SUMMER 2020 VOL. 3

NEWS AND ACTIVITIES FOR MASON AND DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP

RETURNING TO WORK

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP

BECOME A MASON COMET

MASON CITY SCHOOLS

REIMAGINING MASON CITY OF MASON

SAFE RETURN FOR OFFICE VISITS TRIHEALTH

SMALLBUSINESSRECOVERY CityofMasonSmallBusinessRecoveryProgramtoProvide FundinginSupportofLocalSmallBusinesses

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ReimagineMasonorg

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

Mayor Kathy Grossmann

Tony Bradburn Council Member

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

Vice Mayor Michael Gilb

Ashley Chance Council Member

Diana K. Nelson Council Member

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

2 CenterPoint Summer 2020, vol. 3

TJ Honerlaw Council Member

Joshua Styrcula Council Member

Public Works 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

Lelle Lutts Hedding President

Kristin Malhotra Vice President

Jim Siciliano Trustee

Dan Corey Fiscal Officer

Administrator Eric Reiners 513.701.6974 erein@deerfieldtwp.com Planning & Zoning Director Samuel Hill 513.701.6964 shill@deerfieldtwp.com Parks and Recreation Director Joel Smiddy 513.701.6975 jsmiddy@deerfieldtwp.com Public Works Director Billy Highfill 513.701.6978 bhigh@deerfieldtwp.com

Fiscal Officer Dan Corey 513.701.6971 dcorey@deerfieldtwp.com President Lelle Hedding 513.770.2381 lhedding@deerfieldtwp.com Vice President Kristin Malhotra 513.770.2382 kmalhotra@deerfieldtwp.com Trustee Jim Siciliano 513.760.4058 jsiciliano@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 Road, Mason, OH 45040 513.229.8510 | administration@masonoh.org www.imaginemason.org

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

PRODUCED BY

C U S T O M P U B L I C AT I O N S

Publisher Ivy Bayer

Design Director Brittany Dexter

Safe & Ready. For You.

To ďŹ nd the right care when and where you need it, visit TriHealth.com/CareNow

Eric Hansen City of Mason Manager

M

Reawakening Mason

ost will remember the beginning of 2020 as the season of terrible losses. Friends, family and neighbors have lost their lives, and families are grieving. Others have lost their jobs, their savings, their plans for the future. In some aspect we have lost weddings, funerals, birthdays, and graduations. We have lost and we have suffered. But history, hope, and empowerment have found us. When many in the community were preparing for spring break, an event that will change the way we live was sweeping around the globe. Vacations and plans were canceled, and what we thought may only be a week, was extended week after week, until the truth began to settle in: students were never going back to school, businesses were shut down, and parents were headed home. Parents and students may have attended class or worked remotely from bedrooms, at kitchen tables, or sometimes sitting in their parents' cars in a school parking lot. We did it with computers, conference calls, Google Classroom, Zoom, and group chats. We wrote papers, performed group presentations, took notes, emailed, and did experiments in virtual labs. Maybe all of us, but especially our youth have come to learn something powerful: that we have been tested, and we did not falter. We kept going. Some of us can look back on this time and remember inconveniences and even boredom. Many more will know real hardship and fear. For others the hurt will contin-

4 CenterPoint Summer 2020, vol. 3

ue for some time. For all of us it hasn’t been easy. But maybe what we have gained is something important. For years we have spent our days working long hours, running to kids' activities, and grabbing dinner at a fast food restaurant in between family schedules. We have spoken about how busy our lives have become with no time to spend quality time with the family, reading a book, or simply spending some personal time doing the things we enjoy. COVID-19 gave us the opportunity to slow down and enjoy our families, friends, neighbors, and the world around us. For a while, as we return from COVID-19 we are entering a very different world from the one most of us left. We will be challenged to not allow moments of failure and frustration to distract us. But rather, allow them to empower us and make us stronger. I hope we can take the time we have spent together with family, friends, and neighbors and the lessons learned over the past months and create an even better community. I hope we can memorialize in our hearts the way in which these times reveal what really matters: the health and well-being of our loved ones, the resilience of our communities, and the sacrifices made by those who continued serving others during the COVID-19 crisis. COVID-19 marked a moment in our history. When faced with its challenges we kept going, overcame, and we are now empowered by what it has taught us. 2020 won’t be defined by what we lost to this virus but by how we respond to it moving forward. #ComeTogether

Eric Reiners Township Administrator

A

Getting Back To Work

s the Township begins to reopen, I want to take this opportunity to once again thank the residents of Deerfield Township for their patience and understanding throughout the entire process. We encourage you to support our local businesses in any way that you feel comfortable, whether it is through carry out and delivery, or in-person shopping and dining while maintaining social distancing. For business owners and operators, the State of Ohio released their “COVID-19 Responsible Protocols for Getting Ohio Back to Work." These include: • Require face coverings for employees and recommend them for clients/customers at all times. • Conduct daily health assessments by employers and employees (self-evaluation) to determine if “fit for duty.” • Maintain good hygiene at all times—hand washing, sanitizing and social distancing. • Clean and sanitize workplaces throughout workday and at the close of business or between shifts. • Limit capacity to meet social distancing guidelines. » Establish maximum capacity at 50% of fire code. » And, use appointment-setting where possible to limit congestion.

nication and contact tracing. The location should then be closed for deep sanitation and professional cleaning. Once these things have been done, businesses can reopen in consultation with the Warren County Health District. For more information about the “COVID-19 Responsible Protocols for Getting Ohio Back to Work” we ask you to visit: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/. These practices will continue to flatten the curve and help us all move forward. In terms of Township operations, as of June 2 we are once again fully staffed in the office and our doors are open to the public. In accordance with the State of Ohio’s Responsible Protocols we are asking any visitors to please maintain six feet between yourselves and others and encourage the wearing of masks. In terms of services, we have restarted our brush pickup and have begun accepting in-person permit applications. Finally, we have resumed in-person public meetings in the Township meeting room. The room has been arranged to conform to social distancing guidelines. To limit interactions and ensure gatherings stay small we do ask that people continue to take advantage of the fact that our meetings are broadcast virtually. Meeting schedules and videos can be found on our website at www.choosedeerfield.com/meetings/. Please stay up to date on any additional changes and updates on our website at www.choosedeerfield.com/.

In the event of an employee or customer being identified with a COVID-19 infection it should be immediately reported to the local health district. Next, businesses should work closely with the Warren County Health District to identify people who may have been exposed and facilitate commu-

Summer 2020, vol. 3

CenterPoint 5

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. SNAZZY'S CAR WASH Snazzy’s Car Wash has been cleaning and detailing cars in Richmond, Indiana, since 2012. This year they are bringing their full-service car wash and detailing to Mason, located just off of Tylersville Road. After completing an extensive renovation throughout the lobby and car wash tunnel, they have continued to perfect their state-of-the-art equipment and train staff with industry leading courses. All to deliver a top notch, spot free clean for vehicles of all types.

What do you enjoy most about being in Mason? We

love the people in Mason! Mason is a such a vibrant and active city. We really enjoy seeing all of the people out and about as well as the wide array of businesses nearby. One of our main goals for 2020 is to get more involved in the local community with fund-raising and to network with other local businesses.

What sets your car wash apart from others in the area? Snazzy’s has a state-of-the-art wash tunnel and professionally trained staff. On top of that, we are independently owned and operated and Ryan, our owner, is very hands-on. He personally visits our locations every day! We’ve also put a lot of effort into researching the best layout, equipment, chemicals, processes, and training programs to ensure a world-class wash experience for our customers each and every visit. We know that a vehicle is a big investment and we take a lot of pride in our own vehicles just like our customers do. We choose not to use electronic or automated check-in services—instead, every customer receives personal attention and is greeted, prepped, and finished by a Snazzy’s staff member, ensuring that every vehicle is perfectly 6 CenterPoint Summer 2020, vol. 3

clean before leaving our lot.

What is the most popular wash style at your car wash? Which one do you select for your car? The

most popular packages for our Mason location are our Silver and Gold Wash Packages that include interior cleaning. We personally love the top-level wash packages because they offer the most “bang for your buck.”

What can drivers do to make sure their cars stay clean longer? The very best thing for any vehicle exterior

is to keep it clean of debris, salt, bugs, bird droppings, sap, etc. because the longer something sits on vehicle paint, the harder it will be to remove and the more damage it will cause. For interior cleaning, we suggest keeping a trash bag or bin handy, and try to clean up dirt and debris on a regular basis, before it works its way into all of the little cracks and crevices. Wiping your interior and vacuuming often are also best practices. Snazzy’s Express Mason offers two Wash Packages that include interior cleaning as well as professional detail services for a thorough clean and added protection.

What is a service you provide that people might not know about, but would benefit from? We offer special discounts for Unlimited Memberships when two or more vehicles are signed up on the same account. We also have a range of professional detail services available by appointment.

What goes into a good detailing of a vehicle? What’s your favorite product line for detailing a car? A

good, thorough detail takes time, concentration, attention to detail, and cannot be rushed. We have researched, tested, and chosen the highest quality cleaners, conditioners, waxes, and sealants to deliver the most phenomenal detail.

What’s your favorite vehicle to detail? This one is

tricky. It’s always fun to spend time working on a really extravagant or sporty vehicle that we don’t get to see often. It’s also fun to transform a super dirty vehicle into a clean one. Our detailers appreciate the customers who clearly take pride in their vehicle and like to keep it clean and detailed often. We also get to work on unique vehicles like dump trucks, limousines, hearses, police cars, and fleet vans and trucks. Our favorite part—regardless of the make and model—is making the customers happy when we hand over their clean car!

Is there anything else you’d like to leave us with? We

look forward to partnering with local businesses, schools, and surrounding neighborhoods in 2020. We’re excited to be “Snazzifying” the vehicles of Mason for years to come! Snazzy’s Car Wash, Ryan Cate, 5948 Snider Rd., Mason, OH 45040, 513.492.7010, ryanc@snazzyscarwash.com, www. snazzyscarwash.com

