Mason Our Town Magazine, December 2009-January 2010 by Enquirer Media

Value

Make Cincinnati Museum Center your family destination this holiday! Buy one Membership, get the 2nd and 3rd half off!* With a Membership, you'll get into all three museums, Lost Egypt, Holiday Junction and Toys Through Time, all for FREE…not to mention all of the discounts!

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Remember to bring your out of town guests to Museum Center over the holidays. They can purchase an All Museums Pass to enjoy all of these attractions with you…what a great value!

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Come early to experience the “Instrument Petting Zoo” and Kids’ Zone beginning at 9:30 am in Corbett Tower!

$12 ADULT $7 CHILD

y n SAT JAN 23 10:30 am Vince Lee, conductor Mambo! We’re having a party and the whole family is invited! Fiesta celebrates the music of Latin America and Spain and is sure to cause a winter heat wave at Music Hall. Kids will be musically transported to faraway places and experience lush, vibrant and beautiful music, not to mention “The Mexican Hat Dance,” all performed by the world-renowned CSO. The winter forecast calls for punchy rhythms, soaring melodies and lots of smiles.

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Elevate your lower level.

Dave Hofmeister Liz DuFour Joe Powell Jamie Rockwell Amanda Davidson Joseph Fuqua II Malinda Hartong Tony Jones Cara Owsley Jeff Swinger Leigh Taylor Tony Tribble Eric Bradley Jenny Callison Polly Campbell Michael D. Clark Amy Howell Hirt Sue Kiesewetter Lisa Owendorf Walt Schaefer Jill I. Solimini Richard Stewart Elaine Trumpey

Tony Elam telam@cincinnati.com 513.755.4167 Mike Gleason mgleason@cincinnati.com 513.768.8232 Delinda Kennedy April Rich Katy Sheehan Will Smith

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You can be a HERO! Josh beat cancer with the help of blood donors like his parents, Jim and Sharon, of West Chester.

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december 2009 | january 2010

YOURcommunity

6 8 10

25 GetconnecteD! Get Submit your Mason and Deerﬁeld Township stories, photos and events at your community Web sites, connectMason.com and connectDeerﬁeld.com.

• Announce your business • Celebrate your kids’ achievements • Highlight community news • Submit your upcoming events for our free calendar listings

the buzz What’s making headlines in Mason and Deerfield township. 5 questions …with Deerfield honors Veterans president bruce Chapman. what’s new Delicious pizza, real estate agents, flavors from south of the border, a new academic institution, attire suitable for dancing, and 25 flavors of cookies.

YOURschools

school news and notes All you need to know from the Mason and Kings school districts.

arts all-stars talent goes a long way with these students.

fast paced is her style Mason high School principal Mindy McCarty-Stewart is taking her new job in stride.

edItOR’snote

f you’ve raised a teen-ager, you know how trying—and rewarding—it can be. Multiply that by 3,300, and you have an idea of what awaits Mindy McCarty-Stewart each school day. McCarty-Stewart took over as principal at Mason High School this fall. It’s a huge task – her first time ever in a principal’s chair, at what likely is the largest high school in the state. Still, she’s up for the challenge, moving like a blur among students, bantering, cajoling, encouraging. Read more about her in this issue. Are you thinking of ways to stretch your holiday budget this year? Cutting back on gifts, entertaining and food is a challenge for many of us. To help, this issue of Our Town offers some ideas for holiday fun without stressing your bank balance. We’ll show you how to decorate your

holiday table for minimal cost, and offer places to entertain yourself and your family for little or no cost. Enjoy these terrific community resources and, when possible, slip them a few dollars to support them. You might recognize my name or face. I’ve been at The Enquirer for nearly 20 years, handling many different assignments. Most recently, I was given responsibility for the Hometown sections and other non-daily publications, including Our Town. It’s a privilege to serve in this role. I look forward to working with the many fine staffers and freelancers who contribute to this magazine and its sister publication, Our Town West Chester-Liberty Township. I hope to hear from you, too. Story ideas and suggestions are welcome. Call me at 513-768-8392 or e-mail dhofmeister@enquirer.com. And whether your budget is bountiful or just barely there, enjoy the holidays!

YOURfreetime

where to eat: wildﬂower cafe Jill Solimini checks out a great place to eat on Main Street.

six (almost free) ways to celebrate the holidays having a good time during the holidays doesn’t have to empty your wallet.

2010 in mason Mark your calendars with special events just around the corner.

events calendar Dozens of great places to go and things to do.

a renewed lease on holiday history A look at the renovations to Lebanon’s Golden Lamb, ohio’s oldest continuously operating business.

YOURhome

inexpensive holiday tables Save some green and still come out looking like a champ when hosting this holiday season.

meet the bastis “unconventional” is a meaningless term for this family.

YOURhealth

building a healthy community the City of Mason, Group health Associates and bethesda physical therapy have big plans to benefit residents.

FInalthoughts

quick and easy? bah! Our Town columnist Richard Stewart maintains his fascination with the “instant” aspect of our society.

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funformason

16 Mason high school principal mindy mccartystewart is photographed in the cafeteria. Photography leigh taylor.

our 16-page guide to all the fun and fitness brought to you by the city of Mason begins on page 25.

december 2009 | january 2010

YOURcommunity

thebuzz What’s going on in Mason and Deerfield Township COntributed BY Elaine Trumpey and Eric Bradley

photo by jeff swinger

Residents and employees of Cedar Village, a Jewish home for older residents and patients, embarked on a mission to Israel where most participated in bar and bat mitzvahs.

senior citizens participate in mitzvah ceremony in jerusalem Helen Kaplan, 96, and eight other residents of Cedar Village retirement home in Mason traveled to Israel in October to have their bat (girls) or bar (boys) mitzvahs in the Jewish religion’s holiest place – Jerusalem. The men and women had practiced with a rabbi for months to prepare for the coming-of-age ceremony, something they never had when they were younger. Traditionally, Jewish youth have a mitzvah around the age of 12. In Jerusalem, they read from the first book of the Torah, Genesis, or the story of creation. The Association of Jewish Aging Services, which oversees residential facilities such as Cedar Village throughout North America, told organizers their trip is a first in which senior citizens will have the opportunity to have their mitzvah ceremonies in Israel. Fifteen staff members and one family member accompanied them on the trip. The group planned to tour the country, seeing sites important to Judaism and Christianity as well. Staff of Cedar Village posted live updates and video of the residents’ and staff members’ trip to Israel, including the mitzvah ceremony on Oct. 15. The site is cedarvillage.org.

otterbein site chosen for county arts center In early October, trustees for the Warren County Arts and Cultural Center selected Otterbein Retirement Center in Turtlecreek Township

want community news...and more? Discover and discuss the latest news, events and school happenings in Mason and Deerfield Township at connectMason.com and connectDeerfield.com. 6 our town

as the site of a future regional arts center. The board, led by President Daniel B. Cunningham, had been meeting for about 18 months to evaluate support for an arts center and subsequently determine the best location for it. Funding is not in place for the center, but early feasibility studies determined that a 26,000-square-foot building with a 350-seat auditorium would serve arts organizations in Mason, Deerfield Township, Lebanon and other Warren County communities. A suitable facility is expected to cost $12 million to $14 million to complete. Deerfield Township’s Kingswood Park and Countryside YMCA in Lebanon were the other sites on the final list.

deerfield names interim administrator William Becker was named Deerfield Township’s interim administrator in September. He replaced Dan Evers, who resigned in July after more than four years on the job, citing his wish to pursue “long-term career goals.” Becker, a city councilman in Middletown, previously served as that city’s manager for two years and as police chief there for 10 years. His contract paying him $1,850 biweekly expires Jan. 31. Trustees held off searching for a permanent administrator until a new trustee board is seated following the general election. Middletown City Council meets twice monthly on the first and third Tuesdays – the same schedule as Deerfield Township trustees. To accommodate Becker’s elected office, trustees amended their meeting schedule, moving regular meetings to the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

mason vice mayor named ohio state house rep Mason’s Vice Mayor Pete Beck was sworn in as the 67th District Ohio House representative in October to replace Shannon Jones, who was named successor to Sen. Bob Schuler, who died in January. Beck subsequently resigned as a Mason city councilman, touching off a process to replace him that was not complete as of press time. The resignation and search for a replacement came in the midst of a council election campaign that saw seven candidates, including three incumbents, running for four open council seats. Beck’s elected term expires Nov. 30, 2011.

peeler named warren county judge Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, in September named longtime Republican Mason City Prosecutor Robert Peeler to the Warren County Common Pleas Court judgeship opened when James Heath committed suicide in May. Peeler’s assistant, Bethany Bennett, was elevated to the role of interim prosecutor by Mason City Council. Her interim term expires Dec. 31. Council intends to have a prosecutor named by Jan. 1. Bennett is the daughter of Mason Councilman Don Prince, who faces reelection in November. He abstained from voting to appoint Bennett as interim prosecutor. The Mason city prosecutor position pays $73,000 per year.

YOURcommunity

fivequestions WITH

deerfield honors veterans president

bruce chapman

Photo by malinda hartong

ruce Chapman is president of Deerfield Honors Veterans, a nonprofit group of volunteers that has labored for six years to build a veterans memorial at Cottell Park at Snider and Irwin-Simpson roads. The organization has raised $275,000 for the project, and Deerfield Township recently stepped in to offer $100,000 to complete the memorial. A dedication was scheduled for early November. Chapman, who is 67 and lives in Deerfield Township, has an automotive business and an alpaca farm. We asked Chapman to sit down for Our Town magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5 Questions:

You are a veteran. Describe your service. I served from 1966 to 1968 in the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army. I worked for Lazarus in Columbus at the time. I wrote a letter while I was in Vietnam to Charles Lazarus and sent a lot of photos of orphans and refugees. They started a massive, massive program sending clothing and everything to them in Vietnam. My colonel actually pulled me out of my unit and had me distributing clothes full time to Buddhists. I traveled all over the country and distributed clothing to orphanages, refugee camps and that sort of thing. I got drafted when I was 25, so I was quite a bit older than most of the recruits.

our town

What did it mean to you to serve our country? It was one of the greatest parts of my life. If I had been younger, younger than 25, like 18, I probably would have made the military a career. But I was established in this department store as an executive and I also liked that as well.

Why did Deerfield Honors Veterans think it was important to build a memorial park to veterans in the township? There wasn’t anything (honoring veterans) at the time when we first started, in the northern suburbs. Of course, Blue Ash and Cincinnati and some other areas have such facilities. We just felt that it was necessary for the northern suburbs that we have a place, especially where the younger generation can go to learn about the military.

How does it feel to be near the end of this journey that began more than six years ago? We know it’s been a long struggle. The township has devoted a lot of time, effort and money in making that park a complete park. When we first started, there wasn’t much of anything. Now, there’s a playground, expanded tennis courts, walking trails and ball fields. It’s a high traffic area so people will really be able to see the memorial.

Most people wouldn’t know that the 1,200-pound bronze statue of a soldier at the park is you. What’s it like having a large statue with your face?

When we say we’re Caring Above All what does that mean? It means more than fancy buildings. More than advanced equipment. It even means more than the award-winning, nationally ranked medicine we practice every day. Caring Above All means we put caring — for our patients, their families — above all else. Care that makes us different. Makes us special. And makes The Christ Hospital the choice for healthcare in Cincinnati.

www.TheChristHospital.com

It’s me during Vietnam. A lot of my family and neighbors will make comments about it. I don’t publicize it and it’s not that important to me. It’s great for my family to know what I looked like back then and notice that that face is actually me.

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eric bradley

YOURcommunity

what’s new in mason and deerfield township

COMPILED BY JENNY CALLISON PHOTOS BY Tony Tribble

marco’s pizza 6360 Tylersville Road 513-204-1555 or www.marcospizza.com The most recent location for this Toledo-based national pizza franchise opened in April. It offers pick-up and delivery services, and has a small dine-in area as well. Manager Ben Bothwell says that Marco’s makes its dough fresh each day. It features standard and signature pizzas, such as the popular Hawaiian Chicken and the White Cheezy pizzas. “The White Cheezy pizza has bacon, onion, tomatoes, and four cheeses – including feta cheese – in a garlic parmesan sauce,” he said. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Manager Greg Page holds up the pride of the establishment.

coldwell banker west shell 5947 Deerfield Blvd., Suite 104 513-677-9777 or www.cbws.com

Coldwell Banker West Shell, located behind Deerfield Towne Center.

Formerly located in a traditional real estate office in Symmes Township, this Coldwell Banker branch accomplished two objectives with its August move to new quarters. According to manager Sue Price, the new location places her team in the center of its market area, and the facility is designed to support the needs of today’s real estate agents. “People don’t need to be in the office as much,” she explains. “We have a very homey front area where our agents can bring their clients and hold meetings. We have an increased amount of walk-in traffic, and it’s a friendly environment. In the back office, where the agents work, we have floating desks, because our people often don’t need dedicated space. They work from their homes, from their cars.” The office is open 9 a.m.to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

maya mexican restaurant 9996 Kings Automall Drive 513-285-2434 Owner Alejandro Mejia moved and expanded his tacqueria to this new location in August, after operating at 7876 Mason Montgomery Road for several years. Increasing numbers of people are finding their way to this family-run eatery that is popular with Anglos as well as Hispanics. Mejia says, “We have a little bit of everything” on the menu, from traditional American Mexican dishes to specialties like carne asada. Maya offers menudo and goat dishes on the weekend. The décor echoes the restaurant name, with images and artifacts that evoke Mexico’s ancient past. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Maya Mexican Restaurant offers a variety of delicious flavors.

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YOURcommunity

strayer university 4605 Duke Drive, Suite 700 513-234-6450 or www.strayer.edu

photo provided

Strayer University offers undergrad and graduate degree programs.

Strayer University, a 71-campus institution that serves students in 15 states, opened its Mason campus last spring, with its first course offerings starting in July. The university, which targets working adults, sees significant potential in Southwest Ohio as the economy and workplace demands for new skills make higher education increasingly necessary. “Ohio has an unmet need for higher education for working adults,” said Robert Silberman, chairman and chief executive officer of Strayer Education, Inc., the holding company for Strayer University. Silberman added that Strayer curricula “give adult learners the practical skills required in their professions by emphasizing the latest techniques and technologies in business.” The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business administration, accounting, information technology, education and public administration.

another routine 7400 Liberty One Drive 513-755-1580 or www.anotherroutine.com

photo provided

Beth Kilburn shows that Another Routine has everything you need to get your dance on.

Owner Beth Kilburn indulges her love of clothes and costuming with this specialty shop, which outfits gymnasts, dancers and exercise enthusiasts with just the right attire. Another Routine offers gently used and new clothing, and features new items by Leo’s Dancewear, Dasha Designs, and Bunheads. “We try to carry a mix of clothing, but are expanding our selection of fitness wear,” Kilburn said. The shop, which opened in August, accepts clothing items on consignment. Hours are 6-8 p.m. Monday, 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Another Routine is located directly behind the Liberty Kroger store in Lakota East Commerce Center.

blue chip gourmet 6752 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Suite 101 513-755-7642 or www.bluechipgourmet.com

Wayne and Teresa Kiphart are smiling. Who wouldn’t, when you have access to 25 different flavors of cookies?

