600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
October Pickleball Schedule
Special Autumn-Inspired Programs
October 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
F, October 3rd, ALL DAY
W, October 8th, 10 AM - 4 PM
S, October 18th, ALL DAY
F, October 24th, ALL DAY
S, October 25th, 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, October 18th, 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, October 18th, 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 T, September 23rd at 8 AM. Register for either program at ARC or the GymMaster Member Portal.
October Technology Programs
Special Autumn-Inspired Programs
October Pickleball Schedule
Android Basics FREE Class: M, October 6th, 1 PM
iPhone Basics Free Class: M, October 6th, 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. Register no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Internet TV: M, October 20th, 1 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 an inexpensive device to a TV so you can save $$$! Registration required. Cost: $30. Register no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Do I Really Need a New Computer? Linux Mint OS: W, October 22nd, 10 AM
Research shows that most people only use their computers for the simple things in the age of technology. They shop, read, create and print email, check news, the weather, research how-to subjects, find recipes, listen to music, play internet games, create and print documents, sign up for ARC activities via the ARC portal. In reality, very basic activities on the internet.
Microsoft has announced that on October 14, 2025, it will drop its free support of its Windows 10 product lines. Those computers still using Windows 10 will no longer receive FREE software updates (Windows Update), Technical assistance or Security fixes from Microsoft. There are 400 million computers in the world that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. That’s close to 64% of all personal computers, worldwide, not just the United States.
We invite members to a discussion led by our tech expert George Wilson on how that may affect you and your Windows 10 computer. Consumers will be very limited in their options, but there is one free option. George will explain the options , but will concentrate on the free option, Linux Mint.
Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Special Autumn-Inspired Programs
Special Autumn-Inspired Programs
Special Autumn-Inspired Programs
Autumn Dance: F, October 17th, 6 - 8 PM
ARC invites you to join us for an Autumn Dance with music by DJ Brad Olson. 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. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fall Puzzlepalooza: W, October 22nd, 10 AM
Teams of two will compete to be the fastest to complete a 500-piece, fall-themed puzzle. Prizes will be awarded to the first-place team. If you’d like to participate just for fun, you are welcome to sign up as well and work at your own pace. There is no cost to participate. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Pumpkin–Carving Contest: M, Oct 27th - TH, Oct 30th
Flex your creative muscles by participating in ARC’s pumpkin-carving contest! Decorate your pumpkins however you like—carving, painting, embellishing, drawing etc. Drop off your completed pumpkin on Monday, October 27th to remain on display through 1 PM on Thursday, October 30th. Members can vote by using the slips of paper provided on the pumpkin display tables and place their ONE vote in the container next to their favorite pumpkin. The winner will be announced at 1 PM on October 30th, so pumpkins can be taken home before Halloween. A prize will be awarded to the winner.
Spirit Week at ARC: Join us in dressing up for a bit of fun!
Monday, October 27th: ARC Gear Day (dress in your favorite ARC logo items)
Tuesday, October 28th: School Spirit Day (dress in gear from your high school or college)
Wednesday, October 29th: Flannel Day (dress in as much flannel as your heart desires!)
Thursday, October 30th: Sports Team Day (dress in gear representing your favorite sports team)
Friday, October 31st: Halloween Costume Day (both simple or intricate costumes are great!)
OSF SmartMeals: T, October 28th, 1:30 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. September SmartMeals menu item will be Perfect Pumpkin Chili. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Board Game Night with Chili: T, October 28th, 5 - 7 PM Join fellow ARC members to play your choice of a variety of board games. ARC will provide a store-bought chili dinner. Minimum: 8 participants. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Bob Cyphers: Book Talk - ”25 Frozen, 1 Thawed:" W, October 29th, 10 AM
From Carol Rofstad in Normal in 1975 to Dalton Mesarchik in Streator in 2003, the heartland of America still cries over unsolved murder cases that have gone as cold as ice. In his latest book, "25 Frozen, 1 Thawed," Edward R. Murrow and Emmy award winning writer Bob Cyphers tackles the 25 coldest cases in the Midwest, many of which he personally covered during his 35 year career as a journalist at KMOV-TV in St. Louis.
A 13 year old girl abducted off her bicycle; a news reporter found dead at a high school; an attorney with a bullet in his head in his office; a mother murdered while her 18 month old baby sits nearby; a teenager killed and her policeman father is the suspect; a dead man with a note full of riddle's in his pocket; 6 bodies found on a farmhouse 150 years cold; a skull found at a Mexican restaurant; a family wonders which one of them is a killer; a Halloween night killing where the suspects all fled; a man disappeared in a blizzard....and then the snow melted. Cyphers brings back to life 25 such cold cases, hoping someday, someway, someone remembers something, and a cold case is thawed. It has happened before. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Special Arts Programs in October
Special Arts Programs in October
Special Autumn-Inspired Programs
Button Pumpkin Shadow Box: F, October 3rd, 10 AM
Instructor: Molly Camper
Create a shadow box art piece featuring a pumpkin design made of buttons on burlap backing. Cost: $8; registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Day of the Dead: Milagro Sacred Heart Craft: T, October 7th, 1 PM
Instructor: Torri Thompson
Remembering Those We Love and Have Lost
Each year, Mexico celebrates The Day of the Dead or Los Dias de los Muertos. On November 1 and 2, the veil between this world and the next is believed to be the thinnest, allowing the dead to briefly return home. In Mexico, their highly anticipated visit is celebrated with traditions such as the ofrenda, a special table decorated with religious/spiritual images; special foods, candles, and marigolds (Mary’s Gold); and photographs of the deceased and items they loved in this life.
In this free workshop, decorate a small wood plaque, heart, etc., add the name and a picture of your loved one, then place your memorial on the ofrenda in the lobby. For more information on the fiesta events, see the flier in the lobby rack. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Intermediate Crochet: TH, October 9th, 9-11:30 AM
Instructor: Jessica Carnes
Let’s welcome in fall! Come and learn the Alpine stitch and make a colorful table top pumpkin decor! Supplies needed are a H size hook, ample amount or worsted weight yarn in two colors, poly-fiber filling and a cinnamon stick or two.
Extra poly fill will be available if needed. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Framed Costume Jewelry Craft: T, October 14th, 9 AM - 12 PM
Instructor: Kathy Siracuse
Wondering what to do with that box of old costume jewelry in your closet? Have you been “gifted” by several family members with old jewelry treasures that you will never wear? Join Kathy for an interesting, informative and fun class learning how to create a lovely, one-of-a-kind keepsake picture to display those most treasured pieces of jewelry and turn them into a true keepsake work of art! Cost: $15 - bring your own jewelry items you would like to work with and a picture frame you would like to use to create your masterpiece. Recommend starting with a 4” X 6” or 5” X 7´frame size. The best jewelry pieces are those that have a flat back for easy gluing. Bring $10 to class if you would like to use a frame and jewelry pieces of Kathy’s. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Beginner Crochet: TH, October 23rd, 9-11:30 AM
Instructor: Jessica Carnes
Hello and let welcome in fall! Come and learn how to make 3 different sized pumpkins for your fall decor. Supplies needed will be small thin sticks or cinnamon sticks, a good amount of worsted weight yarn in two colors, size H hook and poly-fiber fill. There will extra Sticks and poly-fill available if needed. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Los Dias de Los Muertos & Animal Friends: F, October 24th, 10 AM
Instructor: Torri Thompson
Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead, November 1 and 2, to commemorate loved ones lost to death. Recently, traditional Hispanic images of laughing skeletons, dancing, drinking, playing cards, getting married have become as common in North American culture as salsa. Images of the calavera (skull) and calaca (skeleton) have been joined by animals of every kind. In this workshop, you can participate in Los Dias by decorating a small, plastic animal skeleton with paint, glitter glue, sequins, beads, etc. Choose from spiders, unicorns, cats, frogs, etc. First come first choice. Cost: $20 Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Support Groups at ARC
Special Arts Programs in October
Wellness Programs in October
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, October 1st, 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, October 7th, 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 October.
Men's Grief Support: W, October 22nd, 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, October 10th, 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 the group will be joined by Chad Sparks of Calvert Memorial to discuss benefits they have available to veterans in regards to preplanning, burial etc.
Parkinson's Support Group: T, October 21st, 1 PM The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Wellness Programs in October
Special Arts Programs in October
Wellness Programs in October
Self-Care Series: How Do You Express Yourself?: W, October 8th, 10 AM—12 PM
What is your current reality? How do you express yourself? Once a word is said, it can’t be erased. Words have power. Come learn how it uniquely relates in this self-care series—a series for all people and levels of communication. Bring a pen and a drink.
Session 1: 10 AM – 10:45 AM
Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12 PM
Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Mental Health Series: TH, October 23rd, 10:30 AM
Bruce Boeck is a Licensed Counselor with over 40 years of experience with every kind of population. The topic for October is “Neurodivergence/Autism.” Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
HeartSaver First Aid Class: M, October 6th, 9 AM - 12 PM
The HeartSaver First Aid course trains participants first aid basics for the most common first aid emergencies, including how to recognize them, how to call for help, and how to perform lifesaving skills. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) and the 2015 AHA/Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid. The AHA HeartSaver First Aid Course is designed for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in first aid to meet job, regulatory, or other requirements.
What does this course teach?
-First aid basics
-Medical emergencies
-Injury emergencies
-Environmental emergencies
-Preventing illness and injury.
Registration required. Cost: $70. Includes card, workbook, and all practice materials.
Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Flu/COVID Shot Clinic: W, October 15th, 10 AM - 2 PM Carle’s McLean Mobile Health Clinic will provide a flu/COVID shot clinic at ARC that is open to the public in their mobile unit, which will be parked in the east lot. Reservations not required; offered first-come, first served.
HeartSaver CPR/AED Class: M, October 20th, 9 AM - 12 PM This course trains participants to provide CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). It is designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card or anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. The course cost to members is $50, which includes a workbook, training supplies, and a 2-year certification. Instructor: Jill Howell—MSN RN and ISU Instructional Assistant Professor Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
2025 Celebrate the Season Art & Craft Sale
Town Hall with Normal Township Supervisor Krystle Able
2025 Celebrate the Season Art & Craft Sale
The 2025 Celebrate the Season Art & Craft Sale will take place Saturday, October 25th from 9 AM - 1 PM in the ARC Rec Room. This event is open to the public, so we hope to see you there with friends and family for a chance to snag some wonderful, unique gifts for the holidays! All items for sale will have been handmade by ARC members.
October Music Programs
Town Hall with Normal Township Supervisor Krystle Able
2025 Celebrate the Season Art & Craft Sale
Sunshine Bells Concert: TH, October 2nd, 1:30 PM Join the Sunshine Bells of the Bloomington-Normal Community Bells for an entertaining 45-minute hand bells concert. Sunshine Bells is a group of 7 handbells ringers who have been performing together since 2015. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Music Therapy: M, October 6th, 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.
October Theme: Halloween Hits
Focus on spooky songs and Halloween-themed tracks.
Sample Questions: “What song by Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett became a Halloween staple?” “Which rock band sang ‘Monster Mash?’”
Ghost Story Challenge: Julie will provide a template for the group to compete together to create an original campfire-style ghost story! She will provide different instruments for each trivia team to create the sound effects as well as have participants contribute with body percussion and vocal sound effects. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Peaceful & Comforting Piano music with Marsha Meiss: M, October 20th, 10 AM
Relax with graceful piano music with Marsha Meiss in the Auditorium. No registration required.
Into the 20th Century with Michael Dicker:
M, October 20th, 1 PM
Thanks to Tchaikovsky who has brought us into the 20th Century. While not abandoning what has come before, composers begin to explore and experiment. We will get into the lives and the music of Debussy, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky. These were pioneers whose work has the attention of music lovers today. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Town Hall with Normal Township Supervisor Krystle Able
Town Hall with Normal Township Supervisor Krystle Able
Town Hall with Normal Township Supervisor Krystle Able
W, October 1st, 9:30 AM
ARC members are invited to attend a Town Hall meeting hosted by Normal Township Supervisor Krystle Able in the ARC auditorium. The Town Hall will include an introduction to the new Supervisor, an overview of the new Board of Trustees’ vision for ARC and senior services, and a period for questions and/or suggestions from ARC members. Refreshments provided, including donuts, pastries, and fruit.
Travel With ARC & Collette Vacations
Southern Charm Feat. Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island
The Colorado Rockies feat. National Parks & Historic Trains
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
The Colorado Rockies feat. National Parks & Historic Trains
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
The Colorado Rockies feat. National Parks & Historic Trains
The Colorado Rockies feat. National Parks & Historic Trains
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.
Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria
Christmas on the Danube feat. A Six-Night Danube River Cruise
The Colorado Rockies feat. National Parks & Historic Trains
Sept 09 — Sept 18, 2026 • 10 Days • 13 Meals
Highlights: Bern, Alphorn Maker, Yodeling Demonstration, Fondue Lunch, Lucerne, Austrian Alps, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Mirabell Gardens, Bavaria, Linderhof Palace, Tyrolean Folklore Show
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.
Medicare Open Enrollment Alert!
CAN YOU SWITCH TO A LESS COSTLY MEDICARE PLAN FOR 2026? Are your premiums or co-pays increasing? Are the plan’s networks changing? Has your health and Rx status changed? Is your 2025 plan being discontinued? These are just a few of the factors that determine if you are enrolled in the best plan for your situation for next year. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Consultations for Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Are Available During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment
· Oct. 15th – Dec 7th is the Annual Enrollment Period to switch Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans
for 2026.
· 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 23rd.
· Appointments will be set between Oct 15-Dec 7th
· We know that fewer SHIP counselors will be available at ARC this year compared to past Open Enrollments. Once available time slots are filled at ARC, clients will be referred to 1-800-MEDICARE.
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. You do not have to be an ARC member to consult with SHIP.
SHIP will provide a Review and Compare (R&C) looking at your current plan compared to other plans that are available for 2026. Based on SHIP’s history with clients over the last several years, approximately ½ of those assisted enrolled in less expensive plans. Medicare experts strongly recommend an “annual checkup” of everyone’s drug plans.
Note: Medicare Advantage Plan (MA) comparison appointments will be available only until November 20. Any decisions with this type of insurance involves considerable evaluation of the medical aspects, networks, and co-pays along with the drug options. Ask us about dates in early 2026 when some switches with MA plans can also be made.
SHIP counseling on Medicare A and B and secondary insurance remains available during this time period for those with enrollment deadlines. However, October presentations on Pt D and MA plans, referenced in the September ARC newsletter, will not be offered this year.