Akron InterGroup NewsAkron InterGroup News Volume 66 June 2020 Honesty Purity Unselfishness Love...
Transcript of Akron InterGroup NewsAkron InterGroup News Volume 66 June 2020 Honesty Purity Unselfishness Love...
Publishing Since November 1954
Akron InterGroup News
Volume 66 Issue 8
June 2020
75¢ Honesty Purity Unselfishness Love
Serving Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit, Wayne Counties
Akron Intergroup | A.A. Archives
775 N. Main St Akron, OH 44310
Dr. Bob’s House 855 Ardmore
The Gatehouse
We Are Holding a Special Two-Day Virtual Founders’
Day Event June 13 – 14, 2020.
Go to Founders’ Day Website to register for
free and to see the schedule.
For Zoom information to attend Founders’ Day go to
Founders’ Day Website .
Love & Service The Founders’ Day Committee
Akron Area Intergroup Council
From the IGNews Committee...
Akron InterGroup News Statement of Purpose
The Akron InterGroup News, as a standing committee of the Akron Intergroup Council of Alcoholics Anonymous, is bound by the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts. Our primary purpose is the same as any AA group: to carry the AA message to the still suffering alcoholic. Our secondary purpose is to keep the Akron Intergroup area of Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit & Wayne counties informed as to events, meeting changes, Council decisions, and other news of interest to AAs in the Akron area. As a newsletter and voice of and for the AA community, we have an additional purpose. We provide a forum for the broad spectrum of views held by our members. A controversial subject, as long as it does not concern an out-side issue and involves principles and not personalities, will be considered for
publication. At times, the committee must walk a tightrope in making decisions on what is printed and what is not. As a general guideline, any letter or article that is of interest to members of AA and in good taste, is worthy of publication. However, an article or letter that advocates ignoring or violating the Traditions, Concepts or General Service Conference actions will not be considered for publication. Our Higher Power guides us through our Group conscience. “No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, express any opinion on outside controversial issues particularly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatsoever.”
— Tradition Ten, Long Form
© Akron InterGroup News. We grant any AA publication permission to reprint articles
from the Akron InterGroup News with the following attribution: © Akron InterGroup News; Month, Year
Akron IGNews is a monthly newsletter of the Akron Area Intergroup Council of Alcoholics Anonymous. First publication was November, 1954. It is about, by and for the members of the Fellowship of AA. Opinions expressed herein are NOT to be attributed to AA as a whole, nor does publication of information imply any endorsement by either AA or the Akron Intergroup Council. Quotations and artwork from AA literature are reprinted with permission from AA World Service, Inc. and/or The AA Grapevine, Inc.
Contributions from our readers are encouraged! Submissions are edited for space and clarity ONLY. Contact information is required and anonymity is respected.
In keeping with our goal of being self-supporting, your subscription is appreciated.
Akron InterGroup News 775 N Main St Akron, OH 44310
330-253-8181 Fax: 330-253-8292 Toll Free in NE Ohio: 800-897-6737
Website: www.akronaa.org Email: [email protected]
Akron InterGroup News - 2 - June, 2020
The Office is Open ................... 3
Never a Good Reason to Drink 4
May I Help You ......................... 5
Service Outside the Group ....... 6
Experience With Service Work 7
Pandemic Recovery ................. 9
Nomination Notice .................. 10
Nomination Form .................... 11
Nomination Positions ............. 12
Council Minutes ....................... 13
Council Minutes Cont. ............. 14
Four Neighbors ....................... 15
April Contributions .................. 16
AA After the First 164 .............. 17
Where to Send Contributions .. 18
Calendar ................................... 19
Subscription Form.................... 20
Inside This Issue Here we are another month with a safe at home order. While it is nice to see places
opening, we still have not seen meetings open and the Intergroup Office is only open for the
store part. We understand that some of the smaller meetings might be starting up again,
and the Intergroup website will list those as we are notified.
We hope that you enjoy this edition and share it and also take a look at it online to see it in
color. If you do not subscribe yet, it would be greatly appreciated if you would do it to show
your support for our Newsletter. There is a subscription form on the last page, or you can go
to akronaa.org/product-category/newsletter/ and order online.
We have some great articles this month on the topic of Service. Some other items of
interest this month are the Virtual Founders’ Day that will take place on June 13 and 14,
2020. Registration is free and you can donate and receive a ribbon and pin that would have
been at Founders’ Day on the Akron Campus. We are trying to recoup some of the money
spent on the items. They are date sensitive and can’t be saved for next year. The Founders’
Day committee has been working hard to set up the virtual Founders’ Day. This is certainly
the year of changes. We hope that you will attend via Zoom. Go to https://foundersday.org/
to register online. If you don’t have a computer, perhaps you can connect with another
person in the Fellowship and attend together.
Nominations for the Executive Board are also being accepted. In this newsletter is a
nomination form and information, or you can go to the Intergroup Office to get a form.
Akron InterGroup News - 3 - June, 2020
Office is open
We are pleased to announce that the office is now open to the
public. We are taking measures for the safety of the visitors,
employees, and volunteers. We ask everyone to wear a mask,
we are cleaning after each visitor and limiting it to five in at a
time. The Archives will open as soon as possible.
