November Minutes

Minutes – IBM Ring #258, Thur., Nov. 17, 2011

 

     President Jim Moody opened the meeting by announcing the passing of former member Gary Tucker.  There were no further details available.  Roger Reid then read the obituary that had been prepared for the Linking Ring regarding the passing of Honorary Lifetime Member Jarvis Howell. 

     Both the secretary's minutes and the treasurer's report, showing a bank balance of $4946.56 with 56 members, were approved by acclamation. 

     Applicants Dave & Karen Lyons and Dan Jacobs were welcomed into the club and given new member packets and 25^th anniversary top hats.

     Lectures – Chris Dunn will host an all new lecture on card magic, by Dan Stapleton, on Thur., Dec. 15, for a fee of $10.  There are only 20 seats available.  E-mail Chris at youngdunns@yahoo.com to book a seat.

     Camp Boggy Creek – Nothing to report at this time.

     Our 25^th anniversary year ended as of Oct. 31, 2011.

     Chuck Smith's Ring survey remains incomplete and will be held until more data is gathered from members.  If you haven't turned in your survey e-mail Chuck at craxytoo@yahoo.com for a copy.

Old Business

     Mt. Dora Show – Jim Moody thanked Bob & Wendy Morris for helping organize the entire event and taking care of the "green room".  Thanks also went to those who performed and worked behind the scenes.

     The result of the event was that the Ring lost approximately $700 and Bryan Weller, who took on the responsibility of the public relations, advertising and dissemination of coupons and posters lost approximately $350.  A motion was made by Myrna Smith and seconded, to reimburse Bryan for his loss of $350.  The motion failed to pass by a vote of 12 – 6.  In addition Bryan asked not to be reimbursed as he had agreed to take on the risk and/or the reward if things had gone well.  Discussion ensued as to how to handle future shows.  Roger Reid suggested that we only work with sponsors, as we have done in the past, which will take care of the promotion and ticket sales and that we should simply provide the show, which is what we are good at.  Chuck Smith agreed.  Chris Dunn pointed out that when Dan Stapleton rented a theatre in Winter Garden a few years ago to do a full evening show he did not make any money either.

     Temple Show – The show at Congregation Sinai in Minneola, is scheduled for Wed., Dec. 28.  The Sisterhood will be promoting the show and selling the tickets.  We will split the house 50/50.  Those who have volunteered to perform are George Smallwood, Lee Langer, Dandy Dan Dyer, Silver Foxfire and Co. (Dave & Karen Lyons), Greg Solomon and The Weller Brothers.

     Holiday Party – will take place on Thur., Dec. 29 in the Great Hall at Royal Highlands.  The party is free to members and $20 for guests.  There will be games, raffles a short stage show and a fun gift exchange will be the highlight of the evening.  Bring a gift of $15 value and receive one in exchange.  There will be magic and non-magic related gifts.  Contact Wally Libenson at wlibenson@hotmail.com to reserve your seat(s).

New Business

     Secretary's Position – IMPORTANT - Chris Dunn has announced that he will be unable to fulfill the position next year.  The Ring needs someone to step up and take on the roll of Secretary, taking and e-mailing meeting minutes and preparing the report for the Linking Ring.  All of this involves 2-3 hours work per month.  Please contact Jim Moody at crowdteaser@embarqmail.com if you are willing to volunteer.  The current secretary will help you get started.

     Flea Market/Auction/Lecture – was not that well attended as it was scheduled one week after the Daytona Magic Convention.  Wally Libenson reported by e-mail that we took a net loss of $136 for the day.  Bill Wisch's lecture received mixed reviews.      

     Ft. King Middle School Fund Raiser – The committee is planning the show, scheduled for Fri., Mar. 2, 2012.  Contact Greg Solomon at themagicexperience@yahoo.com to volunteer to perform or work back stage.  We will split the proceeds 50/50 as we did last year.

     Magic Ian produced a DVD of the Mt. Dora show and gave one to each of the performers.  A copy may be purchased for $10.  Contact Ian at magicians@aol.com.    

     George Shield has "Exploding Outhouses" available for $20.  Contact George gshield@earthlink.net.

     50/50 was won by Bob Martino in the amount of $15. 

After Meeting Entertainment

     The theme this month was "Turkey Magic".  The worst "turkey" of a magic effect you ever purchased, emceed by Dandy Dan Dyer.  First up was Dandy Dan himself with "Pom Pom Stix" which had instructions written in "Chinglish".  Next Stash Golabeck expounded on the DVD "Poker Chip Flourishes" and could not understand why the instructions were not written for the disabled or why the "t word" was mentioned 26 times!  Dave Lyons showed "Paper Cut" and Jerry Andrus' "Floating Card".  Bryan Weller hypnotized (?) the entire assemblage.  Magic Ian discussed his very first order from Robbins and what a bunch of junk it was, until years later when he understood how to use all the "stuff".  But it was already too late as the goats in the barn ate everything.  He also showed an effect called "Watchful Witness", produced by a "local lecturer" where Ian used to live, which he was never able to figure out how to perform.  Jim Moody had everyone laughing with "Grandpa Charlie's Choppers".  Chris Dunn demonstrated "Crystal Frame & Tube".  The frame was so-so.  The tube was slick!  He also performed "Annihilation Deck". 

     Dave Lyons sold off some "stuff" at the end of the meeting and donated 20% to the club.

     Respectfully Submitted, Roger L. Reid, Secretary (Only one more month!)