VRG-News November 2006 -- The Vegetarian Resource Group

VRG-News: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Editors: Sonja Y. Helman & John L. Cunningham
Volume 10, Issue 8
November 2006

1) Notes From The Editors

We hope you in the U.S. had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! This issue of VRG-News is chock-full of interesting information. Issue 2 of Vegetarian Journal 2006 is now online (Section 7). And to read about non-dairy milks, see Section 3.

We still have our regular features such as events and conferences (Section 9), a vegan product review (Mighty O Donuts - delicious) (Section 8), and a recipe (Hot Apples & Sweet Potatoes - perfect for this time of year) (Section 11). If you are looking for a gift for that hard to buy for vegetarian or vegan, check out Sections 6 and 12.

2) Can You Believe It? VRG Is 25 Years Old!!

For 25 years VRG has worked with health professionals, businesses, food services, educators, the media, and consumers so it will be easier for you to be vegetarian. Thank you to all our donors who enable us to assist individuals each day.

Our 25th Anniversary Edition of Vegetarian Journal will have a special list of contributors. A member has pledged $10,000 if we can raise enough to match his donation. We hope you will lend your support by sending your donation to 25th Anniversary Issue, The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. You can donate over the phone by calling (410) 366-8343 Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, or by going to: https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?Action=GC&cid=1565

You can have your name listed in the Vegetarian Journal's 25th Anniversary issue as a:

3) Non-dairy Milks

Nondairy milks are a growing market and many people may have questions as to which product suits their needs. Beverages such as soy, rice and almond milk, can be used in cooking, baking, drinking straight from the container, or even in mixed drinks like smoothies. Most nondairy milks provide the beneficial compounds of their parent plant and are fortified to supply key nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B₁₂. However, some milks are not fortified and, therefore, not dietary replacements for cow's milk. An upcoming issue of Vegetarian Journal will present information about the various types of milks, benefits of each, and detailed tables listing nutritional information on many available products. Of interest is Odwalla Plain soy milk. This product, which is fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B₁₂, also contains vegetarian docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While roughly half of the other brands of soy milk contain omega-3 fatty acids, Odwalla (owned by Coca-Cola) is currently the only manufacturer specifically adding DHA to their product. However, the final decision of which nondairy milk to consume comes down to personal preference and taste.

By Stephanie Gall, MS, Vegetarian Resource Group Dietetic Intern. To make sure you receive Stephanie's complete article on nondairy milks which will appear in a future issue of Vegetarian Journal, join by going to https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?Action=GC&cid=1565

4) Call-a-Dietitian Day

If you have general nutrition questions, Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, LDN, will be available from 2:30pm - 5:30pm EST on Friday, January 12. To reserve a 20-minute time slot, please email the VRG office at [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343.

Be advised that these sessions are not individualized nutritional counseling. Such advice should only be provided through direct in-person contact with a qualified health professional. There is no charge, but if you do commit, please call on time. Otherwise you are taking someone else's spot.

Mark Rifkin, a longtime VRG volunteer, is a Registered Dietitian and has a Master's Degree in Health Education. He has been presenting on food-related topics for more than seven years. Currently, he is starting a private practice in Baltimore, MD, that focuses on plant-based nutrition for prevention, as well as treatment of various chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, overweight/obesity, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, gout, women's health concerns, cancer, and early-stage kidney failure.

5) Free Offer: Vote For Your Favorite Restaurant At Vegdining.com

VegDining.com is pleased to announce voting is now open for its 2006 Vegetarian Restaurants of the Year. Vote for as many of your favorite restaurants as you'd like - winning restaurants will be selected for different major cities/areas around the world. Voting ends on December 31. Special offer to VRG-News subscribers: The first 50 people who e-mail [email protected] will receive a free VegDining login account (put "Login Account (VRG Offer)" in your subject line, and include your name, city, state/province and country). For more information about VegDining.com visit the website

6) Vegan Gift Baskets

What could be a more perfect gift for your favorite vegetarian or vegan than a vegan gift basket? The Mail Order Catalog for Healthy Eating, a supporter of VRG, offers 4 terrific gift baskets: organic, small, large, and body care. And all products in the gift baskets are vegan! By ordering a gift basket through the following link, you will also be helping VRG as The Mail Order Catalog is kind enough to donate a percentage of each sale to us.

