2011-08 Ring Report

President Craig Fennessey opened the meeting on July 20th with 37 members and guests
in attendance. He reported that the Ring could expect numerous lectures scheduled for
the coming months. He introduced Paul Stone, a visitor here from the United Kingdom.
Paul is presently producing a Magic Extravaganza at the legendary Palladium in London
commemorating its Centennial Anniversary. He initiated a raffle to benefit his charitable
work. Richard Hewitt was the subsequent winner of the drawing.

Craig acknowledged the Broken Wand ceremonies for Sidney Radnor, Hank Morehouse
and Lou Marion. Dan Stapleton reported on the progress of magical entertainers in
our local media. Craig and Mark Fitzgerald are appearing at the Hard Rock Cafe here
in Orlando. Jacki Manna is doing a show at MacDonald's on International Drive and
performing at numerous libraries in the area encouraging children to utilize the facilities
open to them.

Phil Schwartz presented Magic History Moment #32 relating a brief history of two
stalwarts from our magical past. Herbert Richard Himber was not only known for his
contributions to magic but for his work in the popular music field during the Roaring
Twenties and into the 30's. Born at the turn of the century Dick Himber not only
performed magic and music in vaudeville and private clubs but also performed on
television. He died in 1066. Phil's next subject was first a writer, having penned more
than 10,000 articles and numerous books relating to magic and second a performer
where his act was seen in vaudeville and clubs as well as 1000's of troops during WWII.
He was born Milbourne Christopher in Baltimore in 1914. In addition to his other
accomplishments, as a past president of SAM, performer, prolific writer, at the time of
his death, in 1984, he owned one of the world's largest magic collections. Last month,
our own Phil Schwartz was presented with the Milbourne Christopher Literary Award
by the Milbourne Christopher Foundation for his work in co-authoring The Ultimate
Thayer .

Jeff Pierce introduced Mary Naylor Kodell who spoke briefly of her life with her
husband, Jack Kodell, who recently completed his autobiograhy and hosted a book
signing at the meeting. Jack, who has a long time relationship with our Ring was the first
magician of note to work in Las Vegas. His act was not only limited to our continent but
he also took it to Europe as well as the U.K. (where he met and married Mary).

After an intermission the members performed with Richard Hewitt doing a card effect.
Joe Vecciarelli followed with an innovative demonstration of "One Track" (ed: see below for more information). Guest William Zaballero showed the audience how well he could handle a deck of cards with several effects. Dan Stapleton performed Sixth Sense, an exercise in mentalism. Jacki Manna pulled out all the stops when she danced and sang her Library Promo to the membership, who if they didn't have a library card would have one in the morning. Doug Kalcik performed the illusion Candle to Salt to everyone's delight. Another guest, Greg Gibson, demonstrated a 4-card trick and finished with a Rocky Racoon Routine that was a classic.

Sheldon Brook