There was plenty of activity going on at the Community Center in Riverbank this past Wednesday as guests made their way into the doors for another day of dancing hosted by the Riverbank Golden Agers. The Golden Agers Club began in 1998 and has been going strong ever since, bringing people together from all over the Central Valley.
Currently the club officers are: President Lupe Padron, Vice President Trisha Freshwater, Treasurer Ellie De Jesus, Secretary Bonnie Spivey, and Membership Coordinator Sharron Sanbourne. All said they enjoy bringing dancing and a few hours of fun to Riverbank every Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
This past Wednesday in celebration of the Fourth of July holiday and to show their members some appreciation, the group hosted a hamburger meal along with sides and desserts for all who attended. The Riverbank Ramblers Band entertained guests as they danced about the center.
The festivities included a 50/50 raffle and a pizza gift certificate that was raffled off as well.
Freshwater is new to the club and has only been a member for the past six months. She noted, however, that being a part of the club has been an essential part of her insight into the community.
“Finding them was a really nice thing,” said Freshwater. “This is a great place to make new friends.”
Spivey is a retired nurse and joined the group to support seniors and get them out of their house to socialize and to be active.
“Dancing helps them keep their muscles strong and gets them away from the television,” added Spivey.
A pre-holiday luncheon, she said, just made the day that much more special.
“The meal was very good, lots of desserts,” Spivey agreed. “It was just a good time had by all.”
Riverbank resident Jan Youngblood has been attending the Wednesday dance since 2008 and enjoys the camaraderie. She stated that everyone is really friendly and welcoming.
There are approximately 120 members and seniors 55 and over are encouraged to stop in and meet some new people, cut a rug, or just enjoy the music.
Calvin and Evelyn Bunch have been members for over 20 years and have been married for 72 years. They are from Escalon and enjoy the weekly dances and socialization.
“We come to socialize and dancing is the icing on the cake,” added Evelyn.
Though Evelyn admits to having slowed down a bit because she has had a hip replacement and has not attended the dances as often as before, she didn’t let that stop her this past Wednesday as she and Calvin hit the dance floor.
Sharing some laughs at a table was a trio of Club members. They included Jana Schascht, who has been a member for eight years and is from Salida, Tony Cardoza has been a member for 17 years and is from Modesto, Carroll Mendonsa has been a member for 11 years and is from Oakdale.
“We come here because we are old and nobody else will have us, let’s face it,” stated a grinning Cardoza.
Not only do the Golden Agers meet every Wednesday to dance and socialize, but they also take occasional trips to Black Oak where they enjoy bingo and prizes on the way there.
Padron expressed that you do not have to be a member to participate in the Wednesday dance and anyone interested can stop by and enjoy the live band or just see what it is all about. The club hosts special days and special trips like Biscuits and Gravy, Root Beer floats, and the Black Oak Trip, all happening in July.
For membership information contact Sharron Sanbourne at 209-408-4352.
