A little line dancing, a few twirls, and some fancy footwork is happening every Wednesday with the Riverbank Golden Agers Dance Club, hitting the floor to the live sounds of the Riverbank Ramblers Band. Hosted in a friendly social atmosphere at the Riverbank Community Center, the weekly sessions include themed dances, finger food snacks, or occasional potluck lunches.
Attendance is down somewhat at the current time so the Golden Agers officers are inviting anyone 50 years old and up to join the dance or even to just stop by and listen to some music. The Ramblers play a variety of country and rock music to get participants kicking up their heels on the dance floor.
Doors open at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Riverbank Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe St., and first time guests are free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6.
Last week the club hosted a Mexican Potluck that had all the fixings including enchiladas, Spanish rice, a variety of salads, chips and salsa and much more. There were 61 attendees at the potluck with two new members joining. They held a raffle where guests won some cash.
“We really need to work together to make this club grow,” said Club President Lupe Padron. “With the loss of several members this past year, it has really brought our attendance down. We encourage seniors and pre-seniors to join us.”
After talking with several members the unanimous experience is that the club offers much more than just dancing and music but camaraderie, friendship, and a support system. There were members in their 90s that have been attending the weekly dance for many years that expressed how thankful they were that this event exists.
Guests from all over the Central Valley including the communities of Tracy, Turlock, Merced, and Modesto attend the dances and the club currently has approximately 80 members.
“I have been coming here for 16 years,” said Deanna Avey of Modesto. “I keep coming back because of the people, the music, the fun, the camaraderie, and the long lasting friendships.”
“I have been attending the dance for about 10 years,” stated Rowena Donaldson, Tracy. “I like dancing, the music and just keeping active. It is very important to also have a positive mind.”
“You get to know a lot of new people,” added Yvonne Campiotti, Riverbank. “They are like family. I recommend it to everybody. This is a happy place and it is just fun.”
Throughout the week the club travels to Modesto and Manteca and they have other activities like the upcoming Black Oak bus trip fundraiser on Monday, June 19. There will be bingo on the bus, food credit, and money to play with at the casino.
For more information call 209-573-5014.
