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∫ 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. Visit artintheloft.org, email director@artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877.
∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, 491 Johnson St. in Alpena, is closed to the public now through Nov. 20 in preparation for its upcoming Season of Light display. A members-only gala will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19. RSVP by Nov. 15 by calling 989-356-2202. Visit bessermuseum.org for details.
∫ Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena, features 25 local artists' work on display and for sale. Kelly Belew is the featured artist for November and December. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit thunderbayarts.org or call 989-354-2586.
∫ Dragonfly Art Gallery, 116 E. Main St. in Harrisville, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call 989-820-9614.
TODAY, NOV. 14
∫ Banner Realty of Northeast Michigan is celebrating their 12th annual collection of hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves for a warm winter for children and adults for the Salvation Army. Drop off items from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Banner Realty, 259 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena, and register for a drawing for a chance to win a gift as a special thank-you from your friends at Banner Realty.
∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners hosts Mexican Train Express dominoes from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.
∫ Great Start Collaborative Playgroup is held weekly at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays at Alpena County Library.
∫ 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.
∫ 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. To learn more about home ownership, pick up an application, or discuss options, visit the Habitat for Humanity offices at 2630 U.S.-23 South in Alpena.
∫ Every Tuesday in October, 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.
∫ Good Grief is a grief support group at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, in-person at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St. and via Zoom. Call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 for the link.
∫ Thunder Bay Audubon Society will have their business meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the 19th Hole, 1081 U.S.-23, Alpena. If you are planning on attending, please contact Karen Tezlaff at 989-464-6573 so she can make reservations.
∫ The FamilySearch Center is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 411 Long Rapids Plaza in Alpena.
∫ The Alpena Lions Club hosts their weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays at First Congregational Church in Alpena. For more information, visit alpenalionsclub.com or the Alpena Lions Club on Facebook.
∫ Mindful Movement, a healing, gentle, unique yoga program designed to nourish, inspire and empower each woman healing and dealing with cancer, is at noon on Tuesdays, in-person and via Zoom. For more information and the Zoom link, call Friends Together at 989-356-3231.
∫ ALL will hear from Bob Case about "The Struggle to Shape America" from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at M. Briggs Center. Twenty five percent of Americans now identify as Evangelical. They are a major force driving the culture war issues of prayer in public schools, homosexuality and abortion. Knowing how they were shaped and are shaping America is crucial in understanding today's divisions in our country. We will look at the major forces that shaped our country and today's issues going back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Case will share his thoughts after reading the book "The Struggle to Shape America" by Frances Fitzgerald, which has been described as the first to tell the powerful, dramatic story of the Evangelical movement in America - from the Puritan era to the 2016 election.
∫ All women and young women (6th grade and older) are warmly invited to an evening out hosted by WOVEN (Women Of Victory Experiencing Newness) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. tonight at New Life Christian Fellowship, 317 South Ripley Blvd., Alpena. Rachel Hansen will share on the topic, "Dangerous Prayers." Join us as we look into what it means to pray dangerously. Your prayers can change the atmosphere, a circumstance and a family line. Your prayers can bring peace, wisdom, order, healing and so much more. There is no cost for the event which begins with a shared meal. For more information, contact the church office at 989-354-0095 or visit www.newlifealpena.org.
∫ The Alpena Writers' Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month to provide local authors and writing enthusiasts an opportunity to network with others interested in the art of words. The group's focus is to put the "pen" back in Alpena, encouraging people of all ages and skill levels to craft, share, and reach their own personal goals. If you have ever had a story in your head that you want to share with others, but have struggled to begin or complete, consider joining the group on Tuesday at Parallel 45 Books and Gifts in downtown Alpena. Social time starts at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. You can also find Alpena Writers' Group on Facebook.
∫ 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.
∫ Bay View Center hosts a diversity support meeting at 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday. This weekly potluck 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.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15
∫ Here is a new way to participate in the Salvation Army's 2023 Red Kettle collection. This season, Banner Realty is blessed with an office Red Kettle station. Just drive your car up to Banner Realty and they will bring out the Red Kettle and ring the bell for you. By calling 989-356-1177 ahead of your arrival, Margie Haaxma, broker of Banner Realty, will greet you wearing a Salvation Army hat with a side bow from the '40s as a thank-you for helping the children have a good Christmas.
∫ ALL pickleball plays from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the APlex. Call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 for details.
∫ 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 ALL for Journal Writing with Mary Ann Crawford from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at M. Briggs Center. This session invites us to write -- for ourselves or for others. Journal writing is a first step for creating stories, capturing memories, and exploring our ideas and feelings. Bring paper or journal, pens or pencils or a computer -- whatever you need to be comfortable for writing.
∫ At 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, Nov. 15 and 29, all homeschoolers are welcome to attend the homeschool hour at the Harrisville branch of Alcona County Library.
∫ On Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., join Julie Byrnes and ALL for pinochle at M. Briggs Center.
∫ The Alcona County Library Board will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Harrisville branch.
∫ Join the Alpena County Library for the fall session of Sewing Club, meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Registration is required. Call Barb Brege at 989-255-8969.
∫ ALL offers a Second Square Dancing Class from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at M. Briggs Center.
∫ Women on Wednesday is a support group for women with cancer meeting in-person and via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Friends Together. Come for a dash of hope, some laughter, and real talk.
∫ A new meeting of Overeaters Anonymous, a 12 step program of recovery for those with compulsive eating behaviors, began Oct. 18. The group meets at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday at 3100 Piper Rd. Alpena, in the back room. For more information, contact Diane R. at 989-821-9601.
∫ Alpena Sportsman's Club is a nonprofit located at 4260 M-32 West in Alpena. It is 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, please text Joel Suszek at 989-255-4928 or Jeff Welch at 989-255-6068.
∫ Open Mic Night is from 6 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday at Patchwood Plaza in Hillman. For more information, call the Hillman Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-742-3739.
THURSDAY, NOV. 16
∫ 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.
∫ Join the Alpena County Girlfriends at JJ's Steak and Pizza House 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.
∫ Join ALL for Spitzer from 10 to 11 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.
∫ Living Hope Church will host a Senior Tea from 1 to 2 p.m. every third Thursday of the month. This monthly community afternoon tea is for those 55 years and older. Come enjoy fellowship, hymns, tea and coffee. All community members are welcome. Invite your friends and family!
∫ 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.
∫ ALL will hold a Technology Help Workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center. The Business Professionals of America of Alpena High will answer technology questions on devices and applications. Bring your devices and/questions. This workshop is free, but goodwill donations are appreciated. BPA is a National Career and Technical Student Organization for high school, middle school, and college students preparing for careers in business and information technology.
∫ The Alpena County Library is proud to host the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday to discuss the legacy of colonialism's impact on Anishinabe culture and lives. With the colonization of the Americas by European powers there came many consequences that still affect American Indian communities today. Changes in diet and lifestyle, the introduction of new diseases, and other extreme changes for American Indian people altered indigenous communities and they are still dealing with these effects in contemporary society. This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information about the Ziibiwing Center, visit sagchip.org/ziibiwing.
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
∫ MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena Volunteers will host a used book sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday in the hospital lobby.
∫ 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 the library at 989-734-2477.
∫ At 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, children of all ages are welcome to attend Story Time and Craft at the Harrisville branch of Alcona County Library.
∫ Friday is the deadline for orders for the Alpena FFA annual fruit and nut sale fundraiser, which raises funds to support chapter activities. Chapter members will be selling quality fruit, nuts, and candies. Citrus fruit sold this year include Florida navels, red grapefruit, and clementines. Michigan apples offered include Jonagold, Fuji, and Granny Smith. Pears will also be offered this year. A variety of mixed fruit boxes and gift boxes will be included in the sale. Gift boxes include a variety of fruits and some include cheeses and sausages. In addition to fruits, nuts and candies will be sold including holiday tins and refills of cashews, mixed nuts, and pistachios. Candies offered include different types of chocolates, gummy bears and worms, and taffy. A complete list of items offered this year and pricing can be found at the Alpena FFA Facebook page. Many of these items make excellent holiday gifts and all proceeds from the fundraiser support local chapter activities. These activities include chapter meetings, community service events, travel and registration costs to leadership contests and state and national convention, and our awards banquet at the end of the school year. This fundraiser is the chapter's primary source of funds for the year. Orders can be placed by contacting current FFA members or calling or emailing advisor Melissa Smith. Fruit will be delivered by members on the week of Dec. 11 and pick up orders can be picked up at Alpena High School on Dec. 14 or 15. If you have any questions, please contact a current Alpena FFA member or call Smith at 989-358-5220 or email smithmm@alpenaschools.com.
∫ The Northeast Michigan League of Women Voters will hold the November Lunch Bunch from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday at Pompeyo's Mexican Grill, 1120 State Ave., Alpena. Please join League members and friends for good food and good friendship. There will be no film discussion this month.
∫ 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.
∫ Grace Episcopal Church, 13488 Long Rapids Road, will host a soup and sandwich dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, with proceeds going to Toys for Kids. The dinner will feature soup, sandwiches, homemade pies and desserts, with cost by donation. The public is 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.
∫ The Plaza Pool will host Free Family Fun Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 17. Children age 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Sponsored by the Alpena County Youth and Recreation grant, and Friends of Plaza Pool.
SATURDAY, NOV. 18
∫ 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 Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.
∫ Living Hope Church Men's Breakfast will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, hosted by The Climb Men's Ministry. This is an opportunity for men to gather and break bread, grow together, encourage one another, and hear testimony of how Jesus is working in their lives.
∫ A Deer Widow's Craft Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Hubbard Lake Community Center, 1561 Hubert Road, Hubbard Lake, sponsored by the Hubbard Lake Community Association. There will be raffle items, with proceeds to the HLCA. Smoking Trolls food truck will be on-site. For more information, call Jennifer at 989-590-3672.
∫ VFW Post 2496 is hosting a Holiday Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, featuring 20 vendors selling a variety of goods. There will be everything from fall decorations to Christmas items and baked goods. Door prizes will be given, and there will be a drawing for a nice dinner out. The VFW Hall is located at 2900 Connon St., Alpena.
∫ Alpena County Library invites the community to a well-being panel presentation from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. As we are moving into the darker days of winter, the library invites you to become acquainted with some of the ways you can feel better when it's dreary. Locally based complementary and alternative health practitioners will share their expertise in the fields of massage therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and creative dance. This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call 989-356-6188, ext 16.
∫ The Carl D. Bradley 65th Anniversary bell ringing will be a very special one this year, presented by The Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Rogers City Theater, 257 N. Third St. in Rogers City. Doors open at noon. The public is welcome to attend this free event. Roger Hulett, author and past director of the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum, will speak, as well as Rogers City Mayor Scott McLennan and several other guest speakers. The Grand Traverse Maritime Academy Cadets will be present, as will the VFW #607 Color Guard. A song and special slide show will also play for all of those who come to show their respects and ring the bell for the lost men of the Carl D. Bradley, exactly 65 years ago. They will never be forgotten.
SUNDAY, NOV. 19
∫ 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.
∫ The Alpena Peace Community is inviting the public to a Peace Vigil at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church, 119 W. Dunbar St., Alpena. Meditations and prayers for peace are needed in all parts of our world, our country, our communities, and for our families and friends. All are welcome.