The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Laura McGuiness
July, 2018

  1. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS
  2. VRG VEGAN DINNER IN WASHINGTON, D.C. ON SUN., OCTOBER 21, 2018
  3. VEGAN RESTAURANT WEEK AUGUST 17 - 26, 2018 IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
  4. VEGAN SOUL BAKERY
  5. A REVIEW OF THE FLYING AVOCADO IN OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND
  6. RICHMOND VEG FEST
  7. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
  8. VRG HIGHLIGHTS
  9. MARYLAND AREA EVENTS
  10. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS
  11. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS
  12. VRG'S WISH LIST
  13. MATCHING DONATIONS
  14. ABOUT VRG

1) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS

  • VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS
  • VEGGIE GRILLING TIPS
  • GOING VEGAN AT 10 YEARS OLD
  • ENTER THE VEGETARIAN GROUP VIDEO CONTEST!
  • HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE
  • XANTHAN GUM
  • CREATING A VEGETARIAN CLUB IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL
  • PREPARE HOT MEALS FOR THOSE IN NEED
  • WHAT CAN I USE IN NON-VEGAN RECIPES TO REPLACE EGGS, MILK, AND BUTTER
  • AND MORE
HERE'S RECIPES FOR ARTISAN VEGAN SANDWICHES
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/08/heres-recipes-for-artisan-vegan-sandwiches/ ]
GUIDE TO EATING AT SPORTS VENUES
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/07/03/guide-to-eating-at-sports-venues/ ]
UPTON'S BREAKROOM IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/07/03/uptons-breakroom-in-chicago-illinois/ ]
FOOD INGREDIENT INFO: HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/07/02/food-ingredient-info-hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose/ ]
XANTHAN GUM IS VEGAN--NO EGG WHITES
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/28/xanthan-gum-is-vegan-no-egg-whites/ ]
GOING VEGAN AT 10 YEARS OLD
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/27/going-vegan-at-10-years-old/ ]
MY EXPERIENCE CREATING A VEGETARIAN CLUB IN BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/26/my-experience-creating-a-vegetarian-club-in-a-baltimore-city-public-high-school/ ]
PREPARE HOT MEALS FOR THOSE IN NEED!
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/25/prepare-hot-meals-for-those-in-need/ ]
WHAT CAN I USE IN NON-VEGAN RECIPES TO REPLACE EGGS, MILK, AND BUTTER?
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/22/what-can-i-use-in-non-vegan-recipes-to-replace-eggs-milk-and-butter/ ]
VEGGIE GRILLING TIPS
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/19/veggie-grilling-tips/ ]
DIETETIC INTERN DAY
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/13/dietetic-intern-day/ ]
ENTER THE VEGETARIAN GROUP VIDEO CONTEST!
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/13/enter-the-vegetarian-resource-group-video-contest-2/ ]

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2) VRG VEGAN DINNER IN WASHINGTON, D.C. ON SUN., OCTOBER 21, 2018

The Vegetarian Resource Group will host a vegan dinner at BUSBOYS AND POETS in Washington, DC (About three blocks from the Convention Center) on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 6 PM during the annual meeting of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Meet VRG advisors Reed Mangels PhD RD, Catherine Conway MS RD, Mark Rifkin MSRD, Debra Wasserman, and vegetarian dietitians from around the country. All are welcome!

Must reserve and pay in advance.

To reserve: Send $35 per person (includes tax and tip) with names to

The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203

You may also call (410) 366-8343, M-F 9-5, EST, to pay over the phone, or pay at
[ https://www.vrg.org/donate ] and write DC Dietitian Dinner in the Comments.

