Mr. Farmer, 50, of Groesbeck, was among nine recipients who received awards at a ceremony in the Capital Ballroom of the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C., July 18.

        He was the only local winner. He began as an engineering assistant at GE in 1979. While working full time, he was also a full-time student at the University of Cincinnati. He received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from UC in 1983.

        In 23 years at GE, Mr. Farmer has been awarded seven U.S. patents, and GE has filed for an additional 19 patents.

        “Winning the award is exciting to me,” he said. “We had a great ceremony, and I met a lot of the other winners from around the country.”

        In nominating Mr. Farmer for the award, GE officials said several inventions included adding parts to a coating machine to drastically reduce machining time and improvement in the coating techniques. Several involved updating aging products.

        The program is sponsored by the African-American Forum, a group of African-American employees at GE.

        The forum promotes African-American role models within GE and recognizes its membership's achievements, said Daisy “Dee” Wood, a consultant for the forum.

        “I was one of the founders of the forum 10 years ago,” Ms Wood said.

        Lloyd Trotter, president and CEO of Industrial System for GE in Plainville, Conn., and the highest-ranking African-American at GE, was also one of the founders.

        “(The forum) gives us a chance to air things we don't like about the company and an avenue to share thoughts with each other,” Mr. Farmer said.

        Award recipients receive a trophy, and the forum makes a $300 contribution to the charity of the recipient's choice.

        With three weeks before school starts, the St. Joseph Orphanage is in need of school supplies, said Gloria Wahler, marketing director at the orphanage.

        She said backpacks, erasable pens, pencils, paper, glue, colored pencils and markers are needed.

        St. Joseph Orphanage Villa Academy in Monfort Heights teaches boys and girls with severe emotional and behavior disorders in grades 1-8.

        The Altercrest School of St. Joseph Orphanage in Anderson Township teaches grades 5-11.

        Ms. Wahler said the children earn academic credit, which is accepted by public schools toward graduation.

        For a list of supplies needed, visit the Web site www.stjosephorphanage.org or call 741-5690, extension 2115.

        The Blue Ash Presbyterian Church Fair this year will benefit Bethany House Services The fair will be from 4-9:30 p.m., Aug. 10 on the church grounds, 4309 Cooper Road.

        Bethany House provides emergency shelter for homeless women and children.

        Miranda Howard, 6, of Hamersville, Ohio, was awarded the gold medal for her age group at the National AAU Tae Kwon Do Championship in Greensboro, N.C., last month.

        Miranda, who holds the rank of Yellow Belt, won the medal for forms, power and technique.

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