Hats & Taps

Written by Tim Picard

“Tapping Into Life” was the headline used by the Sacramento Bee (3-21-06) in their article about 8 women who make up the song and dance group called “HATS & TAPS”. These vivacious women, obviously in terrific shape, demonstrate how energizing it is to step out and enjoy music, dancing and life. They were interviewed by the Bee after performing at a college class entitled The Psychology of Aging.

All members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the group has formed a strong bond by practicing and performing together. Members include Rhoda McFarland, Lois Mitchell, Ione Murchison, Connie Ridgeway, Carol Stone, Carolyn Vind, Linda Warren, and Carol Wilkening. Within the group are 5 retired teachers or counselors, a retired state departmental chief, one from business management at McClatchy broadcasting, and a current real estate agent. The group was organized in 1998 with just four women who at that time called themselves “The Rockin Grannies”.

Their team leader is Carol Stone, a retired middle school teacher who has the expertise, experience, charisma, and love of dancing to meld the group together. Carol teaches beginning and intermediate tap dancing at Mission Oaks Senior Center and produces and directs the Mission Oaks Showcase (a variety show) in the fall every year. It is free and open to the public. She is also a member of the Mission Oaks group, Classy Tappers, which has been around for 23 years.

In order to share their energy and love of dancing with others, the group may be found performing at a community college class, a community center, assisted living facilities, adult day care programs, or schools. They devote most of their time to organizations that cannot afford to purchase entertainment such as the Children's Receiving Home for whom they do a big Christmas show. The group does not charge for their performances and makes all their own costumes of which they have many different themes. Carol's recommendation for anyone thinking of volunteering their time is “to make sure you volunteer in something close to your heart.”