Recently that group, known as the Forest-Aires Women's Chorus, was named the Civic Organization of the Year by the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce for making “outstanding contributions to the Anderson area.”

        “We are very proud to receive the award,” said Kim Long, president of the choral group.

        After singing to the PTA mothers for awhile, the singers evolved into a community group and began recruiting citywide for anyone who could carry a tune. The group is made up of 35 women now, Mrs. Long said.

        “We have performed at the Clermont County Fair, nursing homes, private and business groups, churches and other organizations,” Mrs. Long said.

        The group has used its proceeds to fund voice lessons for 183 area high school students.

        The next opportunity for students to audition for vocal scholarships is mid-September. Also singers who want to join the group may sign up in early September.

        “We are always looking for new singers,” Mrs. Long said. “To sign up for the student audition or to join the group, call 474-1711.

        The Eastside Coalition of Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity has kicked off its 2002 Homebuilding program, starting with houses at 3223 and 3227 Beresford Ave., Walnut Hills.

        The coalition is made up of eastside churches: Armstrong Chapel, St. Paul and Hartzell United Methodist Churches; Good Shepherd Lutheran; Montgomery and Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Churches; St. Barnabas Episcopal and St. Thomas Episcopal Churches and St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church.

        The Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds and rehabs homes for low-income families.

        You can help someone through the hot summer months by donating fans or window air conditionersnow through Aug. 31 at any of the 11 St Vincent de Paul thrift stores in Hamilton County and Northern Kentucky.

        The fan drive will have a special promotion at Coney Island on July 3, the day of Coney's annual Balloon Glow celebration.

        Coney Island officials will offer a free pool and ride pass, valued at $17.50, in exchange for a new fan brought to the amusement park, or for a minimum donation of $15.

        St. Vincent de Paul, WCPO-TV Channel 9, Coney Island, Cincinnati Firefighters Union Local 48, WRRM-98 and MOJO-94.9 radio station are sponsors.
       

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, or ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.
       

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Sand tiger shark dies
State wobbles in purchase of land
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