Happy Holidays, Myco-Enthusiasts!
As mushroom fruiting slows and ultimately pauses for winter, I’m reflecting on the many discoveries and happy hunts of 2014.
Ohio Mushroom Society members enjoyed fantastic foray options in 2014, including explorations in West Branch State Park, the beautiful Hocking Hills, Lake Hope State Park and a special visit to North Chagrin Reservation near Cleveland. We were extremely privileged to receive a free, guided tour of the totally sustainable mushroom growing operation at CWRU’s Squire ValleeVue Farm, with many, many thanks to members Mike Nagy and Karen Kelly. You guys absolutely rock!
It was a treat to visit with long-time members and meet new friends at the recent Dick Grimm Banquet in Wooster. We’re so fortunate to have multi-talented and dedicated mycologist, Walt Sturgeon, providing entertaining and informative programs at this event, and at forays in 2014.
I need to also recognize Jerry Pepera, who not only tracks and communicates with our >150 members, and maintains the club’s treasury, but also serves as our trusted technical advisor! Jerry recently researched and purchased a dynamite wireless projector for the club, and then generously donated his excellent, personal laptop to OMS so that we and our guest speakers can be treated to reliable and easy-to-use equipment with excellent visual capacity. Thank you, Jerry!
If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably “met” Dave Miller, OMS Mushroom Log editor, thru his words. It is no small feat to put together an interesting, timely and informative member newsletter with a half dozen contributors six times each year. This newsletter alone is a huge benefit to OMS members. But again it’s the people that make it truly a pleasure. People like Sharon Greenberg, who puts together and oversees cleanup of fantastic potluck buffets at our major forays with a minimum of fuss. And people like Martha Bishop and Shirley McClelland, who use their abundant positive energies and know-how to put together and lead fun forays in fungus-rich regions.
There are many benefits received by OMS members–expert mushroom ID tips, discovering new forests, discounted membership fees to the North American Mycological Association, or learning something completely new about a mushroom that you thought you knew. These, and your own gratitudes, are worth reviewing as membership renewal comes up in January 2015.
I’m very proud to serve on the OMS board, and I look forward to seeing you at a foray in the New Year!
Gratefully yours,
Debra Shankland
Ohio Mushroom Society 