Mason & Deerfield, OH April 2024

Building a Bright Future

When was the last time you had a set of experts value your home?

Paving a Path for a Bright Future

Investment. This is an interesting word as it carries numerous meanings. Most people likely think it takes more of a financial focus. For our first Investment issue, however, we wanted to showcase investment in developing and providing opportunities for people and our community.

Known as “The Mason Mile,” Downtown Mason is ripe for a revival. From surveying to community workshops, the Mason Deerfield Community Development Corporation has been leading the “Make the Mile” project. Learn more about how this organization has brought residents, businesses and stakeholders together to create a community-driven vision and plan for this area.

One Downtown Mason business that has continued to see growth is ORCA Coworking. While they have two locations in Mason and Lebanon, the first ORCA Coworking franchise is now open in Blue Ash. Read about the secret behind why this working style is so successful.

Another local economic and development project recently celebrated a major milestone. The Mercy Health Kings Mills Hospital opened its doors in January bringing much-needed services and investment in the health of our community. We sat down with the hospital’s president to get a first look at the space and services offered on the campus.

Giving back to the community is always good business. For a local couple, good business has allowed them to give back. Get inspired by Yvonne and Eric Boltz and learn how they built a business from a life-changing accident and used their profits to create BoltzStrong farm, a nonprofit “farm-to-table” learning experience accessible to all.

Protecting your investments is important. And what investment is more important than yourself? With the upcoming total eclipse, Dr. Ted Snyder, owner of Mason Eye Center, shares the potential dangers and safety tips for viewing the eclipse.

With so many great things happening in our community, we hope you‘re able to invest some of your time reading this month’s issue of Mason + Deerfield Lifestyle

MARK ANDREA, PUBLISHER @MASONANDDEERFIELDLIFESTYLE

April 2024

Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com

Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com

Karen Andrea

Amanda Stout, Jonathan Stout, Abby Allen, Nicole Browning CONTRIBUTING

Matthew J. Capps Photography, Jenna Beers–Photography by Jenna, Mark & Cathy Lyons–Lyons Photography

city scene

1: The Mason Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presented “From the East to the Caribbean” on February 10. 2: Popular local artist Danny Frazier sings Jimmy Buffet favorites. 3: Music Director Lucy Ginther directs the orchestra. 4: MSO cellist Rachel Earley during the February performance.

5: MSO clarinetist Brent Eresman performs Artie Shaw’s jazz “Concerto for Clarinet.” 6: Audience members enjoying the musical experience. 7: MSO trumpet player Robert Bethune performed at February’s concert.

Photography by Mark Lyons–Lyons Photography

8: Mason Comets junior guard Madison Parrish exceeded the 1,000-point plateau in a Mason Comets victory. 9: Mason Comets sophomore guard Anna Habra makes a pass in the Comets win over Oak Hills. 10: Sophomore Samyak Ramchandre competes for the Mason Comets swim team. 11: Mason senior wrestler Marcel Sabirdjanov celebrates. Marcel surpassed 100 career wins this season. 12: Freshman diver Corinne Hartmann completes a dive for the Mason Comets. 13: Mason Comets senior Luke Kirklin drives to the basket in the Comets win over Taft. 14: Mason Comets senior cheerleader Aubriana Mettey.

LILY HALLER

LILY HALLER

CAMDEN PAELTZ

PREENA MEHTA

SAVANNAH LIBBY

CAMDEN PAELTZ

PREENA MEHTA

15: Mason Deerfield Rotary Club recently awarded the Atrium HEAL (Help Endure a Loss) program $2,000. 16: Warren County Community Services received $2,000 for their Adult New Reader Program from the Rotary Club. 17: Candlewood Suites' grand reopening of their newly remodeled space. 18: Mercy Health held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly opened Kings Mills Hospital. 19: Focus Health and Wellness celebrated the grand opening of their personalized medical care facility. 20: A look at some of the calming, comfortable facilities at Focus Health and Wellness. 21: Focus Health and Wellness offers many services including spa-like treatments.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

FOCUS HEALTH AND WELLNESS

MARK ANDREA

MARK ANDREA

ANGIE SMITH

ANGIE SMITH

NICOLE HAAKE

NICOLE HAAKE

business monthly

Connections MADE Programs Help Foster Community for Business Professionals

Elevate your networking game with MADE Chamber's Connections MADE programs. These innovative networking events offer opportunities for marketing and visibility while fostering a community of committed professionals. From laid-back Chamber Cafe to the lively Happy Hour and engaging Meet & Eat, there's something for everyone. Connect with fellow members, exchange ideas, and grow your network. Don't miss out on the chance to advance your business and connect with the MADE region. Learn more at MADEChamber.org

Lindner Center of HOPE to Host Community Education Day in May

Lindner Center of HOPE will host a Community Education Day on Sunday, May 19 in acknowledgement of Mental Health Month at Manor House in Mason from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The half-day workshop offers an opportunity for community members to enhance their awareness of mental health and wellness. Knowledge helps break down stigma and opens the conversation around prevention, treatment and the mental health journey. LindnerCenterOfHope.org

Clyborne's and Phoenician Taverna Earn AAA 3-Diamond Rating

Mason’s own Phoenician Taverna and S.W. Clyborne Co. Provision & Spirits were recently awarded the prestigious 3-Diamond rating by AAA. Restaurants are evaluated based on cleanliness, comfort, cuisine and consistency. "We're happy to be part of the Mason business community, and it's an honor for Clyborne's and our hardworking team members to receive this recognition," says Scott Schmidt, Founder & CEO of Looking Glass Hospitality. Clybornes.com

Photography by MADE Chamber of Commerce

Photography by Lindner Center of HOPE

Photography by RVP Photography

513.972.8000 | VB Mossandivymason

117 Reading Rd. Mason, OH 45040

STORE HOURS: TUES. - FRI. 11-5 | SAT. 11-4

A UNIQUE NONPROFIT DEDICATED TO HELPING PEOPLE FIND SOLID GROUND.

Roll-Model Citizens

ARTICLE BY NICOLE BROWNING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS PHOTOGRAPHY

“We end each class by eating the food we make… sharing a meal here is important to us.”

Nestled away from the main roads in nearby Loveland lies an 11-acre parcel of land studded with tilled fields, fishing ponds and raised garden beds. It isn’t odd to see chickens milling about, and don’t be surprised if two massive, fluffy Great Pyrenees bound up to meet you when you arrive. Boltz to Nutz Farm is a singular oasis outside of the hustle and bustle of everyday life—and everything here exists to provide accessibility to all.

In 2015, Yvonne and Eric Boltz’s life turned upside down. While out on a training cycling ride, Eric was struck by a negligent driver, changing the path of his life forever. With a damaged spinal cord, Eric found himself paralyzed from the chest down, learning to cope with the lasting side effects of such an injury while finding ways to navigate the world from a wheelchair.

“The nutraceuticals idea came out of experiences from Eric’s journey with pharmaceuticals,” Yvonne says of the first half of the Boltz to Nutz business model. With Yvonne a chemist and Eric a materials scientist, the two decided to pursue a path to manufacturing nutraceuticals.

Through their for-profit nutraceuticals company and private donations, Eric and Yvonne invested in developing the next branch of their business—the nonprofit BoltzStrong farm. Everything on this farm was built with a mindfulness for those who would not normally have access to it—in essence, it’s a teaching farm, a learning place and a liberating space. All of the paths are wheelchair friendly. There are raised garden beds so those in wheelchairs or anyone who cannot bend easily can reach them. There’s a beautiful, fullfledged accessible kitchen, which means first and foremost, that everything has roll-under access.

“For 10 years I wasn’t able to use an oven because of accessibility. Now that I can roll under it, it’s liberating having a little bit of normalcy back,” elaborates Abby, a Boltz to Nutz employee and the first person to cook in this glorious kitchen.

