The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Mary H.
AUGUST 2012

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1) VRG CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH CURRENT VEGETARIAN JOURNAL
2) VRG INCLUDED IN COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN IN THE FALL 2012
3) THE VRG's ANNUAL PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE
4) THANK YOU TO THE WONDERFUL VRG VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS
5) VRG's OUTREACH AT CHICAGO GREEN FESTIVAL 2012 BY ERIC SHARER, RD
6) VISIT THE VRG'S BOOTHS AT THESE LOCAL AND NATIONWIDE EVENTS
7) VRG VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
8) THE LAND OF KUSH IN BALTIMORE BY SHELBY JACKSON, VRG INTERN
9) STICKY FINGERS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. BY SHELBY JACKSON, VRG INTERN
10) VEGAN SPIRITUALITY RETREAT - AUGUST 11TH - GLADWYNE, PA
11) 2ND ANNUAL VEGTOBERFEST IN BALTIMORE ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 27
12) UPCOMING LOCAL VEG HAPPENINGS
13) VEGAN DINNER DURING 2012 ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
    CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA

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1) VRG CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH CURRENT VEGETARIAN JOURNAL

Be sure to scoop up the latest copy of Vegetarian Journal, Volume XXXI,
Number 3 as it's packed with celebratory menus, reflections on 
memorable projects and popular veggie foods from 1982 to today, 30 
top vegan restaurants across the country, and recipes for 30 vegan 
dishes that carnivores will celebrate!

Not a member? No problem, you can join for $25 for 1 year and receive
a free copy of 'Vegan Meals for 1 or 2'  by sending payment and 
subscription information to P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203, by 
calling (410) 366-8343, or on our website at 
[ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=82 ]

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2) VRG INCLUDED IN COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN IN THE FALL 2012

The Vegetarian Resource Group has been accepted by the U.S. Office of
Personnel Management for inclusion in the Fall 2012 Combined Federal 
Campaign as a member of Health & Medical Research Charities of 
America. Please support vegetarian outreach and education and select 
The Vegetarian Resource Group if you are a federal worker and donate 
through the Combined Federal Campaign. 

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3) THE VRG's ANNUAL PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE

Mark your calendars now for The VRG's 31st Annual Vegetarian 
Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner on Sunday November 18, 2012 at 5:00 
P.M. The dinner will be held at North Baltimore Mennonite Church in 
Roland Park, 4615 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210. 

Vegetarians, vegans, and the merely curious are invited! $4 per 
person, children under age 16 are free. Please bring a vegan dish 
(and serving utensil) that serves four as a contribution from each 
member of your party. Write ingredients of dish on index card to 
accommodate special diets. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable 
dishes and utensils to reduce waste. A vegetarian canned food drive 
is taking place the same night. Consider donating!

Volunteers needed to help with marketing and planning before the 
event and on the day of the event for set-up and clean-up.

For more information contact The VRG at [email protected] or call us at
(410) 366-8343. Reservations not necessary!

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4) THANK YOU TO THE WONDERFUL VRG VOLUNTEERS

We extend our continued gratitude to local high school student, 
Morgan for helping with projects around the office! Volunteering with 
VRG can be an enjoyable way for students to earn service hours!

VRG welcomes another high school volunteer, Soren who had volunteered 
with us in 2008 and has come back in to help pack for upcoming booths, 
proofread Spanish brochures, and help with a mailing.

A round of cheers for intern Shelby Jackson and volunteers Dorothy
Kenny and Heather Gorn for the time and energy they put forth at 
VRG's outreach booth at HSUS's Taking Action for Animals Conference
in Washington DC on July 28th and 29th!

Thank you to our volunteers who make outreach possible. To get 
involved, email [email protected]. To support future outreach opportunities, 
donate at: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ]

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5) VRG's OUTREACH AT CHICAGO GREEN FESTIVAL 2012 BY ERIC SHARER, RD

GreenFest was held inside the iconic Navy Pier of Chicago, which is 
located on a jetty right outside of the heart of the city, providing 
an amazing view of the skyline and waterfront. The event itself was 
held in the large festival hall. This is a large space giving plenty of 
room for all the vendors, presenters, and visitors comfortably. Per 
the GreenFest webpage, the total weekend welcomed over 24,000 
participants. This was very large venue, so it never seemed 
excessively busy or overwhelming and I would encourage anyone 
interested to visit the event in 2013! The crowd was quite a melting 
pot of all ages, demographics, beliefs, and cultures; a very 
fascinating mix of people. I would say the two most common age groups 
were people in their 20's - 30's and people in their late 40's early 
50's.

