∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is closed to the public now through mid-January for the installation of the new “Discover Northeast Michigan History” exhibit. The Besser Museum is located at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Call the museum at 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Thunder Bay Arts Gallery features more than 20 local artists’ work on display and for sale. TBA Gallery has switched to winter hours for January, February and March — they will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Today, Jan. 7

∫ ALL hosts Mexican Train Express Dominoes from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. each Tuesday at M. Briggs Center 143.

Alpena Peace Community invites you to a Peace Gathering featuring flute music from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church in Alpena.

∫ TOPS #1614 Alpena welcomes new members who are looking for support in their weight-loss journey. Meetings are held every Tuesday morning at the First Presbyterian Church at 1600 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena. Weigh-ins start at 9:45 a.m. and meetings start at 10:30 a.m. There is no obligation to join if you attend your first meeting. For more information, call 989-255-4787.

∫ Alpena County Library will host Early Connections, a recurring play and socialization program for children ages newborn to 5, and their caregivers. This group will meet from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday. Caregivers must remain with their child for the duration of the program. No registration necessary.

∫ Potential homeowners can find out the steps they need to take to get closer to homeownership from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday at the Habitat for Humanity offices at 2630 U.S.-23 South in Alpena.

∫ Every Tuesday, practice ukulele at 10 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of Alcona County Library, with ukuleles available for checkout, and players of all skill levels invited to join.

∫ Alpena Senior Citizens Center offers quilting at 10 a.m. and Spitzer at 12:30 p.m. each Tuesday.

∫ Good Grief is a grief support group at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for more information.

∫ The Alpena Lions Club hosts their weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays at First Presbyterian Church, Alpena. For more information, visit alpenalionsclub.com or the Alpena Lions Club on Facebook. For detailed membership information, call 989-464-5313.

∫ Sewing Club meets from 11 to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Alpena County Library’s Makerspace. No sewing experience? No problem! This club is open to all skill levels — newbie to expert, ages 10 and up. Bring your sewing machine, supplies (scissors, straight pins), and project to work on. Space and guidance will be provided. For those without a sewing machine, there are three machines on site for use. Registration is required for this class by calling Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.

∫ Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Explore projects ranging from Makey Makey, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, 3D Printing, Strawbees, littleBits, Snap Circuits, sewing and more. Let your curiosity take over and explore! Participants must be age 5 or older.

∫ Bay View Center hosts a diversity support meeting at 4 p.m. each Tuesday. This weekly meeting is for those in the LGBTQ community, their families, and supporters, at Bay View Center, 710 N. 2nd Ave. If you have questions, call 989-340-0955.

∫ A women’s cancer support group is offered from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m on Tuesdays at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena’s Cancer Center. All women with cancer are welcome. This is a safe, confidential, peer-to-peer support group.

∫ SkellaFit will host a free Pretty Deadly Self-Defense 101 Class from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7 in the Judith A. Stillion Conference Room at Alpena County Library. Registration is required at skellafit.com.

∫ Cub Scouts meet from 6 to 7 p.m., and Boy Scouts meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 727 S. 2nd Ave., Alpena.

∫ Karaoke Night is from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Black Sheep Pub in downtown Alpena.

Wednesday, Jan. 8

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 for details.

∫ Friends of the Library will have a used book store open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Wednesday on the third floor of the Alpena County Library. The public is welcome.

∫ Alpena Senior Citizens Center exercise is from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

∫ Guys Like Us is a Wednesday morning coffee crew of men who are coping with cancer, meeting at 10 a.m., in-person at Friends Together and via Zoom. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for the link.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday mornings for Open MakerLab.Makers of all ages can tinker, collaborate, and create a project of their choice in ACL’s lab. Staff help is available if needed. Participants ages 5 to 15 will need parental supervision at all times. A signed waiver is required prior to using the MakerLab. MakerLab rules apply in the lab at all times. If you have questions, call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ Alpena County Library will host Words and Music, a free lunchtime concert, from noon to 1 p.m. Songs are performed by Dr. Tom, and his commentary — said by some to be amusing — will, as always, fill the space. You are invited to bring your lunch (optional), a friend (optional), and an appetite for piano and fun.

∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Get help with your computer, phone, or tablet from ACL’s knowledgeable and patient staff, with one-hour, four times a week session with a technology specialist on a first-come, first-served basis.

∫ ALL offers pinochle from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at M. Briggs Center with Julie Byrnes.

∫ S.T.E.A.M., formerly called Homeschoolers at the Library, will meet at 1 p.m. each Wednesday at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ Circle of Hope is a women’s only cancer support group that meets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday at Friends Together. This is a supportive, understanding group of women of all ages, all backgrounds, and all cancers. Unite with others, no matter where you are on your cancer journey. You are not alone. For more information about Circle of Hope, call 989-356-3231, or drop in. No registration required.

