March 13, 2025

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Al Koch, Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Karen Lauper, Shirley Hinman, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Cindy Horgash, Sharon Palmeri, Lisa Keene

NEW BUSINESS:

Sharon Palmeri is updating the W.O.H. member blog. She requests that anyone with a published book, newspaper, or magazine article submit the information to her with photos and a summary of written work. Sharon also shared the club’s mission statement, blog, Facebook information, and multiple links for writers visiting the website.

OLD BUSINESS:

No items were discussed.

LITERARY NEWS:

Katherine Flotz has been asked to speak at Hartsfield Village (Munster, IN) on April 8, 2025, regarding her book “A Pebble in My Shoe.”

Trent D. Pendley will be doing a reading at the Valparaiso Public Library on May 8, 2025, with a presentation of Erma Rosenthal Frankenstein's book on Ellen Fitzimmon Steinberg.

READINGS:

AL KOCH read his short story, “Parochial School Penance,” about the times when survival lessons of punishment and penance were funny.

KAREN LAUPER read an excerpt from her memoir “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This story describes the persistence and steadfast determination of her baby boy with momentous medical challenges who must navigate through everyday life beginning as a newborn.

“Delicately Detached” is a poem written and read by SHIRLEY HINMAN about how a rose's life and death compare to humankind’s life and death.

BOB NEUMAN read his poem “Unseen Things” about interactions with well-known idioms.

 

TRENT D. PENDLEY read from his trilogy: “It Happened in the Indiana Dunes”. This story captures the fallout the country suffers with the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of Charlottesville, January 6^th, and the security methods put in place to protect the American Jewish communal institutions.

SHARON PALMERI continued her memoir "The Beginning of the Beginning-Write On!” This story is about the creation of Write-On Hoosiers, Inc.

CINDY HORGASH read the third chapter “Queen of the Swings” of her chapter book geared toward fourth-grade readers. The main antagonist Audrey Cooper has become a viable force to reckon with.

“It’s Me Again, God!” read by JUDY NEUMAN is a whimsical conversation with God where she asks the question, “Lord, did I make you laugh…when…”

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from her YA novel “Yerd” about the night before Olivia’s first day at Region High.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

 

February 27, 2025

 

]

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Katherine Flotz, Amy Brailey, Ruthann Graczyk, Beverly Biehr, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Diane Stratton, Cindy Horgash, Beverly Stanislawski, Sharon Palmeri, Al Koch, Lisa Keene, Shirley Hinman, Trent Pendley, Karen Lauper (visitor)

OLD BUSINESS:

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

Amy Brailey and Sharon Palmeri completed the registration for the WOH club to participate in the 2025 Creative Arts Summit at the Lake County Public Library. They hope to have news at the next meeting about whether we have been accepted to have a booth.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sharon Palmeri asked if anyone has a published book, to please send her a summary of the book for the WOH blog page and website.

Diane Stratton shared an article on Judy Collins’ release of a book of poems for her 85^th birthday celebration. ‘Sometimes It’s Heaven’ is due to be released on March 25, 2025 and to preorder contact: https://a.co/d/zwcombu

LITERARY NEWS:

No items were discussed.

READINGS:

AMY BRAILEY introduced a picture story prompt of a mysterious cabin in the woods that she used in her classroom for a writing lesson. Amy read her story of a girl taking refuge in a cabin in the woods, and quickly finds it isn’t the refuge she thought.

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from her YA novel “Yerd” where students learn about Shakespearean Sonnets.

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

BEV STANISLAWSKI read her short story “A Matter of Time” about a destruction plan that goes wrong—really wrong—trapping the revenge seeker.

JUDY NEUMAN read her poem, “A Thief in Our House” about a house robbed by a cabinet thief. Judy also shared a second poem titled, “The Touch of Jesus” about the grace that fills her soul.

“Nail Maker” is a short story written and read by AL KOCH about a metal worker in Jerusalem who is reminded of a miracle in Bethlehem and is chosen to be a witness and apostle for the gift of Good Friday.

BOB NEUMAN read a dedication piece titled, “I Love You, Pete!” Bob gives thanks for the mentorship his father-in-law gave to his wife Judy.

SHARON PALMERI read a memoir titled "We Made it Through the Rain.” A stormy night, tornado warnings, tents, wheelchairs, garbage bags, and scuba suits were just part of the adventure of getting concert tickets.

“Healing Salve” is a non-fiction story written and read by DIANNE STRATTON on a reflection that talks about a shocked reaction to a person’s inquisitive questions. She also shares two encounters that brought encouraging kindness that offsets her shock.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH