Courtesy Photo Pictured in this courtesy photo by Bronwyn Woolman, Jean Martin-Baker kisses the pea she will place under 20 mattresses, as Queen Aggravain in "Once Upon a Mattress" at Alpena Civic Theatre.

∫ 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. Classes 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. The Northeast Michigan Artists’ Guild (NEMAG) invites the community to their annual exhibit at the Besser Museum now through July 30, “Anything Goes.” 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.

∫ Augie and Peggy Matuzak are the featured artists for May and June at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. A reception for the Matuzaks will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday in the TBA Gallery, free and open to the public. The Matuzaks are glass artists working with fused glass formed in a kiln. Thunder Bay Arts Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St., features more than 20 local artists’ work on display and for sale. TBA Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Today, May 6

∫ The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and its Affiliate Foundations will host Youth Advisory Council Day on Tuesday. This special 24-hour online event is dedicated to raising awareness and support for the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Councils, which provide annual grant funding to youth-focused projects across the region. For more information, or to donate, visit cfnem.org.

∫ 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 hosts Early Connections, a recurring play and socialization program for children newborn to age 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. Stop by the Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan offices at 2630 U.S.-23 South in Alpena from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday for more information.

∫ 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, or call 989-464-5313.

∫ ALL will go Behind the Scenes at Northern Lights Arena from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at 751 Woodward Ave., Alpena. How do staff quickly and smoothly convert from an ice hockey rink, to a concert stage, to a rodeo arena? What training is necessary to drive a Zamboni? What lessons and surprises have come with the arena’s success? Sign up for an enjoyable and informative visit to a place you may already have been many times. Jeremy Winterstein is the manager of Northern Lights Arena.

∫ 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, ages 10 and up. Bring your sewing machine, supplies (scissors, straight pins), and a project to work on. Three machines are 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. 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 in the lobby of the Alpena Cancer Center. This group welcomes women with a past or present cancer diagnosis. This is a safe, confidential, peer-to-peer support group.

∫ ALL’s May Moveable Feast will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Twin Acres 19th Hole, 1081 U.S.-23, Alpena. Each participant is responsible for the cost of their meal and beverage. Join ALL for Seis de Mayo (because a Cinco de Mayo party deserves two days). The 19th Hole offers a wide variety of options including many Mexican entrees, salads, pizza, and seafood. Please call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 or e-mail all@alpenacc.eduor register online. This family-owned business has been around for over 55 years. Some big-name entertainers who appeared here were The Jimmy Dorsey Band, The Frost (featuring Alpena’s own Donny Hartman and Bobby Rigg), Steppenwolf, and Bob Seger. In 1977, Twin Acres became a nightclub. In 1982, it reopened as a sports bar until 1991 when a major remodeling took place. It reopened with the sports theme but with a full menu. Their motto is “Through these doors walk the greatest people on earth.” They are part of the Wine and Hops Trail.

∫ Cub Scouts meet from 6 to 7 p.m., and BSA Scouts meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 727 S. 2nd Ave., Alpena.

∫ The Alpena City Band will hold rehearsal at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church on Dunbar Street in Alpena. Going forward, rehearsals will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Granum Theater at Alpena Community College. All interested musicians are welcome to attend. The band is among Alpena’s longer-established civic organizations. It is a nonprofit organization and relies upon community support for its continuing existence. Donations can be made to Alpena City Band, P.O. Box 14, Alpena, MI 49707.

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

Wednesday, May 7

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

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday mornings for Open MakerLab.

∫ ALL will host a Writing Workshop from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday at M. Briggs Center, with 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.

∫ 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. Skeet and sporting clay shooting are 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.

∫ 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. 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.

∫ The Long Lake Improvement Association will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Parker House Restaurant, 24732 U.S.-23 North. The public is welcome.

Thursday, May 8

∫ Community Walking Club meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the parking lot of the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Youth Services Department at 9:15 a.m. each Thursday for weekly storytime and craft.

∫ 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.

∫ Pinochle and bridge are held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Join Harrisville Yoga instructor Liz McNicholas for Stretch and Strengthen, a free series of yoga classes, open to all, at 1 p.m. every Thursday at the Alcona County Library in Harrisville.

∫ ALL presents From Kingston Thru The 1000 Islands, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center. Jere Doyle will take you on a photo journey from Kingston, Ontario to Gananoque, Ontario, through the 1000 Islands, an archipelago in both Canada and the U.S. It is designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a Canadian National Park. Doyle has been an ALL member since 2010 and is currently an ALL Board Member. He has had a visit to the1000 Islands on his bucket list for several years. Fortunately, the opportunity arose this past summer and he looks forward to sharing the experience with you.

∫ “Once Upon a Mattress” is playing at Alpena Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, at 2 p.m. Sunday, directed by Kirstine Furtaw and Nan Hall. This musical comedy is loosely based on the fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” It follows Princess Winnifred, a feisty, unconventional princess, as she tries to win over Prince Dauntless and pass Queen Aggravain’s absurd tests. The stakes are high for everyone in the kingdom since no one can get married until the prince finds a true princess. Tickets are currently on sale for this hilarious, silly romp of a musical. Call the box office at 989-354-3624 to reserve your spot. Pictured in this courtesy photo by Bronwyn Woolman, Jean Martin-Baker kisses the pea she will place under 20 mattresses, as Queen Aggravain.

∫ 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 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, May 9

∫ The Alpena High School FFA and the agriscience students invite the community to their spring plant sale from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the AHS Agriscience Greenhouse, located in the back oval of AHS. FFA students in the Innovation in Agriscience class have planted and cared for many varieties of plants this semester and can’t wait to share them with you.

