September 10, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

September 10, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Andrew Cummins, Nick Dapkus, Bernadette Fortuna, Katherine Flotz, Ruthann Graczyk, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) discussed photos and title options for the WOH book. Sharon passed around AI samples from her book for ideas for the cover and title. Trent Pendley said that he does AI for chapter covers. Amy Brailey used an AI photo for her John Everett book but had trouble because you’re not allowed to use real-looking children or teen photos.

Trent Pendley suggested the cover photo should be specific to our area, while Amy Brailey (Pres.) recommended the 250th Anniversary of the United States be on the cover somewhere.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) received an email from Gregory Stark with Oneirion Press. He is releasing a trilogy and wondered if he could advertise and possibly speak at one of our meetings. He also asked if WOH paid a speaker fee. Amy asked members if she should write him back and let him know that we charge a yearly membership fee, and he would be allowed to read his material after becoming a member. Members agreed that he should follow the same guidelines as our members.

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) shared a photo for our next story prompt. If members wish to participate, they can read their stories on October 22^nd. Amy Brailey’s class will also be attending and will offer them the chance to participate.

LITERARY NEWS:

Diane Stratton (Vice Pres.) announced that the Crown Point Library will host an Unearth Creative Aging Workshop for 6 weeks, running September 18-October 23, 2026.

READINGS:

AMY BRAILEY read her poem, “The Roll Call Came Too Early,” about a student leaving for Bahrain in the military.

JON TERPSTRA read Part 3 of his short story “Riverbillie’s.” He details what happened after the Building Commissioner shuts down Riverbillie’s and foreshadows the guys' next business venture.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read the opening pages of Chapter 5 of his historical fiction, Lewry Lurie.” The protagonists, Nathan Franklin and his brother, are home alone along the Indiana Dunes beach at the Brighton House. While Brad is still sleeping, Nathan begins re-reading a friend’s (Neil Gordon) trilogy, The Company You Keep, that is being made into a motion picture in Vancouver that fall by Robert Redford. He mentioned that he has selected the cover of the novel, securing permission from works in the Jewish Museum in Berlin, and a Misch Kohn 1957 Lion, and a sculpture by the late Egon Weiner.

AL KOCH read his short story, “No Deposit, No Return.” Remembering the days when recycling was in its infancy. Neighborhood boys in need of funds to attend the Saturday afternoon movie matinee searched alleys, trash cans, and empty lots for discarded glass pop bottles for their 2-cent deposit. These young scavenging moviegoers were rewarded for their recycling efforts with Many Happy Returns.

KAREN LAUPER read from her book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” Timmy begins his 2^nd year of public education as his mom must learn to navigate the special education system. At ten years old, this is the strongest that Timmy has ever been.

BOB NEUMAN shared his short story, “Memories Forever Lost,” about his stepsister’s battle with Alzheimer’s.

SHARON PALMERI read a short story, “I Made it Through the Rain.”  The story was about waiting for concert tickets during adverse weather conditions.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read the continuing saga of the Slade family, titled “Noon,” which focuses on the life of son Keith, the third child of Christine and Mark Slade, who met in Liverpool, England, in the mid-1960’s in Book 1 – “Dawn.” In Book 2, the Slade family is now living in Darien, Connecticut, where Mark is a highly respected architectural engineer in the New York area. The story continues with Mark Slade’s proposal to the family of his 15-year-old son’s pregnant girlfriend.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

August 27, 2026

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

August 27, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Andrew Cummins, Katherine Flotz, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Diane Stratton, Shirley Vaughn, Nick Dapkus, and Lesley Klauk (guest)

OLD BUSINESS:

SHARON PALMERI (Exec. Dir.) stated she had a good response to submissions for the WOH book.  She is waiting for a few more personal bios and story submissions.  There will be further discussion on the book’s title.

NEW BUSINESS:

LESLEY KLAUK (guest) introduced herself and spoke of her interest in writing.  In turn, members introduced themselves and shared their writing experiences.

LITERARY NEWS:

DIANE STRATTON (Vice Pres.) announced that the Crown Point Library will host the first-ever author fair on September 27, from 10-2.