During the time that the office was closed to the public, the
phones were always answered and we were able to answer
questions, but most of all we were there for the alcoholics who
needed to talk to someone because they could not get to a
meeting. Our Twelve Step volunteer call list got used more
than usual.
Greg K worked from home and Cheryl L worked in the office
and coordinated work with three volunteers. It turns out that
there were a lot of jobs that finally got accomplished while the
office was closed to the public. There were years of files that needed to be gone through and shredded because we no
longer had to keep them. During the closure we still had invoices that needed to be processed and bills to be paid. The
Executive Board and the Council meetings continued via Zoom, so all of the normal reports that needed to be
processed for the meetings were able to be completed. Three issues of the newsletter were printed, folded and mailed
so that we could communicate with the Fellowship. All of the literature that we had ordered for Founders’ Day was
packed up and returned where possible. There was also a mailing to notify Intergroup Representatives about a vote
that was being taken at the April meeting. We called all of the groups to make sure that they had a representative at
the meeting. There were checks made out to refund Founders’ Day registrations by the Founders’ Day Treasurer and
the checks and letters were mailed by the office.
Because we were able to keep the office open, many orders were filled and donations accepted at the Intergroup. With
meetings not meeting to pass the basket, we somehow received more donations than usual. The individual
contributions were up as well. We are grateful to the Fellowship for stepping up to help us get through this difficult
time. There will be a financial report at the June Council meeting which will be held on June 7, 2020 via Zoom. Please
check the website https://akronaa.org/ for details.
The website is maintained by Greg K and a section has been added for meetings that are starting to meet in person
again. Please remember to call the office or send an email to [email protected] to notify us that your meeting is open.
Greg K was also able to do a lot of work on the website that the user does not see but makes the website work better.
We also had to do research and accomplish the set up of Zoom meetings for the Executive Board and Council meetings,
so work between volunteers and Greg K continued.
Finally, with the organizing for the virtual Founders’ Day there is work to do to get the ribbons and pins out to those
who ordered them, and reports to maintain. Because the office is still up and running, we were able to switch from the
in-person Founders’ Day to the virtual one without much of a glitch. We are looking forward to getting back to normal
as soon as possible.
Akron InterGroup News - 4 - June, 2020
Our alcoholism is largely a spiritual malady as once the
spiritual malady is resolved through our being spiritually
awakened the drink problem will be removed. We will be
released from the compulsion, desire and obsession to
drink as a result of the AA Program and getting right with
God and our fellows.
We alcoholics cannot live on air, water and food alone.
Simply putting down the bottle is not enough. Stopping
drinking and 100% abstinence are mandatory for sobriety
and along with it we need to be immersed in all sorts of
recovery/spiritual nutrition and nourishment. We all put
so much time and energy into going about doing our work
for the food and things that perish which is important and
a form of service. But, for us alcoholics we will not have
these or get them going if we don’t do our spiritual works
that transform us. Each day we have the choice to make
ourselves and the world around us much better and to
leave behind us a trail of goodness that we packed into
God’s creative stream of life. When we go around doing
good works as a result of being spiritually awakened,
there won’t be an opening for worry, fear, confusion and
other shortcomings to enter, set in, and take over.
By submitting to the AA Program and surrendering to God
we are released from the power alcohol has over us.
When this takes place we cannot help but become aware
of God’s presence. We will be given a spiritual vision that
helps us see things clearer so we stay on the sober
spiritual path walking in the Sunlight of God’s Spirit.
There is never going to be a good reason to take another
drink again. It doesn’t matter if we lose a loved one—we
will grieve the loss. It doesn’t matter if a member of the
Fellowship goes back out drinking—we will not follow
them, if we experience a job loss or any other loss or
trouble—we stay surrendered to God remembering to
never let up on our recovery, spiritual living. God will take
care of us and all things. We are here to do our part to live
the full suggested AA Program and keep trying to help
others to recover who are still sick from alcoholism. Our
main job is to stay sober ourselves no matter what anyone
else is doing. We need to keep seeking how we can do
God’s will by living in Divine Grace, constantly carrying
thoughts like these through the day, here I am God, I seek
to do your will, prepare me, make me ready, make me
willing, how can I best serve Thee? Thy will, not mine, be
done (Big Book pg.76 we ask God to help us be willing).
Stay focused on God, God first thing in the morning,
prayers, readings, meditation. If a problem comes up in
the day we will be quick to contact God’s guidance, ask if
there’s anything we can do about it, take care of things as
they come up right away to resolve them or accept things
if they can’t be changed.
Prayers to God will avail us much. In many instances
having faith in God to take care of things, will lead us to
do our part while letting God do His part. As we live the
Twelve Steps we are doing our part and there’s no need to
worry or have any unhealthy fears which only cause
confusion and disruptions in our minds and lives.
As God has taken care of the drink problem which we
could not, He will continue to do for us what we cannot
do in other matters as well. Let go and let God, put God in
first place in your life, take it easy, this too shall pass—we
have been given these slogans in AA for the reason that
they work. When the going gets tough we maintain the
practice of our AA design for living which works in rough
going. The AA Program is not a light duty deal. We will be
amazed. Remarkable things will happen. The age of
miracles is still with us. Each day in sobriety, as a result of
being spiritually awakened, is a day given to us by the
grace of God. God is the underlying source of all good and
as God did with our alcoholism, His infinite creative power
can turn what is difficult and problematic for us into that
which is spiritually good for us.
There’s Never a Good Reason to Drink
Jerome D, Powell River BC Canada
Akron InterGroup News - 5 - June, 2020
A little boy had never spoken. His parents took him to
every doctor they could find but no one could figure out
what the problem was. One morning at breakfast the boy
said, “Oatmeal’s cold.” The mother was overjoyed and
said “Son! You can talk! But why haven’t you said anything
before now?” The boy replied, “Because up to now the
service has been good.” We’re all a little bit like that boy
at times. We go to our meetings, smile, shake hands, talk
to our friends, get a coffee, listen to an inspirational
speaker and leave feeling great. And maybe that’s
enough. It’s tough sometimes, especially in a large group,
to know where we could help out. It takes us being a little
forward and asking around the group which is difficult if
we’re not naturally outgoing.
The service you could give both to your group and the
Intergroup is constrained only by your willingness. Within
your group there’s making coffee, setting up tables and
chairs, cleaning up and putting the tables and chairs away.
You could also be Secretary or Chairman not to mention
giving leads which isn’t easy for anyone but there’s
someone out there that is dying, literally, to hear your
story. At Intergroup you could help with Founders’ Day,
volunteer for any of the committees or the Executive
Board or Group Representative, my personal favorite,
write for the newsletter.
So what’s the pay like? You would not believe it if you
haven’t experienced it for yourself. As I say when I submit
these articles, whether they are used or not I’ve already
received a great reward for writing them. It gives you a
sense of accomplishment. A sense of belonging. A feeling
of being part of something bigger than yourself. You can
go to bed at night and smile as you close your eyes
knowing that the day was worth living at least in a small
way. Besides, it’s how we stay sober. If we don’t do things
outside ourselves, we run the danger of drinking again. It’s
the reason there is a Twelfth Step.
But let’s take another step deeper. Some animals do
better in a solitary environment and some do better in a
group environment. Humans fall into the latter category.
As such there has to be a reason for you to belong to a
group and you have to provide something to the group.
Service is as much a part of your reason to be a part of the
group as something you get from the group. There is
always a way you can be of service. If you have no
troubles of your own, go out and find somebody else’s.
They are not half so hard to carry and your heart and soul
need the exercise.
An Alcoholic Alone Is In Enemy Territory
I can talk myself into about anything. But I shouldn’t listen
to myself. That’s where I got myself into trouble in the
first place. I listened to myself saying you’re not that bad
or you’re not too drunk or it’s OK to drink at 9:00 in the
morning. Everybody does it. My being by myself in the
garage drinking became the norm. Pretty soon I was a full-
fledged alcoholic. My perspective was way off because all I
could see were the four walls of my prison. I’m sure there
are many other inmates out there that can appreciate that
view of the world.
Maybe we aren’t that unusual in being a legend in our
own minds. Most people probably feel that way on
occasion. But we alcoholics make an occupation of it. Even
after we get sober, we need to limit the time we spend by
ourselves. That can lead to some very poor choices. I
haven’t slipped but the forced quarantine sure didn’t help.
But that is where we need to start getting creative. I’ve
heard of groups that are still meeting in parking lots or
with a campfire and lawn chairs practicing the appropriate
spacing but able to spend less time in enemy territory. I’m
doing a Zoom meeting every week. It’s at times like these
that the anonymous thing really gets in the way. If you
don’t have the contact information for people in your
group, how can you know of the meetings available with
so many buildings closed? Maybe go to the parking lots
where your meetings usually are and see if you catch
others doing the same? Not saying that will work but
definitely better that sitting in your cell. Or hold your own
meeting. Just don’t spend all your time in that little space
between your ears.
(Continued on page 6)
May I Help You Jeff A. Keep The Focus
Akron InterGroup News - 6 - June, 2020
The important thing is not to let those little voices in your head get going. Now I’m the first to admit that just because
they’re little voices doesn’t make them wrong but you need to get away from them. That might be social media,
walking outside, talking on the phone … Pretty much anything that requires your attention and keeps you from
developing an ingrown mind. Heck. You could even try your hand at writing for this newsletter. There is someone out
there that is literally dying to hear your story. Write it up. The very act of writing will get you out of your rut and you’ll
get a lot of enjoyment even if you never see your words in print.
So keep your head down or the enemy will pick you off. Move around or a sniper will get you. And above all, keep out
of enemy territory.
(Continued from page 5)
I am so grateful that I have my service opportunities at the
Akron Area Intergroup to chip in to during this time of so
many unknowns. I am happy to see how so many others
are stepping up to the plate. As soon as meetings started
to be cancelled, so many people got Zoom meeting
accounts and the meetings hardly had a break. If you are
not a fan of the Zoom meetings, I know of many people
who are spending their time on the phone with their AA
support and that is working.
Now we get to what services are available. The Akron
Intergroup office was closed to the public, but they were
always available to answer phone calls and send out
orders for literature. Anyone seeking a person to talk with
could and still can call the office. The volunteers have also
started taking calls after hours. There are so many active
people in the Akron Area.
I am on the Akron Intergroup Executive Board and we
have continued to meet, both the Board and some
Committees. I work with a great committee of alcoholics
who make sure that this newsletter is put together and
mailed and emailed each month. We have had the help of
other office volunteers to do the mailing because the
office is closed to the Committee. We have used
technology to get the formatting and proofing of the
newsletter done. It gets mailed out with the help of the
office staff and a volunteer from the Information
Technology Committee. I share this because it is
important to understand that everything flows from the
office and different committees are there to work
together for the smooth running of your Intergroup Office.
Through the Intergroup office I also got connected to
volunteering at the Summit County Jail and take a weekly
meeting to the ladies there. I miss going now and hope
that the jails will let us in again soon. We want the office
to always be there to reach out to the newcomer and to
provide the necessary support for the groups in our five-
county area.
For me, service in the Program has been a constant ever
since I came in. Some of us are just volunteers. During my
drinking days I was always volunteering for something and
had to withdraw from many things as one of my first acts
in the Program. I did not have the ability to say no. I enjoy
working in organized ways and I think that is why I like
volunteering in AA. There are specific things that I can do.
It started with making coffee when I first came in and I still
do that. In the beginning it was a way for me to feel like I
belonged in a group. Now it is still the same thing. I feel
like I belong when I help with the coffee and set up. It’s
just so much like anything else in the Program. The things
that got me sober are the same things that help keep me
sober.
As time went on and I learned more about how the AA
organization beyond the group level works, I felt that I
owed it to the Program to help to keep it going. Now I
volunteer at the Intergroup and at one time I volunteered
(Continued on page 7)
Service Outside The Group
Judy K, Hudson Tuesday Clockwatchers
Akron InterGroup News - 7 - June, 2020
as a GSR which was also a learning experience. Of course, I sponsor other ladies which helps me to stay sober as well. I
like it when I am working with a newcomer who really wants to work her Program and learn how AA and the Steps
work.
One thing about AA that is like so many other organizations is that there are those who find a niche in the organization
and stay there. I like learning new things. It will be time for me to rotate out in August and I am sure that someone else
will step up to fill the open positions by others who rotate off of the Executive Board.
If I could say anything to someone who is thinking that they would like to get a little more involved in service, standing
for a position on the Executive Board is a great way to help. Many people have opinions about what should be done,
but never get on the Board for one reason or another. It has been a learning experience for me and as I step out, I
know that someday I will return, but for now I’ll look for another way to do service in the Program. For now, I’ll work
on the committees and not chair them. Time to let someone else do it. Maybe it will be you?
(Continued from page 6)
I began my road to recovery on April 7, 2007. This is when
I became clean and sober. I went to many meetings those
first five years of sobriety. When I say many, I mean
MANY! I wanted to be the best I could be and followed
ALL your suggestions to the “T”…. well, all except ONE –
You guys told me to go to 90 meetings in 90 days, so I
went to at least 180 in 90 days! I thought I knew it all and
couldn’t understand why old timers shook their heads
every time I shared. The squirrel cage in my head would
not quit turning, I did not get it – It finally dawned on me. I
had no sponsor and needed one. Meeting makers make it
– sure they do, anyone can stay sober with or without
meetings. BUT – it’s the steps we take and we can’t take
the Steps (correctly) without a sponsor! We can do a lot
but with out a sponsor to get honest with and to guide us,
we may as well be walking in the dark.
My first sponsor was the best! Her name was Holly D and I
will never forget her. The first appointment I had with her
(yes -appointment! Holly had many sponsees and I did not
dare cancel or stand her up out of fear of being fired. She
plainly told me she would carve out time for me and I had
better show her the same respect she showed me!)
Holly was brutally honest with me – told me I was a
perfect example of self will run riot. Going through my
inventory, she pointed out to me where I was wrong,
where I’d been selfish – Who me? Selfish? I was the most
unselfish person I knew! But – what were my motives?
When was the last time I did something for someone
without anyone knowing? That made me think… She
helped me through my Step Eight list in September of
2012, told me to start on Step Nine and to let her know
how things were going every now and then. She called me
in October and invited me to some Fall round up – I did
not go; then one day she called and asked me to join her
at the Central Office while she volunteered on the phone
lines – I had some lame excuse as to why I didn’t go. I
know today she was attempting to introduce me to
service work. I went to her home group meeting in
November and heard she was in the hospital; 2 weeks
later we heard it was Cancer. The next time I saw her she
came to a meeting with a mask on her face. Her immune
system was so weakened that she was risking her health
being out and about, but she wanted us all to see her
smiling face and that she was “okay” and as usual, her
eyes would light up the entire room!
