January 23, 2025

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Katherine Flotz, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Ruthann Graczyk, Beverly Biehr, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Diane Stratton, Cindy Horgash, Beverly Stanislawski, Sharon Palmeri

OLD BUSINESS:

Katherine Flotz (Treas.) reminded members that the $25.00 annual dues are now being collected for 2025.

NEW BUSINESS:

WOH members agreed to apply for a table at the Creative Arts Summit 2025 at the Lake County Public Library on May 31^st. We discussed taking shifts for the 12:00-4:00 pm time slot and displaying individual published books. We collectively decided this is an opportunity to advertise for the WOH writing club. Amy Brailey (Pres.) offered to complete the application online beginning February 3rd.

LITERARY NEWS:

No items were discussed.

READINGS:

AMY BRAILEY read an untitled piece about an invading army that searches for a child who has been foretold in a prophecy. Before they can find him, his governess spirits him away.

SHARON BUCKMAN read her fictional short story “Going Home.” An almost believable account of the abduction of her and her eight-year-old brother by a stranger after the local newspaper published an article about their father being injured during World War II.

BEVERLY BIEHR shared her book description and proposal for “God’s Calling Seniors.” She asked for advice or suggestions for her proposal.

BOB NEUMAN read his short story “Sam, I Am!” or a better title “Sam, I am NOT!” about a nine-year-old boy who like him shares a similar but different life story.

“Pure and Sweet” is DIANE STRATTON’S reflection article on how a certain group of people set a good example of kindness without needing any super abilities.

CINDY HORGASH read chapter two “Déjà vu” of her untitled Chapter book about the antics and thoughts between fourth-grade friends and classmates.   

JUDY NEUMAN read a short piece on the positive effects of a smile that she titled, “There’s Something About a Smile!”

BEV STANISLAWSKI read the first chapter of a story titled “La Señora” about a young girl searching for a gigantic oyster shell that is believed to hold the biggest pearl in the world.

SHARON PALMERI read a poem titled "Ode to My Husband” about the man who allowed her the freedom to grow.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

January 9, 2025

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Katherine Flotz, Shirley Hinman, Beverly Biehr, Diane Stratton, Amy Brailey, Cindy Horgash, Beverly Stanislawski, Lisa Keene

OLD BUSINESS:

None discussed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Katherine Flotz (Treas.) reminded members that the $25.00 annual dues are now being collected for 2025.

Amy Brailey (Pres.) asked members what they were looking for in the way of critiques or notes from other members. Many members preferred asking for critiques or suggestions before reading their material. Everyone said they appreciate the members who take the time to make written grammar corrections and idea suggestions.

LITERARY NEWS:

Beverly Biehr brought copies of her published memoir, “Casualties of Peacemaking.”

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem, "The Frozen Lake Spoke to Me,” about a child who longs for the lake to freeze over so she can skate.

BEV STANISLAWSKI read a Pantoum poem, "Intertwined" about two souls, two hearts that share their love throughout eternity.

LISA KEENE has finished her young adult novel "Yerd" and asked for publishing tips after reading her Plot Synopsis, About the book, and About the author.

AMY BRAILEY read “The Unexpected Prince” about a brother and sister who seek out a true love who can wake their sleeping classmates and townsfolk. Amy plans to enter her short story into a contest at Story Shares.com.

BEVERLY BIEHR read the cover from her memoir, "Casualties of Peacemaking." This book entails the political firestorm surrounding the Democratic National Convention hosted by Chicago in 1968.

CINDY HORGASH read chapter one titled “Bloopers, Blunders, and Flubs.” It is a Chapter book geared toward fourth-grade readers.  

DIANE STRATTON read her non-fiction story "Follow that Hunch" about her instincts regarding an elderly lady who appeared lost. Telling of the impressions and thoughts she pondered after speaking to her and her neighbor.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

Secretary