Spring 2013 THIS DAY www.nnjaa.org N ews & N otes from N N J G eneral Service A rea 44 and N orthern N ew J ersey I ntergroup

to the alcoholic who still suffers. als along with the fi nal agenda of A message Our Area Assembly in January A message the 2013 General Service Conference from your started out to be a little intimidating, from your (GSC). This was all topped off tonight Area Chair but by the grace of God, all things Area Delegate in working with your Alternate Del- are possible. We voted on a balanced egate, Jay E., and our Past Delegates Greetings From budget for the fi rst time in Area 44’s “The General Service to select the topics we will be discuss- Your Area Chair history, and it passed with the approv- Conference Takes ing at this year’s Mini-Conference. And y name is Lester and I am an al of the whole body. It was a year ago Its Inventory – Our there are a couple of very important alcoholic. My home group at the assembly in Freehold when the Solution in Action topics that need to be discussed. M is the Practice These Prin- fellowship spoke up loud and clear s I sat down to begin writing As many of you know the process is ciples Group in Manalapan, District to be more frugal in our spending, this article, my first as your kicked off with Jay and myself along 25. If you’re ever in the area please and I believe your approval spoke to A Delegate, I went to our web- with Lester G., your Area Chair and stop by. We would love to have you! the hard work that the Finance Com- site to look at the first articles written Wayne G, your Treasurer traveling First, I would like to thank all of you mittee has done to change the way by my three predecessors. There was a around our Area providing the back- for electing me to serve you as your we function fi nancially. Thank you common theme - not only in the con- ground materials for those topics so Area Chair; this is truly an honor and for your dedication! I would also like tent – but in the message. They shared that each of the groups can discuss a privilege. My service sponsor said it to thank the GSRs for their presenta- humility, excitement, anticipation, all how they feel about them so they gets easy after January. She lied! But tions at the assembly on the confer- sprinkled with a whole bunch of grati- can then send their representatives/ I made it through with some great ence topics. You all did a great job in tude. And that is no different for me. GSRs to our Mini-Conference fully things to report. We already had our getting the essence of the topics out I could never thank you enough for informed with your group conscience. fi rst Area Committee Meeting, and there. I’m very proud of our GSRs! entrusting me with this opportunity. It is just so important for all that can it was great to meet a new slate of By the time you read this, the GSR Each day is bringing a new emotion do it, to attend both a Pre-Conference DCMs, Committee Chairs and Offi - Mid-Winter Luncheon and NERAASA with all the Conference preparations. Report and the Mini-Conference. It is cers. I am looking forward to having will both be over, and we will be In fact, the past week has been a up to you to insure that your Delegate an awesome experience with you all full steam into our Pre-Conference whirlwind. It started with receiving goes to the GSC with all your input. as we try to carry the A.A. message continued on page 9 my committee background materi- continued on page 12

A message from but they were also my “go to” people Explaining to them exactly how we for and accept the guidance offered. for every question I had about Inter- were serving them and hoping they With all these great people around your Intergroup group. With years of experience in AA were satisfi ed with what we were why would anyone be afraid to get Chair and at the Intergroup Offi ce, they were doing was very rewarding and taught involved? In May, we are holding In- able to share their wealth of knowl- me about humility. I never knew how tergroup’s election of offi cers. Chair- hen I was the Intergroup edge with me. They were a godsend things were going to go and I stopped person, Treasurer, Recording Secretary Delegate for my home group, and they made my time as Intergroup trying to fi gure it out. They were and fi ve Trustees are all up for grabs. W which was just a few short a Chairperson an enjoyable experience. in charge and I was only to do as I Remember this is your Intergroup and few short years ago, I would watch the Next are our Intergroup Trustees was told. A very unique experience we really need you. The best way to former Intergroup Chairperson, Clay (Aaron K., Brian D., Clay M., Jim and I am thankful I did not miss it. fi nd out what is going on, is to ex- M., running the meetings and I thought S., Ken B., Rachel H., Ray M.,) and A behind the scenes thank-you perience it for yourself. Fresh faces to myself, “I could become the Inter- Treasurer (Ted T.). Together we were needs to go out to Kate H. She has bring fresh new ideas. Please help us group Chairperson.” So when it was able to handle anything that came up. been my proofreader and editor on help Intergroup. Get involved. Our suggested I run for Intergroup Chair- We spent a great deal of time discuss- these articles. I would have been sobriety and our lives depend on it. person, I didn’t give it much thought. ing and preparing for the future of horrifi ed to print my copies of these In Love & Service, Of course, after I was elected, I was Intergroup. This was where the axe articles. I was drunk and slept through Your Intergroup Chair, Scott K. informed that the position also includ- met the grindstone and we got things much of high school, so I didn’t learn ed my doing this and this and this...but done. Not only were they a great much. One article had two parts and luckily my predecessors stuck by my team to work with but they gave me I couldn’t put them together; an- also inside side and guided me—fellowship in its the hope, support and enthusiasm I other one didn’t have an ending. She Area Treasurer’s Report ...... 2 true form. Such thoughts gave me the needed to perform as the Intergroup helped with all that and more. The Standing and Special Committee Reports ...... 3-4, 9 insight for this article. It’s both an ac- Chairperson. If I looked confi dent and printed insanity was all mine and the Mini Conference Topic Discussions ...... 5-8 knowledgement and a thank you to ev- steady, it was because they were the well written part was all Kate. She NERAASA 2013 – Lancaster, Pennsylvania ...... 9 eryone that helped me along the way. rock that I was able to stand upon. gave me peace of mind and I could “Speak Out” ...... 10 Though it was my responsibility to Then comes, as it seems to me, the never repay that. I guess service is a District Service Meetings ...... 10 patient, understanding and guiding lot like recovery, when you’re doing oversee the Intergroup Offi ce staff, Intergroup, and Area Calendars, ...... 11 they were the ones who helped me Delegates—my bosses so to speak. really well, it’s because there’s a lot District Doings ...... 11 the most. Not only were Mac, Pat and The people I had to answer to. They of people behind the scenes helping Ruth great self-suffi cient employees were the most important part of my out. It’s not really about how well I’m NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE MAY 17th who kept our offi ce running smoothly, experience as Intergroup Chairperson. doing but about if I’m willing to ask NEWSLETTER!NNJAA.ORG 2 News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY

groups in Area 44 this is more evi- RUS SERVICE CORPORATION T/A NNJGS AREA 44 A Message dent to me now more than ever. I am from your YEAR TO DATE COMPARISON REPORT: 201 1 AND 201 2 blown away every time I open the FOR PERIOD ENDED November 30, 201 2 Area Treasurer mail box at the Area offi ce. My service ello, I am extremely grateful to sponsor many times has said Area 44 2011 - Nov 2012 - Nov Money Market Account (A) be writing to you for the first rocks, and is she ever right. Not only Balance as of January 1st $42,993 $41,261 H time as your new Area Trea- do all the 7th Tradition contributions Interest Received 36 39 surer. A little under 12 years ago, as amaze me, but also seeing how that Transfer (To)/From the Checking Account (1,771) 6,451 Balance as of November 30th 41,258 47,751 (C) I walked in to the only AA meeting money is used to reach the suffer- I was ever going to attend, I would ing alcoholic is mind boggling. The Checking Account (A) never have believed that I would be story of Ebby needing to use a little Balance as of January 1st $18,796 $18,268 money to carry the message to Bill Group, Individual and 7th Tradition Contributions 71,826 84,551 here today. It is truly an honor and Other Receipts (Intergroup, Literature & Grapevine Sales, etc.) 108,076 114,257 a privilege to serve you and I look has really come to life right in front Budgeted Expenses (Standing & Special Committees, Offi cers, Offi ce, etc.) (83,008) (83,059) (B) forward to an exciting two years. of my eyes and I am more in awe Non-Budgeted Expenses (Literature, Grapevine, Luncheon, etc.) (96,779) (91,043) When my service sponsor suggested of the fellowship of AA than ever. Transfer (To) / From the Money Market Account 1,771 6,451 Balance as of November 30th $20,682 $36,523 (C,D) that I stand for Area Treasurer, my In the past year, the fellowship fi rst thought was that; I could ever do asked that the Area present a bal- Prior 12 Months Avg Monthly Total Expenses Times Two. Finance Guidelines that. As the fears subsided it dawned anced budget. With a lot of work state the checking account balance should not exceed this amount. $31,517 $30,440 on me that if I was elected,—big If—it from the Finance Committee, Area Account Balance Over / (Under) Guidelines ($10,835) $6,083 would most likely be as the alternate. Offi cers and Committee Chairs, this Prudent Reserve Funds Well I guess my Higher Power had was achieved and passed at this year’s Total Cash In Bank (Not Including Convention Acct) $61,940 $84,274 other plans and for that I am grateful. January Assembly. The 7th Tradi- Designated Funds (Jailbox Funds, etc.) (2,474) (3,215) Early in my sobriety I realized that the tion contributions for the past year Checking Account Guideline (2 months average expenses) (31,517) (30,440) $27,949 $50,619 fi rst part of this program that touched reversed a downward trend over the my life was the 7th Tradition. When I past few years. I would like to thank Prudent Reserve (50% of the prior 12 months Operating Expenses) $45,343 $46,332 arrived at that fi rst meeting, the door the members and the groups of Area Account Balance Over / (Under) Guidelines $17,394) $4,287 was open for me because the mem- 44 for every contribution received bers inside had taken the responsibil- over the last year, but also encour- FOOTNOTES age you to continue this support (A) Details of all income and expense items, as well as a comparison of Operating Expenses to the Annual Expense ity to make sure of it through their Budget are available from the Treasurer. own contributions. As time passed, I in the same manner in 2013. Your (B) 2012 Expense Budget is $114,043. began to learn more about all the 12 contributions allow the message of (C) November 30, 2012 Checking and Money Market Balances have been reconciled to the Bank Statements by the recovery to be carried into treatment Finance Committee. Step work done in Area 44. Oldtim- (D) November 30, 2012 amount includes Designated Funds of $3,215 of Jailbox Contributions. ers taught me that I now shared in facilities, schools, to professionals that responsibility of not only keeping and jails to name just a few ways you Summary of Offi cial Approvals / Reviews Completed the door open like it was for me, but make it possible to reach out to the Individual / Group Action Through Treasurer Approved Nov., 2012 supporting the committees who carry still sick and suffering alcoholic. Alternate Treasurer Approved Nov., 2012 the message; but GSO which produces It is truly humbling to think of the Finance Committee Approved Nov., 2012 the literature that was teaching me trust instilled in the treasurer position. Offi cers Reviewed Nov., 2012 The next two years will be excit- Area Committee Members Approved Nov., 2012 to live a productive life, and so on. Area Assembly Approved Mar., 2012 Although my part was very small, it ing and full of learning and growth was as necessary as any, and the many for me, and for that I cannot fi nd small parts make a greater whole. words to express my gratitude to come to your district or home group two years to the best of my abilities. Having spent one month now Area 44. I know the Finance Com- to speak. I thank you and look for- In Love and Service, recording the contributions from the mittee and I would be happy to ward to serving Area 44 for the next Wayne G., Area 44 Treasurer Monthly Group Contributions To Area 44 from January 2010 Through December 2012

$10000 $10000

2010 2011 2012 $8000 $8000

$6000 $6000

$4000 $4000

$2000 $2000

$0 $0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey 3

outside my home group. Who Knew? Area. The Translation Committee is Cooperation Area Hello! ¡Hola currently working on setting up some with the I am grateful for this opportunity and will do my best to serve you. Be- Translation Committee Guidelines, which will Professional Community ing on the CPC Committee has been Committee include our purpose and the services very rewarding and also has enhanced would like to take this oppor- we would like to offer the area. Greetings everyone my sobriety. I found myself thinking, tunity to introduce myself as As with any new Committee, there ’d like to take this opportu- “uh oh”; is this all there is to being so- I y our new Translation Chair for is a huge need for Committee mem- nity to introduce myself to ber? “I was stuck. I felt that I needed to Area 44. The gratitude for being able bers and volunteers to help out with I you all. My name is Lisa and do something in addition to just going to be of service in this capacity could translating Area 44 and General Service I have been given the privilege and to meetings. That’s when my Higher never be expressed in words. I am Conference related materials, and honor to serve you as the new Area Power stepped in and gently nudged glad I was placed in this position. As with verbal translation at our area 44 Cooperation with the Profes- me towards service work. I learned with everything that happens in my events, in Spanish and maybe even sional Community (CPC) Chair. about all the other service committees life today, this is not what I expected Polish. If you or anyone that know I never thought I would be writ- when I decided to go to the District and I am amazed how I’m always is interested in providing translation ing an article for this newsletter, let Meeting. It just so happened that there exactly where I’m supposed to be. services, please contact us at transla- alone serve as your Area CPC Chair. was an opening for a district CPC This is an exciting opportunity to [email protected]. As always, feedback It has been a year of changes for me. chair….Coincidence? I don’t think so. include other communities into our and ideas are always welcomed. Previously I was on the committee If you are wondering what CPC Area 44 happenings by providing In Love and Service, Martha as the District 35 CPC Chair (it’s still is all about and what we do, please them a voice and a vehicle for their R., Area Translation Chair open if anyone is interested). I never come to a committee meeting. We participation/involvement with the expected to become the Area Chair. meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month When I was asked by the outgo- at the Area Offi ce in South Plainfi eld Public passion for PI comes from how I got ing chairperson, I said I would check at 8:00pm. We also can attend one of Information here on June 16, 2003. I found AA in with my sponsor. In the meantime, your district meetings and give a brief the phone book. While people today I was in my head thinking; “I can’t presentation about CPC and answer Committee do not use phone books any longer do this,” “What if I fail?” and all the any questions, or speak at one of i. My name is Tom D. and I because of all the new technology in other excuses why I couldn’t do this. your AA meetings. I had no idea that have the pleasure of serving the world today, I believe I can help When I fi nally discussed this with this or any other committee existed H you as the Public Informa- the still sick and suffering alcoholic my sponsor I was totally expect- until I attended my district meeting. tion Chair for Area 44. I would like utilizing the new technology. My com- ing her to agree with me. Boy, was I can’t say enough about what a to tell you a little about me and how mittee is very enthusiastic and you will I surprised when she said it was a great experience this is and I’ve met I got into PI. I came into AA on June be hearing about various ideas that privilege and an honor to be asked, so many great people. I no longer 16, 2003. I got into service in the they have to reach the yet still sick and and she said she had confi dence in think “Is this all there is to being so- District 9 in 2008 as the GSR of my suffering and their families to carry the me and would support me. She even ber?” A whole new world has opened home group and became interested message of this wonderful program. joined the committee! I was too busy up for me. If you are bored or feel in Public Information in 2010 going If you have any questions about what focusing on the negatives and the “stuck” like I did, join a committee to various assemblies and meeting we do a s a committee or how you can positive never entered my mind. This and try doing some service work. people involved in the area. I joined help, please e-mail me at [email protected]. is a real eye opener for me and I am Yours in service and gratitude, the committee in 2011 and became the Yours in service, Tom D., Area learning so much about service work Lisa S., Area 44 CPC Chair alternate chair in 2012. I believe my Public Information Chair

in my head asked “why not you?” fi eld, NJ 07080. Be sure to look for Area N ORTHERN NJ INTERGROUP & AREA 44 Committee I left the meeting as the Alternate our Corrections Conference an- Corrections Chair. That was al- nouncement in this issue, its 10am 2013 Corrections Conference on Corrections most a year ago. Our committee Saturday May 18th at our Area Offi ce. Saturday, May 18th reetings from your Correc- has some extremely dedicated and Last year we had corrections pro- 9am–12:30pm tions Committee. My first knowledgeable members and I am fessionals, a judge and Corrections Guest Speakers exposure to our committee • Local Commitments Available for all AAs G enjoying learning how best to serve Committee members from other • AA In Correctional Facilities DVD came when I accompanied a sponsee as its Chair. Along with Beth C., our areas speak and answer questions. • Continental Breakfast & Hot Lunch to one of our bi-monthly Correc- Alternate, and all the other com- Be sure to check out our new “Video • Committee Members & Corrections tions meetings. He was interested mittee members, we will continue Display” at our next Area Assembly. • Corrections Professionals Share in speaking at jails so I went along to try and carry the AA message Finally, thank you to all who at the to “support him.” It was mentioned into Jails and Prisons in Area 44. contribute to the Jail Box and Pink Area Offi ce at the meeting that the committee Our next committee meeting is Can. Without your help we could not 2325 Plainfi eld Avenue, Suite 2J (rear was in need of an Alternate Chair. 10am Saturday March 16th at our do our work. entrance) South Plainfi eld At that point a “God moment” oc- Area offi ce, 2325 Plainfi eld Avenue, In AA Love and Service, Bill J. for more information contact us at [email protected] curred. Out of the blue “Someone” Suite 2J (rear entrance) South Plain- Area 44 Corrections Chair

The Corrections Committee would like to thank the following groups and districts for their Pink Can and Jail Box contributions Baptistown, Speak Cedar Knolls Woman’s Group Hawthorne, St. Anthony’s Monday Nite Oakland, Change is Good Group Stanhope Group Your Peace Chester Group January 2013 Hawthorne Assembly Ogdensburg, Downtown Serenity Group Three Bridges, Thursday Miracles Belleville, Forest Hills Group Clifton, 3 Legacies Group Jersey City, Friday Night Candlelight Pattenburg Primary Purpose Upper Ridgewood Group Belleville, Recovery Hall Cranford Tuesday Night Keansburg Thursday Night Winners Group Peapack Gladstone Group Verona, Hill Street Blues Belleville Thurs- Denville, Union Hill Grapevine Meeting Keyport, Keepin’ It Real Group Point Pleasant Beach Monday Night Verona, Monday 12:15 day Night Group Districts 1 & 2 Alkathon Keyport, Road to Recovery Group Point Pleasant Beach, Safe Harbor Group Vernon Monday Night Bogata, Sahara Club, District 28 Linden, Friends of Bill W. Red Bank Friday Night Verona Tuesday Night Noon, Sunset,10:10pm District 34 Madison, The Cedar Group Ridgewood, Saturday Nite Village Center Vernon Refl ections Group Fri., 9am East Brunswick - Give & Take Matawan Smog Lifters Group Ringwood, The Sky's the Limit Group Waldwick, Bagel Bash Sat. Mens,12pm; Womens,6pm; Edison, Primary Purpose Millburn 1PM Big Book Rockaway, Grapevine Group Wantage Big Book 10:10pm; 10:59; Flemington, Serenity Seekers Group Newark, New Ironbound Group Rockaway, Union Hill Westfi eld, I Am Responsible 11;30am Sun; 3pm Sun. Freehold, Morning Miracles New Brunswick Wednesday Nite Rocky Hill Group West Orange, Women’s Step Meeting Bound Brook, Saturday Night Garwood Friday Night New Providence, Dawn Patrol South Amboy, New Beginnings Westwood Morning After Group Caldwell Tuesday 6:45 Big Book Haledon, On A Different Footing North Brunswick, Step Up To Sobriety South River Friday Night 4 News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY

Q&A, DCM / GSR Kits and serve al entity. The solution becomes how terfl y or a sober alcoholic. That was Mid-Winter as a liaison between GSO and lo- we can carry the message. Today, I evident when alcoholics made a Luncheon cal offi ces in U.S. and Canada. heard a GSR mention that sometimes decision to show up at a planned Committee M: Jim at the beginning of your talk he feels alone or feels as if others event and they all showed up. you conveyed so much grati- might not be as interested in some of continued on page 12 archeta B, reporting from the tude and appreciation for AA. the concerns and information that a A Message From Next Year’s Chair NNJGS AREA 44 GSR MID- Can you share with the readers GSR has to convey as a service rep. ave you ever wondered M WINTER Luncheon which one thing you are grateful for? The Luncheon is a time that is set how AA events come was held on February 17, 2013, at the J: Everything, the past 13 years, I am aside to showcase GSRs. It epitomiz- together? Well they are Forsgate Country Club. I had the honor grateful to God as I understand es the solution – taking action as op- H planned by interested AA volun- of serving as the Alternate Ticket Chair. him and that even diffi cult times posed to just talking about it. It also teers just like yourself. Fortunately for me, I was working with can be wonderful teaching tools. let’s all GSR’s encourage each other The GSR Mid-Winter Luncheon is an awesome team so my duties were When I came into the program I and reaffi rms that they are not alone. just such an event. The committee minimal. It was suggested that I write a heard men talking about things that M: Very well said and as the GSR for meets once a month. The day and closing article and interview one of the I could relate to. As I work with my home group “Booze U Lose time for the committee meeting are Luncheon speakers. Here is an excerpt others, doing step work and they (shameless plug), I can defi nitely agreed upon, at the fi rst meeting, of my exclusive with Jim M., G.S.O. share something, I fi nd myself say- relate and agree with that. Jim any by the new committee members Staff Member, Group Services Desk. ing “me too,” and I am able to help surprises during the Luncheon? for the upcoming year’s luncheon. them. As indicated in our literature J: I had an opportunity to meet a At this fi rst meeting the subsequent M: Hi Jim, can you please tell me and I paraphrase, “Our dark past woman at the corrections table dates and times are agreed upon. something about yourself? is the greatest asset we have... We who also submitted an article to the The fi rst committee meeting, this J: Sure, my sobriety date is Febru- go from being useless to useful.” General Service Offi ce. Her com- year, will be held on July 9th at ary 13, 2000. My home group is M: Jim, you talked about the time mitment to service and the chance 7:30pm in the area offi ce, 2325 the Long Beach-High Noon/West when drinking was your solu- to meet her was quite a surprise. South Plainfi eld Avenue, in Plain- End in Long Island, New York. tion; can you share how the GSR M: Jim, as we wrap up this inter- fi eld. So, if you are no stranger to M: Jim can you tell me a some- Mid-Winter Luncheon allows you view, – can you tell me if this is service or if you are a novice and thing about your job at the to stay in the “new” solution? your fi rst GSR luncheon and did want to know what it is all about General Service Offi ce? J: A meeting allows us to work on our you have any expectations? please join us. J: I am one of the special workers own personal recovery or to reach J: This is my fi rst GSR Luncheon and In love and service always, that A.A. employs, as written about out and help another person. Service I always have expectations from Patricia S., 2014 GSR in Tradition 8 – I handle corre- events, such as today’s Luncheon, is God as I understand him, whether Mid-Winter Luncheon Chair spondence and communication, an opportunity to gather as a spiritu- he shows up through a baby, but-

Area Conference-approved material always and fi tted into the available space. Literature THwIwSw .n nDjaAa .oYrg Committee deals with the recovery program of I then take all of the articles and Alcoholics Anonymous or with infor- from your newsletter committee place them into a page-makup applica- y name is Maureen R. and I mation about the AA Fellowship.” tion on my computer. In 1995 it was am honored and privileged to (Service Material from the Gen- Hey Gang... PageMaker. Over the years I switched M serve as your Literature Com- eral Service Offi ce “CONFERENCE- t seems the theme for this issue to Quark XPress and now use InDe- mittee Chairperson. My home group is APPROVED LITERATURE” http:// of This Day is “Greeting, my sign. The entire issue is assembled on the Tuesday night Kinnelon Big Book www.aa.org/en_pdfs/smf-29_en.pdf) I name is... and I am the new the computer and after all edits the fi le meeting. I have a sponsor and a ser- The Area 44 Literature Committee chair of...” is emailed to our printer in South vice sponsor. I want to thank Bobby B. distributes Conference approved lit- Well that won’t be the theme for this Jersey who prints 5,000 copies. and the entire committee for all their erature to AA groups and members in committee. You see we don’t have an When the copies are done I drive to work over the last two years. You have Northern New Jersey. The Committee area chair for This Day so John E., the South Jersey to pick them up to bring done a great job I hope we can contin- purchases literature in bulk and sells at past Area Chair, and I, the Editor will back to the area offi ce. At the area ue to serve Area 44’s literature needs. list price. Proceeds support the 12 step stay on until God sends us one. While offi ce I receive mailing labels for all of Last year I was at NERAASA in work of your Standing Committees: we are on the topic I will be retiring the 1,200 groups in Area 44 to apply to Albany, NY and having lunch with a Public Information, Cooperation with and moving in a little over a year so the newsletters and prepare them for Standing Committee member when the Professional Community, Treatment the newsletter is also going to need a bulk mailing. I asked how someone begins to get Facilities and Correctional Facilities, This Day Editor and graphic designer. If any of this makes sense to you, involved in service on the Area level. by providing them with AA literature You see it doesn’t take much to be you just might be a graphic designer/ Taking a suggestion I was given—a to help them carry the message. an “editor.” I went to school, I know Editor/Pickup Service/Mailing Commit- few months after that lunch—I attend- The Literature Committee is made good grammar and spelling—to be tee member. ed the Literature Committee Meeting up of District Literature Representa- honest I know how to read, the I guess the most important skill that and asked how I could help. I left that tive (Reps) from all over Area 44. computer knows how to spell—but the area needs is a graphic designer meeting as the Alternate Literature Currently, we have about 7 reps you see there is a lot more than that to who is familiar with the page-makeup Chairperson and was quickly thrust representing districts within Area 44 publish an issue of This Day. software that I mentioned. into service for the Area. What a ride at our monthly meeting and are look- I was also a graphic designer by As I mentioned earlier, I will be it has been in such a short time. ing forward to meeting the remain- trade and what a pleasure it was to be around for the next year plus some, I have learned all about what ing district reps next month. If your able to design a newsletter without but after that will be preparing to head Conference-Approved literature is district does not have a literature having to answer to the complaints west in retirement. If any of this and what it is not. The term “Con- representative, the Literature Com- and bad suggestions from clients. The interests you, I invite you to join our ference-approved” describes written mittee is happy to visit with your only rules I have to adhere to are AA’s committee. We meet every 3rd Thurs- or audiovisual material approved by district—by invitation—to bring Steps and Traditions. day of the month at 7:30pm at the Area the General Service Conference for information about our committee. Designing each issue includes typing Offi ce, 2325 Plainfi eld Avenue, South publication by GSO. This process The work involved in servicing articles that are sent—unless they are Plainfi eld. Or, you can contact me at assures that everything in such litera- our Area needs people. We have emailed—in which case they are our web address [email protected] ture is in accord with AA principles. continued on page 12 already typed but need to be formatted Yours in service, Bill L., Editor SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey 5 2013 Area 44 Mini-Conference Topics and Discussion Items TOPIC I: C OOPERATION WITH THE by the court saying so-and-so was at the meeting on TOPIC II: G RAPEVINE (LA VIÑA MAGAZINE) PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY a particular date. All involved recognize that neither A. Taking the 2012 assessment of the La Viña A. Should the proposed revisions to the text in the group or the members are “bound” in any way by print magazine into account, should the the section Referrals From Court and Treat- the signature, nor does this courtesy signify affi liation requirement for the current format, i.e. 68 ment Facilities in the pamphlet “If You Ar e a of the group with any other program. It simply pages, perfect bound, etc. be discontinued? Pr ofessional…” be made to refl ect current A.A. illustrates cooperation. In some areas, courts furnish Backgr oun d experience? cooperating AA groups with sealed, stamped enve- A 2010 Advisory Action recommended that La Viña Backgr oun d lopes addressed to the court. In general, the secretary be published as a bimonthly, perfect-bound, black- The trustees Committee on Cooperation With the of the group announces that anybody needing an and-white, 68-page issue at an additional estimated Professional Community received a request to revise envelope may get it after the meeting. The newcomer cost of $21,400 per year for one year beginning in a section under the heading “Proof of Attendance at takes the envelope, privately writes his or her name 2011 followed by a year of review and assessment in Meetings” in the pamphlet, If You Are a Professional and/or return address on it, and mails it. In other 2012. The results of this review and assessment are as to better refl ect current AA experience and agreed to areas, each cooperating group has a sheet, furnished follows. forward the suggestion to the 2013 Conference by the court, that the secretary announces is available Highlights of the “2013 Offi ce Report of La Viña” Committee on Cooperation with the Professional for court ordered newcomers to sign after the were: Community. meeting. The secretary mails the sheet (in envelopes • Management increased the freelance staff for the The request came from the delegate from Arizona. furnished by the referring agency) to the offi ce new La Viña from Jan/Feb 2011 to Nov/Dec 2012 They suggested 3 changes: sending prospects to AA. Thus it is not the AA group, issue, and actual circulation increased by 8.56%. but the prospect’s own signature which affi rms he or • The La Viña editor travelled to Spanish language 1) to add the rewording, (shown as follows in bold she was at the meeting. It is important to note that an Areas conducting many writing workshops across type), to the fi rst bullet point under the section titled Advisory Action of the 1983 Conference Committee the US and Canada. Annual submissions increased “Referrals from Court and Treatment Facilities” on Cooperation With the Professional Community from 204 in 2010 to 548 in 2012. • Each group is autonomous. Some groups states “AA does not provide letters of reference to with the consent of the prospective member 2011 2012 parole boards, lawyers, court offi cials, social agen- have the AA group secretary sign or initial a Bimonthly X X cies, employers, etc.” slip that has been furnished by the court. The Although the above paragraph, E. Proof of atten- Perfect Bound X X referred person supplies identifi cation and dance at AA meetings, is not part of the suggested Black and White X X mails the slip back to the court as proof of changes, it was referenced when the suggested attendance. the slip and reports back to 68-pages X X rewording was proposed. I’ve reproduced this the court as proof of attendance. $21,400 $22,400 $22,400 information here because few AA groups have read 2 & 3) to reword the 2nd paragraph under the the yellow guideline sheets that GSO has to offer on Circulation Growth 8,563 9,296 (+8.56%) section titled “How to Make Referrals to AA” as various topics. For your information The AA Guide- • La Viña expenses rose in 2012 due to salary shown below: lines are available for free and can be read or adjustments and a $29,000 increase in employee Or, y You can also contact the General Service downloaded by going to aa.org, clicking on the tab benefi ts. Offi ce of Alcoholics Anonymous for help and “AA Literature,” clicking on “AA Guidelines,”and then information. Write: at: 2010 2011 2012 selecting a guideline sheet that you would like to P.O. Box 459 Paid Circulation 8,741 8,982 9,157 read. The paragraph, E. Proof of attendance at AA Grand Central Station meetings, reprinted here is taken from GSO’s yellow Magazine Income 28,642 54,223 52,928 New York, NY 10163 Guideline sheet entitled Cooperating with Court, DWI Cost & Expenses 126,802 140,451 181,285 Or phone: (212) 870-3400 and Similar Programs Net Loss for Period 75,480 69,723 115,819 Item #MG-05 (1/12). Excerpt from “AA Guidelines” Yes, Discontinue the New Format Pr os Cooperating with Court, DWI and Similar Programs It is obvious that we can not afford to continue these • The 3 changes suggested by the area seem to be a Item #MG-05 (1/12) losses. Let’s go back to the previous format. Although no-brainer. The suggested new words “Each group E. Proof of attendance at AA meetings. the previous format was not perfect-bound and could is autonomous.” to be added to the second bullet It is important for the judge to understand that not be brought into some jails and prisons. in the pamphlet If You Area a Professional lets the attendance at AA meetings does not guarantee Continue With the New Format professional know that not all AA groups will wish anybody’s future sobriety. Nevertheless, some judges Lets continue with the new format. Don’t look at the to cooperate. require legal, written proof that offenders have bottom line as a profi t/loss. Sales have increased over • The second and third suggested changes eliminate attended a certain number of meetings. Often, when the past couple of years which coincides with the redundant words that makes contacting GSO more the court-ordered newcomer attends an AA meeting, changes made to the La Viña format. obvious. the group secretary (or other group offi cer) is happy What does your group think? With those statistics • It eliminates envelope and mailing information to sign their fi rst name, or to initial a slip furnished taken into account, should La Viña go back to the which doesn’t apply in all areas, i.e. Area 44. old non-perfect bound, less pages, etc. – to save Cons some money – or stay as it is with the perfect binding Delegate Pre-Conference Report Schedule – 2013 I can’t think of any reason and extra pages? Was the increase in sales based on SECTION 1: Tuesday , Mar ch 1 2 th @ 7:30pm. Abundant Life Reformed why any AA would object the format change or some other reason? Do we risk Church 475 Lafayette Avenue, Wyckoff. Hosted by Districts 4/6 to clarifying what AA does loosing sales if we go back to the old format? SECTION 2: Fr iday , Mar ch 2 2 n d @ 7:30pm. Little Falls United Methodist and doesn’t do. Church, 139 Main Street, Little Falls. Hosted by District 11/33 What does your group TOPIC III: LITERATURE SECTION 3: Wedn esday, Mar ch 6th @ 7:00pm. Panther Valley Ecumenical think? Does the rewording Church, 1490 Route 517, Hackettstown. Hosted by District 8 A. Should we replace language in the second to the pamphlet If You paragraph of the dust jacket of the 4th SECTION 4: w as Saturday, March 1 6th @ Hunterdon Medical Center (Audi- Area a Professional torium) 2100 Wescott Dr, Flemington. Hosted by District 15/21 Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous? improve the AA message SECTION 5: Wednesday, March 20th @ 7:00pm. Cook College Extension Backgr oun d Center, College Farm Road, New Brunswick. Hosted by District 22 of how we cooperate with At the 2012 Conference discussed the request to add professionals? SECTION 6: Wednesday, March 13th @ 7:00pm. Avon United Methodist Ch, text from the dust jacket of the 3rd Edition of the Big 507 Garfi eld Ave. crnr of 5th, Avon by the Sea. Hosted by District 28 Book to the dust jacket of the 4th Edition and DISTRICT 30: Sunday, March 24th @ 1:00pm. (Spanish-speaking) 256 decided to take no action. The reason the conference Mulberry Street, 2nd Floor, Newark. Hosted by District 30 continued on page 6 6 News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY Mini-Conference that groups may read before an open or closed level. C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 5 meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. This request • This could help members who may not know how committee took no action was relates to the open meeting statement. The following to handle a non-AA member in a meeting. Reading 1) “it was unclear to the committee whether the is the text that appears on the primary purpose card this statement before a meeting begins may avoid original language was to replace current language with the suggested addition in bold. awkward moments during a meeting. or be added” This is an open meeting of Alcoholics Anony- • If we aren’t clear about the limits of a nonalcohol- 2) “concern that such action would set a precedent mous. We are glad you are all here — especially ic’s participation at an A.A. meeting aren’t we for requiring conference approval of dust jacket newcomers. In keeping with our singleness of leading the nonalcoholic into thinking that they are text” purpose and our Third Tradition which states or can become an AA member? The original area re-drafted their agenda item to that “The only requirement for A.A. membership Cons clearly state the placement of the suggested text and is a desire to stop drinking,” we ask that all who • Putting this phrase on the primary purpose card, respectfully request that the Trustee’ Literature participate confi ne their discussion to their prob- which is read before most meetings, may have Committee consider it at the 2013 Conference. lems with alcohol. “Nonalcoholics may attend more impact and more weight, than when it’s “To replace the second paragraph on the inside open meetings as observers.” included in individual pamphlets. front fl ap of the dust jacket with the following: Where else does this message appear? In the • We may be preventing a newcomer, who may be “At the time of the third edition, in march 1976, the pamphlet The AA Group…Where It All Begins (P-16) confused about his or her alcoholism, or unwilling worldwide membership of AA was estimated at in the section: “The Difference Between Open and to admit to being an alcoholic yet from participat- 1,000,000 or more. Copies of “Alcoholics Anony- Closed A.A. Meetings.” ing and becoming a ‘part of the group’. mous” in circulation exceeded 1,450,000. In 1995, “The purpose of all A.A. group meetings, as the • Could adding this language unintentionally super- the General Service Conference approved the rec- Preamble states, is for A.A. members to “share sede the autonomy of groups guaranteed them in ommendation: “The fi rst 164 pages of the Big their experience, strength and hope with each the 4th tradition? Book, ‘Alcoholics Anonymous,’ the Preface, the other that they may solve their common problem Forewords, “The Doctor’s Opinion,” “Doctor Bob’s and help others to recover from alcoholism.” To- C. Should we add an index to the Big Book, Nightmare” and the Appendices remain as is.” (re- ward this end, A.A. groups have both open and Alcoholics Anonymous? place with: The basic text (pages 1-164) remains closed meetings. Open meetings are available Recom m en dation unchanged. This is the AA message, just as it was to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anony- A request was received from a District in Canada introduced in the 1939 edition of Alcoholics Anon- mous’ program of recovery from alcohol- supporting the creation of an Index to the Big ymous, the book that gave the young fellowship its ism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meet- Book. The suggestion came out of a home group name.)” ings as observers.” and was widely supported by the District. It was Pr os The 2012 Conference put forth an advisory action noted that items could include key phrases, prayers, Area 26 Kentucky maintains that the book was that a similar change be made to the pamphlet A where to fi nd the steps, etc. It was further clari- written to ensure that our message would not message to Corrections Professionals (P-20)” in the fi ed that the purpose was not to facilitate a quick become garbled; “To show other alcoholics precisely section “Singleness of purpose and problems other fi x but to make the study of, and reference to, our how we have recovered is the main purpose of this than alcohol” – to include wording that is consistent basic text more user friendly. The home group and book.” They continue, “The language that clearly with the description of the difference between Open district believe that this proposal should be consid- defi ned where to fi nd our message no longer appears and Closed meetings in the pamphlet The A.A. ered by AA to assist in our study of our basic text. on the dust jacket and since this may be the fi rst Group, to read as follows: Backgr oun d thing one reads in the Fourth Edition of the Big Book, “Some professionals refer to alcoholism and drug As support and background, the District noted that it is important that the dust jacket point exactly to addiction as “substance abuse” or “chemical de- they reached out to the GSO Archivist and learned where our message can be found.” pendency.” Nonalcoholics are, therefore, some- an attempt was made in the 1970’s to create an And fi nally that the Conference should certainly times introduced to A.A. and encouraged to at- index; however, it was created as a separate book consider that the text that appears on the dust jacket tend A.A. meetings. Nonalcoholics may attend and was published in small quantities. Upon further is in fact a part of the book and should be Confer- open A.A. meetings as observers, but only those investigation with the GSO archivist, it was clari- ence Approved. with a drinking problem may attend closed A.A. fi ed that multiple copies of an index were distrib- Cons meetings.” uted by an individual in the early 1970s. As there It is all a matter of semantics. Either way, I won’t Our fi fth tradition states “Each Alcoholics Anony- was interest in the work, the author sent a copy to drink over it. Most dust jackets of Big Books — that mous group ought to be a spiritual entity having but the AAWS Board where it was copyrighted to pre- are used — become tattered and quickly disappear one primary purpose—that of carrying its message to vent distribution while it was being evaluated. The anyway. Those who want to read the Big Book in the alcoholic who still suffers.” general consensus of the review was that it “was public—without announcing to the world that they The pamphlet Problems other than Alcohol (F-8) of more value to scholars and not to the ‘aver- are alcoholics—quickly remove the dust jacket contains the following excerpts from a Grapevine age recovering drunk.” The Board was reluctant to anyway. If you are worried about your Big Book article, (February 1958) by Bill W., representing publish any document which might tend to lend collecting dust, you are missing something anyway. principles which have been reaffi rmed by the GSC authoritarian force or rigidity to the “AA program.” What does your group think? How important is the (1969, 1970, 1972): The district also noted that they believed there wording on the dust jacket to your group? 1. Can a nonalcoholic pill or drug addict become was a need as the topic had come to the confer- an A.A. member? No. ence several times including being a Conference B. Should we add “Nonalcoholics may attend 2. “Can such a person be brought, as a visitor, to an Consideration in 1999, but it did not make it out open meetings as observers” to the end of the open A.A. meeting for help and inspirations? Yes. of committee. In the additional review with the open meeting side of the Primary Purpose 3. If so, should these nonalcoholic pill or drug users GSO Archivist, the reply stated that “I could fi nd no (blue) card? be led to believe that they have become A.A. instances in which a proposed index had ever been Backgr oun d members? No. forwarded as an Agenda Item to the General Service A request was made from Area 64, Tennessee to the Pr os Conference. In the History and Actions of the General Trustees Committee on Literature to add additional • Making this singleness of purpose statement Service Conference Committee on Literature, the only language to the Primary Purpose card that is read at consistent will avoid confusion and provide clear mention of an index was in the Additional Committee the beginning of many AA meetings in order “to direction to all non-members and friends of AA. Consideration which came out of the Committee on make the open meeting description be “Uniform” in • This supports our primary purpose while still Literature in 1999. This was not a result of a pro- all A.A. literature.” remaining welcoming to all who are interested in posed conference Agenda Item, as there was none in The primary purpose ‘blue card” (F-17) was made Alcoholics Anonymous. the background from that year or the previous year, available as a service piece by the 1987 General • Including this on our primary purpose card helps either for the Trustees’ Committee on Literature or the Service Conference. It contains suggested language reinforce the 5th tradition at the group and meeting continued on page 7 SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey 7 Mini-Conference years for development of the Apps, creation of the other non-A.A. literature? While the AA Grapevine C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 6 online store, and transfer of the texts to appropri- has been allowed to market this way, does our Basic conference Committee on Literature. In the absence of ate electronic formats. The IOS App was released in Text fall in the same category as Grapevine antholo- any written details, one might assume it arose as part December of 2011. While functional, the App was gies? If we do not have the money or resources to of the Conference Committee on Literature’s discus- less than ideal, and many users found it inferior to enter into the digital landscape with our literature sion that year of the proposed Fourth Edition Big eReaders such as the iBooks, Kindle and Nook. without using third-party vendors, perhaps we might Book, and the Additional Committee Consideration as There were unexpected changes in technology, do better to wait until clear, acceptable distribu- written was ‘The committee strongly suggested that no extensive development time and high costs to sup- tion channels and stable technologies emerge. index be included in the Fourth Edition Big Book.” port these Apps. These areas were not fully antici- So at this time should we again consider the index? pated when AAWS began the eBook project. These TOPIC V: TRUSTEES Pr os challenges delayed the releases of both a modifi ed A. Should the General Service Board’s proposed • Our book is called and referenced as our basic version of the IOS App specifi cally for the iPad and plan for an “interlocking directorate” of the text–not just once but a couple of times through- the Android version of the eReader. In the summer directors of the A.A.W.S. Board and the A.A. out. So what do you do with a text book? Well you of 2012, AAWS conducted an intensive review of its Grapevine Board be approved? study it. You may form a study group. You start to work on the eBooks project. One of the conclusions Backgr oun d highlight and underline all kinds of things–impor- of this review was that creating and maintaining What is an interlocking directorate? It is a Board tant things that mean something to you the reader. AAWS eReader Apps was not going to be sustainable structure whereby board directors serve on more than Would an index be helpful in this case? Yes, it in the long run, due to the changes in technology, one board. It is deemed legal as long as the boards would make it easy to fi nd those items you high- extensive development time and high costs to sup- served by the directors are not competitive in nature lighted and wanted to reference again at a later port these Apps. Over the course of 2011 and 2012, or being. Thus, proposed use of an interlocking date. approximately $248,000 of the budgeted $411,000 directorate by the General Service Board of A.A. for • As a meeting chair you could fi nd topics quick and was spent on the eBook effort to make it operational. AAWS. and A.GV Boards is legal. easy. Since the launch of eBooks, AAWS has sold 5,118 Big Pr os: • When sitting with the newcomer it could make it Book and 4,553 of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Tradi- • This set up aids in effi cient operations and fi nancial easy to fi nd something or the newcomer could sit tions. Total sales income for both books was $58,026. stability by exchange of information and ideas for at home by themselves and go at this whole As AAWS recognized that the cost and effort to improvements in operations. recovery thing on their own. maintain eReader Apps were much greater than • Reductions of cost by use of shared services; • As noted in the recommendation there are numer- originally budgeted, would not be recouped by sales fi nancial, technology, offi ce space, design and ous index lists published externally supporting that of eBooks, and would drain other GSO resources, development of products. there is a need/demand for one. This would put the question of what to do next arose. AA members • Consistent accounting and reporting practices. the index right in the Big Book eliminating the with eReaders continued to regularly ask for AAWS • Improved communications and transparency by need for two separate documents. to provide the service of digital literature that they sharing of Board Meeting minutes. Cons could read on their devices. In 2011, the General • Encourages collaborative actions. • Would this make it too easy in the study of our Service Conference passed an Advisory Action giv- Cons: program? ing AA Grapevine, Inc. permission to use third-party • Use of interlocking directorate by AA General • If we can easily fi nd what we are looking for on vendors to sell its material, and by this time sev- Service Board has not reduced the number of our own, do we remove the fellowship of sharing eral Grapevine eBooks were being sold this way. Directors or participants. Total membership on what we found in the pages of the book that has Pr os corporate Boards remains at 17. Associated costs saved our lives? AAWS has determined that in order to make digi- are retained (travel, hotel, meals, etc.). Potential • Do we discourage reading the entire text only tal versions of A.A. literature available to the wid- cost avoidance not realized. using it as a reference guide? est number of A.A. members and others interested, • Changes to corporate by-laws, AAWS, AAGV, AA that selling through third-party vendors would be General Service Board, should be identifi ed and TOPIV IV: PUBLIC INFORMATION required. In coming to this conclusion, the AAWS changed to the greatest extent possible, prior to A. Should A.A.W.S. use commissioned online Board agreed that selling through third-party vendors start up and implementation of the plan. stores to sell and distribute digital A.A. using currently standard practices in the publish- • Decision should be made on if there will be 1 literature? ing industry was not contrary to A.A. Traditions, and member serving as Chairperson on the Board or 2 Backgr oun d would maintain the digital rights management neces- prior to implementation of plan. The AA publishing company, AAWS, (Alcoholics sary to protect copyrights. They understand that on • Partial change will not reverse fi nancial instabilities Anonymous World Services), realizes that more and their sales sites, third-party vendors may let custom- of AAGV Should be all or nothing change. One more of our members and potential members are ers know what other people who bought an AA book corporation instead of 2, shown as Option 2 in looking for electronic versions of our literature. In also purchased, and may include reader comments Plan; or separation of activities as described in plan 2009 they tried using Amazon to distribute a Kindle about the book on the page. It was also understood by implementation of Option 3 describing use of version of the Big Book and Twelve Steps and Twelve that pricing for each third-party vendor may vary ac- AAWS Services Offi ce and AA Media Services Traditions. Unfortunately advertising shown around cording to that vendor’s contracting. Because of the Offi ce. any purchase of the books gave the impression previous unsuccessful attempt to sell through third- • Lack of suggested solutions or plans to address the that we were affi liated with other titles and authors, party vendors, AAWS determined to ask the General major issue preventing AAGV from being profi t- advertisements and referrals and the books were Service Conference to weigh in on this matter. They able; lack of magazine subscriptions and lack of removed from Amazon. Following the removal of passed a motion to forward the following agenda participation of membership to assist in resolving the Big Book from sale on Amazon, AAWS continued item to the Conference: “Consider the request from this issue. to receive requests for an electronic version of the AAWS for permission to use commissioned online Big Book and other AA literature. In order to avoid stores to sell and distribute digital AA literature.” TOPIC VI: ARCHIVES the concerns voiced at the 2009 Conference, and Cons A. Should A.A.W.S publish a commemorative in order to maintain digital rights management, the The Fellowship voiced concerns in 2009 about the “75th Anniversary Edition” of the First Edi- AAWS Board determined to create its own applica- possible interpretation of endorsement or affi liation tion, First Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous tions for both the IOS Operating System on Apple with other products or authors when then Kindle in April 2014? handheld devices and for handheld devices using product was being sold. While these appearances Backgr oun d the Android System (Apps). These Apps were to on the screen are the way distributors increase their AAs often ask how does a topic get added to the fi nal be sold directly from a newly created online store, sales and most consumers understand they are Conference Agenda? This topic is a perfect example removing any objections to third party sales. The marketing tools and not affi liation, do we want our of just how a conference agenda item comes to be. budget called for $411,000 to be allocated over two Conference Approved literature shown alongside continued on page 8 8 News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY Mini-Conference Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous (The Big Book) Archivist, Michelle Mirza, was asked to consider C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 7 that is faithful in production specifi cations to the the proposal and gather the relevant background. original First Edition—and clearly marked as the A proposal was prepared, reviewed and a rec- An area Archives Committee had an idea that “75th Anniversary Edition” of the 1939 book or ommendation was forwarded to the AAWS board. AAWS should reprint an exact duplicate (matching facsimile dust jacket. The book will be offered for The Board approved the recommendation “that the the size, color, and extra thick weight of the paper sale for a limited period of time from April 2014 concept of posting selected archival audio record- used in 1939 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of through the 2015 International Convention period.” ings on the GSO AA website be approved.” At the the publication of the Big Book and release it to the Oh, did I forget to mention that this submission February 3rd. Board meeting, this recommenda- public April 10, 2014 just as the original was in 1939. came from the Northern New Jersey Area 44 Archives tion was sent to the Conference Archives commit- They took their suggestion to the area delegate who Committee? tee for consideration at the 2013 Conference. composed a letter to conference Archives trustees Pr os In reviewing the report, the AAWS Services com- committee requesting that the conference consider • AA members can experience what the First Edition, mittee noted that there was a need for clarifi cation the proposal. First Printing of the Big Book really looked like and of a 2007 Conference Advisory Action that stated: The committee thought it would sell well initially felt like, and have their very own copy published Any future proposed project involving wide- and also could be sold at the 2015 International by AAWS and not an outside entity. spread distribution of archival recordings be Convention which usually sells some sort of AA • Members can learn an important part of our history submitted to the Conference Archives Com- commemorative of attendance made especially for and teach newcomers about it. mittee so that the Conference might provide the Internationals. • This would be a great piece for an Area Archives guidance prior to production. The letter was received by the trustees Archives Committee to work with and use for displays when The Archives Guidelines, which is available on the Committee, discussed, and passed onto the AAWS visiting various A.A. events. AA GSO Website, state: “Like any other A.A. service, Director of Publications. • Sales of the book (which would be from the period the primary purpose of those involved in archival In an October letter the director wrote, “As Publica- April, 2014 through the 2015 International Conven- work is to carry the message of Alcoholics Anony- tions Director, I am strongly in favor of the concept tion) will most likely result in substantial profi t to mous…it is the means by which we collect, preserve of creating a 75th Anniversary Commemorative A.A. For 100,000 copies, the print cost would be and share the rich and meaningful heritage of Edition of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, by $2.44 per book, and for 200,000 copies, the print our Fellowship.” This guideline also states that the publishing a replica of the First Edition. The purpose cost would be $2.41 per book. It is anticipated that Mission and Purpose of Archives is “…to make the of this concept is twofold: a publication where the purchase price will be in the $10 – $15 range. history of the organization to AA members and other recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Big Book Strong sales are projected. researchers...” and “…to promote knowledge and and business mix.” • Since AA lost the copyright to the First Edition of understanding of the origins, goals and programs A January 2013 letter to the Board by the new the Big Book, this will allow us to “reclaim” what is of Alcoholic Anonymous.” This guideline also ex- Director of Publications, Greg T.—who recently “ours” in a spiritual and historical sense. presses the “necessity for protecting the anonymity replaced the previous retiring director—agreed Cons of AA members.” This requirement for anonymity writing “Therefore, I recommend that in April 2014, • Replicas of this First Edition, First Printing are is discussed extensively in the Internet guideline. coinciding with the anniversary of its publication, already published, out there for sale. Why do we We observe all AA’s principles and Tradi- AAWS publish a commemorative edition of the First need to do this? tions on our Web sites. Since anonymity is • If AAWS is always needing “the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions,” to cut costs because only a we practice anonymity on AA Web sites at g a r d e n s t a t e y o u n g p e o p l e o f small percentage of groups all times. An AA Web site is a public medi- a l c o h o l ic s a n o n ymo u s p r e s e n t : send in contributions, how um, which has the potential for reaching the THE 2 013 CONFERENCE can we justify spending broadest possible audience, and, therefore, > w e s t o p p e d i n t ime > either $242,482 for 100,000 requires the same safeguards that we use at April 19, 20 and 21, 2013 Fairview Lake Conference Center - Stillwater, NJ copies or $481,402 for all levels of press, radio and fi lm. “YOUNG is ANYONE WHO HAS GROWING TO DO!” 200,000 copies? r e gi s t e r a n d p a y o n l i n e a t www. g s y p. o r g • What if projections are When we use digital media, we are respon- or mail this form and check payable to g s y p a a to the address below. wrong, and there’s not sible for our own anonymity and that of oth- Full Name: much interest? Isn’t this too ers. When we post, text or blog, we should

Male Female much of a risk? assume that we are publishing at the public Sobriety Date Address • Since we made the mistake level. City State Zip Phone of losing the copyright to Pr os Age Special Dietary Needs the First and Second Having audio recordings available on the Website Meeting Topic Suggestions: Editions of the Big Book, is fi ts well with the mission and the purpose of the

Would You Lead a Meeting? Is This Your First Conference? Tee Shirt Size (CIRCLE ONE) this our way of trying to Archives committee. These recordings would help YES NO YES NO S M L XL 2XL 3XL “save face” and regain share the rich and meaningful heritage of Alcohol- E-Mail Address: Sweat Shirt Size (additional $25.00) I would like to room with: S M L XL 2XL 3XL control? We have to check ics Anonymous and help us better understand out contact: Chris D. (619) 994-5283 Registration Chair our motives. history and origins. Hearing about our history from John D. (201)-240-8029 Co-Registration Chair our Founders and the early pioneers in their own (Attendees under 18 will need parental consent, signed and dated by parent or guardian) FINE PRINT All cabin assignments are made by gender. If you give your spot away, please make sure it is to a member of the same sex. If you want to room with a friend, B. Should we post archival words is an excellent way of carrying the message please note it on your registration and we will do our best to accommodate you. NO CAMPING. NO TENTS. NO BARBECUE GRILLS. Thank You. audio recordings on of our Fellowship. Care would have to be taken to Fully Paid Registration is $150.00 and includes the following: G.S.O.’s AA Web Site? address any issues of anonymity with recordings. • All Lodging and Meals, Soda, Coffee, Water • Serene Setting on Fairview Lake • 3 Days, 2 Nights of Continuous Meetings • Great Fellowship Backgr oun d Cons • Bonfire Meetings • Recreational Activities (Boating & Hiking At a meeting late last year of Anonymity is a key concern with the posting of • Friday Night Ice Cream Social along the Appalachian Trail) • THIS IS A CLOSED AA CONFERENCE • Saturday Night Speaker Meeting and Dance the Trustees’ Archives com- these audio recordings. Can the Fellowship be as- Please mail this form and your payment to: mittee, there was a discus- sured that the recordings will be properly anoni- Deposit (Reserve Your Spot!!) $50.00 GSYPAA sion about ways to make mized and that all last names will be redacted. If a Donation to Scholarship Fund $ P.O. BOX 219 (Help someone else go to the conference) SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ selected archival recordings mistake is made, someone’s anonymity would be Sweatshirt $ 07080-0219 more available to the Fel- broken and, since we are talking about the Inter- Total Payment $ Or register online at: lowship. One suggestion net, there’ll be no way to correct the mistake. Balance Due at Registration $ www.gsyp.org made at that meeting was What do you think? Should we post these to post these audio clips on audio recordings on the AA Website? Deposits are due by the 9th of April 2 013. Cancellations after April 9th are non-refundable. Please make all checks payable to g s y p a a the GSO website. The GSO Yours in service, the Th is Day Committee SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey 9

