This blog is a report on Vegfest Michiana 2019 in South Bend, IN, on Sunday. The two things I enjoyed most about the Vegfest were meeting some of our Healthy Together Friends and seeing Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. I have heard him on the internet in so many different settings, that I can almost give his speech for him. However, this time I did understand better the role of the epithelial cells and the nitric oxide gas they make. I also do not recall hearing him say before that we ought to eat a big serving of steamed greens with balsamic vinegar six times a day. And I learned that that man is tall!
It was practically dark where we were standing for the photo. Bob has done a great job with this photo. Front row l to r: Cheri, Peg, Bonnie, Dr. Esselstyn, Jane, Chris, Peggy. Back two rows in order, l to r: Jeff, Claren, Jeannie, Leslie, Roy, Darlene, Woody.
As I met Healthy Together Friends going through the vender/booth aisles, I took their photos and asked them that if they were going to the Esselstyn presentation, that immediately when it was over, they should come on stage where he would be and if he were not whisked away, we could try to get a photo with him. More on that later in this report. Here are the Healthy Together Friends I met, in the order I met them.
Cal and Barbara joined us for the first time, but Barbara has been hearing about Healthy Together Friends for a long time. It was early in the day when I met up with them. Even so, Barbara said, “I’m impressed that there are so many people interested in vegetarian food.” The crowd grew larger as the day progressed. We heard from one official that 4,700 people had preregistered, a considerable increase over last year.
Cyndi and Chris and Chris’s husband have been with Healthy Together Friends from the very beginning. Cyndi said, “I was impressed by the diverse booths at Veg Fest. I really enjoyed being able to taste the samples of Vegan cooking. I had to miss the trip to Water & Wheat earlier in the month, so I was very happy to witness Josh’s cooking expertise on the stage.” Chris said, “I love tasting all of the different food options from vendors and chefs. Attended half of the presenters. Have heard Esselstyn last year but good review.”
Bob took our group photo. Bonnie has also been with Healthy Together Friends from the beginning—before it had a name. I call her my “best student.” She has the special talent of being able to find delicious, attractive vegetarian/vegan meals at unusual restaurants and cafes. Regarding Vegfest Bonnie said, “Had wonderful tacos by A Bite with Mee. It was a thrill to meet Dr. Esselstyn.”
I found Peggy and Woody near the Water and Wheat Vegan Café booth. Peggy said, “I was so thrilled to hear Dr. Esselstyn and be reminded that a few changes in our eating habits can make a big difference in our health. We stopped by Meijer’s on the way home and bought collards and kale. Enjoyed the kale today.” Peggy recruited a new member for us, so we have one more on our mailing list. Thanks, Peggy. Whole food, plant-based nutrition is really becoming a movement.
Darlene and Roy. Darlene said, “Enjoyable, crowded, likely wouldn’t go again. But that’s because I have been on this [vegan] journey for years, so it wasn’t new to me.” This winter Darlene and Roy went on a Caribbean cruise with a special theme: Holistic Holiday at Sea. Here are some of the big names that made presentations: Michael Klaper, T Colin Campbell, Kim Campbell (daughter-In law), Neal Barnard, Caldwell B Esselstyn, Jane Esselstyn (Caldwell’s daughter) Rip Esselstyn (Caldwell’s son), Brenda Davis (dietician), Chef AJ (TV cook with WFPB foods), Joel Fuhrman, John McDougall, and Michael Gregor. I can’t imagine having all of those people in one location!
Tom and Claren. Claren said, “My husband, Tom, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Vegfest. The speakers were outstanding and motivated us to recommit to a whole food diet. Tom took the attached picture. We especially love the connection between you and Dr. Esselstyn.” [In this photo I was just telling Esselstyn that our group was ready for the photo with him. He was in such a rush to leave for Cleveland that he allowed only two photos—ours and one other.]
Unknown to me, Ann Esselstyn was in the audience. Leslie was fortunate enough to see her and was able to get a photo with her. Ann and her daughter Jane have a cookbook titled, The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook. Leslie said, “We had a great time at the Vegfest. My girls really enjoyed Josh LaJaunie! Very inspiring!!” Leslie’s husband and three daughters plus a friend also attended Vegfest.
One of our Healthy Together Friends told me that she saw Ruby and Andrew at the Vegfest. I looked up and down each aisle looking for them, but without success.
Here’s a comment by a new Healthy Together Friend, whom I did not meet until the group photo: Jeannie–“Such a wonderfully organized, fun and inspirational event! From food preparation, new unique foods to try, booths with great information, products or services, knowledgeable speakers… it had so much to offer every person attending! This was my first time attending and am so glad I went!”
My observation: I was so impressed with the organizers of Vegfest Michiana. There was a variety of venders and other display booths. Lots of volunteers were around to help. They had gotten so many sponsors that admission was free. Last summer Jerry and I went to VegMichigan Vegfest held in the Detroit suburb of Novi. This Vegfest is, of course, supported by a much larger population than South Bend, but we had to pay $18 each. So, a big shout out to the organizers of Vegfest Michiana!