The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Mary H. May 2012 ********************************************************************* 1) THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL VRG VOLUNTEERS 2) VRG OUTREACH REVIEW 3) UPCOMING VRG BOOTHS AT COMMUNITY EVENTS 4) VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE VRG 5) SPECIAL SPRING OFFER FOR 'VEGANS KNOW HOW TO PARTY' 6) NEW NATIONAL HARRIS POLL RESULTS ON SUGAR, DELI SLICES, AND MORE 7) MY INTERNSHIP WITH THE VRG By Amanda Matte, VRG INTERN 8) INTERN DINNER By Amanda Matte, VRG INTERN 9) MOM's ORGANIC MARKET NEW ROCKVILLE LOCATION 10) VEGAN COOKING CLASSES - FAIRFAX STATION, VA 11) UPCOMING LOCAL VEG HAPPENINGS 12) VEGAN DINNER DURING 2012 ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA ********************************************************************* 1) THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL VRG VOLUNTEERS Each year The VRG enlists volunteers from around the country to read scholarship contest essays and write personalized acknowledgments to each student who submits an entry. The heartfelt responses are warmly received by the students and we are grateful for our helpers who went the extra mile. A big thank you to Sonja Helman for coordinating this effort! Here are the volunteers who worked with Sonja on this task: Ryan Andrews Janine Conway Amanda J. Gilley Heather Gorn Gayle Z. Herskovitz Cara Marrero Amanda Matte Susan Petrie Rammy Ramesh Sarah Sabshon Jenny Saccenti Amy Vaughn Kristi Watson To get involved with this task next year, email [email protected] To learn more about the scholarships offered by The VRG, visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ] To donate to future scholarships or support needs based interns, donate at: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] ********************************************************************* 2) VRG OUTREACH REVIEW Thank you to Heather Gorn and Debra Wasserman for coordinating a successful and tasty event at Candle 79 in NYC on May 6th! VRG members, volunteers, donors, and those interested in learning about The VRG filled their plates with a gourmet vegan meal and their minds with info about projects that live out The VRG's mission. Veteran volunteer, Dorothy Kenny has kicked off the tabling season with several events brewing in the near future. Just last weekend on May 5th, she staffed VRG's booth at Bowie's 3rd Annual Childhood Obesity Awareness Festival. Thanks Dorothy! On Saturday, April 28th the UMBC Vegetarians and The Humane League hosted the second annual Baltimore VegFest on UMBC's campus in Arbutus. Dorothy Kenny, Amanda Matte, and I watched with watery taste buds as folks walked by with filling falafel wraps, delectable Indian Cuisine, and 100% vegan sweets like cookies and fudge. Before long I was in the line for fresh-pressed juice from Zia's Caf�, a treat we could enjoy while engaging with the friendly individuals who dropped by our booth. Long time members from Frederick came by to check out our new "Party" book, a couple from Easton wanted resources to give local restaurants to encourage them to offer vegan options, which are scarce in their 'meat & potatoes' town, a dietitian came by to give us her contact information to add to our referral database, and college students gave their input on the status of vegan options from their campus food service and picked up bumper stickers, magazines, and coloring books to reprieve them from seemingly endless finals cramming. Fortune placed us tabling next to Land of Kush, and I was sure to buy some satisfying vegan soul food before it was all gone- and believe it went fast! Dorothy went the extra mile and coordinated with food vendors to personally collect remainder trays of food and samples to donate to a local shelter. We're grateful for the artful skills of Balance Photography from Catonsville, Maryland. They were generous enough to share some stellar shots from the event! Definitely check this eco-friendly, vegan company out! For more information, email: [email protected] or visit: [ http://www.balancephotography.net ] Follow Rissa & Nathaniel's vegan blog: [ http://www.dirtyhippiebohemiangirl.com ] If you are interested in volunteering at a booth like the ones above, e-mail [email protected]. For a list of other ways to get involved, visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/getinvolved.php ] Donations from individuals like you help The VRG continue to sponsor outreach. To donate, please go to [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] ********************************************************************* 3) VISIT THE VRG's BOOTHS AT THESE LOCAL AND NATION WIDE EVENTS Festival season is here! We would be thrilled if you came by our booth to talk with VRG volunteers, check out our special book offers, and take home free handouts & magazines! Volunteers are needed for these events, if you would like to sign up email Mary at [email protected] MARYLAND AREA EVENTS: Living Classrooms Health & Wellness Fair June 9 in Baltimore, MD [ http://www.livingclassrooms.org/about/index.html ] DC Veg Fest September 22 in Washington, DC [ http://dcvegfest.com/ ] NATION WIDE EVENTS: Veggie Pride Parade May 27 in New York, NY [ http://www.veggieprideparade.org ] Richmond Vegetarian Festival June 2 in Richmond, VA [ http://www.veggiefest.org/ ] NAVS Summer Fest July 27- July 1 in Johnstown, PA [ http://vegetariansummerfest.org ] Animal Rights National Conference August 2 - 5 in Alexandria, VA [ http://www.arconference.org/ ] Chicago Vegetarian Food Festival August 11 & 12 in Chicago, IL [ http://www.veggiefestchicago.org ] Bethlehem Vegetarian Festival September 8 in Lehigh Valley, PA [ http://www.downtownbethlehemassociation.com/calendar/vegfest ] Boulder Green Streets September 16 in Boulder, CO [ http://bouldergreenstreets.org/ ] AND Food and Nutrition Conference October 6-9 Philadelphia, PA [ http://www.eatright.org/fnce/ ] *For information on VRG's vegan dinner during the conference visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/05/11/vrgs-vegan-dinner-in-philadelphia-oct-7-2012/ ] NY Capital Region Vegetarian Expo November 17 in Albany, NY [ http://www.nyvegetarianexpo.org/ ] To donate and support these outreach booths and enable VRG to participate in even more events, donate at: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] ********************************************************************* 4) VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE VRG For more information about the following and other chances to contribute, email Mary VRG's Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] To work with like-minded folks on clerical tasks that help us get ready for outreach events and communicate with our members and connect with veggie communities around the country, come to Volunteer Days! Upcoming Volunteer days: Tuesday May 15th 3:00PM - 7:00 PM Saturday May 19th 1:00PM - 4:00 PM Our Vegetarian Restaurant Guide needs a monitor to keep track of restaurant openings, closings, and updates. This is a task that can be done from the comfort of your home couch! Looking ahead to the fall, we would appreciate help with the planning of our Annual Thanksgiving Potluck which will take place on November 18th in Baltimore. ********************************************************************* 5) SPECIAL SPRING OFFER FOR 'VEGANS KNOW HOW TO PARTY' With warmer weather and longer days there are plenty of reasons to smile but we thought we'd give you one more: from now until June 15th you can buy our newest cookbook, 'Vegans Know How to Party' and receive a second copy for free! A $50 value for just $25. This 384- page book has over 465 vegan recipes, from cooking for crowds to cupcakes and casseroles that will lively up any gathering. For more information on 'Vegans Know How to Party': [ http://www.vrg.org/press/party_book_release.php ] To order: Pay online at [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] (Mention the book offer in the comments/notes section) You can also order by calling (410) 366-8343 Monday to Friday, 9-5 Or by mailing a check to The VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. ********************************************************************* 6) NEW NATIONAL HARRIS POLL RESULTS ON SUGAR, DELI SLICES, AND MORE By Charles Stahler Should items containing sugar whitened with bone char be labeled vegetarian? Will vegetarians eat veggie burgers cooked on a grill where meat was cooked? What about growing meat in a test tube? To help answer some of these questions, we wanted to find out what vegetarians and vegans are thinking. We commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a national telephone poll of a representative sample of 2,030 respondents. See the survey below: If you're looking to buy a vegetarian product, you would purchase: (Select all that apply.) - Your favorite veggie burger