7) 2006 Vegetarian Journal Online Issue 2

The following articles from Issue 2 of the 2006 Vegetarian Journal are now available online:

The Journal features recipes and informational articles, product and book reviews, news for vegetarian activists, and up-to-date information about vegetarian health and nutrition. If you are not currently a subscriber to the Vegetarian Journal, why not subscribe today?

Subscriptions to the Vegetarian Journal are $25/year in the U.S. (please inquire for subscription rates outside the U.S.). Accepted forms of payment, in U.S. funds, are Visa, MasterCard, checks drawn on U.S. banks, and postal money orders. When joining, please send us your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. If paying by credit card, please include the card number and expiration date.

The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Dept. IN
Baltimore, MD 21203
Phone: (410) 366-8343
Fax: (410) 366-8804
E-mail: [email protected]

8) Vegan Donuts!

Donuts have taken off in our culture recently. I attribute this to the rapid expansion of a certain southern donut chain, and the subsequent response by the rest of the industry to compete with it. They now seem to be ubiquitous with a donut shop opening in every new shopping center, and a donut rack in every grocery store and gas station. They even briefly sold them at my local public library! Those who abstain from eating dairy and eggs, however, have not benefited from this confectionery bounty. To the contrary, our only recourse has been to walk a little faster past the display case while trying not to visibly drool on ourselves. . . until now.

The vegans of Seattle have been blessed with Mighty-O Donuts since May of 2000. Their website states that they use only certified organic ingredients in their vegan donuts. They also "contain absolutely no chemical preservatives, hydrogenated oils (no trans fats!), colorings, or artificial flavors. . . . " But don't be fooled, these baked beauties aren't the wheat-germ-and-sawdust monstrosities that you might find mouldering on the day-old rack of your local natural food store. They are thick, moist, delicious, and loaded with hundreds of glistening, glorious calories each. Best of all, they are available to YOU. Through the magic of the Internet, Mighty-O is now able to sell their wares to anyone in the U.S. The handling fee is a little dear, but what do you expect for having a box of fresh vegan donuts show up at your doorstep? See for yourself at the Mighty-O website.

9) Upcoming Events and Conferences

Lancaster Vegetarian Society's Holiday 2006 Celebration

On Saturday, December 2nd, at 6:30 pm, join the Lancaster Vegetarian Society's Holiday 2006 Celebration at the Symposium Mediterranean Restaurant located at 125 South Centerville Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603. The menu for this totally plant-based, all-you-care-to-eat buffet includes:

The cost for members is $19 per person, non-members $21 per person, and children (10 & under) are $13 per child.

Orange County, VA: Full Moon Walks, Bonfires, Vegan Barbecue

Join Rikki's Refuge, an all-species, no-kill shelter, for a bonfire and veggie barbecue. Upcoming dates include December 2. You can bring your tent and sleeping bag and stay over. You can contact them through their website http://www.rikkisrefuge.org.

Parkville, MD: Pet Benefete

On Saturday, Dec. 9, Animal Rescue, Inc. will hold a Pet Benefete at the Parkville American Legion Post from 7 p.m. to midnight. Proceeds from the dinner, dance and silent auction will benefit the sanctuary. All of the food served at the event will be vegan. Tickets are $30 and can be reserved by calling (717) 993-3232. For more information about Animal Rescue, Inc., visit their website http://www.animalrescueinc.org.

Fairfax Station, VA: Vegan Holiday Gifts & Entertaining Class

On Sunday, Dec. 10, learn to make heartfelt vegan gifts from your kitchen, as well as party fare for hosting a holiday gala, and potluck ideas. The menu will include many of the following egg- and dairy-free recipes:

Truffles, Caramels, Tootsie Rolls, Cashew Brittle, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Chex-Not Mix, Spiced Nuts & Seeds, Organic Cranberry Cheesecake, Cranberry Nut Bread, Cream Cheese Straws, Chocolate-Orange Scones, Giant Chocolate-Covered Pretzels, Apricot Butter, Hot Artichoke Dip, Asian Nut Balls, Spanakopita, Tofu Boursin Cheese, Lentil Walnut Pate, Molded Decorated Holiday Cookies, Gingerbread People, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Jam Dot Cookies, Pistachio Fingers, Herb & Spice-Infused Oils and Vinegars, Bean Bag Soup Mixes, Sparkling Fruit Punch.

$45/person; $80/couple; $40/VSDC and VRG members. Classes include recipes, food samples, and manufacturers' coupons. Gift certificates available. Make checks payable to Mimi Clark, 9302 Hallston Ct., Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Sorry, no phone reservations. Call (703) 643-2011 for space availability.

Dayton, OH: "the Witness" Documentary Screening

Please join Mercy For Animals at The Neon Movies in Dayton's Oregon District at 7:30 pm, Thursday, December 14th for a screening of the award winning documentary "The Witness." Running time is 43 minutes, followed by Q&A with Nathan Runkle, executive director of the local animal advocacy organization Mercy For Animals.

You can learn more about "The Witness" and watch the movie trailer at http://www.tribeofheart.org. Tickets cost $3 and are available now through December 14 from the Neon. For more information about Mercy For Animals, visit their website http://www.mercyforanimals.org.

Orlando, FL: 6th Annual Compassion For Animals Action Symposium

From January 26 to 28, 2007, VegEvents will host the 6th Annual Compassion for Animals Action Symposium at the Regal Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida. This event is an opportunity to: brainstorm with representatives from Florida and national organizations, share ideas and mingle with long-time activists and newcomers in Animal Ethics and Environmental Issues, participate in group discussions and project planning, and network with like-minded individuals.

Registration for the symposium is $65.00 prior to Nov. 30, and $75 prior to Dec. 31. For information about lodging and carpooling visit http://www.vegevents.net/events.htm, or email VegEvents at [email protected].

Fort Lauderdale, FL: Vegan Dinner At Sublime Restaurant

The Vegetarian Resource Group will host a Vegan Dinner at Sublime Organic Natural Restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on the afternoon of Sunday, February 18, 2007. For details, call VRG at (410) 366-8343 or email [email protected].

10) Non-leather Gymnastic Grips?

We need your help! We have received an email from the mother of a 10-year old girl. She is trying to find a non-leather option for gymnastics grips that are traditionally made from leather. If you know of any, please email us at [email protected]

11) Recipe: Hot Apples & Sweet Potatoes

Hot Apples and Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 370 degrees. In a small bowl, mix sweetener, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. In a medium-sized bowl, combine remaining ingredients except for oil spray. Combine spice and apple mixtures and mix well.

Spray a baking a sheet with oil. Spread apple/sweet potato mixture on baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until potatoes and apples are soft. Eat while warm.

12) VRG Holiday Offer For Kids

This holiday season, buy something special for the little vegetarian or vegan in your life! We are offering a holiday pack that includes 5 items: 1 "Be Kind to Animals" bumper sticker http://www.vrg.org/catalog/bumper.htm, 1 "I Love Animals and Broccoli" coloring book, 1 "I Love Animals and Broccoli" activity book, 1 Leprechaun Cake and Other Tales http://www.vrg.org/catalog/leprechaun.htm, and 1 "I Love Animals and Broccoli" placemat. The 11"x17" placemats are laminated so your child can write on them with a dry-erase marker. Please note that the remaining copies of the book, Leprechaun Cake and Other Tales, have slightly scuffed covers, however, the pages remain intact. Normally these items are worth $19 but we are offering them to you for only $10 including shipping! To order, go to https://www.vrg.org/secure/order.htm and type 'Kids Holiday Pack' in the 'Additional Notes' section. Or you can call VRG at (410) 366-8343 M-F 9am - 5pm EST.

13) Veggie Nuggets

New Non-Leather Ball for the NBA

You may have already heard that the NBA (National Basketball Association) has a new official game ball. It is no longer made of leather! The ball is now made with a microfiber composite and has a new design as well. Starting this season, all players are using the new ball. It is thought that this ball has a better grip throughout the game due to its moisture management system. To read more and to see the new ball, visit http://www.spalding.com. If you would like to purchase the new ball, follow this link to the NBA Store .

