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Plain & Straight
JANUARY JANUARY
2014 2014
A.A. Central Office of Pinellas
8340 Ulmerton Rd., Suite. 220
Largo, FL. 33771
Ph: 727-530-0415
HOURS: Mon-Fri - 10AM-6PM
www.aapinellas.org
Email: [email protected]
Editor: Jen BC. Anniversaries: Alex J.
Submit Anniversaries: On Website: “Group Submissions” > “Anniversary Information Form” On Web site: Submit Ideas, Feedback or Events: “Group Submissions > “Event Information Form”
Email: [email protected] On web site: “Find a Meeting” Add new meetings: On web site: “Group Submissions” > “New Meeting Form” Change Meetings: On web site: “Group Submissions” > “Meeting Change
Email: [email protected] On web site: “Find a Meeting” > “Unity Speaker Meeting”
Unity > Meeting Sign-up and Calendar:
“Group Submissions” > “Unity Sign-Up
Step One: “ We admitted we were
powerless over alcohol, that our lives had
become unmanageable.”
Concept I ~ “Final responsibility and ultimate authority for A.A. world services should always reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship.“
Plain & Straight
Where & When
Unity Meeting
Website has links to District 1
CONTACT LIST
Tradition I ~ "Our common welfare should come first. Personal recovery depends on A.A. unity. "
Volunteers needed for the
2014 Ft. Desoto Picnic on
April 27! Contact Jen S. for
more info:
Pinellas County Intergroup (PCI) wants to help YOU celebrate your special day!
The “BIRTHDAY PLAN” provides a way for members to celebrate their anniversaries & help alcoholics in Pinellas County at the same time!
By contributing $1 (or more) for each year of your sobriety to PCI, you will be helping Central Office keep the lights on and the doors open. This can also help the still suffering alcoholic find meetings, get literature, someone to talk to, etc…When your anniversary comes around, simply pick up one of the “BIRTHDAY PLAN” envelopes, fill it out, enclose a check and mail it. Also, you can give an envelope to a member receiving a medallion. The envelopes are
available at Central Office, or through an IG rep.
GET A SHOUT OUT ON YOUR ANNIVERSARY!
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District 1 Monthly Committee Meetings
Archives Committee
3rd Saturday – 1:30pm
Alano Club in Dolphin Village
4615 Gulf Blvd. , #112, St. Pete Beach
Corrections Committee
2nd Monday - 6:30 PM
Intergroup Central Office
8340 Ulmerton Rd Suite 220
www.aadistrict1corrections.org
PI/CPC (Public Information / Cooperation with the Professional Community) Last Monday - 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Intergroup Central Office
8340 Ulmerton Rd Ste 220, Largo
Treatment Committee
Last Saturday - 10:00 AM
Our Savior Lutheran Church
4827 East Bay Drive, Largo
Grapevine Committee
3rd Saturday – 11:00 AM
Intergroup Central Office
8340 Ulmerton Rd
Suite 220, Largo
Steering Committee
2nd Tuesday, 6:30pm
Central Office
8340 Ulmerton Rd., #220, Largo
Intergroup Meeting
3rd Monday, 7:00pm
Holy Cross Church
7851 54th Avenue North
St. Petersburg
Website Meeting:
Last Saturday - 1:30pm
Alano Club, St. Pete Bch
Grapevines & Big Books Needed! The Corrections Committee is always
looking for Big Books, Grapevines and any AA literature. Your donations will
be utilized at several facilities. A large amount of Grapevines are needed, as
many inmates read them regularly. Please bring donated literature to the
Corrections Committee meeting, or Central
Office. Also, you can donate books to a
Common Solution member - Group
meets at St. Bede's Parish Hall ~
2500 16th St. N. St. Pete ~ on Mondays
& Thursdays at 7:30pm.
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Unity Meeting Notes December 2013
JOIN THE AA ROADSHOW AND BRING YOUR GROUP
TO DEGEORGE PLAZA ON STARKEY ROAD ON SATURDAY NIGHTS AT 8 P.M.
UNITY
Primary Purpose hosted the first meeting of December. They meet at Our Lady of Lourdes on 700 San Salvador Drive in Dunedin. They have an open discussion meeting on Fridays at 8 PM. Kathy spoke first and did an excellent job. Jimmy spoke next and shared, “Doing the right thing is good, but doing the right thing when nobody is around is better.” Matt was the final speaker of the night. Frank handed out chips that night.
Unity’s second meeting of the month was hosted by the After Work Bunch. They meet every day at 5:30 PM, except on Sunday when they meet at 6:30. They have a different type of meeting every day, and meet at First Presbyte-rian Church in Safety Harbor. Mark chaired, Sheila read the Preamble, and Hugh read How it Works. Jody spoke first and shared about the importance of meetings in her recovery. “I have a disease, meetings are my medicine,” she shared. Joanne spoke next. On the hopelessness of alcoholism, she shared “Drinking allowed me to cry and it allowed me to sleep, and that’s what I did for seven years.” Linda gave out the chips at the end of the night.
The third meeting of the month was chaired by Spirit Group. The Spirit Group meets at Faith Community Network in Largo. They meet every day at noon except Sunday, when they host a women’s meeting at 5:30 PM. They also have a beginner’s meeting at 10:45 on Saturday morning. David J. chaired the meeting, Lewis read the Preamble, and Barbara read How It Works. Diane shared first. On her first attempt at step four, she shared, “It says to get rid of everything that never served you and that seemed to be me so I got rid of eve-rything in my apartment!” Christy spoke next. “Eventually, the pain got great enough and I reached out and went to treatment. It wasn’t the treatment that worked, it was the surrender that worked for me,” she shared. Linda spoke last and shared her experience with relapse after a long period of sobriety. “No matter what, I will not be picking up a drink or drug today. I can’t speak for to-morrow though.” Jim gave out the chips at the end of the meeting.
The last meeting of the month was hosted by the High Noon Daily group. Debbie chaired, Heather read the preamble, and Jim read How It Works. High Noon Daily meets every day but Sunday at, you guessed it, noon. They meet in the front room (the smaller one) of the Rebos Club and have Big Book, step study, and discussion meetings throughout the week. Raymond spoke first and shared, “I believe the years I was supposed to get an identity I was drunk. I had no way to become a mature human being at all.” Anne was the group’s next speaker and was excellent. Roger passed out the chips at the end of the night.– Brad D. Unity reporter
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Chairwoman’s Remarks: Happy New Year 2014! For this year I thought I would discuss the principle pertaining to the Step that coincides with the month. The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions states on pg 15, “A.A.’s Twelve Steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to become happily and usefully whole.” The Step One principle is Honesty and Acceptance. Some definitions of honesty are truthfulness, sincerity, free-dom from deceit. Step One says that we admitted powerlessness and unmanageability. So if you have taken Step One, I would suggest that you practiced the principle of honesty and acceptance when you truthfully admitted you no longer had the power of choice and your life was in shambles. How many times do you hear, “I have a disease that tells me I don’t have a disease”? We lied to ourselves that nothing was wrong with our lives, we were “fine”. But in reality, we were deceiving ourselves when we thought we had control over our lives and alcohol. Bill W. wrote in The Language of the Heart, pg 270, “The moment we were able to fully accept these facts (we couldn’t lick alcohol…dependence on a higher power), our release from the alcohol compulsion had begun. For most of us this pair of ac-ceptances had required a lot of exertion to achieve. …This kind of acceptance and faith is capable of producing 100 percent sobriety.” When we take Step One and truthfully admit complete defeat and sincerely ask for help, we are practicing the principle of Honesty and Acceptance. Step Two’s principle is Hope which I’ll discuss in February. God Bless!
