In today's video world, this is real news: A group has been formed to appreciate reading. It's the Whittier Literary Society, which has been started at the Waynesville Area Heritage and Cultural Center.

        The society's goal is refreshing — to encourage the reading and writing of literature.

        The name of the Whittier Literary Society was chosen to honor the earliest literary club that met in Waynesville.

        It was formed in 1905 at the Friends Home (now the Heritage and Cultural Center) and primarily devoted to the reading and study of literature and poetry by John Greenleaf Whittier, along with other Quaker literature.

        Now, in the age of the computer, it's unusual to see this kind of “literary society,” other than an occasional one devoted to popular literature.

        The society will play host to special presentations and workshops given by writers and teachers. “We hope to host programs that will encourage and empower our local students to read and write,” group members said in a prepared statement.

        At the first meeting on Jan. 24, the group will discuss Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible.

        Different moderators will serve each month. Meetings will be Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, May 23 and June 27. Books to be discussed include Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald and East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

        Meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the center, 115 S. Fourth St. There is no limit to the number of members.

        The center is dedicated to preserving local history and promoting the arts and humanities in Warren County. On the center's lower level, an arts center is being developed by the Waynesville Area Arts Council.

        For information on events and activities coming to the center, call 897-1607.

        HAMILTON — Before taking off on his worldwide marathon, Santa will stop at Pyramid Hill's “Holiday Lights on the Hill” from 6-8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

        The sculpture park and museum, on Ohio 128, is open every night from 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 6.

        Admission: $12 for cars and vans with up to eight passengers on Monday through Thursday, and $14 on Friday through Sunday.

        Information: 868-8336.

        BATAVIA — The Clermont Transportation Connection is moving.

        In January, its new address will be 4003 Filager Rd.

        The new toll-free telephone number will be 887-724-7433.

        Clermont Transportation Connection is the county-operated bus service.

        HAMILTON — Is your house making you sick?

        Gene Carroll, a certified house inspector, will discuss that question in a continuing education workshop at Miami University Hamilton.

        He'll talk about dust mites, asbestos, radon, carbon monoxide and chemicals.

        The course will be at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17.

        Cost, $19. Pre-registration required. Information: 785-3131.

        Randy McNutt's column appears on Saturday. Contact him at The Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Dr., West Chester, Ohio 45069. Telephone: 755-4158. Fax: 755-4150. E-mail: Rmcnutt@enquirer.com.

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