I mourned Holly’s death with hundreds of friends and
family six months later in May of 2013. She died 7 years
ago at the age of 52. A year later I found Linda, sponsor
(Continued on page 8)
MY EXPERIENCE WITH SERVICE WORK…
SHELLEY S, New to the Akron Area
Akron InterGroup News - 8 - June, 2020
number two. Another year later (2015) I dived in and joined the Board of the local Alano Club and found my purpose –
SERVICE work!
I helped get the new Alano Club up and running and started one of the many meetings there – the Sunday Night
Candlelight meeting. Today it is still one of the most well attended. My story does not end here – another six months
or so later, January 2016, I was in an auto accident that left me unable to work for a time. No job, no income, feeling
depressed, worthless and crying all the time, I called another friend in the program who brutally told me: “Quit feeling
sorry for yourself and get out there and DO SOMETHING for somebody else!” Not knowing how I was going to manage
that, God did for me what I could not do for myself - He provided my income, tax free at 80% through my auto
insurance! More than enough and it lasted three years!
I went back on board helping the M.A.C. by writing a grant to keep them open. Another non-profit approached me and
asked me to help them start a sober living house! Not only did service work assist in opening those doors with two
more grants—I assisted in policy and procedure writing doing things I did not know I could do! Well, without God and
the program of Alcoholics Anonymous I could not have done! The Executive Director and I started a drug testing site
for Sobriety and Recovery Court before I went on to assist another sober living house start in a neighboring county.
When my service work with those organizations was complete, I finally reached out to the Central Office which my
sponsor Holly tried encouraging me to check out. I volunteered there and answered the phones for a year before being
asked to edit their Newsletter. I was doing that for about six months when my family reached out for help. My son was
going through a divorce and with three small children he could use my help. This is a dream come true for me in this
stage of my life: A FULL time Grandmother job! (If children are the rainbow of life—Grandchildren are the pots of
GOLD!)
I am currently looking for someone local to the Michigan area I came from to take over that Newsletter since I am now
in Ohio. I intend to switch my service work locally and know today, that service work does more for me than it does for
anyone else. It gives me purpose. Service work is also part of giving away what we have in order to keep what was so
generously given to us! We don’t know what gifts God has given us until we get off our butts and use them!!
Service work is setting up and cleaning up after a meeting, starting a meeting, chairing a meeting. Taking a newcomer
out to coffee, sponsoring, getting a sponsor…. It can be several different things. For this alcoholic, service work has
been lifesaving! It is now my purpose in life and I can’t thank Holly D enough for getting me started. I know when she
faced God heaven, He said what I dream He will say to me: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
(Continued from page 7)
Were Entirely Ready To Have
God Remove All These Defects Of
Character!
Step Six!
An A.A. Group ought Never Endorse, Finance Or lend The A.A. Name To Any Related Facility or Outside Enterprise,
lest problems Of Money, property And
Prestige Divert Us From Our Primary Purpose!
Six Tradition!
The Conference Recognizes That The Chief Initiative And
Active Responsibility In Most World Service Matters Should Be
Exercised By The Trustee Members Of The
Conference Acting As The General Service Board!
Six Concept!
Akron InterGroup News - 9 - June, 2020
Six weeks in, how can it be
The world has changed so much around me
The morning begins with coffee and friends
It's not really the same, the view through a lens
Some are new, some are old, I call them my peeps
We share our happiness and sadness especially when one
weeps
Our challenge is to face each day with attitude
for a higher power, faith and gratitude
My freedom for now feels taken away
The news and government say "Stay in another day"
Come on! I say to myself with despair
I must get going, for sure, and start doing some hair
Joan says, "Take this time, make a list of something you like about you."
I pass this suggestion for others to do
"This is how it works", She says to me,
Just take the suggestion and let others see
For some, not for me, the words don't come with ease
My pen hits the paper, I hate this disease
Somehow this task helps me through these feelings and emotions
Believe me when I tell you it's hard work and devotion
I write my list and say things like, I can love, I am teachable and strong
For now, I claim my seat for this is where I belong”
Pandemic Recovery
A poem by Kelly C. Our thanks to Kelly C.—a member of the 7am Daily Choice Zoom meeting - for sharing so elegantly From the Beacon Weekly of the Worcester Area Intergroup.
Akron InterGroup News - 10 - June, 2020
Freedom From Fear When, with God’s help, we calmly accepted our lot, then we found we could live at peace with ourselves and show others who still suffered
the same fears that they could get over them, too. We found that freedom from fear was more important than freedom from want.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, (Step Twelve) p. 122 Thought to Ponder
Situations I fear are rarely as bad as the fear itself.
F E A R=False Evidence Appearing Real.
The Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for new Executive Board members. Each year half of the Board
rotates out and new AA members step in. This year we will be electing: Vice Chairman (2 Year Term / 5 Years Cont.
Sobriety), Treasurer (2 Year Term / 5 Years Cont. Sobriety), One (1) Trustee (3 Year Term / 5 Years Cont. Sobriety),
Three (3) Members-at-Large (2 Year Term / 3 Years Cont. Sobriety).
