Meeting Summary November 2013

The Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support organization held its November meeting at the Prescott Public Library on November 19th at 12:30PM in the Founders room "B" on the lower level of the library building.

Each of the 25+ in attendance took a few minutes to introduce themselves and share beneficial information about their gluten free journey. Lots of information was shared! So much information, that at future meetings, Diane J suggested that she would take detailed notes to be posted at the blog.

Many brought their favorite cookbooks to share. Some of the books mentioned were: Gluten Free Asian Kitchen, The Gluten Free Bible, The Almond Flour Cookbook, etc.

There was much feedback about the recent online "Gluten Summit". All feedback was positive and some from the group purchased the audio file of the event. All found the event to offer extremely current and beneficial info. The summit included doctors and experts such as Dr. Amen (seen on PBS), Dr. Hyman, Dr. Alessio Fasano, and more.

New pasta recommendations that are available locally are: Costco "Ancient Grains" brand, and Olive U store in Bashford Courts now carries their own brand of gluten free pasta. 

The  new Prescott Homebody store on the second floor of Bashford Courts across from the Square, is now carrying gluten free food items and Olivella personal care products, which are gluten free and olive oil based.  They are manufactured in Italy.

Since it was also time to update local GF restaurant info, many in attendance mentioned their favorites or specific dishes that they have had good experiences with. For more info, go to the "Prescott Quad City Local Restaurant Favs" link at this blog.

Announcements:
Tammy K. and Jim are presenting an event at the local Natural Grocers this saturday (11/23) with GF cookie baking and also sharing celiac info (Jim). 

Diane J has scheduled an author book signing of her cookbook as part of the big holiday kick off event at True Value Hardware on Miller Valley Rd on thursday evening, 11/21 from 7-9PM. Also, Diane's cookbook, "The Farmer's Daughter Cooks Gluten Free" was featured with a cookbook review and one of her recipes in the Fall issue of Gluten Intolerance Group of America's (GIG) publication: "Celebrate Living Gluten Free".

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting, which is Tuesday, December 17th at 12:30PM.

TO CONTACT US: gfreerenee@juno.com

DJ

Meeting Summary for October 2013

The speaker guest for a terrific Tuesday Without Gluten in October was Marj from "All Natural Cosmetics" in Prescott Valley. She enlightened the group on the many ingredients in common " lotions and potions" that we should be wary of.  You can shop online at www.allnaturalcosmetics.com and use a discount code GF10.  Or you can purchase directly from her store at 8127 E. Florentine Rd. Ste. A , Prescott Valley.  1-888-586-9719 or  928-772-0119. Check directly for her store hours. Marj Melchoirs has also invited The support group to choose a Saturday for a small group of interested folks to come to her shop after hours for an intimate "lotions and potions" session for those that heard her speak and any in the group who could not make to her presentation at Tuesday Without Gluten in October.

(By the way, something Marj also wanted to share with the group is that many Vitamin E supplements are made from wheat !  So, please verify, before either ingesting or using the oil from the capsule as a sore remedy.)

Linda Cook was also able to secure a generous sample of Trace Minerals' Vitamin D Pak Dietary Supplement. This is a convenient pak to be mixed with water for those of us that are having trouble swallowing large vitamins. Certified Vegan and Gluten Free.  Thanks to Linda!

Saturday, Oct 19, 11am-12;30pm, Natural Grocers is having a free seminar: "Taking Gluten Free to the Next Level".

Because so many of the group has found that as time progresses they learn that they have sensitivities to other foods... Renee R had two different blood draws with two different labs because she still wasn't feeling well.  Not satisfied with those two results, she found a company online to test for food sensitivities that was a lot less. If you are curious about what else may be making you sick, check out "The Intolerance Testing Group".  Renee cut a sample of her hair, sent it to England and got amazing information.  S he mentions that she paid a little extra to get info on nutrients and minerals that she might be lacking also.

Glenda Harrell has offered her home for a "Social Saturday" potluck brunch, at 11am on November 16th.  She lives off of White Spar Road.  Directions to follow.  All potluck items will need a detailed ingredient card for those that cannot eat other items besides gluten.  If you don't want to cook, bring an item with the package ingredients.  Contact Renee R. with any questions or suggestions.