∫ Don La Barre, historian for the Michigan History Center, will present a program on the Winyah, one of the most luxurious yachts ever to sail the Great Lakes. The free lecture will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Built in 1894 for Lucy Carnegie, wife of industrial magnate Thomas Carnegie, the Winyah was a symbol of Gilded Age opulence. Designed for both style and comfort, it epitomized the wealth and exclusivity of America’s industrial elite. La Barre will explore the yacht’s history, design, and legacy, including its construction and eventual arrival and ownership in Alpena. He’ll share stories of the prominent figures who sailed this vessel, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century maritime culture. This event, in partnership with the Alpena County Library, is perfect for history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the Gilded Age. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the intersection of luxury, engineering, and American ambition that made the Winyah a legendary vessel.

∫ Alpena Sportsmen’s Club is a nonprofit located at 4260 M-32 West in Alpena, open to members and non-members — everyone with an interest in shooting sports. Skeet and sporting clay shooting are offered from 5:45 p.m. until dark on Wednesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, text Joel Suszek at 989-255-4928 or Jeff Welch at 989-255-6068.

∫ Rich Rider hosts Open Mic Night from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Black Sheep Pub, 113 S. 2nd Ave., downtown Alpena.

Thursday, Jan. 9

∫ Community Walking Club for Everyone meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the parking lot of the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Call 989-724-6796 for more information.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Youth Services Department at 9:15 a.m. each Thursday for Weekly Storytime. Come for a few stories, then stay for an activity or craft! All ages are welcome.

∫ Mental Health First Aid (blended) will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 at Movement on Main, 2971 Kneeland St., Lewiston. In this blended course you will learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults. Complete the online pre-course at your own pace by Jan. 8 then join Partners in Prevention in-person on Jan. 9. This is a $170 value that provides a Mental Health First Aid certificate upon completion — all at no cost. There’s even a special promotion to area school staff and board members. For details, contact Partners in Prevention at programs@nemcpi.org or 989-356-2880.

∫ Join the Alpena County Girlfriends at 10 a.m. on Thursdays for coffee and conversation. This is a women-only group whose purpose is to make friends and socialize with women from Alpena County and the surrounding areas. Please contact Betty at 734-693-2869 for weekly location.

∫ Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan will host an open house and celebration of life of Jimmy Carter from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 15600 Caring St., Hillman. Welcome and fellowship, along with refreshments and light snacks, will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan Board President Max Lindsay and Executive Director Ted Fines will speak, and there will be a special tribute by Sandy Pearson, current board member and Habitat for Humanity of Michigan president emeritus. Self-guided walk throughs of the new Habitat build at 15600 Caring St. will be available, and attendees can sign exposed studs at the site with thoughts and prayers for the Carter family, or leave a blessing for the Habitat family. Attendees will also learn how to participate in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2025 Rural Rally.

∫ Join ALL for Spitzer from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center, led by Marilyn Klingshirn.

∫ Zoom Book Club is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Thursday, with the Alpena Senior Citizens Center. For more information, call 989-356-3585.

∫ Pinochle and bridge are held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Join ALL to hear about Mission to Uganda by Priscilla Homola from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 at M. Briggs Center at ACC. Homola will talk about her 10-day mission trip to Saya, Uganda, with Claudia Werner of the organization Building Up. She plans to show photos and touch on the highlights of the trip. Participants spent most of the week distributing gifts of dresses, hygiene packs, toys, and toothbrushes to village people who came to the Tsiyon Family Hospital for free clinics where they stayed. Toward the end of their stay, the group went on a two-day safari, and spent an afternoon with lions in a large nature preserve. Homola taught English for 33 years at ACC, retiring at the end of 2022. Although she has traveled and studied in many countries, she had never been to Africa, so this trip was a culmination of a lifelong dream.

∫ ALL will go Behind the Scenes with Alpena County Animal Control Officer Michelle Reid from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 at Fitzpatrick Lecture Hall on the campus of Alpena Community College. Join ALL for a presentation on the vital role of an animal control officer. Learn about their responsibilities in protecting public safety, enforcing animal-related laws, and ensuring the humane treatment of animals. This essential role safeguards both people and pets, addressing concerns such as stray animals and cases of neglect or abuse. Discover why this work is crucial for community well-being and the importance of promoting responsible pet ownership.

