2011 2012 mlkreport lebanon, ohio

2011-2012 REPORT Lebanon, Ohio

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Coalition of Lebanon, Ohio is to honor Dr. King’s vision of justice by building an inclusive network of individuals and organizations that work toward empowerment for all people.

2011-2012 MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon

Steer Committee Members Ricardo Lewis, Facilitator Karen Schaeffer, Coordinator Karen Bentley Sharon Jordan Raye Kimberlin Vonya Lewis Alissa Osborne Sandy Smoot Sub-Committee Members Community Needs Committee Karen Schaeffer & Sandy Smoot, Co-Chairs

Event Committee Ricardo Lewis, Chair Karen Bentley Amy Brewer Sharon Jordan Raye Kimberlin Vonya Lewis Jay Mills Tracie Mills Alissa Osborne Karen Schaeffer Aylne Scott Homework Club Committee Sharon Jordan & Alissa Osborne, Co-Chairs Volunteer Awareness Committee Karen Bentley & Raye Kimberlin, Co-Chairs Sharon Jordan Cheryl Sims Yvette Singleton

Coalition Coalition Structure Structure Lead Agency

STEERING Committee Sub-Committee Volunteer Awareness

Sub-Committee Homework Club

Sub-Committee Community Needs & Strategic Planning Sub-Committee King Holiday Celebration

Bethel A.M.E. Church Lebanon, Ohio

News Release December 27, 2011

King Holiday to be celebrate in Lebanon Lebanon, Ohio – To honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy, Bethel AME Church and the MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon will sponsor the annual MLK Celebration on Monday, January 16, 2012, in the Lebanon Junior School Auditorium, 160 Miller Road, Lebanon, Ohio, at 7 p.m. Activities include recognizing the Lebanon Optimist Club and Mrs. Jean Benning as the 2012 Drum Major for Service Award recipients. The program will feature musical selections from the MLK Community Choir. The Coalition will also recognize the young people who participated in the MLK Essay Contest and Art Show. This event is free and open to the public.

Complete Overview of MLK Holiday Activities: 2012 – MLK Holiday – A Day ON instead of a Day Off The MLK Coalition of Lebanon is urging community members to make Jan. 16th a Day ON instead of a Day off by committing to community service from 12 noon – 4 pm. Volunteers are needed to collect, sort, pack and transport donated items. Volunteers are also needed for food prep and clean up at the Lebanon Presbyterian Church’s Community Meal.

2012 MLK Drum Major for Service Award Winners Community Leader-The recipient of the 2012 MLK Drum Major for Service Award is Jean Benning.

Her dedication and tireless work in the community has been a blessing to many that have benefited from her service and commitment to education, diversity and unity.

Organization-The Lebanon Optimist Club has been selected as the Drum Major for Service Organization of 2012 because of their continued support and dedication to the MLK Celebration in Lebanon. Their mission is to foster an optimistic way of life for the improvement of individuals and society, through local Optimist Clubs dedicated to ever-expanding service to youth, community, and the world.

2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest Students from Lebanon City School district grades 5 through 12 are encouraged to participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest. This annual contest will award cash prizes provided by The Lebanon Optimist Club. The winners will be announced at the MLK Evening Celebration. The deadline for essay entries is Jan. 10th. For further information, contact Jean Benning at 513-3988186.

2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Art Exhibition Under the direction of Amy Brewer, Donovan Elementary School Art Teacher (and Mayor of Lebanon), third and fourth grade students are creating art work that celebrates the life and works of Martin Luther King which will be on display at the MLK Evening Celebration.

For more information about the MLK Celebration, please contact Pastor Lewis, Bethel AME Church, 513-932-7919. Publicity contacts: Raye Kimberlin, 513-258-1017, rayekimberlin@gmail.com ###

News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 6, 2011 The King Holiday will be observed with a Day of Service in Lebanon, Ohio A DAY ON not a Day Off Lebanon, Ohio – The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Coalition of Lebanon is urging the community to make Monday, January 16, 2012 a Day ON instead of a day off. The MLK Holiday is recognized as a National Day of Service to honor Dr. King by pledging to make a difference. The mission of the MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon, Ohio is to honor Dr. King’s vision of justice by building an inclusive network of individuals and organizations that work toward empowerment for all people.

Here is a complete list of the Day of Service projects: Collection Drives: - Child Advocacy Center of Warren County: This center serves over 1,000 abused children each year, and is in need of new stuff animals, juice boxes, individually wrapped snacks, art supplies, and paper products.

-Coupons for Military Families: donate unwanted and expired coupons to send to our military families. They are able to use expired coupons up to 6 months past the expiration date.

