Campus Fest, Baby Otters, Chili Cook-Off

On September 13th, (despite a few threats of rain), we had our first event of the year: Campus Fest! Over 300 organizations set up tables outside the Union for BGSU students and community members to check out. It was refreshing, exciting and almost overwhelming to see so many people come together to get involved in a spirited, lively environment. The positivity, interest and curiosity of those who stopped to inquire about Veg Club was really encouraging. Lots of interesting conversation! We ran out of several piles of literature and all of the Oreos we were serving, and we filled three sign-up sheets with new e-mail subscribers! What an awesome start to the semester! Hopefully, we will see some new faces around and continue to grow as a group... Let's make an amazing year together!

On September 18th, we had our first official meeting of the year, complete with veg music, banana chips and cheeseless veggie pizza! Everyone introduced themselves and we talked about our favorite animals and our shared veg experiences (e.g. the protein question *gag*). It was pretty much unanimously decided that baby otters are the cutest. We also tossed around a few ideas for this year and shared what we would like to get out of being part of Veg Club. Everyone is really looking forward to finding support from fellow veggie friends this year!

On September 21st, a few friends from Veg Club and SAVE took a trip last night to SASHA Farm Sanctuary and Safe Haven for Animals in Michigan for a Fall Festival and Vegan Chili Cook-Off. Before grabbing baked potatoes and sampling some delicious vegan chilis which people were voting on, we strolled around the farm and said hello to our animal friends: goats, sheep, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, emus, horses, donkeys, turkeys, dogs and cats. It is truly heart-warming and moving to see how free and happy they are there, and it was exciting and comforting to be surrounded by so many people who support SASHA and love animals. In the evening, everyone gathered around a giant (and extremely hot) bonfire to enjoy the lovely autumn-night weather and roast vegan marshmallows. Yum!