Akron Intergroup News

Akron InterGroup News

February, 2019 Honesty  Purity  Unselfishness  Love 75¢

Volume 65 Issue 4 Serving Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit, Wayne Counties

Step Two The Power of the Pause… Came to believe Mark D. TJC Big Book Study that a Power greater than our- I was recently at a meeting, one that I around.” Then it hit me. The power selves could restore normally don’t attend for various of the pause. As we go through the us to sanity. reasons, when the topic was brought day we pause, when agitated or to discussion about new people doubtful, and ask for the right Tradition making calls and no one is answering thought or action. We constantly Two or calling back. My gut reaction was to remind ourselves we are no longer mutter under my breath, “just keep running the show, humbly saying to For our group purpose there is but coming back and don’t quit and for ourselves many times each day, “Thy one ultimate real don’t make will be done.” We authority-a loving this about you and are then in much God as He may how butt hurt you less danger of express Himself in a r e . ” P r e t t y excitement, fear, our group judgmental right? anger, worry, self- conscience. Our When the first pity, or foolish leaders are but person started to decisions. We trusted servants; d i s c u s s t h e become much they do not govern. subject, they talked about having a more efficient. “We do not tire so problem and making a call to their easily for we are not burning up Concept Two sponsor and not getting a call back, energy foolishly as we did when we trying to call another person and not were trying to arrange life to suit The General getting an answer. Then the next ourselves.” “AA Big Book,” 87-88. Service Conference person basically said the same thing. (AA World Services, Inc., New York, of A.A. has Adding that it affected her need to be NY, 2001). become, for nearly accepted and that she would get mad every practical out of fear of rejection. After a few This is a very real topic in today’s AA. purpose, the active Let’s face it, we have information at voice and the more like this, a person who had a little time in said what I was thinking. the tip of our fingers. Most people effective own some sort of cellular device. conscience of our “My sponsor told me that it was my When we call someone we sort of whole society in its responsibility to make a connection to world affairs. get answers not the other way (Continued on page 3) Inside This Issue From the IGNews Committee... Surrender ...... 3 Dear IGNews Readers, Power Of The Pause Continue . 3 Hello readers, we really hope you enjoy this month issue as much as we have. We had a lot more people write in, and we Pony Hunt Continues ...... 4 really appreciate it. For as you know we put this newsletter My Experience Strength Hope . 5

together just for all of you. There is a lot going on this Power Greater Then Me ...... 6 month at the Intergroup, as you may know the new website was just launched. Make sure you check out the back pages The Love Inside Of Us ...... 7 for more info. Also there are a lot of committees that could Tradition Two...... 8

use more help, if you have any free time and would like to Archives ...... 9 get active please contact the Akron Intergroup. Council Meeting Minutes ...... 10

Personal Anniversary!!! Group Contributions ...... 11 Ed R. Akron Founders’ Day Thursday Men At Work Fellowship After The First 164 . 12 February 5, 2019 June 7, 8 & 9, 2019 Announcements ...... 13

Akron InterGroup News Focus on Committee ...... 14 775 N Main St Akron, OH 44310 Calendar...... 15 330-253-8181 Fax: 330-253-8292 Toll Free in NE Ohio: 800-897-6737 Topic & Subscribe ...... 16 Website: www.akronaa.org Email: [email protected]

Akron IGNews is a monthly newsletter of the Akron Area Intergroup Council of Alcoholics Anonymous. First publication was November, 1954. It is about, by and for the members of the Fellowship of AA. Opinions expressed herein are NOT to be attributed to AA as a whole, nor does publication of information imply any endorsement by either AA or the Akron Intergroup Council. Quotations and artwork from AA literature are reprinted with permission from AA World Service, Inc. and/or The AA Grapevine, Inc. Contributions from our readers are encouraged! Submissions are edited for space and clarity ONLY. Contact information is required and anonymity is respected. In keeping with our goal of being self-supporting, your subscription is appreciated.

Akron InterGroup News publication. At times, the committee must walk a tightrope in making decisions on what is printed and what is not. As a general guideline, any letter or article Statement of Purpose that is of interest to members of AA and in good taste, is worthy of publication. However, an article or letter that advocates ignoring or violating the Traditions, The Akron InterGroup News, as a standing committee of the Akron Intergroup Concepts or General Service Conference actions will not be considered for Council of Alcoholics Anonymous, is bound by the Twelve Traditions and the publication. Our Higher Power guides us through our Group conscience. Twelve Concepts. Our primary purpose is the same as any AA group: to carry the AA message to the still suffering alcoholic. Our secondary purpose is to keep “No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, the Akron Intergroup area of Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit & Wayne express any opinion on outside controversial issues particularly those of counties informed as to events, meeting changes, Council decisions, and other politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous news of interest to AAs in the Akron area. groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views As a newsletter and voice of and for the AA community, we have an additional whatsoever.” purpose. We provide a forum for the broad spectrum of views held by our — Tradition Ten, Long Form members. A controversial subject, as long as it does not concern an out-side issue and involves principles and not personalities, will be considered for

Akron InterGroup News - 2 - February, 2019 Surrender...

Surrender is that moment when we realize and acknowledge next drink,” or, “I need more.” We seemed to rush to get to to our innermost selves that we cannot stop drinking. That the reward; the next drink. Surrender is our moment of the option to “not drink” has been removed. That will power release from the powerful hold alcohol has on us. It is a and desire to stop drinking have no effect to change our moment of sanity and humility. behavior. We may use different internal and external words like “I need help” or “I cannot do this anymore” or “I’m Eventually, we realize we do not have the answer to our lives. through living in this hell.” Before surrender, our life was one That our best efforts have left us broken, ashamed, of attempts to manage and control our drinking and humiliated, and defeated. Now, it is exactly in this moment everything else. These efforts were futile. But it may take us that we are released and begin to feel the freedom from many years to realize the reality of that statement. alcohol. We begin to learn how to live a completely new life. We “let go” and “let God.” Gradually, surrender becomes a Negative consequences were usually rationalized away or daily practice. Many of us start the day with the Third Step ignored, so that we could shift our attention to our “go to,” Prayer. We learn to pause when agitated; to stop our automatic — alcohol. It seemed to be the answer to every situation in response to a situation; relax and find our soul’s integrity. We our lives: Anxiety, sadness, relief, joy, celebration, depression. look for opportunities to serve others in and outside of AA. The mental preoccupation with alcohol can only be understood by an alcoholic. Our life has a new meaning. This is the gift of sobriety.

In the back of our mind was always the thought “do I have Respectfully submitted, Rose B. Reprinted with permission from The Fellowship News the monthly newsletter of Sonoma County Intergroup enough alcohol on hand for today,” or, “when can I take my Fellowship. January, 2019

(Continued from page 1) reached under my car seat to try to power of the pause taught me find a quarter to use a pay phone. All patience and self-assurance that expect them to answer no? On top of these things helped me practice things are going to get answered. of that we want instant gratification. the pause, the action that it speaks of Perhaps not on my timeline but in “Google, what can you do for me on page 88 of the Big Book. The Gods time. This kept me out of the immediately.” It was not like that time spent doing all of these things rigmarole my mind can create of not when I came into the rooms. When helped me get into a prayerful state being accepted and feeding my fears I got sober I actually used a rotary of action. During this time I played of what people thought of me. dial phone to call people. I didn’t out the scenario in my mind and that just look at it in a museum. When I helped me see if there was a solution The directions on pages 87 and 88 had a problem that I needed to I could figure out, and if there was I are real stuff and those directions discuss with someone, I could not acted on it. The actions sometimes work, if we practice what it asks us reach into my pocket and just gave me enough time to chill out to do. Remain teachable and great immediately make a call to get an and cool off. These actions helped things will come to pass. The power answer. I had to do several things in me understand the patience required of the pause helped me see that God order to seek an answer. One might to seek the answers to my problems. is with me no matter what the have been driving all the way home These actions took time and often situation and that He is the One to make a call. One might have been by the time I got to the phone, I was with all the answers, not me or even driving to my sponsor’s house to see calling my sponsor not to complain you. “Reprinted from (name of publication, page number), with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.” if he was home. Heck; I’m about to about MY problem, but to tell him date myself again, I may have even what I did to solve A problem. The

Akron InterGroup News - 3 - February, 2019 The Pony Hunt Continues... Jeff A, Keep the Focus