Virginia M., Intergroup Chair.
It works like this:
The potential AA calls the "Bridging the Gap" voice mail and leaves their name, phone number, gender, and zip code. An assigned AA checks the voice mail each day and retrieves the messages. They then pair up the potential AA with a "Volunteer AA" in their zip code with their matching gender on the "Bridging the Gap" Volunteer List.
The "Volunteer AA" receives a phone call notifying them of the information on the potential AA. They call the potential AA back and set up a time to meet when they get out.
The "Volunteer AA" takes them to their first outside meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous and introduces them to the fellowship in their area.
And like magic, the Gap is Bridged! Female volunteers needed for zip codes 33706, 33707, 33711,
33705, 33701, 33702. 33704, 33711, 33713, 33781, 33762, 34677, 34685!
Call (727) 529-5100 or email: [email protected]
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Sat AM Women's Big
Book
Ellen S. 5
Denice 3
Rudy 12
Kathy P. 24
Shore Acres
Gratitude
Al. P. 23
The Real Happy
Hour
Amanda L. 3
Wonderful Program
Mike J. 23
Jaih 5
MISSED
ANNIVERSARIES
NOVEMBER 2013:
Central Group
John C. 24
Philippe Park Group
at Countryside
Glen P. 3
Randy 24
Sat. AM Women's
Big Book
Maggie 3
Debbie 26
Gloria 13
EV 1
Leslie 1
Back Porch Lunch
Bunch
Elise 10
Nick 14
Greg H. 34
Tom H. 7
Dan W. 8
Carol R. 12
Gary M. 5
Beacon Group
Bruce T. 20
Central Group
Tracy V. 23
Jennifer D. 17
Holiday Isles
Patty 5
Nicole 8
Into Action Group
Maggie T. 22
GOYA
Kevin G. 1
Melanie B. 1
Glenn S. 1
Phyllis C. 5
Duane K. 10
Tony W. 26
Mark L. 27
Monday Night Speakers
David G. 12
Sheri S. 1
Anna 1
Lauren 1
Oldsmar Group
Teddy B. 19
Toni 2
Mike H. 7
Michelle G 7
Bob T. 20
Teresa C. 3
Ozona
Ralph 37
Lou-G. 34
Bill B. 31
Chip 10
Ben 5
Drew 4
Diane 2
Philippe Park Group
at Countryside
Jodi S. 2
San Martin
Ryan 1
Dwayne 3
Sonya 4
Bobbie D. 13
James S. 13
Mark 19
Hank 43
Gary 37
January 2014 / December 2013 JANUARY 2014:
Denise N. 14
John E. 3
Palm Harbor
Jeff K. 3
Tracyann P. 8
DECEMBER 2013
A Power Greater Than
Ourselves
Paul M. 44
Patty C. 3
After Work Bunch
Bill H. 12
Clem C. 12
Herb S. 8
Lee M. 3
Eva S. 7
Jodi O. 2
Marilyn M. 6
Alive Again
Jimmy J. 12
Attitude Adjustment
Steve K. 29
Florence 15
Les 27
Wendy 13
R.W. 18
Al G. 26
Jim 13
Lynn D. 7
D EADLINE FOR
ANNIVERSARY
SUBMISSIONS TO
THE PLAIN AND
STRAIGHT: FIRST
FRIDAY OF EVERY
MONTH FOR IT TO
BE SEEN IN THE
LATEST ISSUE
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Step 10: Body, Spirit & Mind 11pm Sundays Ozona 1st Baptist Church
Open Discussion 610 Pennsylvania Avenue
Palm Harbor
Daily Reprieve Group 8pm Fridays Pilgrim Church
Closed BB 6315 Central Avenue
St. Pete
Closed Step 8pm Tuesdays Pilgrim Church
Simple Solution Wednesdays will be Closed Discussion except 3rd Wednesday is Speaker
Experience, Strength & Hope No longer has sign language interpreter
Coffeemakers Beginners Step Study Christ the King Church 11220 Oakhurst Road
“In Living Color” A Journey Through A.A.’s 12 Steps
