Mason MattersMason MattersAugust / September 2012

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Inside This Issue:

If you could peer into the past a little over 40 years ago today, you might find a small

group of men walking across a field that hasn’t been tilled since the crops were harvested the previous fall, shoes dusty from the dry brown earth, hands up to their eyes to shade them from the hot sun, and sweeping their arms across the view as they talk. Cars on the adjacent I-71 are headed for points north of Cincinnati, their drivers still able to remember when the highway opened to Columbus less than ten years before.

One of the men might have been the famous golfer Jack Nicklaus, affectionately known as the “Golden Bear,” conferring with his partner at the time, English golf course architect Desmond Muirhead, who was a principal architect behind the concept of “golf course communities.” If you could eavesdrop on their conversation, you might hear talk of water hazards, greens, fairways, sand traps, club houses, and all the other features of a championship golf course.

Jay Morrish, an American who was new to Jack Nicklaus’ golf course design support staff and who would later design or update dozens of golf courses, might have followed a few steps behind, listening intently to the plan the two men had in mind. He would be charged with implementing the plan, spending his days at the site during construction as the two designers moved on to other courses. Burch

walls and floor had become costly and major restoration was needed. The aging pump and chlorine system had to be carefully tended to maintain efficient operations. City departments were challenged to work together to resolve the issues.

After evaluating the repair and maintenance issues, city staff recommended the installation of a custom fit PVC pool liner to reduce maintenance costs. They also recommend replacing the pump system.

Mason, Ohio: rated

24th

BEST PLACE

TO LIVE

by Money magazine 2011

BEST PLACE

TO LIVE

by Money magazine 2011

Mason, Ohio: rated

3 What's the Hurry?4 Preserving our Water Supply5 Outstanding Service Awards6 Pool Safety7, 8 Business News8 Around Mason

Golf Center Celebrates 40 Years

Pool Opening is a Citywide Project

Riber of the Taft Broadcasting Company might have been at his side. Burch is believed to have been the driving force behind the vision of building a golf course close to the new Kings Island theme park, another of his visions for Taft Broadcasting. He would become the General Manager of the new golf course for Taft Broadcasting.

Forty years ago, the dreams of these men would open to the public as two 18-hole courses known as the Grizzly and the Bruin at the Jack Nicklaus Sports Center. Built on nearly 250 acres of farmland, the original course would have few trees and many famous golfers. Jack Nicklaus would win the first championship on the course he designed. Miller Barber, Mike Hill, Tom Weiskopf, Lee Trevino, Hale Irwin, Chi Chi Rodriquez, Ben Crenshaw, Arnold Palmer, Nancy Lopez, Joanne Carner, Amy Alcott, and Kathy Witworth would also become champions on the course.

Could the men have predicted that, seven years later, the ATP Championship would move next door and grow to be the site of a top men’s and women’s tennis tournament? Did they foresee that the adjacent town of Mason, with its population of about 5,600, would in 40 years become home to over 30,000 residents and be known as Money Magazine’s 24th Best Place to Live? Would they have guessed that the course

Preparing the outdoor Lou Eves Municipal Pool for the 2012 season was no small task!

Work began almost before the last swimmer walked out the gate last summer.

When the pool opened in 1995, it was considered a state-of-the-art facility and drew interest from pool professionals from a wide area. Over the last 16 years, improvements included more parking, shade structures, and the climbing wall. The pool continues to be a popular summer destination for residents.

But after 16 years of operation, the pool was showing signs of wear. Maintenance on the pool

—see POOL OPENING on pg. 3

Public Works and Parks employees remove concrete to allow for welding of the metal plates underneath. Rolls of gray underlining and blue PVC liner await installation.

would be renamed as the Golf Center at Kings Island after about 20 years, and later be owned by the City of Mason? Surely they would have believed that their dream would still

challenge golfers to conquer the course.Rich in history, rich in beauty, the Golf Center

at Kings Island invites you to visit, whether it be to play the two 18-hole courses, tune your swing on the 4-hole academy course, practice on the driving range or putting green, dine in the restaurant, shop in the pro shop, or plan an event at the banquet facility. For information about memberships, lessons, the courses, events, and outings, or to book tee times, visit www.thegolfcenter.com or call 513.398.7700.

Congratulations to the founders and to all those who have worked to keep the dream alive for the past 40 years!

