600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
April Pickleball Schedule
April Pickleball Schedule
April Pickleball Schedule
M | 7 AM - 11 AM, 4 - 7 PM
T (Beg.) | 7 AM - 9 AM
T (Exp.) | 2 - 7 PM
W (Exp.) | 7 AM - 12 PM, 4 - 7 PM
W (Beg.) | 12 PM - 4 PM
TH | 7 AM - 9 AM, 1 – 7 PM
F | 8 AM - 1 PM S | 8 AM - 1 PM
*During the above times listed as Beginner times, south court will be reserved for beginners and those serving as their mentors. North court open to all*
Click Here to Learn More About Pickleball Rules
Pickleball Courts Will Be Closed
W, April 22nd, ALL DAY
S, April 25th, ALL DAY
April Writing Programs
April Pickleball Schedule
April Pickleball Schedule
Writers at ARC w/ Torri Thompson:
T, April 7th & 21st, 10:30 AM
There are no requirements or assumptions that any of us are expert, accomplished writers. All you need is an interest in any kind of writing (journals, blogs, poetry, life writing, genealogy, newsletters, etc.). The group could provide a forum for anyone who would like to read from their own writing (asking for feedback if wished). The group could read and discuss small passages about the craft and practice of writing; they may also bring in writers from our larger community as guest speakers. Location: Conference Room
Seasoned Scribes Writing Class: TH, April 9th, 1:00 PM
Why is writing realistic dialogue so challenging? We talk every day and have for years, yet creating communication between characters is often an uphill battle for many authors. Could it be that television and movies have fallen into unnatural conversation traps where one character always attempts to ‘one up’ the others in snarky comebacks or silly one-liners? Many current shows today fall into that unfortunate pattern. Writing dialogue is NOT just for fiction writers. This skill can be used in memoirs, journalistic endeavors, and non-fiction accounts. Although we will focus more on fiction writing for this upcoming class, the tips and suggestions discussed can be useful for anyone. We, as writers, establish a narrative and a world for others to experience. How our characters interact, speak, and help guide the story forward is heavily influenced by how we formulate and structure their dialogue. Fortunately for us, guidelines and tips exist to aid in our writing journey and Class Two of Seasoned Scribes will focus on just that – writing believable and realistic dialogue! Cost: $10 Registration required. Location: Conference Room
Poetry Workshop: F, April 10th, 11 AM
In this workshop, participants will share their poetry with peers and receive comments, support, and encouragement for their writing process. We will be using a workshop structure that encourages play, experimentation, and makes room for people who are new to poetry as well as those who have been writing for decades! Even if you're a writer of prose, we encourage you to come and learn a different mode of expression where your language gets to stand center stage. Come warm yourself as the months get a little colder with some poetry as we join together in community with each other. Cost: $10 per session. Registration required.
April 10th - Ending a Line, Ending a Poem (here we are going to talk about line breaks and ending poems)
April 24th - Surprises in Poems! (here we are going to talk about surprises in poems and what they do for the writer and reader)
May 1st - What Deserves to Be In a Poem
Location: Conference Room
April Music Programs
April Pickleball Schedule
April Music Programs
NEW! Karaoke Hour at ARC
M, April 6th - 27th, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Join friends at ARC for evening karaoke fun every Monday in April. 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.
Music Appreciation: M, April 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.
Did you know how good participating in music activities is for brain health? When you sing and engage in rhythm-based activities you are creating neuroplasticity in the brain and helping delay cognitive decline. Build your brain, connecting with new friends in the community and have fun making music together!
April: Musical Biographies of the 60s-70s
Join us in April to learn more about the lives of popular artists from the 60s & 70s like Neil Sedaka and John Denver. Enjoy an hour of listening and learning about the musical biographies of popular artists, then create rhythmic expressions to “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” or write your own version of “Take Me Home Country Roads”. Registration is required. Location: Community Room
Peaceful & Comforting Piano Music with Marsha Meiss: M, April 20th, 10 AM
Relax with graceful piano music with Marsha Meiss. Location: Auditorium
Music Enrichment with Special Guest Rita Meland: T, April 28th, 2:00 PM
Music Enrichment with Rita Meland returns with a program dedicated to “The American Song Treasury – Early Colonial Days” (1620 – 1800). Religion was the earliest dominant influence on music; however, secular songs also found their way into the daily lives of the colonists. In 1768, when officials of the British Crown seized the Liberty, a sloop owned by John Hancock, a gathering of colonials surged toward the British collector of customs and a confrontation ensued. As the news spread, out first protest songs were written. History isn’t just something we read; it’s also something we hear. And through it all, through all the years of strife, we’ve been shaped not only by our words and our deeds but by our music, by the lyrics and instrumentals that have carried us through dark days and enabled us to celebrate bright ones. (Meacham, J. & McGraw, T. [2019]. Songs of America. Random House.) Join us as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America’s Founding by exploring our earliest music! Everyone welcome!! Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Romantic Beginnings with Michael Dicker: W, April 30th, 1:00 PM
Mozart and Haydn created musical architecture and form like nothing before. This is evident in their concerto compositions. Then at the turn of the 19th century new artistic ideas begin to break through the classical rules. Beethoven and Schubert explored new directions. And then Schumann and Mendelssohn came onto the scene with some great new ideas. While there are many romantic composers, we will focus on the most influential and their concerti. And, we will question what "romantic" means in our musical lives. One key word summarizes the "new" romantic spirit. And that word is.....?..... Join our session for the answer! Registration required.
Location: Auditorium
April Art Programs
Wellness Programs in April
April Music Programs
Intermediate Crochet: TH, April 2nd, 9-11:30 AM
Instructor: Jessica Carnes
Mary Jane Baby Shoes
We will be creating the 3-6 months size Two—Tone Mary Jane baby shoes. We will crochet the sole and then attach the shoe body. Need: Stitch markers, Size F crochet hook
small amount of two colors for the two tone or a large amount for a one color using medium weight worsted yarn.
Buttons will be provided. Registration required. Please join the Facebook group Intermediate Crochet at the ARC in Normal, IL. Location: Community Room
Rock Painting: F, April 3rd, 10 AM
Instructor: Lana Kinser
Paint a few rocks, learning from her a variety of painting techniques and taking inspiration from provided Mother’s Day and spring 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
Spring Wreath Class: F, April 10th, 10 AM
Instructor: Sherry Phillips
Make a spring/summer wreath with a variety of ribbons available to choose from. Registration required. Cost: $38
Location: Classroom
Make a Walking Stick: T, April 14th, 1:00 PM
Instructor: Torri Thompson
The image of a bent, elderly person hobbling along, leaning on a stick or cane, is an enduring image of what it used to mean to grow older, but lots of things have changed. In this workshop, we are going to make walking sticks in our own image that help us remember that while getting older is unavoidably a negotiation, it isn’t giving up or in. Our bodies have changed, keep changing, which stinks, not a damn thing we can do about it. But many of us “senior citizens” wear tennis shoes and jeans, shorts and t-shirts, we may spend a good bit of time outside, we are committed bird watchers, gardeners, star gazers, trail hikers, campers. The aging “process” does mean a loss of innate balance, maybe arthritis in the knees and feet, and it’s hard as hell to get up from the flat ground. So, we have to be more aware, more thoughtful about our footing, and we may need the help of a good stick to steady us, to protect a sore knee. Being outdoors is critical to good mental and physical health, and walking is one of the very best ways to keep fit, mobile, and independent. So come in and make your own walking stick, painted, studded with beads or minerals, complete with leather hand grips or leather lacing, an interesting knob on top. It is a kind of visible commitment to staying in the game. Registration required. Cost: $20 Location: Classroom
Beginner Crochet: TH, April 23rd, 8:30-11:00 AM
Instructor: Pam Hulit
Learn the basic crochet stitches. You will select a project: a potholder, coaster, or dishcloth. You will learn how to read a pattern and use it in the application of crochet skills. Questions? Contact Pam at
309-826-1612. Registration required.
Location: Community Room
Styrofoam Painting: TH, April 23rd, 10 AM
Instructor: Reenie Bradley
Make textile prints out of Styrofoam squares. Printing on dishtowels. All supplies included. Dress for mess. Registration required. Location: Classroom
Support Groups at ARC
Wellness Programs in April
Wellness Programs in April
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, April 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, April 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.
Grief Support Groups Led by Kevin Copeland, LCSW, Carle Hospice Bereavement Coordinator. These programs will meet in person at ARC for the month of April.
Men's Grief Support: W, April 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.
Life After Loss, Co-Ed Grief Support Group: April 2nd & 16th, 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, April 10th, 9 AM Veteran Coffee Cafes with Traditions Health help to identify the veterans among us and support them through sharing stories or just letting them know that their service is important still today. They are not forgotten. This month the speaker will be Nick Hibbs with Hometown Senior Care Advisors. Location: Dining Room
Parkinson's Support Group: T, April 21st, 1 PM
The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. This month the group will meet offsite.
Wellness Programs in April
Wellness Programs in April
Wellness Programs in April
Self-Love Workshop: Love Yourself Deeper: M, April 6th, 5:45 PM
Have you ever felt like you aren’t enough? Have you felt unattractive enough, slim enough, smart enough, or helpful enough? Have you struggled to feel lovable or worthy of love? These are universal limiting beliefs that most humans face at some point. If you can relate, this workshop is for you. If you have been working on healing, this is for you. Self-preservation isn’t the same as self-love. You may want the best for yourself, but do you love yourself? How deeply do you love yourself? Are there layers to peel away to go deeper? This workshop will help you do the work to discover what is holding you back from really loving yourself. Could you love yourself more deeply? Could you be more present for yourself? If this is something you haven’t thought about before, there is probably a lot to discover, release and heal. We will incorporate creative movement, journaling, guided meditation, poetry, chakra work, mirror work, sound healing and Reiki in this self-love workshop. Bring a notebook and a pen. Come with an open mind and the intent to heal! Registration required. Cost: $8 Location: Celebration Room
Self-Care Series: Change: F, April 10th, 10 AM - 12 PM
What is Your Current Reality?
Discover how “Change...The Benefit of Choice” relates to Self-Care & Mental Health.
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 water and a pen. Registration required. Sign Up Today! You will be glad you did! Location: Auditorium
Mental Health Series: TH, April 23rd, 10:30 AM
Bruce Boeck is a Licensed Counselor with over 40 years of experience with every kind of population. Topic of discussion for April is “relationships.” Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Finding Your Voice Workshop: Find Your Throat Chakra & Self-Express: M, April 27th, 5:45 PM
Have you ever felt invisible, unheard, 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 later 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 at all, come find it at this workshop. We will use holistic and creative healing exercises to help you find your voice. Expect to experience creative movement, journaling, guided meditation, poetry, chakra work, sound healing, Reiki, and more! Bring a notebook and a pen. Come with an open mind and an intent to heal! Registration required. Cost: $8 Location: Celebration Room
OSF SmartMeals: W, April 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. April SmartMeals menu item will be Tooty-Fruity Chicken Pasta Salad. Registration required. Location: Dining Room
Looking to learn something new?
Hybrid Programs - Find On Zoom & At ARC
Looking to learn something new?
Aromatherapy: T, April 14th, 10 AM
Join ARC member, Rick Smith, for an introduction to what essential oils are, how they are extracted, priced and used in everyday life. He will talk about specific oils in common use, blends typically used and some precautions using them. Handouts to distribute, but attendees might want to have a notepad handy. There will be common "friendly" oils to sniff, with precautions discussed beforehand. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
IFE: Estate Planning & Wills: W, April 15th, 10:00 AM
This educational class explains how Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney function, and the role they can play in helping protect your wishes and your loved ones. The session will also highlight five important areas that often impact financial life in retirement, with an overview of common risks and general strategies to consider when planning ahead. No specific products or services will be discussed. Registration required.
Location: Auditorium
Growing Tomatoes: TH, April 16th, 10 AM
Join fellow ARC members to learn the best tips about choosing plants, growing tomatoes, and tomato storage. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
ARC Enthusiastic Gardeners Club: Create a Hummingbird Cafe : TH, April 16th, 11 AM
Curious about attracting hummingbirds to your yard? In this workshop, you'll learn all about these fascinating birds and how to entice them to your garden with the perfect hummingbird feeding setup. We will explore their unique characteristics and discuss the types of plants they love. Presented by Master Gardener, Carol Csanda Location: Auditorium
Presentation on South Asian (Indian) Culture: T, April 21st, 10 AM
Sharmi Shah has taken the initiative to share South Asian (Indian) designs, arts, and fashion with our local community. She has been designing vibrant and fashionable outfits, decorative items, and conducting art classes. With her studies in Design at Nirmala NiKetan and her global connections, she established Sakhi Style Boutique to exhibit and sell her art. During her sessions, she will present and elaborate on arts as well as explore innovative creative ideas. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Services for Seniors
Hybrid Programs - Find On Zoom & At ARC
Looking to learn something new?
Books on the Go: T, April 7th & 21st, 10 AM
The Normal Public Library will have a variety of books to be checked out at ARC. You can also bring in book requests for their next visit. Location: Bonnie’s Cafe
Smart Driver: T, April 7th & W, April 8th, 9 AM - 1 PM
ARC is sponsoring a two-day Smart Driver course. Advance registration is required. The cost for AARP members is $20.00 & non-AARP members is $25.00. The fees for the class will be collected on the first day of each class. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Durable Power of Attorney: T, April 14th & TH, April 16th, 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.
Location: Outreach Room
Diabetic Shoe Clinic: TH, April 9th, 11 AM - 1 PMGarth 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. Location: Auditorium
Hearing Screenings with ISU Audiology
T, April 14th, 8:30 -11:30 AM
Join Illinois State University’s Communication Sciences & Disorders program for hearing screenings by appointment. Registration required.
Information & Assistance Outreach: TH, April 9th & 23rd, 9 - 11 AM
Stop by CCSI Senior Information Services Outreach to get help applying for local, state, and federal programs. During your one-on-one consultation, our trained SIS Specialists and SHIP Counselors can help answer your questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Property Tax Freeze, License Plate Discount applications and more. Income and asset guidelines apply, so bring proof with you. Location: Outreach Room
Hometown Senior Care Advisors: M, April 13th & 27th, 11 AM - 12 PM for appts, 12 - 1 PM 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? Hometown Senior Care Advisors 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 or 4th Monday of the month. Location: Outreach Room
Carle Mobile Health Clinic : W, April 15th, 10 AM - 2 PM
Full-Service Walk-In Healthcare for the Entire Family! Carle’s Mobile Health Clinic provides healthcare on a first come first serve basis. Services include, but not limited to: Primary Care needs, medication review/prescription renewals, chronic illness management, wellness exams, school/sports physicals, and immunizations for all ages including Flu and COVID. The clinic also has full laboratory services and offers EKGs as needed. Social Service supports are also provided on-board the clinic. Location: Parking Lot
Hybrid Programs - Find On Zoom & At ARC
Hybrid Programs - Find On Zoom & At ARC
Hybrid Programs - Find On Zoom & At ARC
*Zoom links and login information shared in weekly programming highlight emails to members*
Mindfulness Meditation: M, W, F, 9:00 - 10:30 AM Join Dave Shanahan on Zoom as he leads a time of secular mindfulness instruction and discussion. The last 15 minutes is set aside to assist those that are new to the program. Location: Conference Room
Intermediate Tai Chi & Qigong: M, W, F, 11 AM
Includes instruction in Qigong and Yang style long form. Emphasis is on coordination of movement with breath and improving strength and balance. All participants are encouraged to attend beginners practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well. Wear comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothing. Location: Exercise Studio
Beginner’s Tai Chi & Qigong: T, TH, 11 AM
Beginners introduction to the static movements of Qigong, the various postures of Tai-Chi, and an introduction to Tai Chi meditation. Qigong movement increases strength and balance, and Tai Chi postures will be broken down into their most basic components. This practice is suitable for beginning and mid-level Tai Chi practitioners. Location: Exercise Studio
ARC Avid Readers Book Club: T, April 7th, 10 AM The ARC Avid Readers Book Club chooses paperback books to read and discuss. April “Africa Is Not a Country: Notes on a Bright Continent,” by Dipo Faloyin and May: “Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, A Novel,” by Claire Pooley.
“Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, A Novel” - Every day Iona travels the ten stops from Hampton Court to Waterloo Station by train. Every day she sees the same people, whom she knows only by nickname. Of course, they never speak. Then one morning, the man she calls Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader chokes on a grape right in front of her. He’d have died were but Sanjay, a nurse, gives him the Heimlich maneuver. This single event starts a chain reaction, and an eclectic group of people, with almost nothing in common except their commute, discover that a chance encounter can blosson into much more. Location: Classroom
Great Books: TH, April 2nd, 10:30 AM
Come, join us in the classroom for thoughtful, worthwhile, and respectful discussions.
Currently, we are using for discussion a book from The Great Books Foundation: The Seven Deadly Sins Sampler (Ed. Born at all.) 2007. The text for discussion will be “pride” in the short story by Flannery O’Connor “Good Country People.” Pages 16 to 40, with questions on page 41. The story involves self-deceptions, and deceptive appearances, as well as a critique of shallow Christianity through misunderstandings of one another. Perhaps this story may be seen as very pertinent today. We welcome newcomers to contribute a variety of perspectives.
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.
3 Tips to Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud & Scams
1. If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond. Don't give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
2. Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn't get or a product you didn't order, it may be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
3. Guard your Medicare card like it's a credit card.
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
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2026 Program Survey
The Normal Township 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 Program 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.
Scan the QR code or use the button below to share your thoughts and help shape future ARC program offerings.