Akron Intergroup News

Akron InterGroup News December, 2019 Honesty ⬧ Purity ⬧ Unselfishness ⬧ Love 75¢ Volume 66 Publishing Since November 1954 Issue 2 Serving Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit, Wayne Counties

Step Twelve A Spirit of A Different Kind Having had a spiritual Miranda W, Language of the Heart awakening as the result of these steps, Christmas Eve 2017, I went to my today was different. Today I was faced with we tried to carry this brother’s house to play video games. I a dilemma I had conveniently avoided. message to alcoholics, hadn’t seen him since the summer. We had How was I going to not drink on the and to practice these a few beers and ate Reindeer Chow while holidays? What was I going to do on the principles in all our playing Diablo on our laptops together. holidays? Where was I going to go? I had a affairs. The game went deep into the night as I home now, but I was still divorced and I avoided talking about my recent divorce. was still making amends with my family. I My wife had left me just weeks prior. My was going to be alone. Alone again. I sister in-law came home and my brother slowly stopped hearing what people were Tradition stated he was ready for bed, hinting at saying; instead, I resorted to drawing in my asking me to leave. I started to pack my notebook and shaking my leg nervously. I Twelve laptop, and then realized I had nowhere to was trying not to think of the topic. Anonymity is the spiritual go that night. Since my wife had left, I had foundation of all our been homeless. I asked my brother if I The person next to me finished. It was Traditions, ever could sleep on the couch. He shared an now my turn to speak. I barely looked up reminding us to place awkward silent look with his wife. They from my notebook, muttering, “I’m principles before agreed I could spend the night but in the Miranda, I’m an alcoholic.” The usual Personalities. morning, they had plans. Christmas chorus rang back, “Hi Miranda.” I leaned morning, I left. I don’t know where I went. back in my chair and started running my However, like many other Christmas’ pasts, hands through my hair repeatedly. I looked at the ceiling, and tried Concept Twelve I spent it with a bottle, but this time, alone with a bottle. to play it “cool.” “My family doesn’t have November 2018, around 7 months sober, I traditions for Christmas attended my usual meeting at the Kent or anything. When I was The Conference shall Living Sober meeting. The topic was a little kid we did. It was observe the spirit of A.A. “Staying Sober during the Holidays.” As great. Last Christmas I tradition, taking care that the topic went around the room, I felt was homeless, so I just it never becomes the anxious. I listened to the stories of other drank. I always just AA’s holiday traditions, how they dealt drank on holidays so I seat of perilous wealth or with their uncle’s drinking, how they were wouldn’t remember that power; ...it will always no longer the ‘drunken aunt’ at the family it used to be great until remain democratic in gathering, and about knowing when to my parent’s divorce. thought and action. leave the party. The closer the topic came After that, I just kind of to me, the more anxious I felt. I always bounced friend’s house

commented on topics at meetings, but (Continued on page 6) From the IGNews Committee... Inside This Issue Dear Readers, Season Greetings ...... 3 Happy Holidays to all of our readers. Another year has gone and we are getting Tips to Stay Sober ...... 4 & 5 ready to start 2020. This issue is filled with tips about staying sober over the Anonymity reading ...... 6 holidays. We have articles with some history about Ebby and Bill’s kitchen table Your Are Invited ...... 7 meeting. My Favorite Meetings ...... 8 Have you seen the big stained glass window at the Intergroup? The archives has shared the story about how it came about. We included a Holiday message from Give AA an Opportunity ...... 9 Bill W. Shot Heard Around the AA ...... 9 We as a committee want to share that it has been a joy to prepare this newsletter New Year’s Eve Notice ...... 10 for you. We want to thank our writers for so faithfully sending in articles. Jeff A From the Archives ...... 11 (the pony guy) sent in an article every month and he covered the Steps. He plans Bill W Xmas Message ...... 12 to continue with the Traditions. We can’t wait. Our regulars, Jack M, Moe A and Bob from Richmond have shared again this month. ESH -12 Steps and Traditions ... 13 We hope you enjoy this issue and consider subscribing if you Why Study the Big Book ...... 14 don’t already. You can get the colorful email version sent to you. October Contributions ...... 15 Yours in Service, Fellowship after 164 ...... 16 The IGNews Committee Where to send Contributions .. 17 Announcements ...... 18 Akron InterGroup News 775 N Main St Akron, OH 44310 Calendar ...... 19 Topic/Subscribe ...... 20 330-253-8181❖ Fax: 330-253-8292 ❖Toll Free in NE Ohio: 800-897-6737 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 - December, 2019 Come and visit at the Akron Area Intergroup Office. We have the Archives for you to see. We also have a great selection of books, bookmarks and framed and laminated pictures that make great holiday gifts for everyone. We have a selection of coins for months and years. Consider giving the gift of the Akron Intergroup News subscription. You can do all of this on-line at akronaa.org or come into the office for a cup of coffee maybe some other sweets and a visit.

