Posted January 19, 2012 - Vancouver, Canada – At the Annual S.A.M. Assembly #95 Awards Banquet held in Vancouver, Canada, Shawn Farquhar, Assembly Founder (#95 chartered in 1988), first Assembly president and former RVP Canada, was inducted by Assembly President Lon Mandrake as the very first Dean of Assembly #95 – The Carl Hemeon Assembly. Farquhar proudly accepted a beautiful plaque from President Mandrake on behalf of the Assembly to mark this auspicious occasion in front of 200 guests.

As part of this historic event, Rod Chow, Regional Vice-President of Canada, on behalf of Most Illustrious S.A.M. National President, Vinny Grosso, had the privilege of presenting an esteemed S.A.M. National Presidential Citation to New Assembly #95 Dean Shawn Farquhar: “For his contributions to the Society of American Magicians on a National level and locally with the Carl Hemeon Assembly #95 in Vancouver, Canada. For his election by his compeers as the first Dean of Assembly #95, the highest honor an assembly can bestow. He is a great source of pride to all who know him as he epitomizes our motto Magic Unity Might.”

New Dean Farquhar was sincerely surprised, appreciative and humbled to accept the honor of Dean, and to receive a S.A.M. National Presidential Citation, signed by Vinny Grosso, National President, The Society of American Magicians. Farquhar becomes the first magician to have ever been presented a National Presidential Citation in Canada.

RVP Chow, also presented Dean Farquhar a commemorative binder containing written letters of Congratulations from National Dean George Schindler: “...Your dedication to the betterment of our Society is exemplary...” , RVP Northwestern States, Michael Roth, and others.

Download a full-color informational PDF here. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted January 14, 2012 - David Adamovich, (right) who is the U.S. President of Record Holders Republic, the “Registry of Official World Records”, and RHP Vice President Richie Magic (left) presented an award to Kamarr who now holds the record of the magician who has appeared on the David Letterman “Late Show” forty (40) times. (Photo Max Droge).

Posted December 21, 2011 - Meir Yedid receiving a Presidential Citation for his contributions to magic from Society Of American Magicians' National President Vinny Grasso. The surprise presentation took place on December 16 at the Rouclere-Zarrow annual holiday party in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. (MagicTimes photo). Click the image to view a larger copy.

Posted December 10, 2011 - Margaret Steele presented a copy of her new book on Adelaide Herman to the Parent Assembly. President Jim Kelly (left) accepts. Click the image to view a larger copy.

Posted November 18, 2011 - Norm Rosen (left) accepts a Presidential Citation from Vinny Grosso during the meeting of the Scotch Plains, NJ Assembly (the David Copperfield Assembly). Mr. Copperfield called on Skype, from his island home and thanked the S.A.M. for honoring him at the forthcoming convention in Las Vegas. He recounted his long history with the S.A.M. as its Ambassador of Magic and the support he received as a youth from Past President and M-U-M Editor Leslie P. Guest. Mr. Copperfield welcomes all S.A.M. Members to Las Vegas this summer. More convention news and details - click here.

Posted November 5, 2011 - Vinny Grosso at the helm of Council Boat ride at New Orleans Meeting, Nove,mber 5, 2011. Click the image to view a larger copy.

Assembly #16 - posted September 24, 2011 - Assembly #16 members Markus and Angelique Steelgrave, Entertainment Coordinators and Festival Co-Organizers at the South Yarmouth Festival of Magic pose with past S.A.M. officers in August. All of these performers starred in shows all week. Left to right top row: Former RVP Arty Kidwell, Dean and PNP George Schindler, PNP Richard Dooley, PNP Bruce Kalver and PNP Mark Weidhaaas. Photo courtesy Michael Riley. Click the image to enlarge.

Parent Assembly #1 - May 4, 2011 - Close up Night — Eric DeCamps opens the show to a packed auditorium. Performers were Jordan Linker, Steve Dane, David Murillo, Brett Schulmsn, Christopher Shelton, Matt Hughes, Jared Molton, J.P Laramee, Magick Balay and Eric Decamps. Click the image to enlarge.

March 30, 2011 - The members of Tom Prete Assembly 127 have honored long time member Dick Hodes by designating him as the Dean of Assembly 127. Dick Hodes has been a member of Assembly 127 since it was chartered in 1976 and has been involved in the New England Magicians Conference - NEMCON, since it began in 1987. Dick is a mentor, advisors, writer, painter and friend to all.

March, 2011 - Picture from the event. Left to right Eric DeCamps, Oscar Munoz, honoree Pat Guida, Angela Funovitz, Rocco, Reuben Moreland, George Schindler and Geoff Williams. Click the image to enlarge, and click here for a review of the event.

March 1, 2011 - Congratulations to Professor Bob Friedhoffer, the "magical scientist" who was just named by New York's Parent Assembly #1 of the Society of American Magicians as their "Magician of the Year 2011". He is the author of over 30 children's books on magic and science. Friedhoffer uses his exciting and unique shows to astound, mystify, edify and entertain, bringing Magic and Science together. Professor Friedhoffer receives his award on May 14 at the 102nd annual "Salute to Magic Show". Further information may be found at www.sampa1.com.

March 1, 2011 - Assembly 118 will hold the Greater New England Magic Contest on Saturday April 2, 2011, with performances from 10:00am to 4:30pm. The event will be held at Nashua Church of Christ, 97 Farley Road, Nashua, NH, with categories being Children's, Stage & Parlor, Close-up, Comedy, Mentalism & Mystery Performing, and youth performer. Judges Eddie Gardner, Tucker Goodman, & B. J. Hickman expect a fantastic show for everyone. Costs are $20 per performer, $5 per audience member, $20 per family maximum. Registration is important - please click here to download full info and registration forms.

January 10, 2011 - A special party of more than 35 people was arranged to celebrate longtime memberships in the S.A.M. - Arthur Mayou, oldest member of the Assembly for 55 years (left) and Dean of the Assembly; Parker Swan (right) a member for 50 years; RVP Tucker Goodman read a letter from the President and presented plaques and pins. Dean George Schindler presented citations to both members. Photos courtesy Nina Schindler, click to enlarge. See also the story in the MetroWest Daily News.

December, 2010 - Ron Ishimaru (left) receives the ABRA (Area's Best Recruiter Award) from RVP Ice McDonald. Click the image to view a larger copy.

Port St. Lucie, October 22 - Alan Greenwood received a Presidential citation from MI Mark Weidhaas on the left. Alan is a 31 year member of the S A M, assembly # 172 - President Elect Vinny Grosso shown at right.

On Friday June 4, 2010 the Record Holders Republic (institute for the authentication and registrar of World Records) presented the Parent Assembly #1 of the Society of American Magicians with the World Record for the Longest Running Continuous Annual Magic Show in the World for the 2010 Edition of the Salute to Magic... 101 years strong and counting! Photo, L to R: 2010/2011 PA # 1 Officers Isaac Rodriguez, Rene Clement, Margaret Steele, James Kelly along with (holding certificates) PP PA # 1 Sal Perotta, PA # 1 Dean Eric DeCamps, Paul Gertner; Record Holders Republic (RHR) US President, Dr. David Adamovich and RHR US Vice President Thomas Blacke. Dexter Lane Photo.

May 18, 2010 - S.A.M President Mike Miller will be honored at the Assembly #4 Banquet and Show June 17. The dinner will take place at the American Legion Hall in Philadelphia with a show featuring Al and Rebecca Lloyd, Jeff, Bob Little and Dean George Schindler and Nina. Information: Peter Cuddihy 859-489-3459 or www.sam4.org.

May 1, 2010 - "Salute to Magic" show honors Bob Fitch as "Magician of the Year 2010". The 101st presentation of the "Salute" featured Paul Gertner's "Ten Fingers" show in two sold out performances. Photo, left to right: Producer Eric De Camps, PA#1 President Sal Perotta, and Bob Fitch. Photo courtesy of Dexter Lane.

Posted April 19, 2010 - The one-day convention was held Saturday March 13, 2010 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cromwell Connecticut. On Friday night, Bob Fitch gave an interactive lecture on performance techniques for registrants staying over at the hotel.

