ARC is one of the largest senior services centers in the state of Illinois, offering daily exercise programs and over 50 free activities per month, including art classes, lectures, music enrichment, cards and games, Peace Meal and so much more. ARC is dedicated to providing programs that promote healthy aging. Read on to learn more about a few highlighted programs or check out our monthly newsletter below for full activity and exercise calendars and descriptions of programs and classes on schedule this month!
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Mondays, 7:00 - 11:00 AM & 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Tuesdays, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Beginners)
& 3:30 - 7:00 PM (Experienced)
Wednesdays, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 - 7:00 PM (Experienced)
Wednesdays, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Beginners)
Thursdays, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM & 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Fridays, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturdays, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Click Here to Learn More About Pickleball Rules
NO OPEN PICKLEBALL
W, OCT 11TH, 10 AM - 2 PM
F, OCT 27TH, 10 AM - 1 PM
S, OCT 28TH, ALL DAY
Internet TV: TH, October 5th, 1:00 - 2:45 PM
Tired of paying that high Cable TV bill? The Tech Tutor, will show you step by-step how many of us are saving $50 - $100/month by gradually moving from watching Cable TV channels to Internet Streaming TV channels. Using your same internet connection, you can still watch your favorite shows, movies, sports, local news, Netflix, & more! Nancy will compare costs of local Internet Service Providers and streaming subscription services; plus she’ll show you how to set-up aninexpensive device to a TV so you can
save $$$! Registration required. Cost: $30
Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Basics: TH, October 12th, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
iPhone Basics: TH, October 12th, 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Join us to learn how to: organize your "Home Screen", increase your font size, set-up "Speed Dialing," or “Favorites”, send a text message and add a photo, and
more! With step-by-step handouts and instructions, you’ll make your phone adjustments and get plenty of hands-on
practice! Registration required. Cost: $20 Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Apps: TH, October 19th, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
iPhone Apps: TH, October 19th, 3:00 - 4:30 PM
If you have questions about downloading and installing a "safe" App on your
Smartphone, this class is for you! We'll go over step-by-step handouts and instructions on how to install & uninstall an App, how to use QR codes, plus Nancy will share with you some Apps to help make your life easier, safer, and fun! Registration required. Cost: $20 Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Downsizing Tips to Simplify Your Life: T, October 24th, 11 AM
Downsizing isn’t about living a minimalist lifestyle. It’s about maximizing the enjoyment of what you have. The good news is that downsizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful! Join us to learn insider tips from a professional downsizer and Senior Move Manager. Julie Holliday of Beautiful Life Senior Relocation Services will share how to:
• Get organized
• Set reasonable goals
• Create a strategy
• Manage your belongings—what to keep, what to donate or what to sell
• Find helpful resources you can use now
Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Tips to Organize Your Records Now:
TH, October 26th, 4 - 6 PM
Would your family know how to manage your affairs if suddenly you were ill? If the answer is not a clear yes, then it is time to join Sonja Reece’s seminar “Tips to Organize Your Records NOW, Before Others Need Them.” Registration required. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - October 4th, 2 - 3 PM Are you a current or past family caregiver? Are you feeling stressed, tired, alone, overwhelmed, and/or burnt out? Caregiver support group meetings may be able to help! Caregiver support groups offer not only peer support, but resources in our communities, referrals to additional support, possible funding opportunities, and problem solving. If you feel you need a listening ear to validate what you’re going through as a caregiver, this support group may be for you! Caregiving is not easy and we’re here to help!
Caregiver Support: Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center - October 3rd, 9:30 AM Sugar Creek in Normal, IL offers a free support group for caregivers that assist in the care of Alzheimer's & Dementia individuals on the first Tuesday of every month at 9:30 AM at the ARC in Normal. Talking points covered include conflict/resolution, self-care for the caregiver, recreation activities, the different stages of disease.
Grief Support Groups Led by Lisa Flanagan, Carle Hospice Bereavement Coordinator. These programs will meet in person at ARC for the month of October.
