When moving to Wisconsin in 1970, we were required to take a course in Wisconsin history to sustain teaching certification. I learned then what the Wisconsin Idea was all about. In recent state history, the concept has taken on challenges by changes in state government, but remains intact. I have been surprised more than once in referring to it, to find folks who have no idea what it is, most particularly those who’ve moved here from out of state. Especially in our Unitarian-Universalist fellowships, I find the Wisconsin Idea rings with meaning, and is in close relationship to our Seven Principles.

Former resident of Ellison Bay, Jude Genereaux, now resides in the woods of Long Lake, near Hayward, WI. After 25 years of service in county government, Jude retired from her post as Door County’s first County Administrator in 2006. A life changing attendance in a writing workshop in 1994 brought her to meet the love of her life and realize her own role as a writer. She notes that “We write because? — we can’t stop ourselves.” An award winning poet, Jude’s work has been published by Cross+Roads Press, Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts & Letters, Hummingbird, After Hours, and a solid number of small press and newspapers. She has published three chapbooks of essay & poetry and writes a column for the Rice Lake Chronotype. Genereaux serves as the Board Chair for the Blue Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Rice Lake.

Music: Gerri Friedberg
Service Leader: Donna Johnson