Mason & Deerfield Township - CenterPoint Winter 2022

6000 Mason-Montgomery Road • Mason, Ohio 45040

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday 513.229.8500 • www.imaginemason.org

Main Number 513.229.8500

City Hotlines 513.229.8502

Administration 513.229.8510

Community Center 513.229.8555

Emergency 911

Engineering & Building 513.229.8520

Finance 513.229.8530

Fire Department Administration 513.229.8540

Parks & Recreation 513.229.8555

Police Department Administration 513.229.8560

Public Utilities 513.229.8570

Service Department 513.229.8580

Tax Office 513.229.8535

Utility Customer Service 513.229.8533

Utility Billing Questions: Greater Cincinnati Water Works 513.591.7700

Utility Service Questions: Sewer Service and Emergencies 513.229.8570 (nights, holidays & weekends, emergencies only) 513.925.2525

Stormwater 513.229.8570

Waste Collection and Recycling 513.229.8533

Water Service and Emergencies - Greater Cincinnati Water Works 513.591.7700

4900 Parkway Dr., Suite 150 • Deerfield Township, Ohio 45040 Office Hours: 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday 513.701.6958 • www.choosedeerfield.com

Administrator

EricReiners 513.701.6974 erein@deerfieldtwp.com

Planning & Zoning Director

SamuelHill 513.701.6964 shill@deerfieldtwp.com

Parks and Recreation Director JoelSmiddy 513.701.6975 jsmiddy@deerfieldtwp.com

Public Works Director

BillyHighfill 513.701.6978 bhigh@deerfieldtwp.com

Fiscal Officer

DanCorey 513.701.6971 dcorey@deerfieldtwp.com

President

LelleLuttsHedding 513.770.2380 lhedding@deerfieldtwp.com

Vice President KristinMalhotra 513.770.2382 kmalhotra@deerfieldtwp.com

Trustee

JulieSeitz 513.770.2381 jseitz@deerfieldtwp.com

A joint publication of the City of Mason and Deerfield Township, Ohio, in partnership with TriHealth and Mason City Schools.

City of Mason Administrative Offices 6000 Mason-Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH 45040 513.229.8510 | administration@masonoh.org www.imaginemason.org

Deerfield Township Administrative Offices 4900 Parkway Dr., Suite 150, Deerfield Township, Ohio 45040 513.701.6958 l info@deerfieldtwp.com www.choosedeerfield.com

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

Images throughout used under license from Stock.Adobe.com

Lelle Lutts Hedding President Kristin Malhotra Vice President

Mark Haake Council Member Joshua Styrcula Council Member

Ashley Chance Council Member Kathy Grossmann Council Member

Tony Bradburn Council Member

Publisher Ivy Bayer Design Director Brittany Dexter

Vice Mayor Diana K. Nelson

Mayor Barbara Spaeth

Dan Corey Fiscal Officer

Julie Seitz Trustee

Eric Hansen City of Mason Manager

City of Mason Named 4th Best Place to Live for Families

In early October, Fortune Well launched the inaugural Fortune 25 Best Places to Live for Families, evaluating nearly 2,000 communities throughout the United States.

Fortune’s ranking focused on families, particularly the subset of Americans often referred to as the “sandwich generation,” who are shouldering the responsibilities of raising their own children while also caring for aging parents. The City of Mason is proud to say that our community is ranked 4th Best Place to Live for families!

This recognition is a result of the City’s continuous commitment to building a culture of wellness in the community that supports active lifestyles for all ages. The Mason Community Center as well as the Mason Municipal Aquatic Center are state of the art amenities that are at the heart of programming, activities, education, and services that are intentionally aimed at building a healthier and stronger community.

The Community Center offers a variety of recreational, fitness, and social opportunities for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Through a strong partnership with TriHealth, the leading healthcare provider in the region, the Community Center offers access to over 40 medical providers and physical therapy services inside this wellness facility. The Mason Senior Center, also located inside the Community Center, offers Mason’s senior community the perfect place to gather with friends and provides opportunities to stay physically, socially, and mentally active. The Mason Municipal Aquatic Center provides the community with the opportunity to enjoy

year-round swimming, reiterating Mason’s commitment to teaching residents of all ages how to be safe in the water.

The City remains committed to providing opportunities for community members to achieve lifelong wellness. Makino Park, Mason’s signature park, provides the possibility for children and adults of all abilities and ages to come together to play and connect in an inclusive setting. Mason offers over 300 acres of both passive and activity park space, 17 miles of bike trail including connection to the Little Miami Scenic Trail, and even wellness opportunities for our furry friends with the opening of the new Pawmyra Dog Park. High profile attractions such as Kings Island, the Western & Southern Tennis Open and PPA Baird Management Pickleball Open further enhance Mason’s culture of community wellness.

The Culture of Wellness does not stop at Mason’s complement of amenities. The City of Mason has a well-established corporate portfolio of companies in the healthcare, life science, and innovation sectors. This recruitment and growth strategy has led to the development of Public Private Partnerships and the City of Mason Living Lab Initiative, which continues to leverage some of the most forward thinking technologies and solutions. This strategy provides the ability for the City to adopt and deliver these innovations directly to Mason residents.

The City of Mason would not be celebrating this achievement if not for continued support from our residents and businesses. Thank you for choosing Mason! Mason truly is more than you imagine because of all of you.

Dan Corey Deerfield Township Board of Trustees

Deerfield Township Remains a Good Steward of Your Money

As your elected Township Fiscal Officer, I work jointly with the Board of Trustees to serve Deerfield in accomplishing the responsibilities for my position as defined in the Ohio Revised Code. My position focuses on making sure our operations comply with accounting principles and management oversight, investing our reserve funds, and working with our Administration Team in recommending to the Board of Trustees a budget that implements good government financial practices. I would like to provide a brief report to you, the residents of Deerfield, as it pertains to our accounting practices, investments, and budget.

As we do every year, Deerfield Township submitted its Annual Audit to the Ohio Auditor of State Office in the form of an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). This report provides you as taxpayers with comprehensive financial data in a format that enables you to gain a true understanding of the financial affairs of our township. This report is on the Ohio Auditor of State Office website (https:// ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/Reports/2022/Deerfield_Township_2021-Warren_FINAL.pdf) and the township website (www.choosedeerfield.com).

From the Ohio Auditor of State Office, we again received another “clean” audit. Furthermore, for the 12th consecutive year, we received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our financial team to provide comprehensive and transparent reporting of the Township’s financial picture.

For many years, the Township did not have reserve funds to invest at the same level we do today. However, thanks to great leadership over the past two decades, we have gone from being approximately $40 million in debt to a position

of approximately $30 million in reserve funds. These invested reserve funds allow us to leverage our resources and create a new revenue source in the form of interest received. We can borrow from ourselves for capital improvements instead of paying interest and occasionally provide a cash infusion to one of our funds in order to maintain service levels while avoiding or delaying a levy increase request.

Budgets always start with two areas—revenues and expenditures. Let us talk about our revenues first. Deerfield Township has prided itself on being a Township that receives no income tax from its residents or corporations. Cities and villages receive income taxes. Some townships have even established Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDD) to do the same. However, Deerfield Township collects no income taxes. Furthermore, we do not receive any sales taxes. Our primary revenue source is the real estate property tax, and we receive a small percentage of that. If you look at your real estate property tax bill, you will see that about 20% of it goes to Deerfield Township. The remainder goes to local school districts and special levies.

On the expenditures side, we have maintained a healthy balance in all our funds while providing our residents with superior public services. We are now looking for direction from our residents on the Township’s parks levy. It was placed on the ballot and approved by voters in 2012 as a 10- year levy, meaning it expires this year. In order to maintain the high quality parks our residents have come to expect, we are asking the community to consider a continuous park levy in the fall. Ultimately, we strive to achieve the best public services in the most cost-effective manner, and we pledge to continue to be a good steward of our tax dollars.

Mason Designates Month of October as Manufacturing Month

The City celebrates with Mason manufacturers to showcase factories of the future with makers and creators from the City’s portfolio.

On October 7, 2022, the City of Mason and the nation celebrated National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). Manufacturing Day is an annual global event executed at the local level and supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers, and community members to showcase opportunities that exist in manufacturing. MFG Day is the industry’s biggest opportunity to inspire the next generation to consider career possibilities in modern manufacturing through a series of focused events. Activities include open houses, plant tours, and presentations designed to demonstrate unique manufacturing facilities and hands on solutions. Mason industry leaders, once again, partnered with the City’s Economic Development Office to highlight high tech manufacturing throughout the month. This initiative has been especially poignant in Mason as it reinforces the talent initiatives of the City and corporate partners and provides the opportunity to tell the story of the “factory of the future” to the “workforce of the future.”

