THINGS TO DO: NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS 1995

When it comes to New Year's resolutions, members of Cape Girardeau's arts and entertainment community play a tune all their own.

Pat Reagan-Woodard, director of the Southeast Missouri State University Museum, wants to put on her roller blades more often and just enjoy life.

"The only thing I consistently think about is having more fun," says Reagan-Woodard, who describes herself as a workaholic.

"I need to clear my brain and go on impulse, and something like roller blading puts you on your impulses."

Don Schulte, theater director at Southeast, has a relaxing resolution.

"The acting teacher, Stanislavski, says the key to good acting is relaxation, and that is probably a key to doing any job well."

Schulte's son once made a crayon-scrawled poster that read: Relax your bones.

"I think maybe it is time to renew that, make a new crayon poster for the refrigerator that says, `Relax your bones.'"

Robert Hamblin, English professor and author, says: "My New Year's resolution is to finish a book of poems and play basketball at least three times a week."

Hamblin, who thrives on the literature of William Faulkner, is working on a book of sports poems called "The Pole Vaulter and Other Heroes."

He previously authored a book about Southeast State University basketball coach Ron Shumate and the school's move to Division I basketball.

His love of basketball isn't just a literary endeavor. "We have a group of faculty members and we are all over 50 and we play half-court games just for exercise."

Greg Petrowich, operations director at KRCU, the National Public Radio station on the university campus, wants to take more advantage of the cultural events in Cape Girardeau.

"It it not like we are in Chicago and it is an effort to go out to a concert here," he notes.

Petrowich says there are plenty of concerts held on the Southeast campus each year and at Old St. Vincent's Church.

"It is there if you want to look for it and I don't even have to look for it. We are announcing them all day long."

James Parker, local artist and founding director of the University Museum, has a longstanding New Year's resolution.

"I would like to see the Cape Girardeau community have a little more appreciation for the arts, whether it be art or music. I think it is long overdue," he declares.

"The old theory is, try it, you might like it. I don't think you have to be educated in the arts to appreciate it."

Gary Miller, music professor and organist, is ready to put on his walking shoes.

"I think I am going to try to get more exercise," he says. "What it is going to mean is that every time I go to practice, I walk to the church."

Miller says he can make it from his home to First Presbyterian Church on Broadway in 15 minutes if he walks briskly.

Bob Camp, rock 'n' roll guitar player and singer, vows to give less unsolicited advice to friends and acquaintances.

"I am going to try to be a better listener in '95."

Last year, he resolved to quit smoking and succeeded. On Monday, he will have been smoke-free for a whole year.

At age 44, Camp's musical career is looking up for the new year. He and fellow members of the Friction/Camp Experience band recently made a video of their song, "Cold Ice Water and Hot Caffeine," in Memphis.

He says the video should appear on MTV within a few months.

Dawn Evans, office manager for KRCU and president-elect of the local chapter of the NAACP, has plenty of resolve for '95.

"My New Year's resolution is to go full force in 1995, standing my ground and not accepting less than I want, both for myself, my family and my people.

"That pretty well covers anything a person would want to do throughout the year."

Mark Farmer, pen and ink artist who is known for his detailed drawings of Cape's older buildings, wants to become a better artist.

"I am starting to go to a drawing group where we focus on figure drawing, which is something I don't do very well.

Farmer says he attended a session with the weekly drawing group earlier this month. "I got the bug and I am going to go back in January."

Farmer also hopes to squeeze in more time for bicycling.

David Ross, Show Me Center director, says he doesn't think in terms of New Year's resolutions.

But he says he has both professional and personal New Year's wishes

"Professionally, I would like to continue to provide a variety of quality events and entertainment for the Cape Girardeau region.

"Personally, I want my family to know every day how much I love them."