(with an emphasis on emotional sobriety)
February 7-9
Speaker: Sally G. from Stamford, CT
RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT
2101 Northpointe Parkway
Lutz, FL 33558
813-792-8400
Registration: $30 Contact Jennifer B. 727.514.0508
The Pinellas County Intergroup Anniversary Dinner
on February 22nd is
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St. Pete Group
In 1945 the only Group was in Tampa, so there was a need to have a Group in St. Pete. The original members were: Fred M. the "Deacon”, Bob W., and 2 boys from the Jail, Bennie W. & Jack H. The 1st.meeting was in Bob`s office at the Florida Power building. Soon Bob`s office became too small, and they moved to the Coca-cola building on 4th.street.On march16, 1945, Fred stated in a letter to N.Y. that there were 27 who attend that 1st.meeting.again they had to move to larger quarters and moved into a room upstairs in Alhambra Arcade, a beautiful old Spanish style building located on the corner of 6th.St. & 1st.Ave. North. Here the Group celebrated their 1st.anniversary.(Sadly ,the building was torn down in the lat 50`s or early 60`s ). The write-up in the St. Pete. Times said this building is responsible for changing the lives of many. There is controversy concerning this "title" of the "Oldest Group" or the "Original Group"--- the Central Group or St. Pete Group. We only know that New York Archives Recorded, the St. Pete Group registration from the Coca-Cola building in February,1945.being the 1st. So, 1953 the Group opened a 12 step room which was open all day at 1024 Central Ave. the Group was their for 23yrs. In 1976 the Group moved again to 1112 Central ,once again the Group moved & moved again. Now the St. Pete Group is located on 23rd St. & Central. The St. Pete Group will be Celebrating 69 yrs. on February 14, 2014. Type of Meetings: Speakers, Closed, Discussion, Steps, Big Book, Open ,Beginner, Traditions and Closed. The group has more than 50 members. The Group supports the following; Inter-Group, Inter-Group Rep, G.S.R. and Grapevine Rep. A statement about District 1, Archive Committee: “Archives service is more than mere custodial activities. It is the means by which we collect, preserve and share the rich and meaningful Heritage of our Fellowship." With love and service. Reed H. - Archives Liaison to the Plain and Straight.
1st Annual AA Archives Workshop
February 15, 2014
Redeemer Lutheran Church
3377 Aloma Avenue Winter Park, FL 32792
Register email:
Fort DeSoto Volunteer Meeting
Panera Bread
1914 4th Street North St. Pete
February 5th 7pm
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GROUP NAME DEC YTD 2013
2250 Group 0.00 400.00
4th Dimension Group 80.00 105.00
7 and Up Group 0.00 45.00
715 12&12 0.00 50.00
A Day At A Time Group 0.00 50.00
A Power Greater Than Ourselves
Group 55.55 524.42
A Work In Progress Group 0.00 125.00
AA By The Sea Group 0.00 200.00
ABC Group 0.00 50.00
Abe's Place 200.00 1,516.00
After Work Bunch 207.15 2,347.00
Alive Again Group 50.00 50.00
Amazing Grace 0.00 133.65
Archangel Group 100.00 300.00
AS U R 0.00 15.00
At The End Of The Rainbow 0.00 380.00
Attitude Adjustment 0.00 1,164.00
Back To The Book 0.00 93.00
BAIGIS 0.00 30.00
Beach Bunch Group 0.00 250.00
Beacon Group 40.00 40.00
Big Book on the Beach 0.00 180.07
Blind Pass Group 0.00 150.00
C.P.C. 120.00 120.00
Cash Customer 0.00 31.04
Central Group 0.00 165.00
Clearwater Central Group 0.00 75.00
Clearwater Group/301 60.00 390.00
Common Solution 0.00 79.00
Corrections 6.37 36.37
Countryside Men's Group 0.00 5.00
District 1 0.00 20.00
Don Vista Group 0.00 359.00
Dunedin Causeway Beach Meeting 0.00 192.00
Eastlake 0.00 1,110.00
Experience Strength & Hope 0.00 75.00
Feelings Group 258.00 578.00
Find Yourself 0.00 1,300.00
Forty Niners Group 20.00 240.00
Free Spirits 0.00 360.00
Free Thinkers 0.00 220.00
Free To Be Me 0.00 600.00
GOYA Group 0.00 968.36
Grapevine Committee 80.00 80.00
Grow Up Group 0.00 120.00
Gulfport All Ages Group 0.00 173.41
High Noon Daily 100.00 130.30
Highpoint Group 0.00 225.00
Holiday Isles Group 0.00 300.00
Honesty Group 0.00 75.00
Hopeful Group 0.00 490.23
Humility Group 0.00 154.00
Intergroup Meeting 88.70 893.74
Into Action 0.00 300.00
Jaywalkers Group 0.00 200.00
Maximo Point 0.00 40.00
Monday Night Speakers 0.00 365.00
New Beginnings Womens Group 0.00 352.63
New Hope Group 300.00 572.15
New Women For Sobriety 0.00 100.00
Not So Late Nite Group 57.89 80.62
Off Your Chest 0.00 250.00
Oldsmar Group 0.00 205.00
Open Door 20.00 115.00
Our Common Problem Group 0.00 137.50
Ozona Group 0.00 515.78
Palm Harbor Group 0.00 136.97
Peace Group 0.00 30.00
Philippe Park 50.00 75.00
Picnic 0.00 154.69
Primary Purpose 55.30 441.34
Progress Not Perfection Group 0.00 425.00
Real Happy Hour Group 0.00 100.00
Rebos Club 0.00 10.00
Sat. Morning Women's Big Book 0.00 286.11
Saturday Morning Men's Step 38.00 138.00
Saturday Morning Mens Group 0.00 857.00
Saturday Steppin' In Group 0.00 170.00
Seminole Group 130.00 430.00
Serenity Seekers Group 155.03 1,593.72
Shore Acres Gratitude 0.00 199.13
SIS (Sisters In Sobriety) 0.00 38.50
Sisterhood 55.85 150.01
Sisters On A Journey 255.00 605.00
Sober Spirits 0.00 50.00
Spirit Group 0.00 775.00
Step Sisters 0.00 77.00
Stonewall Men's 0.00 63.50
Sunday Brunch 50.00 190.00
Sunday Night Live 0.00 131.55
Sunrise Sunset Group 490.00 4,500.00
Sunset Beach Group 0.00 954.00
TGIS Women's Meeting 0.00 759.00
THE GOD STUFF 0.00 74.25
The Real Happy Hour 100.00 200.00
Thursday Morning Break 50.00 360.00
Thursday Night Speakers 0.00 100.00
Thursday Night Uplifters 0.00 44.00
Today In Sobriety Group 600.00 1,200.00
Treasure Island Steppers 0.00 175.00
Tuesday Night Men's 25.00 150.00
Unity Meeting 320.35 3,214.61
What's Bug'in You 0.00 50.00
What's Your Motive 0.00 418.50
Women Stepping Up 0.00 100.00
Women With Freedom 0.00 225.00
TOTAL 4,610.16 44,187.10
GROUP NAME DEC YTD 2013 Keep It Simple 0.00 1,020.00
Kitchen Table Group 0.00 204.00
KOALA 0.00 131.25
Ladies' Beach Serenity Break Group 0.00 345.00
Ladies Night 75.00 203.00
Largo Young People's Group 0.00 20.00
Living Sober 0.00 102.91
Lunch Bunch 316.97 1,511.79