Mason & Deerfield, OH July 2026

Summertime Discovery

Meals

Other

Hidden Gems & New Adventures

One of the greatest gifts of summer is the chance to break from routine. Longer days and warmer weather encourage us to get outside, try something different and see familiar places from a new perspective. This month's issue is all about embracing that spirit of exploration.

Communities thrive when people share what they love. Whether it's local artists transforming a public space into a vibrant mural at Kingswood Park or enthusiasts gathering at Mavericks and Hey Suburbia Records to celebrate gaming, collectibles and music, these stories remind us that the most rewarding moments can be the connections we make along the way.

Some of the most fascinating discoveries are closer than we realize. Our feature on the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks highlights one of Ohio's greatest treasures and a story thousands of years in the making. Sites like nearby Fort Ancient invite visitors to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site and connect with the ingenuity, culture and traditions of the people who shaped this region long before our communities existed.

Of course, exploration isn't only about places. Sometimes it's about discovering new ways to make a difference. At Wheels Transportation, volunteers dedicate their time and talents to restoring donated vehicles that help individuals and families overcome transportation challenges and build brighter futures.

This summer, if you do one thing, follow your curiosity. Visit a place you've never been, support a local business you've always wanted to explore or volunteer for a cause that speaks to you. You never know what new connections, experiences or perspectives you'll discover.

Have a great Summer!

MARK ANDREA, PUBLISHER @MASONANDDEERFIELDLIFESTYLE

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Karen Andrea

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jonathan Stout, Lisa Fletcher, Amanda Stout

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Niki Wise Photography, Amanda Stout

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

inside the issue

Collectors

Learn

city scene

1: The Mason Symphony Orchestra performed their “Peter and the Wolf” concert at Mason Elementary School. 2: Students were invited to ask questions and learn about the instruments that voiced the characters. 3: Langston Humphrey performing with the Mason Symphony Orchestra for their Masterworks America 250 concert. 4: The School for Creative Tots Mason proudly hosted their annual Art Show. 5: The show featured student artwork inspired by beloved children’s books. 6: Each classroom transformed into a story‑themed gallery, showcasing pieces created by toddlers through Pre‑K students. 7: The event highlighted the creativity, confidence and joyful learning that define the Creative Tots experience.

8: Sonder Brewing and Greater Project threw a Kentucky Derby Casino Soirée hosted at Revelance. 9: Proceeds support the work of Greater Project, helping vulnerable children locally and around the world. 10: GoGLOW celebrated their grand opening at The District at Deerfield with their team and the community. 11: Cafe Patachou celebrated the opening of their first Ohio location in The District at Deerfield. 12: Mason Community Players entertained audiences with their performances of “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” 13: The performances took place at both Kings Island and the Mason Community Playhouse. 14: “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” featured a talented cast of seven.

business monthly

Ohio River Paddlefest to Attempt Guinness World Record

Ohio River Paddlefest is a celebrated Cincinnati tradition. To honor the event’s 25th anniversary, organizers will attempt to set the Guinness World Record title for “Largest Paddle Craft Party” on August 1. Paddlefest must surpass 1,105 human-powered watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, on the water simultaneously for at least 15 minutes. Paddlefest is organized by and benefits Adventure Crew, a nonprofit that connects city teens with nature through engaging outdoor adventures. OhioRiverPaddleFest.org

Volunteering to Drive Hope Forward

LOCAL NONPROFIT WHEELS TRANSPORTATION

INC. HELPS PEOPLE MOVE FORWARD ONE RESTORED VEHICLE AT A TIME.

ARTICLE BY LISA FLETCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

For many people, hopping behind the wheel is something they don’t think twice about. A car gets them where they need to go: work, school, the grocery store or home again at the end of a long day. For families facing financial hardship or major life challenges, reliable transportation can be the very thing standing between stability and uncertainty.

That reality drives the mission of Wheels Transportation Inc. Volunteers spend days, evenings and weekends transforming donated vehicles into something far greater than transportation. They’re helping restore dignity and independence for individuals and families in Greater Cincinnati, including many in Warren County.

The ministry began more than two decades ago with a simple act of kindness. In 2001, founder Al Duebber helped the widow of a Vietnam veteran by restoring and gifting her a minivan on Christmas Eve. The impact was so powerful that the professional mechanics at Duebbers Automotive Service Center decided to make it an annual tradition. The ministry was eventually moved to local churches before becoming an independent nonprofit and relocating to Cleves in October 2018.

Since that first Christmas Eve gift, Wheels has donated 1,874 vehicles to individuals and families facing transportation crises.

“We are trying to bring light to the darkness that these folks live in every day,” explains Dave “Tex” Cho, executive director of Wheels Transportation.

Today, the organization partners with churches, nonprofits and workforce programs that carefully identify qualified recipients. Volunteers then repair donated cars, often completing everything from oil changes to transmission replacements before the keys are handed over.

For Dave, the need is impossible to ignore. “Imagine suddenly losing access to your car,” he reflects. “Think of all the things in your daily life that depend on reliable transportation.”

Everyday tasks are overwhelming without a vehicle. Getting to work requires multiple bus transfers. Grocery shopping is complicated. Medical appointments are missed. For families, especially single-parent households, transporting children to school or activities is a struggle.

Having transportation doesn’t just help someone travel farther. It helps them move forward. That mission is what drew Mason resident Jeff LaPrete to volunteer with Wheels nearly three years ago.

“Mark 10:45 says Jesus came to serve, not be served,” Jeff shares. “It’s my job and desire to serve. If not me, then who?”

Alongside more than 40 active volunteers, Jeff contributes practical skills wherever they’re needed. People without automotive experience can provide administrative and cleaning help, cook meals for volunteers or organize donations. Anyone can give back by donating a car, providing financial assistance or sharing their talents.

That spirit of service has helped Wheels steadily expand. Since becoming an independent nonprofit in 2019, the organization has averaged more than 120 vehicle donations annually, all powered by volunteers.

The impact of Wheels is measured in far more than numbers. Dave recalls a recipient who was pregnant and struggling with addiction. She had lost both her medical license and stability in life. After receiving a vehicle from a Wheels partner organization, she began rebuilding. Today, she has regained her credentials, started a family and works helping juveniles in the justice system.

At Wheels, each restored vehicle represents a community member willing to donate a car, their time or resources to help someone else move forward. WheelsCinci.org

“Imagine suddenly losing access to your car. Think of all the things in your daily life that depend on reliable transportation.”

—Dave “Tex” Cho

Saturday.

ARTS ALLIANCE MURAL CELEBRATES

20 YEARS

Kingswood Park Pavilion now features a colorful reminder to explore the arts and nature.

The Arts Alliance celebrated 20 years of bringing the arts to Warren County with a vibrant mural on the Kingswood Park Pavilion wall.

Arts Alliance Executive Director Meredith Raffel collaborated with Deerfield Township and professional artist Laurie Siebert to design the mural. It highlights the park's spirit and the Arts Alliance's mission to enrich and inspire the community through enjoyment of the arts.

"Deerfield Township has always been an amazing partner for us, and this project is no exception," shares Meredith.

Using Laurie’s concept, 20 volunteers worked alongside her to paint the mural. Deerfield Township provided supplies, scaffolding, ladders and a final clear coat. TheArtsAlliance.com

Paradise

For Collectors

Collectors find like-minded communities and unique shops to explore in Mason.

Hey Suburbia Records

Until recently, suburban record collectors between Cincinnati and Dayton didn’t have nearby independent record stores to dig for music treasures. Enter Mason’s Hey Suburbia Records, which bridged the gap between cities for record collectors starting in 2021. We spoke with Head of Operations Jason Neill.

TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOUR STORE OFFERS. WHAT MAKES YOUR SELECTION UNIQUE?

We offer a wide variety of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassette tapes, t-shirts and other music-related items. We’re well known for having one of the largest selections of Japanese import records in the country, as well as rare vinyl copies of albums produced during the CD era of the 1990s and early 2000s. We take pride in our collector focus while also having an array of accessible rock, pop, metal, punk and jazz titles.

WHAT IS HEY SUBURBIA KNOWN FOR BY YOUR CUSTOMERS?

We are known for having high-quality records and knowledgeable, friendly staff. We strive to bring customers quality, rare and unique titles with no blemishes, scratches and scuffs.

WHAT ARE SOME CURRENT STAFF FAVORITES?

We post weekly staff favorites on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Our staff is heavily into bands like Black Sabbath, The Ramones, The Descendents, Big Star, Bolt Thrower and Screeching Weasel. The store is actually named after Screeching Weasel's 1988 song, "Hey Suburbia."

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT OPERATING A RECORD SHOP IN MASON?

Mason is the heart of the burbs! Being exactly halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton gives us a diverse clientele.

Mavericks came to Mason in 2012 and serves the local gaming community, offering a large selection of trading cards and collectibles. We spoke with General Manager Luke Browning about what customers can discover at Mavericks.

TELL US ABOUT THE PRODUCTS THAT YOUR STORE OFFERS.

We support a variety of trading card games, including Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, One Piece, Digimon, Flesh and Blood, Riftbound, Gundam and Lorcana. Additionally, we carry a wide selection of Warhammer 40k models, Dungeons & Dragons books, dice and miniature painting supplies.

