“Thanks so much for the fantastic performance. Your show was very entertaining! I especially loved how relevant your show was to libraries, literacy and the 2010 Summer Reading programming.”
     -Sheri Miller, Whitman County Library

 I also put together a little montage of comments from librarians and patrons about my Aquifer Man show.  Listen live at http://twaud.io/gwm.  If you’re into this kind of stuff and want to hear the news as it breaks*, follow me on twitter. 

*I try and post info a couple of times a month!

Yesterday was a fun evening on the 4th of July for Tumwater’s Thunder Valley festival.  It’s my tenth year performing for the event!  It was especially cool working with the incomparable juggler Rhys Thomas.  His wit is sharper than his knives! 

Here’s the advance invitation for the Washington School Assembly Showcase.  This year it is hosted by The Seattle Public Library (thanks Amy Twito!) and is on Sunday, September 26, 2010 from noon – 5:00 pm.  Get all the details at www.assemblyshowcase.com.  A full report with info on the presenters will follow soon**. 

** a couple of weeks?

Jayanne Bixby at the Langley and Freeland Libraries writes, “Yesterday we hosted Jeff Evans and “the Magical Adventures of Aquifer Man” at both the Langley and Freeland libraries. He was fabulous! It was a perfect start to our summer. He had the kids and the adults mesmerized by his magic tricks and giggling at his jokes. He did an excellent job promoting the library and immediately following his program all of our books on magic were checked out. We are already making plans to bring him back.”

Then it was off to the Palouse and Cougar country.  Although I visited the Neill Public Library (Pullman) last year, the late and recent rains kept the wheat fields a fantastic green.  The blue sky, white clouds, and occasional red barn in the sea of green was phenomenal. 

Moscow Arts Commission's DJ Scallorn writes, "I just wanted to thank you so much for such a great show last night at East City Park. I have received nothing but great comments!!!"

More and more libraries are holding their programs in alternate locations because their meeting space simply isn’t big enough.  In Olympia my program was held at Evergreen Villages.  In Monroe it was held at their beautiful new YMCA. 

In Colfax it was held outside at a nearby park.  In Clinton it was held at the community center. 

In Stanwood I performed outdoors on the “Gypsy Stage.”  Weather was beautiful all week and shows indoors and out were great! 

Catch my Summer Reading show this week at these libraries:

• June 28 at 10:00 am, Peninsula Library (Gig Harbor)
• June 28 at 10:40 am, Peninsula Library (Gig Harbor)
• June 28 at 1:00 pm, University Place Library
• June 29 at 10:00 am, Dupont Library
• June 29 at 1:00 pm, LakewoodLibrary
• June 29 at 3:00 pm, Tillicum Library
• June 29 at 7:00 pm, Bothell Library
• June 30 at 11:00 am, Burien Library
• June 30 at 2:00 pm, Federal Way Library
• June 30 at 3:30 pm, Federal Way Library
• July 1 at 10:30 am, Covington Library
• July 1 at 1:00 pm, Fairwood Library
• July 1 at 4:00 pm, Issaquah (private party)
• July 2 at 1:00 pm, Key Center Library
• July 2 at 4:00 pm, Kent (private party)
• July 3 at 12:00 pm, Olympia (private party)
• July 4 at 6:30 pm, Tumwater’s Thunder Valley

On the 4th of July I return to the City of Tumwater’s “Thunder Valley” and Artesian Family Festival.  It’s my ninth consecutive year!  Gates open at 6:00 pm; my magic show is at 6:30 pm, Rhys Thomas (my favorite juggler) is at 7:30 pm, skydivers drop in at 8:45 pm, and fireworks blast off at 10:15 pm.

Next week is the official kick-off to a super-busy summer.  You and your friends are welcome to attend.  I recommend my library shows for ages 5+.  All of my shows at libraries are free, but they are very popular and seating is limited.  You may want to call your library in advance and see if they give out free tickets for seating in advance or what their process is. 

• June 19 at 1:15 pm; Olympia Library
• June 20 at 3:00 pm; Burien Library (strolling magic)
• June 21 at 11:00 am; Redmond Library
• June 21 at 3:00 pm; Evergreen Villages; Olympia
• June 22 at 1:00 and 3:00 pm, Oak Harbor Library
• June 22 at 7:00 pm; Clinton Library
• June 23 at 10:00 am; Langley Library
• June 23 at 1:00 pm; Coupeville Library
• June 23 at 4:00 pm; Freeland Library
• June 24 at 1:00 pm; Colfax Library
• June 25 at 6:00 pm; Moscow Library
• June 25 at 1:30 am and 1:30 pm; Neill Library
• June 26 at 11:00 am; Marysville Library
• June 26 at 1:30 pm; Stanwood Library
• June 26 at 4:30 pm; Monroe Library

The rumor is true – I’m doing a RAP ROUTINE this year!  Thanks to my magic pals Alex Zerbe, Payne, Jacob, John, and Bob who helped critique my new material.

Last week the Bigfoot Clown Alley in Fife invited me to teach their members some simple sleight of hand.  Clowns use magic a lot in their work, from birthday parties to festivals. 

Based on the goofy look on the boys face, I guess the trick worked!  Thanks to Sean Melicher, professional clown and photographer, for the great picture.

“Your assembly was a HUGE success and a GREAT way to help motivate our kids to do their best on their upcoming MSP testing. Your content was perfect and memorable for all our schools ages. Thanks again and we look forward to next year.”
     -Kara Supnet, Kirkwood Elementary PTO 

In doing research for my assembly I found a lot of useful tips for helping children focus at school.  Here are a few that are easy to implement, and they’re NOT just for kids.  Following these three tips is a formula for success for adults, too! 

Set a Decent Bedtime and Make it a Habit

Look at the way pro athletes prepare to compete and the way that they take care of their bodies.  They get a good night’s rest, and it’s a recipe for YOU to do your best, too. 

Proper rest helps you focus the next day.  The National Institute of Health recommends that children and adolescents get at least nine hours of sleep each night.  In addition to not being able to focus well, sleep-deprived kids are more prone to accidents and behavior problems in school. 

Eat Nutritious and Healthy Meals

You’ve heard it before, and it’s true - breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  It’s the fuel that gets you going.  It literally means “break the fast”, and if you skip breakfast you’ll pay for it later on. 

Fruit, eggs, whole grain toast, oatmeal, and low-sugar cereal are examples of healthy breakfast foods that will help increase focus at school.  And good nutrition doesn’t end with a healthy breakfast.  Students need good nutrition all day in order to focus better at school. 

Pack healthy lunches.  If you eat the school lunch, teach them how to choose healthy foods.  Likewise, having a healthy after school snack and dinner are also an important part of increasing a child’s focus at school. 

Engage in Regular Exercise

A research article in a journal published by the American College of Sports Medicine listed regular physical activity as a factor in improving academic achievement.  Additionally, varios research studies have shown correlations between regular exercise and decreases in anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms. 

 The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports reports that regular exercise is a factor in immune health.  Children who exercise regularly have fewer colds and upper respiratory infections.  Regular exercise can be as simpela s walking to and form school if the schools is a moderate distance and there is a safe route.  Encourage your kids to skate or ride a bike instead of being driven to local places when there are safe routes. 

Encourage physical activity by inviting the whole family to play games like touch football land tag.  Let your child discover a sport that they enjoy and encourage them to participate.  Sports are not only great exercise, but can encourage kids to grow in communication and interacting with others. 

Sports are an important part of my life.  I’ve met a lot of my best friends  through various activities.  If I don’t get to do something physical at least once every few days I stary to feel tired and complacent. 

Speaking of which, I need to take a break from the computer right now!  It’s time for a small healthy snack (sliced apple in the kitchen) and then off to bed for a good night’s sleep

Science Magician Jeff Evans pours hot water over dry ice to give a smoky effect during a special program at the Yelm Timberland Library. Photo by Melanie Lockhart.

Tricky guy puts on show at library

by Melanie Lockhart
Nisqually Valley News
Friday, April 9, 2010
 

Science magician Jeff Evans wowed a packed house Wednesday the Yelm Timberland Library.

Children filled the library’s living room as Evans conducted various science experiments and magic tricks.

The children were impressed as Evans poured hot water over dry ice to create a smoky effect. 

And when he bounced objects that shouldn’t bounce, such as a bottle of bubbles, the kids were in awe.

Evans used a hard surface to bounce a small dense black ball before handing it to a young boy who couldn’t produce the same results. 

“Some of the things I will do, you can do in your own home,” Evans said.

He educated the kids on molecules and how solids, liquids, and gases work.

Evans talked about density of some forms.  He first poured red-colored sugar water into a plastic container, followed by green-colored regular water, which floated above the denser sugar water.  He poured oil on top of that and blue-colored alcohol to complete the layered look. 

To illustrate the effects of air pressure, Evans had a small blue balloon in a jar.  He used a vacuum to suck the air out from the jar, which caused the balloon to expand.  The children answered with “woah” and loud applause.

The spring break special program was sponsored by the Friends of the Yelm Timberland Library.
 

***********
Learn more about Jeff’s Science Magic show at www.edumazement.com/science.html.

Showtime is 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 18.  It’s open to the public (with paid admission to the Fair).   My proram leads up to the he Science Fair awards ceremony whic begins at 6:00 pm.

Reporter Melanie Lockhart with the Nisqually Valley News stopped by to take photos, so I need to pick up a copy of the paper and see how it turned out. 

Friday I presented my Mission:  Possible respect and bully prevention assembly for Cosmopolis Elementary.  (They invited me for Science Magic just a little over a month ago, and the principal and staff were so impressed they wanted to book my other program immediately afterwards!) 

That evening I performed for Issaquah Parks and Recreation “Fantasy Night”.  The Youth Advisory Board planned a lot of activities, including games, sports, and creating magic wands and hats.  The magic show capped off the evening.  Thanks to Cathy Jones, recreation coordinator, for sharing a wonderful audio testimonial.  Learn more about my magic shows for parks and recreation departments.

This year I visited Wenatchee, Auburn, Federal Way, and Tacoma with my assembly.  Thanks to Mrs. Kelsey, principal at Meredith Hill Elementary in Federal Way, for sharing this wonderul audio review. 

Upcoming Public Shows

 The Timberland Regional Libraries – who I’ve been working with since 1991! – hold Family Read-Aloud special events throughout March.  I’m visiting several libraries in Thurston, Lewis, and Grays Harbor counties.  Shows are free and you’re invited! 

Saturday, March 6, 2010

• 10:30 am – Hoquiam Library
• 1:30 pm – Montesano Library

Saturday, March 13, 2010

• 11:30 am – Chehalis Library
• 2:30 pm – Centralia Library

Saturday, March 20, 2010

• 1:00 Hoodsport Library (Creative Conjuring Magic Show)
• 3:30 pm – Shelton Library (Creative Conjuring Magic Show)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

• 12:00 pm – Tenino Library
• 2:30 pm – Lacey Library

A couple of other non-library programs that are also open to the public include McLane Elementary’s annual fundraiser auction in Olympia on Friday, March 19 at 6:00 pm.  I am performing my Family Night Magic Show, broken into two-20 minute shows with a break in between for the live auction.  I believe there is a small admission fee. 

On Sunday, March 21 the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce sponsors me for the Home and Garden Show.  Many speakers and presenters are planned throughout the weekend.  My magic show happens in the Yardbirds Cinema at 1:00 pm and is free and open to the public.