Their mission says it all: "The Arc of Greater Boone County exists to assist people with disabilities and special needs to achieve their maximum potential in partnership with the community."

Ever since its formation in the 1950s, the Arc has been steadily expanding its efforts to assist its residents. The growth of the organization has included collaboration with local and area service providers, as well as businesses. 

Pam Verbarg is the executive director of The Arc of Greater Boone County, and guest on Episode 21 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Pam details where the organization has been, and where it's headed in the new year. The episode also highlights ways members of the public can get involved, to aid The Arc in reaching its maximum potential.  

Four years. Believe it or not, it has been four years since Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry took office. The changes made during the past (roughly) 1,460 days have been remarkable. From streets to sidewalks and trails, from economic development and downtown revitalization to new neighborhoods and new amenities, Mayor Gentry's first term has been jam-packed.

"Mayor Matt" takes a look back at those wins in Episode 20 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, the final one before 2020. Mayor Gentry also shares some loose ends that he's looking forward to tying up in the new year. There's plenty of shop talk in this episode, but we also talk family life, too. As you may know, the Mayor and his wife Abby are expecting, and are set to welcome their first child early in 2020. 

Find out the best advice the Mayor has received as he gears up for fatherhood, and much more, in Episode 20 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Have an idea for an episode? Email [email protected] 

It's a musical career on the rise. From playing in band, jamming in a basement, to releasing his own solo album, Tim Neuman has found his voice - literally. In Episode 19 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, Tim shares more about his journey, the music that influenced him, the people to urged him to keep moving his musical career forward, and a few interesting moments from the early stages of his career.

From covers to originals, from classic rock to country, Neuman's catalog covers it all. Here's a hint, you can hear one of Tim Neuman's original songs in the podcast!

Be sure to give Episode 19 a listen, and consider accepting Tim's invitation he passes along at the end of the conversation!

In Episode 18 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, we talk to a man seeing his dream realized - the opening of a brewery and restaurant in downtown Lebanon, his hometown. It's the goal of founder Patrick Klooz, to have a beverage for everyone. With offerings of: beer, wine, cider, and under 21-themed sodas, he's well on his way.

Locally sourced ingredients, and a handcrafted taste for everyone. That's the philosophy behind Lebanon based Klooz Brewz. Listen as Patrick Klooz talks about the journey, and how he feels about gearing up to open the city's first brewery. 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy Episode 18 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast featuring Klooz Brewz.

It's time to take the backroads for Episode 17 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Central Texas-style barbeque is headed to Lebanon, as Backroads BBQ inches ever closer to opening its doors. Chris Canal with Backroads BBQ joins us on the podcast, to talk about why he moved his family to town a few years ago, and why he is part of the team that has decided to open up shop in Lebanon.

Chris shares how things just fell into place, from a great building, to a fantastic master chef (formerly of Rick's Boatyard), and an outstanding menu that has something for everyone!

Stay in the know with Backroads, as opening will be here soon!

Website: https://www.thebackroadsbbq.com/

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/thebackroadsbbq/

If you look around the Lebanon community, you will easily be able to spot several ongoing construction projects. One of those worksites can be found at the city's State Road 32 exit of I-65, across from McDonald's and Ice Cream Paradise. The Lebanon Gateway Marketplace project includes more than 20 acres, and has already enticed: Logan's Roadhouse, Mo's Southwest Grill, as well as a new hotel. 

Brent Benge is the President & CEO of KennMar Real Estate. Brent was kind enough to give insight into why Lebanon was chosen for this project, and why he's now focusing his efforts on the I-65 & State Road 39 exit, including the former home of the city's Holiday Inn. 

Take a listen! If you have an idea for a podcast topic, send an email to [email protected]

We get "schooled" in Episode 15 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. New Lebanon Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Jon Milleman stops by to share updates on a variety of topics. Hear Dr. Milleman chat about his first couple of months on the job, including his most memorable moments of the school year - so far. 

Dr. Milleman also talks about areas of need that he's seen for himself and heard from members of the public, while attending school events. Not only is Dr. Milleman a fixture in person in our community, you can also follow him on Twitter (@LcscSuper), sharing LCSC updates. 

Dr. Milleman is also hosting Listening Sessions to hear from the public as well:

- October 9th at 8am at the Herman B. Wells Community Room

- October 30th at 6:30pm at Perry Worth Elementary School

- November 13th at 6:30pm at the Herman B. Wells Community Room

As promised, Episode 14 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast is Part 2 of our discussion with members of the Parks Department. Taylor Orr and Allyson Morton chat about some of the great programs within the parks system, and they grant us access into the excitement-filled months when the Seashore Waterpark is open.

Both Allyson and Taylor love their jobs - and it shows. Listen as they tell us why they won't be looking for other employment anytime soon. Finally, the administrative assistant and programs director "dish" on their boss, John Messenger. They've got stories to tell, as well as a recommendation for a Parks Department tagline. You don't want to miss Episode 14 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. 

If you have an idea for an episode, send an email to [email protected] 

Being the head of a parks department is a difficult job. It's especially tough when you've got as much green space devoted to outdoor recreation as Lebanon, Indiana. John Messenger has been the Parks Director for more than a decade, and he's seen plenty of growth, within the parks system, but also within the community over the years.

John joins us for Episode 13 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Our "lucky 13" episode deals with some of the many changes he's seen throughout the Lebanon community over the years. Hired by Mayor John Lasley on Easter morning 11 years ago, Messenger shares just how much Mayor Lasley's support for him still means today.

Take a listen as John discusses new quality of life features, such as the dog park and splash pad, but he also talks about the future of the former Conservation Club - and beyond!

We hope you enjoy Episode #13 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast!

City of Lebanon Engineer Kevin Krulik has an in-depth job, quite literally. It's Kevin's job to make sure our city is maintained both above, and below the earth's surface. From existing neighborhoods, businesses, and infrastructure, to new developments - Kevin overseas it all. 

In this episode Kevin shares why he and his family moved and settled in Lebanon(it's a story you've probably heard before), and what has kept he and his family here for more than 20 years.