2010-12 Ring report

President Craig Fennessey called the meeting to order on November 17 and introduced the Ring's officers to the 24 members and guests in attendance. He briefly discussed the Christmas gift exchange which will be held at our next meeting in December. Craig noted that a great many Ring Members had attended the Daytona Beach Convention and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Notably, our youngest active member of the Ring,  Sebastian Midtvaage, took 1st Place in the close-up competition. Bev Bergeron emceed many of the events and also received a 50th Anniversary Award for his work with Nani Darnell and Mark Wilson on the TV series, The Magic Land of Allakazam (1960).
Phil Schwartz, Bob and Valerie Swadling reported on their experience at the 13th Yankee Event, NEMCA, the New England Magic Collectors Association. They praised everything from the Houdini display, the auction to the many speakers who gave of themselves.

James Songster reported on the continuing participation in performing for the children and families at "Give Kids the World" in Kissimmee. He gave an open invitation to the membership who might wish to entertain the children during the coming year. Dan Knapp has also worked with James as a regular and his contribution is appreciated.

Bev Bergeron continued his monthly demonstration of impromptu magic with 3 large coins presented as a puzzle.

Phil Schwartz presented Magic History Moment #27 a brief history of the magician, Harry Kellar, nee Heinrich Keller. Born in 1849 in Erie, Pa. Phil indicated that Kellar was not especially known for his originality; but he worked hard to develop his performing skills and stage presence and was known for, among other illusions, The Levitation of Princess Karnac. Kellar was a contemporary and friend of Houdini. He passed away in Los Angeles in 1922.

Following a brief break in the meeting, Chris Dunn introduced 3 members, Wallace Murphy, Dan Stapleton, and Charlie Pfrogner who wished to perform for the audience. Wallace went on to show his collection of paddles, hot rods, color changing knives and jumping gems and briefly demonstrated how they were used. Dan showed the audience an interesting and clever prediction effect known as Lubor Fiedler's 5 color chance.

Charlie ended the evening with a 3 card monte and a large clip.



A fine time was had by all.