January - So far - so good...

January newsletter...

1. WHAT'S NEW?

My jumping business card. Yes, I have gone green. There's even a green frog printed on the back of my business card. Check out the link on my magic show page of www.BJHickman.com. It's real easy to fold a business card (or playing card) so it looks (and jumps) like a frog.

Welcome to new Ohio friends who attended my PediaTRICKS presentations. Thanks for all who signed up for this newsletter. I promised the link to the video on how to make those hopping business card frogs (above). Simple as it is, young children just love them.

I'm thrilled and honored to have been asked to lecture this year at the annual convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (in Nashville). It's my 40th year as a member of the organization. Details at:
http://www.magician.org/portal/en/node/670

Remember, referrals are appreciated!

Please check out a video from a recent BJ Hickman speaking presentation. Go to: http://www.youtube.com/v/rlwQ8xlrp6w. Please forward it to someone you know in health care.

Magician/Speaker and friend John Cooper came up with the name "Hickman's Happenings" for this e-newsletter when he suggested YEARS ago that I keep in touch with clients, prospects, friends and fans with an email newsletter. John passed away December 28. Support for the family can be sent to his wife, Cathi Cooper, 101 Beulah Drive, Anderson SC 29625 USA. Financial contributions can also be addressed to: The JOHN V. COOPER FUND, c/o Regions Bank, 3404 Clemson Boulevard, Anderson SC 29621.

My other e-newsletter for performing artists and speakers is the "T-Report." "T" is for tasteful, tips, tricks, and techniques for improving our shows, other presentations and marketing. A place to learn and share. Subscribe on my magicians only page at www.BJHickman.com. Magician and friend Jeff McBride shares some tips in recent issues.

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2. THOUGHT (Quote) FOR THE MONTH:

"With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come." -Barack Obama, 1/20/09

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3. Thanks to my business of the month, Geno's Chowder and Sandwich Shop, 177 Mechanic St., Portsmouth, NH. Geno's is now in their 44th year! Check out www.GenosChowder.com.

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4. NEWS RELEASE OF THE MONTH:

December Ice Storm Yields Magical March Anne-Marie House Fundraiser(For release – January 22, 2009)

A special performance of The BJ Hickman Magic Show to benefit Anne-Marie House of Hudson is rescheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 1:30 due to the ice storm in December. The show will be at Nashua Lodge of Elks, 120 Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua. This will be a full hour family magic show with fun magic, audience participation, and will include magic instruction so children will be able to learn a few tricks. Some magic tricks and souvenirs will be available for sale with proceeds also to benefit Anne-Marie House.

Anne-Marie House of Hudson, New Hampshire is operated by The Greater Nashua Interfaith Hospitality Network (GNIHN). The Anne-Marie House accommodates up to 24 persons, where families experiencing homelessness are offered food, shelter and supportive services. There are three staff persons overseeing this program, and more than 400 active volunteers who offer their time and talents to make the Anne-Marie House a “home …for now.”

For more information, Director of Anne-Marie House, Laurie Skibba, can be reached at 603-883-7338. For general inquires, email laskibba@gnihn.org. For donations, email donations@gnihn.org. More information is at www.gnihn.org.
Magician BJ Hickman entertains family audiences primarily throughout New England. The success of three instructional videotapes has earned him invitations to lecture at conferences and conventions for colleagues. In recent years, BJ has taken his experience to the domain of speaking for various groups. In his humorous keynote presentation or workshop, "PediaTRICKS.com," he instructs children's health care
professionals about keeping patients comfortable and relaxed in the doctor’s office. He and his family live in Dover.

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5. What's the next "stage" in the life of BJ Hickman?

BJ Hickman's Schedule Highlights for January, 2009:St. Mary's Church, Dover, NH, 10:00, January 4.Portsmouth, NH. (private).St. Ann's, Dover, NH.Tyngsboro, MA.Clubhouse, Derry, NH.Creative Growing, NH.VACATION.....Maine Fairs Association Conference, Portland.BJ Hickman Magic Newspaper Distribution begins for 2009 edition.Balsoms Resort, Dixville Notch, NH.

February Highlights:Balsoms Resort, Dixville Notch, NH.York, ME.Springfield, MA.Hartland Recreation, VT., 7:30PM, Friday, Feb.6.Derry (NH) Parks and Recreation Frost Festival, Masonic Building, Sat., Feb. 14, 1:00PM.Wells (ME) Public Library, Tues., Feb. 17, 2:00PM.Gunstock Ski Area (NH).New Franklin School, Portsmouth, NH.Manchester, NH (private).House party in Berwick, ME.

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6. PARTLY PERSONAL

We had the WHOLE family here (at home in New Hampshire) for the holidays. Hikes in the woods with my son, Dan (and my brother Bill), shopping, daughter Jenny helping with souvenir sales at my First Night Boston shows, Donna cooking, son-in-law Fran helping Jen clean her old room, shopping, visiting other relatives, a wonderful Christmas! Happy New Year!

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7. LINKS:

For further information about BJ Hickman Family Entertainment and Speaking Services, please go to these websites:

www.BJHickman.com. This is BJ Hickman's home page, which will connect to all departments. www.PediaTRICKS.com. This is specific to speaking engagements for groups of professionals who work with children.
www.InventiveTeacher.com. Details here about BJ's teacher professional development in-services. A wonderful artist: www.CarolAllisonArt.com

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8. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED:

Another call this week from a Mom wanting to book a show for her daughter's birthday party. She said I did a magic show at hers when she was a little girl. And I'm still having the time of my life!