If you didn’t read my January article (shame on you) I The second month means were looking at the Second wrote about the optimist who was excited to get a box Step, “Came to believe that a power greater than of horse manure because with all that horse manure ourselves could restore us to sanity.” So let’s see where there had to be a pony in there somewhere. And taking that step brought us blessings we may have alcoholism certainly put a lot of horse manure in our overlooked or were too busy being sober to notice. I lives. I suggested that to keep our program fresh, each mean truly taking that step has to have changed us month we should take one of the steps and even if we somehow. have already taken the step, look at it again and see if there are any hidden blessings (ponies) that we can Some people have a great deal of trouble with this think about and enjoy. Those ponies are sneaky so you Step. When you say “power greater than ourselves”, may have to think hard but I guarantee they are there. most minds jump to ‘God’ and some people have trouble with that. When talking to them, it’s not so much “God” as “Religion” that gets them going. I have much the same problem. For some reason, some religious people think the whole world needs to think like them. Heck. I have enough problems with what I think without trying to live everybody else’s life. But once you accept a “power”, any power, think of the freedom! You don’t have to be responsible for everything! The job of “Power” is taken and it isn’t you! Now THERE’S a pony. You don’t have to get up every morning and make the earth spin. I heard of a great note a guy got in his mail one day. It went; Now understand, these are not REAL ponies, they are mental ponies. So whoever called the PPL (Pony Good Morning! Protective League) on me, thanks a lot! Those guys This is God. I’ll be handling all your problems today. I keep calling me up to come out and inspect my stables, don’t need your help so relax and enjoy your day. wanting to know what my license number is, what kind of training I’ve had, … They can’t seem to understand Imagine getting a note like that every morning. Once THERE ARE NO REAL PONIES. Well, I mean you accept that there is a power greater than yourself, they’re real just not flesh and blood … Oh never mind. you can get that note every day (BIG pony there). And don’t get me started on the PETA people. So, what about that second part “could restore us to So here it is February (Checking calendar. Yup. Second sanity.” “Could” just says “has the ability to”. The month. Short. Spring around the corner). Some people power isn’t only a little better than you, it can change don’t like February because of the weather. I don’t care you. I mean, you could say a tire jack is a power greater what the weather is as long as I’m out in it. My than yourself, (at least I couldn’t lift a car by myself), philosophy is there’s no such thing as bad weather. but it can’t change you unless it drops a car on your Only inappropriate equipment. (Continued on page 5)

Akron InterGroup News - 4 - February, 2019 My Experience, Strength, and Hope on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions

The Twelve Steps and Traditions play a huge role in my Anonymous has changed me for the better and life. The Twelve Steps is the “Program” of Alcoholics continues to do so more and more. Anonymous. Many tend to think that because they just attend meetings that automatically goes along with the My sponsor walked me through the Steps and then Program. The members sitting in chairs at the meetings taught me about the Traditions right after. I've always is what's called the “Fellowship.” been into history, so it intrigued me to learn about the Traditions. Early on and still today I read the Twelve The Twelve Steps is how I was properly changed from and Twelve to keep fresh about the Steps and the inside out. For me it was vital to get thoroughly Traditions. I attend certain meetings that speak about cleaned. For the longest time all I worried about was the Twelve Steps and Traditions. It means much more making the outside look nice. But if you put a suit on a to me than to just come into Alcoholics Anonymous to trash can, it’s just a trash can with a fancy wardrobe. By take up a seat. me working all the Steps and applying them, is how and why God took away my mental obsession and desire to I am learning about what I am involved in. I am drink. It's also how and why he recovered me from a learning about how this amazing program and hopeless state of mind and body. fellowship came about. To those that have not done so, get a sponsor that has a working knowledge of both the The Twelve Traditions is the glue of Alcoholics Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Don't only be Anonymous. In meetings, a part of literature we read is involved in just the fellowship. Get involved in the “How it Works.” The Twelve Traditions is why it Program and learn all about Alcoholics Anonymous. works. The same way I apply the Steps in my daily life I Thanks to all that also apply the Traditions in my daily life. Alcoholics Moe A, Wednesday Mixed Discussion read this.

(Continued from page 4) up retching like a cat with a fur ball every morning. And I was planning on how I would do it again? If the definition of foot (ouch). This power has to have the ability to operate in insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different your life. Now THAT is a power. It can make you into results, call me loony. something you weren’t before! Wow! Anybody find a pony in So we need to find a power that can make us do different that? things. And not just ANY different things but sane things. Now, how about the restore us to sanity part? Some who So, it has to have the intelligence, direction, logic, whatever know me would say, ‘You can’t restore what you never had’. to know what those different things that are sane should be. To which I would say “Oh Yeah? Well….” But the sanity There’s another pony; the power has purpose and intellect. referred to is a relief from the insanity that alcohol imposed Boy do we have a great power in our corner. on us. It is the rare alcoholic that didn’t do some really insane Well, I’ve gone on enough. So my fingers are tired. And things when they were drinking. I remember waking up every you’ve been reading all this so your eyes are tired. So we’ll day and taking a mental inventory of the bottles I had hidden put step 2 to bed. Until next month, keep looking for those around the house and calculating if I had enough for the day ponies and PLEASE don’t call the PPL on me again. and if not, how I was going to get more. I mean what kind of mind thinks about that over their first cup of coffee? I can tell you what type; an alcoholic mind. And that’s after waking

Akron InterGroup News - 5 - February, 2019 Power Greater Than Me…..

This month we got to choose a topic day and the Group of Drunks was a “Came to Believe,” “Walking in Dry and I wanted to talk about a Power Power Greater than me. Every time Places,” “As Bill Sees it,” “24 hours Greater then myself because for a I went to a meeting feeling like crud a Day.” and “God on a Harley.” long time I was the Power, so I I left feeling lighter. And it worked. Truly help me Came, Came to, thought. I had no hope in my life, I I did 90 meetings in 90 days with a Came to Believe. I still practice felt abandoned by the God. The child who was almost 2 back then, in reading and feeding my spiritual soul God I learned about in private the winter. As I grew sober so did to this day. It’s important to me to school, which was my keen alcoholic my Power Greater then myself. It keep it simple and share that mind of course. If it wasn’t for you turned into Good Orderly experience with the new person. that knew how I felt about God. I Directions when my old timer Since I have so many examples of wouldn’t be here. Suicide Jack, told me to make coffee how lack of power was my dilemma. at a group and of course, I made it I must be vigilant and feed the When I came in to the rooms I like mud because I was too arrogant Sunlight of the Spirit. heard things like “Keep Coming to admit I don’t know how to make Back” and “Trust God, Clean coffee let alone in a giant silver My Higher Power has changed and House, and Help Others.” So I came thing. (I didn’t drink coffee back grown so much in my life, that back to meetings and cleaned my then.) Then they turned to the key without Sunlight of the Spirit I house. It was definitely dirty. And I to the basement of the church. It wouldn’t be able to be sober and I never cleaned because I was always was amazing, a Key!! I had a wouldn’t be able to tend to my drinking and passing out. purpose. Kept me sober opening flower garden. I am so thankful for that meeting on Saturday mornings Step 2 and the people about AA that I learned about a Power Greater and gave me hope. have shown me the way to a Power than myself from the people. They Greater then Myself with Step Two. were not drinking and were always I got to develop my own Higher happy to see me. My home group Power and I did a lot of Cindy L. Road to Recovery was a group called Rebos back in the investigating. I read books like

Step Two...Sanity... Barb N Steps and Beyond

Step Two God would restore me to sanity. I had no idea what that was. My sponsor told me that "Insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results." Well I knew what that meant. I had been doing that very thing for decades. So, sanity was changing my thinking about what I was doing. I came to believe that only God could change my thinking. I realized that I had to pray, meditate, and trust God to guide me to better decisions. At last I was becoming Sane.

Akron InterGroup News - 6 - February, 2019 The Love Inside Of Us...Bob S, Richmond, IN

One of the practice these principles in all his affairs, regardless of most inspiring his circumstances. He has had to deal with health people I've met issues, being transferred to different facilities, on the path of personality conflicts with his fellows, family issues, and recovery is a all the ordinary headaches and heartaches faced by prison inmate in those of us not behind bars. He has had many a d i s t a n t opportunities to relapse even while incarcerated but has State. I've never stayed strong. met him in Along the way I've read how disappointed he has been person, but he when his sponsees, and one sponsor, relapsed. He has has been a true tried to carry the message, not the alcoholic, and to be a inspiration to me. Since IGNews invited us to submit leader through service. articles on any topic for this issue, I thought I would take my turn at the "open mike" to share a few thoughts Here are a couple lines from his latest letter: "I did a lot about this person. I don't think he would object as long of harm and victimized a lot of people and I am not as I don't identify him. that person today. I can find so much to be grateful for today. Hey, if I can change anyone can change. My life A couple years ago, I contacted AA in New York and is good. One thing I am really grateful for is the signed up for the Corrections Correspondence Service. abundance of love I have inside me today. It's my greatest asset." The AA website, www.aa.org, describes the program like this: "The Corrections Correspondence Service Thanks to AA, alcoholics like my friend believe their links A.A. members who are incarcerated with A.A. greatest asset is the love inside of them. I have a lot to members on the outside so that both can share their learn from that. experience, strength, and hope with each other. For inmates, it’s a way to get valuable guidance in staying I have noticed that many issues of The Grapevine sober through the A.A. program and a sense of the include letters or stories about those of us on the inside A.A. Fellowship. For 'outside' members, it’s a way to like my pen pal. While it's sad sometimes to think of all take part in corrections work even if they don’t live near the pain involved in the crimes we may have committed, a facility. Many find it to be immensely rewarding it is amazing to reflect on how grateful we can be after service work." following the Steps.

