55+ Membership Program

Group of seniors in a group huddle

We've got friendly surroundings and activities for all adults age 55+. We promote involvement, commitment, goodwill and participation among groups and individuals within the membership community. The Town Park Recreation Centre is now home to our 55+ membership.

Icon of a membership card with a checkmarkA $20 yearly 55+ Membership gives you all these perks:

  • Access to the facility: such as the lounge and computer lab. 
  • Programs and staying social: Attend programs, clinics, demonstrations and workshops. Plus social and special events too!
  • Exclusive discounts: receive a 50% discount (off adult rate) on all dry land fitness classes (not applicable to aquatic programs) 
Explore the Membership FAQs below for answers to commonly asked questions.

Membership FAQs

Benefits of becoming a member

Your 55+ membership card entitles you to:

  • Attend programs, clinics, demonstrations and workshops 
  • Attend special events – parties, dances, guest speakers, movies
  • Grab a coffee and make use of the facility such as the lounge and computer lab with free wi-fi
  • Borrow a book or a puzzle! Our Lending Library is stocked regularly by our helpful volunteers and members. Plus, you have access to our Builder Booklets - available monthly with many crossword puzzles, sudokus, word scrambles and other brain-teasers
  • Keep updated with the latest information on items such as local initiatives, health care, hospital direction, community support, social services
  • Meet lots of new friends and people in your community
  • Stay connected with our newsletter subscription
  • Discover a new hobby/skill/talent
  • Become involved in meaningful volunteer work

Nominal fees are applied to the Seniors Centre’s activities for participation. 

Who qualifies for a membership
  • Members shall be persons who are 55 years of age or older.
  • Individuals over 90 years of age get a complimentary membership. 

Why do I need a membership?

Membership fees help offset some of the costs of running the centres such as heat, hydro, snow removal, repairs, equipment, program supplies and general maintenance of the centres. In the interest of fairness, everyone who participates in programs or events must have a valid membership - this way everyone contributes.

And as an added perk you get free coffee and tea with your membership!

How do I get a membership
Ready to register? Memberships can be renewed in person at the Town Park Recreation Centre or over the phone at 905-885-7908. In some instances, nominal fees are applied to the Seniors Centre’s activities for participation. Your membership is valid for one year from the date of purchase.

icon of a calendar55+ Programming Calendar

See below for a list of programs and workshops available to 55+ members. Check back regularly as we continue to add new offerings.

Check out our recreation schedules calendar for these listings and more activities! 

Programs

Card Programs

Below is a list of all card programs that are currently available to 55+ members.

Duplicate Bridge

This group follows a stress-free style of play. Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome!

Bid Euchre

Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome!

Bridge Skill Development

Bridge Skill Development is suited for players who are wanting to improve their skills and continue to learn the game. You will be matched with ability like players and instruction will be ongoing.

  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Registration is required. Please call or come in person to register.

Social Bridge

A casual style of play. Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome!

Texas Hold'em

Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome!

Canasta

Drop-ins can be accepted.  All members are welcome! 

Euchre

Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome! 

Cribbage

Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome! 

Tai Chi

Current members are welcome to participate in the program. Drop-ins can be accepted all year for Continuing and Intermediate classes.

Continuing

Intermediate

Beginner

  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
  • Registration is required. Please call or come in person to register.

Full this session. Check back for 2025 registration.

Knitting Circle

Bring your knitting supplies and enjoy each other’s company while sharing your projects and patterns. Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome! 

Bingo Programs

Below is a list of all bingo programs available to members:

Bingo

The cost to play is $2.50. Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome! 

Dime Bingo

The cost to play is $2.00.  Please bring your own dimes. Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome! 

Darts

Current members are welcome to join our darts program. Bring your own darts. Drop-ins can be accepted. 

Ukulele

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument? Give beginner ukulele a try! All required supplies are provided. Registration is required. Please call or come in person to register.

Beginner Ukulele:

Continuing Ukulele:

French Café

Come have a coffee/tea and meet other members who would like to practice speaking French.  This is for any level of ability, and everyone is welcome to drop in and listen, speak and learn from each other.

Scrabble

Come enjoy a good game of scrabble and socializing with friends. Scrabble boards and dictionaries are provided.  Drop-ins can be accepted. 

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 and runs until the end of October. Call to register. 

Check back for registration in 2025. 

Computer Lab

Enjoy free use of our laptops and WiFi. This is not an instructed course. Drop-ins can also be accepted. All members are welcome! 

Computer Training Course

In partnership with Fleming College, members have access to free in-person computer training.  Participants will learn basic computer navigation, Internet usage, digital communications (including texting, email), and Microsoft Word. Participants must commit to attending all four dates. 

This course is full.

Minds in Motion

What is Minds in Motion? Minds in Motion® (MIM) is a community-based social program that incorporates physical exercise (1 hour) and mental stimulation (1 hour) for people with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and their care partners.  Through the Minds in Motion® program, both the person living with dementia and their care partner can benefit from the following: increasing physical activity through gentle group exercise, establishing new friendships with others who are living with similar experiences and engaging in fun, social activities.

The person living with dementia benefits from:

  1. Improved balance, mobility, flexibility, and alertness.
  2. Increased confidence, and comfort with their own circumstance.
  3. Mutual support from others facing similar experiences.

The care partner benefits from:

  1. An opportunity to focus on their own health and have fun with their partner.
  2. Seeing the person, they are caring for enjoying themselves.
  3. Mutual support and learning from other care partners.

