NEWSLETTER
Looking Ahead to a New Season for SAM 161
A new season for SAM Assembly 161 is just around the corner, and we’re looking forward to another year filled with magic, fellowship, lectures, and opportunities to share our love of the art.
I’m pleased to report that David Jonathan will present our first lecture of the season. The date is September 14th at the Stoney Brook Grille, The lecture begins at 7:30. Come early and enjoy dinner beginning at 5:30. For those not familiar with David, a brief biography is provided below.
David Jonathan is an internationally acclaimed magician, mentalist, and creator known for blending modern technology, everyday props, and psychological sleight of hand into practical, best-selling magic effects. He has won multiple industry awards, including Creator of the Year and Trick of the Year, and collaborates with major magic companies worldwide. You will find numerous videos of David on YouTube.
NEW POLICIES: As we prepare for September, we will be making changes to our dues, lecture fees, fundraising activities and Volunteer program. These adjustments will help us keep the Assembly financially healthy while continuing to provide the quality programming and services our members have come to enjoy. Here’s what you can expect:
ANNUAL DUES: Annual membership dues are $30 for both in-person and Zoom members. Zoomers must pay their dues before the first meeting. (Current members can enjoy a 50% reduction is dues if they bring in a new member). Non-members will not receive the Zoom link. Payment methods are provided below. The fee for those that are joining is $40.00 (Dues $30/Lecture$10)
LECTURES: We plan to present a minimum of three paid lectures during the coming season. Because professional lecture fees and related technology expenses have increased, the $10 fee for these special programs will apply to both in-person and Zoom participants. Dues ($30) plus lecture fee ($10) will be collected at our September meeting. If Zooming, you must pay in advance.
Guests are welcome to attend our lectures for a fee of $20. This applies to both Zoom and in-person attendees. In-person attendees may pay the lecture fee at the door. Zoom attendees are required to pay in advance of the meeting.
More Convenient Ways to Pay: We are accepting dues payments right now.
To make things easier for our members, we have diversified our payment methods. Assembly accounts with Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are now available. Dues ($30) plus lecture fee ($10) for September meeting total $40. To receive the meeting link, Zoomers must pay in advance. Payment options are provided below.
If you desire to pay by check, make your checks out to Card, Coin & Crystal and mail them to Gregory Ferdinand, 10 Chelsea Drive, Randolph, NJ 07869 or, pay at the door.
Our PayPal address is samassembly161@gmail.com (please use "friends/family to help us avoid service fees)
Our Zelle address is Gregory.ferdinand@gmail.com
Our Venmo address is Gregory-Ferdinand-2
And, as we have done in the past, when permitted by our lecturers, recordings of the lectures will be made available to those who attended, whether in person or via Zoom.
Additional Activities & Fundraising: In addition to our regular schedule of meetings, we are exploring some fun new opportunities to support the Assembly, including an auction and the possible return of our popular 50-50 raffle. Our Volunteer Program is also being revitalized. Opportunities to entertain at the Lyons VA Hospital will return in November. In October, I hope to inaugurate a project with Cornerstone Family Programs for entertainment at their Morris County Adult Day Care facility. If you're interested in participating in the Volunteer Program, let me know. Depending on the support and outcome, we will expand these opportunities further.
Our goal with these changes is simple: to keep SAM 161 strong, active, and able to continue bringing quality magic programming to our members for years to come.
We appreciate your continued support of Assembly 161 and, most importantly, your participation. Whether you join us in person or through Zoom, you are an important part of our magic community. We look forward to seeing everyone in September and to another great season of magic!
Please visit our website (www.sam161.com) to keep up with the latest Assembly activity.