Mason & Deerfield, OH August 2019

AUGUST 2019

MasonandDeerfieldLifestyle.com

Back to School

INSIDE THE MMS RENOVATIONS

FAMILY PORTRAITS TO TREASURE

POLICE K9S IN THE COMMUNITY

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2019 PUBLISHER

Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amanda Stout, Jonathan Stout, Karen Andrea

Back to School

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janel Lee Photography, Lyons Photography, Len Kaltman-West Chester Corporate Photography, Remember When Portraits

THIS MONTH BRINGS THE END OF SUMMER VACATION AND THE START OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR. There’s always a lot of excitement for kids as they eagerly await getting back to school to share fun summer stories with their friends.

For Mason Middle School (MMS) students and teachers, the excitement is seeing the renovations that were completed over the past year. We toured MMS in June to get a sneak peek. There are many upgrades and additions that will increase safety, hands-on learning opportunities and a sense of community when they return to fill the halls on Aug. 20.

During the tour, it was clear that Mason City Schools (MCS) does an incredible job of providing students with the tools and opportunities to explore their passions and hone their skills.

Debbie Gentene has been working to connect the classroom to local businesses through the Experiential Learning program at MCS. Find out how she was able to get nearly 3,000 students involved and how local businesses can participate in this one-of-a-kind program.

We’re fortunate to live in a safe community. Our first responders provide a tremendous

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

service to local families. However, they don't do it alone. K9 units are also loyal and

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

effective officers protecting Deerfield Township and Warren County. Learn more about

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

the Blue Line K9 Project and the special relationship between Deputy Noah Billmaier of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and his K9 partner, Hendrix.

We never made it easy for my parents to capture a family portrait, but it provided many laughs over the years. Luckily, local families have many incredible photographers close by. We asked two of our talented photographers to share their tips for a successful

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

photo shoot, whether outdoors or in a studio.

Savor these last few weeks of summer vacation, and get ready for the new school year with this month’s stories in Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Family portraits can become treasured possessions when you pick the right photographer.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANEL LEE PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

Mark Andrea, Publisher Mark.Andrea@LifestylePubs.com

MasonandDeerfieldLifestyle.com

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Mason & Deerfield™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Mason & Deerfield areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Mason & Deerfield™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2019 FEATURES 12 Plan Your Family Portraits Local Photographers Share Their Expertise for Getting Successful Family Photos Worth Treasuring

16 New Year, New School Get a Sneak Peek into the Amazing Process of the Mason Middle School Renovation

22 More Than Man’s Best Friend The Unique Partnerships of Police K9 Units and the Blue Line K9 Project

28 Beyond the Classroom Learn How Experiential Learning

12 22

is Building Bridges Between the Classroom and Local Businesses

16

28 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Our Town

22 Animal Kingdom 28 Giving Back 32 Lifestyle Calendar

Welcome Home to . . .

C A R R I AG E H I L L L I V I N G

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GOOD TIMES

Explore Deerfield Towne Center Deerfield Towne Center was excited to host the Explore Deerfield event for the community in June. Explore Deerfield was a fun-filled, kid-friendly event for the entire family. It consisted of great food, entertainment, adventurous activities and a fireworks display! Visit Deerfield Towne Center’s website to learn about future events. DeerfieldTowneCenter.com

Acting Up Broadway Musical Revue The show must go on! In spite of a large, devastating fire at their building/storage facility only 2 miles away, Acting Up presented The Lighter Side of Broadway June 6–16 at the Lebanon Theater Company. It featured 37 talented teens performing songs from Hairspray and Grease to Into the Woods, Frozen and The Theory of Relativity. ActingUp.com

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Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

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AROUND TOWN

KINGS LOCAL VOTES ON BOND ISSUE Due to growing enrollment and the need for addi-

MCS & WCESC SIGN WESTERN ROW ELEMENTARY LEASE AGREEMENT

tional space, the Kings Board of Education voted to

Mason City Schools Board of Education

place a 4.96 mill bond issue on the Nov. 5 ballot for

approved a lease agreement with the Warren

the purpose of new construction, site acquisition,

County Educational Service Center. The WCESC

improvements, renovations and additions to school

will lease the Western Row Elementary building

facilities that are outlined in the Final Facilities

for $2.5 million for 10 years with an option to

Master Plan. The 4.96 mill bond issue would secure

purchase the property from the MCS Board of

the issue of bonds in the amount of $89.975 million.

Education. The WCESC will use Western Row to

The Kings Final Master Facilities Plan was pre-

expand its classrooms and programs for special

sented to the Board of Education after two years

education and at-risk students. “We are glad that

of studying options developed by a Long Range

the building will continue to be used as an educa-

Planning Team consisting of community members,

tional home to children, and that this agreement

staff and administrators. The Master Plan project

allows us to remain good stewards of taxpayers’

will cost the taxpayer approximately $15 per month

resources and good neighbors to the residents

for every $100,000 of true property value. In rec-

and businesses located near Western Row,” said

ognizing the importance of fiscal responsibility, the

Jonathan Cooper, MCS superintendent. “We

Kings Board of Education voted two different times

will maintain classrooms that exist in all Warren

this year to reduce the bond millage to the taxpay-

County school districts, but the Western Row

ers of the district. In fact, residents in the Kings

facility will provide many more opportunities to

District are now paying 1.6 mills less than they were

meet the unique learning challenges faced by

paying in 2018. KingsLocal.net

severely handicapped children,” said Tom Isaacs,

MAKINO MAKES COMMON GROUND PLAYGROUND A REALITY Makino, whose North American Headquarters are here in Mason, recently announced a

WCESC superintendent. “We are very grateful for this partnership with Mason City Schools to continue educating students who are residents of Mason and surrounding school districts.”

MasonOhioSchools.com

gift of $500,000 toward the completion of the Common Ground playground, a vision of the City of Mason and Mason Parks & Recreation Foundation.

Mason City Council honored Makino’s spirit of generosity and commitment to serve the community by designating the 34 acres of land off Reading Road as Makino Park, an inclusive recreational space. The Common Ground playground has received generous support from both corporate and individual donors, including recent contributions from TriHealth, the Scheeler family and Deerfield Township, along with more than half a million dollars in private individual donations, special fundraising activities and the City of Mason’s matching program. The establishment of Makino Park and the completion of Common Ground playground are expected to generate excitement and attract many more inclusive recreational features at the park. Common Ground playground at Makino

10

Park was designed in consultation with local par-

We

ents of children with disabilities, a leading inclusive

announcements

playground manufacturer, therapists and other pro-

in

fessionals who work with children and adults with

are

special needs. ImagineMason.org

MasonandDeerfieldLifestyle.com.

Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

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OUR TOWN Remember When Portraits

ARTICLE AMANDA STOUT PHOTOGRAPHY REMEMBER WHEN PORTRAITS, JANEL LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS CAPTURE PEOPLE AND IMPORTANT MOMENTS LIKE FEW THINGS CAN: NEWLYWEDS,

NEWBORNS,

BELOVED

FURRY FRIENDS, GRANDPARENTS, GRADUATES, FAMILY IN ALL ITS FORMS. Freezing our nearest and dearest in time is what portrait photographers do, and finding the right one for your family can make all the difference.

“My advice is to interview your potential photographer. Because there is no licensing for our industry, it is up to the client to research and interview prospective photographers who may be a good fit for them,” says April Sova, owner of Remember When Portraits based in Maineville, Ohio.

Talking with photographers will help you get to know how they interact, what the experience will be like, their specialties, as well as costs and details about your final product.

“One of the reasons I do the consultation prior to the session is to help ease my clients. I find that we work out a lot of the jitters simply by building a relationship before the camera ever comes out,” she says.

You may also want to find out how long they’ve been doing portrait photography, their editing style and take a look at their portfolio.

Finally, it’s a great idea to discuss your inten-

Plan Your Family Portraits

tions for the photos, location and any styling, hair or makeup questions.

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE FOR GETTING SUCCESSFUL FAMILY PHOTOS WORTH TREASURING

12

Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

Janel Lee Photography

Janel Lee Photography

REMEMBER WHEN PORTRAITS 513.313.3959 RememberWhenPortraits.com

“I want to know as much as possible about what you want this

Not all photographers have experience shooting pets, young

experience to be so I can best curate the perfect session for you,”

kids or older people, so be sure to ask about that, too. April, who

says Leon McDonald, owner of Janel Lee Photography, a portrait

also has a degree in veterinary technology, is a mother of three

photographer who specializes in magazine-inspired photo shoots.