∫ Zoom meditation is at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, led by the Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Needles and Threads group is held from 2:30 to 4:30 pm every Thursday at the Grand Lake branch of Presque Isle District Library. Bring your latest knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, or other crafts. Call 989-734-2477, ext. 2 with questions. The library is located at 18132 Lake Esau Highway, Presque Isle.

∫ Alpena County Library will offer Air Dry Pottery for adults from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the library, 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena. Participants ages 18 and older will use air dry clay to build any pottery piece they wish. On Jan. 9, build, shape, and texturize your pottery. Then on Jan. 18, come in and paint your dried piece.

∫ The Alpena County Republican Party will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Alpena Community College Center Building Room 106.

∫ Thursday Eve Serenity Group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 351 Wilson St., Alpena. If a problem drinker has or is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help you. Meetings are anonymous and confidential. Call 989-354-5476.

Friday, Jan. 10

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 for details.

∫ Exercise is at 10 a.m. at Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Then at noon, Mahjong is played, and pinochle starts at 12:30 p.m.

∫ Presque Isle District Library’s Posen branch offers knitting and crocheting from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays. All levels are welcome. If you have questions, call 989-734-2477.

∫ ALL will hear a presentation and discussion on autism from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10 at M. Briggs Center at ACC. Sarah Card, clinical director of ABA Pathways Autism Center in Alpena, will give the presentation. Before moving to the area in 2023, Card was practicing pediatric physical therapist assistance and clinic director at Euro-Therapies as well as a college instructor for Baker College. Along with working in the autism field professionally, she is also the mom to an adult son living with autism.

∫ On Fridays, Storytime and Craft for Kids meets at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ ALL hosts contract bridge from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Fridays at M. Briggs Center. This is an ongoing group of card players who welcome any players at any time. This group is a teaching class but experienced players are also welcome.

∫ Alpena County Library will host DND Shorts for ages 12 to 18, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. Only six spots are available: Link to register at: bit.ly/3BrZir3. Start and finish a shorter Dungeons and Dragons campaign through one-shot, open to first-time DND players and those with campaign experience.

∫ The Hillman VFW Post 2356 hosts its Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m., with your choice of fish or shrimp, potato, coleslaw, roll, and drink. The fish fry is open to the public, and the cost is $12 for the fish dinner or $14 for the shrimp dinner.

∫ ALL hosts square dancing from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 or email all@alpenacc.edu. Come brush up on your mainstream and plus dancing. Fabulous caller Dave Boggs, of Desert Aire, Washington, will be reviewing mainstream calls and teaching and reviewing plus calls. No partner, no problem — Singles are very welcome.

Saturday, Jan. 11

∫ The Alpena Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mich-e-ke-wis Park, 1302 State Ave. in Alpena. For more information, visit the Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ Art in the Loft offers Kids in the Kitchen: Flurries of Fun, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., for ages 6 and older. The cost is $35 per student. Scholarships are available. Apply online at artintheloft.org. Kids in the Kitchen offers students colorful and creative hands-on culinary experiences, all while learning skills they can share with family and friends. In this session, students will make fresh fruit snowman smoothie bowls, then craft and create a variety of snowflake shapes to make yummy cinnamon and sugar chips to dip in their homemade fresh fruit salsa. Then they will make milk chocolate dipped bananas built to look like fun little penguins. Students will also enjoy a bonus project using a common kitchen seasoning and colorful watercolor to create unique designs inspired by snowfall, which will be a fun make-and-take item to wrap up another creative class in the culinary classroom.

∫ The Sunrise Side Co-op Market (indoor farmers market) is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, with 40 vendors represented weekly for your bakery, farm products, wellness items and high-end gift needs, located in the blue marina building at 401 E. Chisholm St., Alpena.

Sunday, Jan. 12

∫ The APlex and Alpena Beverage present Sunday Memories: Real Love, a tribute to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, on Sunday, Jan. 12. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., hors d’oeuvres will be served at 1 p.m., and the concert will start at 2 p.m. at the APlex, 701 Woodward Ave., Alpena. Tickets are $20, which includes hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available. Get tickets at aplex.org, at the APlex, or at the door.

∫ If a problem drinker is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help. Confidential and anonymous meetings are held from 2 to 3 p.m. every Sunday at St. Raphael Church in Mikado.

∫ Alpena Peace Community invites you to a Peace Gathering from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church, 119 W. Dunbar St., Alpena. The event will feature the musical talents of MaryAnn Hubbard and Judith Case on flute, accompanied by Kat Tomaszewski. In addition to inspiring flute music, peace meditations will be read aloud, with refreshments to follow. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. Non-perishable food donations to the Little Food Pantry at Grace Lutheran Church would be appreciated. For more information about APC, visit Alpena Peace Community on Facebook, or email alpenapeacecommunity@gmail.com.

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