The cooktop sits on a counter with a switch that allows it to be raised or lowered to the user’s desired height, a feature all the counters and a set of cabinets have built in. “Eric and Abby don’t have core strength due to their injuries, so they have to lean,” says Yvonne, which is why the Boltzes installed an induction cooktop that transfers heat into certain materials, leaving the surface warm to the touch but not hot enough to damage the skin. Soup to nuts, everything in here was carefully and thoughtfully curated to create a user-friendly experience.

So what exactly is this big, beautiful kitchen here for? Accessible cooking classes. “We don’t make it easy, we make it possible. The cooking classes we do leave the students exhausted,” Yvonne promises.

BoltzStrong sets their students up for success with all the tools they need, providing beautiful produce, herbs and eggs from their farm. From modified knives with arm holds to cutting boards that help grip the food being cut, no detail has been overlooked. With limited range of motion and minimal muscle strength, it takes some creativity and stamina for these students to get their end result, but this kitchen provides new opportunities to some who haven’t cooked for themselves in a long time.

Eric explains, “You may learn from these classes that you don’t want to cook very often because it’s such a pain, but at least you’ll know how.” And that’s what these students get to take away from the BoltzStrong kitchen— the skills to do something profoundly normal again and regain independence.

At the end of each class, the students and able-bodied volunteers come together to share the meal they’ve created. “We end each class by eating the food we make, and if it’s something that isn’t going to be quite done by the end, then we actually make it ahead of time, because sharing a meal here is important to us,” Eric states, proof that these classes are more than just learning skills and adapting—they’re creating a community for anyone who

comes through the door. In fact, cooking classes are free and open to anyone (including kids).

At the end of the day, Eric and Yvonne have created a safe space full of compassion and understanding, where everyone is encouraged “to be authentic, to be present, to be themselves.”

BoltzStrong.org

BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Mercy Health Kings Mills Hospital represents a huge investment into the health of surrounding communities.

ARTICLE BY AMANDA STOUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS PHOTOGRAPHY & PROVIDED

On January 13, the excitement around the opening of the new Mercy Health Kings Mills Hospital and medical office building was buzzing through their community open house event. Several FC Cincinnati players were on hand to sign autographs while local groups, clinical service providers and physicians chatted with community members and passed out information.

“This was an opportunity for us to serve a need and provide a convenient, community hospital in a growing area."

Self-guided tours took visitors throughout the airy, light-filled hospital, with staff stationed at various points to provide additional details as they walked by. It was a warm welcome with almost 1,000 community members attending the four-hour event. On January 20 they opened their doors at 7 a.m. to begin 24/7 care for the first time.

Mercy Health’s 60-bed, state-of-the-art hospital and attached medical office building offer high-quality, close-to-home healthcare services for Mason, Deerfield, Loveland, Maineville, Lebanon and the surrounding communities. These areas have grown exponentially in recent years but lacked an acute care facility in their own backyard. It’s the main reason Mercy Health chose to invest in this community.

“This was an opportunity for us to serve a need and provide a convenient, community hospital in a

growing area. In addition to the hospital we’ve also seeded the area with primary care doctors and we have a medical office building which includes several specialties to which residents now have access,” explains Mercy Health Kings Mills Hospital President, Jason Asic.

The hospital offers cardiac and surgical services, emergency care, imaging and critical care, including a cardiac catheterization lab, ICU unit and inpatient beds. Right next door is the medical office building where patients have access to key specialties such as ENT, audiology, general surgery, pulmonology, orthopedics, cardiology and lab services.

“People now have a convenient option where they can receive this level of care in their community, which will lead to quicker medical interventions, easier access and patients staying in the hospital can be closer to home,” says Jason.

Center: Mercy Health Kings Mills President, Jason Asic. Center Right: City of Mason Mayor, Diana Nelson.

A Mercy Health associate since the early 2000s, starting as a lab technologist and then advancing through administrative roles, Jason was also part of the Mercy Health West Hospital opening. “I was able to see how a brand new hospital behaves, grows and the different situations one can encounter and use that knowledge for this hospital,” shares Jason.

He was brought on in the fall of 2020 to begin helping with the Kings Mills Hospital project. With the partnership of Danis Construction and GBBN Architecture they expertly navigated a remote design process and supply chain shortages. They broke ground in 2021 and within two years were able to move into the hospital to prepare for patient care.

