Sunday vegan meet-&-greets a treat
What's hard about going vegan? It isn't the protein or the calcium, or even the B12. It's not the convenience, nor is it wrapping your head around the idea of living nonviolently. Really, it's social:
What's hard about going vegan? It isn't the protein or the calcium, or even the B12. It's not the convenience, nor is it wrapping your head around the idea of living nonviolently.
Really, it's social: By rejecting a key social experience shared by "everybody," vegans consequently single themselves out in direct opposition to the culture at large and to almost everybody they know. We're no longer members of the club.
Lack of social support is one key reason often cited by those who find veganism "too hard" to sustain. The good news is that social opportunities for vegans - and for would-be vegans - are growing all the time, so you could start building your own new club this very Sunday.
Sunday, of course, is when mealtime - a utilitarian checkpoint during most of the week - often blossoms into a social event, whether it's a hearty dinner for the extended family or a fun brunch out.
That's what Flora in Jenkintown is offering now as the restaurant expands its monthly brunch program to weekly (now every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm), so start your social Sunday at this cozy spot munching on...
Vegan Lox on an Everything Bagel with Capers, Pickled Red Onion, Vegan Cream Cheese & Cured Carrot
Crabless Cake Benedict with Sriracha Hollandais, and
Breakfast Burrito stuffed with Sweet Potatoes, Chick Peas, Red Onion, Bell Pepper, Mushroom, Pinto Beans & Avocado Aioli
...and more.Reservations (215-779-7945) are encouraged but not required.
A big vegan social event in the early afternoon Sunday is the Animal ACTivists of Philly Ice Cream Social & Dog Pool Party. You know this thing is social because it's right there in the name! Courtesy of organizer Marianne Bessey, here are the details:
It's at The Rotunda 4014 Walnut St 1 pm - 4 pm Front plaza. If the weather is bad, we will move the party indoors!
We will have TWO doggie pools (not if inside-only).
Get 3 scoops of vegan ice cream for $5!
Ben & Jerry's: Coffee Caramel Fudge \ Chunky Monkey \ P.B. and Cookies
So Delicious: Dark Chocolate (Cashew Milk) \ Creamy Cashew
Klein's: Mint Chip \ Vanilla Fudge \ Coffee Royale \ Cookies 'n Cream \ Vanilla
Also fixings to make your own sundae including chocolate syrup and whipped cream AND root beer floats!
Proceeds from the event will go towards legal fees of Kelly Lehman, who was arrested for disrupting a pig-chasing event in Ephrata.
Another vegan party / fundraiser takes place a little later (3:00 pm to 5:30 pm) up in Pottstown at Ringing Rocks Roller Rink: The Pville VegFest 80's Old Skool Roller Skating Fundraiser.
"Let's go back to the days of metal bands, synthesizers, and big hair. Break out those leg warmers, muscle shirts, and leggings," the page cajoles you, "Come join us and dance to your favorite 80s hits at our 80's-themed Roller Skating Fundraiser for this year's Phoenixville VegFest. Tickets are $12 per person and include roller skate rentals. Non skaters are welcomed to come as well. Light snacks and drinks will be provided." Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Looking a little more long term, if you're even thinking about someday trying to live vegan, Sunday might be a great time to check out and sign up for the upcoming Center City Vegan Pledge - also run by PAN - before the July session gets filled up. It's a chance to try vegan eating for 30 days while learning how veganism works, with social events, mentoring and, yes, free vegan food. And it's all put together by PAN President Leila Vaughn, who has been running these programs to help people find a path to vegan for the better part of a decade.
Also on the July social calendar, it's worth noting that I'll be speaking at NAVS Vegetarian Summerfest in Johnstown the second weekend in July. It's a social experience, sure, but also educational, entertaining and at times inspiring. Plus all the delicious vegan food you can eat, all within the pastoral UPJ campus. Maybe I'll see you there!