600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
November Pickleball Schedule
November Pickleball Schedule
November 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
W, November 5th, ALL DAY
S, November 8th, ALL DAY
W, November 12th, UNIL 1 PMY
*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
Scramble at the ARC with Michelle Chow, PPR-Certified Coach: S, November 8th, 8:30 AM—12:30 PM
· Ladies’ event from 8:30 AM—10:30 AM
· Men’s event from 10:30 AM—12:30 PM
Join us for friendly, fun, competition, round robin format. No partner needed as you will get to partner with different people throughout!
Prizes awarded to top 3 in each division.
Ready, set, go! Cost to participate: $25. Spectators are welcome.
This program is open to non-ARC members who are 55 or older as well.
Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
November Tech Tutor Programs
November Pickleball Schedule
November Pickleball Schedule
Android Settings: M, November 3rd, 1:00 PM
iPhone Settings: M, November 3rd, 3:00 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 no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Apple Watch Class: W, November 5th, 1 PM
Join Nancy, The Tech Tutor as she guides you through the features of your Apple Watch. She’ll share important Tips so you can maximize the features with your Apple Watch. We’ll delve into its styling features to enhance User-friendliness, how to use it as a communication device, and most importantly for monitoring your Health, Personal Safety, and Exercise activities! Registration required. Cost: $30. Register no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Apps: M, November 10th, 1 PM
iPhone Apps : M, November 10th, 3 PM
If you have questions about downloading and installing a "safe" App on your Smartphone, this class is for you! We'll go over step-by-step handouts and instructions on how to install & uninstall an App, how to use QR codes, plus Nancy will share with you some Apps to help make your life easier, safer, and fun! Registration required. Cost: $20. Register no later than 1 day in advance. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Writing Programs at ARC
November Pickleball Schedule
Special Arts Programs in November
Writers at ARC w/ Torri Thompson:
T, November 4th & 18th, 10:30 AM
There are no requirements or assumptions that any of us are expert, accomplished writers. All you need is an interest in any kind of writing (journals, blogs, poetry, life writing, genealogy, newsletters, etc.). The group could provide a forum for anyone who would like to read from their own writing (asking for feedback if wished). The group could read and discuss small passages about the craft and practice of writing; they may also bring in writers from our larger community as guest speakers.
Poetry Workshop: F, Nov 14th, Dec 5th & 19th,11 AM - 12:30 PM This class is for six sessions where participants will share their poetry with peers and receive comments, support, and encouragement for their writing process. We will be using a workshop structure that encourages play, experimentation, and makes room for people who are new to poetry as well as those who have been writing for decades! Even if you're a writer of prose, we encourage you to come and learn a different mode of expression where your language gets to stand center stage. Come warm yourself as the months get a little colder with some poetry as we join together in community with each other. For more info contact Director of Programming Molly Camper.
Writing a Memoir? Here’s How One Author Did It: W, November 19th, 10 AM
In her debut memoir, Melanie Verbout confronts her neglected but adventurous childhood with dignity and courage despite the heartbreak that comes with it. Her voice combines the personal intimacy of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls with the nostalgia and grit of Rick Bragg’s All Over But the Shoutin'. Her nervous mother stays at home with seven children; her controlling alcoholic father invents things, but can’t keep a job. More than a memoir, it’s a love letter to the Midwest, and to siblings who stood in for troubled parents. Readers will find the book full of generosity, honesty, and humor toward those who showed her small acts of kindness. Learn how her book evolved, and pick up tips to help you write and publish your own memoir. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Special Arts Programs in November
Special Arts Programs in November
Special Arts Programs in November
Los Dias de los Muertos & Calaveras
S, November 1st, 10 AM
Instructor: Torri Thompson
“There is no death, only a change of worlds,” Chief Seattle. This idea is also reflected in Hispanic death philosophy. Mexico, in particular, celebrates the Days of the Dead, November 1 and 2, to commemorate loved ones. This tradition has become a part of North American culture. Everywhere you go this time of year, you see images of laughing skulls (calaveras) and skeletons (calacas) dancing, drinking, playing cards, getting married. The dead in the next world are living their best lives, similar to and maybe better than their lives on earth. The small calaveras are traditionally made out of sugar and exchanged with friends. We will participate this year by decorating larger plastic calaveras with beads, sequins, glitter, the more elaborate the better! An example can be seen on the Ofrenda in the ARC lobby. Registration required. Cost $20. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Christmas Wreath Class: F, November 7th, 10 AM
Instructor: Sherry Phillips
Create a 23” Christmas ribbon swag. Can be hung horizontal, vertical or used as a table decoration.
More than 50 different ribbon options will be available to choose from. All ribbons and supplies provided. Cost: $28 per participant. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fused Glass Class: Christmas Tree: F, November 14th OR S, November 15th, 9 OR 11 AM
Instructor: Connie Dearborn
Connie will be celebrating 3 years of teaching at ARC, so November is special to her. In honor of that, class will be making the Christmas tree, which was the 1st project she taught. Cost: $35. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Introduction to Weaving: T, November 18th, 10 AM
Instructor: Reenie Bradley
This free class will feature a look at various looms, creative weaving techniques, and a simple project to work on in class. Participants will have a wooden loom to take home! Weaving is a versatile, inexpensive hobby for all. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Woodworking: Christmas Trees
F, November 21st, 9/10:30 AM
Instructor: John Baker
Join John and fellow woodworkers to build a 2 X 4 Christmas tree. Assemble with assistance using provided kits, screws, and a drill driver. Painting and decorating will be done on your own and not in class. Cost: $4. Registration required by November 14th.
Support Groups at ARC
Special Arts Programs in November
Wellness Programs in November
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, November 5th, 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, November 4th, 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 November.
Men's Grief Support: W, November 26th, 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, November 14th, 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 speaker will be Kaleigh Newsome from The Carriages of Bloomington to discuss senior living and choosing the best community.
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 November
Special Arts Programs in November
Wellness Programs in November
Self-Care Series: Protecting your Relationships: W, November 5th, 10 AM—12 PM 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 SelfCare. 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.
OSF SmartMeals: T, November 25th 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. November SmartMeals menu item will be Simple Salmon Corn Chowder. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
McLean Mobile Health Clinic: W, November 19th, 10 AM—2 PM Carle’s Mobile Health Clinic provides healthcare on a first come, first served basis on the third Wednesday of each month in the ARC parking lot. Services include, but are not limited to—Primary Care needs, medication review/prescription renewals, chronic illness management, wellness exams, school/sports physicals, and immunizations for all ages, including flue and COVID. The clinic also offers full laboratory services and offers EKGs as needed. Social Service supports are also provided onboard the clinic. December date will be 12/17.
Special Bingo Programs in November
Special Bingo Programs in November
Special Bingo Programs in November
Loteria Bingo: TH, November 6th, 10:30 AM
Bingo is one of the most popular events at ARC, and you can play again on November 6th when we will be celebrating the Hispanic fiesta, The Days of the Dead (Los Dias de los Muertos) by playing Loteria, a very old precursor to bingo. The cards and game boards have numbers but also very traditional images, some of which you might recognize. In Loteria, the cantor draws a card, and calls out a rhyme that corresponds to the image, followed by the number. We will be playing with the traditional cards and images first published by Don Clemente Jacques in 1887 (but far older in origin, Italy 15th century). Our Sunshine Coordinator will serve as cantor and call out the numbers which we will mark just as in an American bingo game. AND there will be PRIZES. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Bingo with “Girls Who Lead:" TH, November 20th, 1 PM Girls Who Lead is excited to host a special Bingo Raffle event at ARC on Thursday, November 20th, from 1 to 2 PM. This volunteer-led program, part of our “Lead With Love” initiative, is designed to bring joy and connection to elderly community members through lighthearted games and meaningful interaction. Attendees will enjoy classic bingo rounds with a twist; each winner will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win fun prizes at the end of the event. Our goal is to foster warmth, laughter, and community spirit in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Volunteers will help facilitate gameplay and engage with participants throughout the hour. We look forward to creating a memorable afternoon filled with smiles and shared stories. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Financial Education Programs
Special Bingo Programs in November
Special Bingo Programs in November
Financial Market Discussion Part 2: W, November 12th, 10 AM
Jeff Secord, Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor, along with Laura Freyman from Renaissance Wealth Management ,will be discussing current trends in the financial markets along with discussions from our August event including the difference between traditional mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs), which are better for IRAs versus funds outside of retirement, how to invest for income…and, more! Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
IFE: Estate Planning & Surviving Your Retirement: W, November 12th, 10:30 AM
Retirement can often bring financial shifts that catch people off guard. In this session, we’ll take a closer look at how estate considerations and taxes may affect your overall plan. We’ll also introduce five key areas every retiree should be thinking about, some of which are often missed entirely. If you’re recently retired or preparing for the transition, this conversation is designed to help you approach your planning with greater clarity and confidence. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
ICash Program Drop-Ins: W, November 19th, 11 AM—1 PM Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ staff will be at the ARC Activity and Recreation Center on W, November 19, 2025 to help reunite citizens with missing money through the I-Cash program. In McLean County, an estimated 279,400 people have unclaimed cash or property held by the treasurer’s office. The value exceeds $33,350,000.00. Statewide, Frerichs secures more than $5 billion in unclaimed cash and property.
November Music Programs
Special Bingo Programs in November
November Music Programs
Music Therapy: M, November 10th, 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.
November Theme: Soul and R & B Classics
Highlight great soul and R & B artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke.
Sample Questions: “What is the title of Aretha Franklin’s famous song that begins with ‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T’?” “Which song by Sam Cooke is known for its powerful message about civil rights?”
Guitar Pick Challenge: Julie will select an individual of each group to play the guitar with an extra large guitar pick while she creates chord shapes on the guitar to popular R & B classics. Imaginary bonus points if the participant wants to play the song themselves and show off! Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Road Trip: A Musical Journey Through the USA: TH, November 13th, 10 AM
Join Ryan Neaveill at the piano to sing songs about places such as Route 66; New York, New York; Georgia, Chicago, New Orleans and a whole lot more. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Peaceful & Comforting Piano Music with Marsha Meiss: TH, November 20th, 10 AM
Relax with graceful piano music with Marsha Meiss in the Auditorium.
Dmitri Shostakovich with Michael Dicker: M, November 24th, 1 PM Dmitri Shostakovich created music in many genres. He did so while encountering challenges to his creativity and security throughout his life. We will follow his journey from student days in St. Petersburg until his final days as a survivor of Stalin. 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
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.
· 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.