September 2014 Meeting Summary

The September 16th meeting of the Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support organization was full of terrific information regarding travel, both local and beyond.

It was mentioned that there are several apps available on smartphones now such as Yelp, Urbanspoon, and Find Me Gluten Free.  Many sites can be found online just by typing into the search engine "Travel Gluten Free". At least 7 sites were found by just doing that.  The group members also shared information about the dining cards available from Triumph Dining.com. The dining cards are available in 10 languages. 

 

Kris Vaughan, co-founder of HealthHubNetwork.com was a guest at Tuesday's meeting. She is the membership director of this new organization based in Prescott. The organization provides a different kind of health and wellness directory for the Prescott area.  Both Kris is gluten free and her children have food allergies.  Please check out her web site noted above. Also search Youtube for Kris and Melanie TV Health &Wellness Show. 

 

Renee shared info on the gluten free travel club she belongs to, which is  www.bobandruths.com.  However, if folks plan to take a cruise, most cruise lines are very helpful for the gluten free traveler.

 

Living Without magazine generously donated their current September/October magazine Gluten Free Living. Everyone in attendance tuesday received a complimentary copy.

 

Because the Prescott gluten free support group is not affiliated with any national Celiac  group such as CSA, (Celiac Support Assoc.) or CDF, (Celiac Disease Foundation) it was suggested that local members check out the organization referred to as GIG or Gluten Intolerance Group.  They provide an enormous amount of information for a nominal membership fee.  Senior Members 55 and up pay $28 per year or regular membership is $35 per year.

The Prescott area gluten free support group is steadily growing and welcomes all current as well as new members to "Tuesdays Without Gluten" each month!

Don't forget that Tammy K's "That's It! Gluten Free Home Bakery" is at the Prescott Farmer's Market every Saturday morning with her delicious gluten free delicacies. Also, check out The Raven restaurant currently, for an assortment of her gluten free desserts that are being offered.

 

The next meeting of the Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support group will be held on Tuesday, October 21st at 12PM on the lower level of the Prescott Public Library in Founder's Room A.

DJ

August 2014 Meeting Summary

The Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support Group experienced excellent attendance for the August meeting on Tuesday the 19th at the Prescott Public Library.  Several new members joined in as a result of the article that ran in the Prescott Courier on June 1st about celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.

 

Discussion at this month's meeting included information about the new FDA law in regard to gluten free labeling that was passed in August 2013. Compliance officially started in August 2014.  

 

Members attending the August meeting were made aware of the three main national Celiac organizations: CDF/CSA/GIG. The cost to belong to these national organizations is the primary reason the Prescott Area Group will remain local and not affiliated with a national group.  Renee R. did encourage those in attendance to check out the Phoenix support group: phoenixceliac.org.

 

There was much discussion about new products available at Costco (i.e., Wild Rice Crackers and Luke's GF crackers) and  also at other local grocery stores. Note: Diane J has added that VitaCost.com carries several GF products that are not available at any of the stores/retail outlets in our community. Examples are: Van's Crackers, Orgran GF toasted buckwheat crisp breads (perfect with lox and cream cheese), plus Majan's "Bhuja" snacks cracker mix, and another item now at Natural Grocers: Jovial's Tagliatelle, or traditional flat noodle egg pasta...pricey, but a real time saver vs. making your own... and great for Fall and Winter chicken soups and stews.

 

As usual, during the meeting each individual was given an opportunity to share their gluten free journey. 

 

Linda C. and Renee R. mentioned eating at Wildflower Bread Company and meeting the manager, Karrigan George.  Although it is not a gluten free restaurant, they ate safely after reading their gluten free menu online.  This info was also shared at the meeting. They indicated that their lunch was delicious.

Everyone in attendance received a copy of Living Without's current issue of Gluten Free & More, compliments of the publisher.

 

And lastly, don't forget Tammy Kastanas and her "That's It! Gluten Free Home Bakery". Tammy is at the Farmer's Market @ Yavapai College Saturday mornings from 7:30AM til noon. She has wonderful GF bakery items and also provides catering.

 

The next meeting will be held once again at the Prescott Public Library Founder's Room "A" downstairs, on Tuesday, September 16th at 12:00PM.

 

DJ