VRG-News -- The Vegetarian Resource Group

VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Editor: Sonja Y. Helman
Volume 12, Issue 4
November 2008

1) NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

The Vegetarian Site, a longtime friend of VRG, is once again donating a percentage of their sales to us! For the month of November, a portion of your purchase at [ http://www.thevegetariansite.com ] will be donated to VRG. Their all-vegan store includes groceries, personal care products, books, gift baskets, and so much more. Do some holiday shopping for your favorite vegan or buy something just for you.

You may not be aware that VRG not only carries our own publications [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.htm ] but also select books from other authors. To see the full catalog, please go to our secure order form [ https://www.vrg.org/secure/order.htm ] and click on the drop-down menu next to "1st Book to Order." Remember, if you spend $25 or more (for U.S. addresses only), shipping is free!

As the leaves are quickly falling and the holidays are on the horizon, we hope you will be able to attend a veg*n Thanksgiving event. You can find many U.S. listings for such events on the Gentle Thanksgiving website [ http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org/ ]. Gentle Thanksgiving (a project of FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement)) offers resources for compassionate alternatives to the traditional turkey dinner. If you are going to be in the Baltimore area, we hope you will attend our Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck on Sunday, November 23 (more details in section 7).

2) CALL-A-DIETITIAN DAY - NOVEMBER 14

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, November, 14 2008. 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.

3) VEGAN BAKLAVA REVIEW & DISCOUNT OFFER

Peasant Bakers has created their own vegan baklava! The baklava is made with certified organic fillo dough and is lightly brushed with pure apricot kernel oil. They substitute brown rice syrup for honey and offer four delicous flavors: Awesome Almond, Positively Pecan, Purely Pistachio, and Wicked Walnut.

The vegan baklava was absolutely delicous! It was the perfect level of sweetness - not too much but just enough. It was very fresh and the flaky layers were divine. I don't believe one could tell the difference between this and non-vegan baklava. Their prices are reasonable and they offer special gift boxes for giving.

For VRG-NEWS readers, Peasant Bakers is offering a 20% discount on their vegan baklava! Please visit the Peasant Bakers' Vegan Baklava page [ http://www.realbaklava.com/baklava_vegan_home.html ] and enter coupon code "VRGNOV08" during checkout to receive the discount. If you don't want to order online, you can call Peasant Bakers at (800) 968-3808. As they do sell non-vegan baklava, please make sure to specify that you want the vegan baklava.

One more offer--Peasant Bakers ships free 2-piece samples to the first 100 people who join the Real Baklava Insiders' Circle" each month (as of this printing, there are still about 50 spots left for November). There's no obligation to buy anything but those who sign-up will receive special offers, product information, and bak-related knowledge. Simply go to [ http://www.realbaklava.com/real_baklava_email.html ], type in your email address and click "Go." You will then be taken to a page where you can enter your mailing address for the free sample along with a choice for original or vegan. Just answer "Vegan" and you'll be all set! Enjoy!

4) FOOD FORTIFICATION

In a recent New York Times article, Superfood or Monster From the Deep?, Julia Moskin takes on the issue of food fortification. One example that may concern vegetarians and vegans is that Tropicana adds fish oil to its Heart Healthy Orange Juice.

VRG Nutrition Advisor, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, points out that this is just one kind of orange juice and reminds us to read ingredient labels.

A great resource for deciphering food labels is our Guide to Food Ingredients. It's very inexpensive and comes in booklet form, making it easy to tuck in a purse or bag for quick reference while grocery shopping. For more information or to order, please go to this page [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/fing.htm ].

5) DONATION OF STOCK

Do you have stock that you have owned for more than one year that has appreciated since you purchased it? You can save on the capital gains tax you would owe if you sold it yourself by donating the stock to The Vegetarian Resource Group. And since VRG is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, you will be entitled to an income tax deduction for the full current market value of your gift, to the extent allowed by law. For more details, please speak with your tax and/or legal advisor. To donate stock, you can contact VRG at (410) 366-8343, e-mail [email protected], or go to [ https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1565 ].

6) IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER RESTORED

Americans aged 70 1/2 and older are once again able to contribute directly to public charities, such as The Vegetarian Resource Group, from their individual retirement accounts. This is due to to a provision in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R.1424), which was signed into law on October 3, 2008. The IRA Charitable Rollover tax incentive, which is available through 2009, allows individuals aged 70 1/2 and older to donate up to $100,000 from their IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) and Roth IRAs to public charities without having to count the distributions as taxable income.

Taxpayers age 70 1/2 and older are required to make annual distributions from their IRAs. The distributions are included in the taxpayers' adjusted gross income (AGI), and taxpayers pay taxes on them. The IRA Charitable Rollover permits taxpayers to make donations directly to charitable organizations from their IRAs without counting them as part of their AGI and, consequently, without paying taxes on them. These donations will count towards your required minimum distribution for the year.

* Only contributions made between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009, are eligible for the enhanced tax benefit.

7) VRG TO HOST PRE-THANKSGIVING VEG. POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

8) UPCOMING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

Start a new, vegan Thanksgiving tradition with all the trimmings! Past classes have included Buttercup Bisque, Pecan Whipped Yams with Sweet and Sara Marshmallows, Cranberry Sauce, Seitan-Stuffed Loaf with Sage Dressing, Fat-Free Shiitake Mushroom Gravy, Whole Grain Dinner Rolls, Dairy-free Pumpkin Cheesecake, Mulled Cider.

Mimi Clark, "Veggie Gourmet," has been teaching vegan cooking classes for the past 18 years. She has contributed recipes to several natural foods cookbooks, and is currently developing recipes for natural food manufacturers. Her vegan Chocolate Orange Mousse and Key Lime pies are featured at The Vegetable Garden restaurant [ http://www.thevegetablegarden.com/ ] in Rockville, Maryland.

Join Mercy For Animals for a delicious free vegan dinner followed by an informative lecture by Harold Brown, a former cattle farmer-turned-vegan animal advocate, who is featured in the soon-to-be-released film Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home. Brown
will explore the truth about free range and organic farming. Learn what the real story is behind the labels we see today: free range,
cage free, organic and humane certified.

Prior to this informative talk, all in attendance will enjoy a delicious free vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner, compliments of Mercy For Animals.

WHEN: Monday, November 17, 2008, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dayton Metro Library, Auditorium (2nd Floor), 215 E. Third St., Dayton, Ohio
WEB: [ http://www.mercyforanimals.org ]
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: (937) 890-9174

Join VSDC (Vegetarian Society of DC) for their annual Thanksgiving vegan feast. Wendy Rieger, local news anchor and vegetarian, will be the guest speaker and Stephen Svoboda will perform soft live music on acoustic guitar. There will be door prizes and a silent auction along with non-profit exhibitors (including VRG!).

Reservations are essential; walk-in registration is not allowed. The price of the event (including tax and gratuity) is $53 for VSDC members and $56 for non-members. Children aged 3-12 are $36; under age 3 are free.

WHEN: Thursday, November 27, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 7400 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
WEB: [ http://www.vsdc.org/calendar.html#tg ]
PHONE: (202) 362-8349

9) 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 note 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.

10) RECIPE - CORN AND POTATO CHOWDER

Vegetable oil spray
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 minced garlic cloves
1/8 cup chopped fresh parsley
1-1/4 cups frozen cut corn, thawed, or corn cut from 3 ears of corn
3 cups water
4 cubed boiling potatoes
1 teaspoon dried dill
2 cups soymilk
1 cup silken tofu
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

In a large pot, spray vegetable oil and heat. Add onions, garlic, parsley, and corn. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, approximately 30 minutes.

Stir in dill, soymilk, tofu, thyme, and pepper. Simmer chowder for 15 minutes or until very hot.

Total calories per serving: 309
Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 10%
Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Iron: 4 mg
Dietary Fiber: 8 g
Fat: 7 g
Calcium: 75 mg
Sodium: 39 mg
Exchange: 2 protein + 1 vegetable + 2 starch

11) VRG SCHOLARSHIPS & 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].

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 ]

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 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!

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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.