july 28 & August 11

Book signing event

with local authors



Eight Authors, Two Amazing Nights!



The authors



Dr. Anastasia Trekles



Dr. Anastasia Trekles is an instructional designer, educator, and animal welfare volunteer in the Northwest Indiana region.



John Enrique Thompson



John Thompson is an artist, historian, and professor of Graphic Design at Indiana University South Bend. His graphic narrative and true crime book stands as a testimonial of his passion for local history and the arts.



Dr. Scott Simerlein



Dr. Scott Simerlein is a lifelong resident of La Porte Indiana and graduated valedictorian of his class at Palmer College of Chiropractic. He is a professor, a coordinator of a local writers group and was named La Porte County Poet Laureate in 2013.



Brett Starr



Brett Starr is a mechanical engineer in Northwest IN. Through his life experiences, he has accumulated many poems and was recently encouraged to publish them in a book that is a delight for any day in any mood.



Sandra Young



Sandra L. Young's appreciation for vintage clothing inspired her to write her debut novel, Divine Vintage. She's gathered an impressive vintage collection which she wears on stage and for special occasions. Sandra also participates with nonprofits and the local band, Blue Sky music.



Mary Allen



Novelist Mary Allen is a La Porte County native who also enjoys writing easy to read contemporary poetry. Named La Porte County Poet Laureate in 2010, Allen has written four books of poetry, two novels and is currently working on a cozy mystery. Her fiction mixes spiritual and emotional growth with humor, which often comes in canaine form.



Richard T. Parrette Jr.



Richard T. Parrette Jr. is a President of a Manufacturing Company and retire Navy Captain, who is also an accomplished poet and song writer. He loves telling stories to his grandchildren who inspired him to write Santa's Cookie Elf, Mr. Whatsababble.



Bruce Johnson



Bruce Johnson has a passion for the history of La Porte as a member of the La Porte Historical Society. His historical coloring book illustrates his love for La Porte and adds color to our community!



The literature



Core: A Chronicle of M'Gistryn

By: Dr. Anastasia Trekles



In Trekles' debut novel, she explores issues of war, coming of age, and the fulfillment of our life's purpose set within a gripping fantasy world!



The Comely Widow: The Crimes of Serial Killer Belle Gunness

By: John Enrique Thompson



This easy to read, yet highly engaging story, heavily researched by John Thompson, helps to set the record straight on the historic crimes of Belle Gunness as well as educate and entertain!



Rudger Rump and
the Mage of Ages

By: Dr. Scott Simerlein



Rudger Rump and the Mage of Ages, brought to you by Dr. Scott Simerlein, is a young adult fantasy novel inspired by works like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. The tale centers around a young gnome named Rudger who discovers that he is able to work Word magic. The young gnome is swept up in a humorous, madcap adventure that takes him out of the safety of his quiet life into places he never knew existed.



Random Acts of Poetry:
Poems Best read with Coffee or Tea

Brett Starr



Take a break from the fast life and breath. Exercise your mind and let it paint a picture. Read a poem a day and ask yourself if and how it applies to you. Through Brett Starr's life experiences comes poems entirely relatable and enjoyable.



The literature



Divine Vintage

By: Sandra L. Young


A stylish murder mystery, Divine Vintage is a rollercoaster ride into the unknown. Through fashion, romance, and the supernatural this novel set in semi-fictionalized Michigan City feels tangible and yet otherworldly.







God's Love Most Gentle

By: Mary Allen


A pregnant Kim Macomb returns from Zaire Africa where the 1995 coupe has claimed her husband's life. She struggles to recover but a secret drives her further from God. Friends and family are swept up in her search for forgiveness and peace that also forces them to face their own frailties in God's Love Most Gentle.



Santa's Cookie Elf

By: Richard T. Parrette Jr.


Santa's Cookie Elf is a new twist on how Santa accomplishes all the magic in one night. It fosters children's curiosity about how things can happen with a fun slant on how millions of cookies can be eaten in one night.





The City of La Porte: Historical Coloring Book

By: Bruce Johnson

Illustrated by: Peggy Michaels





POETRY READING SCHEDULE



2022



~ JUNE ~


June 2: Dr. Scott Simerlein, La Porte County Poet Laureate


June 8: Dr Scott Simerlein, La Porte County Poet Laureate

June 9: Dennis Duschek, Arts in the Park Committee Member


June 15: Leigh Morris, former mayor of La Porte

June 16: Judi Jacobi, member of Friends of Noguchi


June 22: Eric Wooding, Activities Director at Brentwood

June 23: Gloria Thode, Arts in the Park Committee Member


June 29: Mary Hedge, Information Librarian at La Porte County Public Library

June 30: Brett Starr, Author of Random Acts of Poetry Books


~ JULY ~


July 6: Leigh Morris, former mayor of La Porte

July 7: Mary Kay Steel, Retired Children's Librarian



July 13: Eric Wooding, Activities Director at Brentwood

July 14: Gloria Thode, Arts in the Park Committee Member, with special guest Betty Douglas Thode


July 20:

July 20: Elle Van Dyk, 10-year-old poet

July 21: Julie Kessler, La Porte County Poet Laureate Emerita

(2012-2013)


July 27: Julie Kessler, La Porte County Poet Laureate Emerita

(2012-2013)

July 28: Scott Simerlein, La Porte County Poet Laureate Emerita

LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING NIGHT!


~ AUGUST ~


August 3: Leigh Morris, former mayor of La Porte

August 4: RESCEDULED FOR AUGUST 24


August 10: Eric Wooding, Activities Director at Brentwood

August 11: Dr. Scott Simerlein, La Porte County Poet Laureate

LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING NIGHT!


August 18: Carnessa Carnes, Michigan City poet, reading as suffragist Naomi Anderson--introduced by Sand Young,

Arts in the Park Board President



August 24: Dennis Duscheck, Arts in the Park Committee Member

August 25: Dr. Scott Simerlein, La Porte County Poet Laureate




Concert & Fine Art Series