HUDSON MOHAWK - A.A. Area 48 HMB · HUDSON -MOHAWK -BERKSHIRE AREA 48 JULY 2009 ... Campers...

HUDSON-MOHAWK-BERKSHIRE AREA 48 JULY 2009

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AA Principles of the Month

Step 7 - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Tradition 7 – Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

Concept 7 - The Charter and Bylaws of the General Service Board are legal instruments, empowering the trustees to manage and conduct world service affairs. The Conference Charter is not a legal document; it relies upon tradition

and the A.A. purse for final effectiveness.

Seventh Tradition Checklist

∗ Honestly now, do I do all I can to help AA (my group, my central office, my GSO) remain self-supporting? Could I put a little more into the basket on behalf of the new guy who can't afford it yet? How generous was I when tanked in a barroom?

∗ Should the Grapevine sell advertising space to book publishers and drug companies, so it could make a big profit and become a bigger magazine, in full color, at a cheaper price per copy?

∗ If GSO runs short of funds some year, wouldn't it be okay to let the government subsidize AA groups in hos-pitals and prisons?

∗ Is it more important to get a big AA collection from a few people, or a smaller collection in which more members participate?

∗ Is a group treasurer's report unimportant AA business? How does the treasurer feel about it?

∗ How important in my recovery is the feeling of self-respect, rather than the feeling of being always under obligation for charity received?

Concept Checklist

Concept Vll: The Charter and Bylaws of the General Service Board are legal instruments, empowering the trustees to manage and conduct world service affairs. The Conference Charter is not a legal document; it relies upon tradition

and the A.A. purse for final effectiveness.

∗ Do we act responsibly regarding the “power of the purse?”

∗ Do we realize that the practical and spiritual power of the Conference will nearly always be superior to the legal power of the G.S.B.?

A version of this newsletter and previous editions is at: http://www.aahmbny.org

� � � � � �-MOHAWK-BERKSHIRE AREA 48 JULY 2009

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Calendar of Events SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009 Freedom, Fun, Food and Fellowship sponsored by District 18 at N. Greenbush Town Park at Snyder’s Lake, noon-6 pm; meeting at 4 pm. Dogs, burgers, beverages provided, please bring sides dishes to share. Suggested donation $5.00. Carpooling suggested. To volunteer or for more info/directions call Karl D at (413) 442-4080. SATURDAY JULY 18, 2009 18th Annual Sober Picnic sponsored by District 3, 9 am-6 pm, CD Lane Park, Maple Crest, NY (just outside Windham) games, swimming in the lake and a playground for the children. Bring side dishes and snacks to share. Donations suggested. For info and directions call Vickie O at (518) 755-2482. SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009 “A Burning Desire” Sober Bonfire, Lane’s End Farm, 246 Van Tyne Road, Ac-cord, NY 12404 (20 minutes from NYS Thruway exit 19). BBQ/Cookout all day, Kid’s activities, Meetings at 8PM and midnight. $5.00 suggested donation. Campers welcome. For more info call Pat D 845-943-9674 and Julie S 845-626-2296, or visit www.hvypaa.org SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2009 36th Annual Old Timers Meeting featuring NE Regional Delegate John K as speaker at 2 pm, Rutland Elks Club, Pleasant Street, Rutland, Vt sponsored by Serenity House Group of AA. Buffet served, donation $10.00. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2009 3rd Annual Sober BBQ from noon to 5 pm at the Marina in Frankfort, NY13340. Appearance by “Defects of Character” Band, live auction with Dr. Bob S, food by “Mushroom Stew Tom” and “BBQ Turkey Karl”, with donation of $10 to benefit books for corrections. Call John T (315) 894-4035 or e-mail [email protected] for more info. SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009 Annual Capital District Central Picnic at Snyder’s Lake, N. Greenbush, noon –4 pm, speaker meeting at 3 pm. Please bring a dish to share! Further info at (518) 463-0906. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 GSO Bus Tour, $35.00. Check HMB website www.aahmbny.org for more info

Conventions

SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2009 53rd Annual North New Jersey Area 44 Convention, “Commitment-Gratitude in Ac-tion” at the Doubletree Hotel, 200 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ 008 NOVEMBER 6-8,2009 46th Annual Massachusetts State AA Convention Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Confer-ence Center, 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham, Mass. More info/registration at [email protected].

