The Blog

The Vision and Beginning  The vision for the Father & Son Picnic, a cherished annual Albion event, began in the late 90s when Greg Gant gained inspiration from National Father-Daughter Work Day and his work at STARR Commonwealth. Working at STARR’s youth home, Gant saw a pressing need to bridge the gap in role models and mentors for young boys. …

Get ready to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Albion, the weekend of June 28th and 29th. Whether you’re an art buff, a car enthusiast, or simply seeking a weekend filled with fun, Albion has you covered. Join us as we embark on a journey through this vibrant community, where every corner holds the promise of adventure and discovery. …

For students who haven’t found that thing that lights them up, robotics can be that. Caroline Hurteau, is involved in various local initiatives in Albion, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Albion. One of Hurteau’s biggest engagements is with INNOVATE Albion, a local STEM education hub. As the Executive Director, Hurteau has played a crucial role in promoting …

Get ready to laugh with the latest production of ACT II Community Theatre, Dear Camp. This play explores the journey of Hildy, a recently widowed woman, preparing to sell her husband’s hunting camp. With the help of some friends, the story takes us on a journey of memories, mysteries, and joy mixed with a full liquor cabinet. I had the …

Albion holds a rich history beyond our work ethic in the factories and passion for the river. Among our many stories is the telling of Mother’s Day, a tradition that resonates with love and gratitude, deeply rooted in the fabric of Albion’s community. The journey of Mother’s Day in Albion traces back to the early 20th century when Juliet Calhoun …

In the realm of education, Peg Turner is a leader of advocacy and wisdom. As a retired educator from Albion Public Schools, her dedication has left an indelible mark on the community. Turner educated Albion area students for over 40 years and implemented one of the most impactful mentorship programs in the school system. Recently, Turner has voiced her opinion …

Are you looking for summer activities, workshops, or events? Do you enjoy creating, relaxing, or eating? EBMY Farm just outside of the city is offering some fun activities this summer from ceramic hand building, flower arranging, and brunches. After my conversation with owner and artist, Paige Young, I gained some insights to the excitement happening this summer and where her …

Maddie Davis is filling the gaps in media with her new children’s book May’s Big Day. Maddie is a current senior at Albion College finishing up her capstone project, a children’s book about a young Autistic girl navigating the Festival of the Forks in Albion, Michigan. While completing her service work as a Build Albion Fellow, Maddie had the opportunity …

Meet Tommie Fagan and Steve Sinden, co-owners of the latest thing to do in Albion, axe throwing! Fagan lives just outside of Albion and his main work is at DTE Energy. Sinden lives in Concord, running his own business, Northwoods Plumbing. Inspired by a conversation at his son’s graduation party, Fagan was motivated to pursue opening his own business. Knowing …

It’s all about passion and curiosity. – C.J. & Stacy Frost The idea of historic restoration may seem overwhelming. You may think, where do you start? How do you do it? How is restoration different than construction? In episode 13 of the Brick by Brick Podcast, I had the chance to speak with C.J. and Stacy Frost from Frost Historic …

Although National Reading Month will be soon be coming to a close, there are still plenty of ways to continue to enjoy reading in the Albion community. There is still time to explore Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum’s traveling exhibit Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites™. Travel through the interactive exhibits with your little ones as they immerse themselves fan …

“Music is the great connector.” Although Ramona Kidder is not originally from Albion, she has created a long-lasting impact on the Albion community as the Co-Owner of Dickerson Music Company, Festival of the Forks Committee Chair-Person, Walk the Beat Board Member, and assisting with Fête de la Musique. Clearly with all her involvements in the community, Kidder holds music close …

“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 …

 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 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 …

“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 …

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 …

“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 …

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 …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

Who is looking to fill stockings or find the perfect gift for their beauty? TNT Beauty Supply is the stop for you! Fully stocked with bows, hair ties, and clips that would be great for stockings, as well as accessories, combs, brushes, and all things hair. Going to a holiday party and need that extra sparkle? TNT Beauty Supply might …

Who’s been thinking Albion? I know we have! This Love Local highlight is for all things Albion. Pure Albion, located at 410 S. Superior Street, has a wide range of Albion gear to choose from. Whether you are a local looking to represent your hometown spirit or an Albion College student, parent, or alum showing off your college pride, Pure …

As the year is wrapping up, the Albion Community Foundation has a few more exciting grantee announcements from the final grant round of 2023. Healthy Youth/Healthy Seniors Fund The Healthy Youth/Healthy Seniors Fund was established to support programs that promote the health and wellbeing of youth and seniors. There were two recipients this past grant round including the Harrington Helpers …