In this episode of The Lebanon Star Podcast, Amy Brewer and John Bissman welcome a true Lebanon legend—Mickie Marquis, longtime member and former president of the Lebanon Garden Club. With over 30 years of dedication, Mickie has played a key role in beautifying Lebanon, Ohio, and is the driving force behind many of its stunning community gardens.

This event is an unforgettable experience for all ages, where hundreds of butterflies take flight together, creating a magical sight for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Follow Lebanon Garden Club Lebanon Ohio on Facebook for updates, volunteer opportunities, and to learn more about upcoming events, including:

Want to get involved with the Lebanon Garden Club or volunteer for upcoming events? Visit their Facebook page and send them a message! Be sure to tag both the Garden Club and the City of Lebanon in your event photos!

🌟 Tune in now to discover the passion, beauty, and community spirit behind Lebanon’s gardens and butterflies!

Don’t forget to check out some of the beautiful images from past Butterfly Release events, included in this post!

🌟 Join the Fight. Fuel the Mission. Walk with Hope.

In this powerful episode of The Lebanon Star, host John Bissman and co-host Amy Brewer sit down with Joe Shutts and Robin Wientage to share the heart behind the upcoming Lebanon Hope Walk, a growing movement in Warren County to raise awareness and bring restoration to survivors of human trafficking.

“Every step we take in the Lebanon Hope Walk is a step toward awareness, healing, and change.”

While the walk still honors the mission behind the original Stop Trafficking Walk, this year it’s been rebranded with a deeper message: HOPE.

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Lebanon Hope Walk, Where Hope Lives, human trafficking awareness, Lebanon Ohio events, Joe Shutts, Robin  Wientge, Amy Brewer, Bicentennial Park Lebanon, Dear Dinah, Women of Alabaster, Ohio human trafficking, Warren County walk event, nonprofit fundraiser, Walk for Hope, trauma recovery

🎧 Listen to Episode 8:

💬 In This Episode:

This nonprofit is on a mission to make art multi-sensory—designed so that those who are blind or visually impaired can feel, smell, hear, and even taste creative expression.

Hear how:

🎨 Upcoming Exhibition Details:

🌐 Connect with Beyond Vision Art:

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📍 Brought to you by The Lebanon Star – Celebrating the people, stories, and heart of Lebanon, Ohio.

Tags: Beyond Vision Art, Lebanon Ohio, Molly Beyond Vision, Crystal Beyond Vision, Sensory Art Gallery, Art for the Blind, Dayton Art Scene, Multi-Sensory Art, Accessible Art, The Lebanon Star Podcast, Nonprofit Art, Vision Loss Awareness, Inclusive Art Spaces, Local Artist Spotlight

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🎙️ Listen to the Latest Episode of The Lebanon Star:

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🌟 This episode is a moving look at how one couple’s “yes” to God has led to a ripple effect across Lebanon—impacting youth, families, and the entire community.

📌 About the Guests:

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🙏 Thank you for supporting local faith leaders who are making a difference in Lebanon, Ohio and beyond.

Co-Hosts: Amy Brewer & John Bissman

In this heartfelt episode of The Lebanon Star, former Lebanon Mayor Amy Brewer and community leader John Bissman sit down with Chris Johnson, CEO of Countryside YMCA, one of the largest and most impactful YMCAs in the country.

From his early career at GE to serving as executive pastor at Antioch Church, and now as the leader of the YMCA, Chris shares his journey of calling, community, and compassion. This conversation is filled with behind-the-scenes stories about how the Y has become a central pillar of life in Lebanon, Ohio.

The Y is more than a gym — it’s a mission-driven nonprofit focused on spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. From emergency childcare and youth swim safety to veteran outreach and senior support, the Y has become one of Lebanon’s greatest assets — a place where lives are changed every day.

If the Y disappeared tomorrow, the community would feel it deeply. In this episode, Chris shares how that impact is intentional — and growing.

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🎙️ The Lebanon Star Podcast | Featuring Janis Baker from the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce 🌟

In this episode of The Lebanon Star, hosts Amy and John Bissman sit down with Janis Baker, Executive Director of the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce, for a lively and inspiring conversation about what makes Lebanon, Ohio such a special place to live, work, and celebrate community.

🏛️ From organizing major events like the beloved Lebanon Carriage Parade and Third Fridays concert series to building a stronger network of local businesses, Janis shares how the Chamber is the heartbeat of the city.

🎄 You’ll hear about:

Planning the iconic Christmas Carriage Parade (yes, they start in January!)

Exciting annual events like the Chocolate Walk, Girls’ Night Out, and Third Fridays 🍫💐🎶

Business and nonprofit showcases like the Lebanon Showcase

Lebanon’s A Fall Affair – a downtown festival featuring live music, food trucks, shopping, activities for kids, and a full day of fun for the whole family 🍁🎶🎨

💡 Whether you’re a local business, nonprofit, or just love Lebanon, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and insights on how to get involved and make a difference.

📞 Contact the Chamber: 513-932-1100
🌐 Visit: https://lebanonchamber.org
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support the stars of Lebanon!

Don’t miss a single episode of The Lebanon Star Podcast. We highlight the best of Lebanon, Ohio, one story at a time.

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In this special episode of The Lebanon Star, host John Bissman sits down with fellow Rotarian and community leader Chad Blanton to highlight one of Lebanon’s most exciting civic updates: the brand-new Lane Family Stage at Bicentennial Park.

The episode celebrates the vision, generosity, and legacy of beloved residents John and Nelda Lane, whose contributions—both personal and financial—helped bring this permanent stage to life. It’s a story of service, remembrance, and how community leadership leaves a lasting mark.

💬 In this episode, you’ll hear:

📍 Dedication: 5:45 PM

Enjoy a “cheeseburger in paradise” from your favorite local restaurant or bring a picnic and a blanket for a relaxing evening under the stars. The new stage is not just a venue—it’s a symbol of service above self, and a tribute to the power of giving back.

Named in honor of John and Nelda Lane, longtime Rotarians and civic leaders, the Lane Family Stage represents a lasting gift to the community. Thanks to their legacy, local organizations like Rotary can save thousands in event costs—reinvesting those savings into scholarships, youth programs, and charitable causes throughout Lebanon.

🎧 Listen to Episode 4:
“The Art of Ambigrams – Beth Gully’s Creative Journey from Graphic Design to Faith-Fueled Storytelling”
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💬 In This Episode:
How Beth Gully discovered her rare gift for creating ambigrams—visual word art that reveals a second image when flipped upside down

The story behind her bestselling flip books The Other Side of Christmas and The Other Side of Easter, which blend traditional holidays with powerful Christian messages

Beth’s transformation from graphic designer to faith-based author—and why she believes Lebanon, Ohio was the perfect place for her journey to unfold

The impact of her work in schools, churches, and families across the country—and why her books continue to resonate with readers of all ages

A sneak peek into her next big project, exploring biblical miracles through ambigram storytelling

📌 About the Guest:
Beth Gully – Professional graphic designer, ambigram artist, children’s book author, and proud Lebanon resident. Beth’s work has appeared in Games Magazine and has touched thousands through her creative fusion of art and faith. Learn more at BethGully.com.

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Don’t miss a single episode of The Lebanon Star Podcast. We highlight the best of Lebanon, Ohio—one story at a time.

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🎧 Listen to Episode 2:
“Lebanon’s Young Hero – Warren Poeppelmeyer’s Eagle Scout Mission to Honor a Medal of Honor Recipient”

💬 In This Episode:
How 17-year-old Warren Poeppelmeyer took on an ambitious Eagle Scout project to honor Colonel Gordon Roberts, Lebanon’s hometown hero and Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient

Why Warren chose this particular veteran—and the legacy Colonel Roberts left behind in the Lebanon community

The powerful collaboration between Warren, local leaders, and veterans to make the memorial a reality

What Warren learned through the process and how it’s shaped his own goals for the future

Why this project matters for Lebanon, Ohio 45036—and what it says about the next generation

📌 About the Guest:
Warren Poeppelmeyer – Lebanon High School student, Boy Scout with Troop 186, and aspiring Eagle Scout dedicated to service, leadership, and honoring those who serve

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Don’t miss a single episode of The Lebanon Star Podcast. We highlight the best of Lebanon, Ohio—one story at a time.

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“Meet The Colemans – Small Town Roots, Big Community Impact”

How a chance encounter (and some country line dancing!) brought Jen and Dr. Rich together

Jen’s journey from elementary teacher to career tech educator at Lebanon High School

Dr. Rich’s path from college dropout to owning Four Paws Vet Clinic, now one of the biggest small businesses in Lebanon OH

Why local mentorship, career exploration, and student internships are transforming the future of Lebanon’s youth

What it means to run a family business and give back to the community

Their heartfelt thoughts on life in Lebanon, Ohio 45036, raising kids here, and what the future holds

Jen Coleman – Career & Consumer Sciences teacher at Lebanon High School, community volunteer, coach, and student mentor

Dr. Rich Coleman – Veterinarian, owner of Four Paws Vet Clinic, lacrosse coach, and lifelong advocate for youth and animal health

Don’t miss a single episode of The Lebanon Star Podcast. We highlight the best of Lebanon, Ohio, one story at a time.

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