News File Photo Ice sculptures are seen at Mich-e-ke-wis Park in Alpena during the 2024 Alpena Ice Festival. This year's festival is 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” 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. 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 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 through March — they are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Today, Feb. 11

∫ 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 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. 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.

∫ 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 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Alpena County Library’s Makerspace. This club is open to all skill levels, 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 by calling Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.

∫ ALL will host Coins and Antiques with Ken Roy from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center and via Zoom. Topics include the process of selling gold jewelry, what is “Spot,” what does “Premium” mean, buying and selling different forms of gold, silver — both coins and jewelry, and how the market can change on metals and antiques. If you wish to bring an item, he will be happy to appraise your item. Ken has been a resident of Alcona County for 30 years until recently when he moved to the Ossineke area. Ken has worked full-time for over 35 years in the antique business and 10-plus years as a coin dealer buying and selling gold, silver, coins, and jewelry. Until recently he operated Kenneth Roy Coins and Antiques Store in Harrisville for 26 years. In the spring of 2025, he will be opening a coin and antique store in Ossineke, next to the U.S. Post Office.

∫ 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.

∫ Friends Together will host Learn with Friends — Experience the Healing Power of Reiki from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 105 Prentiss St., Alpena. This program is free to attend, but registration is required by calling Friends Together at 989-356-3231. Join Friends Together for an enlightening and interactive session on Reiki (pronounced RAY-key), a gentle energy healing technique that promotes relaxation and well-being. Led by Reiki Master Practitioner Heike, this guided conversation will introduce you to the fundamentals of Reiki, including how it works, its benefits, and, in particular, how it can support cancer patients and survivors. Heike will share insights into what to expect during and after a Reiki session, helping to demystify this powerful yet subtle healing practice. In the second part of the session, Heike will offer a live Reiki demonstration, providing two volunteers with a mini Reiki session to showcase the experience firsthand.

∫ 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.

∫ All women and young women, junior high age and up, are warmly invited to join New Life Christian Fellowship from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday for their WOVEN (Women of Victory Experiencing Newness) meeting. The free event will be held at New Life, 317 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena, in the lower level of the church. The topic of this special evening will be God’s love. This event begins with a shared meal. For more information, contact the church office at 989-354-0095 or visit newlifealpena.org.

∫ 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, Feb. 12

∫ AARP TAX-AIDE offers free tax prep to senior citizens and also to low-income persons of any age. Membership is not required. Services are provided in Alpena by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. No walk-ins. 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 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! If you have questions, 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.

∫ Protect Your Property: Learn About Property Fraud Prevention will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Lincoln branch of Alcona County Library, 330 Traverse Bay Road, Lincoln. Join Melissa Cordes, Alcona County Register of Deeds, to discover what information is stored in the Register of Deeds office and how you can proactively guard against property fraud. Call 989-569-8177 to register.

∫ 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.

∫ Sanctuary Cinema is hosting a “Casablanca” movie night fundraiser for Alpena Childcare and Development Center on Wednesday. Tickets are $100 per person. Each ticket includes a special edition annual refillable popcorn bucket, a special edition movie screening of “Casablanca,” a glass of champagne, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a stroll down the red carpet for memorable photos. All proceeds benefit the ACDC capital campaign. The reception starts at 5 p.m., and the movie plays at 6:30 p.m. Only 95 tickets are available, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Contact ACDC at 989-354-3213 for tickets.

∫ Friends Together offers a cancer support group at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Alcona Elementary School, 181 N. Barlow Road, Lincoln. This group is for anyone facing cancer. You are welcome to bring a support person with you.

∫ 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, Feb. 13

∫ 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.

∫ ALL presents Behind the Scenes — Chocolatier at Work: Dipping Strawberries from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday at North Country Candy and Gifts, 1045 N. Bagley St., Alpena. Get a jump on Valentine’s Day with a stroll through the many sweets available at North Country Candy and Gifts. Chocolatier Jessica Brown will take you behind the scenes and share with you the secrets of dipping strawberries in chocolate. Attendance is limited to 15, so be sure to reserve your place early. Brown has been the owner of North Country Candy and gifts since January. She has been associated with North Country for four years. Moving to the Alpena area during the COVID-19 pandemic to care for a relative, North Country was one of the few places hiring. She learned to make fudge, chocolate, and the private recipe caramel corn that is popular with so many. She became part owner a year ago and is very happy that she and her husband became sole owners this year.

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

∫ Protect Your Property: Learn About Property Fraud Prevention will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Curtis Township branch, 4884 Bamfield Road, Glennie. Join Melissa Cordes, Alcona County Register of Deeds, to discover what information is stored in the Register of Deeds office and how you can proactively guard against property fraud. Call 989-735-2601 to register.

∫ 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.

∫ The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet on Thursday, themed “We Put the Star in Northeast Michigan.” Doors open at 5 p.m. at the APlex. The cost is $35 per person and includes a cash bar, social hour, appetizers, an awards program, raffle, and dessert. Reservations must be made in advance by contacting the chamber at info@alpenachamber.com or 989-354-4181.

∫ 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, Feb. 14

∫ HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

∫ AARP TAX-AIDE offers free tax prep to senior citizens and also to low-income persons of any age. Membership is not required. Services are provided in Alpena by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. No walk-ins. 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.

∫ 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.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will host a special History Lovers presentation with guest speaker, Tim Kent, at 7 p.m. on Friday. Local historian and avocational archaeologist Tim Kent will discuss how he assembled his extensive prehistoric and historic period collection, over the span of 53 years. He will also explain how he combined them with the Haltiner prehistoric collection of the Besser Museum to create many of the new displays in the “Discover Northeast Michigan History” exhibit. Kent twice received the State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan. He has authored numerous books about various aspects of the fur trade era, and each of them are considered the encyclopedia on that given subject. This program is presented in conjunction with the Association of Lifelong Learners. The public is welcome. Regular museum admission is $5 per adult, $3 per senior, and $3 per child.

Saturday, Feb. 15

∫ AARP TAX-AIDE offers free tax prep to senior citizens and also to low-income persons of any age. Membership is not required. Services are provided in Alpena by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. No walk-ins. AARP TAX-AIDE Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. To make an appointment, please call 989-278-8104.

∫ The fourth annual Alpena Ice Festival will feature a day of winter fun for all ages from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 15. Activities throughout the day will be held at Mich-e-ke-wis Park and in downtown Alpena. The event will feature about 70 ice sculptures, all made by Ice Creations, out of Napoleon, Ohio, which has supplied the sculptures each year for Ice Fest. The event begins at Mich-e-ke-wis Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the Alpena Farmers Market inside the warming shelter, ice sculptures, a huge bonfire by the Alpena Fire Department, food trucks, sledding, horse and wagon rides, and the Alpena Police Department vs. Alpena Fire Department broomball game from 1 to 2 p.m. Then, at 3 p.m., the Special Olympics Polar Plunge will be held in a large pool downtown at 2nd Avenue and Water Street this year. Registration starts at 2 p.m. at Red Brick Tap and Barrel. The event will feature a 50/50 raffle, with the winning ticket drawn after the plunge awards, following the last plunger. Activities will continue from 5 to 8 p.m. downtown. At 6:30 p.m., a special “fire and ice” sculpture will be lit on River Street near Red Brick Tap and Barrel. Additional Ice Fest activities include a fire and ice-themed workout from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Bay Urban, 106 River St., downtown Alpena, for a $5 drop-in fee for non-members and free to members. Ice Festival swag, including hoodies, hats, and shirts, will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alpena Farmers Market, which will also feature a free craft for children at 10:30 a.m. New this year is the Ice Fest Winter Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at All Saints Center of Charity, with a snow angels booth, penny snow hunt, hot cocoa booth, cookie decorating activity, face painting, and more. A snowman contest will start at 10 a.m. and be judged at 2 p.m., with a prize awarded at 2:15 p.m. Then the community is invited for lunch at 2:30 p.m. in the Center of Charity’s Friendship Room.

∫ 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.

∫ Agent Orange Riders will host their fourth annual Chili Cookoff on Saturday at VFW Post 2496 on Connon Street in Alpena. The event is open to the public. Registration for the competition will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a $10 entry fee. Chili judging will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., open to the public, for $10 per person. The event will include a multi-item raffle, two 50/50 drawings, and all the chili you can dare to eat. The VFW bar opens at noon. Proceeds from this event will go toward birth defects research for children of Agent Orange victims.

∫ 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.

Editor’s note: The Community Calendar will be continued on Wednesday’s Lifestyles page due to the number of events for the week exceeding available space.