Past Programs

Friday, December 12, 2025

Multiple Choice Holiday Celebration

In December, we came together for our "Multiple Choice Holiday Celebration," an event that beautifully captured the essence of inclusivity and shared humanity. Held on December 12th, this gathering invited everyone—regardless of their beliefs or traditions—to partake in thoughtful discussions and uplifting activities.

The event featured engaging conversations centered around prompts such as favorite holiday memories, reasons for opting out of the season, and cherished coping strategies for navigating the holiday whirlwind. These discussions fostered a deep sense of understanding and empathy among participants, reflecting our commitment to respectful dialogue and open-minded exploration.

In addition to the enriching conversations, we enjoyed singing carols together—a mix of traditional tunes and modern songs that created an atmosphere of unity through music. We also indulged in delightful cookies and snacks, shared among friends both old and new.

We also had the opportunity to thank Dick Bailey, who is stepping down as the convener of the group, for his caring and thoughtful leadership of the UUoR. Joy Hicks, Peggy Wilcox, and Christie Hardwick all shared memories.

The "Multiple Choice Holiday Celebration" was a resounding success, showcasing our dedication to nurturing spiritual growth, fostering inclusive fellowship, and promoting compassion and justice within our diverse community. We extend our gratitude to all who participated, enriching the event with their unique perspectives and warmth.

Friday, November 14, 2025

Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity

Our November program highlighted the significant efforts of Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity (RAD), an organization committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community. Aki Rasmussen, one of RAD's co-founders, and Joe Easley, its current co-president, shared their inspiring journey with us.

Aki recounted the events that sparked RAD's inception, detailing the incidents of harassment against people of color in Rossmoor including her own harassment at the Rossmoor farmer's market. She then described the formation of the organization in 2020, including the early hurdles they encountered and presented a short video encapsulating their challenging yet formative initial years. Some issues with the sound system were overcome as those assembled sang along with Pete Seeger on "We Shall Not Be Moved."

Following Aki, Joe Easley provided an update on RAD's progress over the past four years. He spoke about recent events organized by RAD, ongoing initiatives, advocacy endeavors, and shared exciting prospects for the upcoming year.

Aki Rasmussen and Joe Easley

Aki Rasmussen moved to Rossmoor in 2015 with her husband, Jon. After harassment incidents in 2018-2019, she co-founded RAD to make the community more inclusive. Aki, a UCLA graduate, has worked in Social Security and healthcare management. She enjoys photography, music, acting, and protesting against injustice. Aki is engaged in diversity and social justice work in Rossmoor and the greater community.

Joe Easley, a 40-year United Methodist pastor, relocated to Rossmoor with his wife, Patti, in June 2021 to be near their sons and their families. A lifelong advocate for racial unity and ethnic diversity, Joe joined Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity (RAD) shortly after arrival. He became involved in various capacities, including as Diversity Festival Committee member, RAD board member, and Co-President of RAD since January 2025.

Friday, October 10, 2025

Elder Abuse Prevention

In October, we had the opportunity to learn from a knowledgeable expert as Matthew Hulse discussed the vital mission and critical work of Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (CCSLS). He shed light on the organization's efforts to combat elder abuse in our community.

Elder abuse is a significant and often hidden problem in America, affecting roughly 1 in 10 older adults annually. This abuse – including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, and abandonment – frequently occurs at the hands of trusted individuals like family members or caregivers. Driven by factors such as caregiver stress and elder vulnerability, it has devastating consequences. Tragically, many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, and the elder's dependence on the abuser, making it difficult to fully understand the extent of the problem and provide needed support.

Matthew Hulse

Mathew Hulse is a committed and experienced nonprofit leader, with over 20 years of experience leading innovative nonprofits primarily in the education reform space. As founding Executive Director of the Northern California College Promise Coalition and Aspire Education Project, he forged new partnerships with diverse nonprofit organizations, built a solid leadership structure, raised significant funding, and created a lasting enterprise.

Matt has a well-established track record of cultivating and working in coalitions with grassroots and community-based organizations. Both through his work and volunteer service, he has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations and people experiencing homelessness.

Friday, September 12, 2025

Stop Gun Violence

The scourge of gun violence continues to plague America, claiming lives, shattering families, and leaving communities in perpetual fear. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the United States has alarmingly high rates of gun-related deaths and injuries. The staggering statistics are a stark reminder that this is a preventable crisis that demands immediate attention and collective action.

Kathy Maloney, founder of the End Gun Violence Club, recently shared her powerful insights and expertise with us at our September Brown Bag Lunch meeting. Her timely and crucial presentation shed light on the systemic issues driving gun violence, explored effective solutions, and ignited a call to action among attendees. We are grateful for the collective energy and determination that emerged from this important conversation.

We have added a page of Stop Gun Violence Resources to our website, which includes links to organizations, legislation, and ways to get involved.

Kathy Maloney

Kathy Maloney is a passionate advocate for gun violence prevention and the founder of the End Gun Violence Club. With a background in community organizing and a deep commitment to social justice, Kathy has dedicated her efforts to raising awareness about the impact of gun violence on individuals and communities. Her work focuses on empowering others to take action and create meaningful change.

Friday, August 8, 2025

Exploring what matters most

At our August meeting, we explored the concept of values – both the principles that shape the Unitarian Universalist faith and the personal values that define each of us. We began by making choices, prompting us to consider how our values inform our decisions.
The meeting was led by Peggy Wilcox, who guided us through a series of small group conversations, creating a safe and supportive space for sharing perspectives, listening to others, and gaining new insights. This wasn't about finding "right" answers, but rather fostering deeper self-awareness.
The meeting was attended by numerous members who shared their thoughts, listened to one another, and connected on a meaningful level through the exploration of our shared and individual values. We believe this experience provided valuable opportunities for personal reflection and community building.

Peggy Wilcox

Peggy Wilcox has been a psychotherapist and counselor, providing services to individuals of all ages in various settings, including schools, residential treatment facilities, and employee assistance programs. With her diverse range of life experiences, Peggy brought a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. From raising two healthy children and navigating complex relationships to caring for numerous individuals with childcare and eldercare needs, Peggy's experiences have shaped her commitment to lifelong learning and respect for all people and their environments.

Friday, July 11, 2025

To What End?

Rev. Christie Hardwick's latest book, "To What End?", explored the reasons behind our lives and our contribution to the "whole". Her philosophy posited that "We are all made of the same stuff, and what each of us thinks, says, and does matters to the whole".

For July’s program, Rev. Hardwick led a vibrant interactive discussion reflecting on the defining moments in our lives. How did our perception of our 'end game' evolve from our first decade to the most recent one? What meaning do we derive from our role now? She shared her personal journey, which transitioned through phases of material and worldly success to inner balance and peace.

Rev. Christie Hardwick

Rev. Hardwick is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow and faculty member and spent five years on the Women’s Leadership Board of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. She is a facilitator of Contextual Leadership, was the founding board chair for GreatSchools.net, and served two terms as an elected School Board Member in Fremont. She also chaired the board for GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network). Hardwick currently coaches leaders in the nonprofit sector as well as enjoying her children and the seven grandchildren she shares with her wife, Jane Harper.

June 13, 2025

Demystifying the 'T' in LGBTQ+

The June 2025 program was "Demystifying the 'T' in LGBTQ+", which took place during Pride Month! A panel of individuals with diverse perspectives shared their personal stories and experiences, shedding light on issues surrounding gender identities and gender expressions.

Susan Garrigues, Alex Harris Baccaro, and Jef Melcher

Susan Garrigues had a long-term committed relationship with her partner, spanning 55 years, the first 13 years with Janet and the subsequesnt 42 years with her late husband John. She also raised two sons with John and worked in social services for Amador and Contra Costa Counties before moving to Rossmoor.

Alex Harris Baccaro serves as President of the Board of Rossmoor's LGBTQ+ Alliance. At 65, Alex began his transition from female to male and has since pursued professional music performances and worked at UC Berkeley to attract low-income students, highlighting his dedication to his passions.

Jef Melcher has extensive experience in religious education, having directed programs for children and young adults at several Unitarian Universalist congregations. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Jef identifies as "Q" (questioning) and prefers to be referred to without labeling himself with a specific gender identity or expression.

May 9, 2025

Rotary International and Unitarian Universalist Values

Joy Alaidarous from the Rossmoor Rotary Club discussed her organization’s good works and how they relate to Unitarian Universalist values. During her presentation, Joy explored the similarities between UU's six central values (interdependence, justice, generosity, pluralism, equity, and transformation) and the seven primary focuses of Rotary International.

Joy Alaidarous

Joy Alaidarous is a Rossmoor resident and will become District Governor of Rotary International on July 1st. A retired Educational Psychologist, she spent over 20 years working in public and private schools before retiring in 2010 and moving to Rossmoor.

April 11, 2025

The Scandal of Berkeley: How Ghosts of Forgotten History Haunt the United States’ Most Famous Public University.

Drawing upon his latest book (The Scandal of Cal: Land Grabs, White Supremacy, and Miseducation at UC Berkeley, Heyday 2023), Platt discussed how and why universities (such as Berkeley) created fantasy narratives about their past and promoted amnesia about their actual history; and what could be done to break institutional silence and do justice to history.

Tony Platt

Platt is a Distinguished Affiliated Scholar at the Center for the Study of Law & Society, UC Berkeley, and Lecturer at Berkeley Law. He is currently co-teaching (with Jonathan Simon) The Legal Politics of Campus Protests. He is the author of thirteen books, including Grave Matters: The Controversy over Excavating California’s Buried Indigenous Past. As a public intellectual, he has written for a wide variety of media, including the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, History News Network, the Guardian, and NPR. A founding member of the Berkeley Truth & Justice Project, he continues to do research on Cal’s land holdings and investments, and advocate for land-back to Tribes and Native American organizations.

March 14th, 2025

Interfaith Harmony and Identity

In a thought-provoking and interactive presentation, Rose explored the challenges and opportunities of navigating multiple religious beliefs and identities within a single community or individual in the past. How could one building or person have created a welcoming environment for diverse spiritual practices during that time? Can individuals who held multiple identities that may seem at odds with each other have existed?

Rose's past presentation delved into the complexities of interfaith harmony, questioning whether someone could have been both a Christian and a Buddhist, an atheist and a Muslim, or any other combination. She encouraged attendees to share their own reflections on these questions.

Reverend Rose Riedel

Rose Riedel is completing her Masters of Divinity at Star King Seminary. Before her call to ministry, Rose was a professional stage actor and a professional clown.

February 14, 2025

Path to Citizenship

This program focused on the complexities of immigration, specifically the "Path to Citizenship" offered to holders of green cards and certain visas. The program explored this topic in depth, providing an overview of the eligibility requirements, the role of language proficiency, and how individuals can prepare for the 100 civics questions required for naturalization.

The speaker shared their experiences working with various organizations promoting citizenship, offering valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in this process. The meeting provided a platform for attendees to ask questions and seek guidance on the path to becoming a U.S. citizen.

Marilyn Bremser

With 27 years of experience living abroad and teaching English as a second language, Marilyn has firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by immigrants seeking citizenship. Her own personal journey with the complexities of the citizenship process inspired her to shift the focus of her ESL classes in Corpus Christi to classes that would help immigrants achieve this goal.

January 10, 2025

UU Values in a Time of Uncertainty

In June 2024, the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly updated their bylaws with language describing Unitarian Universalism through the shared values interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, and equity. Reverend Lemery lead a discussion around how to apply these values in our lives, day to day.

Reverend Rodney Lemery

Rev. Lemery has a Master's of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School and advanced degrees in Epidemiology. He serves as the Associate Minister at Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church. He is passionate about creating a better world through service, and relationship building. With previous experience as a prison minister with Worthy Now Prison Ministry and Solano County Jail, Rodney remains committed to a Love so big that it reminds us all that we are not the worst thing we have done. He lives in West Contra Costa County with his husband of 22 years and their furry companion, Basil.