ARC will be closed Friday, June 19th for Juneteenth





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!
We want to hear from you!
The ARC team is always looking for ways to improve programs, classes & services to better meet the needs of our 55+ community. By completing our 2026 Programming survey, you’ll help the ARC team understand what you enjoy most, what could be improved, and what new opportunities you’d like to see. Use the link below to share your thoughts and help shape future ARC program offerings.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/4ccBOUx/ShareYourIdeas
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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
W, June 10th, ALL DAY
W, June 24th, ALL DAY
F, June 26th, 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

June Tech Talk: Advantages & Features of Travel Apps: T, June 9th, 11 AM
With travel becoming more frequent both for business and pleasure, virtually all methods of travel and all travel agencies have their own apps for assisting the traveler in visiting both foreign and domestic tourist sites. Whether you are with a tour group flying in to your destination where you will meet your guide and bus for a land tour or taking a river cruise, apps for your phones or tablets are a must to keep in touch with your tour director and to get up to date information about your particular tour. Also, it is the most convenient method to transmit changes to your particular trip. Planes, trains, cruises, hotels and car rentals all take advantage of these programs for your phone or tablet. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Android Settings: T, June 9th, 1 PM
iPhone Settings: T, June 9th, 3 PM
Learn to unlock the secrets to your Smartphone with Nancy Komlanc, The Tech Tutor, making your phone easy and fun to use! Customize your Home screen, Set alarms, Personalize the Ringtone for family, friends, & emergency contacts, Increase your screen light-up time, 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 no later than 1 day in advance. Location: Conference Room
Android Apps: T, June 18th, 1 PM
iPhone Apps: T, June 18th, 3 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 no later than 1 day in advance. Location: Conference Room
Tips on Bird Photography: TH, June 25th, 10 AM Ray Silva will discuss equipment, settings, how to photograph birds as well as where to find some local bird habitats. Feel free to bring your camera equipment. Included in the program will be methods to edit your bird photos. Registration required. Location: Conference Room

Music Appreciation: M, June 8th, 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! Sun, sun, sun... here it comes! For June's Music Appreciation we will play, share and listen to songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s about sunshine. Join us for a round of 'Picture That Song' - a game where you will be challenged to name the song with only pictures provided as clues. Songs about the sunshine tend to raise energy levels and lift spirits– come laugh, chat and try different instruments with us! Registration is required. Location: Community Room
Karaoke Hour at ARC: M, June 8th, 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
Piano Pathways Concert: The Moon in June
F, June 12th, 11 AM
Enjoy beautiful classical melodies and jazz standards to welcome the summer season and celebrate the moon's influence on composers through the ages. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Peaceful & Comforting Piano Music with Marsha Meiss: M, June 15th, 10 AM
Relax with graceful piano music with Marsha Meiss. Location: Auditorium
Music Enrichment Part II: T, June 16th, 2 PM
Our Music Enrichment Series entitled “The American Song Treasury” will continue this month with a program dedicated to our Pioneer Days. After the Revolutionary War, America moved forward in giant strides with the spring and resilience of an adolescent. Our physical size doubled and our population quadrupled. In 1811, the first steamboat saw service on the Mississippi River where many a traveler transported Southern songs to the North and East. While we still imported much of our music, we also sang many of our own songs, and this gave rise to the music publishing industry. In 1848, as Captain Sutter was building a mill in the Sacramento Valley, he became curious about the odd “stones” he found in the water. News spread like wildfire-GOLD! What followed in 1849 was the greatest mass migration in American history!
We will dig into the American SongBag and pull out the songs of this era (1810-1860). Join us as we continue our celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America’s Founding. Everyone welcome!! Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Piano Concert with Ryan Neaveill on the Great American Songbook: TH, June 18th, 10:30 AM The "Great American Songbook" is the canon of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century that have stood the test of time in their life and legacy. Often referred to as "American Standards", the songs published during the Golden Age of this genre include those popular and enduring tunes from the 1920s to the 1950s that were created for Broadway theatre, musical theatre, and Hollywood musical film. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Dulcimer Concert: TH, June 25th, 10:30 AM
Enjoy a patriotic music program by Dulcimer Dreams to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
The Modern Concerto with Michael Dicker: TH, June 25th, 1 PM
Beginning in the late 19th/early 20th century composers are looking back and during this time also exploring new avenues. It is an exciting musical time. For example, would you believe that there is a concerto written for the accordion? What about a concerto for the entire orchestra? With the continual development of instruments composers began to expand the possibilities of writing concerti that are new and often adventurous! During our session we will focus on the best of the concerti that look back and those that look forward. Registration required. Location: Auditorium

