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. 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: