Tuesday, July 8, 2003

Howard: Some good news


Habitat seeks new director

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John Cerniglia, who coordinated the development of houses for low-income residents as director of Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity, started his new position Monday as senior director of campaigns for Habitat for Humanity International in Americus, Ga.

"My first big job is to help raise $500 million in the More Than Houses Program,'' Cerniglia said. "The campaign started in 2000 and will run through 2005. We have $120 million to raise. I have 30 months to do it.''

Cerniglia had been with the local housing group 11 years, bringing together low- to moderate-income residents who put in 500 hours of "sweat equity" to build their homes.

The residents work with Habitat for Humanity volunteers, with support from banks and church groups, to build the houses.

On his last day with the Cincinnati housing group last month, Cerniglia attended the raising of a wall at the 100th house built by the group.

The agency is searching for a new director.

For more information, call 621-4147.

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A benefit fund has been set up for the children of Resna Leatherwood at U.S. Bank. Leatherwood was killed Friday when strong wind blew down a tree that landed on her and her mother, Laverta Walker of Evanston.

The fatal accident happened during a family picnic in Avondale.

Leatherwood's children are Timothy, 16, and twins Paige and Shelly, 13.

Leatherwood was an employee of U.S. Bank.

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Cincinnati native David Justice, a former professional baseball player, and Anthony Munoz, a former Cincinnati Bengal, will join Mayor Charlie Luken at the fourth annual golf fund-raiser for the African American Chamber of Commerce, Aug. 11.

The event starts with a celebrity breakfast at 7:15 a.m. at the Glenview Golf Course clubhouse. There will be an 8 a.m. shotgun start.

Funds from the tournament support the chamber's business programs, educational services and seminars for local business owners, said De Asa M. Brown, chamber president.

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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.