Alpena residents will have several opportunities to learn about local arts, history, community services and technology during the Association of Lifelong Learners’ programs scheduled for Sept. 21-25.
The week includes a tour of the restored Thunder Bay Theatre, a presentation by stone artist Autumn Bildson, a recognition event at a new Alcona County Commission on Aging facility and one-on-one technology assistance from Alpena High School students.
Thunder Bay Theatre tour opens the week
Monday’s program will focus on the future of Thunder Bay Theatre. The presentation and tour are scheduled from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at 400 N. 2nd Ave. in Alpena.
Attendees will be among the first to tour the historic building after a $2 million renovation that restored and updated the theatre inside and out. The program will also cover the organization’s origins, the building’s more than 100-year history and plans to bring live, professional theatre back to the venue.
The theatre had been closed to the public for six years following two fires and a robbery, according to the program information. Anne Gentry, who has served as president of Thunder Bay Theatre’s board since 2021, led the renovation effort by securing grants, foundation support and private donations. Gentry has also been executive director of the Alpena Downtown Development Authority since 2017.
Stone sculpture presentation Tuesday
On Tuesday, Autumn Bildson will present from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the ACC Madeline Briggs Center 140. Bildson created the “Eye of the Beholder” stone sculpture installed on the lawn of Alpena City Hall to honor America’s 250th anniversary.
Her presentation will explain the artwork’s development, from the initial maquette cut through completion, and will show how stone becomes a finished work of art. Bildson, who lives in Black River, has worked as an artist since childhood and built a stone-sculpture business with her husband’s help.
Thursday programs offer community services and tech help
Thursday’s September Happening and Presenter Recognition Program will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alcona County Commission on Aging, or ACCOA, at 807 N. Barlow Road in Lincoln. The event will include an overview and tour of the new ACCOA facility, which includes the Sunrise Community Center. ACCOA will provide food services.
Registration is requested so organizers can plan for attendance and food. Members can register online, submit a form at the Association of Lifelong Learners office or call the office. The event is open to the public; nonmembers should call 989-358-7207 to register. The facility is just south of Lincoln and can be reached from U.S. 23 south of Ossineke.
Later Thursday, from 3 to 5 p.m., Alpena High School DECA students will host a technology workshop at the ACC Madeline Briggs Center 140. Participants may bring devices causing problems and ask questions about them. The assistance will be one-on-one and focused on each person’s situation.
DECA, or Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a high school and college program preparing students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. The students compete in statewide competitions in the spring. Donations are appreciated to help offset those competition expenses.