600 East Willow Street, Normal, Illinois 61761, United States
Upcoming Program Highlights
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.*
October Music Programs
Music Enrichment - with Rita Meland
T, October 13, 2 PM
Our Music Enrichment Series entitled The American Song Treasury will continue this month with a program dedicated to “Turn-of-the-Century America (1890-1910),” a 20-year period during which the tempo of America’s progress picked up considerably as did the music industry. The 1890 U.S. Census effectively declared an end to the storied American Frontier with western land now mostly settled. During these two short decades new developments in communication and transportation sparked songs about the telegraph, telephone, bicycles, railroads, trolly cars, airplanes and automobiles. Player pianos were introduced as were the first Gramophone discs. Thomas Edison had already invented the Cylinder Phonograph which you could purchase for $20.00!
With the advent of Tin Pan Alley and the popularity of vaudeville, there was more emphasis on simple, catchy, mass-produced yet appealing songs. As a result, this era created some of the most memorable sing-along songs in American History. Turn-of-the-Century America came to a close just on the verge of the Jazz Age. Join the fun as we continue digging into America’s SongBag, exploring the music from each important historical era. Everyone welcome!! Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Peaceful & Comforting Piano Music with Marsha
TH, October 15 , 10 AM
Relax with graceful piano music with Marsha.
Location: Auditorium
Music Appreciation- with Julie
M, October 19th , 11:00 AM
In October we will be remembering Dolly Parton with a musical biography all about the life and career of the Queen of Country music. We will explore some of Dolly Parton's most famous songs and follow her journey from her beginnings as a child performer in rural Tennessee to her current status as a country music icon Come enjoy the discussion, reminisce and play along to some of her most beloved songs, like "9 to 5" and "Jolene" or write your own verse of "The Sky is Blue". This group is for music lovers and requires no prior musical experience!
Location: Community Room
American Music with Michael Dicker
M, October 26th, 1 PM
Continuing our examination of American music, we move into the 20th century. There is a vast selection of music with developments in opera, symphonic music, folk music, and jazz. This is an exciting time for the development of musical instruments which are made in and played throughout the United States. The early 20th Century brings us many new venues for music performance. The technology advances of the time influenced our lives and continue to play an important role in our musical enjoyment today. I'm looking forward to sharing the ideas and happenings of this very exciting time for music with you. Location: Auditorium
October Art Programs
Intermediate Crochet
TH, October 1, 9-11:30 AM
Instructor: Jessica Carnes
Part 3 of the Top to Bottom Baby Jacket- size newborn
We will continue to make a baby sweater with buttons and sleeves (or sleeveless) for the next small bundle of joy to come your way. Materials needed: Double-knit (DK) yarn, about 100g; Size G hook (4mm); 5 buttons, each about 12-15 mm. If you missed the first part, it’s okay, and you’re welcome to join and start! Registration required. Please join the Intermediate Crochet Facebook group at the ARC in Normal, IL. Location: Conference Room
Rock Painting
F, October 2 ,10-12 PM
Instructor: Lana Kinser
Registration required.
Fee: $10. Location Classroom
Mixed Media Art Piece
M, October 5, 1PM- 3 PM
Instructor: Penny P.
Join Penny for a morning of flexing your creative muscles and creating a beautiful mixed media art piece. Please bring jewlery and pins to use for this project. Cost: $25. Registration Required. Location: Community Room
ARC Avid Readers Book Club
T, October 6 , 10 AM
The ARC Avid Readers Book Club chooses paperback books to read and discuss. October: The Frozen River: A Novel by Ariel Lawhon.
The Frozen River: A Novel by Ariel Lawhon. Maine, 1789: The Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice and
Martha Ballard, a midwife, is summoned to examine the body and determine
cause of death. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and
debacle that unfolds in Hallowell. Months earlier, she documented the details of
an alleged rape committed by two respected gentlemen—one of whom is dead.
A local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an
accident so Martha investigates the murder on her own, using her diary.
Location: Classroom
Free Art with Reenie- Pretty Pumpkins
T, October 6, 1 PM -2 PM
Instructor:Reenie B.
Join Reenie as she teaches you how to craft adorable pumpkins! This class is free and registration is required. Location Classroom
Walking Stick Class
F, October 9, 9 AM-11:30 AM
Instructor: Torri Thompson
The image of an bent, elderly person hobbling along, leaning on a stick or cane, is an enduring image of growing 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 thing we can do about it. But many of us “senior citizens” wear tennis shoes, jeans, and teeshirts, we may spend a good bit of time outside, we are committed bird watchers, gardeners, star gazers, trail hikers, campers. The aging “process” can mean a loss of innate balance, maybe arthritis in the knees and feet, and it’s hard as to get up from the flat ground, in your garden or your kitchen. 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, or to get up. So whether you need a stick for indoors or out, join us and make your own painted, studded with beads or minerals, complete with leather handgrips or leather lacing, interesting knobs on top. It is a kind of visible commitment to staying in the game (and being safer while doing so). Cost $20 Location: Classroom.
Great Books
TH, October 8, 10:30 AM
We invite everybody to join us us in the ARC classroom for a thoughtful, worthwhile, lively, and respectful discussion.
Currently, we are using for discussion short stories in a book from The Great Books Foundation: The Seven Deadly Sins Sampler (Ed. Born at all.) 2007.
The text for discussion will be “Sloth” in a short story by Aton Checkov, “The House with the Mezzanine” Pages 124-144 with questions on page 145. This story is available online.
The narrative is typically simple, a façade for much more challenging (and even conflicting) views on Political Activism versus the Artistic Life. What is the truth of “(more active) acting”-- versus the truth of “(more passive) appreciation”?
Is this story more about “Sloth” or is it more multifaceted and complex?
We welcome fresh faces to contribute to a diversity of perspectives.
Location: Classroom
Meeting ID: 843 8322 9237
Passcode: 974847
Make a Masquerade Mask
S, October 10, 10 AM- 12 PM
Instructor: Emily
Let your creative freedom shine through as we make masquerade masks! Use them for our ARC Masked Ball on October 16 or use them as a fun decoration! This is a FREE class! Registration is required. Location: Classroom.
Origami Class
W, October 14 & 28, 1- 2 PM
Instructor: Peggy T.
Origami is a great hobby.
It's fun, it's therapeutic, it's magical! It's low cost and anyone can learn. Transform a flat piece of paper into an action figure or a 3-D object. In this class we will be making a beautiful gift box with a lid and an accordion photo fame inside. All materials supplied. Success or Money back guarantee. Give it a try! Cost: $7 Location: Community Room
Let’s Make Tussy Mussies!
TH, October 15, 11 AM
Please join ARC’s Enthusiastic Gardeners Club as they make Tussy Mussies! Please bring a small (2-3" diameter) vase, gloves, and hand pruners!
Cost: $5. Location: Community Room
Fused Glass: Free- Standing Half Circles
F & S, October 16 & 17, 9 AM & 11 AM
Instructor: Connie D.
We will be creating free- standing half circles! Participants will be able to embellish them as they wish! Cost: $35. Location: Classroom.
Pumpkin Decorating
S, October 17, 10 AM- 12 PM
It’s the perfect time of year to decorate pumpkins! Each participant will get a mini pumpkin to decorate! We will display them through the ARC when completed! This is a FREE event. Registration required. Location: Dining Room.
Fall Paint and Sip Program
TH, October 22, 5- 7 PM
Instructor: Emily
Time to flex your creative muscles! Paint along to create a beautiful fall leaves scene and enjoy a make your own coffee bar! Cost: $5. Registration Required. Location: Classroom
Halloween Coloring Night
T, October 27, 5-7PM
Instructor: Kristen
Shake off the stress of the day by coloring cute Halloween designs!
Registration Required. Location: Classroom.
Essential Oils Class
W, October 28, 2:30- 4 PM
Instructor: Michelle M.
Join Michelle as she gives participants an introduction to essential oils! Participants will get to create 2 make and take products including a roller ball and a room spray! Cost: $15. Location: Celebration Room.
Day of the Dead Ofrenda Hearts
TH, October 29, 5-7 PM
Day of the Dead is an important cultural holiday that helps us remember those we have lost. Join us as we make hearts commemorating our loved ones to be placed on our Ofrenda, or memorial for Day of the Dead. Please bring pictures of loved ones and memories to share. Cost: $5. Location: Classroom.
Support Groups at ARC
Caregiver Support: CCSI & The Alzheimer's Association - W, October 7th , 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!
Location: Community Room
Caregiver Support: Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center: T, October 6th, 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.
Location: Community Room
Men's Grief Support: W, October 23rd, 12 - 1:30 PM
Open to members/non-members of ARC, men who are grieving the death of a spouse or other significant person/other. Led by Kevin Copeland, LCSW, Carle Hospice Bereavement Coordinator. This program will meet in person at ARC for the month of August.
Location: Conference Room
Veterans Coffee Cafe: F, October 9th, 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, October 20th , 1 PM
The Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Location: Classroom
Wellness Programs
SHIP and Medicare
Getting Your Communication Right
M, October 5, 10 AM - 12 PM
Is there such thing as healthy conflict? This is the beginning of the brand new series. You don’t want to miss out. This class is bound to benefit everyone! Classes are from 10 am til 12 pm. Bring a pen, a notepad and some water. You will be glad you did. Registration required. Location: Auditorium
Books on the Go
T, October 6 & 20, 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
Matter of Balance
T & TH Beginning October 6, 2 PM
(8 sessions)
Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restricting their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award- winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels for older adults. You must be enrolled in the first class to attend the following sessions. Registration Required. Location: Community Room
Durable Power of Attorney
T, October 13 & TH October 15, 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: Conference Room
OSF SmartMeals
F, October 16, 2 PM
Learn about the OSF SmartMeals Program and take home a meal kit after this taste-testing class. These shelf-stable, healthier recipes can be a pantry staple for easy cooking. Registration required. Location: Dining Room
Smart Driver
W October 21 & TH October 22 , 9 AM -1 PM
The AARP Smart Driver course covers updated road rules, modern vehicle safety features, and strategies to manage the effects of aging on driving. Through interactive units, you'll learn proven defensive driving techniques and receive practical tools like crash reporting guides, all while potentially earning a discount on your auto insurance. You must attend both classes. Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non AARP members. You must present your AARP card for discounted price. Fee will be collected day of. Registration is required. Location: Auditorium
Hometown Senior Care Advisors
M, October 26, 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: Conference Room
SHIP and Medicare
SHIP and Medicare
Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
TH, October 8, 11 AM
How do Medicare’s prescription drug plans work? Are there steps you can take to lower your prescription drug cost? What changes might be expected for 2027? This presentation will address these questions and offer pointers to help you determine if you could benefit from a review & compare this fall of available 2027 drug plans. The Plan Finder tool used by SHIP will be demonstrated. This presentation is Part D drug plan basic information in a group setting, not specific individual counseling. Information on scheduling time with SHIP counselors during the annual open enrollment is available in the October newsletter.
A separate presentation on Medicare Advantage Medicare insurance will not be offered this year. However, the search tool that will be demonstrated for Part D plans is also applicable for MA plans
This presentation will be held in the ARC Auditorium. Registration (encouraged) is available online using the Member Portal or by calling ARC at (309) 888-9099. You do not need to be an ARC member to attend. SHIP is a program of the State of Illinois, Illinois Department on Aging. Location: Auditorium
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
The Senior Advisory Board is looking for two new members!
Are you interested in joining the Senior Advisory Board? Please contact Township Supervisor, Krystle Able at kable@normaltownship.org.