Rossmoor News, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, page 9A

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• Sixth annual Diversity Festival set for Oct. 13 at Event Center
• Volunteer Exchange Club presents ‘Navigating and Preparing for Major Life Transitions’ at monthly meeting at Gateway

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Rossmoor News • September 30, 2026 9A

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By Diversity Festival Committee

Rossmoor’s sixth annual Diversity Festival will take place at the Event Center from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The festival has been very popular since it started in 2021, as an opportunity to explore and celebrate the many cultures represented in Rossmoor that contribute to the richness of living here.

The opening ceremony will be at 10:30, with welcomes by representatives of Rossmoor, the city of Walnut Creek and the German Club-Stammtisch. A total of 15 ethnic or cultural clubs are participating this year; 14 of them will have

table displays to learn more about their culture: African Americans and Friends; Caledonian Society of Rossmoor; Chinese American Association of Rossmoor; Entre Amigos; Filipino American Association of Rossmoor; Hawaii State Club; India Club; Irish American Culture Club; Italian American Club of Rossmoor; Japanese-American Club; Korean American Club; Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club; Rossmoor LGBTQ+ Alliance; and Voices for Justice in Palestine.

The new element this year with be “Cultural Textile Exhibits” from 10:50 a.m. to noon, in which five clubs will display textiles associated

with their ethnicity or culture and another Rossmoor resident will share some of her collection from Asia. This replaces the Fashion Parade of the past three years.

The Cultural Showcase returns from noon to 12:25 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., in which nine clubs (including the Chinese Performing Arts Club) will give showcase presentations, from entertainment of different kinds to some informational talks. Flyers are now available that give the schedule for the day, including those of the Showcase (except the Irish club and LGBTQ+ Alliance have since switched performance times).

A lunch break (12:30 to 1

p.m.) is planned into this year’s schedule. Lunch options include: the City Star Shawarma food truck (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.); The Golden Pear Coffee trailer, which will have sandwiches that day as well as drinks until 1; and, of course, The Golden Pear itself. DJ Tina Carion will provide music during the lunch break. Coffee and water will also be available in the Event Center.

The photo booth will return. Residents are invited to wear traditional dress from their culture (although nothing political) and to take individual or group pictures at the booth.

Carpooling is strongly encouraged, since the Event Center parking lot may fill up.

Residents can also call Dial-aBus (1-925-988-7676), an hour ahead, for transportation to and from the festival.

“Diversity Makes Us Stronger” T-shirts will be available for purchase ($20, until they run out) at a Diversity Festival table in Peacock Plaza during the Farmers’ Market on Friday, Oct. 2 and 9.

The Diversity Festival is a joint effort of the Diversity Consciousness Committee (DCC) of the Rossmoor Interfaith Council, Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity (RAD) and Rossmoor Walnut Creek’s Recreation Department. Contact Joe Easley at easyjoe1947@gmail.com for more information.

Sixth annual Diversity Festival set for Oct. 13 at Event Center

By Shaoping Moss Club correspondent

The Volunteer Exchange Club welcomes Alexia Razo-Orrego and Joaquin Jacques, representatives from Patelco Credit Union in Danville, who will give a presentation titled “Navigating and Preparing for Major Life Transitions” at its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The

talk will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway.

The presentation will focus on major life transitions that Rossmoor residents may face, including the death of a partner, a serious illness affecting oneself or a partner, divorce or remarriage.

Razo-Orrego has over 16 years of experience in the financial industry, including more than eight years in lead

ership. She draws on this expertise to effectively identify and address the diverse financial needs of Patelco members.

Jacques has over 17 years of experience in finance and is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor. He provides expert support in estate planning and estate management for Patelco members, and works closely with Patelco’s general counsel on mat

ters requiring legal precision. In addition, he regularly hosts training seminars for Patelco team members on these complex subjects.

The Volunteer Exchange is a club where members exchange services such as transportation and pet care. By doing so, they earn credit hours that they can use to request services from other members. New members who can provide services are al

ways welcome to join. Services are available only to members.

Non-members are also welcome to attend the club meetings. Residents can find more information about the club on its web page, which is linked in the “Clubs” section of the www.rossmoor.com website.

Residents are invited to attend one of the monthly meetings or to call 1-925-906-9882 for more information.

Volunteer Exchange Club presents ‘Navigating and Preparing for Major Life Transitions’ at monthly meeting at Gateway