We’ll soon be entering a new year and many people will be making New Year’s resolutions.

As I wrote one year ago, many resolutions relate to our bodies. People resolve to lose weight or to begin a life-long exercise program.

But how many people resolve to improve their minds as well as their bodies? And improving your mind is equally important.

So here’s my suggestion. Join our Regional Readers group. We meet once a month on a Tuesday evening from 5:45-7:00 pm and discuss a book that comments on our shared history and culture.

In 2005, we’re going to read the following: "His First, Best Country" by Jim Wayne Miller, "Songs of Life and Grace" by Linda Scott DeRosier, "Bankmules" the author James Vaughan will be present, "Sporty Creek" by James Still, "Johnny Osage" by Janice Holt Giles, "Blue Jacket" by Allan W. Eckert, "The Senator from Slaughter County" by Harry M. Caudill, "Mr. Gallion’s School" by Jesse Stuart, "Coal Tattoo" by Silas House, and "The Court Martial of Daniel Boone" by Allan W. Eckert.

Our next meeting is January 25, 2005, and we’ll be discussing Jim Wayne Miller’s novel, "His First, Best Country."

Please join us. You’ll enjoy our discussions, and I believe that you’ll be proud of yourself for beginning a reading program.

For more information, call (606)326-1667.

We just published "Blood & Bone Remember," poems from Appalachia by Jane Hicks with an Introduction by the state’s most popular writer, Silas House.

The Jesse Stuart Foundation hosts several evening activities for adults. In addition to our monthly Regional Readers group, the Ashland Area Woodcarvers meet every Thursday evening from 5:30-7:30 pm. The public is invited to visit and join this group of carvers. As they often say to me, "You don’t have to be an expert. Anyone can join. All of us began as unskilled carvers and learned by doing. You can, too!" The woodcarvers are taking a holiday break and will resume their meetings on January 13, 2005.