Message from Our Outgoing CEO

It was a runaway victory made possible by the fact that no one else ran. As we come to the end of our FFSC fiscal year I have decided not run again for the CEO position. I think a new CEO can bring fresh ideas and energy to the task and help the club to continue to grow and prosper. I plan to stay involved with the club and will see you at the meetings and events.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and camaraderie. Minister positions are made even more enjoyable by the monthly Minister meetings at each others’ homes for dinner and FFSC business. It creates a fine opportunity to learn more about the club history as well as the other ministers. The food and wine make it even more fun.

At the May general meeting the FFSC is holding elections for minister positions. I encourage all of you to attend and consider volunteering as a minister. Step-up and give some of your energy and time to help the club meet its goals for the community by entering your name for one of the open Minister positions. You will enjoy it as much as I have.

Several Ministers are due special recognition for their contribution to the FFSC. Vernetta McGuire, our Minister of Culinary Events (with the capable assistance of hubby Bill) for her tireless efforts planning and executing the Christmas potluck and the highly admired Wine & Mushroom Feast. We owe her a debt of gratitude for her years of service to the FFSC. Margaret Carpenter and Richard Lyness are co-ministers taking on the challenges of the Culinary Committee.

Monise Sheehan has worked diligently as the Minister of Stores for six years, generating considerable revenue for the club. She is stepping down and I must admit that she will be missed and difficult to replace. This is an extremely important position that provides the main source of revenue for the club. We are seeking a person who can follow her example and continue to coordinate our main finance source.

The other Ministers are due their recognition too but I cannot put them all in this short piece. My apologies that I cannot detail the contributions of Marge Young, Richard Rammer, John Brown, and all of the other Ministers who give their energies tirelessly to make this club one of the premier clubs in NAMA.

Our April speaker, Dr. Elio Schaechter, commented that the FFSC is different and more dynamic than most other myco-clubs he has visited. I suspected as much but his comments confirmed it for me. And his opinion is shared around the country — the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz is special.

This is because of our members and the way the FFSC conducts business. We want you to help perpetuate our image with your involvement in setting goals, policies and activities. Come get more involved and expand your enjoyment of the FFSC by becoming a Minister.

Bill White

CEO

Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz