The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Mary H. November 2012 ********************************************************************* 1) THE VRG'S ANNUAL PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE 2) HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING IDEAS FROM THE VRG! 3) CONFERENCE REVIEW: NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO EAST 4) VISIT THE VRG'S BOOTHS AT THESE TABLING EVENTS 5) OUTREACH SPOTLIGHT: ST. MARY'S COUNTY IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND 6) CONSIDER DONATING YOUR CAR TO THE VRG 7) DIRTY CARROTS: NEW VEGAN BAKERY IN FELLS POINT, BALTIMORE 8) WESTERN MARYLAND RESTAURANT REVIEW BY VALERIE SHORE, VRG INTERN 9) BALTIMORE CITY THAI RESTAURANT MENU UPDATE - STANG OF SIAM 10) VEG COMPANY JOB OPENING IN DC & CHICAGO 11) PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN THIS VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN SURVEY 12) VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE VRG 13) THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES IN THE MARYLAND AREA 14) UPCOMING LOCAL VEG HAPPENINGS ********************************************************************* 1) VRG'S PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE ON NOVEMBER 18 We hope you will join us for The VRG's 31st Annual Vegan 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 18 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 the dish on an 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! Need inspiration on how to veganize this years Thanksgiving holiday? Check out the Thanksgiving page on The VRG website: [ http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vegan_thanksgiving.php ] Our bookstore has a great book that includes a Vegan Thanksgiving menu, "Vegan For The Holidays" by Zel Allen for $19.95 (+ $6 s/h) [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=91 ] Volunteers needed on the day of the event for set-up and clean-up. To volunteer or for more information contact The VRG at [email protected] or call us at (410) 366-8343. RSVP not necessary! ********************************************************************* 2) HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING IDEAS FROM THE VRG! The best gifts are the ones that keep giving year round and The VRG has a wealth of opportunities for you to give gifts that GIVE BACK! $25 - Sign up your friend, coworker, or loved one for a subscription to Vegetarian Journal and for one year they will receive our quarterly magazine! [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] $50 - Buys 4 copies of our newest cookbook 'Vegans Know How to Party' and includes shipping. Almost 400 pages with color pictures and a wide array of recipes from appetizers, desserts, and planning ideas! A $100 value for only $50! [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=64 ] $100 - Make a donation in someone's honor and sustain outreach efforts, The VRG's internship program, or annual scholarship contest. [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] ********************************************************************* 3) CONFERENCE REVIEW: NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO EAST By Whitney Blomquist, VRG Intern In preparing to attend the 2012 Natural Products Expo, I had the opportunity to view a webinar sponsored by New Hope 360 and Natural Foods Merchandiser. This webinar discussed the current natural products market and how the gap between natural and conventional retailers is rapidly narrowing. Concerns mentioned by the presenters included: -Sales increases for supplement stores, with reasons linked to a larger product mix and increased retail space -Decreased sales for health food stores -Increased internet retailers -Increasing competitive threats from large retailers Though there may be competition between avenues of distribution, after attending the Natural Products Expo in Baltimore, Maryland, it was clear from the crowds and enthusiasm amongst attendees that the natural products industry is flourishing. I had the opportunity to interact with activists, entrepreneurs, established businessmen and women and fellow non-profit workers. The VRG's booth was located in a back corner of the 'New Products' showroom this year. Last year we had been placed in a prime location so we were expecting a little less interaction at this expo. To our surprise we were even busier than last year! We distributed information and offered resources to many different companies and individuals. Organizations wanted to work with us to get the word out about their product or service or distribute our resources to their consumers. I was exposed to the difficulties faced by those trying to break into the natural products market and how important it is to network with everyone you meet. For 30 years, VRG has always been happy when the organization can help new, innovative businesses. The Natural Products Expo brought together businesspeople with similar interests and values, establishing connections that will continue to grow. I look forward to witnessing additional development of vegan products at next year's show. To support The VRG's internship program, donate at: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] ********************************************************************* 4) VISIT THE VRG'S BOOTHS AT THESE TABLING EVENTS