Courtesy Photo Carole Cadarette plays her keyboard, “Miss Yamaha.” She will perform Right Time, Right Place, A Tribute Concert: Music Celebrating My Roots, with special guest Ted Rockwell, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is currently displaying the “Young Artist” exhibit, featuring more than 600 pieces of original artwork by local students of all ages, from nearly 30 area schools. The exhibit will be on display through April 26. ​​This Thursday at 5:30 p.m. is Art in the Loft’s annual donor appreciation event, Burgers and Beer, featuring a gourmet burger bar and craft brews. RSVP by clicking on the link at artintheloft.org. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Classes can be viewed online. Visit artintheloft.org, email director@artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan presents its new “Discover Northeast Michigan History” exhibit. The Northeast Michigan Artists’ Guild (NEMAG) invites the community to their annual exhibit at the Besser Museum from April 25 through July 30. “Anything Goes,” NEMAG’s topic for 2025, allows and encourages the artists to branch out and perhaps explore new subjects, mediums, designs, colors, style … therefore, “Anything Goes.” Information about NEMAG may be found under the Art Section of the Besser Museum website, by emailing northeastmichiganartistsguild@gmail.com, or calling Ellen at 989-916-5997 or Karen at 989-766-9945. 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 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Wendy Werth is the April Featured Artist at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery in downtown Alpena. Werth’s colorful artwork includes many painted gourds, such as giraffes and birds, as well as ornaments and paintings to hang on the wall. Thunder Bay Arts Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St., features more than 20 local artists’ work on display and for sale. TBA Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Today, April 22

∫ 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 newborn to age 5, and their caregivers from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday.

∫ Potential homeowners can find out the steps they need to take to get closer to homeownership. Stop by the Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan offices at 2630 U.S.-23 South in Alpena from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday for more information.

∫ 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. 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. No sewing experience? No problem! This club is open to all skill levels, 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, three machines are on site for use. Registration is required 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. 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. Call 989-340-0955.

∫ A women’s cancer support group meets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the lobby of the Alpena Cancer Center. This group 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 BSA 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, April 23

∫ 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. 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.

∫ ALL presents My Life as a Teacher Around the World, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday at M. Briggs Center. Did you know that educators in America can easily get a teaching job in almost any other country in the world? It’s true — no need to change what or how you teach, or learn a new language. Brian Puls discovered this shortly into his teaching career and worked overseas for the past 10 years. If you are curious to learn more, come hear about his experiences teaching in three countries and traveling to over 20 countries. Puls graduated from Hope College in 2010 and taught math and science for four years in Mebane, North Carolina. Having learned about teaching overseas from a colleague, he worked in Kuwait, Bangladesh, and Indonesia over the past 10 years. He spent his holidays motorcycling through jungles, tasting national beers, and relaxing on tropical beaches. He was addicted to the adventure and unpredictability of life abroad.

∫ 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. Homeschooled and alternatively schooled youth are invited to participate in a weekly S.T.E.A.M. activity, intended for school-aged youth who are able to read.

∫ 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.

∫ 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, no matter where you are on your journey. 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, April 26

∫ Community Walking Club 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.

∫ Join Alpena County Library from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. on Thursday for a tour of the library’s historical archives: the George R. & Edith Angell Cook Special Collections, where we delve into local, maritime, and family history. Get a sneak peak at a few of our rare and most interesting documents. No registration required.

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

∫ Join Harrisville Yoga instructor Liz McNicholas for Stretch and Strengthen, a free series of yoga classes, open to all, at 1 p.m. every Thursday at the Alcona County Library in Harrisville.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL will hold an AHS Tech Workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center. Bring any and all of your technology devices that are giving you headaches to this workshop, and bring your questions, too. The Alpena High Sschool students of DECA Club are here 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 students participate in various state wide competitions in the spring. If you find their skills helpful and valuable, any donation to help offset the expense of these competitions would be appreciated.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday to hear the story of Emmett Till. The story of Emmett Till was silenced for over 50 years after his brutal murder on Aug. 2, 1955. Discover the untold history of the injustice that followed the 14-year-old Emmett’s trip to buy candy at Bryant’s Grocery in Money, Mississippi, where he whistled at the white store clerk. In this presentation, retired Portage Public School history teacher Jim Herm will share his research into the post-Civil War South, the legacy of Emmett Till, and the start of the Civil Rights movement.

∫ This Thursday at 5:30 p.m. is Art in the Loft’s annual donor appreciation event, Burgers and Beer, featuring a gourmet burger bar and craft brews. RSVP by clicking on the link at artintheloft.org.

