ARC will be closed Dec. 24th & 25th for Christmas
600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
December Pickleball Schedule
Tech Tutor Programs in December
Tech Tutor Programs in December
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
TH, December 12th, Pickleball will open at 5 PM. Play will be available in the morning as scheduled.
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
Tech Tutor Programs in December
Tech Tutor Programs in December
Tech Tutor Programs in December
December Tech Talk: T, December 3rd, 11 AM: Shopping Apps– How To’s: Scan & Go & Grocery Store Have you discovered using the various shopping apps available at just about all stores? Most of these apps allow you to become as involved as your comfort level will allow. Imagine scanning a code from your smart phone and receiving either cash off your bill or having electronic coupons or sales applied to your bill automatically without scanning a coupon or worse yet missing out on a sale available only to those with that store's app. And most of these store apps only require you to set up an account using your email as your ID and selecting a password. Then with each visit you scan the barcode from the store identifying you as a loyal customer and you collect any rewards or price breaks available to you! Come to our December Tech Talk, and we'll identify and demonstrate how easy it can be to use these apps. And no, not all of the them are free, such as Sam's or Costco, and if you elect delivery there will be a charge. But, others are free of charge and can save you money on your food or gas bill. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Internet TV: T, December 3rd, 1:00 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.
FREE Apple Watch Seminar: TH, December 5th, 11 AM “Why Buy an Apple Watch and Which One?” If you are pondering your Christmas list and thinking about getting or giving an Apple Watch, this Seminar is for you! Apple Watches can serve as Health & Safety monitors, tell time, answer calls on your wrist, track steps, exercise routines, etc. Nancy, The Tech Tutor, will compare price points and model features to help you decide which one to buy/request as a gift. Then after the New Year, ARC offers classes including how to set-up the Health and Safety Alerts and how to get the most from your Apple Watch. Register no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Basics: TH, December 5th, 1:00 PM
iPhone Basics: TH, December 5th, 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 no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Apps: T, December 10th, 1:00 PM
iPhone Apps: T, December 10th, 3:00 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.
Apple Watch Class: W, December 11th, 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 no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Special Holiday Programs at ARC
Tech Tutor Programs in December
Special Holiday Programs at ARC
Community Players Holiday Concert: W, December 4th, 1 PM Community Players Singers will kick off the holiday season with a variety of seasonal songs, some from Broadway and some old favorites. We’ll even have a singalong! Community Players Singers is a group of performers who have appeared in many plays at Community Players Theatre over the years. The group was founded in 2011 and has performed at retirement communities around the area, Illinois State University, and the Marine Ball.
Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Dulcimer Holiday Concert: F, December 6th, 10 AM Dulcimer Dreams, the husband and wife duet of Brian and Maureen Barnes, will be returning to the ARC on Friday, December 6th at 10 AM. Every holiday season they enjoy bringing the Sounds of the Season to various groups in the area. The program will be primarily carols. Biographies of the carols, as well as a few to sing along with, keeps their audiences entertained and makes the season bright. Make plans now to attend! Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Christmas From the Heart with Mike Lockett: T, December 10th, 10 AM
Storyteller and author, Dr. Mike Lockett, will be telling the "Stories Behind Favorite Holiday Songs" as he performs Christmas from the Heart. The program will be a combination of stories and music to help bring holiday joy to ARC listeners. Lockett will be giving a FREE CD of his album by the same name as the program, "Christmas from the Heart" to every person present at the end of the program. Following the program, the storyteller has arranged for Santa Claus to visit the ARC to pose for holiday photos with attendees. So wear your favorite holiday sweater, and your best smile. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Ornaments of Compassion: T, December 10th, 5 – 6 PM Come join our hosts from the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated local chapter Beta Iota Zeta in decorating paper ornaments for this holiday season. The ornaments created will be given to the residents of an Assisted Living Facility in our community. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Lucky Dice Gift Exchange: T, December 17th, 10 AM In order to participate, you will need to bring a NEW, $10.00 WRAPPED gift.
THIS IS HOW IT WORKS: Gifts are displayed and everyone chooses a gift. The gifts are opened for everyone to see. The gift exchange starts by rolling three dice, similar to BUNCO. The object of the game is to roll three of a kind. If you roll three of a kind, you can steal someone else’s gift. Each player can roll twice. If you do not roll three of a kind, you pass the dice. The game will continue for 30 minutes. The gift you have at the end of the time limit is yours to take home! We will enjoy cookies and cocoa while we play! Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Holiday Cookie Walk: F, December 20th, 10 AM For those of you that like to bake Christmas cookies, join us on Friday, December 20 at 10 AM for a Christmas Cookie Walk and the chance to fill your own platter with a sampling of delicious cookies made by your peers. You will need to bring a Christmas platter along with 3 dozen of your favorite homemade cookies. Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
More Holiday-Themed Programs!
Special Art Programs in December
Special Holiday Programs at ARC
Holiday Dance: F, December 13th, 6 - 8 PM
ARC invites you to join us for a holiday 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. Wear your holiday best! Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
ARC Enthusiastic Gardeners: Christmas Centerpieces: TH, December 19th , 11 AM
The ARC Enthusiastic Gardeners will be making tabletop holiday centerpieces on Thursday, December 19 from 11 AM - 12 PM. Hy-Vee's floral manager will lead our group through the steps of a fresh floral arrangement and everyone will take home their creation. All supplies will be provided. Cost is $35. This session is limited to 25 participants and is open to all ARC members. Register by December 4th. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Noon Toast: T, December 31st, 12 PM
Join ARC at noon on New Year’s Eve to cheers to the new year in the company of your ARC friends with a glass of sparkling juice.
Support Groups at ARC
Special Art Programs in December
Special Art Programs in December
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - December 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 - December 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 December.
Women's Grief Support: W, December 4th,
12 - 1:30 PM This group is closed to new members.
Men's Grief Support: W, December 11th, 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, December 17th, 1 PM The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Will meet off-site this month.
Special Art Programs in December
Special Art Programs in December
Special Art Programs in December
Lighted Bottle Art– Christmas Light Ornaments: T, December 10th, 10:00 AM
Make your own Christmas light ornaments with Inside Out Accessible Art and add a new, hand-painted ornament to your tree this year. Lights included. Cost: $12 Registration is required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Stamping Card Class: T, December 10th, 10:00 AM You will take home 2 homemade cards. Personalize your cards with stamps, cutouts, glitter, etc. Bring a pair of scissors, clear glue or a snail (crafter’s tape), colored pencils or pens and your imagination. Cost: $8.00; Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fused Glass 'Joy' Sign: F, December 13th OR S, December 14th, 9 OR 11 AM
In ARC’s next fused glass class with Connie Dearborn, decorate the "O" in wooden, stand-up JOY. Cost: $30. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Friendship Bracelets with Traditions Health: T, December 17th, 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. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
December Educational Presentations
English Country Dance Demo: TH, December 12th, 3 PM
December Educational Presentations
Cemetery Walk Viewing: M, December 2nd, 10 AM The Virtual Walk is being sponsored by a grant from Normal Township, so that older adults who participate in senior programming or live in senior care facilities will be able to participate free of charge. Join us in the Auditorium for a virtual viewing . No registration required.
Real Estate Chatter: T, December 3rd, 9:30 AM This month with Janel Harrison and Mark Clauss of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group a few things to know heading into 2025.
A Good New Years Resolution:
–contact your real estate agent for suggestions to help maximize satisfaction and value while living in your home
-Property Tax Assessments – they recently came out and many have large increases, what that means and options if you disagree
-Exploring financing options in our market for trying to downsize – if you can’t pay cash without selling there are some other proven options to help buy without having to sell first
-Update on how things are going with the new process requirement of having signed buyer agreements before looking at any homes
-Anticipated impacts of the election on real estate markets. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Consumer Fraud & Identity Theft presentation: M, December 9th, 10:30 AM
Learn more about Consumer Fraud & Identity Theft with Heather Calcara, a Community Outreach Liaison with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Wellness Programs
English Country Dance Demo: TH, December 12th, 3 PM
December Educational Presentations
Hands-Only CPR Class: F, December 6th, 9 AM Did you know that 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes? Statistically speaking, if you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love: a co-worker, a spouse, a parent, a child or a friend. Hands-Only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths. If you see a teen or adult collapse, you can perform Hands-Only CPR with just two easy steps. Instructor: Jill Howell, MSN, RN & ISU Instructional Assistant Professor Registration required. Cost: $50. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Self-Awareness Self-Care Workshop: TH, December 12th, 11 AM - 1 PM
Everyone wants to be heard and understood. Come join ARC member Marsha Meiss to learn some key methods on how to use your words more effectively. Once a word is spoken, it cannot be erased. Discover what words to say and which words are best not to say in some situations. Either marriage, family, work, ARC friendships, or regular daily living, this class is for you. Self-care is to “fill your cup.” Your mental health matters. Class is held in 2 segments with a break in between. You must attend session 1 in order to attend session 2. Break from 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM. Bring water & a pen. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
English Country Dance Demo: TH, December 12th, 3 PM
English Country Dance Demo: TH, December 12th, 3 PM
English Country Dance Demo: TH, December 12th, 3 PM
Meet Jonathan Sivier
Jonathan has been involved in traditional dance since 1987 and has been leading dances since 1992. He regularly leads contra, English and square dances in Champaign-Urbana and elsewhere and is one of the leaders of the Central Illinois English Country Dancers.
From 2011 to 2014, Jonathan taught dance to seniors as part of a project for the University of Illinois Kinesiology Department, looking at the effects of different kinds of exercise on cognition in older adults. The class focused on Contra and English Country Dance.
Jonathan has also led Contra and English dances in various locations, including across Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, West Virginia & Wisconsin.
Day. Please make a reservation as seating will be limited.
About the Demo
TH, December 12th, 3 PM
The English Country Dance Demo will take place Thursday, December 12th at 3 PM, immediately following Social Ballroom Dance class in the Rec Room.
Dances that will be highlighted include:
- Regency Era dances
- Playful Playford
- English Country Dancing with Jane Austen: On Screen & Off
-English Country Dances with Zest & Flow
Registration is required and space is limited. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Travel With ARC & Collette Vacations
Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
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
Southern Charm Feat. Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island
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.
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
British Landscapes feat. England, Scotland & Wales
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.
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.