April 23, 2026

 

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 1^st Place award for their writing entry. Amy’s students will be attending the WOH meeting on May 28^th.

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