VRG's Thanksgiving Potluck North Baltimore Mennonite Church, 4615 Roland Ave (21210) 5:00 P.M. November 18 - Sunday - in Baltimore, MD VSDC's Life Affirming Thanksgiving Celebration Hyatt Regency Bethesda, in Bethesda, MD 1:00 P.M. (sharp!) November 22 - Thursday NY Capital Region Vegetarian Expo November 17 in Albany, NY [ http://www.nyvegetarianexpo.org/ ] To donate and support outreach booths and enable VRG to participate in even more events, donate at: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] ********************************************************************* 5) OUTREACH SPOTLIGHT: ST. MARY'S COUNTY IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND By: Natalie Evans, VRG Volunteer After recently working a booth for The Vegetarian Resource Group at a fair in Baltimore with our daughter and seeing the expressed interest of the public, I thought it only fair to try to help get The VRG fever spreading south! County fairs in Southern Maryland consist of tractor pulls, quilt competitions, baked goods, farm animals and of course dogs, that is hot dogs! When I initially contacted the liaison for the rental space he asked what business I was with so that he could place us accordingly. When I told him I was a volunteer for The VRG, he said "Hmmm, never heard of them, but I do know we have lots of vegetable eaters down here." Immediately, I thought we had an in! The fair houses a commercial building where vendors can advertise to the public with free samples, magnets, pens and raffles. As we were setting up our table on Thursday night, worry set in as the table across from us was a Cake Shop with free samples. We had a basket of fresh vegetables on display but not for sampling, the competition was on! With that in mind the fellow vegans and vegetarians were pleasantly surprised to see The VRG display. Along with the smiles and excitement we were also met by raised eyebrows from the local cattle and chicken farmers who got a laugh at removing the "Don't" from the "Be kind to animals don't eat them" bumper sticker. One local wanted to know if we could put a food stand up since the only food offered at the fair was mainly meat. This led to many interesting conversations. We learned of local farms who offer organic CSA's to others sharing when to uproot sweet potatoes and what fall crop should be planted. Many shared their health improvement stories about switching to plant based diets. To our surprise, based on the visitors who stopped at the booth to either gain information or share, all had one frequent comment, "Wow, this is exciting to see!" With limited resources in the rural area, many were anxious to learn about VRG. Some took time to look through recipe books, while others signed up for The VRG email list or subscribed to the journal. We encouraged them to add their name to a sheet to form a local group of vegetarians and vegans. Of all of the vendors distributing information at this fair, I left feeling that we had won the competition I had set that Thursday night. The visitors to The VRG were fed a wealth of information. We may not have been giving out sweet treats but I am certain that what we gave out will have a positive impact! We are hopeful that we can continue to spread the word throughout the community to help those who are interested~ thank you VRG for letting us help you help others! If you would like to to volunteer in St. Mary's Country Maryland, or do outreach booths in other parts of the country, please e-mail VRG's outreach coordinator Mary at [email protected]. Vegetarian outreach in small, rural communities is sometimes limited. The VRG's booth at the St. Mary's County Fair in Southern Maryland was a great success and gained the interest of many St. Mary's County locals. Natalie was able to compile a list of 40+ people interested in starting a local vegetarian group. If you are a Southern Maryland resident and interested in joining the group please contact Natalie at [email protected]. If you are interested in working a VRG booth in your area or at similar events please email [email protected] or call 410-366-8343. ********************************************************************* 6) HOW TO DONATE YOUR CAR TO THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP Vehicle donation is a free, convenient service for converting that extra car, truck, or RV into a tax-deductible donation benefiting The Vegetarian Resource Group! To learn more, visit: [ http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=521279034 ] You can donate online or call (877) 999-8322 to make your donation. [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/09/14/how-to-donate-your-vehicle-to-vrg/ ] ********************************************************************* 7) DIRTY CARROTS: NEW VEGAN BAKERY IN FELLS POINT, BALTIMORE BY Whitney, VRG Intern Dirty Carrots is a Baltimore based vegan bakery offering vegan, cholesterol-free and cruelty-free sweets. In the past their baked goods have only been available by special order or in a few coffeehouses around Baltimore. Recently, the Dirty Carrots owners decided to create their own store front, that is now open! I dropped by with my mom who had been anxiously awaiting Dirty Carrots opening. We stocked up on vegan blondies, pumpkin cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, apricot pinwheel pastries and cups of