∫ First United Methodist Church in Alpena will host a flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the church, 167 S. Ripley Boulevard, Alpena. If you have questions, call 989-354-2490.

∫ The community is invited to the Pied Piper Plant Sale from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Pied Piper Greenhouse, 444 Wilson St., Alpena. Cash and checks only will be accepted. Available plants include petunias, geraniums, begonias, New Guinea impatiens, calibrachoa, lantana, thunbergia, tomatoes, peppers, window boxes, decorative planters, and more. For more information, call 989-356-1414.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ Thunder Bay Arts Council will host a reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for their May and June Featured Artists Augie and Peggy Matuzak, in the TBA Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. The reception is free and open to the public. Peggy and Augie are glass artists working with fused glass formed in a kiln. While Peggy has been doing fused glass work for over 30 years, Augie is a newcomer to the world of fused art. Both work out of their combined studio at their winter home in Surprise, Arizona. Peggy works with traditional styles and forms, using intricate detail and precision.

∫ The APlex presents a hilarious night of comedy with nationally touring comedian Jeff Leeson on Friday night at 701 Woodward Ave. in Alpena. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $35 per person. Leeson returns to Alpena for a night of live stand-up comedy you will not soon forget.

∫ “Once Upon a Mattress” is playing at Alpena Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, at 2 p.m. Sunday, directed by Kirstine Furtaw and Nan Hall. This musical comedy is loosely based on the fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” It follows Princess Winnifred, a feisty, unconventional princess, as she tries to win over Prince Dauntless and pass Queen Aggravain’s absurd tests. The stakes are high for everyone in the kingdom since no one can get married until the prince finds a true princess. Tickets are currently on sale for this hilarious, silly romp of a musical. Call the box office at 989-354-3624 to reserve your spot.

Saturday, May 10

∫ On Saturday, The Friends of the Alpena Farmers’ Market will be selling Abele’s Greenhouse hanging baskets just in time for Mothers Day. Money raised will go toward Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market activities and events such as Save-a-Life Saturday, Kids Day, Alpena Ice Festival, and more. 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. On the second Saturday of the month, the Alpena Farmers Market will be hosting a vintage and artisan market along with the other regular market vendors. The first of these will be on May 10 along with the first outside market day and Mother’s Day Plant Sale Fundraiser. There will be live music and a food truck. If interested in participating in this event, contact Tim Allen from Chippewa Valley Leatherworks at 989-590-0263.

∫ The community is invited to the Pied Piper Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Pied Piper Greenhouse, 444 Wilson St., Alpena. Cash and checks only will be accepted. Available plants include petunias, geraniums, begonias, New Guinea impatiens, calibrachoa, lantana, thunbergia, tomatoes, peppers, window boxes, decorative planters, and more. For more information, call 989-356-1414.

∫ A Family Fun Run will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday to benefit the Alpena Baby Pantry and Options Pregnancy Center, at Bay View Park in Alpena. One-hundred percent of funds raised will be used to provide free ultrasound, pregnancy tests, infant supplies, and parenting support. Register and pay ahead of time at runsignup.com/race/mi/alpena/familyfunruninalpena. The cost is $25 per person, and free for children ages 10 and younger. The event will feature a 5K run, 3K walk, games, and activities. If you have questions, call 989-354-6089.

∫ First United Methodist Church in Alpena will host a flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the church, 167 S. Ripley Boulevard, Alpena. If you have questions, call 989-354-2490.

∫ The 2nd annual spring craft and vendor show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Alpena E-Free Church, 500 N. 2nd Ave., Alpena.

∫ The Alpena High School FFA and the agriscience students invite the community to their spring plant sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the AHS Agriscience Greenhouse, located in the back oval of AHS.

∫ 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.

∫ Alpena County Library will host a Character Snack Party from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Meet some of your favorite book and TV characters for a special craft and snacks. Pal around with that adorable blue heeler from “Down Under” or a princess who loves to read. No registration required.

∫ “Once Upon a Mattress” is playing at Alpena Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, at 2 p.m. Sunday, directed by Kirstine Furtaw and Nan Hall. This musical comedy is loosely based on the fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” It follows Princess Winnifred, a feisty, unconventional princess, as she tries to win over Prince Dauntless and pass Queen Aggravain’s absurd tests. The stakes are high for everyone in the kingdom since no one can get married until the prince finds a true princess. Call the box office at 989-354-3624.

∫ Live Electronic Dance Music with Dion Stepanski will be from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday at PIF Cider, 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. Find his music on most platforms as D.Step or Dion Stepanski.

∫ The Black Sheep Pub will host its fourth annual Mother’s Day Drag Show at 8 p.m. on Saturday at 113 S. 2nd Ave. in downtown Alpena. Doors open at 6 p.m. For reservations, call 989-356-3076.

Sunday, May 11

∫ HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

∫ The Black Sheep Pub will host its fourth annual Mother’s Day Drag Brunch at 113 S. 2nd Ave. in downtown Alpena. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the show starts at 1 p.m. For reservations, call 989-356-3076.

∫ “Once Upon a Mattress” is playing at Alpena Civic Theatre at 2 p.m. Sunday, directed by Kirstine Furtaw and Nan Hall. This musical comedy is loosely based on the fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea.” It follows Princess Winnifred, a feisty, unconventional princess, as she tries to win over Prince Dauntless and pass Queen Aggravain’s absurd tests. The stakes are high for everyone in the kingdom since no one can get married until the prince finds a true princess. Tickets are currently on sale for this hilarious, silly romp of a musical. Call the box office at 989-354-3624 to reserve your spot.

∫ 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, May 12

∫ 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.

∫ 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.