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Mason Matters December 2012 / January 2013

Inside This Issue:

Welcome Home!

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Thefts from Vehicles Sirens in the Roundabout Tax News Business News Safe Roads and Healthy Streams Heart Attack Warning Signs New Online Community Resource Hands-Only™ CPR

Mason City Council Secures Partnership that Highlights Quality of Life

his past summer, the City of Mason launched a unique collaboration with a number of key businesses d to produce a video : rateassets hiomany showcasing the in our community.

O , n o s Mapartnership The began when the city th Inc., 24Gun, E C recruited Top to expand in Mason.

A PL agreement for STincentive As partBofEthe E V LI ineagreed 2011 to provide Top Gun, the TOcompany az g a m technicalMexpertise ney to the city through by o For a number of years, the KPG Creative. city has also partnered with the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament organizers.

When tournament leaders presented an opportunity to promote the city nationally on ESPN and other broadcast stations, the city and KPG Creative sprang into action and quickly produced a high-quality video at no additional cost to the city. The promotion aired nationally and has since been used for other business recruitment efforts.

The partnership also included Cintas, Seapine Software, Stress Engineering, Intelligrated, AssureRx Health, Procter & Gamble, Haag-Streit, Luxottica Retail, Rhinestahl, Quatman’s and the Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. This was an unprecedented undertaking to detail the many assets of Mason and clearly demonstrates a strong corporate presence paired with a robust quality of life.

“We set out to showcase the best the City of Mason has to offer for businesses, families, and entrepreneurs using the latest technology backed by quality content,” said Eric Hansen, Mason City Manager. “It was a privilege to be a part of it all.”

Several companies involved in the project are already leveraging the video for targeted workforce recruitment. The city hopes to promote the video to other Mason companies

for similar uses. It will also be used to help city leadership aggressively market the community by promoting the area’s strengths.

To view the video, visit www.imaginemason.org/business.

Mason Matters

Mason City Council recognized Wood & Lamping law firm on its 85th anniversary and Ken Schneider, who has served as Law Director for the city since March 1976. Law Director Jeff Forbes was also recognized. Council passed a resolution at the September Council meeting to commend them for their outstanding and distinguished service to the city. Wood & Lamping provides legal advice and services for the city. From left: Council Members Char Pelfrey and Tom Grossmann, Executive Legal Counsel Ken Schneider, Council member Don Prince, C.J. Schmidt (Managing Partner at Wood & Lamping), Vice Mayor Victor Kidd, Mayor David F. Nichols, Tom Woebkenberg and Dale Stalf (Wood & Lamping), Law Director Jeff Forbes, and Council members Barbara Berry-Spaeth and Rich Cox.

www.imaginemason.org

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From the City Manager

Eric Hansen, City Manager We appreciate your calls, visits and e-mails to the Mason Municipal Center to discuss what is going on in the city. I encourage you to call 513.229.8500 or stop in any time during business hours if you need information or assistance.

Dear Mason Resident, This issue of Mason Matters is filled with economic development news. What’s the big deal about economic development? What is economic development? ec•o•nom•ic de•vel•op•ment (noun) - the process of building a varied business base in the community in balance with residential development in order to realize the benefits that businesses provide to the community There are three main elements to this definition: business base, balance, and benefits.

Business Base. Attracting a variety of business to the community—and maintaining an ongoing relationship with them to keep them here—is critical to the success of the community. Mason targets clean businesses in a variety of business sectors, with current special emphasis on biomedical, research, technology, and corporate centers.

Community amenities such as our parks, local recreation and tourist venues, and good schools help attract the types of businesses we look for. For example, City Council’s Economic Development Committee has been able to turn opportunities at Mason Community Center into attractive options for several new businesses, benefitting our recruitment efforts, the business employees, and the financial health of the center.

Balance. Having a variety of business sectors insulates the city from economic downturns in any one sector. Of equal importance is balancing residential growth with business growth. A “bedroom” community where most land is residential often struggles to support city services while maintaining reasonable rates of taxation. A community that is largely business uses may not feel inviting to residents. The exact business/residential mix will be different for every community and I believe Mason is well positioned to maintain a good balance as development continues to occur.