talk with another alcoholic or get to a history to be used at Group Anniver- meeting. The volunteer numbers were Area History saries, Days of Sharing, Assemblies broken up into Area 44’s 13 counties. and Archives and Conventions. We store documents I took the fi rst spot, Sunday 9am Committee and information relating to Northern to 3pm. The answering service called NJ AA. We organize this information, y name is Rich and I am an to alert me that they were forwarding reetings from the History preserving and cataloging it for our alcoholic. When first going the calls to the Intergroup Offi ce over G & Archives Committee. membership. We also provide knowl- M to meetings I listened, did to my phone number. This way the My name is Paul and I am the new edgeable speakers on AA history. what was suggested, and got a spon- caller never has my phone number. History & Archives Chair for Area If you are interested in discover- sor. I was told to get involved and The calls I received were mostly 44. I am looking forward to serv- ing and preserving our rich his- was given a coffee commitment. They people looking for meetings. The call- ing the members of Northern New tory please join us for our com- gave me the responsibility to open ers were so thankful that I was there, Jersey AA for the next 2 years. mittee meeting held on the third up the building, make coffee, and a voice on the phone to talk to, and The History and Archives Com- Tuesday of each month at the greet people I never met before. After give them directions for help. The mittee preserves the rich legacy Intergroup Offi ce 2400 Morris a few months at a business meeting, feeling that I got, knowing I was help- of Alcoholics Anonymous with an Ave, Suite 106 Union, NJ 07083. an opening for Intergroup Delegate ing someone by letting them know emphasis on Northern New Jersey. Yours in AA service, came up. In a quick group conscience there is a solution to this disease of We provide a variety of services to the Paul C., History & Archives Chair vote I was given that position. alcoholism, was very rewarding. fellowship including displays of AA At my fi rst Intergroup meeting, Night When I talked to the other volunteers Watch Chair Russ S. gave his report. who were involved they all enjoyed it Area Chair Committee thought that it would be appropriate to reprint the First Edi- I thought that answering the phones greatly and had the same feelings of C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1 after hours sounded very interesting. I knowing they were helping someone in tion, First Printing as it was on April took the idea back to my home group great pain and misery. When our week Reports. We have some great top- 10, 1939. So we passed this on to our and they told me it’s been a long time was fi nished and I started collecting ics to discuss, and I’m looking delegate at the time, who then wrote since the group had done Night Watch. the binders, everyone was wondering forward to sharing about the area’s a letter to the General Service Offi ce, So I got a week for my home group when the group could do it again. functions (How It Works). If you who then passed it on to the Trustees and became a Night Watch Leader. I have since become night Watch haven’t attended one of these re- Archives Committee, who then passed I was given a telephone cover- coordinator for Sussex, Warren, And ports, you’re missing a lot! The dates it on to the Conference Committee age schedule sheet to assign a group Hunterdon Counties. AA has given me are listed on the NNJAA web site. on Archives! Hence, “The Path of A member to shifts to answer the a new life. Getting involved in service, Now, let me take a minute to talk Recommendation.” It may or may not telephones, Sunday through Satur- from leading meetings to coffee-maker about my real passion. No, I’m not be voted on at the conference, but day, including evenings when the to GSR to Intergroup Delegate and going to talk about my wife... but His- whatever happens is exactly what a Intergroup Offi ce was closed. now Night Watch Coordinator has tory & Archives. As you may or may loving God does when He expresses I passed the schedule sheet around been a great experience. I can give not know, I also have the privilege Himself in our group conscience. at our meeting and all the nightly and back what has been freely given to to serve Area 44 as your Archivist. This is the essence of our Tradition weekend commitments were quickly me...a new life. I am very grateful to This was my personal introduction to Two. I can’t wait to see the results! fi lled. I had to hand out Night Watch the fellowship of Alcoholics Anony- AA service. I just love what we do in In closing, I am truly going to Binders to the volunteers which con- mous and glad to be of service. that committee. We’re always learning enjoy every second of this experience tained and introduction, step by step Rich B., Alive Again Group, something new. The year 2014 will for the next two years! Thank you instructions, a map, a meeting book, Hopatcong and Night Watch be the 75th anniversary of the pub- again for allowing me to serve you! and pages of AA volunteer telephone Coordinator for Sussex, War- lishing of the Big Book of Alcoholics In AA Love and Service, numbers in case the caller needed to ren and Huterdon Counties Anonymous and we in the Archives Lester G., Area 44 Chairperson

NERAASA 2013 Spirit of Rotation. room was an experience in itself. The service Besides the wonderful displays set up hat happens when you round roundtable sched- the main attraction had to be the two up over a thousand recover- ule included Ses- hand written pieces of cardboard from W ing alcoholics, put them all sion A on Friday ground zero, they had meeting list- in a resort in the middle of Amish Night and Session ings for people helping out at ground country (don’t forget to add in the B on Saturday zero who might need a meeting. pungent smell of horse apples), leav- Night. The nightly Sunday ended this wonderful ing them unsupervised to interact with roundtable ses- event. There were Roundtable Re- themselves on a cold and rainy week- sions were fol- port backs, Panel 63 Area highlights. end in February 2013? Why that can lowed up by an The Ask It Basket questions were only be NERAASA (North East Re- ice cream social/ answered by Panel 62 & 63 Del- gional Alcoholics Anonymous Service fellowship hour. egates; again Area 44 was represented Assembly) 2013 hosted by Area 59. Friday night ice by Linda KK (Area 44 Delegate). Everyone had a great time. The host: cream was on If this sounds interesting and you There were late night meetings Eastern Pennsylvania General Service your own, Saturday night the ice have an urge to get your feet wet Friday and Saturday night. There were Area 59 did a wonderful job of setting cream was provided by Area 59. in service work, have no fear. NERF early bird meetings on Saturday and up and coordinating. The six panels As if that wasn’t enough stimulation (North East Regional Forum) 2013 will Sunday morning. The hospitality suite that went all weekend were informa- for a sober weekend getaway? There be hosted by Area 11 Connecticut on was constantly manned and full of tive and very entertaining. Area 44 was was a Trustee Report given by the June 7, 8 & 9 2013. NERAASA 2014 will all kinds of goodies, from meat and privileged to be represented by Marge Northeast Regional Trustee J Gary L. be hosted by Area 61 Rhode Island on cheese platters to muffi ns, danishes K. as she presented the topic “Quali- before lunch on Saturday. There was February 21, 22 &23 2014. Do not for- and fresh fruit. The coffee pots were ties of Leadership” for Panel 1. Judy M. a banquet dinner, fl ag ceremony and get that NERAASA 2015 will be hosted full and fresh. The coolers were full of Area 44 was the moderator for Panel a highly entertaining speaker meet- by the home of the BIG BOOK. Our bottled water and sodas. Overall the 2: AA and Technology - Opportuni- ing chaired by Marty S. Co-chair of very own AREA 44. Volunteers needed. volunteers from Area 59 did a fan- ties and Challenges. Brenda D. Area NERAASA 2013. The speaker was J Yours in service, Berney J., South tastic job. The History and Archives 44 was the moderator for Panel 6: Gary L. Northeast Regional Trustee. River Friday Night Group 10 News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY

as well as all the damages I may do to I remember how I did not know what DDistrictistrict ServiceService others or myself. Each day I pray that life held in store for me. I try to reach MMeetingseetings God, my Higher Power watches over out to new people and encourage them DDistrictistrict 1&21&2 - 2nd2nd Tuesday.Tuesday. 7:30pm,7:30pm, me, keeps me in check, and when I am to attend the alkathons, to get a home LLafayetteafayette aatt tthehe SSunriseunrise HHouseouse CCafeteria.afeteria. tired at the end of the day HE GIVES group and join in whatever group activi- DDistrictistrict 3 - 3rd3rd FridayFriday 7:007:00 ppm;m; HHillcrestillcrest CCommunityommunity CCenter,enter, 11810810 ME THE WISDOM TO KNOW that it is a ties are happening. My fi rst sober Christ- MMacopinacopin RRoad,oad, WestWest MilfordMilford meeting that will put me back on track. mas tree was a cactus plant in a bowl of DDistrictistrict 4&64&6 - 3rd3rd Thur.Thur. 7:307:30 pm,pm, UUpperpper RRidgewoodidgewood CCommunityommunity CCh,h, It is very easy to lose the purpose of sand wrapped in red foil. I got sober on HHillcrestillcrest & FFairmount,airmount, RRidgewoodidgewood the holidays by placing expectations on November 22, 1984 on Thanksgiving Day DDistrictistrict 5&75&7 - 2nd2nd Thursday,Thursday, 7pm,7pm, St.St. MMary’sary’s CChurchhurch ccornerorner ofof HighHigh andand our families, friends, and ourselves. Being when I ended up in Arizona on one of LLegion,egion, ClosterCloster SPEAK OUT! This Day Newsletter provides an alcoholic and being a visionary of how my many escapades. I was very glad for DDistrictistrict 8 - 2nd2nd Tues.Tues. 7:30pm,7:30pm, PantherPanther VValleyalley EEcumenicalcumenical CCh,h, RRtt 5517,17, this forum for individual AA’s viewpoints things could or should be, I place myself that simple fi rst Christmas tree. It remind- AAllamuchyllamuchy and opinions. The opinions expressed here in very precarious situations sometimes. I ed me that I had just survived the war of DDistrictistrict 9 - 3rd3rd Tues.Tues. 7:307:30 pm,pm, are individual opinions only and not nec- SStanhopetanhope UUnitednited MMethodistethodist CCh,h, RRtete want to buy all these things, make every- a lifetime fi ghting this disease. By surren- 1183,83, NetcongNetcong essarily the opinions of This Day, Area 44, DDistrictistrict 1010 - 2nd2nd Tues.Tues. 7:007:00 pm,pm, 1st1st North Jersey Intergroup, or AA as a whole. one happy, be involved in all the activi- dering to you, my friends in AA, I gained PPresbyterianresbyterian Church,Church, 513513 BirchBirch St,St, We welcome your comments, opinions ties going on around me and quite frankly a life worth living. There were no strang- ((cornercorner ofof ChurchChurch & Birch)Birch) BoontonBoonton or viewpoints on anything found in this DDistrictistrict 11/3311/33 - 44thth WWed.ed. 77:00:00 ppm,m, drive myself crazy with all this stuff that ers here, just friends I hadn’t met yet. CCliftonlifton Library,Library, 229292 PPiagetiaget AveAve RmRm A newsletter. — The Editor DDistrictistrict 1212 - 3rd3rd Fri.Fri. 7pm,7pm, St.St. PPaul’saul’s runs around in my head. It can be pretty As I look forward to the spring and feel EEpiscopalpiscopal Church,Church, 113113 EngleEngle StSt he holidays are over and the hard on my pocketbook too. When it’s the sunlight on my face in the midst of EEnglewoodnglewood 2nd2nd ! ooroor ChoirChoir RoomRoom DDistrictistrict 1313 - 2nd2nd Tue.Tue. 7:307:30 pm,pm, WesleyWesley groundhog says that we are six all over on January 2nd and I reassess the cold winter air, I get ready for an- MMeth.eth. CCh.,h., 222525 WWashingtonashington AAve,ve, weeks away from spring. If you the damages I can either agree that I other day of sobriety, another day to live BBellevilleelleville T DDistrictistrict 1414 - LastLast Tue.Tue. 7pm,7pm, St.St. are like me, getting through Thanksgiv- worked the program during this time a worthwhile life, victorious over alcohol NNicholasicholas SSchoolchool HHall,all, 112222 FFerryerry Street,Street, JJerseyersey CityCity ing to the spring is like swimming the rip period or I got caught up in the spirit because of you. In the Big Book on page DDistrictistrict 15/2115/21 - 33rdrd MMon.on. 77:30:30 ppm,m, tide without a life jacket. If you fight the and was lucky I didn’t pick up a drink or 164 of the chapter “A Vision for You” it HHunterdonunterdon MMedicaledical CCenter,enter, EEmployeemployee CCafeteria,afeteria, Rt.Rt. 3131 South,South, FlemingtonFlemington current you are going to go under. If you burn some more bridges in my sobriety. talks about experiencing the fellowship of DDistrictistrict 1616 - 3rd3rd Mon.Mon. 7:30pm7:30pm just ride the wave and go with the tide It is a daily retrieve from alcoholism that the spirit and trudging the road to happy HHillsdaleillsdale PPres.res. CCh.h. RRidgedaleidgedale AAve,ve, CCedaredar KnollsKnolls you will get through unscathed. Holidays my Higher Power has given me and it destiny. I have found that spirit and I am DDistrictistrict 1717 - 3rd3rd Fri.Fri. 8 pm,pm, AlanonAlanon AAssoc.,ssoc., 77thth AAvenuevenue aandnd 77thth SStreet,treet, can be especially rough on us alcohol- is maintained by my not forgetting it. on that road. My responsibility for this gift NNewarkewark ics with the hustle and bustle of all the All in all I spent a lot of time praying, is to maintain it and to pass the message DDistrictistrict 1818 - 2nd2nd Mon.Mon. 7:307:30 pm,pm, UnionUnion VVillageillage UUnitednited MMethodistethodist CCh,h, activities and demands that are made on meditating, visiting with friends, hanging on to others I meet along the way. So MMountainountain AAve.ve. & HHillcrestillcrest RRd.,d., BBerkeleyerkeley us as well as those we make on ourselves. out with my family members and remem- enjoy this day, be safe, and be sober. HHeightseights DDistrictistrict 1919 - LastLast Mon.Mon. 7:307:30 pm,pm, The challenge each day for me has bering that the life I have today is only Yours in the spirit of the fellow- FFriendshipriendship HHall,all, NNewew MMarketarket RRoad,oad, been to achieve a sense of balance and to because of God and the fellowship of the ship, Denise G., Monday Night East PPiscatawayiscataway DDistrictistrict 2020 - 2nd2nd TuesTues 7:00pm,7:00pm, TrinityTrinity remember that whatever joys or memo- spirit here in Alcoholics Anonymous. I re- Brunswick Give and Take Group EEpiscopal,piscopal, NNorthorth & FForestorest AAves.,ves., CCranfordranford ries I make or have are mine to deep fl ect back on my fi rst sober holidays and DDistrictistrict 2222 - 3rd3rd Wed.Wed. 7:307:30 pm,pm, CookCook CCollegeollege ExtensionExtension Center,Center, CCollegeollege things with my life, but ended up doing FFarmarm Road,Road, NewNew BrunswickBrunswick If Nothing I Remember: DDistrictistrict 2323 - 2nd2nd Thur.Thur. 7:307:30 pm,pm, SaintsSaints poor things once my drinking started. As PPetereter & PaulPaul OrthodoxOrthodox Church,Church, 9 remember when having a drink JJee" eerierie Ave,Ave, SouthSouth RiverRiver Changes… Noth- with most of us life held great potential made me feel relaxed and even hap- DDistrictistrict 2424 - 3rd3rd Mon.Mon. 8 pm,pm, TrinityTrinity ing Changes! never realized because of drinking alcohol. EEpiscopalpiscopal CChurch,hurch, RRyersyers LLane,ane, I p y. It seems I didn’t notice that after MMatawanatawan Then one day I woke up with the belief ’m writing this not just to awhile alcohol started to take over my life. DDistrictistrict 2525 - LLastast WWed.ed. 77:30:30 ppm,m, HHopeope that I had to save my life instead of wast- LLutheranutheran CChurch,hurch, 2211 EElton-Adelphialton-Adelphia remind myself, but also for the It started slowly and eventually building up RRoad.,oad., FreeholdFreehold woman who is in this very ing it. I had to turn my life around and DDistrictistrict 2626 - 3rd3rd Thur.Thur. 7:307:30 pm,pm, FirstFirst I to a complete takes over. I remember that PPresbyterianresbyterian ChurchChurch (Tower(Tower Hill),Hill), 255255 face it instead of running away from it. I situation and feels stuck. I’ve been when going out with friends I could, in the HHardingarding RRoad,oad, RReded BankBank had to make a decision as it tells us in the DDistrictistrict 27/2927/29 - 33rdrd MMon.on. 77:30:30 ppm,m, sober now for 3 years and some- beginning I could say that’s enough I’m go- HHolyoly CrossCross LLuth.uth. CCh,h, HHooperooper AAve,ve, TTomsoms twelve steps I had to fi x me because I was times I still want to do things my ing home. But that happened less and less RRiveriver my problem. It didn’t take long for me to DDistrictistrict 2828 - 1st1st Tue.Tue. 7:30pm,7:30pm, StSt way. I’ve always had to learn the over time and eventually I would be one of MMargaret’sargaret’s CChurch,hurch, 33rdrd & LLudlowudlow realize that the fi rst thing I had to do was AAvenue,venue, SpringSpring LakeLake hard way, instead of taking sugges- the last to leave the bar. After awhile alco- admit to myself that I was an alcoholic DDistrictistrict 3030 - 4th4th SundaySunday 1212 Noon,Noon, 6969 tions from other women and my hol started to take over my life and before GGreenreen Street,Street, NNewarkewark and I needed help. So I took the fi rst step DDistrictistrict 3131 - 2nd2nd Thur.Thur. 6:306:30 pm,pm, sponsor. long it became the most important thing IImmaculatemmaculate HHearteart OOff MMaryary CChapel,hapel, and admitted I had the disease of Alco- I began dating another recovering in my life. For a lot of those years I was a 777th7th StreetStreet & BBroadway,roadway, NNorthorth BBergenergen holism and had to do something about DDistrictistrict 3232 - 3rd3rd Thur.Thur. 7:007:00 pm,pm, alcoholic about a year ago. At fi rst I functioning alcoholic, I had a job and went BBayonneayonne Library,Library, 31st31st St.St. & AAve.ve. CC.,., it. I started talking to people who would BBayonneayonne was pretty adamant about not being to work almost every single day. I drove listen and give me insight on what I had DDistrictistrict 3434 - 3rd3rd Sat.Sat. 99:30am,:30am, OOurur LLadyady in a relationship, but that wasn’t what a tractor trailer for all those years and for ooff SSorrows,orrows, 217217 ProspectProspect SSt,t, ((LowerLower to do. I did as they said and started go- CChurch)hurch) SouthSouth OrangeOrange he was hearing. This relationship was quite a few I drove a gasoline tanker. It’s a DDistrictistrict 3535 - 2nd2nd Tue.Tue. 7:307:30 pm,pm, GoodGood ing to Alcoholic Anonymous meetings to very sick from the start but I always miracle I didn’t kill anyone or maybe a lot SShepherdhepherd Lutheran.Lutheran. CChurch,hurch, NNorthorth learn about Alcoholism. I learned that it all RRichardichard SStreettreet aandnd UUnionnion AAvenue,venue, iinn think I can fi x other people to be just of people. It seemed that every problem SSomerville.omerville. began with not drinking one day at a time, DDistrictistrict 3636 - 3rd3rd Fri.Fri. 7:307:30 pm,pm, TrinityTrinity the way I want them to be. I forget that was happening in my life I solved with go to a meeting, and help another alco- EEpiscopalpiscopal CChurch,hurch, TTrinityrinity LLane,ane, sometimes that Step 1 tells me I’m a drink. I didn’t realize that every time I WWoodbridgeoodbridge holic. As time went on and I followed the DDistrictistrict 3737 - 3rd3rd Wed.Wed. 7:007:00 pm,pm, FirstFirst powerless over all things. had a drink I had another problem that was LLutheranutheran CChurchhurch 115353 PParkark SStt suggestions my life started getting better, This situation was probably the solved by another drink. It took me a lot of ((basement),basement), MontclairMontclair and it has been getting better ever since. DDistrictistrict 3838 - 3rd3rd ThursdayThursday 7:307:30 pm,pm, most painful because it was also very years for me to face the fact that the biggest PPresbyterianresbyterian Church,Church, 3131 FairFair# eldeld It is amazing to me that by not drinking AAvenue,venue, WestWest CaldwellCaldwell verbally abusive. I’ve been verbally problem in my life was me. For a very long one day at a time, going to a meeting, and DDistrictistrict 3939 - 22ndnd TTuesues 77:00pm,:00pm, TTrinityrinity abused my whole life and maybe I time I blamed everyone else for my drink- EEpiscopal,piscopal, NNorthorth & FForestorest AAves.,ves., helping another alcoholic, the thought of CCranfordranford was comfortable with that. This ing. It was always someone else’s fault, and DDistrictistrict 4040 - LastLast SundaySunday 10:45am,10:45am, St.St. alcohol gets more distant from my mind. relationship had me isolated from my then one day I woke up and realized my JJoseph’soseph’s Center,Center, 120120 DivisionDivision St.,St., I am so grateful for the gift of Alcohol- EElizabethlizabeth friends, my sponsor, my meetings, biggest problem was me. I know today that DDistrictistrict 4141 - FirstFirst ThursThurs 7:007:00 pm,pm, St.St. ics Anonymous. I thank the God of my and myself. There were numerous if that day hadn’t come I would be dead. MMatthew’satthew’s TTrinityrinity CChurch,hurch, 88thth & understanding for the renewal of my life. WWashingtonashington SSts,ts, HHobokenoboken times when I left him, but I just kept I look back now over my life and realize DDistrictistrict 4242 - 2nd2nd & 4th4th SundaySunday Ray, C., Roselle Sunday Night: 99:30am,:30am, 5252 ThrockmortonThrockmorton Street,Street, continued on page 11 how foolish I was. I could have done great FFreeholdreehold SPRING 201 3 • THIS DAY News and Notes from NNJ General Service Area 44 and Intergroup of Northern New Jersey 11 NNJGS Area 44 Offi ce Calendar DISTRICT DOINGS MARCH JUNE DISTRICT 1 &2 – Our Districts are of attending the Assembly to our GSRs. 11 Convention Subcommittee 8:00 PM 1 Grapevine Committee 10:00 AM doing very well. At our last meeting Also point out that their group’s 12 Luncheon Committee 7:30 PM 3 Remote Communities Com. 7:30 PM we had 14 GSR’s in attendance, a few conscience is heard and recorded 12 Public Information Com 7:30 PM 4 Offi cer’s & Standing Com 7:30 PM 13 Treatment Committee 8:00 PM 5 Mailing Committee 6:30 PM Alternate GSRs, and some interested there. We also need to point out the 16 Corrections Committee 10:00 AM 5 Translation Committee 6:30 PM AA members. We have a few towns option of sending an Alternate to vote 17 Garden State Young People 2:00 PM 6 Website Committee* 7:30 PM with no GSR representation, but for the group. 18 Literature Sales 6:30 PM 10 Convention Subcommittee 8:00 PM hopefully that will change in the near Group contributions, and our 18 Literature Committee 7:30 PM 11 Public Information Com 7:30 PM future. successful District events has left us a 19 History & Archives* 7:30 PM 12 Treatment Committee 8:00 PM 19 CPC Committee 8:00 PM 16 Garden State Young People 2:00 PM We had another very successful large surplus of funds. Another great 20 Night Watch Committee* 7:30 PM 17 Literature Sales 6:30 PM Christmas Alkathon at Sunrise House opportunity for local 12-s tep work, and 20 Convention Committee 8:00 PM 17 Literature Committee 7:30 PM in Lafayette this year. Attendance was for our District to contribute up the 21 Newsletter Committee 7:30 PM 18 History & Archives* 7:30 PM great, meetings started and ended on service structure. – In Service, Walter 25 Finance Committee 7:30 PM 18 CPC Committee 8:00 PM time. We had more food than we B., DCM 28 Policy & Admissions 7:30 PM 19 Convention Committee 8:00 PM could eat. APRIL 20 Newsletter Committee 7:30 PM 1 Remote Communities Com. 7:30 PM *Intergroup Offi ce, 2400 Morris Ave, Union Our District elections went well, all DISTRICT 39 – The district has been 2 Offi cer’s Meeting & Standing 7:30 PM positions except for Alternate DCM growing at a slow, but steady pace. As 3 Mailing Committee 6:30 PM Intergroup were fi lled. our fellowship prepares for the most 3 Translation Committee 6:30 PM We are hosting this year’s Mini-Con- vital part of the year, the General 4 Website Committee* 7:30 PM Calendar ference in April. The location will be at Service Conference, we still need 6 Grapevine Committee 10:00 AM MARCH 8 Convention Subcommittee 8:00 PM the Littell Community Center in willing AA members to step up and 4 Delegates Meeting, Clark 8:30 PM 9 Public Information Com 7:30 PM Franklin. We recently received the become General Service Representa- 7 Joint Website Committee* 7:30 PM 10 Treatment Committee 8:00 PM approval of the facility by the Area. We tives for each group in Rahway, 10 Bookers Exchange, Cranford 7:00 AM 13 AREA MINI-CO NFERENCE 9:00 AM 19 History and Archives 7:30 PM look forward to seeing all of you there. Westfi eld, Scotch Plains, Clark, and 15 Literature Sales 6:30 PM 20 Nightwatch Committee 7:30 PM Our Districts attendance at the Garwood. In doing so, we pass on an 15 Literature Committee 7:30 PM 29 HOLIDAY (OFFICE CLOSED) 16 History & Archives* 7:30 PM January Assembly was rather weak. We informed conscience to our delegate, 16 CPC Committee 8:00 PM APRIL will continue to explain the importance who will attend the General Service 17 Convention Committee 8:00 PM 1 Delegates Meeting, Clark 8:30 PM Conference in April. This is a busy 18 Newsletter Committee 7:30 PM 4 Joint Website Committee 7:30 PM If Nothing Changes... time for AA as a whole. We want to 16 History and Archives 7:30 PM 20-27 GENERAL SERVICE CO NFERENCE C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1 0 keep our fellowship and our district 21 Garden State Young People 2:00 PM MAY going back – for fear of being alone, I 22 Finance Committee 7:30 PM united as we consider the best course 2 Joint Website Committee* 7:30 PM suppose. 25 Policy & Admissions 7:30 PM 6 Delegates Meeting, Clark 8:30 PM of action to take on vital issues affect- MAY 15 Nightwatch Committee 7:30 PM My network all said, “You and this ing AA as a whole. In order to do this 1 Mailing Committee 6:30 PM 21 History and Archives 7:30 PM guy are poison for each other,” but I we need to hear the collective con- 1 Translation Committee 6:30 PM 28 Joint Unity Meeting* 8:00 PM couldn’t see it. He cheated on me a scious decisions from the groups 27 HOLIDAY (OFFICE CLOSED) 2 Website Committee 7:30 PM few times and I actually thought that it through their liaison, the GSR. If you 2 Computer Committee 7:30 PM JUNE have any questions, comments, or 4 Grapevine – GRAPEFEST 9:00 AM 4 Delegates Meeting, Clark 8:30 PM could still work. I thought that if he 6 Remote Communities 7:30 PM 6 Joint Website Committee 7:30 PM loved me enough he would change. want to become a GSR, please contact 7 Offi cer’s Meeting 7:30 PM 9 Bookers Exchange, Cranford 7:00 AM Recently I fi nally made a decision to the District DCM at district39@nnjaa. 8 Treatment Committee 8:00 PM 18 History and Archives 7:30 PM org. Thanks to all who keep the hand end it for good and it has not been 11 Corrections Committee 10:00 AM *Area Offi ce, 2325 Plainfi eld Ave, South Plainfi eld of AA outstretched to all who are sick easy. He has been showing up at all 13 Luncheon Committee 7:30 PM and suffering in and out of your home 13 Convention Subcommittee 8:00 PM my meetings and saying threatening 14 Public Information Com 7:30 PM groups. – Yours in Service, Tricia L., things that has me in fear for my life. 15 Convention Committee 8:00 PM DCM 16 Newsletter Committee 7:30 PM But I took action and have fi led for a 17 THIS DAY DEADLINE 5:00 PM restraining order, which also now DISTRICT 3 18 CORRECTIO NS CO NFERENCE 10 AM made me the brunt of gossip. My life 19 Films Committee 11:00 AM Annual Day of Sharing 19 AREA COM. MEETING 12 N O O N is feeling a little chaotic at times right Saturday, June 15th 20 Literature Sales 6:30 PM now, but I know I made the right 20 Literature Committee 7:30 PM decision. Hillcrest Community Center 21 History & Archives* 7:30 PM 1810 Macopin Road 21 CPC Committee 8:00 PM The point is that I’ve learned I have 26 Garden State Young People 2:00 PM to take suggestions and trust that if ten West Milford, NJ 27 Finance Committee 7:30 PM www.nnjaa.org/members people are telling me the same thing, Look for the fl yer on our web 28 Joint Unity Meeting 7:30 PM 30 Policy & Admissions 7:30 PM password: onedayatatime they’re probably right. This was the site calendar at nnjaa.org beginning of a relapse for me – I was spiritually bankrupt. I believe all NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE MAY 17th Contributions are much needed, and DISTRICT 35 N E W S L E T T E R @ N N J A A . O R G always welcome! Make checks payable things are lessons learned but if we Annual Day of Sharing as indicated and always include your practice our program these lessons This newsletter is produced four times Area, District and Group ID number. don’t have to be so hard. My lesson in Saturday, April 27th annually by the Newsletter Committee, a Please send group and individual con- 9:00am – 2:30pm joint committee of Northern New Jersey tributions to the addresses below: this experience is that I have AA, God, General Service Area 44 and Northern my sponsor, and a network – and @ Good Shepard Lutheran New Jersey Intergroup. NNJ GS A REA 44 when I don’t use those things in my 300 Union Ave 2325 Plainfi eld Avenue, Suite 2J NOTE: This Newsletter will be published daily life, I will always revert back to Somerville on our web site. The name and last initial South Plainfi eld, NJ 07080 of the author will be published unless oth- Payable to “NNJGS Area 44” my old ways of tolerating abuse and Great Fellowship erwise requested. chaos. I did not get sober to live that Three Morning Workshops: NORTHERN NEW JERSEY INTERGROUP Opinions expressed herein are not to be way anymore and I had to completely 2400 Morris Avenue, Suite 106 • Importance of a Home Group. attributed to AA as a whole, nor does the Union, NJ 07083-5705 remove myself from the situation to • Women in Sobriety. publication of any article imply an en- Payable to “Northern NJ Intergroup” see the sickness. dorsement by either AA General Services • Service and Your Recovery. or Intergroup. Comments, questions and So, to the woman who can identify GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE Breakfast and Lunch, articles may be directed to the Newslet- PO Box 459 – please take suggestions from women ter Committee at NNJGS Area 44, Suite 2J, After-Lunch Speaker Grand Central Station who have gone through it. If nothing 2325 Plainfi eld Ave., South Plainfi eld 07080 New York, NY 10163 Contact: Mike S: or emailed to: [email protected]. changes… nothing changes. Payable to “General Service Board” – Anonymous [email protected] PERMIT NO. 225 PERMIT US POSTAGE PAID US POSTAGE NON PROFIT ORG. NON PROFIT NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

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Delegate’s Report tomorrow as I am off to NERAASA Literature events. Help is needed transporting C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1 where I will meet with the other Del- C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 4 and selling literature as well as per- All interested AAs are welcome and egates from our region who will be monthly meetings at the Area offi ce forming inventory four times a year. encouraged to attend these sessions. attending this year’s conference. Hope- on the 3rd Monday of every month, The Literature Committee is work- I want to hear from everyone. At the fully, I will be seeing you there. Don’t beginning at 7:30pm. We also sell ing on ideas on how we can make Mini-Conference all will have a voice know what NERAASA is? Just ask me. literature to the public prior to the literature available to you and has and input, but should any fl oor votes Again, I thank you and my Higher meeting from at 6:30pm – 7:30pm. an email address available for you be taken, your GSRs will be the only Power for this opportunity to serve Literature sales also occur quar- to communicate with us. Remember, ones who can vote. Please come out you and the privilege to do so. terly at Bookers Exchange, at Inter- we serve you and we welcome your and participate and see how it works. With Gratitude, Linda KK., group Delegates Meeting in Clark ideas as well as literature orders in It is an amazing process. A copy of the Delegate Panel 63 Area 44 the fi rst Monday of each month, advance and invite you to contact fl yer and event information has been PI Conference Committees and Area 44 Convention in September, us at [email protected] anytime. mailed to every group in Area 44. International Conventions/Re- Area Committee Meetings, Days of Yours in Service, Maureen R., Well, the excitement continues gional Forums [email protected] Sharing and other Area and District Area Literature Chair

Mid Winter Luncheon the double line of GSR’s to see tunity and allowing me to interview M: Jim on behalf of the entire 2013 Interview NNJ in action, showcasing their you for the article. Is there anything Mid-Winter Luncheon Committee, C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 4 GSR’s. It showed what happens else you would like to add about a sincere and a heartfelt thank you M: So we covered surprises and ex- when alcoholics help other alcohol- your experience at the Luncheon? for doing service and for sharing pectations why don’t we end with a ics. It showed that you can count J: It’s amazing that because of your experience strength and hope. highlight of the Luncheon for you? on hopeless alcoholics in AA. this program alcoholics are liv- Submitted, Marcheta B., Alt Ticket J: The highlight for me was seeing M: Jim thank you for taking the oppor- ing useful and happy lives. Chair 2013 Mid-Winter luncheon.

DISTRICTS 20, 39, & 40 DISTRICTS 18 AND 19 HEARD AT NERAASA 2013 18TH ANNUAL DAY OF SHARING DAY OF SHARING AA’s Roots In New Jersey Area 11, Connecticut held a contest for the best quote about AA’s Seventh Taking Inventory: Tradition. The winning entry was: Our Solution in Action Saturday April 6th Saturday March 23rd 6:30 am to 12:30 pm 8:00 am to 2:30 pm Al-Anon Speaker • Committee Presenta- “With respect to AA’s Seventh Tradition... Mini-Conference Topic Presenta- tions • Oldtimer Speaker • Lunch and tions • Committee Presentations Fellowship to close the Day of Sharing I no longer give a buck!” • Oldtimer Interview • Breakfast Faith Lutheran Church • Lunch and • Fellowship 524 South Street I like the slogan and plan on putting it to use in my personal contributions St. Joseph the Carpenter New Providence and plan on passing it on. 3rd Ave & Walnut St., Roselle