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COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Courtesy Photo Tylor Witulski, owner of MothBear Outfitters in Alpena, holds up a brown trout he caught while fly fishing on the Manistee River in northern Michigan.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is currently showing its “WinterView” exhibit, on display through March 2. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit artintheloft.org, email director@artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877 for more information.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is featuring the Girl Scout exhibit, “Preserving the Past, Promoting the Future — 112 Years of Girl Scouts,” now through March 31. The exhibit is the Silver Award project for Scouts Lucy Duthler and Emma Kinsel. Beverly Wolf’s photography is also on display at the museum, located at 491 Johnson St. in Alpena. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 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. Winter hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (January through March). 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. For more information, contact the George R. Cook and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections Department at 989-356-6188, ext. 17.

Today, Feb. 21

∫ AARP Tax Prep for low/limited income people and for senior citizens is being offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, by appointment only. Please call 989-278-8104 to schedule.

∫ 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.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon 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. Participants ages 5 to 15 will need parental supervision at all times. A signed waiver is required prior to using the MakerLab. MakerLab rules apply in the lab at all times because participant safety is ACL’s top priority. If you have questions about lab rules call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ 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.

∫ On Wednesday, dive into the world of knowledge and imagination, all within the cozy confines of the Alcona County Library. Homeschoolers at the Library for school-aged children promises a burst of inspiration and camaraderie from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ 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. Experienced dancers will be there to help.

∫ 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.

∫ 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, Feb. 22

∫ Veterans Coffee Hour is offered from 9 to 10 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month, at Art in the Loft, 109 N. 2nd Ave., Ste. 300 in downtown Alpena. There is no cost, and it is open to all veterans. This event is made possible by the United Way of Northeast Michigan, RSVP of Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, and Art in the Loft. For more information, call Rick at 989-358-4637.

∫ 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.

∫ On Thursdays in February, yoga meets from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Harrisville branch of Alcona County Library. Learn how simple movement can change your life with Liz! This class meets every Thursday until March 28, brought to you by Harrisville Yoga. Call 989-335-1777 for more information.

∫ Zoom meditation is at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, led by the Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ At 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, join Cassandra Sadler from NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary at Curtis Township Library, 4884 Bamfield Road in Glennie for a presentation on historic shipwrecks off the coast of Alcona County. If you are unable to be there in person you can watch it on the Alcona Historical Society Facebook page live. This event is sponsored by the Alcona Historical Society and is free to the public.

∫ 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 host a Technology Help Workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center at ACC. The Business Professionals of America Club of Alpena High School will answer technology questions on devices and applications. Bring your devices and/or questions. This workshop is free, but goodwill donations are appreciated. BPA is a National Career and Technical Student Organization for high school, middle school, and college students preparing for careers in business and information technology. BPA can enhance student participation in professional, civic, and social endeavors. BPA members participate in these activities to accomplish their goals of self-improvement, leadership development, professionalism, community service career development, public relations, student cooperation, and safety and health.

∫ A soup, sandwich, and dessert dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Spratt United Methodist Church. The cost is $12 per adult and free for children younger than age 12. This event is presented by the Spratt United Methodist Women. The church address is 4770 M-65, Lachine, 1 mile south of Werth Road on M-65. The public is welcome.

∫ Silent Book Club meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at PIF Cider, 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. All are welcome! All you have to do to join the club is come on down to the taproom, bring whatever you’re currently reading (there is no assigned reading), grab your favorite drink from the bartender, and then join us for an hour of silent reading. There will be time to socialize before and after the hour, but if that’s not your jam, no worries, it’s totally optional! Silent reading hour will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. An area will be reserved for the book club. To learn more, visit www.silentbookclub.com.

∫ From 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, attend the Sanctuary Lecture Series: Discoveries in Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena. Since its designation as the first freshwater national marine sanctuary in 2000, NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary has worked to preserve a historically significant collection of shipwrecks through research and education, encouraging access to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. Collaborating with partners, this work has led to the discovery of shipwreck sites, such as the schooner barge Ironton, sunk in a collision in 1894. Join maritime archaeologist Stephanie Gandulla as she shares the Ironton’s tragic story of loss, its exciting story of discovery, and learn more about the sanctuary’s ongoing exploration of Lake Huron.

