President Jack White works mid-year magic at trustees meeting
By Bobby Warren

Until I was asked to deliver a report Jan. 23, 2010, at the mid-year meeting of the International Brotherhood of Magicians' Board of Trustees, I had never met International President Jack White. I had the honor and privilege of doing so at the meeting.

Those who have followed President White's health challenges through his column in The Linking Ring have an insight into what he has had to endure. However, at the meeting I met someone who was not feeling sorry about his predicament, rather someone who was tackling everything life was throwing at him and prevailing. It was clear President White is at the helm of the world's largest magic organization.
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After his spinal cord stroke, his body might not be able to do the things it once did, but his mind remains sharp. Throughout the meeting, President White's deep, resonating voice guided all through the agenda and ensuing discussion. And, throughout it all, he displayed a firmness in taking care of business, but he treated everyone with dignity, respect, and grace. He never failed to thank someone for delivering a report or contributing some way to the business at hand.

President White also expressed pleasure the Annual Convention is coming to his hometown, and he speaks about this in the video below. It also became apparent I.B.M. Ring 76 is excited, too.

President White and the members of the Honest Sid Gerhart Ring played host to the I.B.M. trustees, their guests, and a contingent from the Society of American Magicians, including President Mike Miller, who attended the mid-year meeting. They treated the visitors to dinner, beverages, and a magic show at President White's magic museum.

I.B.M. leadership has spoken about the hospitality displayed by the local Ring when the Annual Convention was held in Nashville, Tenn., in 2009, and it seems the San Diego Ring will give them a run for the money. They are excited about being part of the convention and making it a success.

The 2010 Annual Convention is shaping up to be a good one.