Benefits. There is no doubt—businesses bring benefits. They bring jobs for residents. They contribute to the community through employee volunteering, donations, and board memberships. They bring a sense of pride when you can say, “Yes, that’s in my community.” And they bring tax dollars, perhaps the most measurable of these benefits. Employees of businesses in Mason pay income taxes to Mason, just like you pay to the city where you work. This income is used to upgrade or repair roads, provide police services, maintain city parks, provide curbside services for residents such as brush chipping and leaf collection, and more. Without our strong business community, many services would need to be reduced, postponed, or eliminated—or residents would need to bear a higher share of the cost.

Mason is fortunate to have a City Council that is committed to fostering balanced growth. It is this commitment that drives initiatives such as the “Welcome Home” video that was seen worldwide during broadcasts of the tennis tournament, held last August in Mason. Council’s commitment to economic development helps make Mason “more than you imagine.”

Mason Matters

Mayor David F. Nichols shares a laugh with Simon Hogan of the Cincinnati Dockers Australian Rules Football Team as he hands a football to Council Member Tom Grossmann. Mr. Hogan visited Council to talk about the national tournament that was held in Mason in October. Partnering with the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring events such as this to Mason adds to the local economy and strengthens the city’s exposure and economic development efforts.

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Mason City Council congratulated the Mason Grange on their more than 100 years of service to the community. Mason Grange #1680 began in 1908. Their current location at 209 North Mason-Montgomery Road was dedicated on October 24, 1948, and was recently renovated. Grange members posed for a photo with the seven members of Council at the October Council meeting.

December 2012 / January 2013

How’s your city doing financially?

Find out at www.imaginemason.org/ city-government and look for the Financial Accountability pages. You’ll find all kinds of budget and financial information, including the Popular Annual Financial Report, a yearly report to citizens on the financial picture of the community. A summary of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, it provides the information in an easy-to-read format.

The City of Mason received recognition from the Ohio Auditor’s Office for excellence in financial reporting.

Council’s Finance Committee and the city’s Finance Director accepted the certificate presented by District Representative Christa Criddle. This is the eighth time the city has received this award. From left, Council member and Finance Committee chair Tom Grossmann, Finance Director Joe Reigelsperger, Christa Criddle, Mayor David F. Nichols, and Council Member Rich Cox.

Christmas Tree Safety

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ith the holidays approaching, families everywhere begin to think about the festive decorations and traditional celebrations that come with them. Over 33 million American homes are expected to have a natural tree in its festivities. Christmas trees can be beautiful—and potentially dangerous.

If you choose to have a live tree in your home as a holiday decoration, the Mason Fire Department offers some simple facts and tips to help you keep your holidays safe.

Each year, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 260 home fires that started with Christmas trees.

These fires cause an average of 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in direct property damage annually. While Christmas tree fires are not common, when they occur, they are likely to be serious. On average, 1 of every 21 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death. A heat source too close to the Christmas tree started 1 of every 5 of these fires. Dry Christmas trees can ignite very easily and spread the fire throughout the home very rapidly.

Picking your tree

• C hoose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

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• M ake sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree

• U se lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.

• Replace any light strings that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screwin bulbs. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of LED strands to connect.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Placing your tree

• B efore placing your tree in the stand, cut 1 to 2 inches from the base of the trunk to provide a fresh cut for optimal water absorption.

• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, and lights.

After Christmas

• R emove the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.

After removing all lights and decorations, place it at the curb for the city’s brush collection program. Trees will be collected during regular brush collection the week of January 14.

Thefts from Vehicles on the Rise away or when you’re asleep.

• I f you notice anything unusual, call the police. Use 9-1-1 for emergencies or 513.925.2525 for non-emergencies.

It may not seem like much, but some things are more than what they appear.

Information from alert citizens often leads to arrests.

• C all if you see anyone you think is suspicious.

• Call when you hear unusual noises outside during the night.

• Call if you see people walking behind buildings.

• Call if you see people walking around vehicles and looking into car windows.

• Report all break-ins, even if you think nothing of value was taken.