- Fresh Start Kits: Donated personal hygiene items including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, etc. for local shelters.

-The Hospice Center of Butler/Warren County: this center uses over 200 coloring books a month, and is in need of coloring books and crayons.

-The Humane Association: This animal shelter is in need of wish list items such as Diamond Brand pet food, blankets, towels, flea shampoo, plastic cat toys, paper towels, plain Milk bones, and more.

Community Meal: -Lebanon Presbyterian Church: The church hosts its weekly food ministry from 5 pm – 6:30 pm.

Volunteers are needed for food prep and cooking as well as clean up after the dinner. Dessert donations are also needed.

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News Release (CONTINUED) Voter Registration Drive: -Register to vote in the March Primary and November Elections as well as change of address forms.

There are two ways to help: 1) donate any of the items listed; and 2) volunteer to help with sorting, packing, and transporting items collected.

To sign up for volunteer shifts or donations, please visit our FACEBOOK page for details, keyword – MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon. Also volunteers can sign up at visit UGIVE.org or SignUpGenius.org.

Also the community is invited to attend the 27th annual MLK Evening Celebration on Monday, January 16, 2012, in the Lebanon Junior School Auditorium, 160 Miller Road, Lebanon, Ohio, at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the MLK Day of Service Projects or MLK Celebration, please contact Pastor Lewis, Bethel AME Church, 513-932-7919 or publicity contact: Raye Kimberlin, 513-2581017, rayekimberlin@gmail.com. ###

Post Release January 17, 2012

King Holiday observed with an Evening Celebration in Lebanon MLK Drum Major Award Winners recognized at the 2012 MLK Celebration Lebanon, Ohio – To honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy, Bethel AME Church and the MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon sponsored the annual MLK Celebration on Monday, January 16, 2012, in the Lebanon Junior School Auditorium, 160 Miller Road, Lebanon, Ohio, at 7 p.m. Activities included recognizing the Lebanon Optimist Club and Mrs. Jean Benning as the 2012 Drum Major for Service Award recipients. The program featured musical selections from the MLK Community Choir.

The Coalition also recognized the young people who participated in the MLK Essay Contest and Art Show.

Complete Overview of MLK Holiday Activities: 2012 – MLK Holiday – A Day ON instead of a Day Off The MLK Coalition of Lebanon urged community members to make Jan. 16th a Day ON instead of a Day off by committing to community service from 12 noon – 4 pm. Volunteers collected donations of new stuffed animals, expired coupons, coloring books and crayons, personal hygiene items and Diamond Brand pet food are needed for local agencies. Volunteers also assisted with food prep and clean up at the Lebanon Presbyterian Church’s Community Meal.

2012 MLK Drum Major for Service Award Winners Community Leader- The recipient of the 2012 MLK Drum Major for Service Award was Jean Benning. Her dedication and tireless work in the community has been a blessing to many that have benefited from her service and commitment to education, diversity and unity.

Organization - The Lebanon Optimist Club was selected as the Drum Major for Service Organization of 2012 because of their continued support and dedication to the MLK Celebration in Lebanon.

Their mission is to foster an optimistic way of life for the improvement of individuals and society, through local Optimist Clubs dedicated to ever-expanding service to youth, community, and the world.

2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest Students from Lebanon City School district grades 5 through 12 participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest sponsored by The Lebanon Optimist Club. The winners were presented their awards from contest coordinator Jean Benning - High School winners: Kayla Collins (1st place), Lexie Dunlap (2nd place); Jr. High: John Castro (1st place), Ashley Krznarich (2nd place); and Berry Intermediate: Colin Murphy (1st place) and Jacob Moore (2nd place). ###

DAY OF SERVICE PROJECTS

The Lebanon Channel

The Lebanon Channel

The City Show

URL Link: http://thelebanonchannel.pegcentral.com./player.php? video=4c947ef2604b8696fee17ef8dfe5d666

E-Newsletter

E-Newsletter

Volunteer Sign-Ups

Volunteer Sign-Ups

Volunteer Sign-Ups

NEW Mobile Website with QR Code

Make it a DAY ON – Every Day Scan and bookmark our NEW mobile website today!!!!

On your computer or laptop, visit http://MLKCommunityCoalitionLebanon.webs.com

NEW Website www.MLKCommunityCoalitionLebanon.webs.com

Social Media

Postcard Flyer

TV Coverage

Newspaper Coverage

Lebanon event honors King

By Victoria Van Harlingen, Contributing Writer 10:58 PM Monday, January 16, 2012 LEBANON - Lebanon held its 27th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration Monday night at the Lebanon Junior High School Auditorium. About 200 people attended.

It was an evening of community and remembrances of the slain civil right leader hosted by Lebanon’s Bethel AME Church. Mayor Amy Brewer welcomed the crowd, the Lebanon High School Air Force Junior ROTC presented the Colors and Jay Mills led the Martin Luther King Community Choir in singing “America the Beautiful” and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Historian John Zimkus gave his personal recollections of hearing King’s “I Have a Dream” speech delivered in Washington D.C. in 1963. Pastor Ricardo Lewis led the group in prayer.

The evening was also a time to honor those who gave of themselves in the past year to serve the Lebanon community. The Martin Luther King Community Coalition’s “Drum Major for Service Award” was presented to one individual and one organization. The “Drum Major for Service” award is given for outstanding service to the community.

Educator Jean Benning was the winner of the individual award while the Lebanon Optimists Club was the winner for outstanding service organization.

A highlight of the evening was Tom Giron singing Hispanic songs of to honor King.

Giron said King’s work extended beyond the United States.

“Because of Dr. King people in Central and South America got the courage to fight for civil rights,” he said.

News Coverage Service is theme of Lebanon's Martin Luther King Jr. observance on Jan. 16 Contributed By: Sue Kiesewetter | Enquirer contributor A Day On, not a Day Off is the theme of Lebanon’s observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 16. Along with an evening program, organizers are encouraging community members to honor King’s legacy by assisting those in need. “We wanted to offer service opportunities and raise awareness,’’ said Raye Kimberlin, member of the Martin Luther King Coalition of Lebanon.

“We’re trying to connect with different agencies and churches to build unity and promote collaboration.” Toward that goal the coalition is teaming with Bethel A.M.E. Church to offer several volunteer activities at the Lebanon church, 111. N. Cherry St. From noon to 4 p.m. the church will accept the following donations of items or services on behalf of county organizations: *Bring new stuffed animals, juice boxes, individually wrapped snacks, art supplies and paper products to benefit the Child Advocacy Center of Warren County. It serves more than 1,000 abused children each year. *Donate unwanted and expired coupons to send to military families. Military members are allowed to use expired coupons up to six months past the expiration date. *Bring personal hygiene items so that Fresh Start Kits can be created for local shelters. Items needed for the kits include soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream and razors. *Donate coloring books and crayons for use by the Hospice Center of Butler/Warren County. The center uses more than 200 coloring books each month and is running low. *Bring Diamond brand pet food, blankets, towels, flea shampoo, plastic cat toys, paper towels, plain Milk bones and other items for use by the Humane Society. *Stuff envelopes for The Council on Child Abuse. The group provides Don’t Shake a Baby information kits that are sent to hospitals, schools and doctors’ offices. *Register to vote or fill out a change of address form if you’ve moved. *Volunteer to help with sorting, packing and transporting items collected. Shifts are available from noon to 2 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.

Lebanon Presbyterian Church is also in need of volunteers to help prepare food and cleanup afterward for a community meal it provides for those in need. The meal runs from 5-6:30 p.m., at the church, 123 N. East St. Desserts are also needed. Contact the church at 513-932-2751.

There will also be a 7 p.m., program in the auditorium at Lebanon Junior High School, 160 Miller Road. The Martin Luther King Community Choir will perform. Service Drum awards will be presented along with introduction of student essay winners.

Student Essay Winners Students from Lebanon City School district grades 5 through 12 participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest sponsored by The Lebanon Optimist Club. The winners were presented their awards from contest coordinator Jean Benning.

Lebanon High School winners: Kayla Collins (1st place) Lexie Dunlap (2nd place)

Lebanon Junior High School winners: John Castro (1st place) Ashley Krznarich (2nd place)

Berry Intermediate School winners: Colin Murphy (1st place) Jacob Moore (2nd place)

Student Essay Winners EXERPTS FROM ESSAYS: Kayla: Your essay placed Dr. King in the company of Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt who used their positions and talents to inspire Americans to be a better and stronger nation. King never deviated from his determination to use peaceful protest to right a terrible wrong. He always had a positive outlook on life and once stated that "faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase." His words and actions have helped shape our nation.

Lexie: Your essay concentrated on King's determination to lead a peaceful and not a violent revolt against the evils of segregation. He only retaliated with speeches and marches. You stated "in a world where talk is cheap, King wrote inspiring words and then followed his words with action. He was truly a 'drum major for peace.'

John: You chronicled King's life and dedication to racial equality. He fought not with weapons and threats but with love and peace. You stated that you would have stood with King in his fight for the rights of African Americans. Your essay showed an understanding of why King will remain an icon in our history forever. "King sacrificed his time, his talent, and even his life because he wanted to make sure all people, no matter what color they were, had the same rights."

Ashley: You reminded us that King was a doer and not just a talker. You called him a "drum major for justice." He was a leader who gave inspiring speeches but he was also there at the marches and the boycotts. His life work changed our history forever.

Jacob: You concentrated on King's role as a 'drum major'. You reminded us that just as a drum major keeps the rhythm for a band, King promoted the rhythm of peace in the world. A drum major keeps everyone in the band in line while King kept everyone in line for equality with love and happiness. He used marches and not fighting, speeches and not threats, and peace and not war.

Colin: King spread peace in all his speeches in spite of being a target of violence himself. He truly "walked the path of his talk." He stirred up a whole nation with his peaceful message against racism. You called him an "amazing man whose legacy lives on in all Americans."

Drum Major for Service Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, February 4, 1968 “Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice.

Say that I was a drum major for peace.

I was a drum major for righteousness.

And all of the other shallow things will not matter.

I won’t have any money to leave behind.

I won’t have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind.

But I just want to leave a committed life behind.

And that’s all I want to say.

If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with word or song, If I can show somebody he’s traveling wrong, Then my living will not be in vain.

If I can do my duty as a Christian ought.

If I can bring salvation to a world once wrought, If I can spread the message as the master taught, Then my living will not be in vain.”

The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Coalition of Lebanon, Ohio is seeking nominations for its Drum Major for Service Awards. These awards are designed to recognize the contributions of those who exemplify the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as described in his sermon on the Drum Major Instinct.

Specifically, we are looking for three (3) categories of nominees: 1) Youth – Leaders of Tomorrow 2) Adult – Community Leaders 3) Organizations

Drum Major for Service

2012 MLK Drum Major for Service Award Winners

Community Leader The recipient of the 2012 MLK Drum Major for Service Award was Jean Benning. Her dedication and tireless work in the community has been a blessing to many that have benefited from her service and commitment to education, diversity and unity.

Organization The Lebanon Optimist Club was selected as the Drum Major for Service Organization of 2012 because of their continued support and dedication to the MLK Celebration in Lebanon.

Their mission is to foster an optimistic way of life for the improvement of individuals and society, through local Optimist Clubs dedicated to everexpanding service to youth, community, and the world.

Project 365

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TAKE THE PLEDGE I pledge to honor Dr. King’s vision of justice by supporting individuals and organizations that help empower people in my community.

To demonstrate my commitment to service by volunteering in a range of efforts or by making a sustained commitment to a single cause.

To make a difference for others and to strengthen our communities.

Project 365 Pledge Chart Track your progress with MLK Project 365 by performing a minimum of 25 random acts of kindness or formal volunteer hours.

Project 365 Pledge Reminder Business Card

Become a coach for a youth sports team Make quilts or blankets for hospitalized children or wounded soldiers Volunteer on MLK Day and the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Create a neighborhood safety patrol Help build a playground Rake leaves, shovel snow, clean gutters, or wash windows for a neighbor Give blood Be a friend to someone with mental illness Pick up groceries for a senior citizen in your community

Pledge Bracelet Wear your MLK Project 365 bracelet for a daily reminder of the pledge.

Project 365 Make A Difference Day Project 365 Launch Event Countryside YMCA October 21, 2011

Homework Club Launching 2012

Getting homework done after a long day at school can seem overwhelming.

Let us help!

The MLK Coalition Homework Zone provides experienced teachers and tutors* each Thursday in the La Luz meeting room, building A. A free community service for helping your child to complete homework, develop study skills, and improve organization.* 7th-8th grade from 2:45-3:45 1st-6th grade from 4:15-5:15 If interested, contact Sharon Jordan (Homework Club Coordinator) 282-5687/ journeywithjordan@yahoo.com or Alissa Osborne (Teacher Consultant) 934-1188/ alimborne@yahoo.com. *All adults working with students have had a police background check. *Signed parent permission and student behavior contract are required for participation.

A snack will be provided. *To learn more about the MLK Coalition, visit our Facebook page at MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon

TUTORS AND SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED!

Acknowledgements 2012 Day of Service Volunteers Karen Bentley Jack Campbell Olivia Dean Morgan Evans Renee Forrester Russell Forrester Mary Lou Harmon Carol Hof James Hof Jada Howard Jo Ellen Jackson Christian Johnson Sharon Jordan Raye Kimberlin Shawn Kimberlin Erika Lewis Ricardo Lewis Jan Miller Tracie Mills Laura Okumu Emma Osborne Alissa Osborne Maia Osborne Ana Quintanilla Karen Schaeffer Torey Scott Tom Ullum Michelle Ullum Michael Watts Ryan Wiemers

2012 Day of Service Donors Patricia Becket Karen Bentley Carol Boten Girl Scouts c/o Lori Jones Renee Forrester Sharon Jordan Raye Kimberlin Margaret Kimberlin Ricardo Lewis Jan Miller Laura Okumu Alissa Osborne Karen Schaeffer Alyne Scott Michael Watts Laura Wiemers 2012 Day of Service Partners Child Advocacy Center of Warren County Council on Child Abuse Hospice of Butler/Warren County Humane Association of Warren County Lebanon Presbyterian Church

Acknowledgements 2012 MLK Celebration Participants Mayor Amy Brewer, City of Lebanon Mr. Michael Watts, Master of Ceremony Pastor Ricardo Lewis, Bethel A.M.E. Church Dr. Karen Schaeffer, Bethel A.M.E. Church Mr. Jay Mills, Bethel A.M.E. Church Lebanon High School R.O.T.C. M.L.K. Community Choir Bethel A.M.E. Church Bethel A.M.E. Sunday School Deacon James A. Green, Zion Baptist Church Pastor John Giron Chosen, Rachel Gray, Bethel A.M.E. Middletown Mr. John Zimkus, Warren Co. Historical Society Mrs. Mary Harmon, 2011 Honoree Mr. Williams 2012 Drum Major for Service Winners Mrs. Jean Benning, St. Patrick’s Homework Club The Lebanon Optimist Club 2012 Student Essay Winners High School winners: Kayla Collins (1st place) Lexie Dunlap (2nd place) Jr. High: John Castro (1st place) Ashley Krznarich (2nd place) Berry Intermediate: Colin Murphy (1st place) Jacob Moore (2nd place)

Special Acknowledgements Lebanon Junior High School Vonya Lewis Sandra Offord Tonya Young Mr. Williams

Acknowledgements Project 365 – Make A Difference Day Launch Event Countryside YMCA 2011 Project 365 Pledge Anna Ash Harry Bausmith Ken Bourne Steve Brady Andrea Checroun Donna Davis William Dews Kate Etter Russell Forrester Fran Hawkins Kathy Jewell Jacob Kiles Raye Kimberlin Kelton Lindsay Jay Mills Laura Okumu Emma Osborne Debra Rankin Karen Schaeffer Larissa Smith Neco Smith Jamie Titus Michael Watts Doris Woodson

Heather Baker Georgia Bausmith Kylie Bourne Keith Cates Taylor Clifton Cindy Davis Kya Dews Tara Fears Melissa Harding Joyce Hawkins Nadine Johnson Shawn Kimberlin Vonya Lewis Perry Lucas Janna Morrison Maia Osborne Nena Peters Milan Riddle Steve Schoerbierhler Mike Smith Jaime Spurlock Bri Vandeventer Heather Wesley Alex Yaekie

BJ Barnhill Karen Bentley Sherry Bourne Alqueeah Cates Kristin Compson Edward Dees Clayton Epperson Renee Forrester Dan Hautzinger Jada Howard Morgan Kershaw Margaret Kimberlin Ricardo Lewis Jim Mills Sage Morrison Alissa Osborne Susan Ramsey Brian Robbins Megan Shaw Cassandra Smith Angie Stockton Jennifer Vargas Susan Wilson Tonya Young

Acknowledgements Project 365 Bake Sale Fundraiser Bethel A.M.E. Church Kroger

Volunteers Karen Bentley Sharon Jordan Raye Kimberlin Shawn Kimberlin Shalay Sims Jordan Singleton Yvette Singleton Donations Karen Anderson Karen Bentley Sharon Jordan Saidah Foree Renee Forrester Gay Hedges Margaret Kimberlin Raye Kimberlin Jay Mills Vonya Lewis Alissa Osborne Robert Pryor Karen Schaeffer Aylne Scott Cheryl Sims LaToya Singleton Yvette Singleton Michael Watts Tonya Young

Contact Us

M.L.K. Community Coalition of Lebanon, Ohio c/o Bethel A.M.E. Church 111 N. Cherry Street Lebanon, Ohio 45036 Email: MLKLebanon@gmail.com

Phone: (513) 932-7919 Web: www.MLKCommunityCoalitionLebanon.webs.com

Facebook: Keyword: MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon