not being on the roads making those deliveries.” After the event in Hazel Park, he said he still has some concerns, such as whether the drones will work in all weather conditions, or whether they could violate people’s privacy. “If you want it delivered in your backyard, to avoid porch pirates, (the drone) might come in with the camera when you’re not expecting it, and you might be doing something where it invades your privacy,” Dalziel said. “So, I can see pluses and minuses. There might be some kinks for them to work out.” Hazel Park Mayor Mike Webb is also taking a wait-and-see approach. “For now, I’m reserving my judgment regarding the outcome of the future of this project,” Webb said. “As a parent and homeowner, I understand a lot of people are going to have apprehensive moments about anything new like this. We’ve been able to bring in new corporations (at the Tri-County Commerce Center), and Amazon is one of them. They’re a big employer in our town, and now they’re expanding. Hopefully it’s for the better, but time will tell.” According to Sharyn Ghacham, a representative for Amazon, customers will see whether a product is eligible for drone delivery upon checkout. Customers select and
n
Ca u o Y
FEEL R E T T E B
confirm a preferred delivery spot at their address, such as in a driveway or yard. Once it arrives, the drone descends to about 13 feet from the ground — low enough to safely deliver the item. It also scans the ground to make sure it’s clear of people, pets or cars before dropping the item. Prime Air delivers packages that weigh less than 5 pounds and fit within the drone’s delivery box, which measures 15-by-8-by-5 inches. Eligible items include household products, beauty products, office supplies, some electronics and more. The service promises delivery within 60 minutes of the order being placed. The shipping cost is $4.99 per drone delivery for Prime members and $9.99 per drone for non-Prime members. “You could wake up in the morning, realize you’re out of coffee, and if you don’t feel like leaving your house to run to the store, this drone comes to you and arrives in your backyard with the coffee like 20 minutes later,” Ghacham said. The drone itself has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and features advanced technology for detecting and avoiding obstacles. Ghacham also said that the drone is “quieter than a vacuum (cleaner) upon delivery,” faster than traditional delivery and that it helps reduce road congestion. Hazel Park City Councilman Luke Londo said he was originally against the drone delivery service. “I was inherently skeptical and leaning ‘no.’ I was worried about the noise concerns and weight concerns and frequency of packages being delivered and what kind of data aggregation was going on at any given moment,” Londo said. “I had many legitimate concerns, not only as a council member but as someone who lives in this city who will be impacted by these drones. I was curious how
it would affect my quality of life.” He said he is more positive about the program now, after he and his fellow council members Alissa Sullivan and Andrea Washington went on a fact-finding mission in September, visiting an Amazon drone facility near Phoenix. “They did an exemplary job not only dispelling my concerns but really conveying how well-researched and well thought out this is,” Londo said. “This is a program that Amazon has been thinking about for well over a decade. They’ve been very thoughtful and deliberate to make sure they’re minimizing the impact as much as possible.” Londo recalled how he raised the concern about being a frequent buyer who might ship items on a regular basis, and whether that would inconvenience homes along the flight path to his house. To his surprise, Amazon had already worked out this scenario, with a system in place for detecting what it calls “high-frequency buyers,” changing up routes between deliveries so that the drones don’t always fly
past the same homes. “I was also worried about the weight limit, but these packages don’t weigh much, and the drones can handle significantly more weight than what they’re carrying,” Londo said. “And when I asked who the clients would be, I was told what they’re seeing are people who only need the occasional small item, like a prescription or batteries — things they’d otherwise get in their car to drive to a hardware store or grocery store or pharmacy. It’s just saving a trip.” The councilman said he appreciated Amazon taking the time to speak to the community at its event. “I don’t want constituents to think this was a fast-paced aggressive campaign without concern for our residents in mind,” Londo said. “So, the fact (Amazon) is engaging in opportunities like this open house really shows they’re deeply invested in our community, making sure everyone is comfortable with what they’re doing.” At press time, a start date for the delivery service had not been finalized.
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Church from page 1A
come center and office space just inside the main entrance. Students from St Paul Lutheran Church accompanied the Rev. Jake Andrzejewski as he cut the ribbon and received a plaque from the Chamber of Commerce. The plaque commemorated the renovations to the church and its continued involvement in the community. “St. Paul has a divine and unique capacity to be the unchanging in a changing world,” Andrzejewski said. “These doors you’re going to be walking through are doors that generations and generations of families have walked into, where the same thing happens every Sunday.” Andrzejewski said that the ribbon-cutting ceremony was important to bring awareness to St. Paul Lutheran Church and the work it does in the community. “It tells the church and the school of our accomplishments within the ministry of Royal Oak, within the things that we do together as a family, church and school,” he said. “At the same time, it’s an invitation to everyone else. It’s an opportunity to tell everyone it’s an open-door policy for anyone who wants to join the congregation.” Christine Chubenko, chairwoman of the board of directors for the chamber, used to attend St. Paul Lutheran School in fourth and fifth grade and was a member of the church for a while. “It means a lot to see the church continue to be a mainstay of the community. They are a great service to our community,” she said. “They (the church) have been a member
Students sing for the chamber members at the ceremony. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
of the chamber for a while; the plaque was to commemorate their new section. ... They are a foundational piece of the community in general, so we gave them a plaque to commemorate their continued membership and the fact that they are updating and making their place a better place.” Chubenko said that when she was at St. Paul Lutheran School in fourth and fifth grade was when the church was building its current building. “I remember that to me, the old church looked so big,
and then I found out during the ribbon cutting that it only held 65 people. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I remember seeing tons of people,’ but no, in my little eyes, it was only 65, and then we moved to the big, beautiful church,” she said. “I remember looking straight up the brick wall along the back and just feeling how magnificent it was. To me, it was such an opulent and wonderful, warm, sacred feeling.” Andrzejewski joined St. Paul Lutheran Church in 2020 and said that being a part of such a historic church is a humbling yet exciting experience. “I was only here for three years when the church celebrated 150 years, and being new, but also feeling like I belonged here for so long, that’s the impact of this church,” he said. “It really is cool, especially in the pastoral position where I can vouch for the 17 pastors who have been there before me, and I can give excitement and honor to the pastors who will follow me. So, for me, it’s humbling in that way. I get to be a part of a history that long predates me, and I get to build a future that will long come after me.” Looking to the future, Andrzejewski hopes that the church continues to be a safe space for the community of Royal Oak. “I hope we can continue to be a staple to Royal Oak. I am hoping that now that we have 150 out of the way, we can still cater to the younger generations that are moving in truckloads to Royal Oak,” he said. “This is what we love to do; we love to teach and preach Jesus, and we love to bring families in and let them know they are a part of the bigger family of heaven for the next 150 years.” For more information on St. Paul Lutheran Church in Royal Oak, visit stpaulroyaloak.org.
0233-2544
C & G NEWSPAPERS OAKLAND COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
C & G NEWSPAPERS OAKLAND COUNTY SPECIAL EDITION • JANUARY 7, 2026
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ABOVE: Valspar’s color of the year, “warm eucalyptus,” is featured on the cabinets of this inviting kitchen area. Photo provided by Valspar
LEFT: “Silhouette,” Benjamin Moore’s 2026 color of the year, adorns the walls of this home.
Photo provided by Benjamin Moore 0083-2551
from page 6A
Behr officials said, is a dynamic blend of blue and green that creates environments that feel both grounded and energizing. “Now more than ever, there’s a growing appetite for colors that challenge convention and bring an unexpected sense of wonder to everyday spaces,” Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Co., said in a prepared statement. “Hidden Gem captures that spirit in both name and color — its depth and refinement meets the desire for colors that are eternally stunning and stylish.” The Sherwin-Williams 2026 color of the year, “universal khaki,” was selected by the company’s global “trendsight” team to be an ultra-usable hue, tailored for classic sophistication, according to Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Khaki is more than just a neutral — it’s a timeless, go-anywhere shade that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space,” Wadden said in a prepared statement. “With its warm, earthy undertones, Universal Khaki SW 6150 effortlessly complements a wide range of colors, creating a rich, inviting backdrop that can transform an entire design with quiet confidence.”
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Naturally restorative and serene, “warm eucalyptus” is Valspar’s 2026 color of the year. The green hue, according to the company’s website, reflects “a collective desire for calm, grounding design” that adapts to the ever-changing pace of life. “Warm Eucalyptus is more than just a beautiful shade of green, it’s a reflection of the comfort we crave in our homes,” Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar, said in a statement. “Its warm undertones create a grounded, welcoming mood while drawing inspiration from nature and the familiarity of retro design.” Kim said the color encourages “restoration and resilience.” Homeowners can easily add small pops of trending colors to their homes with decor they can swap in and out. Colleen Lipp, of Huron Carpet and Floor Covering in Wixom, said she often helps clients with home design. “For the last several years I have been encouraging clients to go mostly monochromatic and then to pick up pops of color in the artwork, pillows, throws and things like that,” Lipp said. Or for a bolder look, homeowners can add a new color with a feature wall, or go all in by color drenching all the walls in a room. Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
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