January 2014 Newsletter

Four Vitamin Toxicities on a Gluten-Free Diet

The Celiac MD™

By Amy Burkhart, MD, RD

Many people on a gluten-free diet take over-the-counter supplements to prevent or address vitamin deficiencies, but are not aware of the potential harm in doing so without medical supervision. In this month's column, Dr. Burkhart addresses the dangers of vitamin toxicities and how to exercise caution. Read more

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Imagine It Allergy Friendly Bakery in South Bay

By Vic Dolcourt

Jolynn Spinelli (left) and
Tracy Horton

Imagine It Bakery creates sweets, bread and granola in their new dedicated, gluten-free, allergy-friendly, organic, vegan custom bakery kitchen in Santa Clara. Read the story of a trio of friends who founded the bakery and find them at farmers' markets in the South Bay. Read more

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Farewell (for now) to Nurse Jeni

By Jennifer Iscol

Jeni Guth Crouch is adoringly known as Nurse Jeni at Camp Celiac. Jeni has also been the lead organizer for the Mendocino County gluten-free community. Her husband is an Army combat medic who will be stationed in Louisiana, where the couple is moving. We are taking a moment to celebrate Jeni's work in our community. Read more

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The History of Bay Area Celiac Support

By Jennifer Iscol

Ellen Switkes

What was it like to be diagnosed with celiac disease in the Bay Area 30 years ago? Ellen Switkes was the leader of the Oakland celiac support group from 1992 until 2010. In response to our request, Ellen kindly took the time to share the history of celiac support in our area. The Bay Area has been lucky to have such a longtime dedicated volunteer. From all of us, thank you , Ellen! Read more

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Camp Celiac registration begins February 1st!

CeliacCamp

The eighth year of Camp Celiac! At 138-acre Camp Arroyo in the foothills of Livermore, CA, Camp Celiac campers, counselors, and junior counselors eat delicious gluten-free food and enjoy traditional camp activities such as a ropes course, rock climbing, zip-lining, boating, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, skit night, and outdoor sports. It is life changing for many campers and staff.

2014 Camp Dates

Due to high demand for space at Camp Arroyo, we have to reduce the length of Camp Celiac at Camp Arroyo. We will still have two sessions for campers ages 9 to 15.

Session One: Monday, July 21, through Thursday, July 24

Session Two: Thursday, July 24, through Sunday, July 27

Cost: There is a $25 registration fee. Camp is FREE thanks to the generosity of The Taylor Family Foundation (www.ttff.org) and individual and business donors.

Registration

Registration for next summer's camp will begin February 1, 2014. Please see the

camp website at www.celiaccamp.com for further details and registration information. Questions about Camp Celiac should be directed to campceliac@gmail.com.

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Napa support group seeks new leader

Napa support group meeting 3/3/13

Our community extends its appreciation to Joanne Torre, who has been leading the Napa support group. Joanne is resigning and is ready for someone else to take the lead. The group is part of the Celiac Community Foundation of Northern California. If you would like more information about this volunteer position, please contact Jennifer Iscol at jiscol@celiaccommunity.org or Joanne Torre at torretails@aol.com or 253-0727.

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New! Celiac Support Group in Sacramento and Davis

A warm welcome to a new independent nonprofit organization called Celiac Support Group, which is now offering support meetings in Sacramento and Davis.

"Please join us in January! The officers and board want to share our policy and support ideas and hear your thoughts as we plan future events and support one another."

Until the group has its own web presence, please check the Celiac Community Foundation of Northern California events calendar for details on the January events. If you have questions or would like to be placed on the email list, contact Diane Craig dcraig101@hotmail.com. The list is confidential.

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Chef job opening at Inn on Randolph in Napa

Inn on Randolph

The Inn on Randolph is looking to hire a gluten-free chef 25 hours a week to prepare breakfast for up to 20 guests per day. Please call the inn at (707) 257-2886 if you are interested in applying. We would appreciate you spreading the word about the job opening.

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Gluten & Allergen Free Expo - January 25th & 26th

Tickets: It is recommended that you buy your ticket in advance of attending because the Expo can sell out.

Hotel information: The Crowne Plaza Foster City is offering a group rate of $109 which includes a free shuttle to the San Mateo Events Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a free shuttle to and from the airport. The Crowne's number is 1-888-233-9527. Mention the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo to get the rate.

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Events Calendar for January

Latest News Drawing

Events Calendar

Check out our monthly listing of support groups, events and classes in the greater Bay Area, Sacramento and Central California. Try something new!

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Fearless Dining seeking volunteers

Sandi Gaertner launched her website Fearless Dining to be a resource to help those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance find safe dining in the Bay Area. She feels it is important to know not only how a restaurant handles cross contamination, but to what level they go.

Announcement from Sandi:

Fearless Dining is looking for volunteers to help contact restaurants and find out their safe gluten handling practices. It is a big job, so the more people willing to donate a little time, the quicker this database can be a resource. This volunteering can also be used as an internship if someone needs it for college. Please contact Sandi at sandi@fearlessdining.com.

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