Akron InterGroup News - 3 - December, 2019 Tips to Stay Sober Over the Holidays

 When I finally came in these  The Doctor's Opinion in the Big without alcohol during the holiday rooms and stayed since 1992, in Book speaks of the psychic change season. Like all good holiday Akron, Ohio, my first two that characterizes recovered miracles, it can't be explained, it experiences with AA were in 1983 alcoholics. For me, the psychic can only be experienced. So, my and 1985 in the U.S. Navy station change included my newfound advice to the newcomer about in Norfolk Virginia. Back then they realization that I could have fun staying sober during the holiday would have two 50-50 drawings without alcohol. This was news to season would be this: try one year where the first drawing would be me. How could anyone possibly of substance-free holidays, with a the money and the second would have fun as an adult without focus on making other people be winning an AA book. God was abusing drugs or alcohol? Much to happy instead of having fun doing for me what I could not do my surprise, it was true. If the yourself, and see what happens. If for myself because I always won Ghost of Christmas Past took me you end up miserable but still the second drawing. One of the back in time, he would show me sober - hey, it's a start. Give books I had won was Living throwing back shots at 9:00 on a yourself credit for not spending Sober, one of the first AA Sunday morning before my son's money on partying, getting in literature books I’ve ever read, baptism, taking the kids trick-or- trouble, and making your friends finally in 1992, basically, talks treating with a flask in my jacket, and family ashamed. Think of it as about people places and things, and refusing to go to a cookout a gift to them! The psychic change, and those principles which I still unless alcohol was there. Of and the fun, may actually be in follow today. The book talks about your Christmas Future. More going to parties or family outings information on this topic is and get there early make an available at any AA meeting in appearance and leave early. I town this November and myself at the time in 1992 was not December - hope to see you there comfortable being around people and Happy Holidays! Tim P. that were drinking so I wouldn’t  The advice I always follow, is to go. If by chance it was a family wedding I would eat and then keep going to meetings and use leave. I had to practice these Principles the time to meet with my sponsor until I had a spiritual foundation. more often. After 13 years of Which I would call in these rooms sobriety, I simply stay away from course, the holidays would not be spiritual maturity. We have no people while they are drinking, the holidays without spiked control over people places and even if it just means moving to eggnog, Christmas ale, and things. The only person I can another room of the house. I keep champagne. My insistence on control is myself. I have to know all routines - prayer, meditation, alcohol was just another way of my limitations where I can go helping sponsees, and exercise. saying I did not want to be there in according to my spiritual condition. I Jim K. the moment. I would only still practice these principles today participate in social gatherings,  Sober people, good fellowship, and it has been working for me for religious observances, or holiday and sober surroundings, lots of the last 27 years of sobriety. There events if alcohol could be there to opportunity for charitable is one selfish part of this Program alleviate my boredom and volunteer work during the Season. and that is my sobriety date and I suffering. I was a selfish, self- Make somebody else's Christmas will not give it away for anyone. centered Scrooge! That psychic better. Ray S. What comes to mind every change came about when I started morning—the first Three Steps. I  Wanted to participate in this… thinking less about having fun and need help, I can’t do it, and with So here’s what I would say. Make more about other people. The God’s help I can get through it. sure to look up any meetings being biggest holiday gift I ever received Amen!! Dean J, Past Secretary of held ahead of time, use the phone was the miraculous experience of Akron Intergroup Executive Board. being content and even having fun (Continued on page 5)

Akron InterGroup News - 4 - December, 2019 Tips to Stay Sober Over the Holidays

(Continued from page 4) your visits, plan your AA 4th of July we helped the Road To and call until someone answers. meetings, plan your arrival and Detroit crew that weekend in Prayer and meditation, turning your departure, plan what putting on their conference. Our your negative thinking over and beverage you’ll drink and don’t home group anniversary fell on the writing a gratitude list. Read daily allow anyone to hand you a 4th and we included them in our mediation readings each day. Look beverage, etc. Jack M. celebration. After that we watched up fun holiday activities, tree the fireworks that the festival at John S. Knight Center  Ask for help no matter what! Knuckleheads group put on every for example. There’re so many Call someone and ask to spend year. We will always hopefully things I would think of and do, time with them. Many folks are have our meeting no matter what because I am willing enough to do eager to have someone visit or just especially if it falls on a holiday. whatever it takes to never go back hang out. Find someone who is in Thanksgiving always falls on to that life, but here are just a few. the hospital or just cannot get out Thursday, so we make that night a Rikki R. and ask them if they need special event for newcomers or anything. Do service work for anyone without a family. We have  I always tell everyone I work someone. Help someone decorate had just pie we have made a full with, if you are not comfortable in for the holidays. Many times, Thanksgiving dinner and we in your sobriety, do not go to any someone could use an extra hand, some way give thanks by action. family, or friends’ events during especially those who live alone. If At Christmas we find ways to give the holidays. Thank them for separation is the cause of our presents that we find at the Akron inviting you, but, I do not feel difficulties, we can entertain the Intergroup or Dr Bob’s house and comfortable at this time being possibility that connection is the just give give give! We believe we around alcohol. I hope you solution. Connect with others - NO are constantly carrying a message understand, I need to be in sober MATTER WHAT! Joyce B, of what the Lord, through the places at this time. Or, if you go Afternoon Alkies Program and Fellowship has given and have anxiety and want to  My sobriety date is November us. It is always a tradition to go to drink, excuse yourself and get a the New Year's Eve dance hold of someone sober and get to 2nd. With all the holiday parties and family get-togethers that first whether it's been in Akron, a meeting. Explain it is too soon, Mansfield or Sandusky. The key you cannot be around alcohol, I year, I just always made sure I was driving. I was going to leave for us has always been what we hope you understand. Never feel were taught by our Elder Statesman— bad, that you cannot be around anytime I wanted to leave. Anyone riding with me knew that. sponsors and mentors. Give help, alcohol, holidays are already ask how we can be of help, find stressful, your sobriety has to be I was going to a meeting every day and I made sure to keep that up. ways to be of service to God and number one. I hope this helps! the people about us Especially our Love ya Rita D. For me, not drinking, I noticed how little social drinkers actually less fortunate brothers and sisters  Expectations. I expect my family drink! These social drinkers didn't so we can be of maximum service to be as they always are. Annoying drink like me. That was when it each day holiday or not. We always and bossy. Are my expectations in occurred to me that I was the receive way more than we could check? Ask your sponsor if you problem, not the alcohol. Joan S, ever give. PS if anyone anywhere don't know what that means! I will YANA needs help our hand is God not be expecting them to act any willing, always there to carry this way other than the way they are...  From our experience we have message! Thursdays at 7 PM, the And that helps me to be more had service commitments through address is 2445 South Arlington Road patient. Good luck Dustin S. the holidays. We took newcomers Akron Ohio 44319. We love with us to show them how we stay celebrating sobriety birthdays so in  The best way for a newcomer or sober by getting out of ourselves West Coast tradition we have cake for for that matter, any recovering and giving. Our home group is on our anniversaries. Jerry and Melissa alcoholic to stay sober around the Thursdays at 7 PM Carry This C. holidays is to plan ahead. Plan Message! Our last holiday was the

Akron InterGroup News - 5 - December, 2019 (Continued from page 1) and the TV stand. There were also ornaments hanging on the walls, and a 4-foot Christmas tree already decorated to friend’s-.” My voice cracked. The sitting next to the TV. There was only one other person “cool” demeanor was now gone. Tears with a key to my apartment, my friend. My friend and her welled up in my eyes in a way I couldn’t mom had come over and decorated my house as a surprise deny. It was silent. I looked down from for my first sober Christmas. I wrapped myself in a blanket, the ceiling. Around the table, I saw my and sat in the darkness with the warm glow of the fellow AA’s looking at me. They saw me Christmas lights. I didn’t feel alone. No one was there in tearing up. I panicked. I barely got the that moment, but in words “I pass” out. Mid-sentence, I ended a way they were my comment. I immediately walked to the there. They had bathroom and wiped away my tears. been there all along, waiting for me to After the meeting, other AA’s approached me to give me get sober, for me to their experience with the holidays; get to meetings, call your get well. My fears sponsor, and check out sober events that are going on at for the upcoming the local sober clubs. I nodded and tried to pretend I wasn’t holidays were just crying. I was trying to keep the ‘cool, nothing bothers lessened at that me’ demeanor. Refusing to reach out and discuss what I moment. I knew I was really feeling the fear of being alone. had friends, I had the Program, and I I went home that evening and found a surprise. My 3-foot had my Higher tall T-rex Skeleton was sitting on my porch as usual. But Power. All I had to today, he was holding Christmas bulbs. Also, my door now do was reach out had a wreath. I opened the door to my apartment to find and not pick up a Christmas lights illuminating my apartment along the walls drink.

30 December ANONYMITY Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 562 Tradition Twelve became important early in my sobriety and, along with the Twelve Steps, it continues to be a must in my recovery. I became aware after I joined the Fellowship that I had personality prob- lems, so that when I first heard it, the Tradition's message was very clear: there exists an immediate way for me to face, with others, my alcoholism and attendant anger, defensiveness, offensiveness. I saw Tradition Twelve as being a great ego-deflator; it relieved my anger and gave me a chance to uti- lize the principles of the program. All of the Steps, and this particular Tradition, have guided me over decades of continuous sobriety. I am grateful to those who were here when I needed them.

From the book Daily Reflections

Akron InterGroup News - 6 - December, 2019 Jeff A, Keep the Focus You Are Invited!

Especially if you’re new to sobriety, that news (You’re advantage by being an alcoholic which brought a chuckle Invited) may come with some feelings of uncertainty. If until I explained I can’t hold onto a resentment. I think I this is your first Christmas and New Year’s in the Program, detected a little envy at that point. My first suggestion you can be wondering how your friends and family, some would be don’t try and hide that you’re an alcoholic. It of whom may not know of your new found life, may react. makes things so much easier to explain and most people You may not know how you will react to that open wine will be very supportive. And you may get the chance to do bottle or to a well-meaning friend that says “One drink a little Twelfth Step work. can’t hurt! It’s the holidays!” when you know the first drink is all it takes. So as you go through this time of year, it’s My second suggestion is one I’ve written about before. Be very appropriate to remember, YOU’RE INVITED! the Boy Scout. Be prepared! Know what you’ll say. Bring You’re invited to enjoy the blessings of sobriety! You’re your own nonalcoholic drinks with you. Something that invited to the fullest life you’ve known in years! ENJOY makes you feel special. Talk it over with your sponsor and IT. have them on speed dial just in case. But above all, don’t give other people permission to control you. My daughter Having said that, remember sobriety is your first priority. had a sign when she was in middle school that said Know yourself and if you don’t feel comfortable going to a “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your celebration, don’t go. I recently had a high school reunion. permission.” Don’t give them permission! I went to the dinner where everybody was drinking but me and felt very at ease not drinking but I didn’t join my But your ego can put on a lot of weight over the holidays. classmates at a bar the night before because I don’t go into Be sure to maintain your ego diet and don’t go back to bars. My wife has a saying about the refrigerator which is thinking you deserve a Pulitzer Prize for writing a check. “When in doubt, throw out.” Ours should be, “When in So enjoy your holidays. You’re invited! You’ll find if you doubt, don’t go out.” Everything depends on your staying approach the holidays with a positive attitude they will be sober. more fun than they were when you were drinking and I’m a starter at a golf course. Usually there are some parts you’ll get pony after pony for Christmas. of the course that are marked off for repair. A section by the cart path, reseeding on the fairway, a tree being added Step 12 or, my favorite, a tree being cut down sometimes occurs. When that happens, we put foot high stakes in the ground Having had a spiritual awaking as the result of these with little pink flags on top of them and run strings Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and between them. These are not hard to see. I mean they have to practice these Principles in all our affairs. flags on them! But somehow, people run over them. When Step Twelve is all about giving back. I recently heard of a they do, the strings get wound around the axles of the golf study comparing getting with giving. With getting, it makes carts. Cutting those strings off the axles can take quite a bit you happy. But when you get the same thing over and over of time. Don’t let fear or envy wrap you around the axle. regardless of how much you want or need it, your Don’t let your own thoughts keep you from living this happiness with what you’re getting diminishes over time. wonderful new life. Don’t see something this beautiful as With giving, it makes you happy but that happiness does ordinary. Rejoice! You’re invited! not diminish over time. Most of my friends and family know I’m an alcoholic. In some ways the Twelfth Step is the easiest to do and in Heck. Some of them are too. It’s sort of a club. “We’re some ways the hardest. Carrying the message may mean friends of Bill and Bob.” we say with smiles on our faces. anything from giving leads to writing articles for the We’ve been allowed to dismount from a bucking bronco. newsletter. It may mean sharing your experience, strength There was some uproar in a non AA group I belong to. I wasn’t bothered by it and told the group I had an (Continued on page 8)

Akron InterGroup News - 7 - December, 2019 Jack M. My Favorite Meetings North Hill Men’s Discussion

Every recovering alcoholic undoubtedly So every Sunday evening, I would drive were for smokers and one side for non- has one or more favorite meetings. I up to Cleveland with my sponsor and 2 smokers. Usually there would be 20-30 thought I’d share the meetings I enjoy or 3 other men. We would sit in the men in attendance. And every year for and why. The last time I counted, there front row. We were the Akron several years, Dale S would host a were some 468 AA meetings in the contingent. After the meeting, there was pancake breakfast at his home for the Akron Intergroup meeting guide. fellowship in the basement of the hall men. Not many people would do that Discussion formats, followed by lead where coffee and donuts were served. today. When Dale lost the lease, the meetings, are the most common, and There was no coffee during the meeting. meeting moved several times and most AA meetings are open as opposed But I heard some of the best leads, eventually ended up in the auditorium at to closed (i.e. for alcoholics only). often hilarious, from the regulars. It was St. Thomas Hospital. It is a discussion a large meeting with good sobriety. And meeting today because of the size of the One of my favorite meetings was the the only persons who commented were group which numbers between 50-80 very first meeting I attended. It was the individuals with years of sobriety. men each week. This is now my home St. Paul Men’s Big Book meeting that group. met on Tuesdays at St. Paul’s Episcopal I also enjoyed the King School meeting Church on West Market Street in when it met off Exchange Street before Most recently, I’ve been attending the Akron. Attendance was relatively small, moving back to the new King School. It Hundred Men and Women Big Book maybe a dozen or so men. But I felt was a large meeting with great leads. meeting at the church off Phelps welcome when I first walked in and I And there were some individuals with Avenue in Cuyahoga Falls. There are liked the format. Back then you could many years of sobriety. I actually gave usually 20-30 men and women who smoke in the rooms too although I’m my first lead there for Dottie C. Dottie meet at 6 PM every Monday evening. not a smoker. On the group’s was a wonderful person. She had many There is good sobriety and fellowship. anniversary we would order pizza and years of sobriety. And she founded a The Big Book is read and discussed for show the movie “My Name Is Bill W.” tape ministry. Dottie made copies of the first 3 Mondays of each month. On That, unfortunately, was not continued leads and passed them out. She also the last Monday of the month, the as many of the men moved away, started the Three Legacies meeting. Twelve and Twelve is used. We read and including me. And the meeting discuss the step for that particular eventually dissolved. This was my first The original North Hill Men’s Big Book month: January is Step One December home group. meeting was on Saturday mornings is Step Twelve. The entire Big Book is above the Akron Intergroup. Arsenic read and discussed. I like the meeting Another favorite meeting was the and Old Lace currently occupy the format but especially like the people Newburgh meeting up in Cleveland. My space. Dale S. started the meeting. There who attend. We are blessed we have so sponsor and his sponsor were members. would be a square of tables, three sides many meetings to choose from.

(Continued from page 7) humility by not passing up the opportunity to keep my mouth shut. What I wanted to say was, “Look. If you expect and hope with people you just met or just being that smiling people to be perfect, you’re going to live a life of face for a world that desperately needs another smiling face. resentment.” But I resisted taking the other person’s Fourth Yes. It may involve activities that take you out of your Step. comfort zone but you might save somebody’s life because This is not to say it has always worked out. After all, sometimes you this is a matter of life and death. Until you open that twelfth win and sometimes you learn. The point is that we keep door, you’re still in a closed world, but open it and you’ll find putting ourselves out there. Honestly and without a whole new bright day. Your ponies will come trotting out expectations. If a door closes in our face we resist the by the dozen. And you’ll get a lot more joy in your life. This temptation to kick it in and we look for the next opportunity. is where we get to demonstrate the change that AA has made in our lives. Well, over this last year we have been reviewing the Twelve Steps and recognizing the ponies (blessings) we have gotten The second part of this Step takes a little more thought. from the program. But don’t just put those ponies out to ‘Practice these principles in all our affairs.’ To begin with it’s pasture. Keep looking for them every day in everything that us that has to practice. We can’t expect or direct other people happens around you. They will keep coming and coming and to practice these principles. Recently, I was in a situation where coming. Happy pony hunting! there wasn’t a lot of humility being practiced. I practiced my

Akron InterGroup News - 8 - December, 2019 Ed B, editor IGNews life out of the wreckage of the past. Alcohol is no respecter of individuals. AA is composed of men and GIVE AA AN OPPORTUNITY women from all walks of life, all nationalities, all creeds, color, degrees of education, intelligence ratings, earning capacities, TO HELP professions, trades, temperaments, and all other classifications. So if you think you are different and don’t need the help of others, you A new man or woman, attending their first AA meeting naturally better change your mind. Many men and women died because they wonders who will be there, and how they will be received. Try to thought they were different. The only people who ever return to remember that no member at AA meetings will condemn you drink after being in AA are those who cannot or will not develop because of your reputation, your social standing, your religious and maintain a manner of living that demands honesty. belief, the color of your skin, or your political party. By the same By going to AA meetings, you will be available to receive as well as token, no member will be impressed with our reputation, your bank give help to others. No matter how long you stay with AA and you account, or your profession. Their primary purpose is to carry the eventually stop going to meetings, you will return, chances are, to message to other alcoholics. They have sobriety and their interest in the bottle. AA promises you sobriety if you follow the simple you is to help you get what they have. They respect the dignity of Program. This is not a cure, because there is no cure for every man or woman no matter how low he or she may have gone alcoholism. AA is a way of life whereby you keep the disease of before reaching their bottom. alcoholism dormant by staying away from the first drink, one day at Proper intentions and honest effort should be your utmost a time. concern. Just going through the motions or trying to cut corners If you believe that your system of thinking and living plus the use will only bring you failure and likely a return to the bottle. No one of alcohol is the most unbearable thing in your life, then you made can commune with God and consort with the devil. the right decision in coming to AA and you are to be congratulated. No matter how big your troubles might seem to be to you now, Our suggestion to you is to give AA a reasonable opportunity to remember it could have been worse. Instead of being at your first help. Stick with AA and AA will stick with you - but please AA meeting alive, you could have died while drunk, in an accident remember that AA is to be used and not abused. AA needs you and or from exposure. All of us came to AA because we were in all other men and women who want to stop drinking. We must give trouble. When you follow the AA program to the best of your away what we have in order to keep it. ability you will stay sober and you wiI1 have a choice to build a new Reprinted from IGNews Dec 1972

Ebby off the hook—his father was the THE SHOT HEARD judge! However, Ebby was paroled to AROUND THE AA live under the custody of well-respected millionaire Rowland Hazard. Rowland if I just make up what seems sort of WORLD convinced Ebby to become a resident at appropriate, like elaborating on the Ebby T’s shotgun blast of late summer Calvary Mission in downtown Steps from the clubhouse wall, the long- of 1934 will evermore resound Manhattan. There he learned that his lasting results will be quite different. throughout the fellowship of Alcoholics old schoolmate, Bill W was deep into Sadly, through the years, I note such Anonymous. Ebby was thirty-eight years alcoholic despair. His “kitchen table” half-measure practices on the rise. old, alone and nearly destitute, living in visit (Big Book, pp. 8-9) eventually led his family’s summer home in Bill to Towns Hospital for treatment; he A pool player once stated: “I try to make Manchester, Vermont. He had inherited never drank again! As you know, just all my shots count!” My hope and desire $150,000 only five years earlier, but that five short months later, Bill carried his are that all my Twelve Step shots will be mostly evaporated following the stock sobriety message to Dr. Bob S in Akron, from the Big Book, so they will be heard market crash of 1929. While well- Ohio which soon afterward signaled the through the years, but not from some intoxicated one late evening during the birth of AA. superficial easier softer way. Ebby’s late summer of 1934 he began shooting kitchen table message to Bill was the at pigeons on his roof. Not a good idea That was all eighty-five years ago, so you Oxford Group message from which our in such a prestigious neighborhood. may ask: “What’s the point?” Well, this Steps were mainly derived. Page 77 tells (Robert Todd Lincoln, the President’s short AA history story illustrates that us: “Our real purpose is to fit ourselves son once lived across the street!) So what I do in AA today may have long to be of maximum service to God and Ebby was off to court for the third time; lasting effects. If I transmit the actual the people about us.” You see what I he faced six months confinement. Big Book Twelve Step Program of mean. action to the next person, I believe the However, a friend from earlier days, effect will result in sobriety for those Bob S, Richmond, IN Cebra G, heard of his plight and got who follow, one to the next. However,

Akron InterGroup News - 9 - December, 2019 Akron InterGroup News - 10 - December, 2019 From the Archives To preserve the experience, history & memorabilia of the Fellowship

ome people involved with the SAkron Intergroup and the Akron AA Archives had the inspiration to make the painting The Man on the Bed into a stained glass window. The finished project fills the whole front window of the Intergroup Office and was done in time for Founders Day weekend, 2001. The Four Absolutes (Honesty, Purity, Unselfishness, and Love) are on the four sides and the picture is bordered by sobriety medallions contributed by many local members and set into the glass. This is truly a work of love and dedication, and many people helped by adding a few pieces whenever they could. In the evening, with the light of the setting sun coming through the panels, it was breathtaking. If you’re in the area be sure to stop in and see this, and the rest of the AA Archives.

The oil painting the Man on the Bed, was originally called Came to Believe. When the book Came to Believe was published in 1973, the Grapevine editors changed the name of the reproduced painting to avoid confusion. It was painted by Robert M, a volunteer illustrator for the Grapevine, and was first reproduced as a center spread in December 1955. In the same issue was Bill W’s Christmas message of gratitude for the gift of sobriety. (see page 12 here) The painting proved so popular that reproductions were made available. Stained Glass Facts

A gift FROM the fellowship, TO the fellowship.

1. The window was fully funded by the contributions and efforts of members of the fellowship. NO funds from Akron Intergroup Council were used.

2. Construction time: one year from conception to completion. Completed June, 2001.

3. The border contains 56 sobriety coins donated by members and used over 1000 pieces of glass.

4. Construction took place on site at the Intergroup Office.

Akron InterGroup News - 11 - December, 2019 The Finest Gift of All Christmas, 1955 EACH of us in AA has received the gift of sobriety. All of us have found a new usefulness and most of us have found great happiness. This adds up to the gift of life itself--a new life of wondrous possibility.

What then are we going to do with this great gift of life?

Because our experience has taught us, we are quite sure that we know. We shall try to share with every fellow sufferer all that has been so freely given us. We shall try to carry AA's message to those who need and want it, wherever in the world they may be. We shall daily re-dedicate ourselves to the God- given truth that "It is by self-forgetting that one finds; it is by giving that one receives."

For us of AA, this is the Spirit of Christmas. This is the finest gift of all.

Lois joins me in our warmest greetings. May the New Year of 1956 be the greatest time of giving and of receiving that we in AA have ever known.

-- Bill W.

Social Occasions Go or stay away, whichever seems best. But be sure you are on solid spiritual ground before you start and that your motive in going is thoroughly good. Do not think of what you will get out of the occasion. Think of what you can bring to it. But if you are shaky, you had better work with another alcoholic instead! -Alcoholics Anonymous, (Working With Others) p. 102 Thought to Ponder Life didn't end when I got sober, it started. AA-related 'Alconym' S O B E R=Spiritually On Beam; Everything's Right.

Subscribe to the Daily Thought at http://aa-alive.org/cgi- bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/dt1/

Akron InterGroup News - 12 - December, 2019 Moe A, Wednesday Mixed Discussion My Experience, Strength, and Hope on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions play a huge role in my life. The Twelve Steps is the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous. A lot tend to think that because they just attend meetings, that automatically goes along with the Program. The members sitting in chairs at the meetings is what's called the Fellowship. The Twelve Steps are how I was properly changed from the inside out. For me it was vital to get thoroughly cleansed. For the longest time, all I worried about was making the outside look nice. But if you put a suit on a trash can, it’s still just a trash can with the fancy wardrobe. By me working all the Steps in applying them is how and why God took away my mental obsession and desire to drink. It's also how and why he recovered me from a hopeless state of mind and body.

The Twelve Traditions are the glue of Alcoholics Anonymous. In meetings a part of literature we read is “How It Works.” The Twelve Traditions are why it works. The same way I apply the Steps in my daily life, I also applied the Traditions in my daily life. Alcoholics Anonymous has changed me for the better and continues to do so more and more.

My sponsor walked me through the Steps and then taught me about the Traditions right after. I've always been into history, so it intrigued me to learn about the Traditions. Early on, and even still today I read the Twelve and Twelve to keep fresh about the Steps and Traditions. I attend certain meetings that speak on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. It means much more to me than to just come into Alcoholics Anonymous to only take up a seat.

I love learning about what I'm involved in. I love learning about how this amazing Program and Fellowship came about. To those that have not done so, get a sponsor that has a working knowledge of both the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Don't only be involved in just a Fellowship. Get involved in the Program and learn all about Alcoholics Anonymous. Thanks to all that read this.

Visit our Website

https://www.steppingstones.org/interviews.html

Akron InterGroup News - 13 - December, 2019 Jack M. Why Study The Big Book? North Hill Men’s Discussion

I think it unfortunate that there are relatively few Big Book good start. Reading the Big Book every day is a good habit meetings in the Akron Intergroup. After all, the Big Book is too. But how much should you read? Some people suggest the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous. But before talking reading two pages a day. I think it’s a good suggestion. But about the reasons for studying the Big Book, I thought it sometimes just one page may be beneficial if we spend time might be helpful to share some thoughts on how to study reflecting on what we read. And you can read more than the Big Book. two pages as well. Spend time thinking about what you read. Look for a sentence or phrase that really hits home. Write it In my opinion, there is no absolute right way or wrong way down in a notebook. The Big Book is filled with wisdom on to study the Big Book. There are those who advocate staying sober. Commit to memory those sentences or reading the Big Book with a sponsor. phrases that are meaningful to you. And Others recommend regularly attending a use a magic marker to highlight passages Big Book meeting. Still others suggest an in your Big Book. Make personal notes in AA workshop or seminar on the Big the margins of your Big Book too. When Book. All of these are good ideas. you attend your Big Book meeting, those highlighted passages and notes will help We can learn some suggested ways of you share with others. I’ve always studying the Big Book by considering benefitted from the comments of others. advocates of Bible Study. Joining a Bible Learn to listen, Listen to learn is a good study group is highly recommended. For maxim to follow. one thing, just reading the Bible is not studying it. Nonetheless, it is profitable to The program of Alcoholics Anonymous read the Bible every day if possible. But is contained in the first one hundred and studying requires some meditation on the sixty-four pages. I believe you would be words or sentences. Often a highlighter is well served to concentrate your reading used to mark those passages. and studying of it. The stories are good, Memorization of certain key passages is but over time, they have been edited. A highly recommended. When we few have managed to remain in several memorize Bible passages, we can recall editions. Some titles have been changed (e.g. “Doctor, them at any time for help, encouragement, or peace of Alcoholic, Addict” to “Acceptance is the Answer”). You mind. Finally, it is helpful to write down certain favorite or may want to consider purchasing an AA dictionary available helpful Bible passages in a notebook. These can be reread at the Intergroup. There are tapes available on the Big Book over and over. too. But don’t go overboard. The basic text of the Big Book should be your recovery Bible. This should become a Now consider the above with respect to the AA Big Book. lifelong habit. Don’t leave home without it. Attending a Big Book study group on a regular basis is a

