September 19, 2010 11:00 AM - 80 attended

Wedrose Acres Animal Sanctuary Retreat

Wedrose Acres (map)

Selected By: Mali

Join us for a one-day retreat at Wedrose Acres! Wedrose acres is a non-profit animal sanctuary for domestic, farm, and exotic animals. They provide a wetland environment to protect native flora and fauna, and they promote prevention of cruelty to animals. During the day, you will have the opportunity to visit with the animals, relax on the beautiful property, enjoy a catered vegan lunch, and participate in an all-levels yoga class!

The day will begin with your arrival at Wedrose Acres at 11:00 am. Transportation will not be provided, but we will be happy to put you in contact with those who may be coming from your area so that carpools can be arranged. Upon arrival, you should check-in and we will spend time visiting with the animals and enjoying the space. At 12:00 noon, a catered vegetarian lunch will be served, courtesy of Upton's Naturals. You will be free to enjoy your lunch picnic-style on the grounds. After lunch, there will be more time to visit with the animals and relax on the scenic property. We will begin our outdoor yoga practice with teacher Nicole Sopko at 2:30 pm which will be accessible for all-levels, even those who have not practiced yoga before. The yoga practice will be followed by a reflection of the days activities before we depart around 4:30 pm.

The cost for participation in this outing will be $20 per person. This cost includes a donation for the continued care and upkeep at Wedrose Acres, catered lunch from Upton's Naturals, and the yoga session.

Please click the Paypal link on http://www.nicolehopm... to pay for the event as you RSVP on this page. You must RSVP and pay by September 14, 2010 so that we will have enough food for everyone who plans to attend.


Things to bring with you:
- A blanket or sheet to picnic on
- Water and snacks (out of respect for the animal residents, please no meat!)
- A yoga mat, towel, blanket, or sheet to practice yoga on
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Snacks to share with the animal residents of Wedrose Acres - Veggies are great!
- A camera to capture the events of the day
- Your friends, family, children, neighbors, etc - The more the merrier!


Please use "Talk about this Meetup" area if any questions or comments. To arrange car-pooling, please use the message board thread http://www.chicagoveg....

  • 50 of 60
  • Fatenah Issa
    Fatenah Issa

    I'm interested in car pooling if anyone is coming from the Forest Park area.

    Posted August 26, 2010 at 7:33 PM
  • Nicole
    Nicole

    Fatenah, I teach yoga at a studio in Oak Park, so I expect that some of my regular students may be coming form that area!

    Posted August 26, 2010 at 8:05 PM
  • Parag
    Parag

    I am interested but just wondering if anyone want to do car pooling. I am from Kenosha WI.

    Posted August 27, 2010 at 9:37 PM
  • Sandi
    Sandi

    I am also interested in carpooling. I am in Napervile and would gladly meet up with the group leaving from Aurora.

    Posted August 28, 2010 at 4:19 AM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Hi Sandi! Please Join us!!!

    Posted August 28, 2010 at 8:15 AM
  • Tina Czerwinski
    Tina Czerwinski

    Hi Sandi! It was nice meeting you downtown this week. I live in Plainfield and will also be joining the carpooling group from Aurora!

    Posted August 28, 2010 at 10:43 AM
  • Marina
    Marina

    Is anyone able to give me a ride? I live in Evanston (or I can be on the North Side, if needed - by public transit). Please, let me know. Thank you!

    Posted August 28, 2010 at 12:16 PM
  • Megan
    Megan

    I will be driving from the Willowbrook/Darien area if someone wants a ride from around here or if someone wants to drive to my place and leave their car. However I will be ending the day earlier. I expect to leave the farm by 2:30.

    Posted August 29, 2010 at 9:12 AM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Hi Megan,
    Thanks for the kind offer. Yoga is starting that day at 230pm...But you will be able to relax & spend time with the rescued animals & share in our Vegan Lunch :)

    Posted August 31, 2010 at 5:25 PM
  • Vadim
    Vadim

    The meetup location is 2 hours from Chicago. Please consider car pooling. As you share the ride don't forget to chip in for gas.

    Posted August 31, 2010 at 6:08 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Hi Parag,
    Sorry, but Im Not sure who is coming from that far North, is anyone else??

    Posted September 1, 2010 at 3:47 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Yay! What an AWESOME Turnout & I KNOW You WILL NOT be disappointed. PLEASE Invite your kids, friends, family, neighbors. This has the potential to be the Biggest, Funnest Veg*n event of the Month & REMEMBER half of your ticket goes to Benefit the rescued animals at Wedrose Acres, A TOTAL WIN WIN Situation!! Be sure to pay at Nicole's website by Sept. 14th!!

    Posted September 1, 2010 at 3:49 PM
  • Pam
    Pam

    Guys, could we please just include where we are coming from/ if we are driving/ need a ride with our RSVP's so an e-mail is not sent to the entire group every time someone posts where they are driving from/ need a ride from? Thanks. Sorry, the e-mails are starting to get to me.

    Posted September 1, 2010 at 5:17 PM
  • cheryl
    cheryl

    Sorry, Pam, but we were instructed to use this section to talk about car pooling. I think you can change your settings for how they are delivered to your email box.

    Posted September 1, 2010 at 11:27 PM
  • Pam
    Pam

    Cheryl, I know you were instructed to do that and am suggesting using the RSVP section instead. It just makes more sense. That is how it is usually done with the other meetup groups and it works out great. You just e-mail directly the people who are coming from your area. As for changing one's settings to prevent comments from being sent to one's e-mail, that might result in missing important messages about the event.

    Posted September 1, 2010 at 11:44 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Let's keep posting carpool infomration on here until further notice, thanks. If It is For ALL to see & answer.

    Posted September 2, 2010 at 12:01 PM
  • Jamie Specht
    Jamie Specht

    I agree that the emails are getting to be overloading. I wish these messages could be posted in a different way so as not to bog everyone down with emails. Can I remove my RSVP and still attend?

    Posted September 2, 2010 at 1:10 PM
  • Vadim
    Vadim

    Jamie and all: Please do not remove your RSVP. If you prefer not to get this messages please uncheck the first option in your communication settings: http://www.chicagoveg.org/settings If you afraid to miss important messages related to the event check the board regularly and enable the setting later.

    Let's be cautious about replies to this board and reply ONLY if you have to communicate to ALL attendees. If you need to address something to an individual - please send him/her a direct email.

    Posted September 2, 2010 at 1:35 PM
  • Siri
    Siri

    I need a ride from downtown. Anybody?

    Posted September 2, 2010 at 11:40 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Please pay at Nicole's site by September 14th!! The 19th will be here Quickly, Invite your Friends & Family:)

    Posted September 6, 2010 at 7:55 AM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Just trying to firm up details. Who is coming from Chicago that needs a ride? Who is coming from Chicago that is willing to drive?? Who is coming from the burbs? North? South? West? Who is willing to drive?? Mark & I both will drive if need be & you can get to Aurora by 9am. Peace, Gill

    Posted September 6, 2010 at 7:57 AM
  • Regina a.k.a Banshee
    Regina a.k.a Banshee

    Gillian, I'm not exactly sure if I am going or not, but if I am, then I would definately need a lift from the city somehow. I am up in Rogers Park East

    Posted September 6, 2010 at 11:46 AM
  • Mali
    Mali

    Hi Everyone!

    A thread has been created on the message board for people to coordinate carpooling arrangements. If you need a ride or have seats available, please refer to the message board link http://www.chicagoveg.org/messages/boards/thread/9691817 . Please use this board only if you want your questions/comments directed to everyone. Thank you!

    Posted September 6, 2010 at 4:18 PM
  • Mike Thomas
    Mike Thomas

    Not to get picky, but in the animal sanctuary retreat summary, it mentions vegan lunch in the 1st paragraph and vegetarian lunch in the 2nd. Does anyone know which it is? It could make a difference to some people.

    Posted September 7, 2010 at 8:04 PM
  • mark gillono
    mark gillono

    Mike,

    the food is from Upton's Natural's and is 100% vegan.

    Posted September 7, 2010 at 8:20 PM
  • Nicole
    Nicole

    Note to all: There is less than ONE WEEK left to pay, so please send in your payments soon. If you need mailing info to send a check, contact me directly. Your payment must be received by the 14th as we will need a final count for food. Do not plan to show up on the day of without having paid in advance because we will not have anything extra for you to eat! This event is, most importantly, a fundraiser for Wedrose and requires payment to attend! Thanks so so much for your cooperation!

    Posted September 8, 2010 at 1:17 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Please Pay & discuss carpooling ASAP, We DON'T want you to miss this Fantastic Opportunity!!

    Posted September 8, 2010 at 8:15 PM
  • Dar Freeman
    Dar Freeman

    I'm in the western suburb of Warrenville which is right next to Naperville. I'll be driving and have room for 3 other people who may need a ride. If anyone from the city still needs a ride, I can easily get you from the Metra station in Wheaton or West Chicago.

    Posted September 9, 2010 at 9:27 AM
  • gillian
    gillian

    SO Looking forward to meeting ALL of you & sharing Wedrose with you! THE 14TH IS TUESDAY & PAYMENT IS DUE...PLEASE DONT MISS OUT. WE NEED TO ORDER YOUR VEGAN LUNCH FOOD! REMEMBER 1/2 OF YOUR TICKET GOES TO HELP THE ANIMALS @ WEDROSE, THANKS :) Peace, Gill

    Posted September 12, 2010 at 8:14 PM
  • Nicole
    Nicole

    I have had a lot of questions about making payment for more than one person, since the paypal form only allows for payment of one person at a time. The options for sending payment for more than one person are: a) send two (or more) payments, or b) send the total payment amount to my email address directly via paypal bypassing the form. If there are any questions beyond that, feel free to contact me! Only two days left to register so that we can get the menu finalized and shopping done!

    Posted September 12, 2010 at 10:22 PM
  • Belinda
    Belinda

    Will there be drinkable water (water fountain, etc.) supplied at Wedrose that we can refill our water bottles with, or should we bring all the water that we need for the whole day with us? Thanks.

    Posted September 13, 2010 at 12:10 PM
  • Nicole
    Nicole

    Bring water with you, but I will also try to have several gallons of water for those who need it.

    Posted September 13, 2010 at 12:25 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Registration closes at 11AM this morning, Tuesday. Please Register so you wont miss this Awesome event :) If you are signing up & paying for multiple individuals you will need to register & pay on paypal as many times as the number of people you have :) since the paypal form only allows for payment of one person at a time. Thanks! Looking fwd to meeting ALL of You :) Peace, Gill

    Posted September 14, 2010 at 6:51 AM
  • gillian
    gillian

    the paypal link for this event is...http://www.nicolehopman.com/events.html

    Posted September 14, 2010 at 6:51 AM
  • Sri Surya
    Sri Surya

    It would be a good idea to carry some Light musical instruments. The last time we had Guitar, and some improvised drumming, it was great!

    Posted September 15, 2010 at 6:31 AM
  • Monica Ball
    Monica Ball

    Musical instruments sounds cool! But something to keep in mind is that many drum heads are made of goat skin which wouldn't be very respectful to the animals at the sanctuary.

    Posted September 15, 2010 at 7:44 AM
  • Sri Surya
    Sri Surya

    I agree, may not be skin drums though, in fact we could include just light musical instruments which wouldn't make noise that may scare/disturb the animals!Guitar, Violin, other string instruments or organ

    Posted September 15, 2010 at 7:48 AM
  • Sharon
    Sharon

    I wish I could make it too, everyone have fun!

    Posted September 15, 2010 at 9:45 PM
  • Lisa Jeon
    Lisa Jeon

    okay...i've been super busy with school and trying to find an apartment that I haven't been able to keep up with paying for this meetup....may have to postpone attending until the next chance arrives. :( RSVP cancelled.

    Posted September 18, 2010 at 9:03 AM
  • Kevin Cooney
    Kevin Cooney

    If anyone who lives in or around Des Plaines needs a ride, I have room for two more. I'll be taking I-294 to I-55, so if you live close to those roads, I can always pick you up along the way, as well. Let me know.

    Posted September 18, 2010 at 11:46 AM
  • Pamela
    Pamela

    Hi Kevin, I'm on the way from Des Plaines. I live close to I-294. I'm by East River Road and Higgins. We could coordinate something, I'd be very grateful! :)

    Posted September 18, 2010 at 2:56 PM
  • Nicole
    Nicole

    Just a note on the weather since I've been contacted a few times! We will be at Wedrose tomorrow rain or shine, so please plan accordingly. The chance of rain is only about 50% throughout the day, so think sunny thoughts! I think that we can stave off the rain enough to enjoy the day! See you all tomorrow!

