I’m sitting in the office of a 45-year-old police officer. We’re in a modest brick building a few hundred yards up a ridge overlooking the harbor of a small fishing town in Alaska. I’m curious how he sees the human heart. What he’s learned from over 20 years working in this one-time booming salmon fishing community known as the Gateway to the Inland Passage.
He tells me the homeless population soared here in recent years, as it has across most cities and towns in North America. He mentions the increase in crystal meth use, the influx of illegal drugs coming in. How this community is often used as a distribution point for the rest of the State. Last September, a disgruntled visitor passing through, after being turned away one night for inappropriate behavior, set free to their historic American Legion Hall. Burned it to the ground.
Most folks here, he reflects, are gun owners. He assures me there have been no marked incidents of violence in that respect. Most assaults and trouble come from summer employees arriving to work in canneries and local tourist shops. As for those who have permanent homes here in this island community, they know each other, take care of one another. A regional hospital and a major coast guard station located here are targeted to meet the health and emergency needs for this expanse of remote islands and coastal villages in Southeastern Alaska. It’s a good place for a family if, he says with a smile, you can adjust to rainy weather.
In response to my question about what he’s learned about human nature, he sits back in his chair and, after a pause, offers an insight. “I don’t really think there are good or bad people,” he says. We’re all in this together. Everyone is capable, I think, of violence, bad decisions. Or good ones. It depends on one’s ability to control, manage their impulses, to self-regulate their emotional life. Perhaps it comes down to being able to see the world in a hopeful, meaningful way.”
In coming weeks, cruise lines will begin daily visits to this harbor town. At the peak of the summer season, up to 17,000 tourists a day will choose to come ashore from those massive ships. Crowds will arrive to wander the picturesque harbor, strolling down historic Creek Street and Tongass Avenue. They’ll visit art galleries, stop by local museums, sign up for tours to the nearby Mystic Fjords and old growth forests, stop for meals in one of the local taverns or seasonal restaurants.
Each of them will carry a certain way of observing the world, as do each of us. I was reminded of this afternoon in a police station. That determines what we look for, what we will see.
Spring 2024 Equinox Newsletter
CONTENTS
JOURNAL NOTES
A shout out of gratitude to the folks of Ketchikan, Alaska’s First Lutheran Church, who with encouragement from Lane and Susan Johnson, invited CTI’s Director and his wife Diana to assist in leading three liturgical services and a series of workshops on prayer, dreams, and Tai Chi during days of Holy Week. On Easter morning, an 8 f x 6 f mobile, constructed by Diana and two children, Charlotte and Bree from the parish, was raised during the opening processional hymn.
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Appreciation to Will Sharp, Barb Ojibway, and Ken Kelley who facilitated a five-week series during February and March on “The Way of the Dream: God’s Forgotten Language.” A partnership with the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the ELCA. Class sessions took place via Zoom. Fifteen individuals from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine were participants.
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In February, a group of physicians and hospice nurses met for a two-part series, “The Unbroken Circle.” Sponsored by the Cedar Tree Institute and the support of Dr. Michael Grossman 12 caregivers made connections and shared two dinners together exploring topics of empathy and communication. Thanks to Strega Nonna for providing healthy, exquisite meals for both evening gatherings.
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In March, Nanda and Pam Shrestha welcomed the Cedar Tree Institute Director and his wife Diana for a visit to their home in Tampa, Florida. 10 hours of recorded interviews took place to honor the story of Nanda’s journey from one world to another 52 years ago. He arrived in the United States from his home in Nepal in 1972 with $20 (a gift from a teacher) and a small suitcase. I first met Nanda for the first time in 1967 as a Peace Corps Volunteer to Nepal. Nanda (who later became a tenured professor of geography at two universities) and his wife Pam have been a part of the Cedar Tree Institute’s initial vision since 1995 with ongoing notes of encouragement and gifts of presence and support.
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Ken Kelley continues dual leadership roles as a key volunteer with U.P. Wild Church and for Music for All Kids. A former Social Work faculty member at Northern Michigan University, Ken, now 88 years of age, has assisted forester Jef Noble in every tree planting project facilitated by the Institute since 1997. His coordinating of Thursday morning coffee gatherings at the Crib in Marquette continues as a special gift to the Marquette community.
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A special note of appreciation to Peter Hutter, Jef Noble, and Lee Goodwin who helped gather gallons of tree sap this spring at the Magnuson cabin to prepare another year’s bounty of maple syrup. These gifts from the Earth have been sent to individuals in Colorado, Alaska, Florida, Washington State, Virginia, New Mexico, Hawaii, and New York. They have personally distributed to Native (Tlingit) American leaders in Alaska, to residents of extended care facilities, folks in Florida, and to now-retired commercial fishermen and their families along the Pacific Northwest’s Inland Passage.
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Words of encouragement to Lanni Lantto in her creative, nurturing leadership role with U.P. Wild Church. It’s an example of an innovative and prophetic outreach to make connections between spiritual life and the deep rhythms of the natural world. Carry on with this extraordinary vision!
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Tai Chi and Qi Gong sessions continue in 2024. There are on-site Wednesday evening classes at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Marquette and a Zoom Monday series with twelve participants from twelve states. Following an invitation from Conner Ryan, in February -April, the CTI Director offered a 10 week class series on the Yang Saber Sword Form in partnership with Marquette Unity Yoga.
A portion of the receipts from these classes have been shared with relief agencies in Gaza and the Ukraine. Class fees also support the mission of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Messiah Lutheran Church’s Food Assistance Bank.
HEALING THE EARTH
TROUBLED WATERS: HEALTH AND HOPE
On April 18th, the Interfaith Water Stewards Initiative 2024-25, introduces a two-year initiative to assist in protecting and ensuring good quality drinking water here in the Northern Great Lakes Basin.
A Community Gathering of Prayer and Song will frame a presentation, “Drinking Water: A Global Perspective,” by Michael Broadway, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Geography at Northern Michigan. He’ll be joined by Michael Waite, a beloved musician and songwriter.
7- 8:30 P.M.
Messiah Lutheran Church
305 W Washington St., Marquette, MI
This initiative is being coordinated by The Cedar Tree Institute with representatives of the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist, Buddhist, Native American, Unitarian, and Jewish faith traditions.
Goals include four community presentations with forums addressing local drinking water issues, planting of 1,000 Northern white cedar trees to help cycle clean water into the biosphere, 12 essays on health and drinking water standards, advocacy for regional tribal water projects, and support of two wells for drinking water in under-resourced countries via Lutheran World Relief and the National Episcopal Church.
Individuals involved in initial strategic planning include Chuck Tomas, Katherine Finegan, Brad Pickens, Michael Broadway, Michael Lynn Wellman, Ken Kelley, Fred Maynard, Will Sharp, Paul Lehmberg, Jim Duehring, Jef Noble, Rayford Ray, Aryel Aranyos, Dan Magnuson, Sarah Gimpl, and Lanni Lantto.
Pure water is the world’s first and foremost medicine
-Slovakian Proverb
Sarah Gimpl,
Water Stewards
Project Coordinator
THE GIFT OF WATER
“The Gift of Water: Ecology, Art, and the Spiritual life” (1923) is now in its second printing. Thanks to Paul Lehmberg who served as editor, this collection of 45 essays written by 45 different authors, speaks to the mystery and magnificence of water and the role it plays in health, ecology, and the self-regulation of all living things.
It continues to be available for purchase at Snowbound Books and the Regional History Center in Marquette, Michigan. It can also be ordered from our website. All proceeds will go to support the efforts of The Interfaith Water Stewards Drinking Water Initiative here in the Northern Great Lakes Basin.
Purchase The Gift of Water online.
On Monday evening, July 8th, a reading of selected essays by five different authors from this collection of essays will take place at Peter White Public Library from 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. The public is cordially invited. Books also will be available for purchase at that event.
Water is one of the most basic of all needs.
We cannot live for more than a few days without it. And yet, most of us take water for granted. Clean water is actually a very limited resource. More than one billion people around the world have no access to safe, clean drinking water. Over two million people die each year because of unsafe water, the majority of them are children.
WITH THANKSGIVING
Nonprofit work presents a series of challenges that are unique and formidable. The Cedar Tree Institute has intentionally chosen to remain small and lean in its structure, making sure the projects we engage in have the necessary resources to complete our goals. We seek out forgotten places, the spaces “between” institutions and larger nonprofit organizations to carry out our mission.
Thanks to our grant writer Doug Russell who currently is preparing a proposal which supports over-worked staff in our local hospice/palliative care medical community.
We sometimes take comfort in the wisdom of the Dahli Lama who once said, “ If you think being small doesn’t make a difference, try spending a night sleeping in a tent with a single mosquito.”
REFLECTIONS
IN MEMORIAM
Joseph Koob 1953 -2024
Joseph was a friend of the Cedar Tree Institute, a man who lived a colorful life as a forester in Denmark, a community organizer, and a street corner philosopher. He could “hold court” among his friends, spell binding listeners, and exhibiting levels of energy that were, at times, deemed by many as immeasurable. Ken Kelley stood by him in his involvement in many activities and projects of U.P. Wild Church. Joseph was a man of faith, devoted to the Catholic tradition. He lived with a twinkle in his eye. Prayers and an eagle whistle sounded in Republic over his modest home a few weeks before his death.
Karen Kropp 1941-2024
Karen, the wife of Gary Kropp, formerly of Marquette and a brother to Noel, was a long-time resident of Waukesha, Wisconsin. She and her husband Gary have long been supporters of the Cedar Tree Institute’s projects. Following Karen’s death, Gary wrote a heart-felt letter in her honor. She was someone who loved gardening and the natural world. Ten cedar trees will be planted in her honor this June on the banks of the Yellow Dog River. Our prayers are lifted up for Gary and their children Clark, Wendy, David, and Nicole.
FROM THE FRONTLINES
Integrity, Ecology and Economics
In recent years, local grass-roots community groups have challenged several proposed developments that some perceive carry serious destructive impacts to ecological integrity and human health. An appropriate response is to take a close look at what’s going on. Choose to take a position as responsible citizens on such matters.
We want to recognize the Powell Township Board in Marquette County for confirming a zoning ordinance that will, for the near future, prevent a commercial space launching port from being built on the shores of Lake Superior within the Township’s boundaries. A bow to the efforts of Dennis Ferraro and Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior. Their tireless work was instrumental in organizing support for the Township’s Board’s decisive action.
Another challenge is the Menominee River Back Forty Sulfide Mine proposal. This project is being resisted by regional American Indian tribes and a majority of local citizens. Yet another controversial development by a Canadian company is threatening to impact the Upper Peninsula’s Porcupine Mountain State Wilderness Park.
Plenty of information is available regarding both of these situations. Kathleen Heideman, a friend of the CTI, an award-winning poet and local activist, offers an insightful, measured voice on both issues. Watch for unfolding news via the U.P. Environmental Coalition, a regional nonprofit organization that continues to do outstanding work on behalf of the public.
Remember. They’re on nobody’s payroll.
ON THE HORIZON 2024
An Evening with the Interfaith Water Stewards
Dr. Michael Broadway and Michael Waite
April 18th 7 – 8:30 P.M.
“Drinking Water: A Global Perspective.”
Messiah Lutheran Church, Marquette
Mind/Body Practice
Tai Chi and Qi Gong
June – August, Wednesdays
Mattson Park, Marquette – Near the Fire bell
5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
CTI’s Gift to the Community – No cost
Readings from The Gift of Water
Essays by Local Authors
July 8 (Monday)
Peter White Public Library, Marquette
6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
The Mystery of Healing
June 27-28
A Retreat for Hospice Staff and Volunteers
Thunder Bay Inn, Big Bay, MI
Tree Planting Project
100 Cedar Trees
June 15
Saturday morning, MQT County
9 A.M. – Noon
CTI Midsummer Festival
July 18, Thursday
Presque Isle Park Pavilion, Marquette
5 – 7 P.M. (Potluck)
SPIRIT OF PLACE RETREATS
The Mystery of Water
Water in Human Health, Ecological Balance, and Sacred Ritual
September 11 -14, Wednesday – Saturday
Thunder Bay Inn, Big Bay, Michigan
The Spiritual Brain
What Neuroscience Teaches us about Pleasure, Pain, and Mystical Experience
November 14 -17, Thursday – Sunday
Las Vegas, Nevada
For information, visit our Spirit of Place 2024 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
Societal Engagement is a Theological Imperative.
FROM SEMINEX
(A Seminary Reform Movement, 1980s)
If spiritual life is to have integrity, it needs to engage places in the world that call for justice and compassion. In 2024, CTI will model this principle by doing exactly that.
Planting 1,000 trees in the Great Lakes Basin
Working with regional hospice staff and volunteers
Supporting the drilling of two drinking water wells in under-resourced countries
Providing training for mental health workers in rural communities and those who serve Native American tribes
Thank you for your support!
For information contact us at 403 East Michigan Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or contact us via email. Telephone & Fax: 906-228-5494
The Spring 2024 Equinox Newsletter is brought to you by Cedar Tree Institute.