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3) VEGAN RESTAURANT WEEK AUGUST 17 - 26, 2018 IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

If you are a restaurant, to participate in Vegan Restaurant Week, visit: [ https://www.mdveganeats.com/ ]

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4) VEGAN SOUL BAKERY

Try goodies from the Vegan Soul bakery at the Fells Point Farmers Market in Baltimore on Saturday morning. Their cinnamon bun was a great treat for two. For info about the bakery products, see: [ http://www.vegansoulbakery.com/ ]

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5) A REVIEW OF THE FLYING AVOCADO IN OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND

By Amy Dell, VRG Intern

If you're a vegan with omnivorous family and friends, The Flying Avocado in Owings Mills is a great spot to grab a bite to eat. With many vegan options, it's easy to find something you'll enjoy. Primarily a cafe, this small shop offers a variety of coffee drinks and teas that can be made with soy milk or almond milk.The Flying Avocado is also known for their smoothies. My favorite is the Avocado Smoothie, made with avocado, apple, and non-dairy milk. It was creamy, sweet, and fresh tasting, and the drink was huge. I also ordered the Avocado and Grilled Tofu Wrap and a cup of Vegan Chili. The chili was extremely spicy and flavorful, and it's my new go-to order for when I'm not feeling well. It had garbanzo, black, and kidney beans. The Avocado and Tofu wrap was filled with fresh avocado, lettuce, tomato, carrots, cucumber, hummus, and marinated tofu. The tofu wasn't too overpowering, which really let the vegetables shine. The wrap was also grilled to add char marks on the tortilla, which was a nice touch. A non-vegetarian member of my family also tried the wrap and said that she'd order it again. I chose a side-salad, but there was the option of chips and salsa or chips and guacamole on the side instead.

The service was spectacular. I've heard that it can get really busy at lunchtime, but it wasn't crowded when I went for dinner on a weeknight. The food came out quickly and the worker was sweet and friendly.

The restaurant itself is cute. The menu is written on a chalkboard, and the coffee drinks are drawn to describe them. There is a bakery case and a wide selection of teas. I think this would be a good place to sit and do work during non-lunch hours. With non-dairy coffee options and free WiFi, I know this is going to be one of my top hangouts this summer. Just pay attention to the hours (Monday-Friday: 11-7 and Saturday: 11-5).

Located at: 10210 S Dolfield Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117

For more information, visit their website: [ http://flyingavocado.com/ ]

For information on other restaurants, see: [ https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php ]

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6) RICHMOND VEG FEST

Thank you to Elsa Spencer, PhD (in nutrition) who staffed The Vegetarian Resource Group booth at The Richmond Veg Fest. Though muddy from previous rains, the weather stayed dry. Elsa had about two 2 dozen in-depth nutrition conversations with inquirers, several of whom were diabetic or pre-diabetic, some of whom were wanting to limit sugar, carbs, or gluten. Another fun bonus - a new non-profit radio station was there and Elsa went on the air and gave a shout out for VRG and for the festival - fun!

If you would like to volunteer at VRG booths, please email Gene at [email protected]

To support The Vegetarian Resource Group outreach, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]

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7) CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

We're still looking for volunteers who can assist us updating our lists of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. We've gotten a lot of leads from our scholarship entrants, but there's still more confirmation of details to be done. Locally, we also need assistance with clerical work in our Baltimore office.

To volunteer at VRG, please contact Gene at [email protected]
To support The Vegetarian Resource Groups outreach, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]

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8) VRG HIGHLIGHTS

VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD has been busy! She's written the vegan pregnancy guide at [ vegan.com ], contributed to a blog post at The Plant-Powered Dietitian, gave a guest lecture for a course at Nova Southeastern University, and even debunked myths about raising children on the No BS Vegan podcast.

Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD continues to work with the City of Long Beach Parks and Recreations Department on their senior citizen nutrition program. In the summer, she will have an opportunity to provide input for vegetarian lunches and snacks for school-age city day camp attendees.

We've sent bumper stickers, brochures, and leaflets, including the ever-popular My Vegan Plate, Teen Vegan Nutrition, Save our Water the Vegetarian Way, I Love Animals and Broccoli coloring book, Heart Healthy Eating Tips, and more to various organizations, institutions, and events across the country including schools, hospitals, and Vegetarian Food festivals!

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9) MARYLAND AREA EVENTS

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD

The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at Mango Grove, located at 8865 Stanford Boulevard, in Columbia, Maryland 21045, on the first Sunday each month at 12:30 PM. The Vegan Meet-up takes place at Mr. Chan Szechuan at 1000 Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville on the third Wednesday every month at 7 PM. If you are vegan or vegetarian and would like to eat great food while socializing with others who share your interests, attend a meet-up!

For more information about EarthSave's Vegan and Vegetarian Baltimore Meet-ups, see:
[ http://www.meetup.com/vegetarian-9/ ]
[ http://www.meetup.com/The-Baltimore-Vegan-Meetup-Group/ ]

DINEKIND

Dinekind Harford meets monthly to share information on the benefits of a plant-based diet. For more information, visit: [ http://www.dinekindharford.com/ ]

MUSTLOVEVEG.COM

[ https://www.mustloveveg.com/ ]

Search for events near you.

WHOLE FOOD FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH - BALTIMORE SUPPORT GROUP

This group meets on the second Friday of each month at 6:30PM at the Park Heights Community Health Alliance, located at 4151 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215.

They typically show one or more short educational videos, often a cooking demonstration of something delicious and easy. And, of course, support, discussion, advice, and recipes, beginners welcome. Please bring a vegan dish to share if you can.

Please RSVP and visit at [ https://www.meetup.com/Whole-Food-for-Optimal-Health-Potluck/ ]

If you have any questions, contact: Margie (mobile: 410-375-5803, [email protected])

EARTHSAVE BALTIMORE

Saturday, July 28th, 6-8 pm is an Earthsave dinner in Towson that will feature a vegan potluck and the presentation "Current Climate Realities" by Susan Beverly.

DINNER GUESTS may choose to either bring a dish made without animal products (to serve 8) plus $5 (members pay just $2) donation; pay $15 (members pay just $12) to enjoy dinner and presentation; or pay $5 for presentation only. We eat first, then make announcements, and then show presentation. Let us know in advance, if possible, if you plan to pay for dinner rather than bring a dish. RSVP by calling 410-252-3043, or emailing <[email protected]. Meetings held at Towson Presbyterian Church, 400 W Chesapeake Ave. Towson, MD, 21204. DIRECTIONS and PARKING: [ http://www.towsonpres.org/index.php/about-tpc/map-directions ] . Please RSVP and join us!

WELLNESS COACH

Marcy Schveibinz is a national board certified health and wellness coach and owner of Columbia Nutrition LLC ([ https://www.columbianutrition.com ] ). For the past 4 years she has been applying her knowledge and skills from her training as a coach as well as a degree in nutrition to help clients lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle in many areas of wellness. She is currently accepting clients for one-on-one weekly or monthly coaching. She can be contacted by phone: 410-935-8353 or email: [email protected]

FORKS OVER KNIVES MONTHLY POTLUCKS

This group is for those interested in trying or for those already committed to a whole food, plant based diet with none or very little oil, salt, or refined sugar. There is a monthly potluck where we sample delicious and healthy dishes, share recipes, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals.

For more information about the next event, visit:
[ http://www.meetup.com/Columbia-MD-Forks-Over-Knives-Meetup/ ]

BALTIMORE VEGAN DRINKS MONTHLY MEETUP

Baltimore Vegan Drinks is a happy hour for vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious. There's no cover charge, and there are 100%-vegan snacks, entrees and more. And of course there are awesome vegan drinks! Our group is part of a national Vegan Drinks outfit with events in dozens of cities. Vegan Drinks' mission is to bring together diverse people to build new friendships and promote the sharing of resources.

July 24, Donut Alliance, 6PM - 9PM
4311 Harford Road, Baltmjore, MD 21214

For more information about Vegan Drinks, visit: [ https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreVeganDrinks ] [ http://baltimorevegans.com/ ]

MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES

No meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey. $55/person; $100/two people; $50/VSDC, VRG, or COK members. Demonstration classes include recipes, organic food samples, manufacturers' samples coupons. Gift certificates are available for purchase.

Email [email protected] or call 703-643-2713 for space availability. Make checks payable to Mimi Clark and mail to 9302 Hallston Ct., Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Sorry, no phone or e-mail reservations and no walk-ins. Seventy-two hour cancellation policy for refund or credit. Class subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met.

Check website for monthly class updates: [ http://www.veggourmet.wordpress.com ]

Upcoming class: September 2018 from 10AM to 1PM.

EAT WELL STAY WELL ONE DAY IMMERSION

Sharon McRae has just announced that the annual educational event that she hosts, the "Eat Well Stay Well One Day Immersion" will be held at the Wellness Center at Howard Community College on Sunday, November 4 at 9 am - 5 pm. Featured presenters will include Joel Fuhrman, Neal Barnard, and Dana Simpler, and Registered Dietitian Brenda Davis.

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10) VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS

MARYLAND AREA EVENTS:

Roots Vegan Fest
Clarksville, MD
Saturday, July 21st, 2018
Vegan SoulFest
Saturday, August 25th, 2018
Clifton Park, Baltimore, MD
12pm-7pm
DC VegFest
Saturday, Sept. 15th, 2018
Yards Park, Washington, DC
VRG's Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck
North Baltimore Mennonite Church in Roland Park
Baltimore MD
Sunday, November 18th, 2018, 5PM

EVENTS OUTSIDE MARYLAND:

Western NY VegFest
Sunday, August 5th, 2018
Buffalo, NY
Charlottesville Vegan Roots Fest
Saturday, Sept. 29th, 2018
Washington Park, Charlottesville, VA
Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Washington DC
October 21st-23rd, 2018
VRG Annual Vegan Dinner (during the annual meeting of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
Sunday, October 21st, 2018, 6pm, Washington, DC

OTHER EVENTS:

Sedona Health & Nutrition Conference
Sedona, AZ
January 17th & 18th, 2019
Sedona VegFest
Sedona, AZ
January 19th & 20th, 2019

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11) A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to the following VRG volunteers for all your hard work with The Vegetarian Resource Group, including, posting to social media, writing blog posts, editorials, and restaurant reviews, doing media interviews, staffing booths, performing nutrition analysis, doing HTML, helping with our newsletters, and more!

  • Matt Baker
  • Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD
  • Whitney Blomquist
  • Casey Brown
  • Terry Carlo, RD
  • Amy Dell
  • Jamie Donahue
  • Joyce Goldberg
  • Hannah Greene
  • Heather Francis
  • Chloe Licht
  • Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
  • Julia Mathew
  • Laura McGuiness
  • David Milner
  • Marcia Schveibinz
  • Elsa Spencer, PhD
  • Stuart Stahler
  • Robin Tate

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12) VRG'S WISH LIST

As a non-profit, we can only take on new projects when we are able to get support from donors and our dedicated volunteers. Right now, we are especially seeking your support for the following:

  • VRG Outreach Booth at American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, attended by 10,000 health professionals - our most important conference of the year. Here, we're able to educate and put materials into the hands of 1,000 registered dietitians and other health professionals. ($50 to give out copies of Vegetarian Journal and other resources to ten dietitians) ($4,000 to have a booth)
  •  
  • We had to run a reprint of our "I Love Animals and Broccoli Coloring Book." $10 covers coloring books for one class, $1500 pays for the reprint of our whole supply. Donations can be made at: [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ] . Please write in the comments the purpose of your donation.
  •  

You can make a one time, quarterly, monthly, or an annual donation. To make a donation, call (410)-366-8343 M-F 9:00-5:00, mail a check to The Vegetarian Resource Group at PO Box 1463, Baltimore MD, 21203, or visit [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ] . Please be sure to let us know which project you would like your contribution to fund. Thank you for supporting The Vegetarian Resource Group!

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13) MATCHING DONATIONS

Don't forget that many employers will match your donation to nonprofits such as The Vegetarian Resource Group, often up to $5,000. A partial list of employers that match can be seen here at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ] by checking "employer to match" and clicking on "Please Select."

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14) ABOUT VRG

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:

[ https://www.vrg.org/journal/ ] )

To sign up for the The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit:

[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-news_lists.vrg.org ]

We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!!

Facebook[ https://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup/ ]
Instagram[ https://www.instagram.com/vegetarianresourcegroup/ ]
Twitter[ https://www.twitter.com/VegResourceGrp/ ]
[ https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRGparentsandkids/ ]

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: [ https://www.vrg.org/ ]
To donate: [ https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1565 ]

Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2018 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 go to

[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ]
If you do not wish to receive the Local Email Newsletter, visit
[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ]
Instructions for unsubscribing will appear at the bottom of the page. See Unsubscribe or edit options. (You do not need a password).

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