PARIS – Organizers of this year’s Memory Walk sponsored by the Maine Alzheimer’s Association say there’s power in numbers, and they’re encouraging people to form walking teams.

Area businesses, families, clubs, civic organizations and school groups all can join the annual walk by forming a team, said Ellie Newell of the Maine Veterans Home, chairperson of the Sept. 27 walk.

Newell also said a special team concept is a family walking together in honor of or in memory of a loved one who has suffered with Alzheimer’s, a fatal brain disease characterized by progressive memory loss.

“Sometimes there seems to be little that the family can do when a loved one is stricken with this disease,” she said. “Contributing to the walk gives the family a sense of accomplishment” and helps raise money for the Maine Alzheimer’s Association.

The money is raised by securing pledges, which are collected on the day of the walk. Prizes are offered in categories, such as the largest team participating or the most money pledged by an individual.

“Businesses and clubs also gain by having their names out there during the walk,” Newell said. “Some businesses give each walker on their team a company logo T-shirt or sweatshirt, which enhances advertising even more.”

Last year, the Oxford Hills area donated almost $10,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association. The four-mile walk begins at 9 a.m. at the Maine Veterans Home on High Street. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

Anyone interested in walking as a team or individual is encouraged to contact Newell at 743-6300.

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