September 9, 2025

 

WRITE ON, HOOSIERS!

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Chris Hasara, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keene, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

Reminder that Mark Edward Wilows will be speaking at our next meeting on September 23, 2025.

Beverly Stanislawski suggested we have refreshments at the next meeting. Cindy Horgash and Judy Neuman volunteered to bring snacks.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sharon Palmeri checked in on a few of our former members, Sharon Dorelli and Bernadette Fortuna, who have retired, and is hopeful that they will now have more time to write and return to WOH.

Al Koch informed the club that the new History Museum in Whiting, IN will hold its official opening on September 13^th from 10 am-4 pm.

LITERARY NEWS:

Katherine Flotz has been invited to Beverly’s church, First United Methodist in Valparaiso, on November 9^th to speak about her book, “A Pebble in My Shoe.”

Amy Brailey took her students to the Knox Beyond the Book Authors Fair to meet with 40 authors, receive giveaways, and learn about podcasting.

Lisa Keene has submitted a proposal to present her book, “Yerd,” at the Journalism Education/National Scholastic Press Association Convention.

READINGS:

SHARON PALMERI read the chapter, “1998-99: John, Gateway Computers, and the Pusher,” from her memoir. This chapter recounts her husband becoming bored after retirement, taking on a job selling computers, and his experience and altercation with a very pushy salesman.

AL KOCH read his newspaper article, “Summers of a Lifetime,” celebrating the seasons of the calendar and the seasons within our hearts and minds. So many moments, so many memories. Savor the moments, treasure the memories.

CHRIS HASARA read his Wild Card Award-winning poem, “Grains of Sand,” about life passing.

BOB NEUMAN read his inspirational-humorous article, “Misteaks and Corections,” about mistakes and corrections.

JON TERPSTRA read the first chapter of his story, “Ruby.” The narrator is tending bar, and his friend, Jeff, has stopped in to see him, recalling the details of their initial conversation.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her poem of memories of a “Lonely House.” She also read her poem, “Ballerina” about the beauty of Degas' Ballerina.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued the reading from Chapter 3 of his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie,” the sequel to his “Toys in the Closet.” This chapter takes place on June 11, 2011, and the protagonist is reciting a dream he had when visiting his house in the Indiana Dunes on December 25, 1997.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter, “Freedom at Last: It’s Permanent” from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This chapter summarizes Timmy’s homecoming after 21 months of hospitalization and his 2^nd birthday celebration. Timmy’s diet is a challenge of trial and error with many digestive issues.   

BEVERLY BIEHR read “Simeon, Finishing Life Well”, Chapter 9,  from her book “Happy Retirement Years: Inspiration from Bible Seniors.” Simeon is remembered 2000 years from when Luke wrote about him and recognized his qualities of being righteous and devout.

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from her book “Yerd: A Yearbook Nerd’s Epic Quest for Spiritual and Grammatical Enlightenment.” After an evening of drinking and making bad choices, the main character kisses Luke Harrington. Yes, THE Luke Harrington!

The meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

Aug. 26, 2025 Minutes

 

Write on, Hoosiers! 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Sharon Buckman, Amy Brailey, Chris Hasara, Lisa Keene, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra, Ursula Saqui

 

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 6:10 p.m.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Diane Stratton discussed having writer, TV actor, and radio host Mark Edward Wilows speak about screenwriting to our group. She mentioned possibly in September, and then said she would propose some dates and see what works best for his schedule. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

We had a potential new member, Dr. Ursula Saqui, share that she has experience in academic and business writing, but she started creative writing murder mysteries five years ago. We went around the room and introduced ourselves. Diane advised that dues are $25/year, and we meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6 p.m. In October we will return to the 2nd and 4th Thursdays. 

 

LITERARY NEWS:

Amy invited the rest of the writers to join her as she planned to take her students to the Knox Library Author Fest on Sept. 6.

 

Jon let everyone know that non-members could submit poems in up to six categories to the Poetry Society of Indiana for $5. The deadline for that contest was Aug. 27, but there are more upcoming.