CHRIS HASARA received 1^st Place and 2 honorable mentions from the National Federation of State Poetry Societies contest.  Chris has also been chosen for Symbiosis: Poets & Visual Artists in Collaboration with the Indiana Poetry Society.

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poems, “The Detour” and “Memories of Childhood.” We are often called to go into new pathways unknown to us.  Some are comfortable, and others are not, but they will lead us to our testing nevertheless.

ANDREW B. CUMMINS: “My First Book” is a short piece describing how, in his search to get himself and others closer to the Lord, he was able to write his first book.

SHARON BUCKMAN continued to read from her book “Canopy of Leaves.” While washing clothes in the river, Anne encounters a strange man behind her.  The man turns out to be Tom’s father, whom he hasn’t seen since childhood.  He later tries to talk Anne into leaving with him but encounters a terrible death instead.

BEVERLY BIEHR shared the back cover and about the author page of her newly published book “Happy Retirement Years!  Inspiration from Bible Seniors.”

DIANE STRATTON read her short story “That Concert of My Dreams,” describing a music concert where she has a surprise interaction with a famous musical artist but also another turn of events.

SHARON PALMERI’s “From Old Chickens Come Fresh Eggs” is a short story about some of her happiest childhood memories, beginning at her grandmother’s little house, where chickens supplied breakfast, gardens filled the table, and love was measured with ordinary things.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read the continuing saga of the Slade family, titled “Noon,” which focuses on the life of son Keith, the third child of Christine and Mark Slade, who met in Liverpool, England, in the mid-1960’s in Book 1 – “Dawn.” In Book 2, the Slade family moves from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, while four of their five children are young.  They now live in Darien, Connecticut, where Mark, a highly respected architectural engineer in the New York area, owns a flourishing business.  The following is the beginning of a chapter in which 15-year-old son Keith reveals to his parents and siblings that his girlfriend is pregnant.

AL KOCH read his poem titled “Banded.” Rarely does one turn their back on people they meet for the first time.  On occasion, however, it is necessary in order to leave one’s troubles behind.

CHRIS HASARA shared (3) poems.  The first, “Sandhill Cranes,” is a poem about the migration of the birds.  “Hot Cocoa Beach” is a poem about the slice of heaven that is Florida’s east coast.  “Quiet Light” is a poem about a grandmother’s wisdom shared in silent action.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read the finale of chapter four of his “Lewry Lurie” historical fiction.  The Franklin brothers, disembarking from a two-hour meeting aboard a yacht in Michigan City, find themselves hungry and stop for a meal, where they hear crude language from the kitchen and a server with cigarette breath.  Arriving back at the Brighton House mansion overlooking the beach, Nathan reads the new publication of a friend’s book, while his brother Brad plans for their next late-night meal.

NICHOLAS DAPKUS read an excerpt from Chapter 2 of his fiction “This is a Beginning.” Arkhaios, an orange pug teacher, is having a private music lesson with Alrex, a little dark purple tyrannosaurus with pink stripes.  Alrex always wanted to play the banjo, so Arkhaios had one made for him.  He works with Alrex to get used to his banjo while reminiscing about his beginnings as a teacher.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

August 13th

 NOTE:

    Unfortunately, we didn’t meet on August 13 because of power outages caused by the August 11 derecho and a few tornadoes.  Homes and cars were demolished.  Lives were lost.  Trees were uprooted and thrown around like toys.  

    Some people were lucky and didn’t lose power; some had generators. Those without power or generators may have been sitting by candlelight, or at a friend’s or relative’s home.  The loss of homes and property has been devastating.

    Today is August 21, and many people still have no power.  After this passes,  we will all have something to write about. 

    The one beautiful thing is that so many people have come together to help those in need by opening their homes for lodging, food, and showers.

    This is the second time in two months that tornadoes have raged through our area, causing major damage. 

Respectfully, 

Sharon Palmeri

July 23, 2026

(Note from Sharon Palmeri: I wanted to thank everyone again for the wonderful surprise birthday party. It truly meant a lot to me.)

