You could call it a party, a political gabfest or a reunion.

It was, really, a birthday bash that Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Melba Marsh gave for her mother, Martha Milton of East Walnut Hills, who marched into her 80s Sunday in fair health and good spirits.

Martha Milton

There was lots of shop talk. Charles Collins, former director of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, flew in from Palm Springs, Fla.

"Hey, Rev. Floyd Brown, I haven't seen you in 30 years," Collins said as he mingled with the crowd of old- and new-schoolers at the gymnasium at Purcell Marian High School, Evanston.

Judge John O. Conner gave a high-five to retired judge William McClain. The Rev. Donald Jones, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Avondale, moved among the packed audience.

The party and the people there were a reflection of Milton's lifestyle; a solid citizen, a Republican, a sometimes rabble-rouser, but everybody's friend.

Care package assembly

Members of the Caring Hands Program at Siemens Energy & Automation will meet from 10 a.m. to noon today with the Council on Child Abuse of Southern Ohio, Blue Ash to assemble packages with information on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Jessica Walker, a leader of Caring Hands, said the packages will be delivered to mothers of new born babies.

"The packages will contain information on how to soothe a crying baby," Walker said.

Push for Pencils drive

Crayons to Computers' August Push for Pencils back to school supply drive continues through October. Make Contributions at Staples stores, Kroger, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Joseph Beth Booksellers and Franklin Savings & Loan.

Information: 482-7095.

Sounds of the '60s

If you feel nostalgic for '60s music and would like to relive the Beatles' sounds, check out a benefit concert featuring the band, 1964 Tribute, patterned after the "Fab Four."

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Mason High School.

"We are trying to raise money to renovate the group homes on the campus of the Mid-Western Children's Home in Pleasant Plain," said Pam Eichhold, coordinator.

Information: 575-0052.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs daily. 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.