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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
From Spring Issue - 2004
Presidentıs Message
For those of you who have been looking for your "misplaced" Spring newsletter, you can stop now. It did not get out on schedule and you are now receiving the Spring/Summer issue. There is a good side to this as there have been some changes that we can tell you about right here, right now.
First, let me report on our Annual Meeting which was held on Saturday April 17 at the Milan Town Hall. We not only elected officers and had reports on our past yearıs activities, but also did some brainstorming and long- range planning. The day started with a relaxing and restorative yoga session led by Reagan Leonard.
Then Josephine Bellaccomo, author of "Move The Message," taught us how to identify styles of personal communication and to read and use body language so that others will really listen to what we are saying.
We enjoyed a vegan lunch catered by Roni Shapiro of Healthy Gourmet To Go.
Then in the afternoon, there were three "breakout sessions." These were led by Jim VanAlstine (on Communications and Campaigns), Judi Gelardi (on Membership and Volunteering) and, wearing another hat, Reagan (on Events and Fundraising). Each group then shared their decisions and ideas with everyone present. To top off an enjoyable and productive day we had vegan desserts.
See page 7 for a summary of Jim Van Alstineıs session.
MHVS members were proud to honor Judi Gelardi as Volunteer of the Year. Judi has worked hard in the MHVS office and also led and participated in events with her husband Gib and son Michael. They are an outstanding example of a vegan family. Judiıs real job is for the town of Milan, so it is through her that we have been able to use the newly-renovated Town Hall for some events.
As if she didnıt have enough to do, Judi and her family also rescues and cares for animals in need. Thanks Judi for giving MHVS your time.
As there are several MHVS members living in Columbia and Green counties, we have decided to alternate the location of our board meeting with membersı homes in these counties although Rhinebeck and Kingston will continue to be meeting sites.
The May 2nd meeting was held at the home of Jim and Jennifer Van Alstine in Palenville. All paid members are welcome at Board meetings.
Call the office to RSVP.
On May 22, we will have a vegan dinner at Café Gabriel in Kingston, see page 3 for more information.
We are pleased that the Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) is in nearby Saugerties and we will be cooperating with them on some events and projects.
Their director, Kathy Stevens, is a member of MHVS. On June 19 CAS will be sponsoring a showing of Peaceable Kingdom at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck. The "Mad Cowboy," Howard Lyman, will be the featured speaker. I have heard Howard speak many times and never tire of hearing him as he always has updated information delivered in a cogent and entertaining way. We will be holding a reception following the movie and talk which will be co-sponsored by CAS and MHVS. It will be held at the Parish Hall of the Church of the Messiah, a short walk from the movie house. We will offer vegan hors dıoeuvres.
Consider this a call to contribute something delicious and vegan. We will be reaching out to the non-vegetarians in our community, so invite your non-vegetarian friends and family to join us. See page 3 for more details.
On July 4, we continue our tradition of having a picnic at Crellin Park in Chatham. This is an event especially suited to families, so please do invite vegetarian families whom you know and, as always, this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce all people to good vegan picnic food.
Because the Summerfest Conference in Johnstown PA is being held July 21-25, we will not hold our Rhinebeck Picnic at the end of July. If you have never attended Summerfest it is a truly memorable, enjoyable and informative experience. The setting, The University of Pittsburgh campus at Johnstown, is lovely, the presentations are varied and include many cooking classes and presentations on health, nutrition, animal and environmental issues.
Professional vegan chef Ken Bergeron oversees the food. Several MHVS members attend each year. For more information, call me or Rae Schlecht.
Another memorable yearly event is Animal Rights 2004 which will be held in the Washington D.C. area on July 8-12. Some members will be attending and MHVS vice president Joan Zacharias will be speaking, so call the office for more information.
Hoping to see as many of you as possible as spring moves into summer.
Roberta Schiff
President
Return to Newsletters - Spring Issue - 2004
We look forward to
hearing from you
