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Archives for June 2020

THE NEON’s Reopening News! Postponed Screenings! Added Films!

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Hello Everyone!

In the last 48 hours, we’ve made a lot of changes. We’ve added movies to our virtual cinema line-up, some future events have been postponed, and we’ve received word that cinemas are allowed to reopen in Ohio next week.  So I’ll take you through all that news.

First off, we just found out about a new film that speaks to the much-needed discussions about race in America…and the distributor was excited for us to open it today (6/5/20).  So we’ve added 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN, from writer and director Menelek Lumumbato, to our line-up. (More details below)

Our special screening of SHIRLEY (along with the Elisabeth Moss Q&A originally scheduled for 6/6/20) has been postponed with a new date TBD.  Knowing that Saturday evening would be a time for national protests, the organizer of this nation-wide screening event had this to say, “The mission of the Movie Night platform is to cultivate a communal experience through cinema. Hosting the event this Saturday does not feel appropriate or supportive of the activism happening across the country.”  We agree! If you pre-ordered a ticket, you should have already received an email from the organizers.  I’ll keep you posted as to when this event will move forward.

 

Yesterday, Governor DeWine announced that movie theaters can open on June 10.  That said, we are going to give it a few more weeks.  Our target re-open date will be July 1.  We’ve still got some major projects in the works to make the return safer and more comfortable for you and our staff alike. We also have to re-hire the entire staff, learn new policies, order fresh supplies, and book films.  (That said, I’m delighted with the prospects of what we might have on July 4th weekend.  I’ll keep you posted.)

 

Knowing we won’t be open before June 22, we will have to re-schedule our screening of DIE! DIE! MY DARLING! – which was part of our PNC Presents WOMEN OF INFLUENCE IN THE MOVIES series with The Human Race Theatre Company.  I’ll keep you posted.

 

I was delighted to read that The Criterion Channel has lifted their paywall on numerous films that center on Black Lives…including Julie Dash’s masterpiece DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST – starring the brilliant actress from Dayton, BarbaraO. The Criterion Channel is a treasure!

Lastly, I’ve booked a lot more new titles in the coming weeks to our Virtual Cinema.  Check out those details in the revised newsletter below.  (New titles include YOU DON’T NOMI, LUCKY GRANDMA, and MISS JUNETEENTH.)

 

