I like both ideas!
The winner can pick the next month’s winner. That way at least back-to-back wins will be eliminated. If the winner happens to not show up the next month, maybe we can twist @AndreBoulay’s arm to do it, or I could just take myself back out.
For picking the trick, please PM me with ideas. Now that I’ve been doing this for a while, I believe I have a good feel for the format. I am open to ideas, though, and could even pass it off if it feels right.