It's that time of year again when, like the trees, we get a burst of energy from the shorter, colder days.

Our August meeting was a picnic at the home of Bern and Flora Berg, on one of the most beautiful days of a beautiful summer. Some of us played volleyball, and everyone feasted, had fun, and stayed late. Thanks again to the Bergs for their hospitality.

We started the RAVS "school year" with Allyson Prace, R.N., R.D. as the speaker at our September meeting. Allyson gave us the benefit of her nutritional expertise as she fielded questions on all aspects of vegetarian diet. Thanks to Allyson for the program and for the excellent display she set up at Lori's Natural Foods Center promoting October as Vegetarian Month.

The program for October was a talk by Robert Cohen, Director of the Dairy Education Board. Robert told a large audience (over 70 people) about the risks associated with dairy consumption, as well as the behind-the-scenes politics of the FDA's approval of rBGH (the hormone to increase milk production). Robert's energy and acumen are matched only by his generosity and good nature. We won't forget how he bargained away his speaker's fee by placing an oversized bid on a sprouter that was up for auction.

Autumn is always a lively time for outreach activities and 1999 is no exception. In September, Ken McBride and Carol Barnett staffed a Wellness Fair at SUNY Brockport; in October, a Wellness Fair at Brighton High School was staffed by Felicity Brach, Aisha DaCosta, Lisa Emerald, and Leena Isac. The Hunger Relief Committee, headed by Lisa Emerald and Beth Hall, served another vegan meal at St. Joseph's House of Hospitality on October 23rd. For the menu and list of volunteers see our Hunger Relief Update.

Autumn 1999 is an important milestone, as RAVS reaches its 10th Anniversary. We've accomplished a great deal in the past 10 years. Let's continue to promote a way of eating, and living, that spares unnecessary suffering to ourselves, the animals, and the planet.