All participants benefit from:

  1. Sharpened mental functioning, sometimes lasting two to three days afterwards.
  2. An increased sense of social participation.

How often does the program run, and for how long? Sessions run for two hours, once per week, for eight weeks in a community-based location

Is there a cost to the program?  Yes, there is a cost.  It’s $40 per couple for the 8 weeks.  

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

Additional Fitness Programming offered at a 50% discount!

Find the right class for you. We offer many classes to fit your needs and abilities. 55+ Members receive 50% off the adult rate. 

See our current fitness classes

Even more things to do

Discover additional exciting activities unrelated to this membership. If you are are searching for a specific class or sports drop-in, see our programming that is offered to all seniors in our community. 

See our age-friendly programming

Workshops and Events

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

 Holiday Craft Workshop
Join us to mingle and make holiday crafts. Materials will be provided. You are welcome to bring scraps of fabric, small scissors, and small items to decorate your crafts. Space is available! Registration is open in person or online.

Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
Navigating the Home Downsizing Journey

Keisha Telfer, Seniors REALTOR® at Transitions Realty, will provide an information session on 4 living options to consider as we get older. Discover what makes people aged 55+ decide to downsize out of their home, and how to navigate the challenges of decluttering your stuff, selling your house, and finding the right new smaller home or retirement community. Join us to discover the secret to stress-free downsizing. Registration is open in person or online.

Friday, November 8, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
 Christmas Lunch Bunch

Join us for a festive turkey lunch and enjoy some social time with friends. Live holiday music will be provided by our very own Ukulele group! Vegetarian option available - please let us know when you register.

Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Registration: Opening on November 6 at 8:00 a.m. at the Town Park Recreation Centre or on-line.

Cost: $18.08

Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

Understanding Food Labels

Attend this workshop presented by the Self-Management Program Central East, to gain a better understanding of how to read food labels. Learn why marketing makes choices difficult, and how you can create healthier buying habits. Free to 55+ members. Registration is open in person or online.

Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

Volunteering at 55+ events

We're actively seeking volunteers for a variety of roles at our 55+ events. All volunteers will need to complete a Police Record Check for Vulnerable Sector. Training will be provided prior to your volunteer start date. To express your interest, please call Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908, or email us.

Coffee and Tea Volunteers

The volunteers will be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Preparing coffee, tea, milk, creamers … etc., before the program start time.
  • Cleaning up coffee and tea supplies after the program.
  • Depending on the time of day, either load or unload the dishwasher, and pack away tea cups.

There are various volunteer shifts that are available, and you can choose any shift(s) that accommodate your schedule.  The shifts are listed below:

  • Mondays – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Tuesdays – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesdays – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Fridays – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Lunch Bunch Volunteers

This position is responsible for the following tasks:

  • Implement monthly lunch bunch activities.
  • Develop a monthly menu with healthy food options.
  • Prepare and serve food according to the Food Handlers’ guidelines.  All food preparation must be completed at Town Park Recreation Centre.
  • Assist in the set-up and take down of lunch bunch supplies.

  • A Food Handlers’ certificate is required for this position and will be provided for free through the Municipality of Port Hope.  *Note: The Food Handlers’ certification course is online and is self-paced.  A computer and the internet are necessary to complete the course.  If you do not have access to the internet and/or a computer, you may complete the online course by using a laptop at Town Park Recreation Centre.

  • The shifts will vary and is dependent on the date and time of the events.

Call for Committee Members! Looking for other ways to give back to your community? We are currently recruiting for the committee opportunities within the Parks, Recreation and Culture department that are not Advisory Committees for Council, but rather serve to steer programming and initiatives within the department. We are currently looking for applicants for the Town Park Centre Expansion Fundraising Committee and the 55+ Program Committee

We're growing together wordmarkCelebrating the past and looking ahead

We've got a rich past that has paved the way for our future. Learn more about the history of the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre and where we are going from here. We're growing together.

Celebrating Ruth Clarke 

Ruth Clarke HeadshotBorn in Port Hope in 1897, Ruth started as a teacher and quickly realized the need for advocacy and leadership within the education system. Her dedication and active involvement in the Ontario Teachers Federation, led to her being the only Port Hope teacher to be made a Fellow of both the Ontario Teachers Federation and the Canadian College of Teachers.

Ruth began her political leadership in 1958 as a Port Hope councillor but returned to her beloved teaching in 1962 until 1964 when she was elected Deputy-Reeve. She went on to serve the Port Hope community for 15 years in a variety of roles. She showed strong support for the growth and development of the community by advocating for the construction of a new fire hall, the James Reynolds Bridge and the extension of the town library.

Her dedication to Port Hope was officially recognized in 1985 with the naming of a new facility, The Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors located at 81 Mill Street South. Growing need for programs, services and safe accessible space led to the expansion of the Town Park Recreation Centre and relocation of these services. Ruth’s legacy of support to her community is continuing to be recognized through custom art created by local artists celebrating her work that are located at the Town Park Recreation Centre.

The home of our 55+ Programming

On March 18, 2021, our Federal and Provincial governments announced that we were successful in our application for funding for the expansion of the Town Park Recreation Centre.

Senior Active Living Centre (SALC) programs promote wellness, social interaction, and education to help seniors stay active, independent, and engaged.

The Municipality of Port Hope receives annual funding from the Province of Ontario to help offset the costs of our 55+ programming. Additionally, we secure yearly funding for special projects. Each year, our 55+ committee proposes enhancements, which include new tables, chairs, accessible programming equipment, and more, ensuring our community benefits from improved and inclusive resources.

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