IJA Notes IJA NotesThe announcement that second-row seats at crowded San Jose convention events were reserved for IJA Life Members set off a run on the new membership category.
Life Members pay a $250 fee either all at once or in $50 installments over the course of a year. Life Membership income goes into an IJA Financial Security Fund, set aside in endowment with the intention of remaining that way. Besides the reserved seating at convention events, life members receive a discount on IJA merchandise, laminated and numbered gold membership card, special listing in the Roster, first class mailing of "Juggler's World," and an IJA lapel pin and cloth patch.
Members signed up so far are:
Kevin Delagrange and The Rubber City Jugglers are planning an historical emphasis for the IJA's 40th anniversary convention in Akron, Ohio, next July 13-18.
Besides standard convention activities, juggling as part of the past 40 years of variety arts will be celebrated. An afternoon audio-visual seminar with IJA founders and vaudeville performers will convey a taste of "the way it was" for jugglers show circuits now dusty and gone. Founders and past presidents will be honored for their contributions to the organization through these years.
The old and new will share the stage for at least a half-dozen shows. Club Renegade reopens in Akron and IJA artists will flock to be seen.
The current plan calls for jogglers to make a three-day, 150-mile pilgrimage in reverse of sorts from Jamestown, N.Y., to Akron. Jamestown was the site of the first IJA convention. Interested athletes should contact Bill Giduz, IJA president (704/892-1296).
A special 40th anniversary edition of Juggler's World will appear next June to trace the history of the IJA and some of its most colorful and significant members.
Juggling clubs and affiliates can help the promotion with an afternoon juggling festival in their towns on Saturday, June 20, 1987. That's a Saturday close to June 17, which is the actual 40th year mark. Get together to get ready for Akron! Interested groups should contact IJA affiliate coordinator Keith Watson (813/398-4981) or 1988 convention chairman Tricia Allen (303/32BALLS).
If you would like to take part in any convention or 40th anniversary events, Kevin Delagrange can be reached 942 Palmetto, Akron, OH 44306 (216/724-0649).
Plans for the 1987 IJA Roster have survived programming difficulties to emerge intact and healthy. IJA thanks to John Robinson for his help in straightening out the quirks in our computer. Barring unforeseen catastrophe, the Roster will be mailed to members in mid-November.
IJA elections for the 1986-87 year were held at the San Jose convention. Bill Giduz was reelected president and publications editor. Holly Greeley won vice president, with Barry Bakalor as championships director and Ginny Rose treasurer. Directors elected were Dale Jones, Andrew Schwartz and Keith Watson.
Persons wanting to nominate themselves or others for IJA office in the 1987-88 year must submit a nominating statement to the IJA secretary by January 1 in order to have their name included on the spring ballot. Write to IJA, Box 29, Kenmore, NY 14217.
Anthony Gatto fell one victory short of winning the IJA's Grand Slam Award in the first year of its offering. Announced in San Jose, the IJA Grand Slam of Juggling Award has been created to encourage and reward well-rounded juggling excellence. It will be awarded to a juggler who in a single convention wins four championships events as specified:
The Grand Slam prize will be a unique Balfour-customized championship ring and a cash award. The cash award was set at $1,000 for this year, with the intention of adding to that amount yearly until the prize is won. The ring and part of the prize money are being donated to the IJA by Albert Lucas, whose 1984 victories in four events inspired the Grand Slam idea.