Pictured in this News File Photo, attendees at the 2023 NIE Book Sale peruse one of the tables full of titles.

∫ 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 is featuring the Girl Scout exhibit, “Preserving the Past, Promoting the Future — 112 Years of Girl Scouts,” now through March 31. The exhibit is the Silver Award project for Scouts Lucy Duthler and Emma Kinsel. The museum, 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. Winter hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (January through March). 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, contact the George R. Cook and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections Department at 989-356-6188, ext. 17.

Today, Jan. 30

∫ 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. Children and caregivers are welcome. 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.

∫ 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 support group at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, in-person at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St. and via Zoom. Call 989-356-3231 for the link.

∫ 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, 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 presents The Evangelicals and the Struggle to Shape America at 1:30 p.m. at M. Briggs Center, led by the Rev. Bob Case. This presentation will help us better understand the current political and religious landscape that we live in today. Bob Case is a pastor emeritus from the First Congregational United Church of Christ and is beginning to enjoy his full retirement.

∫ ALL will hear from Jeff Thomas about Freshwater Whales at 6 p.m. at M. Briggs Center. In the late 1800s, Alexander McDougall left a mark on Great Lakes shipping with a revolutionary new design of Great Lakes vessels. Unable to secure funding to build ships in his “whaleback” design, McDougall created his shipyard in Superior, Wisconsin to build his dream himself. From unpowered barges to steamers, to passenger ships, McDougall’s ships became a staple of Great Lakes shipping for several decades. Ultimately, 40 vessels would be built using McDougall’s design before being rendered obsolete by new ship-loading technologies. As a local history teacher and part-time Great Lakes sailor, Thomas draws on both experiences to tell the story of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

∫ 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 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.

Wednesday, Jan. 31

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL offers a Second Square Dancing Class from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at M. Briggs Center. Come work on your 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. Come for a dash of hope, some laughter, and real talk.

∫ 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, Feb. 1

∫ ALL Coffee and Controversy will feature Current Hot Topics in Education at 9 a.m. on Thursday in the Northwood Room at M. Briggs Center. Attendance is strictly limited to 12, and reservations are required. The program for Feb. 1 will be Current Hot Topics in Education with a special emphasis on Michigan and our local schools. For each topic, a brief status quo will be presented and attendees can share their thoughts. Potential topics include: Who has a say in the curriculum? Is civics taught anymore and should it be? Common Core, Critical Race Theory, Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer in Schools, Homeschooling, Read by Grade 3 Law, Health Clinics in Schools, Teacher Evaluations and Test Scores, Parochial/Private School Busing, Masking, and Lottery Funding. Come and talk. Dr. Lisa Hilberg earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. She was a teacher and principal with Alpena Public Schools. In retirement, she enjoys advocating for kids and education. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her family and is active with several local organizations.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL will hear from John Dolan about Automotive Airbag Systems at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at M. Briggs Center. He will go over the parts of an airbag system and how everything is supposed to work. Dolan will also talk about recent issues with airbags and recalls. He is a retired electrical engineer with degrees from Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has worked for General Dynamics, Magnavox/Raytheon, and General Motors. With GM, he worked mainly in the safety groups, and product investigations and was a technical expert in airbag litigation.

∫ 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.

∫ 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, Feb. 2

∫ Happy Groundhog Day!

∫ 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.

∫ Join ALL for The Future of Journalism and Democracy at 10 a.m. on Friday at Madeline Briggs Center. Alpena News Publisher/Editor Justin Hinkley will discuss the past, present, and future of newspapers and journalism in America and what the current trend lines mean for the future of democracy. Hinkley has worked for The Alpena News for more than five years, first as managing editor and since February 2021 as publisher/editor. He has 18 years’ experience in journalism, starting his career as a cub reporter for his hometown paper, the Battle Creek Enquirer, where he spent eight years covering everything from the local music scene to education. He worked for four years as an investigative reporter for the Lansing State Journal before moving to Alpena with his wife, Darby, and son, Mason, in 2018.

∫ 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. Call 989-734-2477.

∫ ALL hosts contract bridge from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Fridays at M. Briggs Center on the campus of Alpena Community College. 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.

∫ Friends Together Dueling Pianos will be held on Friday at the VFW Hall at 2900 Connon St., Alpena. The annual fundraiser will feature professional entertainment from two dueling pianists who will perform a variety of well-known songs with hilarious audience participation bits thrown in. Some volunteers will be called up on stage to help the dueling pianists entertain attendees at this highly anticipated annual event. Tickets are $25, and you must be 21 or older to enter. There will be raffles, the always-popular pull-tabs, pizza provided, a cash bar, and more. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds will help Friends Together support people dealing with a cancer diagnosis, and their caregivers. JJ’s Pizza will be served later in the evening, which is included in the ticket price. To purchase tickets, call Friends Together at 989-356-3231 or stop in at 105 Prentiss St., Alpena. This event is proudly sponsored by WATZ 99.3 playing Today’s Country, and 105.7 The Bird Good Time Oldies.

∫ 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. Come brush up on your mainstream and plus dancing. Fabulous caller Dave Boggs, of Desert Aire, Washington, will be reviewing mainstream calls and teaching and reviewing plus calls. Singles are very welcome!

Saturday, Feb. 3

∫ The Alpena Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the warming shelter at Mich-e-ke-wis Park, 1302 State Ave. in Alpena. For more information about the farmers market, visit Friends of the Alpena Farmers Market on Facebook.

∫ The Association of Lifelong Learners will host Introduction to Fly Tying from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at M. Briggs Center on the campus of Alpena Community College. The cost is $40, which was due with registration by Jan. 20, and includes lunch and materials. Are you interested in learning how to tie flies for fly fishing? This course is designed for those at the beginning level or intermediate fishermen who want to improve on basic techniques. All tools, materials, and lunch will be provided, though you are welcome to bring your tools if desired. You will be taking home at least five flies. The Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited has graciously provided equipment. Bob Baughman has been fortunate to have been flying flies and fly fishing for more years than he cares to admit. Fly fishing has taken him to many destinations, both domestic and international. He enjoys teaching as much as actual fishing. This is a great supplement for those interested in getting into fly fishing or expanding their fly-fishing skills.

∫ Alpena County Library presents Teen and Tween Laser Tag for ages 9 to 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Meet in the Stillion room upstairs. Registration is required. If you have questions, contact Brad at bcrevier@alpenalibrary.org. Call the library at 989-356-6188.

∫ Saturday is Take Your Child to the Library Day from noon to 4 p.m. Follow the yellow brick road and take a journey through the Land of Oz at Alpena County Library to experience fun for all ages! There will be a characters of Oz costume contest, face painting, story dice, music, Perler beads, a cookbook swap, and photos with Oz characters.

∫ Norway Ridge Pathway Lantern Festival will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, featuring lantern-lit trails for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing, a bonfire, s’mores, hot cocoa, and more! All ages are welcome. Parking is available in the designated lot and overflow on Werth Road. This event is hosted by the DNR and Thunder Bay Trails Association. Questions can be directed to thunder.bay.trails@gmail.com.

∫ The Alpena News Business Expo and Newspapers in Education Book Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the APlex, with a variety of vendors, and thousands of used books to choose from. Revolution Dance will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be concessions and door prizes. There is no admission charge. Bring the whole family out to support local businesses and Newspapers in Education, which provides newspapers to schools at no cost for use in the classroom.

∫ Presque Isle Farm Cider is hosting a Lip Sync Battle at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The suggested donation is $10 per person, which will benefit Thunder Bay Theatre. Community members are invited to compete with a chosen song or performance to win the prestigious honor of the Apple Core Award and their choice of a $50 PIF Cider gift certificate or receive three months of Cider Club Membership. Competitors will be judged based on originality, stage presence, costumes, and props. Please contact PIF via email at presqueislefarmcider@gmail.com to sign up as a competitor. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the event, and performances will begin at 7 p.m. In September 2023, Thunder Bay Theatre had begun building repairs from water and smoke damage from the 2020 fire that destroyed the John A. Lau Saloon, but a second fire in early December 2023 halted work on the historic building. Damage from the December fire decimated the theater’s warehouse. Initial renovations were estimated to cost $1.4 million; the additional fire will add to that price tag. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. TBT Board President Anne Gentry expressed her appreciation for the community support the organization has received, crediting PIF Cider owners Molly and Dion Stepanski for their enthusiasm for the arts community in Alpena.

Submit calendar items to lifestyles@thealpenanews.com.