Recently, a respected, beloved musician in our community invited me over for a visit to her home. She graciously gave permission to share a portion of our conversation with readers of this newsletter.
That particular afternoon, she, her husband, and I sat in the living room of their modest home not far from the shores of Lake Superior. A few steps away was the entry to her music studio where, over the years, she taught students lessons on a beautiful grand piano. It’s a cherished piece of craftsmanship; one upon which she’s practiced classical music from Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin hundreds, if not thousands of times.
Diagnosed with serious illness, she is preparing, thoughtfully, intentionally, for a transition from this life. Reflecting back on her personal journey, she acknowledged years of tensions arising from issues between her art and competing commitments to friendships, family, and marriage. For most of us, but especially for artists, it’s not an easy path.
As a young woman, she was told by mentors she carried a gift. One that could possibly, given the right circumstances, carry her to prominence as a concert pianist. She followed that dream which led into numerous competitions and performances. The promise of that future burned deep within her core. It carried a force, a life of its own. She also sensed there would be, if successful, a necessity for uncompromising sacrifice. Such demands always call for complete and focused commitment.
While in graduate school studying piano, she supported herself offering lessons to others. She struggled with levels of depression, triggered by single-minded expectations that excellence in any specific professional field – medicine, law, business – always requires. One afternoon, a young student brought her a gift: An orange.
She now understands that simple gift was an invitation to wholeness.
My friend this afternoon recently turned 81. She is the mother of two adult children and five grandchildren. The two marriages that shaped her life have now found a place of acceptance and gratitude.
She’s been using supplementary oxygen periodically over past months. Now it’s needed 24 hours a day.
Embracing the changing seasons of her life journey, she acknowledged the path she chose not to take. She says quietly, “I carry no regrets about the choices I’ve made.”
Because of physical challenges, she’s stepped back from teaching. Her circle of relationships is smaller. It is now friends and family that bring warmth and appreciation.
As our conversation closes, I rise to leave. Her husband remarks his wife now moves more slowly, but still intentionally daily to her piano. With oxygen by her side. He says that each day, for a few moments, sometimes more, she plays musical compositions by Chopin. Bolstering their spirits, filling their home with melody, grace, promise.
Spring 2023 Equinox Newsletter
CONTENTS
JOURNAL NOTES
CTI’s good friend and long-time supporter Tim Bernard and his wife Deborah Gelerter recently began ministry serving a Lutheran congregation on a far-of island in Southeast Alaska. A few days ago, he wrote, “I received a phone call from a parishioner at 7 A.M. today. She invited us to stop by. A single piece of ice, sheared off from a glacier, had washed up on the beach in front of her home. A new experience for us!” Tim and Deb, welcome to your new life and ministry in the small village in Petersburg!
On April 16th, CTI’s Director published an editorial in Marquette’s “Mining Journal” as a tribute to Earth Day 2023. It paid tribute to Barry Lopez , one of North America’s most eloquent, perceptive voices on what’s going on with our planet’s natural resources.
Congratulations to colleague Joseph Piccione, ethicist and moral theologian, who served with distinction for decades as part of the regional staff of a large faith-based hospital network in the Midwest. Now in transition, Joe continues as a Research Associate with CTI. In coming months, he will be offering a series of insights on spirituality and health based on his experience via articles posted on CTI’s website.
In March, 2023, the CTI Director assisted Pastor Andrew Plocher from Messiah Lutheran Church in the memorial service for Helen Ryan. Helen was a mother of four daughters, a lover of music, a modest, playful, and friendly presence in the wider community. Next to a couch serving as her bed, at the final moment of her passing, stood a tall grandfather clock. It was purchased by her parents when she was an infant during a life-threatening bout of scarlet fever. At her death, Helen was 92 years old.
Our thanks to Traci Ball from Marquette’s Vibrant Health, who sparked the idea of celebrating a World Tai Chi event this year at the Peter White Public Library. CTI’s Tai Chi co-instructor Diana Magnuson joined her in presenting a free two-hour introductory workshop for interested community members. Thanks to all who showed up on April 29th to share this experience.
Special congratulations to Ayrel Joyal and Brad Aranyos, CTI volunteers and project assistants, who will join in marriage June 17th on Mackinac Island. Good friends Jackie Kossey and CTI Research Associate Rick Pietila will be traveling from the American Embassy in Ottawa to be present with their family and friends at the ceremony.
Shouts of thanksgiving on the birth of little Inoria Melania, born March 13th to Lanni Lantto and husband Makari (Dustin) Rising . Lanni continues her unique work providing leadership for Wild Church, a creative spiritual initiative across the Upper Peninsula supported by Episcopal and Lutheran churches. Makari, an independent film producer, begins graduate study at NMU in social work this summer.
