ARC will be closed February 16th for Presidents' Day
600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
February Pickleball Schedule
February Music & Theatre Programs
February 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
*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 Courts Will Be Closed
W, February 11th, ALL DAY
S, February 28th, ALL DAY
Pickleball Scramble at ARC
with Michelle Chow, PPR-Certified Coach
S, February 28th, 8:30 AM—12:30 PM | Location: Rec Room
· 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.
February Writing Programs
February Music & Theatre Programs
February Pickleball Schedule
Writers at ARC w/ Torri Thompson:
T, February 3rd & 17th, 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. Location: Conference Room
Poetry Workshop: Metaphor: F, February 20th, 11 AM
In this workshop, 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. Cost to attend all 5 is $40 or $10 per session.
Feb. 20th - Metaphor: Poems Say More Than One Thing (here we will talk about metaphor and using this part of figurative language in poetry)
March 6th - Sensory Experiences in Poems (here we will talk about using all the senses in poetry, not just sight)
March 27th - What Deserves to be in a Poem? (here we will talk about topics or ideas that can go into poems. Spoiler: it's anything!)
April 10th - Ending a Line, Ending a Poem (here we are going to talk about line breaks and ending poems)
April 24th - Surprises in Poems! (here we are going to talk about surprises in poems and what they do for the writer and reader)
Location: Conference Room
February Music & Theatre Programs
February Music & Theatre Programs
Special Arts Programs in February
Music Appreciation: M, February 9th, 11:00 AM Join us for an hour of music history, games, listening, discussion, reminiscence, songwriting, active music making, and light movement to your old favorites. Julie Engelsdorfer, LPMT, MT-BC provides accessible activities that ensure a meaningful and hands-on experience.
Did you know how good participating in music activities is for brain health? When you sing and engage in rhythm-based activities you are creating neuroplasticity in the brain and helping delay cognitive decline. Build your brain, connecting with new friends in the community and have fun making music together!
February: Our theme for February is honoring friendships. Through shared experiences overtime, and through mutual understanding, friendship brings companionship, support, and a sense of belonging.
We will dive into the beauty of friendship with songs like “Lean on Me,”, and “With A Little Help From My Friends”. Together we will celebrate the beauty of human connections and bonds that shape our lives through games, songwriting, discussion and playing old favorites on choir chimes together! No musical experience necessary.
Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Location: Community Room
Peaceful & Comforting Piano Music with Marsha Meiss: W, February 18th, 10 AM
Relax with graceful piano music with Marsha Meiss. Location: Auditorium
Crossroads Area Student Theatre Traveling Cast Presents: “A Sherlock Holmes Radio Mystery”: S, February 21st, 10:30 AM
Crime may be elementary, dear Watson, but feelings are much more complicated in this radio play mystery adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story, “A Scandal in Bohemia.” This fast-pasted, one-act play captures the “magic” of radio drama and provides an intriguing mystery for the audience to enjoy. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Auditorium
Inventing the Concerto with Michael Dicker
M, February 23rd, 1:00 PM We will define the term Concerto. What is a musical concerto and what is the purpose or goal of this type of piece? How did this type of composition have its beginnings and early development? Composers needed musical instruments and players to perform using these instruments. Where did these musicians live and work? Our session will address these questions with a focus on concerti from the late 1600s and early 1700s when the genre got its start. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Location: Auditorium
Special Arts Programs in February
Special Arts Programs in February
Special Arts Programs in February
Origami Class: W, February 11th & 25th, 1 PM Instructor: Peggy Tippett
It's fun, it's therapeutic, it's magical! Origami is a great hobby. It's low cost and anyone can learn. Transform a flat piece of paper into an action figure or a 3-D object. In this class we will be making a gift box with a lid and a gift inside (an accordion fold photo frame for 4 photos) All materials supplied. Success or Money back guarantee. Give it a try! Cost: $7. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Location: Community Room
Intermediate Crochet: TH, February 5th, 9-11:30 AM Instructor: Jessica Carnes
Bits and Bobbles Dog Sweater
What You Need: 236yds per skein needed and H hook. Only one for XS/S size sweater- 2 for all other sizes. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Location: Conference Room
Fused Glass Class: 6" Heart on a Wooden Base: F, February 13th OR S, February 14th, 9 OR 11 AM Instructor: Connie Dearborn
Each student will create a 6", black heart on a wooden base. Cost: $35. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Location: Classroom
Altered Book Becomes Junk Journal: F, February 20th, 9:30 AM Instructor: Charlotte Black - This is an Ongoing Project - Cost: $5 for those who have taken before and $12 for those new to class. Registration required. Those who did not register to attend class but would like to see what is being worked on are welcome to pop in to take a peek! Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Classroom
