Akron InterGroup NewsAkron InterGroup News Volume 66 June 2020 Honesty Purity Unselfishness Love 75¢ Serving Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit, Wayne Counties Akron Intergroup | A.A

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

https://foundersday.org/



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.

http://www.akronaa.org

mailto:[email protected]

https://akronaa.org/product-category/newsletter/



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.

https://akronaa.org/

mailto:https://akronaa.org/?subject=Meeting%20reopening


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


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


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


Service Outside The Group

Judy K, Hudson Tuesday Clockwatchers


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?


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


MY EXPERIENCE WITH SERVICE WORK…

SHELLEY S, New to the Akron Area


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.”


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!


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.


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.




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


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.


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


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.


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.

http://www.akronaa.org

https://akronaa.org/events/2019-12/


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/





https://store.aagrapevine.org/


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

Moving? - Don’t miss an issue of The InterGroup News Call the Office or fill out this form.

Want to become an Akron IGNews Subscriber?

Akron IGNews can be received by mail or email (pdf file)

Mail this form and a check or money order to:

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Or call the Office at 330-253-8181 and use your credit or debit card.

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Documents

Akron InterGroup NewsAkron InterGroup News Volume 66 June 2020 Honesty Purity Unselfishness Love 75¢ Serving Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit, Wayne Counties Akron Intergroup | A.A