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.
The Ontario Government announced the province is temporarily moving to a modified Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen. As of Tuesday, January 4, 2022, the Jack Burger Sports Complex and the Town Park Recreation Centre will be closed until the end of the provincial order. We are in the process of contacting user groups, and registered participants. As always, we thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate these mandates.
New! Learn, Play, Connect 55+
Stay sharp and connected with a variety of free virtual programs offered from September 2021 to March 2022.
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+: Fitness Classes |
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Find a virtual fitness class that fits your interest. For these classes you will be required to have a laptop, tablet or device with a camera and microphone to participate in these classes. You will receive an email 1 to 2 days before the start of your class with the Zoom link to join the class virtually. Please ensure your email is correct when you register for the program. If you have issues accessing the link for the class please call 905-885-7908. Virtual Chair YogaA gentle form of yoga done seated, or standing using a chair for support.
Virtual Somatic YogaSomatic Yoga is based on functional movement similar to Feldenkrais. The class will include somatic movement and yoga postures.
Virtual Resistance Band TrainingA low impact full body workout, using resistance bands and body weight to tone your muscles and showcase some efficient exercises that can easily be done at home.
Virtual Balance and Falls PreventionThis class is low impact, functional exercises that will assist in improvement, and maintenance of muscles that give us ability to complete everyday tasks safely.
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Learn, Play, Connect 55+: Free Fitness Kits |
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We are giving away fitness kits to the first 20 people who register for a kit. Choose from a Yoga Kit or a General Fitness kit. Only one kit is permitted per person.
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Free Yoga Kit
Learn, Play, Connect 55+: Free Art and Culture Programs |
| Dates and details will be announced soon for the free virtual cooking, baking, and paint night programs being offered throughout this series. Supplies to participate will be provided and free of charge. |
Learn, Play, Connect 55+: Free Educational Programs |
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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. 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 contact the Older Adult Activity Coordinator by either emailing rclarkecentre@porthope.ca or calling 905-885-7908. Contact North Virtual Online LearningThere is a large variety of free virtual courses available to volunteers through Contact North. Course topics include:
If you are interested in any of the above courses please contact northumberlanddurham@contactnorth.ca or call 1-855-361-1421. To discover more free courses, browse their website at www.studyonline.ca. Principals of Healthy AgingThis one-day training provides insights into the unique needs of older adults when participating in recreation or leisure activities. It provides evidence-based approaches to improve the experience of participants by implementing the HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Aging. Topics include ageism, program planning, and the importance that physical literacy plays in sustained long-term health, increased social connectedness, improved general mental and physical well-being and a better quality of life. This course is available for all volunteers of RCAC who play a role in program delivery or are interested in future roles with programming. There is no fee to participate. Date of the course is planned for January 2022, the official date is to be determined. To register contact the Older Adult Activity Coordinator by either emailing rclarkecentre@porthope.ca or calling 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: January 4- February 20, 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 |
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Below is a list of all card programs that are currently available to RCAC members. Duplicate BridgeBeginning on November 2, Duplicate Bridge will be taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908 or reserve online. 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. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908 or reserve online. All RCAC members are welcome! Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Bid EuchreBeginning on November 10, Bid Euchre will be taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908 or reserve online. All RCAC members are welcome! Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CanastaBeginning on October 29, Canasta will be taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908 or reserve online. All RCAC members are welcome! Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 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. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908 or reserve online. 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. Masks must be worn at all times. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations open every Thursday for the following weeks programs. To reserve, call the Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908 or reserve online. 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 |
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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. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908 or reserve online. 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. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908 or reserve online. All RCAC members are welcome! Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dime BingoBeginning on October 29, Dime Bingo will be taking place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. The cost to play is $3.00. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908 or reserve online. 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. Masks must be worn at all times. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations open every Thursday for the following weeks programs. To reserve, call the Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908 or reserve online. Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. |
Puzzles |
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Beginning on November 3 the puzzles program is returning to the Town Park Recreation Centre. Come enjoy an afternoon of jigsaw puzzles and socializing with friends. Puzzles are provided. Masks must be worn at all times. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations open every Thursday for the following weeks programs. To reserve, call the Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908 or reserve online. Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
Scrabble |
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Beginning on November 4 the scrabble program is returning to the Town Park Recreation Centre. Come enjoy a good game of scrabble and socializing with friends. Scrabble boards and dictionaries are provided. Masks must be worn at all times. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week. Drop-ins can be accepted. Reservations open every Thursday for the following weeks programs. To reserve, call the Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908 or reserve online. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |
Computer Lab |
| Beginning on November 1, we are opening a computer lab at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Come and enjoy free use of our laptops and WIFI. Participants are encouraged to reserve their space in the program each week as space is limited. Drop-ins can also be accepted. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908 or reserve online. All RCAC members are welcome!
Monday-Friday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m |
Fitness Programs |
Fitness Session - Winter 1B SessionWinter 1B Session runs from January 17 to February 20, 2022. Fitness Fees for the Winter 1B Session5 weeks (Adult) $47.29 (HST included) 5 weeks (Senior) $30.74 (HST included) 5 weeks (RCAC member) $23.65 (HST Included) 20/20/20This 60 minute class is a combination of all of your favourite fitness components, 20 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes of muscle conditioning and 20 minutes of stretching. Thursdays: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Jack Burger Sports Complex Body BallBody Ball is a full body muscle strengthening class that engages your core and strengthens multiple muscle groups. Improves balance, reflexes as well as increases resistance to injuries. Participants are required to bring their own stability ball. Wednesdays: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Location: Jack Burger Sports Complex Functional Fitness Level 1This class is for those who have limited mobility and want to focus on range of motion, strengthening major muscle groups, and improving balance. Chairs will be available for those who need them however they will not be used for the entire duration of class. Through the use of yoga balls, resistance bands and light weights you will gain strength and confidence in your abilities and improve your day to day life! Tuesday and Thursdays 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Location: Town Park Recreation Centre Functional Fitness Level 2This class will focus on range of motion, strengthening major muscle groups, and improving balance. Chairs will be available for some of the exercises; however will not be needed for the whole class. Yoga balls, resistance bands and weights will be used to gain strength and confidence in your abilities and improve your day to day life. This class will be for those looking for a bit more of a challenge. Tuesday and Thursdays: 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Location: Town Park Recreation Centre Muscle Strengthening and ConditioningUsing small weights and your own body weight participants go through a series of exercises to help improve posture, strengthen muscles and learn to stretch correctly to benefit the entire body. Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Location: Jack Burger Sports Complex YogaA yoga class, incorporating, breath, body awareness and gentle stretches. Let go of stress and unwind bringing balance and relaxation into your life. Tuesdays: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Location: Jack Burger Sports Complex
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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. |
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.
COVID-19 - Important Notice:
Precautions are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
Service information on some pages may not be accurate during this time. Please refer to our COVID-19 Updates page for service changes.
