The Blog

The Brick by Brick Podcast first started four years ago with Emily Verbeke as the host. The intentions of the podcast were to better understand Albion’s past, present, and future through discussion with community leaders on different topics. Guests ranged from Mark Lelle and his involvement with the Albion Trails, to Jontaj Wallace’s experiences at Albion College as a Albionite …

Hi! I am Cassidy Porter, and I am the Community & Brand Ambassador at the Albion Community Foundation. This is a new position working towards improving the positive outlook and understanding of Albion. The role is a partnership between the Albion Community Foundation, Caster Cares, the City of Albion, and the Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau. I …

In one short week, the Festival of the Forks will be in full swing. The annual celebration in downtown Albion has been occurring since 1967. Named after the fork in the Kalamazoo River not a utensil, the festival is a celebration of the heritage and culture of the Albion community. The two-day event kicks off with the Cruise-In & Car …

As the school year has begun, countless extracurricular activities have started too. One opportunity we have in Albion is robotics through INNOVATE Albion. I had the opportunity to sit down with Caroline Hurteau, Executive Director at INNOVATE Albion, to discuss the build-up and work that really goes into FIRST robotics competitions. Although the official competition materials and preparation does not …

The Run Albion 5K races and series have been going on for numerous years. The organization has blossomed into an annual 5K series including the Run the Rock in the spring, the History Hustle in the summer, and the Forks 5K the Friday night of the Festival of the Forks in September. It ventures runners and walkers through the beautiful …

As they tried to beat the rain, American Legion Post 55 with the help the Albion Scout Troops 158B and 158G and Home Depot, successfully restored Barnes Park on Thursday August 17th and Tuesday August 22nd. A project two years in the making has come to fruition with replacing park benches, cleaning the riverbank, and trimming overgrown trees. This passion …

Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum has been an iconic and vibrant aspect to downtown Albion for almost 21 years. Personally, being one of the first kids in the community to truly experience Kids ‘N’ Stuff, the opportunity for hands-on play in Albion has always been an opportunity I’ve cherished. This past month, I had the opportunity to sit down with …

About one month ago, the local Scouts, Troop 158B and 158G, went on an amazing trip to West Virginia with the support of the Albion community. On July 21st, the Scouts took off with a mission of visiting the National Jamboree for a day. The Jamboree is a time for Scouts from across the nation to gather and experience the …

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 …