∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is currently open and showing its “WinterView” exhibit, in conjunction with Carol Lund’s “Barbie Teaches Art History” exhibit. “WinterView” will be on display until March 3. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877.
∫ 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. Call 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. Kelly Belew is the featured artist for December. 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.
TODAY, DEC. 5
∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners hosts Mexican Train Express dominoes from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.
∫ Great Start Collaborative Playgroup is held weekly at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays at Alpena County Library. No registration necessary.
∫ TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) will hold an open house at 10:30 a.m. today at First Presbyterian Church, 1600 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. The open house is free and open to the public. Activities at the open house will include history of TOPS and its founder Esther Manz, celebration of TOPS 75 year anniversary, and a meet and greet with current members. 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 December, 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.
∫ 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.
∫ 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 designed to nourish, inspire and empower each woman healing and dealing with cancer, is at noon on Tuesdays, in-person and via Zoom. For more information and the Zoom link, call Friends Together at 989-356-3231.
∫ Today and Dec. 19, Knitting Klub and Crochet meets from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. in the conference room to share stories, tips and tricks while working on knit and crochet projects. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join at the Harrisville branch. Bring a project you’re currently working on, or start a new one while chatting with the group.
∫ ALL will enjoy a Book Lover’s Gathering from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at M. Briggs Center. It is the season of gift giving, and what better gift for a special person in your life than a book? We will spend time discussing a favorite book which perhaps could become a beloved gift for a child or an adult. What was your favorite Christmas story or, for that matter, any season? A list will be prepared for you of ALL’s suggestions. If you care to give away or lend a book, please bring it with you. Presenter Carey Rapin’s favorite gifts at Christmas were books, except for the year she received a beautiful pair of ice skates.
∫ 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.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6
∫ Participate in the Salvation Army’s 2023 Red Kettle collection by driving your car up to Banner Realty, and they will bring out the Red Kettle and ring the bell for you. Banner Realty is celebrating its 12th annual collection of hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves for a warm winter for children and adults for the Salvation Army. Drop off items from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Banner Realty, 259 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena, and register for a drawing for a chance to win a gift from Banner Realty.
∫ 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. Bingo is played at 12:45 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month.
∫ 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.
∫ The Michigan State Police Alpena Post will host Stuff A Blue Goose, in which a patrol vehicle is stuffed with nonperishable food items and new, unwrapped toys that will benefit residents in the county in which the events are hosted. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, a collection will be held at Rogers City Family Fare supermarket.
∫ 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. For those without a sewing machine, there are three machines on site for use. Registration is required. 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. 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, DEC. 7
∫ 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 ALL for Coffee and Controversy — Artificial Intelligence at 9 a.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center Room 143. ALL Coffee and Controversy is a recurring event, where curious and concerned folks will gather over a cup of coffee and discuss (cordially) some of the most concerning topics, events, or actions influencing our everyday lives. Attendance is strictly limited to 12, and reservations are required, so sign up early. Is it true that artificial intelligence will do more harm than good? Proponents say it will help us solve problems like climate change and world hunger while eliminating dangerous and mundane jobs. But critics warn that AI’s current trajectory is a dangerous one, which will likely concentrate power, reduce jobs, surveil consumers and voters alike, and threaten democracy. What’s more, some people say these conditions are not based on science fiction but are already in the process of afflicting us, given the number of algorithms we engage with on a daily basis. So, could artificial intelligence be used to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges and level the playing field, or will it present perils that far outweigh any good it might do? Rocky Roland will “moderate” this conversation. Rocky is a retired USAF Colonel, pilot and space system specialist. He is a voracious reader and frequent presenter of ALL on his frequent international travel and many other esoteric topics.
∫ 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.
∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” opening at 6 p.m. on Thursday, featuring 32 children. The holiday play is co-directed by Julie Meyers, Doreen Kriniak, and Dani Ayotte. All seats are $5 general admission. ACT is located at 401 River St., Alpena. The play runs through Sunday, and again next weekend.
∫ Join ALL for Spitzer from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center, led by Marilyn Klingshirn.
∫ The Michigan State Police Alpena Post will host Stuff A Blue Goose, in which a patrol vehicle is stuffed with nonperishable food items and new, unwrapped toys that will benefit residents in the county in which the events are hosted. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, a collection will be held at Kris Mart in Lincoln.
∫ 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.
∫ ALL will hold its Winter Happening at St. Bernard’s Friendship Room on Thursday. ALL will be celebrating its 11th annual dinner with the clients of the Friendship Room. Our social hour will begin at 3:30 p.m., with dinner to follow beginning at 4 p.m. Membership generosity in the past has resulted in contributions exceeding $1,000 per year. If you would prefer not to provide a monetary contribution, it is suggested that you purchase a gift card from one of the following merchants: Gordon Food Service, Meijer, Walmart, or Dial-A-Ride Tickets/Vouchers. If writing a check, make it payable to All Saints — Alpena. On the memo line, write Friendship Room. Or provide any of the following food items: baked beans, broth, butter, mayonnaise, chicken, or ground beef. ALL looks forward to seeing as many of you as possible to share a meal with the clients at the Friendship Room.
