∫ The annual Season of Light, Community Trees, and Trees of Nations are on display now through Jan. 6 at Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, 491 Johnson St. in Alpena. For more information, call the museum at 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena, features 25 local artists’ work on display and for sale. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

∫ Dragonfly Art Gallery, 116 E. Main St. in Harrisville, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call 989-820-9614.

∫ Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library and the Alpena Downtown Development Authority present a micro-exhibit called “Lost Buildings of Downtown Alpena,” viewable through March 1 on the library’s first floor at 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena.The exhibit sheds light on the mid-20th century’s impact of the urban renewal movement in Downtown Alpena, which continues to influence our perception of the downtown area to this day. Learn about the buildings we have lost, the parks we gained, and the change in how Alpena viewed its central business district. For most of Alpena’s history, the city’s layout remained fairly consistent: a centralized commercial and social hub, an industrial waterfront, and residential areas surrounding it. That all changed after World War II when local and national governments sought to “improve” their communities in hopes of combating suburban sprawl and decentralization of stores and community centers. Such an attitude was in response to this new sense of pride that American communities felt as they ended WWII as a political and economic superpower. To usher America into a new, modern era, community leaders, local governments, and architects — with the support of federal funding programs that sought to “modernize” urban and rural centers alike — looked to their traditional city centers to lead the charge. For more information, contact the George R. Cook and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections Department at 989-356-6188, ext 17.

The Northern Michigan Exotic Animal Expo will be held Saturday at the APlex.

Today, Jan. 3

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

∫ 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.

∫ Bingo is at 12:45 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library for the fall session of Sewing Club, meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. This club is open to all skill levels, from newbie to expert, ages 10 and up. Bring your sewing machine, supplies, and project to work on. We will supply the space and guidance. For those without a sewing machine, there are three machines on site for use. Registration is required. To register, call Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.

∫ ALL offers a Second Square Dancing Class from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at M. Briggs Center. Come work on your square dance calls. This is an ad hoc event for the purpose of improving your Mainstream and Plus calls. There will be no caller, but experienced dancers will be there to help and fill in a square or half square. The intent is to repeat calls, so the muscle memory is there when you attend a dance.

∫ Women on Wednesday is a support group for women with cancer meeting in-person and via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Friends Together. Come for a dash of hope, some laughter, and real talk.

∫ Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program of recovery for those with compulsive eating behaviors, meets at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday at 3100 Piper Rd. Alpena, in the back room. For more information, contact Diane R. at 989-821-9601.

∫ Alpena Sportsman’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.

∫ Open Mic Night is from 6 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday at Patchwood Plaza in Hillman. For more information, call the Hillman Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-742-3739.

Thursday, Jan. 4

∫ 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 Girlfriends at JJ’s Steak and Pizza House 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.

∫ Join ALL for Spitzer from 10 to 11 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.

∫ 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.

∫ 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. 5

∫ Friday, Jan. 5 is Popcorn Friday! Head over to the Alcona County Library in Harrisville and savor the magic of a complimentary bag of movie-style buttered popcorn. Available only while supplies last!

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

∫ Auditions for Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday and from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Alpena Civic Theatre, with additional dates and times if needed. Those interested in auditioning are encouraged to prepare a short dramatic monologue, otherwise, one will be provided at the time of auditions. Eleven characters are to be cast with one dual casting. Descriptions are below; age and gender for some characters can be flexible. Show dates are March 7 through 10 and 14 through 17. Any questions regarding the auditions can be emailed to Director Jessica Luther at jaluther98@gmail.com. Copies of the script can be found at https://bit.ly/3RMDs5R. Characters include Rogers, the dignified butler; Mrs. Rogers, Ethel, a frail woman; Fred Narracott, a sailor living in Devon who makes deliveries to Soldier Island and transports passengers there (double cast with Marston); Vera Claythorne, a former governess who comes to Indian Island purportedly to serve as a secretary to Mrs. Owen; Philip Lombard, a mysterious, confident, and resourceful man who seems to have been a mercenary soldier in Africa, and is far bolder and more cunning than most of the other characters; Anthony Marston, a rich, athletic, handsome youth who likes to drive recklessly and seems to lack a conscience; William Blore, a former police inspector and a well-built man whose experience often inspires others to look to him for advice; General Mackenzie, the oldest guest, who is accused of sending a lieutenant, Arthur Richmond, to his death during World War I because Richmond was his wife’s lover; Emily Brent, an old, ruthlessly religious woman who reads her Bible every day and feels convinced of her own righteousness, thereby does not express the slightest remorse for her actions; Sir Lawrence Wargrave, a recently retired judge and highly intelligent old man with a commanding personality; and Dr. Armstrong, a gullible, slightly timid doctor who often draws the suspicion of the other guests because of his medical knowledge.

∫ 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.

∫ On Fridays in January, get ready for a world of giggles, wonders, and creativity at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Storytime and Craft for Kids is not just about learning; it’s about unleashing the joy of discovery!

∫ 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 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 per person for the fish dinner or $14 per person for the shrimp dinner.

∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners hosts square dancing from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information about these classes, 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. 6

∫ 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 Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ On Saturdays in January, forge new friendships, strategize with your party, and let your creativity soar in our teen-exclusive Dungeons and Dragons Club! Will you be the hero who shapes the fate of the realm? Join to find out from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ Auditions for Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Alpena Civic Theatre, with additional dates and times if needed. Those interested in auditioning are encouraged to prepare a short dramatic monologue, otherwise, one will be provided at the time of auditions. Eleven characters are to be cast with one dual casting. Show dates are March 7 through 10 and 14 through 17. Any questions regarding the auditions can be emailed to Director Jessica Luther at jaluther98@gmail.com. Copies of the script can be found at https://bit.ly/3RMDs5R.

∫ The Northern Michigan Exotic Animal Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the APlex, 701 Woodward Ave. The entry fee is $5 per person, with children ages 12 and younger admitted for free.

Sunday, Jan. 7

∫ 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, Jan. 8

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m.

∫ Exercise is at 10 a.m. at Alpena Senior Center. Euchre is at 12:30 p.m.

∫ Experienced bridge partners looking for some challenging competition can join the Alpena Duplicate Bridge Club that meets from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Mondays. Call 989-354-2306 or 989-595-5119.

∫ Friends Crochet and Craft is a new support group at Friends Together meeting at 3 p.m. on Mondays. This group is for men and women, and offers crafty ways to overcome “chemobrain.” Call 989-356-3231 for more information.

∫ Friends Together North is a cancer support group for men and women that meets at 3 p.m. each Monday at the Presque Isle District Library in Rogers City.

∫ On Monday, Jan. 8, Cookbook Club meets at 5 p.m. It’s a potluck of palates and a feast of friendship at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library with Cookbook Club. Select your recipe from January’s cookbook, “Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables” by Joshua McFadden. Whip up your creations and share your masterpieces with fellow club members.

∫ If a problem drinker is affecting your life, Al-Anon can help. Confidential and anonymous meetings are held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Monday at the Alano Club located at 3100 Piper Road, Alpena. For more information, contact Diane at 989-821-9601.

Tuesday, Jan. 9

∫ ALL hosts Mexican Train Express dominoes from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.

∫ Great Start Collaborative Playgroup is held at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays at Alpena County Library. Looking for social and learning experiences designed to help your child grow? Join ACL for Early Connections, a recurring play and socialization program for children ages newborn to 5, and caregivers. Caregivers will participate in music and movement, social/play activities, and/or math activities with their child or children each week, followed by a short story time. Adults will interact with their child during the program, not sit on the sidelines. No registration necessary.

∫ 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.

∫ 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 in January, 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, in-person at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St. and via Zoom. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for the link.

∫ The FamilySearch Center is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 411 Long Rapids Plaza in Alpena.

∫ Bay View Center will host Roots and Soups house plant and soup sale from noon to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 710 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena. Cash only, please.

∫ The Alpena Lions Club hosts their weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays at First Congregational Church, Alpena. For more information, visit alpenalionsclub.com or the Alpena Lions Club on Facebook.

∫ Mindful Movement, a healing, gentle, unique yoga program for woman healing and dealing with cancer, is at noon on Tuesdays, in-person and via Zoom. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231.

∫ 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.

∫ Bay View Center hosts a diversity support meeting at 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday. This weekly potluck 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.

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

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