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COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Light Up the Sky 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sunday at the New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park.

Art in the Loft’s SummerView exhibit opens with a reception at 6 p.m. on Thursday at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena. The gallery is currently closed until Thursday to prep for SummerView. Normal hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877.

Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan presents the Northeast Michigan Artists’ Guild’s annual exhibit “Anything Goes,” now through July 30. 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.

Glass artists Augie and Peggy Matuzak are featured artists for May and June at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. Thunder Bay Arts Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

Tuesday, May 20

The Uncrewed Triple Challenge (UTC), a new state-sponsored competition, will hold an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the Alpena Harbor Bay View Park Bandshell overlooking Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay. The UTC is a competition across sea, air, and land that is driving innovation in autonomous drone technology. The ceremony will include remarks by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers and Alpena Mayor Cindy Johnson, a performance by the 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard, a military flyover, food trucks, science and technology displays, and a viewing area. The race will start at 9:30 a.m. The air and land segment of the competition will conclude between 1 and 5:30 p.m. at the Parade Field Finish Line at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center at 4 Howe Rd., Grayling.

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. For more information, call 989-255-4787.

Alpena County Library hosts Early Connections, a socialization program for children ages newborn to 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.

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 welcome.

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 presents Conversations on End-of-Life Care with Hospice of Michigan from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center. Melissa McDonald-Reed is the Director of Philanthropy at Hospice of Michigan overseeing the organization’s fundraising efforts in northern Michigan. She ensures that Hospice of Michigan supporters experience genuine, high-quality interactions with the organization and works with prospective donors to expand their awareness and solicit financial support for Hospice of Michigan.

Presque Isle and Cheboygan County Forester Jacob Grochowski will lead a program at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Grand Lake Library. He will explain his role as a forester, share programs to help landowners, discuss forest health, and answer questions. This program is limited to the first 35 people and will be held at 18132 Lake Esau Highway, Presque Isle.

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, 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., for ages 5 and 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 710 N. 2nd Ave. 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 safe, confidential, peer-to-peer support group welcomes women with a past or present cancer diagnosis.

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.

ALL’s Photography Club meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center and via Zoom. For the link, email all@alpenacc.edu.

The Alpena City Band will rehearse at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Granum Theater at Alpena Community College. All interested musicians are welcome.

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

Wednesday, May 21

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’s used book store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Wednesday at Alpena County Library.

Alpena Senior Citizens Center exercise is from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Guys Like Us, a Wednesday morning coffee crew of men coping with cancer, meets at 10 a.m. at Friends Together and via Zoom. Call 989-356-3231 for the link.

Join the Alpena County Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays for Open MakerLab. Staff help is available. Participants ages 5 to 15 will need parental supervision. Call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

ALL presents Journal Writing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with Mary Ann Krajnik Crawford, at M. Briggs Center.

Alpena County Library Tech Help is from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

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

S.T.E.A.M. meets at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Homeschooled and alternatively schooled youth participate in a weekly S.T.E.A.M. activity.

Circle of Hope is a women’s only cancer support group 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. Call 989-356-3231, or drop in.

Alpena Sportsmen’s Club, at 4260 M-32 West in Alpena, is 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. 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.

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

Thursday, May 22

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

Join the Alpena County Library Youth Services Department at 9:15 a.m. each Thursday for weekly storytime for ages newborn to 5. Two sessions are available: 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. Children will listen to a story, sing a song and move, and finish with a craft. The May 22 theme is gardens.

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. Call 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 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 will host a program called Plastics in the Great Lakes from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center at Alpena Community College.

Olivia Miller will give an engaging presentation highlighting marine plastics in the Great Lakes. She will discuss what marine plastics are, where they come from, how they are harmful, and what can be done to take action. She will also share about her small business project, Continual Clothing, and what she has been doing to spread awareness about marine plastics and textile waste.

Needles and Threads group is from 2:30 to 4:30 pm every Thursday at the Grand Lake branch of Presque Isle District Library, 18132 Lake Esau Highway. Bring your latest knitting, crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, or other crafts. Call 989-734-2477, ext. 2.

