VRG-News: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Editors: Sonja Y. Helman & John L. Cunningham
Volume 11, Issue 1
January 2007
CONTENTS
- Notes From The Editor
- VRG to Host Vegan Indian Dinner in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl
- Call-A-Dietitian Day
- I Love Animals and Broccoli Shopping Basket
- 'Cool' Designer Handbags Discount Offer
- Lawyers Needed to Assist Vegetarian Inmates
- Disaster Planning for Vegetarians
- Upcoming Events and Conferences
- VRG Deal-Of-The-Month!
- Recipe - Sweet Potato Chili
- Veggie Nuggets
- Director of Development Corner
- VRG Vegetarian Scholarships
- Internships Available
- About The Vegetarian Resource Group
- About VRG-News
1) Notes From The Editor
The VRG is often called by reporters for information about veganism and vegetarianism. Recently, Co-coordinator Debra Wasserman spoke with a reporter from the New York Times regarding vegan clothing. If you're interested in finding out where you can find apparel that isn't made with leather, wool, or silk, check our our Guide to Leather Alternatives. You can also order a printed copy of the Guide from our website.
2) VRG to Host Vegan Indian Dinner in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl
Indian Vegan Dinner To Be Held Sunday, February 18, At 1 PM At Royal India, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
The Vegetarian Resource Group will hold a vegan dinner for members and the public. Meet VRG members, staff, and volunteers. Seating is limited.
Menu
Papadum and Onion Chutney (on the tables)
Buffet:
Whole Wheat Roti
Mixed Vegetables (cooked with spices)
Baingan Bhartha (barbequed eggplant)
Aloo Sag (spinach and potatoes cooked with spices)
Chana Masala (chickpeas cooked with spices, fresh onion & tomato)
Okra Masala (okra cooked with spices, fresh onion & tomato)
Basmati Rice
Dessert: Mango Sorbet
Cost is $18 for adults before February 9th. Children are $7.50. Cost is $20 after February 9 if seats are still available. Price includes tax and tip. Payment must be made in advance. Please reserve early as seating is limited. Refunds will be made only if we have a replacement for your seat. To make a reservation, call (410) 366-8343 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday to Friday, go to the donation button on http://www.vrg.org and write a note in the notes section, or send a check to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.
Hope to see you there!
3) 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, March 9. 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.
4) I Love Animals and Broccoli Shopping Basket
The I Love Animals and Broccoli Shopping Basket is a fun way to teach children about healthy eating. Activities involve choosing good foods for breakfast and dinner, shopping at a farmers market, and coping with peer pressure. The 8 page activity book, for kids 8 - 10 years old, encourages discussing food choices with adults and thinking about what you would eat at a friend's house. An entertaining crossword puzzle introduces children to fruits, grains, vegetables, and vegetarian foods. If you would like some for a class or to use for tabling at an event, please let us know. There is no fee, however, we appreciate donations to cover shipping. We also have I Love Animals and Broccoli coloring books and placemats. You can email us at [email protected].
5) 'Cool' Designer Handbags Discount Offer
If you thought having a stylish bag that could keep your lunch cold and be cruelty-free was not a possibility, then you have not heard of Cooler Couture. The bags are beautiful and made of PVC plastic or PU polyurethane. And now not only can you have your lunch and keep it cool too, you can save 15% off your order just for being a VRG-News reader! To receive the discount, make sure to put the word 'veggie' in the code section during check-out. The website is http://www.coolercouture.com/. Deadline is until December 31, 2007.
6) Lawyers Needed to Assist Vegetarian Inmates
VRG frequently receives letters from inmates of State and Federal penal institutions that have great difficulty receiving vegetarian meals. If you are a lawyer and would be interested in volunteering to assist these people, please email [email protected].
For more information about this subject, see the following article that appeared in the March/April 2001 issue of the Vegetarian Journal.
7) Disaster Planning for Vegetarians
Although we hope the worst doesn't happen, it's best to be prepared just in case. Our Nutrition Advisor, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, has recently updated her popular article on disaster planning for vegetarians and you can view it online.
