2011-11 Ring Report

President Craig Fennessey called the meeting to order on October 19th with 27 members and guests in attendance. He announced that the reception to Jon Racherbaumer's lecture the previous week was very positive and that the lectures will continue with Johua Jay on January 4th and others to follow. Ring 258 in Leesburg will hold its annual flea market and auction on November12th and the Daytona Beach Magic Convention will be the weekend of November 5th: the membership was encouraged to attend both events.

A good many members of our Ring indicated they are performing in the area: Mark Fitzgerald seemed to be the busiest with gigs at the Hard Rock Cafe, Mitchell's, and Church Street. Jacki Manna can be seen at the Florida Mall and Mike Martin will be entertaining at Give Kids The World. Dan Stapleton volunteered to perform for the school kids involved in a "Drug Awareness Program" sponsored by Elk's Lodge #1079 and the local Law Enforcement Agency. William Hicks, on behalf of the Elks, appealed to the Ring for its participation in the program. Phil Schwartz announced his plans to attend the upcoming Potter & Potter Auction in Chicago. The catalog, which he had in hand, includes, in part, the Ken Klosterman Collection. He then entered into Magic History No. 34 and his subject was none other than the most famous name in Magic from any era, "Harry Houdini", nee, Erich Weiss. His presentation was all inclusive from Houdini's birth in 1874 to 'beyond' his untimely death in 1926. Phil closed his talk by sharing from his collection, a framed broadside and window card of a Houdini performance.

Following an intermission, no fewer than 11 members signed up to perform for an eager audience. Bob Swaddling kicked it off with a card prediction effect followed by Mike Martin's comedy routine. With Halloween closing in on us, Wallace Murphy, turned Silk to Candy Corn. Charlie Pfrogner produced Bugs and other Critters from his empty box. Ed McGowan brought a deck of cards out to entertain with a card prediction routine, He was followed by Chris Dunn with a collection of Halloween "spooky stuff" that included a "zombie pumpkin", silks, and magic books. Mark Fitzgerald performed with both cards and coins a very entertaining matrix routine. William Zaballero demonstrated, once again, his card handling with a close-up effect. Jacki Manna brought her green friend, Jo-Jo Bean, on stage with her and proceeded with a comedy routine that left the membership clamoring for more. Craig Fennessey demonstrated his very entertaining and mystifying Light Board act with a crowd pleasing presentation. Dan Stapleton capped off the evening with a delightful and professional performance of "Ectoplasm".

A fine time was had by all.

Sheldon Brook