SPEAKERS

Master of Ceremonies

MIKE GOLDBERG

Chief Meteorologist for WTVR CBS - 6

Mike has received an Emmy nomination for Best Weathercasting in the Capital/Chesapeake Bay Region. He is a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association, and holds both the AMS and NWA Television Seals of Approval. Holding a Certificate in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University, he has completed additional studies in meteorology and climatology at Rutgers University and Portland State University. Aside from weather, Mike holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from the world-renowned Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and remains active as a professional musician and teacher. Highlights of his musical career include performing with the original Broadway production of "Into The Woods" and touring the major concert halls of the Northeastern U.S. and Canada with the Eastman Wind Ensemble and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Here in Richmond, Mike is the founder and Artistic Director for Crescendo, a professional chamber music ensemble performing for charities. An avid animal lover, Mike is dedicated to helping local animal adoption and welfare groups. He hosts the Paws For Pets segments on CBS 6 News, which can be seen throughout the week during the morning and noon newscasts.

Presenting at 12:30

Ralph Estevez

Gulf Coast Cookin’ – Vegan Style! 
Chef Ralph Estevez Prepares Tasty Chik’n Gumbo 

Ralph Estevez has been a professional chef for 21 years, having satisfied the dining needs of a variety of high-profile companies and institutions including Disney MGM Studios, Citibank, JP Morgan, Legg Mason, Verizon, and Sinai Hospital (Baltimore). 

He is currently team chef for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League, and is responsible for preparing food for the entire team and staff.

Ralph has been a chef at Super Bowl XXXVII and six U.S. Open golf tournaments. Celebrities such as Donald Trump and Michael Jordan have enjoyed his cooking at these events.

He has received training from a number of renowned culinary experts including Certified Master Chefs Reimund Pitz and Rudy Speckamp.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in a Cuban-Italian household where cooking was a strong passion. Travels to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean have also influenced his cooking style.

Ralph is married with two daughters, ages 7 and 11. Though he frequently works seven days a week in his current role with the Redskins, he finds time to volunteer for the Vegetarian Resource Group (Baltimore) and the Harford Humane Society. He’s been vegetarian since 1996. 

In tribute to the players and coaches on the Redskins who have ties to the region hit by Hurricane Katrina, Ralph will be preparing a vegan chicken gumbo for his demonstration.

Presenting at 1:30

JANE MARIE WILSON

HOW DO VEGETARIANS
MEET THEIR NEEDS FOR IRON, CALCIUM, VITAMIN D, OMEGA 3 & B12?

Whether you are thinking about becoming a vegetarian or are a vegetarian of many years, this session will help you to identify good food sources and your daily intake needs of these nutrients.

Working in various healthcare settings over the years as a registered nurse and registered dietitian, Jane Wilson, has seen the powerful effect that food can have on an individual’s health status. She currently is employed as a diabetes educator at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, and in her off time presents diet related education to various groups in the community. Jane has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for 10 years and a vegan for 2 years.

Email: janemariewilson@gmail.com

Presenting at 2:45

Nancy Cohen

CORN CAKES WITH THREE SAUCES

Nancy will be preparing roasted corn cakes with three sauces...black bean
salsa, roasted beet coulis & spicy fresh tomato & peppers.

Presenting at 4:00

Jerry Cook

FUN FOOD SYSTEM

A history of our food choices, how they have changed, and how they affect the quality of our lives and the environment.

Some of Jerry’s accomplishments and interests include: Board Director of Anne Wigmore Foundation, Founder of World Orchard Project, Co-Founder MeatFreeZone, Overseer/Founder of The Universal One Ministry, former Board Director of EarthSave International, former Board Director of VegNews Network, former Board Director of Gentle Barn Sanctuary, certified hypnotherapist, nutritionist, writer, lecturer, musician, and storyteller.

Websites: www.worldorchardproject.org and www.meatfreezone.org

Presenting at 5:00

Chris Rubinstein

VEGAN FUDGE, CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER - AN EASY AND DELICIOUS DESSERT THAT EVERYONE WILL LOVE!

Chris is the head chef/kitchen manager at Ellwood Thompson's Natural Market. He has been a Chef for 9 years and Vegan for 10. Previously from Raleigh, Chris comes to us after being the Associate Team Leader at the Raleigh Whole Foods and Head Chef at Figs Market where he developed several recipes that are offered at Ellwood's today.

Website: www.ellwoodthompsons.com