July 23, 2026 – Called to Order at 6:05 PM

Sharon Palmeri asked if anyone had read the minutes.  Al Koch, Trent Pendley, and Karen Lauper all acknowledged having read the minutes.  The minutes were accepted.  Refreshments were served to acknowledge Sharon’s birthday, which was also on the 23^rd.   Sharon mentioned that Ruthann’s birthday was on the 22^nd, so it was a double celebration.  A photo was taken and is posted here.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Sharon Buckman, Andrew Cummins, Nicholas Dapkus, Katerine Flotz, Ruthann Graczyk, Shirley Hinman, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Diane Stratton, John Terpstra, and Shirley Vaughan.

OLD BUSINESS:

Sharon is waiting for submissions for our book.  She has received very few.  The deadline is July 30, 2026.  Diane asked if anyone needed a copy of the guidelines, as there are copies available.

NEW BUSINESS:

Diane advised that the Lake County Public Library in Merrillville is offering writing classes for four (4) months beginning in September and running through December.  There will be a different topic each month (e.g., write your family story, write your obituary, etc.), and writing prompts will be given to help you get started.  The first date is Wednesday, September 2^nd at 2:00 p.m.

Karen shared the good news that her story “Missing Pieces,” which she read on April 9^th about her father, will be published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Miracles, and Other Wonders.

Diane mentioned that Grace Bierman, a writer from Valparaiso, Indiana, was a contestant on Jeopardy.

READINGS:

BOB NEUMAN read “Fire and Ice,” which is a poem about two contemporary events – the fires in Canada and the parasitic-infected Iceberg lettuce. 

SHIRLEY HINMAN read “The Water,” a poem inspired by the Indiana Dunes that describes how the water touches her soul and calls her to return repeatedly. 

JOHN TERPSTRA read Part 2 of “River Billies,” which details what a typical night was like at RiverBillies

AL KOCH read “20^th Century Tribute,” reminding us that time goes by at the speed of life.  The 20^th Century snippets presented here for review are an invitation and appetizers to more fully enjoy the diverse menu prepared and served throughout the past one hundred years.  As each cognitive morsel of life on Earth is visited, sampled, and savored, remembrance of each day’s treasure reminds us to value and appreciate the gift of each day.

SHIRLEY VAUGHAN continued reading from her novel entitled “The Path of Their Existence,” Chapter 9, about many people from Planet Turaeus who had died and traveled in the spiritual realm through the universe to a planet that was full of dinosaurs.  Shirley plans to submit this for the new Write-On Hoosiers 2026 book.

SHARON PALMERI read her story “…And They Call It Puppy Love 1963-1965.  She wrote of a boy named Ray, their correspondence while he was in Vietnam, and their eventual distancing.  She describes the high school dance with their first kiss, and the decoration he plucked off the wall for her.  That decoration bore the name John, which had no meaning at the time, but was the name of the man she eventually married.  She also read a poem she wrote about Ray just before becoming engaged to John entitled “I Wonder Why.”

SHARON BUCKMAN continued reading from her book “Canopy of Leaves,” where Ann, realizing she would be locked in the dark cabin for several days, starts to plan her escape.  At the end of the three days, she receives a nice surprise, discovering that Tom wasn’t all bad.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read Chapter 4, On Lake Michigan, from his book “Lewry Lurie,” which follows Nathan Franklin and a group of civic, cultural, and historical leaders as they meet aboard a yacht on Lake Michigan in June 2011, to launch an initiative documenting Indiana’s LGBT heritage, modeled after the state’s earlier Jewish Heritage Survey.  Under Drew Levinthal’s leadership, the group develops a mission statement and begins compiling influential individuals, organizations, historic sites, businesses, works of art, and cultural landmarks that have shaped Indiana’s LGBT history.  Nathan contributes his extensive knowledge of literature, regional history, and Jewish culture, recalling early LGBT-themed novels, notable Hoosiers, forgotten local landmarks, unusual legal cases, and the groundbreaking documentary Trembling Before G-d.  As the cruise concludes, Nathan continues recording additional names and institutions, demonstrating his passion for preserving overlooked historical narratives and reinforcing one of the novel’s central themes: that cultural memory is safeguarded through careful research, collaboration, and the recognition of communities whose contributions have too often been forgotten.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read a poem entitled “Loving Sid Vicious,” which describes how a feral cat inadvertently stumbles into finding a loving home and caring humans by meowing for food at the right door.