Women's Grief Support: W, October 4th, 12 - 1:30 PM This group is closed to new members.
Men's Grief Support: W, October 11th, 1 - 2:30 PM Open to members/non-members of ARC, men who are grieving the death of a spouse or other significant person/other.
Parkinson's Support Group: T, October 17th, 1 PM
The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. This month's topic of discussion will be GoCovri Extended Release MedicationJessica Hedeman, DO Neurologist.
Comfort Food Makeovers: W, October 11th, 1:30 PM
Scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, fried chicken...is your mouth watering? Comfort foods may make us feel loved, but they aren’t always the healthiest of options. How can we duplicate the creamy, silky taste of grandma’s mac and cheese but without all the calories? This lesson is full of recipes and easy swaps to make your comfort food more compatible with your health goals. Provided by U of I Extension. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
OSF SmartMeals Demo: TH, October 26th, 1 PM
Learn about the OSF SmartMeals Program and take home a meal kit after this taste-testing class takes place. These shelf-stable, healthier recipes can be a pantry staple for easy cooking. October SmartMeals menu item will be a surprise! Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Nursing Services: M, October 16th - November 13th, 10 AM - 12 PM
Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing faculty and students will join us to offer health promotion nursing services on Mondays from 10 AM - 12 PM. During those times they will check vital signs including blood pressure, record blood pressures on patient-specific logs, provide patient education, and collect ideas on health promotion topics.
Assisted Living Helpers: W, October 11th, 9 - 10 AM for appts, 10 - 11 AM for drop-ins
There are so many kinds of senior living communities, offering different care and with different pricing structures. It’s confusing! Want someone to explain the differences and make it easier to understand? Do you have questions about senior living, but don’t want to talk to a sales person? Assisted Living Helpers, is a FREE service for seniors looking for help to navigate their senior living and senior care search. You can schedule an appointment time or come by during drop-in hours on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month. 9 - 10 AM is for appointments and 10 -11 AM is for drop-ins.
Ukulele Concert: T, October 17th, 1 PM
ARC's ARCulele Jam Group will perform a concert for ARC members from 1 - 2 PM on October 17th. Don't miss your chance to enjoy their songs and appreciate their talent! Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fall Social Dance: F, October 6th, 6 - 8 PM
ARC invites you to join us for an indoor social dance with music by DJ Brad Olson. Feel free to wear your favorite/funniest Halloween costume or attire. Meal option
available (first-come, first-served) for $5 - sandwich with chips, cookie and water. Registration preferred; walk-ins welcome.
Cost: $5/person; members may bring one non-member guest.
Music Enrichment: W, October 18th, 10:30 AM OR T, October 24th, 2 PM
It’s time for another notorious ARC NAME
THAT TUNE! Songs will be organized around a fall theme with BONUS TRIVIA questions added for extra points. Some “lite” cheating is allowed; prizes awarded to the winners. Join the laughter and fun. Everyone
welcome! Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Can You Händel It? M, October 30th, 2 PM
How can any music lover overlook George Frederick Handel – or, is it Georg Friedrich
Händel? We will try to figure out which is which. We all know and love his Messiah, and especially the “Hallelujah” chorus. But that monumental piece of music represents just the tip of the iceberg, in regard to Handel’s vast output. During our time together we will explore the wonderful variety of musical works that he created. We will also examine aspects of his life that made him the most international of all the musicians of his day. We will end our session with a performance of a work by Handel that many consider to be the most spectacular piece of instrumental music that was created during baroque times. You won’t want to miss it. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Rock Painting: F, October 6th, 10 AM
Join local rock painting artist Lana Kinser to paint a few rocks, learning from her a variety of painting techniques and taking inspiration from Halloween & Thanksgiving
designs she will share with you! Your painted rocks will be a fun, personalized way to incorporate art into your gardens,
