Saturday, December 20, 2025

November 13, 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, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra



OLD BUSINESS:

Trent Pendley approved the posted minutes of the October 23rd meeting, and seconded by Karen Lauper.

Amy Brailey (Pres.) commented on Katherine Flotz speaking engagement at the First Methodist Church in Valparaiso on November 9th. Katherine had a wonderful turnout and sold approximately 37 books.

Diane Stratton (Vice Pres.) reminded members to RSVP with Sharon Palmeri if they are attending this year's Christmas Party at Teibel’s Restaurant on December 4th.

NEW BUSINESS:

Katherine Flotz welcomed former WOH member, Tom Molnar back to the club.

LITERARY NEWS:

Amy Brailey announced that both of her books, “John Everett and the Hall of History” and “Behind the Veil,” will be released in December 2025.

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN shared two poems, “The Detour,” and “Transformation.” Both poems are responses to life’s sudden interruptions and the new, challenging directions our lives take.

DIANE STRATTON read her short piece titled “Little Things Mean a Lot” in reflection of how little acts of kindness add up and mean a lot in making the world a better place.

AL KOCH read “Heartfelt Christmas” from his Koch’s Choice article in The Write Stuff monthly newspaper. The article reminds readers that the best Christmas gift one can give comes from the heart.

The poem, “Lonely Suitors,” was read by BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI. It is a message of how special a solitary existence can be.

BEVERLY BIERH read the preface of her book “Happy Retirement Years!” about the inspiration from bible seniors.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continues to read chapter three from his historical fiction, “Lewry Lurie” with the hero concluding his tour of Brighton House in the Indiana Dunes and looking for a consultant to advise where to donate Esther Levy’s Dizengoff necklace.

BOB NEUMAN read his article or diatribe, of sorts, titled “It Could Be!...It Could Be!...It Is!” about It being the blessing or bane of social media.

CINDY HORGASH read her short story based on October’s picture prompt titled “Afterglow” about a mysterious meet-up and near-death experience.

“Danny Be Good” is a true story as told to SHARON BUCKMAN by her daughter, who is a struggling single mom. The lesson is learning to help solve a problem rather than trying to judge it.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter Timmy & His Newborn Brother from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” Timmy’s family begins transitioning from Navy life to their hometown in the Midwest. Many decisions must be made, but mostly the best doctor for Timmy’s fragile medical issues.

JON TERPSTRA read the fourth chapter of his short story, “Ruby.” The narrator continues to visit Ruby at the local bar while she recalls memories of him and his father.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH