News Photo by Darby HInkley Art in the Loft Executive Director Justin Christensen-Cooper on Friday rolls out a large floral painting on canvas made by Dorothea Sandra, to be displayed at the gallery’s “SummerView 2024,” opening Wednesday and running through Aug. 31.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, will host its “SummerView 2024” Exhibit, opening Wednesday with an artists’ reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Classes are also offered, and can be viewed online. 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 now through July 24. This year’s theme is “It Figures.” 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. Dorothea Sandra is the featured artist for May and June. The reception is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Spring and summer hours are 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, May 21

∫ 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 #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 May, 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.

∫ Calling all bookworms and literary enthusiasts! Immerse yourself in the joy of reading by joining the Alcona County Library’s Book Club. Discover captivating stories, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with fellow book lovers in a welcoming and vibrant community from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. May’s book is “The Book Woman’s Daughter: A Novel” by Kim Michele Richardson. Call 989-724-6796 for 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.

∫ ALL will hear an update about the City of Alpena from Mayor Cindy Johnson at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at ACC’s M. Briggs Center. Johnson will provide updates about the city and answer questions. Johnson served on the planning commission for 11 years before being elected to city council in 2014. On the city council, she served as the city’s first female mayor pro tempore for six years before being appointed mayor in January of this year.

∫ Russ Williams, from the Alcona Conservation District, will host a presentation at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Curtis Township Library in Glennie. Call 989-735-2601 for more information.

∫ 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 4 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, May 22

∫ 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.

∫ ALL will hold a Coordinator’s Huddle from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at ACC’s M. Briggs Center, room 143. ALL program coordinators will meet and discuss coordinator experiences and receive updates on continuous improvement. The purpose of the meeting is to make ALL coordinators familiar with coordinating guidelines and how guidelines may have evolved over the years. Sharing experiences and improvement ideas from those on the “front line” of coordinating will be a main focus. Current coordinators and ALL members interested in becoming program coordinators are encouraged to attend this informal gathering. Refreshments will be available. Linda Ferguson is the Coordinator’s Coordinator. The Coordinator’s Coordinator’s job description includes finding coordinators for programs and helping coordinators be comfortable and successful with their assignments.

∫ Art in the Loft will host its “SummerView 2024” artists’ reception from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring live music, signature cocktails, and the original artwork of nearly 40 local and Michigan artists on display and for sale. Art in the Loft is located on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in downtown Alpena. The public is welcome, and artists will be in attendance, as well.

∫ 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.

∫ 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 and teens promises a burst of inspiration and camaraderie at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library, 1 to 2 p.m. Now every Wednesday! Call 989-724-6796 for info.

∫ The Alcona County Library Board of Trustees will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in the conference room of the Lincoln branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ Sewing Club is held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Alpena County Library. 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.

∫ 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.

∫ 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, May 23

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ Friends Together presents Journaling with Friends, from noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday. Explore creative ways to organize your thoughts. 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. 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 ACC Growers, members of Alpena Garden Club, will have their annual sale from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 25. The sale is held at the Alpena Community College greenhouse area off of Woodward Avenue (across from Northern Lights Arena). Available plants include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and flowers. There will be orange, fuchsia and red geraniums, dusty miller, marigolds, coral salvia, zinnias, snapdragons and more, all at the same affordable prices as last year. There will also be a perennial plant sale at the same time, same location, of plants donated by Alpena Garden Club members. Bring boxes to take your plants home.

∫ Silent Book Club will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at PIF Cider, 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. 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.

∫ 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, May 24

∫ 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 May, 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.

∫ Grace Episcopal Church will host a dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, with grilled hot dogs, homemade salads, sandwiches, desserts and pie, by donation. The public is welcome to attend. The church is located at 13488 Long Rapids Road, Lachine.

∫ 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.

∫ PIF Cider will host a drag show from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the taproom, 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena.

∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “The Music Man” by Meredith Willson, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and continuing through Sunday. Starring Mike Furtaw as traveling instrument salesman Harold Hill, and Olivia Martin as Marian the Librarian, “The Music Man” features a full cast of 34 people ranging in age from 8 to over 80. The stage will be full of actors and musicians throughout the high-energy show, co-directed by Kirstine Furtaw and Nan Hall. For tickets, call the ACT Box Office at 989-354-3624. The theater is located at 401 River St., Alpena.

Saturday, May 25

∫ The annual Grand Lake Association All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 25 at the Presque Isle Lodge. The cost is $8 per adult, and $3 per child. The menu includes blueberry and regular pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee, and milk. Come on out and enjoy a fabulous breakfast to kick off another great season.

∫ 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.

∫ The Craftmakers Cabin, located at the corner of M-72 and U.S.-23 in Harrisville, will host a free flea market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, with no charge to participate. This monthly event allows vendors to bring and sell their own items and set up south of the historic log cabin.

∫ Spring is here, and it’s time to add some color to Downtown Alpena! Join the Downtown Development Authority and other volunteers for the annual Downtown Flower Planting and Cleanup Day to help plant flowers and get downtown ready for summer. All are welcome to participate. Bring your gardening gloves and join in for a fun-filled day of planting flowers and beautifying downtown. Volunteers should meet in Culligan Plaza (corner of 2nd Avenue and Chisholm Street) and then will be sent on their way with a flat of flowers (perennials and annuals) and directions where to plant.

∫ The ACC Growers, members of Alpena Garden Club, will have their annual sale from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 25 at the Alpena Community College greenhouse area off of Woodward Avenue. Available plants include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and flowers. There will be orange, fuchsia and red geraniums, dusty miller, marigolds, coral salvia, zinnias, snapdragons and more, all at the same affordable prices as last year. There will also be a perennial plant sale at the same time, same location, of plants donated by Alpena Garden Club members. Bring boxes to take your plants home.

∫ The Homestead Artisan Market and Gallery is in the Kauffman Homestead 8015 E. Grand Lake Road in Grand Lake. The Kauffman Homestead is owned by the Grand Lake Association and is a historical site. They have allowed local crafters and artists to sell their items since the 1970s. An artisan market is like a farmers market, a place giving you an opportunity to meet the creators and learn how and by whom your unique product was made. The Homestead Artisan Market and Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and some special activity days. Opening day is at 10 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, check out the Homestead Artisan Market and Gallery on Facebook.

∫ Brush Creek Mill at 121 S. State Street in Hillman will host a yard sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Rivers Edge Gift Shop and concessions will be open during the yard sale. For more information, call 989-742-2527 or email brushcreekmill@gmail.com.

∫ On Saturdays in May, 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.

∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “The Music Man” by Meredith Willson, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Sunday, May 26

∫ The eighth annual Light Up the Sky 5K Run/Walk and children’s fun run will be held Sunday morning starting from the New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park, 4500 E. Grand Lake Road, Presque Isle. All net proceeds support the annual 4th of July fireworks held at the Presque Isle State Harbor on Saturday, July 6. There is a fun run for the kids at 9 a.m. and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Registration for the 5k is $25, and registration for the kids’ fun run is $10. The first 100 finishers in the 5k will receive a medal and the first 50 finishers in the kid fun run will receive a medal. A limited supply of special design T-shirts will be available at a cost of $10, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants will be able to pick-up their packets on the day of the race between 8:30 and 9:20 a.m. If you have any questions, contact the race director at runpresqueisle@gmail.com.

∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents “The Music Man” by Meredith Willson, at 2 p.m. on Sunday.