Courtesy Photo Saturday is Kids Day at the Alpena Farmers Market at Mich-e-ke-wis Park.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is currently closed until Sept. 25 as they prepare for their upcoming annual juried art exhibit, called “Food for Thought: The Art of Food.” The gallery is normally 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. Linda Beeman, the 2023 juried art show winner, has a solo exhibit on display in the Center Gallery. The 2024 juried art exhibit is on display as well, now through Oct. 30. The Besser Museum is located at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Call the museum at 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Jake Bowen is the featured artist for September and October at Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena. The gallery features more than 20 local artists’ work on display and for sale. 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 in September, then starting in October, it will be open three days per week, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Find out more about the gallery at dragonflyartgallery.net, as well as on Facebook.

Today, Sept. 17

∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners hosts Mexican Train Express dominoes from 9:15 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, 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 Family Search Center at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is available by appointment by calling 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. For detailed membership information, call 989-464-5313.

∫ ALL presents Managing Money in Retirement from 1:30 to 3 p.m. today at Besser Technical Center Room 106 at Alpena Community College. Now that you are retired, or thinking about retiring, what is the best way to manage the funds you have accumulated over the years? Bryan Strong will discuss how to manage both regular savings accounts and investments as well as tax-deferred retirement funds to maximize benefits and minimize taxes and penalties. There will be a question-and-answer period for general questions. Strong is a financial advisor with Edward Jones since 2003. Bryan is committed to understanding his clients’ needs, motivations, and values.

∫ Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Participants must be age 5 or older.

∫ Bay View Center hosts a diversity support meeting at 4 p.m. each Tuesday. This weekly meeting 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.

∫ The READ Adult Literacy Program at Alpena County Library is looking for caring individuals to join their team as tutors. This September, they are offering free training sessions from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Stillion Conference Room upstairs at the library on the following dates: Sept. 17 — Basic Literacy 1; Sept. 19 — Basic Literacy 2; Sept. 24 — English as a Second Language; and Sept. 26 — GED Preparation. Attend any or all sessions at no cost. Light refreshments and all materials will be provided. Register by calling 989-356-6188, ext. 15 or emailing readprogram@alpenalibrary.org. The library is located at 211 N. 1st Ave. in downtown Alpena.

∫ 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.

∫ Karaoke Night is from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Black Sheep Pub in downtown Alpena.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

∫ The Alpena Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at Mich-e-ke-wis Park in Alpena.

∫ The Alpena News presents the 2024 Senior Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the APlex, 701 Woodward Ave., Alpena. Free admission. Door prizes will be drawn all day, and you must be present to win. A variety of shots will be available, provided by LeFave Pharmacy and Compounding, and The Drug Store. Shots include influenza, COVID, pneumonia, RSV, shingles, and tetanus. The Huron Humane Society and many other businesses will be at the expo. Speakers include: 10:45 a.m. — Michigan State Police; 12:15 p.m. — Alpena City Fire Department; and 12:45 p.m. — Beyond Horizons Tour and Travel.

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

∫ 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 989-356-3231 for the link.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Youth Services Department from 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday for Weekly Storytime. Come for a few stories, then stay for an activity or craft! All ages are welcome. If you can’t make it on Wednesday, join ACL at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday for Open MakerLab! A signed waiver is required prior to using the MakerLab.

∫ ALL will host Journal Writing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at M. Briggs Center Room 143 on the campus of Alpena Community College. Journal writing is a first step for creating stories, capturing memories, and exploring our ideas and feelings. This is writing for fun and insight in a no-pressure atmosphere. The purpose is to have an hour devoted to exploring our creative spirit through writing. Bring paper or a journal, pens or pencils or a computer — whatever you need to be comfortable for writing. Mary Ann Krajnik Crawford has been a personal journal writer and teacher of writing for many years. She retired from Central Michigan University as an emeritus professor of English and director of the Writing Center and continues to write for the fun of it.

∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

∫ Youth Mental Health First Aid will be offered from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday at Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health Authority, 400 Johnson St., Alpena. In this blended course, adults will learn how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges in youth. Complete a 2-hour self-paced online course, then participate in an in-person instructor-led workshop. Once this course is fully completed, a certification is available from the National Council of Mental Health. This is a $250 value, at no cost to participants. To register, contact Genny by calling 989-358-7842.

∫ ALL offers pinochle from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at M. Briggs Center with Julie Byrnes.

∫ S.T.E.A.M., formerly called Homeschoolers at the Library, will meet at 1 p.m. each Wednesday at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ Women on Wednesday is a support group for women with cancer in-person and via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. 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 info, text Joel Suszek at 989-255-4928 or Jeff Welch at 989-255-6068.

∫ A free community lecture will be presented by Force Blue Executive Director and Co-Founder Jim Ritterhoff on Wednesday at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the lecture begins at 6 p.m. The title of the lecture is “Creation, Collaboration, and Communication in a Hyper-Partisan Political World.”

∫ Join PIF Cider for Vinyl Night with “The Gary” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the taproom, 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena.

∫ Friends Together offers a support group for those dealing with cancer, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday at Alcona Elementary School Library in Lincoln.

∫ 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, Sept. 19

∫ 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 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. Please contact Betty at 734-693-2869 for weekly location.

∫ Join ALL for Spitzer 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center, led by Marilyn Klingshirn.

∫ ALL will host the September Happening at Lost Lake Woods Club pavilion from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The pavilion is located on Badger Lake within the gated Lost Lake Woods Club community at 4243 Lost Lake Trail, Lincoln. A staff member will describe the history, events, and amenities of the property. You will enter LLWC via a gate on the west side of F-41, north of Lincoln. Use the right-hand gate to gain entry via a call to the office. Follow the entrance street (Fox Road) until it dead ends at Lost Lake Trail, where you will turn left, heading past the lodge to the pavilion and parking lot on the right. The ALL Board will be providing brats and chicken. Please bring a salad, a dish to pass, or a dessert.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a special dinner on Thursday, celebrating 35 years of helping build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. The event will be held at the Phoenix Room inside JJ’s Steak and Pizza House in Alpena. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the dinner will start around 5 p.m. The event will feature keynote speaker Mark Ostach, a digital wellness expert who helps people find the courage to connect. A cash raffle will be held. First prize is $1,500, second prize is $1,000, and third prize is $500. Raffle tickets are $10 each or three for $20. Winners will be drawn at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Tickets to the dinner are still available for $40 per person or $75 per couple. Get tickets at the Habitat for Humanity offices and ReStore at 2630 U.S.-23 in Alpena. Call the Habitat office at 989-354-2141.

∫ The public is invited to a soup, sandwich, dessert, and beverage dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Spratt United Methodist Church, 7440 M-65 South in Lachine (one mile south of Werth Road). The cost is $12 per adult. Children ages 12 and younger eat for free. The dinner is presented by the Spratt United Methodist Church ladies group.

∫ The Alpena County Republican Party will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Alpena Community College Center Building, Room 106.

∫ 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, Sept. 20

∫ 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. 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. 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.

∫ Marine Corps League Alpena Detachment 1327 is hosting a Polish dinner from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday in the Canteen of the VFW on Connon Street. Dinner includes pierogies, sauerkraut and sausage, potatoes, dinner roll, and your choice of delicious desserts. This is dine-in or take-out. The cost for dinner is $15 per person. For take-outs, please call the Canteen at 989-340-0385. This dinner is open to the public.

∫ 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.

∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners hosts square dancing from 4 to 6 p.m. For more info, call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 or email all@alpenacc.edu. Couples and singles are welcome to come brush up on their dancing.

∫ Birch Road String Band will play from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at PIF Cider, 205 W. Chisholm St.

Saturday, Sept. 21

∫ 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. Saturday is Kids Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During Kids Day, the Alpena Farmers Market takes on a carnival atmosphere as it fills with families with children. The throng is entertained with live music and there are lots of free activities including a bounce house, inflatable slides, petting zoo, hay rides with FFA, face painting, games, bike drawing, vegetable tasting, fire trucks, ambulance, and many other activities put on by area businesses. The Alpena FFA and many area businesses and organizations help with this event. For more information, 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. For more information, visit The Real Harrisville Harbor Facebook page.

∫ The Sunrise Side Co-op Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays in the parking lot behind Mango’s Tequila Bar in downtown Alpena. The new farmers market will be open each Saturday through the end of October.

∫ The fourth annual Hoptoberfest event will begin at noon at Hopside Brewery, 129 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. The event will feature games out back on the patio, drink specials, and more.

∫ A free community event will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, when the 2024 documentary “Frog Fathers” is shown at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The film is about four Navy SEAL veterans who visit the site of the bloodiest day in the U.S. Naval Special Warfare history — June 6, 1944, referred to as D-Day, the Invasion of Normandy. “The veterans pay their respects to the fallen and try to understand the events of that day, as well as how the sacrifices made there affect their lives and legacy,” a press release noted. The documentary, produced by World of Warships and Force Blue, and directed by Bob Whitney, aired on June 3 on Fox Nation, and it is also available on Apple TV.

∫ Join Friends Together for Family Night at the Drive-In on Saturday in the Northern Lights Arena parking lot. Experience the fun of watching a movie on a giant 55-foot screen from the comfort of your vehicle! The community voted to choose the movie and the winner is … “Monsters, Inc.” The movie will begin at 8 p.m. The cost is $25 for a parking spot. Campers, RVs, and buses are not permitted. Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Concessions will be available for purchase at the event. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., so be sure to participate in the “Monster” raffle before the show. Stuffed monsters will be available for $10 and will act as your ticket to win cash and prizes. The drawing will be held between 8 and 11 p.m. Family Night at the Drive-In is sure to be a fun time and is a great way to help Friends Together raise needed funds to support local people who are impacted by cancer. This event is sponsored by Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union.

Submit Community Calendar items to lifestyles@thealpenanews.com. Call 989-358-5691 for info.