Beginner Crochet: TH, February 19th, 9-11:30 AM Instructor: Jessica Carnes
We will be taking a simple rectangle and making it into a mini wallet and card holder- Perfect for the quick trip into the store or a quick access at the airport or just when traveling! Supplies are
Cotton yarn color of choice (approx 80 yards)
4.5 or 5 mm Hook (G or H)
Sew on-snap closures (provided)
Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Classroom
Small Books Made From Paper Bags: F, February 27th, 9:30 AM Instructor: Charlotte Black - Your little book will be appropriately 3”x3”. This class only requires participants to bring pencil, wet glue or glue stick and scissors. Cost: $8. If time allows, participants can use Charlotte’s paper to decorate or make a second one. Need to be able to use both hands to participate. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Location: Classroom
Support Groups at ARC
Special Arts Programs in February
Wellness Programs in February
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, February 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: T, February 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 February.
Men's Grief Support: W, February 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.
Veterans Coffee Cafe: F, February 13th, 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 group will focus on discussion and sharing of experiences.
Parkinson's Support Group: T, February 17th, 1 PM The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Wellness Programs in February
Special Arts Programs in February
Wellness Programs in February
Come Learn About The Most Important Relationship: T, February 10th, 10 AM - 12 PM
Session 1: 10 AM – 10:45 AM
Session 2: 11:15 AM – 12 PM
Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Auditorium
Chair Exercises with ISU Nurses
TH, February 12th, & M, February 23rd, 2:30/3:30/4:30 PM
Join Mennonite School of Nursing Students for a FREE chair exercise class. No registration required. Location: Classroom
Carle Mobile Health Clinic: W, February 18th, 10 AM - 2 PM
Full-Service Walk-In Healthcare for the Entire Family! Carle’s Mobile Health Clinic provides healthcare on a first come first serve basis. Services include, but not limited to: Primary Care needs, medication review/prescription renewals, chronic illness management, wellness exams, school/sports physicals, and immunizations for all ages including Flu and COVID. The clinic also has full laboratory services and offers EKGs as needed. Social Service supports are also provided on-board the clinic. Location: Parking Lot
OSF SmartMeals: M, February 23rd, 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. February SmartMeals menu item will be Pizza Pasta. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Dining Room
Mental Health Series: TH, February 26th, 10:30 AM Bruce Boeck is a Licensed Counselor with over 40 years of experience with every kind of population. Topic of discussion for February is “Love.” Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Auditorium
ISU Nursing Students: Vital Screens
M, February 9th & 23rd
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
W, February 11th & 25th
1 - 4 PM
TH, February 5th & 19th
8 AM - 5 PM
Stop in for vital checks including blood pressure, glucose, and more. Location: various rooms
Educational Presentations
Educational Presentations
Educational Presentations
What Causes Arthritis? : T, February 3rd, 1 PM On February 3rd, Dr. Morgan Riley will discuss what causes arthritis in the spine and how to combat it as you age. Most seniors have some form of degeneration in the spine and it is important to know what you can control in the process. Listen in to learn how to preserve the remaining integrity in your spine and make the most of your senior years. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Mmeber Portal. Location: Auditorium
IFE: Navigating Social Security Options & Strategies to Help Manage Taxes in Retirement: TH, February 12th, 10 AM & 1:30 PM This educational course provides an overview of how Social Security benefits work, claiming strategies, and how taxes may impact income in retirement. Attendees can also gain insight into some of the broader financial considerations that come into play when building a retirement strategy. No specific products or services will be discussed. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Auditorium
ARC Enthusiastic Gardeners Club: Monarchs
TH, February 19th, 11 AM
Creating a haven for monarchs in your garden is an easy task that will provide you with joy beyond measure throughout the growing season! Kay Henrichs will provide you with the necessary requirements to ensure that you have monarchs and other butterflies and even hummingbirds in your yard in the summer. Adding just a few critical flowers and host plants will accomplish the task of creating a haven. Kay Henrichs, a master gardener since 2005, has been raising monarchs since 2007. She has transformed her gardens into paradises for butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. She also has volunteered at Sarah's garden at the David Davis Mansion for 18 years. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Auditorium
Tool Talk with Torri: TH, February 26th, 10:00 AM “This is definitely not a carpentry class, nor am I any kind of expert, but I can help you become more familiar and comfortable with tools used in craft and art work, and small household tasks,” says Torri. Knowing what tool you need and how to use it makes all the difference in your ability to create what you imagine. Covered: angle measurers, speed and T squares, clamps, ratcheting screwdrivers, as well as nails, screws, anchors, and hangers (Ook, sawtooth, and strap hangers) for drywall and plaster walls. Power tools covered: impact drill (gives you lots more power) and regular drills; jigsaws, the reciprocating saw, and the oscillating multi tool (which includes sander head); brad and pin nailers; and one of the most useful tools ever invented, the Dremel. This class will provide you with a basic toolbox/bag shopping list, as well as both information and actual practice/instruction. Bring your reading glasses, your questions and ideas, tools if you have them, and something to take notes in. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Classroom
Services for Seniors
Educational Presentations
Educational Presentations
Books on the Go: T, February 3rd & 17th, 10 AM The Normal Public Library will have a variety of books to be checked out at ARC. You can also bring in book requests for their next visit. Location: Bonnie’s Cafe
Durable Power of Attorney: T, February 10th & TH, February 19th, 9 - 11 AM Empower yourself—give a gift to your family—define your quality of life choices in writing. You will have the opportunity to make an appointment to complete your Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare document with members of Compassion & Choices of McLean County. Determine who you want as your Advocate, and have a discussion with them if possible in advance. Registration required & closes 1 day in advance. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Outreach Room
Information & Assistance Outreach: TH, February 12th & 26th, 9 - 11 AM
Stop by CCSI Senior Information Services Outreach to get help applying for local, state, and federal programs. During your one-on-one consultation, our trained SIS Specialists and SHIP Counselors can help answer your questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Property Tax Freeze, License Plate Discount applications and more. Income and asset guidelines apply, so bring proof with you. Location: Outreach Room
Hometown Senior Care Advisors
M, February 9th & 23rd, 11 AM - 12 PM for appts, 12 - 1 PM for drop-ins
There are so many kinds of senior living communities, offering different care and with different pricing structures. It’s confusing! Want someone to explain the differences and make it easier to understand? Do you have questions about senior living, but don’t want to talk to a sales person? Hometown Senior Care Advisors is a FREE service for seniors looking for help to navigate their senior living and senior care. You can schedule an appointment time or come by during drop-in hours on the 2nd or 4th Monday of the month. Location: Outreach Room
New Evening Offerings
Educational Presentations
New Evening Offerings
(NEW) Evening Fun & Games: TH, 4 - 7 PM
This game time includes Bid Whist - card game similar to bridge where you bid on the number of tricks you’ll take, aiming to make the bid or prevent your opponent from making their bid, Spades - simple card game to acquire more tricks that your opponents, Dominoes - tile-based game to form chains, aiming to be the first to play all your tiles. Must have 4 participants to play any of the above. Registration required at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Activity Room
Reiki Informational: M, February 2nd, 3:00 PM Melissa Watson is a Reiki Master who has been practicing Reiki and energy healing for the past five years. She studied Usui Reiki through Daily Om and under Reiki Masters Kelly Anne Martinez and Jake Snell. She does Reiki individually and in group settings both in person and virtually. She also incorporates Reiki into her workshops. Come learn more about Reiki and other programs she will introduce at this informational session. Registration required. Registration required at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Auditorium
Reiki Sound Bath: T, February 10th, 5:45 PM
Join Melissa Marie Watson, owner of Envisioned Life Studios, for a Reiki sound bath. You will receive Reiki energy along with sound healing and guided meditation. Reiki is a form of energy healing that started in Japan. The Reiki energy flows through your chakras, releasing blocks, allowing your body's energy to flow naturally and optimally. Reiki helps put your body in a state of balance, allowing your body to heal itself and to function at its highest level. Come release stress and anxiety, relax, and find peace and calm. Feel free to bring a pillow, blanket or sleeping bag for comfort, an open mind, and the intent to heal. Cost: $10. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Location: Celebration Room
Learn to Juggle: TH, February 12th, 19th, & 26th, 5:45 PM Are you looking to try something new while breaking a sweat? Would you like to go home with a unique party trick? Or have you always wanted to run away and join the circus? 😆 If so, this workshop is for you! Learn To Juggle with teacher Melissa Marie Watson is a three-part class where you can...drumroll...learn how to juggle! You are welcome to join all three classes, but they will operate as drop ins, so come to as many as you need. Each class will build on the previous skills but will include a review for those who did not attend previous classes. There will also be plenty of practice time in each class. Do you think you can master the art of juggling? Melissa thinks you can! Come for the exercise and the fun, but leave with a new skill that you can show off at the next holiday get together or reunion. Cost: $20 for all 3 classes or $8 a class. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal. Location: Exercise Studio
Travel With ARC & Collette Vacations
Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria
Wonders of Ancient Greece ft. Athens, Meteora, & Aegina Island
Wonders of Ancient Greece ft. Athens, Meteora, & Aegina Island
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.
Wonders of Ancient Greece ft. Athens, Meteora, & Aegina Island
Wonders of Ancient Greece ft. Athens, Meteora, & Aegina Island
Wonders of Ancient Greece ft. Athens, Meteora, & Aegina Island
March 18 — March 28, 2027
11 Days • 16 Meals
Highlights: Highlights: Acropolis, Metéora Monasteries, Aegina Island, Greek Farm Visit, Cooking Class, Greek Dance Class
Click HERE to learn more.
Imperial Cities ft. Prague, Vienna & Budapest
Wonders of Ancient Greece ft. Athens, Meteora, & Aegina Island
Imperial Cities ft. Prague, Vienna & Budapest
April 19 — April 29, 2027
11 Days • 14 Meals
Highlights: Prague, Prague Castle, Ceský Krumlov, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Classical Music Performance, Bratislava, Budapest, Fisherman's Bastion, Visegrád, Renaissance Dinner
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. 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.
SHIP Q & A
Question: I have several reasons to question how well my 2026 Medicare Advantage plan will work for me.
For example, I am considering changing two of the physician specialists that I see regularly, and I am concerned that the new providers may not be in-network with my current insurance plan.
Given that the Medicare annual open enrollment period ended on December 7, do I have to wait until the next annual open enrollment in the fall of 2026 to drop or select another option?
Answer: No, you do not have to wait. For someone like you who is already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, there is another open enrollment period January 1 - March 31 in 2026. Beneficiaries can switch from one MA plan to another MA plan. They can also return to original Medicare and enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan. They can also apply for a Supplement plan which may/may not approve their enrollment depending on each company’s criteria.
It is important to understand this second open enrollment period only applies to someone already in an MA plan. It is not an opportunity for someone to enroll in a MA plan if they are not already enrolled in one. A beneficiary also cannot switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) to another Part D plan.
This second MA enrollment window was first made available in 2019, and it is not widely known or understood. Fortunately, SHIP is available to help with your particular situation. Please note the disclaimer below and the additional information regarding SHIP in the adjacent column.
Disclaimer: The questions and answers in this article are intended to provide additional understanding on relevant Medicare topics. For additional explanations specific to your situation, please call ARC. At the Medicare prompt, request that a SHIP counselor contact you.
It is Not Past the Deadline to Drop or Switch your Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare Advantage - Open Enrollment Period: January 1st -March 31
Coming in 2026
Are you wondering about the parts of Medicare? How and when to enroll? Who can help navigate? One conclusion is unanimous - Medicare can be confusing! The ARC SHIP counselors will offer a New to Medicare presentation in late March, with the timing of additional presentations in 2026 still to be determined. These sessions are an overview of Medicare intended for those who will be enrolling in the near future (or anyone just wanting a Medicare refresher). They are not intended to replace one-to-one counseling sessions, as those can be scheduled separately with SHIP counselors.
Details on the time and place for the March presentation will be published in the ARC March Newsletter. ARC membership is not required.
Support Normal Township ARC When You Shop at Kroger
Kroger Community Rewards - Search for ARC as the organization to support using our Organization Number: UJ613