Spring 2020 Diary

In this Issue:

A Special Message for You
Bill W.'s "Morning Prayer" & Technology Message
New! "Home with History" Online Presentations
Save the Date! 69th Annual Picnic Goes Online
Tour Visit Updates
Remote Volunteer Opportunities & More
Thinking of You - A Message from Your Friends at Stepping Stones
Dear Friends,

We miss seeing the smiling faces of visitors and volunteers at Stepping Stones, but we are moved by the 12-Step fellowships' swift response to carrying the message of recovery during these times. We are heartened by trusted servants and service workers who are ensuring that groups are meeting by phone and online and that newcomers' calls are answered. This moment in time is revealing so much about the power of the legacies of unity, service, and recovery.

Our thoughts are with those inside and outside of the fellowships who work each day to keep others safe and healthy. As Bill once said about those who serve, "It is a most inspiring thing to watch. "

We also offer our deepest sympathies to all who have experienced loss and suffering. We hope the renewal of spring brings with it some peace and serenity.

We wish the best for your health and safety and that of your loved ones and fellows.

With Gratitude for Your Friendship and Support,
The Board of Trustees & Staff of Stepping Stones
From Stepping Stones Archives
From Bill's "Morning Prayer"

"Oh Lord, we thank Thee that Thou art, that we are, from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be Thy holy name and all Thy benefactions to us of light, of love, and of service. May we find and do Thy will in good strength and good cheer today. May Thy ever present Grace be discovered by family and friends, those here and those beyond, by our societies throughout the world, by men and women everywhere, and among those who must lead in these troubled times." - By Bill W.

Above: April 2020 photo of Bill W.'s writing studio "Wit's End," where approximately 150 Grapevine articles were written.
From the A.A. Grapevine
Bill on Technology, 1960

“A vast communications net now covers the earth, even to its remotest reaches. Granting all its huge public benefits, this limitless world forum is nevertheless a hunting ground for all those who would seek money, acclaim, and power at the expense of society in general. Here the forces of good and evil are locked in struggle. All that is shoddy and destructive contests all that is best. Therefore, nothing can matter more to the future welfare of A.A. than the manner in which we use the colossus of communication. Used unselfishly and well, the results can surpass our present imagination.

Should we handle this great instrument badly, we shall be shattered by the ego demands on our own people-often with the best of intention on their part. Against all this, the sacrificial spirit of A.A.’s anonymity at the top public level is literally our shield and our buckler. Here again we must be confident that love of A.A., and of God, will always carry the day.” 

- Bill W. from "Freedom Under God: The Choice is Ours," November 1960

The Language of the Heart book, which contains this and more Grapevine writings by Bill and a card with Bill's full prayer, are available in Stepping Stones shop.
Schedule Our New Online Event

"Home with History"

A Virtual Experience of the Wilson's Home and Archives
Bring Stepping Stones and the history of the Wilsons to your fellows by scheduling our new, live online presentations, "Home with History." Stepping Stones Staff or Docent tour guide volunteers will join on Zoom or other online platforms to share an illustrated "walk-through" of the National Historic Landmark home, Bill W.'s writing studio, and highlights from the massive Stepping Stones Archives, which has 100,000 documents including 7,500 photographs.

Knowing that many of you had planned to visit Stepping Stones and having heard your inspiring accounts of continued recovery and fellowship through online means, we are following your example by offering "History at Home" to any organization or group of friends. Mike J., who is a past visitor to Stepping Stones said, "Zoom meetings are a wonderful thing at a horrible time," adding, "We can connect with people all over the world at any time, day and night." In that spirit, we invite you to get a schedule and join us for virtual visit, history talk, and question and answer session.

Email visit@steppingstones.org for more information.
Save the Date!
69th Annual Picnic Will Be Online
The 69th Annual Stepping Stones Lois' Family Groups Picnic will be held online on June 6, 2020 beginning at 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern . L ook out for a registration email in May and check our event web page for periodic updates.

Picnic Highlights
  • Stepping Stones Scenes & History
  • Conversation & Audience Q&A: "About Ebby T. - The Man Who Carried A Recovery Message to Bill W." with a relative of Ebby T.
  • Open Meeting with A.A., Al-Anon, and Alateen speakers
Volunteer from Home!
Seeking Actors & History Fans
Sign up now to become a remote volunteer . We are currently seeking volunteers for two special projects. If you have a talent for acting or if you have an interest in history and archives, we would like to hear from you. To inquire about the volunteer-from-home roles, please em ail office@steppingstones.org .
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Thank you to all those who carry the message of 12-Step recovery through service in public information and cooperation with the professional community roles . To learn about the historic role that the Stepping Stones Foundation and Bill & Lois Wilson played in the recovery field, click to read our last newsletter's feature story.
Tour Visit Update
In keeping with New York State mandates, tours visits are temporarily suspended. After reviewing state updates on May 15, we will post the status of tour visits to ou r Visit webpage . In the meantime, please co nsider reserving our new online experience, "Home with History," Click here or email visit@steppingstones.org
Phone: 914.232.4822
Address: 62 Oak Road, Katonah, NY 10536

The Stepping Stones Foundation (Federal I.D. number 13-3031164) is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accepting contributions that are tax-deductible to the extent provided by U.S. Law.
Text and photos in this email are copyright 2020 and property of Stepping Stones Foundation.

Permission is required for further use.

Photo Credits: Photos of Bill and Lois Wilson (Bill at Picnic and Bill and Lois wedding photo) are from the Stepping Stones Archives and 2020 historic site photos are by Sally Corbett-Turco.