HMB EVENT SCHEDULE - 2009

HMB AREA ASSOCIATON

RTE. 30, #114

118 POLAR PLAZA

AMSTERDAM, NY 12010

GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE

PO BOX 459

GRAND CENTRAL STATION

NEW YORK, NY 10163

DISTRICT AND GROUP TREASURERS—below are the addresses in which to send contributions….

June Northeast Regional Forum Somerset, NJ June 26 - June 29, 2009

July NYS Convention Area 50 Buffalo, NY July 24 –July 26, 2009

August NYS Informational Workshop Area 47 Painted Post, NY August 14 –16. 2009

September Area Election Assembly Eastern (1,2,18) Saturday 9/12/2009

October Area Assembly Central (4, 8 ,14) Saturday, October 17, 2009

November HMB Convention Central (4,8, 14) 11/06—11/08/2009

November Fellowship Day Western (9,12) Sunday, November 15, 2009


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30th Annual New York State Informational Workshop

August 14, 15, & 16, 2009

Hosted by CNY Area 47: Join us as we share our experience in carrying the AA message with each of the four NY Delegate Ar-eas: Area 49 (SENY), Area 50 (Western), Area 48 (HMB), & Area 47 (Central)

The Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center

9620 Run Road, Painted Post, NY 14870

http://www.watsonhomestead.com

NYSIW will have panels on CPC, Special Needs, PI, Corrections, Treatment, Grapevine, Archives, and Website. For more informa-tion, visit www.aacny.org or email questions to [email protected].

ACCOMMODATIONS WEST WING – Two double beds, private bath. ($217.00) Three wheelchair accessible, one double bed with private bath. NORTH WING – Two twin beds, private bath (Two rooms available at this price) ($183.50) SOUTH WING – Twin beds, shared rest rooms and showers. ($154.00)

Weekend registration includes lodging with Fri. Dinner thru Sun. Breakfast All prices are per person, double occupancy NOTE: ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS

Saturday Only, No Room Reserved

Registration: $15.00 Lunch Option, add: $10.00 Dinner Option, add: $13.50

Note: You must pre-register by 7/14/2009 if you want to join us for meals.

REGISTRATION, PAYMENT, & SPECIAL NEEDS REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 7/14/2009

Coffee & hospitality donations can be sent to: NYSIW, PO Box 3121, Binghamton, NY 13902

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30th Annual New York State Informational Workshop August 14, 15, & 16, 2009

The Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center 9620 Run Road, Painted Post, NY 14870

NYS Information Workshop Registration Form

One Form Per Person

Registration deadline is July 14, 2009

Name__________________________________

Address_________________________________

City__________________State______Zip_____

Tel:___________________________________

Service Responsibility_____________________________________

Spec. Needs____________________________________________

______________________________________________________ Roommate ________________________ Or Surprise Me!

Lodgings, Registration and Meals Packages:

____South Wing $154.00

____North Wing $183.50

____West Wing $217.00

(Saturday) Day Registration Only:

____Registration $15.00

____Lunch add $10.00

____Dinner add $13.50

Total _________

Amount Enclosed: $_____________

Money Order or Personal Checks only.

Make checks payable to: NYSIW

Send registration form w/ payment to:

NYSIW, P.O. Box 3121, Binghamton, NY 13902


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AREA REPORTS

From the HMB Delegate

The 59th General Service Conference will go down in the annals of A.A. history as the longest Conference – if my memory serves me, last year I reported the exact same news! It is now, and always has been, a privilege and an honor to serve Hudson-Mohawk-Berkshire and Alcoholics Anonymous.

My sincerest appreciation to all the members of HMB for your responses to the Conference questionnaire, your par-ticipation by discussing the agenda items with members of your groups and districts as well as your presentations and discussions during the Delegate’s Day of Sharing. Thanks to all the members for your prayers and positive thoughts as I participated in my final Conference as your Area Delegate.

During our Area Assembly, the following information was made available to all members-

Delegate’s Report – highlights on Conference actions and emerging issues; Box 459 – Early Bird Edition – report on the 59th General Service Conference 2009 Advisory Actions – these items were discussed, voted on and passed by the full Conference; 2009 Additional Considerations –items discussed, but no action was taken or recommendation made; Services provided by G.S.O/A.A.W.S. – Exhaustive list of services provided on our behalf Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to receive any of the documents above. I am willing to travel to groups and districts to share some of my experiences of this week long “Business Meeting” for our world services. A recommendation must be approved by substantial unanimity or 2/3 majority in order to become an Advi-sory Action. Please feel free to ask questions about what happened, how we came to our decisions at the Conference and how the process works.

