S.A.M. Al Baker Assembly #35 Newsletter ~ April 2023

S.A.M. Al Baker Assembly #35 Newsletter

April 2023

President’s Words

I want to thank everyone who came out for the phenomenal Michael Kaminskas lecture - it was a great evening.  This month we welcome Bill Winters - it’ll be great to learn all about Walter Gibson.  Please note the different date - Wednesday April 19th at 7:30 pm. Of course, we’ll still meet for dinner at 6 pm if you can make it.

We’ve had fantastic responses regarding going to the Houdini Museum on Sunday May 7th, as well as the Assembly show June 30-July 2nd.  I’m getting the final details for the Houdini trip from Dorothy Dietrich this week and will let you know when we’ll all head down (we’ll be carpooling). Please note the showtimes for the Center at Rhinebeck are Friday, June 30th (8 pm), Saturday July 1st (8 pm), and Sunday July 2nd (3 pm).  We need to find out if you can do all three shows, or a combination. Please email me at jizdds@optonline.net - we want to get a list going as soon as possible.

Also, a heads-up that the Salute to Magic (by Parent Assembly) is on Saturday April 15 - you can find more information at magicsampa1.com - it’s always a great shindig.

I’ll see you all on Wednesday April 19th!

Addendum: We recently learned of the passing of long-time member and Past President Sam Patton. We plan on holding the traditional broken wand ceremony in Sam's memory as part of our business meeting before the program. You may read more about Sam Patton at this link:

Samuel Patton Obituary - Hopewell Junction, NY | McHoul Funeral Home, Inc.

——————- 

Dr. Joel “Batman” Zaritsky

President, Al Baker Assembly #35

Society of American Magicians Past National President

This Month

Wednesday, April 19th 7:30 p.m.

at Milanese Italian Restaurant 115 Main St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Bill Winters lecture on Magic Legend Walter Gibson

Walter Gibson was a prolific writer, a magic inventor, and friend to many of the top magicians of the golden age of Magic.  But most importantly, he was a member of SAM Assembly #35.  Come learn about the man who ghost wrote for Houdini, Thurston, and Blackstone; as well as being the creator of "The Shadow", one of the greatest radio serials of the 20th Century.

Last Meeting - Michael Kaminskas lecture on cups and balls, chop cups, and more! MK Professional Cups - Michael Kaminskas (mkcups.com)

Our lecture this evening was presented by cups and balls master, Michael Kaminskas. In addition to our usual members, we also had in attendance a new member, Mr. Ben Abrams. Before getting to the cups and balls, Michael began the evening with some card effects. First, he made a coin appear and disappear inside of a sheer cloth. Later on, Josh picks out a card, it gets ripped up, but is later restored. Kathy and Mike help out by both picking out cards out of the deck, and both cards wind up getting fused together.  Michael showed us his "Covid creation" titled "In the money" that he came up with during the pandemic, and also while recovering from a motorcycle accident.  No sense just sitting around when you can be busy creating something!

Michael eventually got around to showing us his bread and butter so to speak, his cups and balls routine.  He should know about cups and balls as he showed us the set that he makes available for people to purchase. You can tell that a lot of thought went into this, as the materials are top notch, and will help you get the reactions that you are looking for.  Be sure to look up Michael on-line.  You'll be glad you did.  Thank you, Michael, for a fun evening!

Future Meeting Dates and tentative programs

May 7 ~ Houdini Museum | goo.gl/maps/ec3pGZXMJtDNYpKQA 

May 9 ~ Lecture by Bruce Kalver

June 30th, July 1st and July 2nd. Save the dates for our annual fundraising show with the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck is back!

August 27 (Sunday) Picnic at Freedom Park

News and Info from our members (Local Shows, Items for Sale, etc.) 

WANTED:  M-U-M magazines, all years even new ones.  Contact Joe Que at (914) 475-6562

Assembly Dues:  $35 September - August

Please see Frank Monaco to pay your annual Assembly dues with cash or check made out to “Al Baker Assembly #35”.

Do you know someone interested in magic?

Let them know there is MAGIC in Poughkeepsie!  Use the sharing buttons at the bottom of the Assembly newsletter blog site to share the news:  sam-35.blogspot.com

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S.A.M. Assembly #35 Officers:

President: Dr. Joel “Batman” Zaritsky

Vice President: Ryan Dutcher

Treasurer: Frank Monaco

Secretary: 

Scribe: Darryl Bielski