Magician helps kids discover power of reading

By MICHELLE JONES

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 28, 2000

LAND O'LAKES -- Marty Hahne didn't pull a rabbit out of a hat Thursday at the Land O'Lakes Library.

However, he did pull one out of a bucket much to the delight of his audience.

"Her name is Emily," the magician said. "And, she loves it when everyone says she is cute."

Hahne entertained about 100 children and parents with his magic and jokes, while encouraging them to read. He was at the library for the Florida Library Youth Program, paid for by the Friends of the Library.

The 41-year-old, who comes from Bradenton, told the children that the magic words are not abracadabra but "I love to read."

Before each trick, he had them wiggle their fingers and say the "magic" words.

Nicole Gervais, 7, helped with one of his tricks.

Hahne had her blow on stainless steel rings, while the audience said the magic words.

The seamless six rings would then come together or apart forming several designs.

Jessica Rumick, 10, said that was her favorite trick.

"He made a flower with them," she said. "But I don't know how he did it."

Hahne also found a new use for old newspapers. He tears them up and puts them back together again, with the aid of some sleight of hand.

And, although he didn't perform this trick during his magic act, he said afterward that the trick was his motivation to become a magician.

"Doug Henning was a big inspiration for me," said Hahne. "I was in high school and I saw him perform the newspaper trick and I went to the magic store in Cleveland, bought it and learned how to do it. It was a real turning point for me."

Another trick called for the help of 9-year-old Jordan Gomillion.

Jordan played a dual role of George Washington and Betsy Ross, wearing a hat for the first president and funny eyeglasses for the woman who sewed the first American flag.

"This is a magic book," said Hahne, showing the audience a book about the presidents. "It took me back in time to the days of George Washington."

This trick had Hahne pulling different flags out of a sewing bag, until he finally, with Jordan's help, got to the red, white and blue flag of the United States.

"I didn't know how he did the trick," said Jordan. "But it was a good one, and I'm going to learn how to do some of them."

Each of his helpers received a magic dollar for their efforts.

Written on the back of the dollar was five magic tricks to get them started performing on their own.

Hahne encouraged the children to check out the section of the library where there were books about magic.

"Section 793.8 is where they can be found," he said.

- Michelle Jones covers central Pasco community news. She can be reached at (813) 226-3459. Her e-mail address is jones@sptimes.com

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