I will participate in the Northeast Regional Forum held in Somerset, NJ the weekend of June 26. This is a weekend of sharing and informational sessions designed to help the General Service Board, A.A. World Services, Inc., the Grape-vine Corporate Board, the Grapevine Staff, and the General Service Office Staff stay in touch with A.A. members, trusted servants and newcomers to service throughout the A.A. service structure. The next event will be the weekend of July 24, our New York State Convention in Grand Island, NY – thanks to the members who agreed to share on the panels. The weekend of August 14, we are off to Area 47, Central NY for the New York State Informational Work-shop. All of these events are great opportunities for members to meet and share their service experiences.

As many of you know, there will be a price increase for subscriptions to the A.A. Grapevine as of July 1, 2009. I would like to encourage every group in HMB as well as our 18 Districts to subscribe to the Grapevine. Our meeting in print is a great way to pass on A.A.’s message and share with members old and new. I encourage the HMB com-mittee chairs to use the Grapevine in your activities.

The trustees’ Committee on Nominating asks that trustees, delegates and directors submit any names they deem appropriate as candidates for Class A (nonalcoholic) trustee of the General Service Board. Please forward your candidate’s business or professional résumé to me for submission by July 10, 2009.

A.A. will be 75 years old in 2010 and the 13th International Convention celebration will be held in San Antonio, TX during the weekend of July 1 – July 4, 2010 – the theme is “A Vision for You.” Convention registration, housing res-ervations and all necessary information will be included in the registration packet which will be available in Septem-ber 2009.

With enthusiasm and gratitude, Joan Ramsey Panel 58 Delegate (518) 438-6451 Home (518) 330-2800 Cell [email protected]

** Please submit your articles for the August Issue to [email protected] by

July 1, 2009**


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Area Chair Report

Dear Fellow Trusted Servants, Thank you to those members who participated in the May Area Assembly, which was held in Cobleskill, NY. There was a great panel on ‘Service – Beyond our Wildest Dreams’, which was led by Charlie C, Bob F and Dave S. There were two proposals on the agenda that were both passed (See the secretary’s report for more details). In attendance were about 75-80 people. With the Area as large as ours, the participation from the more than 750 groups means only one out of ten groups are represented – we can do better!

At our Area Assemblies, each group has the opportunity to participate by sending their GSR or Alternate GSR to represent their group and actively participate. I mention this fact as there are two more Area Assemblies this year.

Of particular note: In September, we will have our Election Assembly where we will be voting to select our Area Chair, Alternate Area Chair, Treasurer and Secretary for Panel 60 (2010-2011). In October, we will conduct an As-sembly where we will vote on the 2010 Proposed Budget (and any other proposals that may be brought forward). It is important for the continued good health of our Fellowship to have as many groups as possible participating, so that each of us can attest that a loving Higher Power has spoken to us through an informed group conscience.

In June, I will be participating in District 1, 15 and 19’s business meetings and the Northeast Regional Forum (NERF). In July, I will be headed to District 10’s business meeting and the NYS Convention. I look forward to re-porting back on these events in future reports. For more information on NERF and the NYS Convention, please see flyers in this newsletter and on the Area Website http://www.aahmbny.org.

We currently still have an available service position as Grapevine Service Committee Chair. This position is one of the links between the workings of the Grapevine to the general AA membership; this individual chairs the Service Committee for Grapevine that is comprised of the District Grapevine Chairpersons, while providing awareness of the AA Grapevine and La Vina magazines and other material such as books, CDs, and more; in addition, this person coordinates the display of Grapevine literature for sale at Area events and may be available to speak on topics that are of importance regarding the Grapevine. Anyone interested in providing such service to our Area can contact me at [email protected] or by phone at 845-331-4213.

As always, if I can be of assistance, please feel free to get in touch with me. I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable summer!

In love and service, Deb D- Area Chair [email protected]

Secretary’s Report

May Assembly, May 17, 2009, Cobleskill College. Hosted by Districts 4, 8 & 14. Attendance was 75 registered.

The Area Chairperson Deb D opened the meeting at 10AM with the Serenity Prayer. She then had everyone intro-duce themselves.

Workshop Panel: Service – Beyond our Wildest Dreams Presenters: The Joy of Serving – Bob F, Rotation – A Spiritual Gift – Charlie C, Our 3rd Legacy Procedure & Concept IX – Dave S.

At 11:00 the General Service Conference Report Back was given by Joan R, HMB Area 48 Delegate. Joan also passed out hard copies of Actions taken at Conference. The Assembly broke for lunch at 11:50 and reconvened at 12:45. HMB Area Business Meeting:

Proposal # 1 At the Area Inventory Day held on January 10, 2009 the HMB Area 48 Finance Committee met. In an effort to be prudent and protect the Area’s funds, we instituted an emergency interim measure, effective immediately, reducing the 2009 mileage reimbursement rate from the rate of $0.45/mile, established by the vote of the Area Assembly


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in October 2008, to the 2008 rate of $0.30/mile. This measure can only be in effect until the next Area Assembly on May17; 2009.This action was based on significant reductions in the cost of fuel, real concerns about current spend-ing patterns, and costs over budgeted amounts for 2008. Several of the scheduled events this year are a significant distance from our Area, including Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and western New York. Therefore, the Finance Committee proposes that the interim mileage reimbursement rate of $0.30/mile instituted at the January 2009 Inven-tory Day be made permanent for the remainder of the 2009 budget year. Respectfully submitted, HMB Area 48 Finance Committee -Tad J., Chair, William T, Keith D, Bob F. A motion to accept was made by Bob F & seconded by Rob B. The vote was; Yea- 47, Nay-1 with 1 Abstention. An offer for minority opinion was made but declined. Proposal #1 APPROVED. Proposal # 2 Due to the immense success of the Corrections Connection that was held on April 3, 2009, I would like to propose that this be put on the HMB Calendar and budgeted as a yearly event. Even though this year’s event didn’t cost the HMB Area anything, we have no control over the future, and I also propose that $ 300.00 be place in the budget to offset the expenses. Love in service – Bill Crowe, HMB Area Corrections Chair. The discussion started off with the fact that the proposal had not been published in the Area Newsletter for the 3 previous months which is an Area requirement. A vote was taken on whether or not to go forward with the proposal. The vote was Yea- 48, Nay- 4 with No Abstentions. There 1 minority opinion due to the Area not having enough time to consider the item. After some discussion the Assembly was asked if anyone had changed their vote due to comments made and there was none. Motion PASSED to hear the proposal.

A motion was made by Robin to accept and seconded by Bob F. After more discussion a friendly amendment was made that there be a specific date in which the event was held. The amendment was accepted by Bill and the date will be either the last week in March or the 1st week in April. After some more comments were made the “Question Was Called” and the vote on the proposal was taken, Yea- 51, Nay- 1 with NO Abstentions. No further comment s made, PROPOSAL # 2 PASSED.

2010 HMB Area Budget Proposal – Tad J read the entire proposal which will be voted on at the October Assembly on the 17th of that month. In the meantime he requested that everyone take the proposals back to their groups for feedback. He said that if anyone had any questions or suggestions that they could contact either himself or any member of the Finance Committee.

Area Reports

Area Chair- Deb D Deb discussed the Corrections Connection Workshop that was held in Albany, NY between AA and the NYSDOC. There were approximately 80 people in attendance. The day was extremely informative and helped to improve the relationship between AA and the NYSDOC through the information exchange. It was an excellent example of how AA cooperates but does not affiliate. She expressed gratitude and thanks to Bill C, Sue P and Anne H for all their work in pulling together the event. She also discussed her opportunity to participate in SENY’s Day of Sharing in Sullivan County. She participated in a Concepts Workshop. She pointed out that while there are differences in how the day was run and the fact that the contingent the GSRs to the event, that the basic services are the same. It was the Language of the Heart (and service) in action. Deb attended both District 11’s and District 15’s Spiritual Breakfasts and shared that both districts engaged mem-bers on the topics of service and how to carry the message. Deb also reminded people of the upcoming events throughout the summer. Alt. Chair- Bob L said he was not hearing from Districts on upcoming events and encouraged them to do so. He did announce dates for the following; October Assembly will be held on Saturday the 17th at the Scotia UMC, hosted by District 14. Also the November Fellowship day will be on the 15th hosted by District 12 with no site set yet. Bob did note to hosting Districts that they were responsible for the sites and refreshments only and that the Area chair was responsible for the Agenda. Secretary – Keith D requested that those making verbal reports give him a hard copy. He then offered to read the minutes from the Fellowship Day held on March 28th, the reply was “No”; a motion to accept was made by Dave S and 2nded by Jim. The vote was Unanimous to accept with No Abstentions. Keith then offered up the same proposal for the minutes taken at Delegate’s Day on April 11th. A motion was made by Jack and 2nded by Tad. The vote was


