Dayton City Paper

Debate Forum, 05/21

Alex Culpepper — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:24:19 +0000

Debate Forum Center: Club owners feeling the heat about late-night violence

By Alex Culpepper

Dayton residents Charles W. Bell III and Keenan Hall made the news recently, but it’s the news no one likes to hear. They were killed in a late-night shootout in the parking lot of Heat nightclub in Huber Heights. Because of that tragedy, the nightclub as well is dealing with its share of publicity, but that is nothing new for Heat. Huber Heights city officials have been trying to shut down the bar for some time because of repeated disturbances warranting police intervention. Heat’s liquor license has been under scrutiny lately, but earlier this month they won a court case in which the Ohio Liquor Control Commission granted a renewal of Heat’s liquor license.

Heat is not alone in its plight to implement damage control. Other area nightclubs have had their share of incidents, most notably at Vault late in 2012 and at Envy Lounge in 2011, resulting in fights and shooting deaths. Police have been called to a few other area clubs for similar disturbances, and these places faced challenges to their liquor licenses as well. Recently, a judge ordered Heat to be shut down until further legal actions can take place, and that leaves Heat’s future in limbo and gives people time to debate the issue of nightclub-related violence.

Nightclub owners, managers and supporters condemn the violence and other illegal activities taking place on their properties and within the vicinity, but they claim they cannot be held responsible for the actions of patrons once they leave a club. In the case of Heat, the manager claims she has done nothing wrong, the state has sided with her and she believes her club should not have to suffer what she terms the city’s harassment and bullying.

Opponents argue that problems created by patrons are indeed a club owner’s and manager’s problems because of the environment created by the club and the violence it attracts. Opponents cite reports of violent crimes, fights and weapons violations are common where these clubs operate, making these areas unsafe because of too many disturbances and altercations. Opponents also note problems at these clubs drain resources in the police department and leave other neighborhoods vulnerable.

The most high profile case right now is with Heat, and the club’s fate is a mystery until the owner and the city of Huber Heights go before a judge in an injunction hearing May 28. Supporters will gather to make a case that nightclubs cannot be responsible for patrons’ actions once they leave a club, especially if the club’s owners and workers have broken no laws. Opponents will argue repeated violence and other illegal and nuisance acts degrade the community and make it unsafe.

Reach DCP forum moderator Alex Culpepper at AlexCulpepper@DaytonCityPaper.com

Debate Forum Question of the Week:

Are nightclubs that serve alcohol getting a bum rap for appearing to be associated with gun violence as has recently been the case at Heat in Huber Heights and Vault and Envy Lounge in Downtown Dayton? Further, should Ohio liquor law be changed to require weapons entry prevention by incorporating active processes such as metal detectors instead of the current passive “no weapons permitted” door stickers?

Debate Left: You can’t have your booze and drink it, too

By Ben Tompkins

We live in a civilized society.

A civilized society can exist because members of our species conduct themselves with social and personal inhibitions like conflict avoidance, verbal etiquette, common sense, respect of individual solidarity and risk aversion.

Consumption of ethanol results in a mild to delightful sensation but also results in psychoactive changes to our central nervous system that diminish our inhibitions and situational judgment.

This diminishment, although occurring for different reasons, is identical to sleep deprivation. However, sleep deprivation does not result in a mild to delightful sensation. It results in violent, irrational hatred. From my wife. Towards me.

A civilized society is more difficult to maintain when members of our species consume alcohol and stay out late because they conduct themselves with a woefully inadequate level of personal inhibitions like conflict avoidance, verbal etiquette, common sense, respect of individual solidarity and risk aversion.

This results in an uncivilized society.

I do not see how we can be so arrogant as to pretend that places like Heat shouldn’t exist. And by “shouldn’t exist,” I don’t mean to say that they should not be allowed to exist. I mean that any thinking person should look at the circumstances we allow to exist and logically conclude that it is inevitable that a place like Heat will exist.

It’s silly, actually, to vilify Heat as if it is a singularity, rather than a symptom of these conditions. There is a slice of the population that wishes to overindulge and stay out late, and as a result it is guaranteed there will be more people in hospitals. Sure, take away Heat’s liquor license and it will close, but it’s delusional to believe that the wolves who frequent Heat will simply tuck their tails between their legs and slink back to their dens at 9:30 on a Saturday night with a newfound sense of social temperance.

By taking Heat’s – or any other nightclub’s – liquor license away purely because of the behavior of their clientele is to pull the sheep’s wool over our eyes and pretend that because the wolf isn’t in the midst of the flock he isn’t there any more. If Heat happened to be a nightclub like most nightclubs where people are happily partying and dancing until 2 a.m., we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

Unfortunately for Heat’s owners, drunks, gangbangers and the dregs will always find a place to rage, and Heat seems to be their locale of choice right now. Do I think that the owners of Heat want them there as opposed to a crowd of college students? Hell no. I’m betting they want to run a fun place, make their money and carry on with life without being in the newspapers four times a year. However, the only thing that will shut them down faster than a shooting is kicking out the only paying customers who show up before they walk in the door.

Of course, if they are violating laws like serving alcohol to minors, then I absolutely think they should lose their liquor license. Mike Bly, a city representative, said of Heat: “It’s hard for a uniformed officer to go into an establishment and find active liquor violations. If the liquor control investigative unit goes in there as an undercover operation, I believe they’d see flagrant violations of the liquor control law.”

Great. Then … do it. If they are breaking the law, shut them down. However, if you don’t find any violations, I’m afraid you have to shut your mouth. We allow people the freedom to create the particular set circumstances that exist at nightclubs, which tend to lead to a breakdown of civility and do so without ascribing preemptive responsibility to the owners and patrons. Heat’s patrons seem to break down quicker than average. This is absolutely to be expected somewhere in a permissive society where we don’t treat individuals differently under the law.

The bottom line is, our world has places where bad things are more likely to happen. We look both ways before we cross the road. We don’t walk around alone at night. We stay out of certain parts of town. The law isn’t a force field; it’s an expectation of conduct that exists in varying degrees in various places. Personally, I don’t go to nightclubs. I drink in moderation, and if I’m at a bar and there’s trouble, I pay my tab and leave. I suggest you do the same, because just like in the boxing ring, you have the final responsibility of protecting yourself at all times.

Benjamin Tompkins is a violinist, teacher, journalist, and critically acclaimed composer currently living in Denver, Colo. He hates stupidity, and generally believes that the volume of one’s voice is inversely proportional to one’s knowledge of the issue. Reach Ben Tompkins at BenTompkins@DaytonCityPaper.com.

Debate Right: Should Ohio law require nightclub and bar owners to install metal detectors?

By Dave Landon

Last week, a series of gunshots rang out in the early morning hours in the parking lot of what some have described as a “troubled” Huber Heights bar. When the smoke cleared there was one individual dead and two seriously wounded, one of whom later succumbed from his wounds. The Heat Nightclub, which only opened its doors in November 2010, has been the subject of community concern almost from the time it served its first drink. In July 2011, a 24-year-old club patron was shot in the club parking lot. The club has faced increasing opposition by the City of Huber Heights, which has attempted to close the club for over a year. After last week’s shooting, the city went to court to accomplish what they have been unable to convince the Ohio Liquor Commission to do: close the Heat Nightclub.

As the legal system becomes involved in Heat Nightclub’s future, it has been suggested that there should be legislation by the State of Ohio that requires bars and nightclubs to invest in metal detectors and other security systems in an effort to keep guns out of these drinking establishments. This is a typical one-size-fits-all kneejerk reaction and one more attempt to saddle business with unnecessary regulations. These nightclubs and bars have huge capital investments. It’s in their interest to keep their patrons safe from harm. Many of them have already made the calculated business decision to invest in metal detectors and other security systems, such as video surveillance, in order to protect their investments. What they really don’t need is for government to give them one more regulation that may not be necessary.

In the case of the Huber Heights nightclub, there was a metal detector in place in an effort to keep guns out of the nightclub. The violence that took place occurred in the parking lot as the trouble, which evidently started in the bar, spilled outside. The issue of violence at some of these clubs cannot be solved by mandating metal detectors at the front door. There is usually an issue of poor management when a club has a continuing need to call 911 to bring in the local police to break-up fights and disruptive behavior.

What must be kept in mind is that the last thing a club owner wants is to involve the local police as peace keepers. Every emergency run by the police to a club goes against the club’s record for their annual license renewal with the Ohio Department of Liquor Control. As a result, there is a reluctance to call the police when trouble starts inside the club. Instead, there is initially an attempt to handle the matter in-house. This is where club management either is successful, or as in the case of the Heat Nightclub, comes up short. Having top-notch personnel with the skills to defuse a volatile situation is how a nightclub stays in business. It’s more critical than metal detectors or cameras. Simply ushering the combatants out into the parking lot doesn’t solve the problem and certainly doesn’t protect your liquor license. The gun-free nightclub can’t ensure a gun-free parking lot.

If one were to survey which clubs create the most police calls, it would be clubs that cater to younger crowds, hands down. One study suggested that music with a pounding beat may “be a risk factor since it frequently creates an atmosphere of intense physical activity.” Young people, who are inexperienced drinkers, and who believe themselves to be invulnerable, are sometimes caught up in the energy created in such an atmosphere. However, make no mistake, violence can occur at any club genre: country, college bar, techno or hip-hop.

The standard of care for most bars and clubs, locally and across the country, is one of “reasonable care” based on the nature and location of each individual establishment, and the reasonably foreseeable risks of each establishment. Of course, Mayor Bloomberg’s New York City has set guidelines, because that’s what Mayor Bloomberg does, as to what security measures including metal detectors and how many security personnel are required for each establishment. There are also some cities in England that tightly regulate the safety requirements of the local clubs. These are measures which a club owner already knows whether or not are necessary for their establishment. For many clubs and bars the measures are unnecessary and will drive up the cost of doing business. The regulations in one English city go so far as to dictate the number of cameras a club must operate.

Most owners of bars and nightclubs have the goal of providing a safe and hospitable establishment where patrons can gather for a good time while enjoying an adult beverage. Slamming these small businesses with more regulations is not the most effective means to ensure the safety of the patrons of these establishments.

David H. Landon is the former Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party Central Committee. He can be reached at DaveLandon@DaytonCityPaper.com.

A few of my favorite things

Brian Sharp — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:52 +0000

‘The Sound of Music’ at LaComedia

By Brian P. Sharp

Photo: “The Sound of Music” runs at LaComedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro through June 30

“The Sound of Music” takes the stage at LaComedia. The last collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein is produced in robust style. This timeless classic never ceases to fill a house with patrons that can sing along with some of the familiar tunes like “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Climb Every Mountain” and the title song, “The Sound of Music.”

We embark on the journey of Maria Rainer as she leaves the convent to govern the seven children of the widower Captain Georg Von Trapp. Maria is able to bring music back into their lives amid the tension just before World War II. Venturing away from the original script, two songs – “I Have Confidence” and “Something Good” – have been added. These two songs are best known from the movie version of “The Sound of Music.”

“The Sound of Music” is a classical piece of theater. No one expects the show to be quick, yet the pacing seemed rushed at times and at other times optional scenes have been used to fill space. The set – designed by Joe Leonard – is involved and cumbersome for scenic changes. Pieces of the set were outstanding – Mother Abbess’ office, the cloistered Cathedral and the Abbey. The lighting design – by Geoffrey D. Fishburn – was well done. Music Director Becky Barrett-Jones did a great job with recorded music.

Certainly, there were some stand-outs in the cast. Michael Karraker brings great comedic timing to the role of Max Detweiller. Karraker has a presence on the stage. Often partnered with Karraker is Helen A. Raymond-Goers in the role of Elsa Schraeder. Raymond-Goers is believable in the role of the Baroness. She is a great balance for both Karraker and Chris Kramer, who plays Captain Von Trapp. Sam Harvey in the role of Rolf Gruber is spot on in his portrayal of the young delivery boy, who in the end acts from his heart.

The Von Trapp children are double cast. There is the “Captain Cast” and the “Maria Cast.” The Captain cast includes Amanda Kingrey as Gretl, Gracie Adkins as Marta, Olivia Weiss as Brigitta, Grant Lenski as Kurt, Jordan Collins as Louisa and Ben Kneblik as Friedrich. Kneblik appeared in the Dayton Playhouse version of “The Sound of Music” in the role of Kurt. It’s fun to see him growing up into new roles, and he always delivers a strong performance. What’s next Ben – Rolf? The Maria cast includes Ashley Ortel as Gretl, Cleo Runge as Marta, Abbey Fry as Brigitta, Louis Beckmeyer as Kurt, Maddie Land as Louisa and Harris Beckmeyer as Friedrich. With both groups, Sarah Smith plays Liesl and is well cast as the oldest child.

The story of the Von Trapp family has been changed a bit for the musical. The real Georg Von Trapp did live with his family in a suburb of Salzburg. Maria was sent to the family to tutor one of the children. The story was changed to imply that Maria was sent in to take care of all of the children. Names and ages were also changed. While the Captain did marry Maria, they spent several years in Austria after the marriage. The Captain was offered a position in the German Navy. The family actually left Austria and went first to Italy, then to London, and on to the United States where some of the family remains today.

Don’t forget, before every show you will enjoy LaComedia’s buffet featuring chef-carved meats and favorites from “The Sound of Music” region like German potato salad and pork schnitzel. Enjoy an entertaining evening that really is one of the best values around featuring dinner and a show.

The bottom line is that even if you have seen “The Sound of Music” before, it is still a timeless classic and this is a good production worth the 20-minute trip from downtown Dayton.

“The Sound of Music” runs through June 30, 2013 at LaComedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Avenue in Springboro. Adult tickets range in price from $55-$71. Call 937-746-4554 or 1-800-677-9505 or visit lacomedia.com for tickets.

Reach DCP theatre critic Brian P. Sharp at Theatre@DaytonCityPaper.com

Caroline Shannon-Karasik’s Afterglo

Caroline Shannon-Karasik — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:46 +0000

Small changes, big results

By Caroline Shannon-Karasik

Go ahead and take baby steps toward the life you always wanted – you just might score big.

So, you’re a Type-A, balls-to-the-wall, over-achiever, huh?

I hear ya, dude. Me too. In fact, if my parents had only known that when they were choosing my middle name, then they might just have chosen differently.

Ambitious.

Impulsive.

Go-Ahead-And-Try-Me.

Sure, these tendencies are what make me a go-get-‘em gal – and no one’s going to try and change that. But it’s those same qualities that might also cause me to feel completely overwhelmed.

You know why? Well, the truth is an all-or-nothing approach to life can sometimes get in the way when we’re simply trying to set a few goals. Because of the fact that all we can see is the end result – and we want it, gotta have, must accomplish it right now – our ability to take the steps along the way is completely nil.

For example, are you the kind of person who decides she wants to lose weight, but can’t wrap her head around the time and work it will take to get there? If that’s the case, then chances are likely you seek short-term results instead of long-term solutions. Getting-slim-quick weight loss plans, juice fasts and even diet pills probably sound like a good idea, huh?

Well, if you’ve been down that road, then you know how that ends (not very pretty). I get it – it can be hard to feel satisfied by small victories along the path of seeing an end goal come into fruition. I mean, who really celebrates losing half a pound in a week?

Starting today, you do. Whether it’s going green, breaking a sweat, finding your spiritual calling or raking in the dough, working in small doses can work for even the busiest people. And you know what? Recognizing those accomplishments along the way can lead to a better ability to sustain a goal in the long term.

Consider these (seemingly) teensy things you can do and bank big results:

1. Just run to the next mailbox. When I first began to run more than fifteen years ago, my momma taught me to “just work toward the next mailbox.” What she meant was that when I was running, it was much easier to say, “OK, I just have to make it to that mailbox down the street and then I can stop.” What I found is that I often kept running to just one more “mailbox,” completing a few miles before I realized it.

2. Take five minutes to just breathe. Research shows that a few calming breaths can ease nerves and nix stress. I do this at least 38 times a day and could probably do it even more.

3. Talk to your pets. Yeah, it’s nuts, but who cares? Chatting with a pet can make you feel better about certain issues that have been weighing on your mind. There are no rebuttals, only sympathetic head cocking. Now, just make sure no one is around.

4. Stop overhauling your life. Sure, sometimes we all need a giant shove in the other direction. But often times, some of life’s biggest changes are made more easily with a step-by-step approach. Going on a diet? Change a few habits at a time. Starting a new fitness program? Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t squeeze in 45 minutes – be happy with ten. Love to help animals? Unfortunately, you can’t save every one, but you can smile thinking of the ones you have. By the way, this theory goes both ways: Just because you have one cookie it doesn’t mean you have to have 13. Stop being a hero, damn it.

Now hold on a sec, because I’m about to go all poetic on you.

This approach reminds me of the “Starfish Story,” adapted from “The Star Thrower” by Loren Eiseley. The story highlights a wise man walking along the beach when he comes across a young man who is throwing starfish into the ocean, one at a time. When the wise man asks the young man why he is throwing the starfish, he replies that he does not want them to die. The wise man says, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

In response, the young man bends down, picks up another starfish, throws it into the water and says, “It made a difference for that one.”

Whether you’re gagging or not, the truth of that story, and life, is this: So many of us –including me, me, me! – stick to a notion that things have to be ginormous in order for them to count. But the truth is, working toward just small goals can make a huge difference.

And wouldn’t you at least like to know you did a few things rather than nothing at all?

I would. Even if it does mean skipping out on that Firm Butt in 30 Days program that totally would have given me the booty I’ve always wanted.

It so would have.

Caroline Shannon-Karasik is the upcoming author of a gluten-free healthy lifestyle book, set to be released in January 2014. She is the author of the popular gluten-free blog, TheGSpotRevolution.com and is currently training to become a certified health coach. Her writing and recipe development has been featured in several publications, including, VegNews, Kiwi and REDBOOK magazines. Caroline lives with her husband Dan and four adopted cats in Pittsburgh, PA. Caroline can be reached at afterglo@daytoncitypaper.com.

Back on the beat with Jim Bucher

Jim Bucher — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:42 +0000

Summertime film fun

By Jim Bucher

With the theatre season winding down at the Victoria and Schuster Center, it’s now time to heat things up for the summer with some cool films back up on the big screen where they belong.

Yes, the Cool Films Series is back at the Victoria with some of Hollywood’s biggest and best motion pictures.

“The Victoria Theatre Association feels it’s important to remember what the theatre was from the beginning,” so said the Victoria’s Public Relations and Promotions Manager Diane Schoeffler-Warren. “From a vaudeville playhouse in the late 1800’s to when the Victoria was called the ‘Victory’ movie house, thousands of Daytonians remember experiencing a movie here.”

Even yours truly remembers seeing the premier of Walt Disney’s “Mary Poppins” from 1964, which is virtually impossible since I wasn’t born until ten years later. (I say with tongue firmly planted in cheek.)

I also remember later when the Victory fell into disrepair and the only thing keeping the doors open was running midnight movies to generate income.

I do recall laughing a lot, too. (Not sure if that was a contact high from people smoking funny looking cigarettes or not.)

The film series has become quite popular, especially in the dog days of summer when outdoor activities are out of the question because of the Ohio heat. So, why not cool off with some cool films?

This year’s line-up is a mix of Hollywood classics and modern-day classics to-be.

“We’re always striving for a balance between golden age of Hollywood titles (1935-1955) and newer ones that deserve a big screen revival or just would be fun for new audiences,” said Ken Neufield, VTA President and CEO. “We added a few titles that younger patrons consider their favorites as classics, too.”

The film series begins with the Billy Wilder classic “The Apartment” July 5-7. Then, July 12-14 it’s “The Princess Bride.” The master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” unspools July 19-21, followed on July 26-28 with “The Gang’s All Here.” And this will be fun for those that remember late, late, LATE shows at the Victory – sans the funny cigarettes – they’ll offer 10:30 p.m. showings of “The Birds” July 20; “Goldfinger” on August 3 and “Night of the Living Dead” August 10.

And speaking of Bond – James Bond – The Victoria presents a James Bond 50th Anniversary weekend: “From Russia with Love” August 2; “Goldfinger” August 3 and “Live and Let Die,” with the title song by Paul McCartney and Wings. (Yes kids, Paul was in a band before Wings.)

By the way, Diane’s favorite Bond, “Few actors have the charisma and finesse (Thought she was talking about me for a second, sorry) of Sean Connery – he is the original and the greatest, but Daniel Craig comes in a close second,” is Diane’s take. “He allows the character to be a bit more human than the others and he is pretty darn handsome.” (Again, just for a second, thought it was me she was speaking of.)

Then we move on to the aforementioned soon-to-be classics.