KAREN LAUPER read ‘A New School,’ from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” Timmy begins a new elementary school with a positive outcome.  The highlight was a Spring Musical that he participated in, bringing his mom to tears and a new understanding of how capable her young son had become.

The Meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted:

Ruthann Graczyk

 

 

 

 

July 9, 2026

 

July 9, 2026 – Called to Order at 6:10 PM

 

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Andrew Cummins, Nicholas Daykus, Bernadette Fortuna, Katerine Flotz, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Shirley Hinman, Lisa Keene, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent D. Pendley, Diane Stratton, Shirley Vaughan.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Trent asked for an update on the book we are putting together.  Amy advised that Sharon has received very few submissions so far.  If you are planning to be in the book, please submit your entries to Sharon.  The deadline is July 30, 2026.  Each member is encouraged to submit 4 short stories or novel excerpts, or 8 to 10 poems, depending upon the length, for a maximum of 4,000 words overall.  Not all will be published, but it will give the selection committee several to choose from.  Font is Times New Roman, size 12, 1.15 spacing.  They should be sent in Word or PDF.  Excerpts are acceptable if the book is self-published, but you must mention when and where it was published.  Keep in mind that it is intended for family reading and will be on sale on Amazon.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey announced that she will be in Africa for the next meeting.  She also brought her books: one is Draft to Digital and the other is KDP, and they show the difference in quality.  Her new book is “I Teach for Entertainment,” which relays the conversations she has with kids in the classroom.

GAIL GALVAN mentioned her audiobook, New Jack Rabbit City, which includes 4 original songs, is available on Amazon, or you can download it on Audible. 

SHIRLEY VAUGHAN advised that her and Amy’s books are being sold at Miles Book Store in Highland (Kennedy & Jewet Streets).  He carries approximately 84,000 books, does author signings, and prefers that the books be signed before he sells them.  He accepts one copy first to assess your writing capabilities, then requests two copies for sale.  If they are sold, he will contact you for additional copies and receive 40% of the sales.  They also have book binding capabilities.

 

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN read “The Fence Was Gone,” a story about a Jack Russell who meets her match with Scruffy from down the street and becomes very insecure when her owner dies and her fence is gone.

GAIL GALVAN read from her book “Skelly the Skunk Saves Freedom Day on Plant Ka-reecher” which is about the new mean rat ruler who wants to lock up all the skunks on the planet.  Skelly the skunk saves the day, though, and saves Freedom Day.

SHIRLEY VAUGHAN read an excerpt from her novel entitled “Heaven’s Plan.” It tells how the ‘Peace Sign’ originated in 1958.

BERNADETTE FORTUNA read a poem “Favorite Cups of Joy” about four favorite beverages that titillate the author’s tongue and bring moments of joy in a cup.

AL KOCH read a short story from his column Koch’s Choice entitled “When I Wore a Younger Man’s Clothes.” To understand and enjoy life’s journey, one needs to “see” with both eyes and heart.  Wisdom is hidden treasure at both ends of the rainbow within the gift of each day.  Aging is the price one pays to discover, enjoy, and share the goodness, thoughtfulness, and kindness of those who touch our life.

TOM MOLNAR read an excerpt from his short book “Time Out for Happiness,” which delivers insightful thinking on how to minimize sadness and increase joy.  It features quick pick-me-ups as well as longer-term strategies.  Once we discard the ways that don’t bring happiness and focus on those that do, like sharing with others, we will be well on our way to living a happier life.  The truths found in this book are affirmed by those who have spent much of their working lives finding real answers to what brings happiness and joy.

SHARON BUCKMAN read an excerpt from her book “Canopy of Leaves,” which relays that while the 15-year-old girl is planning her escape, she realizes that her captor has planned too well to keep her imprisoned as he went to town.

NICHOLAS DAPKUS read an excerpt from his book, “This Is a Beginning,” where Mr. Butterfly is leading Pugberus, the three-headed Pug, into the forest where he notices ruins among the trees and nature reclaiming the land.  At a stream, the hungry Stomacus insists they eat, so Pugberus removes the satchel containing the magic First Aid Cookie Kit from his back.  He notices an approaching turtle as Mr. Butterfly, who becomes impatient with Pugberus, flies away.  He engages in conversation with the turtle and offers him a bite of one of the cookies.

