MasonBuzz.com

Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell

Warren County law enforcement officials will hold a free accounting seminar Thursday, April 25 to help nonprofit organizations and clubs prevent theft.

Local attorney and accountant Tom DuPois will lead the seminar, set for 7-9 p.m. at the Warren County Administration Building, 406 Justice Drive, Lebanon.

The meeting will focus on ways board members, officials, directors and leaders of community organizations can implement internal controls and procedures regarding the handling of money.

The event, sponsored by Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell’s office and the Warren County Police Chiefs Association, comes on the heels of theft convictions of two former officers of Springboro youth sports organizations.

In February, a judge sentenced Michele Petrey, of Springboro, to three months in jail after she admitted to stealing more than $65,000 from the Clearcreek Youth Soccer Association.

Petrey, 44, served as the organization’s treasurer from 2008 to 2012, during which time she made 101 unauthorized payments to such businesses as Kohl’s, Discover, American Express, Capitol One and Discover..

Last week, Thomas Harves, of Springboro, pleaded guilty to stealing more than $400,000 over the past eight years from the Springboro Athletic Boosters Association.

Harves, 61, served as treasurer of the organization for more than 20 years. He faces up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine when he is sentenced June 11.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that its rampant,” said Fornshell of internal theft amongst nonprofit and community organizations. “Whenever you give people the opportunity to handle money, there’s a chance they will steal.”

(more…)

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: accounting seminar, clearcreek youth soccer association, david fornshell, free, michele petrey, nonprofit, springboro athletic boosters association, theft, thomas harves, tom dupois, tom harves, warren county prosecutor

Shauna Steigerwald reports:

Looking to take the sting out of Tax Day? Check out these food freebies and deals to be found around town. Offers are valid today only, unless otherwise noted.

AMC Theatre: Free small popcorn at participating theaters. Print a coupon here. Locations at Newport on the Levee; 9415 Civic Center Blvd in West Chester; and 1453 Main St. in Hamilton.

Arby’s: Free curly fries or potato cakes. Print a coupon at http://arbys.com/. Multiple locations.

Bar Louie: “Like” the Newport on the Levee location on Facebook for a free app (small plate) or flatbread with purchase of same through April 21. www.facebook.com/BarLouieNewport

Boston Market: Tax day “Rib-Rate” — Two 1/4-rack BBQ ribs individual meals for $10.40; served with mashed potatoes with gravy, corn and cornbread. Locations at 2692 Madison Road in Norwood and 9430 Fields Ertel Road in Symmes Twp. www.bostonmarket.com

Buca di Beppo: 15 percent off a purchase. Print a coupon here. Locations at Rookwood Commons and Florence Mall. www.bucadibeppo.com

Bruegger’s Bagels: Pay $10.40 promotion (a savings of almost $3.50) at participating locations for a bundle of 13 bagels and two tubs of cream cheese. Print a coupon from the the company’s Facebook page. Nine local outposts; visit http://www.brueggers.com/ for locations.

Chili’s: Free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an adult entree at participating locations, April 15-18. Visit www.facebook.com/Chilis for a coupon. Locations at 5000 Houston Road in Florence, 855 E Kemper Rd in Springdale, 11329 Montgomery Road in Symmes Twp 3393 Princeton Road in Fairfield Twp. www.chilis.com

Cinnabon: Two free Cinnamon Bits from 6-8 p.m. at participating locations, while supplies last. Located in Tri-County Mall. www.cinnabon.com

Gold Star Chili: 15 percent off any case of chili in the online store. Use code 1040EZ at checkout at http://goldstarchili.myshopify.com.

Great American Cookies: Free birthday cake cookie. Valid at the Northgate Mall location, while supplies last. www.greatamericancookies.com

Panda Express: Free Samurai Surf & Turf on Wednesday (April 17). Print a coupon at www.pandaexpress.com. Locations at 6180 Glenway Ave. in Westwood and 7939 Tylersville Road in West Chester.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill: Free dessert of Creamy Vanilla Cheesecake Bites from 7 p.m. to midnight (mention the “Cheesy Refund” offer). The chain has outposts at 7848 Mall Road in Florence; 509 Ohio Pike in Anderson; and 9484 Civic Center Blvd in West Chester. www.SmokeyBones.com

Sonic: Half-price drinks, teas and slushes at participating locations. Nine local outposts; visit www.sonicdrivein.com/ for locations.

White Castle: 15 percent off your purchase. Print a coupon here. Multiple locations; visit www.whitecastle.com.

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: deals, free, freebies, tax day

Cincinnati-area Chick-fil-A restaurants are holding a free chicken sandwich giveaway. Visit an area Chick-fil-A restaurant while wearing official Reds apparel between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday to receive a free chicken sandwich.

Chik-fil-A has one Mason area location at 5150 Merten Drive in the Deerfield Crossing.  For other locations, go to www.chick-fil-a.com.

Opening Day is also Free Coney Day at Skyline Chili. Get one free Cheese Coney with any menu purchase today only.

Skyline has two Mason area locations at 6645 Western Row Road in Mason and 2711 Waterpark Drive in Kings Mills.  For other locations, go to www.skylinechili.com.

Several downtown businesses are also offering free food giveaways.  Check them out at cincinnati.com.

Posted in: Events |

Tags: Tags: chick-fil-a, cincinnati reds, food, free, mason, opening day, skyline chili

Live Well in Mason is offering a healthy twist on a traditional breakfast favorite.

The Mason Community Center will host a free pancake tasting event from 9-11 a.m. Saturday.  Samples include banana and oat, buckwheat and gluten- and dairy-free recipes.

• Enquirer food writer Polly Campbell’s healthy pancake recipes

The event is free and open to the community.  Live Well in Mason is a partnership of the Mason Community Center and TriHealth.

The community center is at 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road and can be reached at 513-229-8555.

Posted in: Events, Mason Community Center |

Tags: Tags: free, healthy pancakes, live well in mason, live well pancake day, mason community center, trihealth

From turtles to puppies and photography to Celtic folk music, there’s lots of fun and free things to do around Greater Cincinnati this weekend.

Friday

Building Men and Women for Others, 7 p.m., Fairfield High School, 8800 Holden Blvd. Young men, young women and adults explore formula for success needed to face challenges of 21st century. Celebrities Jeffrey Marx, Joe Ehrmann and Sean Casey speak. Hosted by Sheila Gray, FOX19 Morning News anchor. Benefits The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields. For parents, mentors, youth leaders, coaches, athletes, organizations and ages 12 and up. Doors open 6 p.m. Free, donations accepted. Registration required. 513-942-2999; www.soita.org/Nuxhall.

Let’s Talk Turtles, 7 p.m., Ellenwood Nature Barn, Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, 3455 Poole Road, Colerain Township. All about turtles. Free, parking permit required. 513-521-7275; www.greatparks.org.

Photography Travel Series: A Trip Through Ancient Egypt, 7:30 p.m., Sharon Centre, Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville. View the Pyramids and Sphinx, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings and Karnak and Luxor Temples. With Cliff and Fran Turrell. Free; vehicle permit required. 513-521-7275; www.greatparks.org.

Project Feeder Watch, 9-11 a.m., Visitor Center, Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Union Township. Share cup of coffee or tea with friends who enjoy watching birds. Ages 21 and up. Members free: nonmembers pay daily admission. 513-831-1711, ext. 125; www.cincynature.org.

Something Different, noon-2 p.m., Great Hall, Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park. Variety of performances from musicians, poets, storytellers, dancers and more. Free. Through Aug. 30. 513-721-2787; www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Saturday

Amazing Amphibians, 1 p.m., Visitor Center, Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mount Hope Road, Crosby Township. Meet some of the native slimy, creepy and cool creatures. Free; vehicle permit required. 513-521-7275; www.greatparks.org.

Artist Demos and Try-Its, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., The Barn, Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center, 6980 Cambridge Ave., Mariemont. Part of Macy’s Arts Sampler. Live demonstrations of oil painting, enameling, pottery, watercolor, pastels, wool spinning, sketching, beading, portrait painting and more. Free. 513-272-3700; www.artatthebarn.org.