Over the next decade, 4 million manufacturing jobs will need

to be filled in the United States. The expansions and plant openings recently announced by Mason manufacturers AtriCure, Vega, L3Harris Technologies, Festo, and CM Paula validate the tremendous growth of this sector and confirm that talent attraction will need to remain a high priority. This initiative is a critical contribution to the ongoing talent initiative by the City along with Mason companies as well as regional and state partners promoting the collaboration between the education systems and the manufacturing and innovation sectors.

This annual celebration has proven to be an incredible opportunity for worldclass companies, like those operating in Mason, to motivate millions to learn about manufacturing and the factories of the future. During the City of Mason’s Council meeting on October 10, Council officially passed its annual resolution recognizing October as Mason Manufacturing Month and celebrated Mason-based creators and artisans—its manufacturers.

To learn more, visit www.mfgday.com

New Firefighters Join Our Team!

Consistent with our pledge to maintain the very best in public safety services, the Board of Trustees and Fire Chief Chris Eisele recently welcomed the latest recruits to our award-winning fire department. “Deerfield Township Fire Rescue provides safety services that consistently exceed industry standards. This recruit class allows us to maintain existing operations and staff newer facilities that have been built in recent years,” explains Chief Eisele. “We congratulate the newest members of our safety services team,” adds Township Administrator Eric Reiners. “Our fire department has a reputation as one of the best in the region. Welcome to Deerfield Township!”

Warren County Imagination Library Sees Great Success

Imagination Library impacts lives! More than 11,000 Warren County children have been enrolled in Imagination Library. They receive an age-appropriate book in the mail—FREE—every month until their fifth birthday. Of course, it is exciting for them to receive a gift in the mail with their name on it. But the bigger excitement is when someone in the family reads it to them repeatedly!

And why is this so important? In the first three years of a child’s life, their brain grows over 80%. Reading aloud to a child puts language into their brain. That is one of the benefits that connects directly to learning to become a reader. And don’t we want our children to be successful readers? YES! Reading aloud is intentional interaction that builds the neurological wiring of a brain, especially at an incredibly early age. Reading aloud helps children grow their language skills…both listening and talking.

So, when you read to your child(ren), try the PAT method:

P = point out the pictures

A = ask questions as you read

T = Talk about the story

Cuddle up and enjoy this valuable time with your child every day! It makes a tremendous impact on brain growth.

Spread the word about Imagination Library. Children from birth until their fifth birthday can be enrolled at www.imaginationlibrary.org.

Adaptive Kayaking Training Hosted at Mason Community Center

The City of Mason has a strong complement of aquatic facilities to serve a wide range of community needs and provide the opportunity to teach residents of all ages how to be safe in the water. Mason Community Center features a warm water leisure pool with a water slide, lazy river, lap lanes, zero depth entry area; a therapeutic whirlpool spa; and a 25-meter by 25-yard competition pool. The newly constructed Mason Municipal Aquatic Center includes an outdoor pool with zero depth entry, lazy river, water slides, and activity area; a spray park; and an enclosed 50-meter pool. Mason’s aquatic facilities feature programming options such as water safety instruction, lap swimming, specialized water training, and special events.

Recently, The BRIDGE partnered with the City of Mason to host an adaptive kayaking training at Mason Community Center. The BRIDGE connects people in the greater Cincinnati area to adaptive sports and recreation and this training provided the foundational knowledge for The BRIDGE to begin implementing an adaptive kayak program.

The City of Mason emphasizes the importance of building a culture of wellness throughout the community which includes inclusiveness as an important pillar. The BRIDGE has provided the City of Mason with specialized trainings to improve employee skillsets across the organization to better serve residents and community members with special needs.

Deerfield Township and MADE Chamber Welcomes Another New Business!

Congratulations Jayanti! This full service hair and beauty salon recently opened at 9151 Lighthouse Way. Their team of expert stylists offers a complete line of hair, color, styling, and other beauty services. They take pride in providing a luxurious experience in a relaxing atmosphere. We wish the company many years of success at its new location. Many thanks to our friends at the Mason Deerfield Chamber for leading the celebration. More information can be found at www.jayantisalonandspa.com.

MADE Chamber Comes to Deerfield Township

In August, the Mason Deerfield Chamber of Commerce held its monthly Coffee and Conversation community meeting at the Deerfield Township Main Office. Township Trustee Julie Seitz and Administrator Eric Reiners provided updates on what’s happening in the community. They talked about ambitious plans to improve local parks, enhance public safety, upgrade roads, and promote economic development. “These initiatives demonstrate that the Township continues to invest in our residents and businesses to create an environment where both can thrive,” explains Trustee Seitz. “We continue to complete complex projects such as these by leveraging our resources with outside sources of funds to create the greatest possible return for our residents,” explains Administrator Reiners. Residents can learn more about the many projects underway in the Township at www.choosedeerfield.com.

BREAKTHROUGH AT SINCLAIR MAKE

Sinclair College in Mason plays an important role in the economic development of southwest Ohio by preparing graduates who build a stronger workforce.

Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities including our newly renovated Advanced Manufacturing Labs. Our instructors are tops in their field and dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation.

Students can complete over 30 academic programs on the Mason campus to get career-ready or prepare to transfer on to a four-year university.

Ask an Inspector

Have you ever wondered why firefighters cut holes in the roof of a house on fire? Or why the fire engine responds on EMS calls with the ambulance? Do you have fire code questions or fire prevention questions you would like answered? “Ask An Inspector” will give you the chance to get your questions answered and provide safety education to the Mason community. Please email your questions to firesafety@ masonoh.org and your question may be featured in an upcoming article. The Mason Fire Department continues to educate the community to make it safer for all of us.

“What is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic?”

— Melinda S. Education and training. A paramedic has undertaken a much broader and deeper study of pre-hospital emergency care. With additional education, paramedics can perform many advanced skills that Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are not trained to do. For instance, reading and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs) to look for unusual heart rhythms, performing intubations to help you breathe and protect your airway, and administering many life-saving medications that EMTs are not permitted to give. Forty-nine of the City of Mason Fire Department’s 52 staff

members are currently trained as paramedics. Mason’s remaining firefighter/EMTs will be trained as opportunities arise to the paramedic level—the highest level of pre-hospital care.

“I’m not happy with the looks of the fire hydrant in my front yard. Can I landscape around it to hide it, since it’s ugly?”—Mark R. While you can landscape around a fire hydrant, the Ohio Fire Code Section 507.5.4 states unobstructed access to fire hydrants shall always be maintained. The Fire Department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or fire hydrants.

Help your fellow residents and assist the Fire Department by keeping plantings at least three feet from any fire hydrant and not obscuring the view of the hydrant from the street. Most fires occur at night and fire hydrants are not typically in well lit areas. Hiding hydrants with landscape plantings cannot only slow response to a structure fire but prevent a hydrant from being seen all together. In the winter when extreme snowfalls may occur, it is also a good idea to dig out around the hydrant at least three feet to facilitate quick access. The home you help save may be your own.

Snow Removal and Mailboxes in Deerfield Township

The first snowfall will be here before we know it, and Deerfield Township has been preparing for the winter season for several months. We evaluate our snow routes each year, as the Township continues to see the construction of new streets, and assess the most effective way to handle snow and ice removal. This year, as in years past, the township worked cooperatively with the Warren County Engineer and several other communities in the county for their annual salt purchase. By collaborating with the Engineer’s Office and neighbors, the township is able to receive more competitive pricing than the year prior, helping the overall budget and stretching your public funds even further.

As part of our snow removal process, residents’ mailboxes take a beating in the wintertime with snow removal efforts and the freezing and thawing of the ground, so it’s beneficial to inspect your mailbox seasonally. Every winter, mailboxes are damaged due to snow drifts, vehicle incidents, or snowplow damage. The Deerfield Township Public Works Department would like to encourage all residents to take some precautions this year in stabilizing their mailboxes for the winter season.

Damage to mailboxes resulting from snow plowing will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is unavoidable that there is always the potential for damage to mailboxes and fences during the snow removal process. Mailboxes and fences damaged by actual physical contact with township snow removal equipment will be repaired at the township’s expense, but only if they were properly located and installed. A mailbox owner is responsible for repairing or replacing the mailbox if the pressure of piled snow damages it, but there was no physical contact with the plow equipment. For further information about the township’s snow removal policy, snow routes, and a video on ways you can help our team, please visit the Public Works page of the township’s website, www.choosedeerfield.com.

Snow and Ice Preparation

Snow and ice control is nearly a year-round process for the City of Mason’s Service Department. After the last snow event of the winter is cleaned up, preparations for the next season begin almost immediately with the cleaning and inspection of trucks. The salt storage facility is then refilled to capacity, so the upcoming season will begin with plenty of salt on hand. Throughout the year, Service Department crews trim street trees to prevent damage to the plow trucks and to improve the ability to clear the snow. Staff from the Service, Public Utilities, and Engineering & Building Departments also review and update plow routes annually as additional streets are dedicated and existing roadways are widened. Routes are improved to increase efficiency and response time as the City grows.

