Youths learn on walking history tour
See RECORD on 8VOL. 131 NO. 5 THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024 http://www.thebattlecreekshopper.comBATTLE CREEK
SHOPPER NEWS
Students from the R.I.S.E. Corp. Children' Defense Fund Freedom School were taken on a tour
Friday by retired school teacher and historian, Donna Rickman, to learn about local history.
Here, they get an up close look at the largest statue of famous abolitionist Sojourner Truth in
the country located in downtown Battle Creek. (Shopper News photo by Shelly Kehrle-Sulser) story
continued on page 2WILL KOWALSKI
Sports Editor/Asst. EditorKeeping his “chin
up” – powering
through, in a positive
manner, taxing situa-
tions despite tough cir-
cumstances – is some-
thing Charles Solano
said he has tried to do
his entire life.
And now, the
49-year-old owner of
the five Biggby Coffee
franchises in Battle
Creek said he is hop-
ing that his ability to
overcome a bevy of
physical and mental
obstacles a couple-plus
months ago will con-
tinue to set an example
to himself of what he’s
capable of doing when
he keeps his “chin up,”
as well as an example
to others who know
of or have read about
his accomplishments
that he came through
with at his Biggby
location at the corner
of Dickman Road and
Hill Brady Road in
Springfield.
An example, to him-
self and others, of achieving goals via perse-
verance during the most trying of times.
The 5-foot-7, 180-pound Solano’s “chin
up” achievements?
Through long hours of hard training and
reaching-deep-down mental fortitude, Solano
now owns a pair of Guinness Book of World
Records for doing chin-ups.
Solano – a 1993 graduate of PinconningBattle Creek’s Solano enjoying
Guinness world record glor
Charles Solano is
shown doing one of
his 5,017 chin-ups
that earned him a pair
of Guinness Book
of World Records
entries. (Shopper News
photo by Will Kowalski)Nation’s Top 10%
for Surgery!