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Just When Ya
Think
By Mona Lease
There's nothing new under the sun; you find out it's true! Hi, all! I
was nosing around the Fair thinking there was nothing new...same old
oil and sugar. You know - deep fried pickles, twinkies, oreos, ice
cream and sugary funnel cakes, elephant ears, etc. Then I heard Asian
music?!
I followed it to the Morris Elephant Encounter at the south end of the
Fairgrounds. Hailing from Florida - Bill and Cindy Morris own the
Encounter. While this is not "new under the sun" - The Encounter's
mission is new...and very unique with a few life applications. I
grabbed a place to sit and watched with the enthusiasm of a child.
Cora is their Asian elephant weighing in at 9,000 pounds - that's 4 and
a half tons! Shannon weighs 6500 pounds and is African. I learned that
the elephants' ears are shaped like their home continent. Look this up
- it is pretty interesting! For more information, visit their web site
- Morris Elephant Encounter.
I learned that some elephants have one "finger" on their trunk and some
have two. These help the elephant forage for small objects or grasses,
etc. Bill told us that elephants lose their teeth, too. Cindy showed us
a tooth - it was about twice the size of a saucer under a teacup. One
elephant played a harmonica. Here's the "new under the sun" circus
attraction..for me anyway. Cindy had an elephant open it's mount and
she put her leg across it's lower jaw. The elephant closed it's mouth.
Cindy rode halfway around the ring hanging out of the elephant's mouth!
And they went a return trip the other direction.
Bill told us that these "tricks" did not happen overnight. It took
much, much practice. They had to gain the elephant's total trust.
This was proven when Brahm;s Lullaby came across the speakers and one
elephant laid down and went nighty night on her side. In the wild, it
would mean certain death.
Cindy granted me an interview.What keeps her - a woman - doing this? It
is a labor of love she and her husband, Bill, share. She likes
educating people about elephants - that 9,000 pounds can be agile and
graceful. They sat on a "footstool about 2' high - like we would sit on
one. They want to show that elephants are smart and have a memory. One
elephant got ahead of the routine and started a trick before Bill was
done speaking - that was the Kool-Aid show. What does Cindy have to say
to Darke County teens (and everyone)? "You do not need to "get you
kicks or solve your problems" with heroin or other drugs. If you do not
want to go to school; do not let the drug/alcohol life be your answer.
There's an entire world out there - new people to meet - new
opportunities."
I caught the US Air Force Show, too. Very good music and showmanship.
All of the eight musicians have been deployed to someplace overseas.
They, also, granted me an interview. They do these performances
stateside to keep all of our armed forces in the public "eye" -
to show that our soldiers believe in keeping the USA free no matter
where or what. They all echoed the same thought - "Remember the ones
overseas - they're the real "heroes.". Some adjust to new food, music,
sights, and smells more easily than others. Please keep them in your
thoughts and prayers."
And both echoed the idea - Kiddies and everyone else - you do not have
to do the drugs/alcohol to "be popular or someone." The world is a big
place - many needs. There's a place for everyone - you just need to
find it." I do not know if the Morris's know or have met the Air Force
Band. But - maybe you do not really need the drugs after all.
Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the
furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next
time. Ever Toodles!! MONA
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