ARC will be closed Monday, October 14th for Indigenous Peoples' Day
600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
October Pickleball Schedule
October Pickleball Schedule
October Pickleball Schedule
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
W, October 16th, All Day
S, October 19th, All Day
F, October 25th, All Day
S, October 26th, 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, October 19th, 8:30—10:30 AM: Drilling for Skills
Intermediate/Advanced Level
drop shots, volleying, groundstrokes, serve, return | Cost: $20
Note: With Intermediate/Advanced level players, this will NOT be lecture-style format but will be lots of on court practice of strategies introduced.
S, October 19th, 11 AM - 1 PM: Game Play Strategy
Intermediate/Advanced Level
Advancing to the Net, Focusing on Transition Zone, Soft Game | Cost: $20
Register for either program at ARC or the GymMaster Member Portal.
Tech Programs in October
October Pickleball Schedule
October Pickleball Schedule
Photography Support: T, October 1st & 15th, 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. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Basics
T, October 1st, 1:00 PM
iPhone Basics
T, October 1st, 3:00 PM
Join us to learn how to: organize your "Home Screen", increase your font size, set-up "Speed Dialing," or “Favorites”, send a text message and add a photo, and more! With step-by-step handouts and instructions, you’ll make your phone adjustments and get plenty of hands-on practice! Registration required. Cost: $20. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Apple Watch Class
T, October 22nd, 1:00 PM
Join Nancy, The Tech Tutor as she guides you through the features of your Apple Watch. She’ll share important Tips so you can maximize the features with your Apple Watch. We’ll delve into its styling features to enhance User-friendliness, how to use it as a communication device, and most importantly for monitoring your Health, Personal Safety, and Exercise activities! Registration required. Cost: $30 Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Apps
TH, October 24th, 1:00 PM
iPhone Apps
TH, October 24th, 3:00 PM
If you have questions about downloading and installing a "safe" App on your
Smartphone, this class is for you! We'll go over step-by-step handouts and instructions on how to install & uninstall an App, how to use QR codes, plus Nancy will share with you some Apps to help make your life easier, safer, and fun! Registration required. Cost: $20 Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
October Language Classes
October Pickleball Schedule
Special Saturday Events with ARC
Spanish Classes
Cost: $20, Registration required at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal
Intro to Conversational Spanish: F, October 4th - 25th, 9 AM - We’ll learn useful, practical, everyday Spanish phrases, basic vocabulary, a little grammar and some cultural notes but no conjugations.
Conversational Spanish 1: F, October 4th - 25th, 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.
Conversational Spanish 2: F, October 4th - 25th, 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.
Conversational Spanish 3: T, October 1st– 29th, 12 PM - ¡Aún más! In this clase, we’ll continue to aprender more conjugations as well as useful vocabulario to bring your español to the next level. Completion of Conversational Spanish 2 is required.
Conversational Spanish 4: T, October 1st - 29th, 1 PM - ¡El deseo de aprender aún más español continúa! La clase de Conversational Spanish 4 va a ser a la una todos los martes de octubre. Completion of Conversational Spanish 3 is required.
Sign Language C, B, & A
W, October 2nd - 23rd, 9 AM/10 AM/11 AM
Sign Language C. B & A classes are open to those who have taken class at ARC before. Cost to attend in September is $50.00/4 classes. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Sign Language D: M, October 7th, 21st, 28th, 9 AM
Members who are currently enrolled in Beginner Sign Language should register for Sign Language D for the month of September. Cost $25.00/3 classes. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Special Saturday Events with ARC
Special Saturday Events with ARC
Special Saturday Events with ARC
Join ARC at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
S, October 5th, 9 AM, Opening Ceremony
Join ARC staff members, volunteers and fellow members at Heartland Community College on Saturday, October 5th in raising awareness and funds to advance the fight against Alzheimer's. The opening ceremony begins at 9 AM. Contact Communications Coordinator Samantha Scott for more info on joining our team. Meet up with the team by the food trucks at 8:15 AM; look for ARC t-shirts and be sure to wear your own! Park in lots Q or N.
Dogtober Fest Adoption event
with Deeby’s Senior Chihuahua Rescue
S, October 12th, 10 AM - 12 PM
Deeby’s Senior Chihuahua Rescue will be joining us at ARC once again for an adoption event. Come meet a variety of adorable and adoptable dogs of all ages and learn from special guest: ISU Indy-Pendence Service Dog Organization. No registration required. This event will be held in the Classroom.
Celebrate the Season Art & Craft Sale
S, October 26th, 9 AM - 1 PM
The 2024 Celebrate the Season Art & Craft Sale will take place in the ARC Rec Room. This event is open to the public, so we hope to see you there with friends and family for a chance to snag some wonderful, unique gifts for the holidays!
Your Member Vendors - find out more about their goods on the event flyer or within the Facebook event
Tena Fowler
Nancy Bobic
Cindy Steimel & Lisa Flanagan
Charlotte Black
Ellen Janes
Sandra Coleman
Noreata Fowler
Linda Miller
Jackie Bottrell
Laura Bailey & Kathy Gildemeister
Kathy Purlee & Janet Blue
Ivy Silas
Pam Willmitch
Colleen Jeffers
Ary Anderson
Vicky Strauss
Debi Andrews
Cathie Lockwood
Linda Huber
Lee Lim
Sherry Phillips
Merilee Heinz
Glenda Stevens
baby blankets, cards
Faye Fisher - hanging dishcloths, dishcloths, tissue box holders
Susan Bornder
Marcia Fox
Yvonne Clogston
Diane Wiman
Mary Wuhrmann
Denise Myerscough
Joe Ramholz
Support Groups at ARC
Special Saturday Events with ARC
Programs for Hearing & Vision
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - October 2nd, 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 - October 1st, 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 October.
Women's Grief Support: W, October 2nd,
12 - 1:30 PM This group is closed to new members.
Men's Grief Support: W, October 9th & 23rd, 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, October 15th, 1 PM The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Programs for Hearing & Vision
Special Saturday Events with ARC
Programs for Hearing & Vision
CapTel Demo: W, October 2nd, 10 AM
Join a rep from Captel for a demo on the Captel Phone for the hearing impaired in Bonnie’s Café.
ISU Audiology Event: F, October 4th, 9 AM - 12 PM This event is tailored for individuals experiencing various hearing challenges, including difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, feeling fatigued after prolonged conversations or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). If you constantly adjust the volume on your TV or radio, feel that others mumble or speak softly or wear hearing aids without experiencing their full benefits, this event is for you. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
· Learn about the latest advancements in hearing technology and health care.
· Experience hands-on demonstrations of new hearing technology.
· Speak one-on-one with experienced audiologists.
No reservations are required for this event. All are welcome to attend and explore solutions to improve their hearing and overall quality of life.
Eating for Eye Health: W, October 16th, 1 PM We all know that carrots are good for the eyes, but what other foods promote eye health? Age-related eye diseases are the leading cause of blindness and impaired vision in the United States, but luckily, there are things you can do to lower the risk. Learn about the common types of eye disorders how nutrition plays a role in eye health and what you can do to protect your eyes. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Special October Art Programs
Fun & Educational Special Programs
Special October Art Programs
Rock Painting: F, October 4th, 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.
Watercolor Self-Portraits: T, October 8th, 1 - 4 PM OR T, October 22nd, 9 AM - 12 PM OR 1 - 4 PM Paint flesh tones in watercolor or acrylic. Watercolor paper will be supplied when you register. Pick this up ahead of time so you can pencil in a face or do a self portrait. Bring paint, Pallet or yogurt lids to mix colors,, brushes, water container, Kleenex box and pencil and eraser. We will start with short exercises in painting wet into wet. Cost: $15. All levels of experience will be able to follow these instructions. Beginners welcomed. Call or text with any questions to Carol 309-230-8743. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Make a Fall Tote Bag: F, October 11th, 10:30 AM Join Mikki Bell with Inside Out Accessible Art to paint fall designs on a canvas tote. Cost: $12 Registration is required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fall Styrofoam Block Print Art Class: T, October 15th, 10 AM Join Reenie Bradley to create stamped designs using Styrofoam block and paint. All supplies provided. This is a free class. Registration required. Space is limited. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Oil Pastel Class with Dale Evans: TH, October 17th OR 24th, 10 AM - 12 PM
Join Dale Evans for this oil pastel workshop. Class will cover materials and basic techniques, including simple still-life materials and demonstration. Class will include a student project, individual instruction, and group discussion. Registration required.
Cost: $24 each class. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Services for Seniors
Fun & Educational Special Programs
Special October Art Programs
A Matter of Balance: T & TH, Oct 1st - 24th, 1 - 3 PM
A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based Falls Management Program for Older Adults approved by the Administration for Community Living and National Council on Aging. A Matter of Balance is made possible in part through a grant from ECIAAA.
The Program offers practical falls-prevention strategies, including: Promoting a view of falls and fear of falling as controllable, Setting realistic goals for increasing activity, Changing the environment to reduce fall risk factors, Promoting exercise to increase strength and balance.
Durable Power of Attorney: T, October 8thOR TH, October 17th, 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.
Assisted Living Helpers: W, October 9th & 23rd, 9 - 10 AM for appts, 10 - 11 AM 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? Assisted Living Helpers, 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 & 4th Wednesdays of the month.
Smart Driver: T, October 8th & W, October 9th, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
ARC is sponsoring a two-day Smart Driver course. There is an AARP member rate ($20) and a non-member rate ($25). The fees for the class will be collected on the first day of class. Registration is required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fun & Educational Special Programs
Fun & Educational Special Programs
Fun & Educational Special Programs
Self-Awareness Self-Care Workshop: Communication: S, October 5th, 10 AM - 12 PM
Everyone wants to be heard and understood. Come join ARC member Marsha Meiss to learn some key methods on how to use your words more effectively. Once a word is spoken, it cannot be erased. Discover what words to say and which words are best not to say in some situations. Either marriage, family, work, ARC friendships, or regular daily living, this class is for you. Self-care is to “fill your cup.” Your mental health matters. Class is held in 2 segments with a break in between. You must attend session 1 in order to attend session 2. Break from 10:45 to 11:15 AM. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Sunshine Bells Performance: M, October 7th, 1:30 PM Join the Sunshine Bells of the Bloomington-Normal Community Bells for an entertaining 45-minute hand bells concert . Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Halloween Dance: F, October 11th, 6 - 8 PM
ARC invites you to join us for a Halloween 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.
ARC Enthusiastic Gardeners: Lake of the Woods: TH, October 17th, 10:30 AM
The ARC Enthusiastic Gardeners Club will take a no-cost day trip to Lake of the Woods in Mahomet. Meet at Museum of the Grand Prairie at 10:30 AM. Bring a sack lunch. Those needing to carpool can email Molly at mcamper@normaltownship.org. Open to any ARC members to participate. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Local Interest Speaker Series: Bob Cyphers: Hunting the I-70 Serial Killer:
F, October 18th, 10:00 AM
In 1992, the serial killer known as the "I-70 Serial Killer" murdered six people along Interstate 70, a major east-west highway through the Midwest. In 2021, a task force formed to take one final crack at solving the crimes. Law enforcement officers chose Bob Cyphers of KMOV-TV to follow them in the hunt for the killer. Join Bob live at the library as he shares his experiences detailed in his new book Dead End: Inside the Hunt for the I-70 Serial Killer. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
More Of The Musical Classicists
M, October 28th, 1 PM: While Franz Joseph Haydn’s music is appreciated today, in his time he was one of many
recognized composers. Today’s session will introduce you to several of these “other”
composers who were active during Haydn’s and Mozart’s time. Some of the names are: Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Christian Bach, Paul Wranitzky, Franz Danzi. We’ll learn what they contributed to the musical life of the 18th Century. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Travel With ARC & Collette Vacations
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
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.
Islands of New England
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
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.
Hawaiian Adventure - Three Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island and Maui
The Best of Eastern Canada featuring Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal
Hawaiian Adventure - Three Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island and Maui
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.
Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
Hawaiian Adventure - Three Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island and Maui
March 31 — April 8, 2025 • 9 Days • 11 Meals
Highlights: Málaga, Choice on Tour: Málaga Alcazaba or Picasso Museum, Marbella, Sentenil de las Bodegas, Ronda, Home-Hosted Lunch, The Alhambra, Madrid, Segovia.
Click HERE to learn more.
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
June 6th - 13th, 2025 • 8 Days • 11 Meals
Highlights: Scottsdale, Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon, Choice on Tour: Rafting on Horseshoe Bend or Rainbow Bridge Tour, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas
Click HERE to learn more.
Magical Rhine and Moselle Rivers
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
Canyon Country ft. Arizona & Utah
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.
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.
Click HERE to visit the official Medicare site.
Click HERE to learn more about SHIP & the Illinois Department on Aging.
Want to learn more about Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans?
We have two October presentations by SHIP counselors:
Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Thursday, October 24, 10:00 AM
How do Medicare’s prescription drug plans work? Are there steps you can take to lower your prescription drug cost? What changes might be expected for 2025? This presentation will address these questions and offer pointers to help you determine if you could benefit from a review & compare this fall of available 2025 drug plans. The Plan Finder tool used by SHIP will be demonstrated. This presentation is Part D drug plan basic information in a group setting, not specific individual counseling. Information on scheduling time with SHIP counselors during the annual open enrollment can be found to the left.
Medicare Advantage Tuesday, October 29, 4:30 PM
This presentation will benefit anyone new to Medicare, someone currently with a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan & looking to change plans, or someone just wanting to better understand MA. Current statistics indicate that approximately one-half of those on Medicare now are enrolled in a MA plan.
General information will be provided in a group setting with Q&A to follow. Personal appointments are available with SHIP Counselors for more in-depth reviews.
Both the Medicare Advantage and Part D presentations will be held in the ARC Auditorium. Registration (encouraged) is available online using the Member Portal or by calling ARC at (309) 888-9099. You do not need to be an ARC member to attend. SHIP is a program of the State of Illinois, Illinois Department on Aging.