Happy Thanksgiving 2025

 

October 22, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT: 

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Bernadette Fortuna, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Sharon Palmeri, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra, and visiting students: Jonathan Moore, Kaeya Nelson, Raymond Russi, Isis Scales, Kaelyn Springer

<Photo Prompt

OLD BUSINESS:

Trent Pendley approved the posted minutes for the October 9^th meeting and seconded by Bernadette Fortuna.

Amy Brailey reminded members that they will need to RSVP with Sharon Palmeri if they are attending this year's Christmas Party at Teibel’s Restaurant on December 4^th.

NEW BUSINESS:

Diane Stratton received a message from Mark Edward Wilows that he will be featured in the local Panorama magazine.

LITERARY NEWS:

Trent Pendley said his upcoming speaking engagement will be advertised on Mark Edward Wilows’ radio program.

Katherine Flotz shared a flyer with members about an upcoming speaking engagement about her book, “A Pebble in My Shoe,” on November 9^th at 2:00 pm at the First Methodist Church in Valparaiso, IN.

READINGS:

CHRIS HASARA shared his poem, “Ghosts in the Graveyard,” about remembrances of childhood games inspired by our picture prompt of a haunting graveyard. He also read a second poem titled “To Do List,” about the mounting cost to repair a torn flag.

“All Souls’ Day Haunting,” read by BERNADETTE FORTUNA, is her short story about a paranormal sister and brother team who are asked to investigate activities happening at a church in Chicago. The sixty-fifth anniversary of the All Souls’ Day haunting in 1960 is coming up on November 2^nd. Parishioners are fearing a repeat of the event.

KAELYN SPRINGER read her inspiring poem, “My Roots,” about the internal and external scars of a tumultuous life, only to find the little girl within, the spirit that survives.

SHIRLEY HINMAN shared her non-fiction-based story, “A Depressing Halloween,” inspired by the graveyard photo prompt. During a romantic stroll in the Redwood National State Park on October 30, 1977, Shirley fell and suffered many injuries and a long recovery.

JON TERPSTRA read the third chapter of his story, “Ruby.” The narrator visits with Ruby while tending the bar, discussing a well-known factory owner, Cyrus Patton, and how he became a bitter recluse after his wife’s death.

AMY BRAILEY read her short story inspired by the photo prompt titled “Saint or Sinner.” A girl relives a childhood trip to a place that previously scared her.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read her fictional story about a mother and daughter stranded on a deserted road based on the writing/picture prompt. No title given.

ISIS SCALES shared her story “Til Death Do Us Part,” about a man who married her daughter off to Alexander Crane so their family name would earn them a higher social status.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter Timmy Gets a Sibling from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” After Timmy had been center stage for the past two years, she wondered about his thoughts when meeting his new baby brother. With Timmy’s cognitive abilities delayed and limited communication, his opinions would be concealed forever.

“Through the Seasons” is a poem written by KAEYA NELSON about the different bonds between friends and her journey to finding real friends.

BEVERLY BIERH read the tenth chapter Finding Her Voice of her book “From Happy Retirement Years.” This final chapter explores the life of Anna and how she broke from her quiet ways to find her voice to praise God.

“Letter to My Past Self” is a short story written by RAYMOND RUSSI about his 6th-grade life. He is also working and writing about other grades. 

TRENT D. PENDLEY continues the last reading of chapter three from his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie” set in June 2011. The protagonist continues to pull jewels from his mother’s handbags while his brother calculates the total value. Then Nathan shows his guest the flight path they will take to the Middle East to deposit a Russian lavaliere in the collections of the Museum of the Diaspora in Tel Aviv.

JONATHAN MOORE read his short story “The Costume” based on the writing/picture prompt. It tells of a 15-year-old Alex who visits the grave of his dead mother when he is suddenly shocked by his zombie-looking little sister biting him. Is it a Halloween prank or not?

The meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

October 09, 2025

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Bernadette Fortuna, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) urged members to read the last meeting’s notes before arriving so they can be approved or amended at the next scheduled meeting. She also showed the voluntary Halloween photo prompt for members who are interested in writing a story about it for the next meeting. See prompt below minutes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) asked members about their preferences for this year's Christmas party. Members approved date of Thurs., December 4^th, including Teibels Restaurant location.

ADDENDUM TO MINUTES: The Christmas Dinner will be held on Thursday, December 4^th, at Teibel’s Restaurant—arrival time at 6:00 pm with dinner served at 6:30 pm.

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:

JUDY NEUMAN Read two of her poems. “A Thief in Our House” is about a kitchen mystery and the discovery that she is the cabinet pirate. She also read an inspirational personal testimony of what Jesus means to her, titled “The Touch of Jesus.”

TRENT D. PENDLEY continues his reading of chapter three from his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie.” Brad Franklin returns to the study carrying a box that contains one of their late mother’s cherished handbags. Inside the bag, the brothers find a silk cache filled with forgotten jewels. Brad is greatly annoyed that these jewels weren’t secreted in their mother's coffin, as were the majority of her baubles.

AL KOCH read his piece titled “Innocence’s Last Call—A Remembrance.” Parenting is a lifelong occupation requiring wisdom, understanding, forgiveness, and acceptance of life’s beginnings and goodbyes.

“The Circle Opens” is the first chapter of CHRIS HASARA’S novel, “ACT TWO.” His main character, Stanley Fisher, is an old man who is called to reprise a role as a chosen warrior for another world.

JON TERPSTRA read the second chapter of his story, “Ruby.” The narrator visits with Ruby while tending the bar, discussing a well-known factory owner, Cyrus Patton, and his hush-hush marriage to Lily.

BOB NEUMAN read his non-fiction article about his most unique birthday gift, titled “Birthday Lottery Fever!”

SHIRLEY E. HINMAN read her poem, “Flying Monkeys,” about demons trying to get to her, but God showed vengeance on them. She read a second poem, “Visits,” about her love of visiting with her grandma, and to continue the legacy to pass on to her own grandchildren

SHARON PALMERI read the chapter, “1999-2000: Sometimes a Break Comes When You Don’t Expect It, or Want It,” from her memoir. This chapter recounts the continuation of her teaching computer and writing classes in Munster and Merrillville. She also details a Book Sellers Convention in Chicago she attended, where authors gave away their new book releases and celebrities autographed their books.  Of course, she took advantage of the opportunity to add to her book collection. The year ended with her suffering from a debilitating injury from a fall and a lengthy recovery.  

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

                                                          Halloween Photo Prompt:

September 23, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Katherine Flotz, Bernadette Fortuna, Gail Galvan (and friend), Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Cindy Horgash, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, and 4 students from Amy’s class.

OLD BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:
Diane Stratton welcomed Bernadette Fortuna back to WOH. She also introduced and thanked our guest speaker, Mark Edward Wilows, for attending this evening.

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:
In place of tonight’s meeting, guest speaker Mark Edward Wilows shared his versatile roles in the entertainment field. He shared stories of his best-known roles in “Days of Our Lives” and McDonald's commercials. Mark has had a lifelong career in media writing and journalism. He covered various aspects of media, from newspapers to radio and television. He also emphasized the importance of networking in pursuing a writing career.

 
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

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