Women's Connection On the Road

by Janet Adams, past Council Treasurer

Years ago, a friend asked me, “What makes your heart sing?” I was mystified. I had never thought to ask myself that before. It took me a long time—years, in fact—to realize the answer. What makes my heart sing is making music with others. So, when I get the opportunity to do just that, I am an eager participant.

Enter Dana Lusk, member of Unitarian Church North in Mequon, Wisconsin and current UU Women’s Connection Councilwoman. Dana asked members of the Council and other UUWC members if they would like to join her in doing an intergenerational service at her church. I asked Dana what prompted this idea. This is her reply:

I had heard wonderful stories of past years when UUWC used to go to churches to lead services in the Midwest district. Sounded amazing and I thought it would be great to 1) let women in the district know about us; 2) share experiences from our retreat to gather interest; and 3) to honor our ancestors in an interactive service. I also hoped it would revamp the practice of taking the “UUWC show” back on the road to visit other churches in the district. 

So, on August 23 of 2026, one week after our summer retreat, eight current and former councilwomen* headed to Mequon, WI to make our hearts sing.

In Photo: Gretchen Ohmann, Council president; Diana DeWeese, secretary; Janet Adams, past treasurer; Karen Kortsch, member-at-large and past president; Pat Hyams, past secretary; Kathleen Miezio, past treasurer; Dana Lusk, member-at-large; Kathy Miller, treasurer.

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Reflections on Our Fall Retreat

by Karen Kortsch, past Council President

The women of UUWC gathered at Cedar Valley Retreat Center in West Bend, Wisconsin from Oct 16th to the 18th. We laughed, we cried, we hiked, we drummed and sang, and we enjoyed the company of our UUWC sisters. We learned from each other and celebrated milestones.

On Friday evening after we had dinner, a few of us gathered on the lower level for “movie night.” We watched episodes of “The Change,” a British comedy-drama series about a woman coming to terms with menopause. It was thought provoking and hilarious.

On Saturday we had a grief and spiritual transitions workshop that was very well attended. I was very moved by the exercise and learned to look at aging and death with fresh eyes and more perspective. After lunch, we participated in a “Death Cafe,” which was also very thought provoking and brought up lots of emotions. It seems that our group was very engaged and appreciative of the opportunity to talk and share experiences. Thank you to Dana and her daughter, Christina, for facilitating these events.

After some self care time and dinner together, it was time for the croning ceremony. Unfortunately, I was feeling under the weather and missed it but I heard all about it the next morning. Four of our attendees were croned and they could not stop talking about what a beautiful and meaningful transition ceremony it was. I saw the photos that were taken and everyone looked so beautiful. 

On Sunday after breakfast together, we gathered for our closing ceremony and said our good-byes. Our time together was too short but jam packed with sharing, connecting, and having fun. I am looking forward to when we are together again.

Book Club Returns!

Join our Book Club on Zoom this winter with an 8-part discussion on Sacred Actions by Dana O'Driscoll - led by Dana L.

Dates will be scheduled near the 8 points on the Wheel of the Year, approximately every six weeks, and will continue through 2027.