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We are excited about the 2026 HSJ Benefit from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, November 7 at WILLow LeaVes of Hope, located at 326 Jackson St. in downtown Hope.

A delicious chicken and noddle dinner will be served by the ladies of WILLow LeaVes as the talented Avery Tallent provides music before the program. It will be a Christmas atmosphere due to lots of seasonal decor and the many items available to purchase during what promises to be a memorable evening for all.

Jessica Deckard, HSJ Town Crier, will get the formal part of the evening started. As we focus on the United States celebrating 250 years, David Webster will share a few words from the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Jessica will lead all in the Pledge of Allegiance and Pamela Webster Anderson will ask the crowd to join in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

David will speak briefly about the importance of the previous owners, editors, and publishers of “The Hope Star-Journal.” Jenn Guthrie, HSJ Content Coordinator, will then follow with how news has been so important throughout our 250 years in the United States, the world, and small towns like Hope, Indiana. Sally Webster will then perform “Little Bitty.”

Afterward, Debbie McIntrye and Pete Law, Miss Liberty and Billy Bob, Susan Thayer Fye, The Greatest Generation, Mike Harding, Lewis and Clark, and Levi Garrison and Matt Tallent, 9-11, will each share how these events made an impact on our great country. (Miss Liberty's last appearance in Hope was in 2009 for all fifth graders, and we are thrilled she is returning while hoping many former fifth graders will want to see her again.) After each presentation, there will be a related song or poem.

The night will close with Todd Grimes sharing a few of his thoughts about time and the Hauser boys performing “Blowin' In The Wind” while encouraging all to join in on the chorus.

Cost is $15 (cash only) with WILLow LeaVes generously returning a portion of the proceeds to HSJ. Please call WILLow LeaVes at 812-341-7251, Stephanie Shoaf at 812-374-6524, or David Webster at 812-390-6550 to make reservations.

HSJ Donation Forms/Envelopes and the 2026 HSJ General Budget will be on each table. Checks should be made to HSJ Online. Your contribution will be a key to our continuing to provide a news source for our remarkable community. Please feel free to donate before or after Saturday, November 7 via mail to: Stephanie Shoaf; HSJ Online; Post Office Box 21; Hope, IN 47246.

With much thanks and appreciation: HSJ Team Members Michael Dean, Jessica Deckard, Pastor Warren Kirk, Scott Strietelmeier, Jennifer Villiger, David Webster, Terri Young, Howard Zachariah, Bud Herron (Emeritus) as well as Content Coordinator Jenn Guthrie and Business Coordinator Stephanie Shoaf