 

READINGS:

 

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter, Second Visit Home from her book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This is a continuing summary of the joy and challenges Jimmy’s second visit home brought after 20 months in Yale University Hospital, and the measles outbreak that required the hospital to discharge him to his parents’ care with no return date. At only seven pounds, Timmy is finally reunited with his mom and dad in a happy homecoming.

 

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her fictional short story, “Lessons Learned from the Giant Pearl Search,” about Bella’s interactions with Papá Ortega as she searched for a giant pearl named La Seňora and learned that giving back is the best part of getting.

 

CHRIS HASARA played the guitar to his original song about driving a bus.

 

AMY BRAILEY read the prologue and part of Chapter 1 of her book, “Destiny: Unknown.” Armon has an encounter with bullies and tries to defend himself.

 

SHARON BUCKMAN read “A Special Life” recounting the challenges and triumphs of a “life well spent” by her friend Beverly who is a wonderful person who devoted her existence to raising seven children with her husband Jim. She now helps with her grandchildren.

 

SHARON PALMERI read, “No Guarantee” which is a medical story based on a real-life incident Sharon experienced while working in obstetrics.

 

TRENT D. PENDLEY read an excerpt from Chapter 5 of his novel, “Lewry Lurie,” his sequel to “Toys in the Closet.” Lewry Lurie is a week-long adventure in the Indiana Dunes Country with excursions to Indianapolis and Lafayette and back to Chicago where the story originated in the John Hancock building. This read notes meeting some community elders in Valparaiso for lunch with connections to Broadway musical productions, Roy Halston the fashion industry icon from Evansville as well as the manufacturing of the first golden arch sign for McDonalds. This read takes place on June 29, 2011.

 

JON TERPSTRA discussed his historical piece based on a fictional town called Riverton that is based on Ottowa and LaSalle, IL.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

LISA KEENE

 

 

August 12, 2025

 

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Ruthann Graczyk, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keene, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton

OLD BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

Diane Stratton introduced information on writer, TV actor, and radio host Mark Edward Wilows. She asked the group if it would be beneficial to have him as a speaker at a WOH meeting. All agreed to have Diane contact him.

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:

SHARON PALMERI read the chapter, “1998: John Renee, and Other Things” from her memoir. This chapter recounts the efforts it took to pull herself and her family through challenging times.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her fictional short story, “The Decision,” about a man’s decision that will affect his past and his future.

BEVERLY BIEHR read chapter 6 of her book Happy Retirement Years: “Elijah, Prophet Extraordinaire.”  She shares the class discussions during their bible studies on Elijah.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read an excerpt from Chapter 3 of his novel, “Lewry Lurie,” that takes place on June 27, 2011, in the Indiana Dunes while giving their guest, a medium from Anderson, Indiana, a tour of Brighton House.

CINDY HORGASH read her fictional short story, “Green Bean Wrinkle Cream,” about a 92-year-old man’s recollections of his grandmother’s green bean leaf cure.  

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from her book “Yerd,” about a yearbook nerd’s epic quest for spiritual and grammatical enlightenment.

BOB NEUMAN read a humorous piece, “Maybe Bette was Right,” about the challenges and physical demands of growing older.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter, First Visit Home from her book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This is a continuing summary of the joy Jimmy’s first visit home brought after 20 months in the hospital, and the heartbreak as they returned him, kicking and screaming.   

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

July 8, 2025

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Beverly Stanislawski, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Al Koch, Diane Stratton, Ruthann Graczyk, Sharon Buckman, Shirley Hinman, Trent D. Pendley, Karen Lauper, Jon Terpstra.

Meeting called to Order:  6:08 PM

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Diane asked who read the minutes from the previous meeting. Sharon Buckman stated she read the minutes. Ruthann Graczyk said she also read the minutes. There were no corrections or changes, and they were accepted.

NEW BUSINESS: 

We had a potential new member, Jon Terpstra, and we went around the room and introduced ourselves. Diane advised that dues are $25/year, and we meet on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays at 6 PM. In October we will return to the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays. Diane will give Jon the list of meeting dates and the information page.

LITERARY NEWS: 

None

READINGS: 

BOB NEUMAN read a short story “Faith Seems Ridiculous…Until…” about a simple interaction about how faith sounded so ridiculous to biblical characters until God acted upon their faith.

AL KOCH read a short story from his column Koch’s Choice titled “What’s Important?” A question each of us needs to ask ourselves frequently as we journey through the days of our life.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read an excerpt from Chapter 3 of his book “Lewry Lurie” which is the sequel to “Toys in the Closet”. The Franklin brothers have just concluded breakfast on the Stardust patio at Brighton House in the Indiana Dunes, reviewing the results of the previous evening’s Shirley Heinze Land Trust benefits. Jason, a medium, visiting from Anderson, Indiana is revealing the origins of a cobalt blue heart pendant that the brothers found pinned to a bell pull in their late mother’s bedroom at Oak Creek in Crown Point. This read reveals the last connoisseur of the necklace and its important provenance.

SHIRLEY HINMAN read a poem “The Simple Things” which relays how the simple things in life are often be the best. She also read an excerpt from “Memories of Childhood” which is her Memoir. She relates how she was left in charge of the family-owned general store at age 12 when a boy with a severe speech deficit came in with a badly cut foot and how she responded.

KAREN LAUPER read an excerpt from her story “Can You Push Me to Heaven” about her baby, Timothy, and the time he spent in the research area of the hospital with confusing results.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read a poem “The Luck of Canary Jones” about a Rag-O-Line man who learns from his roots.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted:

Ruthann Graczyk

 

 

 

June 24, 2025

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Sharon Buckman, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent D. Pendley, Diane Stratton

OLD BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

None

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:

TRENT D. PENDLEY read an excerpt from chapter 9 from his 2015 novel, “Toys in the Closet.” The four-page read is the conclusion of the brothers Nathan and Brad Franklin’s duet at the Valparaiso University chapel. Their scorching song, ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’, made famous by the rock group Queen, was quite unconventional for a funeral.

SHARON BUCKMAN read a short piece entitled “The Best Things in Life are Free,” which is a satire asking the question if the best things in life are really free.

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem, “I Will Never Forget,” about the memories of childhood, and the promise to never forget. She also read the poem, “Upside Down,” about the upside-down world we live in, and how it is becoming the new norm.

KAREN LAUPER read a chapter, The Long Road Home from her book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This is the continuing struggle of Jimmy’s first year of life lived in the hospital NICU. After his first birthday celebration, the family is notified that the baby will be moving to a research section of the hospital. Doctors recommend they meet with a Navy Chaplain so that Jimmy’s father can receive humanitarian shore duty.

BOB NEUMAN read his short informative piece, “AYE, AYE, AYE…A.I.!” about artificial intelligence, is here to stay.

JUDY NEUMAN read a personal story about her wedding to Bob titled, “A Very Good Year.”

The meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

June 10, 2025

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Ruthann Graczyk, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Bob Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Judy Neuman, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton,

OLD BUSINESS:

The Creative Arts Summit was discussed, and members felt it went well. We had good advertising for WOH.

NEW BUSINESS:

None

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:

SHARON BUCKMAN read her poem, “Sixty Years,” about the time shared with the love of her life.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read a short story, “Armed and Dangerous,” about the trouble you can get into if you mistake your pocket knife for a Bazooka.

“July” read by AL KOCH is the synonym for summer! It is a reminder to enjoy the gifts of July.

AMY BRAILEY shared another story to solve from her book. “The Message” is a story of a girl who receives a text inviting her to time travel.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read an excerpt from his book, “Toys in the Closet.” The protagonist, Nathan Franklin, and his immediate family attend a memorial service for their maternal grandmother Rose Lewry in the Valparaiso University Chapel.

JUDY NEUMAN read an excerpt from their book, “ZZZZZAPPED.” It is a personal story of how she lost her husband Bob during a tour of a museum in Athens, Greece.

BEVERLY BIEHR read two book descriptions for the back cover of her book, “God’s Calling Seniors.”

SHARON PALMERI read the chapter “1996-Paradise Lost, or at Least Sinking Fast,” from her memoir about the struggles to keep Write-On Hoosiers, Inc., alive.

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem, “Quieted,” about the faith in waiting to be nourished by the bread of life.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

May 22, 2025

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Diane Stratton, Chris Hasara

OLD BUSINESS:

Six WOH members attended Trent Pendley’s presentation of Erma Rosenthal Frankenstein’s book at the Valparaiso Public Library on May 8, 2025.

