Skip to Content

Port Hope Logo

Contact Us
  • Living Here
    • About Us
    • Animal Services
    • Building Services
    • By-Law Enforcement
    • Cemeteries
    • Civic Awards
    • Event Calendar
    • Fire, Police, and Paramedics
    • Garbage and Recycling
    • Health Care
    • Library
    • News
    • Parking
    • Places of Worship
    • Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
    • Property Taxes
    • Report an Issue
    • Roads, Boulevards, and Sidewalks
    • Schools
    • Transit
    • Utilities
    • Water and Wastewater
    • Welcome to the Neighbourhood
  • Things To Do
    • Aquatics and Swimming
    • Arena and Skating
    • Arts and Culture
    • Community Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Facilities and Rentals
    • History and Heritage
    • Leisure Guide
    • Library
    • Parks, Trails and Green Spaces
    • Recreation Programs
    • Seasonal Activities
    • Visit Port Hope
    • Waterfront and Beaches
    View our recreation programs page
    Recreation Programs
  • Business and Development
    • Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Available Lands
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Building Services
    • Business Licences and Permits
    • Business Park
    • Community Improvement Plan
    • Development Charges
    • Filming in Port Hope
    • Funding and Grants
    • Partners in Business
    • Planning and Development Services
    • Property Taxes
    • Start or Expand Your Business
  • Your Municipal Government
    • Accessibility
    • Agendas and Minutes
    • Applications, Licences and Permits
    • Boards and Committees
    • Budget and Finances
    • By-Law Enforcement
    • By-Laws
    • Careers
    • Civic Awards
    • Code of Conduct
    • Commissioner of Oaths
    • Council
    • COVID-19
    • Freedom of Information
    • News
    • Plans, Reports and Studies
    • Vote
    • Wesleyville /OPG Lands Acquisition
I Want To
Close I want to modal close icon

I Want To...

Get in touch

Contact Us

Report an Issue

Apply and Register icon

Apply and Register

  • Building Permits
  • Burn Permits
  • Careers
  • Dog Licence
  • Marriage licence
  • Event Permit
  • Recreation Programs
Pay icon

Pay

  • Dog Licence
  • Facility Rental
  • Parking Ticket
  • Property Taxes
  • Water Bill
Get Involved icon

Get Involved

  • Council Meetings
  • My Port Hope
  • Speak Before Council
  • Volunteer

Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors

Home...Recreation ProgramsAdult and Older Adult ProgramsRuth Clarke Activity Centre Programs
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Email this page Email

Picture of seniors participating in a Tai Chi progra,

Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors LogoThe 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.

Senior couple on tablet

Free bubble wordmark

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 Aid

Psychological 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 Certificate

This 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 Use

This 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 Footprint

In 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 Community

Volunteering 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. 

Municipal logo, Ontario logo, Ruth Clarke logo

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

Exterior of the Ruth Clark Activity Centre
Location and Hours
  • 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. 
Kitchen at Ruth Clarke Activity Centire
Facility Amenities
  • 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:
  • 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. The only exception to this rule will be determined by the Board.  Associate members shall have full privileges of membership except for the right to run for the Seniors Club Advisory Board.
  • Life Members shall be persons who are members in good standing and have reached the age of 90 years. They shall be honoured at the annual general meeting and 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. 

 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:

  • Chair: Peter Huffman
  • Vice Chair: Judith O'Leary
  • Correspondence/Recording Secretary: Susan Deane
  • Treasurer: Paul Hay
  • Over 90s Coordinator: Janet Evans
  • Member at Large: Margaret Reynolds
  • Older Adult Activity Coordinator: Stephanie Byfield

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 Bridge

Duplicate 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.


Cribbage

Cribbage 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 Euchre

Bid 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.


Canasta

Canasta 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

Read the Full Announcement

  • Recreation Programs
    Toggle Section for Recreation Programs
    • Adult and Older Adult Programs
      Toggle Section for Adult and Older Adult Programs
      • Adult and Older Adult Drop-In Programs
      • Arts and Culture
      • Fitness Programs
      • Ruth Clarke Activity Centre Programs
    • Aquatics and Swimming
      Toggle Section for Aquatics and Swimming
      • Aqua Fitness Classes
      • Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor Courses
      • Specialty Classes
      • Swimming Lessons
    • Arena and Skating
      Toggle Section for Arena and Skating
      • Caroline Street Rink
      • Rink and Ice Rentals
    • Children's Programs
      Toggle Section for Children's Programs
      • Children and Youth Drop-In Programs
      • Day Camps
        Toggle Section for Day Camps
        • March Break Camp
        • Summer Day Camps
      • High Five Programming
      • PA Day Programs
      • Youth Programs and Activities
    • Youth
      Toggle Section for Youth
      • Children and Youth Drop-In Programs
      • Youth Programs and Activities
    • Register for a Program
      Toggle Section for Register for a Program
      • Gift Cards and Recreation Passes
      • Program Feedback
      • Recreation Fee Assistance
    • Fitness Programs
    • Recreation Calendar
    • Seasonal Activities
    • Training for Camp Leaders and Program Instructors
    • Drop-In Activities
      Toggle Section for Drop-In Activities
      • Adult and Older Adult Drop-In Programs
      • Children and Youth Drop-In Programs
  • View Full Things To Do Menu
    • Aquatics and Swimming
      Toggle Section Aquatics and Swimming Menu
      • Aqua Fitness Classes
      • Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor Courses
      • Specialty Classes
      • Swimming Lessons
    • Arena and Skating
      Toggle Section Arena and Skating Menu
      • Caroline Street Rink
      • Rink and Ice Rentals
    • Arts and Culture
    • Community Events
      Toggle Section Community Events Menu
      • Arts Festival
      • Canada Day
      • Candlelight Festival
      • Event Calendar
      • Ganny Weekend
      • Movies in the Park
      • Seasonal Activities
    • Event Calendar
    • Facilities and Rentals
      Toggle Section Facilities and Rentals Menu
      • Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
      • Birthday Parties
      • Book a Facility or Park
      • Jack Burger Sports Complex
      • Parks and Facilities
      • Parks, Trails and Green Spaces
      • Planning an Event
      • Port Hope Community Hub
      • Rink and Ice Rentals
      • Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors
      • Town Park Recreation Centre
    • History and Heritage
    • Leisure Guide
    • Library
    • Parks, Trails and Green Spaces
      Toggle Section Parks, Trails and Green Spaces Menu
      • Book a Facility or Park
      • Commemorative Programs
      • Fitness Loop
      • Parks and Playgrounds
      • Trails
      • Waterfront and Beaches
      • Weed Control
    • Seasonal Activities
    • Visit Port Hope
    • Waterfront and Beaches
      Toggle Section Waterfront and Beaches Menu
      • Beaches
      • Boat Launch Marina and Fish Cleaning
      • Fishing

Contact Us

Subscribe to this page

Port Hope Footer Logo

Located along the shores of Lake Ontario and the Northumberland Hills.

© 2022 Municipality of Port Hope

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Get to know us

  • Live
  • Work
  • Play

Helpful Links

  • A-Z Services
  • Accessibility
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Customer Service Feedback Form
  • Port Hope Tourism

Town Hall

56 Queen Street.
Port Hope ON L1A 3Z9

Phone 905-885-4544
Fax 905-885-7698

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Freedom of Information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Website Feedback
Designed by eSolutionsGroup

Browser Compatibility Notification

It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.