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Dear Mason Resident, The City of Mason is looking forward to being the host city for the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 11-19, the Mason Heritage Festival in downtown Mason on August 18, the Mason Arts Festival at Mason Municipal Center on September 16, the 2012 Patriot Fair at Mason Municipal Center on October 6, and the 2012 US Australian Rules Football League National Tournament at Heritage Oak Park on October 13-14. In some way, the city partners with the organizations that stage each of these events. Sometimes it’s by investing in the organization’s mission to support the community, sometimes it’s through in-kind contributions such as event setup and takedown, litter control, and police and EMS assistance, and sometimes other support is provided. City Council partners with other organizations that contribute to the cultural community as well. They include the Northeast Cincinnati Chamber, the Mason Historical Society, the Mason community garden, and Christmas in Mason. These events add to the quality of life for residents in the city and help build a sense of pride and place for everyone who lives here. In the next few months, you’ll be able to enjoy international, national, or regional sports, entertainment, arts, and historical events practically in your backyard. When Money magazine named Mason as the 24th Best Place to Live, they noted “lots of recreation for families.” Another reason to support these events is their economic impact to the city and the region. As visitors come to Mason to attend these events, they spend money on gasoline, food, incidentals, tickets, souvenirs, hotel rooms, auto repairs, and many other items. Jobs are created to support the events and the businesses that support the event. A recent study of the Western & Southern Open concluded that the tournament generates $18.2 million in direct and indirect expenditures in the Cincinnati region each year. As event-goers travel to these events or see them on TV, they become familiar with the Mason community and all it has to offer. The city reaps the benefits of this exposure as we talk with businesses looking for a community that welcomes their operations. Fifty-nine million viewers around the world saw the 2011 tennis tournament on TV. The City of Mason alone could not generate that kind of exposure without spending millions of dollars. When we talk with business leaders across the nation and around the world, many have already heard of Mason. That gives us a priceless advantage as we try to increase our business base. Adding top-tier businesses to the Mason community generates earnings taxes for the city. The earnings taxes help pay for city services and for supporting events in the city without burdening residents. It’s a wonderful circle! Events add to quality of life and exposure, which attracts businesses and their taxes, which supports the services and events that lead to quality of life and exposure, and around it goes again. It’s also how Mason got to be 24th on the top cities list (although we all know we’re number one!)

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

From the City Manager

Eric Hansen, City Manager

Main Number 513.229.8500

City Hotlines513.229.8502

Administration513.229.8510

Community Center513.229.8555

Emergency9.1.1

Engineering & Building513.229.8520

Finance513.229.8530

Fire Department Administration513.229.8540

City Of Mason - Contact Information6000 Mason-Montgomery Road • Mason, Ohio 45040

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday513.229.8500 • www.imaginemason.org

Parks & Recreation513.229.8555

Police Department Administration513.229.8560

Public Utilities513.229.8570

Public Works513.229.8580

Tax Office513.229.8535

Utility Customer Service

513.229.8533

Utility Billing Questions Greater Cincinnati

Water Works513.591.7700

Utility Service Questions:

Sewer Service and Emergencies

513.229.8570(nights, holidays & weekends,

emergencies only)513.925.2525

Stormwater513.229.8570

Waste Collection and Recycling513.229.8533

Water Serviceand Emergencies Greater Cincinnati

Water Works513.591.7700

Mason Matters is published by the City of Mason. For information about this publication, or if you are a Mason resident and do not receive this newsletter, either through OurTown magazine or mailed separately with the CenterPoint

program guide, please contact the City of Mason at 513.229.8510.

Updating your Appliances?If you are planning to replace an appliance, you may be wondering how to dispose of the old one. Most can be taken as part of your trash collection. Please call Mason Utility Customer Service at 513.229.8533 a day or two ahead or your items may not be picked up. Your call will allow us to contact Rumpke and will help you learn if there are any special considerations.Rumpke will collect:

• Dishwashers• Outdoor grills with gas tank removed• Microwaves and ovens if the range and

microwave are separated • Trash compactors • Washers and dryers (one per week)

Rumpke will take the following but they must have a Freon removal certificate attached:

• Air conditioners• Dehumidifiers • Refrigerators and freezers if they will fit in

the truck

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What’s the Hurry?It has often been said that “time heals

everything,” but when someone calls 9-1-1, the opposite is true. Usually, the situation continues to worsen until action is taken, whether it’s treating a medical emergency or fighting a fire. Many of these emergencies are a matter of life or death and the difference is separated by just a few minutes. Heart attacks, strokes, severe bleeding, cardiac arrest, diabetic emergencies (hypoglycemia), structure fires, and trapped victims of an accident all need help as quickly as possible. Here are just a few reasons why:•  When a patient suffers cardiac arrest,

the brain suffers irreversible damage and possibly death if it goes without oxygen for just a few minutes.

•  Hypoglycemia should be treated rapidly because it will continue to worsen and can eventually lead to coma and death.

•  A fire can easily reach the non-survivable flashover stage within six minutes of the time the fire started.

•  “Time lost is brain lost.” When the first signs of a stroke are recognized, 9-1-1 should be called immediately. These examples are just some of the

reasons why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has recommended a six-minute total response time in order to provide the most effective response in an emergency. This recommendation is commonly known as NFPA Standard 1710 and states that a fire truck or ambulance should be on the scene within six minutes from the time 9-1-1 is

called. It is a goal that the City of Mason Fire Department continually strives to meet.

The Mason Fire Department serves both the medical and fire emergencies of the community. Like most fire departments across the nation, three important factors affect the department’s ability to provide service as quickly as possible:•  Station location. Departments strive to

place fire stations where equipment and personnel are centrally located within their defined response zone. The fire apparatus and ambulances bring personnel as well as specialized equipment such as fire hoses, rescue tools, heart monitors, and medical equipment.

•  Staffing. The number of personnel who can respond is just as critical as the apparatus. Departments must have enough people available to complete the critical tasks that an emergency may require. These critical tasks vary depending on the incident and may include CPR, administering lifesaving medications, carrying a patient out of the house, stretching hose lines, searching for victims, establishing a water supply, and other tasks. These tasks require multiple personnel and sometimes require more than one station to respond. Mason Fire Department has joint response agreements with surrounding fire departments

such as Deerfield Township, Loveland-Symmes, and West Chester to help provide personnel and equipment when needed. This collaboration allows each department to maintain staffing levels for the typical day and still have access to more help for unusual situations.

•  Response time. Lights and sirens help clear the road so vehicles can respond more quickly. When using lights and sirens, emergency vehicles are legally permitted to exceed the posted speed limit and proceed through traffic signals and stop signs without stopping. This law is not to be interpreted as permission for emergency vehicles to drive carelessly. Because successful outcomes can depend on how much time is spent on the road, emergency lights and sirens are used when responding to all incidents where there is a life- or potential life-threatening situation.Mason Fire Department continually

evaluates how it can better provide emergency services to the community. To improve response times, the department began using sensors at many of the city’s major intersections. The sensors detect oncoming emergency vehicles and change all the signals to red except for the emergency vehicle. Other improvements toward better response times will be made as the technology, cost, and benefits are evaluated.

Your actions may a�ect the outcome for someone in need.Move to the right and stop for sirens and lights.Avoid blocking intersections as you pull over.

Lou Eves Municipal Pool features a climbing wall, water slide, diving board, large shallow area, zero-depth entry, in-the-water seating ledge, land playground, kiddie pool, lounge chairs, shade umbrellas, and snack bar.

be serviced. In addition to the installation, the department will maintain the pumps, filters, and chemical storage, eliminating the expense of hiring a contractor for this work.

Final preparations to ready the pool for the season took place in May. Public Utilities made additional changes to the pump and chlorine system, Public Works removed a deteriorating wooden structure, Parks staff installed new large shade umbrellas, Community Center employees cleaned the lounge chairs, pump house, and

Pool Opening from pg. 1Council approved the changes as 2011 drew to a close.

This spring, city departments converged on the pool to get it ready for opening day. Public Works, Public Utilities, and Mason Community Center employees cleaned the pool to prepare for the installation of the liner and pumps. They discovered some unexpected concrete work and sealing that needed to be done. More city departments were called in. Public Works and Parks staff removed the concrete as the Engineering Department found contractors who could complete the work quickly in order to keep the installation of the liner on schedule for opening day.

Meanwhile, the staff of the Public Utilities Department, which is well versed in the installation and operation of pumps due to their work at the city’s water reclamation plant, installed the new pumps and accessories. Their recommendation to replace the single large pump with two smaller ones will allow the pump system to operate more efficiently and allow the pool to remain open when a pump needs to

main building, a contractor painted the locker rooms, Comets Pizza prepared the concession area, Community Center and Administration employees printed pool passes and set up the computer systems at the pool, and Human Resources hired the summer staff. All was ready for the opening of the pool on Memorial Day weekend.

Lou Eves Municipal Pool is open from noon to 8 p.m. daily through August 19. It will be open the weekend of August 25-26 and on Labor Day weekend, September 1-3. Daily and season passes are available at the pool.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on July 28 and again on August 25, look for some new and exciting family activities at the pool. Please note that because of the risk of damage to the new pool liner, there will be no Dog Days this year.

By working together, city departments are saving the city hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next ten years while preserving one of the city’s favored summer attractions.

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How Can YOU Help Preserve Our Water Supply?The City of Mason is blessed to have plenty of clean water

available to meet the needs of citizens and businesses. While we hardly give water a second thought, millions of people on other continents struggle daily to obtain enough clean water just for drinking and cooking.

It is much easier to destroy a water supply than it is to clean it up.

This spring, the City of Mason collaborated with St. Susanna Catholic School, Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Ohio Department

of Natural Resources (ODNR) to teach students about local aquatic habitat after completing a stream improvement project behind the school. Above, Chad Snavely, a biologist with the ODNR Division of Wildlife, shows third grade students a sucker fish from Muddy Creek. As part of the city’s stormwater program, portions of Muddy Creek were restored to reduce erosion, provide better stormwater management, and improve wildlife and aquatic habitat along the creek.

Car CareWashing your car or changing vehicle fluids

at your home can send harmful chemicals and detergents directly into your neighborhood’s retention pond if proper steps are not taken. It is likely that every storm drain in your neighborhood drains directly to the retention pond. Allowing vehicle fluids or chemicals to flow into the street is just as bad as dumping these harmful agents directly into the retention pond. Oil and other chemicals in the retention pond can accelerate algal and bacterial growth and kill fish, creating an unsightly mess and an expensive cleanup problem. Here are some tips for responsibly taking care of your vehicle:•  Take your vehicle to a commercial car wash

that recycles or treats the water.•  If you do not want to take your vehicle

to a commercial car wash, clean it on the lawn. This way, the soapy water does not go directly into the pond but is filtered through the grass. Also, use biodegradable soap.

—see WATER on pg. 5

If we are to continue to enjoy the luxury of plentiful clean water, we all must work together to preserve it for our families and for future generations. Fortunately, there are some simple measures we can take to help keep our water supply clean. Here are some things you and your family can do to help protect local streams and improve water quality.

Pet WastePet waste is a major source of excess

nutrients (what algae thrive on!) and bacteria found in retention ponds. Pet waste is a public health risk and should not be taken lightly. Here are some measures you can take to ensure that pet waste doesn’t cause your retention pond to explode with algal growth:•  Remember to pick up after your animal

and dispose of the waste properly (throw it in the trash or flush it).

•  When walking your pet outside, bring plenty of bags to pick up waste.

•  It is nice to bring extra bags for other neighbors who may have forgotten!

•  Spread the word! Make sure friends and neighbors are informed about the negative effects of pet waste. At most city parks, the City of Mason provides doggie bags. Don’t forget to pick one up and make sure you throw it in a trash receptacle

•  When changing car fluids, make sure to drain different fluids into separate drip pans. This makes it possible to recycle each fluid.

•  Do not dispose of oil or other vehicle fluids in the pond, street, gutters, or garbage.

•  If a spill does occur, clean it up immediately! You can use kitty litter, sawdust, or cornmeal to clean up spills.

It is important to recycle used oil and other automotive fluids. Here are some places in or near Warren County that accept used vehicle fluids: Radiator Coolant, Transmission and Used Motor OilOil Express513.777.86797479 Tylers Corners Road

Transmission and Used Motor OilAdvance Auto Parts513.398.4638818 Reading Road (U.S. 42)

Oil Express513.754.00415240 South State Route 741

Smyth Automotive513.777.64008868 Cincinnati-Columbus Road (U.S. 42)

Used Motor Oil (Only)Auto Zone513.398.81181145 Reading Road (U.S. 42)

Storm drains are for rain…Not automotive fluids!

Look At That Fish!

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Water from pg. 4 close to the same ratio. For example, 10-2-4 is equivalent to 5-1-2; it just contains twice as much of each nutrient. You need to be sure to use less if you use higher numbers.

Most southwestern Ohio lawns already contain high levels of phosphorus due to previous agricultural practices. Adding more phosphorus will not help your lawn but will cause algae growth in your retention pond. It is recommended that you purchase fertilizer that contains little or no phosphorus.

The chart below indicates appropriate seasonal amounts for southern Ohio lawns.

