The Importance of Education with Mae Ola Dunklin, Brick by Brick Podcast Guest

“I believe that if you are going into education you need to have that hands-on experience” Mae Ola Dunklin found her passion for education growing up in Louisiana. With a handful of factors impacting her passion, from a compassionate high school teacher to helping out in her younger sibling’s classroom, Dunklin loves to see the sparkle in a student’s eyes …

Superior Nutrition: New Owners, Same Great Shakes

 Meet Jami and Robert, the new owners of Superior Nutrition in downtown Albion! Superior Nutrition is a healthy twist to fast food, offering meal replacement shakes to keep you full throughout the day. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and great flavors too, the Superior Nutrition protein shakes are changing what a quick meal looks like in town. Although Superior …

The Albion District Library: A Community Space

The Albion District Library is growing with the events they are offering. I had the chance to chat with Andy Myers, the current Head of Public Services at the library, about his role and the excitement that he is bringing to the table. Originally from Jackson, Myers has always held a love for libraries. Although it took Myers a few …

A Love for the Albion Community with Amanda Cheladyn, Brick by Brick Podcast Guest

“I think the relationships that we’ve [Cheladyn’s family] developed here, meeting friends, knowing people around town, has been really great. I love being able to go somewhere and, there’s generally always someone we know there.” Amanda Cheladyn and her family moved to Albion a little over 10 years ago, to experience a small-town community filled with compassion and kindness. Since …

Get to Know the History of the Albion Branch NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a national civil rights organization established in 1909 “to ensure the political, educational, equality of minority group citizens of States and eliminate race prejudice”1 Operating at a community level, the Albion Branch of the NAACP has been working towards equity and justice within Albion since 1933. A defining achievement …

Having Fun at Work with Nick VanAcker, Brick by Brick Podcast Guest

“Any day I come into work, I get to play all day!” Nick VanAcker has plenty of excitement in his role as the Director of Outreach at Kids ‘N” Stuff Children’s Museum. Originally from Lansing, VanAcker’s passion for education and play started at a young age with his love for zoos, museums, and hands on-experiences. As he got older, VanAcker …

What You Should Know About the Invasive Mile-a-Minute Weed

As you are exploring the great outdoors this coming spring, be on the look out for the invasive species, mile-a-minute weed. Mile-a-minute weed (MAMW) is a fast-growing vine that smothers other vegetation and trees. It was first discovered in Michigan in 2020 at Albion College’s Whitehouse Nature Center Since then, MAMW has been found in thirty other locations within Calhoun …

A Closer Conversation with Jim Whitehouse, Brick by Brick Podcast Guest

“I came from small towns. Love small towns. Just love the fact that I can get on my bicycle and be in the country in about one minute.” -Jim Whitehouse You may know Jim Whitehouse from his articles in the Recorder, weekly Albion area newspaper, or maybe you know him because of his passion for Albion’s nature and outdoors as …

Brick by Brick S2 E7: Special Episode – New Year’s

Happy New Year Albion! In this special edition of the Brick by Brick Podcast, listen to a handful of community members and leaders share what they are hoping for Albion in 2024. Ranging from community togetherness and economic growth, people want to see Albion thrive! As we move forward as a community this year, what are you hoping for? Check …

S2 E5: Malena Solis

In this episode of the Brick by Brick Podcast, I spoke with Malena Solis, a current Albion College senior and Build Albion Fellow. Malena is studying Psychology and Sociology and concentrating in Business and Human Services. If that doesn’t sound like a lot, Malena also shares the involvements she has had during her time at Albion College including the golf …