cooked on the same grill where meat is cooked, if the grill is cleaned first. - A vegetarian vegan deli slice sandwich in Subway. - Your favorite dessert containing sugar, if the source of sugar isn't specified. - A vegetarian dish containing leafy greens such as broccoli, kale, or collards. - A vegetarian dish containing whole foods such as lentils, chickpeas, or rice. - A meat alternative grown from animal cell DNA obtained ten years ago, which does not currently involve the raising of animals. - Your favorite dessert containing sugar whitened through a bone char filter, if bone char is not in the sugar. The poll results might surprise you or they might be right along with your answers! Either way the numbers and implications for food companies, restaurants, health professionals, and food services is significant and notable. To read the complete article, and see the poll results visit our blog: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/04/18/sugar-vegan-deli-slices-whole-grains-meat-genes-what-will-vegans-and-vegetarians-eat-vrg-asks-in-a-new-national-harris-poll/ ] ******************************************************************** 7) MY INTERNSHIP WITH THE VRG By Amanda Matte, VRG INTERN Being an intern at VRG has been a wonderful, eye-opening experience. I originally began working here to gain experience at a non-profit, and since VRG is a local cause I care deeply about, it was a perfect fit. As a lifelong vegetarian, I thought I knew all there was to know, but through my work here I have become far more informed about vegetarianism, and particularly veganism. I have started to read up on veganism on my own time, and have begun to implement changes into my lacto-ovo diet,including, but not limited to, subbing almond milk for cream in my coffee, and giving vegan cheese a try. My tasks here at VRG have been many and varied, and I look forward to observing their benefits in my future career. I have worked on writing, from blog posts to responding to scholarship entries, have tested and reviewed vegan products, helped at the VRG booth at VegFest, and even given HTML a try! All of these tasks, along with the many others I accomplished since January, have both added to my resume, and to my confidence in skills that will continue to serve me throughout my working life. Another feat I accomplished while working this internship was the planning of a dinner, along with another intern. I am extremely proud of the way it turned out. Gaining experience in event planning and managing was extremely fulfilling. I can't thank VRG enough for taking me on as an intern for these past 5 months. I have greatly enjoyed working with everyone at the office, and also getting to know others involved with VRG. I feel that I have gained crucial knowledge related to nutrition, animal rights, and even the ways in which a vegetarian diet can help the world become a better place from an environmental and ethical standpoint. I hope to return to VRG in the fall to fulfill another internship, learn even more, and to continue to be of assistance in the wonderful work that they do! For more information about VRG internships, see: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/ ] To donate towards VRG internships and other projects, go to: [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ] ********************************************************************* 8) INTERN DINNER By Amanda Matte, VRG INTERN The Vegetarian Resource Group held a dinner to celebrate and welcome the interns in the office at Mr. Chan's Szechuan Restaurant in Pikesville, MD on March 22nd. The dinner was organized by two of VRG's current Baltimore interns. VRG staff, interns, and volunteers gathered for a delicious meal which included menu highlights like vegan wonton soup, crispy orange seitan, and a vegan maki roll assortment. The food, conversation, and company alike were sublime...a wonderful time was had by all! It was extremely heartening to learn about all the wonderful work VRG interns, staff, and volunteers have been doing. The editing of the magazine, press releases, outreach booths, and much of the other wonderful work being done through VRG were discussed among those in attendance, that included dedicated volunteers that have been with us over 20 years, as well as faces relatively new to the group. If you would like to volunteer or intern at VRG, please e-mail [email protected], noting your interests, skills, date and time availability. ********************************************************************* 9) MOM's ORGANIC MARKET NEW ROCKVILLE LOCATION On May 3rd MOM's celebrated their grand opening of their new location. The Rockville store is now sitting at the intersection of Randolph Road and Nebel Street, less than a mile down from the old store. Enjoy wider aisles, ample parking, increased selection...plus the Naked Lunch Kitchen, a fresh new food concept with only the most healthful organic ingredients! 5566 Randolph Road Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 816-4944 [ http://www.momsorganicmarket.com/ ] ********************************************************************* 10) VEGAN COOKING CLASSES - FAIRFAX STATION, VIRGINIA Mimi Clark, "Veggie Gourmet," has been teaching vegan cooking classes for the past 20 years. Demonstrations include recipes, organic food samples, and manufacturers' coupons. Special price for VRG members! Regularly: $55/person; $100/two people; $50/VSDC, VRG, COK members. Sunday, May 20, 10 A.M. -- 1 P.M. Sushi & International Cuisine II: cook cuisine of other cultures without leaving home! Past classes have included Sushi, Wasabi, Chana Masala, Aloo Gobi, Chapati Bread, Moong Dal, Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Pesto Pizza, Hunan-Style Orange Beef, Chicken & Broccoli with Black Bean Sauce, Paella, Stuffed Cabbage, Seitan Stroganoff, Pad Thai, Pho & more. Coming up: June 10, Salads/Picnics/BBQs For availability: email [email protected] or call (703) 643-2713. Checks payable to: Mimi Clark, 9302 Hallston Ct. Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Gift Certificates available! More information: [ http://www.veggourmet.wordpress.com ] ********************************************************************* 11) UPCOMING LOCAL VEG HAPPENINGS *A rotating vegan potluck in the greater Baltimore area is happy to open their doors to families who are interested in a brunch or late afternoon gathering to allow kids, parents, and peers to share information, ideas, and support. To be added to the monthly potluck announcement email Dana Shaw: [email protected] April 15th- May 20th, Vegan Pledge Program sponsored by Open The Cages Alliance. Live vegan for a month with the guidance of a mentor, weekly meetings, including a cooking class, nutrition presentation, shopping trip, and trip to a sanctuary. Meetings will be held at Cyclops Books, 30 W. North Avenue in Baltimore City. To get involved: [email protected] [ http://openthecages.org/veganpledge/index.html ] [ http://www.facebook.com/events/177906558902988/ ] May 16th, Wednesday 7:00-9:00 P.M. Vegan Meetup Discussion Group hosted by EarthSave Baltimore. This monthly gathering welcomes anyone interested in learning about healthier living. The dinner will be held at Mr. Chan's Szechuan Restaurant, 1000 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville. For details or to register:[ http://vegan.meetup.com/29/ ] or email: [email protected] or call: (410) 252-3043. May 18th, Friday 6:30 P.M. Dine Kind Vegan Potluck. Hosted by Jill Stankis from David's Natural Market, this group gathers in Harford County on the third Friday of the month at Fallston Unitarian Church: 1127 Old Fallston Road Fallston, MD 21047. Please bring a dish, recipe, minimum $3 donation and come enjoy this welcoming event with guest speakers. For more details, call (410) 836-0808. [ http://www.facebook.com/pages/DineKind/128952760505552 ] May 19th, Saturday 3:00 P.M. Mid-May Vegan Potluck in the Park hosted by Western MD Veg Meet Up Group! Join them for family fun and a vegan potluck-picnic at the Washington County Regional Park. They have reserved the pavilion and ask that you bring your own place setting. For more info: [ http://www.westmdveg.org/events/61198272/ ] May 20th, Sunday 1:00-4:00 P.M. International Vegetarian Food Fair at Capital Memorial Church of Seventh-day Adventists. Once a year CMC members, hailing from almost 50 countries, present a "sampling" of authentic international vegetarian cuisines. Try foods from Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, India, Latin America, and several others. All items are vegetarian and many are vegan. $15 per person, children 10 and under free. 3150 Chesapeake St, NW Washington, DC 20008 [ http://www.capitalmemorial.org/#/event-calendar/international-food-fair ] May 26th, Saturday 6:00-9:00 P.M. Vegan Potluck & Video hosted by EarthSave Baltimore. This monthly Veg Dinner Educational