~ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan presents the Juried Art Exhibit and Chuck Schroeder’s solo art exhibit, both on display now through Oct. 29 at 491 Johnson St., Alpena.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., Alpena, is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.

~ Brush Creek Mill is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 121 S. State St., Hillman. Brush Creek Mill is open year-round and features a gift shop, a variety of events and activities, a memorial garden on Brush Creek, and the Hillman Area Historical and Genealogy Society Museum.

Today, Sept. 2

Courtesy Photo The Alpena Farmers Market will host its annual mum sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, and again on Sept. 13.

~ 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 will host Christianities from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday at M. Briggs Center, led by the Rev. Bob Case. Pretend you are an early Christian and there is no Bible, no Apostle or Nicene Creed. There are many Gospels circulating besides the four we know. The Gospels of Mary, Peter Truth, Light, even a Gospel of Judas plus many letters being circulated. Who is Jesus and what is the kingdom of God? There are all sorts of answers to these questions, and they all call themselves Christian. There is not one Christianity, and it is not obvious that Christianity would look like it does now. There arepeople who to this day think there is not one Christianity but several. Take some time, look around at all the different churches. How would you answer that question? Case is a pastor emeritus from the First Congregational United Church of Christ and keeps trying to enjoy his full retirement. He continues to offer thoughtful presentations giving ALL members much to consider and ponder.

~ Coping Through Loss With Christ, a grief/loss group, will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Holy Cross Cemetery office. Then, a job loss and other forms of loss group will meet at 6:30 p.m on Tuesdays at the Friendship Room in Alpena. For more information, contact Seth Peters at 989-354-3019. All are welcome.

~ 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.

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

Wednesday, Sept. 3

~ 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.

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

~ ALL pinochle is from 12:30 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.

~ Moon Market Wednesday is held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Alpena Marina, 400 E. Chisholm St., Alpena.

~ 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, Sept. 4

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

~ Weekly Storytime will be held from 9:15 to 10:10 a.m. on Thursday at Alpena County Library, 211 N. 1st Ave. This free program is for ages newborn to 5. Two sessions are offered: 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. Participants read a story, sing a song and move, and finish with a 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. 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 Our State, Our Stories: The Historical Society of Michigan, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, with Emily Powell, senior manager for events at the Historical Society of Michigan. Established in1828, the Historical Society of Michigan is Michigan’s oldest cultural organization and helps connect Michigan’s past to its residents and organizations through programs and events, publications, awards, workshops, networking opportunities, and support for local history organizations. Attendees will learn about HSM’s key initiatives, such as Michigan History magazine, History Hounds lectures, and regional history conferences, and how individuals and communities can get involved in celebrating and sustaining Michigan’s past.

Powell holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology from Western Michigan University. After spending several years in the field of historical archaeology, Powell transitioned to museum work, dedicating a decade to outreach and education. Her work today combines a love of event planning with a passion for connecting people — through stories, shared history, and access to valuable resources. She is especially committed to creating inclusive, engaging programs that build community through history. This program will be held at M. Briggs Center and via Zoom.

~ 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.

~ 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, Sept. 5

~ 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.

~ 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, with your choice of fish or shrimp, potato, coleslaw, roll, and drink. The fish fry is open to the public, and the cost is $13 for the fish dinner or $15 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.

~ The Posen Potato Festival kicks off Friday night with a polka dance in the Polka Pavilion from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring Twin Cities Soundz and Darrell Weltin and The New Brass Express. Admission is $10.

Saturday, Sept. 6

~ 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. Sept. 6 and 13 will be the annual mum sale fundraiser at the market. For more information, visit the Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

~ The 2025 Tunnel to Towers 5K will start at 9 a.m. at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. For more information, visit runwalkalpena.t2t.org. Follow the footsteps of 9/11 hero, New York City Firefighter Stephen Siller, to ensure that we never forget and honor the sacrifices of our nation’s first responders and military heroes.

~ The Posen Potato Festival continues Saturday, with the Spud Run 5K at 9 a.m. starting at Posen Consolidated Schools. Late registration starts at 8 a.m. An arts and crafts show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Posen High School, sponsored by Posen’s Class Trip Club of 2027. Polka music by Pan Franek, Zosia and The Polka Towners, and Twin Cities Soundz will play from noon to 6 p.m. in the Polka Pavilion, with $5 admission for adults, and free for ages 16 and younger. Then, from 7 to 11 p.m., The New Generation will play in the Polka Pavilion, with $10 admission. Over in the Green Pavilion, Billy Gunther and The Midwest Riders will play from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., for 21 and older, $10 admission.

~ 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.

~ Carole Cadarette and the CAR Trio, along with special guest Eddie Siwiec, will perform a special concert at 2 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 124 E. Washington Ave. in downtown Alpena. The concert is free to the public, but a freewill offering will be accepted to support the many charitable programs Trinity Episcopal offers, including scholarships, Sunday Supper, a food pantry, housewarming supplies for Habitat for Humanity, and more.The CAR Trio consists of Cadarette (the “C” in CAR), Alexander Zdan (the “A” in CAR), and drummer Rick Staeb (the “R” in CAR). Siwiec is a seasoned polka musician who has received numerous awards and accolades for his talented work. He plays clarinet, tenor and alto saxophone, and trumpet, and he also sings. He was named to the International Polka Association and the Polka Music Hall of Fame in 2005, was elected to the Michigan State Polka Music Hall of Fame in 2008, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the United States Polka Association in 2020.

Sunday, Sept. 7

~ A Traditional Polish Dinner will be served from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7 during the Posen Potato Festival. The dinner will be held at the Posen Community Center, 10813 Michigan Ave., Posen. The menu includes Polish sausage, chicken, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes with gravy, veggies, roll, and dessert. The cost for the dinner is $15 per adult, $10 per child ages 6 to 12, and free for children age 5 and younger. There will be a 50-50 drawing, a licensed raffle for a 30-06 bolt action hunting rifle with scope, a fishing kayak, and a blackstone griddle. Raffle tickets are $20 each, available at Options Pregnancy Center during regular business hours, or from any OPC Board member, or at the dinner. All proceeds from this event will go to Options Pregnancy Center of Alpena, 233 Cavanaugh St. Call Options at 989-354-6089.

~ A polka dance will be held in the Polka Pavilion from noon to 9 p.m. at the Posen Potato Festival, featuring The New Generation, Pan Franek, Zosia and The Polka Towners, with $5 general admission, and free admission for those 16 and younger, as well as veterans with military I.D.

~ The 2025 Posen Potato Festival Parade will start at 1 p.m. Sunday.

~ Grace Episcopal Church will host a Harvest Dinner from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the church, 13488 Long Rapids Road, Lachine. The cost is $15 per adult and $7 per child younger than age 10. The menu includes scalloped potatoes, baked ham, squash, baked beans, coleslaw, fresh rolls, and homemade pies and desserts.

~ 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.

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