Churches and nonprofit organizations that are providing free services for at-risk youth, prisoners, the homeless, and seniors in need, and helping to get people off welfare and into jobs, will get information on how to apply for federal funding for those services.

Tommie M. Stroude, founder and chair of the Ohio Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, is planning a statewide, bipartisan summit May 28-29 at the Millennium Hotel downtown.

"We want to bring together community and faith-based leaders to tell them about the national legislation that can benefit them with the programs they already have," Stroude said. "Our mission is to help faith-based organizations develop and grow to reach their full potential in serving the needs of their communities."

The summit kicks off with a banquet at 7 p.m. May 28. Kenneth J. Blackwell, Ohio secretary of state, will be keynote speaker.

The May 29 activities include a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m., with Jim Towey, executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives, as the speaker.

Other speakers include U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, Robert Polito, director of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Leonard Hubert, director of the Minority Affairs and Economic Opportunity Office of the governor.

Professor Don Nelson, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, will lead a workshop on drug abuse.

For more information, call 531-1904 or 531-8414.

Last Wednesday was Marilyn Baer Day in Mariemont, a tribute to her outstanding service to the village.

Baer is Mariemont School District's transportation secretary. She has helped to promote the preservation and improvement of the Mariemont Historic District, and was actively involved in the Mariemont Swim Association, Cub Scouts and MariElders.

A roundup of Taft High School students, during the era when the entire backfield of the football team went to the National Football League, is planned for 5 p.m. Sunday at Sonny's All Blues Cafe & Lounge, 4040 Reading Road, Avondale.

Mert Smith, a 1963 graduate, said organizers are trying to find all students from that era, 1960-63. The players that went to the NFL were: Carl Ward, Sid Edwards, Al Nelson and the late Walter Johnson.

The alumni gathering will include a cocktail hour and food, catered by Brenda Coaston Brown.

"This is a prelude to our annual dance on Aug. 30," said Smith, a retired pipe fitter.

For more information, call Alonzo Ballard at 482-7332.

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.