“Eats, sweets, and treats all day” is the way that Loveland-based Blue Chip Gourmet describes its business model. Its newest franchise opened in July in Liberty Township, with co-owners Teresa and Wayne Kiphart planning future stores in southern Ohio. Starting in 1983 as a fresh-daily cookie store, Blue Chip Gourmet has gradually evolved to satisfy its customers’ taste for morning pastries and breakfast sandwiches, specialty sandwiches and wraps, salads, soup and chili, smoothies, coffee beverages, and gelato, sorbetto and ice cream. Currently, the bakery café offers more than 25 flavors of cookies. The café can accommodate meetings and other gatherings, and provides free WiFi service. It is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

december 2009 | january 2010

YOURschools

Mason Schools

schoolnotes By Sue Kiesewetter

mason schools receive more accolades For the 10th consecutive year, the Mason Schools have earned the highest ranking given on the Ohio Report Card. Mason received excellent with

distinction – the highest of six categories – when results were released for the 200809 school year. The district also met all 30 indicators – test scores, attendance and graduation rates. “Ten years at the highest ranking is an enormous accomplishment and we

For The Fridge

MASON SCHOOLS December 2009

1 Cross Country/Track & Field Boosters, 7 p.m., high school

6:30 p.m., middle school; Softball Boosters, 7 p.m., high school

17 Wrestling Boosters, 7 p.m., high

3 Fourth-grade winter concert, 7 p.m.,

school; fifth- and sixth-grade chorus winter holiday concert, 8:30, 9:15 and 10 a.m. at intermediate school, and 7 p.m., middle school; middle school early release, 1:30 p.m.

intermediate school building 45

18 National Honor Society blood drive,

5 Craft show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., middle

7:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., high school

school

21 Winter break begins

2 Cheer Boosters, 7 p.m., high school; Women’s Lacrosse Boosters, 7 p.m., high school

7 Middle school band concert, 6:15 p.m.; Touchdown Club, 7 p.m., high school

8 Boys Lacrosse Boosters, 7 p.m., high school

9 Academic Team, 1:30 p.m., high school; Western Row PTO Board, 6 p.m.

10 After Prom Market Day, 6 p.m.;

January 2010 4 Classes resume from winter break; Homerun Boosters, 7 p.m., high school; Touchdown Club, 7 p.m., high school

6 Cheer Booster, 7 p.m., high school;

11 Elegant Holiday choir concert, 7 p.m., high school; intermediate school teacher luncheon, 11 a.m., intermediate building 45

7 Two Point Club, 7 p.m., high school;

4:30 p.m., high school

14 Mason Athletic Boosters Association, 6:30 p.m., high school; Soccer Boosters, 7 p.m., high school; Two Point Club, 7 p.m., high school; high school band concert, 7 p.m.

Women’s Lacrosse Boosters, 7 p.m., high school independent study fair, 6:30 p.m., Mason Heights

11 Swim Team Booster, 7 p.m., high school; Mason Athletic Booster Association, 6:30 p.m., high school; Soccer Booster, 7 p.m., high school 12 Mason Heights PTO, 6 p.m.; Math

15 Sixth-grade orchestra concert, 6:30 p.m., middle school; board of education, 7 p.m., high school Harvard Room

Team competition, 2:15 p.m., high school; board of education, 7 p.m., high school Harvard Room; Boys Lacrosse Boosters, 7 p.m., high school; Mason Heights PTO Family Night, 7 p.m.

16 Seventh-grade orchestra concert,

13 Western Row PTO, 6 p.m.

our town

parents should hit up website Parents who haven’t been on the Mason Schools’ Web site might want to visit. The district has launched a redesigned site that educators say should make it easier to find basic and most requested information. “Favorites like links to the calendar, Edline, E-newsletter and Student Manager – where parents can find lunch account balances, bus number information and homeroom assignments – are displayed prominently on the home page,’’ said Tracey Carson, district spokeswoman. “The often chaotic jumble of information we used to have on the home page has given way to a categorized, fresher design. We think it’s a big improvement.” Feedback on the site should be directed to Carson, 513-398-0474 or carsont@mason. k12.oh.us

5 Cross Country/Track and Field Boosters, 7 p.m., high school

eighth-grade orchestra concert, 7 p.m., middle school

13 After Prom Nutcracker show, 1:30 &

believe that we’ve been in the business of ‘adding value’ for over a decade,’’ said Superintendent Kevin Bright. “While we’re thrilled about our students’ outstanding performance on the achievement tests, we’re equally proud of their leadership, athletic and artistic accomplishments.” Mason’s scores ranked it sixth among Ohio’s Academic Top 10 schools. Among those schools, Mason’s $9,814 cost per pupil was the lowest.

Mason educator crosses the pond to teach Those who haven’t seen Mason High School advanced placement British literature teacher Nikki Wilson don’t need to worry. She is one of about 60 educators who are traveling abroad this school year through the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program. Wilson will teach literature, language and media studies in England’s East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston near the North Sea.

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East Norfolk teacher Hannah Sole is teaching Wilson’s classes in her absence. Sole prepares students for their ‘A-level’ exams – entrance exams into a university. “We are so proud of Nikki and can’t wait to see all the fantastic cooperative learning opportunities she and Hannah will be able to share with each of their classes,’’ said Mindy McCarty-Stewart, Mason High School principal.

staying cool to save money Don’t be surprised if the Mason schools are a little colder in the evenings or if community groups are assigned to meet in different places. It’s all part of the work of the Green Teams – in place at the district level, plus one team at each building. The goal of each group is to find ways to conserve energy and boost recycling efforts. The expected

result: nearly $1 million in savings to district taxpayers. “We should make changes in the way we use our resources simply because it is the right thing to do, not just because it may save money,” said Linda Sutphin, the district’s elementary science curriculum leader. Among the efforts are making and storing ice in the evening/overnight when demand for electricity is lower, turning off computers at night and one weekends, placing additional recycling bins, cardboardonly containers, Abitibi paper retrievers, and placing Dumpsters where several recyclables can be collected together.

mason students join orchestra Seven Mason High School students were selected this fall to join the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Andrew Bass, Annie Gu, Ted Liu, Ryan Lyons, Christopher Rueda, Sarah Sohn and Tina Zhang were chosen for the group, which is made up of high school students from 30 schools in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. “The Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra is the most prestigious youth ensemble in our area and the audition process is very competitive,” said Stephanie Jones, high school orchestra director. “Acceptance is only achieved through a lot of hard work, diligence and commitment from each individual.” The students are attending weekly rehearsals at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music, study with CSO musicians and give performances.

YOURschools

Kings Schools

schoolnotes By Sue Kiesewetter

hall of fame inductees Four former Kings High School student athletes and four others were inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame’s Class of 2009 earlier this fall. Those inducted were: *Tom Wilson, Class of 1983: He earned nine varsity letters in three sports: track and field, cross country and basketball. Wilson was the district long jump champion in 1983, runner up in regional competition and finished seventh in the state. He was also named the school’s Athlete of the Year in 1983. *John Velez, Class of 2001: He participated in cross country, wrestling and track and

was the wrestling sectional champion sophomore through senior years, finishing his senior season by becoming the 2001 Ohio State wrestling champion with a 40-0 season. *Alessa Velez, Class of 2001: She participated in cross country and track, being named Runner of the Year in cross country in 1998-2000. Alessa was a regional track qualifier in 1999-2001 and now coaches cross country and track at the high school. *Jesse Imes, Class of 2004: He received all-conference accolades in baseball and football. He received scholar athlete awards every season.

For The Fridge

kings SCHOOLS December 2009

1 Puttin’ on the Hits parent meeting, 7 p.m., Columbia; J.F. Burns Holiday Workshop; Kings Mills PTO, 6:30 p.m.

3 Columbia orchestra concert, 7 p.m.; Twelfth Night, 7:30 p.m., high school auditorium 4-5 Twelfth Night, 7:30 p.m., high school auditorium

5 Kings Kloset, 9-11 a.m., Kings Education Center

7 Kings Mills Holiday Kid Workshop opens

8 J.F. Burns second-grade musical, 6

15 Board of education, 6:30 p.m., Kings Education Center; junior high Ohio Achievement Test practice tests begin

17 Columbia chorus concert, 7 p.m. 18 Junior high geography bee 21 Winter break begins; Kings Kids open 25 Kings Kids closed

January, 2010 1 Kings Kids closed 4 School reopens 5 J.F. PTO, 7 p.m.; Kings Music Association, 7 p.m.

p.m.; Kings Mills fourth-grade winter chorus concert, 7 p.m.; South Lebanon PTO, 7 p.m.

9 Puttin’ on the Hits auditions, 9 a.m.

9 Junior high band concert, 7 p.m.

11 Kings Kids preschool registration begins, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Kings Education Center; Kings Mills skating party, 6:30 p.m., Castle Skateland

10 Junior high orchestra concert, 7:30 p.m.; Kings Mills second-grade music program, 6:30 p.m.; Kings Mills Kids Art Fair, 3:30-6:30 p.m., gymnasium; South Lebanon, second/fourth-grade chorus concert, 6:30 p.m. 13 High school choir concert, 3 p.m.

our town

to 1 p.m., Columbia; Kings Kloset open, 9-11 a.m., Kings Education Center

12 Columbia PTO, 7 p.m.; Kings Mills PTO, 12:30 p.m.; South Lebanon PTO, 7 p.m.

14 Second quarter ends; Parent Council, 6 p.m., junior high; junior high parent/

*Vernon Byrd, coach from 1957-1992: He is considered to be the founding father of athletics for Kings. Over his career he coached basketball, cross country, track and baseball and served as athletic director from 1977-79. He died this past spring. *Scott Downer, varsity soccer coach from 1987-2000: He had a career record of 173-53-8, leading the soccer program to Fort Ancient Valley Conference titles in 19911992,1995,1998 and 1999; three district titles and a regional championship. *Richard Faulkner, principal, 1987-1996: Strong supporter of athletics, opening the weight room. *Tom Higgins, principal 2002-2005: Came to many athletic events, supported all sports and often gave advice before major events. He died four years ago.

bringing the bard Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” will come alive on stage at Kings High School’s auditorium for three performances Dec. 3-5. Curtain time for the romantic comedy is 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for senior citizens and students. Cast members under the direction of stage manager Miranda Onnen are: Hanna Firstenberger, Viola: Alex Rohe, captain; Tyler Scott, Daniel Moster, Jacob Gruber, Nick Kaper and Brock Sims, sailors. Sam Mullan, Sebastian; Hana Moss, Antonia; Erik Schauf, Orsino; Olivia Malmsten, Curio; Stefan Malmsten, Valentine; Stormi Bledsoe and Nick Kaper, officers; Lauren Kean, Olivia; Shelby Hilderbrand, Maria; Alex Tuchfarber, Sir Toby; Andrew Trimmer, Sir Andrew; Alex Goldsmith, Malvolio; Sam Kreps, Feste; Emily Haddix, Fabian; Brock Sims, priest, Sara Overberg, servant; and Hannah Deatherage, Kiya Fix and Anna Leever, attendants.

preschool registration Registration for the 2010-11 Kings Kids Preschool program opens Jan. 11 at the Kings Education Center. Parents can choose morning or afternoon Monday, Wednesday, Friday sessions for

3-year-olds. Four-year-olds may be registered for morning or afternoon sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or morning sessions on Tuesday and Thursdays. Morning sessions run from 8:30-11 a.m. and afternoon classes are scheduled for 1-3:30 p.m. All classes are held at the Kings Education Center. Cost is $40 a week for the two-days-a-week sessions or $50 for the three-days-a-week program. Before- and after-school care is available for an additional fee. Registration forms are available at the district Web site: http://www.kingslocal.k12. oh.us Completed forms should be turned in when registering. Registration will continue until all slots are filled. Returning students are given first preference.

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kings receives excellent marks For the ninth consecutive year the Kings Local Schools have earned the top rating on the Ohio Report Card. When rankings were released by the Ohio Department of Education for the 2008-09 school year, Kings received the top rank of six – excellent with distinction. Columbia Elementary also earned an excellent with distinction rating and the other five schools individually earned excellent. A constant push on curriculum and on instruction that began before Superintendent Valerie Browning came to Kings a year ago is what keeps the students on top academically, she says. Since Ohio began its school report card program, Kings has always achieved the highest ranking. “There is a constant push on curriculum and instruction,’’ Browning says. “We have weekly in-service events going on every Wednesday and it always has something to do with curriculum and instruction. You can’t just rest.” Browning says the district’s weak area continues to be eighth grade social studies, the only area students didn’t meet expectations. The state requires an average 75 percent passing rate, but Kings achieved only a 73.5 percent. That’s up from the previous year when 71.3 percent of eighth-graders passed the test. “That’s the one we missed last year as well,’’ Browning says. “We keep inching it up.”

Deerfield Towne Center 5375 Deerfield Blvd

Mon-Sat 10a-8p, Sun 12p-5p

Mason, Ohio 45040

513.770.4321

arts all stars

YOURcommunity Sinclair Community College Courseview Campus presents

by michael D. clarK AND sue Kiesewetter photoGRAphy by tony tribble AND leigh taylor

Patrick Overturf, SENIoR patrick overturf’s life moves to the beat of his own drum, and does so to a jazzy rhythm. “I started playing drums in the sixth grade and then in my sophomore year I heard “Kind of blue” by jazz legend Miles Davis, and my love of jazz really kicked in,” he says. patrick 17, is considering university of Cincinnati, ohio State university, Indiana university, bowling Green university and Capital university. how did you achieve your performing arts success? Getting good at anything, especially playing drums, is really hard. being involved in the band program at Kings for the past four years or so has given me the tools to become successful: a solid work ethic, a tolerance for the metronome, and a healthy curiosity about anything related to music. what has been your most exciting performing arts moment so far? During my junior year, I was asked to write a score for all percussion instruments for the KhS production of “the Crucible” by Arthur Miller and perform it for the play with a few of my friends. I went through the band room and found a combination of instruments that worked just right and some friends and I set out to learn the music.

overtoulrf patrickhig h scho kings

what is your favorite part of performing arts? I’m a huge fan of going to a record store or getting an itunes card and just finding random music. I also love to go on you tube and search for videos of drummers or different kinds of music that I’ve never heard before. I’ll hear something and think, “Whoa, that’s really cool” and become obsessed with being able to do what I heard/saw. I’ll spend hours in my basement working on being able to play anything that comes to mind.

Moira Cevasco, SENIoR As long as Moira Cevasco can remember she’s loved to sing and act. the Mason high School senior added piano at age 7. At school she is involved in the Mason Drama Club, honors Concert Choir and the National honor Society. Moira is also active at the Chichester Music Academy, where she takes voice lessons and is a piano intern. Moira would like to pursue music and theater in college. how did you get involved in the arts? My mom is a very good singer and was involved in her high school musicals, so she taught me to sing from a young age. I started playing the piano when I was 7 and have remained dedicated to playing ever since. When I came to the high school, I tried out for the choirs. I made the honors Concert choir and instantly knew that my love for music was just as intense for voice as it was for piano. I became involved in the drama club, and tried out for my first show second trimester of freshman year. what are you most proud of? My role as Mary Lennox in Mason’s 2009 spring musical, “the Secret Garden.” It was such an incredible acting challenge because I had to play a 10-year-old girl, perfect a british accent, act snobby and throw screaming tantrums throughout the show. how have the arts played a role in your life? Getting involved in the arts at school is what ended up partially defining me and giving me chances to experience incredible things and make amazing friends. I feel as if I have had a lifetime of experiences before I’ve even begun college. It’s also helped me feel a greater sense of community with my school and my town.

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moira ceva mason high

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YOURcoMMunity

Ossian Mendoza, JUNIOR For three years, Ossian Mendoza has called Mason home. At the end of his sophomore year the Venezuela-born Mason High School senior had one of his pieces of artwork selected for inclusion in Superintendent Kevin Bright’s art gallery in his office. Ossian is taking an advanced placement art class and is in the Art Honor Society. Chalk and painting are his favorite mediums. Following graduation Ossian wants to go to the Pratt Institute to study art and pursue a career in art. He is also involved in the Mason International Club, serving as vice president his junior year. how did you get involved in art? I got involved with art from a very young age. It has always been one of my best skills and one of the things I enjoyed doing most. My dad used to draw in his free time so I would always try to draw something to show to him every time he came back from work.

endooZl a ossiannhm igh scho maso

What are you most proud of ? The most exciting thing…was when I got my first gold medal in Scholastic (art competition) as a freshman, which granted me the opportunity to work in ArtWork for a summer project to design billboards about Going Green, from which two of my designs were chosen and exhibited in the Cincinnati Art Museum. how has art played a role in your life? Art has played an important role for me at home since I’m surrounded by it. It encourages me to keep going and pursue my dream. Also, arts have played an important role in my life by letting me offer my work and being known around (school) for it.

Lauren Kean, JUNIOR Kings High School junior Lauren Kean has a knack for performing on stage and might want to make it a career. Lauren, 16, caught the acting bug early. “My parents told me I was performed dances when I was little and I started acting in the Children’s Theatre of Mason when I was young,” she says. “It’s a lot of work and dedication but I’m definitely thinking about drama performance for my college major.” She is considering applying to the University of Cincinnati, Evansville University and Roosevelt University. how did you achieve your performing arts success? I was lucky enough to gain interest in theatre at a young age, and I began performing with local theatres and with the Kings drama program. Now for seven years I have been taking classes, studying and performing, and from each experience I’ve learned more and more about performing. I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve worked alongside, whether it be another actor, director, or a teacher. What has been your most exciting performing arts moment so far? Being part of the Certificate Acting Program at University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music Preparatory Department. It is a two-year program in which I am taking college-level performance classes every Saturday on campus. Another incredibly exciting moment has been working on “Twelfth Night.” Making a 400-year-old play entertaining to a modern audience is a challenge. What is your favorite part of performing arts?The experiences I have had. I have met so many wonderful people through a common love of performing, and learned so much from them. They have each helped me in becoming the performer I am today. Also theatre allows you to step outside of your personal safety box, to become someone other than yourself. It pushes you to make bold choices, to be brave, and confident.

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december 2009 | january 2010

YOURcoMMunity

Courtney & Katelyn Dvorsky, SENIOR Mason High School seniors Katelyn and Courtney Dvorsky are part of a set of triplets with their brother, Jared. Both play violin in the school and Southwest Ohio Regional Orchestra. They are in the National Honor Society and have been playing since sixth grade. Both sisters plan to continue violin after high school but don’t plan to major in music. Courtney is looking at the University of Dayton where she wants to major in biology. Katelyn is interested majoring in mechanical engineering, with UD her top choice as well. how did you get involved in violin? courtney: Someone came to the lunchroom one day in fifth grade and was playing all the orchestra instruments. I heard him playing the violin and I was immediately hooked. katelyn: When they came to school to showcase the instruments, I knew that was what I wanted to (play). My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Goldslegar, played violin and played it for us in class one day.

yn dvorsKy l e t a K & y e courtn school mason high

Nick Niehaus, SENIOR

What are you most proud of in music? courtney: Last year our orchestras competed at the National Orchestra Cup in New York City. The orchestra I am a part of placed second runner-up. katelyn: I have received the highest rating (I) at all of the Ohio Music Education Association solo and ensemble evaluations that I have been to. (She also mentioned the New York competition). Explain how playing an instrument has played a role in your life. courtney: Just learning to play an instrument is an amazing thing. It opens you up to a whole new world. It’s also nice to meet other people with those same interests. katelyn: From playing violin I have met a ton of new people. Through school and outside orchestras…we have done workshops with professional musicians who have given me great advice….It allows me to relieve my stress and relax.

Nick Niehaus thought he was destined to be a clarinet player until he heard the siren call of violin strumming. The Kings High School senior said his sister and brother had both played the clarinet but then “I started thinking about how interesting the violin is and how tough it is to learn.” Nick, 17, who is considering Hanover College, Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati and Center College in Kentucky, says he enjoys the process of learning to play a violin piece a little bit more than performing. “But when you finally get it all down it’s a huge sense of accomplishment,” he says. how did you achieve your performing arts success?I think that part of my success is that music comes naturally to me. I have taken lessons for six years and have been part of four orchestras: Blue Ash Youth Symphony; Christ’s Church at Mason; Kings High School; and District 13 Honors. That‘s a lot of practices and performances. What has been your most exciting performing arts moment so far? Playing this past Easter Sunday morning in church. I played in two services with probably about 1,000 people in attendance total. This was the first time that I had played a solo in front of so many people. I am the only violin in the orchestra and tend to get drowned out by the brass. I think people were surprised that I could actually play. What is your favorite part of performing arts? I’ve been able to travel to Atlanta, Cedar Point, and New York City with the Kings Orchestra. I have been able to play a great variety of music for many different audiences, including nursing homes and a wedding. In addition, one of the most lasting things is the friendship made with fellow orchestra members, teachers and directors.

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nicK n

kings higihehaus school

Congratulations to this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

High School All Stars for a job well done!

Strong Transfer Programs in Business & Liberal Arts

Winter Classes Start January 4, 2010

success starts here Located off I-71 in Mason, Ohio

To get started call, (513) 339-1212 or go to courseview.sinclair.edu

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faculty feature ?

Mason high school principal Mindy McCartyStewart looks at the work of Ethan Green and Robert Sloan during Biology class.

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hen it comes to running a big school, it’s likely all downhill from here for Mason High School Principal Mindy McCartyStewart. That is unless the new principal wants to move up to running a midsized college. As a first-time principal at the recently expanded high school – which has more than 3,300 students – McCarty-Stewart has taken the leadership of what is unofficially Ohio’s largest high school. And, typical of her style, she is taking the new job in stride – literally. If you want to spot Mindy during a typical school day, just look for the blur going briskly by.

YOURschools

Fast pace is principal’s style By michael d. clark Photo by leigh taylor

The 38-year-old educator and former associate principal for Mason High School makes her impressions on students, not chairs, during the course of her busy day. And veteran staffers of the academically top-rated school say she has kept the rapid pace set first by her predecessor, Dave Allen, who is now Mason’s director of personnel. “She does everything Dave did, but while wearing heels,” jokes Aaron Roberts, chairman of the Mason High School Arts Department. McCarty-Stewart is visiting Roberts’ students as they interview with college art school recruiters. She mingles easily with the teenagers, engaging them with friendly banter and questions about their interests, and they respond warmly. “The change in principals has been a really easy transition,” says Mason senior Lauren Murray. “She treats people nicely and I’m excited to see her impact on the school during the year.” Mason Schools Superintendent Kevin Bright is confident he has already glimpsed the school’s future under Mindy’s leadership. Bright says McCarty-Stewart “has been a key proponent for many important initiatives at the high school and I know we’ll be able to count on her vision to find ways to meet the individual needs of each Mason High school student in the years to come.” The school’s size – it is expected to

replace Hamilton County’s Oak Hills High School as the largest in Ohio once the state records official enrollments ¬-- suits McCarty-Stewart just fine. “When you are in the middle of it every day you don’t really notice the size,” she explains while walking the school’s hallways. She takes a sharp turn into the expansive cafeteria area known as the “Commons” where more than 800 students are wolfing down their lunches. With a practiced eye for spotting trouble, McCarty-Stewart surveys the giant room and is happy and the least bit surprised to find none. That is a testament to both students and teachers, she explains. “What’s amazing is how big this group is and how well-behaved they are,” she says before heading toward a science class in another wing of the massive school. “Each day I try to hit every classroom in a wing,” she says. An 11-year veteran in school administration, McCarty-Stewart says she “started in school administration early in my career so I’m no rookie.” She praises the teachers who have led Mason High School – and the entire Mason school system -- to earn 10 consecutive years of the state’s top academic rating of “excellent with distinction.” “It’s really about empowering the people around you,” she says before dashing off to another classroom.

>> About Mindy McCarty-Stewart Age: 38 Education: Undergraduate degree from Ohio State University and graduate degree from University of Dayton. Previous experience: Former assistant principal at Wilmington High School in Clinton County and then principal of at Wilmington Middle School for four years before coming to Mason Schools in 2005 as an associate principal at Mason High School. Family: Married to husband Rod with four children, Mary, Gus, Leah and Sam. Philosophy: “Every student is our priority. Parents send us their best, it is up to us to give them our best.”

december 2009 | january 2010

YOURFREEtiME YOURcoMMunity

A ‘keeper’ on Main Street PhOtO BY tony tRiBBlE

THe WiLdFLOWer CAFÉ ANd COFFee HOUSe The Wildﬂower Café and Coffee House 207 e. Main Street Mason, OH 45040 513-492-7514 Lunch 11-2, Monday through Saturday dinner 5:30-9, Thursday through Saturday

This treasure of a restaurant, located in a charming, 100-year-old home, is just what downtown Mason needed. Its eclectic menu is the antithesis to the many chains in Mason, and the wide price range of dishes should make it an option for many diners. I had lunch with a couple girlfriends recently, and when we entered the quaint, yellow home, most of the tables in the tiny dining room were filled. And while the room was a bit noisy, it was a pleasant noise – the sound of good friends chatting over a leisurely lunch. The service was a little slow as there was only one waitress, but she was very competent. The pace gave us more time to talk and made the meal more of an event, which is what dining out should be. The couple that owns the restaurant is on a mission to bring fresh, organic food to their guests. Many of their dishes feature local produce, and they serve grass-fed beef and never-beenfrozen shrimp flown in from Belize. The menu is printed on chalkboards on two walls of the room, and you have to crane your neck a bit to see all the choices. It helped that one of my friends had been there a number of times and was able to give us some tips on what to order from the nicely varied menu. After a lengthy decision-making process, I settled on the Organic Shrimp Po Boy ($11.50). The Po Boy originated in New Orleans, and the versions I have eaten featured fried shrimp and mayonnaise on a crusty white roll. While they are tasty, they can’t compare to the sandwich The Wildflower Café serves up. Spicy, blackened shrimp dressed with local baby greens, marinated cucumbers and herbed mayo were piled high on

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some super tasty, rosemary ciabbata bread. The portion of shrimp was so generous it spilled out of my sandwich. One of my friends chose the Curried Chicken Salad sandwich ($8.50) that was served on a warm, buttery croissant. Curry can be a tricky thing – a heavy hand with this spice and it can overpower a dish. Not so with this sandwich -- lightly curried chicken was tossed with apples, raisins and walnuts and topped with local raspberry greens. The veteran of the group ordered what’s billed as the World’s Best Burger ($11). She had ordered it before and just had to have it again. A grass-fed beef burger was served on chewy and delicious pretzel bread and topped with a choice of cheddar, provolone, goat or bleu cheese. As if that weren’t enough, double-smoked bacon, local greens, shaved onion and tomato are piled on top of that and finished with herbed mayo. They don’t ask you how you want your burger cooked, but there was no complaint – it was plenty moist and flavorful. All three of us ate too many of the crispy kettle chips that were served with our sandwiches, but that didn’t stop us from ordering a dessert to share. All of the desserts are homemade by a former customer turned baker, and she too, uses organic ingredients including butter, flour and local, farm fresh eggs. We sampled the Flourless Chocolate Cake ($5) and it was smooth, dense and clearly made with superior ingredients. Sadly, downtown Mason has seen a few quality restaurants come and go. Hopefully, its bustling lunch business and the fact that dinner reservations are heavily encouraged are signs that The Wildflower Café is firmly rooted on Main Street. JILL I. SOLIMINI

Seconds

BY POLLY CAMPBELL

CAFÉ BeLLA 5948 Snider road, Mason 513-770-4141 “Bella” in Italian can be beautiful, handsome, or good. Or it can mean “nice.” That’s the appropriate translation for Café Bella, where you can have a nice dinner, with a nice plate of pasta or other Italian/Mediterranean dishes. Fennel salad, tortellini with a light prosciutto-pea sauce, or rack of lamb are on the menu. They’re served in a laid-back, small dining room with color and warmth.

ArLOi dee 4920 Socialville-Foster road, Mason 513-229-3997 If you were to judge by the number of awards from Taste of Cincinnati, Arloi Dee would be the best Thai restaurant in Cincinnati. They are a perennial on the “Best of Taste” awards, and not always for the same dish, either. Their vegetable pad thai has won, so have their chicken lettuce wraps, tod marn noodles and tom kha gai soup. But that’s just once a year. The rest of the time, Arloi Dee serves a full Thai menu, as well as sushi, from their spacious restaurant in the middle of Mason development. It has a nice patio, so you can even enjoy Thai outside.

For more restaurant reviews or to rate and review where you’ve eaten lately, visit connectMason.com or connectdeerfield.com.

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Six

(almost free)

ways to

celebrate the

holidays BY elaine trumpey ANd Walt schaefer

hile the nation’s economy is showing signs of turning around, families can still watch their budgets by making choices for seasonal entertainment that don’t have to deplete the piggy bank. There are a number of free – or at least inexpensive – ways to celebrate the holidays in Mason and Deerfield Township. Community tree-lighting celebrations fall in the free category. Some holiday concerts are free; others are reasonable especially when compared with tickets for a performance at the Aronoff Center or U.S. Bank Arena. The well-known and popular Christmas Festival and Horse Drawn Carriage Parade just a short drive away in Lebanon is free.

krohn conservatory and balluminaria Cincinnati’s Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park will feature a Swedish holiday theme this season. The conservatory, 1510 Eden Park Drive, presents the event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 through Jan. 3. The conservatory is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 through Dec. 18. Evening hours are extended until 8 p.m. Dec. 19-30 except for Christmas Day, when the conservatory closes at 5 p.m. Jude Johnson, assistant to the director of Cincinnati Parks, encourages visitors to enjoy a day at the park on Nov. 21. “Come to the conservatory between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and then take in Balluminaria from 4-6 p.m. at Mirror Lake. We have eight to 10 hot air balloons tethered around the lake. At 4 p.m. we start the festivities with Santa Claus and carolers. At 5:45 or so it’s dark enough for the balloons to glow and reflect off the lake,” Johnson said.

PHOTO BY joseph fuQua ii

december 2009 | january 2010

YOURfreetime

PHOTO provided

lebanon christmas festival and horse drawn carriage parade Lebanon’s Carriage Parade is a longstanding tradition in Warren County on the first Saturday in December. This year’s 21st annual event is set for Dec. 5. Festival events get the day started at 10 a.m. when food and craft booths begin peddling their wares. Some say the best peanut brittle in the state is sold that day. But the carriage parades – there are two of them – are the highlight of the event. The first parade steps off at 1 p.m. with bells jingling on wagons and horses decked out in bows and garlands and other holiday finery. As darkness settles on the city and crowds again line the streets, a candlelight parade gets under way at 7 p.m. The parades energize the crowds whether the temperature is a seasonal 30-40 degrees, or a cold and biting day with snow flurries pelting guests and horses alike. Four-legged parade participants come in all sizes, from miniature horses and donkeys to imposing Clydesdales and Welsh Cobbs. This year’s event also features strolling carolers, a bell choir, characters in Dickensera costume, and a live nativity at the Lebanon Presbyterian Church. For details, call 513-932-1100 or go online to www. lebanonchamber.org.

school performances The Christmas season forms a perfect backdrop for the rich musical talents of Kings and Mason school students. The Kings Choral Department’s “Holiday Extravaganza” showcases the singing abilities of youth in grades 5 through 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Christ’s Church at Mason (corner of MasonMontgomery and Western Row roads). Students from Columbia Elementary, Kings Junior High and Kings High School will participate in a choral performance that includes Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Audience members will be invited to join in for a sing-along during the concert. The singing talents of Mason High School’s choral groups can be heard during two performances at the high school on Dec. 11 and 12. Students will perform

PHOTO provided

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during an “Elegant Holiday Choral Concert” each evening at 7 p.m. in the Mason High School Large Commons at 6100 MasonMontgomery Road. Admission is $10. The high school’s band students display their musical abilities during a Winter Band Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 in the auditorium at Mason High School, 6100 MasonMontgomery Road. The concert is free. For a change of pace during the hectic holiday season, local residents might want to take in a performance of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, “Twelfth Night” as performed by the Kings High School drama department. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, 4, and 5 at Kings High School, 5500 Columbia Road in Kings Mills. Tickets are $10 adults and $7 for students and senior citizens.

YOURfreetime

community celebrations and park events

PHOTO BY Tony jones

Mason’s annual community celebration and tree-lighting ceremony is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in the downtown business district on West Main Street. Residents come out for the seasonal activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides; caricature artists, and live entertainment. Santa Claus plans to be there to pose for pictures. A red-suited gentleman arrives on a fire engine for Deerfield Township’s annual tree-lighting ceremony on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 28 at Deerfield Towne Center, 5305 Deerfield Blvd. Children from the audience will help with the tree-lighting countdown. Families can take a horse-drawn carriage ride and/or stop by the petting zoo. That’s not the last opportunity for a free ride at the Deerfield Towne Center. A Christmas train will carry passengers on a trip around the Towne Center on the first two Saturdays of December, Dec. 5 and 12. Deerfield Township will host a Santa’s Workshop from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 12 at the Snyder House in Cottell Park on Irwin-Simpson Road. The free children’s craft program is open to residents and non-residents. Registration begins on Nov. 2. Call 513-701-6958.

annual electric train display Duke Energy will continue to delight young and old again this year with the annual train display in the company’s lobby at Fourth and Main streets. Visitors are invited to see one of the nation’s largest model train displays free of charge from Nov. 27 through Dec. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. “Duke Energy is proud to be a part of the holiday tradition in Cincinnati. Our employees and retirees form a small army to make this event come together each year. The smiles on our visitors’ faces make their hard work worthwhile as we leave a lasting impression for people of all ages who come downtown to see the train display,” said Sally Thelen, Duke Energy spokeswoman. The display began in 1946. PHOTO BY ernest coleman

santaland at sharon woods While the annual mile-long Holiday in Lights Display through Sharon Woods off U.S. 42 in Sharonville costs $12 per car, Santaland at the Sharon Woods Visitor’s Center is free. “You’ll enjoy carolers, the antics of Scrooge and photos with Santa,” said Kimberly Whitton, communications specialist for the Hamilton County Park District. Santaland also offers “Everett Green” the talking Christmas tree, magic shows with Phil Dalton and a holiday themed train display. Santaland is open Nov. 27 through Dec. 23 while Holiday in Lights runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 3. Hours for both are 6-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. PHOTO provided

december 2009 | january 2010

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2010: An event odyssey Charitable organizations, school officials and government leaders are eagerly planning a full calendar of special events for Mason and Deerfield Township for 2010. Here is a list of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planned thus far (dates and times are subject to change):

By elaine trumpey

PHOTO BY Amanda davidson

What: Deerfield Township Easter Egg Hunt families.

WHERE: Cottell Park WHen: April 3

may April

What: Community Easter Egg Hunt WHERE: Heritage Oak Park WHen: March 27

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TOP: The Rusty Griswolds rock out at Red, Rhythm & Boom. LEFT: Dylan Jiao fills his bag with colorful eggs at the Community Easter Egg Hunt at Heritage Oak Park.

PHOTO BY malinda hartong

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YOURfreetime PHOTO BY Tony jones

What: Red, Rhythm & Boom Concerts, Kid Zone, Fireworks, Food.

WHERE: Corwin Nixon Park WHen: July 3 pm What: Sunshine Concert

Series

WHERE: Corwin Nixon Park WHen: Sundays, July 11- Aug. 22

june

july augu st

What: Taste of Deerfield WHERE: Cottell Park WHen: June 19

What: Heritage Parade & Festival Parade, live musical entertainment, and an Outhouse Race.

WHERE: Downtown Mason WHen: Aug. 28

TOP: The Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heating and Cooling float heads up Mason Montgomery Road in the Heritage Parade. LEFT: Donatello and Spidey take a break from heroics to throw down a little face time at Autumnfest.

mber e t p se

BELOW: Haley Tobin and Pugsley smile and look extremely confused, respectively, at Christmas in Mason. PHOTO BY Amanda davidson

Costume contests, magic show, carnival games.

mber dece

febr uary janu ary

WHERE: Corwin Nixon Park WHen: Oct. 23

octo ber nov embe r

PHOTO BY malinda hartong

What: Autumnfest

What: Community Christmas Tree Lighting WHERE: Deerfield Towne Center WHen: Nov. 27 What: Christmas in Mason

Horse-drawn carriage rides, stage shows, craft booths.

WHERE: Downtown Mason WHen: Dec. 3 december 2009 | january 2010

YOURfreetime

Events calendar Looking for fun? For even more event listings, visit connectMason.com or connectDeerfield.com. Nov. 13 Friday

Benefits Secret Artworks, 6-9 p.m., Westin Hotel, 21 E.

Benefits Let’s Dance for the Heart of It, 6 p.m.

to 12:30 a.m., Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 W. Fifth St., Downtown. Dinner and dancing. Music by Anna & Milovan and Stays in Vegas Band. Benefits Aubrey Rose Foundation. $85. Tickets required, available online. 513-265-5801; www.aubreyrose.org/letsdance2009.htm.

Nov. 14 Saturday

Art Openings

Fifth St., Downtown. Exhibition and sale of 5x7-inch original artworks. Identities of artists remain secret until sale. Music, hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and cash bar. Benefits ArtWorks. $125 at door, $100 advance. 513-333-0388; www.artworkscincinnati.org.

Special Events Monster Truck Championships and Thrill Show, 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Gardens,

2250 Seymour Ave., Roselawn. Featuring Bigfoot and Bounty Hunter. With Transaurus, robotic car-eating dinosaur, and Glactron and Reptar. Free parking. $15-$20 adults, $5-$10 ages 12 and under. Continues Nov. 21. 800-745-3000; www. ticketmaster.com.

OPTIONAL Harmony: Winter Quilt Show,

6-8 p.m., Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. Reception. Fiber works by 15 acclaimed artists accompanied by figurative sculptures inspired by music legends. Exhibit continues through Jan. 6. 513-863-8873, ext. 110; www.fittoncenter.org.

Nov. 17 Tuesday

Nov. 21 Saturday

Craft Shows Sycamore Arts & Crafts Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sycamore High School, 7400 Cornell Road, Montgomery. More than 150 artists and crafters. Musical performances, bake sale, raffle, and food court. 513-686-1770; www.sbob.org.

Food & Drink

Sports Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey, 10:30 a.m.,

U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Downtown. Professional minor league ice hockey. vs. Trenton Devils. $12-$24.50. 800-745-3000; www. ticketmaster.com.

Wine Tasting, 1-3 p.m., Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. Napa versus Sonoma. $30. Reservations required. 513-674-6008; www.junglejims.com.

Holiday – Christmas Balluminaria, 4-6 p.m., Eden Park, 950 Eden

Nov. 18 Wednesday

Park Drive, Eden Park. Mirror Lake. Tethered hot air balloon festival. Includes holiday music, Santa Claus visit and more. 513-352-4080.

Civic

Special Events

Warren County Virtual Community School Board Meeting, 4 p.m., Warren

County Educational Service Center, 320 E. Silver St., Lebanon. Regular business meeting. 513-6952900.

The Rusty Ball, 8 p.m. to midnight, Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. Hosted by The Rusty Griswolds. Event benefits various charities. 513-419-7300; http://therustyball. com.

Sports Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey, 7:30 p.m., U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Downtown. Professional minor league ice hockey. vs. Trenton Devils. $12-$24.50. 800-745-3000; www. ticketmaster.com.

Nov. 27

Nov. 20

Antique Christmas, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown. Historic house is decorated with ornaments, rare toys and German feather trees. Included with admission; $8

Friday

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Friday

Art Museums and Art Centers

adults, $6 ages 60 and up and students, free ages 18 and under. Through Jan. 10. 513-684-4524; www. taftmuseum.org.

Holiday – Christmas Light up the Square, 6:30 p.m., Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown. Cincinnati officially welcomes holiday season. Tree lighting 7 p.m. Fireworks follow. Includes visit from Santa. Ice rink open. www.myfountainsquare.com. PNC Festival of Lights, 5-9 p.m., Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. More than 100 lighted displays, 2.5 million lights, entertainment, shopping and more. $13 adults, $9 ages 2-12 and seniors. Through Jan. 3. www.cincinnatizoo.org.

Nov. 29 Sunday

Sports Cincinnati Bengals Football, 1 p.m., Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals take on Cleveland Browns. $64-$82. 513-621-8383; www.bengals.com.

Dec. 2

Wednesday

Mom’s Clubs Mothers and More Monthly Chapter Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center-Mason, 9560 Children’s Drive, Mason. Focus is to care for the caregiver by giving moms a “time out” with chapter meetings, Moms Nights Out, book club and more. Attendance is free. 513-588-8319; www. mothersandmorecincinnati.com.

Dec. 5

Saturday

Food & Drink Wine Tasting, 1-3 p.m., Jungle Jim’s

International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. Moet & Chandon Champagne tasting includes most recent release of Dom Perignon. Price includes Dom Perignon Gift Set: bottle of Dom Perignon with two Dom champagne flutes. $175. Reservations required. 513-674-6008; www. junglejims.com.

Holiday – Christmas Christmas in Mason, 6-9 p.m., Downtown Mason, Main Street, Mason. Parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, caricature artists, ice and wood carver, entertainment, pictures with Santa, food, crafts and more. Shuttles available from Grace Baptist and St. Susanna churches. 513-229-8534.

Downtown Dazzle, 6:30 p.m., Fountain

Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown. Local choirs perform 6 p.m. Santa rappels down office building. Rozzi fireworks display, strolling entertainers, holiday characters and music. Free. www.downtowncincinnati.com.

Lebanon Christmas Festival and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade, 10 a.m.

to 9 p.m., Mulberry Street, Lebanon. Gift and food vendors, Christmas carolers, traveling bell choir, storytelling, Paso Fino horse demonstrations, musical entertainment, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, street characters, and extended business hours. Candlelit parades at 1 and 7 p.m. Free. 513-932-1100.

Religious - Community A Night in Bethlehem, 5-8 p.m., Crestview

Presbyterian Church, 9463 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, West Chester Township. Experience busy town of Bethlehem at time of Jesus’ birth. 513-7776555; www.crestviewchurch.com.

Dec. 13 Sunday

Holiday – Christmas Pioneer Christmas, 1-4 p.m., Keehner Park,

7211 Barrett Road, West Chester Township. Santa stops by for a visit with children at log cabin. Cabin decorated for holidays and children welcome to add decorations to tree. Includes music and traditional fare of buffalo, deer chili, sugar and molasses cookies and apple cider. Bring own camera for photo with Santa. 513-777-5900.

Dec. 16

Wednesday

Civic Warren County Virtual Community School Board Meeting, 4 p.m., Warren

County Educational Service Center, 320 E. Silver St., Lebanon. Regular business meeting. 513-6952900.

Dec. 6 Sports Cincinnati Bengals Football, 1 p.m., Paul Brown Stadium, Bengals host Detroit Lions. $64$82. 513-621-8383; www.bengals.com.

Dec. 11 Friday

Special Events GemStreet USA Show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville. Vendors specializing in gems, jewelry, beads of all sizes and design for making jewelry, fossils, crystals and more. $7 adults, $5 seniors and students, free ages 11 and under. Through Dec. 13. 216-521-4367; www.gemstreetusa.com.

Dec. 12 Saturday

Holiday – Christmas Downtown Dazzle, 6:30 p.m., Fountain

Dec. 17 Thursday

On Stage Theater The Nutcracker, 7:30 p.m., Aronoff

Center, Procter & Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Cincinnati holiday classic. All ages. Presented by Cincinnati Ballet. $30-$70. Through Dec. 27. 513-621-2787; www.cincinnatiarts.org.

22 Steps

to a happier, healthier home!

Dec. 19 Saturday

Lectures An Evening with Nick Clooney, 8 p.m., Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. Benninghofen Theatre. Journalist, news anchor and game show host discusses journalism and movies. Includes post-performance hors d’oeuvres buffet with wine and beer reception. $17 non-members, $15 members. Reservations recommended. 513-863-8873, ext. 110; www. fittoncenter.org.

Dec. 27 Sunday

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THE M AIDS HO M E SERVICES

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Sports Cincinnati Bengals Football, 1 p.m., Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals take on Kansas City Chiefs. $64-$82. 513-621-8383; www.bengals.com.

Home Services

513.858.3700 www.maids.com

YOURfreetime

A renewed lease on

Holiday History By eric bradley Photo by cara owsley

he Golden Lamb has celebrated Thanksgiving for 145 consecutive years, which is another way of saying that it has celebrated every Thanksgiving. “We predated Thanksgiving by about 60 years,” said Tyrone Borger, general manager of the Lebanon inn and restaurant, the oldest continuously operating business in Ohio. It was Dec. 23, 1803 when Jonas Seaman paid a $4 license to open a “house of Public Entertainment” at the joining of Broadway and Main streets in downtown Lebanon. It was named The Golden Lamb, for many early settlers to Ohio were illiterate, and there was no mistaking a golden lamb. Nearly 60 years later, on Oct. 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed

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the last Thursday in November to be a day of National Thanksgiving to celebrate prosperity even in the midst of a great and terrible civil war. Americans have been packing away turkey, stuffing, gravy and the various accoutrements of the holiday ever since, and The Golden Lamb has been helping them along. The “help” is substantial. Last year, the Golden Lamb served two tons of turkey, 7,500 rolls and 200 pies during its Thanksgiving feast. All was helped along by a new, stateof-the-art kitchen, installed during a $5.6 million restoration effort of the 205-year-old inn that wrapped up late last year. And while this will technically be the

second holiday season at the newly remodeled Golden Lamb, it will be the first when staff has ironed out all the wrinkles, so to speak. A lot was changed during the two-year restoration. The original electric wiring was replaced – Thomas Edison might have touched it himself, Borger remembered the electrician quipping – along with other things a visitor doesn’t see, such as the plumbing and heating, ventilation and cooling system. It was an overdue 21st century update to a 19th century building that has undergone several expansions. This year, the Golden Lamb’s 146th Thanksgiving, Borger expects 2,000 dinner reservations.

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After the turkeys have their day, the Golden Lamb will move on to its Christmas celebration, another staple at the Inn for more than two centuries. The theme for the coming Christmas is “Winter Wonderland.” Visitors will be greeted by a Christmas tree in the lobby, along with eggnog and on occasion, carolers. Decorators will start festooning the old inn with decorations in the weeks before Thanksgiving with a goal is finishing around that holiday, said Golden Inn Christmas decorator Jane Logan. They’ll have their hands full – three floors of hallways, five upstairs dining rooms, four dining rooms downstairs and the bar are on the list. At least seven Christmas trees will be used and more than 500 snowflakes will hang from ceilings, Logan said. “It’s a big deal. I try to make it as bright and shiny as possible without taking away from the history.” The holiday season is obviously a special time for the austere Golden Lamb, which has presided over Broadway Street in Lebanon for most of the life of the United States and has been visited by 12 presidents, statesmen like Henry Clay and authors Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and Harriet Beecher Stowe. “We have had grandparents that are bringing their grandchildren (to the Golden Lamb) when they themselves were brought in by their grandparents,” Borger said. “That is a very serious responsibility.” The Golden Lamb is at 27 S. Broadway St. in Lebanon. The restaurant is open 364 days, closing on Christmas Day. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner is served 5-9 p.m. Dining hours on Sunday are 12-8 p.m. For information, call 513-932-5065 or go to www.goldenlamb.com.

www.westchesterorthodontics.com

YOURhome

Inexpensive

touches

make for

festive holiday tables By Amy Howell Hirt

We all have our favorite tableware for the holidays – whether it’s Grandma’s china or a Santa centerpiece from our childhood. Combining this traditional tabletop fare with unexpected, inexpensive touches can deliver dazzlingly fresh results. Susan Moore, owner of Interiors by Decorating Den in Mason, shares these ways to create a simple, stunning holiday table.

Evergreen greenery “Use nature, even if it’s greenery cut from a boxwood or evergreen in your yard, with a few pine cones,” Moore says. A sprig of greenery, tied with a ribbon to a napkin, becomes a quaint napkin holder, and pine cones can serve as placecard holders.

Fruits and veggies Add delicious color to a table with less-traditional choices of red and green produce. For a centerpiece, Moore recommends placing pomegranates and artichokes in a

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PHOTO provided

december 2009 | january 2010

YOURhome serving dish or glass bowl, then adding a few ball ornaments for a sleek touch. “It gives a lot of interesting texture and color that’s somewhat unexpected,” she says.

Gift boxes For a festive centerpiece, take empty boxes in varying sizes and heights, wrap them in paper that matches your décor and decorate them with elaborate, “over-the-top” bows, Moore says. And remember the universal rule of decorating: go with odd numbers – like three or five boxes. “There’s just something visually appealing to the eye about using an odd number,” Moore says.

A buffet display If you set hors d’oeuvres or assorted desserts on a buffet table, take a shimmery, lightweight material – which can be purchased inexpensively at a fabric store – and puddle it over the buffet top. Then place the food on pedestals and serving trays of varying heights. “It makes it look like one cohesive display,” Moore says.

Last-minute centerpiece When faced with unexpected additional dinner guests, Moore doesn’t panic. She pulls out a card table, grabs a small wreath – from the wall, if need be – and places it in the center of the table with a hurricane vase and candle in the center.

Stunning stemware Votive candles always lend an intimate light to a table, but Moore likes to give the idea a creative slant by combining them with a grouping of wine glasses or other fancy stemmed drinkware, placed upside down on a small decorative mirror or charger in the middle of the table. The glasses should be different heights, with wide rims and bases. The votive goes on top of each glass – which is actually the base. “You can add a little greenery or berries around the bottom, or even (a couple) candlesticks,” Moore says.

Formal shimmer Gold or silver chargers, placed beneath dinner plates, “add a lot of elegance to a more formal table,” Moore says. And the neutral, rather than holiday-specific, hues can get year-round use.

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>> Work Smart! With a landscaping business, a nursery covering hundreds of acres and garden stores in Mason and Florence, the Natorp family knows a thing or two about what’s growing in local back yards. Here are a few ideas for centerpieces using floral supplies that are just outside your door, from Kyle Natorp, president of Natorp’s. • Use a block of floral foam (like Oasis blocks, which cost less than $2 each at floral and craft supply stores) to provide a solid base, even if the arrangement doesn’t need water. • Cut small branches from a spruce, pine, boxwood, juniper or holly – with or without berries, and think about mixing different types of evergreen, Natorp says. Securely stick the pieces into the foam. They should last several weeks to a month. • Rose hips and blooms from hydrangeas also look festive and hold up well. • For Thanksgiving, cut the top off a pumpkin and clean it out, like you would to carve it, and put a pansy inside. • For Christmas, incorporate scrap pieces of ribbons and bows into the arrangement. • Use blooms from ornamental grasses, yarrow and lavender to create a dried arrangement. • Cut branches from a deciduous tree and spray paint them white for Christmas.

PHOTO provided

Meet the Bastis YOURhome

our town

YOURhome Meet the Bastis: (opposite page) Tom, Patty, Daniel, and Joe.

by Jill I. Solimini | photography by deogracias Lerma

ccording to the “Working Dads 2009” poll given by CareerBuilder. com, 31 percent of working dads would leave their jobs to stay at home if their spouses earned enough money to comfortably support their families. For Tom and Patty Basti, this scenario is a reality – Tom has been a stay-at-home dad since their older son, Daniel, was born seven years ago, and now he is the primary caregiver for both Daniel and brother, Joe, who is 5. The couple, who met at Miami University’s Business School their senior year, were friends for many years before they began dating. Patty moved to Cincinnati after graduation to take a job with KPMG – which at the time was one of the big six accounting firms. Tom, who is from Cincinnati, also went the accounting route and began working for a local hospital system. When the couple married in 1999, both were working many hours. Because

they were in the same field, their busy times overlapped – year- and quarter-end deadlines had them working 55-60 hours a week. “When I got pregnant,” says Patty, “we knew we wanted one of us to be home. We were both raised by stay-at-home moms, and that’s how we wanted to raise our kids.” “When we talked about it – it just made more sense for Patty to continue working,” says Tom. “At the time, her job had more long-term potential, and she’s better at dealing with the corporate world – I just get frustrated.” “I think our roles really play to our strengths,” says Patty. “Tom runs a much tighter ship than I do at home, and that really keeps everyone on track.” Today, Patty is director of Advisory Services at KPMG, and Tom runs the home operation. This means getting two kids off to school – Daniel is in second grade at St. Susanna, and Joe attends

december 2009 | january 2010

YOURhome

King of Kings in their pre-K program -- running errands and keeping up with household duties. In his spare time, he takes on larger projects – he put a new deck on the house and finished their basement this summer. While their situation is still somewhat unique, Tom says he never feels out of place being home with his kids. “These days there are so many men who either work from home, have flex hours or are in sales, that I don’t seem that unusual, “ he says. He tells the story that one day Patty saw one of the neighborhood men mowing the lawn on a weekday afternoon and commented that he must have gotten home early. Their son, Daniel, asked where he got home from, and was quite surprised to hear that the neighbor dad worked outside the home. “We don’t make a big deal about our roles,” say Tom. “This is just the way our family works, and the kids take it for granted.” “I’m always surprised when someone thinks our arrangement is 40

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unconventional,” says Patty. “To us, it’s just our family.” Having great neighbors makes all the difference, too, and the Basti family is close to many of the families in their neighborhood. All the kids congregate outside, and the stay-at-home parents referee, following the kids from yard to yard. “No one treats Tom any differently,” says Patty. Twenty years ago, he would have stuck out like a sore thumb – now dads are everywhere.” According to the CareerBuilders survey, 30 percent of men would take a pay cut to be able to work less hours and spend more time with their kids. “By chance, we have two boys, and they are so close to their dad,” Patty says. “I think we have the best of both worlds. Not to mention, we’re going to make two daughters-in-law very happy one day,” she laughs. “Our boys know how to take care of a home.” In addition to school and hanging out with their dad in the afternoons, the boys are active in sports. Both take swimming

lessons, which are scheduled for weekends so that Patty has the opportunity to go with them, and play soccer, baseball, flag football and basketball. “Sports are great family time,” says Tom. “You always remember seeing your mom and dad on the sidelines.” In addition to their busy family life, Tom and Patty are active at St. Susanna, in both church and school activities. Patty is on the PTO and Tom is on a fundraising committee and co-chairs a festival booth. In two years, Joe will be in school all day, and Tom’s life will change. “Seven years ago, my family placed bets on how long this would last,” he says. “Now it’s what I do. I see myself getting all my projects done the first year or two that both kids are in school all day. Then, maybe something part time-like bookkeeping.” “I don’t want him to go back to work,” says Patty. “I’m spoiled – our lives are good this way. It just works for us.” “Yeah,” agrees Daniel. “It works because we all love each other.”

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december 2009 | january 2010

YOURhome

our town

Enrichment.

Welcome to Cedar Village. We are a retirement community located in Mason, Ohio, featuring 105 independent and assisted living apartments and 162 healthcare beds. Formed by the merger of two longtime Cincinnati Jewish nursing homes, Cedar Village opened its doors in March 1997. It’s about caring. It’s at the core of everything we do. It’s the gentle touch of a hand, the soft words of comfort. It’s reaching out to steady and support, to encourage and console. It’s the hallmark of all that we do at Cedar Village. Services Provided:

• Driving Assessment Program • Cedar Village Home Care • Independent and Assisted Living • Rehabilitation After Hospitalization • Nursing Care • Specialized Dementia Care

Cedar Village Retirement Community 5467 Cedar Village Drive Mason, Ohio 45040 Tel: 513.754.3100, Fax 513.336.3174 www.cedarvillage.org

YOURhealth

Building a

healthy community By Lisa Owendoff, TriHealth

ethesda North Hospital and its parent company, TriHealth, have a long history of building healthier communities. The City of Mason joined this list with an estimated $19.5 million master plan to expand its community center, including space for health services to be offered by Group Health Associates—a TriHealth physician practice— and other TriHealth services including Bethesda Physical Therapy, Seniors’ Health and community wellness. Project completion is scheduled for 2010. While the bricks and mortar are not yet completed, the building of relationships and healthy habits has come a long way already. Over the past year, TriHealth professionals from all different areas of healthcare have collaborated with the staff of the Mason Community Center to offer educational classes and free screenings to the Mason community. Topics have ranged from women’s health to men’s health, from pain management to preventive fitness, from acupuncture to surgical advancements, from weight loss to health screenings, and more! Since the Live Well in Mason program series was launched in November of 2008, the City of Mason, Group Health Associates and Bethesda have touched more than 3,000 lives with health-oriented information and guidance. As the new year approaches, the challenge is for everyone in Mason to take a more proactive approach to their health and well-being. Live Well in Mason is one tool to help people make healthy resolutions for the New Year and stick

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to them. The first quarter of offerings in 2010 will be focused on providing attendees with the building blocks for healthy living. In addition to the monthly offerings, Live Well in Mason is getting even more hands-on with a new initiative called the Health Improvement Program. This 10-week program was designed to target community members who have an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease or diabetes, but it is open to anyone who wants to improve his or her fitness and eating habits. The purpose is to make an impact on the health of the overall Mason community by empowering individuals— particularly those with key risk factors—to improve physical activity and make healthy nutritional choices. People who have been screened at previous Live Well in Mason programs or at their physician’s office and who have three or more of the following risk factors are encouraged to join this program: • • • • •

total cholesterol above 200 (LDL > 100; HDL < 35) blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 fasting blood sugar above 100 Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 28 abdominal circumference of more than 35” for a woman or more than 40” for a man

Weekly meetings are scheduled to begin in February of 2010 and will last for 90 minutes each. Participants will have group sessions focusing on living well, healthy eating, and physical activity. TriHealth Wellness Coaches will motivate participants to set short-term and long-term goals to facilitate healthy behavior changes. This will be done through group coaching sessions that focus on challenges, successes and the promotion of self-accountability. Dietitians will educate participants on balanced eating, label reading, and preparing and planning healthy meals. Fitness trainers at the Mason Community Center will educate and facilitate group physical activity sessions.

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graphic provided

MASON COMMUNITY CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT At the same time the Live Well in Mason partnership is helping to build a healthier community, progress also is being made to build a healthier Community Center. The innovative partnership between the City of Mason and TriHealth is expected to generate both revenue and memberships for the Mason Community Center, while also providing more accessible and convenient health care to those members. This is a “win-win” relationship with an ultimate goal to improve the overall financial health of the center and provide more space and equipment for patrons. Work is underway on an addition to the center that will be leased to Group Health Associates and Bethesda Physical Therapy. The revenue from the lease agreement will pay for the construction of the 2-story medical office space, with funds left over to pay for improvements to the Community Center.

With regard to the fitness center portion of the expansion, residents can expect to see the entrance to the center moved to the north side of the building. Just inside will be the entrance to the physician offices, a relocated and expanded Bridge area for seniors, an expanded Kids Korner child care for patrons, a café, meeting rooms and a “Main Street” area that provides opportunities for the city to partner with local organizations. At the end of this section, there will be a larger fitness area with more equipment on the west side of the building, a warm water therapy pool, a new multi-purpose room, a climbing wall, and more group exercise space. Interior changes also will bring additional space for the expansion of popular programs such as dance/aerobic, gymnastics and member amenities. The medical offices will feature the following TriHealth programs and services: • Group Health Associates: A medical practice with specialists in internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/

•

gynecology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, podiatry, rheumatology, allergy/ immunology, dermatology, endocrinology, otolaryngology (ENT), gastroenterology and general surgery, plus imaging (X-ray and ultrasound), mammography and pharmacy. The current Mason GHA practice will relocate to this new 27,000-squarefoot space. Bethesda Physical Therapy: A fullservice, 4,000-square-foot outpatient physical therapy center. On-site wellness programming from the TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion, including the Post-Rehab Program, and wellness and nutrition education programs. TriHealth Integrative Health and Medicine services including acupuncture and other healing therapies. Educational classes from TriHealth Seniors’ Health such as safe driving and memory maintenance.

december 2009 | january 2010

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>> Get Healthy! Your Partners in Wellness—the City of Mason, Group Health Associates and Bethesda—are offering a variety of free programs through the Live Well in Mason series to help you develop and maintain healthy habits:

February 3 >> 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Heart Smart: Free Cholesterol and Glucose Screenings Mason Community Center To register, call: 229-8555, x5547

February 5 >> 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Go Red for Women: Informational Booths Mason Community Center Registration not required.

February 5 >> 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Celebrate your Heart Health with a Wellness Walk

Meet at the Mason Community Center Gym To register, call: 229-8555, x5547 This is a community walk with a suggested donation of $5 to benefit the American Heart Association. Don’t forget to wear your red!

February 24 >> 7 p.m. Putting the Pieces Together: Whole Approach to a Well Heart Mason Community Center To register, call: 229-8555, x5547

For more information or to see a full list of Live Well in Mason programs, visit online at www.imaginemason.org (click on the Partners in Wellness logo).

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To truly illustrate the uniqueness of this partnership and how it benefits the residents of Mason requires a behind-thescenes peek at how the different pieces of the puzzle will be working together to provide integrated healthcare services. A closer look at Bethesda Physical Therapy (PT) demonstrates how services and teamwork will overlap to provide the best possible care and support. The Bethesda PT space is contiguous to the Group Health Associates space. The two are further connected by Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), which allow physicians to have immediate access to PT results. PT treatment space, including the new warm water therapy pool and workout equipment, is integrated into the fitness center. As treatment takes place on the fitness floor, patients will be introduced to the equipment and space in the fitness center, which makes the transition to postrehabilitation services easier and more comfortable. Many patients seek post-rehabilitation services at the same location where they received their PT treatment. For those individuals, the Mason Community Center offers more than just a membership to further their journey to wellness. Personal trainers and certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are available for those who still want or need oversight for their exercise regimen while they continue to strengthen their muscles. Bethesda PT also provides sports medicine services for events that take place at the Community Center, and both

I trust the Group â&#x20AC;&#x153; I never dreamed

I would ever be able to do the things I am now. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve given me my life back! â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Debbie Y., Mason patient

PHOTO BY TONY JONES

Bethesda PT and Group Health Associates are able to expedite treatment for people who acquire sports injuries on the Mason recreation fields. What this means to residents of Mason and members of the Community Center is that speedy, expert healthcare will be more accessible than ever once the expansion project is complete. The City of Mason continues to work closely with Group Health Associates and Bethesda Physical Therapy to help busy people find the time to incorporate fitness, preventative health, sick care and health maintenance into their schedules with as little disruption as possible. Moms and dads will be able to exercise, get annual check-ups for the family, see specialist physicians, get treatment for sports injuries, and moreâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all under one roof. And the convenience factor makes it more likely that people will take charge of their health, making Mason a healthier community. To find out more about how you can join the Mason Community Center, visit online at www.imaginemason.org, or call 513-229-8555. To become a patient of Group Health Associatesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;located at 7423 Mason-Montgomery Road until construction is completeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;visit online at www.cgha.com, or call 513-229-6000. For more information about Bethesda PT or sports medicine services, visit online at www.trihealth.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Other Services,â&#x20AC;? then â&#x20AC;&#x153;Musculoskeletal & Rehabilitation Services.â&#x20AC;?

Flat on her back, Debbie had pretty much given up on living a normal life. Spinal stenosis produced excruciating back, leg and hip pain that prevented most activities. Her internist sent her to a Group Health Associates specialist who treats injury or illness without surgery to decrease pain and restore function. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He seemed to be in tune with what I needed,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He helped me manage the pain. Today, I can ride my bike, go to the grocery store and church â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just about anything.â&#x20AC;? Debbie also loves the convenience of visiting all of her doctors in one location â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and picking up her prescriptions on the way out the door. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the friendly, expert care that makes Debbie trust Group Health Associates. www.trustthegroup.com 120+ physicians in 18 specialties Anderson t Clifton t Finneytown t Kenwood t

Mason t Springdale t Western Hills t

Ande Clif Finney Kenw

Finalthoughts

Quick and Easy? Bah! By richard stewart

couple months ago, Starbucks launched their “Via” brand of instant coffee. My initial reaction was to liken this to an art museum displaying a paint-by-numbers copy of a Jackson Pollock. Now, just so we are clear, I don’t actually regard either Starbucks or Pollock as art but, as is widely known, I do enjoy a good cup of coffee. I also think there are very few examples of high-quality powdered beverages – or powdered anything, for that matter. How many of you prefer Tang to real orange juice? Drink a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and look me in the eye when you try to claim that it isn’t vastly superior to the swill the neighborhood kids are selling on the corner. Let’s play “Would You Rather” – steeped, iced tea or mango-melon-kiwi Kool-Aid? Even more troubling than the oxymoronic concept of instant excellence is that the whole insulting premise is rooted in the commercial reality that pulverized, reconstituted, oddly foamy cups of coffee are widely accepted in Europe. The thinking seemingly goes: Since they do it in Europe it must be better, cooler, more sophisticated, suave, or enlightened, right? Amazingly, by some accounts, as much as 80 percent of coffee sold in the U.K. is of the instant variety (as if the weather wasn’t reason enough to avoid the place). When will American companies (and some Americans) stop thinking that anything “euro” is somehow an upgrade over the domestic option? It isn’t. Just is not. In the U.S. we have National Coffee Day (Sept. 30); in England, it seems, they make a habit of pouring hot water into their freeze-dried coffee dust. In this instance at least, we win – no matter what kind of cup you drink it from. It is a popular notion in some quarters that America lacks breeding and is undeserving or unworthy of cultural admiration. Poppycock, I say! However, it is possible that the awesome scope of our collective achievements combined with the relative brevity of our national history causes us to believe that anything or possibly everything can be accomplished overnight. I offer this theory up as something of a collective American apology for such missteps as instant pudding, macaroni and cheese, and scratch off lottery tickets. Have you ever heard of a “slowly and methodically, painstakingly built success” scheme? Of course not. We are Americans – we want to “get rich

our town

quick,” with quick being the operative emotion. Many a late night infomercial extols the simplicity and merit of the instantaneous acquisition of cleanliness, anatomic perfection, and a college degree. The microwave oven also comes to mind as example of how the pursuit of the quick works in opposition to the attainment of quality. You can make stuff hot and you can do so in a hurry, but you cannot prepare food that is actually good in a microwave oven. I am certain that absolutely no one has fond holiday memories involving nuked mashed potatoes and apple pie. Instant messaging, likewise, illustrates this maddening cultural preference for the short and sweet. Why bother with complete sentences (or thoughts) and correctly spelled words? There seems to be an expanding segment of our citizenry that prefers their freedom from the oppression of grammar, correct spelling, and educated discourse. I am both saddened and fearful that there will be no more American poets. My father, who as it turns out was right about almost everything, and his entire generation of not divorced parents, passed along tested and proven axioms such as: “Anything worth having is worth working for,” “Good things come to those who wait,” and “Patience is a virtue.” These words were intended to support and sustain us so that we too would one day enjoy the deep and meaningful satisfaction that could only be realized through diligent commitment to purpose and a selfless willingness to sacrifice. Too few of my generation and our progeny seem to have embraced the wisdom of these instructions or appreciated the fruits of their application. Then again, my grandmother used to wring the neck of her own chickens and, really, who has time for that?

Richard Stewart is a 15-year resident of Mason, which is nearing the minimum qualification for “old timer” status. Now that you have read this column you probably understand why he has a full time job doing something else..

funformason City of Mason

December 2009/ January 2010

Join Us for Holiday Fitness Fun! Priority Registration Begins December 5 See back cover for registration location!

look inside for: Fitness Special Events Youth Drawing Classes Expansion Information And LOTS More!

Programs and events from the

Hope for the Holidays!

Table of

contents 3

Special Events

Youth Enrichment

Teens & Tweens

Enrichment

Drawing Classes Youth Fitness Tumbling/Gymnastics Sports

Sports Special Interest Dance Computer Classes

Fitness Special Events Fitness Classes Mind/Body Classes Fitness Tracking

Join the City of Mason and give someone “hope for the holidays.” From November 17 to December 15, city employees will accept donations of nonperishable food items, household items, gift certificates, and new, unwrapped clothing and toys. After Thanksgiving, a giving tree with the wish lists of local families in need will be at the Mason Municipal Center and a giving wreath will be available at the Mason Community Center. If you wish to adopt a family or if you know of a family in need in the City of Mason, please call the Hope for the Holidays hotline at 513-229-8507. Donated items may be dropped off at the following locations: • Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Mason Community Center, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road, whenever the facility is open. • Mason fire stations, 135 Mason-Montgomery Road or 5500 Cedar Village Drive. Items may be delivered to the stations at any time, but please note that if all personnel are out on call, the station may be temporarily closed. • Mason Public Works Department, 4211 State Route 741, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. • Mason’s Water Reclamation Plant, 3200 Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more details and a list of our new construction rates, visit us at www.imaginemason.org.

The programs and events in Funformason are brought to you by the City of Mason, which operates the Mason Community Center. Mason Community Center 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road Mason, Ohio 45040 p 513-229-8555 f 513-229-8556

City of Mason 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road Mason, Ohio 45040 p 513-229-8500

Weather Hotline: 513-229-8502, option 5

Aquatics Water Aerobics Special Interest

Call hotline for weather updates, cancellations, and field rainouts (option 6). Programs presented by the City of Mason are open to all, including those who live outside of Mason or those who do not have a community center pass. Programs fees are set by pass holder status and residency and are listed at VIP/MR or CR/NR. You are eligible for the VIP rate if you have a current VIP membership to the Mason Community Center. You are eligible for the Mason resident (MR) fee if you reside within the boundaries of the City of Mason. You are a community resident (CR) if you reside within the Mason City School District. All Mason residents are also community residents. Please note that your ZIP code is not an indicator of your residency status. Many households with the 45040 ZIP code are not in the City of Mason. Proof of residency will be required if not on file.

This symbol designates a program where volunteers are needed. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out a volunteer application form located on our web site at www.imaginemason.org.

This symbol designates a Young Rembrandts™ program. Young Rembrandts™ encourages creativity, technique, and joy of the artistic process by offering a unique, step-by-step method that successfully teaches children how to draw.

ON THE COVER: VIP MEMBER AMIE HALLER DEMONSTRATES THE USE OF BODY BAR RESISTANCE . TONY TRIBBLE/THE ENQUIRER.

This symbol designates a Live Well in Mason program provided through a partnership between the City of Mason, Group Health Associates, and Bethesda. It includes Wellness Wednesday on the first Wednesday of every month and other programs as designated.

Special Events

Youth Enrichment

Preschooler Adventure Camp

DRAWING CLASSES

Pine Hill Lodge

This half-day morning program is designed with age appropriate games and crafts to engage your child while promoting social and motor skill development. This program is perfect for introducing your child to a school-type environment. All participants must be fully potty-trained before registering for this program. The theme of the winter session is “Winter Wonders.” Each Friday will feature a winter-based theme focusing on the wonders of nature. Day Date F 1/8-2/12

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/MR/NR) 9:00-11:45A 3-5 12/1 $98 /$115 /$140

Activity 136514-01

Pre-School Drawing Mason Municipal Center 2nd Floor Classroom 2031

Young Rembrandts™ instructors provide a positive, nurturing environment for your child. Each week, your child will develop fine motor skills, focus, listening, staying on task, spatial organization, and patience, all while drawing along with the instructor! All materials are provided. Day Date Tu 1/12-2/16 W 1/13-2/17

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 6:00-6:45P 4-6 1/5 $68 /$80 /$95 131200-01 6:00-6:45P 4-6 1/6 $68 /$80 /$95 131200-02

Girls and Boys Running Clubs

Elementary Drawing

This outdoor running program will teach your child the basic techniques for a fulfilling lifelong hobby in girls-only and boys-only formats. Our running program develops teamwork, self-discipline, sportsmanship, and goal achievement through running. All participants will train to complete a 10K or 15K run. Beginning to advanced runners are encouraged to join. Participants will receive a goal-specific training plan, running journal, and t-shirt. We will run inside only in the case of severe weather.

Increase your child’s self-confidence and self-esteem through drawing. Young Rembrandts™ innovative, step-by-step method can teach any child how to draw—regardless of artistic ability. We provide all materials and brand new subject matter every week, ranging from animals to landscapes to still lifes— even art history.

Gazebo at Corwin M. Nixon Park

Girls Day Date M,W 1/4-2/10

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 4:45-5:45P 6-12 1/6 $68 /$80 /$95 131202-01

Cartooning Sequencing

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/MR/NR) Activity 4:15-5:30P 10-14 12/28 $68 /$80 /$105 136523-01

Young artists will learn to tell a story or joke through the use of funny characters and background scenes in this fun and engaging class. Giggles guaranteed!

Mason Municipal Center Atrium I’d like to propose a toast. Let’s have a Mocktails party! What’s a Mocktail, you ask? It’s like a cocktail without the alcohol. In preparation for your upcoming holiday party, we invite you to attend our holiday party and sample some delicious and safer alternatives to traditional cocktails. Then cast your vote! Categories will be for Best Drink Name, Best Presentation, and Best Taste. So stop on by and weigh in at our second annual Mocktails! Date 12/2

Time 11:00A-1:00P

Age All

Mason Municipal Center 2nd Floor Classroom 2029

Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity M 1/11-3/1 6:00-7:00P 7-13 1/4 $68 /$80 /$95 131210-01* *No Class 1/18, 2/15

Mocktails

Day W

Day Date W 1/13-2/17

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/MR/NR) Activity 4:15-5:30P 10-14 12/28 $68 /$80 /$105 136524-01

Boys Day Date M,W 1/4-2/10

Mason Municipal Center 2nd Floor Classroom 2029

Fee Free

Pre-Teen Drawing/Cartooning Mason Municipal Center 2nd Floor Classroom 2029

More complex concepts, such as shading and highlighting, perspective, and color theory are introduced in this class. This is a fun, social environment for learning foundational art skills that can give your child the academic advantage. Day Date Tu 1/12-2/16

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 7:00-8:00P 8-13 1/5 $68 /$80 /$95 131207-01

YOUTH FITNESS

ZUMBA Kids

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room Help your child build strong muscles and bones, have more energy, and maintain a healthy weight through this fun fusion of Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow dance moves. ZUMBA creates a fun, different, and effective workout your kids will love.

Day Date M 1/4-2/1

Time 4:15-5:00P

Age 5-13

Deadline 12/28

Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity $18 /$21 /$32 161102-01

TUMBLING/GYMNASTICS

Kinder Tumble Gymnasium B

Your toddler will develop balance and coordination as he or she learns how to walk or crawl across beams, roll down wedges, hang from bars, and slide down mats. This is all with the help of instructors and a parent or chaperone.

Kiddie Boot Camp

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room The same great Boot Camp class you enjoy has now been restructured for your kids! Children will sweat their way to good health with fun twists and adventures designed to get their hearts pumping. Class features cardio exercises, strength training, plyometrics, fitness games, obstacle courses, and more. Sign your child up to join us for the fun right after school. Day Date Tu 1/5-2/2

Time 4:15-5:00P

Age 7-10

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/28 $18 /$21 /$32 166702-03

Yoga Tots

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 10:00-10:45A 1-3 12/29 $32 /$38 /$57 161103-01

Preschooler Yoga Adventure Mason Municipal Center 2nd Floor Classroom 2029

Enroll your preschooler in a fun-filled class that blends yoga, play, dance, music, and drama! Class includes variations on traditional yoga postures that help children develop physical strength, flexibility, emotional calm, and self expression while increasing their concentration, self-esteem, and creativity. Time Age 11:15A-noon 3-5

Time 10:00-10:30A 10:00-10:30A 10:00-10:30A 10:00-10:30A 10:00-10:30A 10:00-10:30A

Age 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2

Deadline 12/29 12/31 1/2 1/26 1/28 1/30

Fee (VIP/CR/NR) $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66

Your toddler will begin with fun stretching activities and focus on developmental movement, coordination, balance, strength, and peer interaction. Parents or guardians will be active participants in this class. Day M Tu W Th Sa M Tu W Th Sa

Date 1/4-1/25 1/5-1/26 1/6-1/27 1/7-1/28 1/9-1/30 2/1-2/22 2/2-2/23 2/3-2/24 2/4-2/25 2/6-2/27

Time 10:00-10:30A 10:30-11:00A 10:00-10:30A 10:30-11:00A 10:30-11:00A 10:00-10:30A 10:30-11:00A 10:00-10:30A 10:30-11:00A 10:30-11:00A

Age 18mo-3yr 18mo-3yr 18mo-3yr 18mo-3yr 18mo-3yr 18mo-3yr 18mo-3yr 18mo-3yr 18mo-3yr 18mo-3yr

Deadline 12/28 12/29 12/30 12/31 1/2 1/25 1/26 1/27 1/28 1/30

Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity $38 /$44 /$66 132301-01 $38 /$44 /$66 132301-02 $38 /$44 /$66 132301-03 $38 /$44 /$66 132301-04 $38 /$44 /$66 132301-05 $38 /$44 /$66 132301-06 $38 /$44 /$66 132301-07 $38 /$44 /$66 132301-08 $38 /$44 /$66 132301-09 $38 /$44 /$66 132301-10

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 1/1 $32 /$38 /$57 161110-01

Registration

Priority registration begins Saturday, December 5, at 8 a.m. for Community Center members and Mason residents. Walk-ins and online only. Open registration begins Monday, December 7 at 8 a.m. for all. To ensure a smooth registration, call 513-229-8555 or visit the Community Center Customer Service Center before registration begins to update your household information and to obtain an ID and password for online registration at www.imaginemason.org.

VIP: Community Center VIP Pass Holder

Activity 132300-01 132300-02 132300-03 132300-04 132300-05 132300-06

Gymnasium B

Capture your totâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curiosity as he or she learns yoga through social interaction and play. Our Yoga Tots class combines yoga poses with songs and games to promote parent-child connection and overall well being. Tots also improve motor skills while increasing their attention span. No yoga experience is required. For parent and a child 1 to 3 years of age.

Day Date F 1/8-2/5

Date 1/5-1/26 1/7-1/28 1/9-1/30 2/2-2/23 2/4-2/25 2/6-2/27

Tumbling for Tots

Mason Municipal Center 2nd Floor Classroom 2029

Day Date Tu 1/5-2/2

Day Tu Th Sa Tu Th Sa

MR: Mason Resident

CR: Community Resident

NR: Non-Resident

Tumbling for Toddlers

Gymnastics

Your child will begin to develop flexibility and tumbling skills. Class will focus on somersaults, bridges, balancing in headstands, cartwheels, arm strengthening, and coordination skills such as skipping, hopping, and jumping.

Level 1

Gymnasium B

Day M Tu W W Th F F Sa M Tu W W Th F F Sa

Date 1/4-1/25 1/5-1/26 1/6-1/27 1/6-1/27 1/7-1/28 1/8-1/29 1/8-1/29 1/9-1/30 2/1-2/22 2/2-2/23 2/3-2/24 2/3-2/24 2/4-2/25 2/5-2/26 2/5-2/26 2/6-2/27

Time 10:30-11:15A 11:00-11:45A 10:30-11:15A 11:15A-noon 11:00-11:45A 10:00-10:45A 10:45-11:30A 11:00-11:45A 10:30-11:15A 11:00-11:45A 10:30-11:15A 11:00-11:45A 11:00-11:45A 10:45-11:30A 10:45-11:30A 11:00-11:45A

Age 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5

Deadline 12/28 12/29 12/30 12/30 12/31 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/25 1/26 1/27 1/27 1/28 1/29 1/29 1/30

Fee (VIP/CR/NR) $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66 $38 /$44 /$66

Gymnasium B

Activity 132302-01 132302-02 132302-03 132302-04 132302-05 132302-06 132302-07 132302-08 132302-09 132302-10 132302-11 132302-12 132302-13 132302-14 132302-15 132302-16

Beginner students will be introduced to the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor. The focus will be on cartwheels, roundoffs, and walkovers. No prior experience is necessary. Day Date Time Age M 1/4-2/22 5:00-6:00P 5 & up Sa 1/9-2/27 11:45A-12:45P 5 & up

Level 2 Prerequisite: Must be able to do cartwheels and round-offs, and be working on walkovers.

Participants will progress through new skills on the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor. The focus will be on bridge skills and the beginning fundamentals of back handsprings. Day Date Time Age M 1/4-2/22 5:00-6:00P 5 & up Sa 1/9-2/27 11:45A-12:45P 5 & up

Gymnasium B

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/28 $94 /$110 /$135 132308-01 1/2 $94 /$110 /$135 132308-02

Level 3 Prerequisite: Must be able to do front and back walkovers and be working on back handsprings.

Advanced floor, balance beam, vault, uneven bars, and floor exercise skills will be stressed. Day Date Time Age M 1/4-2/22 6:00-7:00P 5 & up Sa 1/9-2/27 11:45A-12:45P 5 & up

Tumbling

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/28 $94 /$110 /$135 132307-01 1/2 $94 /$110 /$135 132307-02

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/28 $94 /$110 /$135 132309-01 1/2 $94 /$110 /$135 132309-02

Level 1

Cartwheels, running cartwheels, round-offs, handstands, strength, balance, coordination, and other basic skills will be introduced. Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity W 1/6-2/24 5:00-6:00P 5 & up 12/30 $79 /$92 /$117 132303-01 Sa 1/9-2/27 12:45-1:45P 5 & up 1/2 $79 /$92 /$117 132303-02

Become a Community Center

Level 2

You’ll enjoy full access to the Community Center plus free Kids Korner and free drop-in group exercise classes. And there’s more! You’ll get 10 free guest passes a year, half off a season pass to the outdoor Lou Eves Municipal Pool, and discounts and priority registration for all the recreation programs you already enjoy.*

Running round-offs, kick-overs, back bends, and front limbers will be taught while continuing to work on basic tumbling skills. Day Date W Sa

Time

Age

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity

1/6-2/24 5:00-6:00P 5 & up 12/30 1/9-2/27 12:45-1:45P 5 & up 1/2

$79 /$92 /$117 $79 /$92 /$117

132304-01 132304-02

Level 3

The focus will be on advanced tumbling skills, including walkovers and front and back handsprings. Round-off back handsprings will be introduced. Day Date W

Time

1/6-2/24 6:00-7:00P

Age

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity

5 & up 12/30

$79 /$92 /$117

132305-01

Level 4

Tumblers will work on round-off back handsprings, aerials, and back handspring series. Day Date W

Time

1/6-2/24 6:00-7:00P

Age

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity

5 & up 12/30

$79 /$92 /$117

132306-01

VIP Member!

November Special: Enroll or upgrade to a VIP membership and receive a free moisture wicking exercise shirt for up to two adults on the membership. (Offer ends November 30.) Or pay in advance for as many months as you like with our new Pay-As-You-Go Membership. There’s no registration fee. You can also choose our Classic Membership or come in for fun one day at a time. Stop in for a brochure or call 513-229-8555 to discover which plan is best for you! *Some restrictions apply. Pass holder benefits subject to change.

To register, see page 16.

Pre-Team Gymnastics 6

SPORTS

Gymnasium B

Mason Community Center’s pre-team gymnastics program is a recreational and team program in cooperation with USA Gymnastics Women’s Junior Olympics Program that educates and trains young gymnasts of all abilities. Team practices focus on proper technique and skill progression in USA Gymnastics developmental levels beginner through pro-team training in order to build strength, coordination, and confidence. Gymnasts will learn routines on vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise while being introduced to competitive gymnastics.

Beginner

This beginning level class introduces children to various areas of gymnastics. Participants will work on vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor. No prior experience is necessary. Day Date Tu 1/5-2/23 Th 1/7-2/25

Time Age 6:00-7:00P 5 & up 6:00-7:00P 5 & up

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/29 $107 /$125 /$150 132355-01 12/31 $107 /$125 /$150 132355-02

Prerequisite: Must be able to do cartwheels and round-offs and be working on walkovers.

New skills on vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor will be introduced. Bridge skills will be introduced and built upon. Time Age 6:00-7:00P 5 & up 6:00-7:00P 5 & up

Gymnasium B Your child will improve arm movements and form, and learn some of the voice and expressive techniques used by cheerleaders. Motions, jumps, chants, cheers, and cheer dances appropriate to the age level will be taught. Day Date Tu 1/5-2/23 Th 1/7-2/25

Time Grade Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 5:00-6:00P 1-4 12/29 $94 /$110 /$135 132310-01 5:00-6:00P 1-4 1/31 $94 /$110 /$135 132310-02

Teens & Tweens All Access: Strength Training Fitness Area

Intermediate

Day Date Tu 1/5-2/23 Th 1/7-2/25

Cheer

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/29 $107 /$125 /$150 132356-01 12/31 $107 /$125 /$150 132356-02

Participants will learn etiquette, correct form and technique, how to use all of the weight and cardio equipment, and much more! Attendance will be taken. Participants who attend every session of the program will be permitted to use the fitness center without direct adult supervision. (Daily admission or Community Center pass required for fitness center use after completion of the class.) Day Date M 1/4-1/18 M 2/1-2/15

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 2:30-3:30P 13-14 12/28 $64 /$75 /$100 161100-01 2:30-3:30P 13-14 1/25 $64 /$75 /$100 161100-02

Advanced Prerequisite: Must be able to do bridge skills and be working on back handsprings.

Advanced skills will be introduced on vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor. Your child will perfect his or her back handspring and other advanced tumbling skills. Day Date M 1/4-2/22 W 1/6-2/24

Time Age 7:00-8:30P 5 & up 7:00-8:30P 5 & up

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/28 $115 /$135 /$160 132357-01 12/30 $115 /$135 /$160 132357-02

Pre-Team Gymnastics Prerequisite: Must have completed Level 3 Gymnastics or Advanced Gymnastics class successfully.

Teens & Tweens Boot Camp Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room

This is a fun, dynamic circuit workout that incorporates agility, plyometrics, and core conditioning. You will have fun with fitness games, kickboxing, medicine ball drills, and obstacle courses. Join us for the fun right after school. A water bottle and towel are required. Day Date Th 1/7-2/4

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 3:30-4:15P 10-15 12/31 $18 /$21 /$32 166701-04

Your child will learn advanced USA Gymnastics routines for each of the four events. Day Date Tu 1/5-2/23 Th 1/7-2/25

Time Age 7:00-8:30P 5 & up 7:00-8:30P 5 & up

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/29 $136 /$160 /$185 132358-01 12/31 $136 /$160 /$185 132358-02

“Wait, where is it?” Please note that the activities listed as taking place in the Mason Municipal Center are in the building across the street from the Community Center. VIP: Community Center VIP Pass Holder

MR: Mason Resident

CR: Community Resident

NR: Non-Resident

Parent & Youth Workout Time Fitness Center

Spend time working out with your teen or tween in the fitness center. Youths 10 to 14 will be allowed to use the Precor™ cardiovascular equipment, Icarian™ selectorized weight equipment, exercise balls, and medicine balls in the fitness center on weekends with parental supervision. Please note the following policies will be strictly enforced for the enjoyment and safety of all:

• A parent or legal guardian must accompany teen(s) at all times. • Parent & Youth Workout Time is restricted to the fitness center only. • Mason Community Center staff reserves the right to ask for proof of age at any time. • All Mason Community Center and fitness center policies apply. Time 2:00-6:00P

Age 10-14

Line Dancing

Daily admissions apply per person Free to Community Center members

Day Sa,Su

DANCE

Fee Daily admission or pass required

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room Kick up your heels and toes and learn how to boot-scoot-boogey with the best of them in this informative and fun class. All are welcome and you don’t need a partner to dance. Please note that black-soled shoes or heels are not permitted in this room. Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity Tu 12/8-1/12 11:30A-12:30P 18 & up 12/1 $17 /$20 /$30 441300-02

COMPUTER CLASSES

Computer Basics Mason Municipal Center – EOC

(meet in Atrium by the elevators) Learn how to define key computer-related terms, navigate using the mouse, and turn the computer on and off properly. You will also learn the concept of Windows, having multiple windows open on your desktop at once, and working with files, folders, and Windows Explorer.

Enrichment SPORTS

Adult Basketball League

Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity Tu 1/5-1/26 10:00A-noon 18 & up 12/29 $68 /$80 /$105 141400-01

Field House

The Mason Community Center is pleased to offer a basketball league for adults age 18 and up. Teams are guaranteed 8 games, one game each week, with a 2-week round robin playoff format. The league cost does not include referee fees of $25 per team per game, which must be paid directly to the referee prior to the start of the game each night. Team captains must register their teams with no more than 12 players to a team. Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity Tu,W 1/12-3/31 6:30-9:30P 18 & up 1/2 $150/team 122303-01* *No Games 2/3

Working with Files Mason Municipal Center – EOC

(meet in Atrium by the elevators) Learn how to incorporate tools like word art, tables, objects, Learn the purpose of Windows Explorer, understand the relationship between folders and files, and know how to work with them. Day Date Tu 1/19

Time 10:00A-noon

Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 18 & up 1/12 $17 /$20 /$30 141405-01

SPECIAL INTEREST

Working with Word

Job Seekers Focus Group

Mason Municipal Center – EOC

Mason Municipal Center – Atrium Conference Room

Out of work? Meet others in the same boat on a weekly basis to network for information and ideas on how to improve your job search. Assistance will be provided by a professional career coach. Day M

Date 1/4-2/8

Time 6:30-8:00P

Age 18 & up

Fee Free

(meet in Atrium by the elevators) Learn how to use Microsoft Word and its many functions, including the automatic spell checker, thesaurus, and the grammar correction tool. Day Date Tu 1/26

Time 10:00A-noon

Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 18 & up 1/19 $17 /$20 /$30 141410-01

To register, see page 16.

Microsoft Excel Basics

Digital Photography

Mason Municipal Center – EOC

(meet in Atrium by the elevators) Create and edit spreadsheets and workbooks as you learn to use and understand formulas, functions, and labels. This class requires a good understanding of Microsoft Explorer and Windows, menus and tool bars, and basic concepts such as file/save, copy/paste, when to left or right click, and how to highlight text.

(meet in Atrium by the elevators)

Digital Photo 1

Day Date Tu 1/5-1/26

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 6:30-8:30P 18 & up 12/29 $68 /$80 /$105 141413-01

PowerPoint

Day Date

Time

Age

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity

Th Th

10:00A-noon 10:00A-noon

18 & up 18 & up

12/31 1/28

1/7 2/4

$17 /$20 /$30 $17 /$20 /$30

141418-01 141418-02

Digital Photo 2

Mason Municipal Center – EOC (meet in Atrium by the elevators) Building on your word processing skills, this class will give you the basic tools to create colorful slide presentations, handouts, and flyers for work or school. Learn how to use text boxes and insert objects, create master slides, themes, and backgrounds, and how to use custom animations. Day Date Tu 2/9-2/23

Learn the many features of a digital camera while defining those strange terms such as megapixels, jpeg, tiff, resolution, optical versus digital zoom, compression, dpi, and compact flash versus secure digital memory. At the end of the course, you will be able to choose a digital camera that fits your needs.

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 6:30-8:30P 18 & up 2/2 $51 /$60 /$85 141409-01

This course will cover using the camera features and uploading, printing, and archiving images. How many images will your memory card store? What does fully automatic mean? How do you control the resolution and depth of field aperture setting? Learn the answers in this class. Day Date

Time

Th Th

10:00A-noon 18 & up 10:00A-noon 18 & up

1/14 2/11

Age

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 1/7 2/4

$17 /$20 /$30 $17 /$20 /$30

141419-01 141419-02

Digital Photo 3 Learn to adjust the color and contrast, crop and resize the photo, save it in a variety of formats, and manage your database of images.

Beginning Internet Mason Municipal Center – EOC

(meet in Atrium by the elevators) Navigate browsers, web sites, web pages, and search engines while learning how to use the toolbar and functions of a web site. E-mail will also be discussed in depth.

Day Date Th 1/21

Time 10:00A-noon

Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 18 & up 1/14 $17 /$20 /$30 141420-01

Digital Photo 4 Prerequisite: You must have taken Digital Photo 3 prior to taking this class.

Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity Tu 2/2-2/23 10:00A-noon 18 & up 1/26 $68 /$80 /$105 141401-01

Manipulate digital images using color adjustments, cropping, layering, retouching, distortion, blurs, and brush filters. Get the answers to all the questions you have about digital image processing. Day Date Time Th 12/17 10:00A-noon Th 1/28 10:00A-noon

eBay Buying

Mason Municipal Center – EOC

Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 18 & up 12/10 $17 /$20 /$30 441421-03 18 & up 1/21 $17 /$20 /$30 141421-01

(meet in Atrium by the elevators) Learn how to use your home computer to buy items on eBay. Electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods, digital cameras, and everything else are available on eBay, the world’s online marketplace. Day Date W 2/10

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 10:00A-noon 18 & up 2/3 $17 /$20 /$30 141422-01

MR: Mason Resident

CR: Community Resident

NR: Non-Resident

Fitness/Wellness

Meet the Trainers

SPECIAL EVENTS

“Meet the Trainers” is our annual Personal Training open house event. Meet the training staff, attend mini training clinics, and take home workout ideas created by our trainers.

