For the past five years, the magazine has given the award to towns in five regions of the state. Lebanon will be featured in the November issue of the magazine. She said towns can nominate themselves or residents can put their town up for consideration.
Editor Christina Ipavec spent two days in the city and was impressed with the schools’ backpack food program.
“I think it’s just really great that people are willing to help, you don’t have to ask them,” she said. “That really stuck out.”
Historic Downtown Lebanon Inc. sent in what Popisil said was a very comprehensive packet, backing up the magazine’s criteria. Jim Bliss, president of the HDLI board, said they were judged on community spirit, education, entertainment, health and safety, business environment and culture and heritage. He said it was a great opportunity to get all facets of the community together, entities that generally don’t interact. He enlisted board member Larry Stone to spearhead the effort. Stone said he had help on the project — he gave special kudos to historian John Zimkus — but he was surprised by tidbits he never knew about the city as he interviewed people.
“The bottom line here is, when you have a good community and you are asked to do something like this, it’s time-consuming but not that hard,” he said. “People are going to be real quick to tell you all the wonderful things that we have.”
Mayor Amy Brewer said she wasn’t in the least surprised the city received the distinction.
“I truly believe Lebanon has a true quality of life charm and character and uniqueness that really separates it from many other communities in southwest Ohio,” she said. “We were very happy we were able to get that designation.”
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