flower pots, and homes. Registration required. Cost: $5.00. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Paint Your Home in Watercolor: TH, October 12th, 9 AM - 12 PM
Bring a photo of your home, church, or
other shelter that delights you! Learn some fun facts of architecture. Bring: bring your watercolor palette. Pencils, eraser, brushes, water container, and tissues. Watercolor paper will be supplied. Contact Carol Boerckel with any questions. 309-230-8743 Cost: $20 Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fused Glass Nightlights: F, October 13th OR 20th, 9 or 11 AM
Get creative with Connie Dearborn and make your own fused glass nightlight, choosing between one of three provided designs. This is a fun way to get crafty while creating something useful for your
home! Cost: $20 Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Learn Textures in Watercolor: TH, October 26th, 9 AM - 12 PM OR T, October 31st, 9 AM - 1:30 PM
We will stylize a phrase to make the shapes to paint. such as “love is kind.“ This will be great for a greeting card. All supplies are provided. Cost $25 Contact Carol Boerckel with any questions. 309-230-8743. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Rules of the Road: T, October 10th, 1-3 PM
Sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). This class is open to all adults. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Smart Driver: TH, October 12th & F, October 13th, 9 AM - 1 PM
ARC is sponsoring a two-day Smart Driver course. There is an AARP member rate ($20) and a non-member rate ($25). The fees for the class will be collected on the first day of class. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
December 04 — December 08, 2023 • 5 Days • 5 Meals
Highlights: Greenwich Village, Wall Street, Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial, 9/11 Museum, Broadway Show
Click HERE to learn more.
March 14 — March 21, 2024 • 8 Days • 9 Meals
Highlights: Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral, Blarney Castle, Dingle Peninsula, Farm Visit, Cliffs of Moher, Whiskey Distillery, Castle Stay
Click HERE to learn more.
April 10 — April 19, 2024 • 10 Days • 12 Meals
Highlights: Rome, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Assisi, Perugia, Cortona, Florence, Michelangelo’s David, Chianti Winery & Cooking Class, Venice, Murano Island, Milan, Choice on Tour
Click HERE to learn more.
October 4 — October 11, 2024 • 8 Days • 10 Meals
Highlights: Providence, Choice on Tour: Providence Walking Tour or Panoramic City Tour by Coach, Newport, Lobster Trap Pull Demonstration & Cruise, Plymouth Rock, Cape Cod, Hyannis, Nantucket, Chatham, Choice on Tour: Chatham Day Trip or Free Day, Martha's Vineyard, Lobster Dinner
Click HERE to learn more.
Feb 20 — March 1, 2025 • 10 Days • 13 Meals
Highlights: Embrace the spirit of “Aloha” on a leisurely three-island tour of Hawaii featuring 3-night stays each in Oahu, Big Island and Maui. Enjoy your luxurious beachfront hotel in Waikiki. “Remember Pearl Harbor” and visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Embark on a wonderful journey along Oahu’s famous North Shore. Admire the hula dance, an ancient Polynesian art form. See the beauty of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. In Maui, visit the old royal capital of Lahaina, once home of the world’s largest whaling fleets, where you can stroll through historic streets. Experience a traditional Polynesian luau – just one of your stops in paradise.
Click HERE to learn more.
August 09 — August 17, 2024 • 9 Days • 12 Meals
Highlights: From the old-world style of Quebec City to the power of Niagara Falls, say bienvenue to Eastern Canada. Board a boat and experience Niagara Falls up close. Discover Niagara-on-the-Lake’s 300-year-old history of winemaking with a winery tour and tasting. Have a brunch of regional specialties at a local sugar shack and learn about maple syrup-making. You choose how you explore Old Quebec – on foot with a local guide or on a panoramic coach tour. Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. An unforgettable experience awaits as you venture along picturesque countryside and glistening skyscrapers.
Click HERE to learn more.
October 2023
Noontime meals are served Monday-Friday and are available to persons 60+. There is a suggested donation of $3.50 for each meal. Participants are served a well-balanced meal containing at least 1/3 of the daily adult nutritional requirements. To make your reservation, call ARC at 888-9099, press 1 and leave a message with your name and reservation date at least one day in advance of the reservation date by Noon. Note: ARC will be closed October 9th and 25th. Peace Meal will not be served on these days.
