ARC will be closed on November 27th - 29th for Thanksgiving
600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
December Pickleball Schedule
December Pickleball Schedule
December 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
December Tech Programs
December Pickleball Schedule
December Pickleball Schedule
Apple Watch Class: W, December 10th, 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.
Monday Computer Assistance with George
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.* Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Friday Computer Assistance with Julie Marriott: F, December 5th, 12th, 19th,
10 AM - 12 PM Come and get help with your technology issues. All devices welcome. Julie will do her best to solve the problem and help you leave with a better understanding of how to use your device. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Do I Really Need a New Computer? Linux Mint OS: W, December 10th, 10 AM
Research shows that most people only use their computers for the simple things in the age of technology. They shop, read, create and print email, check news, the weather, research how-to subjects, find recipes, listen to music, play internet games, create and print documents, sign up for ARC activities via the ARC portal. In reality, very basic activities on the internet. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft dropped its free support of its Windows 10 product lines. Those computers still using Windows 10 will no longer receive FREE software updates (Windows Update), Technical assistance or Security fixes from Microsoft. There are 400 million computers in the world that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. That’s close to 64% of all personal computers, worldwide, not just the United States. We invite members to a discussion led by our tech expert George Wilson on how that may affect you and your Windows 10 computer. Consumers will be very limited in their options, but there is one free option. George will explain the options, but will concentrate on the free option, Linux Mint. Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Special Holiday Programs
December Pickleball Schedule
Special Arts Programs in December
Cuts for Christmas for Men: M, December 8th, 10 AM - 3:15 PM You're invited to register to receive a complimentary haircut, shave and hygiene kit from Cuts for Christmas, a program sponsored by the Bloomington/Normal Achievement Foundation. Cuts will be done by barber Rochelle Gatson. Appointments will be made in 30-minute time slots. Space is limited, so reserve your slot by Thursday, December 4th. To reserve a slot, email Director of Programming Molly Camper at mcamper@normaltownship.org.
Christmas Cookie Exchange: F, December 19th, 10 AM For those of you that like to bake Christmas cookies, join us on Friday, December 19th at 10 AM for a Christmas cookie exchange 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 to share. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Holiday Dance: F, December 19th, 6 - 8 PM
ARC invites you to join us for a 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. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Lucky Dice Gift Exchange: M, December 22nd, 11 AM In order to participate, you will need to bring a new, $10, wrapped gift. This is how it works: Gifts are displayed, and everyone chooses a gift. 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 in one roll. If you roll three of a kind, you can steal someone else’s gift. Each player can roll all the dice twice per turn. 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 while we play! Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Noon Year’s Toast: W, 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. No registration required.
Special Arts Programs in December
Special Arts Programs in December
Special Arts Programs in December
Rock Painting: F, December 5th, 10 AM
Instructor: Lana Kinser
Join local rock painting artist Lana Kinser to paint a few rocks, learning from her a variety of painting techniques and taking inspiration from provided holiday designs. 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.
Christmas Craft - Shadow Box
S, December 6th, 10 AM
Instructor: Torri Thompson
Create a shadow box art piece featuring a winter or Christmas phrasing and design. You can choose to fill your shadow box will bows, bells, or snowflakes. Cost: $12; registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Holiday Ornaments with Torri Thompson:T, December 9th, 10 AM Instructor: Torri Thompson - In this workshop you will have the opportunity to make 3-4 ornaments using different materials: vintage aluminum cookie cutters, vintage wood thread spools, and flat laser cut wood ornaments. You will also be able to make gift tags from small slices of wood. We will be embellishing these ornaments with a variety of materials including colored wire, glitter glue, beads, sequins, glitter, etc. The class doesn’t require any particular skills, just your interest. Cost: $25. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fused Glass Class: Glass & Wooden Snowflake: F, December 12th OR S, December 13th, 9 OR 11 AM
Instructor: Connie Dearborn
We will decorate a glass circle that will be attached to a free-standing wood snowflake. Cost: $35. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Ornaments of Compassion: S, December 13th, 11 AM: Come join our hosts from the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated local chapter Beta Iota Zeta in conjunction with their adult and youth auxiliary groups 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.
Support Groups at ARC
Special Arts Programs in December
Wellness Programs in December
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, December 3rd, 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, December 2nd, 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.
Men's Grief Support: W, December 17th, 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, December 12th, 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, December 16th, 1 PM The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Wellness Programs in December
Special Arts Programs in December
Wellness Programs in December
Self-Care Series: Simple Steps to Discovering Inner Freedom: M, December 8th, 10 AM - 12 PM
Self-Care is not limited to breathing, hygiene or exercising. It includes many other levels of Care. This ongoing series covers topics on how to recognize forms of anxiety, which foods are good, self-awareness in and around you, and simple, everyday coping tools. You are Worth Every Effort You put into You. Discover the Better Version of You in a positive and productive manner. Practical steps towards the hidden treasures within you. Some of the content may be sensitive to individuals and their personal experiences. Bring a water and a pen to class. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Mental Health Series:
Program will resume in January
Bruce Boeck is a Licensed Counselor with over 40 years of experience with every kind of population.
OSF SmartMeals: T, December 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. December SmartMeals menu item will be Italian Seasoned Chicken. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Carle Mobile Health Clinic: W, December 17th, 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 flu and COVID. The clinic also offers full laboratory services and offers EKGs as needed. Social Service supports are also provided onboard the clinic.
Rescheduled from October
Educational Presentations for Home and Finances
Educational Presentations for Home and Finances
Bob Cyphers: Book Talk - ”25 Frozen, 1 Thawed:" W, December 3rd, 10 AM
From Carol Rofstad in Normal in 1975 to Dalton Mesarchik in Streator in 2003, the heartland of America still cries over unsolved murder cases that have gone as cold as ice. In his latest book, "25 Frozen, 1 Thawed," Edward R. Murrow and Emmy award winning writer Bob Cyphers tackles the 25 coldest cases in the Midwest, many of which he personally covered during his 35 year career as a journalist at KMOV-TV in St. Louis.
A 13 year old girl abducted off her bicycle; a news reporter found dead at a high school; an attorney with a bullet in his head in his office; a mother murdered while her 18 month old baby sits nearby; a teenager killed and her policeman father is the suspect; a dead man with a note full of riddle's in his pocket; 6 bodies found on a farmhouse 150 years cold; a skull found at a Mexican restaurant; a family wonders which one of them is a killer; a Halloween night killing where the suspects all fled; a man disappeared in a blizzard....and then the snow melted.
Cyphers brings back to life 25 such cold cases, hoping someday, someway, someone remembers something, and a cold case is thawed. It has happened before.
Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Educational Presentations for Home and Finances
Educational Presentations for Home and Finances
Educational Presentations for Home and Finances
Thrivent: Care Options & Financial Strategies for Your Senior Years: TH, December 4th, 4:30 PM
Join us for a free workshop: Care Options and Financial Strategies for Your Senior Years. We’ll talk about long-term care, how to financially prepare for it, and what to expect when choosing a care facility. It’s a relaxed, informative session, perfect whether you're planning for yourself or helping a loved one. Non-members are welcome to attend. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
What is Home Care: F, December 5th, 10 AM
Have you ever wondered what is HomeCare? Or how can you use it to help you age in place at home? This seminar will cover how it can be an asset at any age to not only stay at home as life progresses, but do it with the best quality of life possible. Liz has helped seniors for over a decade and will be sharing her tips and tricks on aging in place! Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Real Estate Chatter: TH, December 11th, 10:30 AM Starting to think about 2026? Have questions about your largest financial asset – your primary residence? Come join the relaxed atmosphere of the next quarterly real estate chat with Janel & Mark where they will share latest news impacting our local real estate market and field all your questions. Whether you’re considering moving or further investing in your current home, engage with Janel & Mark as your trusted real estate professionals for advice to maximize the value of your investment. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
December Music Programs
Educational Presentations for Home and Finances
December Music Programs
Music Therapy: M, December 8th, 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.
December Theme: Holiday Hits
Celebrate holiday music from classic artists
Sample Questions: “Which Bing Crosby song is one of the best-selling singles of all time?” “What holiday song features the line ‘Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow’?”
Jingle Bell Challenge: Participants will be challenged to play a comically large jingle bell, in addition to a wrist bell, for all participants to shake along to their favorite Christmas hits. Participants will be challenged to play the large jingle bell for additional points. Julie will provide the history of Christmas songs throughout the session.
Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Acoustic Christmas Show with The ARC Strummers: TH, December 11th, 1 PM
Stop in to enjoy an acoustic performance of Christmas songs by The ARC Strummers, a group that has grown out of our regularly scheduled ARCoustic Jam Group that meets on Thursdays. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Epiphany Jr. High Holiday Concert: T, December 16th, 1 PM
Please come out and enjoy a short concert on Tuesday, December 16th at 1pm in the Auditorium. The Epiphany Catholic School Junior High Choir will perform some Christmas favorites and songs for the season. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Community Players Singers Concert: W, December 17th, 1 PM
Join Community Player Singers for an afternoon of holiday and seasonal songs. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Holiday Piano Music with Marsha Meiss:
TH, December 18th, 10 AM
Relax with graceful piano music with Marsha Meiss in the Auditorium.
Piano Pathways Concert: S, December 20th, 12 PM
Take a break from the holiday bustle to enjoy a program of Christmas music. You will hear nostalgic favorites and fresh arrangements, solos and duets, performed by our talented young and adult students and professional faculty. 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.
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Order now through November 25th using our online store with Select Screen Prints!
By request, we have caps, winter hats, hoodies and 1/4 zip sweaters available through