NEW BUSINESS:

June 10, 2025, the WOH summer schedule begins with meetings to be held on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday meetings will continue through September 23, 2025, at the Bulldog Park building in Crown Point, IN. Meetings will return to Thursday evenings on October 16, 2025.

Diane Stratton (V. Pres.) shared information on Cedar Lake becoming Indiana’s First Heart & Soul Community from the Lake County Legacy Foundation. They are kicking off a volunteer training session, and if interested, you can contact www.cedarlakeheart.org.

Amy Brailey (Pres.) recommended that members who are reading bring 10 copies to share. If more are in attendance, we will share copies.

Cindy Horgash asked if any members would be interested in becoming a 4-H judge for Creative Writing at the 2025 Lake County Fair on July 15^th from 5:30-6:30 pm. They do pay a small stipend for the position.

LITERARY NEWS:

Amy Brailey’s newest book, “Don’t Leave Me Hanging,” is now available. It is a collection of 39 short stories in which the reader must choose their own ending.

READINGS:

SHYANNE HICKS, ISABELLE FLORES, LILLY KROLEDGE, VERONICA SANCHEZ, DESTINY GATES, ITALIANA FOLEY, and MADDY SOLORIO are students from Edison Jr./Sr. High School. Each read their short story or poem published in their new book, “Gallery of Visions.”

AL KOCH read his short story “Kids, Crayolas, and Lunch Bags,” about the fringe benefits of parenting—nourishment for the mind, heart, body, and spirit.

BOB NEUMAN read his non-fiction story, “How Would You Have Answered?” This is a pastoral anecdote about a little boy with a broken arm.

JUDY NEUMAN read a personal account, “Safely Home!” of her diary entry the day her mother died on June 3, 1955.

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem, “A Main Character,” about a faith-filled task of being the first by becoming the last.

KAREN LAUPER read her descriptive essay “The Toddler,” highlighting the observations of a lively, curious toddler exploring nature. The watcher noted the toddler's innocence and enthusiasm, while warming the person’s heart.

“Procrastinate-Not Me-Much” is a lesson on why you should not procrastinate, written by an embarrassed mother, SHARON BUCKMAN.

CHRIS HASARA read his limerick poem “Decoration Day,” weighing the memories of military service while still serving in his apron.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

May 8, 2025

 MEMBERS PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Ruthann Graczyk, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri,Trent Pendley, Bev Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Becky Hegarty, Chris Hasara

OLD BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey reminded members that W.O.H. will host a table at the Creative Arts Summit at the Lake County Reference Library on May 31, 2025, from 12:00-4:00 pm. Members volunteering to work at the table are Beverly Biehr, Katherine Flotz, Cindy Horgash, Ruthann Graczyk, Bob and Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, and Diane Stratton. Set-up begins at 11:00 am, and all members are welcome to have books sold at the table.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Neumans introduced their guest, Becky Hegarty.

LITERARY NEWS:

Diane Stratton discussed the Indiana Extension Homemakers’ Association’s request for Katherine Flotz’s book “A Pebble in My Shoe.” Her book will be submitted for review at their next meeting in Schererville, IN.

READINGS:

Beverly Stanislawski read her short story “Birds of a Feather.” The birds learn a lesson in being kind to those different from them.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read the opening pages from his historical fiction, “It Happened in the Indiana Dunes.” This excerpt chronicles the COVID pandemic and the immediate aftermath of the 2020 national election. The Franklin brothers self-quarantine at Brighton House during the holidays in their hometown on the Indiana Landmark Foundation’s list.

CINDY HORGASH read her children’s story, “Little Bits of Heaven,” for critique before entering the Writers’ Digest contest. It is a fictional story of a grandma’s gift to share with her granddaughter the bits of heaven that surround us every day.  

BOB NEUMAN read his non-fictional account of Bob and Judy’s first date titled “Matchmaker.”

“My Dysfunctional Family” was written by NATALIE NEUMAN, the older daughter of Bob and Judy Neuman. Judy read the article required by Natalie’s literature class in the 1980’s. This is a tongue-in-cheek story about the horrible truth that her parents were still married while her friends flitted across the country to visit one parent or the other.

