The Blog

“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 …

Chocolate anyone? When looking for your sweet treat this holiday season, consider Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop. With handcrafted, made in-house artisan chocolate, Yellow Bird is sure to having something you love. From white chocolate to dark, bars, beans, fun creations, chocolate is all around. Perfect stocking stuffers or arrangements for that special someone. Yellow Bird also has hot chocolate to …

Willie Tabb was born and raised in Albion. He graduated from Albion Public Schools in the late 60s playing three sports. In this podcast episode, Mr. Tabb discusses the impacts of growing up in Albion and how much passion he still holds for this community. He shares his career path, and long list of work experiences. Mr. Tabb is now …

Riverside Gifts & Treasures is a treasure trove for anything and everything. With over 30 vendors each selling something a bit different, you are sure to find something special this holiday season. From decorations to gift ideas, Riverside Gifts & Treasure is stocked. Looking for a gift for you children? Check out the toys! The book lover? Tons of used …

Superior Arts is hosting a holiday pop-up art gallery and sale at 302 South Superior Street. You may be wondering what is so special about Superior Arts? Why should you go visit? Well, Superior Arts is a project through the Arts Commission in the City of Albion. It is a chance to highlight local artists and work through a variety …

The Albion Community Foundation is excited to announce the last grantees of 2023. With an array of focuses and organizations, this final grant round for 2023 was an exciting one. Fund for Greater Albion The Fund for Greater Albion awarded three grantees including ACT II Community Theatre the City of Albion, and Albion Health Care Alliance. ACT II Community Theatre …

The Ryan Club is a locally own cigar lounge offering an array of high-end tobacco products. You go to The Ryan Club for a great cigar, you stay for the amazing atmosphere. With a sophisticated and welcoming space, the Ryan Club staff is a great help when looking for recommendations or gifts. Whether you are looking for a gift for …

Albion Downtown Development Authority Encourages Businesses to Enhance Historic Charm The Albion Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to  continue to offer its Façade Grant program designed to support eligible businesses and organizations within the downtown district. With the 2023 deadline set for December 1, local businesses are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to preserve and enhance the …

Stirling Books & Brew is more than a local bookstore. It is a place for personalized shopping experiences with a new and used books, a place for warm drinks from the café, and a fun environment filled with weekly events. This holiday season, check out Stirling Books & Brew for new and used books. Whether you are shopping for youth …

Get excited Albion as Arts Midwest is bringing the samba swing of Brazil to Albion as part of Arts Midwest World Fest. During a weeklong residency in town, Paulo Padilha and his band will offer workshops in local schools and other community locations, and will perform live in concert at the Bohm Theatre, November 18th at 3PM. Catch the rhythm …

Dickerson Music Company has been in business since 1955, providing a full-service music store right here in Albion. Dickerson’s offers new and used instruments as well as repairs. They have a large selection of music related products and even offer music lessons. Dickerson Music is a great stop for your holiday shopping as Ramona and Kelly are sure to give …

We have some truly amazing businesses in Albion, from a music store to gift shops and artisans. Along with some great restaurant options. It can be easy to look past some of these places in town. So, I will be doing a Love Local: Holiday Edition, in efforts to help you know just a glimpse of what Albion has to …

Steve Ferency is the current Media Outreach Specialist at Caster Concepts, Video Producer, Photographer, and YouTube Specialist at Brick Street Marketing. In this podcast he shares his how he come to Albion through connections to Ramona Kidder at Dickerson Music, and the starting of Kelly’s Corner. Ferency goes on to share the media and production lifestyle he lived for a …