Harry Riser Assembly Dabbles in Mentalism

Indianapolis, Indiana

Our July 2008 meeting included initiation of new officers, announcement of our theme for the coming year, some mentalism, and another amazing â??teach a trickâ?? compliments of Harry Riser.  The meeting was held at the home of our President, Steve Spence.

The officers for this year include three new facesâ??Chris Wilcox, Vice President, Dale Benson, Secretary, and Jay Newby, Treasurer.  Chris Wilcox owns Circle City Magic (an on-line magic store), Dale Benson is a retired physician executive, and Jay Newby is a logistics expert at the local Veterans Hospital.  Steve Spence, an attorney who specializes in mediation, was re-elected to his third term as President, and Don Miller, professional magician and owner of Family Time Entertainment, was re-elected as Sergeant at Arms.  Frank Dailey led the initiation ceremony.

President Spence announced that the Executive Committee has determined that our theme for this coming year will be â??The Classics in Magic.â??  Each month we will focus on a classic effect and learn about its history and the multiple variations that have been developed over the years.

The program for the evening was on the subject of mentalism.  Five of the members presented their favorite â??mind readingâ?? effect.  This was followed by viewing of excerpts from a Richard Osterlind Mind Mysteries DVD, including his â??Bank Nightâ?? and his â??Surrounded Slow Motion Center Tear.â??

As always, the highlight of the evening was when Harry Riser was introduced.  He demonstrated, and then taught the members present, the Shuffle Poker card illusion.  We were all very impressed.

Submitted by:  Dale Benson, Secretary

Harry E. Riser Assembly No. 31, usually meets the first Monday of the month at 7 pm at Mystic Tie Lodge (2^nd floor), corner of Illinois and North Street.