Hats of to Ken Kelley , a CTI Research Associate and volunteer leader for Wild Church, who also continues to deftly shepherd the nonprofit Music for All Kids, an outreach to underserved youth by local musicians. Currently MFAK provides programs at the Alternative School, Lake Superior Village and Great Lakes Recovery Centers.
In April and May, the Cedar Tree Institute led a two-part training for staff of Strega Nonna, a newly established, one-of-a-kind restaurant and café on historic Iron Street in Negaunee. The focus was on workplace dynamics, mind/body practices, and stress reduction. Proprietor Rachel Grossman delightfully titled the event, “Witchcraft with Grandma Nonna.” Mike Grossman , a practicing physician, helped facilitate this most unusual training experience.
MUSIC NEEDS TREES
A GIFT OF 1000 TREES
During the last weekend of April, The Marquette ChoraÏ Society presented their annual 2023 spring concert. The program featured composer Paul Winter’s “Earth Mass.” A jazz soprano saxophone player improvised musical responses to recordings of a howling wolf and soundings of an Orca whale. The two performances brought people to their feet with applause, some with tears. It was a mesmerizing evening.
Shortly before the concert’s intermission, Erin Colwitz, NMU faculty member and MCS Director, turned to the audience gathered in Marquette’s historic Kaufman Auditorium. Twenty small potted trees were brought to the stage by members of the Ishpeming Youth Choir. She made this unexpected invitation:
“Thank you for joining us. In honor of Earth Day, volunteers from our Choral Society are making a daring commitment tonight, with our friends, to plant 1,000 cedar trees over the next six weeks. To those who can help with donations and volunteer time, thank you!
The following information was available at the exit doors following the two performances.
Ways to Become Involved:
- Join volunteers on all or one of three Saturday mornings to plant trees in the Yellow Dog Community Forest. May 13th, May 27th, and June 3rd. Rain or shine. Meet at the Township Hall in Big Bay at 9 A.M. Work will be completed by noon. Call 906-345-9223 if you’ll be joining us.
- Make a contribution of any amount ($10 per tree) to help this vision unfold. Memorials welcomed and encouraged.
Appreciation to Tonja Aker-Richards, MCS Member, and Lora Loope who invited CTI to help design and propose this unusual project with our friends at the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve.
VISIONS and PROJECTS
Thanks to Jordan Mattarella, for her partner ship in this venture. Jordan served as the Coordinator for our Water Stewards Initiative during 2016-2019. She now is proprietor of a new vintage clothing store “Cove” here in Marquette. Jordan will be joining us with a team of friends for our June 3rd planting. Jeff Noble is providing this special project with key technical oversight.
“THE GIFT OF WATER”
Originally published in the “Marquette Monthly,” this compilation of 45 essays is now, after some months delay, being published in hard-bound format, and scheduled to be available to the public on June 1st. Edited by Paul Lehmberg, these writings are reflections on ecology, art, and spiritual life. This volume arises from a four-year interfaith initiative by our regional Interfaith Water Stewards to celebrate and protect the waters of the Great Lakes Basin.
An E-book option is also available.
Purchase The Gift of Water here.
Our appreciation to John and Pauline Kiltinen for their generous spirit in helping make the publication of this book possible.
Phase II of the Water Stewards Interfaith Initiative carries the support of six different faith traditions, We plan to be working alongside several of our region’s federally recognized tribes. Our focus will be on improving the quality of drinking water in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Doug Russell has done extraordinary work in helping us with grant applications. Look for news in July if resources allow us to launch this project.
WITH GRATITUDE AND THANKSGIVING
Nonprofit work presents a series of challenges that are unique and formidable. The Cedar Tree Institute has been able to survive 27 years because of wise counsel and support from Board Members and the critical financial donations and notes from folks across North America, from all walks of life who have chosen to help our dreams and projects come to fruition. Thank you!
IN MEMORIAM
Bonnie Sponberg 1945 -2023
On February 13th, Bonnie Bowsman Sponberg passed through the veil of this world into another. A force of nature with degrees in sociology, physical education, and counseling she fit no simple vocational niche. During her life, she worked as a stockbroker, school counselor, financial advisor, and macrobiotic chef. She was a hiker, daily walker, yoga and martial arts practitioner. She and her husband Gus were supporters of CTI since its origin.
One of Bonnie’s closest friends described her as a “whirlwind.” In 1997, during a visit to the Upper Peninsula which she regarded as a second home, she was among the first of volunteers to show up and join the Institute to plant cedar trees in a nearby community forest.
