COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Courtesy Photo Josey Scott's Saliva is pictured in this photo provided by Artists Worldwide. The band will perform on Friday at the APlex.
∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, presents its “SummerView 2024” Exhibit, featuring the artwork of nearly 40 artists. 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. Call the museum at 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.
∫ Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena, features 21 local artists’ work on display and for sale. Gary Etzler, award-winning carver, is the gallery’s featured artist for July and August. A reception in Gary’s honor will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12 in the TBA Gallery. The reception is open to the public and free of charge. 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. The Dragonfly Art Gallery is proud to have Dorothea Sandra as their visiting artist for the month of July. The public is welcome to stop in to see and enjoy her art.
Today, July 9
∫ 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.
∫ 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, 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 Alpena High School Class of 1953 will hold a luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the 19th Hole Restaurant, located at 1081 U.S.-23 in Alpena. All classmates are invited to attend.
∫ The Family Search Center at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will be closed for regular visits during the months of July and August. The center will still be available by appointment. Those wishing to make an appointment can contact Ella Purkiss at 989-306-6250.
∫ The Alpena Lions Club hosts their weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays at First Presbyterian Church, Alpena. For more information, visit alpenalionsclub.com or the Alpena Lions Club on Facebook.
∫ The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and West Virginia University are looking for local people who live, work, and play in and around Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary to come participate in a voluntary workshop to discuss their activities around the lake and sanctuary to gather input on recreational use and activities within Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and surrounding area. A session will be from 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Alpena County Library, and another will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday at the Alcona County Library in Harrisville. Food and drink will be provided. RSVP to Larissa.Martins@mail.wvu.edu.
∫ The ALL classroom in the Madeline Briggs Center has received a number of technology upgrades since we first used the facility in 2011. We currently have a number of capabilities to assist both our members and presenters. Many of our members are not aware of our capabilities or have asked for training on some equipment and software. This program will provide an overview of our capability, software and equipment, plus provide training. This program will be repeated in August and September in order to provide an opportunity for ALL members to get familiar with our capabilities and provide training. Richard Bremer is a retired electronics engineer, working in the automotive industry for 35 years. He has been involved in the design and procurement of much of the ALL classroom technology. Ron Young is a retired civil engineer, working in road management and has participated in a number of technology implementation and data management projects.
∫ Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Participants must be age 5 or older.
∫ Paws to Read is offered from 4 to 6 p.m. each Tuesday in July at Alpena County Library. Meet two very special squirrels, Spech and Daisy, with Wildlife Rehabilitator Melisa Smith, and sign up to read to a squirrel! Registration is required: https://bit.ly/3xhco8x. Participants must sign up each week to reserve a session. For information, contact the Youth Services Department at 989-356-6188, ext. 23.
∫ 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.
∫ 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.
∫ ALL will host Photography Club from 7 to 9 p.m. via Zoom. Come and join ALL as they discuss reorganizing the focus of camera club to rekindle the excitement of taking superb photos. For the link, email all@alpenacc.edu.
∫ Karaoke Night is from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Black Sheep Pub in downtown Alpena.
Wednesday, July 10
∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 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. Participants ages 5 to 15 will need parental supervision at all times. 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.
∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
∫ ALL offers pinochle from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at M. Briggs Center with Julie Byrnes.
∫ 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.
∫ 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, July 11
∫ 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 11:30 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.
∫ Free ROV drop-in sessions are offered this summer from noon to 3 p.m. today and throughout the summer. These sessions will be held in the Maker Space near the large Marine Technology Training Tank at Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The whole family can pilot their ROV in NOAA’s test tank and learn how these vehicles are used for science and industry. Modify your ROV to perform tasks such as lifting “debris” and restoring fish habitat. Earn stamps for each mission to track progress and celebrate as you move through the levels. You can attend multiple dates and progress each time. Dates include July 11, July 26, Aug. 6, Aug. 10, and Aug. 21.
∫ 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.
∫ Come Knit a Mother Bear from 1 to 3 p.m. with ALL at M. Briggs Center. The April meeting of the Mother Bears was so worthwhile and enjoyable that the group decided to continue getting together every month. The Mother Bear Project has the mission of “Creating comfort and hope for children in emerging nations.” This workshop will teach how to knit or crochet a bear, a comfort toy, to be sent to a charity. Participants need basic knitting or crocheting skills – enough to knit a scarf. All supplies will be provided.
∫ 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.
∫ Pokemon Club meets from 4 to 5 p.m. at Alpena County Library, for ages 8-18 generally but we welcome younger participants with parents. Collect and trade Pokemon cards, learn to build decks, and play the card game.
∫ The Great Pages Circus will be coming to Northern Lights Arena on Thursday and Friday, with shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. both days. For tickets, visit pagescircus.com.
∫ The Saginaw Bay Walleye Club and Michigan Walleye Tour are hosting a Meet the Pros night (weather permitting) in the Meijer parking lot at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11. Kids of all ages are welcome. Get on board MWT Pros tournament boats and see how they use them for success on the tour. At 6:15 p.m., MWT Pros Mike Wagner and Chris Cody will host a Fishing Knowledge Seminar: “Where Fish Live, What Fish Eat, Where to Fish and What to Use.” Lots of free giveaways!
∫ Gone to Pieces Quilt Guild will be celebrating its birthday at their monthly meeting on Thursday, July 11. Meetings are held at First United Methodist Church. Social Time begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. All quilters are welcome to join.
∫ At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Author Barb Barton will present her award-winning book about the rich tradition of wild rice in Michigan and its importance to the Anishinaabek people who live here. “Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan” focuses on the biology, history, and culture surrounding the State of Michigan’s native grain and the efforts to restore and protect it across the landscape. Barton discusses historic wild rice beds that once existed in Michigan, why many disappeared, and the efforts of tribal and nontribal people with a common goal of restoring and protecting Manoomin across the landscape. This free lecture will be held at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 7 p.m.
∫ 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.
∫ The Alpena City Band will perform a Patriotic Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Alpena bandshell located at Bay View Park. Concerts will be held there each Thursday evening through Aug. 13. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy an hour of music performed by local musicians. Special themed concerts include the July 11 Patriotic Concert, July 25 Children’s Concert, and the Aug. 15 Polka Concert (last concert of the season). A special Veterans Concert will be performed on July 24 inside the tent at the Brown Trout Festival.
Friday, July 12
∫ The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the next Good Morning Alpena on Friday, July 12 at Alpena Senior Citizens Center, 501 River St. Come for a delicious breakfast, stay for the valuable information! We will hear about what the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary are working on at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m. and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $10 per person and advanced registration is required to info@alpenachamber.com or 989-354-4181. This event is sponsored by Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
∫ 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, Storytime and Craft for Kids meets at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.
∫ ALL hosts contract bridge from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Fridays at M. Briggs Center.
∫ 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. Singles are very welcome!
∫ Vivero Industries, a marketing and event planning agency in Alpena, has announced that they will be partnering up with Sunrise Treatment and Recovery Centre in bringing Josey Scott’s Saliva to The APlex, alongside special guests Katharsys Theory (Alpena) and Driving Dawn (Gaylord). Vivero Industries is partnering with Sunrise Treatment and Recovery Centre to raise funds to support the construction of a brand new treatment facility in Alpena. All proceeds from this event directly support the capital campaign, raising funds to improve and enhance vital treatment services in Northeast Michigan. In the spirit of fostering a supportive environment, this will be a sober gathering, and alcohol will not be served at the venue. However, attendees will be able to enjoy mocktails and concessions available for sale. Additionally, for security reasons, bags, backpacks, and purses are not permitted inside the venue, except for those containing medical devices.The doors of The APlex Events Complex will open at 5:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 6 p.m. for General Admission attendees. General Admission tickets are priced at $45, while VIP tickets are available for $85, offering exclusive perks such as a VIP badge/lanyard, VIP poster, and special VIP area.
∫ The Great Pages Circus will be coming to Northern Lights Arena on Friday, with shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit pagescircus.com.
∫ Thunder Bay Arts Council is proud to announce Gary Etzler as their Featured Artist for July and August 2024. Gary is an award-winning carver. A reception in his honor will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12, in the Thunder Bay Arts Gallery. As always, the reception is open to the public and free of charge. Come see Gary’s work and that of 20 additional local artists.
Saturday, July 13
∫ 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.
∫ The Harrisville Farmers Market, located in the upper parking lot of the Harrisville Harbor at the corner of N. Lake Street and E. Harbor Lane, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from June through October. Market items are locally produced, grown, harvested, baked, and gathered. Visit The Real Harrisville Harbor Facebook page.
∫ The Homestead Artisan Market and Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, now through Labor Day, and some special activity days. For more information, check out the Homestead Artisan Market and Gallery on Facebook.
∫ The Besser Car Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Besser World Headquarters, 801 Johnson St., Alpena.
∫ Harrisville’s Sunrise Side Wine, Brew and Food Festival will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 under the big top tent at the Harrisville Harbor of Refuge. The lineup includes local and other Michigan wineries, breweries and a cidery. There will also be food from local restaurants, bakeries and food trucks. Local musicians will be contributing background music of all types. Also exhibiting will be local artists and craftmakers selling original arts and wine-related crafts. Please see the Facebook page for up-to-date information: www.facebook.com/SunriseSideWineandFoodFestival/. The entrance fee is $20 and includes two drink tickets and a sampling glass. Additional tickets can be purchased at three for $5. The drink pour has been increased to two ounces of wine and four ounces of beer this year in celebration of the 30th anniversary.
∫ High Speed will perform pop, dance, and rock music in a free concert from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday at the Alpena Bandshell at Bay View Park as part of True North Radio Network’s Summer Concert Series. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and get ready for some great music and giveaways!
∫ Join Art in the Loft for an exciting event, Over the Moon, in partnership with Blue Moon Cafe, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. We have two featured readers: Nycki C. and Cat Batsios. Tickets are limited and available for $30 each.
∫ Making her debut at PIF, singer/songwriter Tali Snowden is a native Texan, now living in Mt. Pleasant. She will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. at PIF Cider, 205 W. Chisholm St.
Sunday, July 14
∫ First Presbyterian Church of Alpena will be holding their annual Red Letter Day Observance at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 14. A red letter day is one that is set aside on the calendar as special. In some Bibles, the words of Jesus are printed in red letters. We will be reading just the words of Jesus and singing a few hymns. This will be followed by breakfast provided by the church in the fellowship hall. The regular service will be held at the usual time of 10:30 a.m. First Presbyterian Church invites the public to join them for this thoughtful experience.
∫ Jeff and Sue, Cult of 2 will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. at PIF Cider in Alpena.
∫ 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.
∫ Alpena Peace Community invites you to a Peace Gathering featuring the musical talents of Charles Madison from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 14 at Grace Lutheran Church, 119 W. Dunbar St., Alpena. This is a free community event, open to everyone. Cookies and punch will follow in the church fellowship hall. Meditations and prayers for peace are needed in all parts of our world, our country, our communities, and for our families and friends. Join the APC on July 14 to hear live acoustic guitar music by Charles Madison, peace meditations, and refreshments. Non-perishable food donations to the Little Food Pantry at Grace Lutheran Church would be appreciated. Visit Alpena Peace Community on Facebook, or email alpenapeacecommunity@gmail.com.
Monday, July 15
∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Call 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, call 989-354-2306 or 989-595-5119.
∫ Friends Together North is a cancer support group for men and women that meets at 12:30 p.m. each Monday at the Presque Isle District Library in Rogers City.
∫ 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 presents Monday Mixer, a support group for men and women coping with a cancer experience, at 4:30 p.m. each Monday at Friends Together and via Zoom. Call 989-356-3231 for more information.
∫ 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.
∫ 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.