Bill Wilson’s Obituary26 Years Of Service!!!

Serving Alcoholics Anonymous Groups inBoca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, & Lantana

South Palm Beach County Intergroup Association, Inc.

561-276-4581The Hand of AA 24 Hrs. a Day

1984-2010

January/February 2010 Vol. 26-1,2

STEP 1:

TRADITION 1:

The Steps & The Traditions

South County

AA Newsletter

“We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable”.“Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on A.A. unity”.“Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity“.

“For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority - a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern”.

Bill W., co-founder of the program Alcoholics Anonymous, passed away on January 24, 1971 “Scores of thousands of people learned for the first time the name of the man who helped them recover from alcoholism when William Griffith Wilson died of pneumonia in a Miami Hospital Sunday night. The New York headquarters of Alcoholics Anonymous announced that. Mr. Wilson, retired securities analyst, was the man known as Bill., who co-founded the AA in. l935.Mr. Wilson lived in Bedford Hills, N.Y. He was 75. Thirty-six years ago, Mr. Wilson took his last drink, ending a career of alcoholism back to his days as an officer in the First World War. Mr. Wilson went into a New York City hospital and was detoxified - but fell into a severe depression:Finally it seemed to me as though I were at the very bot-tom of the pit,” he later wrote. “All at once I found myself crying out, ‘If there is a God, let him show himself! I am ready to do anything, anything!’”’ “Suddenly the room lit up with a great white light. It seemed to me, in the mind’s eye, that I was on a mountain and that a wind, not of air, but of spirit was blowing. And then it burst upon me that was a free man.I thought to myself, ‘So this is the God of the preacers.’” Bill W. did not wait long before sharing his experience with a friend, AA’s other co-founder, Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith of Akron, Ohio. Once Smith stopped drinking, the two men felt they knew that alcoholics could help each other recover. They went to an Akron hospital and met a patient who had come In suffering from delirium tre-mens. He too got off and stayed off, and helping fellow alcoholics recover became the AA tradition.They started a chain reaction, one drunk helping another, Nancy 0., a congressional assistant, said

yesterday. The hand that reached out to me when I appealed for help was a link in the chain going back to Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Bill A., an Arlington businessman, recalled, that in December, 1939, when Alcoholics Anonymous was a small, little-known group, he went to New York to meet Mr. Wilson. The next month Mr. Wilson helped start an AA chapter here, the fourth in the country. “He came here many times to help us with our problems,” Bill A. said, and later, when the national AA organization faced a financial crisis, the Washington chapter came up with the funds to rescue it.Alcoholics Anonymous now has half a million members worldwide. “It’s by far the most successful resource of help in terms of the number of people they’ve treated,” said Augustus Hewlett, executive secretary of the North American Association of Alcoholism Programs. Mr. Wilson retired as director of the organization in 1952.His first book, “Alcoholics Anonymous,” written when the group had only 100 members, has sold more than 800,000 copies since it was first printed in 1939. His other books were “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,”, “Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age,” and “The A.A. Way of Life.” Mr. Wilson went to great lengths to preserve his anonymity. When he testified in 1969 before a congressional committee investigating alcoholism, television cameras were barred and photographs were permitted only from behind. He turned down honorary degrees and refused to have his picture on the cover of Time magazine in order to preserve his group’s tradition of avoiding publicity as individuals.Mr. Wilson never gave up his efforts at helping alcoholics recover. One desperate alcoholic once committed suicide In Mr. Wilson’s home. Thousands (Continued on Page 2)

STEP 2:

TRADITION 2:

Scaan

When I was new, I didn’t think I had any obses-sions until I started thinking about them. Then it was all I could think about!

How come if alcohol kills millions of brain cells, it never killed the ones that made me want to drink?

A member reports hearing this at a meeting: “God grant me the serenity to expect the things I cannot change.”

The literal-minded new comer heard during a read-ing of “A Vision for You” at an afternoon meeting that “the answers will come if your own house is in order.” She raced home and worked for hours, breathlessly cleaning house. She returned to the evening meeting announcing that she was ready for those answers now.

From the First Step, the following was heard at a meeting: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unimagina-ble.”

The following was heard at a topic meeting on the Third Step. The Speaker announced that he’d turned his will and his wife over to the care of God.

The chairperson asked at a discussion meeting for a topic. Several long second passed in silence. Finally, a young newcomer raised her hand tenta-tively and said, “I’d like to talk about the loneliness that comes from being the only one in this room who needs help.”h(Reprinted with permission of The AA Grapevine, Inc.)

of others stopped drinking and resumed the lives that alcoholism had interrupted. Mr. Wilson was not boastful about his successes. “When you consider the enormous ramifications of this disease, we have just made a scratch on the surface.” he told Senate committee in l969. He was pleased by the increased government attention to alcoholism that followed the election of Harold Hughes, a recovered alcoholic, as senator from Iowa. “The impossible is hap-pening.”One Washington member of AA said yesterday, “I don’t think there’s a person in AA, from Harold Hughes to the man on the Bowery, who doesn’t know that if it wasn’t for Bill W. and what he started, we’d all be dead.”Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife Lois, who remained with him during his period of drunkenness and helped start the “Al-Anon” program for families of alcoholics.”(From: THE WASHINGTON POST© Wednesday, Jan. 27, 1971 by Donald E. Graham Washington Post Staff Writer)

It Happened In January/February

Scaan | January/February 20102

(Reprinted with the permission of The A.A. Grapevine, Inc.)

(Bill Wilson’s Obituary - Continued from Page 1.)

1939 (January) – Dr. Bob states in a letter to Ruth Hock that AA had to “get away from the Oxford Group atmosphere”

1939 (February) – Dr. Harry Tiebout became the first psychiatrist to endorse AA & use AA principles in his practice

1940 (January) – The first AA meeting not in a home begins at King School, Akron, OH

1940 (February) – Bill W. & seven other AA’s ask 60 rich friends of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. for money at a dinner at the Union Club in NY. They receive $2,200 (all of which was paid back. (Reprinted from www.silkworth.net)

“Relaxing....isn’t it?”

The new Where & When is being released. Copies may be purchased at the Intergroup office or at the next business meeting.

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Scaan | January/February 2010 3

4 Scaan | January/February 2010

Greetings and Happy New Year to all. As your Treasurer, I would like to provide a financial overview of this past year. The calendar year of 2009 was a year of new challenges and initiatives for your Intergroup Com-mittee. Our Group contributions have been slightly up from 2008 (3.2%). The Steering Committee orga-nized and facilitated an Intergroup Anniversary Picnic which brought in $7,108 of additional revenues. The other fundraisers which included the Serenity Scramble, the Gratitude Dinner, and Alcathon provided a total of $21,289. Sales income was up 35% over last year and provided $38,297. AAWS literature, chips and medallions were the most popular items. Even though Operating Expenses increased, we were able to save in other activities such as replacing the printing vendor. This action allowed expenses to stay the same as they were in 2008. Our total cash available as of Dec 31, 2009 is $3,655 with $24,000 held for our Prudent Reserve. The Prudent Reserve is based on operating expenses for three months at $8,000 per month. It is our hope that all members will continue to practice the Seventh Tradition, “every AA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” We need your Group Contributions to support Intergroup for 2010. We again thank everyone for their support of Intergroup and for allowing us to carry out our Mis-sion Statement, which is the Fifth Tradition “carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers”. Happy New Year and May your sobriety be your priority for 2010. Ed T., Treasurer

A Message from your South Palm Beach County Intergroup Steering Committee:

How Is Intergroup Funded?South Palm Beach County Intergroup receives the majority of its operating funds from group contributions. Other funding is derived from: personal contributions and the Birthday Club; proceeds from the annual Intergroup Gratitude Dinner, now in its 20th year; the annual Serenity Scramble golf tournament; and, other events and activities sponsored either by Intergroup or local Groups who choose to have events to raise funds for Intergroup. The number of Groups and absolute number of AAs has dramatically increased in the past five years in South Palm Beach County, in part due to the continued growth in the number of treatment facilities and halfway houses. The cost to support our groups continues to grow and we are grateful for the continued financial support.

Intergroup Minutes – November 25, 2009Chairperson: Al A. – Meeting opened with moment of silence followed by Serenity Prayer. Minutes from Oct. 28 approved. Gratitude Dinner Nov. 20 a successful event. Reminder: No Dec. SPBC Intergroup business meeting or SCAAN. Flyers available for SPBC Intergroup office Holiday Open House Dec. 5, 11 am – 3 pm. Welcome New Group Rep’s: Julia T. – Delray Women’s Big Book Step Study; Kenny G. (Alt.) – Old Time Recovery Group; Kimberly – North Boca Steps & Traditions; Dayna K. (Alt.) – Sun-rise Beach Meeting.

Vice Chair: Ray D. – Followed up Nov. 18 email to reps an-nouncing resignation given immediate family health uncertainties and future leadership considerations. Ray will continue to serve as needed. Qualifications for replacement: 5 years sobriety, 2 years active Intergroup service. With Steering Committee’s unanimous approval, Al nominated former Treasurer and Picnic Chair Sheryl S. to stand. Vote by reps in attendance unanimous.

Treasurer: Ed T. – Monthly group contribution income: $5,715.76 ($45,044 YTD), with special thanks to the Sunrise Beach Meet-ing for $3,000; Serenity Scramble income: $2,370; sales: $7,342.48, up 14% from last year; gross profit: $11,492.68; net profit after expenses: $2,756.20; bank accounts: $40,562.78; liabilities: $1546.61; balance: $39,016.17; estimated Gratitude Dinner debit: $10,112.50; cash available after $24,000 prudent reserve: $4,903.67. Gratitude Dinner: $2,612.05 net in ticket sales, $638.50 7th Tradition, $2,513.09 Raffles; net profit after expenses: $5,764.44.

Office Manager: Please see SCAAN for report. Copying snafu prevented distribution of Alcathon schedule; to be emailed to all reps and contacts and available online November 30.

Archives: Jim M. – Met with Pam and went through archives to begin long process of reorganization and streamlining. Join-ing Pam and Bob M. in District 8 Ad Hoc Archives Committee to research a home for all permanent archives in PBC.

Bridge the Gap: Bari W. – Two individuals hooked up with volun-teers today.

General Service: Zack S. – Next District 8 meeting: Dec. 13. Next Quarterly: Jan. 8-10 at St. Petersburg Hilton. Help needed with Traditions skits. Special Needs requests donation to help pay for the ASL translator for the Love, Faith and Live group. Mo-tion to increase budget to enable copying through 2009 passed; motion to add past employees, delegates and chairs to database tabled. District 8 telephone meeting dismantled; future status TBD.

Group Information: Steve W. – Volunteers welcome for group outreach.

Hospitals & Institutions: Vacant. Please inform group members of this important opening.

Public Information: Michael G. – Contacted by District 8 PI Chair to supply info and be of service to local Spanish speaking day workers. Spanish volunteers needed; please email or call Intergroup. Service will continue bimonthly.

SCAAN: David G. – Please submit suggestions or contributions to Pam (southcountyaa@bellsouth.net).hSpecial Events: Lucas H. – “Pioneers of AA” (40 years or more) Nov. 28, 2 pm at Central House open to everyone. Please inform group members and others. Lucas will attend next Central House business meeting to request a date for the next event.

Thanks from your Steering Committee

The Steering Committee would like to take this opportunity to deeply thank all of our groups who contributed to us during this past year through group contributions. In addition, we would like to thank individual members and groups who supported our three fundraising events (Picnic, Serenity Scramble, and the Intergroup Gratitude Dinner).

The support from our fellowship allows us to keep the doors of Intergroup open to help us carry AA’s message of hope to the still sick and suffering.

5Scaan | January/February 2010

Welcome Home in Delray.......................................FebuaryHappy Hour...............................................................MarchDowntown Delray.......................................................April

Groups who take a telephone relay commitment help insure the hand of

AA is available 24hrs a day!

Thanks to all groups who participate!

Telephone Relay

“The doctor said I could have One Glass of brandy at bedtime.”(Reprinted with the permission of The A.A. Grapevine, Inc.)

Please contact him or Pam with an alternate location suggestion.

Telephone Relay: Willy B. – Relay phone commitments through May 2010 (see SCAAN for schedule).

12th Step Committee: Anthony D. & Nicola L. – 12 Step list (cop-ies with relay phone and the office) updated monthly. Calls will be made in mid Dec. to current volunteers to verify interest. Sign up forms available from the office.

Where and When: Matt T. – Updates on p. 4 of SCAAN. Many changes/additions for printing within the next month. Printing quantity will be smaller and more frequent. Please verify accuracy of your meeting listing by Dec. 31.

Old Business: None.

New Business: Addition to Dec. SCAAN: Journey to Freedom Movie Night: “The Lost Weekend” at Boca Raton Comm. Hospital Dawson Theatre Dec. 5 at 7 pm. Tickets are $5, but no one is turned away. Free popcorn.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm with the Lord’s Prayer.In Love and Service, Liz S.

Febuary 20104-8* Sober Brothers SuperBowl Weekend Cruise to the Bahamas. Info: www.sobercelebrations.com8-10 & Bill W. & Dr. Bob – the play. 7:30pm15-17* at the Crest Theater in Delray Beach at 7:30 p.m. This must-see play has the original cast from the Off-Broadway production that is a powerful and poignant story of Bill, Bob, Lois, and Anne - and how AA came to be through Alcoholic # 3. Great dramatic history of the founding of AA and unique insight into Lois and Anne. Call 561.243.7992 for reservations. Tickets $38. General admission $28.11-4* 46th International Women’s Conference in Orlando.www.internatiionalwomensconference.org. for registration. Doubletree Hotel, 5780 Major Blvd., Orlando: 800-327-2110 or www.doubletree.com19-21* Steps To Sobriety with Polly P and Bill O. in Indian Rocks Beach, Fl. Info: www.stepstosobriety.com28* Traditions Workshop - 2pm - Traditions 1, 2, and 3 will be discussed. Delray Central House.

March 201017-21* EARLY REGISTRATION for the Florida Roundup 2010 at the Deauville Beach Resort! Registration form at: www.floridaroundup.org19-21* Soberstock 2010 – Camp Borein, Odessa, Fl. Speakers, meetings, bands, food, fellowship and camping. Info @ www.soberstock.com.

August 201011-15* 54th AA Florida State Convention & 66th Southeastern Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous –Doral Golf Resort & Spa – info and registration at www.54.flstateconvention.com

What’s Happening in AA?

South Palm Beach CountyIntergroup Association, Inc.

2905 South Federal Highway • Building C, Suite 15-16Delray Beach, FL 33483

24-hour: 561.276.4581Email: southcountyaa@bellsouth.netWeb-site: www.aainpalmbeach.org

Office HoursMonday-Friday: 9am - 5pm

Saturday: 10am - 3pmLiterature, Medallions, Chips, Meeting Lists, Cards, & Gifts

Chairperson.....................Al A.Vice Chair …….........Sheryl S.Treasurer ……................Ed T.Secretary ……...............Liz S.Office Manager …........Pam T.

February Service Meetings

February13 SPBC Intergroup Steering Committee Meeting @ 12:30pm in Intergroup Office14 District 8 General Service Meeting - 5pm @ Triangle Club20 SPBC Intergroup H&I Committee Meeting @ 2pm in Intergroup Office24 SPBC Intergroup Monthly Meeting @ 7pm, Central House.

2010 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous

July 1-4, 2010 – San Antonio, Texas

A Vision For You75 years of Alcoholics Anonymous

Join fellow AAs from throughout the world in San Antonio. You can register online or download the registration form at www.aa.org. Intergroup also has registration forms. Pre-registration fee is $95 (expires 5.10.2010). You must be registered for the convention in order to reserve hotel rooms. There is also info on airline and rental car discounts on line. See You in San Antonio!

* This event is listed solely as a service to SCAAN readers, not as an endorsement by South Palm Beach County Intergroup.

6

Archives......................................Jim M.Archivist......................................Pam T.Bridge the Gap...........................Bari W.General Services Liaison...........Zack S.Group Information...................Steve G.Hospitals & Institutions............Sarah P.Public Information.................Michael G.SCAAN....................................David G.Special Events........................Lucas C.Telephone Relay........................Willy B.Twelve Step Committee......Anthony D. / Nicola L.Webmaster..............................David R.Where & When...........................Matt T.Serenity Scramble..................Sandy B.Intergroup Gratitude Dinner.....David R.

Scaan | January/February 2010

Mike M. 3 yrs West Boca BeginnersTanasy B. 4 yrs West Boca BeginnersDiane S. 18 yrs Sober Sisters Sharon R. 18 yrs Big Book AdventureMichelle H. 18 yrs Lantana GroupRay R. 19 yrs Big Book AdventureEllen B 28 yrs Thursday PromisesRodney J. 32 yrs Boynton Beach GroupLinda P. 32 yrs. West Boca Friendship GroupNancy L. 35 yrs New Life Group