After the death of her husband Gus in 2013 daughter Erica and son John Harold stood unwaveringly by her side as Bonnie re-invented life for herself. A private gathering of a new close friends and family will come together later this summer on the shores of Lake Superior to honor her. With simple songs and prayers, we’l be giving thanks for the many gifts that she and Gus brought to us all.
Joyce Peterson 1928-2023
Joyce spent her youth in the small Upper Peninsula village of Felch. I knew her as a modest, steady spirit, Over the course of her career, she received degrees from Michigan State University and NMU in Dietetics, Nutrition, Business, and Economics. Initially employed in Montana and Chicago, she returned to Michigan where she retired after nearly 25 years of service as Assistant Registrar and Analyst with NMU’s Computer Center.
Joyce’s nephew Greg Peterson was for several years an investigative reporter. She introduced us. Greg worked with the Cedar Tree Institute during a critical time helping us with communication and media projects. Joyce was one of the first supporters of the Cedar Tree Institute. Her advice and counsel was deeply valued. We give thanks for her life among us.
Ed Budnick 1953 – 2023
Ed came from a family of skilled carpenters. He followed that path. He was also a skilled hunter. His obituary reads, “Wildlife of Upper Michigan breathe a sign of relief. The Reign of Terror has come to an end.”
Over years, Ed worked with the CTI Director on numerous projects. One memory involves an evening when students from NMU’s campus ministry sat around our fireplace as Ed reflected on reasons Jesus may have been destined to be raised in a family of carpenters as well.
Ed and his wife Joan, with children Clair, Luke, and Alex, lived many years in the forests north of Marquette. Along with his professional life as a union carpenter, Ed served as a musician for the small Catholic parish in in Big Big Bay where he played guitar for weekly Mass. During retirement. facing unexpected health challenges, a family member wrote, “Ed dedicated his time to enjoying his grandchildren and growing Japanese ferns.” A bow to you, Brother.
ON THE HORIZON 2023
HIDDEN LANGUAGE
PSYCHIATRY AS PHYSICAL PRESENCE
May, 2023
A CTI training event with Kelley Mahar, M.D
Designed for medical residents with MSU’s College of Human Medicine
SUMMER TAI CHI and QI GONG
Weekly at Marquette’s Mattson Park (West End)
Wednesdays: June through August 5:30 -6:30
P.M.Free to the community. Welcome!
CTI’S MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL
Thursday July 27th. 5 6:30 P.M.
Marquette’s Presque Isle Pavilion
Special guests include Faith Lutheran Church’s Danny Stone with his volunteer youth group work team from Marion, Iowa. They’ll be bringing freshly harvested sweet corn!
THE RETURN
Film and Discussion
On the evening of October 25th, Marquette’s Regional History Center will host a special showing of the documentary, “”The Return.” It’s the story of the 2022 return of Fr. Jacques Marquette’s remains back to their original 1677 burial place in St. Ignace, Film director Makari Rising and representatives from St. Ignace’s Museum of Oijibwa culture will be present. Members of the Native American community in St. Ignace invited CTI to assist. And we did.
SPIRIT OF PLACE EVENTS
The Mystery of Trees
September 13th – 16th, 2023
A 3-day retreat on ecology and spirituality
Big Bay, Michigan
The Art of Walking
November 16th – 19th, 2023
A 3-day retreat in a Benedictine Monastery
Santa Fe, New Mexico
For information, visit our Spirit of Place 2023 page.
The Cedar Tree Institute, a nonprofit organization provides services and initiates projects between boundaries of medical institutions, faith communities, American Indian tribes and social action movements. One-third of our services are provided pro-bono.
CTI BOARD
- Jon Magnuson, CTI Executive Director
- Steve Mattson, Financial Consultant, Wells Fargo Private Client Services, Retired
- Jim Elder, Attorney
ADVISORY COUNCIL
- Larry Skendzel, Physician, Hospice Care
- Gareth Zellmer, Consultant, Trainer
- Ken Kelley, Professor Emeritus, NMU
- Rick Pietila, U.S. State Department
- Jan Schultz, Botanist, USFS, Retired
- Michael Grossman, Family Physician
RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
- John Rosenberg
- Ruth Almén
- Kent Fish
- Joseph Piccione
For the earth, forever turning,
Paul Winter, composer
For the skies, for every sea,
To our Source we sing, returning,
Home to the blue green hills of earth.
“Missa Gaia,” Earth Mass
For information contact us at 403 East Michigan Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or contact us via email. Telephone & Fax: 906-228-5494
The Spring 2023 Equinox Newsletter is brought to you by Cedar Tree Institute.
