RICK ALLEN, WHO HAS BEEN ENTERTAINING AUDIENCES with his rabbits and feats of magic for years, has been inducted into the “Wall of Fame” of the Society of American Magicians.

Allen received the honor at a meeting of the society’s Chapter 112. Chapter President Larry Wright, of Concord, gave Allen his award.

Allen has twice been named Magician of the Year by the magicians’ society.

His latest honor is not one that is bestowed annually, but is awarded only when the society’s board of directors chooses to recognize someone for outstanding work and extra service to the society.

Allen, a Benicia resident who was born in Detroit, Mich., became interested in magic after seeing Roy Kissell perform at a local amusement park and being called on stage to help Kissell with an illusion.

Later, Allen began attending magicians’ conventions and he eventually decided to give up his career in creative sales and the direct mail business to become a full-time magician.

He has traveled to Central America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia to entertain audiences; among his clients are IBM, Pacific Gas and Electric, AT&T, Six Flags, Marine World, Mondavi, Kaiser, Apple, Moulson Breweries, Chiron, Beringer, Intel, Toyota and Coca-Cola.

The Society of American Magicians, founded in 1902, is a worldwide organization. The legendary Harry Houdini led the society in the 1920s.

Those interested in performing magic or learning more about the history of magic and magicians may call 707-745-0100 or 925-686-1800 to learn more about the society.

Bottom of the Fifth selling tickets to Giants bus trip

Bottom of the Fifth Sports Bar and Grill is selling tickets to its annual Giants baseball game bus trip to San Francisco.

The bus will leave the sports bar, 498 Military East, at 1:05 p.m. June 13 for the Giants’ game against the Atlanta Braves. First pitch is at 4:05 p.m. Cost is $80 and covers the price of the game ticket, bus ride, water and soft drinks, a drawing and driver tip.

The game is World Series Bobblehead Giveaway Day.

Children may participate in the bus ride, but may not enter the bar, spokesperson Sam Adams said. Tickets are being sold by the establishment’s bartenders.

“We will get there plenty early, in time to tailgate or get in early to get your bobblehead and see batting practice,” he said.

Solano County selling items at spring blowout

Members of the public can buy used furniture and equipment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Solano County General Services surplus warehouse, 2543 Cordelia Road, Fairfield, during the county’s annual “Surplus Spring Warehouse Blowout Sale.”

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to have ‘Ultimate Education Days’ Fridays through May 29

Students who visit Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on Fridays through May 29 will have educational components to their experiences during “Ultimate Education Days,” spokesperson Nancy Chan said.

“The takeaway is tremendous,” said Luke Clevenger, group sales account executive and coordinator of the event that will take place on six consecutive Fridays.

In the past, the theme park has had individual days focused on classes interested in mathematics, science or biology.
“This year, we’ve combined activities and programs for all the various interests into one cohesive day, giving students great, hands-on learning experiences,” Clevenger said.

The program is geared toward students of all ages. A special admission ticket includes the optional purchase of a picnic buffet.

On the select Fridays, special activities, vendor booths by career specialists, presentations and talks will take place throughout each day. Activities will focus on mathematics, science, physics, biology, careers, leadership and the performing arts.

Clevenger said those topics are introduced in fun ways. For instance, physics and math are applied to roller coasters, and ride operators will conduct hands-on activities through the use of magnets. In addition, backstage tours will let those interested learn more about the mechanics of some of the rides.

Marine mammal trainers will talk about and demonstrate such biology-related subjects as animal husbandry and describe the importance of wildlife conservation. They will explain their jobs during a workshop on how to become a career animal trainer. Hands-on science lessons through dissection demonstrations are also part of the biology curriculum, Clevenger said.

He said students can test their new knowledge while riding roller coasters and participating in a variety of team-building games and activities on selected rides.

Those interested in learning more about Ultimate Education Days may visit the events page of sixflags.com/discoverykingdom.

The Benicia Herald’s weekly Benicia Business Beat column is an opportunity for local businesses and companies to tell our readers about business-oriented news, such as moves, grand openings, awards, promotion of employees, staff changes and changes in goods and services.

Submissions will be edited for length and content; and need to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how, preferably in the body of an email; and provide contact information.

Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday for news items that will appear in the next Tuesday edition’s Benicia Business Beat. Please email news releases and accompanying high-resolution photographs and logos to beniciaherald@gmail.com, and put “Attn. Business Beat” in the subject line, as well as the name of the business.

The Benicia Herald also appreciates area companies’ advertising patronage. For advertising services, call 707-745-0733 or email adsbenicia@yahoo.com.