The Ruth Clarke Centre for Seniors was constructed in 1979. Annual memberships are available for adults age 55 and older. The annual membership allows for participation in the Centre’s programs as well as additional discounts for fitness classes.
June is Seniors Month |
| June is Seniors Month in Ontario. This year’s theme is ‘Stay Active, Connected and Safe’. Throughout the month, individuals 55 years and older are able to participate in free recreation programs offered by the Municipality of Port Hope. For more information regarding June is Seniors Month activities, visit the Seasonal Activities page. To reserve your spot, please call Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908, or email rclarkecentre@porthope.ca. Dates and times of regularly scheduled RCAC program will not be affected by the June is Seniors Month event. |
New! Learn, Play, Connect 55+
Stay sharp and connected with a variety of free virtual programs.
Learn, Play and Connect Program Schedule
We have a variety of virtual programs to choose from. From arts and culture programming to fitness - discover our FREE offerings below!
Learn, Play, Connect 55+: Free Educational Programs |
| Find an online learning opportunity that interests you. Expand your knowledge, learn new skills, and apply them in your day-to-day activities or volunteer work. For these classes you will be required to have a laptop, tablet or device with a camera and microphone to participate in these classes. To register, please email the Older Adult Activity Coordinator or call 905-885-7908.
Psychological First AidPsychological First Aid is about taking care of yourself and being there for family, friends, and the community when they are having difficulties coping. Learn how to anticipate stress and crisis whenever possible and equip yourself with the skillset to practice self-care and to provide care for others during particularly challenging times. This course teaches you how to build resiliency to stress and establish coping strategies for stress and trauma. To register, please email the Older Adult Activity Coordinator or call 905-885-7908.
Food Handlers CertificateThis virtual training opportunity is available to RCAC volunteers or those interested in becoming volunteers. By completing this online course you will receive a Ministry recognized food handler certification. In Good Hands was developed by Health Inspectors at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. This virtual course can be complete at your own pace and at any time that is convenient for you. All volunteers who are interested in assisting at future programs and events that involve serving or cooking food must have this certification. To register, please email the Older Adult Activity Coordinator or call 905-885-7908. Self Exploration: Examining My Online Identity and Digital Media UseThis course is the digital version of a course created by Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) in 2013 and funded by the Ontario government using Employment Ontario funding. In this course, you will learn about your online identity, discuss how to protect your online identity with secure passwords, look at the uses of digital devices and media in your life and talk about evaluating online information. This is an online course that is available at anytime. To register, please email the Older Adult Activity Coordinator or call 905-885-7908.
Creating Your Digital FootprintIn this course, you will find out what a digital footprint is and how you create one. You will explore the different reasons we communicate online and look at some online communication tools. Don't worry if you don't know what any of those terms mean yet. You will by the end of the course! This is an online course that is available at anytime. To register, please email the Older Adult Activity Coordinator or call 905-885-7908.
Becoming a Volunteer in Your CommunityVolunteering in your community is a great way to be involved and gain experience! This short course will help you to learn about yourself, explore practice skills you will need in a volunteer or work placement position. This is an online course that is available at anytime. To register, please email the Older Adult Activity Coordinator or call 905-885-7908. |
This program has been made possible by the support from the New Horizons for Seniors Program and Employment and Social Development Canada.
The Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for seniors is currently closed. Programs are running out of Town Park Recreation Centre.
- Located at: 81 Mill Street South,
Port Hope, L1A 2S8, - The Ruth Clarke Activity Centre is currently closed. All programs are running out of Town Park Recreation Centre.
- Community Hall with kitchen
- Lounge
- Small fitness room
- Computer lab
The Ruth Clarke Activity Centre is currently closed. Check out our facility and rental webpage for information on rentals at other facilities.
Membership
Memberships can be renewed in person at the Town Park Recreation Centre or over the phone. The annual membership fee for the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre is $20.00 per person per year. Nominal fees are applied to the Seniors Centre’s activities for participation. Your membership is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Membership types |
There are three types of memberships:
Senior programs are offered year-round through the Ruth Clarke Centre. Various community groups and organizations use the facilities for their meetings and events. |
Ruth Clarke Advisory Board |
| The purpose of the Advisory Board is to advise the Municipality of Port Hope, Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, on matters pertaining to programs, activities and services to members of the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre Seniors and to fully represent the members of the Ruth Clarke Centre. The Advisory Board is comprised of elected members voted on by the membership. Those running or election are nominated by the membership to run for a position on the Board. The Board consists of no more then 9 members serving a 3 year term. Introducing your current Ruth Clarke Advisory Board:
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RCAC Programs: May 9 - June 12, 2022
See below a list of programs available to RCAC members. More programs will be added to the schedule as we continue to slowly bring back programs.
Card Programs |
| Below is a list of all card programs that are currently available to RCAC members. Duplicate BridgeDuplicate Bridge is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. CribbageCribbage is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Bid EuchreBid Euchre is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CanastaCanasta is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Colouring Club |
| Colouring Club is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Bring your colouring books and supplies to enjoy a social morning with friends while sharing creative ideas and techniques. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Mondays 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |
Tai Chi |
| The Tai Chi program is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Current members of RCAC are welcome to participate in the program and three class levels will be available every Tuesday. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Tuesdays, the three class levels include: Continuing 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Intermediate 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Beginners 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. - this class is now full. |
Knitting Circle |
| Knitting Circle is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Bring your knitting supplies and enjoy each other’s company while sharing your projects and patterns. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Bingo Programs |
| Below is a list of all bingo programs available to RCAC members. BingoBingo is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. The cost to play is $2.50. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dime BingoDime Bingo is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. The cost to play is $2.00. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Darts |
| Current RCAC members are welcome to join our darts program at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Bring your own darts. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. |
Puzzles |
| The puzzles program is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Come enjoy an afternoon of jigsaw puzzles and socializing with friends. Puzzles are provided. Drop-ins can be accepted. Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
Scrabble |
| The scrabble program is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Come enjoy a good game of scrabble and socializing with friends. Scrabble boards and dictionaries are provided. Drop-ins can be accepted. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |
Nordic Pole Walking |
| Come join us for a total body workout while socializing! Nordic Pole Walking targets 90% of your body’s muscles, cardiovascular system, keeps your body in alignment, reduces impact and burns calories. You will be shown how to achieve this by a trained Nordic Pole walking instructor. If you have your own poles, please bring them to each walk. For participants who do not have their own equipment, a limited number of walking poles will be available for use and need to be returned to the instructor after each walk. Daytime walks start at Riverside Park. Evening walks start at the Farmers' Market. This program will be cancelled on days where there is inclement weather. Daytime Nordic Pole Walking Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Evening Nordic Pole Walking Course Starts June 14, 2022 Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
Computer Lab |
| The computer lab is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Come and enjoy free use of our laptops and WIFI. Drop-ins can also be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Monday-Friday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Computer Training Course |
| In partnership with Fleming College, RCAC members have access to free in-person computer training. The course will take place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Participants will learn basic computer navigation, Internet usage, digital communications (including texting, email), and Microsoft Word. Registration is required for this course. Participants must commit to attending all four dates. Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. May 6, 13, 27, and June 3, 2022 (FULL) |
Spring 2 Fitness Session |
| The municipality is offering a Spring 2 Fitness Session which runs from May 9 to Jun 12, 2022. Registration is ongoing. |
Minds in Motion |
| Minds in Motion is a 2-hour program that combines 1 hour of physical activity with 1 hour of mental and social stimulation. It is designed for individuals with any form of memory loss and their care partners to attend together. This program runs once a week for 8 weeks and offers the opportunity to establish new friendships with others who are living with similar experiences. This program is offered in partnership with the Alzheimer's Society at the Municipality of Port Hope. Due to the current pandemic Minds in Motion has shifted to make sure we can continue to offer our services and supports to all who wish to take part. Minds in Motion is currently being offered twice a week virtually over the Zoom platform. We have altered the program to run 30 Minutes physical exercise followed by 30 minutes of social/rec. Every Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. this is a perfect opportunity to try the program. There is no diagnosis needed for this program. There is no better time then now to try it out. We welcome all to join in our fun. For more information you can contact: Jennifer Stubbert Minds in Motion Coordinator 705-748-5131 ext 225 or 1-800-561-2588 or jennifer@alzheimerjourney.ca |
RCAC workshops and events
A variety of free workshops and events are offered to RCAC members in partnership with local organizations. See a list below including dates, times, descriptions and how you can join.
RCAC Volunteer Training |
| All RCAC program conveners are required to attend a training session. This training is designed to update volunteers on program return plans, COVID-19 safety procedures, and to complete outstanding paperwork. Please check back for future training dates. |
June is Seniors Month |
| June is Seniors Month in Ontario. This year’s theme is ‘Stay Active, Connected and Safe’. Throughout the month, individuals 55 years and older are able to participate in free recreation programs offered by the Municipality of Port Hope. For more information regarding June is Seniors Month activities, visit the Seasonal Activities page. To reserve your spot, please call Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908, or email rclarkecentre@porthope.ca. Dates and times of regularly scheduled RCAC program will not be affected by the June is Seniors Month event. |
New Seniors Centre
On March 18, 2021, our Federal and Provincial governments announced that the Municipality of Port Hope was successful in their application for funding for the expansion of the Town Park Recreation Centre.
The project involves the expansion and rehabilitation of the existing Town Park Recreation Centre, with the addition of three multi-purpose rooms, a large gathering area, storage space, as well as rehabilitating the existing kitchen, increasing room sizes, and creating a new parking lot.
The addition at the Town Park Recreation Centre will be the new home to our 55+ membership and will provide improved access to the community and recreation activities.