Courtesy Photo The Thunder Bay International Film Festival starts Wednesday in Rogers City, heads to Harrisville on Thursday, then continues Friday through Sunday in Alpena.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. “WinterView 2024” is on display now through March 1, featuring the artwork of over 25 artists, for show and sale. Classes are also offered, and can be viewed at artintheloft.org. Email director@artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877 for more information.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan presents its new “Discover Northeast Michigan History” exhibit. Two local artist exhibits are also currently on display: Pam O’Neil and Joe Donna. A meet-and-greet artist reception for O’Neil will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. A meet-and-greet artist reception for Donna will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 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 are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

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

∫ 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 hosts Early Connections, a recurring play and socialization program for children ages 0-5, and their caregivers, from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday. 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 989-356-3231 for info.

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

∫ Sewing Club meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Alpena County Library’s Makerspace. This club is open to all skill levels — newbie to expert, ages 10 and up. Bring your sewing machine, supplies (scissors, straight pins), and a 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 by calling Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.

∫ ALL will host the Life and Times of a Honeybee Colony — Save the Bees, Save the Planet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center. Explore the life and times of a honeybee colony, how they form, the life of the queen, the workers, the drones, and the “brood” and how and why they make honey. As an adjunct, learn a little about why bee colonies (not just honeybees) are critical to the sustainment of much of life as we now know it on our planet. Rocky Roland will lead this presentation about what is becoming a crucial and controversial topic. Roland is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, a former fighter pilot, and space systems expert. He is a voracious reader, an inveterate traveler, and a frequent ALL presenter on his travels and other esoteric topics.

∫ Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. 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.

∫ Art with Friends — Zendoodle Mindful Art will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St., Alpena. Guest instructor Vanessa Werle will guide participants in creating mindful art. This class is free, but pre-registration is required, as space is limited. Call 989-356-3231 to reserve your spot.

∫ Alpena County Library’s READ program is offering free adult literacy tutor training from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday in the Stillion Conference Room at the library, 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena. Tuesday’s topic is Basic Literacy 1, and Thursday’s topic is Basic Literacy 2. Training continues next Tuesday, Jan. 28 about ESL (English as a Second Language), and Thursday, Jan. 30 about GED (General Education Development). Sign up for tutor training by calling 989-356-6188, ext. 15, or by emailing readprogram@alpenalibrary.org. Light refreshments and materials will be provided.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL will host Photography Club from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center, and via Zoom.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 22

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 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, for all ages. 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. If you have questions about lab rules, call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL will hear from Huron Pines about Conservation in Northern Michigan from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday at M. Briggs Center. Huron Pines is a nonprofit organization with over 50 years of experience conserving and enhancing Northern Michigan’s natural resources to ensure healthy water, protected places, and vibrant communities. Presenter Amy Nowakowski is the Coastal Project Manager at Huron Pines.

∫ 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. Call 989-356-3231, or drop in. No pre-registration is required.

∫ Alpena County Library will host a free screening of the 2021 POV documentary “Mayor” at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

∫ 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 info, 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.

∫ Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is hosting the 13th annual Thunder Bay International Film Festival Wednesday through Sunday, featuring nearly 70 ocean and Great Lakes films from around the world. On Wednesday, TBIFF On the Road starts at 7 p.m. at the Rogers Theater in Rogers City. TBIFF On the Road continues at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Alcona County Library in Harrisville. Then on Friday, the Great Lakes Gala starts at 6 p.m. at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena. The film festival continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, with films, the Student Shorts Competition, and a filmmakers’ panel, followed by the Sanctuary Selections Film Competition at 6 p.m. Saturday. Films will continue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the GLMHC in Alpena. Tickets are $30 for the Friday Great Lakes Gala and $20 for the Saturday Sanctuary Selections Film Competition. Both events include films, appetizers, and a cash bar. All other film blocks are $10 each. A full five-day Thunder Pass can be purchased for $100 and includes access to all screening and reception events throughout the festival as well as unlimited popcorn and a souvenir movie poster. Visit ThunderBayFriends.org to view the schedule and film descriptions. Tickets can also be purchased at the site or at the Sanctuary Store inside the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.

Thursday, Jan. 23

∫ Community Walking Club meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the parking lot of the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Youth Services Department at 9:15 a.m. each Thursday for Weekly Storytime.

