News Photo by Darby Hinkley The Alpena Senior Citizens Center is seen at 501 River St.

ALPENA — September is National Senior Center Month and World Alzheimer’s Month, and the Alpena Senior Citizens Center is celebrating with programs and events throughout the month.

“Those are going to be our major focuses for September,” said Alpena Senior Citizens Center Program Director B.J. Sander. “The goal is to really broadcast to our community what we do here.”

She hopes to find more people who need Alzheimer’s and dementia resources and support.

“Hopefully we’ll figure out more people who are going through the dementia journey, that may need our assistance,” Sander said. “Because we struggle with finding those people.”

September is also Healthy Aging Month, a national observance month created by the Healthy Aging organization over 25 years.

Sander will be updating the center’s Facebook page as often as possible this month with video clips of staff and seniors she interviews so that the center can beef up their social media presence.

“We will be offering educational programs during the month and having staff spotlight some of the programs and services that they work with,” said Annie Hepburn, senior center director.

The senior serves seniors throughout Alpena County, offering programs like exercise, congregate meals, bingo, cards, book club, Meals on Wheels, in-home care, and more. They even offer a program called Staying Connected that helps seniors dealing with loneliness.

Hepburn noted that the senior center’s programs are not income-based.

“It’s basically on need,” she said. “We deliver in all of Alpena County. And we have tons of resources for dementia and Alzheimer’s and caregivers.”

She encourages anyone with questions or needs to connect with herself or Sander. The center serves over 2,000 seniors annually, Hepburn said.

Falls Prevention Week is Sept. 18 through 24.

“A growing number of older adults fear falling, and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements,” the center’s September newsletter reads. “This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.”

The center encourages businesses and community members to wear purple on Friday, Sept. 16 for Alzheimer’s awareness, and tag the center in photos shared to Facebook.

The center is bringing back a program called You Are Not Alone, a series of Alzheimer’s presentations. The first in the series is from 4 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 6, and the second is from 4 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 27. Call 989-356-3585 to register.

“We know there are a lot of people taking care of their loved ones with dementia or a cognitive impairment,” Hepburn said. “If they’re struggling, we want them to know that we’re here.”

The senior center is at 501 River St. in Alpena.