Sunday May 24th Memorial Hike and Gathering in Honor of Bill

Thanks to everyone for coming. Happy Fathers Day! We all miss you Bill!

The memorial hike to scatter Bill’s ashes in the high peaks area of the Adirondacks and a gathering in Elizabethtown, New York will be on Sunday, May 24, 2009 rain or shine. We have selected Owl Head Lookout, which is a moderate hike of 3-4 hours roundtrip. You should bring layers of clothing, including a waterproof outer shell in case of wet weather. Waterproof or leather boots are recommended as the trail may be muddy from snow and spring runoff. Bring water, energy bars and snacks. Leaving 8 am Sharp from the trail head.

Here is one description of the hike: http://adksports.com/october08_fb1.html

Here is a another description of the hike http://www.vtsports.com/articles/owl-head-lookout-2480-feet and

a map of the location: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115223226901242642335.000461538e7a3d9492b6c&ll=44.262904,-73.641357&spn=0.219806,0.420227&z=11.

Following the hike, a memorial gathering will be held on Sunday May 24th in Elizabethtown, New York at the Church of the Good Shepherd Parish Hall, 10 Williams Street, starting a 4 pm. Refreshments and Jazz. http://www.etowngoodshepherd.org/index.html

If you have any questions, please email us at memorialblog@gmail.com. Please let us know if you plan to attend the memorial service and hike so we can get a preliminary count.

Elizabethtown Map...

Climbing, Hiking and Other Outdoor Adventures

As many of you know, Bill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking and climbing in any season and any weather. But he was also a passionate cyclist and marathon runner. Here are some stories of those adventures from the White Mountains to the Grand Tetons and many places in between. We invite you to share experiences you had with Bill on our blog. And send us images to post with the details of where and when to memorialblog@gmail.com.

Music and Piano Business Experiences

Bill began playing the drums in high school as a Rock-N-Roller and then studied music at Bennington College. He went on to play Jazz in big bands, trios and quartets from Brattleboro, Vermont to Rhode Island to Kansas City and New York City. He formed the "Bluebird Quartet" and "High Society" groups with local and international musicians. They played in small clubs, at the Jazz Vespers at St. Peters Church and the Saratoga Jazz Festival.

During this time he began to learn the art of piano tuning and repair. This developed into a full time business when he left the music scene. Bill worked with many professional pianists, music institutions, churches and students. He was respected for both his technical ability and musical sensibility. Music played a vital place in Bill’s life. We invite you to share experiences you had with Bill on our blog. And send us images to post with the details of where and when to memorialblog@gmail.com.

Family and Friends Shared Memories

We invite you to share any memories or experiences you had with Bill on our blog. Please send us images to post with the details of where and when to memorialblog@gmail.com.

Donations in Memory of Bill

For friends and family who wish to make a donation in Bill’s memory, we make two suggestions that recognize his deep and lasting love of the Adirondacks.

The Adirondack Council

The Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy: Unfortunately, there is no box for comments to advise the Conservancy that a donation is being made in memory of Bill. To follow up your online donation in Bill’s memory, please call Erin Walkow at the Conservancy at 518-576-2082 Ext. 133. Or simply write a check to the Adirondack Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, PO Box 65, Keene Valley, New York 12943 and indicate that the donation is being made in Bill’s memory.

The Eldridge and Wiener families thank you and are most appreciative of any donation made in Bill’s memory.