A LIFELONG TASK

“But just how, in these circumstances, does a fellow ‘take it easy?’ That’s what I want to know.” TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 26 I was never known for my patience. How many times have I asked, “Why should I wait, when I can have it all right now?” Indeed, when I was first presented the Twelve Steps, I was like the proverbial “kid in a candy store.” I couldn’t wait to get to Step Twelve; it was surely just a few months’ work, or so I thought! I realize now that living the Twelve Steps of A.A. is a lifelong undertaking.

Akron InterGroup News - 14 - December, 2019 OCTOBER GROUP CONTRIBUTIONS-$8,613.00

Your contributions keep the Intergroup Office running Thank You!

164 I AM RESPONSIBLE SPRINGFIELD GROUP 3 LEGACIES-RECOVERY, UNITY KENMORE GROUP ST VINCENT'S & SERVICE KENT LIVING SOBER STAY WHILE YOUR HERE A WAY OUT KING SCHOOL STOW BACK TO THE BEGINNING KITCHEN TALK STOW MEN'S TUESDAY BARBERTON THURSDAY 12 X 12 LAMBDA STUDY GROUP SUNDAY NITE BIG BOOK BIG BOOK RICHFIELD MANTUA BASIC GROUP DISCUSSION CIGAR SMOKER'S B/B STUDY MANTUA FUN GROUP TALLMADGE HERITAGE AA CLOSED MEN'S DISCUSSION MOGADORE OPEN DOOR GROUP COPLEY SAT. NITE MONDAY NIGHT MEN'S THE TOOL BOX DAILY REPRIEVE NESMITH LAKE THURSDAY NIGHT MENS NON DAY 1 RECOVERY PATHWAY TUES B/B STUDY SMOKING EARLY BIRDS FLOCK PORTAGE COUNTY JAIL GROUP TUESDAY AT THE BORDER TOGETHER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WADSWORTH WOMEN'S EAST AKRON GROUP REBOS WADSWORTH TUESDAY NIGHT FALLS BAILEY ROAD CLOSED RITTMAN SATURDAY NIGHT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FLAME BREAKFAST GROUP ROOTSTOWN MONDAY NIGHT SOBRIETY DISC. FOUNDERS DAY BREAKFAST SATURDAY MORNING DROP WEST SIDE BIG BOOK STUDY FRIDAY NIGHT FREEDOM THE ROCK GRATITUDE IN ACTION SHREVE SAT NIGHT Note: This is not the official financial report. That can be obtained from the Intergroup Office. HUDSON 12 & 12 STUDY WED. SISTERS IN SOBRIETY

You Can Help Too The Akron Area Intergroup has one Fund Drive a year that is held during the month of October. You may have heard in your meetings during the month of October that the fund raiser was going on. This does not mean that you cannot donate individually any time throughout the year. Some suggestions are a contribution to the Intergroup in honor of your Sobriety Birthday. Others choose to make a monthly donation to give back to AA. Please help the Intergroup to carry the message to alcoholics who still suffer going and to keep the services of the Intergroup such as the office bookstore, meeting schedules, the Archives just to name a few. You can send a check made payable to Akron Intergroup Office to 775 N Main Street, Akron, OH 44310 or you can donate on-line at akronaa.org/shop/donations/ donation/ No donation is too small and you will be giving back to the AA Program. Some of us are too busy to give of our time, so a financial donation can go a long way.

Akron InterGroup News - 15 - December, 2019 Fellowship After The First 164 Pages

AKRON INTERGROUP INFORMATION Agenda Item for December Council Meeting is AKRON IG NEWS voting on the next budget. Make sure to have Deadline for Articles: December 13, 2019—Midnight your representative or alternate attend the meeting so that this important item can be Proofreading: December 21, 2019—9 AM completed

Mailing December 28, 2019—10 AM Committee Meetings at Ex. Board Meeting December 5, 2019—7 PM Intergroup Office Ex. Board Meeting January 2, 2020—7 PM New Year’s Eve Dance Planning Above are Located at InterGroup Office December 3, 2019—6:30 PM

Council Meeting December 8, 2019—1 PM Information Technology December 10, 2019—7:00 PM Council Meeting January 5, 2020—1 PM Literature Committee Above Located at St. Thomas Auditorium December 18, 2019—6:30 PM GENERAL SERVICE Corrections Committee December 21, 2019—10:00 AM

Area 54 Group Services Committee Area Assembly December 21, 2019—11:00 AM January 19, 2020 at 2:00 PM Check Website akronaa.org 12 Step Recovery Club for meetings not listed here as more are 1480 Pearl Rd., Brunswick OH 44212 always being scheduled

Akron Multi-District Intergroup Council meetings are held the Meets Third Saturday of first Sunday of the month at St. Thomas Every Month—1 PM Auditorium at 1:00 PM. All Intergroup Representatives are encouraged to attend Pilgrim UCC every meeting. If your group does not 130 Broad Blvd., have a Group Representative who is Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 attending the meetings, you don’t have a voice in the activities of the Intergroup. Many important decisions are made and District 10 this is the time to voice concerns, or get the latest news. Meets Second Monday of Every Month—6:30 PM Check the Akron Website at akronaa.org/council- Trinity UCC minutes-2/ for copies of the Council Minutes. 150 North Street, Wooster, OH 44691 Minutes are also available at the Intergroup Office and Council Meetings. Akron InterGroup News - 16 - December, 2019 Where to Send Contributions

The following is a suggested guideline of how to divide your group’s contributions and where to send them: UPDATED ASL DVD NOW AVAILABLE 50% Akron Intergroup Office With a short video message we are happy to announce the availability of an 775 North Main Street; Akron, OH 44310 updated version of the ASL version of the abridged book Alcoholics Anonymous Make checks payable to commonly referred to as “the Big Book” in American Sign Language for the deaf Akron Intergroup Office and the hard-of-hearing for the AA community and alcoholics around the world 25% The General Service Office who are deaf. PO Box 459; Grand Central Station This updated DVD has been reviewed by AA members who are deaf and New York, NY 10163-0459 incorporates current language and signing most familiar in today’s deaf culture. Make checks payable to the Along with ASL, content are also subtitled and on audio track. This updated video General Service Office of “the Big Book” Alcoholics Anonymous is available on DVD and can be ordered at 15% NE Ohio General Service, Area 54 PO Box 91384 the AA website at AA.org or by phone at 212-870-3400. Cleveland, OH 44101-3384 Make checks payable to A.A. ANONYMITY NE Ohio General Service 10% To your Local District: (Announcement for reading at meetings open to the public) Akron Area Multi District There may be some here who are not familiar with our Tradition of Christen B, Treasurer PO Box 67163 personal anonymity at the public level: “Our public relations policy is Cuyahoga Falls OH 44222 based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain Checks payable to Akron Multi District District 10 Wayne/Holmes Co. personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.” Thus, we Rea R Treasurer respectfully ask that A.A. speakers and A.A. members not be 640 E. Henry St. Wooster, OH 44691 photographed, videotaped, or identified by full name on audiotapes Checks Payable to District 10 or in any published or broadcast reports of our meetings, including District 11 (Medina) those reports on the Internet or other new media technologies. The Dave D, Treasurer 8581 Chippewa Rd assurance of anonymity is essential in our efforts to help other Lodi, OH 44254 problem drinkers who may wish to share our recovery program with NEW Checks Payable to District 11 District 5A (Portage County) us. And our Tradition of anonymity reminds us that A.A. principles Dustin S, Treasurer 2203 Ranfield come before personalities. Rd Mogadore, OH 44260 Checks payable to district 5 F-20 (card available at AA.org)

Get video here

Akron InterGroup News - 17 - December, 2019 Jerome D from Canada MANTUA FUN GROUP celebrated 37 years Is having a New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance! sober. Congratulations. Tuesday December 31, 2019 Shalersville Town Hall Corner of State Route 44 & 303 Doors open at 7:00 PM Dinner at 8:00 PM till ??? Dance to follow $10 per person—tickets at Help make the New Year’s Eve party a success. the door Attend the meeting on December 3, 2019— Prime Rib Dinner with other 6:30 PM at the Intergroup Office entrée and sides.

Akron Area Multidistrict Come join us for food and Our Purpose… fellowship, dancing, raffle and fun.  Maintain unity and mutual support between all Summit County AA groups Please bring a desert to  Act as a liaison between Area 54 and the AA groups share and Your Dancing  Holds Monthly meetings of all General Service Shoes! Representatives (GSRs) and District Committee Members (DCMs) HAPPY NEW YEAR Our Meetings are the Third Saturday of every month at 1:00 PM Pilgrim UCC -130 Broad Blvd. Cuyahoga Falls, OH If your Group is not meeting due to Akron Founders’ Day Send New meetings holiday schedule, June 12, 13 & 14, 2020 and change please call or email the announcements to Intergroup Office so ALL COMMITTEES ARE that it can be noted on LOOKING FOR NEW [email protected] MEMBERS. by the deadline to the Website. Check PLEASE SEND be included in this the website at REPRESENTATIVES TO THE akronaa.org for MONTHLY COUNCIL page. MEETINGS. closures. Akron InterGroup News - 18 - December, 2019 December 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Serenity Thru New Year’s Eve Executive Board Recovery Committee Meeting Anniversary Meeting 7:00 PM 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm 6:30 PM lead at 5:30 pm See Website

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Intergroup IT Committee Deadline for Council Meeting 7:00 PM Ignews 1:00 PM St. Thomas Auditorium

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 IGNews Proof 9:00AM Corrections 10:00 AM Group Services 11:00 AM

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 IGNews Mailing 10:00 AM

Office Closed

29 30 31 New Year’s Eve Dance (see pg. 10) Mantua Fun Group Dinner & Dance

This Calendar is always updated on our website. Go to akronaa.org and select events to see the most up to date calendar. Contact the Intergroup to be added to the on-line calendar. To be included in this calendar please email [email protected] by the issue deadline.

Akron InterGroup News - 19 - December, 2019 Write for the InterGroup Newsletter! Choose your own topic or the suggested Topics January—Acceptance February—Happy Valentine’s Day—Romantic Relations in Sobriety submit your article to [email protected] Deadline for January Articles is December 13, 2019 Mail, Email or bring submissions into Office: 775 North Main Street, Akron, OH 44310 Email to: [email protected] — Or fax to: (330) 253-8292 Proofing is December 21, 2019 at 9:00 AM Mailing is December 28, 2019 at 10:00 AM

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