600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
July 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 | 7 AM - 7 PM
S | 8 AM - 1 PM
Pickleball Courts Will Be Closed
F, July 10th, 3 - 7 PM
F, July 24th, 3 - 7 PM
S, July 25th, ALL DAY
W, July 29th, ALL DAY
F, July 31st, 3 - 7 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 Round-Robin Event
for Intermediate-Level Players
F, July 24th, 4 - 7 PM
Ready to elevate your game? Join us for an exciting Intermediate Pickleball Round Robin designed for players who know the basics and enjoy friendly competition. You’ll rotate partners throughout the event, giving you plenty of opportunities to sharpen your skills, meet fellow players, and enjoy a variety of matchups. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself or simply have fun on the court, this is a great way to play, connect, and compete in a welcoming atmosphere. This is a FREE program. Spots are limited. Registration is required. Location: Rec Room
Beginner Pickleball Clinic: S, July 25th, 8:30-10:30 AM Join us at ARC to learn the fundamentals of the game at this Pickleball Clinic for beginners! Cost: $10. Registration required.
Boot Camp: S, July 25th, 11 AM - 1 PM Pickleball Bootcamp consists of two hours filled with strategy, tips and drills to help improve your game. You will be taught proper court positioning and movement, the dink game, the 3rd shot, and many other skills and strategies. You will also practice volleys.
Cost: $20. Registration required.
Computer Assistance
Tuesday Computer Assistance with George:
T, 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. Location: Computer Lab
*One appointment per member per month, unless otherwise arranged with George.*
Friday Computer Assistance with Julie Marriott: F, 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. Location: Computer Lab
July Music Programs
Music Bingo: F, July 10th, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Join us for Music Bingo with Twin City Music Bingo and your host Matt Drat. Music bingo combines two things everyone loves into one night full of fun and prizes. Here’s how it works: Each player gets 4 bingo cards and an answer key for each round. The host will play a clip from a song, and you will find the song title on your answer key and mark the number on your bingo card associated with that artist. Don’t know the song? No problem! Ask a table mate, or use the Shazam App. ARC staff will also be there with their apps in hand to help where needed! We thank ServiceMaster KRS for sponsoring this event! Registration required. Location: Rec Room
Music Appreciation: M, July 13th, 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! July’s theme for Music Appreciation is Patriotic songs! Join us and explore some trivia about our country’s most beloved songs. We will dive into the history and roots of some of our most well-known folk songs, military and state songs while competing against players for the most points. Registration is required. Location: Community Room
Karaoke Hour at ARC: M, July 13th, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Join friends at ARC for evening karaoke. This is meant to be a fun, social hour, so you don’t need to have any singing experience. Lyrics will be provided. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Peaceful & Comforting Piano Music with Marsha Meiss: M, July 14th, 10 AM
Relax with graceful piano music with Marsha Meiss. Location: Auditorium
Karaoke Bingo: F, July 31st, 5 PM
Ambassadors of FUN Karaoke and DJ Service hosts weekly events at venues all over the Chicago area and nearby suburbs.
On Friday, July 31st at 5 PM, they will be performing at ARC. This is a special event open to all and will include Bingo during the performances. Please join us for an exciting evening! Things you might see on your bingo card during Karaoke Bingo: “someone clapped for the singer,” “someone sang ‘RESPECT’, by Aretha Franklin,” “the audience sang along with the performer,” “someone got up to dance while the performer sang.” This is not your traditional bingo game!
There will be a huge selection of songs for you to sing (over 126,000), and Ambassadors of FUN does their best to treat everyone like a star. Participants with mobility problems can sing from their chair, or you can join us on stage! Song lyrics will be displayed on a large screen so everyone can sing along. We thank Mike Johnson, BPA Troxell for sponsoring this event! Registration required. Location: Rec Room
July Art Programs
Origami Class: W, July 8th & 22nd, 1 PM
Instructor: Peggy Tippett
Attention ladies and gentlemen: Origami is a great hobby. This month you will learn to make a pretty little gift box that slides open like a match box. AND you will learn to make a beautiful origami butterfly to set inside the gift box for a lovely surprise! All material is provided and it comes with a money back satisfaction guarantee. Sign up and let the fun begin! Cost: $7 Location: Community Room
Comics Out of Found Materials: TH, July 9th, 1 PM
Instructor: Michael Vancalbergh
Join Michael Vancalbergh to create a comic out of found materials (old magazines, cards, etc.) . Materials will be supplied but if you have specific items you want to incorporate, bring them along. The cost to attend this class is $10. Location: Community Room
Rock Painting: F, July 10th, 10 AM
Instructor: Lana Kinser
Paint a few rocks, learning from Lana a variety of painting techniques and taking inspiration from provided back to school and summer designs. Your painted rocks will be a fun, personalized way to incorporate art into your gardens, flowerpots and homes. Cost: $5. Registration required. Location: Classroom
Expressive Mushroom Painting (FREE): T, July 21st, 10 AM
Instructor: April Chy
Join local artist April Chy of Rice the Art-Holic for a colorful and expressive mushroom painting class designed for all experience levels. Together, we’ll create a whimsical 8 X 10 acrylic painting while learning simple layering, color blending, and painting techniques in a relaxed step-by-step environment. THis class is beginner friendly. April has been creating and selling artwork for over a decade and is known for her vibrant, expressive, painting style that encourages freedom, personality, and fun throughout the creative process. Registration required. Location: Classroom
ARC Gives Back: Color a Smile: T, July 21st, 5 - 6 PM
Instructor: Kristen Chimack
Spend a creative evening at ARC while helping brighten someone’s day. Members will color cheerful pictures that will be sent to the Color A Smile organization for distribution to nursing homes, hospitals, Meals on Wheels programs, our troops overseas, and others in need of a smile. All supplies will be provided, so just show up and be ready to color for a great cause. Registration required.
Location: Classroom
Shadowbox Jewelry Initials: M, July 27th, 1 PM
Instructor: Penny Peavler
Learn how to put together jewelry to create an alphabet shape design in an 8 X 8 shadowbox. Could be you create the first letter of your first or last name; or make a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for a friend. Penny has made them for grandkids’ bedroom doors Bring enough (more than you think) jewelry to create a letter. You can also bring memoriabilia such as a picture, postcard, etc. to help you finish your project.Come have fun and find out you are more creative than you think! Cost: $20. Registration required.
Location: Classroom
Bauble & Bead Necklaces: T, July 28th, 10 AM
Instructor: Reenie Bradley
Join us for free art in July as we make bauble and bead necklaces using wood rings, leather straps and large beads. These will be lovely to keep or give as a gift. Registration required. Location: Classroom
Altered Book to Junk Journal: F, July 31st, 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! Location: Classroom
Support Groups at ARC
July Card Game 101 Series
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, July 1st, 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, July 7th, 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.
Men's Grief Support: W, July 22nd, 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. Led by Kevin Copeland, LCSW, Carle Hospice Bereavement Coordinator. This program will meet in person at ARC for the month of July.
Veterans Coffee Cafe: F, July 10th, 9 AM Veteran Coffee Cafes with The Care Team 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 will feature speaker Miguel Ortiz, Military & Veterans Advisor for the office of Congressman Darin LaHood. He will discuss a variety of topics, including assistance that can be provided with any federal agency, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense. Location: Dining Room
Parkinson's Support Group: T, July 21st, 1 PM
The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Location: Classroom
July Card Game 101 Series
July Card Game 101 Series
Five Crowns 101: F, July 10th, 1 - 3 PM
Rummy-style game. Players compete to arrange all their cards into books (three or more of the same value, any suit) and runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit) before discarding. Unused cards in your hand at the end of each round are scored, and the player with the fewest points after the final round wins. Registration required. Location: Activity Room
Triple Play 101: F, July 17th, 1 - 3 PM
Triple Play is a fast-paced, family-friendly card game designed for 2 to 10 players. The goal is to be the first to play all your cards by creating “triples” — sets of three cards that share the same color, shape, or number. Registration required. Location: Sunshine Room
Bid Whist 101: F, July 24th, 1 - 3 PM
Learn this 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. Registration required. Location: Activity Room
Hand & Foot 101: F, July 31st, 1 - 3 PM
Hand and Foot is a rummy-style card game where players manage two piles of cards—the “hand” and the “foot”—to form melds and score points, aiming to outscore opponents. Registration required. Location: Activity Room
Wellness Programs
Fun Evening Programming Options
Fun Evening Programming Options
Self-Care Series: Relationships: T, July 7th, 10 AM - 12 PM
What does Self-Care mean to you? Is it really only breathing techniques, exercises and hygiene? Come join Marsha Meiss to discover the ways to relax and learn helpful tips on how relationships relate to your personal care. Find out how to “Fill Your Cup” and not deplete it. Marsha shares in her Self-Care Series how Mental Health Awareness is a vital component to “Preventive Maintenance”. Each of her series of topics provides a unique perspective on SelfCare. When you understand how areas of life affect your level of Self-Care and how that relates to Mental Health and relationships then, you are well on your way to a “Better Version” of you. Some content may be sensitive regarding personal experiences. Bring water and a pen with you. Each topic has 2 segments with a break between. You must attend first segment in order to fully comprehend and apply the second segment. First segment information is not repeated in second segment. Registration required.