Bird Flu book available to read online

The new book by Dr. Michael Greger, Bird Flu: A Virus of our Own Hatching, is now available in its entirety online. Dr Greger is Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at The Humane Society of the United States. For more information about the book, see the website http://www.birdflubook.com.

Holistic Holiday at Sea IV - A Voyage to Well-being

If you have always wanted to go on a cruise, but didn't due to fears that there wouldn't be anything veg to eat, today is your lucky day. Holistic Holiday at Sea IV - A Voyage to Well-being will be setting sail for the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Meals will be non-dairy, vegan/natural cuisine and organic whenever possible. To learn more, visit http://www.atasteofhealth.org/homepage_load.htm?events/ship.htm. VRG member and volunteer David Herring will be going on the cruise. To contact him about a group discount, send an email to [email protected]. Bon Voyage!

Go Vegan . . . and NO ONE gets hurt!

VRG member and volunteer Alisa Mills has come up with a vegan messaged design that she is offering for sale on t-shirts, hats, mugs, buttons, and bumper stickers on her cafepress site. To see the design for yourself, visit: http://www.cafepress.com/veganlove

14) B&B Spotlight And Discount: Hungry Ghost Guest House

The Hungry Ghost Guest House is a vegan bed and breakfast in New Paltz, NY http://www.hungryghostguesthouse.com/. Minutes from Minnewaska State Park, proprietors Mike and Petra Trunkes say the Hungry Ghost is an "active retreat." You can choose from running, hiking, bouldering, or mountain biking. If you want to relax, you can walk at a nearby trail or enjoy a vegan cooking lesson with Petra. They cater to food allergies as well, serving delicious breakfasts to wheat, soy and stone fruit allergy sufferers.

They are offering a 10% discount for readers of VRG-News for an off-season stay (November 2006 - May 2007), subject to room availability. The crosscountry skiing and skating are great this time of year, weather permitting. Please call (845) 255-2011 or email [email protected] to make a reservation. And remember to say you heard of them from VRG-News.

15) Director Of Development Corner: Charitable Contributions From IRAS

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 allows Traditional and Roth IRA owners who have attained the age of 70� the ability to make charitable contributions of up to $100,000 per year directly from their IRAs to an eligible charitable organization (such as VRG) without incurring adverse federal income tax consequences. The ability to make direct donations is available for two years only - 2006 and 2007 - unless extended by Congress.

The distributions will be counted for purposes of the required minimum distributions from an IRA, but will not be included in calculating the individual taxpayer's limitation on charitable deductions in the year the donation was made. There are specific procedures that must be followed to ensure no taxes are due on the IRA deduction. In addition, the transfer must be from the trustee or custodian of the IRA to the charity and the donor cannot receive any benefit for the contribution. Distributions from SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs are not currently eligible. This is not tax or legal advice. Please consult with your personal tax or legal advisor for more information.

16) VRG Vegetarian Scholarship

The VRG will again award $10,000 in college scholarships. Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we will give two $5,000 college scholarships to graduating high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities. The students must be graduating high school in spring 2007. The deadline is February 20, 2007. For more information or to read about past winners, go to http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm.

17) Internships Available

Responsibilities depend on background, major if in college, and interest of applicant. Tasks may include research, writing, and/or community outreach. Internships are helpful for students working toward journalism, English, and nutrition degrees. Business majors can obtain experience related to the business aspects of a non-profit organization. Activists can learn new skills and gain a broader knowledge, as well as share their expertise. Positions open throughout the year for all ages (including high school students living in Baltimore). Internships are unpaid. Send resume and cover letter to: The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203; [email protected].

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, 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.)

If you would like to make a donation, become a member, volunteer, or find out more about The VRG, contact us at:

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.

About VRG-News

VRG-News is the monthly e-mail newsletter of The Vegetarian Resource Group. This is an announcement list, so subscriber messages are not accepted by the list. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or corrections to VRG-News, direct them to [email protected]. Thanks!

If you wish to cancel your subscription to VRG-News, send an e-mail message to [email protected] with the following message: SIGNOFF VRG-NEWS

If you wish to subscribe to VRG-News, send an e-mail message to [email protected] with the following message: SUB VRG-NEWS {your first and last name}

Do not include the {} when you enter your name. The newsletter will be sent to the e-mail address from which you are subscribing.

Contents of VRG-News are copyright 2006 by The Vegetarian Resource Group. The newsletter may be freely distributed in electronic or print form provided its contents are not altered and credit is given to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

Total Calories Per Serving Using Raisins: 223
Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 4%
Protein: 2 gm	Fat: 3 gm	Carbohydrates: 50 gm	Calcium: 26 mg
Iron: 1 mg	Sodium: 28 mg	Dietary Fiber: 3 gm

VRG-News: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Editors: Sonja Y. Helman & John L. Cunningham
Volume 10, Issue 8
November 2006

CONTENTS

1) Notes From The Editors

2) Can You Believe It? VRG Is 25 Years Old!!

3) Non-dairy Milks

4) Call-a-Dietitian Day

5) Free Offer: Vote For Your Favorite Restaurant At Vegdining.com

6) Vegan Gift Baskets

7) 2006 Vegetarian Journal Online Issue 2

8) Vegan Donuts!

9) Upcoming Events and Conferences

Lancaster Vegetarian Society's Holiday 2006 Celebration

Orange County, VA: Full Moon Walks, Bonfires, Vegan Barbecue

Parkville, MD: Pet Benefete

Fairfax Station, VA: Vegan Holiday Gifts & Entertaining Class

Dayton, OH: "the Witness" Documentary Screening

Orlando, FL: 6th Annual Compassion For Animals Action Symposium

Fort Lauderdale, FL: Vegan Dinner At Sublime Restaurant

10) Non-leather Gymnastic Grips?

11) Recipe: Hot Apples & Sweet Potatoes

Hot Apples and Sweet Potatoes

12) VRG Holiday Offer For Kids

13) Veggie Nuggets

New Non-Leather Ball for the NBA

Bird Flu book available to read online

Holistic Holiday at Sea IV - A Voyage to Well-being

Go Vegan . . . and NO ONE gets hurt!

14) B&B Spotlight And Discount: Hungry Ghost Guest House

15) Director Of Development Corner: Charitable Contributions From IRAS

16) VRG Vegetarian Scholarship

17) Internships Available

About The Vegetarian Resource Group

About VRG-News

VRG-News: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter Editors: Sonja Y. Helman & John L. Cunningham Volume 10, Issue 8 November 2006

CONTENTS

1) Notes From The Editors

2) Can You Believe It? VRG Is 25 Years Old!!

3) Non-dairy Milks

4) Call-a-Dietitian Day

5) Free Offer: Vote For Your Favorite Restaurant At Vegdining.com

6) Vegan Gift Baskets

7) 2006 Vegetarian Journal Online Issue 2

8) Vegan Donuts!

9) Upcoming Events and Conferences

Lancaster Vegetarian Society's Holiday 2006 Celebration

Orange County, VA: Full Moon Walks, Bonfires, Vegan Barbecue

Parkville, MD: Pet Benefete

Fairfax Station, VA: Vegan Holiday Gifts & Entertaining Class

Dayton, OH: "the Witness" Documentary Screening

Orlando, FL: 6th Annual Compassion For Animals Action Symposium

Fort Lauderdale, FL: Vegan Dinner At Sublime Restaurant

10) Non-leather Gymnastic Grips?

11) Recipe: Hot Apples & Sweet Potatoes

Hot Apples and Sweet Potatoes

12) VRG Holiday Offer For Kids

13) Veggie Nuggets

New Non-Leather Ball for the NBA

Bird Flu book available to read online

Holistic Holiday at Sea IV - A Voyage to Well-being

Go Vegan . . . and NO ONE gets hurt!

14) B&B Spotlight And Discount: Hungry Ghost Guest House

15) Director Of Development Corner: Charitable Contributions From IRAS

16) VRG Vegetarian Scholarship

17) Internships Available

About The Vegetarian Resource Group

About VRG-News

VRG-News: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Editors: Sonja Y. Helman & John L. Cunningham
Volume 10, Issue 8
November 2006