In addition to starting a couple new films this week in our virtual cinema, we are bringing back PAHOKEE.  This film is an important part of the national conversation, and I want to give our community another chance to see this powerful work.  In addition, we just started the handsome and thrilling new period political thriller by Agnieszka Holland (director of EUROPA EUROPA and THE SECRET GARDEN) – MR. JONES.  We will also open the Oscar nominated film that several of you have asked for – CORPUS CHRISTI.  HAIL SATAN?, which starts Friday, will wrap up our Magnolia Pictures documentary fest, and on Saturday, we will have a one-time screening of a film with a very special Q&A – SHIRLEY (about famous author Shirley Jackson). 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN, has just been added to our virtual offerings. Jamie Broadnax of Black Girl Nerds says it’s “An impactful film that deals with cerebral discussions around race, class, and society through the lens of liberal arts students.”
Synopsis for 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN: “After a traumatic sexual mishap at the quintessential New England liberal arts school, Mike Anderson, 8 weeks away from graduation, is in his African-American literature class with his favorite teacher feeling sad, isolated and angry.” (Soulidifly) Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 48 hour access to the film for $4.99.
Synopsis for our return engagement of PAHOKEE: “In a small agricultural town in the Florida Everglades, hopes for the future are concentrated on the youth. Four teens face heartbreak and celebrate in the rituals of an extraordinary senior year. Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan create a detailed and incredibly nuanced portrait…A complex and multi-layered work that recalls both the gritty social realism of the new American cinema as well as a neorealist touch. PAHOKEE is a powerful portrait of a forgotten America absent from the current political discourse.” (Giona A. Nazzaro) Here’s a note from the distributor for this film: “you can watch it on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, or use the official Vimeo app on your Apple TV (4th generation), Android TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung TV, or Google Chromecast. Please note that there is no Vimeo app available for LG Smart TVs.” More details can be found on this Help Page. To purchase 72 hour access of the film for $12, click on the image below to be directed to the film’s official site.  You will get a small pop-up that will allow you to purchase the film for $12.  If you get to a screen that quotes you $18, enter the word “neon” as your promo code…this will get your our $12 screening price (instead of $18) and will give us proper credit for your purchase.
Synopsis for CORPUS CHRISTI: OSCAR NOMINATED! “After spending years in a Warsaw prison for a violent crime, 20-year-old Daniel is released and sent to a remote village to work as a manual laborer. The job is designed to keep the ex-con busy, but Daniel has a higher calling. Over the course of his incarceration he has found Christ, and aspires to join the clergy – but his criminal record means no seminary will accept him. When Daniel arrives in town, one quick lie allows him to be mistaken for the town’s new priest, and he sets about leading his newfound flock. Though he has no training, his passion and charisma inspire the community. At the same time, his unconventional sermons and unpriestly behavior raise suspicions among some of the townsfolk – even more so as he edges towards a dark secret that the community hasn’t revealed in the confessional booth.” (Film Movement) Anchored by a “dynamically physical, wild-eyed performance” (THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER) from newcomer Bartosz Bielenia, this film is an incisive, darkly humorous, and “engrossing exploration of faith, second chances and the possibility of atonement” (SCREEN). You can watch this film on your web browser or via an app on AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Roku. Here’s a link to more instructions from the distributor. Click the picture below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
Synopsis for MR. JONES: “Agnieszka Holland’s thriller, set on the eve of world WWII, sees Hitler’s rise to power and Stalin’s Soviet propaganda machine pushing their ‘utopia’ to the Western world. Meanwhile an ambitious young journalist, Gareth Jones travels to Moscow to uncover the truth behind the propaganda, but then gets a tip that could expose an international conspiracy, one that could cost him and his informant their lives. Jones goes on a life-or-death journey to uncover the truth behind the façade that would later inspire George Orwell’s seminal book ANIMAL FARM.”  This film stars James Norton, Vanessa Kirby and Peter Sarsgaard.  Click the picture below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
MAGNOLIA PICTURES: A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE DOCS is wrapping up. We’re now on the last film of the series…and this one is a documentary that we didn’t have a chance to play when we were open – HAIL, SATAN?  Watch the film anytime and then you can then participate in a live Q&A next Wednesday by submitting questions in advance (You can either submit them over email to [email protected], or they can tweet at Magnolia by using the hashtag #magnoliadocseries.)  You can still rent the earlier films by clicking each film’s title.
RBG started on May 15.
LIFE ITSELF started May 22.
BLACKFISH started May 29. (Q&A tonight – 6/3 with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite)
HAIL SATAN? started today. (Q&A on 6/10 with director Penny Lane in conversation with Lucien Greaves, head of The Satanic Temple.)
Watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $5 by clicking the image below.

The DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL is ready to go! Though we’ll certainly miss hosting this fantastic festival at THE NEON, we think they’ve made a wise decision!! Check out their awesome line-up by clicking the image below!  It’s their 20th anniversary, and they’re making all the screenings and on-line discussions FREE!!  Opening night is next Tuesday and it’s at the Dixie Drive-In (make sure to register on-line).
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On June 10, we have two new films set to open.  The first is YOU DON’T NOMI – a cine-essay on the cult status of the terribly bad film SHOWGIRLS. We’ll also open a dark comedy heist film LUCKY GRANDMA. On June 12, we will open the documentary FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO– Daniel Karslake’s follow-up to his film FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. (I’m working on creating an on-line, community-based discussion for this film. Save the date for June 28…more details next week!)
On June 17, we plan to open a film that was supposed to have its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival –THE SURROGATE.  On June 19, we’ll open the Sundance hit MISS JUNETEENTH. On June 26, we will open a new doc that I know many of you will love – ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS. And sometime in late June/early July, we hope to open THE TOBACCONIST – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year.
Wishing you all good health!
Be safe & well.
Jonathan

Watermark Adds Sunday Brunch

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Chef Maria and Watermark are launching  a new meal, and a new vibe!  Chef shares that over the years, many people have asked about brunch, and that they are now ready to launch a Sunday brunch.  This Sunday – June 7 – they will hold a special sneak-peek Soft Opening – and YOU are invited!