The usual method of entry for thefts from vehicles in Mason is to open unlocked vehicles. Thieves look for these because they can be entered easily, quietly, and quickly. If your vehicle is parked at a shopping center, business, or a gas station, remember to hide your valuables and lock your doors when you are away from the car. Day care centers and gas stations

are especially targeted by thieves because drivers leave their cars unlocked and items, especially purses, in plain sight.

Use your instincts. If it seems wrong, it probably IS wrong. Call the police to have it checked out.

Mason police officers would rather respond to a dozen calls that lead to nothing than not get the one call that would help them catch a thief. www.imaginemason.org

Mason Matters

uto break-ins in the City of Mason rose dramatically toward the end of the summer this year. Most of the break-ins occurred at night in residential neighborhoods. Items that were stolen included laptops, IPods, GPS units, wallets, money, and expensive sunglasses.

Cars parked on the street and even in home driveways were targeted.

You can take a few simple steps to avoid becoming a crime victim. Mason police officers offer these tips for protecting your car and belongings.

• N ever leave any of your possessions in plain view inside your car. This is especially true for laptops, cell phones, and iPods. Thieves will break into your car for as little as the loose change in your cup holder.

• Lock your car.

• Park your vehicle inside your garage if possible.

• W hen parking outside, park your car in sight of the roadway. This way, neighbors and the police, when in the area, can see if your car looks disturbed.

• Install timers or motion sensors around your home to turn lights on when you’re

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Go Right for Sirens and Lights—Except in a Roundabout!

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veryone has heard the slogan, “Go Right for Sirens and Lights.”

Under normal traffic circumstances, a motorist who is driving and sees an emergency vehicle approaching should slowly pull over to the right side of the roadway and allow the emergency vehicle to pass. This is the correct procedure for normal roadway driving, but special rules apply to motorists who are driving in roundabouts.

In a normal roadway situation, an emergency vehicle can easily pass a vehicle that pulls over to the right. Roundabouts present special problems that make it difficult for emergency responders

the emergency vehicle to pass.

• I f you are approaching the roundabout and the emergency vehicle is NOT behind you, wait for it to pass through the roundabout before continuing.

• If you are approaching the roundabout and the emergency vehicle IS behind you and you cannot get out of the way to let it enter the roundabout ahead of you, proceed into the roundabout and follow the first three steps in this list.

If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact the Mason Fire Department at 513.229.8540.

Expect To Owe 2012 Taxes?

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Mason Matters

f you expect to owe Mason city income taxes for 2012 and they aren’t deducted from your paycheck, the Tax Office would like to remind you that it’s time to make a quarterly payment.

Please remember that ninety percent (90%) of your 2012 tax liability is due

by January 31, 2013. Please make your final quarterly payment on or before that date.

Payments can be made online using the online tax tool. Please visit www.imaginemason.org/ residents/tax-information to find the tax tool. If you prefer to mail in your payment, blank estimated payment vouchers are also available online.

If you need assistance in determining whether you need to make estimated payments or if you

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to safely get around stopped vehicles.

For this reason, motorists who encounter an emergency vehicle in a roundabout should follow these simple steps to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the emergency responders in the vehicle: • If you are in the roundabout, continue to proceed with the normal flow of traffic.

• Do not stop! Emergency vehicles are not able to easily get around stopped vehicles in a roundabout.

• Once out of the roundabout, if the emergency vehicle is still behind you, pull over to the right side of the road and allow

December 2012 / January 2013

need to adjust your declaration, the Tax Office is glad to help. Please call 513.229.8535 for assistance.

Tax Office Continues To Go Green

The tax office began its green initiative with the introduction of online filing in 2009. In 2010 and 2011, this option was expanded so more residents could e-file their city tax return using the online tax tool. As of September 30 of this year, 2,300 2011 tax returns were e-filed. Residents can also make payments using the online tool.

For tax year 2012, the city will continue its efforts to go green by not sending bulky tax packets to residents. In January, you will receive a letter via mail or e-mail with your account number and instructions for finding

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January 2013

the online tax tool that will assist you in completing your tax return. If you need them, blank tax forms will be available online for printing and at Mason Municipal Center, Mason Community Center, and Mason Public Library.

