I.B.M. Ring 362
The Maine Mystics
Bangor, Maine

Minutes of November 2007 Meeting
November 11, 2007

The November Meeting of I.B.M. Ring 362 was held at the Friars' Bakehouse in Bangor, Maine, on November 11, 2007, at 3:00 pm. The theme of the meeting was From Cardboard to Curtain Call. Please see the Ring Report for details of the performances.

Danny Baker called the meeting to order. He cited a set of simplified Rules of Order that have been made available as a PDF on the Ring's web site, which were adopted as the Rules of Order for the meeting.

The agenda for the meeting had been made available in advance, and Danny Baker called for the adoption of the agenda, which was approved without amendment.

The minutes for the October meeting were approved without amendment.

Treasurer Randy Von Smith presented a Treasurer's Report. The bank balance is $1426.87, with $340.00 in petty cash for a total of $1766.87. The Ring funds include a total of $387.17 in endowments: Ring Name Plaque Endowment ($140), Elliott Endowment ($110), Chung Ling Soo Endowment ($67.17), Max Malini Endowment ($60), and Lecture Endowment ($10). We are still awaiting a check from the Criterion for the Legend of Houdini show (approximately $450). The only expense associated with this show, already charged, is $63.13 for refreshments for performers.

In Old Business, the Secretary reported on the Worldwide Escape Artist Relay 2007, held on October 27, 2007. There were 105 registrants from fourteen countries. Jay Leslie is compiling a video from footage being sent to him; the Ring's website has a growing collection of links to coverage of the event. Local performers Dr. Wilson, SFOA magic class graduate Aidan Pasha, and Danny Baker participated in WEAR 2007 in the Legend of Houdini show. Weekend America on NPR affiliate stations broadcast a radio interview with Dr. Wilson.

In Old Business, the Legend of Houdini show at the Criterion Theatre was a financial success, with around $450 in income expected. The show marks the first Ring show featuring a performance by an SFOA magic class graduate (Aidan Pasha). Ring members Danny Baker, Scot Grassette, Professor Miller and Dr. Wilson performed, with a special appearance by Jev Jesun. The Wicked Stepsisters also performed. Kaitlyn Grassette and friends joined Jarrod Pasha and David O'Brian as crew.

In Old Business, nominations for 2008 closed October 1. Carroll Chapman withdrew from nomination for Vice President on October 26. The report of the Nominating Committee is posted on the Ring's website. All offices are uncontested: President (Danny Baker), Vice President (Geoffrey Miller), Secretary (Paul Szauter), Treasurer (Randy Von Smith) and Sergeant At Arms (Matt Bennage). The election will proceed without balloting, with the new officers assuming responsibility immediately following the January Ring meeting.

In Old Business, Ring members participated in Magic Week (October 25-31). Public shows include the Legend of Houdini show in Bar Harbor on October 27 and the SAM/SYM Community Show in Portland on October 28. Professor Miller and Dr. Wilson gave a charity performance at the Maine Veteran's Home on October 31. Details of the Ring's involvement in Magic Week are posted on the Ring's website.

In Old Business, the Treasurer called for Ring members to pay Ring dues for 2008, set at $10.

In New Business, the Secretary called for names for the Ring Name Raffle in March 2008. The deadline for names is the January Ring meeting. Following the tradition set last year, the current name (The Maine Mystics) will be placed in nomination automatically.

In New Business, the Secretary distributed copies of performance videos on DVD. Videos of the 2007 Chung Ling Soo Stage Magic Competition and the 2007 All-Star Magical Revue were distributed. There was some discussion of the difficulties of getting good performance videos for Ring shows and contests, which are typically understaffed for crew.

With no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.