Snow and ice control driver training is conducted annually. Each year in October, the Public Works Officials of Southwest Ohio (PWOSO) hosts their annual Snow Plow Rodeo event at the Mason Sports Park. Public Works departments from approximately 35 different jurisdictions select two drivers to compete in the rodeo each year. This event is just one of the many preparations that go into each snow and ice season and is a good way to sharpen driver’s skills before the first snowfall.

The rodeo course consists of many obstacles to simulate obstacles the drivers may encounter when plowing.

STREETS IN NEWER SUBDIVISIONS

Some streets in subdivisions still under construction remain the responsibility of the developer to plow until the street or subdivision is essentially complete. If your street does not have the top course of asphalt applied, it is likely that your developer has not yet turned it over to the City to maintain. To tell if the top course of asphalt has yet to be installed, look for raised manhole covers or a street surface lower than the curb. These conditions make it unsafe for large plows to clear the snow.

Below are few examples:

MAILBOX WINTER TIPS

• Replace old mailboxes with U.S. Postal Service approved mailboxes.

• Botton of mailbox should be between 40" to 42" above road surface.

• Check mailbox for any rotten wood, deterioration, and cracks in the post.

• Cones are placed in a circle, like a cul-de-sac, and the driver must touch three cones without knocking them over.

• The driver pushes a barrel into a specific spot, then stops the barrel.

• The driver must go around a curve and have the tires as close as possible to the cones without hitting them.

• There are mailboxes with feelers where the driver must gently hit the feelers without hitting the mailboxes.

When winter weather approaches, the City of Mason’s Incident Command structure is utilized to manage all snow and ice events. Each month, an Incident Commander and Foreman monitor weather forecasts to prepare for upcoming events. Once a storm is approaching, multiple forecasting agencies, traffic cameras, and road weather information systems (RWIS) are monitored.

The City is currently divided into 17 snow plow routes. Each truck has a priority route which includes the main thoroughfares in addition to a regularly assigned route that covers all types of streets.

Main thoroughfares are treated first in each storm. It typically takes approximately two hours for each truck to complete a full route. Each truck is equipped with a GPS device to help ensure no street is missed. Staff from several City departments participates in snow and ice

PRIVATE STREETS

Some streets are private and will never be plowed by the City. These streets are usually around condominium developments and are maintained by the homeowner associations.

To determine whether your street is private, check the street sign. If it has green lettering on a white background, it is a private street. Signs with white lettering on a green background are public streets. If you are unsure of the status of your subdivision or have further questions, please contact the Engineering Department at 513.229.8520.

Vega Opens New North American Corporate Headquarters in Mason

Expanding the City’s international portfolio of advanced manufacturing expertise

VEGA leadership and officials from the City of Mason announce the opening of VEGA Americas’ new $50 million campus in the Mason Research & Development (R&D) Park. The VEGA Americas Campus is the first in a pipeline of projects to launch Mason’s 500-acre R&D Park. The VEGA development is a progressive, connected campus design, reflecting the needs of today’s labor market. As a global leader in level and pressure measurement technology for process industries, VEGA’s new site is representative of the R&D Park’s focus on innovation in novel technologies and advanced manufacturing. It also reflects health, nature, and sustainability throughout the building, incorporating the company’s values and involving all employees, customers, and partners along the way. The 230,000-squarefoot complex houses VEGA’s business operations and training center, as well as its advanced manufacturing and production facility. It will be the center of demonstration and innovation for customers, students, and its partners in Mason Economic Development as the R&D Park evolves with similar developments. The facility was designed and built in conjunction with the BHDP and Messer teams. VEGA brings 250 employees to the new

Celebrating 100 years with Evelyn Landen

Evelyn Landen celebrated her 100th birthday with her friends at the Mason Community Center Senior Center. Evelyn became a member in March 2003 (19 years ago) and was the 27th household to register as members at the brand new facility. The Community Center currently has over 50,000 households. Since 2003, Evelyn has visited the Community Center 3,620 times. Staying active at the Center, she also climbed the rock wall when she turned 90 years old.

Evelyn is known for giving a helping hand with Senior Center activities such as setting up for lunches, chair volleyball, and canasta. She loves knitting and is often seen knitting a hat, blanket, scarf, or sweater while at the Community Center.

Evelyn says, “I attribute my longevity to spending time with everyone at the Community Center. The social and physical fitness aspects of the Community Center are important to me.”

Happy 100 years, Evelyn!

location with plans for additional growth.

To learn more about VEGA, visit www.vega.com.

Pictured above is the ceremonial dedication of the Vega campus with Vega leadership from Germany and the Americas along with the City of Mason.

Left to right photo: Mason Mayor Barbara Spaeth, Isabel Grieshaber, Vega Grieshaber KG CEO, and John Groom, VEGA Americas Co-CEO. Pictured on the right is also Markus Kniesel.

Deerfield Township Committed to Safety in Schools

The Kings Local School District, in partnership with the Warren County Sheriff ’s Office and Deerfield Township, has hired two additional full-time School Resource Officers for the 2022–2023 school year.

Deputy David Sheppard and Deputy Phil Green have been hired to protect the Knights of the Kings School District. Both will join Deputy John Downs and Deputy Trent Barker who are the current full-time School Resource Officers.

“School safety is incredibly important,” says Kings Superintendent Greg Sears. “Kings has made some significant advances in school security. There is extreme importance in doing as much prevention as we can,” he says. The District has been working this summer with the Warren County Sheriff ’s Office, Sheriff Larry Sims, and Deerfield Township Trustees to secure the new positions.

“It is unfortunate that we live in a society where these types of things are necessary, but we want to do everything we can possibly do to keep our children safe, our faculty safe, and our community safe,” says Warren County Sheriff Larry Sims.

Deerfield Township is also committed to working closely with the schools. Trustee Lelle Lutts-Hedding says, “The Board of Trustees supports this decision. Safety is of the utmost importance to us as it is the Sheriff ’s Department and the schools.”

Deputy Sheppard is in the 19th year of his law enforcement career. He has served as a Corrections Officer in both Hamilton and Butler Counties. He came to Warren County in 2010 and has been assigned to Deerfield Township for the last seven years and has served as a Field Training Officer. Deputy Sheppard is married with two children. In his free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, golfing, and drag racing. He also coaches his son’s soccer and baseball teams, helps his daughter on the Ross Middle School Show Choir, and serves on the Ross Youth Football Board.

Deputy Green is a Marine who has over 16 years of law enforcement experience. He has served in the Warren County Sheriff ’s Office for the last 12 years, ten of which were assigned to Deerfield Township. He has served as a Field Training Officer and is an active member of the Warren County Tactical Response Unit. Green is married with two sons. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and children doing various outdoor activities and camping.

All schools in the District are now protected by School Resource Officers. The District has also hired two additional campus security personnel at the junior high and high school locations. These individuals will offer an extra set of eyes and ears on what is happening on a day-to-day basis in the school buildings and will support the SROs and school administration.

Capabilities Summer Youth Group

The City of Mason would like to share a special THANK YOU to the volunteers and coaches as part of the Capabilities Summer Youth Group organization. Volunteers teamed up with staff at Mason Community Center to complete daily tasks that kept the facility looking spotless! Capabilities strives to provide people with differing abilities the maximum support needed to successfully achieve and sustain their goals. Learn more about their mission at www.capabilitiesinc.biz.

City of Mason and Companies WALK THE TALK of Wellness at the Mason Corporate Challenge

Record participation in 2022 for the eighth Year of head-to-head competition among Mason Corporate Partners

The City of Mason hosted the eighth annual Mason Corporate Challenge 5K Run/Walk on October 15 at the Grizzly Golf and Social Lodge. The event was a great success and the City of Mason thanks our corporate community for coming together each year for some friendly and fierce competition while giving back in a creative way. This 5K Run/Walk is driven by Mason corporate partners and is designed to engage talent across all industries sectors in a city-wide competition and support the corporate community’s involvement in the City’s mission of building a culture of wellness. The proceeds are donated to company and employee prioritized charities, which also ramps up competitive enthusiasm. Since 2015, this initiative has donated over $100,000 to the following local charities: The Makino Foundation, Mason Parks & Recreation Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness, United Way of Warren County, and the American Heart Association.