A Simpler Time Through Thick and Thin

Warren County resident Loraine Lutmer has lived what most would consider more than a lifetime. A life spanning over 100 years takes courage, perseverance, acceptance, and a “go with the flow” attitude. Born on May 15, 1918, Loraine entered this world during the deadliest pandemic of all time, the 1918 influenza pandemic, also known as the Spanish Flu. It is estimated that about 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with the virus. The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 50 million worldwide. Loraine’s family stayed close to home during that time. Born in St. Bernard, Ohio, Loraine’s family included her mother and father and four siblings. “My father always wanted to live in the country, but that was not to be,” says Loraine. Instead, gardening was his escape and then he acquired two ponies, ducks, pigeons, and chickens. Lorraine had an aversion to the chickens. They scared her. Loraine graduated Seton High School at the height of the Great Depression. She was an athlete; in fact, Loraine and a group of friends formed a female gym club. Their friendships endured throughout their lifetimes. Loraine still communicates with one of her original club friends over the phone. Loraine would go on to marry Thomas Albert Lutmer on October 3, 1943. Tom served in the Coast Guard and they would move a few times during the early years of their marriage, before settling back to Avondale, Ohio. The end of World War II was the most significant historical moment in their lives. For Loraine and Tom, as for many, the end of the war

signified the beginning of their lives together. Like Loraine’s father, Tom was eager to live in the country. He wanted to live on the land. Loraine agreed, but the farm would have to be exactly right. After three years of Sunday drives, they settled on a 50 acre farm in Lebanon, Ohio. They worked to refurbish the existing farmhouse, structures, worked the land, and built a family of three boys. “Being out in the open was a nice way to live and good for the kids,” says Loraine. They did indeed have animals, cows, horses, and dogs. The girl from St. Bernard who was afraid of chickens raised 500 of them on the farm and became quite adept at the egg business. Loraine, with the help of her boys, became proficient at washing and the “candle” check for bad or fertilized eggs. Loraine had her own egg route to help support the family and it was a great service to the Warren County community. Life was simple, but not always easy. Loraine shared her memory of washing her family’s clothes in the basement of the house and having to run the water from the kitchen sink to the basement. She dried her clothes outside on the line. “It was a simple time, but boy was I happy when we had a washer and dryer in the basement, “she says. They heated their home with coal at first and then switched to an oil furnace, which only heated the first floor. "We could see our breath in the wintertime!" Loraine says. The installation of central heating and air made their farmhouse much more comfortable. “Comforts take time,” says Loraine. “We managed and it was a happy life with or without the modern amenities.” With her boys grown and off on their own,

Loraine and her husband continued to live on farm, make improvements, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. She lived there for over 50 years. “Life isn’t always easy. Pandemics, wars, difficult loses, these are the things that shape our character,” says Loraine. “For those of us who survive these times, we are all stronger for it.” Loraine is now living in a retirement community in Warren County. She enjoys calling her grandchildren for long chats and is looking forward to the threat of COVID-19 lifting so she can see her friends and family again. She celebrated her 102nd birthday in May. Do you know someone in Warren County who has lived an interesting life, is doing good work for the community, or has an interesting story to share? Please contact jflick@deerfieldtwp.com.

Reimagining City Facilities, Services, and Activities Keeping Mason safe will take a community effort. We are asking residents and businesses to remain responsible and diligent in following COVID-19 protocols. Together, we can retain our culture of wellness. “We can go back to Normal, or Move Forward” —John Friedman The COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to dramatically and irreversibly change many aspects of our lives. As we reopen and return we can use this unintended and unexpected experience and thoughtfully and carefully implement the lessons we have learned to drive us to even greater achievements.

CONCEPTS AND IDEAS LEARNED FROM COVID-19:

• Emergency Preparedness. COVID-19 helped us more fully test and develop the City’s emergency preparedness plans. • Established the Nifty Yiftee Mason Come Together gift card system to strengthen promotional opportunities for Mason’s small businesses. • Virtual recreational programming. • Additional connectivity with seniors, veterans, and the community.

• Updated and provided more complete contact information for employees, businesses, and residents. • Pandemic Daycare provided the opportunity to establish plans and procedures for daycare operations. • Expanded mobile technology including remote access to the City network and resources, Zoom, laptops, jet packs, iPads, smart phones, email distribution lists, LogMeIn, and file sharing. • Improved remote security software. • Established video software technologies. • Updated City policies to be more reflective of current workforce.

REAWAKENING MASON

During the pandemic the City re-prioritized resources to critical operations including Fire, Police, Wastewater, and Pandemic Daycare operations. And, unfortunately, residents have seen a reduction in the services they have come to enjoy. The Mason Incident Command Team has implemented a return to work plan including safety considerations to reopen and restart services and facilities. Crews are working diligently to restore routine schedules as quickly as possible. Summer 2020, vol. 3

CenterPoint 7

Joshua’s Place Helps Those in Need Joshua’s Place continues to serve the community by ensuring that young children are fed during the summer months. Please visit www.joshuasplace.cc for more information for donations as locations have specific times. Drop off Locations: Countryside YMCA Christ’s Church Fellowship Baptist Church Rivers Crossing (Deer Park Campus) Joshua’s Place Breakfast Items Pop Tarts Nutri Grain/Granola Bars Juice Boxes Cereal Instant Oatmeal

Lunch Items Fruit Cups Applesauce Cups Canned Spaghetti/Ravioli Snack Bags Soup Individual Mac n Cheese Cups Ramen Noodle Peanut Butter Jelly (no glass jars) Canned Meat

Hygiene Disinfectant Wipes Hand Sanitizer Wipes Toilet Paper

July Community Center Programs

FITNESS GYMS ARE OPEN As local fitness gyms begin to open, there will be stringent guidelines in place to ensure guest and employee safety. Here are the Lifetime Fitness opening guidelines.

ENHANCED CLEANING:

• Team members equipped with disinfectant spray bottles and towels for regular cleaning of all high-touch surfaces with hospital grade disinfectant. • Comprehensive deep cleaning and disinfecting processes in the club each evening. • Hand sanitizing and cleaning stations throughout the club that provide disinfecting products for members to apply before and after using equipment.

SOCIAL DISTANCING:

• Signage facilitating increased spacing between fitness floor equipment, in locker rooms, and throughout various areas of the club. • Requiring reservations for group fitness classes to regulate class sizes, and schedules adjusted to allow for thorough cleaning between classes. • Reservations required for all ages in the child center to help kids practice social distancing and allow for additional cleaning, dedicating other areas of the club for smaller group sizes.

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS:

• Masks and temperature checks for all team members. • Guidance for members to adhere to health and social distancing requirements. For additional information regarding our cleaning and safety protocols, please visit mylt.life/safety.

THEGOLFCENTER

  Fairway Drive, Mason, OH   -

Beginning July 6 ¡New semi-private swim lessons oered with a  instructor to student ratio. ¡Skyhawks camps will run as scheduled with safety protocols in place. ¡Summer Lile Feet  a.m. to  p.m. session will run as scheduled and a second half day session is oered from  p.m. to p.m.

Ready for a round of golf or to grab a bite to eat outside? Visit the City of Mason Golf Center.

¡Summer Fun Camp will operate as a half day program with a  a.m. to  p.m. camp and a  p.m. to p.m. camp.

8 CenterPoint Summer 2020, vol. 3

PHOTOGRAPH BY DENISNATA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

MASON CITY SCHOOLS

Just Moved to Mason? Have an Incoming Kindergartner? Here’s How to Become a Comet! In response to COVID-19, Mason City Schools has adapted our registration process. We are currently not requiring original documents, and are waiving the need for notarized signatures on affidavit forms. Families of students new to the Mason City School District, or families with an incoming kindergartner, should begin the registration process by completing a registration packet located at www. MasonOhioSchools.com. (Please see the links Registration-Kindergarten and Registration-Grades 1-12.) Once your packet is completed, our New Family Welcome Center team will reach out by phone or email to welcome you, and answer questions.

We are continuing to enroll students and accepting completed packets at our drop-off location at the Central Registration entrance or by U.S. Mail to:

Mason Central Office Attention: Registration 211 North East Street Mason, OH 45040 Questions? Call 513.398.0474, ext. 20141, or email registration@masonohoschools.com.

The following documentation is required for registration: • Custody papers if applicable • Proof of residency such as an electric bill, rental agreement, home purchase agreement, etc. • Student’s birth certificate • Student’s immunization record Other helpful documents: • IEP or other special education placement information • Records from previous school(s) attended including report cards

WHAT WILL LEARNING LOOK LIKE FOR MY NEW COMET? We are currently investigating a variety of options for learning in the 2020–2021 school year. Governor Mike DeWine and state education officials have mentioned several possibilities for Ohio schools next year, including continued remote learning or a mix of remote and in-person learning. At this time, we are actively collecting data from our stakeholders to inform potential responses. No matter what, we are committed to delivering high quality learning and experiences for all of our Comets.

Summer 2020, vol. 3

CenterPoint 9

Resuming Brush Service Schedules Mason’s Public Works Department provides free curbside brush chipping for property owners in the City. The normal operating route schedule is anticipated to begin June 1. We thank you for your patience. Each week, a different quadrant of the City is targeted and the City uses a GPS monitoring system to track the route of each truck ensuring all areas of the City are serviced monthly.

TO HELP THE CREWS DURING BRUSH PICK-UP:

• Place branches and trimmings from bushes and trees at the curb, not in the street, by 7 a.m. on the Monday when collection starts on your street. • Cut brush to a length between 4 and 12 feet and place the cut end toward the curb. For more information, please visit ImagineMason.org.

BRUSH PICK UP SCHEDULE QUADRANT 1

QUADRANT 2

QUADRANT 3

QUADRANT 4

1ST WEEK OF MONTH

2ND WEEK OF MONTH

3RD WEEK OF MONTH

4TH WEEK OF MONTH

Estates at Chesnut Hill

South Heights

Whispering Springs

Crooked Tree

Windemere

Eagleview

Sunset Ridge

Oaks of Crooked Tree

Avalon Farms

Fairways at Pine Run

Birchwood Farms

Arbor Creek

Carmelle

Brookstone

Greenbrier

Parkside

Willow Brooke

Durfield

Rosemont

Hickory Woods

Weatherstone

Village Lakes

Tyler Station

Ashley Place

Trailside Acres

Mason Fields

Meadows

Coddington Reserve

Cox - Fox - Dawson

Alverta

Downtown {S. of W.Main}

Reserves of Bethany

E. Main - Cowan

White Blossom

Lakeside

Concord Crossing

Mason Hills

Lexington Park

Manhassett

Heritage Club

Quailwood Farms

Villages of Woodcreek

Western Estates

Downtown {N. of W.Main}

North Heights

Winding Creek

Walnut Farms

Ambleside

Taylor Creek

Olympia Fields Burr Hills Leeann Estates Finsbury Pointe Glen Meadows Baymeadows

2019 TAX FILING The tax filing due date for 2019 returns has been extended to July 15, 2020. In-person tax preparation services have been suspended. The Tax Office has protocols and procedures in place as cautionary measures for customer and staff safety:

• Use the PDF fillable or blank form found on imaginemason.org and either mail in or drop off in the dropbox located outside the Municipal Center.

in the Municipal Center dropbox. A copy will be emailed or mailed to you once the return as been completed.

TO FILE YOUR TAXES, PLEASE EITHER:

NEED YOUR INDIVIDUAL RETURN PREPARED?

Please scan your tax documents and submit them through the secure email found on imaginemason.org or make copies and drop them off

Please call 513.229.8535 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Use the online tax tool available on imaginemason.org. 10 CenterPoint Summer 2020, vol. 3

NEED ADDITIONAL HELP?

PHOTOGRAPH BY SAPGREEN/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Ohio Mental Health Hotline Available for All

BE ACTIVE IN WARREN COUNTY

A toll-free emotional support call service, the COVID CareLine, has been created by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction. It will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. (Calls after those hours will roll over to the national suicide hotline.) Trained responders will be on the line to support and assist all Ohioans who are struggling with the impacts of the pandemic. This COVID CareLine can be reached at 800.720.9616. All calls are handled by licensed mental health counselors and social workers and are completely confidential. They can listen, help with some screenings, and connect callers to resources in their communities they may need.

COME TOGETHER MASON

Starting this Memorial Day and going to Labor Day, the Warren County Park District is challenging kids to do the 100-Hours-Ourside Summer Challenge. Any time outside counts! This includes activities that allow families to maintain social distancing. Every child who completes the challenge will receive a prize and will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize, which will take place at the Friend of Warren County park District meeting at 1:00 p.m. September 9, 2020. Winner does not need to be present. For more information, please visit www.deerfieldrec.com.

THANKYOU

LOCALBUSINESSES SmallBusinessesinMasonareencouragedto signupasaparticipatinglocation reimaginemasonorg

PHOTOGRAPH BY ILKERCELIK/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Summer 2020, vol. 3

CenterPoint 11

TriHealth primary care offices are safe and ready for you During the uncertain times caused by COVID-19, many patients are worried about going to see their primary care provider. Some even think offices have been closed and they are unable to get the care they need. Betsy Peerless, M.D., a family medicine physician with TriHealth Health First, says that is not the case. “We are open and on call for our patients,” says Peerless. “As primary care physicians, we know our patients best.” To ease fears that patients have, Peerless says Health First is doing several different things to make it easier for patients to get the care they need, as are all TriHealth primary care and specialty locations. If a patient wants to see their physician in person, call and make an appointment. “We are meticulously cleaning each exam room after each patient,” says Peerless. “Our waiting room is closed. We are having patients wait in the car. When we are ready, we call them and take them directly to an exam room.” Peerless added that patients with any upper respiratory symptoms can even be seen curbside in their car to minimize any exposure. 12 CenterPoint Summer 2020, vol. 3

WHAT IF I’M STILL WORRIED ABOUT AN IN-OFFICE VISIT? Peerless admits not everyone is ready to be seen in the office yet. She says the office has received great feedback about the virtual visits being offered. “We can see patients in real time with a video visit,” says Peerless. “Some patients are unable to use this, but we also offer phone visits to patients as will.” Most conditions are able to be diagnosed via the virtual visits and the care is just as good. If something is not able to be diagnosed, Peerless says they convert the virtual visit into an in-person visit. “Sometimes we need to physically see a patient to give an appropriate diagnosis and plan for their care moving forward,” says Peerless. “If this happens, we cancel the existing visit and have the patient come see us. There is no second bill or co-pay.”

I THINK MY SYMPTOMS CAN WAIT If left untreated, illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can get much worse. “Ignoring current medical problems and focusing only on the virus is a mistake,” says Peerless. “A heart attack can

still kill you regardless of exposure to the virus.” The same can be said of abdominal pain. Sometimes patients put off seeing their primary care provider and it gets worse. “Abdominal pain could be appendicitis or diverticulitis,” says Peerless. “Both conditions require medical attention and putting it off could lead to some pretty serious consequences” Peerless also says it is important for everyone to keep up with regular screenings and physicals if they are due for one. “Annual physicals are vital for detecting some medical conditions before symptoms even exist,” says Peerless. “For some diseases, early detection greatly increases survival rates.” As a family medicine physician, Peerless just wants her patients to be comfortable seeking care. “We are all in the same situation and everyone is being cautious,” says Peerless. “We are trying to reduce any fears our patients have because we want to see them when they need to be seen.”

Betsy Peerless, M.D., sees patients of all ages at TriHealth HealthFirst. 7423 South Mason Montgomery Rd., Suite B Mason, OH 45040 Call for appointment: 513.398.3445 PHOTOGRAPH BY (TOP) GEORGIY/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Project Updates in Mason During these challenging times, projects continue to progress in Mason. Below are a few updates throughout Mason.

NEW DOWNTOWN MASON PARKING LOT • The new City parking lot in Downtown Mason is adjacent to the Fifth Third parking lot and adds 28 public parking spaces with access to an additional 24 spaces available after bank operating hours. Please leave open spaces for banking customers during bank hours. • As seen on the cover, two tents have been set up in Downtown Mason in an effort to provide additional seating and flexibility for Mason small businesses as restrictions lift and more patrons visit Downtown. Tables and chairs under the tents comply with social distancing requirements. Stay safe and Come Together Mason!

MASON STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM • The City’s engineering staff inspects the City’s public streets, alleys, and municipal pavement areas to determine where repairs are needed. Road maintenance and construction projects for this year include progress on the following streets: Atrium Court, Bentwood (Crooked Tree East to the cul-de-sac), Calumet Circle, Club Commons, Corner Stone Court, Crooked Tree Drive (Brewer to Bentwood), Dona Jean Boulevard, Enterprise Drive, Hickory Woods Drive (Mason Road to Terrace Drive), Hogan Court, Shagbark Court, Sarah Drive (Angeline to the roundabout), Jeffery Court, Donna Jean Boulevard, Lakeridge Court, Lakewood Drive, Laura Lane (full curb replacement), Longden Court, Margaret Court (Terrace Drrive to Angeline Lane), Maxwell Drive (Mason Road to roundabout), N. Ascot Place, Parlor Court, Pimlico Court, Range Court, Raynor Court, Ross Lane, S. Ascot Place, Snider Road (roundabout south to Timber Court/Green Meadow), Stepping Stone Drive (Parlor Court to Terrace Drive), Thornberry Court (roundabout to Glen Brook), and Ventura Drive.

MAKINO PARK MINI-PITCH

The Arts Alliance is looking forward to the Deerfield Handmade Market Fall and Winter events! They call to artists to submit their applications. The entry fee is $65 per event. Double spaces are available. The Deerfield Handmade Markets are community arts festivals that include fine artists, creatives, and makers who want to sell and share their talents with the community. These are juried events. Deerfield Handmade Market Fall Sunday, September 20, 2020 Cottell Park 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Deerfield Handmade Market Winter Sunday, November 8, 2020 Manor House 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The Arts Alliance also calls to the community to volunteers, musicians to perform, and food vendors to participate. For more information, applications, please visit www.the-arts-alliance.org.

JUNE’S HARVEST IS GREEN!

• The FC Cincinnati Foundation mini-pitch at Makino Park is nearly complete.

QUINN PARK CRICKET PITCH • A new concrete cricket pitch has been poured at Quinn Park. Artificial turf will be installed soon.

WASHINGTON WAY/JEFFERSON DRIVE STORM SEWER PROJECT • The Washington Way and Jefferson Drive area experiences frequent street flooding during heavy rains, experiencing as much as two feet of standing water in the street making it impassable during heavy storms. The City has begun construction this summer to increase the size of the storm sewers in this area and reduce street flooding. Delays may occur due to weather, sanitary sewer laterals, and other unforeseeable circumstances.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREAOBZEROVA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

DEERFIELD HANDMADE MARKET CALLS TO ARTISTS AND COMMUNITY

The Deerfield Township Farmers’ Market is in full swing! Our local farmers are harvesting all that June has to offer, including beets, broccoli, carrots, kale, lettuce, peas, and spinach. Visit the Deerfield Township Farmers’ Market during the summer every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon, located at 4188 Irwin-Simpson Road. Thank you for observing social distancing while at the market. For more information visit www.deerfieldfarmersmarket.com.

Summer 2020, vol. 3

CenterPoint 13

Reawakening Mason Community Center The City of Mason’s Incident Command Team has been working with Community Center staff to draft plans for reopening the facility. The reopening of the Center and recreational programming activities will be done in a cautious and purposeful manner with safety being the top priority. Staff has established protocols and procedures as cautionary measures for the safety of members. Community Center staff and the Incident Command Team have developed a phased plan to begin reopening areas of the facility. The initial reopening phase will reflect mandatory and recommended protocols that are very different from how operations were when the facility closed in March. The contracted postal unit in Symbiosis has reopened Monday–Friday

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Fitness Floor re-opened on June 15 operating 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week. Access to the Fitness Floor and pools will be by appointment only. Members can schedule appointments online or over the phone. Staff will be sanitizing and cleaning between appointment times which will reduce the hours the floor will be open. The Competition and Leisure pools re-opened on June 15 operating 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week. The Competition pool will be available for open lap swim Saturday and Sunday. All other areas of the facility will remain closed during this initial phase.

WHAT PATRONS CAN ANTICIPATE WHEN VISITING THE CENTER

• A limited number of participants on the Fitness Floor/inside the facility at any one time. • Access to the Center may be by appointment only. • Hand sanitization units are located throughout the facility. • Furniture is being removed along Main Street, Café, and other areas to discourage congregating.

• Members are encouraged to bring their own towels. Complimentary towel service will be eliminated due to safety concerns. • Air purifiers are installed to continually assist with disinfecting surfaces. • Patrons are encouraged to wear masks while in public areas (Main Street, etc.). • Sneeze guards are present at customer service/membership service counters.

Decisions regarding the next reawakening phase are being evaluated and will consider services such as group exercise classes, gymnasium and field house use, track use, Senior Center operations, and Kids Korner. Safety protocols and procedures will be defined for each of these operating areas as well.

