[at-l] Earl Shaffer Memorial Service

[johno@xxxxxxxxxxxx (John O)]

To All hikers, Earl's friends & relatives

It looks like things are finally coming together for this event. I spoke
with the Park Super at Pine Grove Park and Shawn at The Ironmasters
Mansion. They both agreed that we can have the event in the vicinity of
the Mansion. We some ideal of attendance. If it exceeds 100 the Park
needs advance notice ( By about April 1st) to make preparations.
E-mail me, or  Phone if you plan to attend.

The Dates are May 3rd and May 4th 2003. These dates were picked because
they nearly coincide with the first anniversary of Earl's passing ( May
5, 2002) and the fifth anniversary of the start of the 50th Anniversary
trip (May 2nd 1998).

The tentative schedule is beginning Saturday afternoon about 1 pm viewing
of the movie "Wilderness Spirit  "( All about Baxter State Park and Mt
Katahdin, 100 minutes long with about 7 minutes of Earl climbing Mt
Katahdin in 1998)
Followed by a Virginia PBS documentary of the Trail and its beginning
through the Shenandoah National Park. This has historical coverage
including Myron Avery, Benton McKaye pictures and Videos. This is
approximately one hour long.
Extensive photo collection of Earl at all ages. At about 4 pm a free for
all of hikers, friends and relatives relating their personal contacts
with Earl. At about 5 to 5.30 a covered dish type of meal served at the
Mansion. ( Hopefully I can get some volunteers to help with this and
organize it).
After the meal Video tape of Earl singing his favorite folk tunes with
his Guitar for as long as we can stand it. After that perhaps about 7 or
7.30pm a Campfire with singing and Guitar accompany providing we can find
a volunteer. Ending before 10 pm.
Sunday morning after breakfast about 10 am a Memorial Service conducted
by Rev. Evan Shaffer, Earl's brother who plans to be in the area, health
permitting.

Any comments and additions to the tentative program are solicited.

Those making use of the Mansion facilities will be expected to donate $
5.00 to the Hostel. Those wishing to make reservations for accommodations
at the Hostel must contact Shawn at 717 486 7575.

John Shaffer 717 764 4805  W3SST@juno.com