VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Editor: Sonja Y. Helman
Volume 12, Issue 5
December 2008

CONTENTS

1. NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
2. LETTER FROM VRG DIRECTORS
3. VEHICLE DONATION TO SUPPORT VRG
4. VEGETARIAN JOURNAL ONLINE
5. CALL-A-DIETITIAN DAY - JANUARY 23
6. VEGGIE NUGGETS
7. UPCOMING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES
8. VRG DEAL-OF-THE-MONTH - 25% OFF VEGETARIAN JOURNAL GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS
9. RECIPE - TEMPEH/PEAR CURRY
10. VRG SCHOLARSHIPS & INTERNSHIPS
11. About The Vegetarian Resource Group
12. About VRG-NEWS

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1) NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

It's not too late to give a subscription to Vegetarian Journal! Not only will the recipient appreciate your thoughtfulness, you will enjoy saving 25% off the normal price. And if you want to get a subscription for yourself, we won't tell! For all the details, please see Section 8. But don't wait! This offer ends December 31, 2008.

We'd like to thank all of our members and volunteers for your support this past year. Because of your help, we have been able to spread the message of vegetarianism to more individuals, groups, and professionals. Thank You!

We wish you a happy holiday season and best wishes for the new year!

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2) LETTER FROM VRG DIRECTORS

Dear subscriber,

Two of our staff were recently invited to speak at an inner city high school for five sessions. In spite of the students having to deal with a pretty chaotic school, we were thrilled by the kids that wanted to learn. When we asked if they ever met a vegetarian, we received blank stares. Though in the first class they couldn't imagine giving up meat, one girl firmly stated she wouldn't eat her pet turtle. They questioned whether you could really live without meat, and were impressed that our staff speakers had each been vegetarian over 30 years.

The students were pretty hesitant to taste a pepperoni "fake" meat or Kashi cereal. The extent of their vegetable eating was corn. But in spite of our basic information being all new to them, and not having easy access to high-quality supermarkets, they asked good questions and brought up interesting points.

For a very different audience, VRG Food Service Advisor Chef Nancy Berkoff, RD, EdD was asked to give a 90 minute opening session at the National Association of College and University Food Services regional conference in Fargo, North Dakota. And VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels will be giving presentations on vegetarian pregnancy to about 600 health professionals in Massachusetts.

Your support enables us to continue this vegetarian outreach in a positive way to health professionals, low income students, and others. With your help, our children and grandchildren will live in a more compassionate and healthier vegetarian world. If you would like to help animals and people whose lives will be improved by a vegetarian diet, you can give year end tax deductible donations at [ https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1565 ].

This is done through our charitable federation and we are not charged any fees.

Thank you so much.

Charles Stahler & Debra Wasserman

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3) VEHICLE DONATION TO SUPPORT VRG

Interested in donating your old car to VRG and supporting our outreach activities? VRG participates in a Vehicle Donation Program that is a free and convenient way to convert that extra car, truck, or RV into a tax-deductible donation that benefits The Vegetarian Resource Group. Please click on the following link for further information: [ http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=521279034 ]. If you have additional questions, please call (410) 366-8343. Thanks!

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4) VEGETARIAN JOURNAL ONLINE

The following issues of Vegetarian Journal are now available online in PDF form:

• Issue 1, 2007 [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2007issue1/vj2007issue1.pdf ]
• Issue 2, 2007 [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2007issue2/vj2007issue2.pdf ]
• Issue 3, 2007 [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2007issue3/vj2007issue3.pdf ]
• Issue 4, 2007 [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2007issue4/vj2007issue4.pdf ]
• Issue 1, 2008 [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2008issue1/VJ1-2011.pdf ]
• Issue 3, 2008 [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2008issue3/VJ3-2011.pdf ]
• Issue 4, 2008 [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2008issue4/VJ4-2011.pdf ]

Just a few of the topics covered in these issues include, The Meaning of 'Humane' Egg Labels, Omega-3s, VRG's 25th Anniversary, Vegan Sugar, Vegetarian Books for Children, Soy, Rice, and Other Non-Dairy Milks, Dining Out Poll Results, Scholarship Winners, and Top Vegetarian Restaurant Chains.

To check out all back issues of the magazine, please see: [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/index.htm ].

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal, please go to [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/subscribe.htm ].

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5) CALL-A-DIETITIAN DAY - JANUARY 23

If you have general nutrition questions, Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, LDN, will be available from 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST on Friday, January 23, 2009. To reserve a 20-minute time slot, please email the VRG office at [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343.

Please 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 has 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.

In addition, Mark is offering a 20% discount on any service for VRG members. This is for his private practice and is not affiliated with The VRG or Call-A-Dietitian Day.

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6) VEGGIE NUGGETS

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Vegan Restaurant for Sale

A vegan restaurant is for sale in Arizona. This turnkey establishment seats 40, is almost 1,500 square feet, and is fully-equipped. Over $100,000 in tenant improvements have been done. Possible 100% financing for qualified buyer. Long-term lease with reasonable rent.

Only serious buyers should inquire. Please call Rick for more information at (805) 794-9389.

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VRG Listed on Nursing Website

RN Central, a nursing information website, published the article, "Top 100 Health and Wellness Sites for Seniors" by Christina Laun on September 16, 2008. Among the 10 sites listed in the Nutrition category, was VRG's "A Senior's Guide to Good Nutrition" by Suzanne Havala, MS, RD.

To read the complete article, please see: [ http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/seniors.htm ] For the RN Central article, please go to: [ http://www.rncentral.com/nursing-library/careplans/top_100_health_and_wellness_sites_for_seniors ]

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Prison Vegetarian Project's Pen-Pal Program

Prison Vegetarian Project is an organization that helps people in prisons throughout the U.S. advocate for and receive vegetarian and vegan diets. They also sponsor a Pen-Pal Program for vegetarians-on-the-inside who want to exchange letters with vegetarians-on-the-outside. You do not have be 100% vegetarian 100% of the time to participate. Prison Vegetarian Project cannot guarantee that they will find you a pen-pal.

If you are interested or want to learn more, please email Alison at [email protected]. She can email you their brief guide that offers more information.

To check out their website, please see [ http://www.prisonvegetarianproject.org ].

**Remember to be cautious with the personal information you share.

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7) UPCOMING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

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ESTATE PLANNING INCLUDING WILLS, BEQUESTS, CHARITABLE ANNUITIES, AND TRUSTS

The Vegetarian Resource Group will sponsor a free presentation in Baltimore, Maryland, by Suzanne Simpson, Esq. on Sunday afternoon, January 11th at 1 PM. If you would like to attend, please e-mail [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343. Vegan dessert will be served.

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8) VRG DEAL-OF-THE-MONTH - 25% OFF VEGETARIAN JOURNAL GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS

For a limited time, you can give Vegetarian Journal to friends, relatives, and even yourself for 25% off the normal rate! We will send notice of your thoughtful gift along with your personalized message to anyone in the United States for the special price of $15 per subscription ($27 to Canada and Mexico; $37 to other foreign countries).

There are many ways to order:
By mail: Please send a check or money order made payable to Vegetarian Journal to VRG, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.
By phone: (410) 366-8343 M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST.
Online: Please visit [ https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1565 ] and make sure to put the recipient's name and mailing address along with how you want your message to read in the Comments box.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and U.S. currency.

This offer expires December 31, 2008.

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9) RECIPE - TEMPEH/PEAR CURRY

(This recipe appears in Conveniently Vegan [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/convvegan.htm ] by Debra Wasserman)

Tempeh/Pear Curry (Serves 3)

Creatively blending tempeh with fruit and curry powder creates a delicious meal.

8-ounce package tempeh, chopped into 1-inch cubes
2 teaspoons oil
2 pears - cored, peeled, and finely chopped
1/2 cup raisins or other chopped dried fruit
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon curry powder

Saute tempeh in oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and stir-fry 5 more minutes. Serve over a bed of rice.

Total calories per serving: 353
Fat: 10 grams
Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 17%
Protein: 16 grams
Iron: 3 mg
Carbohydrates: 58 grams
Calcium: 103 mg
Dietary fiber: 6 grams
Sodium: 8 mg

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10) VRG SCHOLARSHIPS & INTERNSHIPS

VRG 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 2009. The deadline is February 20, 2009. For more information or to read about past winners, go to [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ].

VRG Internships

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].

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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.)

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=1561 ]

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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ABOUT VRG-NEWS

VRG-NEWS is the 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 a technical question about the list, please contact us at [email protected]. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or corrections to VRG-NEWS, please 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 ].

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 2008 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.

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