For me, the correspondence with my pen pal over the And I think it's fair to say that my friend's attitude of past couple years has been very rewarding. When I gratitude has had a ripple effect. The people inside with signed up, my intention was to help out fellow him and his family on the outside are also inspired by alcoholics. My thought was that our roles easily could him. I think all of us who interact with him as a fellow be reversed, and it was only right to volunteer to be a alcoholic are grateful for the good that can come out of pen pal. After all, I might not be locked up--but only the bad. because my disease hasn't taken me there YET ("You're Eligible Too"). It never occurred to me that I would get If you have the time, I encourage you to contact AA more out of the correspondence than I put in, but that and sign up for the Corrections Correspondence is what has happened. Service. Like me, you might find the experience to be a real eye-opener, and truly inspiring. It is humbling to read the letters from my friend and see how hard he struggles to follow the suggestions given Tim P. to all of us in The Big Book. His main goal in life is to Stay While Your Here

Akron InterGroup News - 7 - February, 2019 Tradition Two...

“For our group purpose there is but one ultimate Within meetings, the coming together of a group authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in conscience allows us to make good choices for that our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted group, under the umbrella of AA. No one person has servants; they do not govern.” more power than another. Just like the newcomer being the most important person in the rooms, a loving God Tradition Two is one of the core parts to this “simple” comes through in our group conscience. program. I find a lot of relief at how unorganized AA is yet how well it works. Who would have figured? A We need to talk things out and get input from our group of drunks that can all be in the same place and members, our trusted servants. Groups can go through pull this thing off. The Big Book tells us, “We are a growing pains and we need to remember principles over group of people who normally would not mix. But there personalities. Old timers and new members alike can exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an contribute to teaching each other about having a healthy understanding which is indescribably group that works together and makes it work. wonderful” (Chapter 2, “There is a Solution”). I’ve been privileged to be a part of several home groups. Early on, reading about Bill’s financial struggles, then Some groups talk about everything, some talk about just AA starting to form, Bill was eager to share yet also a few things. That’s the beauty about finding a home wanted to sell some of the material. He likely was group that’s a good fit for you. Either way, the group hoping to do this for monetary gain, especially given his conscience discusses and makes a collective group long history of career changes. Just like alcoholics that decision. If we follow the steps, turn things over to our we are, he thought about self and thank goodness it did Higher Power and pray for His will, we will, as a group not pan out. The Big Book took shape as a compilation be guided as we are supposed to and help us “Do the of our stories. It was not to become privatized, meant next right thing.” for a profit gig. Sharing our experience, strength, and hope with other alcoholics, in all ways, is the key. Michele M.

The Challenge Of Failure...

In God’s economy, nothing is wasted. Through failure, we learn a lesson in humility which is probably needed, painful though it is. (As Bill Sees It, PG 31)

How Thankful I am today, to know that all my past failures were necessary for me to be where I am now. Through much pain came experience and, in suffering, I became obedient. When I sought God, as I understood Him, He shared His treasured gifts. Through experience and obedience, growth started, followed by gratitude. Yes, then came peace of mind-living in and sharing sobriety. (Daily Reflections PG 64)

Akron InterGroup News - 8 - February, 2019 From the Archives To preserve the experience, history & memorabilia of the Fellowship

In 2018 we had approximately 1,011 visitors to the Akron Archives. This list of places represented at the Akron Archives is an example of the importance of having and maintaining an Archives with the History of the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous. Every year more people from so many different countries and the entire United States come to take a tour. If you have not been to the Archives, they are located at the Akron Intergroup Office at 775 S Main Street, Akron OH. Volunteers are standing by. Call ahead, especially if you have a group. 

Visitors from Around the United States

Local Visitors: AI Council 49 Area 54 64 Ohio 49 Total=162

Alabama 14 Maine 3 Pennsylvania 49 Alaska 2 Maryland 25 Rhode Island 1 Arizona 16 Massachusetts 7 South Carolina 11 Arkansas 2 Michigan 48 South Dakoda 3 California 62 Minnesota 10 Tennessee 9 Colorado 7 Missouri 19 Texas 30 Connecticut 6 Montana 1 Utah 1 Florida 44 Nebraska 5 Vermont 5 Georgia 7 Nevada 3 Virginia 16 Hawaii 4 New Hampshire 3 Washington 16 Idaho 1 New Jersey 32 Washington DC 1 Illinois 51 New Mexico 2 West Virginia 8 Indiana 22 New York 60 Wisconsin 19 Iowa 12 North Carolina 36 Wyoming 3 Kentucky 11 North Dakoda 7 Total 705 Louisiana 6 Oregon 5 Visitors from Around the World

Australia ...... 10 Hungary ...... 1 Panama ...... 1 Barbados ...... 1 India ...... 4 Poland ...... 8 Belgium ...... 1 Ireland ...... 8 Puerto Rico ...... 1 Canada ...... 45 Israel ...... 1 Russia ...... 1 Cayman Islands .. 3 Italy ...... 1 Somalia ...... 2 Chile ...... 1 Kenya ...... 1 Slovakia ...... 2 Colombia ...... 4 Latvia ...... 1 South Korea ...... 1 Costa Rica ...... 2 Lithuania ...... 1 Thailand ...... 1 Cuba ...... 1 Mexico ...... 14 United Kingdom . 13 Denmark ...... 1 Mozambique ...... 1 Vietnam ...... 1 Ecuador ...... 1 Nepal ...... 1 Yemen ...... 1 El Salvador ...... 2 New Zealand ...... 1 Total ...... 144 Germany ...... 2 Nicaragua ...... 1 Honduras ...... 1 Pago Pago ...... 1

Akron InterGroup News - 9 - February, 2019 Council Meeting Highlights January 6, 2019

The Council meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM. opens. Also, there is talk that they may open a chat line We opened with the Responsibility Pledge and the on the new website. Serenity Prayer. Fund Drive Nick B reported the committee has Roll Call was taken. There were 39 Groups represented. worked on a plan to improve how the drive is done for next year. The committee will be meeting every month Secretary’s Report Dean J presented the minutes of on the third Saturday. Anyone interested in helping is the last meeting and they were approved with no welcome to attend a meeting. corrections. Treatment Facilities reported that they have locations Treasurer’s Report Tim Q presented the monthly set up for taking meetings into facilities and they can statement. The report was approved. use more volunteers. Anyone interested in helping with Executive Board Report Joyce B reported about the taking meetings into the facilities should contact the rumors that St. Thomas Hospital might be closing. She Intergroup Office and leave your information for the suggested that a committee be formed to look into committee. Also, watch the calendar for the dates and finding another venue for the council meeting. times of the committee meetings. You can get training by going to one orientation and then you can take Old Business None meetings into the facilities. Committee Reports Group Services No report Founders Day Scott T reported that they could still Intergroup Picnic No report use volunteers to help out at registration, pre Corrections Committee Mike B reported that they are registration, the dorms, and the literature table. If you meeting on the third Saturday of each month at the are interested please contact the Intergroup office and Intergroup office. They need volunteers to take leave your information. meetings into the jail. Archives reported that they are working on scanning in Literature Committee Georgiann D reported the their files, they could use people who know about group changed their meetings from a Tuesday evening computer to help make their files searchable. to Wednesday. Wants everyone to know that there is General Service Robert R reported that the schedule free literature available at the council meetings for for the new year has been published. You can go to representatives to take back to their groups. They are Area54.org for information. also available at the Intergroup office. They also have Anniversary reported that they are still trying to find a purchased the founders day pin. venue that can have it in April. Note: These are NOT official minutes of the meeting. The CPC/PI No report minutes of this meeting will be presented at the next council meeting, and once approved, will be posted on the Intergroup New Year’s Eve Rikki R reported that the dance was website. akronaa.org  amazing. Everyone had awesome time. Thank you to the committee and all who helped make that possible. Thank you to the chef, the food was amazing. Also thank you to who provided baskets. Over all it was a total success. Answering Service Dan F reported that they will be changing the answering service. If you call the office between the hours of 8 PM and 9 AM that someone ALL COMMITTEES ARE LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS. will answer and take your information, then someone PLEASE SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO will return your call in the morning when the office THE MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETINGS.

Akron InterGroup News - 10 - February, 2019 DECEMBER GROUP DONATIONS-$6,739.13

Your contributions keep the Intergroup Office running Thank You!

