Courtesy Photo The Chocolate Extravaganza returns from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Church in Alpena.

∫ 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” 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.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan presents its new “Discover Northeast Michigan History” exhibit. Two local artist exhibits are currently on display: Pam O’Neil and Joe Donna. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Call 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Thunder Bay Arts Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St., features more than 20 local artists’ work on display and for sale. The Gallery will be closed now through March 4, for interior updates, and will reopen March 5. TBA Gallery has switched to winter hours through March — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Today, Feb. 18

∫ ALL hosts Mexican Train Express Dominoes from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. each Tuesday at M. Briggs Center.

∫ 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 free recurring play and socialization program for children ages 0-5, and their caregivers, from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday. 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.

∫ The Alpena Lions Club hosts their weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays at First Presbyterian Church, Alpena. Visit alpenalionsclub.com or the Alpena Lions Club on Facebook. For detailed membership information, call 989-464-5313.

∫ ALL will go behind the scenes at the APlex from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center. Alpena’s APlex hosts a multitude of events, including pickleball, weddings, expos, and big name performers. Find out what is involved in making all these events successful. What kind of catastrophes come close to derailing events? What are some of the more interesting events that have been staged? Beckie Thomson will take attendees behind the scenes. Thomson is a retired English teacher of 36 years. She has been employed by the APlex since August of 2021. She enjoys working with people and sports, so the APlex is a natural fit for work and fun.

∫ Sewing Club meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Alpena County Library’s Makerspace. 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 by calling Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.

∫ 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, 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 women’s cancer support group meets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays inside the Alpena Cancer Center. Your Safe Space welcomes women with a past or present cancer diagnosis, in a safe, confidential, peer-to-peer support group.

∫ 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, Feb. 19

∫ AARP TAX-AIDE offers free tax prep to senior citizens and also to low-income persons of any age. Membership is not required. Services are provided in Alpena by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. No walk-ins. AARP TAX-AIDE Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. To make an appointment or if you have questions, please call 989-278-8104.

∫ 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 Wednesdays for Open MakerLab! Participants ages 5 to 15 will need parental supervision. If you have questions, call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ ALL presents Journal Writing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday at M. Briggs Center. This is writing for fun and insight in a no-pressure atmosphere. You can write in response to prompts instructor Mary Ann Krajnik Crawford will bring or about whatever you choose. Bring paper or a journal, pens or pencils or a computer — whatever you need to be comfortable for writing. 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.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL will learn about The Markets Today from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Center Room 106 at Alpena Community College, across from Granum Theater. Marc Ferguson will discuss performance across the markets, market updates related to current events, Edward Jones’ key views, and portfolio opportunities. Your questions and concerns will also be addressed. Ferguson graduated in 1986 from Lake Superior State University and 1994 from Central Michigan University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and an MBA in finance and international business. Before coming to Edward Jones, Ferguson was a manager at The Dow Chemical Company.

∫ 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 info, call 989-356-3231. No pre-registration is required.

∫ Animal rehabilitator, Melisa Smith, is back with her special squirrel friends, Spech and Daisy! Join Alpena County Library from 5 to 6 p.m. every other Wednesday, and read to squirrels. Register at https://bit.ly/4g1qDyL. This program is for newborns through age 18. If you have questions, contact Tina at cstjohn@alpenalibrary.org.

∫ 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 lecture called Tales of Mapping the South Pacific will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena, presented by Andrea Yoxsimer, resource protection specialist at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. As of June 2024, only 26.1% of the world’s oceans have been mapped using high-resolution technologies, such as multibeam sonar systems. To address this gap, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) is actively contributing to the expansion of oceanic mapping by conducting sonar operations across the U.S. During the 2023 field season, NOAA Ship Rainier undertook a mission to the Pacific Remote Island Area (PRIA) and American Samoa, where it conducted comprehensive mapping operations around both inhabited and uninhabited islands. Yoxsimer was part of that team. This lecture will provide an in-depth examination of the principles and functionality of multibeam sonar, explore the successes and challenges associated with conducting sonar operations in remote regions, and offer a detailed look into the experience of life aboard a 231-foot research vessel operating in the South Pacific.

∫ Friends Together offers a cancer support group at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Alcona Elementary School, 181 N. Barlow Road, Lincoln. This group is for anyone facing cancer, no matter where you are on your journey. You are welcome to bring a support person with you.

∫ 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, Feb. 20

∫ 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.

∫ The Alpena County Library will offer a free class about how to use your iPad and iPhone. Join the ACL tech specialist as she teaches participants the basics of working with and using devices like iPads and iPhones. Registration is required at forms.gle/uh24Ej8n2erYuoqT6 or call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ 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.

