WRITE ON HOOSIERS
April 23, 2026
The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm
MEMBERS’ PRESENT:
Amy
Brailey, Sharon Buckman, Gail Galvan, Chris Hasara, Shirley Hinman, Cindy
Horgash, Karen Lauper, Sharon Palmeri, Trent Pendley, Diane Stratton, Shirley
Vaughn, Andrew Cummins
OLD BUSINESS:
April
9, 2026, minutes were not available on-line to be approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Diane Stratton (V. Pres.) read letter from the Lake County Library regarding
submission of books, crafts, photos, etc. to be dropped off at Merrillville
Library for the display case for upcoming Creative Arts Summit. Shirley Vaughn
made a WOH sign for the display. Books can also be donated for attendee raffle prizes.
Trent Pendley suggested that members pass out their reading material at the
beginning of meetings to save time. Members agreed this was a great idea.
LITERARY NEWS:
Amy Brailey (Pres.)
announced that she had students enter the Young Author’s Conference. One of her
students won the 1st Place award for their writing entry. Amy’s
students will be attending the WOH meeting on May 28th.
Beverly Biehr notified Diane Stratton that she received an e-mail from Eerdmans
Publishing that her book proposal had been received and guaranteed her that
each proposal is read and considered.
READINGS:
CHRIS HASARA read the last chapter of his short story, “Charlie.” After
Charlie is rescued, he comes to terms with a new direction for his life.
GAIL GALVAN read
a few pages from her children’s book, “New Jack Rabbit City.” Gail has
just about completed the audio version.
SHARON PALMERI read her inspirational poem, “Ebony (in memory of John
Milton).” After reading about the 1651 author’s blindness and personal
losses, she was inspired to write this poem.
KAREN LAUPER read from her nonfiction book, “Can You Push Me to Heaven?”
Even though Timmy is making progress, he still has serious medical crises that
put him back in the hospital. Happy pictures were shared during cheerful time
where Timmy displays this signature smile.
ANDREW CUMMINS read the summary of his first and second book, “God First/The
Glory of the Lord,” detailing the importance of putting God first in our
lives.
“Canopy of Leaves” was read by SHARON BUCKMAN about a tragedy concerning
a 14-year-old girl who ends up losing her parents on a fishing trip when a
severe storm turns a beautiful day into a nightmare. A heavy oak tree falls on
the boat crushing her parents and she is later found by a back woodsman who
decides to keep her.
TRENT D. PENDLEY continued reading from Chapter Three of “Lewry Lurie” that
takes place on June 11, 2011. The Franklin brothers and five other guests
making a table at the Duneland Beach Inn in Michiana Shores, discussing more of
the art treasures amongst the former collections of the Chauncey J. Blair
family. Including works by Nadelman, Giuseppe de Nittis, Claude Hassan,
Chavannes and Rodin in their 1897 home on Drexel Ave. Nathan wonders if there
was a connection with his ancestor John Warne Gates whose 1897 mansion was on
South Michigan Ave.
AMY BRAILEY read
Chapter 2 titled, “Destiny: Unknown.” Armon starts questioning his
guardians about his parents.
SHIRLEY HINMAN read her poem “The Unruly Stray.” The cat’s name is
Ornery, a roaming unruly stray who is welcomed to Shirley’s back porch. Parts
of the story is based on true events.
The
meeting was adjourned at 8:19 pm.
Respectfully Submitted:
CINDY HORGASH
