Singer-songwriter Ellis will share her music in a program that will help you find strength and joy in cultivating an open heart (even when the world seems to be going crazy all around you).

In addition, participants will be able to sign up for two workshops and be treated to lunch. Workshops include Belly Dancing, Nia, Beading, Painting, Handwriting Analysis, and much more.

Sign up can be done through this site by credit card, at the AUW desk during Sunday Social Hour using a check, cash, or credit card, or mailing a registration form along with a check.

The cost for the day long event is only $35 for AUW members and $45 for non-members.

This retreat, open to all women, will be a great way to relax, renew friendships, and share new experiences. Free child care is available with one week notice.

Choose from the following Workshops:

Morning Session 9:00-10:30

1A Unlocking Your Potential With a Pen - Shannon O. Poppie

What do Albert Einstein, Mother Theresa,and Abraham Lincoln have in common? They have similar handwriting characteristics. Join Transformational Handwriting Specialist Shannon Poppie to learn what your handwriting says about you and how you can unlock your soul’s true potential with your pen. Shannon will show you that choosing to write with a healthy handwriting system can transform your life just as choosing a healthy diet and exercise program will transform your body. All you need is pen, paper and the desire for change…

1B Conscious Femininity - Kelly Rose

We all have a masculine side that takes us on heroic journeys as well as a feminine side, the small voice that guides us from within. Kelly Rose, a marriage and family therapist, will help us get in touch with our inner knowledge by identifying our basic feelings and needs. She will give us 3 concrete steps to identify our core desires and create a road map to reach our goals.

1C Introduction to Bead Weaving - Marylane Biang

Marylane Biang from “Bobby Bead” will bring her supplies and 35 years of beading magic to teach us how to make a flower chain bracelet. This class is open to all skill levels and the project can be completed during the workshop.

1D Nia--The “Love Your Body, Love Your Life” Fitness Program - Beth Giles

Nia is the name of a fitness technique and lifestyle practice whose purpose is for all people to be healthy, whole and choose joy in all parts of life. Beth Giles will introduce you to a glorious mix of dance, martial arts and healing practices that connect, heal and energize your mind and body, and spirit. Nia is for everyone--all bodies, shapes, sizes and ages. You’ll dance, move, laugh, shake, stretch and put pleasure into your workout!

All levels of fitness are welcome and no experience is required. Wear comfortable clothes for moving, bring a water bottle. If you’d like to have a mat for the end of class when we move on the floor, please bring one. We dance in bare feet, shoes are optional. We will get sweaty! You may want to have a change of clothes for after this session.

Afternoon Session 1:00-2:30

2A Healing After the Hurricanes - Velma Wagner

Did you watch Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and wish there was some way you could help? Newly retired Velma Wagner used her mental health expertise to go with the American Red Cross into the heart of the devastation. Come see her photos and hear about her experiences on the front line.

2B Believing in Impossible Things - Kristi Lamoreux

Turn down your "possibility filter" and turn up the magic! The silly practice of believing in impossible things makes walking through our world a little more magical, but it also has some serious real-world benefits like overcoming limiting beliefs and outsmarting confirmation bias. Kristi will help us explore how this works and bulk up our believing muscles through a few “impossible” games and small group exercises. You will leave with your own list of impossible things to practice believing in.

2C Wide Open Art - Sue Peploe

Come as you are to explore painting and drawing at whatever level you’re at. Sue Pekoe is an elementary school teacher who has been painting, studying art, and creating art using many different mediums her whole life. She’s been excited about some of her recent creations because she’s learning to play more and be in the moment while she is creating. It is that playful presence during art-making that she wants to share in this workshop. Come, explore, play and learn.

2D The Sisterhood of Bellydance - Ann Kernan-Roll

Throughout the middle east, dancing is segregated: men dance among men and women dance among women. Beyond closed doors the women let loose, mocking the men, showing off their most flowery and fluid moves, all in the spirit of celebration. With that tradition in mind, come let your hair down and learn to tap into the positive side of body consciousness with dance leader Ann Kernan-Roll. This dance form is for all body types and skill levels. Ann’s passion is inspiring people to love and celebrate the bodies they have.

If you'd like to become a member and recieve a $10.00 discount, click here!

Contact Marilyn Lamoreux 612-388-3796 or Ann Styx 612-325-6747 with questions.