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Hello everyone,
      This is a summary of the responses to my inquiry about interest in a
Northampton, Massachusetts CD Support Group.  First, I need to say that one of
my cats has a strange fascination with telephone lines, and although I usually
keep him away from the computer, one evening he was around while I was online
and managed to disconnect me while in the middle of reading a few responses.
This means I may have lost a few responses, which I apologize for.  Let me
know if I lost yours.  Also,this is my first attempt to summarize.  Here goes.

One support group, which started with 10 people 18 months ago and now has 75
people, began with flyers sent to community hospitals, dietitians and used
free news media to announce the group.  One potential problem is the cost of
printing, travel, postage, etc. which may never be reimbursed.

Two individuals, Catherine Hutchison and Amy Wordelman, expressed interest in
attending such a group.  Amy thinks a group effort at identifying local
sources of gf foods and restaurant menu items would be helpful, along with
exchanging recipes and knowing others in the area who deal with the same
problems.  Cathy also mentioned the Healthy Villi support group, which she
recently attended in the Boston area (1.5 - 2 Hours away).

Rolf Meyersohn mentioned a local group which attempted to form, but never got
off the ground, last year.  He shared the names of  4 people who were
interested in that group at that time.  Rolf, himself, does not live in the
Northampton area year-round, but is interested in attending when he is in the
area.

Another person expressed interest in attending when she visits the area.
Additionally, her brother lives in the area and may be interested in attending
once he accepts his diagnosis (biopsy diagnosed but still eating gluten).

Kelly, from Stanford, CA, mad the following suggestions:
      get listed, as a support group, on the internet
      send flyers to hospital dietitions and local health food stores which
          sell the gf products.
      Make the meetings potluck, sharing recipes.
      Have an agenda and topic for each meeting to prevent rambling.
      Collect dues to cover the expenses

Dan Davis sent a lengthy and very helpful description of the Seacoast Celiac
Sprue Group, which he is now the Executive Director of.  Examples of some of
what he included is as follows:
       3 member, non-paid, Board of Directors
       Dues at $10.00 per family per year
       Family fee if $1.00 collected at Pot Luck Suppers to defray cost of
          utensils, etc.  Occationally, grocery stores are asked for donations
       5-6 Meetings a year, third Thursday every other month.
       Lending library for members
       A member handbook, which includes gf cooking tips, supplier
          information, recipes, by laws, tips on avoiding gluten, etc.
       Bi monthly Newsletter

Dans information was very helpful and highlighted how important good
organization skills are for a successful group.

So, there it is, a brief summary of the responses.  I thank everyone who
responded and encourage continued contact with me about this.  I don't think I
can get a group going on my own, especially after reading Dan's information.
But I do think we can get something going sometime this year if we work
together.  Currently I work full time in the evenings, so I need to find a day
time position (I am a psychiatric nurse) before committing myself to this
task.  If anyone is interested in getting this going and co-facilitating the
groups, please let me know.

Thanks again,
Pat Misisco
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