300+ People to Attend Event Leading Up to Lunar New Year

For some of us, the new year hasn’t arrived just yet. On Saturday, Jan. 26, Stoneridge Creek senior living community in Pleasanton will celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year, saying goodbye to the Year of the Dog and welcoming the Year of the Pig.

Celebrated by more than 20 percent of the world’s population, Lunar New Year on Tuesday, Feb. 5, is the most important holiday in China. Unlike western New Year that follows the sun around the earth, Lunar New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and follows the moon. The tradition brings special meals, art, entertainment and fireworks.

Stoneridge Creek resident Kate Gong created this event five years ago with the desire to share her culture with the entire senior living community she’s called home for the past five years. A wonderful aspect of this event is that it gives all residents the ability to learn about various cultures from one another.

Stoneridge Creek understands the importance of residents sharing their culture and spirituality. Research shows there's a link between this and better mental health, and it also helps people feel more connected with the world around them.

Kate is expecting more than 300 residents, team members and families to attend this year's event, which will include an Imperial Fashion Show of the Royal Chinese Court. Fifteen models will showcase traditional attire worn in the courts of emperors and empresses. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Lunar New Year without the energetic and athletic Vovinam Viet Martial Arts group, who’ll perform the popular lion dance.

This Lunar New Year celebration gives Stoneridge Creek residents the opportunity to learn more about the Asian culture through traditional food, entertainment and even personal stories.

[In photo: Kate Gong (middle)]