8) Upcoming Events and Conferences
Los Angeles, CA: Free Screening of Mad Cowboy
The documentary, Mad Cowboy, will be shown on Thursday, January 25 at 7:30pm at the UCLA RPB Auditorium. Mad Cowboy is the story of Howard Lyman, a cattle rancher who turned vegan. After the screening, filmmaker Michael Tobias, PhD will hold a Q & A session. This event is free and no reservations are required. For more information and directions, go to http://www.mbcrc.med.ucla.edu/Events/Events012507.htm. The event is sponsored by the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stiles Program in Integrative Oncology in collaboration with the UCLA Collaborative Centers for Integrative Medicine.
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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 $75. For information about lodging and carpooling visit http://www.vegevents.net/events.htm, or email VegEvents at [email protected].
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Dayton, OH: Vegan Dinner & Lecture
Dayton Free Vegan Dinner & Eating Well: Vegan Health & Nutrition Lecture by Registered Dietitian Anya Todd RD, LD, to be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2007. Join Mercy For Animals for a delicious free vegetarian dinner, followed by an informative lecture. Anya received her BS in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. Learn how a healthy meatless diet can help fight disease and prevent cancer. Free recipes and literature on adopting a vegetarian diet will be provided. The event is also guaranteed to be a wonderful opportunity to meet other local individuals interested in vegetarianism and animal protection. Where: Dayton Metro Library, Auditorium (2nd Floor), 215 E. Third St., Dayton, Ohio, When: 6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. If you have any questions, please call (937) 890-9174.
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Seattle, WA: Vegfest 2007
The Vegetarians of Washington will hold their 6th Annual Healthy Vegetarian Food Festival on March 24-25, 2006, at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Attendees will be able to try over 500 food samples, view cooking demos by vegetarian chefs, and listen to vegetarian health professionals speak on vegetarian nutrition and health.
Admission is $5 for adults. Children under 12 are free. For more information, visit the Vegetarians of Washington website.
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Philadelphia, PA: Farm Sanctuary's Animal Forum
On April 29, 2007, Farm Sanctuary will host their Animal Forum at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA. Find out how you can become an active participant in national efforts to protect farm animals from abuse at this one-day conference. Designed to raise awareness about current farm animal issues and campaigns, this unique event offers educational opportunities for activists of all experience levels.
For registration information call (607) 583-2011 ext. 221 to make a reservation or visit http://www.farmsanctuary.org. Cost is $45 per person by April 6; $50 per person after April 6. Students with valid college identification pay $35. All reservations are required by April 20. Registration fee includes a catered vegan lunch.
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Philadelphia, PA: VRG To Host Chinese Vegan Dinner
Chinese Vegan Dinner To Be Held Sunday, September 30, 2007, At 6:00 Pm At Charles Plaza Restaurant Philadelphia, PA (Chinatown)
Celebrate World Vegetarian Day
The Vegetarian Resource Group will hold a vegan dinner during the American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. Dietitians, Members, and the public are invited. Come meet dietitians from the ADA Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group and VRG staff.
MENU
House Special Wonton Soup
Hot And Sour Soup
Steamed Vegetable Dumplings
Shanghai Spring Roll
Fresh Fruit Sataan In Birds Nest (taro)
Sizzling Beef With Black Bean Sauce (seitan)
General Tao's Chicken (soy)
Dry Sauteed Green Beans With Veggies In Season
Mixed Vegetable Lo Mein
Brown And White Rice
Cost is $22 for adults before September 1. Children are $10. Cost is $25 after September�1. Price includes tax and tip. Payment must be made in advance. Please reserve early as seating is limited. Refunds will be made only if we have a replacement for your seat. Menu subject to change.
Call (410) 366-8343 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday to Friday; fax (410) 366-8804; email [email protected]; go to the donation button on http://www.vrg.org and write a note in the notes section; or send a check to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.
Hope to see you there!
9) VRG Deal-Of-The-Month!
While supplies last, VRG is offering slightly damaged copies of The Lowfat Jewish Vegetarian Cookbook by Debra Wasserman for the low price of $5.00! This price includes shipping via media mail rate within the U.S. Normally these retail for $15 plus shipping. Please note these copies have slightly damaged covers. Please visit http://www.vrg.org/catalog/ljvc.htm for more information on the book.
To order, visit https://www.vrg.org/secure/order.htm or call (410) 366-8343 M-F 9am - 5pm EST. If ordering online, please type 'VRG-NEWS offer' in the 'Additional Notes' section. You can also mail a check made payable to The Vegetarian Resource Group to VRG, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.