    Posted September 18, 2010 at 6:12 PM
  • Kevin Cooney
    Kevin Cooney

    Hi Pamela,

    I sent you a private message earlier. Just wanted to let you know.

    Posted September 18, 2010 at 9:59 PM
  • Fatenah Issa
    Fatenah Issa

    This was truly a fantastic event! I enjoyed myself so much and felt completely at peace with the world. Next time I'll know to bring more carrots!

    Posted September 20, 2010 at 12:04 PM
  • Doris Muller
    Doris Muller

    This event was a highlight of my year. I enjoyed everything about it. Thank you to all who worked hard to make it happen.

    I loved being with the animals. I have a deep admiration for Tobein and her angel helpers.

    Posted September 20, 2010 at 6:27 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    So Happy to see All of you seemed to have as Amazing a time as I did! Btw, if you want to be put on the Wedrose Acres mailing list &/or our Vegan potluck roadtrip lists PLEASE send me your email address, Thanks :) & look for Dan Dunbar's limited edition Wedrose Acre screenprinted to order ecofriendly tshirts for a $5 or more donation at VeganMania :) while they last..Peace.

    Posted September 21, 2010 at 7:07 AM
  • gillian
    gillian

    HI! We are SO Excited to start a NEW Season of Vegan Gatherings at one of our Favorite places on Sunday, April 17, 2011. Please Join us for Our 1st Vegan Potluck/Gathering w/the Beautiful Rescued Animals of the Peaceful Sanctuary, Wedrose Acres&their Loving Guardian of Compassion, Tobein. Please bring a VEGAN dish for us Human animals to share, apples or carrots to share w/the 4 legged animals, your own reusable water bottle&dish setting&a seat/blanket. We will b going rain or shine.

    Posted March 20, 2011 at 4:18 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    We will be meeting up with the Vegan meetup groups of Bloomington/Normal & Possibly Champaign, so Be Ready to meet New friends of ALL Species :) We will be leaving Aurora in a caravan of vehicles at 10 am or meeting at Wedrose by noon. If you need a train pickup &/or carpool please let me know. Hope You can join us!! This will be an ongoing monthly event from now til November..Contact me for details :)

    Posted March 20, 2011 at 4:19 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Please attend our Upcoming Yoga Retreat to Benefit the animals at Wedrose on Sun. June 26..Sign up on Facebook..
    http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130542090353301

    Posted May 18, 2011 at 11:20 PM
  • gillian
    gillian

    Please RSVP by THIS SUNDAY 6/19 & PLEASE Join us for a one-day retreat at Wedrose Acres, a non-profit farm, domestic, and wild animal sanctuary located in Gridley, IL! During the day you will have the opportunity to visit with the animal residents of Wedrose Acres, relax on the beautiful property, enjoy a catered vegan lunch, and participate in an all-levels yoga class in a scenic outdoor setting.

    The day will begin with your arrival at Wedrose Acres (16747 Kappa Road, Gridley, IL) at 11:00am.

    Posted June 14, 2011 at 7:37 AM
  • You must be a member to post a comment. Join or login.

80 attended

RSVPs closed

5.00 5.0020 (20 ratings)
  • Event Host
    Mali
  • Event Host
    Nicole
    +1 guest
    I had a great time meeting so many of you and sharing the day! I wish I'd had more time to socialize! Thanks to Gill, Mali, and Vadim for helping make this event so popular and thanks to my partner, Dan, for making sure that everything ran smoothly! We couldn't have asked for a better turn out! I hope that we can do it again in the spring.
  • Event Host
    gillian
    +1 guest
    Awesome Venue, Great people, a Cruelty Free, Peaceful, Loving Vibe..We Raised $1000 for the Animals! Thank YOU ALL!
  • Mike Thomas
    Great event! I was there with our local Peoria group and it was nice to meet those of you from the Chicago area. Hope we can all get together soon at a future event!
  • Jamie Specht
    It was a great experience being around the animals, having a scrumptious meal, and then taking care of myself with some yoga. Wonderful bunch of people!
  • Leandro
    It was a great event.... It was a good experience all-around... the sanctuary, the animals, the food, and the yoga!
  • Anish
    Thanks Gill, Nicole, and Mali. I had a great time and loved spending time with the animals. The donkeys were my favorite and connected with me instantly. The llama seemed a bit emotionally detached but was cute.
  • Dar Freeman
    I had a wonderful time. I didn't meet too many people because I spent most of my time with the animals but it was what I needed, thank you for planning such a wonderful event, I hope to join you again for more in the future.
  • Sandi
    This was an amazing retreat! Thanks to everyone who organized the wonderful day!! What a relaxing day filled with animal interaction, yummy crulety-free food, and yoga!
  • Pamela
    The food was great, the people were friendly, the yoga was fun, and it was all for a great cause!
  • Nicole Villeneuve
    i enjoyed the relaxing farm atmosphere, lots of trees and fresh air. Perfect place to take a nap on the grass after the delicious lunch provided.
  • Vadim
    Organizer
    It was relaxing, fun and meaningful (to further connection between humans and animals). Gill, Mali, & Nicole did a great job organizing. Thank you everyone for joining us!
  • Erin L
    +1 guest
    a beautiful, relaxing day...
  • Tina Czerwinski
    It was a rare chance to enjoy likeminded people, captivating animals, well-taught yoga, and awesome vegan food...all in an idyllic country atmosphere!
  • Doris Muller
    My experience was fabulous. I am very impressed with the quality of the experience. It is very gratifying to be among others who eat compassionately.
  • Pat Gwozdz
    +1 guest
    Joe and I loved the setting, the animals of course, but most of all the interesting people we met who shared their experiences with being vegan. Good job, Nora. Pat Gwozdz
  • Indira
    +1 guest
  • Gretchen
    +1 guest
  • Bill
    ChicagoVeg Volleyball Team Lead
  • Jessica
    +1 guest
  • Laurie
    +1 guest
  • Monique
    +1 guest
  • Tom
  • JP
    +1 guest
  • Belinda
    +3 guests
  • Megan
    +3 guests
  • stephanie
    +1 guest
  • Monica Ball
    +2 guests
  • Carrie Nutter
    +1 guest
  • Geneen Sutton
    +2 guests
  • Erica
    +1 guest
  • shawn
    +3 guests
  • Marion Willetts
    +1 guest

Your organizer's refund policy for Wedrose Acres Animal Sanctuary Retreat

Refunds offered if:

Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.

Fake Meats, LLC

Vegetarian & Vegan Meats & Treats!

Meez Meals

Do not miss the special perk to save 15% of your order from Meez Meals!

Upton's Naturals

Please look for the sponsor's vegan products in the stores!

>>> ChicagoVeg Kids <<<

Join our growing network of veg families who live in Chicago & suburbs!

ChicagoVeg on Facebook

Please visit ChicagoVeg on Facebook!

Chicagoland Green & Eco-Living (CGE)

Join this group to make new eco-conscious friends!

Order ~Eating~ 2nd Edition

"Anderson's Eating DVD is a gift to humanity." - Order to give it out!

Visit ChicagoVeg website

Click on the logo to check out ChicagoVeg general website.

Chicagoland Indie & Documentary Films

Join Chicagoland Independent & Documentary Films (CIDF) Meetup!

The Chicagoland Tai Chi (Taiji) Meetup

Join this this group to meet other Chicago area Tai-Chi enthusiasts!

Veggie Fest 2011

Veggie Festival 2011 was a lot of fun - We look forward to the next one!

Other nearby
Meetups
Why these groups?
x

The Meetup Groups shown here are topically similar to ChicagoVeg» Chicago area Raw Food, Vegan & Vegetarian Living.

Groups are more likely to be displayed here if they:

  • have a Meetup scheduled
  • have a high rating
  • have a group photo
  • are "public" and not "private"
  • have shown they are likely to stick around (older than 30 days)
Find more Meetup Groups
near Chicago

Log in

  • Not registered with us yet?
or

Log in to Meetup with your Facebook account.

Sign up

or

Join this Meetup Group even quicker with your Facebook account.

By clicking the "Sign up using Facebook" or "Sign up" buttons above, you agree to Meetup's Terms of Service