













Some stories inspire us through sheer endurance, others through generosity and craftsmanship. This issue brings together a collection of local achievements that reflect the commitment, creativity and care our community is known for— whether on the streets where we run, the fields we play in or the organizations we build.
We kick things off with Mason’s Daniel Rebella, a dedicated marathoner who’s turned his passion for running into a global pursuit. His recent accomplishment—completing seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days—proves that limits exist only to be surpassed.
For those who appreciate craftsmanship of a different kind, we highlight three regional distilleries offering unique, small-batch spirits. Whether it’s the historic bourbon lineage of McBrayer Legacy Spirits, the veteran-driven mission behind Freedom Whiskey Co. or the innovative techniques of New Riff Distilling, these makers are redefining local pride—one pour at a time.
Community “spirit” is alive and well, thanks to organizations like the Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield and Cincinnati TOPSoccer. For 30 years the Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield has championed local causes and their recent 15 grant awards continue that legacy. The grants support everything from hunger relief to youth programs, proving Rotary’s enduring commitment to building a stronger, healthier community. Cincinnati TOPSoccer allows athletes of all abilities to experience the joys of teamwork and personal growth through adaptive soccer programs. Their work is a reminder that true inclusion is built when every person has the opportunity to succeed.
Here’s to those who keep our community strong, connected and always moving forward.
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Karen Andrea
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Fletcher, Nan Paraskevopoulos, Jonathan Stout
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matthew J. Capps Image Services, Kelly Settle–Kelly Ann Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
The Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield awards 15 grants to power local impact.
Children and adults with disabilities enjoy enriching experiences with soccer through a local nonprofit. Run
Mason’s marathon man Daniel Rebella pushes limits from local streets to global races.
Regional
Mason's marathon man, Daniel Rebella, ran The Great World Race in November 2024. In this first-of-its-kind event, runners completed seven marathons (26.2 miles) on seven continents in seven consecutive days.
Matthew J. Capps
1: Building Blocks for Kids (BB4K) hosted their annual benefit at MadTree Brewery. 2: BB4K is passionate about providing assistance to families raising children with physical, emotional and developmental challenges. 3: Particularly touching were the table centerpieces, which showcased the journeys of children supported by BB4K. 4: The evening was a resounding success, raising approximately $55,000 to support the organization's mission. 5: The Arts Alliance recently celebrated the opening of the "Fur, Feathers, Fins and Fireflies" exhibition at Sinclair College. 6: Best of Show winner, Rachel Wolf, with The Arts Alliance Executive Director, Meredith Raffel. 7: Meredith Raffel and DeeDee Bernhardt, winner of Best Interpretation of Theme with her piece “Mabel.”
8: Dee Wilt with her painting at the Mason Historical Society Alverta Green Museum grand reopening. 9: Mayor Diana Nelson, Lynn Calvert, Sherri Federle and Jay Meibers celebrate the reopening. 10: Vivienne Kerns admiring the sound of the 1910 music box. 11: Visitors enjoying historic Mason paintings from local artists. 12: ArtbyDeepa Studio and Gallery held their grand opening on April 10. 13: Owner of ArtbyDeepa, Deepa Agarwal and Meredith Raffel, executive director of The Arts Alliance. 14: ArtbyDeepa offers a space for the community to come together to appreciate and create art.
15: The City of Mason partnered with American Legion Post 194 and VFW Post 9622 to honor local veterans. 16: The City of Mason's Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Parade & Ceremony honored over 100 Vietnam veterans. 17: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. 18: Mariemont and Hopewell Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution conducted a pinning ceremony. 19: The City of Mason remembers those who served our country through the Mason Veterans Memorial. 20: The pinning ceremony acknowledged the service and sacrifices made by the veterans and their families. 21: The Memorial represents the 10 major conflicts in American history, including the Vietnam War.
Rooted in Mason’s farming heritage, Mason Market on the Mile celebrates local growers, makers and community spirit. Located between Batsche Law Firm and Quatman’s Café on the Mason Mile, the market features fresh produce, prepared foods, artisan goods and handcrafted items from regional farmers and vendors. Stroll the Mile on June 13 and 27 to enjoy everything the market has to offer. Learn more at MakeTheMile.com
Deerfield Township and The Arts Alliance have partnered to bring Little Sounds of Deerfield, a performing arts series for little music lovers, to the community. This is a free community event held outside at the pavilion of Kingswood Park. Join the fun on June 13 for Zak Morgan and June 27 for The Goldie Show. Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, drinks and snacks. Enjoy the music and stay for an art project! DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com.
Countryside YMCA is starting a coed Flag Football League for ages 5-7 and 8-10 for the Mason and Deerfield communities. This league will meet on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Cottell Park, with a half-hour practice followed by a 45-minute game. You don’t need to be a YMCA member to register now at CountrysideYMCA.org.
The Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield continues to prove that service and generosity are alive and thriving in our community. Celebrating their 30th year in Mason and Deerfield, the club recently awarded 15 grants to local nonprofits and organizations, each aimed at solving critical needs, lifting spirits and sparking growth throughout the region. From youth development programs to services for veterans and families, these grants are more than financial support—they're investments in transformation.
Originally founded to fight polio, Rotary Club International supports seven pillars: Promoting Peace, Fighting Disease, Providing Clean Water, Saving Mothers and Children's Health, Education, Growing Local Economies and Protecting the Environment. The Mason Deerfield group has focused primarily on providing basic needs to people in the area, including mother and child development and education in all forms.
“You give back in whatever capacity you have at whatever age you are, you find a way to give back,” says Jean Raga, president of the Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield. “This is being part of humanity.”
One standout grant recipient this year is Jumpstart Ohio, an organization making profound differences in the lives of incarcerated people. Jumpstart Ohio is a nondenominational faith-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting people’s transition from prison into a productive life. The organization was founded by three gentlemen serving life sentences in North Carolina. They were heartbroken to
see so many of their peers be released, only to return to incarceration a short while later. So they developed a 40-week curriculum based on Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life.
“What’s unique about our program is that it’s peer led. The people leading the class can relate to the people going through the curriculum,” explains Kristie Sheanshang, head of employer and donor relations for Jumpstart Ohio. “Of the 40% of people who complete the curriculum, 96% stay out of jail for good.”
In total, the 15 grants vary in size and scope but share a common thread: enhancing lives. From children’s disability services and food insecurity to arts programming and educational initiatives, the Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield’s giving strategy touches nearly every corner of community needs.
Other grant recipients include:
• Mason Challenger League: Sports programming for children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
• Atrium Medical Center: Support for the loss of a child.
• Alzheimer's Association-Greater Cincinnati Chapter: Early stage programming for people with Alzheimer's.
The committee evaluates applicants based on community impact, sustainability and alignment with Rotary’s values of service and leadership. The Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield’s ability to support local nonprofits stems directly from their annual fundraising efforts, which are not only effective but also some of the most anticipated events in the community.
“It’s not the act of doing so much as it is the finding out about people. You find out about their world and what their passions are,” shares Jean. “Everyone has dreams. When I can see someone else encouraged, and I can see that light inside of them, it gives me hope.”
While the grant awards and major fundraisers mark highlights in the Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield’s annual calendar, the club works year round to advance its mission. Weekly meetings provide community and support to members, and they participate in everything from park cleanups to youth mentoring.
“Rotary isn’t just about meetings and check writing,” enthuses Jean. “It’s about showing up, rolling up your sleeves and asking, ‘How can I help today?’ That’s what we’re here for.”
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield, visit MasonDeerfieldRotaryClub.com.
ROTARY CLUB OF MASON DEERFIELD CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC
When: Monday, June 9, 2025, 10:30 a.m., dinner is served at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Four Bridges Country Club, 8300 Four Bridges Drive, Liberty Township
The golf outing includes lunch and dinner as well as an awards ceremony to close the event. Sponsorship opportunities are available before the event.
TREE AUCTION AND HOLIDAY BALL
When: November 22, 2025
Where: The Manor House Event Center, 7440 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason
The second annual one-of-a-kind, signature holiday event sponsored by altafiber. This black-tie evening will feature a preview of decorated Christmas trees for auction, a VIP cocktail party and plated dinner, followed by dancing, a jazz lounge and bourbon bar, casino activities and a cocktail bar. There are also opportunities to sponsor the evening and contribute services and items for auction.
Before the event, individuals or groups can volunteer to decorate the trees that will be auctioned. Tree decorators can be novice or professional. Decorated trees will be on display at The Mason Community Center before they make their way home with the families who win them at auction. A list of the sponsors will be displayed with the auctioned Christmas trees.
VOLUNTEER OR JOIN THE ROTARY CLUB OF MASON DEERFIELD
When: Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m.
Where: The Manor House Event Center, 7440 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., with the meeting from 8-9 a.m. “We would love to get to know you!” shares Jean.
To apply for a grant, reach out to the Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield through their website. Applications for 2026 will be posted in the spring at MasonDeerfieldRotaryClub.com .
BY
Children and adults with disabilities enjoy enriching experiences with soccer through a local nonprofit.
At a basic level, Cincinnati TOPSoccer is a sports nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities to play soccer. Even so, the simple act of playing soccer with a team creates an environment in which players’ goals become so much greater than the ones they might score.
President and coach Randy Corey started working with Cincinnati TOPSoccer because he has a daughter with special needs. “I was coaching her and her brother in soccer and baseball when they were very young,” says Randy. “As they aged, the gap in ability became more and more apparent.”
At first, he simply enrolled his daughter in the TOPSoccer program. He saw so much value in what they were doing that he chose to open a second location. After several years, he was promoted to run the entire organization.
Children as young as 4 years old can participate in programming at Cincinnati TOPSoccer. They have players with autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Some players use crutches, walkers or wheelchairs. They have players with visual and hearing impairments. Players are put on teams based on age and ability level, with a separate wheelchair division. Parents and guardians are encouraged to inquire if they have questions about whether their child or family member qualifies for this program. Truly, anyone is welcome and the community engagement is incredible.
Randy shares, ”Mathew's dad never thought he'd see his son run. Craig's grandfather never
saw him genuinely smile. Bradley's mom never thought her son would play soccer.”
Cincinnati TOPSoccer is a place where people with disabilities have the space to make choices for themselves, supporting resiliency. To rely on and be relied upon by a team is an experience many people take for granted. But it is purposefully cultivated at Cincinnati TOPSoccer.
“We still challenge players to try hard and improve with each practice just as anyone else would,” explains Randy. “We celebrate all achievements the same, whether they’re a highly athletic player with a strong kick placing a ball in the upper left corner of the net, or a player with very little use of their limbs, giving me a high five that was an inch higher than they were able to give last week.”
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Cincinnati TOPSoccer always accepts both volunteers and participants. They need coaches, assistant coaches and on-field “buddies.”
Buddies can be as young as middle school age and must have a big heart and a willingness to set aside preconceived notions. A little knowledge about soccer doesn’t hurt! The expectation
“OUR MODEL NOT ONLY EMPOWERS ALL KIDS AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TO PLAY WITH US, BUT ALSO ENABLES THE PARENTS TO JUST BE SOCCER MOMS AND DADS FOR AN HOUR A WEEK.”
is to be present for one session every week for seven weeks for the spring season at Let’s Play Sports in Mason, or one practice session and one game session per week for 11 weeks for the fall season at Hope Church in Mason and in Batavia and Harrison.
There’s also the opportunity to volunteer off the field. Cincinnati TOPSoccer has tournaments once a year in the fall. The tournament is an all-day event, and the organization utilizes volunteers for every part of it. They have no paid positions.
Randy shares, “Our model not only empowers all kids and adults with special needs to play with us, but also enables the parents to just be soccer moms and dads for an hour a week, a luxury most of us parents of kids with special needs never get to enjoy.”
Supporting Cincinnati TOPSoccer directly contributes to a community of care and makes an immediate difference. By participating, volunteering or donating, community members can help individuals with disabilities reach new goals, realize their potential and enrich their lives.
