Thursday April 25, 2024 
Glendora Vegetarian Club
Continuing the story of Jay Dinshah and the Modern Vegan Movement
In a Coast-to-Coast Crusade for Ethical Natural Living, October 1961 to January 1962, Jay Dinshah and wife Freya introduced people in major American cities to the word and meaning of VEGAN. Jay stirred hearts with an appeal to “rise above the jungle law to a system of ethics wherein the strong protects the weak–instead of killing and exploiting.” His travelling style relied on local hospitality–staying in people’s homes; and selling books to buy gas for the car—a 1956 Chrysler DeSoto. Talks were given to vegetarian, health, animal welfare, religious groups, and service clubs. Freya picked up new recipes which helped form the basis of The Vegan Kitchen, published in 1965.
The first annual convention of the American Vegan Society was held in Los Angeles, December 17 1961. It was an opportunity to meet with an older generation of vegans, who participated in the program. Catherine Nimmo (1887-1985) and Rubin Abramowitz* had formed a U.S. vegan society in August 1948 with the support of The Vegan Society (U.K. 1944). Nimmo kept it going until Jay founded the American Vegan Society (1960) which she promptly joined. L.A. Vegetarian Society founder, Dr Pietro Rotondi (1891-1985) wrote Vegetarian Cookery (1942); his comprehensive recipe collection offered “energy, efficiency, endurance, and economy in pursuit of strong and healthy bodies” without the use eggs or milk–before the word “vegan” existed.
Reaching San Jose California in January 1962, the Dinshahs met Scottish vegan pioneer Dugald Semple (1884-1964) –also on a U.S. lecture tour!
To be continued…
*Abramowitz, an imprisoned conscientious objector to war (WW II), had become a cook to make it easier for the kitchen to provide vegan meals. His story, Semple’s, and others appear in Here’s Harmlessness: An Anthology of Ahimsa edited by H. Jay Dinshah and published by AVS in 1964.
Freya Dinshah, American Vegan Society, June 25 2021. For more information, visit americanvegan.org. Contact Glendora’s Vegetarian Club at 518-931-0266 in Albany NY.
Kiwanis Pasta Dinner Fundraiser
SAND LAKE – “Take-Out” (Only) – The Sand Lake Kiwanis Club wants to invite all to participate in the next Pasta Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, July 10th from 4PM to 7PM at the Sand Lake Veterans Hall on Rt. 43. Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for Kids (10yrs. & Younger), or $25 Special for a Family of 4. Meals will consist of pasta, meatballs, salad, bread, & dessert. All Meals are Drive-Up/Take-Out. Pre Orders may be made starting at 2 PM (on the day of the event) by calling (518) 421-1339. Pasta Dinners will continue to be held every second Saturday of each month. All proceeds support Kiwanis community projects.
Chicken Barbecue at Pittstown United Methodist Church Hall
PITTSTOWN – Chicken Barbecue at the Pittstown United Methodist Church Hall located just off NY Route 7 on Saturday, July 17 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Take Out Only. Menu: ½ chicken, macaroni salad, cole slaw, baked beans, roll, brownies. Price: adults $13.00, children 5-12 $6.00, children under 5 free. Reservations suggested: call Bev at 518-663-5607.
Pawling Ave UMC Free Community Dinner
TROY – Saturday, July 24, 2021, from 3-4:30 pm. Take Out Only. For reservations call Melanie at 518-779-6004. Call early as there are limited reservations, Menu includes goulash, vegetable and dessert. God’s blessing to all!