RUMFORD – Matt McPherson likes to bewilder the mind, Jared Arsenault likes to make people laugh, and Kaitlyn Grassette just loves to perform.

The three, in the their mid-teens, are part of the Rumford Chapter of the Society of Young Magicians.

About six youngsters meet once a month under the leadership of magician and performer Scott Grassette to learn the finer points of making objects disappear, change from one thing to another, or experiment with some other seemingly impossible trick.

Grassette has had a fascination for magic since he was a child.

“I like the performing, learning new challenges and the history of the art,” said Grassette, who also is a DJ, juggler and balloon animal creator.

But his first love in magic.

Last year, he was part of a benefit show to help raise funds for the Moontide Water Festival. At that time, he announced the beginning of a young people’s magic club.

The week beginning Oct. 25 marks the start of National Magic Week, ending on Halloween, when famed magician Harry Houdini died in 1926.

“This is a magic week in honor of Harry Houdini,” said Grassette.

Each year, young magician clubs from all over hold performances at veterans homes, nursing homes, or other places where residents aren’t able to get out very often.

On Wednesday, three of the club’s young magicians brought their talents to the Rumford Community Home.

Kaitlyn said she always watched her dad perform.

“I just loved it, especially stage magic,” she said.

The Mountain Valley High School sophomore has performed at the school, and developed her own act using colorful scarves, flowers and music that she used to participate in magic competitions in Massachusetts.

“I love to get everybody’s attention. You can put out your own individuality,” said the young woman who hopes to go into the medical field. “I will always do some kind of performing.”

Jared said, “I really wanted to join when the club started,” he said. “I like to impress people and make people happy.”

On Wednesday, he magically made a plastic egg appear and disappear, and somehow made a ripped up Jack of Spades card whole.

Matt sees magic as a hobby that has all kinds of shapes and forms.

“I wanted to be a part of it,” he said.

Youngsters gather for two hours each month to learn a new trick or skills, go over the monthly magic newsletter, and to just have fun, said Grassette.

According to a recent newsletter, nearly 100 chapters of the Society of Young Magicians are scattered around the country for youngsters age 7-17. The only other one in Maine is in Portland, where Grassette and a few from his club will travel on Sunday to perform in Deering Oaks Park. Every so often, the two clubs get together.

Grassette is also the president of the Society of American Magicians in Maine.

Once youth members reach age 18, they can join the adult group.

Any young people who want to learn the art of magic during the first Sunday of every month meeting may find out more information by contacting Grassette at 369-0129, or by email at [email protected].