∫ Options Pregnancy Center will host Beacon of Hope, a fundraising gala, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at All Saints Parish Hall, 817 Sable St., Alpena. The semi-formal event will include dinner, a dessert auction, networking, and live music. OPC Executive Director Tammie Nemeth will share information about the clinic. Event proceeds provide free educational services and resources to expecting parents.

∫ 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, April 25

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

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

∫ 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.

∫ 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 plus calls.

∫ Bruce Lynn, executive director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Historical Society, will tell the story of the museum’s latest shipwreck discovery, Western Reserve, in a free lecture at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. After 132 years, the final resting place of this 300-foot steel steamer has been discovered roughly 60 miles northwest of Whitefish Point in Lake Superior. As one of the first all-steel vessels on the Great Lakes, this recently found shipwreck has a fascinating story behind it. Learn about the ship’s construction, career on the lakes, and tragic sinking. Lynn will combine historical information and records about the ship with the account of the sole survivor to tell this harrowing story. The ship was initially discovered in late summer of 2024, and the announcement of the wreck just released worldwide last month.

∫ PIF Cider will host a Lip Sync Business Staff Competition Fundraiser for Hope Shores Alliance from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday at 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. The suggested donation is $20 per person, with all funds going to Hope Shores Alliance, a community supported organization dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic and sexual violence through education, resources, and support services.

∫ Thunder Bay Arts Council is honored to announce the upcoming concert, Broadway to the Met, featuring Soprano Alice McAllister Tillman. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 25 at the Beck Auditorium, Alpena High School, 3303 S. 3rd Ave. The concert is open to the public and free of charge, made possible with financial support from Besser Foundation and TBAC members and patrons. Tillman is a versatile artist whose experiences have taken her to concert halls and recital stages throughout North America. Her voice has been described as “exquisite,” “mesmerizing,” “magnificent,” “brilliant,” and “beautiful.”

Saturday, April 26

∫ 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 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, in the blue marina building at 401 E. Chisholm St., Alpena.

∫ The community is invited to a special afternoon of music and memories at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Church in Alpena, celebrating the musical talents of Carole Cadarette, with special guest Ted Rockwell. The concert, titled Right Time, Right Place, A Tribute Concert: Music Celebrating My Roots, is a free gift to the community. Cadarette, a beloved member of Trinity since 1942, will showcase her signature range and expressive style singing and playing her Yamaha keyboard, which she calls “Miss Yamaha,” dedicating her selections to those who have influenced her rich musical journey. The talented Ted Rockwell will bring the historic Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ to life.

∫ Join Miss Sunrise Side, Mary Kamara-Hegemeyer, for a special storytime at 11 a.m. at Alpena County Library, followed by a fun craft. This family-friendly event is free.

∫ Dance Through the Decades — For a Great Cause! Get ready to tap your toes and sing along as we take a joyful trip through the hits of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Join instructor Jan Klein for a fun seated dance class set to the music we all know and love. This upbeat session is designed for all abilities — everyone is welcome to move, groove, and enjoy. This program will be held at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library, 312 W. Main St. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to support the animals at Alcona Humane Society. Requested items include Purina Kitten or Cat Chow, disinfecting bleach, soft dog treats or pig ears, trash bags, or gift cards. Come dance for a great cause.

∫ At 1 p.m. on Saturday, Alcona County Library is hosting a Low-Maintenance Container Garden Workshop at the Harrisville branch. Discover how to create a low-maintenance container garden at a free workshop presented by Spruce Field of Dreams. Learn tips and techniques for easy-care gardening, perfect for porches, patios, or small spaces. All participants will receive free lettuce seeds to help get their gardens growing. Registration is required by calling 989-724-6796 to reserve your spot.

∫ Alpena County Library will host a Teen Karaoke Party from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, for ages 12 to 18. Love to sing? Come sing your favorite songs with friends!

∫ Grace Episcopal Church is hosting a chicken dinner from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Long Rapids Hall on M-65 North. The menu includes grilled chicken, sauerkraut and kielbasa, real mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, baked beans, corn, cole slaw, relish tray, fresh rolls, and homemade pies and desserts. The cost is $15 per person, and $8 per child ages 10 and younger. Takeout meals will be available. The public is welcome.

∫ The Sunset Project presents the fourth annual Brighter Horizons Fundraising Event, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at The Depot on Fletcher Street. This year’s event will feature live music, incredible food, an open bar, a ticketed raffle, and much more. In addition, The Sunset Project staff will present their annual year-in-review keynote, highlighting the incredible work accomplished throughout their most recent fiscal year. Tickets are $75 per person. For questions regarding the event, ticketing, or available sponsorship opportunities, email info@thesunsetproject.org.

Sunday, April 27

∫ 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.