ARC will be closed Monday, September 2nd for Labor Day
600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
September Pickleball Schedule
Special September Technology Programs
Special September Technology Programs
M | 7 AM - 11 AM, 4 - 7 PM
T (Beg.) | 7 AM - 9 AM
T (Exp.) | 3:30 - 7 PM
W (Exp.) | 7 AM - 12 PM, 4 - 7 PM
W (Beg.) | 12 PM - 4 PM
TH | 7 AM - 9 AM, 3 - 7 PM
F | 8 AM - 1 PM
S | 8 AM - 1 PM
Pickleball Courts Will Be Closed
F, September 27th, All Day
New Expectations for 2024
*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 & Boot Camp with Pickleball Ambassador Mike Mitchell
Clinic: S, September 28th, 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, September 28th, 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 for either program at ARC or the GymMaster Member Portal.
Special September Technology Programs
Special September Technology Programs
Special September Technology Programs
September Tech Talk: Electronic Bill Paying via Bank App, Credit Card, Venmo or PayPal: T, September 3rd, 11 AM
Are you still paying your bills with a check, credit card, or cash? Why not pay with an app that will allow you to send your payment directly to the merchant from your account. Most banks have their own apps, for phones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers. It's simple, easy and usually free of charge as long as you have an account with that bank. There is also VENMO, PayPal, and numerous other apps designed to accomplish the payment of your bills and allow you to transfer money. Come to our September Tech Talk to see demonstrations of banks like PNC, VENMO, PayPal, or credit cards to pay your bills safe and fast. Some will even pull your bill from the merchant and pay it when due!! See you in September!
Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Internet TV: TH, September 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 an inexpensive device to a TV so you can save $$$! Registration required. Cost: $30
Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Settings
T, September 17th, 1:00 PM
iPhone Settings
T, September 17th, 3:00 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.
Apple Watch Class: T, September 24th, 1:00 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 at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Digital Camera Setting: T, September 3rd, 10 AM
Post Capture: Editing Digital Images
T, September 17th, 10 AM
Join Ray Silva for a time to learn more about all things photography - capture through editing. In place of his photography support time slots for September, Ray will be providing presentations on digital camera setting and post capture/editing digital images on the 3rd and 17th, respectively. Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
September Language Classes
Special September Technology Programs
Celebrate National Senior Center Month with ARC
Conversational Spanish 3: T, September 3rd - 24th, 12 PM ¡Aún más! In this clase, we’ll continue to aprender more conjugations as well as useful vocabulario to bring your español to the next level. Completion of Conversational Spanish 2 is required. If you prefer not to use the Spanish above: Even more! In this class, we'll continue to learn more conjugations as well as useful vocabulary to bring your Spanish to the next level. Cost: $20. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Sign Language C, B, & A: W, September 4th - 25th, 9 AM/10 AM/11 AM
Sign Language C. B & A classes are open to those who have taken class at ARC before. Cost to attend in September is $50.00/4 classes. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Intro to Conversational Spanish: F, September 6th - 27th, 9 AM
Planning on traveling to a Spanish speaking country? Want to order your meal in Spanish at your favorite Mexican restaurant? Then this class is for you. We’ll learn useful, practical, everyday Spanish phrases, basic vocabulary, a little grammar and some cultural notes but no conjugations. Cost: $20 Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Conversational Spanish 2: F, September 6th - 27th, 11 AM
In this class, we will learn more vocabulary as well as conjugations, which will open a whole new world for you in conversing in Spanish. Completion of Conversational Spanish 1 is required. Cost: $20 Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Conversational Spanish 1: F, September 6th - 27th, 12 PM
Need a refresher of the Spanish you learned in high school or college? In this session, we will cover some grammar such as conjugations (just a few) as well as likes and dislikes, descriptions, feelings, age, and a couple more things. All is done with the goal of getting you to a point where you feel comfortable discussing common everyday topics in Spanish. Cost: $20 Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Sign Language D: M, September 9th - 30th, 9 AM Members who are currently enrolled in Beginner Sign Language should register for Sign Language D for the month of September. Cost $50.00/4 classes. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Celebrate National Senior Center Month with ARC
Celebrate National Senior Center Month with ARC
Celebrate National Senior Center Month with ARC
Outdoor Concert with The Blue Hares:
F, September 13th, 5 - 7 PM
Join us as we celebrate National Senior Center Month & the 2024 Build the ARC annual fundraising campaign for the ARC Living Memorial Fund with a bit of fun at our outdoor concert featuring The Blue Hares on September 13th from 5 - 7 PM.
Enjoy music, food from A to Z Catering food truck, and the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Build the ARC Raffle. Prizes up for grabs include a knitted lap blanket with $50 Rob Dob’s gift card sponsored by Sugar Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center & Elvis Monopoly with $65 of Jimmy John’s box lunch certificates sponsored by Axel Jiminez—State Farm Agent.
1 ticket - $5, 5 tickets - $10, Armlength - $20.
Menu: Nachos w/grilled chicken or veggies, pulled chicken, BBQ veggie sandwich, chips & cheese, chips & salsa, fruit, cheese & cracker box, snickerdoodles, water, soda
Reservations preferred, walk-ins welcome. Register at ARC, on the Member Portal or by calling 309-888-9099.
Senior Care Network Community Health Fair: F, September 27th, 11 AM - 1 PM
ARC will also be the host site of the 2024 Senior Care Network Community Health Fair on Friday, September 27th from 11 AM - 1 PM. Get ready for a day of fun connecting with and learning from a variety of community health services. Healthy in a Hurry food truck, Uncle Tony's food truck, and pet adoption opportunities will be available outdoors in the green space. There will be 30 vendors to meet and learn from!
ARC Spirit Week: September 23rd - 27th
M, 9/23 - Hawaiian Shirt Day
T, 9/24 - Decade Day (dress to match your
favorite decade)
W, 9/25 - Western Day (Cowboy hats, boots,
flannel etc.)
TH, 9/26 - Sports Team Day
F, 9/27 - ARC Gear Day
Support Groups at ARC
Celebrate National Senior Center Month with ARC
September's Special Art Programs
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - September 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 - September 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 Kevin Copeland, LCSW, Carle Hospice Bereavement Coordinator. These programs will meet in person at ARC for the month of August.
Women's Grief Support: W, September 4th,
12 - 1:30 PM This group is closed to new members.
Men's Grief Support: W, September 11th & 25th, 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.
Parkinson's Support Group: T, September 17th, 1 PM The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
September's Special Art Programs
Celebrate National Senior Center Month with ARC
September's Special Art Programs
Make Your Own I.D. Holder: TH, September 5th, 8:30 AM - 12 PM Participants will complete one pet screen ID holder. Basic sewing knowledge is required. Pet screen kit will be provided that includes the pet screen, a ring, Velcro and vinyl. Participants must bring straight stitch sewing machine, long straight pins, fat quarter fabric, 8” or longer zipper, black thread, and thread to match chosen fabric. Cost: $10.00 Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Making Friendship Bracelets with Traditions Health: T, September 10th, 1 PM
Established in 2008, Traditions Health offers hospice and palliative care services with compassion. Whether needing temporary palliative support following a hospitalization or new Health diagnosis or needing end of life care, Traditions is committed to quality and dignity.
Come join their Account Executive, Caiti Redmond, BSW, for an afternoon of creativity and companionship as we make Friendship Bracelets!
According to tradition, making and giving someone a bracelet illustrates friendship and serves as a symbol of strong bonds, love and affection. Make a bracelet for a friend, family member or yourself! All supplies will be provided.
Registration is required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Lighted Bottle Art: F, September 13th, 10:30 AM Make your own fall bottle décor featuring leaves or pumpkins! The finished product is great to use to add light for a bathroom or to use as a night light. Lights included. Registration required. Cost: $12.00. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
New Dance Class Options for September
New Dance Class Options for September
New Dance Class Options for September
Waltz (D3), M, 5:45 - 6:45 PM
Instructor: Miriam Donovan
September 9 - September 30, 2024: 60-minute class concentrating on Ballroom Waltz. Partner not required. No dance knowledge needed. Will learn steps and combinations along with dance etiquette. Will also learn dance positioning, technique, tempo, and styling. Will include practicing to music, so you will be able to dance basic steps with confidence at the end of the 4 sessions. The cost to attend this class in September is $40. Waltz will start on Monday, September 9th. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
More Swing (D2) T, 5:45 - 6:45 PM
Instructor: Miriam Donovan
September 10 - September 24, 2024: 3 weeks of 60-minute classes concentrating on Ballroom Swing. Partner not required. If you know basic swing steps, you are welcome to join. For those who participated in August, we will pick up where we left off. New steps and combinations. Continue to learn dance etiquette, positioning, technique, and tempo. Will begin adding styling and leading. The cost to attend this class in September is $30. More Swing will start on Tuesday, September 10th. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Free Style (D1), W, 5:45 - 6:45 PM
Instructor: Miriam Donovan
September 4 - September 18, 2024: 60 minute class concentrating on dancing without a partner to any music. Everyone welcome! Will learn steps and combinations. Then adapt those to different tempos and styles of music. You will be amazed how easy it is plus have fun at the same time. The cost to attend this class in September is $30. Free Style will start on Wednesday, September 4th. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Intro to Double Swing (D4), TH, 5:45 - 6:45 PM | Instructor: Miriam Donovan
September 5 -September 26, 2024: My favorite swing! I love it because it provides variety, style, flexibility and is just crazy fun for me. Its unique style can be danced with a partner who is dancing single swing. The tempo & steps are similar to single swing, but it is danced on the upbeat & the styling is much different. You will just have to sign up and experience the difference. The cost to attend this class in September is $40. Intro to Double Swing will start on Thursday, September 5th. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Financial Education Programs
New Dance Class Options for September
New Dance Class Options for September
Financial Coaching: T, September 10th, 9 AM Join William Lishka of Lishka Financial Coaching Services for a program covering general guidelines for setting up a budget and handling your personal finances based on Dave Ramsey principles. Receive assistance setting up a budget template that you can update on your own as needed. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Lunch & Learn w/ Edward Jones: US Economic Outlook: T, September 24th, 11 AM How Do I Keep My Goals on Track? Shawn Finlen from Edward Jones and Christian Haymond from MFS Investment Management help clients craft a plan to stay on track to achieve their financial goals. This seminar offers clients critical tips for investing for long- term and keeping your emotions on track during volatile markets. Lunch will be provided. Register by September 17th. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
IFE: Retirement University: W, September 25th, 10 AM Retirement University- A Comprehensive Adult class on Strategic Retirement and Estate Planning | Instructor: Bernie Wrezinski
Develop a comprehensive retirement plan tailored to your unique goals and concerns, providing peace of mind and clarity. Ensure your retirement plan covers all bases, from maximizing Social Security benefits to safeguarding your legacy and managing healthcare expenses.Learn to minimize tax burdens in retirement, ensuring you keep more of what you’ve worked hard to save. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Health & Wellness Programs
New Dance Class Options for September
Health & Wellness Programs
Blood Pressure & Sugar Checks with ISU:
F, September 13th, 11 AM - 1 PM
Jill Howell, MSN RN & ISU Instructional Assistant Professor will be at ARC on Saturday, September 14th with Mennonite College of Nursing students to offer blood pressure checks and blood sugar checks. No registration required.
A Matter of Balance: Session Zero: T, September 24th, 1 PM A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based Falls Management Program for Older Adults approved by the Administration for Community Living and National Council on Aging. A Matter of Balance is made possible in part through a grant from ECIAAA. The Program offers practical falls-prevention strategies, including:
· Promoting a view of falls and fear of
falling as controllable
· Setting realistic goals for increasing
activity
· Changing the environment to reduce fall
risk factors
· Promoting exercise to increase strength
and balance.
The workshop is conducted over eight sessions, meeting twice weekly for two hours per session. Those who attend Session Zero will have the first opportunity to register for the full Matter of Balance program that will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 1st through October 24th from 1- 3 PM.
OSF SmartMeals: TH, September 26th, 1:00 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: Skillet Chili Mac. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Travel With ARC & Collette Vacations
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
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.
Islands of New England
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
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.
Hawaiian Adventure - Three Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island and Maui
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
Hawaiian Adventure - Three Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island and Maui
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.
Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
Hawaiian Adventure - Three Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island and Maui
March 31 — April 8, 2025 • 9 Days • 11 Meals
Highlights: Málaga, Choice on Tour: Málaga Alcazaba or Picasso Museum, Marbella, Sentenil de las Bodegas, Ronda, Home-Hosted Lunch, The Alhambra, Madrid, Segovia.
Click HERE to learn more.
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
June 6th - 13th, 2025 • 8 Days • 11 Meals
Highlights: Scottsdale, Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon, Choice on Tour: Rafting on Horseshoe Bend or Rainbow Bridge Tour, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas
Click HERE to learn more.
Magical Rhine and Moselle Rivers
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
September 21 — September 29, 2025 • 9 Days • 20 Meals
Highlights: Zurich, 7-Night River Cruise, Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Strasbourg, Speyer, Mannheim, Lorelei Passage, Cochem, Bernkastel, Wine Tasting, Cologne, Amsterdam
Glide along the enchanting Rhine and Moselle rivers on a leisurely journey to the Netherlands, Germany and France. Join a local expert for a tour of Amsterdam. Enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg. Cruise past charming panoramas as you get to know the culture and deep history of the region.
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.
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 have offered bi-monthly “New to Medicare” sessions held in a small group setting with the next and last offering for 2024 on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 4:30 PM in the Classroom. 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.