My Fellow Compeers
I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving and soon a Merry Christmas. It’s the time of year where we take inventory of the things that we are thankful for and the spirit of giving. I wish each and every one of you a very merry holiday season.
For our December meeting we have our White Rabbit Gift exchange. Last year was a lot of fun, this year promises to be more. Here are the simple rules:
- Can be new or used but value has a $20 limit
- Must be wrapped or bagged
- Should be magic related
- Bring the gift with you to the meeting and put your name in the hat.
- When your name is drawn you can either pick a wrapped gift or “snatch” an unwrapped gift.
- Once a gift has been “snatched” three times it’s out of play.
Bring a gift and join in the fun…now for a bit of business.
Our club is healthy, active and growing. We are meeting many of our goals like increasing outreach to the community through library sessions, summer camp, etc… We do have a cash shortfall so your board conducted a brainstorming session to address it. Two main themes were discussed, move to a cheaper location with less amenities or raise dues.
Instead of writing up a sales pitch I asked a couple other members their thoughts. I was provided the following feedback from Mike Bogdas.
Sean,
I’m writing to talk about membership to the Ann Arbor Magic Club. As a new member to the club, I want to you tell you the value that the club brings. Currently, I pay $25.00 a year, which is roughly $2 a month.
We originally met at the Coney Island and that was more like a fun dinner with some magic. Moving to the Arts Council, has really expanded the club and value associated with the club. I get 2 plus hours once a month of learning and watching magic being taught by numerous levels. I have been able to perform magic for members numerous times and even performed in a few shows which I would have never had the opportunity otherwise. I even won a close-up magic competition! I have made multiple friends and now even take lesson from a member.
I am in all favor for staying at the Arts Council for the better good of the club. If I were to buy a magic trick download online, I am looking to spend between $9 to $15 for one trick. I learn multiple tricks in one meeting alone! With the library jam sessions we have the fellowship after meetings, my knowledge of magic has expanded exponentially!
Mike
And this from Wendy Stone...
Lincoln Stone, the youngest member of the Ann Arbor Magic Club, has quickly become an example of how a supportive community can help a young person grow. Joining a group filled with older, more experienced members could have been intimidating, but instead it gave Lincoln a space where his ideas were heard and valued. Surrounded by mentors who encouraged him to ask questions, learn new tricks, and stay curious, he developed confidence both in his magic skills and in himself. The club’s welcoming environment helped him step outside his comfort zone and gain experience as a performer in ways he might never have explored on his own.
Being part of the Ann Arbor Magic Club also has given Lincoln a sense of belonging and responsibility. He learned how teamwork works in real settings—how people with different skills come together to solve problems, plan events, and support each other. By observing others and taking part in group discussions, Lincoln sharpened his communication and leadership abilities. Most importantly, the club offered him a positive place to grow socially and personally, helping him build friendships and a stronger sense of identity as a magician. As AAMC Family Members, I feel that we have received excellent value from the family membership. The meaningful benefits that Lincoln has received would be worth twice as much, and I treasure the time we’ve spent together nurturing his magic abilities.
Our dues are under priced for the value they provide. A modest dues increase will put our club on solid ground. For this reason the board has made the decision to raise dues but how much is fair?
Currently the board is considering a $10 increase but I would like to hear from each of you first. What is a fair annual membership fee for the content and venue we offer? I look forward to hearing from each of you. You can call or text (734) 634-2000 or email sean@naes.cc.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting.
Cheers!
Sean
EDITOR'S NOTE: At the November Board Meeting the Board brainstormed ideas to address our annual financial shortfall. Twenty-Six different ideas were considered. Of those, 14 we want to pursue further, 5 need further consideration, and 7 we decided not to pursue. You can see the details here. -Karl