Series is featuring the environmental documentary, "The Last Mountain". Dinner guests are asked to bring a vegan dish that serves 8 and a donation of $5. This series is held on the last Saturday of each month at the Learning Center/Yoga Studio of Your Prescription for Health, 10210 S. Dolfield Rd. in Owings Mills. Email: [email protected] Call:(410) 252-3043. [ http://earthsavebaltimore.org/node/43 ] May 27th, Sunday NYC's Veggie Pride Parade 2012 which will take place in Greenwich Village/ Union Square. The day's festivities are sure to give the meatless way of living a much needed boost. Participants are encouraged to dress up in costumes and wear sign boards declaring veggie pride. Local restaurants, veg groups, and veg everything will be represented with banners and chants. Be sure to say HI! to VRG at our table! Contact: [email protected] [ http://www.veggieprideparade.org ] June 2nd, Saturday: First Saturday Vegan Potluck hosted by the Sorak family in Ellicott City. Please bring a vegan dish that serves at least eight. Kids are welcome! RSVP to [email protected] or call 410-465-0427. June 10, Sunday 3:00 P.M. South of the Border Vegan Potluck hosted by Western MD Veg Meet Up Group. Join for a potluck and discussion of all things Latin American! Please bring along your favorite Latin American themed vegan dish that serves 10. For more info: [ http://www.westmdveg.org/events/60629282/ ] ********************************************************************* 12) VEGAN DINNER DURING 2012 A.N.D. CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA On Sunday October 7, 2012 at 6:00 P.M., The VRG will host a vegan feast during the annual meeting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly ADA) at Singapore Vegetarian Restaurant, about one block from the Philadelphia Convention Center. VEGAN BUFFET MENU House Wonton Soup Hot and Sour Soup Curry Dumpling Spring Roll Sesame Noodles Salad Singapore "Pepper Steak" General Tao's "Chicken" with Broccoli Vegetable Lo Mein Chinese and American Greens Coconut "Shrimp and Chicken" Brown Rice, White Rice, Tea, Oranges Cost: $20 per person To register: Pay online at [ http://www.vrg.org/donate and ] (write in Singapore and names of attendees in the comments/notes) You can also reserve by calling (410) 366-8343 Monday to Friday, 9-5. Or by mailing a check to The VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. *Seating is limited. Menu subject to change. ********************************************************************* ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP Our health professionals, activists, and educators work with businesses and individuals to bring about healthful changes in your school, workplace, and community. Registered dietitians and physicians aid in the development of nutrition-related publications and answer member and media questions about vegetarian diets. The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization. Financial support comes primarily from memberships, donations, bequests and book sales. The VEGETARIAN JOURNAL, a print magazine, is a benefit of membership in The VRG. (For more information, please see the VEGETARIAN JOURNAL online at [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/ ] ) To sign up for The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ] To sign up for The VRG's Maryland Email Newsletter, please visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/ ] We are also on Facebook and Twitter!! [ http://www./facebook/.com/pages/The-Vegetarian-Resource-Group/117682300680 ] [ http://www.twitter.com/VegResourceGrp ] If you would like to make a donation, become a member, volunteer, or find out more about The VRG, contact us at: The Vegetarian Resource Group P.O. Box 1463 Baltimore, MD 21203 Phone: (410) 366-8343 Fax: (410) 366-8804 E-mail: [email protected], Website: [ http://www.vrg.org ] To donate: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1565 ] Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2012 The contents of this newsletter, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own. If you were forwarded this message and would like to sign up for our monthly local email newsletter please see our website: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/ ] If you wish to not receive the Local Email Newsletter, send an e-mail message to [email protected] with the phrase "remove me from local email newsletter".
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