3) VRG PRE-THANKSGIVING DINNER IN BALTIMORE, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, AT 5 PM

The Vegetarian Resource Group is hosting our 36th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Vegan Potluck Dinner on Sunday, November 19th, 2017 at 5 PM. The event is taking place at the

North Baltimore Mennonite Church
4615 Roland Avenue
Baltimore MD 21210

We will be showing appreciation for turkeys by not eating them! Come join us for a variety of festive, delicious vegan dishes! Please bring a vegan dish - free of meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, honey, or any other animal by-products - that serves 4 per adult attending.

Adult admission is $4 and children eat free!

You may want to bring a vegan canned good for the church for feeding the hungry.

We hope to see you there!

4) CELEBRATE BALTIMORE VEGAN RESTAURANT WEEK AUGUST 18-26, 2017

For information, visit [ http://mdveganeats.com ]

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS INCLUDE:

Big Bean Theory

520 Park Ave #2195
Baltimore, MD 21201
Mt. Vernon

Dangerously Delicious Pies

810 W 36th St
Baltimore, MD 21211
Hampden

Featured Items:

• Vegan Chili
• Vegan Ratatouille
• Vegan Spicy Thai (savory) and Vegan Blueberry
• Vegan Mixed Berry and Vegan Sour Cherry (sweet)
• 2 slices of savory
• 2 sides
• 2 slices of sweet and 2 drinks

for $22!

Red Emma’s Bookstore and Coffeehouse

30 W North Ave
Baltimore, MD 21201
Station North

The Land of Kush

840 N. Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Mt. Vernon

Blue Pit BBQ

1601 Union Ave
Baltimore, MD 21211
Hampden
Featured Item: BBQ Jackfruit

Flight American Fusion

5723 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21212
Mid Govans

Golden West Cafe

1105 W 36th St
Baltimore, MD 21211
Hampden

Greenmount Coffee Lab

1400 Greenmount Ave
Baltimore, MD 21202
Station North

Dangerously Delicious Pies

2839 O'Donnell St
Baltimore, MD 21224
Fell's Point

Featured Items:

• Vegan Chili
• Vegan Ratatouille
• Vegan Spicy Thai (savory) and Vegan Blueberry
• Vegan Mixed Berry and Vegan Sour Cherry (sweet)
• 2 slices of savory
• 2 sides
• 2 slices of sweet and 2 drinks

for $22!

Modern Cook Shop

901 S Wolfe St
Baltimore, MD 21231
Fell's Point

Sprout Natural Choice

706 Frederick Road
Baltimore, MD 21228
Catonsville

The Outpost American Tavern

1032 Riverside Ave
Baltimore, MD 21230
Federal Hill
Menu

For information about restaurants that serve vegetarian options year round, see:

[ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php ]

5) LISA SHAPIRO ACTIVIST AWARD

The 2017 Lisa Shapiro Awards honor the unsung heroes of the global animal advocacy movement. Nominations are now officially open! Please help us say thank you to your favorite inspiring grassroots animal activists by nominating them at [ http://thepollinationproject.org/hero ] . This year’s award comes with a no-strings-attached $2,500 cash prize and a whole lot of vegan love from all over the world!

6) VRG HAS A BOOTH AT THE WAVERLY 32ND STREET FARMERS MARKET IN BALTIMORE

As dawn approaches, the dew from the previous night melts into the freshly picked soil each farmer touches. Fresh produce such as peaches, cherries, eggplants, and tomatoes are packed into baskets ready to make the one to two-hour journey into the city. During this time the first light is clicked on, as families awaken in their homes preparing for their early morning walk down the street to pick up fresh local groceries for the week. Bag in hand, or foot on the gas pedal, both journeys lead to the same place.

Picture a place that connects the people of the community with the farmlands surrounding them, and where people who come from a low-income background with little education on nutrition, are able to afford cherries and peaches in a friendly atmosphere. With music and dancing filling the walkways this is what Waverly Farmers Market is known for in Charm City. Waverly Farmers market is a local farmers market conveniently located in Baltimore, and is year-round every Saturday from 7 in the morning to 12 pm. At the market expect to see a parking lot containing eccentric booths full of friendly faces and exciting samples to try, from spicy ginger pickles to homemade kombucha and freshly picked berry jams. Each booth carries a special story with its products. Something I noticed is that there are booths that have been there since the beginning of the markets opening 32 years ago, which are local favorites.

As a Vegetarian Resource Group volunteer, I only expected to hand out Vegetarian Journal magazines, sell books, and give out information on veganism. Instead, I found that the more I listened, the more I, in turn, learned and developed a relationship with each new visitor. Each individual brought along an interesting reason of why veganism is actually important for the community as a whole, from the first person that stepped up to the booth (an older gentleman who has recently converted to vegetarianism due to his fight with diabetes), to a young woman, who since childhood lived on a vegan diet, however, wanted to learn more about the impact environmental and humane reasons of veganism can have on her neighborhood.

I see the important impact volunteering at The Vegetarian Resource Group booth on Saturday had on me. Volunteering allowed me to connect more with individuals and spread the true message of veganism which is a love of all, beyond condition. I made friends with people I believe I will see all around the city, and I can only believe will help with the building of community projects I hope to be a part of in the future.

For information on how to become a part of The Vegetarian Resource Group’s volunteer group please contact Brigette at [email protected]

7) MARYLAND AREA EVENTS

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD

The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at

Mango Grove
8865 Stanford Boulevard
Columbia, Maryland 21045

on the first Sunday each month at 12:30 PM.

The Vegan Meet-up takes place at

Mr. Chan Szechuan
1000 Reisterstown Rd
Pikesville, MD 20208

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/ ]

DINEKIND

Dinekind Harford meets monthly to share information on the benefits of a plant-based diet. For more information, visit:

[ http://www.dinekindharford.com/ ]

MARYLANDVEGEVENTS.COM

[ http://Marylandvegevents.com ] is a one stop calendar site for all MD/DC vegan and vegetarian events. If you are looking to network, socialize, and/or engage in social activism you will find plenty of opportunities here. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or interested in trying vegetarianism/veganism, you will find many exciting and fulfilling events.

WHOLE FOOD FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH - BALTIMORE SUPPORT GROUP

This group meets on the second Friday of each month at 6:30 PM at the

Park Heights Community Health Alliance
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

Earthsave is a nonprofit educational group that helps people learn a healthier, sustainable, and more peaceful way of eating and living.

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

Govans Presbyterian Church
5828 York Rd
Baltimore, MD 21212

The church fellowship hall is at ground level. Park behind church and walk up ramp between the two buildings. Use entrance door on right, marked "Church Office". Please RSVP at 410-252-3043 and let us know whether you plan to bring food, or if you would prefer to pay for dinner.

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.

This month, the event will be taking place on Monday, August 21st from 6 PM to 8:30 PM at

Mango Grove
8865 Stanford Blvd. #107
Columbia, MD

Join us for a delicious, custom-prepared SOS free (sugar, oil, salt-free) buffet at Mango Grove! A portion of all proceeds will go to PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine)!

$19 for an all vegan SOS free vegan Indian food buffet, prepared especially for our group.

For more information, visit:

[ http://www.meetup.com/Columbia-MD-Forks-Over-Knives-Meetup/ ]

BALTIMORE VEGAN RESTAURANT WEEK

MD Vegan Eats presents this first ever vegan dining collaboration, taking place from Friday, August 18th through Saturday, August 26th. More info at:

[ http://www.mdveganeats.com ]

THE 4TH ANNUAL VEGAN SOULFEST

Taking place from Saturday, August 26th from noon to 7 PM at

Baltimore City Community College
2901 Liberty Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215

The Vegan SoulFest is a celebration of culture and vegan living in Baltimore. This is a FREE event featuring delicious vegan food, nutrition experts, vegan cooking demonstrations, a children's area, live entertainment, giveaways, special invited guests and much more!

Everyone is welcome at this event — vegans, vegan-friendly and anyone who's curious about this lifestyle and would like to learn more. The goal of Vegan SoulFest is to spread awareness about how the vegan lifestyle can improve personal health and our relationships with other people, animals and our natural environment. Come out and join us for this fun, educational event and let's start a dialogue about how we can all move towards a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone in Baltimore.

For more information, visit: [ http://www.vegansoulfest.com ]

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.

Join us at Ekiben and make sure to try the Tofu Brah! Ekiben is located at

1622 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21231

and the event will be held on August 15^th from 6 PM to 9 PM.

For more information about Vegan Drinks, visit:

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

8) VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS

• Vegan SoulFest
  Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)
  2901 Liberty Heights Ave
  Baltimore, MD 21215
  August 26^th from 12 PM — 7 PM
• VRG's Annual Vegan Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner
  North Baltimore Mennonite Church
  4615 Roland Ave
  Baltimore, MD 21210
  November 19^th, 5 PM
  To attend, it is $4/person + one vegan dish that serves four.

OUTSIDE OF MARYLAND AREA EVENTS:

• DC VegFest
  Lot H/I at Yards Park
  355 Water Street SE
  Washington DC 20003
  September 2^nd from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Charlottesville Vegan Roots Festival
  Booker T. Washington Park
  1001 Preston Avenue
  Charlottesville, VA 22903
  Saturday, September 30^th
  from 12:00 PM — 8:00 PM
• World Veg Festival
  San Francisco County Fair Building
  in Golden Gate Park
  1199 9^th Avenue
  San Francisco CA, 94122
  Sunday, October 1^st, 10 AM-6:30 PM
• New Jersey VegFest
  Meadowlands Expo Center
  355 Plaza Dr
  Secaucus, NJ 07094
  Saturday, October 7^th
  and Sunday, October 8^th
  
• Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo
  Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  McCormick West Building
  2301 S King Dr
  Chicago, IL 60616
  October 21-24, 2017
• The Vegetarian Resource Group Dinner
  During The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Meeting LYFE Kitchen
  270 E Ontario St
  Chicago, IL 60610
  (Corner of N Fairbanks Ct. and Ontario)
  Sunday, October 22^nd at 6 PM
  $35/person (includes tax and tip)

If you would like to volunteer at any of these events, contact Brigette at [email protected]. If you would like to donate towards our veggie outreach, donate at: [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ]

Donations can also be sent to

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

Or call: (410) 366-8343

9) JOIN GREEN EARTH TRAVEL FOR VEGGIN’ OUT AT THE BALLPARK!

Green Earth Travel is excited to announce a trip to Pittsburgh for Vegan and Animal Enthusiasts on September 26-27, 2017!

Join the Pirates, Meatless Monday Pittsburgh, vegan enthusiasts, and all animal lovers for our first Vegan Night! Join us for one night in Pittsburgh for a Pirates VS Orioles game, A historical event as this is the first game ever to block seats off for vegans! We will stay at the SpringHill Suites Marriott, 1 ticket per person and vegan breakfast the next morning (breakfast is not included in price)

• *Cost per person double occupancy $127.98
• Single occupancy $209.66
• Triple occupancy $100.75 per person
• Quad occupancy $87.06 per person

We can get up to six people in a room so please email directly for price.

Price includes:

• 1 night hotel at the SpringHill Suites Marriott
• Hotel taxes
• 1 ticket to the game
• Vegan dinner and appetizer

Each ticket includes access to the exclusive Vegan Menu in the Picnic Park from 5:30 - 7 p.m. and a Corner Box seat for the Pirates vs. Orioles game.

What is not included:

• Gratuities to the hotel staff
• Parking $25
• Optional vegan breakfast

Menu includes:

• Pretzels, Chips and Dips (house chips with French onion dip, corn chips with smashed avocado salsa, pretzel sticks with Local PA maple mustard)
• Power Chop Salad (kale, cabbage, grilled vegetables, garbanzo beans, sunflower seeds, pepitas, citrus-dijon dressing)
• Ultimate Vegan Burger (beefless beef patty, lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, vegan house sauce, sesame seed bun)
• Buffalo Cauliflower (vegan ranch dipping sauce)
• Sweet Potato Tacos (black beans, cilantro, salsa verde, tortilla threads, nondairy sour cream, flour tortilla)
• Watermelon and Berries

No refunds on baseball tickets.
$50 cancellation fee for the room until September 3rd
September 4th-no refunds

To book your tickets or for more information, visit:

[ http://www.greenearthtravel.com/vegan-night-in-pittsburgh-at-the-pirates-vs-orioles-game.html ]

10) A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE VRG VOLUNTEERS

Thank you to the following VRG Volunteers, for all of your hard work with The Vegetarian Resource Group's activities such as HTML work, restaurant guide entries, doing blog postings, staffing booths, etc.:

Elsa Spencer, PhD Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD Reed Mangels, PhD, RD Arnold Alper, MD Jane Michalek Suzanne Hengen Shannon Borgoyn Sandra Adams-Hallie Brad Scott Catherine Conway, MS, RD Jerry Marcus , MD Wayne Smeltz , PhD Veena Manohar Stuart Stahler Michaela Sadlowski Carole Hamlin Robin Patalon Marissa Thobe Laneece Hurd Anna Lam Nicole Turner Catherine Conway

Natalie Evans Matt Baker Casey Brown Heather Francis Suzanne DeFelice Josephine Hoffman David Milner Franco Smeriglio Whitney Blomquist Natalie Allen Laura McGuiness Shani Stewart Jenny Saccenti Larry Miller Sally Miller Julia Matthew Kay Stepkin Nanette Blanchard Karen Peissinger Bobbi Pasternak, RN Bekah Campbell

11) 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 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, Twitter, and Instagram!!

• [ http://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup/ ]
• [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRGparentsandkids/ ]
• [ http://www.twitter.com/VegResourceGrp/ ]
• [ https://www.instagram.com/vegetarianresourcegroup/ ]

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

Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2017 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 ]

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