March Meeting Minutes

Ring #258 – Thur., Mar. 24, 2011

The Lake County Magic Association

www.Ring258.com , 4^th Thur., 7:00 PM,

Denny's, Hwy 441 & 27, Leesburg, FL

Roger L. Reid, Secretary, bonzo1114a@aol.com, 321-945-7500  

 

     President Jim Moody opened the meeting with the Pledge of allegiance.  Jeff Markow, who applied last month, was voted in as a member and given his welcome packet.   Jim read a card from Mike LaMonica thanking the Ring for its concern over the passing of his wife. 

Old Business

     Greg Solomon - Ocala Fund Raiser.  Bad news, the critique of each performer's mistakes were discussed and acknowledged.  Good news, the Ring earned over $1000, while helping the Ft. King Band raise funds.  A round of applause for all who worked the show, especially Greg and Coni Solomon who did all the organizational work to make the event happen.  Jim noted the video work of Chuck Smith and the difficult circumstances he worked under.     

     25^th Anniversary Year - Roger Reid suggested adding "25^th Anniversary Year" to the Ring banner which is displayed at our events.

     V.P. Wally Libenson - Lectures.  Mark Mason will lecture Sun. Apr. 3, 6:30 PM, at the Best Western Hotel, Rts. 441 & 27, in Leesburg.  Wally is working on booking Gregory Wilson (date to be determined) and Jay Scott Berry for our Magic Day (Flea Market/Auction/Lecture) on Nov. 12.  

     Note was made that Dorothy Young, the last person who worked directly with Houdini as a stage assistant, had passed away. 

New Business

     Jim showed a carrying case that Lowe's was "closing out" at a price of $17, which was very adaptable for close up magic. 

     Meeting Location - We're back at Denny's!  Legend's cannot accommodate us on Thur. evenings.  Denny's wants us and demonstrated so by providing excellent service.  Bob Morris brought in a brochure on the newly renovated Mt. Dora Civic Center.  Bob will make inquiries about using a meeting room in exchange for an annual fund raiser and/or using the theatre for shows.  Jim will talk with Legend's about keeping the monthly lunch meeting there.

     Ring Summer Picnic - Will again be held at the home of George Smallwood Sun., July 17.  There will be food, magic, games, camaraderie, and surprises!  Food and drinks will be provided.  Everyone is asked to bring a dessert.      

     Greg Solomon "reviewed" two purchases.  "Titan's Finger" which looked well on video but "would never fool anyone".  Thumbs down, especially the price.  "Lecture Notes" - Harry & Irv (Daytona Magic) only $3.  Greg found a number of effects that were well worth the money, whether invented by Harry and Irv or "acquired".  Thumbs up!

     Chuck Smith handed out copies of a new magic magazine produced in England "Magicseen Magazine".  He asked members to read and then comment on their web site.

     The theme for the April Meeting will be "Vanish"!

Entertainment – Theme – "Your First Effect" 

     Members dug into the archives and brought "Oldies but Goodies".  Emcee Wally Libenson led off with "Double Impact".  Roger Reid brought "Ball and Vase", "Genie Bottle" and "Magic Match Box".  Jim Moody did "Cops and Robbers".  Magic Ian performed billiard ball flourishes and then the same with half dollars.  Wayne Dowling missed with "Bag of Stones".  Don Taylor passed a coin through his wife's hand via "Scotch and Soda".  Aaron Solomon caused a dime to move place to place with the "Chinese Ring Illusion".  Santa baffled us with his "Logo Knife".  Greg Solomon managed not to cut off Chris Dunn's finger with his "Finger Chopper".  Chuck Smith changed coins with his "Coin Slide" and demoed a hand made color changing card.  George Shield caused a broken toothpick to reassemble.  And George Smallwood performed "Poker Players Picnic" from "Royal Road". 

     Off theme were:  George West with "Poker Spell".  Rich Hewitt with his first illusion, an Abbot's item which allowed him to cut out a piece of Wayne's arm.  Roger Reid asked for suggestions on a concept using two "Tricky Tumblers" and received lots of ideas.  Chris Dunn showed Wayne Dotson's "Ball, Die, Cylinder" prediction effect.  And Greg Solomon closed the evening with "Delightful Dice".   

     Respectfully Submitted – Roger L. Reid