SHIP counselors are trained, certified, and experienced in offering one-on-one information for all aspects of Medicare, health insurance and drug plans. A program of ARC, SHIP provides assistance, explanations, and plan comparisons. There is never a cost, sales, or any insurance affiliations. SHIP is especially helpful for those new to Medicare who are trying to navigate the system and meet deadlines or to anyone wanting to lower current costs and understand options. Help is available by individual appointment at various times each month. Call ARC at 309-888-9099, and a counselor will return your call to set an appointment. Walk-in hours are available on the 2nd Thursday and 4th Monday of each month ONLY. Walk-ins start at 1 PM with no appointment needed and operate on a first come, first served basis. Help is available by individual appointment various times each month as well. Call ARC at 309-888-9099 and press 3 to leave a message for the SHIP team. A counselor will return your call to set an appointment. SHIP is a program of the Illinois Department on Aging.
Click HERE to visit the official Medicare site.
Click HERE to learn more about SHIP & the Illinois Department on Aging.
Can You Switch to a Less Costly Medicare Drug Plan for 2024?
Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Consultations for Part D Drug Plans Are Available During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment
· Oct. 15th – Dec 7th is the Annual Enrollment Period to switch Part D drug plans for 2024.· If you would like assistance, call ARC at 309-888-9099. At the Medicare prompt, leave a detailed message for SHIP to return your call. Please call after September 24th.
· Appointments will be set between Oct 15-Dec 7th
· You do not have to be an ARC member to contact SHIP.
SHIP will provide a Review and Compare (R&C) looking at your current plan compared to other plans that are available for 2024. Medicare experts strongly recommend an “annual checkup” of everyone’s drug plans. Based on SHIP’s history with clients over the last several years, approximately ½ of the R&C’s result in a plan switch to a less expensive plan.A SHIP counselor will return your call to make the appropriate scheduling arrangements. Consultations will primarily be in person at ARC and held in private office space provided for SHIP use.
Note: Medicare Advantage Drug Plans- comparison appointments will be available only until November 21. Any decisions with this type of insurance involve considerable evaluation of the medical aspects, networks, and co-pays along with the drug options.SHIP counseling on Medicare A and B and secondary insurance remains available during this time period for those with enrollment deadlines.
More about Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans
Question: I currently have a Part D drug plan and would like to know when I can change to another plan. Do I have that option at any time?
Answer: In general, someone who has Part D plan can only choose another plan during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) October 15-December 7. Selections made during the AEP go into effect January 1 the following year. Appointments are available each fall with ARC SHIP counselors to help those with Part D select the best plan for the following year. This annual option to change is also available to anyone who has a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Pt D. However, there are a number of special circumstances when someone could qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and could switch plans outside the outside the annual period. A few examples included moving outside a plan’s service area, qualifying for Social Security “Extra Help”, or residing in a long-term care facility. A SEP may also be available for someone who believes they were provided incorrect or misleading information when they enrolled in their current plan. Please contact SHIP if you would like to change plans and feel a special circumstance may apply.
Disclaimer: The questions and answers in this column are intended to provide additional understanding on relevant Medicare topics. For additional explanations specific to your situation, please call ARC and request that a SHIP counselor contact you. You may also utilize SHIP walk-in hours on the 2nd Thursday and 4th Monday at 1:00.
$0 Cost Vaccines
Beginning January 1, 2023, beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D drug plans (and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage) are eligible to receive vaccines free of charge – meaning no deductible and no cost sharing to the insured! This provision of the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law August 2022, and applies to adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Of special note is Shingrix, the vaccine for shingles, as a case of shingles can be very painful with potentially lingering symptoms. Previously depending on your plan and deductible status, the two-shot immunization for shingles could cost a Medicare beneficiary several hundred dollars. SHIP recommends still checking in advance with your insurance regarding vaccine coverages.
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