The Mason Corporate Challenge has also become a great way to bridge the Mason corporate community with Mason’s small business partners. For the last two years, the City changed the tradition of receiving a race T-shirt. “We all acquire so many themed T-shirts, we were sure we could come up with a more meaningful

Congressman Chabot Tours Deerfield Businesses

During the summer, Rep. Steve Chabot met with business and community leaders to learn more about Deerfield Township. In addition to speaking with Trustee Malhotra and Administrator Reiners, the congressman also met with management teams at several local businesses. First, he joined us in welcoming Workhorse Aero to Deerfield Township. A leader in the emerging technology of drone delivery systems, this company designs and manufactures a high-efficiency delivery UAV that is integrated with their line of electric delivery trucks. Workhorse Aero recently moved into a 75,000-square-foot building at 4240 Irwin Simpson Road, bringing 35 employees to Deerfield Township. More information can be found at https://workhorse.com/horsefly.html

Congressman Chabot also toured CoHatch Mason-Deerfield. This impressive facility located in the Deerfield Towne Center provides valuable business assistance programming for entrepreneurs and small business owners. In addition to co-working spaces and private offices, the facility offers first class meeting and event rooms to encourage collaboration. More important, CoHatch provides business coaching and networking services where small business people work together, learn from each other, and ultimately grow their operations. 100 entrepreneurs work at the Deerfield location. To learn more about CoHatch, go to https://www.cohatch.com/.

alternative that was exciting for participants and at the same time use it as a way to introduce, connect, and promote the unique retail, dining, and service businesses that make the Mason community what it is,” says Eric Hansen, Mason City Manager. “All race participants receive a Mason Come Together e-gift card that can be redeemed at approximately 80 participating businesses.

Over the last two years, approximately $10,000 was distributed by the City to participants and winners as part of this initiative to support small businesses in Mason.”

If you have a Mason small business and are not yet a participant in the Come Together Mason E-Gift Card Program, contact the City via email at adminstration@masonoh.org or call 513.229.8510 and we will help you get connected!

Many thanks to CoHatch Director Deanna Lucas and Workhorse Aero President John Graber for agreeing to host these meetings. Special thanks to Rep. Steve Chabot for his ongoing support of economic development in our community.

CURRENT PROJECTS IN MASON

Golf Course Irrigation System Replacement

Tylersville Road Widening

The developer for Tower Park WLW Property has started their work on the widening of Tylersville Road This work includes installing a left turn lane and deceleration lanes into the site Most of the roadway widening will occur on the north side of Tylersville Road The contractor will be closing the west bound lane on Tylersville Road during off-peak hours to have room to perform the work They will reopen the lane at the end of each day to maintain proper traffic flow The existing bike path will be removed and relocated further into the site to allow for the widening Signs have been posted to direct pedestrians to use the recently installed roadway through the site as a detour route This project is anticipated to be substantially completed mid-December with the final course of pavement anticipated to be installed in early spring

The current irrigation system at The Grizzly Golf and Social Lodge was constructed in two phases The system was first built in the early ’s as the Jack Nicklaus Golf Center and the second phase of the system was implemented in the mid- ’s with the completion of the Fairways of Pine Run subdivision The outdated system is in constant need of maintenance and repair This new system will drastically improve upon the deficiencies of the current system in terms of both coverage and reliability as well as provide a robust system for many years to come This project is anticipated to be completed in spring

SR Widening Cox-Smith to SpyGlass Hill

This project will widen SR from Cox-Smith Road to SpyGlass Hill to include two lanes in each direction with left turn lanes at all intersections It also includes modifications to the existing signals at Stone Ridge Drive and Cox-Smith Road street trees street lighting a shared use path sidewalk and landscaped medians This project will begin spring and is anticipated to be completed in the fall of

Residential Waste and Recycling Services

Waste and recycling collection in the City is provided through a contract with a private waste hauler on behalf of all residential customers providing the nearly 10,000 Mason households a competitive rate for these services. A municipal contract for waste and recycling services allows for consistent service throughout the community and a significant cost savings compared to individuals that live in unincorporated areas or communities that do not have a municipal contract.

On average, households in unincorporated areas that are responsible for securing their own waste and recycling services typically pay $20 or more per month compared to City of Mason residents. A community-wide contract provides a significant savings to Mason residents.

The City works with the Warren County Solid Waste Management District to prepare specifications for waste and recycling services, evaluate changes and newest trends in the industry, and contacts with active haulers in the region. In early 2022, the City solicited bids for waste and recycling services. Rumpke Waste and Recycling was the only hauler to submit a bid. The City worked with Rumpke to adjust specs to secure the best cost and service value and City Council awarded a fiveyear contract with Rumpke to secure the continuity of waste and recycling services for the community. Fortunately, Rumpke is familiar with Mason, having served the community for over three decades.

For more waste and recycling information, please visit co.warren.oh.us/solidwaste/ or call 513.695.1209.

With the new contract, beginning January 1, residents will experience an increase for waste and recycling services. Current economic conditions such as inflation, workforce challenges, and

fuel costs have contributed to Rumpke’s need to increase fees for waste and recycling services. Annually for the next four years, increases will be reflected on waste and recycling invoices received in January.

The City of Mason has worked diligently to lessen the impact on residents for the cost of these services. City programs such as brush chipping, leaf collection, and Christmas tree removal help divert items from Rumpke’s disposal site and minimize rates. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these popular City services.

TRASH AND RECYCLING TIPS

• Trash collection begins at 5 a.m. This early start time reduces the resources needed to service the community. Trash and recycling is collected on regular routes, Monday through Friday.

• Residents are encouraged to place their trash and recycling bins at the curb the evening prior to their scheduled pickup day. Be a good neighbor and remove serviced receptacles from the curb in a timely manner.

• If you have an unusually large amount of trash, please call the City of Mason’s Utility Customer Service line at 513.229.8513 at least 24 hours in advance. This will allow Rumpke to plan for the increased amount and help crews stay on schedule.

• Trash and recycling services are not provided on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Services may be delayed by one day the week of these holidays.

• Bulky material such as drywall, concrete, bricks, dirt, and rocks are not able to be picked up.

• By law, Rumpke is unable to pick up items such as batteries, tires, liquors, combustible materials, and hazardous

materials. Please contact the Warren County Solid Waste Management District at 513.695.1209 to learn more on how to properly dispose of these items.

• Residents are encouraged to recycle all cardboard, paper, glass, plastic in the shape of a bottle or jug, cartons, or cans.

If you are new to the area and looking to set up waste and recycling services or have a question regarding your trash and recycling pick up, residents are encouraged to call the City of Mason Utility Customer Service Line at 513.229.8533.

Christmas Tree Recycling

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Mason Residents

Place your live Christmas trees at the curb for pickup starting Monday, January

Please remove ALL decorations and place the cut end to the street.

Downtown Mason is a growing, eclectic mix of businesses creating a vibrant area for residents and visitors to our region. We encourage you to come explore Mason’s downtown as we profile the company owners and entrepreneurs who help make Downtown Mason thrive.

What sets Reform Your Core apart from other fitness/wellness locations?

REFORM YOUR CORE

Reform Your Core Pilates will change the way you think about fitness. Reform Your Core offers a variety of options to engage your muscles in new ways and improve an overall balanced body. The instructors always want you to leave the studio feeling better than when you arrived. Owner Jessica Heizman is excited to tell us more.

The level of instructor knowledge and experience sets us apart, but our client reviews are the best way to showcase our boutique experience. Some reviews about Reform Your Core include “the instructors are patient and motivating,” there’s “plenty of variety, encouragement, and direction to ensure we’re getting the maximum benefit from the session,” and “I can’t image a better experience.”

What are the benefits of using the reformer and other equipment at Reform Your Core?

The Pilates Reformer is easier on your joints and provides an opportunity to incorporate flexibility with your skillset. The equipment at Reform Your Core provides accommodations that can adjust to the level of athleticism based on individual needs. In addition to the reformer, a spring board and chair offer additional flexibility and strength training opportunities. Pilates Reformer is also great for before and after surgery, after being cleared from the Physical Therapist.

How many times a week should someone do Pilates?

We welcome all individuals from beginner to advanced and offer group and private classes, making them accessible to a larger population. In a perfect world, two to three times a week is ideal for building strength. However, once a week helps with muscle memory and effective stretching.

How do you keep the experience fresh?

Reform Your Core instructors complete ongoing education as required for their license but are also encouraged to learn new variances with equipment. Instructors teach new movements in every class so each class is different and individuals leave doing something they’ve never done before.

What exciting things are happening at Reform Your Core Pilates in the near future?

We are bringing back pop-up cardio classes on Sunday afternoons. These classes are lively and bring elements of dance, cardio, and mat classes. You don’t need a membership to come check these out!

Reform Your Core also has an opportunity for you to become an instructor! Coming this January, participants in our 20-week training program will have the flexibility to partake in weekly tutorials, online training, and hands-on training. Stay tuned to social media and reformyourcore.com for more information.

Reform Your Core Pilates is part of the Come Together Mason e-gift card program. This holiday season, give the gift of an new experience or try out Reform Your Core to kick off your New Year Resolution.

