The Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati awarded her third place in the contemporary favorite decorating category at Homearama 2002, held in South Lebanon a week ago.

        “This is wonderful,” Mrs. Jones said. “I don't care if it is third place or whatever or whether it was for decorating toilet paper. I am just glad to be a winner.”

        Mrs. Jones, who owns A Lucky Step furniture store in Evendale, was among the 57 winners given awards for traditional, transitional and contemporary interior and exterior decorations; favorite landscaping, family room and great room, kitchen and dining room; favorite home, bedroom suite, bath, lower level, outdoor living and family gathering area.

        She has kept the store going after witnessing the shooting death of her husband, Stephen Jones, there last August.

        Mr. Jones was a co-owner with her in the business they started two years ago. She called 911 and reported the shooting. Alonzo Campbell, 38, of Walnut Hills, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and illegally possessing a weapon as a convicted felon.

        He was convicted and sentenced to 20 to 100 years.

        Mrs. Jones has struggled to put the incident behind her while continuing to operate the furniture store and her other business, Eastern Personnel Services in downtown Cincinnati.

        “I don't have anything else to do but keep going,” she said.“This award will help lift my spirit.”

        The home she decorated was built by Perry Bush Custom Homes in Fairfield. Other winners in that category were: Eagle Custom Homes Inc., Sycamore Township, first place; and Shonave Custom Homes Inc., Mason, second place.

        The Sickle Cell Parent and Family Network is getting a new home at 1203 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. as a clearinghouse of information on sickle cell and other chronic conditions.

        Cincinnati lawyer Michael Hawkins, a 21-year volunteer with Greater Cincinnati Red Cross chapter, has been elected to the National American Red Cross Board of Governors.

        Mr. Hawkins will serve as a member of the International Committee and one of two Board of Governors' liaisons with the American Red Cross' National Diversity Council.

        He is a partner with Dinsmore & Shohl.

        The city's Graffiti Wipeout Mobile Unit has removed graffiti from 904 locations this year. The unit has a portable paint facility and a pickup truck with a pressure washer.

        For graffiti removal, call the City's Customer Service Hotline, 591-6000.

        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, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.
       

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