600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
May Pickleball Schedule
Outdoor Fun Day: Games in the Greenspace
May 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 – 4 PM
F | 8 AM - 1 PM
S | 8 AM - 1 PM
Pickleball Courts Will Be Closed
S, May 3rd, ALL DAY
W, May 28th, 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
Pickleball Clinic: S, May 3rd, 8:30-10:30 AM Join us at ARC to learn the fundamentals
of the game at this Pickleball Clinic for beginners! Cost: $10 Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Pickleball Boot Camp: S, May 3rd, 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 Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
May Technology Programs
Outdoor Fun Day: Games in the Greenspace
May Pickleball Schedule
Android Basics: T, May 6th, 1 PM
iPhone Basics: T, May 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. Cost: $20. Register no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Settings: T, May 13th, 1 PM
iPhone Settings: T, May 13th, 3 PM
Learn to unlock the secrets to your Smartphone with Nancy Komlanc, The Tech Tutor, making your phone easy and
fun to use! Customize your Home screen, Set alarms, Personalize the Ringtone for family, friends, & emergency contacts, Increase your screen light-up time, 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.
Internet TV: TH, May 15th, 1 - 3 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.
Outdoor Fun Day: Games in the Greenspace
Outdoor Fun Day: Games in the Greenspace
Outdoor Fun Day: Games in the Greenspace
When: TH, May 1st, 11 AM - 1 PM
Join us for a few hours of fun and games in ARC's outdoor space. There will be a variety of fun activities, including outdoor bingo, a cake walk, yard games (bags, washers, croquet), outdoor crafts, music, and root beer floats! Outdoor bingo, with outdoor-themed bingo cards, will occur from 11-11:30, with 6 rounds and 2 winners per game. We will take it up a notch from normal bingo, and winning patterns must be an "X", "L", or "T". For those interested in outdoor bingo, please bring your own lawn chair to sit in. Root beer floats will be available from 11:30-12. We thank Prudential Advisors for sponsoring root beer floats. The cake walk will occur from 12-12:30, and up to 12 lucky winners will be able to select a small cake. Yard games and craft activities will be set up for the duration of the event so you can enjoy at your own pace. This event is free to attend, so take advantage of your free chance to win a cake, prizes, and enjoy a root beer float!
Special Arts Programs in May
Memorial Day Remembrance Service
Outdoor Fun Day: Games in the Greenspace
Fused Glass Class: Garden Stakes: F, May 16th OR S, May 17th, 9 OR 11 AM In ARC’s next fused glass class with Connie Dearborn, make a garden stake and choose from 3 designs. Cost: $35. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Build Your Own Planter: F, May 9th, 9 - 11 AM Instructor: John Baker
On Thursday, May 9 from 9 to 11 AM, we are hosting a 'Build Your Own Planter' workshop. These planters are 18"x18" and made of cedar. They will make great homes for your herbs, flowers, or vegetables. ARC Member John Baker and some fellow woodworkers will be on hand to guide you through the assembly process. There will be materials available for 20 planters. Five people can sign up in each 30 minute time slot. All materials, tools and safety gear are provided. Note: if you want a planter but aren't comfortable working with power tools, one of the woodworkers will build it for you.) Cost: $5. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Cupcake Liner Flower Craft: T, May 20th, 10:30 AM Instructor: Marsha Meiss
Join us to make a fun and FREE tissue paper flower craft on cardstock using items like straws, buttons and pom poms to make it your own! Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Sunflower Wreath Class: F, May 23rd, 10 AM
Instructor: Sherry Phillips
Wreath rings, ribbons and pipe cleaners needed to make a wreath will be provided with instruction and scissors to cut ribbons. The class typically takes 60-90 minutes to complete. All materials and tools will be provided, and no experience is needed. Your instructor recommends not wearing a sweater to this class! Cost: $30. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Butterflies and Spring, a Beading Project: T, May 27th, 10 AM
Instructor: Torri Thompson
Everything I propose for ARC requires no experience or skills; you don’t need to be “artistic;” all the materials will be supplied, but you are always welcome to bring anything from home if you want. One of the real pleasures of spring is the return of the insect kingdom to our lives (with the exception of Mosquitos!). Each day we are in contact with numberless species of insects, one of the world’s most significant sources of protein. Insects are earth’s entirely free and efficient sanitation service, without whom we would literally be covered up in “filth” and decay. Moths provide more pollination than do bees. I have a huge respect for and interest in all kinds of insects, find their innumerable shapes and colors, their ability to survive and thrive just amazing. Not everyone loves bugs, but we all probably love butterflies. They are the most colorful and most amazing in some ways arrivals and signs….. of spring. We will celebrate their return by first talking about why it is so important not to poison your houses and yards (sorry, that’s a fact); how few butterflies are left in the world and how quickly they are disappearing. We can’t just make ornaments and pretend we love butterflies and destroy them at the same time. So, if you are cool with that, come join us for a butterfly ornament workshop where we will be painting and then “paving” with beads, rhinestones, sequins, etc. wood butterfly laser cuts (about 4” x 5”). I’ll provide you with some patterns or you can free form design on your own. Registration required.
