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, April 6th, All Day
W, April 24th, 7 AM - 4 PM
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
S, April 6th, 8:30—10:30 AM: Drilling for Skills
Intermediate/Advanced Level
drop shots, volleying, groundstrokes, serve, return | Cost: $20
S, April 6th, 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.
Note: With Intermediate/Advanced level players, this will NOT be lecture-style format but will be lots of on court practice of strategies introduced.
Internet TV: T, April 16th, 1:00 - 2:45 PM
Tired of paying that high Cable TV bill? The Tech Tutor, will show you step by-step how many of us are saving $50 - $100/month by gradually moving from watching Cable TV channels to Internet Streaming TV channels. Using your same internet connection, you can still watch your favorite shows, movies, sports, local news, Netflix, & more! Nancy will compare costs of local Internet Service Providers and streaming subscription services; plus she’ll show you how to set-up an inexpensive device to a TV so you can
save $$$! Registration required. Cost: $30
Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Android Basics: T, April 9th, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
iPhone Basics: T, April 9th, 3:00 - 4:30 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.
Android Apps: T, April 23rd, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
iPhone Apps: T, April 23rd, 3:00 - 4:30 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.
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.
Canine Calm with Deeby’s Senior Chihuahua Rescue: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
In addition to bringing a number of adorable, little foster dogs to learn about and love on, Deeby’s will provide a variety of snacks to enjoy! Attendees will also have the chance to hear from guest speaker Sam Stocking, owner of Korey the Kanine Dog Training, and meet her diabetes alert service dog, Korey. Sam will speak about how to help your dog relax/how dogs help us relax starting at 9:30 AM. Foster dogs in attendance will be available for adoption.
Deeby’s Mission: To provide a loving home, good food, high quality vet care, compassion and comfort to senior, special needs, and/or hospice Chihuahuas for the remainder of their lives. To build a Forever Foster Home network to enable us to place more senior Chihuahuas in loving, home settings for the duration of their lives. To provide education on the joys and challenges of caring for aging dogs. To work with other dog rescue groups to promote the adoption of senior dogs. To find loving forever homes for Chihuahuas not considered hospice.
Make Your Own Mindfulness Kit with U of I Extension: 10:00 AM
Mindfulness can be an important part of your self-care routine. This session will introduce the concept of mindfulness and provide some simple techniques to help reduce stress. Participants will create their own mindfulness kit to take home. Space is limited for this FREE class. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Meditation Made Easy with Nancy Nork: 10:00 AM
This practical workshop will allow you to explore the Magic while removing some of the Mystery out of Meditation. You'll walk away with a greater appreciation for the many benefits, a detailed hand-out, and instructions for incorporating at least 4 different methods into your daily life. Seasoned meditators and those new to the practice are welcome. Cost: $6 Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Movie: A Dog’s Purpose (2017): 11:00 AM
Rating: PG Run Time: 1 hr., 40 min.
Synopsis: “A dog discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of five decades, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with Ethan .”
Self-Care Workshop: M, April 22nd, Session 1: 12 PM - 12:45 PM, Break 12:45-1:15 PM, Session 2: 1:15-2:00 PM Self-care is not just breathing, hygiene or exercising. There are many other levels of Self Awareness: Self-Care. You are Worth Every Effort You put into You. Let’s start learning how to be the better version of You in a positive and productive manner. Practical steps towards the hidden treasures within you. Be encouraged to Empower and Equip yourself. Must attend first session to fully understand the second session properly. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
"I’m Tired of Cooking" with U of I Extension: W, April 24th, 1:00 PM
What's for dinner? The question is asked 365 times a year! It's easy to get stuck in a rut or lose inspiration, but sometimes just a few simple changes can get you back on track. Join us to learn some quick and easy hacks for eating well and making meals at home a more enjoyable process without spending hours in the kitchen. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
OSF SmartMeals: TH, April 25th, 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. April SmartMeals menu item will be Mandarin Orange Chicken with Green Chile Peanut Sauce. Registration required.
Mental Health Series: TH, April 25th, 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.
April topic: "The Meaning IN Life,” not the meaning OF Life. As we grow older it's common to reflect upon our lives and ponder what it all means. Join us for a discussion of how to have more meaning IN our lives!. Registration required.
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - April 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 - April 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. Previous group leader Lisa Flanagan has retired. These programs will meet in person at ARC for the month of March.
Women's Grief Support: W, April 3rd,
12 - 1:30 PM This group is closed to new members.
Men's Grief Support: W, April 10th & 24th, 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, April 16th, 1 PM
The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. April’s guest speaker is Melanie Adams, Executive Director, Illinois Chapter American Parkinson Disease Association
Prudential Advisors: Estate Planning in the Current Tax Environment: M, April 8th, 11 AM Discussion will center on managing probate costs, preparing for potential loss of capacity, and controlling the disposition of assets. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
IFE: Estate and Legacy Planning: W, April 10th, 11 AM Learn the 3 parts of a will and who needs one? Discover what “probate” means and can it be avoided? What is the real power of a trust and are there tax benefits? Learn the meaning of “tax-free inheritance” and “lifetime giving exclusions” and how to incorporate them into your estate plan. Discuss strategies that will assist you in minimizing your death/estate taxes, while maximizing your assets.
This program is open to the public. No visitor pass needed.
Make & Take Pansy Bowl with Casey’s Garden Shop: T, April 2nd, 11:00 AM
This program is a part of our ongoing, monthly ARC Enthusiastic Gardeners Club series. This is an altered date from the regularly scheduled third Thursday of the month. Cost: $35. All supplies provided. Registration required. There will not be a meeting on April 18th. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Fused Glass Flowers: F, April 5th OR S, April 6th, 9 OR 11 AM Students will create flowers. These will be donated and attached to panels for permanent installation in ARC perennial gardens. Cost: $30. Registration required. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Lighted Bottle Art: F, April 19th, 10:30 AM
Make your own spring bottle decor! The finished product is great to use to add light for a bathroom or to use as a night light. Lights included. Registration required. Cost: $10.00. Register at ARC or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Springtime Magnets Art Class: T, April 30th, 10 - 11 AM Join ARC member Marsha Meiss to have some fun creating spring-themed magnets of a variety of shapes. All supplies provided. Registration required. This is a FREE program.
Diabetic Shoe Informational: W, April 3rd, 1:00 PM Garth Akal Certified Shoe Fitter from Geo. Allen Shoes. Did you know that as a diabetic, you are entitled to a pair of therapeutic shoes and 3 pairs of inserts per calendar year? Learn more about this Medicare-paid program and why it's so important to have a pair of well-fitting shoes. A shoe clinic will be scheduled for a future date following the informational. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Hands-Only CPR Class: W, April 17th, 1 - 3 PM Did you know that 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes? Statistically speaking, if you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love: a co-worker, a spouse, a parent, a child or a friend. Hands-Only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths. If you see a teen or adult collapse, you can perform Hands-Only CPR with just two easy steps. Instructor: Jill Howell, MSN RN and ISU Instructional Assistant Professor. Registration required.
Hearing Aid Technology Presentation & Screenings: F, April 26th, 10 AM Plan to attend if: You are experiencing bothersome ringing in the ears (tinnitus). People often seem to mumble or speak in a soft voice. You have difficulty understanding speech in groups or crowded places. You set the volume on your TV or radio louder than your family likes, You feel tired or irritable after long conversations. or You are wearing hearing aids but do not feel you are benefitting from them. Attendees will: Learn about new technology and hearing health care. Speak to an audiologist. Receive a free hearing screening. Registration required.
Local Interest Speaker Series: University Galleries of ISU: F, April 19th, 10 AM
University Galleries' mission is to foster a greater understanding of contemporary art in our university and community, while providing support for artists at pivotal points in their careers. Kendra Paitz, director and chief curator, will present on University Galleries' involvement with civic engagement, creation of exhibitions and publications with internationally recognized artists, and development of student research opportunities. Registration required. Register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099 or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Recycling 101: TH, April 25th, 11:30 AM
Lots of information will be shared for those new to recycling and also lots of new ideas for those who are already recyclers. Dian Nealey will share the newest guidelines and suggestions for reusing, reducing, and recycling. Leave the meeting with great ideas and new enthusiasm to make our Earth a better place. Registration required.
Collette Vacations Travel Sampler: M, April 29th, 11 AM Join Collette Vacations and Peoria Charter Travel at ARC for our next travel sampler covering a few of our upcoming trips scheduled for 2025. Get all your questions answered and learn all the fun details of each trip as you plan your next getaway! Trips that will be covered include:
April 2025 - Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid
June 2025 - Canyon Country
September 2025 - Magical Rhine & Moselle River Cruise
Register to attend the sampler 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.
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.
April 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 will be offering bi-monthly “New to Medicare” sessions held in a small group setting with the next on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Subsequent sessions will be Thursday, June 27, 2024 & 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 counseling sessions. ARC membership is not required. Registration is encouraged by calling ARC or using the GymMaster Portal; however, walk-ins will also be welcome.
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