Altered Book to Junk Journal: F, June 5th, 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
Make Patriotic Bows: F, June 5th, 10 AM
Instructor: Sherry Phillips
participants will each make a one ribbon, two ribbon and a 3-ribbon bow for $18 per person. Registration required. Location: Community Room
Patriotic Watercolor Class: TH, June 11th & S, June 20th, 9 AM - 12 PM
Instructor: Carol Boerckel
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary! Join a fun class to create a watercolor and collage painting inspired by the US flag and the constitution trail.
Learn fun facts and history. All supplies provided! Text or call to Carol with any questions at 309-230-8743. Registration required. Location: Classroom
Fused Glass Class: Hot Air Balloon Garden Stakes : F, June 12th OR S, June 13th, 9 OR 11 AM
Instructor: Connie Dearborn
We will be making hot air balloon garden stakes. Cost: $35. Registration required. Location: Classroom
Wood Bangles: T, June 16th, 10 AM
Instructor: Reenie Bradley
Make bracelets with us! On Tuesday, June 14, we will be making wooden cuff bracelets. They're fun, pretty and easy to make, so join us for a busy morning with wood, paper, cloth, markers and other embellishments to get us ready for a new look this summer. Registration required. Location: Classroom
ARC Gives Back: The Birthday Party Project
T, June 23rd, 5 - 6 PM
Instructor: Kristen Chimack
Spend a creative evening at ARC helping make birthdays brighter for children experiencing homelessness. Members will decorate birthday cards and envelopes that will be included with birthday gifts provided by The Birthday Party Project. No special skills are needed, just come ready to add color, kindness, and a cheerful birthday message. Registration required. Location: Classroom
Patriotic Door Tassels: F, June 26th 9:30 AM
Instructor: Lana Kinser
Join Lana Kinser to make your own patriotic salt shaker tassel decoration that can be hung on door handles and more at home! You will use ribbon and choose a patriotic-themed salt shaker for the top. Cost: $10 Registration required by 6/22. Location: Community Room
Crafty Girl Workshop: F, June 26th 9:30 AM
Instructor: Charlotte Black
Come make a crafty girl with us. We will be attaching papers to a 6x6 wood block that can stand on its own or be hung. Over 20 crafty girls to choose from. BRING: scissors and wet glue. Cost: $12. Registration required. Location: Classroom

Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, June 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, June 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 June.
Men's Grief Support: W, June 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.
Life After Loss, Co-Ed Grief Support Group: June 4th & 18th, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays March - June at ARC in the Conference Room
Provides a place to connect with others going through loss. Share memories, learn about the grief process, and explore new ideas to help you cope & heal.
Non-members must enter through main door. Register by calling 309-268-5930 or at carle.org/events & search for Life After Loss. Or register at ARC, by calling 309-888-9099, or on the GymMaster Member Portal.
Veterans Coffee Cafe: F, June 12th, 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 focus on discussion and sharing of experiences amongst the group. Location: Dining Room
Parkinson's Support Group: T, June 16th, 1 PM
The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Location: Classroom

Holistic Healing Workshop Series (See Dates Below)
T, June 9th: Finding Your Voice - Part II
Have you ever felt invisible, unheard, or voiceless? Are you a people-pleaser? Do you have trouble saying “no?” Do you put everyone ahead of yourself? Do you take on too much and end up regretting it or feeling resentment? Do others take advantage of your kindness? Do you feel unappreciated? Do you have trouble speaking up to say what you feel or need? If you relate to any of these, this workshop is for you. Staying silent isn’t an act of kindness, it’s an act of self-abandonment, but it’s not too late to reclaim your voice. If you’ve been looking for your voice in any capacity, come find it at this workshop. We will use holistic and creative healing exercises to help you find your voice. Expect creative movement, journaling, guided meditation, sound healing, Reiki, and more! Come with an open mind and an intent to heal! Whether you came to Part I or you are completely new, all are welcome. This workshop will cover new exercises and methods for finding your voice. Bring a notebook and a pen.
T, June 16th: Awaken Your Creative Spirit
If you are looking for a new experience to express your creativity, come together with others and have some fun, this workshop is for you! In this workshop, you will experience multiple types of creative exercises: Dance, writing, guided meditation, Reiki, and sound healing. Awaken your creative spirit and leave with your creative juices flowing! Come with an open mind and the intent to heal - in a safe and fun environment! Bring a notebook and a pen.
T, June 23rd: Poetry for Self-Healing
Come to this poetry workshop with the intent to express, release, and heal. Melissa will guide you through various poetry exercises and prompts. Self-expression is such a naturally healing activity. Through intention you can decide to process and release what no longer serves you. Leave feeling lighter with at least one poem in hand. Then, consider reading it at our upcoming poetry open mic night. Whether you are a seasoned writer, or completely new, all are welcome. No previous writing experience necessary. Bring a notebook and a pen.
T, June 30th: Finding Gratitude
Come learn how to use gratitude as a powerful healing tool. Through a healing gratitude practice you can uplift yourself, reframe your perspective, and release heavy energy blocks. Finding gratitude is one way to transform your life for the better. In this workshop, we'll use journaling, guided meditation, and other holistic healing exercises to practice and express gratitude. You will leave with some healing tools to use in your daily life. Bring a notebook and a pen along with an open mind.
Cost: $20/each or $60 for all 4 workshops. Note: You can take Part II of the above workshops without having taken Part I. Location: Celebration Room
Reiki Sound Bath with Guided Meditation: T, June 2nd, 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
Yoga Reiki Workshop: F, June 12th, 5:45 PM
Practice yoga poses while receiving Reiki light. Enjoy a guided meditation to help you visualize and receive the healing light. Finish off this workshop with a Reiki sound bath. Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique. The Reiki energy flows through your chakras, releasing energetic blocks, 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. Come with an open mind and the intent to release what no longer serves you. Registration required. Location: Celebration Room
Individual Reiki (Private Session): TH, June 18th, 2:00-5:00 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
Poetry Prompt Writing & Open Mic Night: F, June 26th, 5:30 - 6:45 PM
Join us for a poetry open mic night, hosted by poet, Melissa Marie Watson. The night will start with a writing prompt and a short writing session. Everyone will have something to read after the prompt. Who knows, maybe you are a poet and you didn't know it! :) You'll be able to sign up to read. Feel free to bring a poem from home or from a previous workshop. You are also welcome to read your favorite poem by another author. Or you can just come to listen. All are welcome! Cost: $5. Registration required. Location: Auditorium