coffee. Everything was outstanding and the blondies were definitely my favorite! It was the perfect treat on a chilly fall morning. The store is small and warm with friendly employees willing to answer all your curious vegan baking questions. In my opinion, the sweets at Dirty Carrots are worth every calorie! Dirty Carrots is located at 600 South Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21231 and is open daily from 7 am - 1:30 pm. ********************************************************************* 8) WESTERN MARYLAND RESTAURANT REVIEW BY VALERIE SHORE, VRG INTERN "Meatless Salvation in the Land of BBQ" People might be surprised to find a vegetarian dish at a BBQ restaurant that's not a side or something like grilled cheese - but Hempen Hill BBQ has a plethora of vegetarian dishes, from their Smoked Tofu with soba buckwheat noodles to their "Vicken" Ravioli (roasted vegetable ravioli with artichoke hearts and vegan "chicken" strips.) A lot of these options are made possible by the owner, Kathy Reeder who is a 20-year vegetarian. It may seem surprising, a vegetarian co-owning a BBQ restaurant, but Kathy simply compares herself to Johnny Depp's character in the movie/Blow/ - "I don't do my own product." She does recognize that not everyone is like her and says, "it takes all kinds to make the world go round." As for including vegetarian items on the menu, Kathy declares it was a no-brainer from day one: Hempen Hill BBQ is an extension of her own family life, and vegetarianism is part of that life. The inspiration for the Smoked Tofu recipe even came from her memories of camping and there is a personal touch with many of the vegetarian recipes. Kathy also credits recipe ideas to the head chef, Jason Vogel who created many of the vegetarian dishes on the menu. He continually meets Kathy's challenges to create meatless dishes with unconventional ingredients. Vegetarians and vegans come through their restaurant daily and all of the vegetarian menu items can be made vegan by request. Other tasty dishes include the "Tree Hugger" veggie burger, the Exotic 'ShroomPasta, as well as many appetizer options. Hempen Hill BBQ is located in Hagerstown, Maryland at Fountain Head Plaza. [ http://hempenhillbbq.com/ ] ********************************************************************* 9) BALTIMORE CITY THAI RESTAURANT MENU UPDATE - STANG OF SIAM Midtown Baltimore boasts a Thai restaurant that offers generous portions for lunch and dinner and caters to vegans with their menu's "Green Corner". We have featured them before but received a recent update we want to share. All items on the 'Green Corner' menu can be made vegan to order EXCEPT Tom Yum Tofu soup, the Papaya Salad and the Mango Salad as they are made with fish sauce. Stang of Siam is located at 1301 N. Calvert St Baltimore, MD 21202. (443) 453-9142. Hours: M-Thurs: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun- 11am-10pm See their new website to review the menu: [ http://www.stangofsiam.com/ ] ********************************************************************* 10) VEG COMPANY JOB OPENING IN DC & CHICAGO Tasty Bite, a company that specializes in Indian-Asian vegetarian cuisine, is looking for a Brand Ambassador/Demo Coordinator for the DC region and in Chicago. This position will play a large role in regional responsibility with managing marketing events both in and out of store, working alongside the HQ Sales and Marketing divisions. Must have education past High School, and have 2+ years working post education. Must have experience with in-store or out-of-store marketing events, store sampling events, and have a Food Handlers card. Excellent communication skills required, as well as high-energy and enthusiasm for their work. Local market knowledge a plus. Compensation includes a base salary, car allowance, and a strong benefits package. For more info, please visit: [ http://www.tastybite.com ] or send your resume to [email protected]. ********************************************************************* 11) VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN SURVEY Associate Professor of Psychology and VRG member Dr. Hank Rothgerber is conducting a survey on vegetarians and vegans. He needs as many participants as possible and greatly appreciates your help. Respondents will have a chance to win a $50 amazon.com gift card. You can click on the following link to access the survey: [ https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/36X3D8C ] The study has been approved by the Bellarmine University Institutional Review Board. ********************************************************************* 12) VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES We would appreciate help at our Annual Pre- Thanksgiving Potluck, which will take place on Sunday November 18th in Roland Park in Baltimore at 5:00 P.M. Thank you to those volunteers that have already signed up!! For information about the following and other chances to contribute email Mary, VRG's Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] If you are interested in receiving outreach materials to distribute at your school, office, community center, or at an event please email [email protected] with your request. To work with like-minded folks on clerical tasks that help us prepare for outreach events, communicate with our members, and connect with veggie communities around the