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Unanimous to accept with NO Abstentions. Alt. Secretary- Dan J was absent due to his graduation from college. His written report was turned in and read loud. Dan sent e-mails out to records keepers thanking them for being patient with him as he has caught with the changes that have been sent in. All the changes have been entered into the Area and GSO Database. If your GSR is not receiv-ing the GSR packets, please let him know. Treasurer- William T (Absent) Report was read by Tad J and is as follows; Income for the month of April was $ 5744.81 and Expenses were $ 1696.09, leaving the balance on April 30th at $ 2133.04 with a Prudent Reserve of $ 7000.00 in tack. Motion to accept was made and seconded, and was passed Unanimously with NO Abstentions. Alt. Treasurer- Tad J said that out of the 4800 meeting books that of the 4800 extra books ordered that we still had 900 left. He went to stress that orders for next year need to done early so we can avoid the extra printing charges which were incurred this year. Tad explained that the extra shipping costs this year where covered by monies in the account. Archives- Jim K said that he had in storage an old wooden PA system in excellent condition. He also passed on that in Dr. Bob’s last message it took two things for AA to continue. Dr. Bob said that “Love & Service” would be the guar-antee that the program would go on and on. Jim went on to say that he will be stepping down as the Archives Chair-person and that Michael L would take his place. BTG- Sue P was Absent. CFC- Bill C said he was concerned that there was an individual who was collecting monies to buy Grapevines for the prison and that he had concerns the proper clearance need be followed. He also said that there had been a volatile situation at one of the facilities, but it has been resolved. Bill also said that he had 8 applications from the Correction Connection to enter facilities and that he was following up on them. CPC- Cindy D said that in April a Health Fair was held at St. Luke’s in Utica and successful. She said that in Dist.12 she was making headway in getting information into doctor offices and schools and that by this fall she should have more information on getting into district offices. Grapevine- Currently an Open Position Newsletter- Peggy M was absent but sent the message that the next deadline was June 1st. SN- Pat L said that in District 1 the Special Needs & Treatment Committees have been working together for several months now and have a weekly AA meeting being taken into the Capital District Psychiatric Center beginning May 5th. Pat said that she hope to attend a Conference on TBI at the Marriot Hotel in June along with the NYS Informa-tional Workshop in August. TFC- Brenda O said that she made up more packets and has disbursed them to Districts 13 & packets to District 3 and is showing the Hope video (Young People in AA). Brenda offered her help to anyone who needs it, just give her call. Website- Quay H asked that everyone continue to send in information to the website which is www.aahmbny.org . She also said that she was still waiting on Area Committee Chairs to post their information pages. Quay formally wel-comed Marcy N to the Website Committee as the Area Website Chair. 2009 HMB Convention Update- Co- Chair Chris S said that the planning was on schedule and that there were 50 reg-istration fliers along with a request for panel & workshop speakers and a letter of request for Hospitality room dona-tions for each DCM. The regular forms will be in the June edition of the Area Newsletter. Souvenirs consisting of long sleeve shirts and ceramic coffee cups will be available for purchase. There will be a DJ for both Friday & Satur-day nights. 2008 Audit Report – Dave S & Bob F- Dave reported that he and Bobby had found the books to be in order and that they balanced.

DCM – Reports: Dist 1 – Ann H for Pat C. The district is planning a Spiritual Breakfast Saturday Sept. 12th. Ann also mentioned that Deb D would be attending their meeting Monday June 1st. Finances good. Dist 2- the Alternate Gene S reports that they have over 60 groups of which half of them have GSR’s and that there was a concerted effort to visit all groups and hear concerns and ideas. Positions to be filled are Newsletter, Special Needs, and PI & Alt. Treatment. Dist 3- Bob R the Archivist has moved to Treatment so that position is now open along with Alt. DCM. Donations continue to be small and group contributions are slow in coming but the meetings are well attended. Sober Picnic July 18th, 10AM – 6PM at CD Lane Park in Windham. Dist 4- Mary M the District remains active in local treatment facilities in Fulton & Montgomery Counties. They have provided Grapevine subscriptions to 3 large libraries. Participation at the District level remains good. Looking for-


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forward to co –hosting this year’s HMB Convention. Dist 5 – Bob B final reports for Aprils Delegates Day have been submitted. The District is planning a picnic for June. An interim District Inventory Meeting is scheduled for May 23rd. Dist 7- Guy K thanks to the dedication of many members helping out with events and such the District has moved above its Prudent Reserve. Many events still scheduled through end of year. Dist 8 – Rob B the District held a Sponsorship Workshop in March and it was very successful. And for the 1st time they will have a Budget in place this year. Open Positions; CPC/Pi. Dist 9 – Alt. Tammie E putting together GSR packets, have established an Ad- Hoc By-Laws Committee to review current ones. Open position; Treatment. Dist 10 – Alt Sue W said that District elections will be held in Sept/ Oct and rotations will happen in January. A Ser-vice Day is planned for May 31st from 10A-2P with 3 panels. Dist 12- Robin S held 5th Annual Spiritual Breakfast may 9th, it went well. Annual picnic in Rome will be on July 18th. Currently there are 3 open positions. Dist 13- Tom B is the newly elected DCM along with Sue P as new Treasurer. Open positions include; Alt. DCM, Grapevine & Newsletter. The District made contributions of $ 50 to both GSO & Area 48 along with $ 10 to the April 3rd Corrections Connection. Dist 14 – Chris S the District is forming a Finance Committee to look at Contributions to both the Area & GSO. Up-coming elections will be held in October. Co- Hosting the HMB Conv. Dist 15- Laura M held a Spiritual Breakfast with 9 speakers on 9 different topics. The event was a great success. Many open positions. Dist 16- Jack M attendance at the District meeting is light and there are positions open. Both the Secretary & News-letter positions have been filled. Spiritual Breakfast on June 27th. Dist 17- Alt Tommy G Open positions include BTG, SN & PI. Just filled Phone Service, CFC, TFC, CPC, and Grape-vine & Newsletter. Fall picnic tentatively scheduled for Sept. 12th. Money Ok. Dist 19 – Don S there is more interest in the District meetings but not a lot of active participation. Concerns for a mandate going on at Drug Court requiring clients get sponsors.

The meeting closed at 3:00 with the Responsibility Pledge. Respectfully submitted for approval by Keith Domack HMB Area 48 Secretary.

Newsletter

It’s summer again in Upstate New York (the real upstate) and a great time to be sober. Check out all the dates for so-ber fellowship and great AA in the Calendar of Events on page 2. As the September Assembly approaches for elec-tions, and rotating out of positions in January 2010 (wow 2010), please review the Service Resumes on pages 12 and 13. If you have a minimum of 2 years, please talk to your service sponsor and your Higher Power about making your-self available for Service on the Area level.

My life and sobriety are richer for having served as the Editor of the Area 48 Newsletter. I find myself reflecting on the coming end of my term. It seems like a only a few months have passed since I started this adventure, not 18 months. This newsletter truly is the result of the efforts of many people that most of the readers may see at meetings or have never met. Each month a group of volunteers edit, correct and revise. More volunteers fold (and fold), label, and stamp the newsletters to get them out to your group. All this is behind the scenes, no recognition requested.

That being said, in May the members of the Cunning, Baffling and Powerful Group in Jonesville, the Gemini Group and the Saratoga Original Group in Saratoga Springs, as well as individual members worked tirelessly to get it to you before the first of June. The members of the Step By Step Group in Glenville, Turning Point Group, Peaceful Happy Hour Group, and Something in Common Group all in Clifton Park and Saturday Night Live in Jonesville have been volunteering (read roped in at times) to get the newsletter out. Thank you to all of the people who have spent time to help as a way to give back as an expression of their love and gratitude for AA . Thank you!

If your group members or a few AA friends would like to join in this effort, the editorial staff of the Newsletter invites you to contact us to bring a batch (100 - ? newsletters) to you for a “fast and dirty” service commitment. I hope that you all have a safe and sober summer, and attend some AA sponsored events.

Peggy M Editor


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Special Needs Report I encourage all District Special Needs Committee chairs to attend a weekend devoted to service committee activity throughout the State of New York. Flyers are available for registration to attend the NYS Informational Workshop in August, in Central New York. The weekend package price starting as low as $154 includes lodging, and all meals from Friday night dinner to Sunday morning breakfast.

The District 1 Special Needs and Treatment committees collaborated to get approval to take a meeting into the Capital District Psychiatric Center, and the meeting started May 5, 2009, with good attendance and participation by the pa-tients. This will be a Treatment Facilities Committee meeting.

Respectfully submitted, Pat L. HMB Special Needs Chair

Treasurer

HMB AREA ASSOCIATION Prepared by William Tuthill, Area Treasurer Treasury Report 6/1/2009

May 2009 [email protected]

Check Book Balance: 5/1/09 $9,133.04 Income:

Group Contribu-tions $1,812.00

Total Income: $1,812.00 (+) $1,812.00 Total Assets: $10,945.04 Expenses: Alt Treasurer -- Allocation $34.20 Alt Treasurer -- NERAASA 09 $138.48 Assembly -- May 17, Cobleskill $203.56 Corrections Chair -- NERAASA 09 $80.78 CPC Chair -- NERASSA 09 $13.18 CPC Chair -- NYSIW 09 $250.00 GSO Contribution -- Delegate $800.00 Mailbox $26.66 Newsletter Editor -- Allocation $28.49 Newsletter Editor -- NERASSA 09 $164.90

Newsletter post-age $255.20

Newsletter print-ing $216.00

PI Chair -- NERAASA 09 $159.35 Treasurer -- NERASSA 09 $20.89 Treatment Chair -- NYSIW 09 $250.00

Total Expense: $2,641.69 (-) $2,641.69 Checkbook Balance: 5/31/09 $8,303.35 Prudent Reserve: (-) $7,000.00

Total Available Cash: $1,303.35


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SERVICE RESUMES

The following service resumes for candidates are provided for the consideration of the voting members of the HMB Area 48 Voting Assembly to be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009. They are not the only candidates eligible to run for the offices for which they make themselves available; see guidelines on pages 3 and 4 of the HMB Area 48 Service Manual to review the qualifications. The following people have indicated their willingness to serve as trusted servants of our Area.. If you meet the qualifications, and would like to serve, please consider attending the Assembly and being nominated from the floor.

AREA CHAIR/ALT DELEGATE It is an honor and privilege to make myself available as a candidate for the Panel 60, HMB Area 48 Chair/Alternate Delegate position

GROUP AND DISTRICT ACTIVITIES

1993 – 2004: Home Group positions included Greeter and Coffee Maker 1997 – 1998: Group Treasurer -Lakeville Group 2001: GSR Ancramdale Men’s Group 2001 – 2002: District 17 Newsletter Editor 2003 – 2004: DCM District 17 2007- 2009: District 15 Answering Service Representative

AREA 48- HMB ACTIVITIES

2004 – Present: HMB Area 48 Finance Committee member 2005: Area Convention Committee Treasurer and Convention Registration Co-Chair 2006- 2007 HMB Area 48 Treasurer;

also, NYS Convention Treasurer and Registration Co-Chair 2008- Present: HMB Area 48 Secretary In addition to the above-listed activities, I currently serve as a sponsor and/or service sponsor to men in the Fellow-ship. I am grateful for all the positions of trust in which I have served in my Home Group, my District and my Area.

I look forward to whatever opportunities in which my fellow AA members wish me to serve. In love and service, Keith D.

AREA SECRETARY

It is an honor and a privilege to make myself available for the position of Secretary for HMB Area 48, at the upcom-ing Area Elections on September 12, 2009.

Name: William T. Home Group: Lambda Group, Albany, NY, Dist. 1 HMB Sobriety Date: April 4, 1995 Service: Coffee maker, Slingerlands Midday Step Group, 1995-96 Coffee maker, Lambda Group, 1996-97 GSR, Lambda Group, 1997-99 Dist. 1 Treatment Chair, 2000-02 GSR, How It Works Group, 2003-05 Interim DCM, HMB District 1, 2005-06 DCM, HMB District 1, 2006-08 Treasurer, HMB Area 48, 2008- present I am grateful for having been able to serve fellow alcoholics, and look forward to whatever opportunities to serve may be in store by my Higher Power. I have always heard – and now know – that service adds a dimension to one’s sobri-ety that is impossible to describe in words. The closest I come to describing the feeling is to continue to do service.

In love and service, William T.


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AREA TREASURER

I humbly make myself available for the HMB Area 48 Treasurer position.

Group Activities

2005 – Present: Involved in various activities for my home group, New Hope Group; including coffee maker, group conscience, meeting set up, anniversary celebrations. Also served as coffee maker for Glenville Group and Schenectady Clubhouse.

District 14 Activities

January 2006 – December 2007: GSR for New Hope Group Organized District 14 Service Workshop in April 2007 January 2008 – Present (term ends December 2009): DCM, District 14 Assisted organizing District 14’s 2008 and 2009 Unity Day picnics

Area 48 Activities

December 2008 – Present: 2009 HMB Area 48 Convention Co-Chair As part of the Central Cluster (Districts 4, 8 and 14): Assisted hosting the 2008 and 2009 May and October Assem-blies. I currently work with a service sponsor with many years of service at the District and Area levels; his guidance has given me a better understanding of the traditions and concepts of service and enhanced my own sobriety.

I am looking forward to serving HMB Area 48 in whatever direction my Higher Power chooses for me. Yours in Service, Chris S. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following article was submitted by Don D, Treatment Chair for District 4 to share their experience, strength and hope with service work.

I have been doing service work for Alcoholics Anonymous for 25 years. Approximately 1 year ago, I took the posi-tion of Treatment Chair, and along with the other Chair people in District #4, we began making presentations at vari-ous facilities. These facilities include: St. Mary’s Hospital of Amsterdam, In and Out Patient Rehabs, Correction Fa-cilities throughout the District, Halfway Houses throughout the District, and Drug Courts within Montgomery and Fulton Counties.

We work as one unit rather than separate chairs, explaining the various resources that are available to the facilities such as literature, books, meeting schedules, and most important, the members of AA. All of the facilities have been very cooperative with our District. After the initial presentation, we set up informational meetings, which run once a month at In and Out-patient facilities, where members of AA go in and share their experiences about A.A. We have four teams consisting of two people that serve the In-patient facilities and four teams consisting of three people that serve the Out-patient facilities.

We also communicate with the Drug Courts of Montgomery and Fulton Counties every three months on a rotating basis. The Correction Chair has many volunteers from our district performing service work in Montgomery and Ful-ton County correctional facilities.

We have really seen good results from the meetings. They learn about Traditions & Steps, sponsorship, anonymity, how to identify themselves at meetings, formats of meetings, and the differences between open and closed meetings. There is also a question and answer time. The people that are involved will tell you how much they enjoy going in to the facility and presenting their experiences. Additionally, the clients and staff members of the facilities have nothing but praise for the AA members who are serving.

District #4 has about 30 members involved in Treatment & Correction; we, as chairs, really depend on the AA mem-bers, and they do a wonderful job for A.A. District 4 would like to thank all of our members and especially Marty T. and Larry M. (Correction Chairs), John N. (Public Information and CPC), and Mark M. (Bridging the Gap Chair), for all of their help and support. We feel our District would not be where it is today without all of the positive leadership that we have.

Don D. Chair Person for Treatment, District #4


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Convention Reservation (One Person per Form):

Registration Information

Name______________________________________

Address____________________________________

___________________________________________

Phone_____________________________________

Email _____________________________________

______ Years in Program

______ AA _____ Al-Anon Special Needs? (Please specify)

__________________________________

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Detach & Mail Form with Check or Money Order Payable to:

HMB Convention 2009 c/o HMB District 14 P. O. Box 494

Schenectady, NY 12301

Saturday Banquet

INCLUDES SALAD, BEVERAGE, DESSERT & GRATU-ITY

(Please circle your choice)

Petite Prime Rib……… $24

Chicken Cordon Bleu….$22

Vegetarian Lasagna……$21

Banquet Reservation Cut off date: Oct. 28

__$22___Registration Fee

________ Banquet (Enter $$ for your choice)

________ $ Total Enclosed

Walk in fee for Saturday evening activities after

4 PM will be $10.00. (Excluding Banquet)

2009 HMB Area 48 Convention

November 6-8 2009

Our Commitment to Carry the AA Message: Enthusiasm and Gratitude in Action

Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville

308 North Comrie Ave Johnstown, NY 12095

518-762-4686 www.holidayinn.com/johnstownny

Room Reservation needs to be made through the hotel directly $78.28 per room per night (Double) – Ask for the HMB rate

Friends new and old, Fellowship, Panels, Speakers, Karaoke,

Saturday Night Banquet and Dance

Hosted by the Central Cluster Districts 4, 8 and 14

Registration forms and further information located at http://www.aahmbny.org/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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HUDSON MOHAWK - A.A. Area 48 HMB · HUDSON -MOHAWK -BERKSHIRE AREA 48 JULY 2009 ... Campers...

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