On Saturday, the morning close-up show featured world champions Marc Oberon and Arthur Trace, along with Ali Shelley, John Henry and Bob Fitch who dazzled the audience with his coin work. A new addition to the convention was the Saturday sell-out luncheon with the performers hosting a table. Lectures throughout the day included; Gene Anderson, Arthur Trace and award winning lecture by Marc Oberon. Everyone found the time to visit the 13 dealers in the new, expanded dealer’s room.

The evening show played to a capacity crowd and featured Gene Anderson as the evenings MC, Melissa Russo, John Henry, Marc Oberon; with Arthur Trace closing the show with his FISM act. NEMCON Chairman Henry Holava presented convention honoree Joe Cabral with a plaque for his achievement in magic and contribution to NEMCON.

Plans will soon be underway for the 30th Anniversary convention to be held March 12, 2011. Visit www.ctNEMCON.com for future convention updates.

Charlie Cambra and Father Cyprian Murray

NEMCON honoree Joe Cabral and Chairman Henry Holava

Marc Oberon, John Henry, Joe Cabral, Bob Fitch, Gene Anderson Ali Shelley, Arthur Trace, Melissa Russo

February 3, 2010 - S.A.M. Assembly 252 - Alexandria, VA, is presenting a magic show to raise money for the relief efforts in Haiti. The show will be February 12th at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia. All costs for the show have been donated, so all income will go directly to the relief efforts. Strolling magicians and a silent auction begin at 7pm. The stage show begins at 8pm. We are fortunate to have a great 780 seat theater for this. If you're in the area, please attend.

January 21, 2010 - Professor Rem honored as "Dean" of the Assembly. Left to right: MI Mike Miller, President Tony Antonelli, Professor Rem and PNP Bruce Kalver. Photo by Brian Hurlburt, click to enlarge.

January 11, 2010, Miami, FL - World renowned magician, Fantasio, was named Dean of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly 280 / Magic City Conjurers in Miami, Florida. Ricardo Roucau, better known around the world as Fantasio, appeared countless times on the Ed Sullivan Show, was the magician for the Beatles debut on that show, has opened for Liberace and numerous other celebrities and has performed around the world. The title of Dean is a lifetime one and is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a magician by any assembly. Photo: Fantasio with PNP Maria Ibanez. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted December 8, 2009 - At the annual Assembly #24 (Capital Region-NY) Christmas party December 8, Clem Kinnicutt was officially honored and named "Dean" of the Assembly." The presentation was made by National Council officers, Dean George Schindler, Second Vice President Vinny Grosso, Regional Vice President Pat Colby and Joe Goode, the Assembly president. This was followed by congratulatory film clip by the members of the National Council and a live Skype visual phone message from National President Mike Miller. A show followed with Joe Goode, Singer grand daughter Jordan Kinnicutt, Dave McDonald, Pat Colby and George Schindler. Photos of the event are available at http://sam24.synthasite.com/. PHOTO: Left to right: Joe Goode, George Schindler, Clem Kinnicutt, Pat Colby, Vinny Grosso. Click to enlarge.

Posted November 27, 2009 - Vinny Grasso presents Certificates at November Counci Meeting. Photo at right, left to right: Tom Waldrop, Tom Cramer, Michael Roth, Vinny Grosso, Christopher Bontjes looks on. Photos courtesy Mike Roth. Click the images to enlarge.

Posted November 22, 2009 - While The Illusion performs in the background, the other performers in the Rock & Roll Magic Show take their well deserved curtain call. From left to right the performers are Joe Biernacki, Ric Ewing, Kara Ewing, Germar, Roy Porfido, Douglass the Magic Man, Bob Steiner, Danielle Lamb, Reggie and Jerry Barrilleaux, Loren Lind, and Timothy James. Click the image to enlarge. (Walnut Creek - Dean Lesher Center)

Posted November 22, 2009 - From November 16 - Presidents pose with Dean George Schindler at MEF Sponsored lecture. Left to right: San Francisco Assy #2 President Tamaka, George, PNP Bob Steiner, standing PNP Loren Lind. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted November 12, 2009 - S.A.M. Members attending the annual Broken Wand Ceremony at the Houdini Grave Site, Nov 10, 2009. PA#1 members left to right are Paul Hsiao, Jim Stranges, Bruce Lish, Rabbi Noach Valley, George Schindler, Arthur Ashendorf, and Rabbi Jack Glickman, Plus Tony Corrao of Assembly #77. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted October 24, 2009 - The Assembly 170, Pikes Peak Prestidigitators show, 10/24/09, raised $600 for homeless in Colorado Springs. Back Row L-R: Mark Weidhaas, Gary Klatt, Tom Paine, Dick Bowman, Bruce Black, Larry Mahan, Frank Klein, Chris Faria, Steve Hirthler. Front Row: David Wintermute, James Wintermute, Benji Bruce, Branden Darcell, Blake Nielsen Click to enlarge.

October 17, 2009 - The Westside Wizards presented a benefit show to raise money for several schools in the Los Angeles area. More than 250 people we present to see our first benefit show. The show lasted more than two hours and was enjoyed by all. Performance Participants: Les Cooper, Raul Fernandez, David Cotelessa, Don Kenny, Timothy Mannix, Frank Padilla, Jr., Alexander Scianna, Rhoel Garcia, Wendy Sobel. Performances raised more than $500.00 for the schools!

Alex Scianna	David Cotalessa	Don Kenney
Ice MacDonald and Raul Fernandez	Les Cooper	Wendy Sobel
Rhoel Garcia	Tim Mannix	Post Show Cast Picture

October 1, 2009 - Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 24th at 3:00pm and be sure to attend the 9th year of this wonderful benefit show. For full details, download a flyer here that details contact info, who is benefitted and other pertinent info.

September 11, 2009 - The Installation of Officers and an Honor Evening for new PA Dean Eric DeCamps was one of there Assembly's most successful events in many years. The ceremony was hosted by Bob Fitch. National Officers Mike Miller, Vinny Grosso, George Schindler and RVP Pat Colby were on hand to witness a star studded show emceed by Meir Yedid, who presented the performers; George Schindler, David Corsaro, Margaret Steele, Alan "Ace" Greenberg, Steve Rodman, Tom Gaudette, Mike Miller, George Saterial, Marc DeSouza and Mark Mitton. Over 220 people were in attendance!

Eric DeCamps accepts a "team" shirt from Mike Miller - Bob Fitch looks on.

Dr. Steve Gross officiated at the installation. Photo Dexter Lane.

Posted July 22, 2009 - Birthday magic was the theme of our July meeting. We celebrated the 90th birthday of compeer and Life Member #24, John Marenholtz. Our president and host Angelo, put out a nice spread of hotdogs, burgers, potato salad and fries. Members Dan Sclare, Rick St. Pierre, Angelo Chirico and our Dean Bob Killian performed birthday magic for John. John received birthday cards and notes from our Regional VP Tucker Goodman, National Secretary Marlene Clark, Our new National president Mike Miller, and the Dean of the SAM George Schindler. John also received cards from some of our members who could not attend. These included Soll Levine and our secretary Dana Ring. They were attending the National Convention in Buffalo. It would not be a party without cake, so we ended our birthday meeting by surprising John with a SAM birthday cake. A magical time was had by all! Happy birthday John! "You do have friends in the SAM!" - Dan Sclare VP for Dana Ring Scribe and Secretary.

John's Friends in the SAM, from left to right: Cal Vinick, Dave Edwards, Bob "Doc" Teraila, Rick St. Pierre, Angelo Chirico, Ray Lorenzo, John, Bill Smyth, Dean Bob Killian, Dave Garrity and Dan Sclare.

The Birthday Cake!

Birthday Boy and Life Member #24 John Marenhottz

Posted June 5, 2009 - Parent Assembly #1 of the Society of American Magicians in New York elected Eric De Camps as their new Dean, succeeding the late Sam Schwartz. Mr. De Camps has been a member for 27 years and was Parent Assembly #1 "Magician of the Year" in 1996. He is currently on their Board of Directors. Eric earned a Gold Medal and is a Life Member of the Society. - His "Pure Magic" show is currently running in New York City until the end of June.

Posted May 27, 2009 - National Historian Tom Ewing will be honored at the Assembly #4 Banquet and Show June 18. The dinner will take place at the American Legion Hall in Philadelphia with a show featuring Al and Rebecca Lloyd, Mike Bonacci, Doc Swan, Tommy McDonnell, William Rauscher and President Elect Mike Miller. If you wish to attend you need to call Peter Cuddihy 859-489-3459 or go to www.sam4.org. Dinner and show $ 30.00.

Posted May 16, 2009 - New York Mayor Bloomberg proclaimed May 16 as "Society of American Magicians Magic Day" in New York City honoring Parent Assembly #1's 100th Anniversary of the "Salute to Magic" show. President Ken Ferst displays the proclamation. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted April 9, 2009 - It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of a magic friend. Seth Ossinsky, 42, passed away March 29 during heart surgery. What I remember most about Seth was his smile, always in a mischievous mood. For those closest to him know that he was a very giving person, loved animals and loved keeping in touch with magicians on the phone or the Internet. Seth grew up in the Daytona Beach area and worked for Daytona Magic for a few years before moving to Phoenix, Arizona. He was a "goodwill ambassador" for Daytona at various events and in local parades as "Daytona's #1 Nerd", which was his character. Seth was General Chairman for one of the Florida Magicians Association conventions, was past President of the Daytona SAM Assembly, loved clowning and working with schools. He always dreamed big and never accepted the word "impossible". — Dan Stapleton

Posted March 27, 2009 -

Tom Prete Assembly 127 hosted a successful 28th Annual New England Magicians Conference (NEMCON). The one-day convention was held Saturday March 14th at its new location the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cromwell Connecticut. On Friday night, Eric DeCamps hosted a performance workshop for registrants staying over at the hotel. Young Zach Ivins and convention chairman Henry Holava performed for the workshop.

On Saturday, the day started off with a close-up show featuring Charlie Cambra, Eric DeCamps, Bob Little, Eugene Burger, and Shawn Farquhar. Lectures throughout the day included; Levent, Shawn Farquhar and Eugene Burger and everyone found the time to visit the 16 dealers in our new, expanded dealer’s room.

A record 300 people packed the Crown Plaza ballroom for the evening show. NEMCON Chairman Henry Holava and Assembly 127 President Bill Hoagland presented convention honoree Bob Little with a plaque for his life-time achievement in magic. A spectacular evening show followed featuring MC Bob Little, David Boyd, Eugene Burger, Levent and Shawn Farquhar. Each act was given a standing ovation. Plans are underway for the 29th NEMCON convention to be held March 13, 2010. Visit Assembly 127’s web site at www.ctNEMCON.com for future convention up dates.

Bob Little, Levent, David Boyd, Eugene Burgher, Hanna Farquhar, Lori Farquhar and Shawn Farquhar.

Assembly 127 President Bill Hoagland, NEMCON Honoree Bob Little and NEMCON Chairman Henry Holava

Charlie Cambra

Click the images to enlarge.

Posted March 8, 2009 - Parent Assembly #1 named George Gilbert it's "Magician of the Year 2009" Presentation will be made at the historic "100th" Annual Salute to Magic show May 16 in NYC. Details at www.sampa1.com. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted January 14, 2009 - Assembly #007, Omaha, Nebraska honored Pete Petrashek with the David P. Abbott Award. Wizard Banquet was attended by President Bruce Kalver who presented Pete with a Presidential Citation. Left to right First VP Mark Weidhaas, PNP Jay Gorham. Pete and MI Bruce Kalver. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted Nov 24, 2008- Left to right: Fred Pitella, Jerry Weisenberg, George Schindler, Bruce Lish, Rabbi Noach Valley, Rabbi Jack Glickman and Arthur Ashendorf. Photo by Ethan Silverman photo; click to enlarge.

Posted Nov 1, 2008- A very successful National Council Meeting got lots of work done and the great hospitality of Assemblies 18 and 157 made the weekend great fun. A pre-meeting show featured the talents of Doug Reis, John Hromada, Ray Lucas, Howard Mincone, Bill Cornelius and Ray and Debora Witkowki. After the Saturday meeting, car pools took the council members to a great restaurant overlooking the three rivers. Assembly members drove us to the Cuckoo's Nest Magic Shop and back to the hotel. Small groups met for dinner and nightlife sightseeing. John Apperson and his committee found a great theater for the 2011 Pittsburgh convention at the Hilton Hotel. Many thanks to both Assemblies. Click here for a photo gallery by Mark Zajicek, George Schindler and Manon Rodrigues.