COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

∫ Art in the Loft, on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena, is currently showing its "WinterView" exhibit, on display through March 2. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit artintheloft.org, email director@artintheloft.org, or call 989-356-4877 for more information.

∫ Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, located at 491 Johnson St. in Alpena, 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. For more information, call the museum at 989-356-2202, or visit bessermuseum.org.

∫ Thunder Bay Arts Council Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena, features 25 local artists' work on display and for sale. 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.

∫ Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library and the Alpena Downtown Development Authority present a micro-exhibit called "Lost Buildings of Downtown Alpena," viewable through March 1 on the library's first floor at 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena.For more information, contact the George R. Cook and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections Department at 989-356-6188, ext 17.

Today, Jan. 9

∫ Alpena Public Schools celebrates Law Enforcement Appreciation Day today, Jan. 9. Our local law enforcement agencies are vital partners in keeping our schools, students, staff, families and community safe. Law enforcement officers place their lives, health and safety at risk on a daily basis while protecting the public. APS offers gratitude and support for their important work. Community members that would like to show their support can make a tax deductible donation to the United Way of Northeast Michigan and designate their funds to Eat on the Beat, a program which allows law enforcement officers either on or off duty to visit any APS school during breakfast or lunch service to join students to eat and receive a complimentary meal. Finally, APS salutes all past law enforcement officers who stepped up to keep our community safe.

∫ 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. Join ACL for Early Connections, a recurring play and socialization program for children ages newborn to 5, and caregivers. Caregivers will participate in music and movement, social/play activities, and/or math activities with their child or children each week, followed by a short story time. Adults will interact with their child during the program, not sit on the sidelines. No registration necessary.

∫ 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 at the Habitat for Humanity offices at 2630 U.S.-23 South in Alpena. Call 989-354-2141 for more information.

∫ Every Tuesday in January, 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.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Special Collections staff from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday for a livestream of the Historical Society of Michigan's History Hounds presentation. Ally Carlson from the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum will present about the life of 25th President William McKinley -- from birth to tragic death -- through photographs and videos from the archive of the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum. This event will be held in the Judith Stillion conference room at the library, 211 N. 1st Ave., Alpena. History Hounds occurs at noon every other Tuesday.

∫ 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.

∫ Bay View Center will host Roots and Soups house plant and soup sale from noon to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 710 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena. Cash only, please.

∫ The Alpena Lions Club hosts their weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays at First Congregational Church, 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.

∫ Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Makerspace. Tinker Tuesday is about getting together and exploring projects ranging from Makey Makey, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, 3D Printing, Strawbees, littleBits, Snap Circuits, sewing and more! Let your curiosity take over and explore! Participants must be age 5 or older.

∫ All women and young women, junior high age and up, are warmly invited to the WOVEN (Women of Victory Experiencing Newness) meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at New Life Christian Fellowship, 317 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena. The evening will begin with a shared meal. There is no cost for this event. For more information, contact the church office at 989-354-0095 or visit newlifealpena.org or facebook.com/ALPENAWOVEN.

∫ 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.

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

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

Wednesday, Jan. 10

∫ Alpena County Library will be opening at 10 a.m. due to a staff meeting.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon for Open MakerLab! Makers of all ages can tinker, collaborate, and create a project of their choice in our 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. If you have questions about lab rules call 989-356-6188, ext. 20.

∫ 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.

∫ On Wednesdays, Jan. 10 and 24, dive into the world of knowledge and imagination, all within the cozy confines of the Alcona County Library. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooling family or just curious about the possibilities, Homeschoolers at the Library for school-aged children promises a burst of inspiration and camaraderie from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library.

∫ ALL offers a Second Square Dancing Class from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at M. Briggs Center. Come work on your square dance calls.

∫ 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.

∫ Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program of recovery for those with compulsive eating behaviors, 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, 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.

∫ 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, Jan. 11

∫ 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.

∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water" opening at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Directed by Matt Southwell, the comedy features an all-star ACT cast and nonstop shenanigans. Call the box office at 989-354-3624 to reserve tickets, or for more information. The play runs for two weekends, with the final show on Sunday, Jan. 21.

∫ 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.

∫ The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its first Good Mid-Day Alpena Lunch of 2024 on Thursday, Jan. 11 at Art in the Loft. Lunch will start at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program at noon. The cost is $10 per person and registration is required in advance to info@alpenachamber.com or 989-354-4181. Art in the Loft is located on the third floor of the Center Building at 109 N. 2nd Ave. DTE Energy is sponsoring the event.

∫ Zoom Book Club is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Thursday, with the Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Pinochle and bridge are held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ 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.

∫ Teen anime fans are invited to join Alpena County Library from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every other Thursday for an hour of anime, doodling, and discussion. Drawing supplies will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own as well. No registration is necessary. This program is free and open to teens ages 12 to 18. Contact Jona in the Youth Department at 989-356-6188.

∫ 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, Jan. 12

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ On Fridays in January, get ready for a world of giggles, wonders, and creativity at 10:30 a.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Storytime and Craft for Kids is not just about learning; it's about unleashing the joy of discovery!

∫ 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.

∫ 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. This group is a teaching class but experienced players are also 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. For more information, call the ALL office at 989-358-7207 or email all@alpenacc.edu. Come brush up on your mainstream and plus dancing.

∫ The Future of Comedy Show at the Sandbar and Grill starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, featuring four nationally touring comedians: Eric Wielinski, Mike Ball, Ronnie Rohrbeck, and Steve Kaz. Tickets are $20 each. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Sandbar and Grill is located at 9027 W. Long Lake Road, Alpena. Mike Ball is a nationally touring headliner and producer of the award-winning comedy series "The Future of Comedy Show" with over 650 shows produced. The shows have been featured at The Chicago Laugh Factory, San Diego Comedy Palace and multiple venues throughout the Midwest. Mike has also performed at the World Famous Comedy Store, been featured on The Nashville Zanies All Stars Show, performed at Michigan International Speedway during Nascar weekend, and was featured on the #1 show in Vegas "The Dirty at 12:30". He has had the honor to open for comedy legend Ralphie May, Dave Landau, and Molly Kearney from SNL. With over a decade of experience, he keeps his act fresh with his in-the-moment observation, crowd work and guitar improv. No two shows are ever the same. Aggressively hilarious, charmingly cheeky, and undeniably talented, Steve Kaz is a young comedian who's been performing around the Midwest since he was 18. He was the Detroit Roast battle winner of 2021 and has performed all across the country on stages like The Comic Strip, Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, and The Denver Improv. Steve's high-energy comedic style will be sure to leave you rolling in your seat. Ronnie Rohrbeck is 23 years old from Shelby Township, Michigan. Ronnie jokes about his unique life while living with cerebral palsy and other oddities that he has faced in life. He was a finalist in the Detroit to LA comedy competition and has opened up for Dave Landau. With a mix of storytelling and unique observations of everyday life, Eric Wielinski has a broad comedy style that is entertaining for adults of any age. Eric has performed at The Laugh Factory in Chicago, The State Theater in Bay City, Michigan, and in various bars, banquet halls, and ballrooms up and down Michigan and in cities across America including New York, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. His high energy is infectious!

∫ Alpena Civic Theatre presents Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Directed by Matt Southwell, the comedy features an all-star ACT cast and nonstop shenanigans. Call the box office at 989-354-3624 to reserve tickets, or for more information.

Saturday, Jan. 13

∫ 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. Visit Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ The APlex presents Comedy Night, starting with music by Randy Bouchard at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. The APlex is located at 701 Woodward Ave., Alpena. Prepare for an evening of laughter at Comedy Night with Allan Trieu, Bob Phillips, and John Raynor! Allan Trieu, Bob Phillips, and John Raynor are masters of their craft, known for their unique styles and ability to connect with the audience. From hilarious anecdotes to clever one-liners, they'll have you rolling in the aisles. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience live comedy at its finest. Grab your friends, family, or even that special someone and get ready for a night of nonstop laughter. You won't want to miss Comedy Night with Allan Trieu, Bob Phillips, and John Raynor!