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Meet Ibtisam Brown–Twin Cities Veg Fest Volunteer
Ibtisam Brown (she/her) is volunteering as Food Vendor Coordinator for this year’s Twin Cities Veg Fest. She enjoyed working with the vendors last year and signed up again.
When she was new to the Twin Cities six years ago she attended the Festival and got hooked! “I was looking for ways to connect to the local vegan community and loved how inclusive and empathetic the members of CAA were,” she shared.
We asked her some questions so that we can get to know her better:
Spring Farm Sanctuary in Transition
Spring Farm Sanctuary Moving to Tennessee
We have some bittersweet news from Spring Farm Sanctuary. They are moving and merging with Odd Man Inn sanctuary in Tennessee (see the details below).
Spring Farm Sanctuary (SFS) in Long Lake, MN was founded in 2016 by Robin Johnson. SFS has been committed to ending farmed animal cruelty and promoting vegan living through their rescue, rehabilitation, and education efforts. They have provided a loving home for abused and neglected farm animals. In addition, they have encouraged the community to connect with animals and realize how sensitive, emotional, and caring they are. Over these years they have rescued and provided a home for over 25 chickens, cows, steer, turkeys, sheep and goats.
Your Body In Balance Event a resounding success!
On Wednesday May 4 CAA celebrated a major event: Your Body in Balance.
Your Body in Balance event was a big success!
Over 50 people attended this information packed event. For many it was their first event with CAA. 100% of survey respondents said they “learned a lot”! When asked what they liked about the event most replied “everything!”
The event focused on the health/diet connection. New York Times bestselling author Neal Barnard, MD shared the science behind how common hormone-related conditions can be improved by simple diet changes. Other experts provided inspirational stories of transforming their health through nutrition.
A big shout out to the participants:
J. Selby’s for their donation of yummy nachos with whole foods plant-based cheese dip and chocolate chip cookies
Dr. Neal Barnard for his inspirational and informative talk and Q&A afterwards
Terrell Woods (AKA [Carnage The Executioner) for providing musical entertainment and sharing his health and dietary journey
Rooted Green Wellness for their cooking demo, presentation and desserts
Suzanne Sorensen for her dietician consultations
Phillip Prospers of Plant Bar Cafe for the delicious drinks
Plant Pure Communities and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine for their informational booths and support
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This event was part of the Twin Cities Veg Month series of events in May. Sign up now to try 21 days of veg living and get 15% off at local businesses during Veg Month: exploreveg.org/challenge
Rooster Redemption’s upcoming move
Recently Rooster Redemption announced that they will be moving from Minnesota soon. CAA has been happy to partner with them on several initiatives over the years and their presence will be missed. In particular it has been wonderful to tour Rooster Redemption to help the community know about their wonderful sanctuary.
Rooster Redemption is a rooster rescue facility. Why a special sanctuary for roosters? They cite:
- Roosters (male chickens) are the most abandoned, unwanted, exploited, and stigmatized land animal on the planet.
- Due to their need for specialized care and accommodations, they are extremely difficult to find homes for.
- We devote our time, energy, and patience toward these birds who are the underdogs in the rescue world.
- We strive to amplify their voices.
- We celebrate roosters as colorful companions with misunderstood personalities.
We interviewed them to find out more about their move:
Twin Cities Veg Living magazine issue 8 is here!
The new issue of Twin Cities Veg Living is chock full of useful information and inspiration! Donors receive it in the mail. It’s available for pickup at The Herbivorous Butcher, Coconut Whisk, and at every event during Veg Month! Or check it out here:
Read TCVL Issue 8!
Exploring Plant-Based Eating: Vegan Myth Busters by Suzy Sorensen RDN, LD. CDCES
Suzy takes on seven common myths about veganism. She shares the best evidence-based, scientifically sound information to refute them.
Creating Change for Animals and People in the Twin Cities.
Meet 12 people taking the lead on creating a sustainable, equitable, plant-based future.
St. Paul Mayor issues Plant-Based Proclamation for Earth day
Mayor Carter declares April 22 Plant-Based Wellness Day
On Earth Day, April 22, Mayor Melvin Carter issued St. Paul’s First Plant-Based Proclamation. In it he encourages residents to consider increasing consumption of plant-based foods.
Mayor Carter cites plant-based eating as tied to better environmental and health outcomes. He connects this dietary change to the future well-being of the community. St. Paul’s Climate Action and Resilience plan also encourages increased plant-based eating.
The proclamation was the result of a team effort. CAA Board members Henry Patterson and Julie Knopp partnered with Phillip Prospers, CEO of Living Naturally Abundant. They were inspired by successful efforts in other cities and states. Over the last few months they worked to educate and inspire Mayor Carter and his staff about this issue.
The proclamation raises the visibility of the connection between a plant-based diet and improved health and environmental outcomes. Tying these vital issues together is key. It provides more reasons for people to consider a more compassionate diet. Informing and inspiring change that benefits both animals and the planet.
CAA is here to help! Take the Explore Veg Challenge. Get 15% Off at Local Restaurants During May’s Veg Month + Free Recipe and Shopping Guide! Sign up now!
Meet Sabrina Beres—TCVF Social Media coordinator
Sabrina Beres is on the Twin Cities Veg Fest Committee as one of the Social Media Coordinators. We are lucky to have her bring her professional expertise in this area to our team!
She found out about CAA through her exposure to our social media campaigns. What she read fit with her long term passion for animal rights and veganism.
One of her favorite activities with CAA has been bringing her friends to the Twin Cities Veg Fest. She enjoys helping them find that vegan foods can be tasty and fun.
Why she volunteers: “I love that I can really have a chance to make an impact on something I care about! And social media platforms offer a fun way to interact with your audience and get personal about these objectives” .
We wanted to get to know her better so had her answer some questions:
A taste of the 2022 Annual Banquet
At Veg Out!: CAA’s Annual Casual Banquet 2022 we had several speakers. Some were volunteers and some were staff. Jodi Gruhn has been both. She is now the Wholesome Minnesota Coordinator and has been a Twin Cities Veg Fest volunteer as well.
In addition to sharing a brief update on recent Wholesome Minnesota accomplishments she shared her personal journey. She had been looking for more in life. An encounter with a Twin Cities Veg Fest ad led her on a journey. First to attend the festival. Then to volunteer. And now to helping increase the amount of plant-based food being offered in Twin Cities institutions.
If you missed her inspiring talk at the banquet or want to relive it we have shared the text below:
Banquet raises over $4,000 for animals and our community
Veg Out!: CAA’s Annual Casual Banquet 2022 was held March 20. Fun, food and friends made this a memorable experience. Over 55 fellow CAA supporters gathered in person with another 15 joining
remotely. We feasted on black bean and sweet potato tacos, with great drink selections from La Dona Cerveceria. All while hearing the latest inspirational accomplishments of CAA from staff and volunteers. Topped off by yummy Rach Cakes desserts!
Celeste Knoff won a $100 Reverie card for her outstanding performance on the quiz. Over thirty happy people picked up the items they won at the auction. Between auction bids and donations we raised over $4,000 to support our work! Thanks to all who gave generously and the six people who joined our Circle of Care with a monthly gift.
Everyone walked out with great memories to recharge our batteries for continued work on behalf of the animals!
Introducing our new Board Member—Dyne Stephenson
Dyne Stephenson has been an educator, animal advocate, and vegan, for over 25 years. Since 2016, he has been a volunteer in many different CAA roles, including coordinator positions for the CAA Banquet and Twin Cities Veg Fest. Additionally, he has attended and volunteered at Vegan Chili Cook Offs, Dine-Outs, potlucks, film screenings, and other events. We welcome him into his new role as our latest board member.
We asked Dyne some questions so that we can get to know him better:
What motivated you to get involved with animal advocacy?
In 1992, I went to see Alex Pacheco, the co-founder of PETA, speak at CU-Boulder. He was a great speaker, but the video he showed of animal torture and killing shocked me deeply. I became vegetarian that night, and a vegan after reading and watching more. Soon after, I became a volunteer for Rocky Mountain Animal Defense and the leader of the CU-Boulder Animal Rights Group.