August 9-11 brings “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” (A little known fact, this movie was based on the life of Dayton City Paper Editor Kyle Melton.)

One of the all time greats, “The Magnificent Seven” and that wonderful catchy score is on the Victoria’s silver screen August 16-18. “Beach Blanket Bingo” starring Annette Funicello, whom we recently lost, and Frankie Avalon runs on August 23-25. (Did you know this was directed by “I Love Lucy” director and “Bewitched” star Elizabeth Montgomery’s one time husband, William Asher? Now you know.)

The series concludes with the edge-of-your-seat cop drama “The French Connection,” starring Gene Hackman, on August 30-September 1.

Also, keeping with the tradition of recreating the experience of enjoying a movie in this grand old palace, the “Vic” shows actual films complete with the clicking sound of a projector, an occasional film glitch and the “reel change mark” at the top right of the screen which cues the projectionist to “change reels.” (Hence the name “reel change mark.” Am I good or what?)

In today’s digital age, this is becoming a thing of the past.

“Finding good quality prints for the Victoria’s 35mm projector can be challenging,” Schoeffler-Warren said. “But it does give you that authentic pre-digital experience that is so unique.”

This is a perfect way to spend some cool time this summer with some cool films. All a part of the theatre-going experience that the Victoria knows how to do best.

“When it comes to the film series, we want our patrons to relive days gone by or rekindle memories when they enjoyed a movie here and for newer movie goers, to experience maybe for the first time, what it was like for their parents or grandparents to enjoy a film at the beautiful Victoria Theatre,” said Schoeffler-Warren.

For me it brings back fun times as a kid, checking out a first run at the “Victory.” But this time, leaving without the funny cigarette smell on your clothes.

Just sayin’.

Cheers,

Buch

Tickets for all shows, which include free popcorn and soft drinks before the show, are $5 each or $28 for a ten ticket passbook, plus a free organ concert. Show times are Friday, Saturday 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. For more go to victoriatheatre.com/series/films.

For more than 25 years, “Buch” has been a local television icon. Known and loved by thousands in the Miami Valley, his followers describe him as trust-worthy, fun, the guy next door, a friend and a role model. When it comes to promoting your business, Buch has the ability to grab your customer’s attention. Reach DCP freelance writer Jim Bucher at JimBucher@DaytonCityPaper.com.

Star-spangled Dayton

Deon Jefferson — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:42 +0000

The Heritage Festival returns to Carillon Park

By Deon Jefferson

Photo: Take a train through Dayton history at Carillon Park during the Heritage Festival on Sunday, May 26

Usually when someone refers to Memorial Day, they mention this hugely popular U.S. Holiday that’s filled with BBQ’s and the official start of summer. Here in Dayton, we celebrate Memorial Day by highlighting more than 200 years of Dayton’s history during the annual Heritage Festival at Carillon Park. For the past four years, visitors from all over the Ohio area have enjoyed a massive celebration that includes food, vintage baseball, trivia games and interaction with other Dayton natives. Of course, what celebration is complete without fireworks? If you are looking for a change of pace this Memorial Day, search no further because the Heritage Festival never disappoints.

Brady Kress, president of Dayton History, recently discussed some of the goals of the organization: “I enjoy the festival. Each year I feel like it gets bigger and better. Each year we get to open the park in hopes of attracting new visitors that normally would not consider coming, I think that’s terrific. I love seeing new and familiar faces.”

This year, the festival will include many exhibits that showcase history in Dayton, Ohio. For instance, the Flood Exhibit that chronicles the tragic flood the Miami Valley experienced in 1913. “My hope is that the flood exhibit will spark conversation as well as educate anyone that visits,” said Kress.

During the festival, visitors will be granted the privilege of viewing more than 30 historical buildings and structures, in addition to participating in fun trivia that the entire family will thoroughly enjoy. If that’s not enough, there will be real-life historical demonstrations that will excite any history buff or theatre guru. The historical demonstration will be accompanied by a wide variety of special events and activities that will spread throughout the entire park.

So what about the kids? There is plenty to do at Carillon Park for smaller children or teens. Throughout the duration of the day the youth will receive a passport upon entering the park. The passports are relatively connected to each building or special exhibit at the park. “Our reasoning for the passports is to engage our younger visitors, it forces the children – as well the parents – to get excited about each exhibit, yet more importantly to learn some history,” Kress said. Another incentive to the passports is that if the child successfully completes one they ultimately get a prize. There will be a “kid’s fun zone,” so that the children can relax and enjoy themselves aside from viewing exhibits, which promises inflatables, crafts, face painting activities, and much more. The charge for the “kid’s fun zone” is $5 per child or $10 for an entire family.

The Heritage Festival has managed to bring back the Clodbusters Base Ball Club, a Dayton-based group who demonstrates their love for the game by playing good old-fashioned historical baseball. The Clodbusters will also allow children and their families the chance of playing baseball, which has always been a standout crowd favorite. Thankfully, the Clodbusters will show patrons the way baseball was played when it was referred to as a “gentleman’s game,” that was a long time ago during the American Civil War, way before the days of Vernon Wells or even Mariano Rivera.

One of the moments that keep the festival in high demand is the live music and entertainment, which is usually a show-stopping highlight for the 65-acre park. This year, the main stage will produce breakout performances from The Good Time Accordian Band, The Wind in the Woods, Carillon Park Concert Band and a special appearance from Todd the Fox. The main event will be none other than the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. The DPO has been headlining the Heritage Festival since its inaugural festival in 2005. As their set closes, fans of the orchestra are always moved by the emotional tribute in honor of all of those who have served our country in the armed forces. During the tribute, Maestro Neal Gittleman invites former or recent individuals who have served in the armed forces to stand while the orchestra serenades them, meanwhile the audience claps with great approval.

So, the day is almost over, the children are well satisfied from all the fun activities, and everybody is ready to leave, then all of sudden you hear a large boom.

That’s right, fireworks. Fireworks are scheduled to start immediately following the performance from the DPO. The entire Deeds Carillon Bell tower near the front entrance will be decorated with lights as the staff of Carillon Park sets off the area’s best fireworks displays. The fireworks normally are a crowd pleaser amongst festival goers as they sit on the lawn and watch all 65 acres become lit up for 15 to 20 minutes. “My favorite part throughout the entire day is when the sun goes down and the fireworks begin to start,” said Kress.

The Heritage Festival takes place Sunday, May 26, with a rain date of Monday, May 27 Admission is $8 for adults to enter and $5 for children. Admission is free. There is a $5 parking fee from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Welcome Stadium along with a complimentary ride on the Wright Flyer Trolley to Carillon Park. For more information on the Dayton Heritage Festival and the Dayton History organization, visit daytonhistory.org or contact Dayton History at 937.293.2841.

Reach DCP freelance writer Deon Jefferson at DeonJefferson@DaytonCityPaper.com

On Stage

Jacqui Theobald — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:38 +0000

A giggle, a gasp and a chance to get in on the ground floor

By Jacqui Theobald

Photo: Cast of “The Pillowman” at Dayton Theatre Guild [l to r] Joe Risner, Michael Boyd, Patrick Hayes and David Hallowren; photo credit: Craig Roberts

LAUGHS

Putting out a special invitation to young people, the Dayton Playhouse presents “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” directed by Jim Lockwood, who has been smitten with the musical since he saw it in London many years ago as a young man first falling in love with all things theater.

Both lyrics and music were written by Stephen Sondheim as a young man and first exploring the fun of creating theater in a new way with twisty, clever words and complex music. This cast was chosen to bring out the comedy, to move, maybe to mug a bit, putting their all into the songs. Ron Kindell is musical director and Sandra Hyde does choreography. He’s “very pleased” with the vocal achievements, and she has “made ‘em dance,” according to Lockwood.

It is witty, fast moving, non-technical fun; the final scene is pure farce, carefully choreographed to look totally spontaneous. The plot involves slave Pseudolus (Brad Mattingly) and his efforts to gain freedom back in Roman times when brain power ruled without machines. The fourth wall of theater doesn’t exist as the characters in low comedy style talk to the audience. We all have stories to share; they define our humanity. No matter what the medium, they are our entertainment.

The cast of “Forum” includes Brad Bishop as Hysterium, Saul Caplen as Senex, Claire Hurley as Domina, Mary Mykyka as Philia, Jamie McQuinn as Lycus, Jeff Sams as Miles and Richard Young as Erronius, with an ensemble of Proteans and Courtesans.

The show runs weekends Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 16. For tickets, times and information go to daytonplayhouse.com or call 937.424.8477.

SHUDDERS

What makes some love to ride intricate plunging roller coasters or shiver their way through bloody fright movies with grotesque monsters? What makes a playwright create a tale guaranteed to affect the audience with horror or distress? The Theatre Guild has presented a palette of plays dark with the theme of “‘til death do us part” this season; dramas of death or loosely connected to death, on occasion in a comedy. Beginning Friday, May 17, however, the Guild presents a different kind of necrological show with “The Pillowman” by Martin McDonagh (“Beauty Queen of Leenane” and “The Cripple of Inishmaan”).

Ben Brantley, in the New York Times, said in 2005 “[…] for all its darkness of plot and imagery, ‘The Pillowman’ – which won the Olivier Award in London for best new play – dazzles with a brightness […] largely absent from Broadway. Mr. McDonagh’s true subject is not gruesome crime and unjust punishment, although that’s what a synopsis of the play, set largely in an interrogation room in an unnamed totalitarian state, might lead you to believe. ‘The Pillowman’ is storytelling and the thrilling narrative potential of theater itself […] Mr. McDonagh is not preaching the power of stories to redeem or cleanse or to find a core of solid truth hidden among life’s illusions […] ‘Pillowman’ is celebrating a raw, vital human instinct to invent fantasies, to lie for the fun of it. Stories are fun.”

The plot: a writer is being questioned about the gruesome content of his short stories that seem to be like a series of actual child murders. Many twists and turns later it turns out … well that would take the thrill away, wouldn’t it?

Patrick Hayes, Michael Boyd, David Hallowren and Joseph Risner are the players, Natasha Randall directs. She said she’s been eager to do this for several years because of the playwright’s strong writing. She also praised the skill of her cast.

“Pillowman” tells his story for three weekends Friday, May 17 through Sunday, June 2. Go to daytontheatreguild.org or call 937.278.5993 for times and tickets.

Leave the kids at home.

SUMMER PLAYWRITNG CLASS AT SINCLAIR

Sign up soon for a class running Friday, June 17 through Sunday, August 11 that combines three elements: attendance at the Dayton Playhouse’s Future Fest and The Human Race’s Musical Theatre Workshop and eight Thursday night classes at Sinclair. The course also will workshop a student-written piece slated to be produced in the fall at Sinclair. The instructor is Nelson Sheeley, New York writer and director who guest directed at Sinclair for several years before deciding to live and work in Dayton full time.

To earn three college credits go to sinclair.edu\services\registration for the online registration or call 800.315.3000. Registration and department permission is required. Tuition for the three-hour course is $287.10 for Montgomery County residents and $428 for other Ohioans. Those over 60 may audit for no credit through Sinclair’s College for Life Long Learning.

Future Fest features six new scripts selected from submissions by playwrights nationwide, half presented as fully staged productions and half as staged readings the entire weekend of July 26-28. The Festival of New Musicals will conclude two weeks of workshopping on two plays with staged readings the weekend of August 2-4.

The class size is being limited so that every student will have the opportunity to interact with the writers, directors and actors who are developing these new works. Future Fest always features a panel of adjudicators, professionals from the world of theatre in New York and Chicago and sometimes a well-regarded, knowledgeable local theatre professional. They analyze the plays and invite audience participation. Contact gina.neuerer@Sinclair.edu or 937.512.2455. Quick!

Reach DCP theatre critic Jacqui Theobald at JacquiTheobald@DaytonCityPaper.com.

The music never stopped

Zach Rogers — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:31 +0000

Dark Star Jubilee honors Grateful Dead

By Zach Rogers

Photo: Dark Star Orchestra headlines Dark Star Jubilee at Legend Valley May 24-26

Deadheads unite! This year the second annual Dark Star Jubilee music festival is taking place at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, and as any Deadhead will tell you, Legend Valley is a magical musical refuge where the cosmos always seem to align just right. Although the festival is still young, it’s already becoming the go-to place for fans to let their freak flags fly. The Jubilee is hosted and headlined by none other than Dark Star Orchestra, who is a perfect match for a festival like this.

“It’s a chance for us to play for our audience the way we see fit,” explained Rob Barraco, who plays keyboards in DSO. “With the Jubilee, we’re not constrained by other festivals’ rules and regulations – here we make the rules and regulations.” None of the extra weight is holding the band down, and as they gear up for this year they’re as focused as ever to maintain positive vibrations all the way through. “It’s cool because we got to hand-pick the bands we wanted to have come out, and it’s really cool to play host to all these guys,” said Barraco. “I’ve been playing festivals for 25 years and I’ve always been a guest, but this time I get to dip my hands a little deeper into it.”

The Dark Star Jubilee is the brainchild of Tim Walther, who performs double-duty as both manager of DSO and co-owner of the company All Good Presents, which has been busy with another popular festival for the last 17 years – the All Good Music Festival. “With the Jubilee, I’m promoting both the band and the festival,” said Walther, “but really it’s a time for them to celebrate with their fans and bring everyone into a communal setting and play with their favorite bands.”

“We’d been looking for a place where we could do our own thing,” said Barraco, “and Tim approached us and asked if we wanted to go out to Legend Valley and do a festival out there for three days, and we were all like, ‘well, yeah, duh! Of course!’”

Last year was the Jubilee’s maiden voyage, and things almost got a little rough around the edges. “Yeah, we had a bit of a battle with the weather,” Walther said. “I think we had about 8 to 9 inches of rain throughout the entire weekend.”