∫ Join the Alpena County Library in welcoming United Kingdom travel/relocation consultant and former U.K. resident Claire Evans for Tea with Claire: The Great British Baking Tour from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. This delightful culinary tour of the U.K. was inspired by “The Great British Baking Show” TV series, which aired on PBS.
FRIDAY, DEC. 8
∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the APlex.
∫ ALL will hear from Boyd Byelich about One Box for Ukraine at 10 a.m. on Friday at M. Briggs Center. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Byelich was compelled to help the Ukrainian people. Come and learn about his program to aid displaced Ukrainians as well as Ukrainian refugees. Byelich is an agricultural advisor from Rogers City. He has made several trips overseas with donations of clothing, toys, food, and other items to help Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion.
∫ 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.
∫ 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.
∫ Region 9 Area Agency on Aging will host a free Caregiver Webinar Series via Zoom from 1 to 2 p.m. on the second Friday of each month through February. This Friday’s topic is Technology Tools for Caregiving. For more information or to register, contact mainvilleb@nemcsa.org or call 989-358-4616. Region 9 Area Agency on Aging is a division of Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency. To find out more, visit nemcsa.org.
∫ 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.
∫ Free Family Fun Fridays will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. today and Dec. 22 at the Plaza Pool, located at Alpena High School, 3303 S. 3rd Ave., Alpena. Children age 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the water. These free events are sponsored by the Alpena County Youth and Recreation millage and Friends of Plaza Pool.
∫ Stop by Santa’s house in Culligan Plaza to meet Santa, get your photo taken, and tell him your wishes for this Christmas. Santa will be in his house, located in the plaza next to the city’s Christmas tree, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Fridays, Dec. 8, 15, and 22, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23. The events are free and open to people of all ages. Santa also has a mailbox in front of his house where families can drop off their letters to Santa at any point leading up to Christmas. For more information on the Visit with Santa events, visit downtownalpenami.com/events or call 989-356-6422.
∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at 6 p.m. on Friday, featuring 32 children in a variety of festive roles. All seats are $5 general admission.
SATURDAY, DEC. 9
∫ 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 info, visit Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.
∫ The Alpena Pines Apartments will hold a craft/bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the community room at the apartment complex, located at 202 Woods Circle, behind the health department in Alpena. The public is welcome to attend.
∫ Christmas in Presque Isle will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in various locations throughout Presque Isle Township. Presque Isle community groups have come together with a great lineup of activities for merrymakers of all ages. Spread the word and plan on joining in the fun with your family and neighbors. Children’s stories will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Grand Lake Library. Then from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., lunch will be served, by donation, at East Grand Lake Fire Hall, featuring hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Photos with Santa will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the fire hall, followed at 1 p.m. with Santa riding a firetruck from the fire hall to the New Presque Isle Lighthouse. An open house with ornaments for sale will be from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Kauffman Homestead House. Grand Lake Chapel will host a Christmas Carol Sing-Along from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. A variety of activities will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. at New Lighthouse Park, including a Story Walk with “The Mitten” led by Friends of Grand Lake Library, and tours of the 1905 Keepers House led by Presque Isle Township Museum Society. Photos with Santa will be from 1 to 2 p.m. There will be decorated house tours, children’s crafts at Garrity Hall, led by Presque Isle Community Women’s Club. At 2 p.m., “The Grinch Play” will be offered, as well as children’s activities, cookies and cocoa, and horse-drawn wagon rides, presented by Presque Isle Township Parks and Recreation. Then at 6 p.m. at New Lighthouse Park, a Christmas tree lighting and campfire will be offered by the parks and rec department, as well as caroling and a collection of children’s hats, gloves, and mittens, organized by Presque Isle Township Museum Society.
∫ Come see Sparky and Chiefy the Reindeer and ride with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Patchwood Plaza, 14797 State St. South, Hillman. There will be free popcorn, hot chocolate, treats, games, prizes, and a coloring contest. Bring your camera to take a free photo with Santa. This event is sponsored by the Hillman Area Chamber of Commerce, Hillman Self Storage, Patchwood, 4 C’s Wagons, and Top O’ Michigan Insurance. Call 989-742-3739 for more information.
∫ A spaghetti dinner fundraiser and silent auction will be held for Madison Hawley, who was severely injured in a recent accident. Funds raised will help with expenses involved in her recovery. The event will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Alpena Free Methodist Church, 175 N. Ripley Blvd., across from Ella White Elementary. Dinner tickets are $15 per adult, $8 per child ages 6 to 10, and free for ages 5 and younger. A silent auction will be ongoing throughout the dinner.
∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, featuring 32 children. All seats are $5 general admission. ACT is located at 401 River St., Alpena.
SUNDAY, DEC. 10
∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at 1 p.m. on Sunday. All seats are $5 general admission.
∫ Remembering Our Children, a grief support group for families that have lost a child of any age, will host a Worldwide Candle Lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10 at Grace Lutheran Church, 119 W. Dunbar St., Alpena. Come celebrate the life and memory of our children that have passed. There will be inspirational music, readings, candle lighting, a PowerPoint presentation, and recitation of each child’s name. Light refreshments and time for sharing will follow. Candles will be provided. Personalize and hang an ornament on the Remembrance Tree. Contact Karen at 989-358-2251 or Polly at 989-356-0849 for more information.