Volume 32, Issue 8 AUGUST 2016

ScaanSOUTH COUNTY

AA NEWSLETTER

The Hand of AA

24 Hours a Day

561-276-4581

South Palm Beach CountyIntergroup Association, Inc.Serving A.A. Groups inBoca Raton, Boynton Beach,Delray Beach and Lantana32 Years of Service ~ 1984-2016

I would like to start by saying thank God for AlcoholicsAnonymous. The only reason I am alive and in recovery is thanks toAlcoholics Anonymous. I know now I will need A.A. meetings everyday for the rest of my life. That is the only way I can live happy andbe a productive part of society not to mention be there for my son,family and friends.

Five years ago when my life was completely out of control andbecoming unmanageable, I had no clue what to do or how to stop andI just thought this is how I was going to be until I die. I started sellingmy possessions, resigned from the country club but I would not cutback on drinking because I didn’t have a problem. I hit bottom losingmy company, wife and step-children, my home, rental property, boat,cars, country club and respect from the rest of my family and friends. Idid not know of any 12 step programs at the time and anyway, I didn’thave a problem. That was the con my twisted mind was selling and Ibelieved it. It wasn’t until I was forty-seven years old when I wasarrested for the first time with a .18 BAC Aggravated DWI.

I thought it would be simple to stop drinking because I believedthat I really didn’t have a problem. I stayed sober for 17 months withthe help of A.A. until I believed I could do it on my own. It took lessthan a year and I was back drinking six days a week again. I wasarrested for the second time with the exact charges from my firstarrest. For the first time in my life I surrendered completely. I putmyself in treatment away from Buffalo, NY down here in SouthFlorida. I did everything I was told in treatment and started going toA.A. meetings on a daily basis. These meetings are now part of mylife as are the people in those meetings. Where I said earlier that Ineed A.A. meetings every day, now I’m at the point where I look for-ward to and want an A.A. meeting every day. I will live in the momentone day at a time. The support I received from my old and new spon-sor, along with all my new brothers and sisters in A.A., has made mylife so much better.

We are not here merely to make a living and get by. We are hereto live God’s plan that He has for us, in order to enable the world tolive more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope andachievement. We are here to enrich the world, share our love, com-passion and help those in need, especially our brother and sisteralcoholics still suffering from this disease. We never know when ourlast day on earth will be. So, love with full sincerity, believe with truefaith, and hope with all your might. Better to have lived in truth andsobriety and discovered life, then to have lived halfheartedly, drunkand dead long before you ever ceased breathing.

A PERSONAL STORYToo many of my friends passed away in the last couple of years

way too young due to alcohol. I know that in life there will be sick-ness, devastation, disappointments, heartache – it’s a given. What’snot a given is the way we choose to get through it all. As they say,“You don’t have to live that way anymore.” If you look hard enough,you can always find the bright side. Alcohol is not the answer and willonly make a bad situation worse.

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation Imay find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our miseryor unhappiness, at least mine, is determined not by our circumstancebut by our disposition. Healing comes from taking responsibility: torealize that it is you – and no one else – that creates your thoughts,your feelings and your actions. If I could kick the person in the pantsresponsible for most of my trouble, I wouldn’t sit for a month. Truestory.

For me, setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible intothe visible. So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then theyseem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soonbecome inevitable. This is all possible thanks to sobriety.

Sometimes we will never know the value of a moment until itbecomes a memory. Make space in your life for the things that matter,for family and friends, love and generosity, fun and joy. Without this,you will burn out in mid-career and wonder where your life went. Mymission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so withsome passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. Noday is wasted in which I touch another person’s life in any positive,meaningful way. And so it is that I enrich my days by giving somethingof myself, whether through a warm smile, a kind word, a sympatheticear, a gentle embrace, or a helping hand. Things never go the wayyou expect them to. That’s both the joy and frustration in life. I’m find-ing as I get older that I don’t mind, though. It’s the surprises that tickleme the most, the things you don’t see coming. May all your wallsknow joy. May every room hold laughter, and every window open togreat possibility.

Thank you again Alcoholics Anonymous for being here, savingmy life and giving me a chance for a bright future. I am listening withan open mind and can feel the sincerity from all of you. I just felt com-pelled to write this letter because I am so grateful to be sober thanksto this program and the grace of God. It is only through His will that Iam still healthy, alive and blessed. May all of you live in peace, happi-ness and remember, God is good……. All the time.

Sincerely and soberly, Frank A.

THE STEPS & THE TRADITIONSSTEP 8 - “Made a list of all persons we have harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”

TRADITION 8 - “Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional,but our service centers may employ special workers.”

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In response to the 2016 General ServiceConference recommendation that the pam-phlet “Young People and A.A.” be revisedto “better reflect the experiences of youngpeople in A.A. today,” the trustees’ literaturecommittee is seeking current sharing fromyoung people in A.A.SPBCI encourages young members to writetheir personal stories for possible inclusionin the revised pamphlet “Young People andA.A.” Stories should reflect “In a generalway what we used to be like, what hap-pened, and what we are like now.”Manuscripts should be 500-800 words, dou-ble spaced, in 12-point typeface. The words“Young People and A.A.” should appear onthe top of the first page of the manuscript.

Gratitude is the Heart’s Memory“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into

enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos intoorder, and confusion into clarity. It turns problems into gifts,failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and

mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past,brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

-Anonymous

SPBCI – ArchivesMike B.

Story Solicitation for pamphlet“Young People and A.A.”

The author’s complete name, address andemail/telephone information should beincluded with the submission.Submissions can be emailed:Literature@aa.org with “Young People andA.A.” inserted in the subject line of themessage.Alternatively, submissions can be mailed:Literature Coordinator, General ServiceOffice, Box 459, Grand Central Station,New York, NY 10163Deadline for submission is December 30,2016.The anonymity of all authors will beobserved, whether or not his or her story isselected for publication.

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South Palm Beach County Intergroup - Profit & Loss - June 2016

OOffffiiccee VVoolluunntteeeerrssJoe, Bonnie, Charlie, Linette, George, Stan R., Dennis,

Marianne, Sarah, Hunter, Mike B., Cecilia, Jim,

Tommy, Olivia, Jonathan and Aaron.

Intergroup Activity Log June 1612th Step Calls 5First Call to AA 6Meeting Inquiries 120Business Inquiries 132Walk-Ins 268QB Sales Receipts 274

Boca Men’s Recovery ~ Ross P.Delray 11th Step Meditation ~ Julie H.Inner Voice Candlelight ~ Maria L.North Delray Step & Traditions Group ~ Mike C.People With Time ~ Dara L.

New Intergroup Reps.

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2016

AA HOTLINE – RELAY PHONEThe Hand of AA is Available 24 Hours a Day!

August - Young At HeartOctober - Women With A SolutionNovember - Spiritual Awakenings

December - Drunk SquadFebruary - Boca Women’s Group

March - New BeginningsApril - Boca Boyz

FFAAIITTHHFFUULL FFIIVVEERRSSWWiitthh GGrraattiittuuddee ffoorr tthheeiirr ssuuppppoorrtt::Michael G. and Linda P.

BIRTHDAY CLUBSOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY INTERGROUP

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ANNIVERSARY!Your donation goes to help the valuable services provided by Intergroup includingthe AA hotline, meeting schedules, 12 step work, literature inventory, SCAANnewsletter and hospital/institution meetings.

Name Anniversary Date

Home Group Contribution* $*Recommended contribution is $1 for every year of sobriety.

If you would like a reminder notice next year, please fill out the address portionbelow or provide an email address.

Address City

State/Zip Email Page 5

BIRTHDAY CLUB

Intergroup Business Meeting Minutes – June 29, 2016

Chair: John S.: The meeting opened with a moment of silence followed by the SerenityPrayer. John called for approval of last month’s minutes, Bari W. made a motion toapprove the May 25, 2016 minutes; motion was seconded and passed unanimously.John welcomed new group reps. New Group Reps: Boca Men’s Recovery (Alt): Ross P.; Delray 11th Step MeditationGroup: Julie H.; Innervoice Candlelight: Maria L.; North Delray Steps and Traditions:Mike C.; People With Time: Dara L.Vice Chair: Cheryl S.: Elections for committee chair and steering committee will takeplace in July, anyone interested in standing for a committee must attend the July busi-ness meeting, no experience is required. Descriptions of the positions are available inthe SCAAN as well as online in the By-Laws. Treasurer: Elizabeth B.: excused absence, Jeannie read report: According to the 7thtradition baskets were passed. Intergroup finances are doing very well. Intergroup hadnet revenue of $2,497.00 for the month of May. Year to date net revenue $8,560.00;comparable figure for 2015 is net revenue of $4,353.00. A detailed report is in theSCAAN. Office Manager: Jeannie G.: Thank you to the Office Volunteer Staff and all fellow AA’swho continue to carry the message. Thank you to the Committee Chairs, SteeringCommittee Chairs for their willingness to do service for Alcoholics Anonymous. Electionsfor the Steering Committee and Committee Chairs will be held at the July BusinessMeeting. Descriptions, copy/pasted from the SPBCI By-Laws, are available in theSCAAN July 2016 and are also on our website (www.aainpalmbeach.org).Committee Reports:Archivist: Michael G.: Excused absence, no report. Archives: Open position. Bridge the Gap: Emily L. (women) and Gary K. (men): This past month we did notreceive any requests to Bridge the Gap. Copy of the Bridge the Gap message flyer willbe included with tonight’s meeting notes. Please share the message at your home-groups. We continue to look at additional ways to get the word out and welcome sug-gestions on how we can better reach those who may need us. Please see one of us atthe month business meeting, or contact the Intergroup office to obtain our information.

Jeri V. - T.G.I.G. Group - 8/9/89Congratulations on 27 years of sobriety!

Jody K. - Downtown Delray Group - 6/2/12Congratulations on 4 years of sobriety!

Laurie H. - Sunrise Beach Meeting - 4/15/13Congratulations on 3 years of sobriety!

AA EVENTSSeptember 8 - 1120th Annual National Archives WorkshopConcord, Ca www.aanationalarchivesworkshop.com

November 3 - 6Intergroup/Central Office/A.A.W.S./Grapevine SeminarKansas City, MO www.kc-aa.org

November 18 - 20National A.A. Technology Workshop (NAATW)Winston, Salem, NC www.naatw.org

December 2 - 4Southeast Regional ForumLake Mary Marriott - Lake Maryserfnfac2016@gmail.com

OTHER EVENTSThe Other Events listed below are presented solelyas a service to SCAAN readers, not as an endorsementby SPBCI.

August 3 - 7, 201660th Florida State ConventionPalm Harbor http://60flstateconvention.com/

August 20 - 7:30 PMDelray Central House GroupChili Cook-Off andrewberzak@gmail.com

August 26-28Women In Recovery ConferenceDelray Beach Marriottwww.thewomeninrecovery.com

September 17 - 7:30 PMDelray Central House GroupBingo Night andrewberzak@gmail.com

October 27-30Promises in Paradise - St. Thomaswww.promisesinparadise.com

May 11-14, 2017Big Book Seminar, Boca Ratonwww.bigbookseminar.org

South Palm Beach CountyIntergroup Association, Inc.

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

24-hours: 561.276.4581Email: southcountyaa@comcast.netWebsite: www.aainpalmbeach.org

Office HoursMonday-Friday: 9am - 5pm

Saturday: 10am - 1pm

STEERING COMMITTEEChair - John S. Vice Chair - Cheryl S.

Treasurer - Elizabeth B. Secretary - Sarah B.Office Manager - Jeannie G.

COMMITTEESArchives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa M.

Archivist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael G.

Bridge the Gap - Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary K.

Bridge the Gap - Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily L.

General Services Liaison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea D.

Group Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria L.

Hospitals & Institutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carla S.

Liaison to North County Intergroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura K.

Public Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juan P.

SCAAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John T.

Telephone Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taylor G.

Twelve Step Committee - Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen J.

Twelve Step Committee - Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bari W.

Where & When . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David R.

General Service Liaison: Andrea D.: The GSR meeting was on June 12, 2016. The quar-terly assembly will be July 15-17th, 2016 at the Boca Marriot. District 15 delegate report-ed that GSO contributions are down, encouraged groups to contribute what they canafford. The corrections committee has an application for men who would like to corre-spond with inmates serving in New York. There is a “Grow your Grapevine contest” ,groups are asked to submit the Arbor card in the recent issue of the Grapevine. The areathat submits the most cards will be featured in an issue of the Grapevine. The SpecialNeeds committee will be meeting the Area 42 chair, from Northern Nevada, to exchangeideas, anyone interested in being of service: specialneeds@district8area15a.org.Openings for DCMs, ACMs and Literature Chair, see me for qualifications. There are twomotions on the table for next month. There is a Traditions and Concepts event on August28, 2016 at 5pm, held at the PBC Intergroup office, Steve O. will be talking on Traditions1-4. The 60th Florida State Convention will be August 3-7th, 2016. The next district meet-ing is July 10, 2016. (For additional information contact the Intergroup office) Group Information: Maria L.: Currently still being acquainted with the chair role andresponsibilities; and plans to attend local meetings not represented at Intergoup in theupcoming weeks. Public Information: Juan P.: Excused absence, no report. Hospitals and Institutions: Carla S.: Currently, we have 51 meetings per week in 17 facili-ties. There have only been a few minor changes since last month’s report with thechanging of chairpersons at different facilities. I must take a moment to thank everyone.We have received an overwhelming amount of support from individuals who are request-ing to serve as Trusted Servants on this committee. . As soon a position is emptied it isfilled. If I have not been able to put anyone in a position please be patient and send mecontinued emails or text messages. The H & I has no scheduled meetings for our sub-committee at this time. If anyone should have any questions or concerns that I cannotanswer I will definitely contact our intergroup Office in Delray. To carry the message inthis committee anyone with 1 year or more of sobriety that is interested in being of serv-ice please contact myself or IntergroupSCAAN: John T: Articles are always welcomed and can be emailed to the Intergroupoffice by the 15th of the month. We are in need of material, so if you or a friend have astory to tell please submit. Telephone Relay: Taylor G.: Excused absence, Cheryl read report: The phone is coveredthrough April of 2017. A big thank you to Men’s Romance & Finance for stepping up andtaking the phone last minute for June! If your group is interested in getting involved inservice and would like to take a month commitment with the phone please contactJeannie at the Intergroup Office, or see me at the regularly scheduled business meeting.Where & When: Dave R.: So far, there have been 3 requests for W&W activity receivedsince the April printing; these changes will be included in the next W&W printing. Noadditional changes have been requested since my last report. The next printing of theWhere & When is expected for fall publication in October. All meeting update submis-sions should be communicated through the Intergroup office.12th Step Committee: Bari W. (women): Women’s list is up to date. This has been agreat year of service. Thanks for helping me stay sober. Stephen J. (men): Excusedabsence, Bari read report: Called a large portion of the men’s 12th step list to make sureit is still accurate. I have also been announcing the list at meetings and have five menthat would like to be added to the list. I am going to take their completed forms toIntergroup this week. Thank you for allowing me to serve. Liaison to North County Intergroup: Laura K.: The North County Intergroup meeting tookplace on June 8, 2016. Jasine passed away in her home the day after the May meeting.

August Service MeetingsAugust 14

District 8 General Service Business Meeting - Triangle Club4:00 PM: GSR/DCM SHARING

4:40 PM DISTRICT 8 BUSINESS MEETINGAugust 27

SPBC Intergroup Steering Committee MeetingSaturday, 9:00 AM

August 31SPBC Intergroup Monthly Business MeetingWednesday, 7:00 PM - Delray Central House

She was a kind lady who looked out for Central House with flyers and announcementsfor me to bring back here. A Bonsai was purchased in her memory by the office. NorthCounty Intergroup will be closed July 4th. Archives will have 2 tables at the upcomingGSO quarterly in Boca. Luiz with the 12 step committee is looking for volunteers, if inter-ested call NPBCI. Jen with phone relay is looking for volunteers. She is proposing usinga single phone that can be passed from person to person, similar to what we havebecause it’s frustrating to verify and follow up with scheduling. Elections: Bridging theGap: Rhonda; Today Editor: Randy; and Website: Kim.Old Business: Annual Intergroup Donations: Due to excellent support over the past few years theIntergroup finances are in good standing, and we are in a position to donate. As men-tioned last month the committee has a donation recommendation. Based on the currentyear to date with a conservative projection on year end, the steering committee recom-mends to donate $25.000, without putting the SPBCI in financial jeopardy; this is sepa-rate from the $28,000 prudent reserve. As suggested by our literature, the donationbreakdown would be: 40%/$10,000 to District, 30%/$7,500 to Area, and 30%/$7,500 toGSO. This is only the recommendation from the Steering committee, all reps will need todiscuss with their groups, and in August a vote will be held to determine how the bodychooses to donate the funds. Please contact the Intergroup office with any questionsyou may have prior to the August vote. New Business: None

Next Business Meeting: July 27, 2016

Closed meeting with the Lord’s Prayer.Respectfully submitted, Sarah B.