“Concepts that were important to us when designing the hospital were flexibility, growth and technology. You need all three of those things working in concert. Technology is such an integral part of anything we do in healthcare, so you have to make sure the infrastructure is there with flexibility for needs changing over time,” explains Jason.

They also focused on features that would immediately make a difference for visitors, such as a warm, welcoming ambiance with lots of natural light and easy wayfinding. “When someone comes in the front doors of our campus, navigating around is very clear and intuitive,” says Jason.

Hiring staff who would not only fill in-demand skilled positions but also help augment and enhance the culture was just as important. “I want to make sure that we’re meeting the community needs and our associates and physicians can do what they do every day to help patients. We’re building a culture where patients want to come here to receive care, physicians want to practice here and staff want to be here,” shares Jason.

"We’re building a culture where patients want to come here to receive care, physicians want to practice here and staff want to be here.”

Beyond the health and wellness benefits the Kings Mills Hospital brings to residents, economic and workforce contributions are many. The construction process brought more than 200 workers into the area and the hospital currently has 200 associates with a projection to grow to approximately 275 staff between the hospital and medical offices over the next two years.

According to a report by the American Hospital Association, health systems and hospitals have become “economic pillars that create jobs and purchase goods and services from others in their community.”

This additional economic activity means that “each hospital job supports nearly two additional jobs.” Additionally, “every dollar spent by a hospital supports $2.30 of additional business activity.”

Jason shares, “The heart of it is, that when we are in a community we are a true partner of the community: from a health, well-being and economic standpoint, as well as outreach and involvement with local institutions and municipal services like fire, EMS, police and area schools. We try to be a good partner to show we are here to interact and help them improve the overall health of the community.” Mercy.com

ECLIPSEON T HE HORIZON

On April 8 Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse in some locations.

Fifteen states will be in the path of a total solar eclipse and the entire nation should see at least a partial eclipse. While this will be the first total solar eclipse in the U.S. in seven years, for an individual geographic location it only occurs every 375 years on average.

The event we will experience is rare enough that experts began writing about it three years ago!

The eclipse path will arc from Texas to Maine. While the Cincinnati area won’t be in the path for full totality, we will experience an almost total eclipse. It will begin at 1:52 p.m. and end at 4:24 p.m. with our closest point to totality occurring at 3:09 p.m., lasting 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Even nature will take notice: shadows will look different, the sky will darken, birds may not chirp and breezes may stop. The temperature could drop by 10 to 15 degrees.

ARTICLE BY DR. TED SNYDER & AMANDA STOUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NASA'S SCIENTIFIC VISUALIZATION STUDIO & STOCK

IS SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO VIEW AN ECLIPSE?

While a person could see an eclipse without any visual aids, it is not safe to do so. With part of the sun blocked, it will actually be easier to look at the sun than on a normal day, but therein lies the danger. Being easier to look at may make it seem safer to stare, but that can cause severe temporary or permanent damage to the back of the eye.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO THE EYE IF YOU VIEW AN ECLIPSE WITHOUT PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR?

According to Dr. Ted Snyder of Mason Eye Center, “Even though it may seem easier to look at an eclipse without protection, the sun rays coming around the moon are still very powerful - powerful enough to burn a hole in the retina at the back of the eye.” Dr. Snyder has seen patients with eclipse damage, including a child who had such a large hole in his retina that the smallest letter he could see was 20/400. For comparison, the top line on an eye chart is 20/200. “For him, the damage was permanent. It is similar to holding a magnifying glass in the sun over a piece of paper and burning a hole in it,” explains Dr. Snyder.

HOW TO SAFELY VIEW THE ECLIPSE

Look for special eclipse glasses with a certification of ISO 12312-2 (international safety standard for filters for direct viewing of the sun). These are available online and at some retailers. Sunglasses are not a safe way to view the eclipse. Eclipse glasses are available locally at Mason Eye Center for $3.

NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

ARTICLE BY JONATHAN STOUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA BEERS–PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA

ENCOURAGING CONNECTION AND PERSONAL GROWTH

JOSEPH BAKHIT CONTINUES ORCA COWORKING’S MISSION WITH HIS BLUE ASH FRANCHISE.

ORCA Coworking began in Mason to provide a workspace beyond the typical remote options. They’ve since opened a Lebanon location and recently partnered with local real estate investor Joseph Bakhit to open a franchise location in Blue Ash. With different tiers of membership and a welcoming modern layout, it’s clear that ORCA wants you to feel comfortable with return visits.

“It fosters a source of community in a professional environment that encourages personal connection and growth,” says ORCA Blue Ash Director, Joseph Bakhit.

“It fosters a source of community in a professional environment that encourages personal connection and growth,” ORCA Blue Ash Director Joseph tells us.

ORCA offers three types of membership: drop-in, personal desk or private office. Nonmember coworking day passes are also available. Members of the Blue Ash location have access to the other ORCA spaces in Mason and Lebanon and vice versa. All three facilities have open office space, shared space, huddle rooms, large meeting rooms with breakout rooms, and full-time personal offices with locking doors. Members also have access to a kitchen with locally roasted coffee, tea and daily snacks.

What truly makes ORCA unique, however, lies in the heart of their mission. As a nonprofit organization, their proceeds go toward mission work locally, nationally and internationally. Sponsored missions include Mason Food Pantry, Luke5Adventures and an Economic Development Center in Jos, Nigeria.

Additionally, ORCA’s attention to quality, cleanliness and connection makes coworking a worthwhile investment in your business’s future. “We strive to provide excellent value while not compromising on the quality of the financial investment,” Joseph explains. “We strive to create a clean, open space for big ideas to come to life.”

ORCA always looks to foster networking and personal growth opportunities for their members. “With a coworking facility, virtually anyone can become your coworker or colleague,” Joseph explains. “I love that thought and strive to create that environment within our center.”

ORCA Blue Ash’s first member Pat Sowell, a USAF and State Department veteran, shares his coworking experience with us.

“You can rent square footage anywhere. It’s the people that make the space here what it is.”

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT ORCA COWORKING?

While looking for coworking space I came across ORCA's locations in Mason and Lebanon. They looked great, but I didn't want to make the drive from Blue Ash. As I was scrolling through ORCA's page, I saw an address in Blue Ash on the website's footer so I called. I talked to Joseph and ended up being the first tenant in the brand-new space.

HOW IS ORCA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER OFFICE SPACES?

The space felt like home from day one, and Joseph's been a big part of that. With three kids, working from home wasn't an option. ORCA Blue Ash had more than enough space to accommodate my needs.

HAS WORKING AT ORCA BEEN A GOOD INVESTMENT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Unless I outgrow the space, I don't see a reason to look elsewhere. It's been a great experience.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE ORCA COWORKING TO YOUR PEERS?

The space is very flexible. I needed a private office with decent square footage. They had that. Others who just want a drop-in office or a quiet place to work for the day have that too. It's a welcoming place.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FEATURE THAT ORCA PROVIDES FOR YOU?

You can rent square footage anywhere. It's the people that make the space here what it is.

ORCACoworking.com

New

Household

Lindner Center of HOPE Understands Mental Health

Are you or someone you care about struggling with feeling alone, anxious, desperate or out of control? Lindner Center of HOPE understands how the symptoms of mental illness can make you feel. We can help no matter your age or struggle. Our transformative continuum of care is designed to meet you where you are and promote long-lasting healing.

INVESTING IN THE MILE

Local activators, community members and city officials focus on Mason’s Main Street revival.

It's a warm Friday evening in downtown Mason. You consider walking to your favorite pizza shop, but you drive instead. Most businesses are closed, and you only see a few people strolling to get dinner or shop owners finishing up before the weekend.

What you won’t see is much foot traffic coming from the south of Mason into the downtown corridor or people gathering, socializing or biking from a nearby trailhead and visiting shops along the way. At least not yet.

You might have spied the blue, orange, and green signs on neighbors’ lawns, but what is Make the Mile? According to the

Mason Deerfield Community Development Corporation (MADE CDC), it’s an ongoing project to create “a vibrant, sustainable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use, cultural, civic and social heart” of Mason. It's a long-term investment to breathe life into 42 and MasonMontgomery Road and create lasting interest.

“It’s a good investment because interests are aligned. Property owners want a stronger real estate market, business owners see an opportunity for increased commerce and the community wants a flourishing downtown,” shares MADE CDC Board Member and Mason Mile Project Core Team Member, Kacey Richards.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY ABBY ALLEN & AMANDA STOUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK & CATHY LYONS–LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY

Mason Mile business owner Jean Raga is excited to have all the key stakeholders working together toward common goals, “I believe this initiative, for the first time, has all the key players involved to be successful. The residents, the city and the business community are all on the same page and with that cohesive thinking, I believe we will see some great strides for the Mile. It is time to have a place to center business, community events and engagement.”

What can you expect from this project promising a vibrant downtown? Just that. According to the project’s most recent executive summary, it aims to “support more than 40,000 square feet of office use, up to 200 housing units, and a recommended tenant mix of more than 200,000 square feet of retail shopping, restaurants, culture and entertainment over the next five to ten years.”

“Downtown is both the geographic and the emotional heart of Mason. It provides the visual brand, the gathering place and the quality of life amenities that support all the other city assets,” explains City of Mason Mayor Diana Nelson. “For residents, visitors and the corporate community there is an expectation that Mason’s downtown reflects our success. Failing to invest in downtown ultimately diminishes other successes. I’m proud of the downtown business climate and eager to see their profile grow.”

Make the Mile has been a labor of love for the project activators, including more than 60 meetings and interviews with stakeholders and a consumer survey of over 700 Mason residents. A community workshop where more than 120 people tested concepts presented by consultants from RGDE, Common Grounds and BLDG Brands was held last summer.

Lead activator for the project, Chris Heim explains, “From the start of the project the goal has always been to engage the community as it relates to our downtown area and what the vision and opportunities could be for its future. The Mason community is embedded with premier destinations, world-class events and industry-leading commerce and the vision has been to reflect the same in our downtown area.”

Community workshop contributors favored concepts such as making Mason more walkable and developing an amphitheater to serve as a hub for art, events and entertainment. Participants also liked the idea of creating better mixed-use buildings to help generate exciting spaces that complement the small-town feel. Redeveloping strip malls to offer more retail and dining was also essential.

CONTINUED >

More Make the Mile

• Nearly 40 project activators gathered data and photos and distributed yard signs, decals and flyers.

• Comment cards and other online surveys generated input from another 380 people.

by the numbers

• The core team of lead volunteers (Annie Droege, Chris Heim, David Charpentier and Kacey Richards) have contributed more than 350 volunteer hours.

• A Project Advisory Council comprised of more than two dozen community members has helped double the projected available time and input investment.

• A volunteer Board of Directors and staff contributed a collective 600+ volunteer hours.

• A $180,000 grant funding partnership was provided by the City of Mason.

“Much of the community input cited a desire to have more events in our downtown area so we’re actively working to make that happen,” shares Chris.

Says Mayor Nelson, “Arts and culture are important to me, and seeing the study confirm that there is a market and economic benefit in addition to the cultural impacts is exciting.”

Last fall's first Picture Mason! Art Hop was an idea originally brought forward by Make the Mile volunteers. Chris explains, “We partnered with the City of Mason and had a wonderful inaugural event in October and the feedback from downtown businesses and eventgoers was extremely positive.”

More findings from Phase I of Make the Mile will become available to the public this spring. Community members can also watch for new events this year and the start of a physical master plan. Masonites can continue to be part of this project by signing up to volunteer to help with upcoming events and work on Phase II.

“Collaboration is a good investment for Mason. The input and buy-in from the stakeholders, who will be utilizing downtown, is one of the most important factors in creating a successful vision,” explains Kacey.

Chris adds, “The baseline has always been to have as much community input as possible. There have been a tremendous amount of hours donated by project volunteers at numerous public meetings over the past two years. The community has been amazing relative to volunteer efforts and we’re hoping that continues.”

Jean is optimistic about a sense of community continuing to build around the project and downtown, “Creating pride in the area as a place where we shop, dine and participate in community events is a key benefit. I am looking forward to being able to run into neighbors, friends and business colleagues on the streets of the Mile.”

Stay up to date on the progress of the project at MaketheMile.com

What’s Next for Make the Mile?

• Action Plan: The community can expect several ways to get involved in moving the action plan forward in the coming months. “I’m eager to push forward on many fronts and excited to see so many others who share that enthusiasm. There is a lot of work but a lot of eager hands ready to help,” shares Mayor Nelson.

• Events: “Continued development of multicultural social events that will drive attention and business to downtown and benefit our overall community. Things like markets, pop-up merchants and art/music festivals are all on the radar, and as these events develop they will be a result of the Make the Mile effort,” says Chris.

Lesley,

- Even with good insurance, bills could set them back in a big way.

- Would they be able to manage their

- Although savings could cover their deductible, what about the bills left after insurance covers its portion?

Lesley purchased the Accident Insurance Advantage Plan as an a ordable supplement to their

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

INDOOR PLANT GUIDE

Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home. “There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.

This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.”

This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Pro tip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.

ANTHURIUM:

DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA:

HOPE PEPEROMIA:

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 3RD

Mason Historical Society: Mason Tornado 50th Anniversary Documentary Viewing

Mason Municipal Center | 6:00 PM

The Mason Historical Society, in partnership with the City of Mason and Jeff Hill Video, is hosting a viewing event on April 3 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the F4 tornado that hit Mason. The video presentation will include interviews, pictures and stories from that day. This event is free and open to the public. Find out more at MasonHistoricalSociety.org

APRIL 6TH

Make and Take Birdhouse for Chickadees or House Wrens

Rowe Visitor Center | 2:00 PM

Learn the basics of how to provide nesting spaces for birds at the Cincinnati Nature Center Rowe Visitor Center on April 6 at 2 p.m. Participate in a fun, hands-on class that explores the fundamentals of bird habitat spaces in your yard. Following the discussion, participants will construct their own birdhouse to take home. Reserve your tickets at CincyNature.org

APRIL 17TH

Free Community Education Series: The Silent Strain of Decision Fatigue

Manor House | 6:00 PM

The Lindner Center of HOPE will continue its free Community Education Series at Manor House on April 17 by welcoming Laurie Little, PsyD, Chief Patient Experience Officer and Staff Psychologist at Lindner Center. Laurie will discuss what decision fatigue is, its negative consequences, coping strategies and more. You can register for the event at LindnerCenterofHOPE.org

APRIL 18TH

Mason High School Theater Presents Mamma Mia!

Mason High School Auditorium | 7:00 PM

The Mason High School (MHS) Theater production of Mamma Mia! takes place at the MHS Auditorium at 7 p.m. on April 18, 19 and 20, and 2 p.m. on April 21. Senior citizens are invited to attend free of charge at 7 p.m. on April 17 for the dress rehearsal. Patron tickets are $15, adults are $10 and students, children and senior citizens are $8. MasonDrama.com.

APRIL 21ST

Mason Community Band Spring Concert

Mason Middle School Auditorium | 7:00 PM

The Mason Community Band is bringing back the ring of swing at their free annual spring concert on April 21. If you’re In the Mood to hitch a ride on the Pennsylvania 6-5000, then put on A String of Pearls and stop by the Tuxedo Junction! Also featured in this performance will be acclaimed vocal soloist Laney McCormick. MasonCommunityBand.org

APRIL 27TH

Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Celebration

Summit Park | 12:00 PM

The Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition sponsors an annual Earth Day celebration. This year's event will take place at Summit Park in Blue Ash on April 27 from 12-5 p.m. Featuring more than 125 exhibitors, local music, vegetarian food and Madtree Brewing craft beer, the festival is one of the best environmental education events in the region. Learn more at CincinnatiEarthDayOrg.mailchimpsites.com.

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