Howdy gang!

'Tis the season for an outdoor gathering, and the next Vegan Chicago gig will take place at one of our favorite places, Foster Beach! This meetup, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 5th, will consist of a fabulous potluck spread and also serve as a farewell gathering for someone many of you know and love.

Long-time Vegan Chicago member and all-around awesome person, Leah Patriarco, is leaving Chicago to embark on a new chapter of her life, and this event is the only opportunity she'll have to connect with everyone prior to her departure.

Here's how it's all gonna go down:

We'll set up camp in a grassy area north of the parking lot and beach house (located on the left as you enter the park)... just beyond the basketball court. For those of you who attended the meetup at Foster Beach last year or the year before, it will be in the same location. For those of you who didn't, we'll do our best to have someone near the entrance of the park to help direct you.

To participate in this event, please bring the following:

* A vegan dish to pass, accompanied by its name and list of ingredients, as well as serving utensils. Please consider putting your name on your list, as it will be easier for other members to connect with you if they're interested in your recipe. We understand that not everyone has time to cook/bake or is interested making something, which is cool... we only require that your contribution be vegan.

* A place setting for yourself and each guest you bring. This includes plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives, drinking cups, napkins... whatever you think you'll need.

*Beverages. Please be sure to bring plenty to drink. If you forget or run out, a Dominick's grocery store is located nearby at Sheridan and Foster. Beverages are also available at the beach house concession stand.

Note: For those who are not vegan or are new and still exploring/learning, this is a gentle reminder that your culinary offering should be void of all animal-derived products. Additional potluck details can be found here: http://www.veganchica....

Optional:
A blanket to sit on
Outdoor/beach toys (hula hoops, frisbees, volleyballs, chalk/ball for foursquare, etc.)

At the end of the event, it will be each person's responsibility to clean up after him/herself (including taking any leftover food). All recyclables will be collected and properly disposed of. Our aim is to leave the area we inhabit in at least the same condition we found it in.

When you RSVP, please identify what you're bringing in the comment section. If you're not sure what you're bringing at the time you sign up, we kindly ask that you update your RVSP once you've made a decision. If Leah has contacted you directly and you've already RSVP'd to her, please also note such in the comment section.

Please consider joining us to share a wonderful vegan meal, frolic in the sand, and help us extend a warm vegan farewell to Leah (you don't have to know her to attend!).

Hope to see you there!

Debra and the VC crew

P.S. The extended forecast currently reflects scattered thunder storms, and Leah has generously offered her apartment as an alternate location if necessary. All who RSVP'd 'Yes' will receive an email with Leah's address if a decision is made to convene there.