Sign up today to learn how Relationships relate to Self-Care and Mental Health.
Session 1: 10 am – 10:45 am
Session 2: 11:15 am – 12 pm
Registration required.
Location: Auditorium
Live Well, Be Well: Take Charge of Your Health: M, June 15th - July 20th, 2 - 4:30 PM
This 6-week class will give you tools to better manage your health. Learn new skills, set goals, and learn more about common chronic health issues that affect
many older adults. Your leaders, Annette Morrison and Laura Tripicchio from CCSI Case Coordination, will help you put your skills to practice in this evidence-
based class developed through Stanford University. There is no charge to participate in this class and donations are
accepted. Funded through CCSI Case Coordination LLC, ECIAAA, and The Illinois Department on Aging. Sponsored by the Normal Township ARC.
Registration required. Location: Community Room
HomeCare & Fall Prevention: F, July 24th, 11 AM
Join Liz, a Geriatric Nurse from Synergy HomeCare, as she shares her expertise on how to age safely at home. She will cover what is homecare, how to use it to your best benefit, and tips to avoid the dreaded falls as we age! Registration required. Location: Auditorium
OSF SmartMeals: W, July 29th, 2 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. The July SmartMeals menu item will be Seafood Jambalaya Registration required. Location: Dining Room
Fun Evening Programming Options
Fun Evening Programming Options
Fun Evening Programming Options
New Member Meet & Mingle: T, July 7th, 4:30 PM
New to ARC? Join us for our New Member Meet & Mingle! This relaxed social gathering is a welcoming way to meet ARC staff, volunteers, and fellow members while enjoying light refreshments. Existing members are welcome, too. Come help us make new members feel at home! Registration required. Location: Bonnie’s Cafe
Reiki Sound Bath with Guided Meditation: T, July 14th, 5:45 PM
You will receive Reiki energy along with sound healing and guided meditation. Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique. The Reiki energy flows through your chakras, releasing energetic blocks and enabling your energy to flow naturally and optimally. Reiki helps balance your body, allowing it to function at its highest level. It promotes self-healing. Come release stress and anxiety. Find relaxation, centeredness, peace and calm. Melissa is a Usui Reiki Master who has practiced Reiki and energy healing for the past five years. She does Reiki individually and in group settings both in person and virtually. She also incorporates Reiki into her workshops and coaching programs. Feel free to bring a pillow and a blanket as well as something soft to lie on, like a sleeping bag. Come with an open mind and the intent to heal. Cost: $10. Registration required. Location: Celebration Room
Patriotic Movie & Mocktails: F, July 17th, 4:30 PM
Join ARC to enjoy a showing of National Treasure (2004) and a red, white, and blue-themed mocktail in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Outdoor Game Night: M, July 20th, 5 PM
Join us for a game night to play your choice of outdoor game - Bags, ladder ball, and washers will be available. Registration required. Location: Outdoors at ARC
Patriotic Trivia: T, July 28th, 5 - 7 PM
Put your patriotic knowledge to the test! Join us for a fun-filled evening of red, white, and blue trivia featuring questions about American history, presidents, landmarks, traditions, and more. Gather your friends, enjoy a little friendly competition, and see if you can claim the stars and stripes title! Registration required.
Location: Dining Room
Individual Reiki (Private Session): T, July 28th, 3:00-5:30 PM
Reiki is a form of energy healing that started in Japan. The Reiki energy flows through your chakras, releasing blocks and allowing your energy to flow naturally and optimally. Reiki energy helps put your body in a state of balance, allowing it to heal itself and function at its highest level. Come release stress and anxiety, relax, and find peace and calm. Melissa Watson is a Usui Reiki Master who has practiced Reiki and energy healing for the past five years. She offers Reiki individually and in group settings both in person and virtually. Registration required. 30-minute sessions are $40, 1 hour - $75, get $5 off of your first session. Location: Celebration Room
Educational Presentations
Fun Evening Programming Options
Educational Presentations
Independence Around the World: TH, July 2nd, 10 AM
Independence looks different across cultures - from quinceaneras, in Latin America to gap years in Europe and solo journey in other parts of the world. This program explores what it truly means to “come of age” and how independence is defined, celebrated, and experienced globally. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
My Scape from Cuba: M, July 6th, 10 AM
ARC member Orlando Lopez was one of 14,000 Cuban children that came to the U.S. alone, under a special program partnered between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church called Operation Pedro Pan (Peter Pan). That immigration program took place from late 1960 to late 1962. He stayed at a Catholic orphanage in Colorado for 18 months, including at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis (AKA, “October Missile Crisis”).
Orlando will share a bit about what Cuba was like before and after Castro, as well as his family’s struggles, culminating in their U.S. integration and achievement of the “American Dream.” Location: Auditorium
Allies Against Trafficking Presentation:
TH, July 16th, 10 AM
Did you know that adults age 60 and older are a growing target for criminals who use manipulation, deception, and coercion to exploit others for financial gain? While many people think human trafficking only happens in large cities or to young people, it can occur in communities of all sizes and affect people of all ages. Join Allies Against Trafficking on July 16 from 10:00–11:00 AM for an informative training that will help you better understand how traffickers force, trick, or manipulate others into trafficking situations. Participants will learn common warning signs, who is most vulnerable to human trafficking, and practical ways to recognize when someone may need help.
This easy-to-understand training is designed for people with little or no previous knowledge of human trafficking. You'll gain a clearer understanding of what trafficking really looks like how it happens, and why it often goes unnoticed. You'll also learn how to identify concerning situations, respond appropriately, and help protect your family, friends, neighbors, and community members.
Allies Against Trafficking is a Bloomington-Normal-based nonprofit organization serving McLean County and surrounding communities.
Through education, community partnerships, and prevention efforts, the organization works to increase awareness and reduce the risk of exploitation in our communities. For more information about Allies Against Trafficking, visit alliesagainsttrafficking.org.
Registration required. Location: Auditorium
ARC Enthusiastic Gardeners Club: Normandy Village Garden Tour: TH, July 16th, 9 AM
Join the Enthusiastic Gardener's Club for a Gardens at Normandy Village Tour. Hile-Broad Properties will share their growing gardens with other garden enthusiasts. Molly will email directions and parking information with a meeting place one week prior to the tour. Registration required. Location: Offsite, Outside
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.
Avoid Medicare Scams
Someone you don't know calls, emails, or texts you offering free medical equipment or services. What should you do? Hang up. Delete it. Only you and your doctor should decide what care and services are right for you.
Scammers want your Medicare information so they can bill Medicare for services you don't need — like hospice (end-of-life care), home health care, or durable medical equipment (like a brace or cane).
Hospice scams are particularly harmful. If a scammer signs you up for hospice care without your knowledge, you could lose access to your regular Medicare benefits should you need them.
Remember: Never give out your Medicare Number and don't sign anything for free services — it's a scam. If you think you may have experienced fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report it online at Medicare.gov/fraud
ARC's Sunshine Program
About ARC's Sunshine Program
- Provide friendly check-ins via phone or in person
- Connect you to resources to help prevent loneliness and build social connection
- Service provided to those 60+
- ARC membership not required
Can we help you or a loved one stay connected for whole-health wellness?
Contact Sunshine Coordinator Barb Dallinger at 309-888-9099, ext. 4 or by email at bdallinger@normaltownship.org to learn more or get involved
Peace Meal is Seeking Volunteers!
Would you be interested in assisting Peace Meal as a volunteer on salad bar days (Wednesdays) from 11 AM - 12:30 PM? Duties include prepping to-go meals, serving soup, and more! Let an ARC Management Team member know!