Image may contain: food

 

This new menu will feature both breakfast favorites, as well as the creative and delicious dishes you expect from Watermark! The incredible Smoked Salmon Tart, a mouthwatering Blueberry-Lemon Scone, and a hearty Pork Belly Hash are just a few. You can view the entire Sunday Vibes Menu HERE.  (Please note there are a few items that will not be available until our official public opening on June 14.)

CALL for reservations at:  937-802-0891
This June 7 Soft Opening will fill up FAST!

Regular Sunday brunch service will begin on June 14, and online reservations will be available starting on Monday, June 8.

Watermark Restaurant

(937) 802-0891
20 S. 1st St

Miamisburg, OH 45342

First Tee Announces Bourbon Raffle

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The First Tee Greater Miami Valley was established in 2005 to teach young people life skills and character education through the game of golf. Its research-proven programs are having a positive impact on participants, their families and in their communities. They would normally be planning a huge 15th anniversary event, but instead due to corvid 19 they’ve pivoted to celebrating virtually! Help them celebrate this milestone by purchasing a ticket to their Bourbon Raffle!

 

Even with the endless obstacles presented this year, The First Tee stand by our mission to positively impact youth through their educational golf program. To accommodate as many participants as possible while following health guidelines, they have rearranged the summer program schedule.

Please join us in celebrating this milestone by purchasing a ticket to our Bourbon Raffle!  Share with your friends, family  and coworkers so they can join in too!

Bourbon Raffle Details

When: Raffle sales start today, June 3rd, and ends September 1st at Noon.

Where: This is an online only raffle. Please visit the link below to visit the raffle website.

Ticket Cost: Raffle tickets are $50 each. Purchase tickets here.

Ticket Quantity: There is a limit of 700 raffle tickets for this event.

Raffle Prizes: There are 5 raffle prize baskets. Each basket includes different types of bourbon. Some of the bourbon in these baskets includes: Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year, George T Stagg, Weller’s Black Label 12 Year, and much more!

First Tee of Greater Miami Valley serves the youth of Butler, Montgomery and Warren counties. Depending on the location, PLAYer through Eagle level programs are available in the summer in Dayton, Hamilton, Lebanon and Oxford. National School Programs also exist throughout the region.

First Tee builds positive character traits in young people through The First Tee Life Skills Experience, a curriculum developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and delivered by trained coaches. Through this experience, participants learn to apply life skills and transfer the positive values of golf to everyday life.

First Tee Nine Core Values:
Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment

PRIDE 2020: The Greater the Storm, the Brighter the Rainbow!

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Is it OK to be PROUD in a pandemic?
The LGBTQ+ community made it through the HIV epidemic.

Is it OK to be PROUD during social unrest? 
The community made it through the StonewalI Riots.

Is it OK to be PROUD through a rough election cycle?
The community put Barack Obama in office.

I assure you, the LGBTQ+ family has seen these obstacles before.  The obstacles weren’t times to just be proud, but times that made us proud as a community. Faced with challenging times, the LGBTQ+ community relies on one major thing: EACH OTHER.

Granted, Pride 2020 won’t be your normal June event. Social distancing, masks and empty dance floors definitely make the hurdles a bit higher. No matter…the idea that Pride is found in a crowded bar or a multi-colored parade, really scratches the surface of its significance. Those pieces, those parts are the celebration of the advancements and accomplishments of the gay community. Pride is about accepting where we’ve been, and realizing how far we still can go.

