News Photo by Darby Hinkley Friends Together Executive Director Melissa Burns, dressed as Mrs. Roper, holds the Stanley cup that will be stuffed with prizes and raffled off to a lucky winner at the inaugural Mrs. Roper Roundup. The sneaky Mrs. Roper behind Mrs. Roper is Fundraising Coordinator Shelly Gibbs, holding a cutout of Stanley Roper’s face.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is normally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but the gallery is currently closed in preparation for the 2024 Young Artist Exhibit, opening with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 4. The exhibit will be up through April 27, featuring student artwork from over 20 Northeast Michigan schools, with over 600 pieces made by kindergarten through 12th graders. 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. Kamara Marsh is the featured artist for March and April. 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.

Today, March 27

∫ 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.

∫ Free Family History Classes will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at the FamilySearch Center inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 411 Long Rapids Plaza in Alpena. Classes include: Photographs, Cyndi’s List and more on March 27; and Female ancestors’ maiden names on April 6 and 13.

∫ SafeTALK, a suicide prevention and awareness program, will be offered from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday in the Fitzpatrick Lecture Hall in Van Lare Hall on the Alpena Community College campus. This program is presented by Mary Schalk, Partners in Prevention program director. Attendees will learn how to identify people at risk of suicide, connect them with life-saving resources, ask them directly about suicide, keep them safe until others take over, and more. To register, email blumentl@alpenacc.edu. Seating is limited for this free program. This program is offered free of charge through a partnership between Partners in Prevention’s SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness and Training Grant Award and ACC’s Strengthening Institutions Program Grant.

∫ Sewing Club is held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Alpena County Library. No sewing experience? No problem! This club is open to all skill levels — newbie to expert, ages 10 and up. Bring your sewing machine, supplies, (scissors, straight pins) and a 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 for this class. 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. 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.

∫ 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.

∫ All are welcome to join Living Hope Church from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday for a special Easter dinner and family activities including crafts, games, face painting, and more! The church is located at 1499 M-32, Alpena.

∫ PIF Cider at 205 W. Chisholm St. in downtown Alpena invites you to participate in Art Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Come by yourself or bring a friend. But definitely, bring your art supplies — paints, markers, crayons, pencils, ink! We’ll have cool things going on, like a Drawing Circle, every 3 to 4 minutes you hand your drawing to the person next to you. Everyone gets their original drawing completed with multiple hands involved. We’ll also be doing leaf printings, and so much more. Cider + art = joy.

∫ 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.

∫ 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, March 28

∫ Community Walking Club meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the parking lot of the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ 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.

∫ Friends Together invites anyone 21 and older to Mrs. Roper Roundup from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Player’s Pub and Grub, 113 S. 9th Ave., Alpena. Attendees are encouraged to dress up like Mrs. Roper from the sitcom, “Three’s Company.” Tickets are $25, available online only at the Friends Together Alpena Facebook page or friendstogethermi.org. The event will include a costume contest, karaoke, drink specials, prizes, and raffles. Player’s will be open to the public during the event, but those participating will receive a ticket on a lanyard that will enable them to be eligible for prizes during the fundraiser. One of those prizes is a Stanley tumbler that will be stuffed with money and gift certificates from area businesses, to be raffled off. While the tickets are only available for purchase online, you can call Friends Together with questions at 989-356-3231.

∫ 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, 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.

∫ 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.

∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners will host a technology help workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center. The Business Professionals of America (BPA) Club of Alpena High School will answer technology questions on devices and applications. Bring your devices and/or questions. This workshop is free, but 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 informational 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, and 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.

∫ Silent Book Club meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at PIF Cider. Learn more at silentbookclub.com.

∫ 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, March 29

∫ Friday is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Thank a veteran for their service and sacrifice.

∫ 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 989-734-2477.

∫ On Fridays in March, 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!

∫ 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!

∫ Living Hope Church in Alpena will hold a Good Friday service from 6 to 7 p.m. at 1499 M-32. The public is welcome.

∫ The Future of Comedy Show will be held on Friday night at the Sandbar and Grill, 9027 W. Long Lake Road, Alpena. The cost is $20 per person. This show will feature nationally touring headliner, Mike Ball and FOCS regulars Steve Kaz, Eric Wielinski and Ronnie Rohrbeck. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 30

∫ 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.

∫ Join Lady of the Lakes yogini Traci Boyle from 11 a.m. to noon at PIF Cider for a sound bath experience. The cost is $30 per person, which includes a beverage of your choice from PIF Cider, 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. The taproom will be closed until 1 p.m. for this private event.

∫ On Saturdays in March, forge new friendships, strategize with your party, and let your creativity soar in the teen-exclusive Dungeons and Dragons Club, now meeting upstairs at the Hollyhock Emporium in Harrisville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

∫ Hannah Matzke will have Easter cookies available for purchase from noon to 4 p.m. at PIF Cider, 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. Please order directly from Cookies by Hannah: https://www.facebook.com/cookies.by.hannah.

Sunday, March 31

∫ HAPPY EASTER!

∫ An Easter sunrise service will be offered at the Alpena Bandshell at Bay View Park, led by Living Hope Church. All are welcome. Service begins at 7 a.m. and will last about an hour. The public is welcome to join Living Hope for an Easter breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the church, 1499 M-32, followed by Easter Sunday service at 10 a.m. at the church.

∫ 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, April 1

∫ 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.

∫ 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, call 989-354-2306 or 989-595-5119.

∫ 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.

∫ GriefShare meets at 5 p.m. on Mondays at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alpena. This 13-week program started March 4, led by facilitator Brent Finzel. For more information, call Carol at 989-354-3758.