February 12, 2026

 

WRITE ON HOOSIERS

February 12, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm

MEMBERS’ PRESENT:

Amy Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Katherine Flotz, Gail Galvan, Ruthann Graczyk, Shirley Hinman, Cindy Horgash, Al Koch, Karen Lauper, Tom Molnar, Bob Neuman, Judy Neuman, Trent Pendley, Mike Ripley, Beverly Stanislawski, Diane Stratton, Jon Terpstra

OLD BUSINESS:

WOH minutes for January 22, 2026, were not available for approval at today’s meeting.

Amy Brailey shared information about the author Maurice Broaddus's presentation at the Lake Station Library on March 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

NEW BUSINESS:

Amy Brailey (Pres.) asked for a show of hands from members who are interested in registering for a booth at the Lake County Public Library’s Creative Arts Summit on May 30^th from 1:00-4:00 pm. Several members were interested and would like to have their books displayed.           

LITERARY NEWS:

Trent Pendley will be speaking at the Duneland Historical Society at Hawthorne Park on February 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

READINGS:

SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem “Speaking to a Mask.” When we speak to a mask, we don’t build trust; we are naively deceived.

GAIL GALVAN read the first few pages of her novella, “Welcome Home Will Forever,” about an adopted cat who settles into his new home. Gail noted that she published it as an E-book, too, with plans to record an audio version. All versions will be available on Amazon.

AL KOCH shared a piece titled “Just Thinkin.’ It is an unstructured, random review of thoughts encountered within the mind and the treasure they’ve added to one’s life journey.

TOM MOLNAR read the chapter The Background: What We Believe(d) from his book “The Universe of God and Humanity.” The world has changed so much with so many new developments; consequently, views are reducing old ideas with new ones. This can change our perspective on ourselves and even our relationship with God.

TRENT D. PENDLEY continued reading from “Lewry Lurie” and the Franklin brothers guiding their guests through Blair Park in Michigan City. They note their improvements to this Victorian-era neighborhood along Dunes Highway, with residences built before the automobile, and their enhanced landscaping for their gentrification investment.

JON TERPSTRA read part five of his short story, “Ruby,” which was set at the Riverview Bar. The narrator learns that Ruby will be passing away soon, and he will inherit the bar.           JON TERPSTRA also read part six, the conclusion of his short story, “Ruby.” The narrator absorbs the fact that Ruby is going to pass away soon and that he will be inheriting the bar from her.

RUTHANN GRACZYK read her story of the successes and failures of the meeting of the parents in Liverpool, England, in her fifth book titled “New Day.” She has completed book 1—“Dawn”, book 2—“Afternoon”, book 3—“Evening”, and book 4—“Midnight.”

MIKE RIPLEY shared his story “Nellie” about a mother who lived a long, strong life. The story is told from three points in her lifespan from the viewpoint of her son.

KAREN LAUPER read the chapter Assessing the Damage from her book “Can You Push Me to Heaven?” After a long hospitalization, numerous medical crises, and ongoing nutrition issues, Timmy’s parents begin to deal with other obstacles that affect his life. He must have surgery on his baby teeth to remove decay and cap all of these teeth.

BEVERLY STANISLAWSKI read her short story “Armed and Dangerous” The comical, but tense story of a husband and wife dealing with airport security while telling her husband to give them the Bazooka—a pocket knife he owned since he was eight, after mailing 200 Bazooka gum wrappers for the prize possession.  

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

CINDY HORGASH