ARC is one of the largest senior services centers in the state of Illinois, offering daily exercise programs and over 50 free activities per month, including art classes, lectures, music enrichment, cards and games, Peace Meal and so much more. ARC is dedicated to providing programs that promote healthy aging. Read on to learn more about a few highlighted programs or check out our monthly newsletter below for full activity and exercise calendars and descriptions of programs and classes on schedule this month!
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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
S, August 24th, 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 Skills Workshops with Instructor & ARC Member Michelle Chow
S, August 24th, 8:30 - 10:30 AM: Drilling for Skills
Intermediate/Advanced Level
drop shots, volleying, groundstrokes, serve, return | Cost: $20
S, August 24th, 11 AM - 1 PM: Game Play Strategy
Intermediate/Advanced Level
Advancing to the Net, Focusing on Transition Zone, Soft Game | Cost: $20
Registration for both programs opens W, July 24th at 8 AM. Register for either program at ARC or the GymMaster Member Portal.
Note: With Intermediate/Advanced level players, this will NOT be lecture-style format but will be lots of on court practice of strategies introduced.
Computer Assistance: M, 10 AM - 1 PM
Computer assistance will be led by ARC's own tech expert, George Wilson. George can assist with Windows laptops, Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks, Amazon Firesticks and more. Some areas of assistance include set up and configuration, use of Office products, email, password creation tips, photo saving and sharing, backing up data, etc. Registration for a 1-hour time slot is required. Bring your device with you to your appointment.
*One appointment per member per month, unless otherwise arranged
with George.*
Genealogy Help by Appointment
Rex King will be available by appointment to help you get started on researching your family history. If you have questions you can e-mail Rex at genrexk@gmail.com.
Photography Support: T, August 6th & 20th, 10 AM - 12 PM
Join Ray Silva for a time to learn more about all things photography - capture through editing. Register for a 30-minute
time slot. Bring your own camera. Register no later than one day in advance.
Grow with Google: Black Women Lead:
TH, August 22nd, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Learn the basics of Google Drive with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated—Beta Iota Zeta Chapter of Bloomington, IL.
This workshop is designed for learners who are new to digital tools. In this workshop, attendees will learn: ● How to store and share files in Google Drive. ● Discover how Google Drive keeps files safe and secure. ● Practice using your Drive, and get helpful tips about how to keep it organized. Bring your own device, if you have one. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Intro to Conversational Spanish: F, August 9th - 30th, 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, August 9th- 30th, 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, August 9th- 30th, 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.
Beginner Sign Language: M, August 12th - 26th, 9 AM Have you ever wanted to learn sign language? Join our beginning sign language class that will cover people, pronouns, verbs, colors, and the manual alphabet. During each class, you will learn new signs and play games to reinforce your learning. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn a new language, have fun, and grow in your awareness of deafness and deaf culture. Instructor Amy Broich. Cost: $37.50/3 classes. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
HeartSaver CPR Course: T, August 6th, 1:00 - 5:00 PM This course trains participants to provide CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). It is designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card or anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. The course cost is $50, which includes a workbook, training supplies, and a 2-year certification. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Hearing & Cognitive Health: TH, August 8th, 10:30 AM Growing evidence suggests that hearing and cognitive functions are related. Better hearing care relates to better cognitive function. Join this talk by Dr. Shraddha Shende from Illinois State University to learn more about hearing loss, cognition, and risk factors. Learn more about strategies to take care of your hearing and cognitive health. You can visit the Hearing-Cognition Lab to learn more about Dr. Shende’s work. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Self-Awareness Self-Care Workshop: How Relationships Relate: W, August 14th,
10 AM - 12 PM When thinking of Self-Care what comes to mind? Is it really only about breathing techniques, exercises and hygiene? Come join Marsha Meiss, Mental Health First Aid Responder and ARC member on August 14th, 2024 from 10 AM—12 PM. You will find out more about the ways to relax and discover some helpful knowledge on relationships and how they may affect your personal care. Find out more about 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 things can affect your life, you are well on your way to better Self-Care and Mental Health. Some content may be sensitive regarding their personal lives. Registration is required. Note: 30-minute break included. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Mental Health Series: Cognitive Biases: TH, August 22nd, 10:30 AM Bruce Boeck is a Licensed Counselor with over 40 years of experience with every kind of population. He will bring his knowledge and experience to ARC to share a mental health series covering a variety of topics. This series will be offered on the 4th Thursday of each month at 10:30 AM. The topic for August is Cognitive Biases: how our brain tricks us. We all use Cognitive biases on a daily basis. What are they and how do they influence us? Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - August 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 - August 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 August.
Women's Grief Support: W, August 7th,
12 - 1:30 PM This group is closed to new members.
Men's Grief Support: W, August 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.
Parkinson's Support Group: T, August 20th, 1 PM The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. June’s meeting will provide a Rock Steady Boxing sample class.
Rock Painting: F, August 16th, 10 AM
Join local rock painting artist Lana Kinser to paint a few rocks, learning from her a variety of painting techniques and taking inspiration from designs she will share with you! Your painted rocks will be a fun, personalized way to incorporate art into your gardens, flower pots, and homes. Cost: $5. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Stamping Card Class: T, August 13th & 27th, 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 Class: 3D Mushrooms: F, August 23rd OR S, August 24th, 9 OR 11 AM In ARC’s next fused glass class with Connie Dearborn, make 3-dimensional mushrooms using a new technique. Cost: $30. Registration required. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Gelli Printing: Halloween Tag in a Bag: F, August 30th, 10 AM - 1 PM Participants will need to bring: liquid glue, scissors and a ruler
Cost of this class is $8.00. Participants will make at least 2 Halloween tags. Can make more if time allows. Gelli printing uses acrylic paint. Please dress with this in mind.
Registration is required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Miriam Donovan, a native of IL, recently moved back and will begin teaching dance at the ARC. She is well known for dance as she taught partner dancing to 2000+ in Bloomington, IL where Matt (son) & Christina (daughter) assisted with the family business - Dance with the Donovans via SFEA.
As a toddler, Miriam’s dad began ballroom dancing with her to the Big Bands - Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman. Her mother, as a child, tap danced on the radio with Red ? (one of his gigs on his way to fame). At the age of 4, Miriam began ballet. Every year, she added more forms of dance (tap, jazz, gymnastics, baton, character, pointe, etc). Along the way, she won state and national titles. At the age of 19, she began teaching/training in ballroom dance at Arthur Murray in St. Louis, MO. She passed the certifications (written, oral, performance) as a Silver-Level Dancer.
Miriam looks forward to sharing her love of dance and forming new friendships. Dance friends are the best!
Free Style I (D1), TH, 6 - 6:30 PM
Instructor: Miriam Donovan
30 minute class concentrating on being able to dance in public without a partner to any music. Everyone welcome! No dance knowledge needed. Will learn steps and combinations. Then will 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 August is $25 for 5 classes. Free Style I will start on Thursday, August 1st.
Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal under the Purchase tab.
Swing I (D2). T, 5:45 - 6:45 PM
Instructor: Miriam Donovan
60 minute class concentrating on Ballroom Swing. 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 with confidence at the end of these sessions. The cost to attend this class in August is $40 for 4 classes. Swing I will start on Tuesday, August 6th. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal under the Purchase tab.
Clowning Around Is Normal: Clown Demo: W, August 7th, 10:30 AM
Join ARC’s Ron Bordewick for an informational about clowning, fun, laughs, smiles, and what it is to be Normal. Come help celebrate International Clown Week with " The NORMAL One,” a local meet-and-greet clown Walk-ins welcome. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Local Interest Speaker Series: German Brewers in Bloomington: F, August 16th, 10:30 AM German immigrants brought traditions that had a big effect on the Twin Cities, including the breweries, beer gardens and bands. This program will explore the impact German immigration had on Bloomington and McLean County, and the history of the Meyer Brothers Brewing Company. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Mozart’s Operas: M, August 26th, 1 PM
Mozart transformed opera from an entertainment for the elite to a happening for the middle classes. How did he do this? If opera is the “complete artistic work,” Mozart was not alone in his creative process. Who worked with him? What were his important operatic works? Why are his operas continually performed today? While addressing these questions, we will sample a few of Mozart’s operatic works. We end our session with what may be his most popular opera! Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fun with Flooring: W, August 28th, 1 PM
Tracy & Greg Severns, Owners, Floor Coverings International—Join us for an engaging presentation on "Fun Flooring Facts" where we delve into the fascinating world beneath our feet. This session promises insights that are both enlightening and entertaining. We’ll explore how flooring materials, textures, and designs can significantly impact mobility, comfort, and safety for older adults. Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or senior yourself, join us to learn practical tips and expert advice on creating environments that promote independence and well-being.. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Blue Zones Summer Recipes: TH, August 1st, 1:00 PM Join Karen and Padriac Shinville as they demonstrate preparation of a few of their favorite recipes using summer produce such as tomatoes, peppers, and basil for meals that align with Blue Zones recommendations. Their recipes are easy to prepare and affordable. Karen and Padriac are Heartland Community College retirees and are avid gardeners and bakers. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
OSF SmartMeals: TH, August 22nd, 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. August SmartMeals menu item will be: Sweet n Crunchy Tuna Salad. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
August 2024
Noontime meals are served Monday-Friday and are available to persons 60+. There is a suggested donation of $4.00 for each meal. Participants are served a well-balanced meal containing at least 1/3 of the daily adult nutritional requirements. To make your reservation, call ARC at 888-9099, press 1 and leave a message with your name and reservation date at least one day in advance of the reservation date by Noon.
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.
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