Reform Your Core 668ReadingRoad Mason,OH45040 Reformyourcore.com 415.867.3337 reformyourcore@gmail.com

breathe deeply, build strength, gain balance, become more flexible

Mason is home to a growing eclectic mix of small businesses that enhance the quality of life and create a vibrant sense of community and connection Together they remain an important economical component and a significant avenue for building community pride In early the City of Mason launched an initiative designed to connect residents businesses and visitors to the Downtown Mason business community to ultimately build an event greater sense of community spirit

Tis’ the Season to Shop Local

This holiday season in the spirit of supporting local the City of Mason has established a Shop Small Holiday Passport to encourage the community to support small businesses as part of their Holiday shopping Community members who patron small businesses in Mason from each unique sector including food and beverage retail service self-care and hobbies can submit their completed passport to receive a Come Together Mason e-gi card Get inspired with the below ideas on how to support small businesses in each sector to complete your Shop Small Holiday Passport!

Food & Beverage

Restaurants

Coffee Shops

Retail

Gi Shops Book Stores

Boutiques

Service

Preventative Health

Floral Arrangements

Home Maintenance

Self-Care

Salons

Spas Massage

Hobbies

Music Stores

Arts & Cra s Yoga & Fitness

The passport can be found on the City’s website at www imaginemason org Simply list the small business you supported in each sector and provide a brief testimony on your experience The passport can be printed for hand delivery or submi ed electronically anytime between November and December

Give the Gi of Local Business Stressing over the perfect Holiday gi ? Consider giving the gi of a Come Together Mason e-gi card – one convenient e-gi card that is redeemable at over participating small businesses in Mason! A great gi idea for teachers employees family members friends and more! Keep your dollars local this Holiday season by purchasing a Come Together Mason e-gi card Scan the QR code to learn more or purchase a Come Together Mason e-gi card today!

Kick off the Holiday shopping season and support the Mason Small Business Community as part of Small Business Saturday on November !

Calendar

Mason Schools Winter Break

Wednesday, December 21 –

Tuesday, January 3

Schools Closed Christmas Friday, December 23

City offices closed Saturday. December 24

Mason Community Center open 7:00 a.m.–Noon with limited facilities

City offices closed Sunday, December 25

Mason Community Center open Noon-4:00 p.m. with limited facilities

New Year’s

Saturday, December 31

Mason Community Center open 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. with limited facilities Sunday, January 1

Mason Community Center open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. with limited facilities Monday, January 2

City offices closed Mason Community Center open normal operating hours

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 16

Mason Community Center open normal operating hours

City offices open

President’s Day

Monday, February 21

Mason Community Center open normal operating hours

City offices closed

Pawmyra Dog Park

Mason’s newest park, Pawmyra Dog Park, opened in October! This inclusive dog park is an enjoyable place for dogs and owners to socialize and meet new friends. Pawmyra is located in the lower section of Mason Sports Park on approximately 4 acres and includes concrete walkways large enough for wheelchairs to maneuver, easily accessible gates, an entrance vestibule with turf and concrete, a dog water fountain, seating, and separate play areas for large and small dogs.

Mason Sports Park is located at 3400 Mason Morrow Millgrove Road. With access to the Little Miami Scenic Trail adjacent to the dog park, we invite you to take your dog for a walk along the trail and then visit the new dog park for a safe space to exercise and play freely.

Pawmyra Dog Park was named in recognition of Mason’s historical past as the Village of Palmyra. On June 1, 1803, Revolutionary War veteran William Mason paid $1,700 at auction to purchase 640 acres of land in what is now downtown Mason. In 1815, he platted 16 lots on this land and named the village “Palmira.” When the plat was officially recorded, the name of the village was listed as “Palmyra.” In 1835, a petition was sent to the federal post office to correct the name of the town, which was listed as Kirkwood, possibly an error because the postmaster at the time was William Kirkwood. When village officials were informed that there was another Palmyra in Ohio, the name was officially changed to “Mason.”

For additional questions regarding Pawmyra Dog Park, please email parksandrec@masonoh.org or call the City of Mason at 513.229.8500

File of Life

To enhance emergency preparedness throughout the community, the City of Mason Fire Department offers the File of Life program which helps first responders quickly find important medical details during EMS emergencies. The File of Life is a small magnetic pouch you can place on your refrigerator that contains lists of your medications, allergies, and previous medical conditions as well as emergency contacts, doctors, preferred hospital(s), religion, and medical insurance for the hospital. The File of Life magnet is free to City of Mason residents and offers a quick and easy way for the City of Mason Fire Department’s EMTs and paramedics to gather necessary information that can impact your care. Pick up one for your home at one of the two City of Mason fire stations located at 4420 Mason Montgomery Road and 5500 Cedar Village Drive.

Deerfield Hosts Spectacular Performance by The Cincinnati POPS Orchestra!

On August 2, a large crowd gathered in beautiful Cottell Park for an outstanding performance by the world renowned Cincinnati POPS Orchestra under the direction of John Morris Russell. Part of the “Sounds of Deerfield” concert series, this year’s event was a big hit. More than 2,500 people attended the concert, making it one of the largest crowds for a POPS performance this year. The orchestra played musical selections from some of your favorite family movies including Harry Potter, Beauty and the Beast, Jurassic Park, and E.T. The evening concluded with a spectacular Rozzi fireworks show!

In addition, attendees also enjoyed a performance by the Northern Cincinnati Youth Orchestra prior to the POPS taking the stage. Other family-friendly entertainment included children’s face painting courtesy of Cincinnati Face Painters, art projects from the Cincinnati Art Museum, and a “musical petting zoo” featuring instruments from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Several food trucks were onsite including El Caporal, Mingles Ice Cream, Madd Mark’s, Blue Dog BBQ, Icey Snow Cone, 16 Lots Brewing, and Sonder Brewing.

Many thanks to the concert team responsible for making this year’s concert a smashing success, especially our good friends at The Arts Alliance. Other contributors included: Bricker and Eckler, The Kleingers Group, Ron Garland Comey and Shepherd Realtors, Northern Cincinnati Community Church, and Minuteman Press Lebanon. Township officials also thank our media partners: WRRM 98, Cincinnati Public Radio, and WKRC TV Local 12.

Great music, good food, and fantastic friends. Just another reason why Deerfield Township is a wonderful place to live!

100 WHO CARE

GATHER. VOTE. GIVE. It really is that simple!

Are you are looking for a way to give back to your local community?

Join 100+ Who Care of Warren County! Together, the members of this giving circle have donated over $30,000 to local nonprofit organizations.

The purpose of our group is to provide members with the opportunity of giving made simple. 100+ Who Care of Warren County is a group of men, women, and students dedicated to making life better for Warren County residents through a quarterly donation to a Warren County non-profit organization ($100/adult, $25/student), and our online giving platform on Grapevine makes it easy!

Two or three local charities give a five minute presentation each quarter. Members who are present (in-person and online) vote, and one is selected to receive the donation for that quarter. Organizations up for consideration must serve Warren County and are nominated by group members; the idea is to keep it local and provide an impact we can see.

Our 2022 third quarter recipient is the Friends of Warren County Park District in support of their Tech-Free Tuesdays program.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. IT’S. THAT. SIMPLE.

2023 Meeting Dates:

• January 3, April 4, July 5, and October 3

• 5:30–6:30 p.m.

• Conger Construction, 2020 McKinley Blvd., Lebanon, OH 45036 and on Zoom

Animal Safety During Cold Weather

CONNECT WITH US:

• 100whocareofwarrencounty@gmail.com

• facebook.com/100WhoCareofWarrenCounty

• linkedin.com/groups/13928970/

• grapevine.org/giving-circle/e7WiBe8/100Who-Care-of-Warren-County

Kings Island Receives Golden Ticket During Its Golden Celebration

Winter weather conditions in Ohio can be considered dangerous for household pets. The City of Mason Police Department recommends a few ways to keep your pet safe and warm during the colder weather.

• Please do not leave pets outside for long periods of time, especially without food or shelter. Cold temperatures could result in frostbite, hypothermia, and even death. Consider utilizing pet coats and offering adequate shelter.

• Check your pet’s paws frequently for signs of cracked pads, bleeding, or ice accumulation. You may want to trim the hair between your pet’s toes to prevent ice buildup during a walk.

• Don’t forget to wipe down your pet’s stomach, legs and paws after being outside to remove chemicals that could be toxic such as de-icing products.

A rich history of 50 years lands Kings Island the Park of the Year award

Mason congratulates Kings Island for receiving the prestigious recognition of “Park of the Year” at the Golden Ticket Awards in September. The Golden Ticket Award is the top award that can be received in the amusement industry. Winners are voted on by hundreds of park enthusiasts worldwide. Kings Island was noted as receiving the award in celebration of its rich history in the amusement industry. Kings Island celebrated its 50th Anniversary during the 2022 season.