A large majority of the crowd was familiar with the overall concept 
of vegetarianism/veganism, but many had questions about the reasons 
why one would pursue this or how to do so. Major topics of interest 
include the environmental impact of the livestock industry, vegan 
children, eating healthy on a budget, and gluten free nutrition. 
Many people were shocked to learn of the impact that eating animal 
protein, poultry, or dairy has on the environment and the earth's 
supply of fresh water. They were surprised to learn that the 
largest user of fresh water is the livestock industry, since water 
is directly needed for drinking and cleaning of animals. 

There were many conversations about all sorts of topics related to 
vegetarianism/veganism. I had great talks with a few nurses, 
counselors, and teachers who wanted to spread the word on the 
benefits of vegetarianism/veganism to their students/clients/
patients. Several school teachers who came to the booth were excited 
to share Vegetarian Journal and coloring books with their students.

Along with volunteering for The VRG's booth, I was part of the opening 
ceremony with The Earth Balance Plant Based Panel. This was a panel of 
both local and national experts, specializing in various arenas such 
as nutrition, GMO, raw foods, media, etc. This was a very exciting 
panel which drummed up a very interesting and informative discussion 
related to vegetarianism. It was a special moment being able to 
represent myself as well as VRG at GreenFest Chicago! Video of this 
panel as well as the panel from other cities is available at the Earth 
Balance website.

If you are interested in volunteering at a booth like this, e-mail
[email protected]. 

For a list of other ways to volunteer and get involved with the VRG, 
please visit [ http://www.vrg.org/getinvolved.php ] 

Donations from individuals like you help VRG continue to sponsor 
outreach booths like the one mentioned above. To donate, please go 
to [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ]

For more information about GreenFest, visit:
[ http://www.greenfestivals.org/ ]

To watch the Earth Balance panel video, visit:
[ http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/news-events/events/upcoming/ ]

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6) VISIT THE VRG'S BOOTHS AT THESE LOCAL AND NATIONWIDE EVENTS

Festival season is here! We would be thrilled if you came by our
booth to talk with VRG volunteers, check out special book offers,
and take home free handouts and magazines!

Volunteers are needed for these events, if you would like to sign up
email Mary at [email protected]

MARYLAND AREA EVENTS:

Animal Rights National Conference 2012
August 2 - 5 in Alexandria, VA
[ http://www.arconference.org/ ]

DC Veg Fest
September 22 in Washington, DC
11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
[ http://dcvegfest.com/ ]

Baltimore Vegtoberfest
October 27 in South Baltimore
10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
[ http://www.openthecages.org/vegtoberfest/ ]

VRG's Thanksgiving Potluck
North Baltimore Mennonite Church, 4615 Roland Ave (21210)
November 18 -Sunday- in Baltimore, MD
5:00 P.M.

NATIONWIDE EVENTS:

Chicago Vegetarian Food Festival
August 11th and 12th 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/ ]

Vegan Mania
September 29th in Chicago, IL
[ http://chicagoveganmania.com/ ]

AND Food and Nutrition Conference
October 6 - 9 in 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-philadephia-oct-7-2012/ ]

World Vegetarian Festival 2012
October 6 - 7 in San Francisco, CA
[ http://www.sfvs.org/wvd/ ]

Boston Vegetarian Food Festival
October 27 - 28 in Boston, MA
[ http://www.bostonveg.org/foodfest/ ]

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 ]

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7) VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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, communicate with our members, and connect with
veggie communities around the country come to Volunteer Days in The
VRG Office! Email Mary at [email protected] for info on the August date.

Example tasks include, assisting with mass mailings, helping with
local and national restaurant guide, preparing materials for events, 
and packing for outreach booths. 

Looking ahead to the fall, we would appreciate help with the planning,
marketing, and day-of set up/clean up for our Annual Thanksgiving 
Potluck, which will take place on Sunday November 18th in Roland Park 
in Baltimore at 5:00 P.M. 

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8) THE LAND OF KUSH IN BALTIMORE BY SHELBY JACKSON, VRG INTERN

The Land of Kush, located at 840 N. Eutaw Street, boasts the two 
features I admire most about a restaurant: generous portions and 
affordability. Though the menu may seem small, everything I have tried 
is flavor-packed, seemingly healthy, and surprisingly filling. The 
entirely vegan menu allows you to customize and get creative with 
your meal; you can put one of the three entr�es on a wrap, or choose 
one entr�e with two sides for the $10.99 platter, or just fill up 
on the side dishes. As far as I have tasted, you cannot go wrong 
with any of the selections.

I am usually pretty quick to pick favorites when it comes to 
restaurant entr�es, but not with The Land of Kush. As someone who 
grew up in the south eating barbecue meats and lots of macaroni and 
cheese, I'd have to say the Land of Kush really hit the spot with 
their savory, smoky Kush BBQ Ribs and Baked Mac & Cheese. Though the 
latter does not necessarily taste how I remember, it was buttery and 
creamy, and I will definitely be going back for seconds. The texture 
and flavor of the Sweet & Sour Seitan, with its tangy sauce and 
tender texture, reminded me of the brisket my mom used to make. Both 
the Ribs and the Seitan were extremely hearty and satisfying and the 
leftovers tasted great on a sandwich the next day. 

The Chick-un Salad Wrap tastes exactly like real chicken, according 
to my omnivore boyfriend who has ordered it twice. His next favorite 
were the ribs, which were "good, but not real ribs." Coming from a 
boy who grew up in Kansas City and is quick to point out the 
shortcomings of mock meats, this remark is more positive than 
it may initially seem. 

The Land of Kush does not try too hard to imitate the non-vegan 
versions the dishes are inspired from. They are careful to extract 
the natural, wholesome flavor and unique texture of seitan and soy, 
but with a soul food spin. The Mac & Cheese, as well as many of 
their entrees, is incomparable with the real thing, which is 
fortunate, because what they have come up with tastes much better.

For more information about vegan dining options in Baltimore, MD, 
see The Vegetarian Resource Group's local restaurant guide at 
[ http://www.vrg.org/travel/baltimoreguide.php ]. For more information
about vegan dining options across the US, see the VRG's national
restaurant guide: [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php ].

For more info about The Land Of Kush: [ http://www.thelandofkush.com/ ]

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9) STICKY FINGERS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. BY SHELBY JACKSON, VRG Intern

Sticky Fingers, located at 1370 Park Road NW in Washington DC, is a 
vegan caf� and bakery that takes the cake for the best treats around. 
The two time all-star winner of the Food Network's Cupcake Wars, 
Sticky Fingers is a must stop destination for any serious connoisseur 
of fine vegan desserts. The meal options are reasonably priced (all 
around eight dollars) and dessert items run for about as much as you 
would expect from a vegan bakery. 

I had the Breakfast Burrito: tofu scramble, black beans, tomato, 
spinach and Daiya cheese wrapped inside an organic whole grain 
tortilla. My boyfriend enjoyed the Chik'n Ranch Wrap which included 
lettuce, avocado, refried beans and homemade ranch dressing. Both 
were equally satisfying, especially when paired with a thick and 
creamy vanilla soy ice cream shake. After sitting down, I instantly 
regretted not ordering the Biscuits & Gravy; they looked incredible 
and were being devoured at nearly every table in the restaurant.

The mesmerizing display of gleaming baked goods left me wishing I had 
more room in my stomach. After spending a good ten minutes eyeing all 
the mouthwatering selections, I finally settled on a cinnamon roll to 
save for later. Cinnamon rolls are an all time favorite of mine, and 
I have always had difficulty finding a vegan replica of the 
melt-in-your mouth gooeyness characteristic of a well made roll. 
Sticky Fingers has gone above and beyond with their gigantic, frosty 
cinnamon rolls. I'm not sure it's even possible for better ones to 
to be made. 

Sticky Fingers is as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious. 
The funky retro d�cor made me feel as if I was stepping into a 50's 
diner, and was probably the motivating force behind my decision to 
order an ice cream shake with breakfast. I encourage you to treat 
yourself to one of Sticky Finger's heavenly, perfectly frosted 
delicacies. I've been to a fair share of vegan eateries, and it 
is with critical evaluation and careful contemplation that I deem 
Sticky Fingers as among the best. 

For more information on vegetarian selections at restaurants all 
across America, see the Vegetarian Resource Group's online restaurant 
guide: [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php. ]

For more information about Sticky Fingers:
[ http://www.stickyfingers.com/ ]

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10) VEGAN SPIRITUALITY RETREAT - AUGUST 11TH - GLADWYNE, PA

Explore veganism as a spiritual practice at the 3rd Annual Retreat on
Saturday August 11th in Gladwyne, PA featuring Rae Sikora of Plant 
Peace Daily, Anne Dinshah author of Dating Vegans, Neal Seghal of 
Evolve for Animals & vegan yogis John Calabria & Derek Goodwin.