We are reaching out to all members who feel that they have something to offer to the Akron Intergroup. Many people
who have served before and have experience, or others who want to learn are welcome to stand for a position. We
recently had over 90 people attend a Council meeting. The Executive Board heard a lot about what the Fellowship
wants to see happen. If you think that changes need to be made in the leadership, now is the time for you to step up.
We had more than 90 AA members attend the April Council meeting on Zoom. You know who you are. Many of you
had ideas and opinions about how the Intergroup should be run. Now is the time for you to step up and participate in
leadership. If you have done it before, or just want to be of service to the Intergroup there is a nomination form in this
newsletter. You might also know someone who you think would make a good leader on the Executive Board.
Now is the time for you to pray about it and talk to your sponsor. Nominations must be received at the Intergroup
Office by June 15, 2020. Be sure to read the entire form. If you have any questions, leave a message at the office for
the Nominating Committee. Once your nomination is received a member from the Nominating Committee will call you
to make sure that you know what is expected.
Attention all AA members in the
Five County Area
covered by the Akron Intergroup.
Akron InterGroup News - 11 - June, 2020
Akron InterGroup News - 12 - June, 2020
Akron InterGroup News - 13 - June, 2020
This virtual zoom meeting was opened at 1:00 pm by Chairman
Nick B with the responsibility statement, Serenity Prayer, and
the reading of the Twelve Traditions. Roll call was taken. A
quorum was not present.
Groups in Attendance: (18) Afternoon Alkies, Akron Men’s Big
Book Study Group, A New Freedom Group, Briarpatch, Carry this
Message, East Akron, Fairlawn, King School Group #1, Mogadore
Thursday Morning Discussion, North Hills Men’s Group, PPG,
Road to Recovery, Steps and Beyond, Sunday Night 12&12,
Sunday Women’s Big Book, The Turning Point, Thursday Night
Men’s Non-smoking, Trusted Servants
Secretary’s Report: Karen K Two motions were made to waive
the reading of the April secretary’s report. Reading of report
was waived. No quorum – unable to vote on accepting minutes
as written.
Executive Board Report: Nick B No report
Old Business: None
New Business: Nick B
Treasurer’s Report: Tim Q March ended with $19,694 surplus.
After that, up to 4/29: We ended with negative $42,000 +
However, $41,000 was refunds for Founder’s Day. What is not in
yet is rent and Employee healthcare. Will end roughly $50,000
negative. When considering the refund, we’re really around
$9,000 negative. Previous year we ended $15,000 in neg
without Founder’s Day. Even without meetings now, individual
donations are up $3,000 and group donations are about even.
We’ve had approximately $1,000 in misc. sales. We are in
process of setting up pay pal account. No Quorum to vote on
accepting report.
Founders’ Day: Jeff C Sub-committee meeting regularly.
Creating virtual format and agenda. Will bring all the ideas to FD
committee on 5/4. Will have option to sell ribbon and pins. Will
have ability to accept donations throughout the weekend. Next
month will possibly be able to bring a demo to the council
meeting.
Nominating Committee Dan F Group consists of Dan F, Michael
B, Jeffrey C, Tim Q., and Karen K. Karen volunteered to set up a
zoom meeting to discuss logistics for this year’s nominations
Archives: Jim B Not present. Gene M reported. Office closed.
Gene M stated there’s a lot of work to catch up on. Is requesting
to come back into office.
General Service: Val D No Meeting, no report.
Intergroup News: Judy K The proofreading of the May
newsletter was completed over email. The printing and mailing
were done by office staff and volunteers. The theme for the
June issue is “Service” We would encourage any Ex. Bd.
members to share their experience strength and hope about
service is AA. Thought that would be timely as we get into the
nomination of new Ex. Bd. members. I would like to remind all
committee members that the newsletter is available to contact
the Fellowship. It is not only mailed but is emailed and put on
our website. Our deadline for the June issue is May 16, 2020 but
if you have something that you want in, please let me know by
that date and we can save space and work with you on
formatting anything that you want in the newsletter.
Information Tech: Judy K The IT committee met on April 14th
online. Peter reported that Founders’ Day is planning on doing
something online to replace the weekend and to celebrate our
Founders’ Day. He did not have much information yet about
what will be required of our committee to assist with the
Founders’ Day. He will have more information on what
assistance if any from our committee for the Saturday and
Sunday will be needed. Discussed possibility that some groups
will want to keep their online meetings after stay at home order
is lifted. We will wait to see what happens but will
accommodate as requested. We discussed a system for our
backups. Greg is keeping the website up to date. Peter has been
letting us use his Zoom account for meetings of our board and
council.
Intergroup Anniversary: Laura N Rescheduled for next year. All
sold tickets will be good for next year
Public Info/CPC: Laura N No report
New Year’s Eve Dance: Jesse J Not present. No report
Office Committee: Charles S Office committee met 4/29.
Drafted memo for guidelines to phase in opening of the office.
Per the memo: Only the front retail portion of our building will
be open. Restrooms will not be available. Posted occupant limits
for social distancing must be respected and masks must be
worn. Please limit visits to sales and donation transactions only;
Akron Intergroup Council Meeting – May 3, 2020
Akron InterGroup News - 14 - June, 2020
continue to handle what you can by phone and internet. Akron
Intergroup Office archives and historical displays/tours will
continue to be closed. When a re-open date is available it will be
posted here. HOURS: M – F 9am – 5pm Sat/Sun – Closed (This
may change). Number of customers admitted will be based on
square footage. Committee/meeting activity remains suspended
during this phase. Our Office Manager has the authority to
determine which volunteers are necessary to be on premises
and to see that all restrictions are adhered to. Admittance to
building after hours is NOT PERMITTED FOR ANYONE! As far as
archives committee just need first phase done, then will address
getting other committees. Office covers 5 counties. Questions
were raised about what’s going on during lockdown. We
understand groups need and want to know money is spent on.
Charles noted Greg is doing all the work that is normally done
from Home. Cheryl is in office, taking all the calls, donations, etc.
Per Bill M, Volunteered during this time, and noted how busy
Cheryl is during the day. Addresses work from all over the states
and beyond. Gene M noted archives does bring in revenue.
When people visit the archives, they purchase literature. Jeff C
Suggested creating a new committee to identify how we as a
group can reach out to more of the masses, show our archives,
etc. Judy noted we have committees already in place, i.e. IT
committee. Need to recruit more people to come on to the
committees. Joyce suggested a ledger be created for staff and
volunteers to document activities on a daily basis. This has been
done historically and suggests it should be done again. Bill M
There is a website for online meetings.
Answering Service: Dan F The answering service had 10 calls for
meetings and 81 calls for other reasons. 1 about Founder’s Day.
3 male 12 step calls.
12 Step Fund Drive: Jessie J Not present. Mike B. reported: The
12-Step Fund Drive is usually responsible for 1/3 of revenue, but
his year is 2/3. Donations are stepping up. Are really leaning on
individuals and groups. Looking at different ways to raise
money.
Treatment Facilities: Jerry C No zoom meeting was held.
Starting a zoom meeting at 7PM Monday at Horizon House.
Requesting Grapevines so they can be given to the facilities.
May treatment meeting postponed. Keeping in touch via phone.
Group Services: Lynette J No report because there are no
meetings. Need to add passwords on website for zoom
meetings. Greg is working on it.
Intergroup Picnic: Lynette J picnic has been postponed. Called
park but no one is working. Bill M noted he was at the park
yesterday and all the tables have been removed.
Literature Committee: Vance S No report:
Corrections: Michael B Cutting down on mail. Institutions
donated money turned into office
Good and welfare: Lynette: Keep Kevin in our prayers; had brain
surgery on 5/1. Joyce B: Don S Left nursing home but still needs
prayers.
The Council meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer at
3:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Karen K., Board Secretary
These are not official minutes until they are reviewed and approved at the next Council meeting.
Photo by Barb H, 100 men and women homegroup.
Akron InterGroup News - 15 - June, 2020
Everybody knew it was a shame the way they lived
ONCE there were four neighbors who lived side by side. Their names were Fred Somebody, Thomas Everybody, Pete
Anybody and Joe Nobody.
They were very odd people and it was hard to understand them. The way they lived was a shame and everybody knew
it.
For example, Somebody talked about his neighbors and Everybody was afraid to do anything because Somebody might
find out. But Anybody knew that Everybody was talking about Somebody, so he must be getting what he deserved.
Really it wasn't very pleasant to live in the neighborhood. I don't think you would have enjoyed living there.
There was the time that Anybody's house caught on fire. Everybody thought that Somebody had called the fire
department. Somebody thought that Everybody had done it, so it turned out that Nobody called the fire department,
and Anybody suffered quite a loss.
All four of these gentlemen belonged to our AA group. Everybody went bowling on meeting nights. Anybody didn't
come to meetings because he knew that there wasn't Somebody there to be friendly and to speak to just Anybody, so
Nobody came to meetings.
Nobody was the only decent one of the four. Nobody was very faithful; Nobody donated to the kitty; Nobody made
Twelfth Step calls; Nobody donated to the group fund; Nobody would talk in group meetings. In fact, everything that
was needed in our AA group, Nobody did.
We needed a group chairman. Everybody thought Anybody would volunteer. Anybody thought that Somebody would,
but Somebody wouldn't do it. So guess who did? You're right, Nobody.
It came to pass at the end of time that the four men died, and where did they end up? Well, Everybody should have
pleaded his case, but he thought Somebody would save him. Somebody didn't.
Now, which of the four got to Heaven? Oh, you're ahead of me again--Nobody!
My prayer then today for you is this: "That we throw Nobody out of AA and put Everybody to work."
By Anon
Copyright © The AA Grapevine, Inc. October, 1967, Reprinted with permission.
Four Neighbors
Akron InterGroup News - 16 - June, 2020
Note: This is not the official financial report. That can be obtained from the Intergroup Office.