(two of her children have special needs) and once ran a daycare,

“I bring the celebrity photo shoot experience to the everyday person,” Leon says. “From the moment you come into our studio,

is very comfortable working with families with pets and kids of all ages and abilities.

it’s all about you. We cater to your every need. You go through hair

Although photography can be a luxury item, family photos are also

and makeup, and my assistants give you detailed attention to make

prized possessions that give you a window into special moments

sure you look perfect in every image.”

and people you love the most for years to come.

CONTINUED >

August 2019 | Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle

13

OUR TOWN

(CON TI N U ED)

JANEL LEE PHOTOGRAPHY 513.549.0030 JanelLeePhotography.com

location tips Indoor shoots are the best way to avoid rescheduling due to unpredictable weather. “I also like shooting indoors because I can control the light,” April says.

“Outdoor sessions can offer more visually,” Leon says.

You might also want to opt for outdoors if you have a meaningful location or want a more seasonal look.

Natural light is beautiful and can be used to create stunning images. A good photographer should also “have a working knowledge of flash and how it can be used to enhance or even replicate natural light,” Leon explains.

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Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

tips for kids and pets If you know your animal is anxious and gets wound up in public, take them for a long walk or play ball hard prior to the session to wear them out. Don’t forget a toy or treats!

Consider capturing milestones when children are small because they grow so quickly. “For my own children, I followed this schedule: newborn, sitting (4–6 months), crawling (7–9 months), walking/first birthday, 18 months, then go to yearly for individual photos,” April says.

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N e w Ye a r, New School

A SNEAK PEEK INTO THE AMAZING PROCESS OF THE MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR MASON MIDDLE SCHOOL RENOVATION

ON AUG. 20, MASON SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADERS WILL BE GREETED BY A SCHOOL THAT LOOKS AND FEELS BRAND NEW. In June, we checked in on the 20-years-in-the-making Mason Middle School (MMS) renovation.

The welcoming front entrance now truly looks like an entrance, complete with modern safety features. Plus the big, open Dining Commons and serving area eliminates the need for dreaded 9:45 a.m. lunches. Even small changes, like purposeful flooring and white paint, mixed with blue, green, purple, orange and yellow (to designate each wing of the building) makes everything feel fresh.

MMS Principal Lauren Gentene can’t wait to have all her students and staff under one (new) roof. She will also have more room to zoom around the hallways using her preferred mode of transportation, a scooter. New lockers freed up more space for movement and student collaboration.

Lauren is also thrilled that teachers had so much input into the project.

“They know what they need out of the space better than any of us,” Lauren says. “Staff has been able to tour and provide input at multiple points in the project.”

Teachers participated in everything from design to placement of sinks in science rooms and selection of furniture.

MMS was built in 1959, was added on to in 1967, 1980, 1987 and 1997 and underwent a total renovation during the 2018-2019 school year. This renovation provides a safer, more learner-centered, attractive and functional school for the district’s seventh and eighth graders.

In addition to the new entry and Dining Commons, there are STEAM labs and Extended

ARTICLE AMANDA STOUT PHOTOGRAPHY LEN KALTMANWEST CHESTER CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY

Learning Areas within the hallways. Other MMS updates include new finishes on the flooring, walls and ceilings, a total replacement of the HVAC system and central plant, new lighting and a new roof.

CONTINUED >

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Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

August 2019 | Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle

17

NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL

(CON TI N U ED)

The Journey to the New MMS In 2001, the Mason Board of Education joined the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission’s Expedited Local Partnership Program, which was created from state tobacco settlement funds. That decision ensured that Mason’s students would benefit from safe, innovative and high-quality learning environments.

In 2013, Mason became eligible to receive funding from OFCC for future facility projects because of the construction and renovation projects the district completed for Mason High School, Mason Early Childhood Center and Mason Intermediate.

The district received $34 million, or roughly 80% of the funding for these projects, from the OFCC, offsetting the cost for needed facility improvements.

All of this is part of the long-range Master Facilities Plan, which seeks to create an efficient use of school facilities to produce the most benefit for Mason learners.

“As we complete this important stage of our Master Facilities Plan, we thank all of the community members and leaders who helped us get to this point,” says Jonathan Cooper, superintendent. “Moving forward, we’re challenging ourselves to ReIMAGINE learning and find ways we can ensure that big schools feel small so that each student feels valued and knows they matter.”

The ribbon cutting celebration for the renovated building will occur on Sept. 18.

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Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

Inside the MMS R e n o v a t i o n s The architecture firm tasked with the renovation, Mason-based VSWC Architects, has a unique history with MMS. Founder Al Voorhis was the original architect on the building, which started out as the district’s high school in 1967. His son, Jim Voorhis, is leading the project now. Both are Mason graduates. “The current remodeling project has been extra special as we dug out all the old hand-done drawings of the original building, which my dad produced,” Jim says.

Brand-new modular furniture will be found throughout the building, even in hallways to promote breakout sessions and collaboration. All furniture is paid for with state funds, and old furniture will be repurposed or sold at auction.

There are many state-of-the-art features like energy-efficient LED lighting that automatically turns on and off and adjusts its brightness to natural light. There are also cutting-edge noise reduction baffles in the music rooms.

The updated Media Center will have coding and robotics labs, a “maker space” for creative exploration and a green room with podcasting capabilities for student productions. There will also be two fully furnished Mac labs for design classes.

Renovations created more usable space that did not exist before.

There are two newly created labs, as well as an extra hallway for easier, less disruptive access for band, choir and theater students.

The courtyard off the Dining Commons was repaved and will give students an opportunity to get some fresh air during the day. Plus, a classroom is anywhere you want it to be with loose seating and marker boards in larger hallways. In all, there are 17 tons of new marker boards in the building.

August 2019 | Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle

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ANIMAL KINGDOM

MORE THAN MAN’S BEST FRIEND

THE UNIQUE PARTNERSHIPS OF POLICE K9 UNITS AND THE BLUE LINE K9 PROJECT

ARTICLE JONATHAN STOUT PHOTOGRAPHY LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROVIDED

HENDRIX 1 1/2 YEARS

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Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

“I APPRECIATE HIS WILLINGNESS TO WORK AND HIS SENSE OF LOYALTY TO ME.” –DEPUTY NOAH BILLMAIER

YOU MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH K9 UNITS BASED ON

multiple perpetrators. Hendrix was even able to track

THEIR CONNECTION TO THE “WAR ON DRUGS,” BUT

down and catch a fleeing passenger who tried to escape

DOGS HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH LAW ENFORCE-

following a high-speed police chase. The passenger was

MENT FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS. The sensory skills,

a suspect of a theft offense.

protection and loyalty found in dogs is an asset to law enforcement agencies across the country.

Working with a K9 is a unique partnership, but Deputy Billmaier stresses that the pros outweigh the cons.

We spoke to Sheriff Deputy Noah Billmaier of the

“I appreciate his willingness to work and his sense of

Warren County Sheriff’s Office, which is contracted by

loyalty to me,” he says. “He has a strong drive to complete

Deerfield Township for police services. He offered some

any task I ask him to perform. He is always in a playful

insight into the unique partnership he has with his canine

mood and happy to go and be at work.”

partner, Hendrix.

Of course, no one is perfect.

“Biggest con would be trying to keep my cruiser clean,”

DEPUTY NOAH BILLMAIER AND K9 OFFICER HENDRIX

Deputy Billmaier says. “There’s a lot of dog hair everywhere.”

When off duty, Hendrix lives with Deputy Billmaier,

Deputy Billmaier and Hendrix are assigned primarily as

along with his family and two other German shepherds.

a proactive unit whose secondary function is to respond to

When relaxing, Hendrix enjoys common dog activities, like

calls of service for K9 needs. Officers may call on a K9 officer

playing fetch or relaxing under the shade of a tree.

for drug detection, tracking, building searches and more.

Hendrix and Deputy Billmaier went through an intensive eight-week training course together provided by Police Dog Services in Carlisle, Ohio.

Though Hendrix is able to relax, he easily gets back to work at a moment’s notice.

“He is very task-driven, so he is able to go from relaxation mode to work mode very quickly,” Deputy Billmaier says.

