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THE ALPENA NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Young at Heart
News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Seniors at the Alpena Senior Citizens Center play a game of cards.
Alpena Senior Center 2025 recap a variety of fundraising opportuniBy REAGAN VOETBERG niors can make a suggested donation for dementia patients. News Staff Writer of $4.50. The center also offers educational ties to ensure that the programs they ALPENA — Last year, the Alpena The most impactful change in sessions on dementia to the commu- center offers can be sustained. The senior center staff are always applySenior Citizens Center bustled with 2025 was improving upon the de- nity. The senior center provides options ing for grants to provide new opporactivity, from puzzles, to card games, mentia program. “We are seeing growth in our for any senior in the area to make tunities. to exercise. Annie Hepburn, director of the se- dementia programs just because friends or participate in an activity nior center, said that the programs there’s really no other resources,” that interests them. Organized card Keith Wallace serving food to seniors were success- Hepburn said. games take place four days a week, William Pfeifer ful last year. “For 2026 we’ll just keep enhanc- bingo takes place twice a month, experienced attorneys right here in Alpena The center served 73,000 meals ing the dementia program and hope- and exercise programs three days and served around 700 clients with fully getting it out further in the com- a week. There is also a zoom book just meals. She said around 500 peo- munity,” Hepburn said. “I think our club, health clinics and informational ple come through the senior center goal would be that…Alpena County sessions, maj jong, quilting, monthly regularly for activities. Within a year, would be really dementia educated.” shopping trips, and a fiber group. Your LOCAL Legal Resource in all areas of the law the center sees about 2,000 different Hepburn said that agencies like The senior center and many of its with over 95 years in Downtown Alpena people. the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office, programs are made possible thanks Wills • Trusts • Estates • Medicaid Eligibility One of the main programs is Meals Alpena Fire, Alpena Police, and the to the senior millage in Alpena CounCriminal Defense • Divorce • Real Estate 114 South Second Avenue • Alpena on Wheels, which serves qualified se- Michigan State Police are all on ty. 989-354-8242 • www.alpenalegal.com niors ages 60 and older. The program board with the program and can reHepburn said that they also have delivers food to people in the city of fer families or caregivers to the seAlpena Monday through Friday, and nior center if they need assistance. Once a month the center hosts a people throughout Alpena county Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The memory cafe for seniors with demenlongest Meals on Wheels route is 101 tia and their caregivers. It’s a social- The modern drug store where you are greeted with a friendly “Hello” and “How can we help you?” miles round trip, Hepburn said. The ization opportunity that helps them You don’t have to walk blocks to enter, you are only number of Meals on Wheels clients maintain their quality of life. steps away from the front door or use Alpena’s first The dementia program is made drive-through window. has grown over the last couple of • Prescriptions dispensed by Personal years. Hepburn said she believes that possible through a grant from the • Accepting all major health plans • Free delivery service and Friendly Pharmacists is due to the rising cost of living and Michigan Health endowment fund, • Billing for diabetic supplies The Drug Store may not be big, but we excel on friendly, Hepburn said. Her team is certified food prices. fast service and welcome the opportunity to serve you. •••••••• The center serves a noon meal in the SPECAL method, which is used Help keep our independent pharmacy strong in Alpena. 2236 US 23 S • Alpena •••••••• Monday through Friday, where se- to help caregivers prompt well-being
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