Sure, we need the fun. We need to feel the heartbeats of those like us within a few feet, sharing their smiles, their songs & their beers. Not this year…this year, it’s time to do what this LGBTQ+ family is known for: CREATIVITY!

There are plenty of rumblings about on-line Drag Shows featuring some of our local favorites, just dying to wiggle their foam hips to raise money for our local gay charities. There are rumors of socially distanced get-togethers, 6 feet apart, but still good for laughs! There are some really great films and shows on streaming services that give every angle of the Pride Movement. There are restaurants and bars returning to life with waving rainbow flags to welcome the family in for food and drink. And anyone who knows Dayton knows that somewhere, sometime a pop-up party in parking lot is always possible…(hmmmm???) And for the purist gay pride person, a parade is being planned for late August, to make sure we all having something to look forward to….all of that sounds GAY and good!

So, what will you do to move the needle forward for June 2020? Come out to your family and friends? Read about Marsha P. Johnson? Get to know about our most recent fallen icon Larry Kramer? Share a zoom meeting with your families and tell them your favorite Pride story? Make high heel shaped cookies, and share the recipe on-line? Talk to the more mature gay set about Dayton His/Herstory? Visit the Stage Door for a drink in one of Ohio’s oldest gay bars? Find out info about Natalie Clifford Barney, honored in the park at our main library? Buy your loved one an obnoxious gay pride t-shirt, for the hell of it? Find ways to raise money for our transgendered brother and sisters in their on-going quest for equality? Support the plethora of Gay/Lesbian businesses and restaurants in the area? Teach your children about acceptance of all people? Learn more about Bayard Rustan….

Ok, ok. You get it. PRIDE is not the parade...it is the long walk together we make when we aren’t in feathers and leathers! It is the long walk we make hand-in-hand when the world tries to separate our mission and our vision! It is long walk we make through social unrest, political unease and even epidemics.

 

 

Be PROUD of your gayness….you were given an amazing gift….the gift of WHO YOU ARE!

 

 

 

 

Dayton Metro Library Offers Curbside Service at All Locations

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Dayton Metro Library is now offering curbside pickup of reserved or requested materials. Curbside service is available at all Dayton Metro Library Branches and the Main Library, Tuesday through Friday, 3- 6pm and Saturday, 12 – 3pm. Bagged materials will be placed directly into vehicle trunks, or patrons can pick up their marked bag at the Library entrance.

 

Patrons may reserve items for themselves using the online catalog or call the Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665 to request materials they want to borrow. Borrowers will be notified via email, text or phone call when their items are ready, and should call the Ask Me Line to arrange for pickup. The items will be checked out to their account, then bagged for carryout at the location of their choice.

 

“We are eager to safely provide the books and other materials people want, while maintaining all health and safety guidelines,” said Deputy Director Rachel Gut.

 

Book drops are now open to accept returns as well. Borrowed Library materials must be placed directly into book drops or the return slot of the Automated Materials Handling machines at the newer Branch Libraries. Library staff will not directly accept returned materials. Items borrowed before March 13 had due dates extended to June 30.

“All returned materials will be quarantined for four days,” said Gut. “After the quarantine period, the items will be checked in and shelved, so they can be safely borrowed by other Library patrons.”

 

Library staff have received training on COVID-19 safety protocols. Staff wear protective face masks, wash hands frequently, wear gloves as needed, check their temperature prior to arriving at work, and follow established protocols for the safe handling of materials. Library buildings remain closed to the public at this time.

 

“In a recent poll, our patrons affirmed that what they miss and want most from their Library right now is access to the physical collection,” said Gut. “We are pleased to be able to offer that access with curbside service, but we look forward to a time when the public can browse our shelves once again.”


For more information about curbside service, or to request items to borrow, call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665 or visit the online catalog atDaytonMetroLibrary.org. The Ask Me Line is now answered live Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Messages can be left at other times.

