∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The 2024 Young Artist Exhibit is on display through April 27, featuring student artwork from 17 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 hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Beverly Benson Wolf’s photography is on display now through July 20 at the museum. The Northeast Michigan Artists’ Guild invites the community to their annual exhibit at the Besser Museum from April 15 through July 24. This year’s theme is “It Figures.” Each piece displayed will be an original work of art by a current NEMAG artist in their chosen medium and may present a literal or figurative interpretation of the theme. Artists will be in attendance from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the museum to discuss their artwork. NEMAG promotes and supports art and artists through inspiration, information and education in our community. Artists of all skill levels are welcome and may choose to participate in NEMAG activities such as local exhibitions, workshops, meetings and other events throughout the year. The Besser Museum is located at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Information about NEMAG can be found under the Art Section of the Museum website; email northeastmichiganartistsguild@gmail.com, or call Karen at 989-766-9945 or Ellen at 989-916-5997. 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 April. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday 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, April 16

∫ 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. 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 April, 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, at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St.. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for more information.

∫ 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.

∫ Join ALL for Birding at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center at ACC. Dana Howard will talk about the Thunder Bay Audubon Society, and useful tools like binoculars, identification books, habitats, computer aids, local places, migration, and checklists.

∫ ALL will attend the Moveable Feast at 4 p.m. at Bolton Bar and Grill, 9101 Bolton Road, Posen. Are you ready to take a spring drive out into the countryside? Join your ALL friends and check out the Bolton Bar for an enjoyable early dinner. There’s nothing like a new experience to keep us engaged and in a young frame of mind. Just give Sue (989-736-7105) a call so there will be a seat for you!

Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tinker Tuesday is about getting together and exploring projects ranging from Makey Makey, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, 3D Printing, Strawbees, littleBits, Snap Circuits, sewing and more. Let your curiosity take over and explore! Participants must be age 5 or older.

∫ 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 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, April 17

∫ 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. 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.

∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Get help with your computer, phone, or tablet from ACL’s knowledgeable and patient staff, offering a one-hour, four times a week session with our Technology Specialist on a first-come, first-serve basis.

∫ 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: Female ancestors’ maiden names on April 6 and 13.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ 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, April 18

∫ Community Walking Club meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the parking lot of the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Call 989-724-6796.

∫ 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.

∫ Friends Together presents Journaling with Friends, from noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday. Registration is required by calling 989-356-3231.

∫ Pinochle and bridge are held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Zoom meditation is at 2 p.m., 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 Coast Guard Auxiliary of Alpena will hold its first meeting of the season at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Coast Guard station. We are to work from Rogers City to Sturgeon Point. Since the regular C.G. is not here anymore, new members are needed. Come and join the Coast Guard Auxiliary to work on Lake Huron. If you have questions, call John Knapp at 989-354-5010.

∫ 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, April 19

∫ ALL will learn about the 46-foot-wide community labyrinth from 10 to 11 a.m. at M. Briggs Center at ACC. The presentation will provide an update on the labyrinth being installed along the shoreline of the Thunder Bay River near the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary site. It will give community members and visitors of all ages and abilities a beautiful, outdoor, peaceful place to collect their thoughts, focus, find calm, and reduce stress and anxiety. Esther Ableidinger and Julie Wiesen will present this program.

∫ 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 April, 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!

∫ The Northeast Michigan League of Women Voters will hold the April Lunch Bunch at noon on Friday, April 19 at the Polish Corner restaurant in Alpena. The public is invited to meet League members. This is an informal gathering where members of the public can learn about upcoming League events.

