News File Photo A carver from Ice Creations works on an ice sculpture at the 2023 Alpena Ice Fest.

∫ 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. 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.

Today, Feb. 6

∫ 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. 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, 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., in-person at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St. and via Zoom. Call 989-356-3231 for the link.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library Special Collections staff in the Judith Stillion Conference Room for a live-stream of the Historical Society of Michigan’s History Hounds presentation, every other Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. Today’s topic is Bodyguards of the Cumberland: The Story of the 9th Michigan Infantry.

∫ 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.

∫ Knitting Klub and Crochet meets from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. All ages and levels are welcome. Call 989-724-6796 for more information.

∫ Join ALL to hear about MSP Fire Investigator’s Role and Responsibilities from 2 to 3 p.m. at M. Briggs Center. This will be a brief history about the Michigan State Police and then a description of what the MSP Fire Investigator’s Role and Responsibilities are at the fire scene and after. A few case studies will be presented. Ashley Simpson is a 2006 ACC graduate that joined the MSP in August 2008. She then served at the Newberry and Sault Ste. Marie’s Posts from December 2008 to September 2012 when she then transferred to the Alpena Post. She held the position of Trooper and Community Service Trooper.

∫ Alpena County Library hosts Tinker Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Participants must be age 5 or older.

∫ Are you impacted by cancer? Whether you are the patient or not, if cancer has left you wanting, you are welcome at the new Tuesday groups meeting at 4:30 p.m., called Making Sense of it … with Friends. On the first Tuesday (today), join Traci Boyle and friends to experience first-hand the benefit of sound. Learn ways to channel and ease your mind in this hour-long program. Second Tuesdays will be about learning, third Tuesdays about art, and fourth Tuesdays about food, all at 4:30 p.m. at Friends Together, 105 Prentiss St., Alpena. Call 989-356-3231 for more information.

∫ 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, Feb. 7

∫ AARP Tax Prep for low/limited income people and for senior citizens is being offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, by appointment only. Please call 989-278-8104 to schedule.

∫ 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. 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 coping with cancer, at 10 a.m., at Friends Together and via Zoom. Call 989-356-3231 for the link.

∫ Bingo is at 12:45 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ 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.

∫ 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 info, 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. 8

∫ Community Walking Club meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday in the parking lot of the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. Call 989-724-6796.

∫ 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.

∫ ALL hosts Spitzer from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursdays 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.

∫ ALL’s Moveable Feast will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the Mountain Bar and Grill, 5495 U.S.-23, Black River. Are you feeling cooped up? Need a change of scenery? How about calling some friends and taking a trip down to Black River? Join your ALL friends at The Mountain Bar and Grill for lunch. Give Sue (989-736-7105) a call, so there will be a seat for you.

∫ Pinochle and bridge are held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ On Thursdays in February, yoga meets from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Harrisville branch of Alcona County Library. Learn how simple movement can change your life with Liz! This class meets every Thursday until March 28, brought to you by Harrisville Yoga. Call 989-335-1777 for more information.

∫ Zoom meditation is at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, led by the Alpena Senior Citizens Center.

∫ Friends Breathe Together meets at 2 p.m. in-person and via Zoom on the first Thursday of the first full week of the month. This support group is for men and women who want to improve breathing, speech, swallowing and cognitive function following cancer treatment. For the link, call 989-356-3231.

∫ 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.

∫ Friends Eat Together meets at 4 p.m. in-person and via Zoom on the first Thursday of the first full week of the month. This support group is for men and women with cancer who find eating in public uncomfortable due to dysphagia. For connection information, call Friends Together at 989-356-3231.

∫ The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce presents its annual banquet, H.O.M.E.S. ~ Great Lakes, Great Expectations, on Thursday at the APlex. Doors open at 5 p.m. The cost is $35 per person, and reservations are required in advance by calling 989-354-4181 or emailing info@alpenachamber.com. The APlex is located at 701 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, Feb. 9

∫ AARP Tax Prep for low/limited income people and for senior citizens is being offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, by appointment only. Please call 989-278-8104 to schedule.

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

∫ 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.

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

∫ Spuds and Splits will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. or until sold out on Friday, Feb. 9 at Peace Lutheran Church, 1401 M-68 Hwy., Rogers City. The menu includes a loaded baked potato with your choice of toppings, and a banana split or sundae with various toppings. The cost is $8 per adult, and $4 per child ages 12 and younger. Take-outs will be available. For more info, call 989-734-7621.

∫ PIF Cider will host a Mardi Gras and Huron Humane Society Fundraiser starting at 5 p.m. at 205 W. Chisholm St., Alpena.

∫ The Friends of Plaza Pool invite you to a bowling fundraiser on Friday at Thunder Bowl Lanes, 2192 U.S.-23, Alpena. Registration starts at 5 p.m. and games start at 6 p.m. Space is limited to 24 registered teams. The minimum donation is $25 per person or $100 per team. Money raised ahead of time equals handicap. The cost includes two games, shoes, pizza, a pitcher of pop, and prizes. Call Judy at 989-884-2129 or email csrewing@charter.net to sign up your team. All donations/registration fees can be dropped off at the Plaza Pool, attention Judy.

∫ Come out and see the artwork of Alpena Community College alumnus Troy Muritok in his solo exhibition entitled “A Spirit in the Matrix” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the ACC Fine Arts building. Meet the artist! Plus, see live tattoo clients displaying tattoos designed by Muritok. The exhibition includes paintings, digital media, and tattoo designs. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

∫ Christian rap artist Lyl Dia will perform a free concert on Friday, Feb. 9 at Hope Lutheran Church, 5462 Nicholson Hill Road, Hubbard Lake. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Free-will offerings will be accepted for the youth group. For more information, call 989-727-3206.

Saturday, Feb. 10

∫ 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.

∫ AARP Tax Prep for low/limited income people and for senior citizens is being offered in the Alpena area on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, by appointment only. Call 989-278-8104 to schedule.

∫ All women and young women (sixth grade and older) are invited to join New Life for their free February WOVEN Mug and Muffin Meeting, “My Precious,” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at New Life Christian Fellowship, 317 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena. Joyel Hyvarinen will share her story. You can also shop at the WAR Boutique. WAR (Women At Risk) International’s purpose is to rescue, support and give hope to those who have been trafficked. For more info, call 989-354-0095 or visit newlifealpena.org.

∫ The third annual Alpena Ice Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday in Alpena, including ice sculptures on display throughout downtown and Mich-e-kewis Park, a huge bonfire, and a variety of activities for kids, adults and the family. The event begins at Mich-e-ke-wis Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with ice sculptures on display by Ice Creations of Napoleon, Ohio, a huge bonfire by the Alpena Fire Department, demonstrations, food trucks, and ice- and snow-related activities. Then come downtown from 3 to 7 p.m. to enjoy nearly 50 ice sculptures on display throughout the downtown, warm drinks, live music, and more! Nearly 50 ice sculptures will be on display throughout downtown, plus fire bowls to warm up by in the Pocket Park, live carving in Culligan Plaza, live music, and more. For a full schedule of events throughout the day, visit downtownalpenami.com/alpenaicefest. Alpena Ice Fest is sponsored by Thunder Bay Arts Council with generous financial support from a First Congregational United Church of Christ — Comstock Grant, Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, Wolverine State Credit Union, and Nicolet National Bank. The City of Alpena, Alpena Downtown Development Authority, City of Alpena Fire Department, Alpena Farmers’ Market, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, SOME CPAs, Michigan Arts and Culture Council/National Endowment for the Arts, and Besser Foundation provide additional support for this event and TBA programming throughout the year.

∫ A Victorian Tea Party will happen at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10 at United Methodist Church, 3647 N. Lynn St., Onaway. The event is sponsored by the Stepping Stones Garden Club. Free-will donations for the United Methodist Church Caring Closet (donations of personal hygiene, cleaning products, paper products or cash) will be accepted. For additional details, call 989-619-0300. Come as you are, or dress in your tea party finery!

∫ The Chocolate Extravaganza is back on Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Church in Alpena. The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church, 124 E. Washington Ave. downtown. There will be chocolate-covered peanut brittle, chocolate cake, trifles, chocolate-dipped fruit, cookies, tortes, tarts, pies, and more. Chocolate-themed door prizes await some lucky winners as well. The cost is $20 per adult, and $10 per child under age 10. Proceeds will go toward a scholarship fund to help local students heading to college.

∫ Join the Alpena County Library for a Barbie-themed storytime from 3 to 4 p.m. Barbie will host a storytime with a photo booth and custom sunglasses station. For more information, contact the Youth Services Dept. This event is part of the Alpena Ice Fest activities.

∫ A Valentine’s Chicken Dinner will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the American Legion Post, 1316 M-32 West, Alpena. The menu includes baked chicken, barbecue chicken, alfredo and smothered chicken, potatoes, gravy, dressing, and a dessert bar. Donations will be accepted at the door. This dinner is open to the public.

∫ A euchre tournament to benefit Thunder Bay Blockheads 15U baseball team will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Alpena Eagles Club, 1960 M-32 West, Alpena. Doors open at 5 p.m., and play starts at 6:15 p.m. The entry fee is $20, and there will also be a high game for $1 entry. A meal will be provided. There will be a 50/50 drawing, with tickets available for six for $5.

Submit Community Calendar items to lifestyles@thealpenanews.com. Call 989-358-5691 with questions.