∫ 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. 23

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

∫ AARP Tax Prep for low/limited income people and for senior citizens is being offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, by appointment only. Please call 989-278-8104 to schedule.

∫ 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.

∫ 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 the library at 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 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 teaching and reviewing plus calls. No partner, no problem – Singles are very welcome!

∫ Grace Episcopal Church will host a soup, sandwich, and grilled cheese dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23. The cost is by donation, and the dinner is open to the public. There will also be desserts. This month, part of the proceeds will go to Hope Shores Alliance. Each month, the church will choose another deserving organization to share their blessings with. The church is located at 13488 Long Rapids Road, Lachine. For more information, call 989-379-3915.

Saturday, Feb. 24

∫ 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.

∫ AARP Tax Prep for low/limited income people and for senior citizens is being offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, by appointment only. Please call 989-278-8104 to schedule.

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

∫ The Marine Corps League will be serving a Polish Dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 24, the last Saturday of the month, in the VFW Lounge on Connon Street. The menu includes kielbasa, sauerkraut, perogies, potatoes, and a choice of delicious desserts. The drawing for the Ace of Spades will be held at approximately 5 p.m. that day. The dinner and the drawing are open to the public. This is dine in or take out. To order take out, please call 989-340-0385.

∫ A euchre tournament will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Hillman Senior Center, 421 Pineview Ct. A meal will be served at 5 p.m. and play starts at 6 p.m. The cost is $20 per player, which includes the meal. Prizes will be awarded. For more information, call 989-464-4463 or 989-742-4080.

∫ The 18th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour is coming to Alpena on Saturday at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Tickets are $25 per person. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction. Join other anglers and outdoor enthusiasts for an evening of fly fishing entertainment! Proceeds from the event will go to the Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited to help support projects local to Northern Michigan. This is the first time this event is being hosted in Alpena. The doors will open at 5 p.m. and the 10,000-square-foot exhibit space will be open for attendees to roam and check out the history of the local shipwrecks among other entertaining exhibits. At 5:30 p.m. you can enter the theater area for an introduction and a few guest speakers. The film will begin at 6 p.m. and run for approximately two hours. There will be a short 5-10 minute intermission half way through the show. The film will wrap up around 8:10 p.m. and raffle and door prizes will be announced at the end of the show. The event is planned to conclude at 8:30 p.m. There will be the opportunity to talk with some local fishing guides as well as check out some MothBear Gear and Trout Kamp Coffee during the event. Beverages and food will be available, with proceeds also going to the Headwaters Chapter of TU. For more updates go to flyfilmtour.com or follow F3T on social at @flyfishingfilmtour.

∫ Rock out like never before at Armageddon — the ultimate tribute show featuring the iconic bands Def Leppard, Poison, and Ratt! Get ready to headbang and sing along to all your favorite hits from these legendary rock bands on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the APlex. Tickets are $15 each, available at aplex.org. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Concessions and a cash bar will be available.

Sunday, Feb. 25

∫ 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, Feb. 26

∫ AARP Tax Prep for low/limited income people and for senior citizens is being offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, by appointment only. Please call 989-278-8104 to schedule.

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

∫ Exercise is at 10 a.m. each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Euchre starts 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. For more information about the bridge club, call 989-354-2306 or 989-595-5119.

∫ On Monday, Feb. 26, “Simply Madagascar: Flora and Fauna with Teresa” invites you to delve into the vibrant culture and natural bounty of Madagascar from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Alcona County Library in Harrisville. The cultivation of coffee and vanilla is not just a tradition but a captivating journey into the soul of Madagascar.

∫ Friends Crochet and Craft is a 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.

∫ 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, Feb. 27

∫ ALL 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. 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 February, 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.

∫ 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 the link, call Friends Together at 989-356-3231.

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