WHY DO YOU THINK THERE'S STILL SUCH AN INTEREST IN CARDS AND GAMING?

During the pandemic, people were stuck at home with little to do and extra cash from the stimulus. Many began revisiting

their hobbies, digging through their closets and finding old trading cards. Some now had kids who were expressing interest. Pokémon also received a lot more mainstream attention, with influencers showing off their collections on camera. This interest in collectible cards spread to other card games and has continued to rise since.

WHAT IS MAVERICKS KNOWN FOR? WHAT KEEPS CUSTOMERS COMING BACK?

Community. We have regular customers from all walks of life. This is a great place for introverts and extroverts alike. In a world where society is increasingly divided, places like this are very important.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR GAMING EVENTS?

The most special thing about our events is how welcoming they are. We offer a large variety of events and there is something for everyone.

SACRED OPEN AIR CATHEDRALS

Learn more and explore the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, including nearby Fort Ancient.

ARTICLE BY AMANDA STOUT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Between 1,600 and 2,000 years ago, southern Ohio became the heart of a vast religious movement that spanned much of North America and was known for the building of massive ceremonial earthworks. Indigenous tribes made pilgrimages from as far west as the Rocky Mountains and east as the Carolinas to visit these sites, many of which are recognized today as the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.

“Ohio features a unique concentration of monumental landscape architecture found nowhere else in the world,” explains Neil Thompson, marketing department manager at the Ohio History Connection (OHC).

These sacred masterpieces served as communal gathering places where Native Americans conducted ceremonies, honored their ancestors and celebrated the passage of seasons. The builders of these earthworks had a sophisticated understanding of geometry, often aligning earthen structures with solar events such as solstices and equinoxes. They even tracked the complex 18.6-year lunar cycle, a feat accomplished by few contemporary cultures.

Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Chief Glenna Wallace, a citizen of one of the nearly 50 American Indian tribes with a historical presence in Ohio, explained the importance of honoring these spaces at the September 2023 committee meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, inscribing the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“I am so humbled, so honored and so thankful that the world at long last recognizes the commitment, the

spirituality, the knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, art, geology and aesthetic vision resulting in the imaginative thinking used by our ancestors to create these magnificent earthworks. They were not just geniuses. They were uncommon geniuses.”

If you grew up in Southwest Ohio, you may have childhood memories of visiting some of the earthworks that still exist in our own backyard. Maybe you took a bus ride with your fourth-grade classmates to explore Fort Ancient in Warren County, a 126-acre hilltop enclosure. Perhaps one summer afternoon you piled into a van with your family to visit Serpent Mound in Adams County, the largest surviving effigy mound in the world.

Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve in Oregonia and Serpent Mound in Peebles are directly managed by the Ohio History Connection, a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered by the Ohio General Assembly in 1885 with a mission to spark the discovery of Ohio stories. Fort Ancient was the first site within the OHC network of 58 sites throughout the state and is one of the eight sites included in the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.

CONTINUED >

“Ohio features a unique concentration of monumental landscape architecture found nowhere else in the world.” -Neil Thompson, the Ohio History Connection

“I recommend Fort Ancient as a great starting point for those interested in earthworks sites. It has the most extensive museum and visitor center along with an interpretive garden and 3.5 miles of hiking trails, including a path leading to an overlook of the Little Miami River,” shares Neil.

Historical experts, like Fort Ancient and Serpent Mound Site Superintendent Bill Kennedy, staff each of the sites. Bill is an archaeologist with 30 years of experience who previously worked for SunWatch Village and teaches at Wright State University. Visitors can join these experts for guided tours most Friday afternoons year-round at alternating locations.

“I identify first and foremost as an educator. Our primary focus is managing museum operations and community outreach

because visitor awareness is critical for the long-term protection and preservation of the sites,” notes Bill.

They also actively collaborate with at least 46 federally recognized American Indian tribes that have ancestral ties to Ohio but were removed in the 19th century. A dedicated OHC department facilitates tribal consultation on presentation, programming and authentic representation of indigenous history.

“This approach ensures we are ‘talking with' rather than just ‘talking about’ our tribal partners and helps fill history gaps by incorporating oral traditions and indigenous perspectives into the presentation of the sites,” Neil says.

The main goal for visitors is to understand earthworks as active American

Indian sites, rather than artifacts of an extinct culture.

“American Indian communities are still thriving today, and the ultimate objective is to inspire visitors to continue learning about and exploring other significant historical sites,” Bill emphasizes.

For visitors interested in continuing their exploration, Bill and Neil recommend taking a road trip to the Newark Earthworks in Licking County, Ohio.

The Newark Earthworks include both the Great Circle Earthworks and the Octagon Earthworks, which until last year had not been fully accessible to the public in over 100 years.

The Newark Earthworks are also part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks and are directly managed by OHC. The Octagon, which is in a transitional phase away from its former use as a private golf course, is a sophisticated lunar observatory, meticulously oriented to capture the northernmost point of the moonrise.

Five additional Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks sites are managed by the National Park Service and are

located in the Chillicothe area: Mound City, Hopewell Mound Group, Hopeton Earthworks, High Bank Works and Seip Earthworks.

While summer may be an easier time to visit for families, fall and winter are optimal times for a more peaceful, contemplative experience with clearer views of the earthworks. Solstice sunset/sunrise events are also popular, with opportunities to hear from archaeologists and tribal leaders.

As a steward for two local examples of Ohio history and ancient brilliance, Bill expresses, “Fort Ancient and Serpent Mound are sacred, open-air cathedrals that require careful management to prevent damage. Preservation requires a deep understanding of these sites, which are finite and diminishing resources. It involves working with American Indian partners to ensure the sites are treated with respect and can continue to exist for years to come.”

HopewellEarthworks.org | OhioHistory.org

YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE IS WORTH PLANNING FOR

DIANNA KNUDSEN, CFP®, AAMS® Financial Advisor, RJFS

Senior Vice President, Knudsen Wealth Planning 104 Reading Rd. // Mason, OH 45040 // T 513.766.9299 dianna.knudsen@raymondjames.com // raymondjames.com/knudsenwp

Knudsen Wealth Planning is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and Certified Financial Planner® in the U.S. AAMS® and Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

3

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

4

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

5

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 3RD

Red, Rhythm and Boom 2026

Mason Municipal Center Campus | 4:00 PM

The City of Mason will host Red, Rhythm and Boom on the Mason Municipal Center campus on July 3. The free festivities begin at 4 p.m. with carnival games and kid zone activities. Enjoy a variety of food trucks and adult beverages with stage entertainment starting at 6 p.m. before Rozzi’s fireworks at 10 p.m. ImagineMason.org

JULY 10TH

Music in Mason

Mason Downtown Plaza | 6:00 PM

Music in Mason is back with great music and fun for the community! On July 10 local singer Ashley Havlin will perform, followed by the Michelle Robinson Band. In addition to live music, attendees can enjoy food trucks, adult beverages, kids’ activities, local business displays and more. MasonCommunityCalendar.com

JULY 16TH

Shakespeare in the Park

Cottell Park - Grass Loop | 7:00 PM

Deerfield Township and The Arts Alliance have partnered to bring the performing arts to Cottell Park on July 16 at 7 p.m. The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will present Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” promising laughter and wonder. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and snacks to this free community event. DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com

JULY 20TH - 25TH

Warren County Fair

Warren County Fairgrounds | 8:00 AM

The 2025 Warren County Fair will take place at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon July 20-25. Beginning at 8 a.m., attendees can enjoy rides, music, food, pageants and more! General admission is $12 Monday through Wednesday and $15 Thursday through Saturday. Children aged 2 and under are admitted free of charge. Find out more at WarrenCountyFairOhio.org.

JULY 24TH

Movie in the Park

Cottell Park - Grass Loop | 7:00 PM

Enjoy a free outdoor showing of “The Iron Giant” at Cottell Park on July 24. “The Iron Giant” is a giant metal machine that falls to Earth and befriends a boy named Hogarth. Guests should bring their own chairs, blankets and snacks. Themed games and crafts are offered at 7 p.m. before the movie starts at 8 p.m. DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com

JULY 28TH

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Cottell Park | 7:30 PM

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra is returning to Cottell Park for a performance on July 28 at 7:30 p.m., followed by a spectacular drone show. The American Legion will be selling beer and wine throughout the event. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, blankets and lawn chairs. This is a free, family-friendly community event. DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com

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Move-in ready Parkside home on a private cul-de-sac backing to green space! Bright 2-story great room with gas fireplace opens to an updated kitchen with quartz counters and backsplash. Flexible rear study. Spacious primary suite with sitting area and updated bath. Generous bedrooms plus a bonus room/optional 5th bedroom. Major updates: carpet (2026), roof (2025), HVAC (2018), windows (2017). Enjoy outdoor living and community amenities—park, pool, and playground—just minutes to Downtown Mason, VOA Park, shopping, and dining.

TIFFANY ALLEN-ZEUCH

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“We highly recommend Tiffany Allen-Zeuch! She was extremely knowledgeable about the market and relocation policies, and helped us price our home just right. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and friendly nature made the process smooth and stress-free. She’s also a skilled negotiator who truly had our best interests in mind. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”

~ Eusebia M.

— Richard L.