The Blog

The heart of Albion, the historic downtown district is filled architectural charm and iconic landmarks. To preserve and enhance this unique character, the Albion Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently celebrated the successful completion of the 2023 Façade Grant projects. The program aimed to revitalize and maintain the city’s historic downtown by providing grants to deserving recipients for improvements to building …

The weekly community event of the Albion Farmer’s Market is an easily overlooked resource within our community. Albion Farmer’s Market is a great way to support local but also buy fresh produce to support healthy living. Not only is it convient that our Farmer’s Market is located right downtown in Stoffer Plaza, but it is also accessible to all with …

4-H Creative & Expressive Arts has been a great opportunity for students in the Albion community for over 25 years, but what effect has it had on the students? There is a great love from the leadership for the program, but how do the students feel? I had the opportunity to talk with some of the student leaders and participants …

Built between 1867 to 1868, a two-story gable front house was built by and became home to Albionite R. J. Frost, a local shoemaker and businessman. Fast-forward 156 years; the home now belongs to C. J. Frost, R. J.’s great-great-grandson who is restoring the home to its full glory. Although not an original Albionite himself, C. J. Frost is bringing …

For the love of the Bohm! Nearly 10 years ago the beloved historic Bohm Theatre in downtown Albion was restored to its original glory. Now, it is a place that does so much more than show weekly movies. The Bohm is a place that can take you back in time with the beautifully restored interior and exterior. Over the years, …

Have you ever wondered who cares for the beautiful flowers on the side of the roads in Albion? It may not be who you think it is. It is Citizens to Beautify Albion. Driven by the hard work of volunteers and members, President Juanita Solis-Kidder and Vice President Kay Knight gave some closer insights to the passionate organization. Started in …

At the Albion Community Foundation, there are dedicated funds created by donors that have advisors for the charitable actions that occur. During the second round of grants every year, the donor advised funds grant applied organizations. The established funds at the Foundation that granted applicants this past round include The Andersons Charitable Fund, MACI Youth Fund, Rotary Club of Albion …

  4-H Creative & Expressive Arts has been an opportunity for rising 6th to 12th graders for over 25 years in Albion, creating generations of youth impact. This program is an amazing opportunity for students to not only have an outlet to learn singing, dancing, and acting, but also acquire real life skills such as leadership, critical thinking, and communication. After …

In the second grant round of 2023 the James C. Kingsley Youth Fund, the Youth Advisory Committee Fund, and the Fund for Greater Albion at the Albion Community Foundation, all awarded funds. Each established fund at the Albion Community Foundation supports the Albion community in some way. The Kingsley Youth Fund is in honor of James C. Kingsley, the long …

Swingin’ at the Shell is approaching their 19th season of free summer concerts at Victory Park. With this, I talked with Stephanie Dobbins, Swingin’ at the Shell Board President, about the history of the organization and why she is passionate about its mission, as well as statements from other board members on the importance of Swingin’ at the Shell. Swingin’ …

Albion celebrated Juneteenth this past weekend on Saturday, June 17th. There was a parade from City Hall to Holland Park where Mayor Victoria Snyder read the Proclamation and festivities were held. There were words from community leaders including Councilwoman Lenn Reid and Representative Jim Haadsma, as well as prayers by Nathaniel Bogan. There were opportunities for education and health resources …

This year may be Homestead Savings Bank 134th anniversary, but they are also celebrating being members of the Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce in 1923 and 2023. When talking with the President and CEO of Homestead, Scott Evans expressed how the support of the Chamber of Commerce and the community has allowed for Homestead to thrive over the past 134 …

The French Market is a fun way to celebrate culture, connection, and community, right here in Albion on June 21st from 4 PM to 7 PM! Starting in 2012, the French Market is organized by the Sister City Committee in association with the Farmer’s Market. It’s an annual event that brings a French twist to the weekly Farmer’s Market. The …

The beloved bandshell in Victory Park is getting a much-needed facelift and upgrades. Due to the Christie and Tony de Nicola Family Gift to the Albion Community Foundation, the William and Karen Dobbins Family Foundation, and Caster Cares, the Victory Park bandshell is becoming more of a venue then just a structure, impacting everyone who uses the community space. Built …

South Michigan Food Bank South Michigan Food Bank (SMFB) received $10,000 from the Fund for Greater Albion for purchasing fresh food for Albion. SMFB’s Albion Fresh Food and Pantry Staples Distributions serve approximately 325 Albion households every month. This grant will help with the costs of produce and pantry staples for a year. As Lori Sunie, the Director of Development, …

The beginning of summer is fast approaching, and we have some updates from the City of Albion! McIntosh Splash Pad Opening Get the kids ready because the splash pad is opening Friday, May 26th at 12 PM, free and open to the public. The splash pad hours will continue seven days a week 10 AM to 8 PM through Tuesday, …

There is no doubt that this year has been a challenge for our community, our families, and our country. It is also true that we have come together as a community in so many ways to bring smiles to each other’s faces create that feeling of connectedness despite keeping our distance. The Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce, the Albion Downtown …

We are living through challenging times and while your health and safety are our number one priority we all still have the opportunity to support our local community. Many of our local businesses have made adjustments to abide by the State of Michigan mandate, encourage social distancing, and still serve our community. We wanted to gather all the information we …

Events like Run Albion are a great way to bring the community together. Both in the positive experience of giving to a good cause and of showing how much you care about the city you live or work in. But when the objective has higher goals, the impact is magnified. When community leaders play an active role in revitalization by …

Steve Gruber, an award-winning journalist and host of Michigan’s #1 syndicated morning radio show, recently came to Albion to interview local leaders about reclaiming their city. When Steve asks, “What would you say to other communities who want to follow your strategy?” One community leader puts it on the line: “Get in it for the long haul. Because there are …