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The Dance Continues At St. Frances Of Rome
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This couple has been dancing together for 18 years and has a really good time at the weekly dances in Riverbank. VIRGINIA STILL/THE NEWS
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The Riverbank Ramblers has entertained dancers for the past four years and enjoys playing for the events put on by the Riverbank Golden Agers dance group. VIRGINIA STILL/THE NEWS

Although this past Wednesday was a wintry day with dark clouds and plenty of raindrops, that did not stop folks from getting out and participating in another good time with the Riverbank Golden Agers. With over 50 people in attendance, cookies, coffee, and the Riverbank Ramblers entertaining the guests and getting people dancing, it was another successful event.

Exercise, activity, and socializing helps people in many ways including keeping a healthy lifestyle and the Wednesday dance does just that. People get out of the house rain or shine from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at 2827 Topeka St., Riverbank, at St. Frances of Rome Church. The group moved from the Community Center on Santa Fe Street due to renovations that are set to begin soon.

Their annual Christmas potluck was slated for Wednesday, Dec. 5; no dances are planned Dec. 12 or 19, but the weekly schedule resumes on Dec. 26 and they are also planning a New Year’s Party from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31.

The Riverbank Ramblers have been playing for the Golden Agers for a few years and play a variety of songs including some songs of the season.

The Riverbank Golden Agers Officers, President Lupe Padron, Treasurer Ellie De Jesus, Secretary Bonnie Spivey, and Membership Sharron Sanbourne have been hosting and organizing events for the group and invite others to join the fun.

Padron has been the President for the past three years and this will be her last year. She has enjoyed her time with the Golden Agers and has really gotten to know most participants. She has plans to continue participating but said she ready to ‘retire’ from being an officer and just enjoy attending the weekly dances. Originally she started attending the dances in Modesto in 2003 and then became a treasurer in 2011 and then stepped up to President in 2015.

Longtime guests and partners for 18 years, Deanna Avey and Gabriel Aguilar continue to attend because they enjoy the band, the dance, and the all-around good time.

“If we didn’t have this, a lot of people would stay home,” said Avey. “We have a good time and we enjoy the band.”

There are a few other groups like the Forever Young Club in Modesto and Manteca Senior Center that host similar events in the area.

The next dance hosted by the Riverbank Golden Agers will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 26 at St. Frances of Rome.