∫ 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.

∫ 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. Thursdays, with the Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Call 989-356-3585.

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

∫ Learn how to use Kanopy from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Alpena County Library. Kanopy is the best video streaming service for quality, thoughtful entertainment. Find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, and educational videos that inspire, enrich and entertain. Learn how to create an account, access the app, and use the service. Registration is required. To register, call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

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

∫ Needles and Threads group is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. 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.

∫ ALL is offering a tech workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. at M. Briggs Center. Bring any and all of your technology devices that are giving you headaches to this workshop. Alpena High School students of DECA Club will be on hand to help. Club advisor Amanda Pilarski also shares her knowledge and skills. This is one-on-one help that focuses on your situation and concerns.

∫ The Thunder Bay International Film Festival continues with TBIFF On the Road at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Alcona County Library in Harrisville.

∫ 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.

∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “It’s My Wedding, Dear Grandpa” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Directed by Scott Edgar, the comedy runs at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Adult tickets are $20. Tickets for college students with a valid ID are $15, and tickets for elementary through high school students are $10 each. For tickets, call ACT at 989-354-3624. Alpena Civic Theatre is located at 401 River St., Alpena.

Friday, Jan. 24

∫ Friday is the deadline for applications for ice sculptures for Alpena Ice Festival, to be held on Saturday, Feb. 15. Anyone interested in ordering an ice sculpture can contact the Thunder Bay Arts Council Office at 989-356-6678 or email office@thunderbayarts.org. Order forms are also available at thunderbayarts.org.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ The Hillman VFW Post 2356 hosts its Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday night, 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.

∫ Alpena County Library will host Tween/Teen Bad Art Night from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Teens and Tweens (ages 9 to 17) are invited to join the library for a night of bad art. Tools to create bad art will be provided. Whoever can make the ugliest art of all will win!

∫ The Thunder Bay International Film Festival continues on Friday with the Great Lakes Gala at 6 p.m. at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena. This event includes films, appetizers, and a cash bar. Visit ThunderBayFriends.org to view the detailed schedule and film descriptions. Tickets can also be purchased at the Sanctuary Store inside the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.

∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “It’s My Wedding, Dear Grandpa” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. “It’s My Wedding, Dear Grandpa” is full of comedic surprises that will keep audiences laughing. Directed by Scott Edgar, the comedy runs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Adult tickets are $20. Tickets for college students with a valid ID are $15, and tickets for elementary through high school students are $10 each. Call ACT at 989-354-3624. Alpena Civic Theatre is located at 401 River St., Alpena.

Saturday, Jan. 25

∫ 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. Visit the Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ The Thunder Bay International Film Festival continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, with films, the Student Shorts Competition, and a filmmakers’ panel, followed by the Sanctuary Selections Film Competition at 6 p.m. Saturday. Visit ThunderBayFriends.org to view the schedule and film descriptions.

∫ 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.

∫ Downtown Alpena is hosting its first-ever Cozy Crawl from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, featuring special promotions, warm drinks, hot cocoa sampling, and more. Wear your pajamas for special deals. Complete five activities from the Cozy Crawl activity card to be entered to win Downtown Dollars. For more information, visit downtownalpenami.com.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will host a meet-and-greet artist reception for local artist Pam O’Neil from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. O’Neil’s artwork is currently on display at the museum. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The Besser Museum is located at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Call the museum at 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Thunder Bay Area Firefighters Association Annual Meeting Banquet presents Vegas Night, starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the APlex. Tickets are $25, and include a meal. There will be a cash bar, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and live auction. The APlex is located at 701 Woodward Ave., Alpena.

∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “It’s My Wedding, Dear Grandpa” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Directed by Scott Edgar, the comedy runs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Adult tickets are $20. Tickets for college students with a valid ID are $15, and tickets for elementary through high school students are $10 each. Call ACT at 989-354-3624. Alpena Civic Theatre is located at 401 River St., Alpena.

Sunday, Jan. 26

∫ The Thunder Bay International Film Festival continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena. Visit ThunderBayFriends.org to view the detailed schedule and film descriptions. Tickets can also be purchased at the Sanctuary Store inside the Heritage Center.