Fall Meeting in Sioux Falls

The North Central Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society had our annual fall meeting this past weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Organized by former (and long time) chairman Ken Alvine, the chapter had several planned activities and speakers over two days.

On Friday, eight or so of us went to Sioux Falls' Lincoln High School to participate in "Career Day". We set up individually in the library and talked to small groups of students about what we do and how we do it, and answered their questions. It is always great getting to talk with kids about what being a cartoonist is all about... they are always extremely interested. I think it's because they find it hard to believe anyone can make a living drawing funny pictures. Come to think of it, I know a few parents who also find that hard to believe despite a great deal of evidence to the contrary.

The next day we met at the delightful Zandbroz Variety bookstore for three special guest speakers- Chris Browne (Hagar), David Mowder (Hallmark) and Mike Edholm (Martians, Undercover Cockroach) followed by a book signing with Paul Fell (Huskernutz) Chris (The Complete Hagar- 1973-1973) Jeff Koterba (Inklings) and myself signing MAD's Bo Confidential.

Chris Browne's presentation had us in stitches...

David Mowder shares some PhotoShop secrets

Dave's demo

Chapter chairman Mike Edholm's presentation

Mike shares his latest project

Me and Chris at the book signing

That evening we had the pleasure of being invited to Chris and Carroll Browe's lovely home for a wonderful dinner and even more wonderful company.

At the Browne's home

In Chris's Hagar studio! R to L: Dave Carpenter, John Hambrock and Scott Holmes

A Hagar Sunday in the works!

An unruly chapter meeting

The whole crazy gang in Chris and Carroll's kitchen!

Great time as always. What fantastic people Chris and Carroll Browne are. Thanks to them, Ken, chairman Mike and everybody for putting on the event.

Fall Meeting Schedule

Thanks to our Treasurer Paul Fell for putting this schedule together:

NCC Fall Chapter Meeting:
Saturday, September 20

10am-5pm Toonfest Cartoon exhibit open- Masonic Hall

10-11am Toonfest Parade on Main St.

11-12:30 N. Central chapter members meeting and lunch.

12:30-5pm Guest Cartoonists do their presentations at the Uptown Theatre on Main St.
This event is free and open to the public.

Following the Uptown Theatre program, NCS N. Central members are invited to a special tree planting ceremony featuring past and present guest cartoonists at the arboretum at the former Disney family farm. Following the tree planting, guests are invited to sign their names inside the recreated Disney barn. These activities will be followed by a post-Toonfest party and entertainment with plenty of food and drink at the former Disney home.

For N. Central members who might be arriving on Friday, Sept. 19, you are invited to attend a pre-Toonfest party at the river cabin of Wally and Kaye Malins, Toonfest organizers. This private party includes Toonfest volunteers and this year's cartoonist Headliners. Plan to meet between 4:30 and 5 pm at the Toonfest office, 207 N. Main St. so we can carpool out to the cabin.

We will need a head count ASAP of chapter members who plan to be at the Friday event and those who plan to attend on Saturday. Please contact Tom or Paul directly.

NCC Fall Meeting at Toonfest in Marceline

After plans for a fall meeting later in the fall in Des Moines were scuttled, your North Central Chapter board has elected to plan our annual fall meeting to coincide with the Walt Disney Hometown Toonfest on Saturday, September 20th in Marceline, MO. Several NCC members are helping to organize the Toonfest events and art show, and many members are already planning on attending Toonfest with it's great lineup of guest speakers and other activities. This year's speakers include "Speedbump" creator Dave Coverly, "Stone Soup" cartoonist Jan Eliot, "Luanne" writer/artist Greg Evans and "The Norm" creator Michael Jantze. NCC members will be welcomed with open arms by the Toonfest organizers.

An exact schedule of events will be forthcoming, but the actual meeting will likely take place over a chapter lunch on Saturday the 2oth, possibly catered at some nearby location. Costs to attend will be low, probably in the $10.00 range which includes the lunch. Other activities will be incorporated within the events of Toonfest. Details will be posted here as soon as they are set.

Make your plans to attend ASAP, as the event is only a little over a month away. The preference is to book a room at the following hotel in nearby Chillicothe:

The Grand River Inn
Highway 36 & 65
Chillicothe, Missouri 64601
660-646-6590

Room rates for double occupancy are about $70 per night base. The hotel is 37 miles from Marceline. You can get more info about the hotel online but you must call the hotel directly for reservations. A Friday arrival and Sunday departure is recommended.

Look for more details here as they become available.