DC VegFest
 Washington, DC - 9/20
 [ http://dcvegfest.com/ ]

 CHICAGO VEGAN MANIA
 CHICAGO, IL - 10/11
 [ http://chicagoveganmania.com/ ]

 FNCE
 ATLANTA, GA - 10/18-21
 [ http://www.eatright.org/FNCE/ ]

 VEGAN DINNER
 ATLANTA, GA - 10/19
 [ 

 Albany VegFest
 Albany, NY - 11/15
 [ http://www.albanyvegan.org/ ]

The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Laura McGuiness August, 2014 To view the VRG Maryland Newsletter on the web, visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/201408local.php ]. 1. VEG EXCHANGE STUDENTS LOOKING FOR HOMES 2. WORKERS WANTED FOR NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO 3. VEGANS WANTED FOR JOB OPENINGS 4. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS 5. MARYLAND AREA EVENTS 6. MARYLAND VEG EVENTS WEBSITE 7. JOIN VRG IN ATLANTA, GA FOR AN ALL VEGAN DINNER 8. WAVERLY FARMERS MARKET BOOTH 9. BOY SCOUTS-VEGAN FOOD AT CAMP AND EAGLE CEREMONY 10. GOLDENWEST 11. JOIN VRG'S YAHOO PARENT'S GROUP 12. AMAZON SMILE: PURCHASE THROUGH AMAZON AND MAKE A DONATION TO VRG 13. DONATE YOUR CAR TO A GOOD CAUSE 14. BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR FOR VRG 15. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS WHITE CASTLE, SCHOOL FOODSERVICE GUIDELINES, TACO BELL ENZYMES, ZPIZZA VEGAN OFFERINGS, AND MORE 16. ABOUT VRG 17. VRG ANNUAL PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 5 PM 1. VEG EXCHANGE STUDENTS LOOKING FOR HOMES BUILD FRIENDSHIPS WORLDWIDE VIA PAX PAX, the Program for Academic Exchange, is looking for families who would love to develop such lasting friendships by hosting a student for this coming academic year (starting in late August of 2014 through the beginning of June of 2015). Their ages range from 15-18 years old. Host families come in all shapes and sizes and include parents, retirees, 'empty nesters', young couples with small children, as well as two parent families with teenagers. Students will attend public high schools--enrollment will be handled by me, the regional PAX Community Coordinator. Host siblings are not required to attend the same school. I presently know of two vegetarian and one vegan student in the Baltimore area that are anxiously awaiting news of their placements with an American family and to begin developing a relationship with their host family via the internet. If you or someone you know is interested in opening your home to one (or two) of these students, please contact me, Meredith Safford, at 410-382-5359 or merrysafford@yahoo.com For more information about PAX, visit: www.pax.org. ********************************************************************************* 2. WORKERS WANTED FOR NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO Seeking reliable, responsible, articulate, people-friendly workers to work directly with food manufacturers in vegetarian or vegan booths at The Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore, MD on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 18, 19, and 20. Workers must live in the Baltimore area, and must be available to work all 3 days. Paid positions. Contact Mimi Clark via email veggourmet@aol.com to schedule an interview. ********************************************************************************* 3. VEGANS WANTED FOR JOB OPENINGS [ http://consciouscorner.com/produce-team-member/ ] FT Produce Associate (Both locations) Location: Clarksville, MD and Olney, MD Status: Full Time Roots Market, Maryland's premier organic market, is seeking a full time organic Produce Associate. Responsibilities include receiving deliveries, preparing and stocking of clean organic produce, creating beautiful displays and providing outgoing customer service. Applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds and be willing to work in a cooler, wet environment. The successful candidates should have an enthusiastic passion for healthy/green living. This job is perfect for individuals who like to be hands-on, possess a great attention to detail and can multi-task in a fast-paced work environment. Experience is preferred. Candidates for this position must be able to work a mixture of morning and evening shifts including one weekend shift. A set schedule will be created after a two week training period. The successful candidates will have advancement potential as our organization continues to grow. [ http://consciouscorner.com/produce-team-member/ ] FT Prepared Foods Associate (Clarksville, MD) Location: Clarksville, MD Status: Full Time Roots Market, Maryland's premier organic market, is seeking a full time Prepared Foods Associate with food handling, culinary and organic foods experience. Good knife skills are a must and natural foods industry experience is a plus. This job is perfect for individuals who like to be hands-on, possess a great attention to detail and can multi-task in a fast-paced work environment. Candidates for this position must be able to work a mixture of morning, day or evening shifts, including one weekend shift. ********************************************************************************* 4. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS NATIONAL (OUTSIDE OF MARYLAND AREA) EVENTS: DC VegFest Washington, DC - 9/20 [ http://dcvegfest.com/ ] CHICAGO VEGAN MANIA CHICAGO, IL - 10/11 [ http://chicagoveganmania.com/ ] FNCE ATLANTA, GA - 10/18-21 [ http://www.eatright.org/FNCE/ ] VEGAN DINNER ATLANTA, GA - 10/19 [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/04/02/vegan-dinner-in-atlanta-georgia-sunday-october-19-2014/#sthash.jX0DdLvd.dpuf ] Albany VegFest Albany, NY - 11/15 [ http://www.albanyvegan.org/ ] If you would like to volunteer at any of these events, contact Nina at ninac@vrg.org. 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. ********************************************************************************* 5. MARYLAND AREA EVENTS VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at Mango Grove, located at 8865 Stanford Boulevard, in Columbia, Maryland 21045, on the first Sunday each month at 12:30 PM. The Vegan Meet-up takes place at Mr. Chan Szechuan at 1000 Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville on the third Wednesday every month at 7 PM. If you are vegan or vegetarian and would like to eat great food while socializing with others who share your interests, attend a meet-up! For more information about EarthSave's Vegan and Vegetarian Baltimore Meet-ups, [ http://www.meetup.com/vegetarian-9/ ] [ http://www.meetup.com/The-Baltimore-Vegan-Meetup-Group/ ] JOIN EARTHSAVE FOR A VEGAN POTLUCK Held on the last Saturday every month at Towson Presbyterian Church, 400 W Chesapeake Ave. Towson, MD 21204, EarthSave presents a vegan potluck and presentation. They eat first, make announcements, vote and present awards for their favorite dishes, and then have a presentation. This month, on August 30th, from 6-9 PM, Earthsave will feature a live presentation by Michael Greger. He is a physician, author, and internationally recognized speaker. He serves as Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture with Humane Society of the United states. His popular webpage NutritionFacts.org provides a multitude of fascinating nutrition facts presented in short, and often humorous, videos. Michael keeps up with the latest nutrition research and presents his annual updates with pizzazz and humor on DVD videos and live presentations. Dinner guests may choose to either bring a dish without animal products (to serve 8) plus a $5 donation, pay $15 to enjoy dinner and a presentation; or pay $5 for presentation only. Let us know in advance, if possible, if you plan to pay for dinner rather than bring a dish. RSVP by calling 410-252-3043, or emailing Baltimore@Earthsave.org. SPEND YOUR TUESDAYS DISCUSSING CURRENT ISSUES IN WHOLE-FOOD PLANT-BASED NUTRITION Held at 7:00 PM on the second Tuesday of every month at varying locations, The Baltimore Whole Food Plant-Based Nutrition Meet-Up meets to discuss some of the current topics and issues in whole-food plant-based nutrition. Meet-up fee is $5.00 per person. For more information, visit: [ http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-Whole-Food-Plant-Based-Nutrition/ ] VEGAN DRINKS' MONTHLY MEETUP Vegan Drinks will be hosting their monthly event on August 17th at Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary and Eco-Retreat, located at 3950 White Rose Way, Ellicott City, Maryland 21042, starting at 12:00PM. This special, family-friendly even includes a self-made picnic and tour of the farm. Along with your own vegan lunch, BYOB and blanket, Gene Baur, founder of Farm Sanctuary, will be the guest for this event. Relay Foods, Good and Kind Bakery, and HEX Ferments will be giving samples of various vegan goodies. Attendees will also munch on frozen, non-dairy treats from So Delicious and Tofutti. Get your ticket today! It is $15 for adults and all children under 13 are free. 100% of proceeds benefit the animals at Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary and Eco-Retreat. For more information about Vegan Drinks, visit: [ http://bmorevegan.com/ ] [ https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreVeganDrinks ] [ http://bmorevegan.com/%20 ] ********************************************************************************* 6. MARYLAND VEG EVENTS WEBSITE Maryland Veg Events, at [ http://www.marylandvegevents.com/ ], is a one stop calendar site for all MD/DC vegan and vegetarian events. If you are looking to network, socialize, and/or engage in social activism you will find plenty of opportunities here. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or interested in trying vegetarianism/veganism, you will find many exciting and fulfilling events. ********************************************************************************* 7. JOIN VRG IN ATLANTA, GA FOR AN ALL VEGAN DINNER The dinner will be catered by Soul Vegetarian Restaurant. They will be serving: crisp vegetable tray, garden salad and prince dressing (house dressing made with soy milk), dinner rolls, cornbread, tender greens, sweet potatoes, herb-baked potatoes, green beens, southern style baked BBQ tofu, smothered steak with gravy and onions, cheesy-spinach-tofu lasagna, mediterranean cauliflower with couscous, apple or vanilla cake, and lemonade. The dinner will be taking place at Morehouse School of Medicine, GA and the payment will be $25 before September 1, 2014 and $30 after that date if seats available. For more information, look at: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/04/02/vegan-dinner-in-atlanta-georgia-sunday-october-19-2014/ ] ********************************************************************************* 8. WAVERLY FARMERS MARKET BOOTH BY KAREN LEIBOWITZ, VRG INTERN The VRG hosted a booth at the Waverly Farmer's Market in Baltimore. We had several meat-eaters approach us and pick up materials for their son or daughter. People had lots of questions for us because they had a family member or friend who is vegetarian. We noticed several people talk about the challenges of having food allergies and referred them to our website for nut-free and gluten-free vegan meal plans. A local middle school teacher grabbed several coloring books and "Vegetarian Nutrition for Teenagers" brochures for her classroom. Other vendors approached our booth and thanked us for being there, because they were vegetarian and appreciated the outreach. Hosting booths is rewarding because we have the opportunity to encourage people to explore vegetarianism/veganism by providing resources to make it easier. If you would like to volunteer at VRG booths, contact Nina at VRG@vrg.org. If you would like to intern at VRG, go to: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ]. If you would like to support VRG outreach, donate at www.vrg.org/donate. To join VRG, go to: [ http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ] ********************************************************************************* 9. BOY SCOUTS-VEGAN FOOD AT CAMP AND EAGLE CEREMONY BY CHARLES STAHLER Times are certainly changing. When my son started scouts, the first year at camp he had to prepare the regular troop meals and then prepare all his own vegetarian food. The last several years he struggled to keep up his weight at camp as he ate around the 1950's style food still being served. This year, amazingly, each night the camp had a tray of food using a meat alternative, as well as a primitive salad bar. My son and the scoutmaster (who is now eating vegan) feasted and my son actually came home not losing any weight. They were the only two vegetarians in the troop, but we're guessing there were probably a few other staff or scouts at the camp who are vegetarian. Thank you to the chef who instituted these changes, as well as the food company which made the meat analogs, the food service distributor willing to carry the vegetarian options, and everyone who has spoken up in a positive way over the years. Also, this month we did the food for a Boy Scout Eagle ceremony, so it happened to be vegan. Thank you to Whole Foods in Baltimore, which did a great fruit platter. Their fruit is always fresh, and they are always dependable. Also, thank you to One World Cafe in Baltimore which made a vegan cake with the Eagle Insignia, as well as three types of vegan cupcakes. We also served hummus with crackers and carrots, juice, carbonated fruit juice beverages (not the regular soda), and other treats. Though we and the scoutmaster are the only vegans and only one other person is even close to being vegetarian, the scouts and adults enjoyed the food and several asked for the source of the cake. It was especially joyful to watch one young boy who is lactose intolerant be thrilled that this was the first time he could have a piece of the cake at an event. Again, thank you to everyone who helps make change in a positive way. ********************************************************************************* 10. GOLDENWEST We recently visited this long time standard in Hampden, which was crowded with informally dressed people on a night out, including dates and families. The service was very quick and efficient. Though it's a bar with meat options, there are great choices for vegetarians, ranging from Warm Vietnamese Salad with an un-chicken option to Chorizo Burrito with faux rico to the Riblet, which they describe as two vegan riblets smothered in BBQ sauce with mixed greens and tomato. Items on the menu are marked "v" for vegan. We tried the pumpkin curry soup, which was excellent and the Drew Special (Drew used to work at VRG many years ago.) The Drew Special had an overwhelming amount of food, as did the other dishes, and included pinto or black beans sauteed with garlic, cumin, and olive oil (yum); served with hash browns, guacamole, salsa fresco, and a flour tortilla. Also available were choices of three vegan cakes for dessert. The vegan French Toast, vegan lemon tahini salad dressing, Buffalo Un-Chicken, Sweet Potato Fries, Thai Iced Tea with Soy Milk, and Dinner Polenta with faux rizo also seem worth going back to try. For more information, go to: [ http://www.goldenwestcafe.com/ ] For more information on more restaurants, go to: [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php ]. ********************************************************************************* 11. 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 ] See more at: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/#sthash.5FYvbZEF.dpuf ] ********************************************************************************* 12. AMAZON SMILE: PURCHASE THROUGH AMAZON AND MAKE A DONATION TO VRG Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Vegetarian Resource Group whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at [ http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1279034 ] ********************************************************************************* 13. DONATE YOUR CAR TO A GOOD CAUSE A free, convenient service for converting that extra car, truck, or RV into a tax deductible donation benefiting The Vegetarian Resource Group. You can donate online or call 877-999-8322 to make your donation. Start now by clicking on "Donate Now" below. If you are not ready to donate, find out about donating your vehicle by browsing all the valuable information and links on our site at: [ http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=52127903. ] ********************************************************************************* 14. 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! ********************************************************************************* 15. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS SUPPORT VRG WITH IGIVE! [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/07/support-vrg-with-igive/ ] NUTRITION NEWS FOR CHILDREN [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/09/nutrition-news-for-children/ ] SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE GUIDELINES [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/11/school-food-service-guidelines/ ] WHITE CASTLE WELCOMES VEGETARIANS [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/14/white-castle-welcomes-vegetarians/ ] TACO BELL ENZYMES [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/21/taco-bell-enzymes/ ] ZPIZZA VEGAN OFFERINGS [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/23/zpizza-vegan-offerings/ ] TAKING ACTION FOR ANIMALS (TAFA) [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/24/taking-action-for-animals-tafa/ ] MY VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP INTERNSHIP [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/24/taking-action-for-animals-tafa/ ] GROUPS FOR VEGGIE FAMILIES WITH KIDS TO MEET ONE ANOTHER [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/25/groups-for-veggie-families-with-kids-to-meet-one-another/ ] "FAST FOOD OPPRESSION: ARE YOU LOVING IT?" MUSIC VIDEO DEBUT [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/29/fast-food-oppression-are-you-loving-it-music-video-debut/ ] NUTRITION INTERNSHIP [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/07/30/nutrition-intership/ ] ********************************************************************************* 16. 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 at: [ 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!! [ http://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup/ ] [ http://www.twitter.com/VegResourceGrp/ ] 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: vrg@vrg.org Website: [ http://www.vrg.org/ ] To donate: [ http://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1565/ ] Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2014 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. If you were forwarded this message and would like to sign up for our monthly local email newsletter, please see our website: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/ ]. If you do not wish to receive the Local Email Newsletter, visit [ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ] Instructions for unsubscribing will appear at the bottom of the page. ********************************************************************************* 17. VRG ANNUAL PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 5 PM, Baltimore, North Baltimore Mennonite Church in Rolland Park, Baltimore To help with publicity and/or the day of the event, contact Nina at vrg@vrg.org or call (410) 366-8343 -- Please support our outreach and assistance to others! Join VRG: http://www.vrg.org/journal/subscribe.htm Donate: https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1565 Free email news: http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.htm#subscribe vrg@vrg.org http://www.vrg.org The Vegetarian Resource Group / Vegetarian Journal P.O. Box 1463 / Baltimore MD 21203 US (410) 366-8343 The VRG is an educational non-profit group providing information on vegetarianism & veganism.