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Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors

Home...Recreation ProgramsAdult and Older Adult ProgramsRuth Clarke Activity Centre Programs
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A group of older adult friends outside

The Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for seniors is currently closed. Programs are running out of Town Park Recreation Centre.

Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors LogoThe 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.

Call for Committee Members - The Municipality of Port Hope is currently recruiting for the Town Park Recreation Expansion Fundraising Committee and the 55+ Program Committee. For more information about these committees visit the Town Park Recreation Centre webpage.

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:
  • 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 us.

Town Park Recreation Centre Expansion Fundraising Committee

The Town Park Recreation Center Expansion Project Fundraising Committee will work collaboratively with Municipality of Port Hope Staff in design and delivery of a community fundraising campaign to raise $200K over two years to support completion of the Town Park Recreation Center Expansion project. The expansion at Town Park Recreation Center includes addition of three multipurpose rooms, a servery, accessible washrooms, an accessible customer service area and lobby, storage and an outdoor courtyard for later development.

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 us. 

RCAC Programs: April 24 - June 30, 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

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!

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

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!  During the months of June, July, and August 2023, Tai Chi will be operating at East Beach, and is an uninstructed drop-in program.

Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (All Levels)

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 Fall 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.

Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.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. This is not an instructed course. Drop-ins can also be accepted. All RCAC members are welcome!

Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 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, May 26, June 2, 9, 16, 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

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 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 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 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.  

Please note that RCAC Workshops will be placed on hold for the month of May 2023.  This is to accommodate the transition into the new facility.  RCAC Workshops will resume in June 2023.  Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.


Somatic Stress Relief Workshop

Using movement and mindfulness, the participants will learn to let go of stuck tension and increase your resilience to stress.  The purpose of Somatic stress relief is to give the participants the ability to move through life with more ease and restoration while avoiding the symptoms of built up stress. 

  • Tuesday June 6, 2023
  • 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Building Dementia Friendly Communities 

A Dementia Friendly Community is a place where people living with dementia are understood, respected, and supported. It's an environment where everyone feels confident in their ability to contribute to community life, is included in conversations, and has choice and control over their day-to-day lives. People with dementia and their care partners have the right to live well in the community, together. As more people are diagnosed with dementia every year and choose to live at home, we need to determine how we can better support people living with dementia. Join thousands of Ontarians in showing your support for people living with dementia and their care partners. Together, we can create a Dementia Friendly Community.  This session gives an overview of what dementia is and how to recognize when someone might be living with dementia. It helps participants to understand the realities and challenges that can come up while navigating the community when one has a cognitive impairment. We also go through some communication tips and what to do if we encounter someone who is living with dementia and may be lost, disoriented, or confused.

  • Thursday June 8, 2023
  • 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Laughter Yoga Workshop

Discover how important laughter really is to achieving a balanced, healthy and joyful life! Enjoy a Laughter Yoga session and learn the history, benefits and the many facts about laughter that relate to our mental health and overall wellbeing.

  • Tuesday June 13, 2023
  • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Tips on Reducing Your Risk for Diabetes Workshop

In this presentation, you will learn what is diabetes, what are the complications, how to screen for it and some healthy living strategies that can reduce your risk for diabetes.  Please only register for one timeslot.  

  • Wednesday June 21, 2023
  • 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Presentation Session One
  • 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Presentation Session Two

Meet with a Registered Dietitian (Drop-In)

Do you have questions regarding managing your diabetes?  Meet with a Registered Dietitian to ask questions regarding your diagnosis, medication, and healthy living habits.  This is a drop-in program and does not require pre-registration.  

  • Wednesday June 21, 2023
  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Five Dimensions of Health Workshop

Join Dr. Amy as she will be explaining the 5 dimensions of health, their connections and making recommendations for making improvements in each sector.

  • Thursday June 22, 2023
  • 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Estate Planning & Powers of Attorney Workshop

Discussion about choosing executors, probate fees (and ways to plan around paying fees - passing items outside of the Will), beneficiaries, trusts, etc.  There will also be an overview of the two powers of attorney, their importance, and what the role of an attorney is.

  • Friday June 23, 2023
  • 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

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.

Read the full announcement    Expansion progress and ways to donate

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