∫ Alpena County Library and WCMU Public Broadcasting present a free concert by Gemini Moon at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the library, 211 N. 1st Ave. Gemini Moon delivers a dynamic mix of guitar-driven originals featuring both male and female lead vocals, along with harmonies that captivate. They also bring a fresh twist to classic rock and pop covers. Drawing inspiration from 90s alternative, 60s/70s classic rock, and a rich blend of blues, pop, and folk from all eras, Gemini Moon creates a unique sound. Their music blends these influences into an energetic, welcoming, and vibrant space, with perfectly balanced tones and a mindful approach to volume. Vocalist and guitarist Joe Chamberlin, having performed at music venues throughout the U.S. for more than a decade, brings his Hendrix-Frusciante-inspired riffs, and pop sensibilities with him into Gemini Moon. Vocalist Casmira Draconid, having been born into a musical family, continues a long tradition in the arts, bringing their masterful prose and powerful voice to the songs of Gemini Moon.

∫ 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, Feb. 21

∫ AARP TAX-AIDE offers free tax prep to senior citizens and also to low-income persons of any age. Membership is not required. Services are provided in Alpena by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. No walk-ins. AARP TAX-AIDE Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. To make an appointment or if you have questions, please call 989-278-8104.

∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

∫ Exercise is at 10 a.m. at Alpena Senior Citizens Center. 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. Call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 or email all@alpenacc.edu.

∫ Join Alpena County Libary for Tween Crayon Art from 5 to 6 p.m., for ages 8 to 12. Using heat, create unique art with melted crayons at the library, 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena.

∫ Auditions for “Once Upon a Mattress” will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, and at noon on Saturday, at Alpena Civic Theatre. Please check Alpena Civic Theatre’s Facebook page for further details.

Saturday, Feb. 22

∫ AARP TAX-AIDE offers free tax prep to senior citizens and also to low-income persons of any age. Membership is not required. Services are provided in Alpena by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. No walk-ins. AARP TAX-AIDE Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. To make an appointment or if you have questions, please call 989-278-8104.

∫ 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.

∫ SkellaFit Personal Training Studio and Zen 24 Hour Fitness have joined forces to “give a lift” to local nonprofit organization Friends Together during their first annual Big Hearts, Big Muscles Powerlifting Meet, with weigh-in at 9 a.m. and the meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Zen 24 Hour Fitness, 2699 U.S.-23, Alpena. The non-sanctioned, friendly competition is open to lifters of all ages and offers ways for community members to get involved. Outside of lifting, everyone is invited to buy a paper “weight plate.” Donors’ names will be displayed on the plate as well as their donation amount, listed to look like the weight of the plate. The plates are displayed at SkellaFit and Zen 24 Hour Fitness. An afterparty will be at 1 p.m. at The Old Polish Corner.

∫ The 23rd Chocolate Extravaganza will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 124 E. Washington Ave. in downtown Alpena. The event features a wide variety of decadent chocolate treats, all made by church members and volunteers. Carole Cadarette will provide live music at the event. The cost is $20 per person, and $10 per child, ages 10 and younger. All proceeds benefit the church’s scholarship fund for local students. Tickets will be available at the door. If you have questions, call the church office at 989-356-0576.

∫ 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.

∫ The Thunder Bay Audubon Society will present a lecture on local birds and rehabilitation from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, for all ages, in the Stillion Conference Room at Alpena County Library, 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena. Learn about our local birds and bird rehabilitation from Ashley, an Alcona teacher who runs an official bird rehabilitation center. Learn more about the presenter on her Facebook page, “ABC Alpena’s Bird Center.”

∫ The APlex presents Armageddon, a Def Leppard, Poison, and Ratt tribute concert on Saturday. Admission is $16, and doors open at 5:30 p.m. Get ready to headbang and sing along to all your favorite hits from these legendary rock bands.

∫ The Poetics Lab, in partnership with Lady of the Lake Yoga, presents a sound bath and reading at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Joshua Tree Studio, 112 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. Please use public parking lots in the rear, or street parking.

Sunday, Feb. 23

∫ The Friends of Plaza Pool will host a Euchre Tournament on Sunday at a new location, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1960 M-32, Alpena. This is a fundraiser for the Plaza Pool. Doors open at noon and play starts at 1 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, and you must be at least 18 to play. Cash prizes will be awarded, with the amount to be determined by the number of participants. There will be a $1 entry for high game, food, a 50/50 drawing, and door prizes.

∫ As part of the Sunday Memories Concert Series, a Neil Diamond tribute will take place on Sunday at the APlex, 701 Woodward Ave., Alpena. Doors open at noon. Admission is $21 per person, and hors d’oeuvres are included. Sing along to Neil Diamond’s greatest hits. If you have questions, call 989-354-6164.

∫ 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.