(∙
à May 2011
Our Year in Review:
Ring 151 of Ottawa continued
its tradition of being an active and enjoyable club to be a part of. Although we are a small club, attendance at
lectures is solid,
member support for charity shows is always positive, and our club
gatherings provide plenty of fun for the members.
Our first meeting (September)
of the year began with a tribute to Jack Marshall, a devoted member of Ring 151
who died on July 24, 2009 at the age of eighty.
He opened his basement to host club meetings and was part of the club’s
executive for several years. Jack will
be
remembered for his commitment to magic and the kindness that he
shared with others.
Alain Choquette
presented his “A tribute to Gary Ouelett” lecture to
us in October. Alain’s magic resume
includes TV appearances (World’s Greatest Magicians, Champions of Magic),
headlining in Las Vegas and much more. We knew it would be a solid lecture and
it was. He taught a variety of card
effects suitable for both close-up and stage, and explained the workings of his
Gypsy Thread- stage version. Alain’s
lecture was more than just tricks. He
also shared a experiences
(business of magic, performing tips) that allowed members to
become better at what they do.
Thomas Baxter, from Toronto,
lectured about “Creating Legendary Magic”.
He challenged a variety of abilities and targeted different interests
with his creative repertoire of close-up and stand-up material. Members were particularly astonished and
intrigued by his work on the “Think of a Card” concept. Members flocked to his table to purchase an
assortment of lecture notes and effects.
Asi
Wind lecturered for Ring 151 in June. He impressed
the members with his incredible talent and brilliant thinking. “Time is Money” was a great effect to “watch”.
His book test added extra effects to make the routine even more magical. His work with “Any Card, Any Number” was
dynamite! This was super lecture full of
great magic and performing tips.
The club presented three
charity shows this year. In February, we
performed for the guests at Waupoos Farm, a
non-profit organization dedicated to providing holiday experiences for families
in need. Our annual show at the Rehab
Hospital happened in March and our final charity show of the year was in April
at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
The memories that were created, the laughter that was heard, and the
smiles that filled the room are reminders of the importance of reaching out to
help others. A special thank you to the
members who volunteered their time to make a difference in another’s life: Real Boucher, Bob Conrad, Henry Doucette, Roy
Cottee, Rob Lavergne, Brian McAdam,
David Oxley, John Pert, Mike Vuckovic
Our year comes to an end in
June and to celebrate our successes, we gathered at Rob Lavergne’s
for a pot-luck. Rob Lavergne,
Doug Rafters and Benoit Lalande -Patoine
each presented their initiation shows earlier in the year and were inducted
into the club as full members during our year end party. Our annual magic trivia was won by Doug
Rafters and the “Member of the Year” was presented to John Pert for his
outstanding contribution to magic and the club.
And finally, thank you to the
club's executive who have spent several hours ensuring
that club events are well organized.
Kudos to: Glenn Brown, Chris Pilsworth, and John Pert.
Written by John Pert
November 2010:
John “Jack” David Marshall
John “Jack” David Marshall died
on
Originally from
Jack’s interest in
magic and entertaining began in 1974 when he joined the Khartum
Temple Shrine Klowns (
Dedicated, loyal,
helpful, kind, cheerful, considerate, and caring are some of the words that
describe Jack. He will be missed dearly.
Jack is survived by
Doreen, his wife of fifty-five years and their three children, Carol, Dave, and
Laurie. He was also the proud
grandfather of five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Copyright 2010
Ottawa Society of Magicians, Roy Cottee Ring 151 of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians