December 2015
NECO NEWS
A monthly newsletter to keep you informed.

Happy holidays to you!

NECO would like to express our gratitude to Amy Leblanc Hackett, who is stepping down as President and Treasurer of NECO this month.

Former NECO President Therese Kelly said, "Amy, your retiring from your official positions at NECO to attend to family and work responsibilities is so understood. NECO can only offer you an enormous vote of thanks for the energy, clarity and strong sense of direction you have brought to your Presidency. Equally importantly, your production of complete and accurate financial statements as Treasurer, backed up by the time and effort to organize our accounts has been such a boon for NECO. Thank you so much, Amy! NECO has benefited enormously from your service and we are so pleased that you will remain an active and committed member."

NECO Executive Board member Lauren Komack said, "Thank you for your leadership, competency, wisdom, and good cheer as you helped steward NECO through our major transitions. You will be greatly missed. It is totally understandable that moving on to other parts of your life makes the most sense right now. I hope you will continue to stay in touch and that we will see you at NECO events in the coming year(s.)"

NECO would also like to welcome Wendie Trubow, MD, as the incoming President.

Regarding her new position with NECO, Wendie said, "I am absolutely delighted to have been invited to be the next president of NECO; this is a subject I am deeply committed to, and I look forward to working with the board of NECO to expand and enhance its strategic approach, so that NECO becomes the go-to source for all things gluten free."

Thank you, Amy, for your time and service. Welcome, Wendie.
Product Recalls & Alerts
Mama Mancini's Slow Cooked Italian Style Sauce and Turkey Meatballs - Gluten Free
Certain 22 oz packages of Mama Mancini's Turkey Meatballs have been recalled due to containing more than 20 ppm of gluten. The recalled products show establishment number "P-21734" inside the USDA mark of inspection, product code 4740 and state Use by 12/10/15.

Click here to read more about this recall.
Conte's Gluten Free Cheese Ravioli
Select packages of Conte's Gluten Free Cheese Ravioli sold in 12 oz. packages with UPC 73415894009 and with a use-by date of 020317 have been recalled due to potential contamination with salmonella.

If you have the affected product, you may return it to the place you purchased it.

Tate's Ginger Zinger Cookies
Tate's Gluten Free Ginger Zinger cookies in 7 oz package with a best by date of January 4, 2016, are being recalled because they may contain an undeclared allergen, walnuts. Gluten containing chocolate chip cookies are also being recalled. Click here for full details.
Update on Oats
A member shared some important information regarding the gluten free labeling of many oats. Many purveyors of GF oat products are getting oats from manufacturers who are using mechanical or optical sorters to remove other grains from the oats. Gluten Free Watchdog Tricia Thompson has information on her website here.
Nuts
A member emailed us because she was surprised to see "may contain wheat" on the back of a package of Diamond Brand pecans & walnuts. Always check labels and/or contact product manufacturers; even if you think it is impossible for something to contain gluten!
Monthly Group Meetings
Did you know that NECO hosts 13 meetings each and every month? NECO hosts group meetings in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. See the following list for the meeting closest to you and join us for a meeting.

The goal of these meetings is to foster conversation and sharing in an intimate setting. Group meetings provide the opportunity to talk about managing celiac disease and living gluten free. There are no set agendas, pre-registration is not required and there is no charge to attend. Just drop in!
  • Attleboro, MA (next meeting: December 8 at 7:00 p.m.)
  • Augusta, ME (next meeting: December 15 at 6:00 p.m.)
  • Boston, MA (next meeting: December 9 at 7:00 p.m.)
  • Chicopee, MA (next meeting: January 5 at 6:00 p.m.)
  • East Greenwich. RI (next meeting: December 15 at 7:00 p.m.)
  • Fall River, MA (next meeting: December 9 at 7:00 p.m.)
  • Glastonbury, CT (next meetings: December 2 at 7:00 p.m.)
  • Natick, MA (next meeting: December 16 at 10:00 a.m.)
  • Needham, MA  (next meeting: December 16 at 7:00 p.m.) 
  • Reading, MA (next meeting: December 8 at 7:00 p.m.)
  • Smithfield, RI (next meeting: December 16 at 7:00 p.m.)
  • South Shore - Quincy, MA (next meeting: December 22 at 7:00 p.m.)
  • Westborough, MA (next meeting: December 10 at 6:30 p.m.)
Check the Monthly Group Meeting section of the NECO website for the full schedule and location of each meeting. Contact the group leader if you have questions about any of the group meetings.
 
Please be sure to check the NECO website for any last minute changes before going to any meetings.
Gluten Free Bakery Openings
Sweet Chances in Norwood
Sweet Chances opened at 884 Washington St. Click here for the latest info on what's baking at Sweet Chances.

Violette in Cambridge
Violette will soon be opening a new store in Cambridge. Located at 407 Concord Ave, it is about 3 blocks down toward Harvard Sq from the rotary. There is parking available. Watch the website for details about when it will open.
Other Upcoming Events
Fireplace Restaurant and Violette Bakers are joining forces for a gluten free night at the Fireplace in Brookline on Sunday December 13th. This event is a fundraiser for Americans for Refugees in Crisis. Click here for more information. Please make a reservation if you would like to attend.

Melinda Dennis MS, RD is hosting a gluten free educational retreat in Santa Barbara, CA January 29-31, 2016. Click here for more information.

Click here to view our calendar for the latest listings of area events.
Annual Appeal and Other Ways to Give
As the New England Celiac Organization is in the midst of our annual appeal, it is a great time to remind our members, friends and supporters of some alternative ways to support our organization.
United Way Giving
For many of us, Fall represents the time of year where our employers launch their annual United Way campaigns. When participating in a United Way giving program, you have the option to direct your gift to a specific not-for-profit. Please consider selecting NECO as your gift recipient!
Company Matching Program
NECO has been fortunate to receive several gifts from members, which in turn have been matched by their employers. Most companies have their match program guidelines, including specifics regarding match giving, available on the company intranet site, in an Employee Guidebook or inquire through your Human Resources Department.
Shop Through Amazon Smile

Support us when you shop this holiday season! Amazon Smile will donate a portion of your eligible purchases to NECO. Simply select New England Celiac Organization as your preferred charity or follow this link.

Giving Instructions
When considering these options, you may need NECO's corporate information as follows:
New England Celiac Organization
P.O. Box 600066
Newtonville, MA 02460
Not-for-profit tax id: 16-1616413
Primary Contact: Elizabeth Graham, Executive Director, 781-461-2408 or info@neceliac.org
Celiac Disease and Gluten Free in the News
black-laptop.jpg This abstract discusses non celiac gluten sensitivity, stating that it is slightly more common than celiac disease and that it may come and go.

Pinnacle Foods, located in New Jersey, will purchase Boulder Brands, which includes Udi's, Evol, Glutino and Earth Balance spreads for $975 million. Read about the deal here.

This article discusses the proposed new gluten free FDA labeling requirements for fermented foods which would amend the labeling law enacted in 2013. You may comment on this proposal here.

An article in Pharmaceutical Journal found here discusses the various drug treatments for celiac disease.

This abstract is titled "Complementary Serologic Investigations in Children with Celiac Disease Is Unnecessary during Follow-Up."

Here are some tips from NFCA for happy and safe gluten free holidays.

Mass General Hospital for Children is conducting a Celiac Disease Microbiome and Metabolomic Study. Click here for the latest news on that.

CDF and NASSCD have joined together to create the Young Investigator Award, a three year, $150,000 grant to support young investigator research into celiac disease. Click here to read more.

The latest edition of Impact, the University of Chicago Celiac Disease newsletter, may be viewed here.

Amy Burkhart MD, RD wrote an article titled Cold Sores, Canker Sores and Gluten which can be found here.
GF Product Finds
A member recently found Bove's Gluten Free meatballs at her local Hannaford store. Bove's also has gluten free pasta sauces at Hannaford's.
A member found Ian's Gluten Free Onion Rings at Wegmans. Also available at Whole Foods, these tasty onion rings contain no milk, eggs, peanuts, treenuts, soy or gluten.
huge_turkey_to_eat.jpg Looking for a stuffing mix? Members have found Gillian's Gluten Free Stuffing mix at Ocean State Job Lot, Olivia's Gluten Free Stuffing mix at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's Gluten Free Stuffing mix at Trader Joe's. Did you have a good GF stuffing for Thanksgiving? Let others know about it; share it on our Facebook page.

A member spotted Bella Lucia GF pizelles at Wegmans. The pizzelles are availble in a variety of flavors including vanilla, chocolate and anise.

Thanks to the members who share this information. Have you seen or tried a new GF product? If so, let us know! Send an email or visit our Facebook page to share with others.

Volunteer Opportunities
Treasurer
NECO is looking for a volunteer Treasurer to work with the NECO accountant. Responsibilities include:
  • categorizing accounts and keeping track of the NECO budget
  • updating the Board on financial statements created by the accountant
  • preparing, in concert with the Executive Director, an annual budget

Some money management/financial/banking experience is desirable but not required. Time commitment is approximately 4 hours per month. Email Lee if you would like to apply. 

 

Website Marketer
people_board_meeting.jpg
We're currently looking for somebody to help with website marketing. We are looking for somebody with website marketing experience to meet with NECO Executive Director Lee Graham and the Executive Board a couple of times. If you are interested, please email Lee.

Recipe of the Month: Meatballs for Cocktails
party-blowers.jpg
This holiday season you may be looking for an easy meal to bring to a potluck, serve at a party or enjoy with your family. Try these meatballs! The ingredients may seem odd, but they make a great sweet and sour flavor. There are never any leftovers. This recipe makes 40-42 1" meatballs.








Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup GF breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup minced onion
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or butter
  • 12 oz chili sauce
  • 10 oz grape jelly
     
Instructions  
 
  1. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, Worcestershire, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper together and gently shape into 1" balls.
  2. Melt shortening in large skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides. Remove from skillet and pour off grease.
  3. Heat chili sauce and jelly, stirring constantly until jelly has melted. Add meatballs. Simmer, uncovered 30 minutes.
Can be kept in crock-pot on low heat.
 
Note: Always check that every ingredient you use is gluten free.
 
This recipe and many others can be found on our website. Click here to visit the recipe section.
December Book Giveaway
Congratulations to Martha P., the winner of the November book giveaway! She is enjoying a copy of Blackbird Bakery Gluten-Free by Karen Morgan.

The December book giveaway is Let's Eat Out Around the World Gluten Free and Allergy Free by Kim Koeller and Robert La France. If you would like to receive a copy of this book, simply send us an email containing your name and mailing address with the title "December Book Giveaway." One lucky winner will be selected at random on December 18th.
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