ONLINE GAMING FROM HOME Do you miss the computer games from the Mason Senior Center?

• Employees are cleaning and sanitizing regularly. • Patrons are encouraged to clean and sanitize equipment after usage. • Patrons should continue practicing social distancing. • Please minimize interactions with others. • We reserve the right to screen patrons who are in the Center and are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Please visit imaginemason.org or follow City of Mason Recreation for activities and programs to get involved with at home. Virtual programming, live group exercise classes through Zoom, a free 60-day trial of Les Mills On Demand, and other activities continue to be offered during this time to align with Mason’s culture of wellness. FACT:

There are valuable lessons involved in learning how to use a microscope.

BALANCED LEARNING ® WAY:

Including how to share.

SEE BALANCED LEARNING IN ACTION. CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! Infants – Private Kindergarten & After School

Primrose School of Mason 5888 Snider Road | Mason, OH 45040 513.336.6756 | PrimroseMason.com

Primrose School of South Lebanon Visit www.imaginemason.org to view a list of free online games that can be played with a desktop computer or laptop.

14 CenterPoint Summer 2020, vol. 3

719 Corwin Nixon Blvd | South Lebanon, OH 45065 513.770.0048 | PrimroseSouthLebanon.com Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2016 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

Kings Schools COVID-19 has taken all of our lives by storm. In the Kings Local School District, the staff has made many adjustments to help calm the storm for the Kings Community. Once Governor DeWine closed schools in March, Kings Food Service immediately put a plan into action to feed our students. By the end of April, nearly 30,000 meals were distributed. The Kings Technology Department also identified students without remote learning devices and distributed over 300 Google Chromebooks. Through a fund-raiserr sponsored by Joshua’s Place, called Kings Carryout, our community raised $3,500 to purchase $20 gift cards from our local restaurants to help benefit local business owners affected by the restaurant closures, but also help our neediest families. Additionally, Joshua’s Place has gifted the district another $5,000 in Kroger gift cards to offer our families in need. With a storm comes other problems such as dealing with our own mental health. The Kings District is being especially mindful of the mental health needs of our community. Our new Social & Emotional Health Coordinator, Kim Sellers has been at the forefront of leading our initiative. We have pro-

vided many mental health resources and are continuing the counseling services that our students were using before the mandated school closing. Kim has worked closely with many families, especially those who have lost loved ones while away from school. The storm is certainly still among but we will continue to do whatever we can to support our community. It’s another reason that we are #KingsStrong!

VIRTUALPERSONALTRAINING/ NUTRITIONCONSULTATION imaginemason.org

COVID-19 RECOVERY PROGRAMS ReImagineMasonTogether

JULYSEWERFEESWILLBEWAIVED AllCityofMasonutilitycustomerswillbebilled forsewerusageontheJulybill

SUPPORTMASONSMALLBUSINESSES ProvidetheCityyouremailtoreceive aComeTogethere-giftcard PleaseemailMasonUtilityProgram@masonohorg byFridayJuly MasonCityCouncilhopesyouwillconsiderusing thesewerfeesavingstosupportlocalsmallbusinesses andhelpkeepMason’seconomystrong

Do you need assistance in customizing a workout routine that works for you? Could you benefit from a tailored diet and lifestyle recommendations? Register online and a Mason Community Center certified personal trainer or dietetic technician will contact you to create a package customized to your needs.

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Mason Community Center Activities

New programs will be updated often on www.imaginemason.org and City of Mason Recreation Facebook. Visit often for our re-imagined recreational programming.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION DATES Premier Member Registration Friday, June 12 at 8 a.m.

Open Registration Monday, June 15 at 8 a.m.

FITNESS AND HEALTH

ENRICHMENT

Take Home Kits

Are you looking for fun, educational activities for your family without the stress of coming up with ideas and shopping for supplies? We have you covered! Purchase one or all five of our fun kits to complete with your family. Each kit will come with supplies for each child and instructions on how to implement the activity with your family. Kits can be obtained by a safe, drive thru method at Mason Community Center on Thursday, June 25 between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m. Share a photo of your family completing the activity on our Facebook and Twitter pages to be entered into a drawing for a prize! Facebook - City of Mason Recreation Twitter - @MasonOHRec

Vegetable Garden

Kit includes seeds of three easy-to-grow vegetables, soil, a small shovel, and degradable pots. Day Date Th 6/25

Time 4-6p

Age All

Deadline Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) Activity 6/17 $6/$8/$10/$12 324100-01

Bloom Kit

Kit includes three easy-to-grow flowers, soil, shovel, and degradable pots. Day Date Th 6/25

Time 4-6p

Age All

Deadline Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) Activity 6/17 $6/$8/$10/$12 324100-02

Slime Time

Marathon in a Month Challenge Virtual Program

Do you want to run a marathon—but just not all on the same day? Then this Marathon in a Month challenge is for you! This challenge is motivating, fun, and attainable. Walk or run a total of at least 26.2 miles during the month of July. You may get so excited to tally up your miles that you end up going way over the 26.2 mile mark. Day 7/1-7/31

Date 12 and up

Age 6/30

Deadline Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) Activity Free 369117-01 211115-05

FIT: Family in Training

Virtual Program You don’t need to be an experienced runner to train for a 5k. Spend quality time with your family while working towards the goal of completing a 5k distance run together! We will provide a training plan and encouragement along the way while you will have the flexibility to complete workouts on your own schedule. Only one registration per family is required. Date 7/6-8/15

Age 8 and up

Deadline 6/30

Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) $5/$6/$8/$9

Activity 369118-01

Kit includes all the items you need to make gooey slime. Day Date Th 6/25

Time 4-6p

Age All

Deadline Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) Activity 6/17 $6/$8/$10/$12 324100-05

Outdoor Fun

Kit includes chalk, bubbles, kite, and more. Day Date Th 6/25

Time 4-6p

Age All

Deadline Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) Activity 6/17 $6/$8/$10/$12 324100-03

Great American Backyard Camp Out

Celebrate the Great American Backyard Camp Out on Saturday, June 27 with our camping kit. Your kit will include everything you need to make the perfect s’more, a fun family craft, and a special surprise. Day Date Th 6/25

Time 4-6p

Age All

Deadline Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) Activity 6/17 $6/$8/$10/$12 324100-04

Sunrise Yoga

Mason Golf Center 6042 Fairway Drive Enjoy the perfect hour to start your day in an outdoor sunrise yoga class. A flowing series of dynamic poses designed to mentally and physically awaken your mind and body and translate to a clear and positive approach for the rest of your day. You will also be treated to a healthy breakfast to-go after class. Day Th Th Th

Date 6/18 7/23 8/20

Time 7:00-8:00A 7:00-8:00A 7:00-8:00A

Age 10 and up 10 and up 10 and up

Deadline 6/15 7/16 8/13

Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) $11/$13/$16/$19 $11/$13/$16/$19 $11/$13/$16/$19

BAS: Basic pass holder

MR: Mason resident

Activity 369119-01 369119-02 369119-03

PHOTOGRAPHS BY STOCK.ADOBE.COM

16 CenterPoint Summer 2020, vol. 3

PRE: Premier pass holder

NR: Nonresident

Puzzle Club

Members Only

Buy a Barbell Set Community Center

Community Center members receive a free 60-day trial of Les Mills on Demand. Did you sign up for Les Mills On Demand and need a bar for BODYPUMP? Purchase pre-owned lightweight cardio barbell sets for your at-home workout. Inventory is limited and equipment will be obtained by a drive thru pick up process on Friday, June 25. Fee (PRE/BAS) $20 /$25

Looking for a new challenge? Sign up to receive a new puzzle each month. Each puzzle will be new, feature a special theme, and will be available with convenient drive thru pick up. Day Th Th Th

Date 6/25 7/23 8/27

Age 55 and up 55 and up 55 and up

Deadline 6/18 7/16 8/20

Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) $10/$12/$15/$18 $10/$12/$15/$18 $10/$12/$15/$18

Activity 343313-01 343312-02 343312-03

Activity 880000-01

MASON COMMUNITY GARDEN

Initial tilling of the plots is complete. The garden is now open and will close on October 31, 2020. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow vegetables and flowers that may be used for your own needs, donated to Mason Food Pantry or other local pantries, or given to friends and family.

Tai Chi

SENIORS

Mason Community Center Parking Lot This style of Tai Chi Chuan emphasizes soft and slow movements to enhance lower body strength to improve balance and stability. Beginner Tai Chi is recommended for all guests new to the program. Advanced Tai Chi is reserved for participants who have completed Beginner Tai Chi.

Alzheimer’s Association Virtual Program

Do you miss the education programs offered at the Community Center? These programs are now available through online webinars. June through August topics include: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's, Living with Alzheimer’s Early Stage, Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and more. Sign up online for these opportunities.

Beginner Tai Chi Day Date Time Th 6/25-8/27 12:00-1:00P Advanced Tai Chi Th 6/25-8/27 1:15-3:15P

Age 55 and up

Deadline Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) Activity 6/18 Free 343314

55 and up

6/18

Free

343316

https://alz.org/cincinnati/helping_you/calendar

Silver Sneakers Classic Workout

Tuesday Trivia

Mason Golf Center 6042 Fairway Drive

Virtual Program

Join us for a Silver Sneakers Classic Workout. Participants can receive a boxed breakfast or boxed lunch after class for a small fee. Priority for the class is reserved for Mason Community Center Silver Sneaker Passholders only. The class will take place outside in the shelter near the putting green.

Stay sharp with our Tuesday Trivia program. The program consists of four rounds of trivia with questions on various topics. Staff will help coordinate this virtual program through your computer, smart phone or device. Day Tu Tu Tu

Date 6/23 7/14 8/4

Time 1:00-2:30P 1:00-2:30P 1:00-2:30P

www.imaginemason.org

Age 55+ 55+ 55+

Deadline 6/16 7/7 7/28

513.229.8555

Fee (PRE/BAS/MR/NR) $5/$6/$8/$9 $5/$6/$8/$9 $5/$6/$8/$9

Activity 343312-01 343312-02 343312-03

Day Date Time Tu, W, TH 7/14 – 8/31 9:00-10:00A & 10:30-11:30A

Age 55 and up

Fee Class is free*

Activity 343115

*$8/$10 per class for boxed meal

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Ron Garland | 513-703-4945 | www.RonGarland.com IF YOUR PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED FOR SALE OR LEASE, THIS IS NOT INTENDED AS A SOLICITATION OF THAT LISTING.