The online tax tool for filing 2012 returns will be available on February 15.

Business News

Mason Business Honored

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op Gun Sales Performance, headquartered in the City of Mason since 1990, has been added to Inc. magazine’s 500/5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America for 2012. Top Gun has experienced 75% revenue growth for the past three years and currently employs 54 people.

Top Gun offers comprehensive sales, operational, and technical support services for medium to large companies. This consultative, results-oriented approach helps Top Gun clients win more business, accelerate sales cycles, and improve their margins. White glove customer service is the standard and exceptional execution is expected. Top Gun counts companies like Panasonic, Intelligrated, Insight, and indoorDIRECT as clients. Areas of specialization include training and enablement, lead generation and sales support, IT support and CRM, and call center and customer care.

This prestigious recognition places Top Gun Sales among an elite class of businesses.

There are over 7 million privately owned companies in the United States. Only 18 Cincinnati area companies were on the list for 2012. Congratulations to Top Gun. Visit them at www.topgunsps.com.

Empire Foods Chooses Mason for New Investment

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mpire Foods, one of the grocery industry’s expert companies in perishable merchandising, will bring up to 200 new jobs to Mason over the next three years, with a payroll of $5 million.

Empire will build a $7 million, 90,000 square foot manufacturing and packing plant on a 22-acre parcel in Lakewood Commerce Center. The plant will expand the company’s capacity to provide case-ready pork production and its future ability to add case-ready beef production. The company currently has similar operations in Springdale.

Empire considered many locations in multiple states before deciding on Mason. The plant will be the second light industrial development in Lakewood Commerce Park, located in Mason’s North Mason Industrial District behind Mason Fire Station 51. The facility will be situated at the terminus of Alliance Drive. Mason has partnered with the State of Ohio, Ohio Jobs and Commerce, and Henkle Schueler to extend Alliance Drive to the new facility’s property.

The construction of the road will open up an additional 11 acres of light industrial ground within Lakewood Commerce Park.

Members of the Economic Development Committee of Council welcomed Empire Foods to Mason. From left, Council Member Tom Grossmann, Mike Marek - Empire Packing Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mayor David F. Nichols, Len Marek – Empire Marketing Strategies co-owner and Chief Operating Officer, and Vice Mayor Victor Kidd.

Mason Port Authority is partnering with the company to provide lease financing to provide savings to the company. Under a combination of the State of Ohio and the city’s Community Reinvestment Area Programs, Empire Packing Company, L.P. will receive an abatement of 100% of real property improvements for a period of 15 years on the value of the new building. In exchange, the company agreed to make annual compensation payments to the Mason City School District for the term of the abatement period.

The project is expected to contribute over $2.4 million dollars to the community during its first fifteen years of operation.

Learn more about the company at www.empirefoods.com.

City of Mason Partners Host Chinese Business Delegation

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importance of partnering with local government to achieve business goals.

Mr. Malloy discussed local laws and regulations and provided case studies from the Cincinnati region, with a particular emphasis on the City of Mason. Mr. Malloy then introduced Mayor David F. Nichols to speak about Mason as a model for successful local government. The mayor highlighted the 35-year partnership between Wood & Lamping and the city.

He noted the team effort that today has resulted in highly successful local government strategies for economic development and the attraction of significant new investment and jobs. Michele Blair, City of Mason Economic Development Director, then presented key examples of recent economic development projects that illustrate the creative solutions developed through partnerships that have

Mason Mayor David F. Nichols, Wood & Lamping lawyers, and members of the Beijing Lawyers Association paused for a photo during their meeting in Cincinnati. In the center of the group are Mayor Nichols and Executive Legal Counsel Ken Schneider.

enhanced the ability of the city to attract new businesses.

The city looks forward to future opportunities and success with Wood & Lamping and our new business associates from the Beijing Lawyers Association. www.imaginemason.org

Mason Matters

he City of Mason partnered with Wood & Lamping LLP law firm to host an event and presentation for the Beijing Lawyers Association in September. The 14-member delegation visited the Cincinnati region to learn about doing business in America. This important audience advises key business clients on investment and location decisions into the United States.

The group was interested in understanding the different roles and the relationship between government and businesses in the United States. Senior Partner and City Executive Legal Counsel Ken Schneider and Partner and City Law Director Jeff Forbes started the dialogue with the city.

“Mason was the perfect fit from our client base to help us present successes related to long-term relationships and sophisticated economic development projects,” said Ken Schneider.

Robert Malloy, Wood & Lamping partner, and Jing Yang, law intern, spoke about the

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Safe Roads, Driveways, and Sidewalks—and Healthy Streams!

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s the leaves fall, the temperature drops, and Jack Frost arrives, we pull out our cold weather clothes and prepare for winter.

Winter snowflakes can allow for fun activities such as sled riding, ice-skating, and football.

However, there are also safety concerns that must be addressed about sidewalks, driveways, and roads that become slick and treacherous in winter weather. The answer to this problem often comes in the form of road salt (NaCl or sodium chloride), which is applied to hard surfaces to melt ice and snow.

Although sodium chloride melts the ice and improves traction for walking and driving, it is not without a cost to our streams and rivers, soils, and plants. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure (more than 30 days) to chloride concentrations above 220 mg/L can be toxic to aquatic organisms.

Concentrations of chloride found in waste snow piles generally range from the hundreds to thousands of mg/L. Through melting or runoff from the spring rains, these piles often flow directly into waterways by way of storm drains or overland flow. In addition to the direct impact of the sodium chloride, elevated levels in waterways can increase the availability and toxicity of heavy metals already present in stream, wetland, or lake sediments.

Fortunately, there are an increasing number of options to salt when it comes to melting snow and ice from your driveway, sidewalk,

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on sidewalks and two tire paths on your driveway. Shoveling these pathways clear, even part of the time, while using CMA or calcium chloride the other part, can make the pathways safer to maneuver and reduce salt and chemical damage to our environment.

For additional information about this or other water quality topics, contact the city’s Stormwater Engineer, Kathleen Wade Dorman, in the Public Utilities Department at 513.229.8570 or by e-mail at kdorman@ masonoh.org.

Call 9-1-1 At First Onset Of Heart Attack Warning Signs!

Mason Matters

ith winter fast approaching, the Mason Fire Department would like to remind you about the warning signs of a heart attack because in a cardiac emergency, time is of the essence. Minutes or even seconds can make a difference in your recovery. Snow shoveling is a vigorous activity, and unless you are in good physical health, it can prove dangerous. Cold weather alone puts extra stress on the heart, making it harder to breathe and work. Shoveling snow can cause a sudden, rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Those who are older, out of shape, or have preexisting heart conditions are more at risk for suffering a heart attack while shoveling snow.

Besides cold temperatures, high winds and snow or rain also can steal body heat. Wind is especially dangerous because it removes the layer of heated air from around your body. At 30 degrees Fahrenheit in a 30-mile an hour wind, the cooling effect is equal to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, dampness

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and porch. One alternative is calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which is made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid (the principal compound of vinegar.) This compound will not impair water quality and will not damage concrete and metals.

The Soil and Water Conservation District states that CMA actually strengthens the soil and can stimulate plant growth by providing abundant organic acid in the way that liming a garden improves vitality. It has also been found that CMA does not stimulate algae growth or kill aquatic life. Other alternative chemical compounds that are less toxic than road salt are magnesium or calcium chloride (MgCl2 or CaCl2.) Calcium chloride is a very effective alternative at extremely low temperatures (below 15°F.) Along with the application of non-toxic or less toxic compounds as de-icing agents, it is always good to practice anti-icing. The anti-icing method takes action before a storm to prevent icy winter roads and driveways.

Application of de-icing agents before storms has several advantages, including quicker establishment of safe walking and driving surfaces, cost savings due to lower application levels, and greater efficiency due to less mechanical snow removal.

If these options don’t work, there is the chemical free solution of shoveling the snow and ice. If you want to minimize the amount of work, shovel a small walking path

December 2012 / January 2013

causes the body to lose heat faster than it would at the same temperature in drier conditions.

