11/5 and 1/14 – New Vegan 101 Class at the Natural Health Center

Introducing Vegan 101: The Joys of Plant-Based Living (Free!)

Curious about veganism? You’re not alone! With celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Pres. Bill Clinton, Beyonce, and Morrissey–not to mention countless others, in all walks of life–extolling the virtues of veganism, interest has never been higher. Come join us for a fun and lively conversation on this super-healthy, sustainable, and delicious lifestyle. You’ll learn what vegans eat, how we stay healthy, and where we get our food. We’ll also discuss hot button issues including vegan fashion, vegan nutrition for athletes, and coping with nonvegan friends and family, along with much more. Finally, you’ll get a plan for going vegan a little at a time, that you can adapt for your particular situation and needs. Bring your questions, ideas, and concerns; we welcome them all!

This FREE class is two hours, and will be offered on two dates. Everyone – including vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, and the vegan-curious is invited to our FREE Vegan 101 class, taught by Vegan Kalamazoo organizer (and ten-year vegan) Hillary Rettig.

Dates:  Thursday, November 5, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. OR Thursday, January 14 (2016), 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Location:  Natural Health Center, Westwood Plaza, 4610 W Main Street (corner Drake), Kalamazoo.
(269) 342-9459

RSVP:  On our Facebook OR Meetup page.

Cost: FREE, however an optional $2 per person donation is requested at all Vegan Kalamazoo events to help defray expenses.

 

10/14 – Book Club: The Modern Savage by James McWilliams

TheModernSavagebookcoverJoin us in October to discuss The Modern Savage by James McWilliams. In an omnivorous world where more and more people are embracing “humane” and “sustainable” meat and eggs, McWilliams offers an alternative–avoiding animal products all together. Sure to be a fascinating discussion on the morality of eating “humanely”.

The Kalamazoo Library has copies of the book to lend, so get yours now. See you at the club!

Date / Time: Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library Main Branch, Board Room

RSVP:  Our Meetup or Facebook page.

Monday 9/28 – Living Vegan Social Club

Living Vegan is a social group where we come together informally for fun times and fun discussions. Need a recipe? A vegan fashion tip? Tips for dealing with nonvegan family/friends? You’ll get it all at Living Vegan! We also have plenty of fun discussions on nonvegan topics like movies, TV, gardening, photography, and science fiction. And sometimes there’s a pool game or two!

As always, at Vegan Kalamazoo events, everyone is welcome, including vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, and vegans-in-progress.

We hope you’ll join us for our next get-together on Monday, September 28, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Jac Cekola’s Pizza in Portage.

Our gracious host is, as always, Laurie Oldfather. RSVP requested in advance on our Meetup or Facebook page.

 

Sunday 10/18 – Special Event! Vegan Potluck with the Younger Next Year Kalamazoo Meetup

When: Sunday, October 18, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Address (in Kalamazoo) will be provided to all registrants.
Hosts: Hillary Rettig / Gayle Underwood.
We’re thrilled to announce a joint Meetup with Younger Next Year Kalamazoo, a group of people interested in physical and mental health. We will be meeting at their organizer’s house and cooking a great vegan meal together and then having a fun, informal discussion on how to go vegan. We’d love a great turnout for this, so please join us. (Several YNYK people signed up without even knowing the date, so there’s a lot of interest!)

The main course will be a stir fry; those ingredients are covered, but we need VK members to bring vegan sides and desserts. (Noncooks: please bring nondairy milks and/or icecream.) When you RSVP on EITHER our Meetup or Facebook page please leave a comment telling us what dish you’re bringing.

Please RSVP for all events on our Meetup (preferred) or Facebook page.

10/17 and 10/26 – Living Vegan Social Club

Living Vegan is a social group where we come together informally for fun times and fun discussions. Need a recipe? A vegan fashion tip? Tips for dealing with nonvegan family/friends? You’ll get it all at Living Vegan! We also have plenty of fun discussions on nonvegan topics like movies, TV, gardening, photography, and science fiction. And sometimes there’s a pool game or two!

As always, at Vegan Kalamazoo events, everyone is welcome, including vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, and vegans-in-progress.

We hope you’ll join us for our next get-togethers on:

  • The first and third Saturday mornings of each month from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Fourth Coast Cafe in Kalamazoo. (Next meeting October 17.) And,
  • The fourth Monday evening of each month from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Jac’s Cekola’s Pizza in Portage. (Next meeting October 26.)

Our gracious host is, as always, Laurie Oldfather. RSVP requested in advance on our Meetup or Facebook page.

Saturday 10/10 – Chicago Vegan Mania

ChicagoVeganManiaLogoJoin thousands of compassionate souls at the seventh annual Chicago Vegan Mania where you will find all things vegan including a food court, exhibitors, chef demos, speakers and panel discussions. Chicago Vegan Mania is a fun event for anyone curious about living vegan. If you have ever wanted to explore vegan culture — from animal rights to healthy living to protecting the planet — this is the place to do it.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2015, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway, Chicago

Wed 9/16 – Welcome Back Pizza Party!

Hope all Vegan Kalamazooans had a great summer! Join us for a pizza party at Blaze Pizza and tell us all about yours! As usual, our friends at Blaze are providing free drinks!

blaze-logo-for-webDate:  Wednesday, September 16

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Location: Blaze Pizza, 5015 West Main Street Kalamazoo, MI
(Southwest corner Drake; ample parking)

Note: Blaze offers pizzas with Daiya vegan cheese. Click here for Blaze’s menu.

Please RSVP at our Meetup or Facebook page.

Sunday 9/13 – Grand Rapids Veg Fest

GrandRapidsVegfestJoin Vegan Kalamazoo at West Michigan’s First Annual Grand Rapids Veg Fest on Sunday, September 13th. The expo will introduce plant-based foods to the mainstream and raise awareness for healthy, compassionate and sustainable living. Everyone is welcome, so invite your friends and join the fun. Vegan and vegan-friendly businesses will be on site with product samples (vegan food and more!). Be sure to stop by the Vegan Kalamazoo table and say hello.

When: Sunday, September 13, 2015, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: The DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544