Municipal Tax Note

Residents are encouraged to contact the Mason Tax Office with any questions or inquiries. Tax staff is available by phone at 513.229.8535, by secure email accessed via imaginemason.org, or by visiting the customer service counter inside the Municipal Center located at 6000 Mason Montgomery Road Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

TAX REMINDERS

• If you are a Mason resident and expect to owe Mason City income taxes for 2022, your quarterly tax payment is due January 15. Ninety percent of your 2022 tax liability is due by January 15, 2023.

• The Mason Tax Office offers two ways to assist with making your quarterly payment:

• Online Tax Tool: www.imaginemason.org/services/tax-information/tax-payments

• Payment Vouchers: www.imaginemason.org/services/tax-information/tax-forms-for-individuals

TAX DEFINITIONS

• Tax Declaration: Estimate of the amount of income tax liability that may be owed for the year. Tax Declaration may be adjusted if a financial situation changes during the year.

• Tax Liability: Total amount of Mason income tax owed reduced by taxes paid/estimated to be paid to Mason and other cities and the resident homeowner credit, and any prior year overpayment.

• Estimated payments: Residents with Declarations in the amount of $200 or more shall pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis.  This assists residents in meeting their annual tax liability.

DUE DATES FOR ESTIMATED PAYMENTS:

•

Deerfield Township Welcomes New Employees

Following the retirements of several key employees, Deerfield Township recently announced three new additions to its staff. “We are happy to welcome these high quality individuals to our team,” says Township Administrator Eric Reiners. “These additions guarantee that we will continue to provide the best possible services to our residents in the most cost efficient manner possible.”

Jennifer Highfill joins the Finance Department as its Senior Finance Associate. Highfill will provide much needed assistance with a variety of financial management matters including payroll, fixed assets, procurement, month-end bank reconciliations, expenses incurred, and storm water district operations. Highfill says, “I have been a resident in this area for my entire life, and I look forward to joining the team here in Deerfield and contributing to its ongoing success.”

Sarah Kirby is our new Recreation Manager. Working in the Parks and Recreation division, she will develop and organize a number of community events including children’s activities, art programs, and holiday celebrations. She will also assist with reservations for fields and facilities as well as permits for special events. Kirby adds, “My family and I love being a part of this wonderful community! I look forward to taking an active role in the programs that make this such a special place to live.”

P.J. Ginty was recently hired as the Planning Manager. He will assist with the review of development plans, guaranteeing that new projects are consistent with the Deerfield Township Comprehensive Plan recently adopted by the Board of Trustees. A 2019 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Ginty is working on a Master of Public Administration degree at Northern Kentucky University. “What makes Deerfield one of the premier communities in Greater Cincinnati is that the Township has consistently supported planning for the future,” explains Ginty.

Welcome to Deerfield Township!

SECURE EMAIL:

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please

Putting Precision Medicine into Practice for Women

Identifying risk for a disease before it ever happens is a major focus of an expanding health care advancement called Precision Medicine.

Mason OB-GYN Caroline Palmer, MD, describes Precision Medicine as “customizable medicine, where you get care based on your own specific information – family and personal history, plus genetic profile –rather than one size fits all.”

Genetic assessments and testing provide a foundation for this work.

For Dr. Palmer’s patients, preventive health care starts before they enter the office. Her staff sends an easy-to-complete questionnaire by email or text about one week before a routine physical. It not only assesses a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer but also identifies women who meet criteria for genetic testing.

“When patients come in for their annual checkup, we already have a starting point. We can discuss the results of the questionnaire, and I’ll refer them for genetic assessment, if needed,” Dr. Palmer says.

She notes, “When we find genetic risk, it can save lives. TriHealth recently opened a Precision Medicine Institute that gives us a more comprehensive approach and easier access to genetic services. I think Precision Medicine is going to keep becoming a bigger part of what we do.”

Currently, about one in four healthy women meet national guidelines for further genetic discussion, but most are unaware.

TRIHEALTH PRECISION MEDICINE INSTITUTE DELIVERS CUSTOMIZED CARE

TriHealth Precision Medicine Institute recently received a $4.3 million start-up grant from bi3 (Bethesda Inc.’s grants initiative to transform health) to create a multi-disciplinary approach to gene-related diseases that will give thousands of Tristate patients access to customized, preventive and potentially lifesaving genetic care.

Eight licensed genetic counselors, whose specialties include preventive health, cancer risk, precision oncology, hereditary heart diseases, and women’s services, meet with patients referred by Dr. Palmer and many other physicians to:

• Assess a patient’s risk by reviewing family history, risk factors and patient goals

• to determine if they may benefit from genetic testing

• Conduct genetic testing, using a sample of saliva or blood for DNA, which can lead to more targeted prevention and treatment of cancer, heart conditions and illnesses tied to a person’s genes.

• Customize a care plan for cancer screenings, such as breast cancer, to a patient’s personalized risk or genetic result.

More than half of the patients who come to the Precision Medicine Institute have a family history of disease and want to know how they can prevent or diagnose the disease early.

“Learning about the genetic basis of disease and taking action before disease occurs is one of the main benefits of Precision Medicine,” says Courtney Rice, genetic counselor and manager of TriHealth Precision Medicine and Genetic Services.

MORE APPLICATIONS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH

In addition to screening women for cancer risk, Precision Medicine applications for women’s health include:

• TriHealth prenatal genetic counselors

help women follow national guidelines on genetic testing when they are planning to get pregnant. Testing determines if women are carriers for certain conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis.

• A prenatal blood test examines fetal DNA within the mother’s blood to check for chromosomal abnormalities. Genetic information collected early can help physicians adjust care for moms and babies, including surgery while the baby is still in utero.

• A pharmacist at the Precision Medicine Institute has expertise in identifying medications most likely to be effective, depending on your genetic profile. This type of genetic testing is most commonly used for medications treating depression and anxiety. Looking ahead, even more targeted medication therapy will be available for cancer, heart disease, pain and high cholesterol.

Dr. Caroline Palmer is an OB-GYN with TriHealth Women’s Services. She sees patients at Group Health –Mason 6010 South Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, and Group Health - West Chester, 8040 Princeton Glendale Road, West Chester. For more information, call 513 246 7008.

Courtney Rice manages the Precision Medicine Institute, located at the Thomas Comprehensive Care Center, 10506A Montgomery Road, Cincinnati. For more information, call 513 853 4363 (853 GENE).

Mercy Hospital Kings Mills in Mason Celebrates a Milestone

The topping-out ceremony marks half-way point for $200 million investment, opening 2023 Mason’s first hospital opens soon. August marked a key milestone for Mercy Health Kings Mills hospital in Mason as company and community officials gathered for a beam signing and topping-out ceremony. The topping-out ceremony in any construction project signals the structure is complete and exterior and interior work can begin. The hospital project remains on schedule to open in late 2023. Looking forward to Mason’s newest health innovation partner.

To learn more about Mercy and see photos, please visit: mercy.com/ news-events/news.

PROTECT: Women’s Self-Defense

With all of the distractions life provides, it is easy to unknowingly place ourselves in vulnerable situations that compromise our safety. It is important to be aware of these situations so we can take conscious actions to reduce those vulnerabilities and know how to respond to a potentially dangerous situation.

For the past several years, the Mason Police Department’s Campus Safety team has taken the opportunity to educate women in the Mason community through the PROTECT: Women’s Self-Defense class. This is a self-defense class for women that emphasizes empowerment, situational awareness, and tips for home safety. Multiple basic self-defense techniques are taught so a female is prepared in the unlikely event she is confronted by a physical aggressor.

PROTECT classes are currently held quarterly at Mason Community Center. Register at imaginemason.org.

Arts Alliance Presenting Arts in Your Community

As 2022 comes to a close, The Arts Alliance celebrated and served thousands of community members this year.

The summer art camps were at capacity this year and enjoyed the brand-new Arts Bungalow as a wonderful place to create summer classes. Campers played with various mediums, including glass, clay, watercolor, and much more this summer. It was a summer of self-discovery and art making.

The Sounds of Deerfield summer concert series was stupendous! Crowds in the community enjoyed every genre

from bluegrass to the Beatles throw back. These wonderful community concerts, held at Cottell Park, are relaxing and an easy way to enjoy a summer night.

In partnership with Deerfield Township, the Arts Alliance helped to present the Cincinnati POPS Orchestra and Rozzi’s Fireworks on August 2. What a night! The community came out in the droves, as the Cincinnati POPS Orchestra and conductor John Morris Russell enjoyed their largest summer concert of the season, right here in Deerfield Township!

