Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors

Membership types

• Members shall be persons who are 55 years of age or older.
• Associate Members shall be partners or spouses of current club members, and are not yet 55 years of age.  Associate members shall have full privileges of membership.
• Life Members shall be persons who are members in good standing and have reached the age of 90 years. Life Members shall negate future membership fees.

Senior programs are offered year-round through the Ruth Clarke Centre. Various community groups and organizations use the facilities for their meetings and events. 

55+ Program Committee

The Municipality of Port Hope is currently recruiting for the 55+ Program Committee. This committee will work collaboratively with Municipality of Port Hope Staff to provide comments, advice and suggestions on recreation program opportunities, promotion of activities and engagement of older adults and seniors in Port Hope.

Objectives

• Create opportunities for feedback and communication for older adults and seniors.
• To promote involvement, commitment, goodwill and participation among older adult and senior groups and individuals.
• Support and assist with planning and delivery of activities and special events throughout the year.
• Identify barriers to participation faced by older adults and seniors and recommend possible solutions.
• In collaboration with municipal staff, form partnerships in the community to educate, inform and improve quality of life for older adults and seniors.
• Represent the needs and interests of older adults and seniors, and work collaboratively with municipal staff to ensure program offerings are relevant.
• Assist with recruitment and coordination of volunteers.

Committee Composition

• 5 members at large representing the diverse interests of older adults and seniors within the Municipality of Port Hope. Consideration will be given to ensuring representation from different activity, age, and geographical groups/individuals.
• 1 representative from the Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee.
• 2 Municipality of Port Hope staff including the Older Adult Coordinator, who will serve as the Committee Chair.
• Other Municipal Staff and delegates may be invited to provide input at times.
• Guest speakers and presenters may request to attend meetings in writing to the Committee Chair two weeks in advance of the meeting.

Staff Support

The Older Adult Coordinator will be responsible for chairing all committee meetings. In addition, staff will provide administrative support such as scheduling meeting, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and preparing background information and reports.

Term

•  2-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
•  The Older Adult Coordinator will serve on the committee continuously.

Meeting Frequency

The committee will meet monthly January to June, once in July or August, and monthly from September – December.

Application Process

• To apply, complete the Committee Application Form, or visit Town Park Recreation Centre for a hardcopy version.
• For questions or further information, contact lmurray@porthope.ca.

Deadline to apply for this committee is Friday, March 17, 2023.

Town Park Recreation Centre Expansion Fundraising Committee

Objectives

• The Committee shall support MPH staff in:
• Creation and review of campaign documents.
• Development of comprehensive fundraising campaign plan including donation, sponsorship and planned giving opportunities.
• Design and implementation of activities and events to generate funds for the project.
• Design and implementation of donor and sponsor recognition program.
• Development of community partnerships to support fundraising.

Committee Composition

• 5 community members - consideration will be given to ensuring representation from different activity, age and geographical groups and to previous fundraising experience, one of whom will serve as Committee Co-Chair.
• 2 Municipality of Port Hope staff, including Manager, Community Recreation and Culture, who will serve as the Committee Co-Chair.
• Other Municipal Staff and delegates may be invited to provide input at times.
• Guest speakers and presenters may request to attend meetings in writing to the Committee Chair two weeks in advance of the meeting.

Staff Support

• The Manager, Community Recreation and Culture, will be responsible for chairing all committee meetings.  In addition, staff will provide administrative support such as scheduling meeting, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and preparing background information and reports. Campaign administration such as reporting, and receipting will be the responsibility of MPH staff.

Term

• 2-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
• The Manager, Community Recreation and Culture will serve on the committee continuously.

Meeting Frequency

• The committee will meet monthly from January to June, once in July or August, and monthly from September to December.

Application Process

• To apply, complete the Committee Application Form, or visit Town Park Recreation Centre for a hardcopy version.
• For questions or further information, contact lmurray@porthope.ca.

Deadline to apply for this committee is Friday March 17, 2023.

Card Programs

Below is a list of all card programs that are currently available to RCAC members.

Duplicate Bridge

Duplicate Bridge is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome!

Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Bid Euchre

Bid Euchre is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome!

Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bridge

Bridge is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome!

Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Canasta

Canasta is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted.  All RCAC members are welcome!

Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Euchre

Euchre is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome!

Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 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 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Cribbage

Cribbage is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome!

Mondays from 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 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (Continuing & Intermediate)

Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (Beginner) - Course is full.

Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (Beginner) - Course is 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 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bingo Programs

Below is a list of all bingo programs available to RCAC members.

Bingo

Bingo 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 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dime Bingo

Dime 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 from 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 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Memoir Writing Course

These four sessions will get you started on writing your memoirs and focus on your purpose – to explore your personal past and your emotional memories, to hand on your knowledge to the next generation, and to bring alive the 'good old (or not so good) times'. We’ll do some writing exercises. You are welcome to share them with the class or submit them to me privately for advice and guidance.  

Resuming in Spring 2023. Subscribe to our Recreation Schedules for upcoming RCAC and recreation programs.

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 from 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 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Men's Social Club

A drop-in program where men 55 years of age and older can socialize, drink coffee, and discuss matters that pertain to them.

Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Nordic Pole Walking Course

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. All walks start at Riverside Park. This program will be cancelled on days where there is inclement weather.

Resuming Thursday April 27, 2023. 

Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Subscribe to our Recreation Schedules for upcoming RCAC and recreation programs.

Computer Lab

Mondays and Thursdays 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.

Friday, March 24, 31 and April 14, 21, 2023

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Course is full.  

Spring Fitness Session

Don't miss Spring aquatic and fitness program registration!

Spring Aquatics: Registration opens April 11, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. 
Spring Programs: Registration opens April 12, 2023 at 8:00 a.m.

Spring Session aquatics and programs run from April 24 to June 18, 2023 (8 weeks session). Fitness Session runs April 24 to June 30, 2023 (10 week session).

Fitness classes and schedules

Minds in Motion

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 of 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 Volunteer Training

All RCAC program conveners are required to attend a training session. This training is designed to update volunteers on program plans, COVID-19 safety procedures, and to complete outstanding paperwork. Please check back for future training dates.

RCAC Workshops

Below is a list of the workshops that are currently available to RCAC members. To register, please contact Town Park Recreation Centre.

Hearing Clinic

Spend time with a Hearing Care Counsellor who will screen for hearing loss, answer your questions about hearing and hearing health care. To book your 30-minute appointment, please contact Town Park Recreation Centre. 

Thursday April 13, 2023

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Introduction to Reflexology

Reflexology is a science based on the premise that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands. Each of those reflexes correspond to glands, organs, parts, and systems of the body. The physical act of applying pressure using thumb, finger and hand techniques to these reflexes results in the reduction of stress, which promotes physiological changes in the body.

Thursday April 13, 2023

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Talking About Death Won't Kill You!

In this presentation we are going to discuss how facing our mortality is the best way to live a full and happy life, and developing a level of comfort with an uncomfortable topic - death.  The presenters will also outline why the Home Hospice Association places so much importance on the normalization of death, and the work that we do - helping those who are facing a life altering illness.

Friday April 21, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Foot Care Workshop

The seminar will introduce common conditions seen in the foot with a particular focus on conditions affecting seniors. You will learn how to evaluate the skin, nails, and circulation as well as how to recognize common warning signs. We will discuss/demonstrate how to perform basic care at home and when you should seek professional care, as well as what professional care will entail.

Thursday April 27, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.