Art in the Loft classes

A variety of classes are coming up at Art in the Loft.

¯ Wednesday: Join Melissa Burns for a Leather Earring Workshop from 6 to 8 p.m., for ages 16 and up, for $35 per student.

¯ Sunday: Creative Companions child and adult combo class is from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring Gingerbread Wonderland, for ages 4 and up, for $35 per duo.

¯ Thursday, Dec. 19: Cake Decorating: Deck the Halls with Brookie’s Goodies, is from 6 to 8 p.m., for 16 and up, for $60 per student.

¯ Saturday, Dec. 21: Canvas and Cuisine Tis’ the Season for kids is 10 a.m. to noon, for ages 5 and up, for $25 per student.

¯ Saturday, Dec. 21: Kids and Cookies with Cookies by Hannah is from 1 to 2:30 p.m., for ages 5 and up, for $25 per student.

¯ Saturday, Dec. 21: Kids and Cookies with Cookies by Hannah is from 3:30 to 5 p.m., for ages 5 and up, for $25 per student.

¯ Sunday, Dec. 22: Let’s Make Marmalade tasting, tutorial and take away experience with local artisan Betsy Lehndorff, is 3 to 6 p.m., for 16 and up, for $60 per student.

To register for classes, or to apply for a scholarship, visit www.artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877.

Thompson’s Harbor talk at Grand Lake library

Presque Isle District Library’s Grand Lake branch will host an educational talk with photo slides about Thompson’s Harbor State Park at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Bill Grigg will be the featured speaker in the Banner Room. Sign-ups are appreciated by calling the library at 989-595-5051.

Open mic night at

Patchwood Plaza Wed.

The Hillman Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a free open mic night from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each Wednesday (excluding holidays) at Patchwood Plaza.

The band Into The North/Chester’s Habit will host this free event. Musicians are asked to sign up by 5:45 p.m.

Concessions will be available and a tip bucket will be out for the band. A large dance floor will be ready for dancing. The public is invited to come out and enjoy local talent in a family-friendly environment.

For more information, contact the Hillman Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-742-3739, or visit www.hillmanchamber.org.

Patchwood Plaza is at 14797 State Street South.

ARMC retirees to meet

MidMichigan (ARMC) laboratory retirees will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday for their monthly luncheon at JJ’s Steak and Pizza House. An optional gift exchange is planned.

CVB Fresh Takes video contest deadline Dec. 27

The Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is accepting video submissions for its annual Fresh Takes Video Contest. Local residents and visitors are encouraged to submit a 30-second to 2-minute video to the annual video contest.

“We designed this contest to offer creators of Alpena videos a stage upon which to tell their visually compelling story from start to finish about Alpena, our Sanctuary of the Great Lakes,” said Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Mary Beth Stutzman. “Just as each one of us is unique and different, each video creation offers a unique take on the creator’s personal interpretation of Alpena as the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes — whether it be exciting, intriguing, educational, or emotional.”

Each entry is required to focus on one or more of the following areas presenting Alpena as the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes. Meaning Alpena is a place where history and heritage collide with relaxed outdoor adventure. A place to escape the stress of everyday life, where one can leave their cares behind to relax, restore and rejuvenate while exploring: arts, culture, or heritage specific to Alpena; outdoor recreation and outdoor lifestyles including silent sport activities; environment including relaxing natural landscapes, local natural features, etc.

The deadline for video submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27.

For contest rules and guidelines, check out VisitAlpena.com/FreshTakes. For more information or to submit videos, contact Stutzman at marybeth@visitalpena.com.