Mason Community Center

Jingle Bell Ride

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room Come with your holiday spirit and enjoy a holiday-themed cycling class! Dress in your holiday workout gear and join us for some jingle bell fun. Day Date Sa 12/19

Time 8:00-9:15A

Age 13 & up

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/12 $0 /$2 /$6 169117-01

Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle, heal an injury, or compete in a sporting event, our team of Personal Trainers can craft a personalized program to help you achieve a new level of health and fitness. Come meet our training staff and take advantage of limited time promotional training offers to help this be a New Year, New You. Visit our web site at www.imaginemason.org for a schedule of events. Day W Sa

Let’s Play Ball

Date 1/6 1/9

Fee Free Free

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room Remember when you were a child and you went outside to play ball? Recapture the fun indoors while gaining functional training, core strength, and balance, along with aerobic intensity. This one-time class will be full of energy. The instructor will challenge you without any complicated dance steps to learn. Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity M 12/21 9:30-10:45A 13 & up 12/14 $0 /$2 /$6 161404-01

New Year’s Eve Ride

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room Celebrate the coming of the New Year with a group cycle that will take you through the past year and bring you into 2010 with a bang! Day Date Th 12/31

Time Age 9:30-10:45A 13 & up

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/24 $0 /$2 /$6 169113-03

Join us for Yoga Day USA! Meet the Community Center Yoga team and participate in FREE yoga demonstrations that will introduce you to the variety of classes we offer. Demos will run in 30-minute increments and a complete listing will be available at www.imaginemason.org close to the day of the event. Time 10:30A-1:00P

Community Center Classroom

The main principle of this workout is to create muscle confusion, thereby eliminating the muscle plateau that is common with most self workout regimens. When provided with a variety of routines and moves, the muscles are continually challenged to new growth. Challenge yourself in this intense 3-day a week program based on the P90X Workout. The results will surprise you! Class will meet from 8 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Day Date Time M,W,Sa 1/4-3/13 Varies

Age 15& up

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/28 $90 /$105 /$130 161201-01

Community Center Classroom

Mason Community Center

Date 1/23

The X Body Workout

WOW - Women’s Workout

Yoga Day USA

Day Sa

FITNESS CLASSES

Age All

Fee Free

The first week of this program designed just for women will begin in the classroom with a review of the benefits of strength training, cardio, and flexibility. In the following weeks, you will receive an introduction to the weight and cardio equipment along with appropriate exercises to work all of your muscles. In the final week of the program, you will receive a personal workout program designed just for you. Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity Tu 1/12-2/9 9:30-10:30A 15 & up 1/5 $51 /$60 /$85 161202-01 W 1/13-2/10 7:30-8:30P 15 & up 1/6 $51 /$60 /$85 161202-02

To register, see page 16.

MIND/BODY CLASSES

Boot Camp &

Ashtanga Yoga

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room

This class is a fun, dynamic, and intense circuit workout that incorporates agility, plyometrics, and core conditioning. There will be a combination of cardio drills mixed with the squats, presses, lifts, and curls of Train It! Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity Tu 1/5-2/2 7:00-8:15P 15 & up 12/29 $19 /$22 /$33 161401-06 Sa 1/9-2/6 9:30-10:45A 15 & up 1/2 $19 /$22 /$33 161401-07

Mason Municipal Center – 1st Floor Classroom 1029

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and challenging form of hatha yoga. Each pose is linked to the next through a series of connecting movements, allowing the body to create heat and leading to more flexibility. This powerful and vigorous practice purifies and realigns the body, cultivating a feeling of inner peace and leading to a natural state of meditation. This class is recommended for those who have a strong background in yoga, athletics, or dance, or those who have had a comfortable experience in the Power Yoga class. Day Date M 1/4-2/22

Kickboxing &

Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 9:30-11:00A 15 & up 12/28 $73 /$85 /$110 161503-02

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room

Yoga Strong

Super kickboxing combos will take your body to the next fitness level. Then add muscular endurance, improve your fat-burning ability, and increase your overall self-confidence with 45 minutes of Train It!

Using light free weights, the mindfulness of yoga is integrated with the strength of bodybuilding. This user-friendly system combines breath-based yoga postures, held in accurate alignment, while simultaneously working out with free weights. Mats and weights are provided.

Day Date Time Th 1/7-2/4 9:30-10:45A

Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 15 & up 12/31 $19 /$22 /$33 161402-04

X-treme! Cardio

This Xtreme! cardio class is designed for the intermediate or advanced student. It is an athletic cross-training program with drills of plyometrics, BOSU, kickboxing combinations, strength training using barbells, jump rope, balance, and flexibility. Punch bags will be provided. Please bring your own boxing wraps or weight-lifting gloves.

Time

1/6-2/3 9:30-10:45A

Age

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity

15 & up 12/30

$19 /$22 /$33

Day Date Tu 1/5-2/2

Time Age 12:45-2:00P All

161405-04

Mason Municipal Center – 1st Floor Classroom 1029

Expecting mothers, come join us for a wonderful body and mind experience. Prenatal yoga has many physical and mental benefits, including relief from sciatica or back pain, relaxation and stress relief, help with digestion, increased or maintained stamina for labor, reduced fear of labor, and increased confidence, among many others. Open to expectant moms or anyone looking for relief. Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity Sa 1/9-2/13 9:45-11:00A 15 & up 1/2 $21 /$24 /$36 161501-01* *No Class 1/23, Join us instead for Yoga Day USA

“Wait, where is it?” Please note that the activities listed as taking place in the Mason Municipal Center are in the building across the street from the Community Center.

VIP: Community Center VIP Pass Holder

Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity 12/29 $19 /$22 /$33 161406-01

Prenatal Yoga

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room

Day Date

Community Center 2nd Floor Activity Room

MR: Mason Resident

CR: Community Resident

NR: Non-Resident

Nutrition Tips

FITNESS TRACKING

Body Composition Testing Mason Community Center

Body composition testing is a good indicator of your fitness progress and is important in distinguishing between fat and lean body content that is not detectable on your scale. It also provides clues about your risk factors for certain diseases. Stop by the front desk during the days and times indicated to meet with one of our fitness specialists. This test is free to members and only $5 for non-members. Please know your height and weight when you come in for the test. For best results, do not eat, drink, or work out 1 to 2 hours prior to the test.

Monday Tuesday

Registered Dietitian Miriam K. Jackobs will be at the center twice a week to answer your nutrition questions. Stop by for some quick and easy tips about proper food planning and nutrition. Day Tu,Th

Time 10:45-11:45A

Location Front lobby

Fee Free

Personal Training The Mason Community Center is pleased to offer an outstanding Personal Training program to help you reach your fitness goals. Our nationally certified personal trainers will assess your current fitness level and coach you through an effective exercise program tailored to fit your needs.

7 – 8 p.m. 10 – 11 a.m. 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. 5 – 6 p.m.

Thursday:

Mason Community Center Lobby

To schedule your personal training session or to purchase one of our packages, stop by the Mason Community Center to check instructor availability or call us at 513-229-8555.

Fitness Assessments Mason Community Center

Track your fitness progress by taking baseline fitness tests and consulting with certified staff, and compare yourself to the national norm. Fitness evaluations include resting heart rate, blood pressure, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardio respiratory fitness, and flexibility. Assessments are recommended every 3 to 6 months or at the start of an exercise routine to track fitness progress. A full assessment takes approximately one hour. Stop at the customer service desk to schedule your appointment. Day

Age

Fee (VIP/CR/NR)

Any

15 & up

$26 /$30 /$45

Session Package

Age

Fee (VIP/CR/NR)

Individual Session (1 hour) Partner Session (1 hour) Individual Package (6 Pack) Individual Package (12 Pack) Partner Package (6 Pack) Partner Package (12 Pack)

15 & up 15 & up 15 & up 15 & up 15 & up 15 & up

$43 /$50 /$75 $64 /$75 /$100 $243 /$285 /$435 $456 /$540 $359 /$425 /$575 $648 /$780

*Participants must have a Community Center pass or purchase a daily pass to continue using the facility after the session is over.

Fitness Center Orientations Mason Community Center

Do you want to work out in the fitness center and weight room but are unsure how to operate the equipment? Then schedule a Fitness Center Orientation! This 30-minute session will cover how to use the Precor™ treadmills, ellipticals, steppers, and cycles, as well as the Icarian™ line of selectorized weight equipment and the Hammer Strength™ machines. Please fill out an interest form at the customer service desk and a fitness specialist will contact you to arrange your orientation. Day

Age

Fee

Any

15 & up

Free

Drop on in! Check out www.imaginemason.org for the dropin group exercise schedule. Classes are free to VIP members and only $2 for members or Mason residents, $6 for non-residents.

To register, see page 16.

December 2009 SUNDAY

14 13

MONDAY

15 14

TUESDAY

16 15

WEDNESDAY

17 16

THURSDAY

18 17

FRIDAY

19 18

20 19

Holiday Drop-In Group Exercise Schedule begins Saturday, December 19. New 2010 Schedule begins Monday, January 4. Visit www.imaginemason.org for classes, times, and instructors. Starred programs are special events and require pre-registration. Drop-in group exercise fees apply to all listed classes. VIP: FREE | Member: $2 | Non-member: $6

21 20

ZUMBA 11 a.m. - noon

23 22

24 23

25 24

Water Fit 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Cycling Intervals 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Water Fit 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Cycling Intervals 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

NO CLASSES

Total Body Tone + Abs 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Train it! 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Community Center holiday hours in effect 5:30 a.m - 6 p.m.

Community Center closed

Community Center regular hours 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

29 28

30 29

31 30

1 31

Water Fit 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Cycling Intervals 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Boot Camp 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

ZUMBA & Tone 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Total Body Tone + Abs 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

ZUMBA & Tone 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Let’s Play Ball 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. ZUMBA & Tone 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Jingle Bell Ride 8 - 9:15 a.m.

22 21

Train it! 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Circuit Breaker 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Christmas Eve

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve Ride 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Community Center holiday hours in effect 5:30 a.m - 6 p.m

26 25

SATURDAY

Christmas Day

New Year’s Day

27 26

NO CLASSES

Group Cycling 8:10 - 9:10 a.m.

Community Center closed

Train it! 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. ZUMBA 11 a.m. - noon Community Center regular hours 8 a.m - 8 p.m

Check the Mason Community Center for schedule updates, closings, and information on our aquatics fitness classes, or visit www.imaginemason.org and search “group exercise” for the current Group Exercise Schedule and class descriptions.

VIP: Community Center VIP Pass Holder

MR: Mason Resident

CR: Community Resident

NR: Non-Resident

Aquatics WATER AEROBICS

Deep Water Fitness Competition Pool

A moderate to high intensity workout, this class features cardio, strength training, and abdominal moves that will help you gain endurance and flexibility. Get the perfect workout without the stress of impact on your joints! Day Tu F Tu

Date 1/5-1/26 1/8-1/29 1/19-2/2

Time Age 9:30-10:30A 9:30-10:30A 8:00-8:45P

Deadline 12/29 1/1 1/12

Fee (VIP/CR/NR) $17 /$19 /$29 $17 /$19 /$29 $17 /$19 /$29

Activity 151021-03 151022-03 151021-04

SPECIAL INTEREST

Manta Ray Masters Competition Pool

Improve your overall fitness, develop better technique, train for a triathlon, swim competitively, or just enjoy the water. Competitions are optional. Swimmers ages 19 and older of all abilities are welcome. Coaches are available during scheduled practices times to help you attain your personal goals. Additional practices may be added, though you are not required to attend all practices.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training

Leisure Pool

Learn how to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies as a professional lifeguard in this small class setting. Course content and activities include decision-making skills, interacting with the public, recognizing and responding to all types of emergencies, equipment-based rescue skills, spinal injury management, and other topics. Successful participants will receive certificates in Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Participants must be 15 years old by the completion of the class. Attendance at all classes, along with successful completion of the water skills and written tests, is necessary for certification. Participants will need to bring a sack lunch. Class times are: Fridays 6 - 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sundays noon - 5 p.m. Day F-Su

Date Age 1/8-1/17 15 & up

Deadline 1/2

Fee (VIP/CR/NR) $120 /$130 /$155

Activity 151112-01

Practice times are 6 to 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. A Mason Community Center pass is NOT needed to participate in this program. Day Date Time Age Deadline Fee (VIP/CR/NR) Activity Tu,Th,Su 1/3-1/31 varies 19 & up 1/3 $26 /$30 /$45 552008-01

Leisure Pool Schedule - December 2009 ACTIVITY

SUNDAY

Open Swim

noon - 5 p.m.

Slide

noon - 5 p.m.

Lap Swim (Lanes Open)

12 - 2:45p.m. (1) 2:45 - 5 p.m. (3)

Spa

noon - 5 p.m.

Programs

noon - 2:00 p.m.

Adult Swim

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

noon - 4 p.m. 6:30 - 9 p.m.

noon - 4:30 p.m. 6:30 - 9 p.m.

12:15 - 7 p.m.

6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

6 p.m. 9 p.m.

12:15 - 7 p.m.

6 - 9:15 a.m. (3) noon - 4 pm. (2) 4pm-6:30pm (1) 6 - 9 p.m. (3)

12:15 - 7 p.m.

6 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 6 - 9 p.m.

8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Parent & Me: 9 - 11 a.m.

Lessons: 8 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

6 - 9:15 a.m. (3) noon - 4 pm. (2) 4pm-6:30pm (1) 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (1) 7:30 - 9 p.m. (3)

6 - 9:15 a.m. (3) noon - 4 pm. (2) 4pm-6:30pm (1) 8 - 9 p.m. (3)

6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Swim lessons 9 - 11 a.m. 12:55 - 2:35 p.m. 4:10 - 6:30 p.m.

9 - 11 a.m. 12:55 - 2:35 p.m. 4:10 - 6:30 p.m.

11 a.m. - noon

Water Fitness classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 am and Mondays, Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm

To register, see page 16.

See what’s coming to the

Mason Community Center! 14

Here’s a sneak preview of how the new and expanded Mason Community Center will look next fall. More exercise space, expanded Kids Korner, a relocated Bridge area away from the main hallway, a rock climbing wall, and other amenities promise to bring more fitness, more activities, and more fun for Mason. For a walking tour of the construction zone, watch the October episode of imagineMason: The Show. Find it on Warner Cable local access channel 15 or 22, depending on whether you have a converter box. It’s on at 8 a.m. every Sunday and 7:30 p.m. every Thursday. This 15-minute show about current happenings in Mason will change regularly, so keep tuning in to see what’s new. Current and past episodes are available at www.imaginemason.org. Life is in Motion at the Mason Community Center!

Construction Specials! Throughout construction, membership rates to the Mason Community Center have been reduced by 25% and nearly all of the current benefits are still available. Most programs that were held in the closed areas of the center will continue to be offered, but in different locations. Look for this star to inform you of programs that have moved to the Municipal Center. In addition to the lower rates, if you remain a member through the end of construction, you will earn one point for every dollar spent on membership. When constuction ends, you’ll be able to redeem your points on a dollar-fordollar basis. The sooner you join, the more points you can accumulate! For more details and a list of our new construction rates, visit us at www.imaginemason.org.

* Please note that Membership is not required to participate in any Funformason programs unless otherwise noted.

VIP: Community Center VIP Pass Holder

MR: Mason Resident

CR: Community Resident

NR: Non-Resident

To register, see page 16.

Travel the

with Homemade Dreams

here’s no need to deprive yourself of a much anticipated world tour any longer! Pick up your “World of Coffee” Passport from Homemade Dreams and begin a taste bud experience of a lifetime!

Travel to countries all over the world and experience the earthy, smoky tannins of a dark roasted Guatemala coffee, the tranquil notes of buckwheat honey in Nicaragua, the spike of blackberry jam with a light cane sugar ﬁnish while in Kenya, and much more. All our handcrafted coffee beverages are brewed one cup at a time, JUST FOR YOU! Our prized Clover™ brewer awaits all travelers with its awardwinning brewing technology. Begin your tastebud journey of a lifetime today by picking up your passport at Homemade Dreams Coffee House in the Mason Community Center. ATTENTION ALL TRAVELERS: Your 4th and 8th cups are FREE! Don’t delay! Begin your journey today! (Passport offer of free cups good from December 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010 only.)

Mason Community Center 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road Mason, OH 45040

513-229-8555

registration All Programs except Swim Lessons Priority Registration:

(MR and Community Center pass holders only) begins Saturday, December 5, 8 a.m. Walk-in and online only. www.imaginemason.org

Swim Lessons Swim lesson registration is currently closed. Please check the February/March 2010 issue of Funformason for Spring swim lesson dates, times, and registration information.

Open Registration:

begins Monday, December 7, 8 a.m. Please update your household information and obtain your username and password from the front desk before registration.

NEW registration location! 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road

Walk-in registration will be held at Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road.