To learn more and get involved, visit CincyTOPSoccer.com.
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Mason’s marathon man Daniel Rebella pushes limits from local streets to global races.
ARTICLE BY LISA FLETCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS & PROVIDED
If you’ve ever driven down Tylersville Road toward Kings Island, you may have spotted Daniel Rebella—steady stride, focused gaze, completely in his element. A familiar figure on Mason’s sidewalks and streets, Daniel isn’t just out for a jog; he’s quietly logging the miles required for the lifelong passion that’s taken him from local tracks to marathons on every continent.
Now 58, Daniel has been a proud Mason resident since 2007. He and his wife, Bonnie, moved from Chicago in search of strong schools and a great place to raise their four daughters. “When we looked at Mason, the quality of the school system and campus impressed us. It’s been a wonderful place to raise our children,” he explains.
The family found their stride here. Three of his four daughters ran cross country at Mason High School and logged many running and biking miles while pacing their father on training runs. “Running and fitness are a family sport,” Daniel says.
Daniel’s a regular on local roads, favoring a 10-mile loop from his home in Heritage Woods to the Kings Island main entrance and back, including two laps at the Mason High School track. “Running is also my time,” Daniel emphasizes. “It gives me both balance to the day as well as genuinely reenergizes me, no matter how tired I may be.”
His fitness roots go back to college, where he was a field goal kicker at the University of Wisconsin. In his 30s, he turned to marathons to destress and never stopped. Since then, he’s completed more than 100 marathons, including 20 consecutive Chicago Marathons and 16 Boston Marathons.
In November 2024, Daniel completed his most ambitious challenge yet: The Great World Race, a first-of-its-kind event where runners completed seven marathons (26.2 miles) on seven continents in seven consecutive days. The race kicked off in Antarctica and proceeded to South Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, South America and finally, Miami, Florida. Only 45 of the 54 participants finished. Daniel was one of just 15 to run the full challenge.
“The best part of running a race of this caliber is the commitment to accomplish something unimaginably hard, both physically and mentally. You are learning that mental resolve is stronger than what the body thinks is the extreme limit,” he explains. To top it off, he celebrated the final marathon in Miami by doing 26.2 push-ups after crossing the finish line.
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“Running is also my time. It gives me both balance to the day as well as genuinely reenergizes me, no matter how tired I may be.”
The toughest part, he says, wasn’t the running—it was managing sleep and nutrition between flights. “I had to make sure I got enough food for the amount of calories I was burning and get quality sleep on the airplane, our hotel for the week.”
Crucial to Daniel’s preparation were Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and fellow Mason resident, Dr. Andrew Razzano, D.O., who first treated Daniel for a knee injury five years ago. For The Great World Race, they built a custom maintenance program, including tempo and recovery runs on an AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, a professional-grade nutrition plan and structured training with built-in recovery periods.
“Dan is one of the most impressive human beings I’ve ever known,” Dr. Razzano explains. “Not only is he an executive for IBM and an amazing father and husband, he's also one of the most fit endurance athletes I’ve ever treated.”
Daniel’s demanding job as the Business Analytics Worldwide Sales Leader at IBM means he’s frequently overseas. But for him, running is also how he resets. “When I land in another country, the first thing I do is take a long run to reset my body clock,” he shares.
Looking ahead, Daniel plans to continue running at least two marathons each year—Boston and Chicago—and is always open to new challenges that fit his travel schedule. “Running is a daily addiction for me,” he says. “So I have a perpetual level of fitness for endurance running.”
From Mason’s neighborhoods to marathons around the globe, Daniel Rebella keeps moving—one step, one race, one continent at a time.
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Regional distillers offer unique, high-quality options for spirits connoisseurs.
Although this region gets a lot of attention for our many breweries, we’re also lucky to have several high-quality local distillers, each with unique methods and flavor profiles. We invite you to pull up a chair and enjoy a virtual tasting as we spotlight three nearby spirits companies.
ARTICLE BY JONATHAN STOUT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
KELLY SETTLE–KELLY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY
& PROVIDED
Following a long family lineage of distilling, Bill McBrayer of Mason began resurrecting his family’s famous Pre-Prohibition bourbon brands in 2012. The flagship product, WH McBrayer, is distilled using an original mash bill from 1870. Using locally grown heirloom corn, rye and barley gives this spirit a distinctively sweet, caramel candy flavor. Their brands, Old McBrayer and Cedar Brook, are bottled with old family labels. Old McBrayer is Bottled-In-Bond with traditional bourbon notes, and Cedar Brook is a wheated bourbon that offers smooth, soft notes. All are produced and bottled in the Bluegrass State.
Available to order through McBrayerLegacySpirits.com
Former Marine Corp. Captain Zach Hollingsworth started Freedom Whiskey Co. in 2017 in Springboro, Ohio. Zach was passionate about creating a great-tasting bourbon and serving the veteran community. Freedom Whiskey is sourced through a distillery in Lawrenceburg, IN and then bottled, labeled and corked at their bottling facility in Kentucky. Their small-batch bourbon is aged for 2-3 years in new charred oak barrels and bottled at 90 proof. The flavor profile features just the right mix of vanilla and oak, finishing with a subtle bite. Try it neat, over ice, with a splash of water or in your favorite cocktail.
Find Freedom Whiskey near you at: HaveAShotOfFreedom.com
New Riff Distilling is an independent, family-owned distillery based in Newport, Kentucky. Founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, they produce a variety of spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, single malt whiskey and gin. New Riff uses water from a private aquifer beneath the distillery, non-GMO grains and a quality-first Kentucky whiskey-making regimen for their spirits. Their bourbon begins with a slow, four-day fermentation, followed by aging in full-size 53-gallon barrels for at least four years. What results is a high-rye, full-bodied whiskey with a butterscotch oak aroma and a fulsome mouthfeel with bold, savory spices.
Available nationwide at select retailers and online: NewRiffDistilling.com
JUNE 6TH
Music in Mason
Mason Downtown Plaza | 6:00 PM
Kick off summer music festivities with Music in Mason! The fun community event is hosted at 6 p.m. every Friday throughout June and July at the Mason Downtown Plaza. To learn more and find out about the featured bands as they are announced, visit ImagineMason.org
JUNE 6TH & 7TH
Heritage Presbyterian Church-Mason | 4:00 PM
The Miniature Society of Cincinnati will host their 46th miniatures show and sale at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Mason. Take advantage of ample free parking and a handicapped accessible building. The two-day show hours are 4 to 7 p.m. on June 6 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 7. Cincy-Miniatures.org
JUNE 7TH
Corwin Nixon Park | 8:30 AM
On June 7, LOVE like JJ will host their annual 5K. This event will have both in-person and virtual options. The in-person 5K will feature music, drinks, snacks and opportunities to support the LOVE like JJ sponsors. Kids who register will enjoy fun activities and receive one free Italian ice from the Chill Out Truck. LoveLikeJJ.org
JUNE 18TH
Lindner
Countryside YMCA | 6:00 PM
The Lindner Center will continue their Free Community Education Series on June 18, welcoming Outpatient Therapist Peter White, M.A., LPCC, LICDC. Attendees can expect a discussion covering how to help loved ones with mental illness, effective communication with loved ones with mental illness and how to care for ourselves. Reserve tickets for the free event at LindnerCenterOfHope.org
JUNE 20TH
Movies in the Park: Wish
Cottell Park-Grass Loop | 8:00 PM
Enjoy a free outdoor showing of Wish at Cottell Park on June 20. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets as well as snacks. Themed games and crafts will be offered before the movie at 8 p.m. Find out more information at DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com
JUNE 21ST
The Common Beer Co. | 12:00 PM
The Common Beer Company is hosting an Angel Alley Fundraiser on June 21. Mark and Jennifer Winter of Solutions Plus Pest Control created Angel Alley in downtown Mason to memorialize school-aged children from the Mason City School district who have passed away. The festivities will begin at noon with live music, food trucks, raffles and a corn hole tournament. CommonBeerCompany.com
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