Hospice: A Philosophy of Care with Carle Health: F, June 5th, 10:30 AM
This presentation will cover the Medicare Hospice Benefit including Hospice philosophy, interdisciplinary team, hospice physician role, comfort medications, equipment needs, bereavement program, and details relating to insurance. We will discuss common myths about hospice, talk about the holistic needs of hospice patients and their loved ones, and even cover a brief history of hospice. All are invited to attend and questions will be encouraged. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Self-Care Series: Communication: M, June 8th, 10 AM - 12 PM
EVERYONE WANTS to be HEARD and UNDERSTOOD. Come join 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. This class is held in two (2) segments with a break in between. You must attend Session 1 in order to attend Session 2 (to apply details from Session 1). Bring a pen and water.
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
Oh, My Aching, Swollen Legs: W, June 17th, 9 AM Join The Vein Specialists to learn about leg health, varicose veins, and treatment. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Adult Healthcare Options w/ Evergreen Senior Living: T, June 23rd, 10:00 AM
Step into the world of adult healthcare options and learn about different levels of care before an emergency occurs. Join us as we explore independent living, home health, assisted living, supportive living, skilled nursing, and hospice care - because your well-being matters at every stage of life. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
OSF SmartMeals: W, June 24th, 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. June SmartMeals menu item will be Sweet ‘n Crunchy Tuna Salad. Registration required. Location: Dining Room
Life Line Screening Event: W, June 24th, 9:15 AM - 6:30 PM Life Line Screening is the nation’s leader in stroke and cardiovascular disease risk screenings. Screenings are simple and painless. Get peace of mind or early detection. Special pricing of $129 covers carotid artery disease screening, atrial fibrillation screening, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, & peripheral artery disease screening. Sign up by 800-324-9458 using promo code HABC001 or visit llsa.social/HABC Location: Rec Room

New Member Meet & Mingle: T, June 2nd, 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: Cafe
Take Me Out to the Ballgame Trivia: TH, June 11th, 5 - 7 PM
Step up to the plate for an evening of baseball-themed trivia, ballpark fun, and summer nostalgia. Wear your favorite team’s colors or jersey, grab a hot dog, and test your knowledge of America’s favorite pastime. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just here for the fun, it’s sure to be a home run! Registration required. Location: Dining Room
Game Night with Mocktails: M, June 22nd, 5 PM Join us for a game night to play your choice of board/card game with friends and enjoy a tasty summer mocktail while you play. Registration required. Location: Activity Room
Sneaker Ball: F, June 26th, 5 - 7 PM
Join us for a social dance Sneaker Ball with DJ Brad Olson featuring a popcorn bar brought to you by The Care Team & Villas of Holly Brook. The Popcorn Bar by donation will support both ARC and Villas of Holly Brook Walk to End Alzheimer’s teams. Cost: $5. Members may bring one non-member guest. Registration preferred; walk-ins welcome. Location: Rec Room

Strat-O-Matic 101 : TH, June 11th, 3 - 5 PM
Learn this tabletop baseball simulation game that blends strategy, statistics, and chance to recreate the excitement of real Major League Baseball using player cards and dice. Hot dog snack provided. Registration required. Location: Sunshine Room
500 101: F, June 12th, 1 - 3 PM
Learn to play 500. 500 is a trick‑taking card game derived from Euchre, where the goal is to be the first player or team to reach 500 points. Registration required. Location: Activity Room
Skyjo 101: F, June 26th, 1 - 3 PM
Learn to play Skyjo, a fast-paced card game where players aim to achieve the lowest score by strategically swapping cards in a 4×3 grid. Registration required. Location: Activity Room

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.
Want to know more about Medicare?
Curious about Medicare? Finding Medicare insurance confusing? Turning 65 soon and overwhelmed by mail from insurance companies?
The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) can help!
ARC SHIP counselors will be offering a “New to Medicare” session in the ARC Auditorium at 4:30 on Tuesday, June 23. A Q&A session will follow the formal presentation.
Counselors will cover the basics of Medicare and the secondary insurance options. This presentation will be helpful for anyone with Medicare in their future (or who just wants a refresher). This presentation is not personalized nor meant to replace in-person counseling sessions.
ARC membership is not required. Registration is encouraged by calling ARC, (309) 888-9099, or using the GymMaster Portal. Walk-ins are also welcome.

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
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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!