Managing yourself may be a bigger problem than you think. Do you know how to monitor your own health? Can you really identify pain and do you know what to do about it? How about finances? Can you budget or balance a checkbook?

And then there is religion. Are you sensitive about your personal spirituality? Do you share what you feel with others? Do you enjoy fellowship?

Allen Temple AME Church, Bond Hill, hopes to deal with those issues in a series of free workshops called the Life Management Institute, starting June 11.

Kathleen Gallon, chairwoman of the church committee that drew up plans for the series, said they have registered people for the first phase and have started registering for the fall workshops.

"This is an attempt to branch out and reach people through education who would not ordinarily come to a church environment with these issues," Gallon said. "The workshops will deal with basics in several areas."

The series kicks off from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the church, 7030 Reading Road, Bond Hill, in Jordan Crossing (formerly Swifton Commons Mall).

Drs. Keevin and Denise Davis of the Davis Group will talk about restoring health naturally.

From 7 to 9 p.m. June 19 to July 24, the Rev. Calvin Alston, pastor of New Vision United Methodist, will talk about "Receive & Believe: Go and Sow." The workshop is sponsored by the Council of Christian Communions.

On June 21, Dr. John Thomas, psychologist, will conduct a workshop on "The Art of Being Heard" from 10 a.m. to noon.

Melvin Marshall, relationship manager at Key Bank, will talk about "Planning Your Financial Future" 7-9 p.m. on July 9. Gallon, also a consultant with Success Matters Inc. downtown, will discuss: "The Changing Job Market; Resumes and Interviews that Work," 7-9 p.m. July 17.

Tina Macon, consultant for AllMac & Associates, will talk about "Communicating Without Anger" 7-9 p.m. on July 30.

Rev. Donald Jordan, pastor of Allen Temple, said they hope to make the institute citywide and year-round.

"We feel honored to be able to give back this service and to help people to become aware of the information that is needed to fulfill their dreams," Jordan said.

To register, call 531-7539.

World-famous sculptor Patricia Renick of Cincinnati will be honored Oct. 6, along with Georgia and David Welles of Toledo, in a gala co-sponsored by the International Sculptor Center and the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning.

The event starts at 6 p.m. at the old Contemporary Arts Center, 115 Fifth St., downtown.

For information, call 984-4333.

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.