10) Recipe - Sweet Potato Chili
(This recipe appears in Conveniently Vegan by Debra Wasserman)
Sweet Potato Chili
(Serves 6)
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and chopped
- Two 14 1/2-ounce cans whole tomatoes (keep liquid)
- Three 15-ounce cans kidney beans (about 5 cups cooked), rinsed and drained
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeds carefully removed and discarded, and finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simmer sweet potatoes or yams with whole tomatoes and water in a covered large pot over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and cook uncovered over medium heat for 30 minutes longer. Serve warm.
| Total calories per serving: 366 | ||
| Fat: 2 grams | Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 3% | |
| Protein: 15 grams | Iron: 5 mg | Carbohydrates: 77 grams |
| Calcium: 144 mg | Dietary fiber: 18 grams | Sodium: 1002 mg |
11) Veggie Nuggets
PCRM's Reverse Diabetes Tour
Neal Barnard, MD, of PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) is touring the U.S. giving free lectures on how a low-fat vegan diet can help many patients cut their blood sugars, improve their insulin sensitivity, and reduce or eliminate their medications. For more information and to see if he will be in a city near you, visit Dr. Barnard's website.
**********************************************************************Animal Care Taker Job Opening at Rikki's Refuge
Rikki's Refuge, an all-species, no-kill shelter, in Orange County, Virginia, is looking for a dedicated, mature, and caring individual to fill their opening for an animal care taker. You will be caring for 1,000 creatures of 18 species and must work in all kinds of weather. Duties include feeding, watering, scooping litter, mucking, hosing, mopping, etc. It's hard work but very fulfilling. You can find out more at the Rikki's Refuge website.
12) Director of Development Corner
This year The Vegetarian Resource Group will be celebrating our 25th anniversary. In honor of a quarter of a century of vegetarian activism, an anonymous donor has pledged $10,000 toward a matching campaign. We hope you will support this generosity and double the value of your contribution. Please send a donation to be listed in Vegetarian Journal's 25th anniversary issue.
A PERSONAL NOTE
I have been a member of The VRG for 12 years. When I retired three years ago, I became open to the idea of working part-time for a cause that I believed in passionately. I chose The VRG to invest my time. During the last year that I have been on staff, I have had the opportunity to watch Charles, Debra, Reed, John, Jeannie, Sonja and the rest of the staff "up close."
Their commitment to and passion for the cause of vegetarianism was always evident during the various VRG functions I attended during my years of membership. However, working with them on a one-to-one basis has allowed me to see how their personal ethics, values, and life-style are congruent with their work. Their desire to educate the public about the benefits of a cruelty-free diet from the perspective of health and compassion has been their life's path for the last 25 years.
In short, they live what they teach. I believe this is what many of us strive for-consistency between what we believe and how we live in the world. That we have such an example serves as an inspiration to me, and I am sure to many others.
The long range objective for The VRG is to secure enough resources so that The VRG can continue vibrant promotion of vegetarianism and kindness for future generations. While maintaining current campaigns, we need to keep in mind ways to make sure The VRG is alive and healthy beyond ourselves. Again, as in the past, we are counting on your continued support on both fronts.
Donations of $100 and over will be listed in Vegetarian Journal's 25th anniversary issue. Your tax-deductible contribution will make a tangible difference in the continued impact The VRG has in our world.
Please make the check payable to The Vegetarian Resource Group and mail to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. Call (410) 366-8343 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time if you want to charge your donation with a Visa/MasterCard, or use our online donation form.
Sincerely,
Sid Bravmann
Director of Development
P.S. Please remember that you can double the impact of your donation because of the generous matching contribution from a committed member.
13) VRG Vegetarian Scholarships
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
14) Internships Available
Internship
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 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
Donate: https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?Action=GC&cid=1565
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 are a new subscriber, you might enjoy reading past issues of VRG-News online at http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.htm.
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Contents of VRG-News are copyright 2007 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.
Thanks to volunteer Stephanie Schueler for converting this article to HTML.
� 1996- The Vegetarian Resource GroupPO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203
(410) 366-8343���Email: [email protected]
�������Feb. 2, 2007
The contents of this website 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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