SPOTLIGHT: Woven Into the Fabric

For engaged couple Dale Climer and Joei Burton, Allen Park isn’t merely an address, it’s their foundation.

Dale grew up on Ogden Street in southwest Detroit before moving to Warren.

“In 1996, my older brother, Tim Climer, and my mom and I moved to AP,” he said. “We lived on Park Avenue between Thomas and Oceana.”

Dale attended Arno Elementary, Allen Park Middle School, Allen Park High School, and Riley Alternative High School before moving out in 2009. Life, however, has a way of circling back.

Joei grew up in south Dearborn Heights near Southfield-Van Born and graduated Annapolis High School.

“Dale and I lived in Dearborn Heights from 2013 to 2021,” she said. “Then we moved to Allen Park for its family-friendly atmosphere, community pride and the schools.”

After learning carpentry and masonry, Dale transitioned into roofing, where he’s mastered the trade. He currently manages projects for Four Seasons Kanga Roof.

“Roofing sits at the intersection of physics and craftsmanship,” he explained. “Pitch, load paths, uplift resistance and snow load all determine if a roof survives a storm or not. And the most important yet overlooked detail in roofing is probably flashing, the waterproofing at joints and intersections.”

Joei works as a surgical dental assistant at Periodontic & Implantology Associates in Dearborn.

“Advanced periodontitis can dissolve so much bone that the teeth are barely anchored in place,” she said. “Bacteria beneath the gums triggers chronic inflammation that dissolves the bone and ligaments. I work at the best periodontal office, where we help patients achieve healthier gums and restore their smiles.”

At home, Dale and Joei are raising two daughters: Teagan (8) and Delanie (7).

“Delanie is taking level one karate at Allen Park Martial Arts Center, the same place Dale trained,” she said. “Teagan does tumbling at Downriver Gymnastics. Also, my best friend Sandy lives a few blocks away and our families regularly hang out together.”

The couple embraces everything Allen Park offers, such as the Lighted Christmas Parade, the Street Fair, and especially Cabrini Fest.

“It’s like a high school reunion every year,” Dale said. “All AP past and present shows up for it.”

They love local favorites like The Streatery, Wheat & Rye, Bella Pizza, The Glass Onion, Roosevelt Lanes, Champaign Park’s inline rink, and Critter pet store.

Dale fondly remembers the Allen Park dollar movie theater (1940-2019).

“My first date was there,” he said. “We saw ‘Titanic’ in ’97. I also miss Moro’s cherries jubilee and minestrone, VHS stores King Video and Blockbuster. Those memories are woven into the psychic fabric of being an Allen Parker.”

When not working, Dale enjoys boating, fishing, golfing, hockey, snowboarding, and PC gaming (especially Diablo and Borderlands). Joei makes vinyl decals with her Cricut machine, loves horror films and is collecting vintage teacups to hand-paint in gothic style.

Their favorite getaway? “A spontaneous dart-on-the-map trip to Beulah, Michigan,” she said. “The turquoise blue Crystal Lake won our hearts.”

For Dale and Joei, Allen Park offers something simple but increasingly rare: familiarity, safety, tradition, and great neighbors. It’s not just where they live, it’s where their next chapter is already being written.