President's Message

As I ponder the topic of my final President's Message for the year, I'm tempted to summerize the 
mushrooming highlights: great spring, decent Forays--both local and national, and a late yet
productive fall season. A good year communing with nature.  But I also think of what we've lost. 
We said goodbye to an NMMS Tradition: the annual dinner at Carlo's. This year's visit to Villa 
Fontana was clouded both by its finality and the recent news of losing our friend Susie Parlier. 
Then we said goodbye to Peg.

Thinking about Peg Hooton reminds me that for a myvological organization such as ours, 
good seasons are secondary at best.  Without folks like Peg, even the best day mushrooming is 
just a pleasant walk in the woods.  Peg's commitment, experience, and enthusiasm brought depth to 
the club's mycological pursuits.  Peg put so much of her time and energy into the club--she was 
treasurer for more more years than many of us have been members. Until the last few years when 
her health was in decline, her presence at meetings was pleasantly predictable. 

To accompany her on a field trip was a treat. Each of my visits to the Jemez remind me of
going there with Peg.  Telephone Canyon in particular will always be her spot.  I will look one
direction and think of boletes, another area I will expect to offer chanterelles.  I will always
expect these little miracles because Peg confided that they would be there.  

David Wallis
2005-11-25