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Christian college teams from across the nation descended on Prasco Park this month in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Div. I and II Baseball National Championship World Series.

The Div. 1 championship game will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Mason athletic facility. Oklahoma Wesleyan will look to defend its National Championship title against California Baptist University.

Toccoa Falls College beat out Florida Christian in the Div. II championship, held on May 12.

This is the fourth year for the NCCAA World Series at Prasco Park, which opened in 2008. The 550-seat stadium built to Major League specifications is on the corporate campus of Prasco Laboratories and is an initiative of the Arington Foundation, named for Prasco founder Thomas Arington.

Arington Executive Director Jeff Zurcher said the partnership is a matter of faith, in addition to providing a first-class baseball experience.

Arington’s mission is to positively affect the values of young people through Christian influence in sport, media and education — values which merge with the Christian intercollegiate athletic association, he said.

As part of their participation in the World Series, each team donates service hours at Matthew 25 Ministries, a Blue Ash-based charity.

The park maintains a code of conduct for guests, which prohibits profanity, alcohol and excessive displays of affection, and opens each game with a prayer.

“It’s a values match,” said Zurcher of the NCCAA. “We love God and we love people and we try to do that in a safe, pleasant experience. We’ve created a destination not only for baseball fans, but for families.”

In addition to hosting the NCCAA World Series, the park is the permanent home of the Cincinnati Spikes amateur baseball team. Select colleges, universities and youth programs also use the facility.

Admission is free and open to the community. In addition to the tournament are family-friendly games, activities, vendors and food in a festival-like atmosphere..

Prasco Park is at 6125 Commerce Court in Mason. For more information, go to www.prascopark.com.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events, Religion, Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: arington foundation, baseball, baseball national championship world series, california baptist university, christian, div. i, div. ii, florida christian, free, jeff zurcher, mason, national christian college athletic association, nccaa, oklahoma wesleyan university, prasco laboratories, prasco park, religion, thomas arington, toccoa falls college, world series

The Goddard School in Mason will hold a fundraising car wash and bake sale from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday to benefit Relay for Life.

Relay for Life is an all-night walk to raise funds and awareness of cancer research with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

The next Relay for Life event in Mason is set for June 9 at the Mason Municipal Center.

“We are all delighted to help in the fight for finding a cure for cancer ,” said franchise owner Kerra Spaeth.  “The teachers and children are anticipating a lot of fun and a great learning experience.”

The early childhood development center will also celebrate its Family Fun Day that day.  Science to Go will conduct science experiments and every child will receive a free take-home experiment.

The Goddard School is at 754 Reading Road and can be reached at 513-398-2777.  More information is online at www.goddardschool.com.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: american cancer society, bake sale, car wash, charity, deerfield township, family fun day, fundraiser, goddard school, kerra spaeth, mason, relay for life

Dozens of vintage Jeeps from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s will be on display during the Midwest Willys Jeep Reunion,which runs today through Sunday at the Kings Island Resort and Conference Center.

The reunion is described as the “finest gathering of Willys and Jeep vehicles north of the Mason-Dixon.”

Also featured are parts vendors, vehicles for sale, tech demonstrations and seminars. Guest speakers include Ron Szymanski, a retired 35-year Jeep employee and former curator of the Jeep House Museum.

Admission and parking are free; $20 per vehicle to show. Tickets for Saturday evening’s banquet and guest speaker are $25 for adults and $14 for children ages 12 and under.

Kings Island Resort and Conference Center is at 5691 Kings Island Drive in Mason. For more information, call 513-423-8724.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: king's island resort and conference center, midwest willy's jeep reunion, reunion, ron szymanski, swap show, vintage jeeps, willys jeep reunion

The Mason Community Center is launching its first teen health and wellness camp this summer.

The one-week camp geared for teens ages 13-15 seeks to educate camp-goers on healthy exercise and wellness habits and includes many community center amenities, such as the fitness center, Edge climbing wall, gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor pools and local parks.

Two one-week sessions will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Camp sessions held the week of June 25 and the week of July 23.

Teens may attend either or both camps. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Cost is $30 for Mason Community Center premier members; $35 for basic members; $44 for non-member Mason residents and $53 for non-residents.

Register online (activity number 461803) at www.imaginemason.org or call 513-229-8555. Registrations are recommended at least one week before the camp session begins.

Posted in: Events, Health & Fitness |

Tags: Tags: fitness, health, mason community center, programs, sports, summer camp, teen health and wellness camp, teens

Sara, a 2-year-old female Pointer/Hound mix, is one of many available dogs at the Cincinnati SPCA. Provided photo

Looking to add a new four-legged member to your family?

Emeritus at Long Cove Pointe in Mason will host the Cincinnati SPCA’s mobile adoption unit from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 30. The SPCA will have several available dogs and cats for prospective adopters to meet.

The senior living community is also accepting donations for the SPCA throughout the month as part of the community’s “project with a purpose” campaign.  Donations will be presented to the SPCA at the adoption event.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at the free event, held at 5535 Irwin-Simpson Road. For more information, call Community Relations Manager Debby Farmer at 513-229-3155.

