Courtesy Photo Witches Night Out will be held in downtown Alpena on Friday night, hosted by the Downtown Development Authority.

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, presents its annual juried art exhibit, called “Food for Thought: The Art of Food.” The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 7, which is Art in the Loft’s annual fundraiser. 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. 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 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. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Find out more about the gallery at dragonflyartgallery.net, as well as on Facebook.

Today, Oct. 15

∫ 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 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.

∫ Sewing Club meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Alpena County Library’s Makerspace. 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 project to work on. Space and guidance will be provided. For those without a sewing machine, there are three machines on site for use. Registration is required for this class by calling Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.

∫ ALL will learn about cardiac intervention procedure from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center. This presentation will focus on MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena’s new life saving program providing care for those experiencing the most serious type of heart attack: STEMI.

∫ 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.

∫ 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, Oct. 16

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

∫ The Family Search Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will be starting a series of classes, relating to genealogy and family history. The first session will be from 10 a.m. to noon, with the second session running from 1 to 3 p.m. The classes will be held at the Alpena Chapel building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 411 Long Rapids Plaza, Alpena. To register or for more information, contact Ella Purkiss at 989-306-8090 or ella.mae.purkiss@gmail.com. The following are the class dates and topics to be covered: Oct. 16: Navigating the use of the center’s computers and finding free research sites available on the center’s computers; Oct. 23 and 31: The use of Family Search.org and the use of other free programs available with it; and Nov. 6 and 13: Where can lessons be found on doing research on the computer?

∫ 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.

∫ 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 mornings for Open MakerLab. If you have questions about lab rules call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ ALL presents journal writing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at M. Briggs Center, led by Mary Ann Krajnik Crawford.

∫ 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.

∫ Living Hope Church in Alpena will host a senior tea on Oct. 16. Community members ages 55 and up are invited to join the church for an afternoon tea at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church, 1499 M-32, Alpena.

∫ 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.

∫ Circle of Hope 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.

∫ The GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) Rogers City Civic League is holding a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Rogers City Courthouse in the commissioners’ room. The vigil is to bring awareness to domestic violence, in support of Hope Shores Alliance. Second on Third’s money goes to HSA to help take care of women and children with abuse cases. At the vigil, toiletries for women and children and monetary donations will be accepted to go to Hope Shores Alliance.

∫ Friends Together offers a support group for those dealing with cancer, meeting from 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, Oct. 17

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

∫ ALL will hear about The Crisis of Meaning in America from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, led by Bob Case.

∫ The Hillman Library has graciously teamed up with ESS (willSub) to host a hiring event for substitute teachers and support staff in area schools. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, at the Hillman Wright Library on Caring St. in Hillman. Come and learn more about what you can do as a sub – no degree required.

∫ A First Responders Appreciation Dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at Huron Shores Fellowship Church, 3558 M-32 West, Alpena.

∫ 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.

∫ 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. The library is at 18132 Lake Esau Highway.

∫ Sewing Club meets from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Alpena County Library’s Makerspace. 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 project to work on. Space and guidance will be provided. For those without a sewing machine, there are three machines on site for use. Registration is required for this class by calling Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.

∫ A soup, sandwich, dessert, and beverage dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Spratt United Methodist Church, presented by the ladies of the church. The cost is $12 per adult, and free for children age 12 and younger. The church is located on M-65 South in Lachine, one mile south of Werth Road.

∫ Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is hosting an input session about weather buoys from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, in partnership with the Great Lakes Observing System at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. GLOS will be adding more weather buoys in and around Thunder Bay and would like to hear from the public what kind of data matters most to them.

∫ 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, Oct. 18

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library for a Halloween Glowforge decoration night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Choose between a wooden macrame ghost or bat to paint, decorate, and take home. Registration is required at https://bit.ly/4cpzvfI. This event is free and open to adults 18 and up.

∫ Join the Alpena Downtown Development Authority for a bewitching bash from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday in downtown Alpena. Witches Night Out will feature spooky shopping specials, bewitching beverages, and other witchy wonders throughout downtown. Shopping specials will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at more than 25 shops that will be open late for the event. Each participating stop will have a cauldron filled with coupons from other businesses.The DDA’s sneaky spirits have spread Downtown Dollars throughout the cauldrons, too. Also from 5 to 8 p.m. will be a variety of enchanting endeavors, including oracle and tarot card reading at Illuminate Wellness at 112 Water St., themed drink specials at downtown bars and taprooms, a spooky photo op in the alleyway, a signature scent candle release at Traveling Ladders at 102 N. 2nd Ave. with Thunder River Candle Company, potions, herbal remedies, crystals, yoga, gong bath and a witches’ circle at Joshua Tree Studio and Spa at 112 W. Chisholm St. A sinister scavenger hunt will also be happening from 5 to 8 p.m. for adults. Grab your group and complete a spooky scavenger hunt through downtown Alpena. Check in and drop off at Parallel 45 Books & Gifts at 106 N. 2nd Ave. Three lucky witches who complete the scavenger hunt will receive $100 in Downtown Dollars (pulled randomly). Then, from 8 to 10 p.m. is the alleyway after party. Come in costume for drinks, dancing, and a live D.J. in the Center Alley near Friendly Foodees.

Saturday, Oct. 19

∫ 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 the Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ First United Methodist Church in Alpena will host a craft show on Saturday, Oct. 19. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 167 S. Ripley Boulevard. There will be a bake sale and a luncheon available. Proceeds will go toward the church’s general fund. For more information, call Pat at 989-657-5561.

∫ 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 Armed Women of America Alpena Chapter meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Alpena Sportsman’s Club, 4260 M-32 West, Alpena. This monthly meeting will include a safety briefing and shooting at the range. Guests are welcome, and the first meeting is free.

∫ The Alpena Childcare and Development Center will host an autumn harvest craft show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at 511 Long Rapids Plaza, Alpena. There will be a variety of crafts to browse and purchase, as well as face painting for the kids to enjoy. For more information, email Maci Cordes at: macicordes@gmail.com.

∫ PIF Cider in downtown Alpena will host its second anniversary Wassail celebration from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday. There will be drink specials, discounts for those wearing something “appley,” Reggae Foodie food truck, and live music: Conor Larkin from 1 to 3 p.m., Jeff and Sue, Cult of 2 (Ethereal Purr) from 4 to 6 p.m., and Birch Road Band from 7 to 10 p.m.

∫​​The Alpena Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of the Red, White, and Blue Review to be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 in the Collins Center at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. Not only is this a fabulously fun night, it is also a very important fundraiser for the Chamber’s Military Support Committee activities. Join the Chamber for this variety show of impressive local talent and help support this worthwhile cause. Tickets are available at the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce for $30 each, and include entrance to the show, dinner, cash bar, and an evening of entertainment. Local talent will be ready to perform as some of your favorite artists, and much more. This event is brought to you by the Chamber Ambassadors. For more information, contact the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-354-4181.

∫ Jacki Daniels and the Steelhorse Band will perform a concert on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the APlex. BlueSkye will open for Jacki Daniels and the Steelhorse Band. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Guitar music begins at 6 p.m., and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 each. Concessions and a cash bar will be available. Call the APlex at 989-354-6164 to reserve a table, or for more information. Also at the concert, a big announcement will be made about the next national country act that will perform here on Feb. 28, 2025.

∫ Revolution Dance in Harrisville will host a spook house on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the dance studio, 211 S. State St., Harrisville. The spook house will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the dance studio. Come see the weird, the spooky, and the frightful things within. The cost is $5 per person, and children must be accompanied by an adult. If you have questions, please call 989-272-8152.

Sunday, Oct. 20

∫ 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, Oct. 21

∫ 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. 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.

Submit news to lifestyles@thealpenanews.com. If you have questions about the Community Calendar, call 989-358-5691.