Dr. Benjamin's presentation highlights the uses of mushrooms by various cultures through history to the present day – from food to medicine, fiber, dyes and others. 

Denis R. Benjamin, M.D., is a research associate at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. He grew up in South Africa, emigrating to the Pacific Northwest in 1970 and becoming an amateur mycologist soon after his arrival. He practiced pediatric pathology at the children's hospitals in Seattle, Washington and Fort Worth, Texas. 

He has served as a consultant to the regional poison control center, a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Puget Sound Mycological Society and a past Chairman of the Toxicology Committee of the North American Mycological Association. He is the author of nearly 100 professional publications, including the landmark book on the health effects of mushrooms (Mushrooms: Poisons and Panaceas). He also published a collection of mushroom foraging essays (Musings of a Mushroom Hunter: A Natural History of Foraging) and is a watercolorist focusing on fungi and botanical art.

Meet, greet and snacks at 6 p.m. Chapter meeting at 6:30

Info: Vicki Gleason, vgwriter@gmail.com, 432-770-4694