Tag Archives: citizen advocacy

A ‘Natural’ Fit… Pt. 2

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After the May 2nd event, I reconnected with Karen and Jim. I restated my enthusiasm to move forward with planning another event. Karen’s response was prompt, uplifting and included an introduction to the ESTHER Transformative Justice Task Force; an organization similar to JOSHUA, located in the Fox Valley in Wisconsin that “brings together people of many faiths to build community and act on issues of injustice.”

In addition to this amazing intervention, we had the good fortune of having the entire event recorded. Yes! Really! And it gets better…

Film crew: Damon Schneider, Jeremy Jordan, Mike Putchel   (Photo courtesy of Damon’s friend Dan)

Last year (2025) I learned of a new documentary in the works about the Monfils case that is being produced by Damon Schneider. I kept hearing from various colleagues that they had been contacted by Schneider and were being asked to do interviews for his film. In January (2026) Damon reached out to me with the same request. In his email, he explained that he lives in the Milwaukee area. As a courtesy because I live in the Minneapolis area, he suggested we could do the interview by phone. We worked out the logistics and on Thursday, February 12, 2026 we completed an over-the-phone interview I thought went quite well.

I let Damon know about the May 2nd event. He expressed interest in attending and asked if it would be okay to record parts of it to use in his documentary. My response to him was…would he be willing to record the entire event? Damon agreed and arrived with two other colleagues; Mike Putchel, and Jeremy Jordan. They recorded all of it!                                                                    (In time I hope to have access to the recording for widespread sharing.)

In addition, Damon had asked if any of the Monfils Six guys would be there and inquired specifically about Mike Johnson. Damon had not yet interviewed Johnson for the documentary and was hoping to conduct one after our event concluded. I let him know that all three Mikes would be there and that Johnson was open to doing the interview.

(LtoR) Damon Schneider, Mike Johnson, Mike Putchel, Jeremy Jordan.  (Photo courtesy of Damon Schneider)

Afterwards some of us, including each of the Mikes, gathered at a nearby pub to grab a bite to eat before going our separate ways. It was there that I made a proposal to them that will definitely make a powerful statement at our next event. This proposal was agreed upon and will be disclosed at a later date.

 

Prior to May 2nd, I experienced considerable anxiety because of the many unknowns as to how this event would turn out. My anxiety was from a lack of my ever having worked with musicians, and the fact that we were doing this together for the first time on the day of the event! There were redeeming factors to this madness. I had sent…in my opinion…a rather unpolished, audio version of my narrative to Karli and Jason beforehand so that they could become familiar with the content and tone of my voice. Other than that, there were no practice runs or in-person “dress rehearsals.”

(Photo courtesy of Jared Manninen)

(Photo courtesy of Jared Manninen)

Also, there’s no doubt that Karli and Jason are very accomplished, very talented musicians which helped put me at ease…somewhat. Okay…I was worried that I’d make them look bad. Karli thoughtfully reassured me that this would go well and to not worry. We arrived at the venue that day, each of us with the intent of pouring our hearts into what we both do best; sharing meaningful stories through notes and words. Though attendance was less than hoped for, we thank those who cared enough to be there. And we—Karli, Jason and myself—view this session as an outstanding trial run that could lead to more of the same.

And alas, I’m proud to announce that through successful coordination efforts, we have secured both a date and a venue for another event. Thanks to the ESTHER Transformational Task Force, this next one—also free for attendees—will take place at:

Fox Valley Technical College                                                                                                              Date: October 15, 2026                                                                                                                          Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm

A good fit? Naturally…

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting. If you ever have questions or feedback about any of my content, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you!

A ‘Natural’ Fit… Pt. 1

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After publishing yet another (third) edition of my book in June of 2025, I was on the lookout for new and creative ways to attract new readership. I eventually came up with an idea I felt might be interesting for both book and music lovers alike. There’s such a thing as music and poetry. Why not music and prose?

