VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Volume 19, Issue 2

February 2015

By Shani Stewart

CONTENTS

  1. GREETINGS FROM THE EDITOR
  2. TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN VEGETARIAN SCHOLARSHIPS VRG COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DUE FEBRUARY 20, 2015
  3. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS
  4. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS: VEGAN MENU FOR DIABETICS LIVE IN KINDLE STORE, MORNINGSTAR FARMS PEANUT ALLERGEN ALERT AND RECALL, VRG ANNUAL VIDEO CONTEST, WEIGHT LOSS VEGAN STYLE, CULTURED DEXTROSE PLANT OR DAIRY DERIVED? AND MORE
  5. ELEANOR MILTIMORE WOLFF NEEDS BASED INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
  6. MICHAEL BILLIAN
  7. JOIN VRG'S YAHOO PARENT'S GROUP
  8. VEGETARIAN VIDEO SCHOLARSHIP WINNER/NEW CONTEST
  9. FOR TRAVELERS: PHYSICIANS COMMITTEE RANKS BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NUMBER ONE
  10. A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING VRG VOLUNTEERS
  11. VEGAN MEALS FOR YOU, PROCEEDS FOR VRG -- GREAT SAGE BENEFIT DAY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015
  12. VEGAN VIDEO- 10 REASONS TO GO VEGAN
  13. BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR FOR VRG
  14. ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP
  15. ABOUT VRG-NEWS

1) GREETINGS FROM THE EDITOR

Hello Readers.

My name is Shani Stewart and I am the new editor for The VRG National Newsletter. I have been contributing entries to The VRG Restaurant Guide since October 2014, and had the pleasure of volunteering at The VRG Headquarters in Baltimore, MD as well. I am honored and elated to be the new editor and am thankful to have met such a wonderful, hard-working and dedicated group of people here at The Vegetarian Resource Group. I prefer a variety of spices such as those found in Indian and Soul food. Seitan sugar-free Barbecue Ribs, Almond-milk Mac and Cheese, Veggie Samosas, Masala Dosai, and Sambar are some of my absolute favorite vegan dishes. I prefer textures of consistency close to meat to me such as chick peas, black beans, and lentils, although I feel best when balancing them with leafy-greens or clean sprouts. I enjoy hiding veganism in meals from relatives and telling them what they are eating afterward. I lost 50 pounds from cutting out meat altogether, so it's great they are finding out that vegan food is totally delicious! This gets them to think about, and then eventually substitute animal-based products for plant or nut based. Again I appreciate being a part of The VRG family and I hope you will enjoy my presence and contribution.

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2) TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN VEGETARIAN SCHOLARSHIPS VRG COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DUE FEBRUARY 20, 2015

VRG will award one $10,000 scholarship and two $5,000 scholarships to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted vegetarianism/veganism in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who do not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs. Entries may only be sent by students graduating from high school in spring 2015. Deadline is February 20, 2015. We will accept applications postmarked on or before February 20, 2015. Early submission is encouraged.

For information about our scholarship contest for high school seniors, see:
http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

If you would like to donate to additional scholarships or internships, go to: www.vrg.org/donate

Deadline is February 20, 2015.

If you would like to support VRG internships or our video scholarship contest, please donate at:
http://www.vrg.org/donate ]

Join The Vegetarian Resource Group at:
http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]

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3) VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS

Great Sage Benefit Day
Clarksville, MD
Sunday, February 22, 2015
https://www.facebook.com/events/480049368803875 ]
Valley Vegfest
Northampton, MA
Saturday, March 28, 2015
http://www.valleyveg.org/vegfest/ ]
Spring Into Good Health Festival
Baltimore, MD
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Baltimore Vegfest
Baltimore, MD
Saturday, May 9, 2015
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Annual-Baltimore-VegFest/263956273645903 ]
Richmond Vegfest
Richmond, VA
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nashville, TN
10/3-10/6, 2015
http://www.eatrightnashville.org/index.php/category/meetings/ ]

If you would like to volunteer at any of these events, contact Nina 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.

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4) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS: VEGAN MENU FOR DIABETICS LIVE IN KINDLE STORE, MORNINGSTAR FARMS PEANUT ALLERGEN ALERT AND RECALL, VRG ANNUAL VIDEO CONTEST, WEIGHT LOSS VEGAN STYLE, CULTURED DEXTROSE PLANT OR DAIRY DERIVED? AND MORE

NEW VEGAN RESTAURANTS ADDED TO VRG'S ONLINE RESTAURANT GUIDE
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/16/new-vegan-restaurants-added-to-vrgs-online-restaurant-guide/ ]
VEGAN MENU FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES IS LIVE IN THE KINDLE STORE
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/15/vegan-menu-for-people-with-diabetes-is-live-in-the-kindle-store/ ]
CULTURE DEXTROSE PLANT OR DAIRY DERIVED?
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/14/cultured-dextrose-dairy-derived/ ]
MORNINGSTAR FARMS ISSUED AN ALLERGY ALERT AND PRECAUTIONARY RECALL OF SPICY BLACK BEAN BURGERS IN THE US DUE TO UNDECLARED PEANUT ALLERGEN
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/13/morningstar-farms-issued-an-allergy-alert-and-voluntary-precautionary-recall-of-spicy-black-bean-burgers-and-chipotle-black-bean-burgers-in-the-u-s-due-to-undeclared-peanut-allergen/ ]
VEGANS KNOW HOW TO PARTY IS LIVE IN THE KINDLE STORE
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/12/vegans-know-how-to-party-is-live-in-the-kindle-store/ ]
THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP ANNUAL VIDEO CONTEST - FOUR $250 AWARDS
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/09/the-vegetarian-resource-group-annual-video-contest-four-250-awards/ ]
WEIGHT LOSS VEGAN STYLE
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/09/weight-loss-vegan-style/ ]
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NURSING
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/12/29/american-journal-of-nursing/ ]
FAVORITE RESTAURANT CHAINS
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/12/31/favorite-restaurant-chains-for-vegetarian-and-vegan-options/ ]
WHAT'S HOT IN CULINARY TRENDS
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/12/29/whats-hot-in-culinary-trends-for-2015/ ]
THE VETO CARNIVORE AND VETO VEGETARIAN
http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/12/30/the-veto-carnivore-and-veto-vegetarian/ ]

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5) ELEANOR MILTIMORE WOLFF NEEDS BASED INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

Eleanor Miltimore Wolff became a committed vegan late in life. Once she learned and understood that dietary choices affected not only one's personal health, but also the health of the planet and the well being of the animals, there was no looking back. Leather shoes and purses, along with non-vegan food products went out the door. Her children and grandchildren were showered with vegan reading material. When she exercised she would sport a T-shirt proclaiming: "I think, therefore I am -- a vegetarian." Eleanor was a military censor during World War II, but there was no censoring her commitment to a plant based diet and lifestyle.

In her memory, the Eleanor Miltimore Wolff scholarship is a $2,500 paid internship at the VRG office in Baltimore (plus $1,000 toward housing) for a student who:

  • Wants to be an effective change agent on behalf of veganism.
  • Is motivated to use knowledge gained from the internship to make a significant impact within his/her world.
  • Could not participate in this development effort without a little financial assistance.

Currently, the Eleanor Miltimore Wolff Scholarship funds one internship per year. VRG also has unpaid internships available.

If you would like to apply for a VRG internship, please send a resume, writing sample, and cover letter detailing your interests, skills, goals, and vegetarian knowledge to:
[email protected].

If you are applying for the paid internship, please indicate so, as well as your financial need.

To see work of prior interns, go to
http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ]

VRG also awards one $10,000 and two $5,000 college scholarships to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities.

To learn more, go to
http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

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6) MICHAEL BILLIAN

We extend great sympathy to the family of Michael Billian, who passed away in December, 2014. Michael totally gave of himself to many causes. Thank you to Michael who previously helped Jeanne McStay in our office and at outreach booths.

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7) JOIN VRG'S YAHOO PARENT'S GROUP

Are you or someone you know raising a vegetarian or vegan child? If so, you may want to join a network of parents interested in exchanging ideas on various vegetarian/vegan topics including: finding a vegan summer camp, vegan dining options at Disney World, what can I pack in my child's lunchbox, how have you and your child dealt with the dissection issue in school, can you recommend a veggie-friendly pediatrician or dietitian, is there a veggie children's group in my area, etc.

For more information on this online Yahoo Group see: [ https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/vrgparents/info ]

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8) VEGETARIAN VIDEO SCHOLARSHIP WINNER/NEW CONTEST

Jerry is a winner of The Vegetarian Resource Group Video Contest. He stated: I have always had a lot of respect and admiration toward vegetarians. But it was not until recently, I considered vegetarianism as part of my diet. I have always been interested in vegetarianism due to its water conservation and humane treatment of animals. But the cherry on top - the overwhelming health benefits - is what really led me to my final decisions.

See videos at:
http://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php#pai ]

You can be this year's VRG video winner! The next contest deadline is July 15, 2015. For more information on how to apply and the rules surrounding the contest, visit:
http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php ]

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9) FOR TRAVELERS: PHYSICIANS COMMITTEE RANKS BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NUMBER ONE

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) gains 12 percentage points and soars from fourth to first place this year. More than 90 percent of BWI's restaurants serve at least one healthful plant-based option, with restaurants like Silver Diner going above and beyond to provide Baltimore travelers with nutrient-packed options. Silver Diner's flexitarian menu, based on seasonal and local foods, features colorful vegetarian stir-fries with gluten-free quinoa pasta, kidney bean chili, and a fall harvest salad with 10 locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Ram's Head also changes its menu seasonally, offering options like the spring greens and roasted pear salad, black bean soup, seaweed salad, and the Mediterranean quinoa salad. At Pepper's Mexican Grill, travelers can find portobello mushroom burritos and protein-packed rice and beans, while Zona Cocina and Chipotle allow passengers to customize vegetable-packed salads, tacos, and burrito bowls. With multiple salads at DuClaw Brewing Company, small vegetable plates at Sky Azure, and a vegan veggie burger at Kraze Burger, Baltimore travelers have their pick of healthful fare from which to choose this year.

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10) A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING VRG VOLUNTEERS

We would like to thank the following volunteers for their amazing work on VRG's Vegetarian Restaurant Guide and VRG Scholarship application responses:

  • Matt Baker
  • Shani Stewart
  • Anne Porterfield Custer
  • Nanette Blanchard
  • Bobbie Louis
  • Tim Addicks
  • Kaily Granados

Research for our Restaurant Guide and scholarship responses can be done at our office located in Baltimore, MD or remotely using your computer at home. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Nina at [email protected].

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11) VEGAN MEALS FOR YOU, PROCEEDS FOR VRG -- GREAT SAGE BENEFIT DAY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015

Support The Vegetarian Resource Group while enjoying your favorite vegan dishes from Great Sage! On Sunday, February 22, 2015, Great Sage in Clarksville, MD will be generously donating 10% of the day's proceeds to VRG. Try their 'Crabbie' Grilled Cheese, "a layer of [their] famous 'crab cake' between sharp cashew 'cheddar,' baby spinach, and whole wheat toast" or their Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes, "topped with soy whip and served with a caramel glaze".

You can check out the rest of Great Sage's amazing all-vegan menu items here:
http://greatsage.com/menu/ ]

Great Sage is located at:

5809 Clarksville Square Drive
Clarksville, MD 21029

and open 10 AM - 9 PM on Sunday.

Although this will not be a formal group gathering, our Outreach Coordinator, Nina, and other VRG volunteers will be available during brunch hours (10 AM - 3 PM) to answer any questions you may have or to just chat. We will also have copies of the Vegetarian Journal and literature available for you to take home. We look forward to seeing you and thank you in advance for your support!
https://www.facebook.com/events/480049368803875 ]

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12) VEGAN VIDEO- 10 REASONS TO GO VEGAN

Hello VRG,

I hope this finds you well. We just finished a video that we are trying to get across in different ways. We made it so more and more people could understand what is veganism and the reasons why people choose this kind of lifestyle. And hopefully people will like it and the fact that it is a video, won't stop them from watching and sharing it! So I wanted to ask if you would consider putting it up on your website? You can take a look at it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMVcfKx_LiI ]

Field Roast wrote to us thanking us for our recent coverage of their meats and wanted to know if we'd post this commercial.

See: [ http://youtu.be/Cz_dBXpX3kg ]

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13) BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR FOR VRG

The Vegetarian Resource Group greatly appreciates the support given by our monthly donors. You can join our monthly giving group with a minimum gift of just $10 a month by going to www.vrg.org/donate. You will be part of a network of givers who support our outreach efforts on an ongoing basis. These donations allow us to continue vegan education in a wide variety of venues including schools, doctor and dietitian offices, libraries, various professional conferences, animal rights events, health fairs, environmental festivals, and much more. Thank you for your support!

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14) 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
http://www.vrg.org/journal/ ] .)

To sign up for the The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit:
http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ]

We are also on Facebook and Twitter

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 2015 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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15) 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

To subscribe, unsubscribe, or otherwise manage your subscription to VRG-NEWS,
http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-news_lists.vrg.org ]

or go to
http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ]

If you are a new subscriber, you might enjoy reading past issues of VRG-NEWS online at
http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ]

Contents of VRG-NEWS are copyright 2015 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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