100 MEN AND WOMEN BIG BOOK EAST END BIG BOOK STUDY ORRVILLE WED BIG BOOK STUDY FAITH & HOPE ROAD TO RECOVERY 4+12+12=SOBRIETY FOUNDERS’ DAY BREAKFAST SATURDAY MORNING HAPPY AKRON GENERAL FRIDAY NIGHT FREEDOM HOUR ALCOHOLICS ONLY HUDSON CLOCKWATCHERS SPRINGFIELD GROUP B & W SATURDAY NITE KENT LIVING SOBER ST ANTHONY'S WOMEN’S BACK TO BASICS LODI WEDNESDAY STREETSBORO DISCUSSION BRUNSWICK MONDAY WOMEN’S MEDINA TUESDAY NIGHT THE TURNING POINT CANAL FULTON GROUP 74 MOGADORE THUR MORNING THURSDAY NIGHT MEN AT WORK CRESTON EASY DOES IT MONDAY NIGHT MEN'S TRUSTED SERVANTS DOWN IN THE VALLEY MONTROSE DISCUSSION WOOSTER MONDAY NIGHT EAST AKRON GROUP NEW HOPE 12+12 Y.O.U.R. GROUP

IT Committee….

The IT Committee has been working very hard on the new website for the Akron Intergroup. They launched the new website on Friday February 4, 2019. It was designed to format to any phone that you carry, which makes navigating hassle free. If you need to make group changes, put in your leads for the month, or shop online you can do all this right on the website, which saves a lot of time. We want to thank the committee for all of their hard work and devotion on this project and trying to make it easier for us to find the information we need.

Akron InterGroup News - 11 - February, 2019 Fellowship After The First 164 Pages

AKRON INTERGROUP INFORMATION Responsibility Statement AKRON IG NEWS I am Responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out Deadline for Articles: February 8, 2019—Midnight for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible. Proofreading: February 16, 2019—9 AM

Mailing February 23, 2019 Committee Meetings at Intergroup Office Ex. Board Meeting January 31, 2019—7 PM Information Technology February 12th—7:00 PM Ex. Board Meeting February 28, 2019—7 PM Treatment Committee Above are Located at InterGroup Office February 6, 2019—7:00 PM Council Meeting February 3, 2019—1 PM Anniversary Committee

Council Meeting March 3, 2019—1 PM February 9, 2019—10:00 AM

Above are Located at St. Thomas Auditorium CPC/PI Committee February 9, 2019—11:00 AM GENERAL SERVICE Corrections Committee February 16th—10:00 AM Area 54 Picnic Committee Akron Multi-District February 23, 2019—11:00 AM Meets Third Saturday of Check Website akronaa.org for meetings not Every Month—1 PM listed here as more are always being Pilgrim Congregational Church scheduled 130 Broad Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 Did you know you can find the Akron meeting Directory Area 54 GSR SCHOOL Update your Group’s February 17, 2019 at 2:00 PM Information 12 Step Recovery Club Order literature 1480 Pearl Rd., Brunswick OH 44212 Make your contribution Download the Android App District 10 Subscribe to this newsletter Meets Second Monday of And much more ... Every Month—6:30 PM ON OUR WEB SITE? Trinity UCC www.akronaa.org 150 North Street, Wooster, OH 44691

Akron InterGroup News - 12 - February, 2019 Wednesday Women’s Akron bid for EACYPAA GSR School Workshop! 12 Step Committee meetings every Sunday February 17, 2nd and 4th Sunday of the New Time 1:00 PM month at 5:00 PM 2019 First Baptist Church Paradise Club Time: 2:00 PM 1670 Shatto Ave 1720 Front St 12 Step Recovery Club Akron, OH 44313 Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 1480 Pearl Rd., Come be of service and learn Please come and enjoy about Young People in Brunswick OH 44212 our Fellowship. Alcoholics Anonymous Potluck Style Lunch!

What is a Home Group?

12 Step Workshop WINGS OF FREEDOM This is the Group where members Will Be Moving To accept service responsibilities Wednesday Nights and try 7:00 to 8:30 PM Wednesday At 5:30 PM to sustain friendships. Paradise Club This concept has remained the St. Thomas Hospital strongest bond between Classroom A (next to cafeteria) 1710 Front St an AA member and the Fellowship. Begins December 5, 2018 Cuyahoga Falls, OH When you join a home group, it is Facilitated by Jack E important to be present at this 44221 meeting regularly

