1. VRG'S PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK

DISCOVER SOME NEW DISHES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We hope you will join VRG and Vegan Drinks at the 32nd Annual Vegan Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner on Sunday November 24, 2013 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!

Volunteers needed on the day of the event for set-up and clean-up. To volunteer or for more information, contact Soren at [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343. RSVP not necessary.

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2. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS

MARYLAND AREA OUTREACH EVENTS

32nd Annual Vegetarian Resource Group Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner

Baltimore, MD — Sunday, 11/24, 5 PM

[ http://www.vrg.org/local/201305local.php#thanksgiving ]

NATIONAL (OUTSIDE OF MARYLAND AREA) EVENTS

Albany Veg Fest 2013	Albany, NY Saturday, 11/16	[ http://www.albanyvegfest.org/ ]
Valley VegFest	Florence, MA - Saturday, 3/29	[ http://www.valleyveg.org/vegfest/ ]

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3. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS

VEGAN SOFRITAS AVAILABLE AT CHIPOTLE IN CO, UT, AND ID

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/10/07/vegan-sofritas-available-at-chipotle-in-co-ut-and-id/ ]

NEW VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN THE U.S. & CANADA

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/10/14/new-vegan-restaurants-in-u-s-canada/ ]

EDAMAME AT 7-ELEVEN

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/10/24/edamame-at-7-eleven/ ]

INJECTABLE VITAMIN B-12 — IS IT VEGETARIAN?

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/10/29/injectable-vitamin-b-12/ ]

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4. HELP INVITE FELLOW FOOD-LOVERS TO OUR PRE-THANKSGIVING POTLUCK

VRG needs your help with inviting newcomers to our Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck (details about the event listed above). Please pass the info on by word-of-mouth, or send an e-mail our way to: [email protected] if you would be willing to hang flyers up around the Baltimore area.

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5. DING-DONG--VEGAN MEALS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOORSTEP-- DISCOUNT

Keep an ear out for your doorbell because this Veggie Brothers Discount will have it ringing off the hook. Veggie Brothers will provide chef-prepared vegan meals straight to your doorstep. Examples include: Cancun Style Flank Steak Dinner, Vegan Chicken Pot Pie, and Sesame Orange Shiitake Tempeh. Get 20% off when you use this code at time of check out: 20VRG2013 (expires 12/31/13)

Go to [ http://www.veggiebrothers.com/ ]

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6. MARYLAND AREA EVENTS

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD

The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at The Land of Kush at 840 N. Eutaw St. Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-225-5874 in downtown Baltimore, on the first Sunday of 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/ ]

JUICE-ING IT UP WITH VEGAN DRINKSD

In November Vegan Drinks hosted their monthly event at The Grind House on 2441 St. Paul St (25th St) Baltimore, MD 21218. Each month socialize with other vegans and enjoy some great food!

For more information about Vegan Drinks and events, visit:

• [ https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreVeganDrinks ]
• [ http://bmorevegan.com ]

JOIN EARTHSAVE FOR A VEGAN POTLUCK

Held on the last Saturday every month at the Learning Center of Your Prescription for Health, 10210 S. Dolfield Rd. in Owings Mills, EarthSave presents a vegan potluck and presentation. They eat first, make announcements, vote and present awards for their favorite dishes, and then have a presentation. To RSVP, call: 410-252-3043 or e-mail: [email protected]. Dinner Guests may choose to either bring a dish made without animal products (to serve 8) plus $5 donation; pay $12 to enjoy dinner and presentation; or pay $5 for presentation only.

GO VEGAN FOR THANKSGIVING WITH MIMI CLARK CLASSES

Visit Mimi Clark at Fairfax Station, VA and start a new Thanksgiving tradition with all the trimmings! Past menus have included:

• Buttercup Bisque
• Pecan-Whipped Yams
• Green Bean Casserole
• Cranberry Sauce
• Seitan-Stuffed Loaf w/ Sage Dressing
• Fat-free Shiitake Mushroom Gravy
• Dairy-free Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Hot Mulled Cider
• Cranberry Orange Sorbet
• Sample Beyond Meat
• Tofurky
• Field Roast
• Harvest Roast
• Gardein

and more!

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

Pre-registration only. No walk-ins, no phone or email reservations. Seventy-two hour cancellation policy for refund or credit. Class subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met. Make checks payable to

Mimi Clark
9302 Hallston Ct
Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Email [email protected],or call 703.643.2713 for space availability. Monthly updates www.veggourmet.wordpress.com

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7. SOFRITAS AVAILABLE IN MARYLAND!

Vegans and vegetarians, there's a new Chipotle burrito with your name on it! This fast-food chain rolled out Sofritas (a spicy shredded tofu) in its Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Richmond locations on Oct. 21.

Sofritas are made with tofu from Hodo Soy, based in California. In an early taste test, the texture and spice of the tofu reminded us of a spicy, beef-laden chili, and it was definitely filling enough to please meat-eaters seeking an option, as well as meatless eaters who are tired of loading their burritos with the usual mixture of beans, rice, and veggies. The dish is also prepared with different utensils and on a different surface to avoid cross-contamination. It's almost enough to make vegetarians and vegans forget that whole non-vegetarian pinto beans controversy.  (Note: Both the pinto and black beans are now vegan.)

You can already satisfy your Sofrita craving on the West Coast and in Chicago, but the company chose the Mid-Atlantic for the dish's East Coast test. "We aren't looking for markets with more vegetarians necessarily because we believe that Sofritas is appealing to vegetarians and vegans and has a crossover appeal," said Danielle Winslow, a Chipotle publicist, in an e-mail.

Sofritas are available in tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads, and will be sold at the same price as Chiptole's chicken option. Locally, that's $6.37.

For more on Sofritas, visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/07/30/chipotle-expands-vegan-sofritas-to-entire-northwest/ ]

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8. APPLY TO THE VRG SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST NOW

Each year, The Vegetarian Resource Group awards $10,000 in college scholarship money to graduating high school seniors who have worked hard to promote vegetarianism in their school and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who also do not use other animal products such as dairy and eggs.

Only students graduating from a US high school in the spring of 2014 are allowed to enter; their applications must be sent in by February 20, 2014. Applicants will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle. Payment will be made to the student's US based college of choice.

For more on VRG's scholarship contest, visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

Good luck!

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9. DONATE YOUR CAR TO A GOOD CAUSE

A free, convenient service for converting that extra car, truck, or RV into a tax deductible donation benefiting The Vegetarian Resource Group. You can donate online or call 877-999-8322 to make your donation.

Start now by clicking on "Donate Now" below. If you are not ready to donate, find out about donating your vehicle by browsing all the valuable information and links on our site at:
[ http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=52127903 ]

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10. DONATE TO VRG THROUGH THE COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC)

Federal government employees can support The Vegetarian Resource Group through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Look for us under Health & Medical Research Charities of America.

We are also participating in the California State Employees Charitable Campaign. If you are a California state employee, please support Vegetarian Resource Group outreach.

Please also remember VRG in other workplace fund drives, matching gifts, etc.

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11. BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR FOR VRG

The Vegetarian Resource Group greatly appreciates the support given by our monthly donors. You can join our monthly giving group with a minimum gift of just $10 a month by going to www.vrg.org/donate. You will be part of a network of givers who support our outreach efforts on an ongoing basis. These donations allow us to continue vegan education in a wide variety of venues including schools, doctor and dietitian offices, libraries, various professional conferences, animal rights events, health fairs, environmental festivals, and much more. Thank you for your support!

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12. COME JOIN THE VRG TEAM! PART-TIME JOB AVAILABLE.

Vegan group seeks Jack or Jill of all trades good at multi tasking for part-time job 20 - 25 hours per week in Baltimore, Maryland. Position starts in December. Staff person clerically and physically ships vegan books, Vegetarian Journal, and other educational materials throughout the country. Does the billing, packing, mailing and marketing of items to consumers and wholesalers. Answers phone and e-mails. Coordinates volunteers doing booths, events, and other activities around the country. Entrepreneurial personality helpful. Please send resume, writing sample, and cover letter addressing your short term and long term goals, interests, vegetarian and vegan knowledge, salary requirements, skills strengths, and challenges to [email protected].

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13. MAKE YOUR FASHION CONSCIENCE HAPPY WITH THIS 20% OFF DISCOUNT

Fashion-conscience.com, an eco, fair-trade and vegan site is excited to offer VRG newsletter subscribers an exclusive 20% off discount on purchases of vegan boots, shoes and bags.

Celebrate World Vegan Month with 20% off brilliant vegan and vegetarian brands, such as: Neu Aura, Novacas, Melie Bianco, Melissa, and exclusive brands such as FC Select Shoes and Bags. These vegan products are specially selected by Fashion-conscience.com

Just use code VRG20 in your shopping cart to claim your discount. Code valid until 11/30/13.

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14. ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID (EDTA) CLASSIFIED AS VEGAN

Alternate names:	Disodium salt of EDTA, calcium disodium salt of EDTA (and many other similar names)
Commercial source:	Petrochemical (synthetic) and mineral
Used in:	Food (esp. canned beans and dressings), beverages (esp. carbonated), cosmetics and personal care products, as well as many industrial applications
Used for:	Sequestering metal ions, stabilizing texture, and retaining color
Definition:	A chemical primarily used in non-food applications. In processed food and beverages it removes (i.e., sequesters) through binding (i.e., chelating) trace metal ions preventing rancidity, discoloration, or crystal development.
Major Manufacturer:	Dow Chemical Company ([ http://www.dow.com/productsafety/finder/edta.htm) ]
Classification:	Vegan

This entry was just added to our Food Ingredients Guide. For other entries, see:
[ http://www.vrg.org/ingredients/index.php ]

To support Vegetarian Resource Group research, donate at:
[ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ]

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15. DEFOAMING AGENT CLASSIFIED AS TYPICALLY VEGAN

Alternate names:	Defoamer, antifoaming agent, antifoam, foam inhibitor
Commercial source:	Petrochemical-mineral, petrochemical-vegetable, vegetable animal
Used in:	Cane and sugar beet processing; fermentation used to make enzymes, amino acids, etc.; processing of baked goods, coffee, fruit juice, instant soups and noodles, and many other products, as well as many industrial applications
Used for:	Reducing, eliminating or preventing the formation of foam during the processing of foodstuffs (e.g., cane sugar) and during a food or beverage product's manufacture or consumption
Definition:	Used widely in many food industries, defoamers control undesirable foam production
Common Examples:	dimethylpolysiloxane, polysorbate 60, polyethylene glycol, hydroxylated lecithin, magnesium stearate, fatty acids
Manufacturers:	Organic Defoamer Group ([ http://www.organicdefoamergroup/industries/), ] Emerald Performance Materials (http://www.emeraldmaterials.com.cms.spec/page.hjtml?p_name=Foam%20Control%20-%20Food)
Classification:	Typically Vegan
Definition added:	October 2013

This entry was just added to our Food Ingredients Guide. For other entries, see:
[ http://www.vrg.org/ingredients/index.php ]

To support Vegetarian Resource Group research, donate at:
[ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ]

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16. VEGDINING AROUND THE WORLD-MONTHLY PRIZES

VegDining is excited to announce its "VegDining Around the World" promotion. It's easy to enter…just visit: VegDining.com and submit a mini-review (3 or 4 sentences) about a recent visit you've made to a vegetarian or veg-friendly restaurant or food store. Monthly prizes will be awarded through random draws, including subscriptions to the Vegetarian Resource Group's Vegetarian Journal and gift certificates to TheVegetarianSite.com. The grand prize to be drawn after October 31, 2014 will be an Apple iPad Mini. Full details at: VegDining.com.

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17. CHANUKAH GIFTS

Share ethical and healthy eating all year around. Gift a gift of The Lowfat Jewish Vegetarian Cookbook
[ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=13 ]
and Vegetarian Journal [ http://www.vrg.org/member/ ]

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18. VEGETARIANSITE.COM

Thank you for your support in October.

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19. 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 and media questions about vegetarian diets. The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization. Fianncial 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 The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit:
[ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ]

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: [ ttp://www.vrg.org/ ]

To donate: [ http://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1565/ ]

Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2013 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.

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