The group will still have Tuesday Without Gluten on November 19th at 12:30 at the Prescott Public Library, since this is a posted meeting on the library calendar and it is also in the Courier.

Other news:
Tammy K. and Jim have an event planned at Natural Grocers on Gail Gardner on Saturday November 23rd. It will be a cooking demo and a fascinating and enlightening story from Jim about his celiac journey!  You all  know Tammy is an awesome gluten free baker with her own company: That's It! Gluten Free Home Bakery.

And finally, Renee is planning with Lloyd's Liquor on Iron Springs Road a GLUTEN-FREE BEER TASTING and SULFITE FREE WINE TASTING! are all over 21 so I am curious who all would be interested?  It will be a Thursday night (5:30pm to 7:30pm?) It is $5.00 per person, but that fee is waived if you purchase a 6pack  OR a bottle of wine OR a bottle of spirits.  LLoyd's Liquor carries the largest variety of gluten free adult beverages in Northern Arizona. Advise Renee R. of interest, so the event can be scheduled.

Welcome new folks:   Kathi Stevens and Paul Thill!

 RR

September 2013 Meeting Summary

What a great "Tuesday without Gluten"!! 

A big THANK YOU to Tammy K for bringing her amazing chocolate torte, frosted cupcakes and cinnamon muffins. All were very delicious. 

Member Suzanne Engler has a GF blog.  She has been Celiac for 27 years. So, check out her site:  Gluten Free Fairy. Suzanne tells us that if you click on the bottom where it says "Follow this Post" you will automatically get updates when she updates her blog. 

It's time to update our restaurant list.  Some of the restaurants the group have on a previous list have gone out of business and some new restaurants have arrived.  Please email your experiences, and the names of restaurants and Renee will do her best to have this available by our next "Tuesday Without Gluten".

The September meeting had 14 in attendance. Linda C. and Renee are going to do a discussion on Allergy Food Testing by blood and hair sometime in the future. Glenda brought in a Food for Life product that she really likes and Kay P. brought in a new item from the  "Two Moms in the Raw"  company, that she said was very tasty.  Check out their website .  They have high quality snacks, albeit ...pricey.  

See you October 15th at the Prescott Public Library, Founder's Room B at 12:30PM.

August 2013 Meeting Summary

Thanks to everyone that attended the meeting on August 20th of the Prescott Area Celiac & Gluten Free Support.  There were 21 folks in attendance for a cookie-fest! Those that were not able to make it were missed.

Most everyone enjoyed the Liz Lovely Cookies. Renee will let the company know about the discrepancies in prices and locations of the products at Safeway. They are either $2.99 or $3.99 for two large cookies and are located in the bakery department. They are available either in Safeway/Prescott Valley or Safeway/Willow Creek Rd. in Prescott.

During the August meeting Renee brought canisters and bags of the freeze dried food that she uses.  The company is "ThriveLife" and they have been certified as Gluten Free.  They are getting their GMO certification, but the products are already GMO. They have a company statement regarding the GF Certification.  Also, Joe & Thelma brought a great cook book that she uses a lot called:  "You Won't Believe it's Gluten-Free", by Robin Ryberg.

It was very meaningful to hear everyone's story of their gluten-free journey and we look forward to seeing you again at the group's next meeting on tuesday, September 17th, 12:30PM at Prescott Public Libary Founder's Room B on the lower level.

PACGF Support Taking a Summer Hiatus...

Prescott Area Celiac & Gluten Free Support will not be meeting for the months of June and July at the Prescott Public Libary, due to the fact that the Founder's Room B that the group regularly reserves is being used for children's storytime.

Meetings will begin again for the August meeting, which is August 20th, 2013, at 12:30PM.

We look forward to seeing you then!

May 2013 Meeting Summary

The PACGF support group held its' May 2013 meeting at Prescott Public Libary on May 16th at 12:30PM.

The May meeting was attended by approximately 15 and was hosted by Renee R. New group participants were welcomed and each person attending shared about themselves and about their health journey and what had brought them to a diagnosis of celiac or gluten sensitive. Many in the group mentioned being helped immensely by knowlege and information shared at the meeting and at prior meetings. Brenda A., who is leaving for the summer months, mentioned the importance of finding a good quality nutritional consultant, especially for those who were newly-diagnosed.

