Courtesy Photo Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will host a meet-and-greet artist reception for local artist Joe Donna from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

∫ 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 online. Visit 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 currently on display: Pam O’Neil and Joe Donna. 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. 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 are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Tuesday, Jan. 28

∫ ALL hosts Mexican Train Express Dominoes from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. each Tuesday at M. Briggs Center 143. Ready for a fun, addictive and fast-moving game that has lots of surprising twists and turns? Join ALL for Mexican Train Express. This dominoes game does not have partners and can be played with two, three, four, five or more players. You will learn some tricks and techniques, and you may join this class any time during the year.

∫ 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 0-5, and their caregivers. This group will meet from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday. This program is free and open to all caregivers with children between the ages of 0 and 5. 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.

∫ Deep Breath Yoga is offered from noon to 1 p.m. every other Tuesday at Lady of the Lake Yoga, 633 W. Campbell St., Alpena. This gentle yoga class is for women who have faced cancer, past or present. Traci Boyle will lead this class in her yoga studio located on the second floor above Olde Mill Coffee in the Alpena Flour Mill building. To register or for more information, call Friends Together at 989-356-3231.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL presents a program about Region 9 Area Agency on Aging from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center. Have you ever wondered what an Area Agency on Aging is? Come learn about the Region 9 Area Agency on Aging. Learn about its history, community partnerships, and the array of programming it provides to the community. Laurie Sauer is the director of the Region 9 Area Agency on Aging, a division of Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency. She has 28 years of experience in developing and providing support and services to older adults across a 12-county region of Northeast Michigan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Central Michigan University.

∫ Alpena County Library will host Musical Bingo from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Seniors and retro music lovers, get ready to shout “BINGO!” by recognizing your favorite songs. Prizes will be nostalgia candy.

∫ Sewing Club meets from 1:30 to 3 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. Tinker Tuesday is about getting together and exploring 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.

∫ 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 ESL (English as a Second Language), and Thursday’s topic is GED (General Education Development). Sign up for tutor training by calling 989-356-6188, ext. 15, or by emailing readprogram@alpenalibrary.org. New tutors can be trained in all subjects or be selective of which subject they will teach. Light refreshments and materials will be provided.

∫ A women’s cancer support group meets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays inside the Alpena Cancer Center. Your Safe Space welcomes women with a past or present cancer diagnosis. 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.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 29

∫ AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax prep to anyone who can’t afford a paid preparer — especially if you are 50 or older. Services are offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday by appointment only. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS certified every year. To make an appointment, or if you have questions, please call 989-278-8104.

∫ 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 our 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. If you have questions about lab rules, call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ The Northeast Michigan Artists Guild (NEMAG) will hold its monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan. If Alpena Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the meeting will automatically be cancelled. For further information, please call 989-916-5997.

∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Do you have a gadget that you need a little help with, or a technology question that you need answered? Get help with your computer, phone, or tablet from ACL’s knowledgeable and patient staff, offering a one-hour, four times a week session with our Technology Specialist on a first-come, first-serve 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, call 989-356-3231, or drop in. No pre-registration is required.

∫ 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.

∫ PIF Cider presents Vinyl Night with Mike Furtaw, A.K.A. “The Gary,” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the taproom, 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena.

∫ Friends Together offers a cancer support group at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Alcona Elementary School, 181 N. Barlow Road, Lincoln, for anyone facing cancer, no matter where you are on your journey. Feel free to bring a support person with you.

∫ The regular monthly meeting of the Marine Corps League Alpena Detachment 1327 will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the VFW on Connon Street in Alpena.

∫ 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. 30

∫ 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.

∫ 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. 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.

∫ ALL will host a presentation about Gut Health and Magnesium: What you need to know about magnesium supplements, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center. Kristine Spicer is a pharmacist and owner of LeFave Pharmacy in Alpena. She has been a pharmacist for the past 20 years at LeFave, and specializes in the more functional side of medicine, helping patients get to the root cause of their conditions to maximize their health, and their quality of life. She takes a special interest in women’s health, nutrition, supplements, and special compounding. She is married with two very busy children, and in her free time, she likes to read, garden, and travel.

∫ Zoom meditation is at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, led by the Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Call 989-356-3585 for more information.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax prep to anyone who can’t afford a paid preparer — especially if you are 50 or older. Services are offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday by appointment only. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS certified every year. To make an appointment, or if you have questions, please call 989-278-8104.

Friday, Jan. 31

∫ MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena Volunteers will host a used book sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday in the lobby of the hospital, 1501 W. Chisholm St., Alpena.

∫ Alpena County Library will be closed on Friday for a staff in-service day. The library will reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

∫ 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. 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.

∫ 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.

∫ Grace Episcopal Church will host a soup and sandwich dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday at the church, 13488 Long Rapids Road, Lachine. This dinner is open to the public and will feature homemade soups and sandwiches, and assorted pies and desserts. The cost is by donation. Grace Episcopal Church would like to thank everyone for coming out to support their fundraiser dinners. In 2024, they donated $3,500 to local charities, thanks to the community’s generosity at their dinners.

∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners hosts square dancing from 4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays. 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!

∫ Heroes of Barcadia game night will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at PIF Cider, 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. This two to six player tile-based, dungeon-crawling tabletop party game has a liquid twist: your character’s health is measured by the drink in your glass. You can play with hard cider or non-alcoholic drinks.

∫ Rich Rider’s Friday Night Showcase will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at The Black Sheep Pub, 113 S. 2nd Ave., Alpena. Come listen to Rich Rider and his featured guest, Brian Puls.

Saturday, Feb. 1

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will host a meet-and-greet artist reception for local artist Joe Donna from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Donna’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.

∫ AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax prep to anyone who can’t afford a paid preparer — especially if you are 50 or older. Services are offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday by appointment only. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS certified every year. To make an appointment, or if you have questions, please call 989-278-8104.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ St. Matthew Lutheran Church will host a Potato Pancake Dinner from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, featuring potato pancakes, sausage, homemade desserts, and beverages. The cost is $15 per adult, $5 per child ages 5 to 12, and free for children younger than age 5. This dinner is open to the public at 7109 Wolf Creek Road, Herron. If you have questions, call 989-727-2769.

∫ Knights of Columbus Council 529 will host a free throw competition for children ages 9 to 14, starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday at All Saints Catholic School. For more information, call Eric Ross at 989-884-4465.

Sunday, Feb. 2

∫ 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.

Monday, Feb. 3

∫ AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax prep to anyone who can’t afford a paid preparer — especially if you are 50 or older. Services are offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday by appointment only. To make an appointment, or if you have questions, please call 989-278-8104.