country come to Volunteer Days in The VRG office! Example tasks include assisting with mass mailings, helping with local and national restaurant guide, preparing materials for events, and packing for outreach booths. ********************************************************************* 13) THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES IN THE MARYLAND AREA Sunday, November 11 Vegan Thanksgiving Cooking Class with Mimi Clark 10 A.M. -- 1 P.M. Fairfax Station, VA. Recreate traditional dishes and make them taste even better! Past menus have included Buttercup Bisque, Pecan-Whipped Yams w/Sweet & Sara Marshmallows, Green Bean Casserole, Seitan-Stuffed Loaf w/ Sage Dressing, Fat-free Shiitake Mushroom Gravy, and so much more! $55/person; $100/two people; $50/VSDC, VRG, COK members. Gift certificates available. Make checks payable to Mimi Clark, 9302 Hallston Ct., Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Sorry, no phone or email reservations. Seventy-two hour cancellation policy for refund or credit. Class subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met. Email [email protected] or call 703.643.2713 for space availability. Saturday, November 17 Thanksgiving with the Turkeys at Poplar Springs Animal Sanctuary! 12 P.M. - 4 P.M. Join the friendly turkeys and all their buddies in celebrating a cruelty-free Thanksgiving potluck. Please bring a vegan (no meat, dairy, or eggs) dinner or dessert item to serve 8. $10.00 suggested donation to benefit the animals. Directions and more info about the sanctuary can be found here: [ http://www.animalsanctuary.org/events/index.html ] November 18, Sunday 5:00 P.M. VRG's Annual Vegan Pre-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 18 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. Need inspiration for your vegan Thanksgiving? The VRG is here for you! Check out our Thanksgiving page on our website: [ http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vegan_thanksgiving.php ] ********************************************************************* 14) 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 info, ideas, and support. To be added to the monthly potluck announcement email Dana Shaw: [email protected] November 8, Thursday 7:00 P.M. The 'Elect to End Hunger and Poverty Tour' stops at Red Emma's. Join guest speaker and co-founder of Food Not Bombs, Keith McHenry to discuss principles and current activities in the movement including the participation by volunteers in the occupations. Red Emma's address is 800 St Paul Street, Baltimore For more information: [ http://www.foodnotbombs.net/speaker.html ] November 10, Friday 2:00 P.M. Western Maryland Veg Life Meetup hosts Intro to Raw Foods Potluck & Discussion. They are a supportive group and openly discuss dietary issues, environmental and health concerns, and social challenges. More information can be found here: [ http://www.westmdveg.org/events/88256052/ ] November 13, Tuesday 11:45 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Join PETA and local supporters in speaking out against the down industry. They welcome everyone to come out to promote changes in a fun and upbeat way on behalf of the animals. This will take place at the intersection of s. Calvert and E. Pratt street in Baltimore City. Contact Lauren Stroyeck at [email protected] or (757) 962-8205 November 17, 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 details, call (410) 836-0808. [ http://www.facebook.com/pages/DineKind/128952760505552 ] November 18, Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 P.M. Free Holistic Wellness Clinic at The Natural Path Holistic 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 ] November 18, Sunday 5:00 P.M. VRG's Annual Vegan Pre-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 18 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. November 22, Thursday 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. VSDC's Life-Affirming Thanksgiving Celebration. Registration and appetizers start at noon and the meal starts just after 1:00 P.M. Join hundreds of people enjoying a gourmet vegan fest with keynote speaker Dr. Milton Mills of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Menu and more information available at [ http://www.vsdc.org/Thanksgiving_Event.html ] Cost: $54 for adults who are members, $59 non-members, $36 ages 3-12 Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 7400 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814 November 22, Thursday 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Thanksgiving Meet & Greet Potluck at Your Prescription for Health in Owings Mills hosted by EarthSave Baltimore. Dinner guests are asked to bring a vegan dish to serve 8 and a donation of $5. RSVP: [email protected] For more information: [ http://earthsavebaltimore.org/node/77 ] December 9, Sunday Vegan cooking class with Mimi Clark. This months theme is 'Holiday Gifts & Entertaining'. Stay tuned for details, info about the class can be found at: [ http://veggourmet.wordpress.com/ ] ********************************************************************* 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 ] To sign up for Parents ListServe Network, visit: [ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vrgparents/ ] 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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