∫ Hear ye, hear ye! You are hereby invited to attend Rogers City Community Theatre’s spring production of the Tony-award-winning musical, “Something Rotten!” which runs for two weekends only at the Rogers Theater, 257 N. Third St. in beautiful downtown Rogers City. Show dates are April 19-21 and 26-28. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for students. The box office opens one hour before show time. Set in the ’90s — the Elizabethan era 1590s that is — we find Shakespeare and an unforgettable cast center stage in an epic comedy that pits the wits of the Bard against his arch-nemesis, Nicholas Bottom. As both bards spar for certain fame and fortune, they struggle to innovate and create. Will Nick’s younger brother Nigel provide the key to their inspiration through his poetic heart and perfect words in iambic pentameter? Will the Bottom brothers oust Shakespeare from his lofty perch by creating the world’s first musical with the help of Nostradamus? With only one victor, you’ll witness the crowning of the everlasting King of the Elizabethan Stage! This family-friendly play (PG-10 for mild adult language and innuendo) features song and dance with sweet romance, and happy endings happening by happenstance. You’ll be tapping your toes to the snappy show tunes and laughing out loud as you catch a glimpse of the future of musical theatre! How many musicals will you find referenced within this “New Musical”? Immerse yourself in “Something Rotten!”

∫ 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.

∫ Alpena Hopper Lodge #199 hosts soup and pie dinners on the third Friday of each month, from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is welcome, and the cost is by donation. The lodge is located at 1020 U.S.-23 North, Alpena.

∫ Looking for a great opportunity for a night out? Word of Life Church and Laser Team Challenge are partnering with Moms Need Moms — having a heart for supporting marriages and young parents — to provide a unique opportunity to have a night out, childcare provided! The folks at Laser Team Challenge and WOL have graciously offered their services free of charge as a ministry to the community for this event. The only cost to you will be any food you choose to purchase. Donations, if received, will go to support the mission of Moms Need Moms. We have an amazing team of volunteers ready to make this happen. Fill out the required registration form to attend: Linktr.ee/mnmalpena.

Saturday, April 20

∫ 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. Visit Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ On Saturdays in April, 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.

∫ The Marine Corps League Alpena Detachment is hosting a Polish dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 in the Canteen of the VFW on Connon Street. Dinner includes pierogies, sauerkraut and sausage, potatoes, dinner roll and your choice of desserts. This is dine-in or take-out. The cost for the dinner is $15 per person. For take-outs, please call the Canteen at 989-340-0385. This marks the final night for the Ace of Spades drawing. Names will be drawn until there is a winner. The prize is over $1,700. You do not need to be present to win. The dinner and drawing are both open to the public.

∫ Hear ye, hear ye! You are hereby invited to attend Rogers City Community Theatre’s spring production of the Tony-award-winning musical, “Something Rotten!” which runs for two weekends only at the Rogers Theater, 257 N. Third St. in beautiful downtown Rogers City. Show dates are April 19-21 and 26-28. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for students. The box office opens one hour before show time.

∫ In collaboration with Neighborhood Provisions, it’s time for Round 3 of the Lip Sync Battle Royale. PIFCider’s full staff will battle against NP’s staff for the initial round. We’ll then move into public battles. As it’s 4/20, 10% of all PIFCider’s proceeds for the night will be donated to Project Clean Slate, a program that provides criminal record expungement and wrap-around services for select marijuana related charges to individuals (18) in qualifying states. Stay tuned for more info. Mocktails, cocktails, cider, snacks available. Interested in potlucking? Email us! Come compete with your chosen song/performance (5 minutes or fewer). Judges will be scoring for originality, stage presence, costumes/props. For this event, we will have first, second, and third place awards: 1st – a basket of goodies from PIFCider and Neighborhood Provisions, and an elevated sound bath donated by Lady of the Lake Yoga. 2nd – 1 goodie from NP, 1 free beverage, and a gift certificate to your choice of the two businesses. 3rd – a memorable trophy. Performances will begin at around 8 p.m. $10 suggestion donation. Contact PIF via email at presqueislefarmcider@gmail.com to sign up as a competitor or to MC. Bring some tasty nibbles.

Sunday, April 21

∫ A euchre tournament fundraiser for the Plaza Pool will be on Sunday at the APlex. Doors open at noon, and play starts at 1 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. There will be food, a cash bar, a 50/50 drawing, a $1 pool for the high game, and door prizes. This event is hosted by the Friends of Plaza Pool.