CEOs Epistle to the Fungophiles: State of the 1999 - 2000 Season

Boletes! Lots of them! If the last year of the 1900's isn't memorable enough for other reasons, we'll certainly think of it as the year of the poroid fungi. Our house is redolent with drying Boletus aereus (CA species is now regineus) and edulis as I write. It's a gratifying fragrance, but 1t does require an explanation to the occasional ("what's that ... odor?") visitor ...

Our holiday potluck, held on December 15, was a great event. The culinary Committee, led by Rene Seltzer, put on a notable feast. The fabulous chefs of the FFSC brought their best efforts, which were served in the midst of greens, poinsettia, candlelight and twinkling white lights, courtesy of Vernetta and Inez. Rene brought sparkling wine and we toasted to a fine year past and another ahead, and had a wonderful evening. Many thanks to Rene Seltzer, Vernetta and Bob McGuire, Inez and Ray Kitely, Bob & Doreen Wynn, Marje Young, Monice Brown & Peter Sheehan, Phyllis Cole & Lee Yamada, Barb Hanson and Shea Moss for all their efforts. This will be a tough one to top!

The Fungus Fair is again upon us, Jmuary 15 & 16, with setup the week prior. If you have a few hours to spare we can use your help! Knowledge of fungal taxonomy is not required. We can put your willing body and mind to work collecting. setting up, helping with Stores, Membership, Kids' Room, Myco-Photos or cleanup. If you have questions or wonder where you could best help, please call Lee Yamada.

In additional to our usual culinary events, a number of new events are in the works: a 'Tapas" hors d'ouvres evening at Blacks Beach Cafe, a Haute Cuisine sit-down mushroom and wine dinner, an earlier Continental Picnic (perhaps in April) at a new location. See the Events listing and articles here for further information.

Local Forays and ID Classes are in full swing. Don't miss these opportunities to learn about mushrooms and meet new foray partners. ID Class is held at 7:00 PM on the first Wednesday of the month at the Museum of Natural History on E. Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. Local forays usually take place on Saturdays, with the schedule updated here. Further information is available from Ken Sommers. Bob Sellers is taking small groups out as part of an ongoing study again.

See you at the Fair!