Cost: $20. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Wood Block Collage Project: F, May 30th, 10 AM – 12 PM
Instructor: Charlotte Black
This is a collage project on a 6 x 6 wood block. We will be using various mediums including watercolor, ink, acrylic and various papers to choose from. We will also embellish with stamps, jewels and glitter. Need to bring: scissors, liquid glue, ruler and pencil. Cost: $12. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Support Groups at ARC
Memorial Day Remembrance Service
Memorial Day Remembrance Service
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, May 7th, 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, May 6th, 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 May.
Women's Grief Support: W, May 7th, 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, May 14th & 28th, 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, May 9th, 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’s speaker will be a VSO representative.
Parkinson's Support Group: T, May 20th, 1 PM The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Memorial Day Remembrance Service
Memorial Day Remembrance Service
Memorial Day Remembrance Service
When: W, May 28th, 11 AM
Where: Normal Township ARC Rec Room
Order of Events
Welcome and Purpose
Scripture/Meditation
POW/MIA Time of Remembrance
Reading of the names of those who died in the past year
Wreath Laying
13-Fold Flag Ceremony
Rifle Volley
Taps
*ARC will provide a dessert following the program*
Zumba Returns to ARC in May
Health & Wellness Programs in May
Health & Wellness Programs in May
One-Time Open House Event: Experience Zumba® Fitness and Meet Our New Instructor!
Join us on May 1st for a special drop-in Zumba® Fitness Open House designed for 55+ members. This one-time event is your chance to try different Zumba® specialty classes and experience the love of Latin and World rhythms and the dynamic energy of our newest instructor, Tracie Allen, owner of The Finishing Well, LLC. With over 14 years of experience in fitness training and business ownership, Tracie is an ACE-certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Licensed through Zumba Fitness, she leads a wide variety of classes with passion and expertise.
Registration will open on April 23rd for all Zumba Classes for the month of May online or at the front desk. The desk will be open for registration following the open house for any classes you're interested in for May.
For just $5, drop in on May 1st to try one or all classes and meet the inspiring Tracie Allen.
Zumba Gold Chair: 10 AM
Zumba Gold & Zumba Gold Toning: 11 AM
Zumba Fitness: 12:15 & 5 PM
Embrace this opportunity to elevate your fitness journey in a welcoming community!
No registration required. Pay by cash or check at the door the day of the event.
Zumba® Gold Chair, T, (T1), TH, (T2), 10: 00 - 10:45 AM
Instructor: Tracie Allen
Enjoy energetic, low-impact seated choreography that combines strength and resistance training with innovative dance moves. Use a chair as your dance partner. The cost to attend this class in May is $20 for Tuesdays and $20 for Thursdays. Zumba Gold Chair will start on Tuesday, May 6th.
Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Zumba® Gold (T3) T, 11 - 11:30 AM & Zumba® Gold Toning (T4) TH, 11 - 11:30 AM
Instructor: Tracie Allen
Active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba® class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity. Toning is tailored for active older adults, who want to focus on muscle conditioning and light weight activity. The cost to attend this class in May is $20 for Tuesdays and $20 for Thursdays. Zumba Gold will start on Tuesday, May 6th. Zumba Gold Toning will start on Thursday, May 8th. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Zumba® Fitness T, (T5), 12 - 1 PM, TH, (T6) , 5 - 6 PM
Instructor: Tracie Allen
The opportunity to start your day or wrap up your evening with the best dance fitness party in town. Mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party, this total workout will satisfy your fitness crave. Combining all the essential elements – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, you'll see why Zumba® Fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. The cost to attend this class in May is $36 for Tuesdays and $36 for Thursdays. Zumba Fitness will start on Tuesday, May 6th. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Health & Wellness Programs in May
Health & Wellness Programs in May
Health & Wellness Programs in May
Self-Care Series: Relationships (Added Content!): TH, May 1st, 10 AM
What does Self-Care mean to you? Is it really only breathing techniques, exercises and hygiene? Come join Marsha Meiss to discover the ways to relax and learn helpful tips on how relationships relate to your personal care. Find out how to “Fill Your Cup” and not deplete it. Marsha shares in her Self-Care Series how Mental Health Awareness is a vital component to “Preventive Maintenance”. Each of her series of topics provides a unique perspective on Self-Care. When you understand how areas of life affect your level of Self-Care and Mental Health then, you are well on your way to a “Better Version” of you. Some content may be sensitive regarding personal experiences. Bring water and a pen with you. Each topic has 2 segments with a break between. You must attend first segment in order to fully comprehend and apply the second segment. First segment information is not repeated in second segment. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Healthy Living—Brain & Body w/ Alzheimer’s Association: M, May 5th, 10:30 AM For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Preventing Falls: Balance & Control; M, May 5th, 2 PM Did you know the majority of falls that occur are preventable? Falling is not a normal part of aging and there are steps to be taken to reduce risk. If you have experienced a fall or fear a fall, you are not alone as 1 in 4 adults ages 65 and older fall each year (CDC, 2024). In this presentation, attendees will learn about the risk factors associated with falls and the simple steps that can be taken to prevent a fall. Small modifications to your life can make it big difference– perhaps it is reviewing medications, getting vision checked, or even a new pair of walking shoes. Join us to learn all about what you can do to live fall-free! Registration required. . Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Hearing Screenings: W, May 21st, 9 AM - 1 PM Reconnect with Family and Friends!! ARC has partnered with Illinois State University’s Speech and Hearing Clinic once again to offer Free Adult Hearing Screenings on Wednesday, May 21st from 9 AM - 1 PM. ISU Speech and Hearing clinic is open to the public and offers: Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations, Hearing Aid Services, Speech and Language Evaluations and Treatment. Please ask your Audiologist for more information! Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Mental Health Series: TH, May 22nd, 10:30 AM Bruce Boeck is a Licensed Counselor with over 40 years of experience with every kind of population. The topic for May is anxiety. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Live Well, Be Well: Take Charge of Your Health: Fridays, May 30th—July 11th, 9:00-11:30 AM (no class 7/4)
This 6-week class will give you tools to better manage your health. Learn new skills, set goals, and learn more about common health issues affecting older adults. Your leaders, Annette Morrison and Laura Tripicchio, from CCSI Case Coordination will help you put your skills to practice in this evidence-based class developed through Stanford University.
There is no charge to participate in this class. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Call ARC at 309-888-9099. You can also register using the GymMaster Member Portal.
Textbooks and all class materials are provided. The book will be available for purchase for $25.00 at the end of class.
*Funded through CCSI Case Coordination LLC, ECIAAA, and the Illinois Department on Aging. Sponsored by Normal Township ARC.
May Financial Wellness Offerings
Health & Wellness Programs in May
May Financial Wellness Offerings
IFE: Estate Planning & Wills: W, May 7th, 10 AM - 12 PM An Estate plan is vital for any individual, couple or family that owns a home and has assets. Ensure that your Estate Planning is in good order by reviewing the various methods families are using to avoid the delays and legal fees of Probate Court. Learn various methods and Best Practices to protect your family from unnecessary legal fees and wasted time in Probate. This seminar is designed to help you and your family avoid the most common costly mistakes. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Asset-Based LTC with Prudential Advisors
T, May 13th, 11 AM Come join the team of financial professionals from Prudential Advisors to obtain information and solutions on the options available to fund for the gap that may be in your retirement plans. Unplanned long-term care is an expense problem. Join us on Tuesday, May 13th at 11:00 to hear about the growing cost of long-term and what you can do now to receive the care you deserve with peace of mind. Get answers to your questions and take the steps to fill the gap in your retirement. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Travel With ARC & Collette Vacations
Southern Charm Feat. Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island
Christmas on the Danube feat. A Six-Night Danube River Cruise
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
Christmas on the Danube feat. A Six-Night Danube River Cruise
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.
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, April 24th 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.
Medicare Data Breach
SHIP was informed that Medicare recently experienced a data breach of some 800,000 accounts. While a significant number, this represents a small percentage of total accounts. Anyone impacted will be automatically mailed a new card with a new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI).
What it Means to You
· You are not impacted if your MBI was not part of the data breach
· If your MBI was in the breach, a new Medicare card was mailed to you. Please be attentive to any
mailing received from Medicare.
· If you were mailed a new MBI, your old number was deactivated, and your medical providers will
need your new number.
· Unfortunately, Medicare-related scams are all too common. If you received a new Medicare
number and are concerned if it is legitimate, SHIP can help research your situation. You may also
contact Medicare directly at (800) 633-4227.
Get Your New ARC Gear!
March 27th - April 15th using our online store with Select Screen Prints!
By request, we will have tons of fun colors available, including a variety of neon options. We will offer purple gear again this year in support of Normal Township ARC’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s team. A portion of the proceeds from all neon options will be given to the ARC Living Memorial Fund & a portion of all proceeds from purple options will be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.