Book Signing / Open House

The Village of Convoy Historical Society would like to invite you to an “Open House at the
Opera House.” Built in 1901, the Convoy Opera House, located at 111 S. Main Street in
Convoy, served as a significant source of entertainment for this small farming community at the turn of the century. Over the years the building has also served as a firehouse and the city hall.

Restoration of the building by the Village of Convoy Historical Society began in 2017. In
March 2021, the Convoy Opera House received national recognition by being named to the
National Register of Historic Places. Come tour the Convoy Opera House, Annex and Museum and learn more about this historical site.

Featured in the opera house on the second floor will be a Local Author Book Signing Event.
Local published authors will each share their individual book writing journey. The featured
authors include Stephanie Eding, Lucinda Hoffman, Julia Keirns, Keith Langdon and John
Vining. Each author has their own distinctive writing style and genre. Individually signed
copies of their books will be available to purchase.

Representatives from the Brumback Library will be on hand to help individuals obtain a library card. They will provide information on services provided at the Brumback Library in Convoy and Van Wert, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parents of children birth to age 5 are encouraged to stop in and learn about this free program.

“The Well Nutrition” owners Brett and Sarah Sheets will be offering a free “Sip and Sample”
during the open house in the Annex kitchen. There will be some items for sale. They plan to
open another store called the Daily Dose in Convoy in April/May. They offer smoothies,
energizing teas, protein coffees, meal replacements shakes, and healthy snacks.

The Village of Convoy Historical Society board members will be taking orders for Solar
Eclipse T shirts for $16.00. (cash or check)

Please join us in celebrating this historical Van Wert County asset. Mark your calendars:
Sunday, Marcy 17, 2024, from 2 – 5 p.m. Free admission. Handicapped accessible with enclosed lift.

John Vining

John Eric Vining was born in the quiet agricultural garden of west central Ohio in 1955. He farmed with his father and brother until 1985, while he was also working in the business world. His direction changed at that point and he worked full-time in the business world from that point on. His first love has always been history, which lead him into a writing avocation. Since 2010, he has written several books and continues writing to this day. He still resides in the peaceful farmlands of northwest Ohio with his wife. He has four grown sons and several grandchildren.

Luci Hoffman

When Luci Hoffman’s husband passed away after a protracted illness, she thought she was well prepared for the practical, everyday tasks and increased responsibilities she would face on her own. She quickly discovered that was far from the case. As Hoffman says, “Life can throw you curveballs in the form of an accident, an illness, a divorce, or even a death.” Where Do We Keep the Screwdrivers? — A Spouse’s Guide to Emergency Planning encourages couples and singles with their significant others—or anyone who may be responsible for someone else’s affairs at some point—to thoroughly document all essential information prior to a family emergency or death event. Do you know where your money is? In the bank, or many banks? In investment accounts? Are you familiar with the details of your partner’s insurance policies? Do you know who needs an original death certificate vs. a copy? Are you able to quickly access relevant medical information through an online portal? Do you know when and how to pay your property taxes and what other money you may owe for home equity lines of credit, personal loans, student loans, credit cards, and so on? And, of course, don’t forget the screwdrivers! Do you know where they are? These are just a few of the many questions posed in this useful, well-organized guide, which includes checklists and worksheets to help you keep track of finances, insurance, medical information, home maintenance, and much more. This book will help you get organized and stay organized—no matter what twists life might deliver.

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Luci Hoffman has been writing poems and short stories since the fourth grade and had her poem “The Tap Dancer” published in the National Library of Poetry. Where Do We Keep the Screwdrivers?—A Spouse’s Guide to Emergency Planning is her first book. She is currently developing her website and planning two future books—a collection of her poems and short stories and a book on “cooking for one.” She is also an avid quilter and a member of Pieceful Quilters and the American Sewing Guild. Ms. Hoffman lives on a farm in rural Indiana.

Stephanie Drake-Eding

Stephanie is the author of humorous women’s fiction and young adult pirate adventures. She works as a freelance editor, clean when stressed, and hate cooking but love to eat. Away from her desk, she’s a wife, mother of three, and servant to a horde of cats and axolotls.

Keith Langdon

From personal experiences to snapshots in nature, from teaching to the sometimes difficult challenges of relationships, from the struggle with life and death and faith, to dealing with the changes that aging presents, this book is a collection of poems written and collected by the author that span almost fifty years of his life. Written in a variety of styles, each includes a short description of the inspiration behind it.

Julie Keirns

Julia A. Keirns is a seasoned freelance writer and children’s picture book author. On this website, you will find many of her articles, book reviews, essays, poetry, stories, and more. Check out the tabs above as they are updated regularly.

Over the years she has been published in several books and magazines. She spent years writing online and she wrote for her local newspaper for a few years.