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(d-7)
Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc.
38 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, New York 12572 USA -
845-876-2626
Vegetarian - Vegan - Animal Rights - Health - Nutrition - Environment
The mission of the Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc. is to promote the vegetarian ethic in the Mid-Hudson (New York) region, educate the community and aid anyone in the pursuit of a totally vegetarian (vegan) cruelty-free and healthful lifestyle.
Newsletters - Fall 2004 Issue
President’s Message
Once again, Vegetarian Summerfest did not disappoint. This was the fourth consecutive year I attended the Summerfest and I am proud to say that the Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society was well represented this year.
Everywhere I turned I saw one or more of our people. Crossing and recrossing the campus at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown campus were: Rae Schlecht; Zinnia Konviser; Andy Glick; Frank and Mary Hoffman, Carole and Arthur Baral; Joan Zacharias and Tom Lyons; Melanie Carpenter; George Davis; Lou and Barb Karwowski; Rachel and Chris McDermott with their young son Zachary, who just turned 3. Attending for the first time were Reagan Leonard and John Bongirno and their daughters Karis, 6 and Jesse, 3.
It is always a joy to be with families raising vegan children. While some of us were strictly attendees, others were part of the program. Because Rae and Zinnia are board members of the sponsoring organization, the North American Vegetarian Society, they had specific responsibilities. Zinnia kept track of the numbers in the dining room who were enjoying the delicious food provided by their professional vegan chef, Ken Burgeron. Rae helped coordinate the many cooking demonstrations.
Among the vendors was Andy Glick who sold tote bags, aprons and other items with a vegan message. Both Carole and Reagan taught early morning yoga classes. For the third year, Frank and Mary conducted a moving memorial service for animals.
Also attending was Milton Mills, M.D., from Virginia who had been our Meatout speaker in March. NAVS kept him busy with five, count ‘em, five presentations. Milton will be back in our area in early October. Benedictine Hospital has asked him to be a keynote speaker at their Alternative Health Conference on October 2.
Ozie Williams, the diabetes educator at the Dutchess County Health Department, attended Summerfest for the first time (and she is now a member of MHVS). She was excited and energized by all the speakers and plans to incorporate many new fine points learned at Summerfest in her programs.
I would have to use this entire newsletter just to summarize the many presentations I attended. Connie, our able editor, says that is not possible, so here are some capsules:
• Howard Lyman, the Mad Cowboy, who spoke at our showing of Peaceable Kingdom in June of this year, said that the film Supersize Me has made many more people aware of the connection between diet and health.
• Brenda Davis, the noted Canadian vegan nutritionist and author, who spoke at the MHVS Thanksgiving dinner in 2003, reminded Summerfest participants that many people, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome, can not tolerate even traces of dairy products found in processed foods.
• Michael Greger, M.D., who spoke to MHVS in 2002, stressed the possibility that avian flu is becoming a serous worldwide problem. He explained in detail why vegetarians, and even people who eat animals, may be deficient in vitamin B-12. Check his web site www.veganmd.com for more information.
• Michael Klaper, M.D., spoke about how adopting a vegan lifestyle has changed his life in many ways. This change not only includes the foods he eats, but also the clothing he wears, the sports he participates in, and what he gains from his association with other vegans. He also learned to be kinder to himself. Dr. Klaper is conducting a large vegan health study, which is still open to new participants. For information on how to participate, call the MHVS office.
It would be wonderful to have an even bigger MHVS attendance at next year’s Summerfest. How about you?
Roberta Schiff,
President
We look forward to
hearing from you
