A CD titled Midwest Funk features various artists of the late 1960s who embraced that period when rock 'n' roll soul funk was moving into an upbeat, semi-calypso style funk with heavy emphasis on instruments.

Barbara Reece, then recording under her maiden name of Barbara Howard, is among the artists from Cincinnati; Minneapolis; Detroit; Columbus; Oklahoma City; Wichita, Kan.; Indianapolis; St. Louis; and other Midwestern cities who were part of that movement.

The songs, put together by Jazzman Records in London, are spreading across Europe and the West Coast.

Barbara Reece, who recorded under her maiden name, Barbara Howard, is included on a CD called Midwest Funk, featuring artists of the 1960s. The Cincinnati Enquirer/MICHAEL SNYDER

"They are even talking about taking some of the artists on a tour,'' said Reece. She recorded "I Don't Want Your Love," written by her then-boyfriend and later husband, Steve Reece. They are the parents of Cincinnati Vice Mayor Alicia Reece.

"I am a little older, now, but I can go back to that period. If they want me to go on a tour, I will gladly do it,'' Barbara Reece said.

At 52, she has multiple sclerosis but still performs occasionally at Friendship Baptist Church in Avondale where she is a member.

Much of the upbeat pep in her voice remains after more than 30 years ago when she ranked along with such artists as The Soul Tornados, Akron; the Wallace Brothers, Columbus; Billy Joe Holloman, Minneapolis; The Fabulous Originals, Dayton, Ohio; Henry Peters and the Imperials, Omaha, Neb.; and many others.

For more information, call 731-6308.

NASA Fellow

A Turpin High School and University of Cincinnati graduate has been named a NASA Fellow by the Alabama Space Grant Consortium.

Daniel Wade received his $22,000 NASA Space Grant fellowship at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., April 23.

He is a graduate student in mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama. He was one of 57 Alabama University students honored this year as NASA Fellows and scholars.

Contest for moms

Moms are getting a special offer for a makeover on Mother's Day, plus a chance to win a trip to New York and meet the stars of CBS's Guiding Light.

Entries for the national contest will be accepted as part of Thriftway's Guiding Light Grand Prize Giveaway from noon to 4 p.m. May 8 at Thriftway, 9950 Berberich Drive, Florence.

Moms may enter the contest while getting a Cover Girl makeover. The grand prize winner will receive a three-day trip to New York City. A first prize winner will receive a spa vacation.

For more information, call (904) 370-7715, ext. 4, or (704) 299-6666.

Training for Blackhawk duty

Pfc. James Lamping has graduated Advanced Individual Training with military honors at Fort Eustis, Va. He is training to be a crew chief on an Army Blackhawk helicopter. Following Airborne training, he will be stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., as part of the 101st Airborne Division.

The East Central High School graduate is the son of Teresa and James Lamping of Bright, Ind.

Basic training completed

Pvt. Matt DuMont has completed basic and infantry training at Fort Benning, Ga., and has reported to Fort Campbell, Ky., with the 101st Airborne Division, 3rd Battalion, 187th Regiment to attend air assault school.

The Milford High School graduate is the son of Sherri and Yaron Lerer of Miami Township, Clermont County.

Boatswains mate to carrier

Aviation boatswains mate Eric Schlueter graduated from U.S. Navy basic training at Great Lakes, Ill., and the aviation boatswains course at Pensacola, Fla. He is now assigned to the U.S.S. Boxer, a Marine assault aircraft carrier in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Sycamore High School graduate is the son of Shirley and Bill Schlueter of Symmes Township.

Now lieutenant colonel

James Ruf has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. He has returned to the U.S. from deployment in Iraq and lives in Odenton, Md.

The Forest Park High School graduate is the son of Nancy Ruf of Forest Park.

To submit an item, please call 755-4165.