KAREN LAUPER read an excerpt from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” This is Part 2 of ‘Timmy Goes to School’ where at 8-1/2 years old Timmy officially begins Public School. Besides missing several days in the 2^nd semester due to another hospitalization, it was a great beginning.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read Chapter 4 of his book “Lewry Lurie” where, while talking in the study of Brighton House, Nathan and Brad Franklin examine a collection of linen postcards from a 1947 family road trip along Highway 66 that their grandparents, Uncle Irving and Aunt Sylvia, and other relatives took shortly after World War II.  The postcards and accompanying photographs spark a wide-ranging discussion about family history, including connections to prominent Lurie relatives in San Francisco and Hollywood, the family’s association with the Mark Hopkins Hotel and Gene Autry, and a near-tragedy involving Deborah and a Catalina Island excursion.  The conversation turns more somber as the brothers reflect on the long-suppressed death of Irving and Sylvia’s young son, Billy, whose loss profoundly affected the family and became an unspoken sorrow passed down through the generations.  Nathan and Brad also discuss the discrimination faced by Jewish families in mid-century America, the importance of preserving family artifacts, and the likelihood that the family acquired their treasured Georgia O’Keeffe painting during the same 1947 journey.  Through the postcards, photographs, and memories they evoke, the brothers gain a deeper appreciation for their family’s history, resilience, and the role that seemingly ordinary keepsakes play in preserving a legacy that might otherwise be forgotten.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read the continuation of Chapter 2 from the novel “New Day,” which is the saga of the Slade family, where son Keith is reunited with his two grandsons and comes face-to-face with Kristi’s parents for the first time in almost four years.

 

The Meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.

Respectfully submitted:

Ruthann Graczyk

June 25, 2026

 WRITE ON HOOSIERS

June 25, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Andrew Cummins, Katherine Flotz, Ruthann Graczyk, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keene, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Shirley Vaughn, and Nick Dapkus (guest)

OLD BUSINESS:

The minutes of May 28, 2026, were read and approved by Shirley Vaughn, and Al Koch seconded.  

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) reminded members that time was running out for personal bios and story submissions for the WOH upcoming book.  The deadline is July 30, 2026.

Shirley Vaughn alerted members that the WOH 2026 Summer and Winter Meeting schedule listed incorrect dates for July.  The meetings will be held on July 9^th and 23^rd at Bulldog Park.

NEW BUSINESS:

Nick Dapkus (guest) introduced himself to the members and spoke of his interest in writing.  In turn, members introduced themselves and spoke of their writing experiences.

LITERARY NEWS:

Sharon Palmeri was asked by Gail Galvan to announce that the audio version of her book “New Jack Rabbit City” is available on Amazon (free to play).

Al Koch announced that the story of his lifelong marriage to his beautiful bride was printed in the newspaper.

READINGS:

SHIRLEY VAUGHN read her poem “Life” that she plans to enter in the new WOH book. 

KAREN LAUPER read Part 2 of her book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven.” At 8 ½, Timmy begins public school in a special education classroom.  Timmy’s mom begins easing up on her overprotective parenting style as Timmy reaches a new stage in his life that his family sees as God’s will.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read the continuing saga of the Slade family, titled “New Day,” which surrounds the life of son Keith, the third child of Christine and Mark Slade, who met in Liverpool, England, in the mid-1960s in Book 1 – “Dawn.” The following is Chapter 1, where Keith and Kristi express their love for each other. The beginning of Chapter 2, where Kristi prepares for her two sons to be reunited with their grandfather.

AL KOCH read a piece titled “The 28^th Amendment to the United States Constitution – A Proposal.” Celebrating the 250^th birthday of the USA, and an idea whose time has come-the 28^th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

“Oh, Say but I’m Glad” is the piece read by BOB NEUMAN about counting his blessings.