Second Chance First Anniversary!!!!!! And Homestead Group

Saturday February 16,2019 15 Broad St. (Middlebury) Akron, Ohio 44305 Lunch at noon and speaker and discussion is at 1:00 pm. Please Join Us!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Akron InterGroup News - 13 - February, 2019 Where to Send Contributions 25th Annual N.U.T.S. big book experience 2019 The following is a suggested guideline of how to divide your group’s donations and where to send them: 50% Akron Intergroup Office WHEN: Wednesday January thru May 775 North Main Street; Akron, OH 44310 Make checks payable to (Except March 20-April 17-May 15) Akron Intergroup Office 25% The General Service Office WHERE: St. Paul’s Church, 1361 W. Market St. PO Box 459; Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163-0459 Akron, OH 44313(Room G2-3) Make checks payable to the General Service Office TIME: 7:30 PM “The Story of How many 15% NE Ohio General Service, Area 54 PO Box 91384 Thousands Have recovered” Cleveland, OH 44101-3384 Make checks payable to NE Ohio General Service 10% To your Local District: Akron Area Multi District BACK TO SCHOOL Edd B, Treasurer PO Box 67163 Cuyahoga Falls OH 44222 Checks payable to Akron Multi District District 10 Wayne/Holmes Co. SCHEDULE: Rea R Treasurer 640 E. Henry St. Wooster, OH 44691 January 2-Introduction/History March 20-NO MEETING Checks Payable to District 10 of the Big Book March 27-Into Action (Part 1) District 11 (Medina) Dave D, Treasurer January 9-Contents/Preface/1st April 3-Into Action (Part 2) 8581 Chippewa Rd Forward April 10-Into Action (Part 3) Lodi, OH 44254 Checks Payable to District 11 January 16-2nd 3rd 4th Forwards April 17-NO MEETING District 5A (Portage County) January 23-The Doctor’s Opinion April 24-Working With Others Tammy Jo B, DCM January 30-Bill’s Story May 1-To Wives February 6-There Is A Solution May 8-The Family Afterward February 13-More About May 15-NO MEETING Alcoholism May 22-To Employers February 20-We Agnostics May 29-A Vison For You February 27-How It Works (Part 1) Founders’ Day Weekend 2019 March 6-How It Works (Part 2) June 7, 8, and 9, 2019 March 13-How It Works (Part 3)

Do you have an anniversary, event, or Updates for Founders' Day committee meeting coming up? Weekend 2019 JOURNEY TO PROGRESS Email a PDF of your flyer to June 7, 8 & 9 2019 [email protected] and we will print E-Mail: [email protected] Will Meet Sunday At it in the next issue! If you don’t have a Pre-Registration Runs from 4:30 PM flyer, send us the details and we will March 1st to include it on the Announcements Page May 15th 2019 Paradise Club and the Calendar. for more information visit 1710 Font St We need the information by the issue akronaa.org deadline which is usually the middle of Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 the month before you want it included.

Akron InterGroup News - 14 - February, 2019 February 2019

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2 Emotional Sobriety Workshop 9:00 A to Feb 3, 2019@ 5 PM

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Intergroup Treatment Council Meeting Committee 1 PM 7:00 PM Founders’ Day Play Auditions N.U.T.S 7:30 PM 3:00 PM to 5:00

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Tuesday Akron Men’s BB Akron General Proof Reading Woman’s Big Anniversary Anniversary 9:00 AM Book 4:00 PM 6:00 PM Corrections Anniversary 10:00 AM 11:00 AM N.U.T.S 7:30 PM Fund Drive 9:00 AM 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 GSR Workshop N.U.T.S 7:30 PM Intergroup 2 PM Picnic Committee 11:00 AM

Mailing 10 AM 24 25 26 27 28 N.U.T.S 7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting 7 PM

To be included on the calendar, please call the Office (330-253-8181) or email us at [email protected] by the issue deadline.

Akron InterGroup News - 15 - February, 2019 Share your Experience Strength and Hope on . the Steps, Traditions or Concepts or another topic. Suguested Topics!!! March Topic—A day in your live is precious. What have you done today that makes it worth the high price you paid for it?

April Topic—Alcoholism is a Family Affair. How has your family or friends been affected by your alcohism? submit your article to [email protected] Deadline for March Articles is February 8, 2019 Mail, Email or bring submissions into Office: 775 North Main Street, Akron, OH 44310 Proofing is February 16, 2019 at 9:00 AM Mailing is February 23, 2019 at 10:00 AM

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Akron IGNews can be received by mail or email (pdf file, view with Adobe Reader—Download free) Mail this form and a check or money order to: Akron InterGroup News 775 North Main Street, Akron, OH 44310 Or call the Office at 330-253-8181 and use your credit or debit card. Or order on our website: akronaa.org This subscription is:  New  Renewal  One Year  Mail: $7  Email: $3  Mail & Email: $8  Two Years  Mail: $12  Email: $5  Mail & Email: $13

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