Here are some guidelines for how much fertilizer to use and when: •  Over fertilizing can make maintaining a

retention pond more difficult than necessary.•  Excessive use of lawn fertilizer applications

can result in overflow of nutrients into the pond. Algae thrive on the same chemicals in fertilizer that help your grass to grow. Often this can cause algal blooms to increase and make the pond more susceptible to harmful bacteria, such as E. coli.

•  It is important to apply fertilizers when

FertilizerDeveloping a lawn care strategy can reduce

the effort, time, and expense of maintaining a luxurious green lawn.

A green, healthy lawn requires soil that provides good growing conditions. You can determine the composition of your soil by using a soil test kit. Soil test kits can be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement store.

The important soil composition to test for and the important ingredients in lawn fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (often abbreviated N-P-K). These make up the bulk of most fertilizer applications. The desired application amounts change depending on the season and soil composition.

Labels provide the percentage of nutrients in fertilizer. For instance, a bag labeled 10-5-5 indicates there is 10% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus and 5% potassium in the fertilizer.

The best fertilizer ratio to use on your lawn is around 5-1-2. You can use fertilizers with different numbers as long as they are

Pounds of fertilizer to use per 1000 sq. ft.:

Fertilizer Type Apr-May Jun-Jul Aug-Sep Oct-Nov

15-5-10 3 3 to 7 7 7 to 13

19-5-10,

20-4-8

3 3 to 5 5 5 to 10

24-4-8,

24-4-12

2 2 to 4 4 4 to 8

34-5-10 2 2 to 3 3 3 to 6

Adapted from The Ohio State University fertilizer fact sheet.

Awards Presented for Outstanding Service

the time is right. Grass has an ideal temperature at which the roots will begin to absorb the fertilizers. Southern Ohio lawns should have fertilizers applied only when soil temperatures are at or above 54 degrees. It is also important to follow package directions about when to apply the fertilizer to ensure that the lawn application will be absorbed by the soil and won’t run off into your retention pond.

•  The roots of any plant can absorb a limited amount of fertilizer. Adding excess fertilizer will only contaminate nearby surface water, including retention ponds. This is a double waste of money—you waste the fertilizer and have to pay to treat the pond!An easy way to save on fertilizer costs is

using a mulching mower that leaves grass clippings on your lawn. This reduces the amount of fertilizer your lawn needs by 25%.

Every person deserves clean water, which is vital for our health, communities, environment, and economy. Let’s work together to protect clean water for our families and future generations. Water is worth it.

Two Mason police officers and three citizens were invited to a Mason City

Council meeting in May to receive special recognition for their actions.

Officer Jamie Van Wagner was presented with a Life Saving Award for her quick actions when responding to a call for a medical emergency. Without hesitation, Officer Van Wagner stepped in and assisted with CPR. As a result of her lifesaving assistance, the individual survived and was released soon afterward from the hospital.

Detective Troy Nelson received the Officer of the Year award for 2011. His peers nominated him for his high degree of professionalism in support of the mission of the City of Mason Police Department.

The Mason Police Department was pleased to nominate three citizens for awards. Nathan Webster and Gary Parrish each received a Civilian Certificate of Merit. Mr. Webster reported a person who was stealing items out of cars. He was able to provide police with information that led to the apprehension and successful prosecution of the suspect. Mr.

Parrish noticed a man engaging in criminal behavior and immediately called police. Officers were able to apprehend and press charges against the individual.

A Civilian Certificate of Honor was awarded to Jeffrey Greer, who was taking part in a community service activity when he witnessed a vicious dog attack on an individual. Without hesitation and regard for his personal safety, Mr. Greer forcibly

got the dog off of the victim and held the dog down until further help arrived. In so doing, Mr. Greer suffered multiple dog bites himself. Although the injuries to the victim were severe, the quick and selfless action of Mr. Greer undoubtedly saved the victim’s life, earning him the respect of the entire City of Mason community.

Mason City Council and Mason Police Department proudly commended Mr. Jeffrey Greer for his honorable act of bravery in saving a person’s life. He is flanked by Police Chief Ron Ferrell (left) and Mason Mayor David Nichols.

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and New Zealand found that many drowning victims had “strong” or “average” swimming abilities, or had received swimming lessons.

Are there other things that can increase the risk for drowning?Persons with certain health problems are at a greater risk for drowning and should be monitored more closely, especially those with breathing problems and seizures. Also, individuals impaired by drugs and alcohol are at a much higher risk of injury not only from immersion, but from hypothermia as well. This is a good place to note that if a child is shivering, his teeth are chattering, or her lips are blue, he or she is at a greater risk of drowning.

What can I do?While there is much to be cautious of in and around pools, it’s also possible to enjoy your times at the pool. What can you do to keep your family safer and prevent drownings?

According to CPSC’s Pools Safely website,•  Practice supervision. Do not look away

from children in the water. Designate an adult “pool watcher” while children are in and around the pool.

•  Install barriers. In the City of Mason, all in-ground pools must have a fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Above ground pools must have removable ladders or decks with the same fencing and gate requirements as in-ground pools. A barrier can also be as simple as emptying the water from portable pools and removing ladders from large portable pools.

•  Avoid entrapments. Suction from pool drains can trap adults or children. Make sure anti-entrapment drain covers are in place and not damaged.

•  Know life-saving skills. Teach your children how to swim and know CPR. Mason Swim Academy at Mason Community Center offers a comprehensive swim program for children

and adults. Mason Fire Department provides free CPR classes to residents. Please see the latest CenterPoint for class schedules.

• Follow these “Rules for Pools” from CPSC:o Instruct babysitters about potential pool

hazards.o Never leave a child unsupervised near a

pool.o If a child is missing, check the pool first.o Do not allow young children in the pool

without an adult.o Do not consider children to be drown-

proof because they have had swimming lessons.

o Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.

o Learn CPR.o Keep rescue equipment by the pool,

along with a telephone.o Remove toys from in and around the

pool, as they can attract young children.o Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier.

•  Visit the CPSC Pool Safely website, www.poolsafely.gov, for more information.

No one device or solution can prevent all childhood drownings, according to researchers. Instead, having layers of prevention is recommended to ensure children’s safety in and around the water. There are numerous devices, alarms, and other products for monitoring pools. Before purchasing any item for pool safety, do your research and start with local officials and laws. Mason’s Engineering & Building Department is happy to answer questions about the pool safety requirements required by local building codes.

Following these steps and building layers of safety around children will help keep them safer while still having fun at the pool this summer.

….Polo!

Staying Cool in the Pool…SafelyCANNONBALL!!

Marco, Polo, Marco…MARCO!!....??

These are the familiar sounds of kids at play at one of their favorite summer playgrounds, the pool. Pools, or any body of water, can bring welcome relief from the hot, summer weather and memorable family fun. Whether you are enjoying your backyard pool (in-ground, above-ground, portable of any size), community pool, public pool, waterpark, or beach, you should know that water can also bring danger.

Some facts to dive into (only off the end of a diving board, please):•  Drowning remains the second leading

cause of injury-related death among children 1 to 14 years old, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) adds that most of these are children between 1 and 3 years old.

•  The CPSC reports that 300 children under 5 years old drown in swimming pools, and more than 2,000 are treated in emergency rooms for submersion injuries each year.

•  The CPSC also reported that:o Most of these children are being

supervised by one or both parents. o Almost all drownings take place at the

family’s pool, or the pool of a relative or friend.

o The child usually does not splash or cry out, so no one is alerted that the child is in danger.

Let’s tread on some questions.If lifeguards are on duty, the pool is safe, isn’t it? Safer, yes. A trained person monitors the activities in the water and around the pool area, helping keep swimmers safer. And while having a guard is better than none, it does not mean perfect safety. In a report issued in Illinois, over a period of ten years, 7 of 53 (13%) of drowning deaths involving

children occurred in public pools with certified lifeguards present. The same goes for beaches. The U.S. Lifesaving Association reported that nearly 1 of every 5 drownings between 2007 and 2011 occurred at guarded beaches. Ultimately, you are responsible for your safety and that of your children.

If my children have had swimming lessons, aren’t they drown-proof?A CPSC study of 140 swimming pool drowning deaths involving children revealed that better swimming ability, as reported by the parents, was associated with a lower risk of

drowning. But studies in Canada

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Mason Businesses in the Newsservice, and system design. The expansion is being made possible by a strategic partnership with the company, the City of Mason, and the State of Ohio to help foster the company’s growth locally. To learn more about the company, visit www.intelligrated.com.

Congratulations Intelligrated!

FORTE named to the 2012 Supply & Demand Chain

Executive 100FORTE, the pioneering design-build

firm in the distribution sector of the supply chain, was named to the 2012 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100. In 2012, Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine focused the selection criteria on supply chain transformation projects having a significant impact on a company going through the implementations. FORTE helped a national fashion retailer increase productivity and efficiency, improve accuracy, and better utilize space by automating the manual processes in its distribution center to accommodate extremely rapid growth.

FORTE has been engineering and building flexible, scalable, and profitable distribution networks for many of the world’s leading brands for over 30 years. FORTE deals in the hands-on implementation of distribution center design and warehouse automation. The company’s engineers and technicians integrate today’s best practices in supply chain management and distribution center operations while developing next-generation technologies. As a result, their solutions employ the best combination of practical advice, data-driven analysis, and technology-enabled systems.

The company has been located on Commerce Court in Mason since 1994. For more information, visit www.forte-industries.com.

Recognizing Mental HealthLindner Center of Hope and AssureRx,

two signature Mason-based companies in the healthcare and personalized medicine sectors, were recognized at a city council meeting for their contributions to mental health care, awareness, and innovation. A proclamation was presented echoing National Mental Health Awareness Month and designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Mason as well.

Dr. Paul Keck, a renowned psychiatrist and researcher and president and CEO of Lindner Center of Hope in Mason, spoke about the seriousness of mental health afflictions and the importance of awareness and treatment. He acknowledged AssureRx for the important innovative scientific technology they provide to the mental health field.

Lindner Center of Hope, internationally known for excellence in mental health care and treatment, opened its Mason campus in 2008. The Lindner Center of HOPE is a nonprofit, mental health center staffed by a diverse team united in the philosophy that by working together, we can best offer hope for people living with mental illness. The patient and family are at the center of their treatment, education and research. For more information, visit lindnercenterofhope.org.

Jim Burns, president and CEO of AssureRx Health, has over 30 years of executive experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostic fields. His leadership experience includes businesses ranging from early-stage companies to large multinational corporations, venture capital, and private equity. Jim recognized AssureRx’s important partnership with Lindner Center as well as with the City of Mason and spoke about making a difference in people’s lives through innovation and science. AssureRx, headquartered in Mason, is a personalized medicine company dedicated to helping physicians determine the right drug for individual patients suffering from

Don Wright (left), Executive Vice President and COO of AssureRx and James Burns, the company’s President and CEO, attended a Mason City Council meeting in May along with Dr. Paul Keck (far right), President of Lindner Center of Hope. Mayor David F. Nichols (second from right) presented each company with a proclamation and Top 24 City poster.

neuropsychiatric and other disorders. Their GeneSightRx analysis is based on pharmacogenomics, the study of the genetic factors that influence an individual’s response to drug treatments, FDA-approved manufacturers’ drug labels, scientific and clinical peer-reviewed publications, and proven pharmacology. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Mayo Clinic are equity holders and technology collaborators. To learn more about pharmacogenomics and GeneSightRx, visit www.asssurerxhealth.com.

These two companies along with others within the medical science, bio health, and biohealth IT arena will continue to lead the way in Mason, the region, and the United States, bringing cutting edge solutions to the healthcare industry. Mason will continue its work to foster this type of leading innovation, which is a critical part of both improved quality of life and strategic economic growth for the city.

From left: Mason City Manager Eric Hansen; Senior Vice President & Executive Director of CincinnatiUSA Regional Chamber, Denyse Ferguson; Intelligrated Senior Vice President Customer Service & Support, Dennis Gates; Intelligrated Vice President, General Counsel & Human Resources, Mark Tefend; and CincinnatiUSA Regional Chamber’s Director of Investor Relations & Business Retention, Julia Muntel participated in the award ceremony in May.

Intelligrated Selected as 2011 Growth Award Winner

Intelligrated was one of four businesses awarded the 2011 Business Courier/CincinnatiUSA Chamber’s Growth Award recognizing the significant contribution, investment, job creation, and growth in the greater Cincinnati region. The City of Mason, through our partnership with CincinnatiUSA, nominated Intelligrated for the award. Intelligrated received the Tristate Success Award and was named to the Top 20 Worldwide Materials Handling Systems Supplier list for three years in a row (2010, 2011 and 2012).

Intelligrated is a leading North American-owned material handling solutions provider with close to 800 employees in Ohio. The company is adding to its facility in Mason to help support its strategic growth in the material handling industry. Intelligrated expects to supply the region with an additional 200 to 300 technical and engineering positions in research and development, customer

Recycling Bin Deadline

ExtendedThe deadline for notifying the

city if you do NOT want the new, wheeled, 65-gallon recycling bin has been extended to July 31. You do not need to call if you want the new bin, which will be delivered free to residential customers in August, 2012. To see the new bin, visit Mason Community Center where one is on display. For information, watch for a red and black postcard in your mailbox in July.

August / September 2012

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Mason Heritage & Bicycle Festival

Arts Alliance Brings FOTOFOCUS Exhibition to MCC

Event Expands to Showcase Mason through Premier Experiences

The annual Heritage & Bicycle Festival returns to Mason on Saturday, August 18, 2012. This year’s event includes a schedule of more than 100 activities and expanded festivities to showcase Mason’s history. The one-day downtown event includes the annual parade as well as designated zones for children, teens, crafts, food and sweets, and the annual Mason Idol competition.

The festival kicks off with the Heritage Parade that begins at 10 a.m. at Mason Municipal Center and proceeds along Main Street to Reading Road, ending at Fourth Avenue. Opening ceremonies and the crowing of the Little Miss Heritage pageant winner take place immediately after the parade. The popular Mason Idol competition will feature contestants from Mason and other communities. The event will also include the bicycle-decorating contest introduced last year in honor of Bicycle Days, which was the name of the festival during the 1970s.

Sponsorship opportunities for the Heritage & Bicycle Festival are available and volunteers are needed to participate in monthly committee meetings, separately scheduled subcommittee meetings, and to assist at the festival.

For more information and future updates, visit www.festivalsofmason.com.

The Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance (MDAA) is pleased to partner with FotoFocus Cincinnati for a citywide photography exhibition. MDAA is accepting entries for the upcoming FotoFocus “FACE” exhibition that will be held at Mason Community Center from October 3 to October 31.

For an application and more information, please visit www.masonarts.org or call 513.309.8585.

7th Annual Mason Arts Festival Set for September

Mason Historical Society

The Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance (MDAA) will present the 7th annual Mason Arts Festival at Mason Municipal Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 16, 2012.

Featuring over 100 local and regional artists, the event showcases a variety of fine arts and crafts, including ceramics, fiber arts, glass, graphic/print, jewelry, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture, and wood.

Outside, guests will be entertained by various performing artists and can enjoy great food. The kids’ art tent will provide free arts activities to the entire family. Guests can also enjoy the many artists who demonstrate their crafts throughout the day.

The inside of Mason Municipal Center will be transformed into a beautiful “City Gallery” featuring over 80 paintings. Guests will also enjoy the indoor performing artists as they browse the gallery.

The Mason Arts Festival is free to the community. Parking is free and plentiful.

If you’re interested in volunteering for this wonderful event, please contact the MDAA. Call 513.309.8585 for more information or visit www.masonarts.org.

Mason Historical Society’s Alverta Green Museum at 207 West Church Street is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays or by appointment. Please call 513.398.6750 or check the web site at www.masonhistoricalsociety.org.

At the Heritage Festival in August, the historical society will have a booth on Main Street with information about Mason. Stop by to learn about the city’s past and support the yearly quilt raffle. The quilt will be on display and raffle tickets will be available throughout the day. The drawing for the winning ticket will be held at the end of the day. Also at the festival, the historical society’s annual Classic Car Show will be held in the parking lot of Peoples First Bank.

At the Mason Arts Festival in September, look for the society’s booth inside the Mason Municipal Center.

Kings Island celebrated 40 years of fun at a Mason City Council meeting.

April 28, 2012, was proclaimed as Kings Island Day in Mason in honor of the amusement park’s fortieth year of excellence in service to their industry as well as their

contributions to the City of Mason.Greg Scheid, Executive Vice President and General Manager of

Kings Island, brought with him to the Council meeting employees who have 40 or more years of tenure with Kings Island. Mr. Scheid stated that Kings Island has enjoyed its partnership with the City of Mason and they look forward to another forty years. Council members fondly recalled their memories of the past 40 years at the iconic park.

Shown are Council members and Kings Island employees, who are listed with the year they began working at the park. From left: Council members Tom Grossmann and Char Pelfrey, Jerry Niederhelman (1972), Sam Hill (1970), Jeff Gramke (1971), Vice Mayor Victor Kidd, Greg Scheid - Executive Vice President and General Manager of Kings Island, Mayor David F. Nichols, Dave Bibb (1972), Becky Moss (1970), Tom Hollinger (1972), Kelce Smith (1970), and Council Members Barbara Berry-Spaeth and Rich Cox.

The city extends a sincere thank you to all who have made Kings Island what it is today, and what it will be well into the future. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Kings Island! Thanks for the memories!