Goodbye Tavernette…Hello 316 Tap & Barrel Grill

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When John & Kelly Hill  purchased The Tavernette in Medway  over 5 years ago, they had intentions to make change, but they wanted to pay respect to the community and past owners so they left it the same.  With the mandatory shut down brought on by the Corona Virus, they decided the time was right for the change.

Since the building is located on County Road 316 and is the 17th stop on the historical byway in Medway, Ohio, the new names is derived from the historical byway (Lower Valley Pike) and with the new name comes 20 rotating taps and some bottled craft beers.  Moeller Brew barn is brewing a 316 beer Tap & Barrel Beer.  There are also over 100 bourbon’s awaiting your tasting. Joe the bartender, has been promoted to a manager and 10 more tv’s have been added inside.

The success of the patio inspired an additional new front patio. Perhaps the biggest change- the toys and paneling are gone, bringing a bright new feel to the dining room. The famous deviled eggs will stay and they’ve even added a bacon bourbon deviled egg .

Tex Mex Tuesday’s  will stay, featuring  $1 tacos, with their Quesadilla’s being the #1 seller.

At this time they are opening with a limited menu:

Appetizers:

Potato skins
Loaded or sticky tots
Deviled eggs
Fried mushrooms
Pretzel bites
Fried pickles
Fried green tomatoes

Entrees:

Smoked whole chicken wings
Burgers
Pizzas
Boneless wings
Kelly’s southwest chicken
Walleye
Walleye sandwich
Grilled chicken sandwich
Fried chicken sandwich
Grilled chicken salad
Fried chicken salad

Side Items:

Baked beans
Green beans
Mac and cheese
Fries
Salad
Onion rings

 

316 Tap & Barrel Grill

(937) 849-0423

111 W Main St
Medway, Ohio 45341

Hours:  3-9pm

Great Miami Riverway Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge

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The Great Miami Riverway and the National Association of Professional River Anglers (NAPRA) announce the first GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge to be held on the Great Miami River from June 1-30. This fishing event is a family-friendly, catch-and-release virtual tournament where anglers will utilize the I-Angler app to register and send in their catches.

The tournament is open to all ages. Registration is $25. Prizes will be awarded in three categories:

• Top Slam—the total length of your five largest smallmouth bass.
• Biggest smallmouth bass (in length).
• Biggest smallmouth bass (in length) for kids 12 and under (angler’s age on or before June 30).

The “top slam” winner will receive a $100 gift card while the other two winners will receive $50 gift cards.

The Great Miami River is Ohio’s best river for catching smallmouth bass, according to the number of smallmouth trophy fish registered on Ohio’s Fish Ohio database, the Ohio Department of Natural Resource program for recognizing significant catches for all species caught in Ohio waters.

For a complete list of rules, visit their website.

RTA launches Mobile Fare Payment Option

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The Greater Dayton RTA is making it even easier for customers to ride with the launch of Tapp Pay—its new mobile fare payment system, today, June 1. Tapp Pay is available only within the Transit app— RTA’s official, free real-time information and trip planning mobile application—which allows customers to purchase and use bus fare with their mobile devices.

The RTA is excited to expand its partnership with Transit, which thousands of its customers already use for trip planning, tracking rides, and making multimodal connections, while bringing in new partner Masabi, a fare payment provider, to further simplify the riding experience.

 

“We’re thrilled for the launch of Tapp Pay and what it means for our customers, especially during a time where customers can utilize this as a way to increase their social distance while riding,” said Brandon Policicchio, Chief Customer and Business Development Officer for the RTA. “Now they can manage their entire transit experience from a single app.”

 

Today’s announcement further expands upon the RTA’s efforts to keep both passengers and employees safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Tapp Pay’s launch is coming ahead of its expected summer launch in order to assist passengers with their social distancing efforts as those making essential trips can purchase both regular and reduced-fare passes using Transit without interacting with anyone else and store them in a wallet inside the app for later use. Once they are ready to board, passes can be activated and visually validated by the bus driver from a safe distance, which also speeds us the boarding process and limits issues at the fare box, RTA officials said.

 

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to ride public transportation. During the coronavirus response, drivers and essential workers depending on transit as a lifeline need to stay safe, and this solution helps them do that,” said David Block-Schachter, chief business officer at Transit. “RTA’s passengers already rely on Transit to find their next trip and track their ride. Adding Tapp Pay gives riders everything they need in one app. And by minimizing contact between drivers and riders, Tapp Pay in Transit helps keep everyone a little bit safer.”

 

The RTA joins more than a dozen other agencies offering mobile ticketing through partnerships with Transit and Masabi, including those in Cincinnati, Butler County, and Northern Kentucky. Mobile ticketing in Transit is made possible through Masabi’s Justride SDK, which allows Transit to request fare types, make payments, and deliver visual and dynamic barcode tickets to riders through secure ticket wallets. With the launch of Tapp Pay, the RTA gains access to the Justride Hub, giving it real-time sales, usage, and validation data as well as an extensive customer services interface.

 

“Providing a safe way for riders to access tickets and pay for transit services is crucial in helping transit agencies keep both riders and operators safe and keep crucial services going during the COVID-19 response,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO at Masabi. “The RTA has accelerated this launch and should be commended for the great work it has done, together with our partner Transit, to get this service live for riders in a short amount of time.”

 

Transit is available to download for iPhone and Android at www.transitapp.com.

Journalist Ron Rollins-Now Retired!

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Ron’s last photo from the Dayton Daily News.

Ron Rollins didn’t go to work today. And he won’t be going tomorrow either,  but we couldn’t let the newly retired journalist off the hook before we gave him one last assignment. We asked him to write about himself:

 

What brought you to Dayton?

I arrived at the Dayton Daily News in December 1986 as an assistant metro editor, working nights handling editing and rewrites on breaking and local news, part of a very talented team of about 6 other editors. Worked from 1 to 10 p.m. on the third floor of our old building at Fourth and Ludlow downtown (now gone; sigh), and it was a great way to learn the city, its stories and people. I worked very closely with my friend Vince McKelvey, who was the other nightside editor with me and who was an amazing mentor and teacher, a fabulous word editor and really taught me all about Dayton, its history and how it worked. He retired years ago, and I attribute a good deal of my success at the DDN to him.

I’ve been fortunate all my life to have great mentors at the times I’ve needed them. At the DDN, I’ve also been able to work with a long line of incredible and fabulously talented, creative journalists, some of the best in the nation. It’s been a gift and I treasure it.

 

Ron many moons ago!

What have your job titles over the years been:

Gosh, a lot. Rather than just dump a resume or CV, I went from assistant metro editor to some other local news editing after a few years, then became the Arts & Entertainment editor, a job I had for a long time and which I truly loved. We had much fun covering the local arts scene, from clubs to the DPO. I wrote a lot, learned a ton (Jazz! Hip-hop! Opera! Impressionism!) and did a weekly arts column that ran on Sundays. Eventually I also become the editor of the Life daily features section, and eventually an assistant managing editor, then one of 3 managing editors who ran the paper. I was usually in charge of features, arts, the photo desk, sports – all the fun stuff, basically. Eventually I helped run our company’s operations in Butler and Warren counties, which then consisted of two daily and six weekly papers, and was editor there. I came back to the Dayton Daily News about 12 years ago to run the opinion section, which we reframed as the Ideas & Voices community and opinion pages that we have today. I’ve had a variety of senior-editor type titles over the last few years; I use old business cards as book marks. During the recent decade when the DDN was aligned with WHIO TV and radio, I had the good luck to be able to do a weekly radio interview show, “Miami Valley Voices,” which I greatly enjoyed – so, add “radio host,” which I never thought I’d get to call myself.

 

 

Tell us about some of the changes you’ve seen in newspapers over the years?

Well, the big obvious one everyone knows about is the advent of and the move to online and digital journalism, which has been a massive change in every aspect of the business. In terms of content, reporting and getting information to readers, it’s been an amazing and wonderful boon, and a lot of fun. In terms of advertising, it’s been a catastrophic hit to the original business model of how newspapers made money, and you’ve seen the results – local news everywhere is on the ropes, trying its best to stay afloat. Here in Dayton, we have done a better job than in many markets of holding our ground, keeping up quality and managing our resources in a way that works best for our company, our staff and our customers. This community is very, very lucky to have Cox and the Dayton Daily News, and I hope and pray it will continue to support the newspaper as it has.

 

Is there a story you’ve felt particularly proud of putting out there? 

That’s a toughie. So many. The biggest stories I was part of were our coverage of the two-week prison riot in Lucasville, about 25 years ago, which I managed on site, and I was lucky enough to be near Centennial Park in Atlanta the night the terrorist bomb went off, and me and two friends got the big national story on that, back in 1996 – an actual “stop the presses” moment. It was scary, and sad, but also, I must admit, thrilling.

I’d say the stuff I enjoyed covering the most in general would be all the arts stories over the 10 years or so I was a part of that. I wrote a lot about the Dayton Art Institute and the local visual arts and music scenes, and really learned a lot and liked it.

Also, I had the chance with the DDN to produce and edit several books about Dayton history – “For the Love of Dayton,” “Dayton Ink,” and “Gentlemen Amateurs,” plus some others, and I still see them around town on shelves. That’s kinda cool. Few papers would have given me a chance like that.

 

Tell us about someone you met through your DDNews work that has become a friend?

All of you! Honestly, journalism is a business that gives you daily, endless opportunities to meet and get to know many, many fascinating and wonderful people – it’s the nature of the biz. A lot of journos say they got into the business because they love to write; I got into it because I enjoyed meeting new people and talking to them. I love interviewing people and getting to know how and why they tick. I’ve made many friends here over the years, and many other close acquaintances that I enjoy keeping in touch with – through the paper and also through the various boards and community organizations I’ve been part of as well over the years. That’s a long list of organizations, by the way, which is probably another story.

 

Ron painting with his grandson Duffy.

What do you envision your perfect day in retirement to look like?

Hmm, looking forward to finding out. I’m hoping I’ll be able to do more hikes in the woods, read even more books, write more poetry, have lunch with folks I’ve been meaning to catch up with, make dinner for my lovely wife a bit earlier in the day, and spend time in my Kettering studio making more art than I’ve had a chance to recently. Oh, and naps.

 

Fighting for charity in KnockOut

What advice you’d give others about getting along in Dayton?

Well, it’s been said a million times before by smarter people that Dayton is a semi-big small town (I like to call it a small town with two tall buildings that aren’t very tall), and that makes it a place where you can get things done quickly and well because it’s easy to connect with a lot of people in a meaningful way. Everyone knows everyone, and is happy to take their call, and say “yes,” if they can. It’s a place, too, where if you want to try something creative or a bit odd, folks will give you a shot and generally be encouraging. It’s meant a lot to me, for instance, that when I tentatively toe-dipped into the local arts community as a painter after years of having covered it, and was fairly shy about doing so, I found a lot of positive encouragement that was quite wonderful, and kept me going. People here are so nice. These things are of course true for lots of other communities, too, but I like the way it works here – our brand and flavor of it. It’s what I know. It’s one of the reasons we stayed.

 

Anything else you’d like to share….

My wife, Amy, also works at the paper and isn’t ready to retire yet; she and I raised two wonderful kids here (both grown now) and have loved our time in Dayton and Kettering (where we live and our kids went to school) and the whole area, and have never regretted that we chose this as a place to live and stay. It’s a great place to be and to make a home, and we consider ourselves lucky.

One of my favorite pictures of Ron, when he ran the Clothes That Work Hunks in Heels evetns!

 

We wish you all the best as you create new adventures Ron!