Courtesy Photo National country band Diamond Rio will perform on Friday night at the APlex 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 for more information.

∫ 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. The Besser Museum is located at 491 Johnson St., Alpena. Call the museum at 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 Tuesday, March 4, for interior updates, and will reopen Wednesday, March 5. TBA Gallery has switched to winter hours through March — they are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Today, Feb. 25

∫ ALL hosts Mexican Train Express Dominoes from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. each Tuesday at M. Briggs Center 143.

∫ 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 meets 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.

∫ 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 1:30 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. Tinker Tuesday is about getting together and exploring projects. 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 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. This is 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. 26

∫ 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 Wednesday mornings for Open MakerLab! Makers of all ages can tinker, collaborate, and create a project of their choice in ACL’s 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. If you have questions, call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ Alpena County Library offers Tech Help from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Do you have a gadget that you need a little help with, or a technology question that you need answered? Get help with your computer, phone, or tablet from ACL’s knowledgeable and patient staff.

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

∫ ALL’s Moveable Feast will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Austin Brothers Beer Company, 821 W. Miller St., Alpena. Participants are responsible for the cost of their meal and beverages. Participants will enjoy a wonderful lunch from the Austin Brothers menu and get an inside peek at a working brewery. Wear comfortable shoes — floors in the brewery could be wet as they will be working while participants are there. Invite a friend. This is a great way to introduce a friend to ALL. Reservations are a must. Call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 or email all@alpenacc.edu or register online for a reservation so the restaurant can plan accordingly. The Austin family had tired of the California lifestyle and was looking for a different way of life. The family spent two summers touring 47 states in a motorhome and landed in Alpena to check out a Great Lake. They ended up staying a couple of days and fell in love with the area, decided to open a microbrewery, and move their families here. Since then, Austin Brothers has become a consistently safe bet for quality beer and tasty pub food. Pride is taken in the words “fresh” and “local.” If they did not make it in-house, someone close by did!

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ The regular monthly meeting of the Marine Corps League Alpena Detachment 1327 will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the VFW Hall on Connon Street in Alpena.

∫ 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. 27

∫ 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.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library’s tech specialist from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, as she teaches participants the basics of working with and using devices from Android. Registration is required, at forms.gle/uh24Ej8n2erYuoqT6 or by calling 989-356-6188, ext. 20. The library is located at 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena.

∫ Zoom meditation is at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, led by the Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Call 989-356-3585 for more information.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL will host an AHS Tech Workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center. Bring any technology devices that are giving you headaches to this workshop. The Alpena High School students of DECA Club are here to help. Club Advisor Amanda Pilarski also shares her knowledge and skills. This is one-on-one help that focuses on your situation and concerns. Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) is a high school and college program for students interested in business. The organization prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Students participate in various statewide competitions in the spring. If you find their skills helpful and valuable, any donation to help offset the expense of these competitions would be appreciated.

∫ 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. 28

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ Alpena County Library will host a DND Shorts event for ages 12 to 18 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday. Start and finish a shorter Dungeons and Dragons campaign through one-shot, open to first-time DND players and those who have campaign experience. Only six spots are available. Register at bit.ly/3BrZir3 or call 989-356-6188.

∫ Spuds and Splits, featuring loaded baked potatoes with choice of toppings, and banana splits or sundaes with various toppings, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. or until sold out on Friday at Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers City. The cost is $8 per adult, and $4 per child, ages 12 and younger. The church is located at 1401 M-68 Highway, Rogers City. For more information, call 989-734-7621.

∫ Synchronizations LLC is proud to present Diamond Rio live on Friday night at The APlex! A limited number of tickets are still available for $60 general admission, or $90 VIP, at aplex.org. Doors open at 6 p.m. The APlex is located at 701 Woodward Ave., Alpena. The popular country band was very successful in the 1990s, with their first single, “Meet in the Middle” hitting Billboard magazine’s number one position in 1991. Since then, Diamond Rio has sold more than 10 million albums, won a Grammy Award, a Dove Award, and earned six Vocal Group of the Year wins between the Country Music Association Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards. They earned five multi-week number one singles, 22 Top 10 singles, and have put out two greatest hits albums, three certified platinum albums, and five gold albums. The band is well-known for many hits, including “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” “Unbelievable,” “In A Week or Two,” and more.

∫ 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.

∫ Grace Episcopal Church, located at 13488 Long Rapids Road, Lachine, will host its February dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, featuring grilled cheese on homemade French bread, homemade soups, pies, and desserts. This dinner is open to the public, by donation, with proceeds going to Hope Shores Alliance.

∫ Boy Scout Troop 92 invites the public to a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 727 S. 2nd Ave., Alpena. The cost is $14 per adult, $7 per child ages 8 and younger, or $32 for a family of four. Children younger than age 4 eat free.

Saturday, March 1

∫ 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.

∫ All women, junior high age and up, are warmly invited to attend a WOVEN (Women of Victory Experiencing Newness) event, Mug N Muffin Morning, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Please bring a friend and join WOVEN for a lovely time and hear a mother and daughter (Cherith and Alissa Prince) share their story. There is no charge for this event in the lower level of New Life Christian Fellowship, 317 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena. For more information, call 989-354-0095.

∫ 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 Folk Society will hold their annual membership meeting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 at Latitudes Tavern in Alpena. Bring a dish to pass. Folk Society members will be electing new board members. Anyone interested in attending or running for the board, or if you have any questions, contact president@thunderbayfolkfest.org, or call 989-255-2149.

∫ PIF Cider will have live electronic dance music from 8 to 10 p.m. on Saturday at 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. Come check out this musical master’s set. He’ll play bass, guitar, sing, and mix some sick beats. Chill house, experimental, ambient, drum, and bass. The suggested donation is $5.

Sunday, March 2

∫ 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, March 3

∫ 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. 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.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library’s tech specialist from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday as she teaches participants the basics of organizing and utilizing file management on electronic devices. Registration is required. To register, call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.