See a list of available cats and dogs at the SPCA at www.spcacincinnati.org.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: cats, cincinnati spca, dogs, donations, emeritus at long cove pointe, mason, mobile adoption unit, pet adoption, spca

The Lou Eves Municipal Pool was upgraded with new pumps, paint and PVC liner this season. The pool opens Memorial Day weekend. Provided photo

City workers are putting the finishing touches on improvements to the Lou Eves Municipal Pool.

The outdoor community pool, which opened in 1995, was recently upgraded with new pumps, paint, and a new custom-fitted PVC pool lined was installed.

The pool opens on Saturday, May 26 and will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Memorial Day weekend.  The pool reopens the weekend of June 2-3; daily operation runs from June 9 through Aug. 19, with weekend operations Aug. 25-26 and Labor Day weekend.

Amenities include a climbing wall, water slide, baby pool, children’s play area and snack bar.  Morning swim lessons by the Mason Swim Academy begin June 11.

Regular resident passes are $73 adults; $45 youth and senior citizens and $128 for families.  Non-resident cost is $157 adults; $96 youth and senior citizens and $321 for families.   Special rates are also available for Mason business employees and their families.

Daily resident admission is $5.50 adults and $4.50 youth and seniors; non-resident daily rates are $8.50 adults and $7 for children and seniors.  Children ages 3 and under are free.  Daily pass rates are discounted 50 percent after 5 p.m.

The pool is at 6249 Mason-Montgomery Road.  For more information, call the City of Mason at 513-229-8500.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: city of mason, community, corwin nixon park, lou eves pool, mason, outdoor pool, upgrades

Matt Ledbetter (left) and Jack Schulte of Reuben USA cook kielbasa, onions and peppers in a giant skillet in Goebel Park for the kickoff luncheon for the 32nd Annual MainStrasse Village Maifest last year. Enquirer file photo

The Enquirer

With the year’s first Party in the Park tonight, the grand opening of Riverfront Smale Park on Friday and Maifest this weekend, there’s plenty to do. Here are some ideas to get you started.

May 16: First Party in the Park
5-10 p.m., Yeatman’s Cove, 805 Pete Rose Way, Downtown. Happy hour prices from 5-6:30 p.m.
Music by Naked Karate Girls. Free. Through July 25. 513-579-3100 |• More information

May 17: Bacchanalian Society gathering
7-10 p.m., Cincinnati Masonic Center, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown.
Wine varietal: American-grown Chardonnay. Teams must bring three bottles of wine. Benefits The Josh Cares Cincinnati Program.
$20, $15 advance. 513-421-3579 |• More information

May 18: Grand opening of Smale Riverfront Park
6:15 p.m., Smale Riverfront Park, Mehring Way and Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown.
Celebrate completion of Phase I features of new park. Free ice cream, ribbon-cutting ceremony, music by Kathy Wade and others, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, concessions and fireworks.   Free. 513-352-4080 |• Photos: John Smale | More information

May 18: An Evening with Pete Rose
8 p.m., Belterra Casino Resort & Spa, 777 Belterra Drive, Florence, Ind. CenterStage Showroom.
4192: The Crowning of the Hit King. Rose talks about his life leading up to setting a world record for hits.
Ages 21 and up. $30, $25 members. 800-745-3000 • Photos: A history of Pete Rose |• Get tickets

May 18: Spring Fling
8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. Pavilion.
Finger food from local restaurants and beers by Christian Moerlein. Includes four drink tickets. Music 3 Day Rule and DJ Tony Krebs. Benefits The Cincinnati Horticulture Society and Jean Robert’s Family SIDS Foundation.
$45. Reservations required. 513-383-5595 | More information

May 18-20: Maifest
Noon-11 p.m., Germania Society of Cincinnati, 3529 W. Kemper Road, Colerain Township.
Maibaum (Maypole) raising, Mai Konigen (May Queen) coronation and traditional Maitanz (May Dance). Assorted German/domestic beers, wine and schnapps available, along with German meals, pastries and other items, including plants and crafts. Variety of music. Family friendly.
$2, free ages 12 and under. Through May 20. 513-742-0060 |• Photos: Maifest over the years |• More information

May 18-20: I Hear Music in the Air conference
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Word of Deliverance Family Life Center, 693 Fresno Road, Forest Park.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. Classes include: Plan and Purpose for Your Life by Bishop Derek Triplett, Women in Ministry by Shelia Knight and Juandolyn Stokes, Airplay 360 by Ace Alexander and panelists and Zumba Fitness by Y’Anna Crawley.
$15 per person. 513-851-9673 | More information

Seventh and 8th-grade Italian Dancers from St Catherine of Siena School performed in the light rain last year at CincItalia in Cheviot. Enquirer file photo

May 18-20: CincItalia
3 p.m.-midnight, Harvest Home Park, 3961 North Bend Road, Cheviot.
Celebration of Italian heritage. Entertainment from national music acts, activities for all ages and authentic cuisine prepared by local Italian restaurants and Cincinnati’s Italian cultural societies.
Free. Through May 20. 513-675-7581 | Photos: CincItalia cookie queens |• More information

May 19: Ben-Gals finals
6 p.m.-midnight, Newport Syndicate, 18 E. Fifth St., Newport.
Candidates perform skill sets for a spot on the 30-person roster. The women will be judged by dance professionals, celebrities and local fans. Cash bar and food available. Afterparty follows.
$30. Registration required. 513-236-1643 | Photos: Ben-Gals tryouts last year | Photos: Ben-Gals through the years

May 19-20: Asian Food Festival
11-midnight, The Banks, 150 E. Mehring Way, Downtown. Freedom Way between Elm Street and Rosa Parks Street.
Food from various countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, India, Indonesia and more. Local craft and Asian beer, entertainment and games for children. Fireworks by Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics Saturday night. Benefits Care2Share.
Free. 513-549-5036 |• More information

May 19: Tap and Run 4K
5 p.m., Northern Kentucky, Northern Kentucky, Covington.
Start line at Saratoga and Third streets.
4K with four beer-chug stations along race course, full beer at finish line, crazy costumes and more.
$34-$46. 513-345-3054 |• More information

May 19: Go OTR 5K
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Over-the-Rhine, Over-the-Rhine, Over-the-Rhine. Registration 8:30 a.m.
Course begins at corner of 12th and Vine streets.
Celebration follows run with shopping, food and music. Benefits Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce.
$25, $20 advance. Registration required, available online. 513-241-2690 |• More information

May 20: Rain
7 p.m., Aronoff Center, Procter & Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St., Downtown.
Multi-media enhanced live performance follows Fab Four from first Ed Sullivan appearance through Abbey Road album.
$60, $55, $50, $35. 513-621-2787
• Photos: The Beatles |• More information

May 20: Brad Paisley with The Band Perry
7:30 p.m., Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township.
With the Band Perry and Scotty McCreery, “American Idol” season 10 winner.
Gates open 4:30 p.m. $63.75, $43.75 pavilion, $28.50 lawn; plus fees. 800-745-3000 | More information

Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: an evening with pete rose, asian food festival, bacchanalian society, beatles, belterra casino, ben-gals, cinciitalia, cincinnati, cincinnati masonic center, coney island, downtown, first party in the park, germania society of cincinnati, go otr 5k, harvest home park, i hear music in the air, maifest, newport syndicate, over-the-rhine, rain, smale riverfront park, spring fling, tap and run 4k, the banks, yeatman's cove

Get your cholesterol and glucose levels tested next week at the Mason Community Center.

The center will hold fasting cholesterol and glucose screenings from 7-9 a.m. Wednesday, May 23.

TriHealth specialists will be available to discuss screening results, which will be available the day of testing. Those participating are recommended not to have food from midnight the night before the test. Food and refreshments will be available after screening.

The event is presented as part of a Live Well in Mason series sponsored by Partners in Wellness, a collaboration of the City of Mason, Group Health Associates and Bethesda Physical Therapy.

Cost for both screenings is $19 for Community Center premier members; $22 for basic members; $28 for Mason residents and $33 for non-residents.

To register, call the Mason Community Center Wellness supervisor at 513-229-8555, ext. 5546or register online at www.imaginemason.org (activity number 186200).

Posted in: Events, Health & Fitness |

Tags: Tags: bethesda physical therapy, cholesterol, city of mason, glucose, group health associates, live well in mason, mason, mason community center, screenings

The Garden Dining Room at Cedar Village Retirement Community in Mason. Share/Elliot Grossman

Cedar Village Retirement Community will hold a Parade of Homes tour from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, May 24.

The event will offer tours of its studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments for independent and assisted living and its newly expanded Cedar Village Rehabilitation Center.

“This would be a great way to find out why we say ‘life begins at Cedar Village,’ ” said Cedar Village CEO and President Carol Elliott.

Those interested in tours are encouraged to RSVP to Rita Potolski or Martha Pyne at 513-754-3100. Light refreshments will be served.

Cedar Village is at 5467 Cedar Village Drive in Mason. More information is at www.cedarvillage.org.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: cedar village, open house, parade of homes, retirement community, seniors, tour

Jane Prendergast reports:

President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign opens its third Southwest Ohio office tonight, in Mason.

These areas already have field offices: Cincinnati, Northern Hamilton County, Warren, Mentor, Lima, Defiance, Bowling Green, Toledo, Beavercreek, Youngstown, New Philadelphia, Athens, Parma, Columbus, Middletown, Dayton, Chillicothe and Shaker Heights.

The campaign invites you to attend -  7 p.m. Tuesday, 108 West Main Street, 45040. Former City Councilman and Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper is hosting this office opening tonight.

“More and more volunteers sign up every day,” the campaign says, “to support a President who is fighting to restore economic security for middle-class families.”

Posted in: Election, Events, News, Political events |

Tags: Tags: barack obama, campaign, david pepper, election, mason, office, politics, president