ARC will be closed F, July 4th & S, July 5th in observation of Independence Day
600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
July Pickleball Schedule
July Pickleball Schedule
July Pickleball Schedule
Pickleball Schedule
M | 7 AM - 11 AM, 4 - 7 PM
T (Beg.) | 7 AM - 9 AM
T (Exp.) | 2 - 7 PM
W (Exp.) | 7 AM - 12 PM, 4 - 7 PM
W (Beg.) | 12 PM - 4 PM
TH | 7 AM - 9 AM, 1 – 7 PM
F | 8 AM - 1 PM
S | 8 AM - 1 PM
Pickleball Courts Will Be Closed
S, July 12th, ALL DAY
W, July 30th, ALL DAY
*During the above times listed as Beginner times, south court will be reserved for beginners and those serving as their mentors. North court open to all*
Click Here to Learn More About Pickleball Rules
Beginner Pickleball Clinic: S, July 12th, 8:30-10:30 AM Join us at ARC to learn the fundamentals of the game at this Pickleball Clinic for beginners! Cost: $10
Boot Camp: S, July 12th, 11 AM - 1 PM Pickleball Bootcamp consists of two
hours filled with strategy, tips and drills to help improve your game. You will be taught proper court positioning and movement, the dink game, the 3rd shot, and many other skills and strategies. You will also practice volleys. Cost: $20
Registration for both programs opens W, June 25th at 8 AM. Register for either program at ARC or the GymMaster Member Portal.
Save the Date for our Pickleball Social Fundraiser on August 9th. We will be fundraising in support of fitness program upgrades and updates, including the purchase of new pickleball nets and future pickleball needs, through the ARC Living Memorial Fund.
July Technology Programs
July Pickleball Schedule
July Pickleball Schedule
Android Basics: M, July 14th, 1 PM
iPhone Basics: M, July 14th, 3 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 no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Apple Watch: M, July 21st, 1 PM
Join Nancy, The Tech Tutor as she guides you through the features of your Apple Watch. She’ll share important Tips so you can maximize the features with your Apple Watch. We’ll delve into its styling features to enhance User-friendliness, how to use it as a communication device, and most importantly for monitoring your Health, Personal Safety, and Exercise activities! Registration required. Cost: $30. Register no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Apps: M, July 28th, 1 PM
iPhone Apps: M, July 28th, 3 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 no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Nature Education
July Pickleball Schedule
Special Arts Programs in July
ARC Enthusiastic Gardeners Club: Yard Smart with EAC: TH, July 17th, 11 AM
The Yard Smart Program is a voluntary effort to help reduce synthetic pesticide use, conserve natural resources, and make room for wildlife. This program encourages yard care practices that are safe for children, pets, and the environment! Being Yard Smart means being on track to having an ecologically sustainable yard. This means the yard is safer for children, adults, pets, wildlife, and all living things. This is accomplished by avoiding or minimizing synthetic pesticides and high-nitrogen fertilizers, conserving natural resources like water and fossil fuels, and supporting native diversity in plants and wildlife. Yard Smart yards work with (not against) nature by not polluting the air, soil, or water. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Herb Talk with Marty Seigel: T, July 22nd, 11 AM: Marty Seigel, President of the Herb Guild of McLean County, will introduce you to the many uses of herbs. In addition to the practices of cooking and making tea with familiar plants like basil and chamomile, there are many lesser-known herbs used for these purposes. Herbs have also been used for their medicinal qualities, for aromatherapy, and for dying fabrics. This overview will provide examples of herbs that have enhanced our eating and drinking experiences over the years, and have added color to our lives. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
ParkLands Foundation: TH, July 24th, 10 AM We invite you to an upcoming presentation featuring Shannon Fulton, President of ParkLands Foundation. She will guide us through the organization's inspiring history and introduce us to the remarkable beauty and ecological significance of their preserves. Learn firsthand how ParkLands actively works to safeguard these invaluable natural havens and diligently repairs the land along the Mackinaw River. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local conservation efforts and discover the hidden gems within our community. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Special Arts Programs in July
Special Arts Programs in July
Special Arts Programs in July
Junk Journals: F, July 11th, 10 AM
Instructor: Charlotte Black
Make an altered book/junk journal from books found at the thrift store. We’ll tear out pages and fold for pockets in the first class. This will be an ongoing project in which the next couple of classes will consist of covering the spine and covers, filling the pockets with paper stuff, decorating the pages, etc. Examples: Could be something like a Christmas memory book for some or flower journal for others. Cost: $12. Cost includes a book, small, vintage ink pad, 4 pieces of decorative paper for covers, and fabric to cover binding. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fused Glass Class: Butterfly Garden Stakes: F, July 18th OR S, July 19th, 9 OR 11 AM
Instructor: Connie Dearborn
We will make butterfly garden stakes. Cost: $35. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Rock Painting: F, July 25th, 10 AM
Instructor: Lana Kinser
Join local rock painting artist Lana Kinser to paint a few rocks, learning from her a variety of painting techniques and taking inspiration from provided designs. Your painted rocks will be a fun, personalized way to incorporate art into your gardens, flower pots, and homes. Cost: $5; registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Potato Printing Class: F, July 25th, 11:30 AM
Instructor: Reenie Bradley
Use potato printing techniques and paint to decorate flour sack towels and zipped canvas bags. This is a fun, free class where participants are encouraged to dress for a mess. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Quotes to Live By: Create an Affirmation/Quote Card Set: T, July 29th, 10 AM
Instructor: Torri Thompson
Traditionally affirmation cards contain statements to boost self esteem, etc. But I also like to make them with quotes (on a variety of subjects) I’ve found and want to remember. The cards are small daily reminders of what matters to me, what makes my life better to remember. Because let’s face it, the older we get, the less space we seem to have in our brains to remember things, important and otherwise.
As kids we practiced/developed memory through exposure to and repetition of things other people thought were important, but this time (another perk to aging), you get to choose. We will use 4 x 4 squares of paper of different colors and textures, rubber stamps, stamping ink, markers, embossing powder, etc. you can use to decorate the front side of the card, as well as images you can attach if you wish. Then you will write quotes on the other side (please bring your quotes along.) Registration required.
Cost: $20. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Support Groups at ARC
Special Arts Programs in July
Mental Health Programs
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, July 2nd, 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: T, July 1st, 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 Kevin Copeland, LCSW, Carle Hospice Bereavement Coordinator. These programs will meet in person at ARC for the month of July.
Women's Grief Support: W, July 2nd, 12 PM This group is closed to new members.
For anyone enduring the grieving process who would like to attend a Co-Ed Grief Support Group:
Carle Hospital Coed - Group
2nd and 4th Monday for each month
Time: 5:00-6:30 PM
Place: Chapel at Carle BroMenn Medical Center | 1304 Franklin Ave. | Normal, IL
Men's Grief Support: W, July 9th & 23rd, 12 - 1:30 PM Open to members/non-members of ARC, men who are grieving the death of a spouse or other significant person/other.
Veterans Coffee Cafe: F, July 11th, 9 AM
Veteran Coffee Cafes with Traditions Health help to identify the veterans among us and support them through sharing stories or just letting them know that their service is important still today. They are not forgotten. This month will focus on discussion & sharing of experiences.
Parkinson's Support Group: T, July 15th , 1 PM The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Mental Health Programs
Special Arts Programs in July
Mental Health Programs
Self-Care Series: Change: The Benefit of Choice: T, July 8th, 10 AM—12 PM
How is your Current Reality?
Do you prefer to remain the same or flip the switch and change? Discover how “CHANGE … The Benefit of CHOICE “ relates to Self-Care - Your Mental Health. Self -Care is not Selfish or Limited. This Inspirational session is intended for all levels of people in every environment and any profession. Choice, Chance, Change.
This New Segment is held in two (2) sessions with a break between. You must attend Session 1 in order to attend Session 2 (to apply details from Session 1, same day.) Bring a water and a pen. Sign Up at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal beginning June 25th. You will be glad you made that CHOICE!
Mental Health Series: TH, July 24th, 10:30 AM Bruce Boeck is a Licensed Counselor with over 40 years of experience with every kind of population. The topic for July is “how therapy works.” Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Financial Education Programs
Financial Education Programs
Financial Education Programs
IFE: Estate & Taxes: What Most Retirees Overlook: W, July 9th, 10 AM - 12 PM
Retirement can often bring financial shifts that catch people off guard. In this session, we’ll take a closer look at how estate considerations and taxes may affect your overall plan. We’ll also introduce five key areas every retiree should be thinking about, some of which are often missed entirely. If you’re recently retired or preparing for the transition, this conversation is designed to help you approach your planning with greater clarity and confidence. Registration required. Register in-person at ARC, on the GymMaster Member Portal, or by calling 309-888-9099.
iCash Program: M, July 21st, 11 AM
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ staff will be at the ARC Activity and Recreation Center on Monday, July 21, 2025 to help reunite citizens with missing money through the I-Cash program. In McLean County, an estimated 279,400 people have unclaimed cash or property held by the treasurer’s office. The value exceeds $33,350,000.00. Statewide, Frerichs secures more than $5 billion in unclaimed cash and property. Registration required. Register in-person at ARC, on the GymMaster Member Portal, or by calling 309-888-9099.
Music Programs in July
Financial Education Programs
Financial Education Programs
Music Therapy: M, July 14th, 11:00 AM
The goals of this new, monthly program are to increase social engagement and modulate mood through music activities that involve active music making, receptive music listening and silly songwriting. Members from each trivia team will volunteer to complete a short music-making challenge to ear their team additional points. You will have opportunities to play unique and high quality musical instruments in ways that are accessible for your skill level, while learning about different styles of music, music history and experience. All instruments and materials provided. Registration required. Register in-person at ARC, on the GymMaster Member Portal, or by calling 309-888-9099.
July Theme: Disco Fever
Celebrate the disco era with hits from artists like Donna Summer and the Bee Gees.
Sample Questions: “Which song features the lyrics ‘Last dance, last chance for love?’”
“What disco movie starring John Travolta helped popularize disco music?”
Movement/Scarves Challenge: Participants will be challenged to perform disco moves for their peers. Julie Engelsdorfer, MT-BC, will help participants identify disco dance moves and create a short routine together to a popular disco song. The group will perform the movements along with Julie providing live or recorded music.
Dulcimer Concert: W, July 16th, 1:00 PM
Dulcimer Dreams, the husband and wife duet of Brian and Maureen Barnes, will be returning to the ARC on Wednesday, July 16th at 1 PM. The hammered dulcimer originated in Persia (Iran) about 2000 BC and is the ancestor of the piano. The mountain, or Appalachian dulcimer, is a uniquely American instrument. Based on the German zither, it originated in the Appalachian region of our nation about 1830. Maureen and Brian have been bringing their music to audiences since 2004. They have played at community events, churches, garden walks, David Davis Mansion, Funk’s Grove Church, Baby Fold’s Festival of Trees, weddings and many senior residential homes. Registration required. Register in-person at ARC, on the GymMaster Member Portal, or by calling 309-888-9099.
Russian Composers with Michael Dicker: M, July 28th, 1 PM The musical 19th Century closes with great Russian composers whose influence is strongly felt at the beginning of the 20th Century and beyond. Our session will be about Mussorgsky, Rismsky Korsakov, and Tchaikovsky and their wonderful accomplishments. Registration required. Register in-person at ARC, on the GymMaster Member Portal, or by calling 309-888-9099.
Peaceful & Comforting Piano music with Marsha Meiss: F, July 25th, 10 AM
Relax with graceful piano music with Marsha Meiss in the Auditorium.
Diabetes Prevention Program
Financial Education Programs
Diabetes Prevention Program
Diabetes Prevention Program with McLean County Health Department: Informational Session Zero: M, July 7th, 9 AM
Attention ARC members: If you have prediabetes or other risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes, the National Diabetes Prevention Program can help! This free, year-long program offers: CDC-approved curriculum, Trained lifestyle coach to guide and encourage you, Support from other participants with similar goals, Education and tools to manage stress, develop a healthier diet, lose weight and be more physically active. Following the informational session on July 7th, a new DPP program will begin with classes on July 21st and 28th at 9 AM. Registration required. Register in-person at ARC, on the GymMaster Member Portal, or by calling 309-888-9099
Travel With ARC & Collette Vacations
Southern Charm Feat. Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island
Southern Charm Feat. Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island
Southern Charm Feat. Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island
February 23 — March 01, 2026 • 7 Days • 9 Meals
Highlights: Historic Charleston, Choice on Tour: Walking Tour or Fort Sumter Cruise in Charleston, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, Savannah, Choice on Tour: Savannah Trolley Tour or Haunted Savannah Walking Tour, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island
Click HERE to learn more.
British Landscapes feat. England, Scotland & Wales
Southern Charm Feat. Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island
Southern Charm Feat. Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island
May 12 — May 26, 2026 • 10 Days • 12 Meals
Highlights: Edinburgh Castle, York, Chester, Conwy Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, Choice on Tour: Ashmolean Museum or Oxford Walking Tour, London
An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Train from Edinburgh to York. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the Conwy Castle in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain.
Click HERE to learn more.
The Colorado Rockies feat. National Parks & Historic Trains
Christmas on the Danube feat. A Six-Night Danube River Cruise
Christmas on the Danube feat. A Six-Night Danube River Cruise
June 5 — June 13, 2026 • 9 Days • 12 Meals
Highlights: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mesa Verde National Park (UNESCO), Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Click HERE to learn more.
Christmas on the Danube feat. A Six-Night Danube River Cruise
Christmas on the Danube feat. A Six-Night Danube River Cruise
Christmas on the Danube feat. A Six-Night Danube River Cruise
November 8 — December 6, 2026 • 9 Days • 19 Meals
Highlights: Christmas Markets, 6-Night Danube River Cruise, Vienna, Würzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Wachau Valley, Glühwein Party
Click HERE to learn more.
Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Services at ARC
What is SHIP?
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. There are no walk-in hours during open enrollment.
Click HERE to visit the official Medicare site.
Click HERE to learn more about SHIP & the Illinois Department on Aging.
Want to know more about Medicare?
Curious about Medicare? Finding Medicare insurance confusing? Turning 65 soon and overwhelmed by mail from insurance companies? SHIP can help! ARC SHIP counselors will be offering bi-monthly “New to Medicare” sessions held in a small group setting. The next is scheduled on Thursday, August 28th at 4:30 PM in the classroom on the first floor (Classroom) at ARC. Subsequent sessions will be offered in June and August with times to be announced. Counselors will cover the basics of Medicare and secondary insurance options. These presentations will be helpful for anyone with Medicare in their future (or who just wants a refresher). They are not personalized nor meant to replace in-person counseling sessions.
ARC membership is not required. Registration is encouraged by calling ARC or using the GymMaster Portal; however, walk-ins will also be welcome.
3 Tips to Protect Yourself from Medicare fraud and Scams
1. If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond. Don't give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
2. Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn't get or a product you didn't order, it may be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
3. Guard your Medicare card like it's a credit card.