Celtic and International Folk Music Performance, 3:30-4:15 p.m., Oxford Community Arts Center, 10 S. College Ave. Clark and Jones Trio performs Celtic, international and American folk music on Celtic harp, fiddle, bodhran, guitar, recorder and vocals. Free. 513-524-8506; www.theartswave.org.

Dada Rafiki: Sisters of Legacy Exhibit Ribbon Cutting, noon-1 p.m., Education Wing, Third floor, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way, Downtown. With artist Annie Ruth and diverse leaders from community. Exhibit designed to celebrate 40 women who have impacted Cincinnati’s history. $12. 513-333-7500; www.freedomcenter.org.

Day Hike, 10 a.m.-noon, Campbell County Environmental Education Center, 1261 Race Track Road, Alexandria. Find out what kind of trees are along the trail. Spot animal tracks and try to guess what made them. With Aubree Forrer, Campbell County Environmental Education assistant. Registration required. 859-572-2600; www.campbellcountyky.org.

Family First Saturday: Picture Perfect, noon-4 p.m., Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park. Interactive performances by Dramakinetics and music of the Allegro Ensemble. Discover collection while completing special scavenger hunt. Visit local artists Dani Tipler and Kris Donnelly. Free. 513-721-2787; www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

First Saturday Artists Reception, 5-8 p.m., Mudlark Pottery Studio and Fine Art Gallery, 102 E. Main St., Warsaw. New artwork displayed. Reception for public to meet artists and view work. Food and drinks served. Free. 859-630-0701.

Heroes and Villains, 1-1:55 p.m., Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Collaborative community performance features combined forces of Music Hall’s resident companies: Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and May Festival; plus Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Free. 513-621-2787; www.theartswave.org.

Hero Design Company Mask-Making, 2-4:30 p.m., School for Creative and Performing Arts, 108 W. Central Parkway, Over-the-Rhine. Working alongside professional artist and his sidekicks, participants create their own superhero identity, complete with mask and super powers. Free. 513-363-8100; www.theartswave.org.

Puppy Social, 10-11 a.m., All Creatures Animal Hospital, 1894 Ohio Pike, Amelia. Puppies socialize with other pups under supervision of professional trainers at indoor facility. Free. 513-797-7397; www.all-creatures.com.

Sunday

The Art of Charley and Edie Harper in Needlepoint, 2-5 p.m., The Barn Gallery, Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center, 6980 Cambridge Ave., Mariemont. Needlepoint reproductions of Harpers’ prints stitched by Richard Gegner, who has 75 needlepoints on display on his 75th birthday. Colorful, geometric images of nature appeal to children and adults. Exhibit continues through March 31. Free. 513-272-3700; www.artatthebarn.org.

Get Ready for Hummingbirds, 1 p.m., Ellenwood Nature Barn, Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, 3455 Poole Road, Colerain Township. Learn how to attract these little birds to your home while taking a quiz. Free; vehicle permit required. 513-521-7275; www.greatparks.org.

Graphic Novel Drawing Workshop, 2 p.m., Room 3B, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library, 800 Vine St., Downtown. From script to finished product, take advantage of learning from David Michael, illustrator. He will provide drawing tips. Program is two sessions in length. Bring paper, pencils, erasers and markers. Adults only. Registration required. 513-369-6917; www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

Irish Spring Concert, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Miami University Middletown, 4200 E. University Blvd. Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band. Chris Brandenburg directs concert of Irish favorites by Leroy Anderson. Free reception follows performance. Free. 513-727-3200; www.sosband.org.

Marjorie Celona, Leah Stewart and Sharon Short, 4-6 p.m., The BookShelf, 7754 Camargo Road, Madeira. Author open house. Authors discuss new books: “Y,” “History of Us” and “My One Square Inch of Alaska.” Ages 18 and up. Free. Reservations recommended. 513-271-9140; cincybookshelf.com.

Posted in: Events |

Tags: Tags: activities, family, free, greater cincinnati, things to do

The Mason Public Library will recreate the magical world of Harry Potter with its Day at Hogwarts event.

Registrations are currently being accepted for the free program, which takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at the library, 200 Reading Road.

The day begins with the traditional Hogwart’s sorting assembly in which students break off for activities in potions, wand-making and Hogwart’s trivia.

The program is a popular one, said children’s librarian Alice Beresford.  Space is limited to 56 participants in grades 3-6, so she recommends registering early.

Snacks and drinks are provided; participants need to bring a sack lunch.  To register, call the Mason Library at 513-398-2711.

Posted in: Events, Library events |

Tags: Tags: day at hogwarts, free, harry potter, j.k. rowling, mason public library

The city of Mason will dress up its downtown business district and celebrate the holiday season during its annual Christmas in Mason event from 6-9 p.m. Friday.

Activities take place on Main Street and Reading Road between Mason-Montgomery Road and Second Avenue. This area will be closed to traffic from 4:30 p.m. until midnight.

• Photos: 2011 Christmas in Mason

A parade of canine escorts dressed up in holiday finery will lead Santa Claus into the festivities at 6 p.m. when the Santa Paws parade gets under way.  The parade kicks off this year at the corner of Main Street and Mason-Montgomery Road and proceeds down Main to the Plaza.

After the parade, a tree lighting ceremony takes place on the Plaza.  Santa will also be available for pictures for the rest of the evening.  A full line-up of live entertainment takes place on the Main Stage throughout the evening.

Other activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, story times at the Mason Public Library, caricature and balloon artists, strolling carrollers and ice and wood carvers. “Stocking Stops” scattered throughout the downtown area will welcome visitors.

Shuttle buses will run from St. Susanna Church at 616 Reading Road and Grace Baptist Church at 5595 Mason Road.

For more information, go to www.festivalsofmason.org or call 513-229-8534.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: christmas, christmas in mason, christmas tree, city of mason, demonstrations, downtown, entertainment, food, free, parade, santa claus, tree lighting

Hope Community Church is opening its doors for the hungry, the lonely and the working on Thanksgiving Day.

The Mason church will hold a free community dinner at 2 p.m. Thursday at 4934 Western Row Road.

The hot, homemade dinner includes all the traditional favorites and dessert. More than 180 people have already registered to attend, said event organizer Carol Snyder.

“You don’t have to be in need, but you can be in need,” she said. “The point is everyone is to be together, we are all one body.”

The event includes singing and family activities with childcare available. Church volunteers will even deliver meals to the infirm and shut-ins.

Attendees are asked to RSVP by calling 513-218-3911 or emailing thanksgivingathope@yahoo.com

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: community, free, hope church, thanksgiving dinner

The Mason Community Center will host a Kids & Family Expo from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday.

More than 40 booths will be set up featuring information on children’s and after-school enrichment programs, private schools, day care facilities and pediatricians in the area.

The free event will also feature live entertainment and give-aways. Tours of the Mason Community Center will be available during and after the event.

The expo is sponsored by Cincinnati Family magazine in partnership with Cincinnati Family magazine, Group Health Trihealth Physician Partners, Kroger Comforts for Baby and the Deerfield Towne Center.

The community center is at 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road and can be reached at 513-229-8555.

Posted in: Events, Mason Community Center |

Tags: Tags: cincinnati family, free, kids & family expo, magazine, mason, mason community center

From a wolf walk for dogs to Harry Potter-inspired Quidditch matches, there’s lots of fun and free things to do around Greater Cincinnati this weekend.

Friday: Altered States, 6-8 p.m., Miller Gallery, 2715 Erie Ave., Hyde Park. Works by Rob Jefferson and Jonathan Queen. Exhibit continues through Nov. 23. 513-871-4420; www.millergallery.com.