A blend of music paired with a recital of excerpts from my book sounded appealing to me. What a powerful statement that would make! I even knew on a personal level, some Wisconsin musicians who could help me pull this off. I decided to reach out to them to see if they’d be interested.

Photo courtesy of Natural Satellite

Over the years I’ve gotten to know Karli and Jason Reisdorf; a married couple and musical duo, better known as Natural Satellite. Recent winners of the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) awards, Karli plays cello, mostly through the use of her fingers. Jason plays saxophone. Karli also sings and I must say that her voice paired with Jason’s saxophone creates a sound like no other!

Their music would definitely pair well with the direction I was aiming for regarding specific book passages; to highlight the voices of the men and their families. Karli and Jason had already read my book. They were well aware of my mission. This collaboration seemed like a natural fit.

I made an inquiry through their website. Within a week I had my answer. They were quite excited about the prospect of being a part of what would be a new adventure for us both.

After working out the details, this flyer was created to promote our event:

Our son, Jared, traveled from S. Lake Tahoe, CA to support “Mom.” My good friend, Vicki, and her husband Brian, two people who have supported my mission from the beginning, also drove from the Minneapolis area to witness a meaningful event on May 2nd, 2026. Titled: Tragedy in Titletown: An Afternoon of Music and Prose, this event took place at the Appleton Public Library in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. Karli and Jason provided mostly background music that elevated my words towards a deeply emotional journey; a journey that seemed to captivate a small but rather engaged audience.

Mike – Joan Treppa with son, Jared Manninen (on R)

Following a Q&A session with the audience Karli and Jason played two of their amazingly powerful songs: Counting Sheep and Fly Away, the latter of which they kindly dedicated to me.

Photo courtesy of Jared Manninen

To say this event was moving is an understatement. To say it was successful, well, that can be measured in many ways. In this instance it did not mean standing room only crowds. Like some of my events in the past, this one had more to do with quality over quantity.

To further this point I’ll tell you about one couple who attended. During the Q&A session following the program Karen and Jim spoke up. Karen shared that she had read my book and that she also read it to Jim. At that time, Jim was skeptical about the innocence of the men and the idea that the outcome was suicide. Karen told this audience that my book had caused a shift in Jim’s assessment.

I spoke with both of them afterwards. They had learned of our event through JOSHUA; an organization in Green Bay that one of the six men, Michael Hirn, is affiliated with. Karen expressed their disappointment in the low attendance that day and offered her assistance should we decide to schedule another event in Appleton in the future. Karen reassured us that there is plenty of interest in this area for this type of event.

I welcomed Karen’s offer and gave her my contact information. I then shared the news with Karli and Jason who were on board with collaborating on additional events.

And there’s more… Part 2 will cover the following:

An exciting aspect of this event will include some more recent news about a new documentary in the works about this case! I’ll explain who our special guests were and the interview that happened following this event…

Also, there are positive developments in regards to Karen.

Please stay tuned…

#girlonamission

My Grown Up Christmas Wish…

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    Never a Christmas morn,

    Never the old year ends,

    But someone thinks of someone,

    Old days, old times, old friends

                          (Author unknown)

Each holiday season, I proudly display this framed piece which was completed in 2000. The saying has always been one of my holiday favorites and represents much of what Christmas means to me.

During my forever ago crafting days, I utilized my creativity to include it in what became my first and only originally designed cross-stich project. It was an especially proud moment for me to have achieved this end result.

Now…whenever I experience the typical holiday anxiety, stress, or even sadness—as most of us do especially during this time of year—I find comfort and a sense of ease simply by studying the images and silently reciting those words.

As a way to express my appreciation to the families and friends of six innocent Wisconsin men, the men themselves; Michael Piaskowski, Reynold Moore, Michael Hirn, Dale Basten and Michael Johnson, and to all of you for your continued interest, amazing feedback, and unwavering support of my ongoing advocacy, I offer this special something from my grown up Christmas list; a genuine wish that these same images and words will provide whatever is necessary to fuel your inner peace and sanity, now and throughout the New Year.

Happy Holidays to all of you!

Joan and Mike Treppa