The Ruth Clarke Centre for Seniors was constructed in 1979. Annual memberships are available for adults aged 55 and older. The annual membership allows for participation in the Centre’s programs as well as additional discounts for fitness classes.
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 |
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In collaboration with the Municipality of Port Hope, the RCAC Advisory Board has been investigating potential ways to best operate with the new addition at Town Park Recreation Centre. Together, we have examined the impact of recreation and leisure needs of seniors in Port Hope and support the transition of offering a wide variety of high quality, municipally operated programs, and services. Over the next couple of months, the RCAC Board will reorganize, and operation of programs formerly managed by the Ruth Clark Activity Centre will transition to be managed by Municipality of Port Hope. These programs will continue to be guided by the voices and input of local seniors through the creation of two new committees. These committees will work to establish objectives, recruitment, recognition, and guiding principles and will work to enhance social, recreational and wellness opportunities for older adults. The Older Adult Program Committee will be a program committee that works collaboratively with staff in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture to identify program needs, social opportunities, events, and scheduling of activities. A representative from the Older Adult Program Committee will participate on the Program, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee to represent the work of the group and the desires of older adults. The PRC Advisory Committee is a standing committee of Council. The Fundraising Committee will work in cooperation with Municipal staff to develop and execute a fundraising campaign to raise funds for the current expansion project as well as future projects and initiatives relevant to older adults. Recruitment for these committees will commence in January, with assignments complete by February 2023. In March an event will be held at Town Park Recreation Center during which you will have the opportunity to meet committee members and staff, to provide your suggestions and feedback on potential new programs, and to assist in selection of an art piece to be displayed in the new expansion to commemorate the Ruth Clarke name. This change will not disrupt programming for older adults, but rather, facilitate the development of new and diverse programming to compliment the programs you already know and love. Programming for older adults is an important priority, and we look forward to working together to enhance and expand opportunities and program offerings. |
RCAC Programs: November 21, 2022 - February 12, 2023
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 |
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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 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.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. BridgeBridge is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Thursdays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 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. EuchreEuchre is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Fridays 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
Colouring Club |
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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. |
Cribbage |
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Cribbage is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Drop-ins can be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome! Mondays 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |
Tai Chi |
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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 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (Continuing & Intermediate) Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (Beginner) - Course is full. Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (Beginner) - Course is full. |
Knitting Circle |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
Memoir Writing Course |
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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 |
Puzzles |
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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 |
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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. |
Men's Social Club |
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A drop-in program where men 55 years of age and older can socialize, drink coffee, and discuss matters that pertain to them. Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Starting Friday January 20, 2023 |
Nordic Pole Walking Course |
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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 in Spring 2023 |
Computer Lab |
| The computer lab is taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Come and enjoy free use of our laptops and WIFI. This is not an instructed course. Drop-ins can also be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome!
Mondays and Thursdays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Computer Training Course |
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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. |
Winter 1 Fitness Session |
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The Municipality is offering a Winter Fitness Session which starts on November 21, 2022. |
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 |
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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. |
RCAC Workshops |
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Below is a list of the workshops that are currently available to RCAC members. To register, please contact Town Park Recreation Centre. Ontario’s New Personal Income Tax CreditsLearn about Ontario’s newest tax credits – the Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit, Jobs Training Tax Credit, Staycation Tax Credit and Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit – plus get reminders about Ontario’s other tax credits and benefits. Thursday January 12, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Learn About Retirement Living - Aspira Empire CrossingJoin Sandra as she discusses your retirement living options with Aspira Empire Crossing. Thursday January 19, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Death CareThe presentation will provide information on options available to families in death care services at funeral homes, cemeteries, crematoriums, and hydrolysis facilities. Friday January 20, 2023 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Introduction to Medical CannabisLearn about the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis and how it can be used to provide symptom relief, the different types of cannabis and their benefits, and the importance of working with a healthcare team for proper dosing. Thursday January 26, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. CanXplore - NewfoundlandCome to learn more about the unique culture and lifestyle of the warm-hearted people of Newfoundland. Get ready for the stunning natural beauty, quaint villages, and abundant marine life. Join Cathy to hear more about this beautiful province. Friday February 3, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Flourish At Home - Independent LivingThe services provided by Flourish at Home gives seniors the necessities to continue to live independently in their home. Flourish at Home is a “one stop” service where we coordinate everything you need. From picking up the groceries to providing post-surgical care, our qualified, compassionate health care professionals are available 24/7 when you need them. Thursday February 9, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Safe Winter DrivingEverything you need to know to prepare your vehicle, navigate the road conditions and use best practices for winter driving. Thursday February 16, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Blood Pressure ClinicSpend time with a Registered Nurse, as she answers questions regarding your blood pressure and your health. To book your 15-minute appointment, please contact Town Park Recreation Centre. Wednesday February 22, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Healthy Eating for Chronic DiseasesLearn tips on healthy eating principles for those living with chronic diseases from a Registered Dietitian. Presentations will be taking place at various times throughout the day. Participants can only sign up for one presentation timeslot only. Wednesday February 22, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Hearing ClinicSpend 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 February 23, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. End-of-Life Doula: Supporting the Caregiving RoleOften when asked “what does a Death Doula actually do”, the answer is very simple. A Death Doula has done their job if they have helped prevent 911 from being called. Death Doulas are quickly finding their place in support of the dying, and those care for them. Ready, willing, and able to attend at the bedside regardless of the hour of the day means that Death Doulas are an ideal member of any team dedicated to helping each other to die well. This presentation will help to engage in conversation to answer the following questions: How necessary is it to have a End-of-Life Doula on a robust palliative care team? To whom does a End-of-Life Doula see as their client and why? When does an End-of-Life Doula typically and/or ideally joins a caregiving team? Thursday March 2, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Ontario's Estate Administration TaxWould you like to better understand how Ontario’s Estate Administration Tax works? Or has someone asked you to be their estate representative? By attending our seminar, you will learn whether Estate Administration Tax could be payable on the value of your estate; what assets to include and exclude in the value of the estate; how to calculate and pay the tax owed; and how to file an Estate Information Return. Come spend an hour with the Ministry of Finance to gain valuable knowledge on this important component of the estate administration process. Thursday March 9, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. |
Featured Event: Let's Get Active Port Hope
Join us for Free Fitness for age 55+. Connect, contribute and learn new skills to lead an active lifestyle.
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.