“When I got Hendrix, he only had a basic concept of

Deputy Billmaier and Hendrix are one of the youngest

obedience,” Deputy Billmaier says. “We spent the time

K9 teams in the area. The average service life of a police

learning narcotic odors, tracking, bite work, area searches,

K9 is about six to nine years, mainly depending on the

article detection and obedience training. The training was

dog’s health. Unfortunately, many police stations have

40 hours a week, with a lot of homework.”

struggled with proper funding and resources to provide

The duo officially began working together in April 2019 and have since helped track down illegal substances from

for K9 officer units. Four years ago, Jill Cutter stepped forward to help with this issue.

CONTINUED >

August 2019 | Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle

23

ANIMAL KINGDOM

(CON TI N U ED)

KUDO 6 YEARS

THE BLUE LINE K9 PROJECT The Blue Line K9 Project is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization based in Mason working to benefit the training and protection of officers and canines. Jill, an official court reporter for Hamilton County courts, started the Blue Line K9 Project this year after learning of police K9s being injured in the field due to a lack of protection.

“I became especially concerned in 2016 after learning that K9 Pako of Springfield Township Police Department was shot during a criminal track,” Jill says.

Pako luckily survived but had not been wearing any ballistic protection.

“I started asking questions and learned that most police department K9 units are underfunded. Some are even self-funded by the K9 officer,” Jill says. “The proper protective K9 gear and training equipment can be very expensive. The K9s get called to assist in dangerous and violent situations. They go into the unknown ahead of their handler. I felt they should be protected as adequately as their human partner.”

Since 2016, Jill has assisted various nonprofit organizations across the country and volunteered to raise awareness and funds to benefit officers and K9s.

“Our goal is to continue to help in the Midwest with protective gear, training equipment and endof-life expenses, so the officers can do their job as safely as possible,” Jill says.

Most K9 officers in need hear about the Blue Line K9 Project by word of mouth from other K9 officers who have been touched by their services. The Blue Line K9 Project gives average citizens a unique opportunity to sponsor a vest for a K9 in their community. When a citizen sponsors a vest, it is custom-embroidered with the name of the sponsor and/ or a message. K9s in need are also commonly found through social media and news reports.

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Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

“I STARTED ASKING QUESTIONS AND LEARNED THAT MOST POLICE DEPARTMENT K9 UNITS ARE UNDERFUNDED. SOME ARE EVEN SELF-FUNDED BY THE K9 OFFICER.” –JILL CUTTER

KUDO’S STORY Jill was able to adopt retired police K9 Kudo, who has since become a mascot of sorts for the Blue Line K9 Project. Kudo is a Dutch shepherd who is certified in obedience, tracking, article searches and drug detection by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy.

Before retirement, Kudo worked in partnership with Officer Brian Huntington as a part of the Colerain Police Department. Officer Huntington and K9 Kudo completed a 14-week K9 Training Academy program with the Cincinnati Police Department and graduated to become a Special Purpose Police K9 Unit. They would go on to become one of the most certified K9 Units in the country.

Kudo’s decorated career inspired the founders to start the Blue Line K9 Project. Now in retirement, Kudo models the ballistic vests that the Blue Line K9 Project donates.

THE IMPORTANCE OF K9 OFFICER UNITS K9 officer units continue to be a vital part of law enforcement today. Their keen senses and agility help keep officers one step ahead. K9s help officers track and locate missing persons, missing evidence and criminal suspects. In addition, they help keep comTo learn more about the Blue Line K9 Project, visit BlueLineK9Project.com.

munities safe by locating illegal drugs and detecting bombs and other explosives. The service they offer our community is uniquely important. Shining examples like Kudo and Hendrix prove that dogs can be so much more than man’s best friend.

August 2019 | Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle

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GIVING BACK

Beyond the Classroom

ABC Pediatric Therapy

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Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IS BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN THE CLASSROOM AND LOCAL BUSINESSES ARTICLE KAREN ANDREA PHOTOGRAPHY REMEMBER WHEN PORTRAITS

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PREPARING STUDENTS FOR TODAY’S MARKETPLACE INVOLVES MORE THAN ACADEMICS. Employers desire employees who understand workplace culture and already have professional skills. Bridging classroom instruction with personalized, authentic workplace experiences led Mason City Schools to launch its innovative Experiential Learning program.