The Deerfield Handmade Markets are always a hit. Hundreds of artists displayed their work, children enjoyed art making, great food trucks attended, and the community enjoyed some great music!

The Arts Alliance gears up for 2023 with new programs and the continued development of Art Bar, Creative Ex change weekend workshop, Creative Kids Club, Lifetime Senior Arts, and much more. Keep an eye out for new

ideas!

The Arts Alliance is always looking for volunteers. Please visit the website to be put on the volunteer list. Please sign up for the Arts Alliance monthly newsletter for all the news! www.the-arts-alliance.org

Atri Cure Celebrates Expansion

Company doubles footprint, expands manufacturing, and invests along Innovation Way

This summer, City of Mason Leadership helped AtriCure dedicate its second Mason facility, more than doubling the footprint and adding a clean lab. Pictured at right are Sam Privitera, AtriCure CTO; Lt. Governor John Husted; Mike Carrel, AtriCure President & CEO; Mason Mayor Barbara Spaeth; and Mike Carrel.

The evolving partnership between AtriCure and the City of Mason continues as the company announced a $2.6 millions capital investment in June. Atricure’s new land acquisition of the neighboring property on Innovation Way will double the company’s manufacturing footprint. Part of one of the most important Mason Economic Development priorities in the Mason BioHub, located along the I-71 Innovation corridor, is to fuel growth in the medtech and biohealth sectors. AtriCure is a rock star in leading this strategy. Since breaking ground in 2014 and multiple expansion milestones, AtriCure has become one of the top 10 largest companies in the City of Mason and one of the top 20 publicly traded companies in the Greater Cincinnati Region.

As early adopters of technology, the City of Mason has built an innovation ecosystem that helps connect and scale start-up ideas. AtriCure is a model of success of this innovation and scalable growth as their mission of reducing Afib and healing lives of those affected is now globally adopted.

Wellness Expo Saturday January a m - p m

Live Well In Mason

Happy, Healthy Comets

At Mason City Schools, we believe in educating the whole child— helping students believe in who they are and who they can become by providing supports that foster academic and life-long learning. We believe in building meaningful relationships with every student and helping them take care of themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally.

The Comet prevention and wellness department is a multidisciplinary team ready to support the needs of all students. It works to promote student, staff , and community wellness through resource and program development as well as continuing to build community wellness partnerships. Supports and services provided by our counselors, mental wellness designers, clinical team, and six therapy dogs are available to all Mason City Schools students.

Our partnerships with Mindpeace, 1N5, Grant Us Hope, Joshua’s Place, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center support these goals by providing access to therapeutic supports and services for students and families.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS

Mason City Schools have 21 school counselors throughout our district who are available to work with students and families on an ongoing basis. Each school provides counseling services to help students with social-emotional issues, problem-solving, healthy decision-making, crisis intervention, conflict resolution and substance abuse prevention. School counselors help keep students emotionally healthy and ready to learn. Counselors also regularly engage in college and career planning with students and their families.

PREVENTION & WELLNESS ADMINISTRATORS & DESIGNERS

Comet students, staff, and families are supported by a team of two prevention and wellness administrators, three prevention and wellness designers, a 7–12 student success coordinator, and a district resource coordinator. This team evaluates school needs, creates and aligns programming with district rocks, analyzes program effectiveness, builds capacity of staff, trains staff in a variety of mental health topics, and is a front line of support for students in crisis. They work in collaboration with building counselors, administrators, intervention specialists, and contracted clinicians to build a tiered system of intervention to increase access to care. In addition, the Mental Wellness administrators assist building teams in developing plans for transitioning students back from clinical care to help ensure a successful reintegration within the school environment.

SCHOOL-BASED THERAPY

All of our schools are also serviced by therapists from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. CCHMC is honored to partner with Mason City Schools to improve access to care within the community. School based mental health services offer individual therapy services to students in the school setting. This optional

and confidential service is offered in addition to existing services provided by school counselors and psychologists. Independently licensed clinicians deliver these services in the school setting and are trained to work with various challenges facing youth, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, major life changes, and difficulty with social relationships. School-based therapists are available to provide care either through sessions held during the school day or through telemedicine based on family preference. For those families that select telemedicine services, the patient will receive a secure link that they can access on their computer or tablet to have a video session with their provider. You will still receive the same level of care from our providers as you’d receive in an in-person clinic visit.

All types of sessions are billed to the student’s medical insurance. CCHMC accepts a wide range of insurance carriers, and families are encouraged to check with their providers about the specifics of their coverage. Assistance may be available for families experiencing financial difficulty.

Parents, teachers, and students can contact school counselors to make student referrals for services. The decision to participate in therapeutic services is ultimately that of the student’s family. To discuss services available or with questions regarding services, contact your child’s grade level counselor or prevention and wellness designer for assistance.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CHILD IS AT IMMEDIATE RISK TO SELF OR OTHERS?

Call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. Children’s Hospital Liberty Campus is the closest emergency room specializing in children ages 18 and younger.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CHILD IS NOT AT IMMEDIATE RISK?

Call Children’s Hospital Psychiatric Intake Response Center at 513.636.4124 or Call Warren County Crisis Hotline at 1.877.695.6333 or Reach out to your school counselor

Deerfield Parks and Recreation

For more information, please visit DeerfieldRec.com or contact us at parksinfo@deerfieldtwp.com.

NEW~ TEEN PROGRAM ARTS ALLIANCE PROGRAMMING

Winter Wingding

Kick back and relax as you create a DIY Hot Cocoa Kit, enjoy warm winter snacks, play life size games, and get to know other teems in your community. This is a small group gathering; space is limited. Registration through Deerfieldrec.com

DateTimeGradeFeeLocation

Saturday,December 17,2022 12:00PM–2:00PM 9th–12thgrade$5Res/$5.50NRCottellPark Bungalow

MULTI-GENERATIONAL PROGRAMS

Family Clay Class

Create along with your kids, grandkids, or Littles, as you learn with clay and pottery paints. Star Glazers will lead you in creating some cool pieces from clay and painting using mega-fun techniques. Children must be accompanied by a paid adult; each person receives their own materials. Registration through Deerfieldrec.com

Thursday,November 10,2022 6:00PM–7:30PM $25Red/ $30NR CottellPark Bungalow Registrationthrough Deerfieldrec.com

CPR and First Aid Certification

Learn the skills needed to possibly save a life.

Saturday,November19,2922FireStation58RegisterthroughDeerfieldrec.com

Paint-Your-Own-Pottery

Create something special for the holidays! Participants can select from a variety of pottery items at the event. We’ll provide all supplies you need to relax and paint your piece. Items will be glazed and fired for you; item will be ready for pickup within two weeks.

DateTimeLocationFee

Thursday,December 1,2022 6:30PM–9:00PM CottellParkSnyderHouse StudioFee$2Red/$2.50NR;Payment forpotteryiscollectedbyinstructorat event.

Quilling Ornaments

Join The Arts Alliance for ART BAR December to make quilled ornaments. Learn the art of quilling, enjoy making new friends, and create something beautiful. To register: www.the-arts-alliance.org

DateTimeLocationFee

Tuesday,December 6,2022 7:00PM–9:00PMCottellPark–SnyderHouse $25.00perpersonall materialprovided.

Felting Workshop

Join The Arts Alliance for this day-long workshop to learn the art of felting. Each participant will create two works of art. Felting is fun and rewarding. Registration: www.the-arts-alliance.org

DateTimeLocationFee

Saturday,November 12,2022 10:00AM–4:00PM CottellPark–Bungalow $145.00perpersonall materialsprovided.

Live Wreath Making

Join The Arts Alliance for this popular class for the holidays! Live wreathmaking with Nellie Ashmore from That Girl’s Flowers. Registration: www-the-arts-alliance.org

DateTimeLocationFee

Sunday,December 4,2022 2:00PM–4:00PMCottellPark SnyderHouse $55perperson/all materialsincluded

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Holiday Lights

Enjoy annual festivities and an official tree lighting ceremony with friends and family during this free community event at the Deerfield Towne Center.

Saturday,November26,20225:00PM–7:00P.M.DeerfieldTowneCenter

Arts Programming

Visit Deerfieldrec.com to see all of the fun art programming offered by The Arts Alliance this winter and spring. There’s something for everyone! You can also visit www.the-artsalliance.org or call 513.309.8585 with inquiries.

FEES

Holiday

SPORTS

Tae Kwon Do Beginner Gymnasium

Tae Kwon Do is a well-balanced Korean martial art that specializes in kicking skills. No previous experience is necessary for this class. Adults, teens, and children will train together in a family-oriented

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

Tu,Th12/1-12/156:30-7:45P6&up$32/$38/$41/$41111127-08

Tu,Th1/3-1/266:30-7:45P6&up$50/$60/$65/$65111127-09

Tu,Th2/2-2/286:30-7:45P6&up$50/$60/$65/$65111127-10

Tae Kwon Do Advanced Gymnasium

This advanced class focuses on overall self-control, self-discipline, selfdefense techniques, balance, flexibility, and strength. Tae Kwon Do will build character and develop courtesy, integrity, honor, respect, loyalty, perseverance, concentration, and compassion to their highest potential.

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

Tu,Th12/1-12/156:30-7:45P6&up$32/$38/$41/$41111128-08

Tu,Th1/3-1/266:30-7:45P6&up$50/$60/$65/$65111128-09

Tu,Th2/2-2/286:30-7:45P6&up$50/$60/$65/$65111128-10

Me Too! Infants

Leisure Pool

This parent/child class is designed to teach you to work safely in the water with your child. Skills will be taught at an introductory level, including pool safety, water acclimation, floating and gliding with support, submerging, and blowing bubbles through the mouth and/or nose.

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

Me Too! Toddlers

Leisure Pool

This parent/child class is designed to teach you to work safely in the water with your child. Skills will be taught at an introductory level, including pool safety, water acclimation, floating and gliding with support, submerging, and blowing bubbles through the mouth and/or nose.

DayDateTimeAgeFee

Creating Joy: Drawing with Katie

Activity Room B

Join this step-by-step drawing class that is designed to make every child feel like an amazing artist.

Me Too Gymnastics / Tiny Tumblers

Room

Jumping

Students

Station 4 Leisure Pool

learn side glide kick with breath and front crawl stroke, while

to

in previous Stations.

Station 5/6

Station 1 Leisure Pool

Students will learn to put their face in the water and blow nose bubbles while completing 10 relaxed bobs. To participate in this class, your child must be comfortable in a group class setting without a parent.

ClassTimes: MorW5:00-5:30Por5:35-6:05P Sa9:00-9:30A,9:35-10:05Aor10:10-10:40A

DateAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity 1/9-2/183-5$90/$106/$131/$156152321

Station 2 Leisure Pool

Students will build on what they learned in Station 1 and add on gliding on their front and back in a streamline position and rolling from front to back float.

ClassTimes: M5:35-6:05Por6:45-7:15P W5:00-5:30Por6:10-6:40P Sa10:10-10:40Aor10:45-11:15A

DateAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity 1/9-2/183-17$90/$106/$131/$156152322

Station 3 Leisure Pool

Students will enhance their skills by learning proper kicking and combining it with tier

ClassTimes:

Station

Station 9/10

School’s Out Fun Day Extended Care

Kids’ Korner

Extended Care is designed for campers who need longer care for the camp day.

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

M-F12/26-12/308:00-9:00A6-12$40/$48/$60/$72462102-11

M1/168:00-9:00A6-12$6/$8/$10/$12162101-02

M1/164:00-5:00P6-12$6/$8/$10/$12162101-03

ENRICHMENT

Brixilated Building Academy Camp Meeting Rooms

Lego® master builders ASSEMBLE! Students will build a custom kits and complete Lego® challenges, while also learning Lego® terminology and build techniques, critical thinking skills, storytelling, and foundational STEM skills. Each student will receive a Brixilated T-shirt and all Lego® materials

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

W-F12/21-12/239:00A-4:00P6-12$268/$316/$341/$366436607-05

M,Tu1/2-1/39:00A-4:00P6-12$195/$230/$255/$280436607-06

School’s Out Fun Days Camp

Activity Room A

Mason Community Center is offering camp while Mason City Schools are out. Take this opportunity for your child to meet new friends and have fun while you have the comfort of knowing where your child will be. Be prepared for an active day and make sure your child is wearing gym shoes. Please pack a lunch, multiple snacks, swimsuit, towel, and refillable water bottle each day.

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

M-F12/26-12/309:00A-4:00P6-12$185/$218/$243/$268462102-10

M1/169:00A-4:00P6-12$40/$48/$60/$72162102-01

F2/179:00A-4:00P6-12$40/$48/$60/$72162102-04

M2/209:00A-4:00P6-12$40/$48/$60/$72162102-07

Creating

Beginners Gymnastics Multipurpose Room

Introduce your child to the world of gymnastics.

will learn basic gymnastics skills on the floor, uneven bars,

Your child will then learn to put the skills together to form a

and flexibility are also introduced at this level.

beam, and

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

M1/9-2/276:00-7:00P8-17$172/$203/$228/$253121487-10

Th1/5-2/235:30-6:30P8-17$172/$203/$228/$253121487-11

Th1/5-2/236:30-7:30P8-17$172/$203/$228/$253121487-12

SPECIAL EVENTS

Premier Member Perk

Parents’ Night Out Kids’ Korner

Parents, enjoy a night out on the town

name

DayDateTimeAgeFee

Parents,

Parents’ Day Out Kids’ Korner

DayDateTimeAgeFee

Cincinnati Baila Dance Academy:

Time

Activity Room

Baila Dance

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

W12/7-12/215:30-6:30P10-18$39/$46/$58/$69365500-10

W1/4-1/255:30-6:30P10-18$50/$59/$74/$89165500-04

W2/1-2/225:30-6:30P10-18$50/$59/$74/$89165500-07

You Go Girl! Wellness Series for Teen and Pre-Teen Girls Studio A

This program is specifically designed for pre-teen and teen girls to help them navigate a healthy lifestyle. Each week will have a different focus: cardio conditioning, nutrition, strength training, and mind/body connections.

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity W1/4-1/254:30-5:30P11-18$32/$38/$48/$57155400-01

IMPROVING

Adult Group Swim Lessons: Beginner Leisure Pool

Adult Group Swim Lessons: Intermediate Leisure Pool

PROTECT: Women’s Self Defense

Mason Municipal Aquatic Center

FITNESS & WELLNESS

Fitness Floor Circuit Training

Floor

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

Tu12/6-12/2010:00-10:45A15&up$44/$52/$65/$78163123-01

Tu1/3-1/2410:00-10:45A15&up$59/$70/$88/$105163123-03

W1/4-1/255:30-6:15P15&up$59/$70/$88/$105161603-04

Tu2/7-2/2810:00-10:45A15&up$59/$70/$88/$105163123-05

Bollywood Cardio Workout

Foundations

New Year Fitness Reset Fitness Center

Start the new year with a fresh slate and improve your overall health. Gaining fitness looks a little different to everyone, so no matter where you are starting it’s always nice to have a little extra motivation. This program will provide you with the tools for success in your fitness journey with a fitness floor equipment orientation, in-person weekly goal-setting discussions, workout routines, activity challenges, and two InBody composition

DayDateTimeAgeFee

Yoga Therapy Series: Back Health Studio B

This four-week series will focus on how to address common back

pain, and postural problems with

back, how to evaluate

and how to move safely in

will learn

posture

DayDateTimeAgeFee

AQUATICS

Bodies in Balance: Water Leisure Pool

Lunch & Learn Senior Lounge

DayDateTimeAgeFee

Tu,Th11/29-12/229:00-9:45A18&up$65/$77/$97/$116161605-13

Tu,Th1/3-1/269:00-9:45A18&up$65/$77/$97/$116161605-14

Tu,Th1/31-2/239:00-9:45A18&up$65/$77/$97/$116161605-15

FREE Hearing Screenings

Senior Center Lounge

Member

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group Senior Center

Film Class 101 – Let’s Go to the Movies

Chesterwood Village

AARP Tax Assistance Meeting Rooms

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers will be preparing free Federal and Ohio income tax returns at the Mason Community Center and other locations from February 1 through April 14, 2023.

Reserve your appointment online, beginning January 2023, at butlerwarrenaarp.as.me.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide’s target audience is low- and moderateincome individuals aged 60 and older; however, AARP will not turn anyone away as long as the return is within the scope of their training.

FITNESS & WELLNESS

Senior Fitness Training Gymnasium

Stay strong with a senior workout program that is perfect for all fitness levels. Join us in a circuit program designed and instructed each week by a certified personal trainer. Circuit training is a great way to get maximum results in minimal time and provides all-around fitness, tone, and strength.

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

Tu,Th11/29-12/229:00-9:45A55&up$55/$65/$82/$98161603-12

Tu,Th1/3-1/269:00-9:45A55&up$55/$65/$82/$98161603-13

Tu,Th1/31-2/239:00-9:45A55&up$55/$65/$82/$98161603-14

C A R SE

Line Dancing

Senior Center

Join friends to learn easy line dances in this fun class with a variety of music. The instructor uses step-by-step demonstrations, with lots of repetition.

DayDateTimeAgeFee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR)Activity

W1/11-2/1510:00-11:00A55&up$40/$48/$60/$72121306-02

W2/22-3/2910:00-11:00A55&up$40/$48/$60/$72121306-03

Breakfast

WINTER

ASK JON BOWLING