Informational handouts were shared with the group by Renee, and Glenda reviewed her experience with Bob and Ruth's gluten free travel service and her recent trip to New Orleans.

The Founders Room at Prescott Public Library is the usual meeting location on the third tuesday of each month. During the summer months of June and July, the group will not be holding its' regular meeting at the library. There was some discussion about some folks interested in car pooling for a road trip to Sedona and to Pizza Picasso restaurant in Sedona, which has many gluten free options. This would take place on June 18th. All interested in participating in the trip to the restaurant should contact Renee at gfreerenee@juno.com.

The Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free support group will be returning to Prescott Public Library for its' monthly meeting on August 20th, at 12:30PM. For further information on meetings, contact gfreerenee@juno.com

March 2013 Meeting Summary

Well, it seems that Spring has sprung a little early this year, but we are sure that there are at least a couple of snow storms still pending before May! 

Tuesday, March 19th was the Prescott Area Celiac & Gluten Free Support group's "Gluten Free & Green" themed meeting for a warm Spring day and also for St. Pat's Day. (Actually, two days late on St. Pat's!) 

Everyone brought a little snack that was gluten free and green, so that meant more than likely HEALTHIER options! Twelve folks attended the meeting, with about half of that number new comers. Many had been to Tammy's cooking demo event at Natural Grocer's store saturday and had found out about the monthly support meetings. Welcome again to Pam, as well as newcomers Peggy, Janice, Marie, Sharon and Kay. 

The group sampled quinoa humus, spinach-artichoke tapenade, kale chips, fresh asparagus, and guacamole. Yum!  Discussion was about the recent gluten free cooking event at Natural Grocers, (Go, Tammy!) various food allergies, the difference between gluten allergies and gluten intolerance (celiac), the special needs of a newly diagnosed celiac, and ideas for upcoming meetings. 

The group indicated interest in learning more about the nutritional needs of those with gluten sensitivities and celiac disease. The group also indicated a strong interest in the May meeting being focused on a discussion of substitutions for various foods that those in the group may be allergic or sensitive to. 

The April meeting of the PACGF support group will be held at Prescott Public Library on April 16th, 12:30PM. Hope to see you there!

DJ

January 2013 Meeting Summary

Shea Richland is shown sharing information about the Azure Standard Company, and about some of their  non-GMO products that are available online and through their catalogue.

Shea Richland

Shea Richland from GMO Free Prescott Organization spoke to the Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support Group meeting on Tuesday, January 15th, at 12:30PM at the Prescott Public Library's Founder's Room B.

Shea shared information about the main foods (grains, soy beans, and sugar beets, to name a few) that are currently being genetically modified and about what can be done to support the non-GMO movement organizations locally, statewide, and nationally.

Announcements: On saturday, March 16th, 2012, at 12:30PM, That's It! Gluten Free Bakery (Tammy K) and Diane J. are holding a gluten free cooking event at Natural Grocers store. Tammy will be preparing a menu of special Spring/St. Patrick's themed recipes from Diane's cookbook and Diane will be presenting information about the dishes that Tammy is cooking and also autographing her books. Her second cookbook, "The Farmer's Daughter Cooks Gluten Free" will be available for purchase at the local Natural Grocers store. Then on May 4th, Natural Grocers is holding a gluten free event with vendors and demonstrations. Stay tuned for more information on both events. 

Next meeting will be held on tuesday, February 19th at 12:30 PM at the library location."Go Picnic" company has sent the group samples of their gluten free snack pack products to be evaluated by the group members.

Hope to see you then!

December 2012 Meeting Summary

December's meeting of the Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support organization was held on December 18th at 12:30PM at the Prescott Public Library.

The focus of the December meeting was sharing gluten free holiday cookies and treats, as well as a product sampling from Canyon Bakehouse Bakery. Two door prizes (books from Triumph Dining) were won by lucky group members and the meeting was much enjoyed by all who were in attendance.

Tammy (the group's baker!) and Brenda discussing holiday baking tips.

Renee discussing her experiences with Canyon Bakehouse products.



 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!