ACC Growers, who are members of the Alpena Garden Club, will have their annual sale from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The sale is held at the Alpena Community College greenhouse area off Woodward Avenue (across from Northern Lights Arena). They will be selling tomatoes, peppers, herbs and flowers, including hanging baskets. There will also be a perennial plant sale at the same time (only Thursday) at the same location, of plants donated by garden club members. Bring boxes to take your plants home in.

Silent Book Club meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month at PIF Cider. All you have to do to join the club is come down to the taproom, bring whatever you’re currently reading (there is no assigned reading), grab your favorite drink, and join others for an hour of silent reading. There will be time to socialize before and after the hour. Learn more about Silent Book Club at: silentbookclub.com.

The All-New All-American Circus is coming to Northern Lights Arena at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Families are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the Kids Fun Zone before the show. For tickets, visit AllAmericanCircus.com/tour-dates/. Northern Lights Arena is located at 751 Woodward Ave., Alpena.

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 23

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

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.

Versiti will be hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday in the conference room of the Alcona County Library, 312 W. Main Street, Harrisville. There are still plenty of appointment slots available — your donation could help save a life. Schedule your appointment at donateblood.versiti.org.

On Fridays, Storytime and Craft for Kids meets at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

Michigan Notable Book and best-selling author Bonnie Jo Campbell will be speaking about her book, “The Waters: A Novel” at 11 a.m. on Friday. “The Waters” takes place in the fictional Great Massasauga Swamp — an area known as “The Waters” to the residents of nearby Whiteheart, Michigan.

The Alpena High School Class of 1954 will hold their 71st class reunion at noon on Friday at Twin Acres 19th Hole. Family and friends are also welcome. Call Iris at 517-388-0934 to make your reservation.

ALL hosts contract bridge from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Fridays at M. Briggs Center.

Grace Episcopal Church on Long Rapids Road in Lachine will host a soup and sandwich dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, with homemade pies and desserts. The cost is by donation, and this month, part of the proceeds will be donated to Sunrise Mission.

The Hillman VFW Post 2356 hosts its Friday Night Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday, 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.

No Sew Pillows will be offered from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Alpena County Library. Pre-registration is required. Come make a throw pillow to take home. During registration, participants will select the fleece fabric they will use. Then, participants will cut, knot, and stuff the pillows to their preference. This free event is for ages 18 and older. To register, visit http://bit.ly/42v0gxD.

Saturday, May 24

The annual Grand Lake Association all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 24 at the Presque Isle Lodge. The menu includes blueberry and buttermilk pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee, and milk. The public is invited to come enjoy breakfast to kick off the beginning of another great season. The cost for breakfast is $8 per adult and $3 per child.

The Alpena Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays at Mich-e-ke-wis Park, 1302 State Ave. in Alpena. Visit the Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

ACC Growers will continue their annual sale from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the ACC greenhouse area off Woodward Avenue (across from Northern Lights Arena).

The Sunrise Side Co-op 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, at the Alpena Marina at 400 E. Chisholm St., Alpena.

Partners in Prevention is hosting a free Zentangle art class with Certified Instructor Angie Linsenman from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1600 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. Experience the peace and relaxation of creating a beautiful Zentangle image. Linsenman will lead this lesson on drawing structured patterns in the wonderful outdoors. A time to connect with each other, this workshop offers an eight-step method on reflecting gratitude and appreciation.

Join Paws to Read Squirrel Rehabilitator Melisa Smith and bird rehabilitator Ashley Kolnowski from ABC Birds for a fun and educational segment on local wildlife from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at Alpena County Library.

Sunday, May 25

The Light Up the Sky 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sunday at the New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park, 4500 E. Grand Lake Road. All net proceeds support the annual Fourth of July fireworks at Presque Isle State Harbor. A kids fun run will start at 9 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $25 for the 5K, and $10 for the kids fun run. Sign up online at runsignup.com, or between 8:30 and 9:20 a.m. on race day (cash only).

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 26

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.

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