Thursday, February 12 - 10-5 pm
Free seminar held by Humane Society of the United States
NCGA Legislative Building, Auditorium
16 West Jones Street, Raleigh
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is holding a free seminar to learn and practice lobbying for animal protection laws at the state level. To attend the seminar please contact Amanda Arrington, North Carolina State Director of the HSUS, at aarrington@humanesociety.org.

Monday, February 16 - 7-9 pm
Class: "Vegetarian Chinese Cooking" (non-TVS event)
The Durham Academy Parents Association, for the 10th year, offers Academy Nights, enrichment courses open to the public, raising funds for need-based financial aid for Durham Academy and the Hill Center. This year, three of the courses may be of interest to TVSers, the third of which is Vegetarian Chinese Cooking, presented by Lan Tan, with over 20 years of experience. She has taught Chinese cooking at Pace University and on cable television. She owns an Asian store and cuisine school in Durham. $25 plus $25 materials. See also January 27th and February 5th courses. (Pre-registration is required for all courses; call 919-493-5250, 9 am-noon or visit Academy Nights.)

Saturday, February 21, 2009 - 6:30 pm
Vegan Potluck Dinner (non-TVS event)
Solterra Community's Common House, Durham (see directions below)
Solterra Community hosts a vegan potluck the third Saturday of each month. Gather at 6:30 pm and eat promptly at 7:00. Please bring a vegan dish to serve at least 4 times the number in your party (the more, the better), made with no animal derived ingredients, and bring a list of the ingredients or the recipe. Basic drinks (water, tea) and re-usable utensils, drinkware and plates are provided (after dinner clean-up help is appreciated).

Solterra Community is on Solterra Way in Durham; the entrance to the community is at the intersection of Randolph Rd and Solterra Way. (See a map of the entrance location.) Turn into the entrance and follow Solterra Way around to the Common House. Contact Sue at 489-8162 or "andresen.sue at gmail dot com" for more information. Do NOT follow directions obtained from MapQuest! You will get lost! You cannot access Solterra Way from Erwin Rd; you MUST enter Solterra from Randolph Rd - all other entrances are blocked. Call Sue if you need better directions. Common House phone # is 489-2687.

Friday, February 27, 2009 - 7:30 pm
Restaurant Review, Oriental Garden Restaurant
503 West Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill (see a map)
Restaurant phone: 919-967-8818
Oriental Garden has been around forever, offers both Chinese and Thai dishes, and has lots of vegetarian/vegan offerings – far more than offered by most local Asian restaurants. It's the restaurant on Rosemary Street, just before you get to Carrboro, that looks like a greenhouse. It has its own parking lot, or you can find parking on nearby side streets. Oriental Garden does not have its own website, but it does have a listing on CitySearch that includes some reviews.

Please let us know whether you plan to attend – email Michael and Lucy by midnight on Wednesday, February 25. No matter your eating preference, we ask that you order vegetarian or vegan for the purposes of the review.

Saturday, February 28, 2009 - 7:00 pm
Potluck with Carolina Vegan Association
1135 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary (this is an office building - for more details, see the link below)
The Carolina Vegan Association has invited TVS to have its February potluck at their gathering. Bring your dish to share and place setting, as usual, along with list of ingredients (vegan only, please), and learn about this new organization! Full details.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 6:00 pm
Linda Long teaching with Jason Cunningham, Exec. Chef of Washington Duke Inn, at A Southern Season (non-TVS event)
From A Southern Season's website: "Join Linda for a candid discussion on how she developed this beautiful book, Great Chefs Cook Vegan. Jason will demonstrate some of the dishes he contributed.

Menu: Butternut Squash Soup, Layers of Grilled Tofu and Marinated Eggplant with Rice Noodles, Sea Beans, Crispy Ginger, and Coconut Red Curry Emulsion, Strawberry Lime Soup with Yerba Maté Sorbet."

Registration is required for this event (there is a $45 fee). For more information about Linda Long and her book, please see the next event description.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 7:30 pm
Linda Long speaking at Quail Ridge Books on her book, Great Chefs Cook Vegan (non-TVS event)
Quail Ridge Books
3522 Wade Avenue, Raleigh (map)
A photographer and writer, New York City-based Linda Long is a three-decade plus committed vegan with a background including being a waitress in her parents' Pennsylvania truck stop and high school home economist, as well as working for ten years in the resort hotel business. She has photographed book covers and written and photographed for publications such as Vegetarian Journal, American Vegan, and VegNews, including covering the TVS Thanksgiving dinner.

In September 2008, Gibbs Smith, Publisher, published her beautifully photographed book, Great Chefs Cook Vegan. In this book, she shares fabulous vegan recipes from twenty five top chefs, including Alex Stratta, Anne Quatrano, Bradford Thompson, Cat Cora, Charlie Trotter & Matthias Merges, Dan Barber, Daniel Boulud, David Burke, Eric Ripert, Erik Blauberg, Floyd Cardoz, Gabriel Kreuther, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, John Besh, Jose Andres, Josef Huber, Marcus Samuelsson, Matthew Kenney, Michel Nischan, Phil Evans, Suzanne Goin, Terrance Brennan, Thomas Keller, Todd English, and local Washington Duke Inn's Jason Cunningham. Each shared recipes from a three- or four- course vegan meal of their creation, including Baby Beet Salad with Pistachio Vinaigrette and Chickpea Fritters, Sweet Pea Ravioli with Sauteed Pea Leaves, Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers with Sunflower Seed Risotto, and Chocolate Cake with a Chocolate Truffle Molten Center. Dilip even had the pleasure of helping to test a Daniel Boulud beet salad recipe from it!

Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 7:00 pm
Potluck Dinner and talk on Stress Reduction Skills for Stressful Times (including a short introduction to Bach Flower Remedies) (Potluck FAQ)
Larry Green's home
7121 New Light Trail, Chapel Hill (see a map, directions are below)
933-9299
After we eat, Larry will give a presentation; if you can't come, we anticipate podcasting it. This talk was originally going to focus on Bach Flower Remedies; due to the very difficult economic times, that topic will be abbreviated to a ten minute overview so that we can instead cover a variety of stress reduction strategies.

In stressful times, it is useful to know simple skills that can dramatically change our feelings and outlook. As a teacher of Energy Kinesiology, Larry regularly shares simple skills that people can use to change their neurological response to life. Feeling stressed? The Emotional Stress Release Technique is simple, quick and effective at reducing the stress we feel. At this talk, you will learn how to use it for yourself and others. Also, Cook's Hook-up is another simple way to change our stress quickly and easily so we can be more relaxed. A simple yoga breathing technique is also very easy and marvelous to use. Larry will talk about different strategies for dealing with stress. You probably won't believe how easy it is to feel less stressed, until you have come to this talk.

Larry Green, a vegetarian since 1974, is a certified kinesiology instructor and trainer. He has been involved with complementary health for over 25 years, and has been a student of kinesiology since 1990. Larry and his wife Arlene operate the U.S. Kinesiology Training Institute in Chapel Hill, which attracts students from around the country and overseas.

Directions: From Chapel Hill take 54 West (the bypass) and get off at Jones Ferry Road. At the bottom of the ramp turn left. Go to the third (3rd) light and turn right onto Old Greensboro Hwy. You will now be on a two lane country road. Stay on this road 8-9 miles until the second blinking light (easy landmark). The light is a blinking yellow light, at the light turn left onto Crawford Dairy Road. (if you turn right the road has another name like Clover Blossom Chapel Road). Go half a mile and turn right onto a gravel road called New Light Trail. Go half a mile down this road (not too fast please). I am the second house on the right. It is a white house in the middle of a big open field and next to the pond.

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 6:30 pm
Vegan Potluck Dinner (non-TVS event)
Solterra Community's Common House, Durham (see directions below)
Solterra Community hosts a vegan potluck the third Saturday of each month. Gather at 6:30 pm and eat promptly at 7:00. Please bring a vegan dish to serve at least 4 times the number in your party (the more, the better), made with no animal derived ingredients, and bring a list of the ingredients or the recipe. Basic drinks (water, tea) and re-usable utensils, drinkware and plates are provided (after dinner clean-up help is appreciated).

Solterra Community is on Solterra Way in Durham; the entrance to the community is at the intersection of Randolph Rd and Solterra Way. (See a map of the entrance location.) Turn into the entrance and follow Solterra Way around to the Common House. Contact Sue at 489-8162 or "andresen.sue at gmail dot com" for more information. Do NOT follow directions obtained from MapQuest! You will get lost! You cannot access Solterra Way from Erwin Rd; you MUST enter Solterra from Randolph Rd - all other entrances are blocked. Call Sue if you need better directions. Common House phone # is 489-2687.

Saturday, April 18, 2009 - 7:00 pm
Potluck Dinner (Potluck FAQ)
Maggie Gaudet's home
573 Woodbury in Fearrington Village, Pittsboro
201-2649, jermag1@earthlink.net

From anywhere in the Triangle, get on 15/501 South (you can take I-40 to the 15/501 exit in Chapel Hill and go south toward Chapel Hill). Stay on 15/501 S (do not at any point get on 15/501 Bypass), through Chapel Hill and past NC 54. About 1 1/2 miles later, 15/501 exits off the highway; do so and follow the signs south to Pittsboro, turning Left at the end of the exit. Go about 8 miles and watch for the white picket fence and "Fearrington Village" sign on the left; Left at the light onto Village Way into the village. Go about 1/4 mile to Croquet and Swim and turn Right; go to the end and Left onto Weathersfield; Right on Woodbury and please park on the grass on Woodbury as the townhouse has limited parking - they are at the first Left driveway at #573.

Saturday, April 18, 2009 - 6:30 pm
Vegan Potluck Dinner (non-TVS event)
Solterra Community's Common House, Durham (see directions below)
Solterra Community hosts a vegan potluck the third Saturday of each month. Gather at 6:30 pm and eat promptly at 7:00. Please bring a vegan dish to serve at least 4 times the number in your party (the more, the better), made with no animal derived ingredients, and bring a list of the ingredients or the recipe. Basic drinks (water, tea) and re-usable utensils, drinkware and plates are provided (after dinner clean-up help is appreciated).

Solterra Community is on Solterra Way in Durham; the entrance to the community is at the intersection of Randolph Rd and Solterra Way. (See a map of the entrance location.) Turn into the entrance and follow Solterra Way around to the Common House. Contact Sue at 489-8162 or "andresen.sue at gmail dot com" for more information. Do NOT follow directions obtained from MapQuest! You will get lost! You cannot access Solterra Way from Erwin Rd; you MUST enter Solterra from Randolph Rd - all other entrances are blocked. Call Sue if you need better directions. Common House phone # is 489-2687.

Thursday, April 30 - 7:00 pm
Restaurant Review, Thai Cafe
2501 University Drive, Durham (see a map)
Restaurant phone: 919-493-9794
This is a "tried-and-true" favorite place to dine. Thai Cafe offers a lovely, warm atmosphere and lots of reasonably-priced veg meal options. We hope the location will be convenient and easy-to-find for everyone. Ample parking is available in the paved lot.

The restaurant's website has lots of information. The Menu page is a little confusing, as it appears to only list the "lunch" menu, because that title is at the top. However, click on each title below ("appetizers," "salads & soups," etc.) and you'll see those dinner menu items. Most of the dishes are options for us Veggies, as they can have tofu or vegetables subbed for meat. The stir-fries, noodle, rice and curry dishes offer tofu or vegetables as a regular choice.

Please let us know whether you plan to attend – email Michael and Lucy by Monday, April 27. No matter your eating preference, we ask that you order vegetarian or vegan for the purposes of the review.

Saturday, May 16, 2009 - 6:30 pm
Vegan Potluck Dinner (non-TVS event)
Solterra Community's Common House, Durham (see directions below)
Solterra Community hosts a vegan potluck the third Saturday of each month. Gather at 6:30 pm and eat promptly at 7:00. Please bring a vegan dish to serve at least 4 times the number in your party (the more, the better), made with no animal derived ingredients, and bring a list of the ingredients or the recipe. Basic drinks (water, tea) and re-usable utensils, drinkware and plates are provided (after dinner clean-up help is appreciated).

Solterra Community is on Solterra Way in Durham; the entrance to the community is at the intersection of Randolph Rd and Solterra Way. (See a map of the entrance location.) Turn into the entrance and follow Solterra Way around to the Common House. Contact Sue at 489-8162 or "andresen.sue at gmail dot com" for more information. Do NOT follow directions obtained from MapQuest! You will get lost! You cannot access Solterra Way from Erwin Rd; you MUST enter Solterra from Randolph Rd - all other entrances are blocked. Call Sue if you need better directions. Common House phone # is 489-2687.

Sunday, May 17 - 12:30-3:30 pm
Potluck brunch (vegan food only, please) (Potluck FAQ)
Joy Anandi's home
15 Copper Hill Ct, Durham (see a map)
489-3340
Join us for a Sunday potluck brunch on Joy's lovely deck and inside spaces. Vegan only, please. Copper Hill is almost exactly a mile down Woodcroft Parkway from NC 751 (from I-40 take 751 North, cross NC 54, and turn right at the 2nd light just past Woodcroft Shopping Center).

Saturday, June 13, 2009, 3-6 pm
Living Foods for the Adult Beginner (non-TVS event)
New to living foods? In this 3-hour workshop, you will learn the benefits of living foods. You will learn the basics of the raw food kitchen and have opportunities for hands-on food preparation. Please arrive hungry and ready to eat, because you will be sampling delicious meals throughout. $95/person. Contact envz@msn.com.

Sunday, June 14, 2009, 2-3:30 pm
Live Mylk, Juice and Smoothie Workshop (non-TVS event)
Attendees of this 1 1/2-hour workshop will learn how to prepare delicious and satisfying fresh juices, milks, and smoothies, and compare the pros and cons of juices and smoothies. You will learn also about the powerful green smoothie, a much revered beverage in the raw food world. Please bring an empty container with a tight lid that can hold a fluid liter of smoothie to take home. $25/person. Contact envz@msn.com.

Sunday, June 20, 2009, 2-5 pm
Living Foods for the Adult Beginner (non-TVS event)
See June 13 description.

Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 6:30 pm
Vegan Potluck Dinner (non-TVS event)
Solterra Community's Common House, Durham (see directions below)
Solterra Community hosts a vegan potluck the third Saturday of each month. Gather at 6:30 pm and eat promptly at 7:00. Please bring a vegan dish to serve at least 4 times the number in your party (the more, the better), made with no animal derived ingredients, and bring a list of the ingredients or the recipe. Basic drinks (water, tea) and re-usable utensils, drinkware and plates are provided (after dinner clean-up help is appreciated).

Solterra Community is on Solterra Way in Durham; the entrance to the community is at the intersection of Randolph Rd and Solterra Way. (See a map of the entrance location.) Turn into the entrance and follow Solterra Way around to the Common House. Contact Sue at 489-8162 or "andresen.sue at gmail dot com" for more information. Do NOT follow directions obtained from MapQuest! You will get lost! You cannot access Solterra Way from Erwin Rd; you MUST enter Solterra from Randolph Rd - all other entrances are blocked. Call Sue if you need better directions. Common House phone # is 489-2687.

Sunday, June 21, 2009, 2-3:30 pm
Live Mylk, Juice and Smoothie Workshop (non-TVS event)
See June 14 description.

Saturday, June 27 - 7:00 pm
Potluck Dinner (vegan food only, please) (Potluck FAQ)
Beth Levine's home
beth_levine@earthlink.net

Sunday, June 28, 12:00-4:00pm
Absolutely Delicious Vegan Bake Sale (non-TVS event)
Twig (next to Whole Foods)
99 S Elliott Rd, Unit 1, Chapel Hill (see a map)
More information: cvaveganbakesale@gmail.com

Saturday, July 4
No one was able to host a July 4th event this year, so TVS will not be organizing a get-together on Saturday.

Saturday, July 11 - 6:30 pm
Restaurant Review, General Store Cafe
39 West Street, Pittsboro (see a map)
Restaurant phone: 919-542-2432
The General Store Cafe has expanded its size dramatically in recent years, and now even has its own parking lot across the street. The restaurant is just off the traffic circle in downtown Pittsboro, which makes it easily accessible from Hwy. 15-501 or Hwy. 64. There is live music on Saturday nights beginning at 8:30 pm, so that gives you an option to extend your evening if desired. All desserts are made in house. The chef is vegetarian, and we put in a request that there be a vegetarian special for the evening of our visit.

Please let us know whether you plan to attend – email Michael and Lucy by Wednesday, July 8. No matter your eating preference, we ask that you order vegetarian or vegan for the purposes of the review.

Friday, July 17 - 7:00 pm
Potluck picnic and film (vegan food only, please)
Join us for a Friday night potluck picnic and film. Raleigh's NC Museum of Art hosts outdoor movies and picnicing is allowed. Tickets are available starting at 7 pm for $3 (free for members). On this night, the 9 pm film will be Milk, featuring Sean Penn in the role of Harvey Milk (IMDb listing).

Let's meet either between 7 and 7:15 near the box office, or between 7:15 and 7:30 on the lawn. When you come down the stairs to the lawn, turn to the left. We'll be in a group near the raised concrete. Feel free to RSVP to Dilip at barman@jhu.edu, so he can keep an eye out for you. Like with all potlucks, please label your ingredients but, since it may be difficult to focus on labels, we ask that all items be vegan.

Please review the event website for details on what items can be brought. As of this posting, bringing alcohol is prohibited, though it will be available for sale. Glass containers are not allowed nor unsealed beverage containers.

Raindate: July 24 for the film Young at Heart

Saturday, August 8 - 6:00 pm
Potluck Dinner at Joy's Raleigh home (vegan food only, please)

Sunday, August 9 - 11:30 am
Discussion on the Vegetarian Diet (non-TVS event)
Raleigh Friends Meeting House
625 Tower St, Raleigh (see a map)
Phone number at the hall: 821-4414
Joy will be hosting a discussion with Dilip Barman on the vegetarian diet. Much of the discussion will have to do with ethical vegetarianism. The talk will take place at the Quaker Meeting at the Raleigh Friends Meeting House. All are welcome. The discussion will begin around 11:30-11:45. You are welcome to bring a vegan dish to share.

Raleigh Friends Meeting House is at 625 Tower St, Raleigh. Tower St runs parallel to Oberlin Rd near Cameron Village and a bit north of the NCSU campus. From 440, take Hillsborough St. (Hwy 54) toward downtown Raleigh; in about 2 miles turn L onto Chamberlain St; R Everett St; 1st L onto Tower. From points West via 40, take the Wade Avenue exit to Oberlin Rd ramp - R onto Oberlin toward Cameron Village; go .4 mile and R onto Bedford Ave; go .1 mile and L onto Tower; 625 Tower is .1 mile ahead.

Thursday, August 20 - 7:00 pm
Restaurant Review, Green Leaf
4215-1 University Dr, Durham (located between AutoZone and Eastern Lights, in the strip mall; see a map)
Restaurant phone: 919-493-0033
This restaurant review will be on a Thursday evening, to take advantage of this restaurant's all-vegetarian buffet night. Michael and Lucy ate here on a non-veg buffet night. They were pleased with their food and the very attentive service. Michael got the buffet and was able to get ample fare, even though it wasn't a full-fledged veg buffet. Lucy ordered off the menu. They are both excited to dine here, again, with you!

Please check-out the restaurant's website for menu details. The website lists Thursday night as "Vegan night," however, Michael and Lucy are unsure if this is accurate. It is vegetarian, but perhaps not all of the offerings are vegan.

The group is limited to seating for 20, so please RSVP soon, if you plan to attend, by emailing Michael and Lucy. No matter your eating preference, we ask that you order vegetarian or vegan for the purposes of the review. If you plan to order off the menu (whereas, you might have leftovers), please bring your own earth-friendly container(s) for your take-home food.

Saturday, September 12 - 7:00 pm
Joint potluck with Ethical Culture Society (Potluck FAQ)
Durham Friends Meetinghouse
404 Alexander Avenue, Durham (See a map and directions)
After the potluck, three TVSers and three ECSers will be on a panel to discuss their views of ethics. This has been an exciting event the last twelve years! We're looking for TVSers interested in being on this year's panel; please email Dilip if you're interested! See a summary of panelists' views from our 2003 event as examples of topics that have been discussed in the past.

Saturday, September 26 - 8-10 pm
Vegan Dessert Bar and Mingle
Bliss Boutique Bakery
Bliss Boutique Bakery, a bakery near the heart of Franklin Street that always features a daily-changing vegan item baked on premise, hosts an evening of mingling and relaxation. Come out anytime after dinner between 8-10 pm to enjoy company of other TVSers and friends. Bliss will have a variety of vegan cupcakes and pies (and maybe some other surprises!), as well as a coffee and herbal tea bar. We may have some live music or possibly a film showing. Your $5 entrance gives you full access to enjoy the baked good and drink bars, and to relax in the midst of Franklin Street action.

Saturday, October 3 - 7:00 pm
Potluck dinner
Eilene Bisgrove's home
1700 Open Air Camp Rd, Durham (see a map)
Take Guess Rd heading north from I-85. Pass Carver St, Horton Rd. and Rose of Sharon Rd. Open Air Camp Rd is the first left after crossing the Eno River. Turn left on Open Air Camp and go 0.3 mile. Take another left on the deadend branch of the road also marked Open Air Camp and go straight to the end of the road and into a circular driveway.

Sunday, October 18 - 2:00 pm (check-in is at 1:45)
Triangle Farm Sanctuary Walk for Farm Animals (non-TVS event)
621 Broad St, Durham (near Whole Foods/Duke East Campus)
This year's Walk for Farm Animals to benefit Farm Sanctuary has been scheduled! Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization; they have worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, New York, and Orland, California, provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming.

The 2009 Durham, NC, leg of the Farm Sanctuary Walk for Farm Animals will be on Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 pm (check-in is at 1:45). Hopefully you can join us! If you'd like to walk (the walk will take about an hour), see the online registration link below to register with Farm Sanctuary. If you would like to help out the day of the event, or if you aren't available on this day and would like to help out in another way, please email durham@walkforfarmanimals.org.

Online registration for the Walk allows you to set up a page for your friends and family to make easy donations, securely, online. You will also sign up for your t-shirt size. The registration fee entitles you to a Walk t-shirt designed by Herbivore Founder Josh Hooten. Unless you opt out, there are also three levels of prizes you are eligible for once you've reached certain fundraising levels.

If you can't walk, but wish to donate, you may donate on this webpage. Feel free to forward this information out to anyone you know who might be interested. The more, the merrier (especially when donations are concerned)! Last year we had 35 walkers and raised over $2,300. I appreciate your support and help, as do the many animals being helped. I look forward to another great walk this year!

Sunday, November 1 - 4:00 pm
Vegan Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser (non-TVS event)
Join us on November 1st for what may be Carrboro's first ever all vegan chili cook-off! (See the poster.) This event will be held at Johnny's which is located at 901 W. Main St. in Carrboro. YOU decide which chili is the best. Tasting will be 4:00-6:00 p.m. and the winners announced soon afterward. Enjoy entertainment from our local radical puppet troupe, the Mysterious Rabbit Puppet Army, and live music from Gambling the Muse. A suggested donation of $5 per person will go to benefit The Internationalist. The main area at Johnny's is outdoors, and the event will be held rain or shine. Think you've got the best vegan chili recipe in town? There's still time to enter, just come by The Internationalist to fill out a form or email Jason at lout77@yahoo.com.

Saturday, November 7 - 6:30 pm/7:00 pm
Potluck dinner and talk on yoga with optional yoga session (Potluck FAQ)
Patanjali's Place
700 Foster Street (near downtown Durham, see a map)
We'll have our November potluck at Patanjali's Place in Durham. Bring your food to share and place setting, as with most potlucks, and come early at 6:30 if you want to experience a quiet half-hour of yoga; come at 7:00 to meet, mingle, and eat; and stay on for a half-hour talk by founder and director Bryan Carey about yoga and vegetarianism, and the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 18 - 7:00 pm
David Cantor, founder and director of Responsible Policies for Animals (RPA), speaks at NCSU (non-TVS event)
Event description: "We have choices, but are locked into practices and policies that undermine our well-being. Solving our country's big health, environment, and social problems without rights of all animals is like pedaling a bicycle without a chain. Hear a thoroughly researched view in this talk entitled 'Land of the Free - and of the Enslaved'. Share your insight, experience, and questions. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about true animal rights. You won't want to miss it!"

This talk will happen in the *Blue Room* located on the 4th floor of Talley Student Center. We'll be starting promptly at 7 pm, so please be on time. Vegan refreshments will be provided. This event is organized by Triangle Vegan Action (TVA) and Students Promoting Animal Rights Collectively (SPARC).

Thursday, November 26
Annual Thanksgiving Feast at Café Parizäde and Spice Street
For the eleventh year in a row, we are returning to Café Parizäde in Durham for our Thanksgiving Feast. We will also have a second seating at Spice Street in Chapel Hill. Details are available on the Thanksgiving 2009 page.

Saturday, December 12 - 6:00 pm
Annual TVS Holiday Party potluck and white elephant gift exchange (Potluck FAQ)
Ron Verbruggen's home
227 Shalimar Dr, Durham (near Southpoint, see a map)
919-616-8256
Like other potlucks, please bring your own place setting – a dinner plate, fork (and maybe spoon), and glass or cup would be a good assemblage. After we eat, we will, as has become tradition, have a low-/no-cost simple gift exchange – please bring something, wrapped, from around the house that you no longer use that others may find valuable; please bring one present per person. Look for the house with the giant Santa! Please park on the same side of the road as the sidewalk.

Thursday, December 31 - 6:00 pm
New Year's Eve party
Shreya and Kartik Patel's home
2500 Bryarton Woods Dr, Raleigh (see a map)
854-2665
We traditionally volunteer for First Night daytime children's activities, have a vegan pizza party, and return to enjoy First Night.