It is no secret that I love to shop. And I like nothing more than a good excuse to do so. Shoe stores: beware. The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk is on Oct. 7, and it’s just the reason I need to buy new sneakers.

But more than the basis for a fun-filled day of shopping, the Memory Walk is a great way to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s while raising much-needed funds for the local services that directly benefit people with the disease, their families and caregivers.

“All the funds raised through the Memory Walk stay in Maine and help support the 30,000 individuals and caregivers affected by the disease here,” said Kristie Miner, director of the reflections program at Westgate Manor and Memory Walk chairwoman. “The walk is the largest fundraising event specifically dedicated to supporting the programs of the Alzheimer’s Association, such as their 24-hour hot line, the 50 caregiver support groups, education and training programs, care management, public policy and advocacy, not to mention research aimed at finding a cause, cure, treatment and prevention of the disease.”

There are 14 walks around the state scheduled for Oct. 7, and the fundraising goal is $320,000. The Bangor walk steps of at Bass Park raceway at 9 a.m. Registration is at 8 a.m.

“Every year we have started the walk from Westgate Manor [on Union St. in Bangor] and have walked around the neighborhood,” said Miner. “This year, we decided to move the location to the area around Bass Park, just for a change of pace. The houses are beautiful in this area and it will be a scenic walk, as well as provide high visibility for us.”

Keep in mind this is a walk not a race and it is only about three miles. But by doing it, you will be helping yourself along with those stricken with Alzheimer’s disease.

“There is increasing evidence that a healthy lifestyle can affect the brain,” said Miner. “This includes eating a healthful and well-balanced diet and staying mentally and physically active. Participating in the walk would be a great part of that. And bring the kids. This walk is for everyone and it is so wonderful to see families even with the grandparents walking as a team.”

So here’s how to get started. Sign up, either yourself, or find a catchy name and pull a team together, set a personal or team goal and then get pledges from the people who know you and love you and support your desire to help others. (How could they say no?)

Aside from supporting the cause by raising money and doing yourself a favor by getting outside on a fall Saturday morning, there is more in store for participants.

Walkers’ thank-you gifts are available, and raising $150 to $550 or more will get you one – including T-shirts and fleece vests.

“We are also thrilled with the support of the business community,” said Miner. “We have dozens of wonderful door prizes donated by area businesses who are eager to help us and who are providing even more incentive for walkers. These will be drawn after the walk and there will be food available and beverages provided by Coke.”

Oct. 7 promises to be a good time, so lace up your new (or favorite old) sneakers and head to Bass Park. If you are undecided, you may also register the day of the walk.

For information about the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, call the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine chapter, at (800) 660-2871, visit www.mainealz.org, or call Miner at 942-7336.

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AARP invites members and nonmembers to a luncheon meeting at noon Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Elks Club. For reservations and directions, call Elaine Randall at 947-3145.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or log on www.eaaa.org. For TTY, call 992-0150.