Friday: Cincinnati-Style Shabbat, 6:15-8:30 p.m., Plum Street Temple, 720 Plum St., Downtown. Mix and mingle with Jewish YPs, 21-35 and their non-Jewish significant others while enjoying a Cincinnati-themed Shabbat dinner with Montgomery Inn, Graeters Ice Cream, Busken and more. Vegetarian and Kosher options available upon request. Ages 21 and up. Free. Registration required. 513-373-0300; www.jypaccess.org.

Friday: Dodgeball, 3:30 p.m., Chapin Memorial Library, 6517 Market St., Petersburg. Defend and dive in raucous rounds to see who be the last one standing. Snacks and prizes. Free. Registration required. 859-342-2665; www.bcpl.org.

Friday: Cooking the Books, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Boone County Cooperative Extension Service, 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington. Adults fix dinner inspired by or found in a book. Followed by dinner and discussion of book. Family friendly. Free. 859-586-6101; www.ca.uky.edu/boone.

Friday: Live @ the Library: 113th Army Band Brass Quintet, 7 p.m., Scheben Branch Library, 8899 U.S. 42, Union. Variety of music, from classical to jazz, marches to rock. Free. 859-342-2665.

Saturday: Cincinnati and Soup, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Gourmet Galleria, Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. Meet author Cheri Brinkman and get autographed copies of books. Chat about Ruth Lyons, Paul Dixon and Bob Braun. Free. 513-674-6000; www.junglejims.com.

Saturday: Kids and Family Expo, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Mason Community Center, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road. More than 40 booths with children’s programs and after school enrichment programs. Guided tours of the center. Free. 513-229-8555; www.masonoh.org.

Saturday: Missy Griffin,11:30 a.m.-noon, Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, 3054 Madison Road, Oakley. Author discusses and signs “Gigi’s Window.” Free. 513-731-2665.

Saturday: Quidditch, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Heritage Oak Park, 5001 U.S. 42, Mason. Full contact, co-ed sport played in communities around the world. Founded in 2005 and inspired by the sport of the same name created by author J.K. Rowling, “Harry Potter” series. Presented by International Quidditch Association. Dress for weather. Midwest RegionalsTournament. Qualifying rounds. Free. Through Nov. 11. 513-204-7046; www.ohioslargestplayground.com.

Saturday: Wolf Walk for Dogs, 2 p.m., Harbor, Winton Woods, 10245 Winton Road, Springfield Township. Walk around lake with canine companion. Test their knowledge of the canine world. Dogs must be on leash under six feet in length. Some bags for waste removal will be available. Free, vehicle permit required. 513-521-7275; www.greatparks.org.

Sunday: Bengals Shuttle Bus, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Keystone Bar & Grill, 313 Greenup St., Covington. Catch free ride to and from home games. Southbank Shuttle stops outside Keystone and runs every 15 minutes so fans can go to game and leave game whenever. Free. 859-261-6777.

Sunday: The New Horizons Piano Competition Winners’ Recital, 3 p.m., Cincinnati Christian University, 2700 Glenway Ave., East Price Hill. Winners from the competition will present two pieces of varied genres. Free parking on campus. Free. 513-244-8165; www.ccuniversity.edu.

Sunday: Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for You and Your Little One, 2-3 p.m., Gymboree, 6209 Snider Road, Mason. Playgroups feature popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and parents engaged and entertained with unique brand of fun. Includes snack. Free. Registration required. 513-703-3343; www.myshalomfamily.org.

Monday: Miami University Lecture Series, 8 p.m., Hall Auditorium, Miami University, Oxford. Rick Steves, public television host and author of more than 50 guidebooks including the travel skills handbook, “Europe through the Back Door,” will share lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of travel. Free, tickets required. 513-529-7592; www.units.muohio.edu/lecture/index.php.

Posted in: Community, Events, Health & Fitness, Mason Community Center |

Tags: Tags: altered states, army brass band quintet, bengals shuttle bus, cincinnati and soup, cooking the books, dodgeball, events, free, fun, gymboree, kids and family expo, mason community center, miami university, missy griffin, new horizons piano competition, quidditch, rick steves, sensory sunday, shabbat, winner's recital, wolf walk for dogs