Cynthia Kupper, ED of GIG of North America in Salem

Cynthia Kupper, the Executive Director of GIG of North American is coming to speak in Salem to the Mid-Willamette Valley GIG group on Saturday, Feb 19th 12:30-3:30pm at Marco Polo's.

There is still time to make a reservation for the gluten-free luncheon with Cynthia Kupper. Reservations must be made in advance. Payment must be received by February 16 to confirm your name on the reservation list.

Cynthia Kupper, Registered Dietitian and Executive Director of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, will speak at a special luncheon meeting of the Mid-Willamette Valley GIG on Saturday February 19. The meeting will take place at Marco Polo Global Restaurant from 12:30 to 3:30 and includes a gluten-free buffet luncheon. The restaurant is located at 300 Liberty Street in downtown Salem (Pringle Park Plaza). Marco Polo restaurant specializes in gluten-free food.

This event is open to the public, but reservations and pre-payment of $17 are required since space is limited. To make your reservation contact Becky Crooke at (503) 949-3779or beckycrooke@gmail.com, or contact Debra Olsen at 503-884-3402. Send checks to Mid-Willamette Valley GIG, P.O. Box 13886, Salem, OR 97309.

Cynthia will speak on the many aspects and activities of the national GIG organization and how those make a difference to the many gluten intolerant people in this country. She will also speak about U.S. labeling laws and the needs of the elderly.

A gluten-free, buffet-style luncheon will be served, followed by Cynthia Kupper’s presentation. The food will include Almond Chicken, Kung Pao Beef, Green Beans with Mushroom, Lemon Chicken, Rice, Rice Noodles, Tea and Dessert. Let us know of any other dietary needs.

Cynthia contributed the following introduction:

Cynthia Kupper, RD: I practiced clinical dietetics in large hospitals for 15 years in rehab, renal and as a diabetes educator. During that time, I was diagnosed with classic celiac disease. 13 years ago, I became the director of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America. My job as the director includes consultations with patients throughout the country via phone, email and personal one-to-one consultations or classes. My job also requires extensive review of research and translating that into patient-friendly education materials. I am an international lecturer on celiac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle. The NIH, FDA, ACOA, and other regulatory agencies have called upon me to provide expert testimony about gluten-free consumer practices and nutrition. I developed and launched GIG's two industry programs: the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) and the corporate side of the Gluten Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP). These programs compliment the social service programs services GIG offers to consumers with all types of gluten intolerances.

REMEMBER - YOU MUST REGISTER AND PAY IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT (whether you plan to eat lunch or not). There is a limit to the number of seats available so be sure to send your payment in early.

Because of this special event, there will be no regular meeting of the Mid-Willamette Valley GIG on its usual meeting day of the third Saturday of February.

The Mid-Willamette Valley Gluten Intolerance Group is a branch of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, www.gluten.net.