“It was a torrential downpour,” said Barraco. “Our main stage got flooded out and it was so bad no one could play on it, so we had to move everything to a secondary stage.” Despite these conditions, everyone made the best out of the hand they were dealt. “We had a tremendous crowd and everyone banded together and had an amazing time under some really adverse conditions.”

This year, the Dark Star Jubilee will host some of the biggest names in the festival circuit, including Yonder Mountain String Band, the Wailers and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. And as for channeling the spirit of the Dead, what better way than to have two key members, Mickey Hart and Donna Jean Godchaux, perform with their respected bands. “It’s a real honor to have them both play,” said Barraco. “It speaks volumes to get that kind of respect from them. It’s like being recognized by your heroes.”

There’s also a good reason for the Jubilee’s sacred location. Legend Valley used to be a summer retreat for both the Grateful Dead and their fans. Now, DSO is using that same energy to fuel their own fire. “Over time it became a legendary venue for a lot of people, and I think for us to do the Jubilee in that same spot is like honoring the past in some way,” said Barraco. “We definitely felt the presence when we were out there last year. It was all around us.”

The music festival circuit has grown exponentially in the last few years, and DSO are determined not to let the Jubilee fade into oblivion. At the same time, they also realize they’re holding something very unique in their hands. “Since it is a smaller festival, it creates a more intimate setting for everyone involved,” said Barraco. “I think that really sets the Jubilee apart from the other big festivals out there.”

In the end, it all comes down to the music, which remains as vital as ever throughout the weekend’s spiritual exploration. “People who enjoy this kind of jam-centric music like to be taken on a journey,” said Barraco, “and a good jam band is a vehicle for these people. It’s very different than any other kind of music.”

“The reason DSO is out there doing what they do is because they love the music and they have the upmost respect for the Dead,” said Walther. “In a sense, they’re carrying the torch from one generation to the next and presenting the music in the best way they possibly can.” Hopefully, years from now, DSO will look back and reflect on what a long strange trip it’s been for their Dark Star Jubilee.

The second annual Dark Star Jubilee takes place on the weekend of May 24-26. Three-day tickets are $119 for general admission and $235 for VIP. For more information on the festival, including how to get the exclusive Dark Star Jubilee/All Good Music Festival package deal, visit darkstarjubilee.com. For more information on Dark Star Orchestra, visit darkstarorchestra.net.

Reach DCP freelance writer Zach Rogers at ZachRogers@daytoncitypaper.com

‘At Any Price’

T.T. Stern-Enzi — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:31 +0000

A father and son do what they must to play to their ‘all-American’ roles

By T.T. Stern-Enzi

Photo: Zac Efron [left] and Dennis Quaid [right] struggle with changing roles in ‘At Any Price’; Rating: R Grade: C-

What do we mean today when we refer to “all-American” ideals? What does it mean to be “all-American” in the new millennium? Auto racing has seemingly snuck into the ranks of heartland sports – possibly supplanting football – and farming – once a rural family venture – is now big business, which, is all-American, right? And then there are the things we do, to cover our tracks, to get and stay ahead.

Henry Whipple (Dennis Quaid), the current head of a multi-generational farm and seed business, finds himself in an epic struggle to maintain his place in this “all-American” world, one in serious transition. His son Dean (Zac Efron) wants to race cars and has no interest in one day taking over the family enterprise. Why would he? He sees the crumbling façade that his father constantly puts forth, patched with lies and insincerity, and he imagines himself better than that. But these two have far more in common that is rooted, in the end, in their very blood.

The stakes are high in “At Any Price,” but somehow, in the combination of the setting (rural Iowa) and the milieu (the heartland and the passion for racing), there’s something anachronistic about the film. Dean is just another rebel without a cause. It is his unseen brother who has somehow embraced social consciousness, off working in the third world and then taking time off to climb mountains. He and his efforts are spoken of with longing, but it is the kind of mention that serves to make the speaker feel good and connected to something more grand and global than themselves without having to actually put in the effort.

Dean is stuck in neutral, but threatening, at every turn, to slip into reverse. He’s lost sight of his brother’s vapor trail up ahead, the one that might have guided him away from all this, which means the only model he has is dear old dad.

And Henry, well, he’s an old type too. The oily patriarch with a past of cutting corners, striving to live up to his own father’s expectations, a man with no sense of his own life and passions. It could be argued that this notion is really what it means to be “all-American.” Just doing what’s expected, what’s easy and spouting the pithy platitudes, the rote lines because that’s the only lesson you’ve learned about being an “all-American” man. Heaven help us!

This is philosophy and politics; it is the code of the heartland as told to us in mythic stories on the page, television and the big screen. And we are willing to do whatever it takes to protect this way of life. Henry and Dean do just that. Dean pretends to want to rebel, to go his own way, but the fact that we see him, that he’s present in this story, means that he’s got no choice. Henry’s caught as well, defending the American way, which hasn’t so much changed with the times; instead it is like the novel, marriage, rock n’ roll or any other institution you care to insert here. It is dying, maybe it is already long dead in fact, and like a chicken with its head cut off, it’s just going through the final throes.

Director Ramin Bahrani (who co-writes here with Hallie Elizabeth Newton) turns up the heat and vigorously stirs the melodramatic pot, allowing everything to bubble and spill over, making an “all-American” mess of things that never feels quite as dirty and desperate as it should.

Reach DCP film critic T.T. Stern-Enzi at Film@DaytonCityPaper.com

Conspiracy Theorist

Mark Luedtke — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:27 +0000

False flag attacks in Syria

By Mark Luedtke

Months ago, President Obama threatened that if the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its own people, it would invite direct U.S. retaliation. Pat Buchanan characterized Obama’s statement, “Foolishly, [Obama] put his credibility on the line by warning that any Syrian use of chemical weapons would cross a ‘red line’ and be a ‘game changer’ with ‘enormous consequences.’ Not only was this ultimatum unwise, Obama had no authority to issue it. If Syria does not threaten or attack us, Obama would need congressional authorization before he could constitutionally engage in acts of war against Syria. When did he ever receive such authorization?”

Buchanan goes on to explain why Obama’s statement is foolish, “Because it is not our war. There is no vital U.S. interest in who rules Syria. Hafez Assad and Bashar have ruled Syria for 40 years. How has that ever threatened us?”

I appreciate Buchanan’s fidelity to the Constitution, but Obama didn’t get congressional authorization to attack Pakistan, Libya, Yemen or anywhere else, so I doubt he’s concerned about getting it to attack Syria. Further, Americans have no vital interest in any of those places, yet Obama attacked them all. Obama cares nothing about such things.

But Obama’s statement gave the Syrian rebels, Israeli government and U.S. warmongers the leverage they needed to pressure Obama to directly intervene in Syria. Buchanan recognized the threat: “It is well within the capacity of [Syrian President] Assad’s enemies to use or fake the use of poison gas to suck us into fighting their war.”

Assad’s enemies rapidly took advantage. In March, the press dutifully reported that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons against its people, but there were several things wrong with this report. Most obviously, it came from the rebels. The attack killed a number of Syrian soldiers. The Syrian government immediately asked the United Nations to investigate the use of chemical weapons. The attack did not aid the Syrian government, but it provided great potential to aid the rebels. The initial investigation implicated the rebels.

Despite all that evidence, the British and Israeli governments and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel declared they believed that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons. The warmongers beat the war drums throughout April, pressuring Obama to intervene directly. Fortunately, Obama resisted.

U.N. investigators remained honest in the face of this dishonest pressure. According to the Chicago Tribune, “U.N. human rights investigators have gathered testimony from casualties of Syria’s civil war and medical staff indicating that rebel forces have used the nerve agent sarin, one of the lead investigators said on Sunday. The United Nations independent commission of inquiry on Syria has not yet seen evidence of government forces having used chemical weapons, which are banned under international law, said commission member Carla Del Ponte.”

You might think this would put this false flag attack to bed, but the Russia Times reports Secretary of State and warmonger John Kerry continues to lie about the attack, “‘There is no question in my mind that this fight is about the terrible choices that the Assad regime has made,’ Kerry told reporters on Friday, ‘to use gas, which we believe there is strong evidence for the use of.’”

Since this false flag attack failed to draw the U.S. into Syria’s civil war on the side of the rebels, the rebels conducted another false flag attack, this time against a village in Turkey, a NATO ally. CNN reports on behalf of the warmongers, “‘The investigation into the perpetrators is for the most part complete. It has been determined that the organization and its members who carried out the attack were in contact with pro-Syrian regime Al Muhabarat (Syrian Intelligence Services) organization in Syria,’ [Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay] said. ‘The organization is identified and for the most part the persons involved are identified.’”

But as with the last attack, there are several problems with this narrative. The people of Reyhanli, the Turkish town targeted, are mostly supporters of Syrian President Assad and in the same tribe. This attack did nothing to advance the interests of the Assad government, but it has the potential to pull Turkey and NATO into the war on the side of the rebels. In addition, the attack was a car bomb, the kind of attack perfected by al Qaeda and its allies leading the Syrian rebellion.

These attacks and the naked exploitation of them for political benefit illustrate the sociopathic nature of people attracted to government. Politicians and high-level bureaucrats think nothing of killing innocents with chemical weapons and car bombs to advance their personal interests. This is another drop in the ocean of evidence supporting my claim that government, because it is a coercive organization, attracts the worst people to work for it, and the worst of the worst rise to the top.

There’s nothing altruistic about Obama’s resistance to intervening in Syria either. He’s playing smart politics because the American people are against intervention by a 3-1 margin, thank goodness.

Months ago, President Obama threatened that if the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its own people, it would invite direct U.S. retaliation. Pat Buchanan characterized Obama’s statement, “Foolishly, [Obama] put his credibility on the line by warning that any Syrian use of chemical weapons would cross a ‘red line’ and be a ‘game changer’ with ‘enormous consequences.’ Not only was this ultimatum unwise, Obama had no authority to issue it. If Syria does not threaten or attack us, Obama would need congressional authorization before he could constitutionally engage in acts of war against Syria. When did he ever receive such authorization?”

The views and opinions expressed in Conspiracy Theorist are the views and/or opinions of the author and do not reflect the views and/or opinions of the Dayton City Paper or Dayton City Media and are published strictly for entertainment purposes only.

Mark Luedtke is an electrical engineer with a degree from the University of Cincinnati and currently works for a Dayton attorney. He can be reached at MarkLuedtke@DaytonCityPaper.com.

How it’s really done

Emma Jarman — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:22 +0000

Idle Hour Ranch sets the exotic animal standard

By Emma Jarman

Photo: Sam the Giraffe playing around

If you get off Interstate 75 at exit 73, just three miles west of Troy, Ohio, you might see a few things. There’s a lot of open space, a few trees, wooden farmhouses, barns and silos dotting the skyline; and a giraffe, poking his head up above the tree line and fences. There aren’t many giraffes in Troy. In fact, there’s only one – Sam, at Idle Hour Ranch, an exotic animal farm in the middle of the countryside. In fact, there are a lot of things one can find at Idle Hour Ranch that are unique to the five acres that house Sam and his friends.

Their mission is simple: “To bring the Bible stories to life as only our special animals can,” reads their extensive website, idle-hourranch.com. Their vision is pure: “To be a tool that the Lord has provided to the Church, that is used to help win souls for God’s kingdom.”

If you’re not religious, however, don’t be put off by the Christian-centric altruism. Aside from the seasonal nativity work the ranch does, a visit to Idle Hour mimics a visit to any other zoo – at least one where you get to touch pretty much everything.

| In the beginning |

Idle Hour Ranch started in 1999. A modest business, they supplied exotic animals to live nativity scenes around Christmas. The family rented camels from a man in Indiana.

Michelle Iddings was an animal coordinator at a Christian Life Center’s live nativity scene; and her husband, Brian Iddings, worked for Delphi for 30 years as an engineer until he was laid off in 2009.

In the beginning, as the story goes, there were three horses and two goats. Then came the donkey. After borrowing animals from local suppliers to furnish the nativities for years, their “donkey guy” suddenly refused to let them borrow his animal for the season.

“But, if I owned a donkey, no one could tell me no,” said Michelle.

So, they bought one for themselves.

The next Christmas, Michelle realized how much she loved one of the pairs of sheep they routinely borrowed, so Brian snuck back out and bought them. The next year, Michelle said, “Well, there’s nothing cuter than a baby camel.” And along came the farm’s first camel. As the farm stands today, there are about 200 animals that call Idle Hour Ranch home.

“There are about 81 to 85 of the four-legged stuff,” said Brian. And he would know. It’s almost impossible for Brian to leave the farm property – not that he has any interest in doing so – because of the amount of care he pours over his animals.

The entire farm spans 80 acres, and Brian knows every inch of it. He knows what the mountain lion, Peshewa, likes to eat and when – it’s Tyson chicken quarters, Mazuri large feline dry food, and Ensure Plus. He knows the exact temperature at which it’s safe to let the giraffe, Sam, and the kangaroos out of their heated barns — it’s 70 degrees. Brian knows to keep the prairie dogs, tortoise and cockatoo put away at night so the hawks don’t get them.

“I’m the one that stays home with the animals,” he boasted. “I hate to be away. I hate to leave for any more than an hour or two because I’m always worried about what’s going on at home.” But Brian doesn’t mind. The satisfaction he gets from his work makes the entire, arduous process worthwhile.

“What I really like is the little kids’ smiles,” he grinned. “I tell people if they’re going to bring their kids, bring them up but don’t tell them we’ve got a giraffe. Then you get to see their faces light up … ‘A GIRAFFE!’”

| The animals |

There isn’t a square foot of Idle Hour Ranch one can stand on without spying some sort of exotic animal. Right inside the front gate, guests are greeted by a mob of kangaroos – that really is what a group of kangaroos is called. Brian handed us a handful of bread and showed us how to hold it up to them. The kangaroos ate the wheat bread from our fingers, lips whispering against our fingertips. We left them relaxing on their sides and leaning back on their tails – which they use as a fifth leg – to make our way over to the bunny pen and past the red foxes pacing their enclosure in anticipation of our approach. The ranch encourages all visitors to touch and feel whatever they can. If there’s an animal you can reach, you can touch it.

“The habitats are all designed so that if you can get in trouble, you can’t get near the animal,” Brian explained. “Anything you can touch, it’s designed that way.”

Continuing deeper into the ranch, we wandered past a pen of New Guinea singing dogs, which don’t bark, but rather harmonize their voices. “These dogs are incredibly unique,” said Brian. “In New Guinea, the native children carry the pups around with them. Here, they require some special housing because they can climb tall fences and will ‘follow their wanderlust’ if they’re off leash.”

The goat ramp towers above us, begging children to put handfuls of feed into the pulley system and ratchet it to the top, coaxing the goats up the ramp system overhead to collect their reward. Peshewa the cougar is busy lounging atop the towering structure in the middle of his enclosure. You can’t touch Peshewa, but he’s a sight to see.

The ranch also houses an eclectic collection of exotic animals including muntjac deer, humpback Indian cattle (zebu), potbelly pigs, water buffalo, emu, fallow deer, Sam the giraffe, elk, yaks, sheep, coyotes, mini horses, a bunny hutch, an aviary that houses peacocks in full plumage, ducks, chickens, pigeons, geese and a rooster who isn’t shy about flexing his vocal chords.

There are a few dogs to be seen trotting around. And if you stick your fingers in the fish pond, the scaly creatures will swim to the surface and nibble your fingertips.

| Controversy |

Not everything at Idle Hour Ranch is as relaxed and smooth-sailing as the animals’ attitudes may portray. It would be remiss to cover an exotic animal farm without addressing the opposition to such establishments.

Few have forgotten the Zanesville, Ohio, man, Terry Thompson, who, back in 2011, reportedly let loose his entire collection of exotic animals from their cages and then proceeded to shoot himself. Police officers responded, combed the area and shot the animals at close range. All of the animals were located, except for one monkey that is believed to have been eaten by one of the larger cats. The incident was devastating for the image of exotic animal farmers, even though Thompson’s family had always claimed their animals were personal pets and not for sale or show, so they would not have been subject to the regulations pertaining to exotic animal dealers or zoos.

Previous to the Zanesville incident, there were regulations on native wild animals (through the Ohio Division of Wildlife); animals used in exhibition or for sale (through the U.S. Department of Agriculture); and animal welfare statutes pertaining to all animals and enforced by the local humane societies. Despite the many regulations already in place at the state level as well as in many individual counties, the Humane Society of the United States claimed Ohio had no regulations on exotic animals; and they successfully lobbied for statewide regulations.

“Ohio passed the new exotic animal ban,” said Brian. “Now, they want our cougar. We’ve had him for 10 years, and he’s doing just fine here – he’s perfect.”

The expense, however, of keeping Peshewa within legal boundaries is becoming staggering.

“We registered him as the state required, and we will attempt to get a permit for him as soon as the permits are available. Hopefully, we’ll be able to keep him,” Brian continued, noting all of these measures are costly. “We’ve already paid to have him microchipped. Now, they’re saying the pen’s not big enough, even though it’s bigger than the public zoos require. Ohio says ours has to be bigger than the publicly supported zoos.”

Brian cites a specific group of people responsible for the hardship put upon him and his family and his farm: “It’s the people behind Senate Bill 310.” The bill Brian spoke of severely limits and places restrictive requirements on the possession of “dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes.” Thankfully, Idle Hour Ranch hasn’t been forced to get rid of any of their animals. “Not yet,” said Brian. If forced, they’ll make the cougar pen bigger, but it hasn’t yet come to that.

As far as Terry Thompson and the effect his actions had on Idle Hour, Brian has an opinion of his own.

“We’ve got our own opinion on that, which is shared by a lot of Ohioans. We think [Thompson] may have been set up,” said Brian. “Why would the owner, who has the keys in his pocket, cut his cages open? There’s a lot of stuff that was never made public but was in the autopsy report, and a lot of what we read in the media just doesn’t make sense when you think about it.”

It’s a common misconception that the exotic animal ban was passed as a result of what happened at the Zanesville farm. In reality, Governor Kasich had commissioned a task force to study the issue of exotic animal ownership and make recommendations regarding what if any regulations should be adopted. He commissioned that task force in the spring of 2011 – approximately 6 months before the Zanesville incident occurred. Governor Kasich gave the task force a deadline of November 30, 2011, to submit its recommendations to him. The group was literally days away from submitting the final recommendations when the Zanesville incident took place. The Iddings family is a long-time member of the Ohio Association of Animal Owners (OAAO). Polly Britton, Legislative Agent for the OAAO, was the representative for the exotic animal owners who served on the governor’s task force and kept the Iddings and other OAAO members apprised of what was happening with the Task Force, and later with the legislation and resulting regulations.

| Programs and activities |

There is more to Idle Hour Ranch than a walkabout visit with fancy animals and singing dogs.

The ranch takes donated animals from 4-H kids, which explains why there are some livestock animals mixed in with the other, more exotic, animals on the farm.

“We tell them when we take them in that they’re going to live and die here,” said Brian about the animals brought to him by kids who don’t want their prize stock going to slaughter after the county fairs. “Occasionally, we’ll hear someone say, ‘Hey, that sheep over there looks really bad.’ Well, my grandma looked really bad before she died, too. We make sort of an old folks home for some of the animals.”

There are also pony rides, face painting and a small farm market with animal-made products for sale such as yarn and wool, apparel and gifts, and also food for patrons to feed to the animals as they walk through the ranch. There is a mining sluice for kids to pan for precious stones and the like. This year, a corn maze will be added to the offerings. Idle Hour Ranch offers traveling petting zoos as well, and hosts a great deal of preschools, church groups and field trips on the property. There is also a small children’s play area right in the middle of it all for the youngest animal lovers to bounce around.

“It’s fun,” emphasized Brian. “When the people are here with their big smiles, and they come back and bring their friends, it pumps me up, it’s what keeps us going.”

A visit to the ranch is also a peaceful, relaxing experience. “We’ve actually had people fall asleep in the lounge chairs,” said Brian. Who knows, a visit to Idle Hour may be just the thing to fulfill one or two of the items on your own “bucket list”. It’s close by, in Miami County, and it’s less expensive than the big public zoos. You really ought to come check it out!

Idle Hour Ranch is located at 4845 Fenner Road in Troy. The ranch is open from noon to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday during the months of June through October. Admission stops at 6 p.m. but there is no real closing time, so visitors are urged to take as much time as they want at the ranch and not feel rushed if they arrive later in the day. Admission for toddlers, two and under, is free; Children, three to 12, is $7; Adults are $10. Weekday group tours are available by appointment only. For more information, visit the website at idle-hourranch.com, email brian@idlehourranch.com or call 937.339.9731 and leave a message.

Reach DCP freelance writer Emma Jarman at EmmaJarman@DaytonCityPaper.com