AL KOCH read his short story “Choices” about the choices that determine what we eat, how we shop, work, and overall—how we live. It begs the question: Are you an expert or an amateur?

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter “Long Hospitalization: Long Road Home” from her non-fiction book about her son Timmy’s long-term hospitalization, including his hospital baptism and appearance on a TV program hosted by Walter Cronkite.

CHRIS HASARA read his poem “Party Game,” comparing party introductions to throwing stones. He also read the poem “Refined,” expressing how difficulty and struggle can lead to surprising paths.  

SHARON PALMERI read from her memoir “W.O.H. on the Horizon 1993-94.” Sharon arranged for W.O.H. Members to go to a local school to talk to the children about poetry and promote the contest during this period. Contest winners attended an awards night, received prizes, and were published in the first Hoosier Horizon book for children. She promoted this while juggling careers in teaching, nursing, and journalism.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

April 24, 2025

   MEMBERS PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Ruthann Graczyk, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Tina Fugger, Chris Hasara

OLD BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey reminded members that W.O.H. will host a table at the Creative Arts Summit at the Lake County Reference Library on May 31, 2025, from 12:00-4:00 pm. Set-up begins at 11:00 am. Beverly Biehr, Cindy Horgash, and Sharon Palmeri volunteered to man the table during the event. Members are welcome to have books sold at the table.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey’s students will attend the May 22, 2025, W.O.H. meeting to promote their recent book of story collections.

LITERARY NEWS:

Chris Hasara will read his poem at the Words in Motion event at 5:00 p.m. on April 27, 2025, at Clinton Prairie High School. During the reading, interpretive dance will be performed simultaneously. 

READINGS:

AL KOCH read his nonfiction short story “A Cup of Tea.” He tells of enjoying a cup of tea with his mother that soothes and calms the mind, body, and spirit—his favorite kind. Al also read a piece from the writing prompt, “Cell Phone Incident,” about a woman borrowing a stranger’s phone, only to sneeze on it and return it with slime and an apology before running off.  

SHARON BUCKMAN read an informative piece titled “RECESSION?” with a lesson on economizing when necessary.   

SHARON PALMERI read her fictional story based on the writing prompt titled "Don’t Hang Up” about a deadly plot by a woman’s husband to rig her phone with a bomb explosion when she hung up on him—something he knew she would do.

DIANE STRATTON read her informative fiction, “The Call,” centered on the writing prompt about a young woman who borrows her phone and slips away. The news the next day reveals the mystery after a baby was given up in the town’s Safe Haven Baby Box.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read her fictional short story on the WOH writing prompt—A Stranger Asks to Borrow Your Cell Phone, about an encounter with a strange girl at the train station on a snowy morning. After the explosion, Angie would never be late for work again.

Using the writing prompt, CINDY HORGASH read her short story, “So Sorry.” A woman’s encounter with a stranger who borrows her phone in a ruse to plant a tracking device in her purse and mistakenly kills her best friend instead.

BOB NEUMAN read his fictional account of the suggested prompt titled “Noor.” A look of horror flashed across Noor’s face after borrowing his phone and learning that her country of Yemen had just been bombed.  

JUDY NEUMAN shared her poems, “Welcome to Spring!” and “The Green of Spring!” observe the gifts that spring has to offer.        

BEVERLY BIER read a story titled “Reflection.”

TRENT D. PENDLEY read excerpts from “It Happened in the Indiana Dunes”, the trilogy to “Toys in the Closet” and sequel to “Lewry Lurie.” This story captures Nathan entertaining himself of holidays past, reminiscent of how women in Nazi concentration camps retold stories of fabulous dinners of the past with their survival and futures uncertain.

“Bound,” read by CHRIS HASARA, is a fictional short story from the WOH prompt. The character Dave tries to recover his niece after playing a dangerous game with strangers.

TINA FUGGER read the prologue from her nonfiction book about what the Lord wanted her to accomplish with her life. Then a soft voice said, “I want you to write a book.”

AMY BRAILEY read her short fictional story “The Phone Call” from the WOH writing prompt. A man loans his cell phone to a lady, who apologizes after making a call. The man discovers there is a crime ring running a dangerous game.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH