Peg Moertl, director of the city of Cincinnati's Department of Community Development and Planning, has been selected as one of the 2003 Fannie Mae Foundation Fellows at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School.

The school operates a government program for senior executives in state and local government.

Moertl, of Hyde Park, will join other foundation fellows who will attend an intensive course this month, designed to develop leadership skills, stimulate interest in new management techniques, and foster relationships among public-sector colleagues.

The fellows selected are recognized for their commitment to and accomplishments in the field of affordable housing.

Moertl has been with the city since January 2001. She is responsible for housing, neighborhood and workforce development, small business, land use management, historic conservation, human services, arts and culture, and civic infrastructure.

Moertl

She has experience in banking, entrepreneurial development, marketing communications and community development. She was former vice president of Bank One and was the bank's Community Reinvestment Act manager. She is also a former executive director of Women Entrepreneurs Inc.

She has received recognition from the United Way & Community Chest, Cincinnati-Hamilton Community Action Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration.

The foundation was established in 1995 and focuses on enhancing the management decision-making skills of senior public and nonprofit officials.

The curriculum of the three-week course at the Kennedy school includes organizational strategy, management and policy development.

A tribute will be paid to Harriet Tubman through a musical drama presentation by Theatre IV, the Taft Museum of Art's resident theater company.

The performances will be from 1-2 p.m. March 8 at Hughes Center, 2515 Clifton Ave., Clifton. The drama focuses on Tubman's trips to the South to bring slaves to freedom. The free performance is suitable for ages 5 to adult. For reservations, call 241-0343, ext. 24.

The drama will be presented 3-4 p.m. March 9 at the Arts Consortium, 1515 Linn St., West End.

A second section will be added to the Aiken Aerie Memorial. Aiken High School graduates are asked to order now for the spring installation of memorial pavers. For information, call Ellen Layne at Aiken High School, 853-2533.

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.