The February meeting will be our annual Chinese Night at the Mandarin Super Buffet on 400 Highland Ave. in Salem.  Here is a link to a map:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=400+Highland+Ave&city=&state=&zipcode=01970. 

Cost will be $5 per member, and $14.00 per guest, tax and tip included.

J solicited suggestions for other programs members would like.

Connie Condon proposed a BYOM night - Bring Your Old Magic.  The idea would be to bring those old tricks that have been lying around for years and that you’ve forgotten how to use.

One night will be the vest-making session, which might also include care of your costume.

Everyone seemed to like the idea of continuing with the quickies - a demonstration of one or two balloons, facepainting designs, or magic tricks.

Bruce suggested a comedy workshop on patter, stand-up, anything funny.  Do we want to bring in a professional stand up comic?  It would cost more than our standard $50.  Dana suggested Johnny Peasy.  Alan knows a gospel minister who is also a stand-up comedian.  Rich Gordon knows of a woman who does a laughter workshop.

Margo made the point that is has to be someone who is experienced at teaching the art of comedy, not just someone who is funny.

Rich suggested a juggling class.  J said that would have to bean outdoor summer event.

Alan suggested hospital clowning.  J mentioned Steve Cook of the Big Apple Circus.  It could be a seminar, or just a show.

Bruce suggested a marketing night.  Others thought that might be better suited to the 10 minute quickie segments.

Eric suggested having someone speak about nursing homes, which he says are always looking for entertainers.  They have budgets.

Alan can get bookings for anyone who wants to go to his VA in Bedford,  We could even have a meeting there, combined with a training session.

Clown Day will be Saturday, Aug. 2.  J asked for a volunteer to head up Clown Day.  No one volunteered, so J will contact the Willows and also Parks and Recreation.

J also asked for a volunteer to write up Clown Day and submit it to the Calliope.  Bruce will write it up.

Dues are due, $25 per person, and $12.50 for family members.  You may mail your dues to Alley 54,

42 Tremont St.

Salem, MA 01970

J and Royal will be running a Santa School this summer.

Sunshine

Perky is back in the hospital.  His cancer surgery went well, but he suffered a ruptured appendix.

Clair Marcotte’s husband is very ill, in hospice.

Charlie Sable’s cancer is back.  He is undergoing treatment.  Other than that he is doing well.  He is physically active.

Show and Tell

J arrived at a gig on Christmas Eve day about 50 minutes early.  He was sitting in his car, passing time, when a police car pulled up.  Someone reported a suspicious Santa.

Rie showed a Christmas card from Emmet Kelly and family.  That’s the grandson of the original Emmet Kelly, and an accomplished clown himself.

J heard from Willie Whistle, who once appeared at Clown Day.

Cheezo mentioned an old DVD with Larry Harmon as Bozo and Frank Avruch.  That brought up the idea of a video night.

J said he would like to see a makeup night - a workshop to put on a different style of makeup, or a lite-makeup face.  Alan suggested doing somebody else’s face.

Meeting Adjourned