October is a magical time in the Pacific Northwest. As autumn rains return and temperatures drop, forests in Washington and Oregon become a mushroom hunter’s dream. Mossy trees, misty trails, and the earthy aroma of the woods set the stage for one of the region’s favorite fall traditions: mushroom picking. For many, mushroom hunting is more than a pastime—it’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and uncover the forest’s hidden gems. Whether you’re

Polish Home Association is raising funds for improvements to the kitchen. to find more information and donate please visit PHA website.

In summer and fall the forests in Poland come alive with people; young and old are united by a lofty goal to find wild mushrooms, a prized commodity since time immemorial. Mushroom foraging in Poland is not only a pastime but, particularly in the countryside, it’s a way of life. Mushrooms are cooked, fried, marinated and stored in jars, dried, froze or salted (rather rare today). There is hardly a house that does not have a couple of pounds of dried mushrooms in a pantry to enhance the flavor of meat dishes, soups, or to make a fabulous mushroom sauce. Poles could die for pierogis with mushrooms or a delish mushroom sauerkraut dish.

After a quiet period, the end of summer marks our return to full activity. The Polish Home has reopened, and the Ryszard Kott Gloria Artis Medal award was a notable highlight.

An exciting schedule of events is on the horizon, so now is the perfect time to encourage friends and family to subscribe.

In October, the Seattle Polish Film Festival will be back, presenting an outstanding selection of Polish films. For the latest updates, visit the SPFF website.