Debbie Gentene, creator and coordinator of Mason’s program, now in its fifth year, describes the mission of experiential learning.

“It is our goal to provide opportunities for students to partner with area businesses to personalize and enhance their academic experience," Debbie says. “Students develop workplace skills, cultivate a civic mindset and explore career options through direct experience and focused reflection outside of the traditional academic setting.”

All students, regardless of their academic level or GPA, are encouraged to be involved in part of the program. During the 2018-19 school year, local businesses provided 109 internships. Additionally, 2,929 students participated in other events including a volunteer recruiting fair, job shadowing, site visits and leadership symposiums led by local business leaders. Multiple lunch-and-learn opportunities called the M-Power Hour included panels of business professionals interacting with students on a variety of topics from resume writing to engineering careers.

“IT IS OUR GOAL TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO PARTNER WITH AREA BUSINESSES TO PERSONALIZE AND ENHANCE THEIR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE.” –DEBBIE GENTENE

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE While a student at Mason, Hunter Taylor attended an M-Power Hour and learned about supply chain management careers from Cintas Corporation employees. The meeting sparked Hunter’s interest, and he completed a 60-hour paid internship with the company.

Now, having finished his first year of college studying the field of supply chain management, he is convinced experiential learning made a difference.

“Pairing what you learn in the classroom with the real world gives you much more leverage. It also helped me pick my career field,” he says.

Former student Alyssa Brooks thought the creative and strategic aspects of marketing might interest her as a career path. She selected an internship with marketing company CMO Access.

For Alyssa, experiential learning “furthers your professional and general life skills by being involved in an actual company. You get out of the classroom and experience what a career in a certain field would be like,” she says.

The experience has come full-circle, as Alyssa has hired four Mason students in her own marketing company.

CONTINUED >

August 2019 | Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle

29

GIVING BACK

(CON TI N U ED)

BUSINESSES GIVE AND GET BACK Businesses giving back to their communities are essential for this successful partnership. There are numerous ways for companies of many types and sizes to be involved. Giving back is the reason Creative Contracting, Inc. owner Rick Boyle and Mark Streicher of C3 Architecture and Design worked with students at Mason Intermediate to design a play area. Topics included site selection, orientation, sustainability and drawing to scale.

Local manufacturing company Cincinnati Fan recruited two interns at Mason High School’s Reverse Internship Fair. Human Resources Manager Linda McGohon sees internships as both a talent pipeline for their growing company and an opportunity for students to add value by being involved in the company’s actual processes.

If interested in participating, contact

Elizabeth Parish, marketing director at Various Views Research, says:

coordinator for Mason City Schools, at

“We give the students quite a bit of autonomy, but also direction to teach

gentened@masonohioschools.com

them a few things. They are wonderful students, brilliant and hardwork-

or 513.398.5025.

Cincinnati Fan

30

Summing up the experience of these school and business partnerships,

Debbie Gentene, Experiential Learning

Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

ing. It’s such a win-win.”

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31

AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

3

7, 21

11

ANNUAL TOMATO FESTIVAL

ORCA MARKET

From 9 a.m. to noon, the Deerfield

Come out to support the last two

DONUT JUDGE ME 5K RUN/WALK OHIO

Farmers Market is hosting its free annual

Orca Markets on Aug. 7 and 21.

The only 5K giving you up to six full-size,

tomato fest. Visitors will be treated to a

The

fresh doughnuts and a unique golden

showcase of tomatoes grown by local

ated

and

doughnut finisher medal comes to

farmers with varieties from grape to

Orca Coworking, is from 3–7 p.m.

Mason Aug. 11. Every participant must

heirloom. It's a great opportunity to

It features live music, art, local

be registered, even kids. If you try the

sample, become familiar with several

produce and foods, kids activi-

Doughnut Peddler Inflate-O Challenge,

different flavors and varieties, as well

ties and a variety of vendors from

you also bring home a 36-inch dough-

as purchase tomatoes to bring home.

across the Mason and Cincinnati

nut pool float and earn an extra medal

DeerfieldFarmersMarket.com

area. OrcaCoworking.com/Market

at the finish line! 131Events.com

4

10–18

13

PERFORMING ARTS SERIES: KENTUCKY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

WESTERN AND SOUTHERN OPEN

ART BAR: DICHROIC GLASS EARRINGS

Cottell Park

The

tennis

The Arts Alliance offers relaxed

Deerfield Township and the Arts

tournament played in its city of

art-making opportunities where you

Alliance present their Performing

origin returns to Mason, Ohio,

can create something as unique as

Arts Series on Aug. 4 from 7–9 p.m.,

Aug. 10–18. Male and female ten-

you are. Create your own earrings with

featuring the Kentucky Symphony

nis pros will vie for the top title

fire-polished dichroic glass, beads,

Orchestra. KSO was formed in 1992

while fans enjoy the best local

charms and wire. Sparkling dichroic

with a mission to make classical

food, drinks, shopping and a family

glass changes color with reflected

music

Deerfield Farmers Market

attractive,

accessible

Orca Coworking

event, by

which

Mason

was

co-cre-

students

Lindner Family Tennis Center

oldest

professional

Corwin Nixon Park

16 Lots Brewing Company

and

zone. Tickets are available online.

and transmitted light. All materials

affordable to people in the Northern

Match times vary, and there are

provided. Bring jewelry pliers if you

Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area.

special events offered throughout

have them. This event is $25 and is 18

The event is free. DeerfieldRec.com

the tournament. WSOpen.com

and up. The-Arts-Alliance.org CONTINUED >

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33

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

16 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES: ROBIN LACY & DEZYDECO Cottell Park

Enjoy a summer evening filled with live music by Robin Lacy and DeZydeco. This free outdoor concert is part of the Performing Arts Series, presented in partnership with the Arts Alliance. The six-piece group uses unique instrumentation like an accordion, saxophone and rubboard to create a Louisiana Cajun-inspired sound. The event runs from 7–9 p.m. DeerfieldRec.com

What is the moral of the story of the Three Little Pigs?

Literary critics tend to say the moral is that hard work and dedication pay off. If you throw up a house of straw or sticks in a matter of minutes

23 TEDDY BEAR PICNIC & MOVIE IN THE PARK Cottell Park

and then go out to play, you’re going to pay a

You and your favorite stuffed friend are invited to the

penalty when life’s wolves come calling. As a

Deerfield Recreation teddy bear picnic! Starting at 7:15

dental critic I would say the moral of the story

p.m., there will be fun games and activities followed by

is to proactively build things in a strong, sturdy fashion and it will serve you well across the years of your life.

Indeed, the moral of the dental story is that the Dental Hygienists perform the single most critical dental health task. In the dental world the strong, sturdy foundation comes from nice long roots supported by bone right up to the neck of the teeth. It is your friendly Dental Hygienist that fights every single work day to remove calculus/tartar and bacterial plaque in the interest of helping you keep your gum tissue inflammation-free and your bone levels where they belong. Yes, they also help polish off your coffee and red wine stains, but make

Disney's Christopher Robin under the stars. The movie begins at dusk (approximately 8:15 p.m.). This is a free community event. Bring your own chairs or blankets, snacks and goodies! DeerfieldRec.com

24 BB4K BUBBLE BLAST 5K Corwin Nixon Park

Come run, walk and play in the bubbles at the 2019 Building Blocks for Kids Bubble Blast 5K at Corwin Nixon Park in Mason. BB4K provides grants to meet the needs of kids who have special challenges. This great family event

no mistake. Your Hygienist’s primary calling is

begins at 10 a.m. Register ahead so you don't miss out!

protecting the foundation to your dental house

BB4K.org/BubbleBlast

of bricks.

When did you last see your Dental Hygienist?

There’s never a better time to reconnect than during these otherwise lazy days of summer!

25 OPEN HOUSE & BACK TO DANCE BASH Mason Dance Center

Join Mason Dance Center on Sunday, Aug. 25, for an Open House & Back to Dance Bash. Drop in any-

GREGORY P. DAVIS | D.D.S. (513) 459 -1377 Gregor yDavisDDS.com 4834 Socialville-Foster Rd, Mason, OH

time between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. for refreshments, bounce houses, sampler classes for new students, games and fittings for shoes and other dancewear. Spread the word, and bring a friend! The event is open to all. MasonDance.com

34

Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle | August 2019

AUGUST

r a e Y w e N

? e s u o H ew

N

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