It's the End of an Era

Well, IBM Ring 266 met for its very final time last night at Trinity Baptist Church in Tyler. That's been our regular meeting place for the past (roughly) 9 years, and we're moving to a new location in Tyler. Mark Kilsby (who's served more terms as the Ring's V.P. than anyone cares to count) is a member at that church, so he's been the Keeper of the Keys......and we owed him a hearty thanks for the annoyance of doing that for such a LONG run! The mayor of Tyler issued a proclamation in Mark's honor which was presented by a city Councilman and Linda Gish made him an award adorned with many keys/club members' names. We had a great dinner, although the event was bitter-sweet....but many good things to come down the road!  Merry Christmas to all, by the way!

Mark Kilsby (left, wearing tie) with Tyler city Councilman D. Bowdre

ACES 2015

Well, the last post I made here covered us doing some planning for a mini magic convention in Tyler, Texas. Well, that event actually happened!! Yep, we did it! (I'm as amazed as anyone else might be!) It was called the Association of Christian Entertainers Symposium and it was held at Trinity Baptist Church on January 16th and 17th.  Duane Laflin, Steve Varro, Del Wilson and David McCullough lectured, along with Kit Scott and they all taught us some great stuff. Here's a quick photo of the stage, about 3 hours before we started (more photos to follow!):

I did a show!

A couple of Sundays ago....I performed at the Holiday Inn Express (located on S. Broadway in Tyler, Texas)...for my church's 3-year anniversary party. Fifteen minutes.....and only two flub-ups! It was fun!

Sweetheart Banquet

Ring 266 has performed the past couple of years for the annual Sweetheart Banquet held at Trinity Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. Unfortunately this year, the banquet was cancelled......so no performance.......and I had Danny Archer's "Animental" all worked up and ready to go!! Maybe next year..............

Upcoming Ring 266 events

Well, our Ring's V.P., Mark Kilsby, called me two nights ago to discuss some upcoming Ring events. I was tired, had left work late and wasn't in much of a talking mood (although he's a good friend......but you know how it is) anyway......he reminded me of the Chinese auction we'll be having at our February Ring meeting. He also told me about the Ring performing a little pre-banquet walk-around magic at his church's Valentine's Banquet in February. Additionally, he stated that the club would be doing a full stage show as a benefit at his church in March (him to M.C., me to be stage manager). So, busy magic stuff on the horizon.
Both of these events to happen at Trinity Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas (by the way!).

Duane Laflin

The Tyler Magic Club (in Tyler, Texas) enjoyed a fantastic all day workshop on Saturday, November 15th featuring Duane Laflin. The workshop was held at Trinity Baptist Church and was well attended by clowns and magicians from the greater Tyler area, Dallas and Shreveport. Duane is a super guy and a committed family entertainer.