Men, watch for these signs and symptoms of a heart attack: • Chest pains • Shortness of breath • Nausea / vomiting • Jaw or arm pain • Lightheadedness • Cold sweats Many times women will present different symptoms than men. Some women experience several symptoms while others show all symptoms. There are some who show no

symptoms before their heart attack. The sooner you can recognize your symptoms and take appropriate action, the better. The symptoms that women should be aware of include: • Discomfort, tightness, uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, or squeezing that comes and goes • Pressure or pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, upper back, jaw, or arms • Dizziness or nausea • Clammy sweats, heart flutters, or paleness • Unexplained feelings of anxiety, fatigue, or weakness—especially with exertion • Stomach or abdominal pain Prevention is the best medicine!

Use a snow blower Work in short time periods Don’t overexert B e sure someone is watching you in case you fall or faint and are unable to call for help If you do experience signs of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY! Delaying treatment can cause further heart muscle damage and increase your chances of sudden cardiac death.

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New Community Resource Added to City Web Site

usinesses, schools, service organizations, and sports organizations in Mason can now post themselves to a new resource page on the city’s web site, www.imaginemason.org.

The new page is called “In Our Community” and can be found under the “About” section of the site, at www.imaginemason.org/about/in-our-community. Residents and visitors to Mason can use the page to look for businesses and resources in Mason. Businesses located within the Mason city limits and organizations that serve Mason residents can use the page to advertise themselves, briefly describe what they offer, and list their contact information, website address, and other information.

Each business or organization in Mason is invited to create a listing by visiting www.imaginemason.org/about/in-our-community and clicking on the “Add Business Listings” box. You will then be prompted to log in or register. Once you have successfully created or logged in to your account, you can create your business or organization listing. After your listing is approved by the city, it will become visible to visitors to the site. You will be able to make changes to your listing as needed by clicking on “My Business Listings.”

Listings are saved under specific categories and/or subcategories. Visitors to the site can view all the listings or search by category. The viewer can then click on an individual listing to see more information about your business or organization.

The city is pleased to provide this service for Mason businesses and organizations. Please note that because the listings are user-driven, the city is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the site.

You Can Learn Hands-Only™ CPR

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Goal is to Teach 3,000 People in a Year

o you have 30 minutes to learn how to save someone’s life? It’s a small price to pay in exchange for an important life-saving skill.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. Many victims appear healthy, with no known risk factors. Sudden cardiac arrest may occur when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic, which causes the heart to suddenly stop beating effectively.

If you know Hands-Only™ CPR, you will have the skills necessary to help.

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouthto-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an “out-of-hospital” setting, such as at home, at work, or in a park.

Mason Fire Department is now offering

free, non-certified Hands-Only CPR training on “CPR Saturdays.” Between 9 and 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month, you can learn this easy and important life-saving skill in a 30-minute session. Training will be conducted at both Mason fire stations.

Every year in the U.S., more than 300,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association.

About 95 percent of cardiac arrest victims die before arriving at the hospital.

“When a bystander provides effective CPR to a cardiac arrest victim, they can double or triple that person’s chance of survival,” says Lt. Bill Blades of the Mason Fire Department. “In essence, the best response for a cardiac arrest victim is to have willing bystanders that are trained,” says Blades.

Because the outcome is so dramatically changed when bystanders know what to do, Mason Fire Department has set a goal to teach Adult Hands-Only CPR to 3,000 people in the community. Classes will be taught on CPR Saturdays in partnership with the American Heart Association. The half-hour class will consist of a video and a discussion in addition to hands-on practice.

If you are interested in receiving the training, please stop at either Mason fire station between 9 and 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month. You’ll learn a valuable skill while helping us reach our goal of training 3,000 people. Classes will be offered at Station 51 at 4420 Mason-Montgomery Road and at Station 52, located at 5500 Cedar Village Drive.

Mason Matters

Mayor David F. Nichols, far right, congratulated Mason High School’s top tennis players at the September Council meeting. Boys Tennis Team Coach Linda Kirtley introduced the 2012 State Doubles Champions Miguel Cepeda and Luke Tsai, and Singles 2012 State tournament qualifier Alex Lebedev. Girls Tennis Team Coach Mike Reid introduced the team’s 2011 Division 1 State Quarter Finalists, Nina Cepeda and Lynn Kelly.

Congratulations to the players and coaches!

www.imaginemason.org

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Mason

Hope for the Holidays Help give someone hope this holiday season and join the employees of the City of Mason in the annual Hope for the Holidays program. The city is pleased to partner with the Mason Food Pantry this year to more fully meet the needs of program recipients.

To help someone in need this season, you can adopt a family or donate individual items. Families, neighborhoods, and businesses that adopt a family will receive age and size information for the adopted family.

Donations of individual items will be accepted through Monday, December 10. Non-perishable food items, household items, gift certificates, and new and unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 1 to 17 are welcome. Donated items may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, and at Mason Community Center, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road, whenever the facility is open.

Donations for both boys and girls are accepted anytime.

During the week of November 26 through December 2, Mason Community Center will focus on items for boys. Ideas include board games, building block sets, cars, trucks, and sports balls.

From December 3 through 9, the center will focus on items for girls, such as stuffed toys, board games, dolls, craft kits, stationery, and journals. Gift certificates and other items for children are welcome for both boys and girls.

Families or persons in need are invited to register for assistance from the Hope for the Holidays program by contacting the Mason Food Pantry at 513.754.0333. The Pantry will provide for food needs while Hope for the Holidays will provide gifts.

To arrange for special assistance in making your donation, or if you would like to adopt a family, please call 513.229.8507 and leave a contact name and phone number or e-mail hopefortheholidays@masonoh.org.

This is the 16th year the city has conducted the program.

Your gift will help make this a memorable holiday season for somebody special in the City of Mason.

Christmas In Mason Mason will be aglow for the annual Christmas in Mason celebration on Friday, December 7. From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy the free horse-drawn carriages, stage shows, craft booths, Santa Paws Parade, and tasty food and hot beverages at the food court. Look for a special guest in a red suit to be making an appearance. Bring your family, pets, and friends!

This is a seasonal event that you and your family will not want to miss! For more information, contact Festivals of Mason at 513.335.7069 or visit www.festivalsofmason.com.

Order Peanut Brittle Now Having been established in Mason 104 years ago, Mason Grange is one of the oldest organizations in Mason. This year, Grange members continue the tradition of making and selling peanut brittle.

The Christmas elves will help with the final preparations and make sure there is enough peanut brittle to satisfy a great many people.

Place your order now by calling Evelyn Thompson at 513.934.5638, Lola Osborne at 513.398.8232, or Frances Gilbert at 513.398.3936.

Mason

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State law requires all dogs more than three months of age to be licensed each year by January 31. Licenses purchased after January 31 will have a $15 penalty added.

A regular tag is $15 and can be purchased at the Warren County Auditor’s office at 406 Justice Drive in Lebanon, at Mason Animal Hospital and Mason Family Pet Hospital, and at other selected locations in the county.

For an additional $5 donation to the Humane Association, bone-shaped tags may be purchased at the Warren County Humane Association and the Warren County Auditor’s office.

Kennel tags for multiple dogs are available only at the Warren County Auditor’s office.

More information, including the license application, is available online at www.co.warren.oh.us. Select “Auditor,” then “Dog License Information.” To speak with someone in the auditor’s office, call 513-695-1240.

The Mason Historical Society is well into the membership drive for the new year. If you are a member, the society asks that you remember to renew; if you are not a member, consider joining this worthy organization. You may also consider becoming a volunteer. There are many different ways to help, from guiding tours to other jobs around the museum. Call the museum at 513.398.6750 or check the web site at www. masonhistoricalsociety.org.

In December during Christmas in Mason, the museum will be open for tours. Cookies and a warm drink will be served.

Stop in to see the beautiful Christmas decorations and to learn more about the history of Mason.

On January 15, Bill Van Doren, a train enthusiast who collects the history and photos of trains, will speak about the inter-urban railway system that was in place many years ago. He will focus as much as possible on the Mason line. The meeting will be held at Mason Municipal Center.

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Mason Matters

Dog Licenses

Mason Historical Society

December 2012 / January 2013