It is time to honor that person you know who has promoted harmonious relations, equality, fairness, and better relationships among neighborhoods.

Such a person can be nominated for the 2002 Ethelrie Harper Award.

The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission (CHRC) is accepting nominations. The nominations must be received at the CHRC office, Room 110, City Hall, 801 Plum St., Cincinnati, OH 45202, by Friday.

CHRC may be called at 352-3237.

The award is named for Ethelrie Harper, a former CHRC commissioner.

Harper was a staff representative of District 51 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. She died in 1975. She served as a CHRC commissioner from 1971-75.

Harper, a native of Mississippi, established herself as a community and civic leader in the West End. She graduated from Walnut Hills High School and attended the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.

The award was established in 1976. Among the list of award recipients is Ernest J. Waits Sr., who worked with Harper in civil rights and the labor movement.

"She was one of the first women to make her presence felt in the labor unions," Waits said. "She was an extremely dedicated and caring person who worked to eliminate discrimination against the poor and depressed in our local community. Much of it was done in the West End where she worked along with the late Lloyd Trotter, a former president of the local chapter of the NAACP. It was a great honor for me to receive the award as well as work along with her."

Nonprofit organizations that have programs that improve an understanding of and access to the law could be eligible for a grant from the Cincinnati Bar Foundation.

CBF is accepting proposals for the 2003 grant session, with emphasis on programs that build character in children.

Applications must be received by Feb. 28. To request an application, contact Michelle Ward, 784-9595.

You have read about the pioneer days, when women sewed for each other or for charity. All free.

Mary Kaeser of Harrison and Brenda Kenyon of Fairfield are bringing back those days through Cobblewood Quilters Center, Forest Park.

"We have sewing machines, fabric, thread, batting and supplies, mostly donated," Kaeser said.

They want to promote self-esteem and charity awareness, Kaeser said. She said they will have a pick-your-charity quilt-a-thon next month. They will make a quilt for the WCET auction in April, one for the breast cancer awareness drive in May and for the cancer relay in June.

Information: 367-6701.

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.