Special Programs March 2009
The Seniors Program, held at the Community Activity Center, located at One Normal Plaza, has many varied programs for everyone in the McLean County area that are 60 years of age or older. Seniors are welcome every weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
SENIORS PROGRAM SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
The Seniors Program shuttle bus service is available to all seniors that live within a 5 mile radius of the Community Activity Center. The shuttle bus service offers door to door transportation to and from our programs. The shuttle bus operates Monday through Friday, according to the Seniors Program calendar year. Pick-up time begins at 9:00 am and runs until approximately 10:00 AM. The return trips take place at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM The cost for riding the shuttle bus is $1.00 each way. In order to run an efficient shuttle bus service, all riders need to reserve a seat by Noon one day in advance.
FREE COMPUTER HELP: TUESDAYS, MARCH 3RD, 10TH, 17TH, 24TH, 31ST NOON
Do you need help operating your home computer? If so, Jim Henry will be available in the computer lab on Tuesdays in March at Noon. If Tuesdays do not work for you, call Jim at 888-9754.
ROUTE 66 RED HAT SOCIETY MEETING AND PARTY: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH, 10:30 AM
The Route 66 Red Hatters of Normal will meet on Wednesday, March 4th at 10:30 AM at the Community Activity Center. Following the meeting the group will meet at Keps for lunch. Don't forget to wear your red hat and purple outfit! If you have general questions, or if you are interested in joining the Route 66 Red Hatters, contact the Seniors Program at 888-9099. If you are interested in joining this group, or have general questions, call the Seniors Program at 888-9099.
GREAT BOOKS: THURSDAY, MARCH 5TH, 10:00 AM - NOON
Great Books reading and discussion programs introduce adult participants to significant works of literature. Academy of Seniors Great Books is scheduled to meet on Thursday, March 5th from 10:00 AM - Noon. For more information contact Jay Edmondson at 309-747-2883.
ILLINOIS CARES Rx/CIRCUIT BREAKER APPLICATION ASSISTANCE: THURSDAY, MARCH 5TH AND 12TH, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
A Path representative will be at the Community Activity Center on Thursday, March 5th and 12th from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM to help fill out Circuit Breaker/Illinois Cares Rx Applications. Eligibility requirements are: disabled or 65+, and have an income of $25,532 a year or less ($33,877 for a couple or $42,220 for a three-person household). To complete an application you must bring the following information with you: Social Security care, Medicare card, proof of income for 2008 (Social Security, SSI benefits, pensions, interest earned from bank accounts or investments, or any other income earned in 2008), current cash value of life insurance policy (if applicable), and proof of rent or property tax paid in 2008 (if you paid rent in 2008, have your landlord’s name, address, and phone number available). Please stop in or call the Seniors Program at 888-9099 to set up an appointment. If you have any questions about the Illinois Cares Rx/Circuit Breaker program or the eligibility requirements, please contact Shayne at PATH Senior Services. The number for PATH is 309-827-4005 or 1-800-570-7284
NPL BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP AND APPRECIATION PARTY: FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH, 10:15 - NOON
The NPL book discussion group chooses paperback books to read and purchase, and then discusses them on the 1st Friday of each month. The discussion group is lead by Kay Wilson. This month's meeting will take place on Friday, March 6th from 10:15 - Noon. The group uses books that are available at the Normal Public Library. If you have any questions, or if you are interested in joining the NPL Book Discussion Group, contact the Seniors Program at 888-9099.
VITA (VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX SERVICE): FRIDAYS, JANUARY 23RD - APRIL 10TH, 9:30 - 11:30 AM & 12:30 - 2:30 PM
VITA Volunteers will be preparing returns and answering tax questions on Fridays, from January 23rd - April 10th. ONLY people who have appointments will be accepted. Call 888-9099, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be scheduled between the hours of 9:30-11:30 AM or 12:30-2:30 PM Please show up at least 15 minutes early to complete a contact sheet. Bring your SS card, last year's tax return, and all current tax documents - social security statement, pension, interest, dividends, etc. If you wish to use direct deposit or direct payment, bring a check for informational purposes. Please bring a valid photo ID. VITA will be offering computer prepared returns and electronic transmission. E-file means faster refunds and improved accuracy.
SUPERMARKET BINGO: HEARTLAND HEALTHCARE: TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH, 11:00 AM
A representative from Heartland Healthcare will host Supermarket Bingo on Tuesday, March 10th at 11:00 AM. Numerous prizes will be given out to the lucky winners. Come and join Heartland Healthcare for this special hour of bingo.
RULES OF THE ROAD: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH, 9:30-11:30 AM
A “Rules of the Road” review session, sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), will be held at the Community Activity Center on Wednesday, March 11th from 9:30-11:30 AM. The classes are free and are open to all adults. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, call 888-9099,
EUCHRE TOURNAMENT: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH, 12:30 PM
There will be a Euchre tournament on Wednesday, March 11th. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners. Sign-up sheets are available at the Community Activity Center or you can call the Seniors Program at 888-9099. Sign up by Tuesday, March 10th.
8-BALL TOURNAMENT: THURSDAY, MARCH 12TH 9:00 AM - NOON
Terry Fry is sponsoring an 8-Ball Tournament on Thursday, March 12th from 9:00 AM - Noon. There is no entry fee, no gambling, and no sign-up necessary. The tournament will be double elimination and the winner will receive a trophy.
BUNCO: FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH, 12:30 PM
Come and join us on Friday, March 13th at 12:30 PM for a fun dice game. Bunco is played in rounds. Players take turns rolling the dice trying to accumulate as many points as possible to win each round. The game is played at tables of four in competing teams of two. For more information or to sign-up for Bunco, contact the Seniors Program at 888-9099. Sign-up by: Wednesday, March 12th.
CALIFORNIA CANASTA APPRECIATION BRUNCH: MONDAY, MARCH 16TH, 10:00 AM
The Seniors Program will host an appreciation party for the members of this group on Monday, March 16th at 10:00 AM.
PINOCHLE TOURNAMENT: TUESDAY, MARCH 17TH, 12:30 PM
There will be a Pinochle tournament on Tuesday, March 17th. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners. Sign-up sheets are available at the Community Activity Center or you may call the Seniors Program at 888-9099. Sign up by Monday, March 16th.
WORD WEAVERS GROUP MEETING: TUESDAY, MARCH 17TH, 1:00 PM
Word Weavers, a local group of area writers, will meet on Tuesday, March 17th at 1:00 PM The group shares writing techniques and writing ideas. Come and share your ideas. For more information call 888-9099.
PAINTERS WORKSHOP: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18TH, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
An all day painters' workshop is scheduled on Wednesday, March 18th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM The purpose of the workshop is for experienced or inexperienced artists to come and paint and socialize with others.
GENEALOGY: THURSDAY, MARCH 19TH, 1:00 PM
The monthly Genealogy group will meet on Thursday, March 19th at 1:00 PM If you are interested in sharing new and old genealogy ideas, new software, and Internet sites, come join this group. For more information call 888-9099.
TEXAS HOLD'EM POKER TOURNAMENT: FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH, 12:30 PM
Terry Fry will host a Texas Hold'em Poker tournament on Friday, March 20th at 12:30 PM Experienced, as well as inexperienced players are encouraged to participate. There is no buy-in required. You will be playing with chips that will be provided. The winner of the tournament will receive a trophy.
ACT ON ENERGY PRESENTATION: AMEREN: MONDAY, MARCH 23RD, 10:30 AM
Learn how to make your home more energy efficient, lower your energy costs, better understand your utility bill, and much more. Come hear a presentation by Stacey Young of Ameren Illinois Utilities on Monday, March 23rd at 10:30 am
SHIP (SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM): TUESDAY, MARCH 24TH, 1:00-3:00 PM
The Seniors Program, sponsored by Normal Township, provides space for YWCA/RSVP Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) volunteers to individually and privately counsel and assist seniors with Medicare or Health Insurance questions on Tuesday, March 24th from 1:00-3:00 PM The counselors providing assistance are trained through the State of Illinois.
PAINTER’S WORKSHOP: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25TH, 9:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
An all day painters’ workshop if scheduled for Wednesday, March 25th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The purpose of the workshop is for experienced or inexperienced artists to come and paint and socialize with others.
BUS TRIP: PARADISE CASINO AND BUSY CORNER: THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH 10:45 AM – 4:30 PM
The Seniors Program is sponsoring a bus trip to the Paradise Casino in Peoria, IL with a stop at the Busy Corner for lunch on Thursday, March 26th. You will need to arrive at the Community Activity Center at 10:30 AM. The bus will leave at 10:45 AM and return at approximately 4:30 PM. This trip is currently full.
BALANCE FAIR: VITAL WELLNESS: FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH, 10:00 AM – NOON
Have you had a fall incident in the last year: If so, Vital Wellness encourages you to attend the balance fair on Friday, March 27th from 10:00 AM – Noon. A team of healthcare professionals will provide FREE blood pressure checks and balance screenings. Refreshments will be served.
BRIDGE TOURNAMENT: FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH, 12:30 PM
There will be a Bridge tournament on Friday, March 27th at 12:30 PM. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners. Sign-up sheets are available at the Community Activity Center or you may call the Seniors Program at 888-9099. Sign up by Wednesday, March 25th.
BUS TRIP: PARADISE CASINO AND BUSY CORNER: MONDAY, MARCH 30TH, 9:15 AM – 3:00 PM
The Seniors Program is sponsoring a bus trip to the Paradise Casino in Peoria, IL stopping for brunch at the Busy Corner on Monday, March 30th. You will need to arrive at the Community Activity Center at 9:00 AM. The buss will leave at 9:15 AM and return at approximately 3:00 PM. The cost of this trip is $10.00 and includes transportation and driver’s tip. Brunch at the Busy Corner is on your own. If you would like to sign-up for this program stop by the Seniors Program Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM to register. Payment is due at time of registration.
MOVIE: MONDAY, MARCH 30TH, 12:30 PM
On Monday, March 30th at 12:30 PM a movie will be shown on our BIG SCREEN TV. Refreshments will be served. In the event that a title is not available on its screening day, every effort will be made to find a suitable replacement. On Monday, March 30th: Movie: Young at Heart – A story of the Young at Heart Chorus, a group of senior citizens who perform contemporary and classis rock and pop songs.
SPRING FLING BINGO: EVERGREEN SENIOR LIVING: TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST, 11:00 AM
A representative from Evergreen Senior Living will host Spring Fling Bingo on Tuesday, March 31st at 11:00 AM. Numerous prizes will be given out to the lucky winners. Come and join Evergreen Senior Living for this special hour of bingo.
CARDS
Every Monday through Friday seniors are invited to play cards. The pinochle group usually meets on Tuesday afternoons, the bridge group meets on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, and the euchre group meets on Wednesday afternoons. Individuals wanting to play will need to call the Seniors Program at 888-9099 to have your name put on a list for a table. You will need to call one day in advance by 3:00 PM to secure your spot for the following day. Bridge, pinochle, and euchre start at 12:30 PM and play continues until 3:00 PM
PEACE MEAL
The Community Activity Center is a Peace Meal site. Noontime meals are served Monday through Friday and are available for all persons 60 and over. Participants are served a delicious well-balanced meal containing at least 1/3 of the daily adult nutritional requirements. There is a suggested donation of $3.00 for the meal. We would like to encourage seniors to get out of their homes and enjoy a meal in the company of friends and neighbors. In order for the proper number of meals to be prepared and if needed, transportation scheduled, please make your reservation(s) by 12:00 Noon one day in advance calling 888-9099. .
WHAT ARE OPEN CLASSES
If you see a class advertised as an OPEN class, it means the class is open to the public free of charge. The OPEN classes may also serve as an introduction for those interested in registering for an exercise class. In addition, the open classes held between sessions, also serve as make-up classes for participants and instructors.