Gregory Perry, a paraplegic who lives in Silverton, tells his friends if they want to visit him they should come before 6 p.m.

        “At 6 p.m. each day is when I take my walks,” Mr. Perry said.

        Learning to walk has been a full-time job for Mr. Perry since he had spinal cord reconstructive surgery in August 2001.

        He was paralyzed from his chest down after being shot Feb. 8, 1996.

        His surgery was performed by Dr. Carl C. Kao in Quito, Ecuador. Dr. Kao is a neurosurgeon who directs a spinal-cord clinic in Washington.

        He has done the surgery at Georgetown and Boston Universities, but insurance will not pay for it because it is not sanctioned by the federal government.

        “I am up to 250 steps a day now,” Mr. Perry said. “I think the progress I have made and what I am doing can inspire others who have the same thing.”

        Mr. Perry uses special shoes and parallel bars to help him as he recovers.

        Friends are coordinating a fund-raiser for Mr. Perry to buy more medical equipment for further therapy. Victor Hunter, a local DJ and juvenile probation officer, said he will ask for donations for Mr. Perry at his monthly party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday at The Apple, 10575 Chester Road, Woodlawn.

        The monthly free event usually draws about 200 people, Mr. Hunter said.

        To help, call 791-3766.

        A fall fitness festival and walk-a-thon to benefit the Diabetes Association is

        9 a.m. Saturday at the Cintas Center , Xavier University, 3800 Victory Parkway, Evanston..

        The event is part of the Links Inc., Cincinnati chapter's 2002-2003 Season of Change series.

        To register, call 242-6028.

        The theme for the morning event is “Dealing with Diabetes.”

        “This is a disease that is very prevalent in the African-American community and especially among children,” said Michelle Hopkins, a WLWT-Channel 5 television news anchor and co-chair of the event.

        Ms. Hopkins said registration will start at 8 a.m. at the center. The walk will begin at 9 a.m., head down Victory Parkway to Madison Road and return to thecenter , where a health fair will be conducted.

        Links Inc. is an international service organization that promotes and engages in educational, civic and intercultural activities.

        Want a chance to fill your basement with junk and also learn about mentoring programs offered by churches in East Walnut Hills, youth outreach programs and police community relations?

        Then visit Hackberry and Madison Road, East Walnut Hills,

        8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday.

        Mary Anne Lee, president of the East Walnut Hills Assembly, calls it a community-relations festival and flea market.

        “The main idea is to bring people together to let them know what is going on in this community,” she said.

        “We are promoting racial harmony and economic diversity through many different projects.

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

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