12 Step Workshop A Spiritual Axiom Twelve And Twelve Afternoon Alkies Akron’s Men’s Big Book Discussion As Bill Sees It Big Book Richfield Carry This Message! Copley Saturday Nite Cornerstone Candlelight East Akron Group Hudson Tuesday Hudson Tuesday Clockwatchers Kids At Heart Knights Of Sobriety Ladies Big Book Group Saturday Loyal Oak Big Book Medina 12 Step Medina Men’s Meeting Medina Tuesday Night
Mogadore Open Door Mogadore Thursday Morning North Hill Men’s Big Book North Hill Men’s Group Peninsula 12 & 12 Primary Purpose Progress Not Perfection Rebos Road To Recovery Son’s Of Ebby The Indoor Group Thursday High Noon West Side Big Book Study West Side Step Discussion
APRIL GROUP DONATIONS: $4711.08
Photo by Barb H, 100 men and women homegroup.
Akron InterGroup News - 17 - June, 2020
Fellowship After The First 164 Pages
Committee Meetings at Intergroup Office
Information Technology Second Tuesday—6:30 PM
Literature Committee
Third Wednesday—6:00 PM
Corrections Committee Third Saturday—10:00 AM
Treatment Committee Fourth Wednesday— 7:00 PM
Check Website akronaa.org for meetings not listed here as more
are always being scheduled
GENERAL SERVICE
Area 54
12 Step Recovery Club 1480 Pearl Rd., Brunswick OH 44212
Akron Multi-District
Meets Third Saturday of Every Month—1 PM
Pilgrim UCC 130 Broad Blvd.,
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
District 10 Meets Second Monday of
Every Month—6:30 PM Trinity UCC
150 North Street, Wooster, OH 44691
Intergroup Council meetings are held the
first Sunday of the month at St. Thomas
Auditorium at 1:00 PM. All Intergroup
Representatives are encouraged to attend
every meeting. If your group does not
have a Group Representative who is
attending the meetings, you don’t have a
voice in the activities of the Intergroup.
Many important decisions are made and
this is the time to voice concerns, or get
the latest news.
AKRON INTERGROUP INFORMATION
AKRON IG NEWS
Deadline for Articles: June 12, 2020—Midnight
Proofreading: June 20, 2020—9 AM
Mailing June 27, 2020—9 AM
Ex. Board Meeting June 4, 2020—7 PM
Ex. Board Meeting June 25, 2020—7 PM
Above are Located at InterGroup Office
Council Meeting June 7, 2020—1 PM
Council Meeting June 28, 2020—1 PM
Above Located at St. Thomas Auditorium
Due to Covid-19 these events may be cancelled or changed to online meetings.
Akron InterGroup News - 18 - June, 2020
The following is a suggested guideline of how to divide your group’s contributions
and where to send them:
50% Akron Intergroup Office
775 North Main Street; Akron, OH 44310
Make checks payable to
Akron Intergroup Office
25% The General Service Office
PO Box 459; Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10163-0459
Make checks payable to the
General Service Office
15% NE Ohio General Service, Area 54 PO Box 91384 Cleveland, OH 44101-3384 Make checks payable to NE Ohio General Service
10% To your Local District: Akron Area Multi District
Christen B, Treasurer PO Box 67163 Cuyahoga Falls OH 44222 Checks payable to Akron Multi District
District 10 Wayne/Holmes Co. Rea R Treasurer 640 E. Henry St. Wooster, OH 44691 Checks Payable to District 10
District 11 (Medina) Dave D, Treasurer 8581 Chippewa Rd Lodi, OH 44254 Checks Payable to District 11
District 5A (Portage County) Dustin S, Treasurer 2203 Ranfield Rd Mogadore, OH 44260 Checks payable to district 5
Where to Send Contributions
Notice
During this time expenses will continue at
the Intergroup, and we expect the 7th
Traditions donations to drop off because
meetings are not being held where the
basket can be passed.
Please consider making your 7th Tradition
donations if you are able.
You can send in a check, or make your
donation by phone or on-line using this
link.
https://akronaa.org/shop/donations/
donation/
https://akronaa.org/shop/donations/donation/
We urge groups with an outstanding balance at the Intergroup from
past literature purchases to pay the balance on your account. If you are
not sure if you have a balance, you can call the Akron Intergroup Office
to find out.
https://store.aagrapevine.org/
Akron InterGroup News - 19 - June, 2020
June 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 Ex. Bd. Meeting
7:00 PM
5 6
7 Council Meeting
1:00 PM
8 9 IT Committee
6:30 PM
10 AA is Founded
in 1935
11 12 Deadline for Articles for
IGNews
13 Founders’ Day
11:00 AM— 9:00 PM
14 Founders’ Day
9:00 AM— 12:00 PM
15 Deadline for Nominations
5:00 PM
16 17 18 19 20 IGNews Proofing
9:00 AM
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 IGNews Mailing
9:00 AM
28 29 30
Write for the InterGroup Newsletter!
Choose your own topic or the suggested Topics
July— Patience Patience with Yourself, Others & the Program
Time Takes Time
submit your article to [email protected]
Deadline for May Articles is June 12, 2020
Mail, Email or bring submissions into Office:
775 North Main Street, Akron, OH 44310
Email to: [email protected] — Or fax to: (330) 253-8292
Proofing is , 2020 at 9:00 AM
Mailing is , 2020 at 9:00 AM
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