Enjoy yoga, a catered vegan lunch, nature walk, discussions, guided 
meditation, and an Animal Blessing Ceremony with vegan drums!

For more information:
[ http://www.publiceyephilly.org ]
[ http://www.veganspirituality.com ]
Call: (315) 620-2130

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11) 2ND ANNUAL VEGTOBERFEST IN BALTIMORE ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 27

Open the Cages Alliance is happy to announce the second annual
Vegtoberfest to be held at Riverside Park in South Baltimore in honor
of compassionate, joyful, and sustainable vegan lifestyles!
Look forward to "Astro Folk" song-crafter Woody Lissauer, speaker 
Joseph Gonzales, dietitians from PCRM, and performer Ron Kipling
Williams. More event information to be loaded on Open The Cages
website soon.

Riverside Park is located at 1600 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

Information: [ http://www.openthecages.org/events/index.html ]

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12) 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]

August 5th, Sunday 12:30 - 2:30 P.M., Vegetarian Meetup hosted by
Earth Save at Cafe Zen in Belvedere Square. This group is a great
place to get support and suggestions related to a vegetarian 
lifestyle. To RSVP, register at [ http://vegetarian.meetup.com/9/, ]
Cafe Zen is located at 438 East Belvedere Avenue Baltimore 21212. 
For more information: [ http://earthsavebaltimore.org/node/71 ]

August 5th, Sunday 4:00 P.M., August Corn Roast hosted by Supper 
Club. This potluck group is bracing the heat with a picnic themed
gathering, corn and veggie burgers provided. Start thinking of what 
you would like to bring and RSVP to Deborah Jamieson, 
[email protected] or Celeste Voigt at [email protected]

August 12th, Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 P.M., Free Holistic Wellness 
Clinic at The Natural Path Holisitic Wellness Center, 3333
Greenmount Ave. in Baltimore, MD, 21218. Services & workshops include:
nutritional counseling, holistic living consultation, reiki, natural
pregnancy, yoga, tai chi, relaxation therapy, and more! Info: call
Dr. Akua at (410) 435-9647 or visit 
[ http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Natural-Path-Holistic-Wellness-Center/211722695550518 ]

August 15th, Wednesday 7:00 P.M. Vegan Meet Up hosted by EarthSave 
Baltimore. This group welcomes anyone interested in learning about 
healthy eating. Vegan Meetup will be at Mr. Chan's Szechuan restaurant
at 1000 Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville, which has great 
tasting vegetarian and vegan choices.
To RSVP, register at [ http://vegan.meetup.com/29/ ]
[email protected] or 410-252-3043.
[ http://earthsavebaltimore.org/node/71 ]

August 17th, 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. To confirm potluck details, call (410) 836-0808.
[ http://www.facebook.com/pages/DineKind/128952760505552 ]

August 25th, Sunday 6:00 - 9:00 P.M. Veg Dinner Series hosted by
EarthSave. Vegetarian Potluck and special film preview, "Peaceable
Kingdom: The Journey Home". Dinner guests are asked to bring a vegan 
dish to share along with a donation of $5 (members $2). You may RSVP
by calling (410) 252-3043 or by emailing [email protected]. 
This event is held the last Saturday of the month at the Learning 
Center of Your Prescription for Health, 10210 S. Dolfield Rd in Owings 
Mills.

September 9, Sunday 10 AM - 1 PM, Veggie Gourmet Cooking Class with 
Mimi Clark. Beans and Grains, learn to cook with ancient "new" grains
and lesser known beans. Past classes have included some of the 
following: Lentil Walnut Pate, Black Bean Hummus, Herbed White Bean
Pate, White Bean & Kale Soup, Azuki Bean Patties, and more. Regularly: 
$55/person; $100/two people; $50/VSDC, VRG, COK members. For 
availability: email [email protected] or call (703) 643-2713. 
Checks payable to: Mimi Clark, 9302 Hallston Ct. Fairfax Station, VA 
22039. More information: [ http://www.veggourmet.wordpress.com ]

November 18, Sunday 5:00 P.M VRG's Annual Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck 
at North Baltimore Mennonite Church in Roland Park, 4615 Roland Ave. 
Baltimore, 21210. Guests are asked to bring a vegan dish that serves 
4+. Don't forget a serving spoon and your own reusable plate/utensils. 
Admission is $4 and children under 16 are admitted free. Volunteers 
needed before and after for set up/ clean up. To volunteer please 
email Mary, [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343.

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13) 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.

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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/thevegetarianresourcegroup ]
[ 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".