By John Face

Photos by John Face

July 29, 2024

July 26, 2024

Press Release

Marshall Motorfest is coming August 3rd, 2024. Michigan Avenue will be closed, and the streets will be lined with the classics, hot rods, and exotics. Come hang out and have a good time, check out rides and then stay for the after party at Dark Horse Brewing Company – 80’s & 90’s Style!

By John Face

July 24, 2024

City Watch has received information regarding fundraising efforts for the Wade Family of Albion, Michigan. Galazio of Albion graciously offered their business to “Help out a great family,” said Sean Hare, co-owner of Galazio. CLICK HERE IF YOU WISH TO DONATE MONEY FOR THE WADE FAMILY or you can attend the event at Galaizo. On Thursday, August 1, friends and family will come together to raise money to offset the tremendous expenses Ben and Jenny have run into in order to get their daughter, Ann home after a medical emergency. Following is the most recent update from Ben Wade:

Update from the Wades

July 21st update – While we do not yet know for certain, it is hard for all of us to not have high hopes that this is our last weekend in France! Ann has a “clearance to fly” appointment this Thursday, July 25th – and as long as the x-ray continues to look good, we will know for certain when she can fly – it could potentially be as soon as Friday. That will be 40 days after she landed in France for her 10 day visit, and 33 days after Jenny and I rushed to board a plane to get to her (thinking it would be a few days). We are all a bit homesick, but grateful to have Ann healthy again and happy to see an end in sight.

Our gratitude for everyone who has contributed, messaged, helped at home, and supported us in Noisy le Roi and Bailly cannot be overstated. That our friends, family, and community organized this and came to us without needing to be asked makes it all the more meaningful. It has admittedly been a bit uncomfortable for us to be in such a position, but the costs have been significant, and we are not so humble to not accept the support and be eternally grateful. We are starting the process of seeking insurance reimbursements for some of the nearly $20k in medical costs that the hospital here required us to pay up front and in full, but the path is onerous and uncertain. Other costs such as travel (especially the return flights during the Olympics!), food, necessities, lost wages and inventory at our businesses, long term airport parking, international phone / communication, and a constant trickle of always accumulating little things that we never could have considered… well, we will just leave it at Thank You.

We are passing some of this time reuniting with people we have hosted in our home over the past 12 years or so of our involvement in Albion’s Sister City program. This experience has reminded us how impactful these relationships can be, and encourage anyone who has the opportunity to get involved to do so. We look forward to opening our doors and repaying some of the favor and care that we’ve received here in the near future!

Thanks again – and we will update everyone after Thursday!
Ben, Jenny, and Ann

Jenny Risner-Wade, Ann Wade, Ben Wade

Benefit Information

The Wades, a family with multi-generational roots in Albion, have poured their hearts into rebuilding our beloved town.  Their contributions, though often unnoticed, have significantly improved the quality of life in Albion.  Now, it’s our chance to show our gratitude.

5 Second Rule

You can attend this planned benefit, enjoy music, and grab dinner and drinks if you wish.  The event has some incredible items that are up for grabs, but, you have to enter. You don’t have to be present to win items, but you do have to stop by the day of the event to enter.

Who: 

Friends and Supporters of Ann, Jenny, and Ben Wade

What: 

A party to raise funds to offset emergency expenses

Where: 

Galazio of Albion 301 North Clinton Street, Albion, Michigan

When: 

Thursday, August 1st, 5:00 P.M. -10 P.M. Raffle table will be staffed from 4 PM until 9 PM

Dinner:

4:00 P.M. -9:00 P.M. Galazio kitchen and restaurant is open for business as normal

Band:

8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. – 5-Second Rule – Come and relax and listen to the music

Drawing: 9:00 P.M.

July 24, 2024

Press Release

Albion, MI: He’s 9 feet tall with rippling muscles and has been “hard at work” for 50 years in downtown Albion. And it was time to get this iconic downtown feature cleaned up. The Molder Statue, at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Superior Street, was professionally cleaned this summer to mark his golden anniversary. Funds for the restorative cleaning came from money raised from the 2019 “Restore Our Coke Sign Patronicity” campaign, headed by volunteer co-chairs Janet Domingo and Linda Kolmodin.

Domingo has been leading the Molder Statue restoration project. She has been working on revamping this small vest-pocket park across from the Albion post office. She researched professionals who could best clean the prominent downtown landmark as part of the restoration. “It’s not like you could take a volunteer group with scrub brushes and clean the statue,” Domingo said, “It took a professional who knew what process needed to be used to ensure that this downtown landmark wasn’t damaged,” Domingo stated that a special cleaning and waxing technique was employed. “It is amazing what details are now visible in the molder’s face and body,” she said. “The whole statue is now a different color, and it just gleams after 50 years of grime.”

This summer, Domingo arranged for professional restorer Tad McKillop to put his skills to work on cleaning and waxing the American Molder art piece. McKillop is a member of The American Institute of Conservation and is also a sculptor with a studio in Ann Arbor. McKillop studied figurative sculpture at the University of Michigan and earned a master’s in fine arts from the New York Academy of Art. The statue, which depicts a foundry worker pouring a ladle of molten metal, was designed by Edward Chesney and cast in 1974 by Frederick Petrucci. It is a copy of a 1922 statue designed by Frederick Hibbard.  

According to local lore, this statue was based on Albionite John Passmore, a long-time Albion Malleable Iron Company-employee. The inspiration supposedly came from a photograph of him, which appeared in a local newspaper. The American Molder is an “Occupational Monument” designed to be a tribute to the craftsmen and laborers of the Albion community. 

The sculptor was able to portray a non-racial appearance of the molder’s face in order to honor hardworking people of all races employed by the iron companies. Mary and Collins L. Carter presented the statue to the city as a tribute to the many foundry workers throughout the community. Collins Carter was a former president of the Malleable. The 1,700-pound sculpture was unveiled in a public 1975 ceremony. A plaque on the statue’s base contains a quote by James Russell Lowell that reads: “No man is born into the world whose work is not born with him. There is always work and tools to work with, for those who will, and blessed are the thorny hands of toil.”

The Restore Our Coke Sign fundraising campaign focused on three downtown art projects made possible through a Patronicity matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and generous local donations. The campaign successfully raised over $100,000 to restore the iconic Coca-Cola sign. In addition, the campaign funded the commission of a mural to honor the town’s historic foundry heritage and create a Tee-Ball statue and plaque for a garden plot.  

The Albion Community Foundation is the 501 (c) (3) for the funds raised. With additional money raised, holiday decorations for the downtown, including snowflakes, garland, Christmas tree lights, and a star, were purchased. In addition, a handicapped-accessible picnic table was installed in downtown Bournelis Park. The money raised will also provide a maintenance endowment at the Foundation to make sure the three original art projects are protected for the future.

Photo caption: Janet Domingo, co-chair of the Restore Our Coke Sign campaign, admires the American Molder statue’s recent cleaning. The cleaning was the initial phase of a future refurbishing downtown Molder Park. The professional restoration was the first time the iconic statue had been cleaned and waxed in the 50 years since the art piece was gifted to the city in honor of Albion’s foundry heritage. Monies raised from the 2019 fundraising campaign under the auspices of the Albion Community Foundation paid for the long-needed cleaning.

By John Face

July 13, 2024

City Watch has received the press release regarding fundraising efforts for the Wade Family of Albion, Michigan. Galazio of Albion graciously offered their business to “Help out a great family,” said Sean Hare, co-owner of Galazio. CLICK HERE IF YOU WISH TO DONATE MONEY FOR THE WADE FAMILY

Press Release

Hey all, this is Cliff Harris.  Karen Erlandson and I are organizing a benefit for Ann Wade and her parents, Ben Wade and Jenny Risner-Wade.  We have known Ann since she was a little girl, and it breaks our hearts to hear that she had to have serious emergency surgery in France while she was representing Albion on the sister-city trip. 

Because of this medical emergency, her parents had to go to her overnight, and you can imagine all the unexpected expenses and problems.  In addition, she can’t fly home until she heals, which may take weeks and add even more expense to the family. This is an urgent situation, and we need your help to support the Wades during this difficult time.

The Wades, a family with multi-generational roots in Albion, have poured their hearts into rebuilding our beloved town.  Their contributions, though often unnoticed, have significantly improved the quality of life in Albion.  Now, it’s our chance to show our gratitude.

We are raising money in several ways.  You can attend this planned benefit, enjoy music, and grab dinner if you wish.  We will also offer the ability to give money directly to the Wades.  Information on that is coming soon.  Here are the event details:

Who: 

Friends and Supporters of Ann, Jenny, and Ben Wade

What: 

A party to raise funds to offset emergency expenses

Where: 

Galazio of Albion 301 North Clinton Street, Albion, Michigan

When: 

Thursday, August 1st, 5:00 P.M. -10 P.M.

Dinner:

4:00 P.M. -9:00 P.M. Galazio kitchen and restaurant is open for business as normal

Band:

8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. – 5-Second Rule – Come and relax and listen to the music

Drawing: 9:00 P.M.

By John Face

July 8, 2024

Photos by John Face

I often walk at Albion, Michigan’s Riverside Cemetery. I have a hobby of reading headstones to learn about the people there and admire the unique headstones. This past weekend, as I visited my grandparents, John and Francis Bartell, I heard an odd noise and decided to check on the origin of the sound.

Jumping in my car, I made the short drive to the source. I found a gentleman along with his work truck with assorted tools all over the ground. It didn’t take me long to figure out what the noise was and what he was up to—he was engraving on a headstone.

I was like a kid at Christmas. I had never seen anyone doing this before and was really excited. I introduced myself and asked for some pictures, which he agreed to. We talked for a few minutes, and I discovered his name was Robert St. John from Homer Monuments. He was there, adding the year of death to a small headstone. He said it was a beautiful weather day, and wanted to get up and do this.

I told him what he does is an art and must be a declining field of expertise. He agreed, saying many don’t do this anymore. He enjoyed doing the job. With his tools all over the ground, I quickly exited to visit my Yorkey grandparents, only to hear the grinder whirling away from the front of the cemetery. The cool things we see at Riverside.

By John Face

Photos by John Face

June 30, 2024

We all have heard at one time or another, the old Albion complaint, “There’s nothing to do in Albion.” This past week is a perfect example of how wrong you are. The next time you say it, I hope someone tells you to check your mouth and attitude at the door.

What happened in the last week is why Albion is so fun. This author attended just a few events, and wow, I had fun and was so disappointed at how so many in Albion kept their butts at home instead of trying to support events. There were more events in town than what I attended, when we have such a large selection of free events, I, like many, am tired of the “Nothing to do in Albion” clan. The Art Under the Tower event was a great idea. I spoke with Mary Slater who organized it, she was happy and also wanted me to make sure that I share something for her. She was so thankful to the hard work of City of Albion employees for getting the park ready for her event. She appreciates their hard work.

It is time for you to get off your a$$ and join in the fun Albion offers. Following is a picture story of the few FREE events I attended just this past week:

Lunch at the Lloyd, Wednesday June 26

Art Under the Tower Friday Night and Saturday June 28 – 29

Red, White, Blue Cruise In – Friday June 28

Run Albion 5 K Race Series Friday June 28

Black Squirrel Bluegrass and Americana Music Festival Saturday June 29

Wednesday 6/26/24

Lunch at the Lloyd 12 noon – 1 PM

Enjoy FREE live music in the fresh air while enjoying your favorite lunch in downtown Albion Every Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM during the month of June 2024. Whether that lunch is a PB&J from home, a salad from the Foundry Bake House & Deli, or a snack from the Superior Street Mercantile. Come by foot, car, truck, or even Kayak to Lloyd Park in Downtown Albion.

The recently restored Lloyd Park in downtown Albion sits on the south side of Cass St, on the east side of the Cass Street Bridge, which overlooks the beautifully restored Coke Sign on the Kalamazoo River. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the free summer concert series brought to you by Swingin’ at the Shell and many great local sponsors.

Music by Steve Berkemeier

Location: Lloyd Park @ Cass Street and the Kalamazoo River. 

Wednesday 6/26/24

Albion Farmers Market – 4 PM – 7 PM

Wednesday, which means it is a Farmer’s Market Day! Join us for fresh produce, meat, sweet treats, bread, crafts, gift ideas, and more!

Location: Stoffer Plaza, behind the Bohm Theatre

Friday 6/28/24

Art Under the Tower – 3 PM – 8 PM

Join the Albion Arts Commission for an exciting arts and crafts fair under the water tower in Crowell Park. This two-day art fair will feature local artists and delicious food trucks. A wide range of mediums will be highlighted, including ceramics, photography, drawing, and more! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see (and buy) some of Albion’s greatest artwork.

Location: Crowell Park – Under the Albion Water Tower

Friday 6/28/24

Red, White, and Blue Cruise In – 4 PM – 8 PM

Car Show

Don’t miss the 24th Annual Red, White & Blue Cruise-In Car Show on the bricks (Superior Street) in downtown City of Albion, Michigan; 4-8 pm June 28, 2024.

Free registration in advance or day of the event. Pre-register at https://forms.gle/mBCUGniFrw48SE93A, or register the day of the event at our check-in station in front of the Marriott smack dab in the middle of town. Check-in and registration opens at 3 pm on the Friday of the event. Custom Dash plaques (magnets, really) to the first 100 registrants.

Music by DJ BigMoe with 50s and 60s music. He did a great job last year!

Lots of food options at our downtown Albion Restaurants.

Sponsored by the Albion Downtown Development Authority. For more info, call Staci at 704-287-9899 or email us at albioncruisein@gmail.com.

Location: Downtown Albion MI on the bricks

Friday 6/28/24

Run Albion 5K Race Series – 6 PM – 7:45 PM

Run Albion is about the past, present, and future revitalization of Albion. Races throughout the year will pass by the best features of Albion!

The 5K run/walk is open to strollers, cycling, and well-behaved leashed dogs.

Kids Fun Run begins before each race for all younger children. It’s FREE, and those who participate get a small medal.

The Series Races:
Run the Rock – Friday, April 26th, 2024.
History Hustle – Friday, June 28th, 2024.
Forks 5k – Friday, September 20th, 2024.

Check-in and On-Site Registration at the corner of Albion’s Homestead Savings Bank.
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Address: 415 S Superior St, Albion, MI 49224

Race Start: 6:30 PM

For more information or to register, go to:
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Albion/RunAlbionRunTheRock

Can’t make it? Go virtual by submitting your race time on our website

Location: Downtown Albion in front of Homestead Bank Superior and Ash Street

Saturday 6/29/24

Art Under the Tower – 10 AM – 3 PM

Join the Albion Arts Commission for an exciting arts and crafts fair under the water tower in Crowell Park. This two-day art fair will feature local artists and delicious food trucks.

A wide range of mediums will be highlighted, including ceramics, photography, drawing, and more! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see (and buy) some of Albion’s greatest artwork.

Location: Crowell Park – Under the Albion Water Tower

Saturday 6/29/24

Black Squirrel Bluegrass & Americana Music Festival – 12 Noon – 9 PM

Join us for a full day of Bluegrass and Americana Music on the historic bricks of downtown Albion! Featuring performers from across the country and within our great state, this will mark the 3rd year of this great event thanks to generous sponsorship from Decker Manufacturing, Northfield Mandolin, Team 1 Plastics, Depth Media, Dickerson Music Company, Albion College, The Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.

This year’s lineup includes Lansing-based Americana country artist Alex Teller, Boston- and Nashville-based Seselia, Marquette sensations The Make Believe Spurs (marking The Wallens’ third year!), rapidly rising Michigan bluegrass pickers Wilson Thicket, and our returning headliner from the mountains of Colorado—Chain Station!

See you downtown for some foot-stompin’ fun!
#albionmalleable #herestoalbion #keepingcraftinteresting #blacksquirrelbluegrassfestival #bluegrassmusic

Location: Superior Street, between Erie and Elm Street

Press Release

The Board of Directors of Homestead Savings Bank is pleased to announce Chad E. Rumsey as the next President/CEO effective July 1, 2024. Current President/CEO Scott E. Evans announced his pending retirement in February 2024.

Black Squirrel Bluegrass and Americana Music Festival on June 29th

Press Release June 18, 2024

Photos courtesy Albion Malleable and are from the 2023 Music Festival

Local sponsors help bring regional and national acts to downtown Albion

Albion, Michigan – 18Jun24 — Albion Malleable Brewing Company will host the third annual Black Squirrel Bluegrass and Americana Music Festival on June 29th . The event will include five bands on an outdoor stage, guests food vendors, frozen treats, a beer tent, and plenty of fun for everyone.

Musical Acts

The historic brick Superior Street will be closed between Erie and Elm Street beginning at 9am, with an outdoor stage located at the intersection of Superior and Ash.

Music starts at 12:30 pm with Lansing based “Alex Teller” kicking off the day with his rich cowboy country / Americana sound.

Teller will be followed by “Seselia”, an upcoming bluegrass group from Boston – currently based out of Nashville.

Local favorites The Make-Believe Spurs (aka The Wallens) make a much anticipated return from Marquette in the third spot this year.

The supporting slot bring Albion’s first performance by fast rising Michigan bluegrass pickers “Wilson Thicket”

Rocky Mountain musicians “Chain Station” will be returning from Denver to headline once again this year.

Food Vendors

In addition to great music and great beer and food from Albion Malleable, guest vendors including Mr. Reid’s Wonder Wagon (hot dogs), Rust Belt Ramen (curry), and Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop (frozen treats) will be serving up guests throughout the day.

Live Broadcast by WIN 98.5 – Raffle Tickets to 2024 Faster Horses July 19-21

As a special promotional event, radio station WIN 98.5 will broadcast live from the festival from 3-5pm. During their broadcast, they will be registering guests for a chance to win two tickets to the 2024 Faster Horses Music Festival (valued over $500). The drawing will be held at 5pm just before Wilson Thicket’s set, and tickets will be given away on the spot to a lucky winner!

Generous Sponsors

This fantastic event is free to the public due to generous sponsorship support.

Thanks to Decker Manufacturing as the headline sponsor

Northfield Mandolin as the support sponsor,

and additional support from Team 1 Plastics, Walk the Beat–Albion, Albion College, The Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce, Dickerson Music Company, and Depth Media.

Bring Your Chair

Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and sunscreen (limited additional seating will be available). Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted on Superior Street. Beer must be purchased at the beer tent and consumed within the designated area in front of Albion Malleable Brewing Company. No outside beer or alcohol is permitted at the festival.