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