Ring 258 September Minutes

Meeting Minutes

I.B.M. Ring #258 – September 24, 2009

 

     The meeting was called to order by President Magic Ian, at 7:00 PM, back at our temporary location, Denny's, on Hwy 27 in Leesburg.  Last month's location, at Congregation Sinai, in Minneola, came with some complications, so we're back on the hunt for a permanent place again!  Thanks to Lee Langer for trying to get us a permanent home.

     We had two guests this evening, Brad Weller, brother of Brian, and Dan Stapleton, Ring 170 member and President of the Florida Association of Magicians.

     The Secretary's minutes were accepted as e-mailed and posted on the ring web site, which can be found at http://ring258.blogspot.com/.  The Treasurer's report, also accepted, showed an end of August balance of $7138.90 and membership of 47 Magi.

Old Business 

     Due to our change in meeting venue we will need another location for our "Flea Market-Lecture-Auction", scheduled for Sunday, October 18.  Ian has narrowed it down to either the Day's Inn or the Howard Johnson's at the Rt. 27 exit from the Florida Turnpike.  Meeting room fees range from $70 to $140.  If we book the room at either hotel we will be given a discount on the room for lecturer Levent, whose fee is $250 and a room for the night.  Final arrangements will be made in the coming week and an e-mail blast will go out to all members, area clubs and interested individuals with all the details of the event.  Set up time will be from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Flea Marketers and Dealers will be open at 10:00 AM and close at 2:00 PM.  Levent will do his lecture from 2:00 until completion.  The Auction will take place following the lecture.

      Jim Moody reviewed the status of the upcoming Hawthorne fund raising show, scheduled for 3:00 PM, Sunday, October 25, as part of "Magic Week".  Flyers have been printed for posting in surrounding communities, as well as programs for the event.  Tickets ($8.00) are already available – Contact Dan Dyer at DandyMagic@aol.com or 352-324-2787.  One "comp." ticket will be issued to each stage performer, close-up performer, stage hand, ticket taker, etc.  All members of the club should be involved in this event as the funds raised go toward our treasury which is used for the benefit of all.

     It was suggested by Frank Martin, and approved by vote, that we try the Perkins Restaurant at the intersection of Routes 27 and 48, for next months meeting.  Frank also suggested that we select a theme for the meeting, in advance, so members have time to prepare a performance.  Two themes were chosen, "Trick Decks" and "Spooky Magic for Halloween".  Everyone who attends should be able to perform at next months meeting with more than four weeks to prepare!   

New Business

     Magic Ian brought up lecturers available in the coming months:  Darren Knight (mentalist) and Nathan Kranzo.  There did not seem to be much interest in a mentalist as a lecturer.  It was decided to try to book Nathan Kranzo in January, due to our prior commitments on the other dates he offered.

     Guest Dan Stapleton reminded everyone to post magic events and happenings on www.flmagic.org.  He also reminded us about the combined Florida Association of Magicians/Daytona Festival of Magic coming up November 6^th through 8th.  Go to www.daytonamagic.com for details and/or to register.  Charlotte Pendragon will have the premier of her new single act!  Magic Ian has been added to Sunday!

     Brian Weller brought up the fact that our Sergeant at Arms rarely makes the meeting.  Ian appointed Brian as temporary Sgt. At Arms in the absence of Rich Hewitt.

     October is Ring Election Month.  Please give strong consideration to running for a position on the board as President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer.  Give the current officers a break!

     The 50/50 raffle, in the amount of $12 was won by Lee Langer.  We adjourned at 8:17.

Entertainment

     The after meeting theme was "Everyone do one", emceed by Roger Reid.

     Jim Moody led off the entertainment with a Jim Pace effect called "Cereal Killer". 

     Greg Solomon showed a few "sight gags" including "swine flu" and "chicklets".  He then performed an entertaining packet effect called "Marx Cards". 

     The REAL greatest living Polish magician, Stash (Tom Golabeck), assisted by the "not so great" Gruchnick, performed the World's Greatest Polish Card Trick, having the card chosen by his assistant vanish and reappear in the mouth of an audience member!!!

     Roger Reid showed a little close-up effect where in two small objects (corks, bottle caps, tooth picks, may be shown to penetrate one another!

     Since it was decided that there were to be no mental or card effects, Chuck Smith had a series of "hunches" come true by ending up in the pockets of various spectators.

     Guest Dan Stapleton performed two excellent effects.  "Magician's Choice", which can be performed impromptu at a restaurant, a banquet, etc.  Everyone ended up with the spoon! And "½ and ½" wherein two randomly selected ½ cards were reunited.

     Chris Dunn closed the evening with a patriotic knife which changed from Red, White and Blue stripes to an American Flag motif! 

     Though "everyone" did not perform, the performers we had did an excellent job!

     Respectfully submitted, Roger L. Reid