Proxy Form and Proxy Vote Explanation Note that Proxy Forms must be received in the UUCD office by June 10.

Sarah Monahan is nominated to serve as President of the Board of Trustees. David Broadwell, Cherie Bridges and Alisa DeRider are all nominated to serve a second term on the Board of Trustees and Claudia Faith is nominated to serve a first term. Tom Morgan and Linda Powless are nominated to serve second terms on the Nominating Committee. Kathy Peterson, Bill Sozansky and Therese Presley are nominated to serve new terms on the expanded Endowment Committee.

Sarah Monahan - Sarah Monahan came into the UU church as a third grader when her mother, Rev. Karen Gustafson, was ordained and installed at First Unitarian Church at 1802 E. First St. She grew up in this congregation and participated in YRUU at the district and national levels. She moved away from Duluth in 1996, and moved back in 2018 with a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology, a loving partner, and two spirited children. Her dream for UUCD is to let the justice-minded folks of the Twin Ports know there's a spiritual community where all are welcome, and our collective voice is joined with a larger movement. Her dream for the children of UUCD is for them to know they are connected to and held by the interdependent web of life.

David Broadwell - The last three years have been a time of challenges. Last year, in the midst of the pandemic, Cherie Bridges and I served as Co-presidents on the Board. The next few years will be years of continuing transition, so I believe it will help to do what I can to contribute to a sense of continuity as we progress into the future. I look forward to working with all in the UUCD congregation to ‘open up’ as the pandemic situation allows, widening our reach to include new members and solidify relationships with those who have been part of the congregation for much of their lives. My wife, Kathy, and I live in Port Wing WI where we both share our love of playing French horn and violin in several local musical venues. I also enjoy substitute teaching and tutoring, walks, skijoring, and bikejoring with Raina, our extremely people friendly husky who a number of you have met. Summer times I also make every effort to get out sailing on the Big Lake. 

Cherie Bridges - Someone recently asked what I most value about UUCD. So many choices for this response (!) but the one I mentioned was the gratitude in how this congregation cared for me and my family when my husband died. In addition to being active in and leading many of our special events, I have served on both Program and Finance Councils and as editor of the weekly CONNECT e-newsletter for many years. I am interested in ways we can enhance communication within the congregation. I'm passionate about our work in several social justice areas and feel this is an important area where UUCD can be a leader in the community. I hope that we will increase our interfaith collaborations. In 'spare' time, I enjoy walking, gardening, cooking for family and friends, reading, and am a novice quilter. I'm a lifelong Girl Scout and bleed green! In 2019, I retired from a long career in international education and very much look forward to again being able to visit family abroad when Covid restrictions allow.

Linda Powless signed the First Unitarian book in 1979 after looking for a good church home for her children in 1977. She is trained in education, specifically in history, school counseling, and fundraising. Her interests include gardening, singing, and a 30 year identity as a clay artist. She might also be known for her wry sense of humor and and role as a back up act for her husband Bob.

Bill Sozansky - I am currently retired. I worked for 38 years at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Duluth campuses. From 1993 to 2012 I served as the UMD Library Director. I was not born into Unitarian Universalism; in fact, I was “unchurched.” In 1982, my wife Marty and I joined First Universalist in Minneapolis. There I served on the First Universalist Foundation Board and was President for a couple of years. I have been a member at UUCD for over 25 years and I am currently serving on the Finance Council.

My name is Therese Presley. I have been a member of UUCD for the last nine years. I am married to Tom Betts. I have served as Board President, as a member of the Finance Council, Program Council and chaired the Pledge Drive for two years. I currently participate in Choir, Chancel, Worship Team, and serve on the Act for Racial Justice Team as a tri-chair. I want to join the Endowment Committee to help wisely manage the funds generously donated to UUCD. Thank you for your support. Peace.

Tongue in cheek, Kathy Peterson says that she would like to become a member of the Endowment Committee because Racial Justice, Membership, RE, MUUSJA, Duluth Sister Cities International, the Warren Wellness Club, UUCD Book Sales, and the 8th Principle just aren't quite enough! Kathy is a retired elementary educator whose energy also extends to community gardening. She will also soon welcome three grandchildren into her home for an extended stay. Kathy has been the driving force behind the educational sessions about white privilege as we prepare to vote on the 8th Principle at the upcoming Annual Meeting.