∫ 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. “WinterView 2024” is on display now through March 1, featuring the artwork of over 25 artists, for show and sale. 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 is closed to the public now through mid-January for the installation of the new “Discover Northeast Michigan History” exhibit. The Besser Museum is located at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Call the museum at 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Mark and Lucia Behmer are the Thunder Bay Arts Gallery Featured Artists for Decemeber. The gallery features more than 20 local artists’ work on display and for sale. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Today, Dec. 31

∫ 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.

∫ Alpena Senior Citizens Center offers quilting at 10 a.m. and Spitzer at 12:30 p.m. each Tuesday.

∫ The Alpena Downtown Development Authority and HPC Credit Union will host a Sunrise Side New Year’s Eve Celebration from 5 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday. Come ring in the new year with live DJs, and food and drink specials throughout downtown. As midnight approaches, there will be a spectacular “sunrise” celebration in the parking lot behind Mango’s, where downtown will be filled with light to celebrate the new beginnings in the year ahead.

∫ PIF Cider will host a New Year’s Eve party from 7 to 10 p.m. at the taproom, 205 W. Chisholm St. in downtown Alpena. Live music by Conor Larkin will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Come see the giant apple drop from the ceiling at 10 p.m. for all the early birds. Lady of the Lake Yogini Traci Boyle will be in house doing tarot card readings for $20 per three-card reading.

∫ The APlex will host a New Year’s Eve Party starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, featuring local band High Speed. Tickets are $20 per person, which includes hors d’oeuvres. For tickets, visit aplex.org/events. The APlex is located at 701 Woodward Ave., Alpena.

Wednesday, Jan. 1

∫ HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thursday, Jan. 2

∫ 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 Library Youth Services Department at 9:15 a.m. each Thursday for Weekly Storytime. Come for a few stories, then stay for an activity or craft! All ages are welcome.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL presents The Mother Bears with Priscilla Homola from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center. “These knitters had such a fun time working on the bears for donating to the Mother Bear Project that they decided to make the gathering a habit and get together once a month,” explained Florence Stibitz. Homola leads attendees in the making of a comfort toy — a cuddly bear. These bears are then sent to children in underdeveloped countries. As a child in Zambia said, “The bear is my only friend.”

∫ 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.

∫ 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, Jan. 3

∫ 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. Come brush up on your mainstream and plus dancing. Fabulous caller Dave Boggs, of Desert Aire, Washington, will be reviewing mainstream calls and teaching and reviewing plus calls. No partner, no problem — Singles are very welcome!

Saturday, Jan. 4

∫ 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 about the farmers market, visit the Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ The Sunrise Side Co-op Market (indoor farmers market) is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, with 40 vendors represented weekly for your bakery, farm products, wellness items and high-end gift needs, located in the blue marina building at 401 E. Chisholm St., Alpena.

Sunday, Jan. 5

∫ 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, Jan. 6

∫ 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. 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 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.

∫ Join Alpena County Library from 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6 for Pokemon Club for youths ages 8 to 18. At this one-hour program, attendees will learn how to play Pokemon, battle peers, trade cards, do crafts, and watch Pokemon. Attendees should bring their own cards to the meet-up, but the library will also have some available for those who do not have their own. No registration is necessary, and drop-ins are welcome.

∫ 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.

Tuesday, Jan. 7

∫ ALL hosts Mexican Train Express Dominoes from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. each Tuesday at M. Briggs Center 143. Ready for a fun, addictive and fast-moving game that has lots of surprising twists and turns? Join ALL for Mexican Train Express. This dominoes game does not have partners and can be played with two, three, four, five or more players. You will learn some tricks and techniques, and you may join this class any time during the year.

∫ 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.

∫ Alpena County Library will host Early Connections, a recurring play and socialization program for children ages 0-5, and their caregivers. This group will meet from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday. This program is free. Caregivers must remain with their child for the duration of the program. No registration necessary.

∫ 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 11 to 12:30 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 go Behind the Scenes with Alpena County Animal Control Officer Michelle Reid from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at M. Briggs Center on the campus of Alpena Community College. Join ALL for a presentation on the vital role of an animal control officer. Learn about their responsibilities in protecting public safety, enforcing animal-related laws, and ensuring the humane treatment of animals. This essential role safeguards both people and pets, addressing concerns such as stray animals and cases of neglect or abuse. Discover why this work is crucial for community well-being and the importance of promoting responsible pet ownership.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ A new women’s cancer support group is offered from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m on Tuesdays at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena’s Cancer Center. All women with cancer are welcome. This is a safe, confidential, peer-to-peer support group.

∫ SkellaFit will host a free Pretty Deadly Self-Defense 101 Class from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7 in the Judith A. Stillion Conference Room at Alpena County Library. Registration is required at skellafit.com.

∫ 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, Jan. 8

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

∫ Friends of the Library will have a used book store open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Wednesday on the third floor of the Alpena County Library. The public is welcome.

∫ 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 from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday mornings 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 our top priority! If you have questions about lab rules call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ Alpena County Library will host Words and Music, a free lunchtime concert, from noon to 1 p.m. Songs are performed by Dr. Tom, and his commentary — said by some to be amusing — will, as always, fill the space. You are invited to bring your lunch (optional), a friend (optional), and an appetite for piano and fun.

∫ 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 ACL’s Technology Specialist on a first-come, first-serve basis.

∫ 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.

∫ Circle of Hope is a women’s only cancer support group that meets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday at Friends Together. This is a supportive, understanding group of women of all ages, all backgrounds, and all cancers. Unite with others, no matter where you are on your cancer journey. You are not alone. For more information, call 989-356-3231, or drop in. No pre-registration is required.

∫ 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.

∫ Don La Barre, historian for the Michigan History Center, will present a program on the Winyah, one of the most luxurious yachts ever to sail the Great Lakes. The free lecture will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Built in 1894 for Lucy Carnegie, wife of industrial magnate Thomas Carnegie, the Winyah was a symbol of Gilded Age opulence. Designed for both style and comfort, it epitomized the wealth and exclusivity of America’s industrial elite. La Barre will explore the yacht’s history, design, and legacy, including its construction and eventual arrival and ownership in Alpena. He’ll share stories of the prominent figures who sailed this vessel, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century maritime culture. This event, in partnership with the Alpena County Library, is perfect for history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the Gilded Age. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the intersection of luxury, engineering, and American ambition that made the Winyah a legendary vessel.

∫ Rich Rider hosts Open Mic Night from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Black Sheep Pub, located at 113 S. 2nd Ave. in downtown Alpena.