“Don’t Hang Up,” read by SHARON PALMERI, read the last part of her short story about Maria, an interior decorator whose husband was in the Army. Upon meeting a prospective client at a restaurant, the client seemed desperate to use Maria’s phone. After using it, she returned in tears, telling Maria that she was very, very sorry.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

 

June 9, 2026

     No Meeting tonight. Too many storms, and tornadoes!

 

May 28, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

May 28, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Beverly Biehr, Amy Brailey, Bernadette Fortuna, Ruthann Graczyk, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Karen Lauper, Sharon Palmeri, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Shirley Vaughn, Andrew Cummins, and students: Kaelyn Springer, Kaeya Nelson, Jonathan Moore, Zoey Mitchell

OLD BUSINESS:

The minutes of May 14, 2026, were read and approved by Shirley Hinman, and Cindy Horgash seconded.   

Amy Brailey (Pres.) reminded members of the Creative Arts Summit on May 30, 2026, from 12:00-4:00. When asked how many were attending, (5) members raised their hands. Members were told they were responsible for selling their own books.

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) asked members to start submitting their stories to writeonhoosiers@yahoo.com for entry into the WOH members’ upcoming book. Submission deadline is July 30, 2026.

NEW BUSINESS:

Chris Hasara announced he will be participating in the Regional Idol competition on Wed, June 3^rd, at the Bulldog Park Pavilion at 6:00 pm.

LITERARY NEWS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) announced her latest book, “I Teach for Free Entertainment,” is out and available on Amazon. She is still waiting for copies to sell. Amy also stated her student’s book, “Stories in Bloom,” is also available for sale.

Chris Hasara has two poems, “A Man of My Age” and “Eulogy,” published in the anthology called Lost Child.

READINGS:

CHRIS HASARA read his poem, “Retire,” about the hopes of a man planning not to have to work. His second poem, “Round,” is about the last day of school bleeding into summer and summer’s end. His third poem, “A Man of my Age,” deals with the world, getting old, death, and dying while struggling with Arrested Development.

SHIRLEY VAUGHN read a description of three of her published novels that she plans to display with books during the upcoming Creative Arts Summit. She also read from her first published book, “The Path of Their Existence.” It’s about an advanced planet being threatened by a young man who plays with the military computer system. This causes the threat of nuclear war.

BERNADETTE FORTUNA read her short story “I Should Have Listened” based on a true experience, juggling tasks to dissolve her sister’s estate between Northwest Indiana and Indianapolis, which didn’t coordinate too well. Thinking there was time for an important FedEx delivery to arrive turned into a flat tire adventure and a lesson in listening to the inner voice

KAELYN SPRINGER read her poems titled “Contrast Poems.”

TRENT D. PENDLEY read Chapter Four, Part Two of his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie,” and of a painting of Karen Lewry that is now in the POCO Museum in Valparaiso, IN.

“Baja Blast (Limerick)” was written and read by KAEYA NELSON.

“Don’t Hang Up,” read by SHARON PALMERI, is Part II of 4 of her short story about Maria, an interior decorator whose husband was in the Army.  Maria checked to see who the woman called.  Shortly after that, something disastrous happened…to be continued....

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem “Full Blast,” about a summer of calm and peace disrupted by loud music and noise pollution from a neighbor. This poem reveals that frustration.

JONATHAN MOORE read his poem “He Who is My Hero.”

KAREN LAUPER read her nonfiction short story, “A Mother’s Day Surprise.” A past garage sale customer brought me a potted Jack-in-the-Pulpit plant due to a conversation we had one year earlier. I had told him that I had never seen a Jack-in-the-Pulpit. He remembered and brought one to me, and it happened to be Mother’s Day, a happy surprise.

ZOEY MITCHELL read her poem, “Summer.”

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH 

May 14, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

May 14, 2026

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:06 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Bernadette Fortuna, Katherine Flotz, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Lisa Keene, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Sharon Palmeri, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra, Andrew Cummins

OLD BUSINESS:

The minutes of April 23, 2026, were read and approved by Trent Pendley, and Al Koch seconded.   

Bob and Judy Neumann attended the meeting briefly to update members on their recent health challenges and to thank everyone for their cards and prayers.

Amy Brailey (Pres.) reminded members participating in the Creative Arts Summit on May 30, 2026, from 12:00-4:00 to please arrive no earlier than an hour before the event starts for set-up. Members are responsible for bringing their books to promote and sell.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) stated her students will attend the next WOH meeting on May 28^th. Her students will read their pieces if time is available after the members read.

Lisa Keene secured the small-group instruction room at Crown Point High School for WOH meetings on 6/11, 6/25, 8/13, 9/10, 9/24, and 11/12. Lisa will provide a map at the next meeting showing the school’s main entrance, along with a new schedule for members to follow.

Cindy Horgash (Sec.) stated she will contact the First United Methodist Church to cancel the June-November dates she booked for the club before the venue change to a larger space.

Sharon Palmeri (Exec. Dir.) and Gail Galvan supplied written instructions for submitting short stories, poems, and book excerpts for the new Write on Hoosiers book. Instructions for KDP Press were discussed, including spacing, font, word count, and content suitability. Submission deadline is July 30, 2026. Sharon asked for a show of hands on how many were planning to submit 3-4 pieces for the book. As many as (14) members present raised their hands, and (5) were unsure at this time.

Sharon advised members they will need to discuss and vote on the book's title, and asked Amy Brailey (Pres.) to provide a photo for the cover. Amy stated she has not worked with KDP Press but would research it when time allowed.

LITERARY NEWS:

None

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poems “The Pond” and “Lonely, but Not Alone.” Many times, real beauty and purpose in life are fashioned in trials and in the simple lessons of nature.

JON TERPSTRA read part 1 of his fictional story, “Riverbillies,” about a group of middle-aged guys who think it's a good idea to open a floating club on the river. Hijinks ensue.

SHARON BUCKMAN continued to read from her book, “Canopy of Leaves.” This chapter of the book tells of a fourteen-year-old girl’s abduction and terrible experience of being raped by a backwoodsman on her second day of captivity.

TRENT D. PENDLEY read the opening lines of Chapter Four in his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie.” On Tuesday, June 28, 2011, the day begins with the Franklin brothers at Brighton House, and younger brother Brad finds Nathan reviewing an album containing photographs of their massive art collection with biographies of each artist, and their provinces. Nathan irritates his brother by suggesting they purchase the Pyramid building in Michigan City. Brad tries to curb Nathan’s spending, reminding him of the recent Michigan City graduate they’ve begun to sponsor and a sculpture created in his likeness to promote a modeling career.

TOM MOLNAR read Chapter One of his book, “Dark Age Maiden.” Lady Carina is the favored daughter of the lord of the manor. She boldly refuses to marry the man he chose for her. Now, her father’s fortress is under attack, and she escapes before dawn to reach the mysterious count he told her about. Before long, she finds herself caught up in the great Saracen attack on France as well as a very personal assault on her heart.

As the great Islamic army advances from Spain deep into Europe, Carina experiences the power of love, though she doesn’t truly believe in love. But time is running out for her and for her country. The much-feared Saracen army may soon be standing at the gate. Can Europe survive the assault, and what of Carina? Is she prepared to surrender her heart?

 

KAREN LAUPER read from her nonfiction book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” During another hospitalization at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Timmy’s great-grandmother dies unexpectedly. A double medical crisis for the family to deal with. Timmy had a special relationship with his great-grandmother.

“Don’t Hang Up,” read by SHARON PALMERI, is part 1 of 4 of her short story about Maria, an interior decorator whose husband was in the Army. Upon meeting a prospective client at a restaurant, the client seemed desperate to use Maria’s phone. After using it, she returned in tears, telling Maria that she was very, very sorry…to be continued.

AL KOCH read his piece titled “Benchmarks,” about signs along life’s journey.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read her short story “Teamwork,” about two strangers coming together one evening to rescue a pair of baby raccoons from the roadway.

CINDY HORGASH read her non-fiction story “Cinderella at Starbucks,” about her first experience in a coffeehouse, where she unwittingly gave her name as Cinderella for the order.

LISA KEENE read an excerpt from Chapter 13 of her book “Yerd.” Yearbook Adviser Ms. Lilly Goulde has a transformative day with her staff in Sedona.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH