I am responsi- ble when any- JUNE 2019 Volume 43, No. 6 one, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that I am respon- sible. life·line | \ ˈlīf-ˌlīn : 1. A rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water. 2. A thing on which some- one depends for a means of escape from a difficult situation. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com

On a Friday night, September 17, 1954, Bill Dotson died in Akron, Ohio. "That is, people say he died, but he really didn't," wrote Bill Wilson. "His spirit and works are today alive in the hearts of uncounted AA's, and who can doubt that Bill already dwells in one of those many mansions in the great beyond." Bill Dotson, the "Man on the Bed," was AA number 3. At his death, he had not had a drink in more than nineteen years. His date of so- briety was the date he entered Akron's City Hospital for his last detox, June 26, 1935. Two days later occurred that fateful day when two sober alcoholics visited him: Dr. of Akron, Ohio, and Bill Wilson, a guest of Dr. Bob's from New York. A few days before, Dr. Bob had said to Bill: "If you and I are going to stay sober, we had better get busy." Dr. Bob called Akron's City Hospital and told the nurse, a "Mrs. Hall," that he and a man from New York had a cure for . Did she have an alcoholic customer on whom they could try it out? She replied, "Well, Doctor, I suppose you've al- ready tried it yourself?” Then she told him of a man who had just come in with DT's, had blacked the eyes of two nurses, and was now strapped down tight. "He's a grand chap when he's sober," she added. Dr. Bob prescribed some medications, and then asked her to transfer him to a private room. He also put him on a diet of sauerkraut and tomatoes. That's all he was allowed to eat during his hospitalization. The nurse told Dr. Bob and Bill that Bill Dotson had been a well-known attorney in Akron and a city councilman. But he had been hospitalized eight times in the last six months. (Bill Wilson sometimes said "six times.") Following each release, he got drunk even before he got home. Bill's wife, Henrietta Dotson, had talked to Dr. Bob and Bill earlier. When she told her husband she had been "talking to a couple of fellows about drinking" he was furious at her "disloyalty." When she told them that they were "a couple of drunks" Bill didn't mind so much. Henrietta apparently had quite a conversation with the two men, and she told her husband that their plan for staying sober themselves was to tell their plan to another drunk. Years later, Bill Dotson reflected on the jumbled thoughts in his mind as his wife left and he began to lapse back into withdrawal stupor: "All the other people that talked to me wanted to help ME, and my pride prevented me from listening to them, and caused only resentment on my part, but I felt as if I would be a real stinker if I did not listen to a couple of fellows for a short time, if that would cure THEM." So Dr. Bob and Bill talked to what may have been their first "man on the bed." They told him of the serious nature of his disease, but also offered hope for a recovery. "We told him what we had done," wrote Bill, "how we got honest with ourselves as never before, how we had talked our problems out with each other in confidence, how we tried to make amends for harm done others, how we had then been miraculously released from the desire to drink as soon as we had humbly asked , as we understood him, for guidance and protection." But Bill Dotson was not impressed. He said, "Well, this is wonderful for you fellows, but can't be for me. My case is so terrible that I'm scared to go out of this hospital at all. You don't have to sell me religion, either. I was at one time a deacon in the church and I still believe in God. But I guess he doesn't believe much in me." Like so many of us on first coming to AA, Bill Dotson thought he was "different." But he did agree to see Dr. Bob (continued on page 2) SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org

(continued) and Bill again. They came again the next day, and for several days thereafter. When they arrived on July 4, they found Bill's wife, Henrietta, with him. Eagerly pointing at them, he said to his wife, "These are the fellows I told you about, they are the ones who understand." Before they could say anything, he told them about his night, how he hadn't slept but had been thinking about them all night long. And he had decided that if they could do it, maybe he could do it, maybe they could do together what they couldn't do separately. It was apparently on that day that he admitted he couldn't control his drinking and had to leave it up to God. Then they made him get down on his knees at the side of the bed and pray and say that he would turn his life over to God. Before the visit was over, he suddenly turned to his wife and said, "Go fetch my clothes, dear. We're going to get up and get out of here." He walked out of that hospital on July 4, 1935, a free man, never to drink again. AA's Number One Group dates from that day. That Fourth of July they had plenty to celebrate. So they had a picnic. The Smiths, Bill Wilson, the Dotson's, and Eddie Riley*, the first alcoholic they tried to help were there. Within a week, Bill Dotson was back in court, sober, and arguing a case. But at first his wife was doubtful - he had previously gone on the wagon and stayed sober for long periods. But then he drank again. Would this time be different? And he hadn't had that sudden transforming experience that Bill Wilson talked about. When Lois Wilson visited Akron in July of 1935, Henrietta shared these fears with her, and asked Lois whether she ever worried about her Bill drinking again. Lois answered without hesitation, "No. Never." The message had been successfully shared a second time. Dr. Bob was no fluke. And apparently you did not have to be indoctrinated by the before the message could take hold. The three worked with scores of others. "Many were called but mighty few chosen; failure was our daily companion. But when I left Akron in September 1935, two or three more sufferers had apparently linked them- selves to us for good," wrote Bill. Dotson's story was not included in the first edition of the Big Book. Ernest Kurst seems to think it was because Bill Dotson's "credentials," were apparently too blatant: highly respectable upper middle-class background, above average education, intensive youthful religious training which had since been rejected, and former social prominence recently nullified by such behavior as his assault on two nurses. In a 1952 discussion with Bill D., he was asked why his story hadn't appeared in the first edition of the Big Book. He said that he hadn't been much interested in the pro- ject or perhaps had even thought it unnecessary. He also said that Bill Wilson had come out to Akron to record his story, which would be in the next edition of the book. It appears in the Big Book as "AA Number Three." Old timers in Akron, according to Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, "recalled that Bill Dotson, was indeed a grand chap when sober.” They remembered him as one of the most engaging people they ever knew. One said: "I thought I was a real big shot because I took Bill D. to meetings," Another noted that, though Bill Dotson was influen- tial in the area he was not an ambitious man in AA. "He wasn't aggressive, just a good A.A. If you went to him for help he would give you help. He would counsel with you. He never drove a car, but he went to meetings every night. He'd stand around with his thumbs in his vest like a Kentucky colonel. And he spoke so slowly, you wanted to reach out and pull the words from his mouth. I loved to be around him. He put you in mind of a real 'Easy Does It' guy -- Mr. Serenity. His wife, looking back in 1977, described him as "a great alcoholic who, like other alcoholics, didn't want to get drunk." She reportedly remembered telling her pastor, "You aren't reaching him. I'm going to find someone who can, if I have to see everyone in Akron," and she prayed with the pastor of another church that someone her husband could understand would visit him in City Hospital, where he had been admitted with "some kind of virus." I have found no reference to his age when Bill and Bob found him, but Bill keeps referring to him in the literature as "old Bill D." (Bill Dotson was 43 when Bill and Dr. Bob found him, just 3 years older than Bill and 13 years younger than Dr. Bob). In a memorial to Bill Dotson, Bill Wilson wrote: "The force of the great example that Bill set in our pioneering time will last as long as AA itself. Bill kept the faith -- what more could we say?" *Eddie didn't get sober at first, but later he did, and Eddie said in a talk that there were two firsts in A.A. -- the first one who accepted

the program and the first who refused it. http://www.cleanandsobernotdead.com/aahistory/billd.html

Page xvii -- 3rd paragraph -- "Very first case..." The very first case that Bill and Bob worked on was Eddie R. They were not successful with Eddie. He was from a prominent Youngstown, Ohio, family, had lost his rented house and was about to lose his job. At Doctor Bob's funeral in 1950, Eddie R. was there with one year of sobriety.

http://www.cleanandsobernotdead.com/aahistory/bbtrivia1.html

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 2

Frank B.‘s Story: In 1908, a YMCA secretary named Frank Buchman had a spiritual transformation that changed his life. Upon graduating in June, he started a street-side The Oxford church in Philadelphia (Church of the Good Shepherd) with a donation of seventeen dol- lars. The church flourished so he started a hospice for young men, which spread to other Group's Principles cities. This was followed with the founding of a settlement house project. Frank had a violent argument with his trustee committee because they cut the budget and the food allotment. He resigned and went to Europe, ending up at a large religious convention in and Influence Keswick, England. He had a spiritual transformation when he heard a speaker talk simp- ly about the cross of Christ. He felt the chasm separating him from Christ, and a feeling of a will to surrender. He went back to his house and wrote these words to each of his six trustees in Philadelphia: "My dear friend. I have nursed ill feelings against you. I am sor- – Their Beginning ry. Will you forgive me? Sincerely, Frank." Feeling an urge to share this experience, he went to nearby Oxford University and formed an evangelical group there among the stu- dent leaders and athletes.

The movement spread, and groups formed over the next twenty years in England, Scotland, Holland, India, South Africa, China, Egypt, Switzerland, and North and South America. They practiced absolute surrender, guidance by the Holy Spirit, sharing in fellowship, life changing faith, and prayer. They aimed for absolute standards of Love, Purity, Honesty, and Unselfishness, which later became an inte- gral part of A.A. In addition to the Four Absolutes, they practiced the principles of the “Five C’s”: confidence, confession, conviction, conversion and continuance. Above all the group was a fellowship." They carried the message aggressively to others.” They met in churches, universities, and homes. In 1918 during his travels, Frank Buchman met a young YMCA worker, Sam Shoemaker, in China and converted him to the Oxford Group principles. Years later, Sam became the minister of the Calvary Church in New York, which later became the titular headquarters for the Oxford Group in the United States. (The name was changed in 1928 from "A First Century Christian Fellowship" to the "Oxford Group.") The groups' popularity peaked during this period with up to 10,000 people at one meeting in the Berkshire Mountains.

Bill W. and the Oxford Group: In 1932 and 1933, a man named Rowland H., son of wealthy Rhode Island State Senator, had become a hopeless alcoholic and in his quest for help had sought out the famous psychiatrist, Dr. . Jung told him there was no hope for him in Switzerland, and to go home and seek spiritual conversion through religion. Rowland found the Oxford Group in the United States and became sober as the result of a spiritual experience. In 1934, Ebby T., childhood friend of Bill W.'s, was about to be locked up as a chronic drunk in Bennington, Vermont. Three men visited him from an Oxford Group, one of whom was Rowland H. He taught Ebby the precepts he had learned from the Oxford Group. In December Ebby had his chance to describe these precepts to Bill W. The following words are transcribed from a tape of one of Bill's AA talks:

• We admitted we were licked. • We got honest with ourselves. • We talked it over with another person. • We made amends to those we had harmed. • We tried to carry this message to others with no thought of reward. • We prayed to whatever God we thought there was.

In November of 1934, Ebby surrendered his life to God at the Calvary Episcopal Church mission run by Sam Shoemaker. (Sam had met Frank Buchman in China in 1918, and by 1934 was regarded as a major leader of the Oxford Group movement in the United States and was hosting their headquarters.) Ebby was living at his mission. Bill W. showed up there drunk looking for Ebby, couldn't find him, and was admitted into Towns Hospital.

"Bill W. told us at the mission that he had heard that Ebby, on the previous Sunday at the Calvary Church, had witnessed that with the help of God he had been sober a number of months." Bill said that if Ebby could get help here, then he (Bill) needed help, and he could get it at the mission, also. Bill looked prosperous compared to our usual mission customers, (actually, he was wearing a Brooks Broth- er's suit purchased at a rummage sale for $5.00!). We agreed that he should go to Towns Hospital where Ebby and others of the group could talk to him.

After his spiritual experience at Towns, Bill immediately made a decision to become active in Oxford Group work, and to try to bring oth- er alcoholics from Towns to the group. He visited the mission Oxford Group meetings and the hospital daily for four or five months, up to the time of the Akron trip. No one stayed sober.

Rowland H., who rescued Ebby in August 1934, had a thorough indoctrination in Oxford Group teachings and he passed many of these along to Ebby and Bill W. Soon after his release from Towns Hospital at the end of 1934, Bill and the rest of the of the Oxford Group began gathering at Stewart's Cafeteria in New York follow- ing their regular meeting. He was obsessed with the idea of carrying the message and he had wide range of ac- quaintances in the Oxford Group circles. His next stop was at the Mayflower Hotel in Akron, Ohio when he met Dr. Bob S.

(See Bill W. – A Biography) www.silkworth.net/aahistory/ oxford_group_connection.html SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 3

Support: Where Money and Mix - Pamphlet F-3 on Self Support

Tradition Seven (long form): The A.A. groups themselves ought to be fully supported by the voluntary contribu- tions of their own members. We think that each group should soon achieve this ideal; that any public solicitation of funds using the name of is highly dangerous, whether by groups, clubs, hospitals, or other outside agencies; that acceptance of large gifts from any source, or of contributions carrying any obligation whatever, is unwise. Then, too, we view with much concern those A.A. treasuries which continue, beyond prudent reserves, to accumulate funds for no stated A.A. purpose. Experience has often warned us that nothing can so surely destroy our spiritual heritage as futile disputes over property, money, and authority. “The first time I had to talk about finances at a district meeting when I was my area’s treasurer, a fellow in the back of the room yelled out: ‘Why in the world are you always talking about money when this is a spiritual program?’ The guy threw me and I didn’t know how to answer him.” From its earliest beginnings, A.A. has always incurred expenses — whether it be the cost of a pot of coffee or the price of a place to meet. In the early days, these costs were often absorbed by individual A.A.s or non-alcoholic friends who offered their parlours and living rooms for A.A.s to meet in. However, as A.A. outgrew the generosity of these early friends and mem- bers, the Fellowship’s need for income became more and more apparent. Bill W., A.A.’s co-founder, and some of the early A.A. members initially felt the only way for the Fellowship to survive was to solicit financial support from philanthropic institutions or individuals outside A.A. These “high rollers” could then supply the funds the Fellowship would need to carry out the vital Twelfth Step work the early A.A.s envisioned — to bankroll the army of paid missionaries, the chain of A.A. hospitals, and the library of books they were certain to write. One potential A.A. pa- tron, however, when approached by the pioneering members for money, instead helped to lay the groundwork for A.A.’s Tra- dition of self-support: “I am afraid that money will spoil this thing,” said John D. Rockefeller Jr., while at the same time endors- ing the work of the fledgling Fellowship. This marked a turning point in A.A. history and, as the reality of Mr. Rockefeller’s statement sank in and A.A. members began to see the truth in the old cliché, “Who pays the piper calls the tune,” the seed of the Seventh Tradition took root. “Now that we are sober in A.A., the word ‘support’ has to do with sharing, people, self-respect, gratitude, and what we are privileged to give — not take — in material terms.” While the Fellowship has always faced problems of money, property, and prestige in one form or another, through the wisdom of the Seventh Tradition we have never been diverted from our primary purpose of carrying the message to the alco- holic who still suffers — wherever he or she may be. This is the fundamental work of Alcoholics Anonymous, and to ensure that the hand of A.A. will always remain outstretched, money and spirituality must continue to mix. And for that, we are all responsible. Some Questions and Answers About A.A.’s Finances How can groups participate? To help support A.A.’s essential services, the General Service Conference suggests that individual groups, through an informed group conscience, adopt a specific contribution plan tailored to meet the group’s finan- cial situation. Once the basic group expenses have been taken care of, for example: (rent, refreshments, A.A. literature, Grapevine literature, local meeting lists, G.S.R. travel expenses to attend service functions), and a “prudent reserve” has been set aside to cover any emergency contingencies that might arise, the group may decide to further carry the message by sending money to the following A.A. service entities: • The local district, which communicates directly with the groups, providing the district group conscience for the area assemblies, and serving as a link between the area delegates and the G.S.R.s. • The area committee, which coordinates vital A.A. activities over a broad geographic area; sends a delegate to the annual General Service Conference; holds area assemblies to determine the needs of the Fellowship; and provides information at all levels of service. • The local intergroup or central office, which may provide phone service for Twelfth Step calls and other inquiries; coordination of group activities; A.A. literature sales; institutions work; public information and cooperation with the professional community activities. • A.A.’s General Service Office, which functions as a storehouse of A.A. information, communicating with members and groups around the world; publishes A.A.’s literature; and supplies information and experience to professionals and others interested in A.A. ▲

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 4

Alcoholics Anonymous Today - The http://www.12wisdomsteps.com/related_topics/ What does it really mean? Reinhold Niebuhr today/serenity_prayer.html

With the saying of this word I am admitting the existence of a Higher Pow- God er... a being far greater than I I am admitting that this is an authority who can bestow and grant give me the I am asking for something for myself - it is said if I ask, it shall be given Serenity Calmness, composure and peace to accept I am resigning myself to the conditions in my life as they are now things I cannot I must accept things as they are until I find the courage to begin to change change them Courage The quality of Spirit I need to face conditions and move forward to change To substitute new habits for old ones the things I can The things I know how or am able to change Wisdom The ability to form sound judgments to know To understand with clarity

the difference Distinction between the two

My name is Emme and I am a grateful alcoholic. In gratitude to Alco- holics Anonymous and to help keep me sober, I strive to give back. I volunteered for the phone chair approximately a year ago after I TWELFTH started to attend the SMIA meetings as my home group’s SMIA Rep- resentative. The SMIA provides the Tri-County Area with so many STEP GOLD services, including the SMIA Website https://somdaa.org, the Lifeline newsletter, the Where & When, and the Hotline. If you’ve ever wondered where your dollar in the basket is being sent after group expenses are paid, these are just a few of the services provided to help carry the message of sobriety in AA.

The basic duties of Telephone Chair are to track and report the telephone calls that come into the hotline. I also provide information via email to anyone who prefers that method of communication. I am also compelled to re- turn calls when volunteers are not available. Connecting with other alcoholics outside of my network has en- riched my program and helped me to feel useful and productive. The number of calls has dwindled since the internet provides the much of the information for our fellow alcoholics, but it is still important to provide the phone service. Believe it or not, there may be drunks out there without a cell phone or internet access! Before my position as SMIA Chair, my service has been at the group level. My homegroup is Graceful Sobriety, 7:30pm on Monday in La Plata, MD. The other service positions I have held in- clude Secretary, Chair and “Share Chair”, which is where I brought leaders and someone else opened the meeting. If you would like to volunteer to be on the list to receive 12 Step Calls, sign up at https://somdaa.org. Emme J.

Page-xvii, 1st paragraph— “Their very first case” Eddie Reilly was most likely their first and Dr. Roy H. McKay the second. Dr. McKay never achieved permanent sobriety, but Eddie Reilly eventually did. Eddie attended Dr. Bob’s funeral sober in 1950 and remained that way. However, here the BB authors are referring to Bill Dotson A.A. #3, “Man on the Bed”. http://www.bigbookfordummies.com/did%20you%20know/

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 5

ACROSS:

4. ____ to believe.

6. Where alcohol will take you. jails, institu- tions and ____.

10. _____ is the an- swer to ALL my prob- lems today.

11. If you can't do "One Day At A Time" then Do One______At A Time

13. What is it called when a person drinks for days or weeks on end??

14. The feeling that someone has wronged you - but you also had a part to play in it that you have not realized just yet

16. What is Bill W.'s wife's first name?

18. What is it called http://www.moderndayrecovery.com/ when a person drinks again after being clean and sober for a period DOWN: of time?

1. What is the word used for when you don't remember what happened after drink- 20. How many people ing? do you need to have 2. We shall not ____ the past nor wish to shut the door on it. an AA meeting? 3. What is the step that's a NO-NO...Most don't know 21. The feeling of 5. AA is a ______of men and women who share their experience, strength and wanting to drink. hope with each other. 7. What step is this: Turned our will and our lives over to the care of god "as we un- 22. 90 ____ in 90 derstood him" ? days. 8. Made a searching and ______moral inventory of ourselves. 9. Complete this phrase: Higher ______. 23. The only require- ment to become a 10. What city is Bill W. from? member of AA is the 12. A group of recovering people that you keep in touch with and talk to on a regu- _____ to stop drinking lar basis. 15. AA has Twelve Steps and Twelve______24. How many people did AA have in 1939? 17. A person who guides a newcomer through the 12 steps of AA. 19. He who knows how to be poor knows______

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JUNE 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Michael B., 2yr (More Will Be Revealed)

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Martha K., 23yrs George M., 11yrs Angie S., 6yrs (Solomons) (Lusby Big (Lexington Book) Park Big Book)

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Brandi D., 1yr (Bedouin)

30

CONGRATULATIONS!!

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 7

SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT

1 2 3 4 5 6 Steve G. 1yr, Bobby B. 1yr, (Hollywood) (Wits End) “Eating Meet- ing” Pot Luck

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Susan B. , 2yrs (More Will Be Revealed)

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Joe H., 18yrs (Leonardtown)

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Timmy T., 6yr Keith H., 30yrs (Monday Night (Almost Nor- Traditions) mal)

28 29 30 31

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June 1 1949 - Anne S., Dr. Bob's wife, died. June 4 2002- Caroline K., author of "Drinking: A Love Story" died sober of lung cancer. June 5 1940 - Ebby T. took a job at the NY Worlds Fair. June 6 1940 - The first AA Group in Richmond, VA, was formed. 1979 - AA gave the two-millionth copy of the Big Book to Joseph Califano, then Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. It was presented by Lois W., Bill's wife, in New York. June 7 1939 - Bill and Lois W. had an argument, the first of two times Bill almost slipped. 1941 - The first AA Group in St. Paul, Minnesota, was formed. June 8 1941 - Three AA's started a group in Kalamazoo, Michigan. June 10 1935 - The date that is celebrated as Dr. Bob's last drink and the official founding date of AA. There is some evidence that the founders, in trying to reconstruct the history, got the date wrong and it was actually June 17. June 11 1945 - Twenty-five hundred attend AA's 10th Anniversary in Cleveland, Ohio. 1969 - Dr. Bob's granddaughter, Bonna, daughter of Sue S. and Ernie G. (The Seven Month Slip in the First Edition) killed herself after first killing her six-year-old child. 1971 - Ernie G. died. June 13 1945 - Morgan R. gave a radio appearance for AA with large audience. He was kept under surveillance to make sure he didn't drink. June 15 1940 - First AA Group in Baltimore, MD, was formed. June 16 1938 - Jim B., "The Vicious Cycle" in Big Book, had his last drink. June 17 1942 - New York AA groups sponsored the first annual NY area meeting. Four hundred and twenty-four heard Dr. Silkworth and AA speakers. June 18 1940 - One hundred attended the first meeting in the first AA clubhouse at 334-1/2 West 24th St., New York City. June 19 1942 - Columnist Earl Wilson reported that NYC Police Chief Valentine sent six policemen to AA and they sobered up. "There are fewer suicides in my files," he commented. June 21 1944 - The first Issue of the AA Grapevine was published. June 24 1938 - Two Rockefeller associates told the press about the Big Book "Not to bear any author's name but to be by 'Alcoholics Anonymous.'" June 25 1939 - The New York Times reviewer wrote that the Big Book is "more soundly based psychologically than any other treatment I have ever come upon." June 26 1935 - Bill D. (AA #3) entered Akron's City Hospital for his last detox and his first day of sobriety. June 28 1935 - Dr. Bob and Bill W. visited Bill Dotson at Akron's City Hospital. http://www.cmia32.org/ archives/day-by-day/ June 30 1941 - Ruth Hock showed Bill W. the Serenity Prayer and it was adopted readily by AA.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 9

YOU’RE INVITED!!!

District 35 presents: Area 29 Delegate's Report Update (from the 69th General Service Conference)

Thursday, June 27th Peace Lutheran Church 401 E.Smallwood Drive Waldorf, MD 7:00pm

CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING MEETINGS! Lusby Big Book Cove Point Step

Happy Destiny Daily Reflections

Because it’s not always about what we can get

from a meeting, but also what we can bring to it...

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 10

Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., with the Serenity Prayer. SMIA MEETING MINUTES New Members and Visitors: Shelly S. Wayside Group MAY 11, 2019 Board Members and Committee Chair Present: Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bill L., Treasurer and Webmaster, Buddy F., Secretary, Emme J., Telephone, Keith H., Lifeline and Keenan W. Bookstall and Picnic, Wallace S., Archives. Groups Represented: Bob H., District 35 Joyce S., Drunks R Us & District 36 Representative; Bill L., Sunderland ; Kaki B. Hughesville; Brian M., There is a Solution ; Renee W., Inspiration Group; Buddy F., Basic Text ; Robin B., Beach Bea- con; Chuck G. Bridging the Gap; Ron R., St. Charles Step; Dee E., New Life ; Shellie S., Wayside; Emme J., Graceful So- briety ; Wallace S., SABIT; Fred W., Daily Reprieve; Rick W., Graceful Sobriety; Jill B., Sunday Morning Sobriety; Janine G, Sobriety Sisters; Jeanine W., District 35 DCM; Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Jim D., Awakening; John M., Early Bird; Keith H., Almost Normal Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for April were accepted as read with correc- tions. Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. gave the May 2019 Treasurer’s Report. The report was accepted as read with no corrections. Walley mentioned the fact that its been a year and his name is still on the SMIA checking account. It needs to be re- moved. Archives: Wallace S. stated that he would like to bring in Archives for the group to view during the SMIA meeting. Bridging the Gap: Chuck G., explained how the program works and also provided volunteer sign up sheets for the group to take back to their home groups Bookstall: Keenan W. stated book sales were $839.50 and that he will be placing a large order this month. Telephone: Emme J. stated they’re were a total of 12 calls,5 wanting to talk,3 needing rides 2 wanting meeting info and 2 not specified. There is a new 1-800 number for the A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209). Lifeline: Keith H. stated things were going well. He will be glad to receive any article(s)) for printing; please let him know if something needs to be corrected, Emme J. stated that she would provide a Bio on Service. Website: Bill L. stated there were 3,267 visits to the website, down 3.60%. Top visited pages were Home page Where & When Calendar and Where & When Search. Corrections/Treatment: Calvert: No Report Charles: Jeanine W. reported for Dan W. that they are always looking for volunteers, the men’s meeting is on Saturdays @ 6:30 and the women’s meeting is on Tuesday @ 6:30. St. Mary’s: No report PI/CPC: Calvert – Bill L. gave a report for Rodger M. All racks are updated and going well. Charles - Cindy H. stated that she has put the new Where and When’s and filling the information racks up and is in contact with the local rehab facilities. Cindy also stated that if anyone has information about any facility looking for information to please reach out to her. St. Mary’s - Buddy F. gave Mary F’s. report. She was able to get literature to the all the racks. Gratitude Dinner: No Chairperson. We need volunteers to make this successful. Serenity Breakfast: No Chairperson. Again, we need everyone’s help to make this a successful event. Picnic: No Report, Janine G. volunteered to be the Picnic committee Chair person. Where and When: No Report Old Business: We are still looking for people to volunteer for the Treasurer’s position. Bill L. stated he would try to stay till a new volunteer is found. New Business: Bill L. gave the 2019/2020 budget proposal. Shellie S. made a motion to put $15.00 into the LifeLine budget in order to balance the budget. The motion was seconded and the vote was unanimous. Shellie S. made a motion to accept the 2019/2020 budget proposal. Emme J. seconded the motion, the 2019/2020 Budget Proposal was voted on and accepted. Pat S. asked if SMIA could provide funding for a trip to the National SMIA Convention in Arizona It was mentioned that the group representatives go back to their home group and ask their opinions. Renee W. was concerned about the posting of the top ten Group Contributors in the Treasurers report. (continued on page 14 )

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(Meeting Minutes con’t) A conversation followed and a motion was made to stop posting the top ten group contribu- tors, the motion was seconded and it was passed to post all Group Contributions on a Quarterly basics for all home group members to see so they know what their home groups are doing with their funds.

For the Good of the Order: Bill L. ask please put your group name and group ID number on you Donation checks. Area 29 Maryland State Convention June 28-30 Clarion Inn 5400 Holiday Drive Frederick, MD. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am with the Responsibility Pledge. Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary

Perspectives on Step 6 Dominica A.

Step 6 is an important step in recovery for several reasons. It is an open invitation to partner with our Higher Power and make a firm decision to let go of the character defects or flaws that have been in con- trol for years. Step 6 is the “getting ready for removal” step—the step that can bring noticeable change when it comes to our thought patterns and behaviors.

Trying to Remove My Defects on My Own: I tried removing my shortcomings, flaws, and defects for years. I would vow to myself to be less angry, shameful, resentful, jealous, irrational, and so on. I would determine to stop behaviors that got me feeling pretty awful. Problem is, I never dug underneath the surface to see what was fueling these shortcomings. As I completed the fourth and fifth steps, plenty of things got revealed to me, and then I was ready to relinquish control and allow my Higher Power to cut these attitudes and behaviors at the root. I learned that many of my attitudes and behaviors stemmed from programming I picked up in childhood. My unconscious program was influencing my conscious choices, sort of like a CD in a player. I wanted to take that CD out and smash it. But for years I didn’t even realize it was there. With the help of my Higher Power, I was able to take that CD out and put in a brand new CD that brings life, peace, and joy to my life. In other words, I surrendered. I hoisted the white flag.

One Day at a Time: Am I perfect now? Not a chance. Sometimes I revert back to my old ways or a shortcoming will flare. But when I consciously take time to review the 12 steps, I continue to grow and become stronger. As I work through the steps, I acquire amazing things such as faith, courage, open- ness, hope, and a willingness to continue molding myself into the person I am meant to be. I remember that it’s progress I’m after—not perfection! My advice as you approach Step 6 is to think about how far you’ve come:

• You’re no longer drinking. • You’ve courageously worked through five steps. • You’ve opened yourself up to a Higher Power, inviting positive change into your life.

Allow Step 6 to nudge you into letting go of your shortcomings and character defects. You have guilt? Let it go. Free yourself. Are you angry? Give it to your Higher Power. Trust that your Higher Power can take and remove for good the things you don’t want or need. Why? Because freedom, peace, and joy are available. You don’t have to be imprisoned in your past, old childhood programming, negative emo- tions, and so on. The 12 steps lead men and women to a greater amount of peace, freedom, and joy. Do your best to consistently and honestly work them. https://www.recovery.org/alcoholics-anonymous/step-

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Treasurer’s Report June 2019

This is the first report in the new fiscal year, 2019/2020. At the May meeting of the SMIA, we approved the budget after one correction to submit a wholly balanced sheet. Bookstall receipts were lower than usual this month at only $212.00. That’s about 70% less than the average sales over the previous year per month. The contributions were $638.00, which is about 14% less than the previous year per month. The group decided to remove the “Top Ten Contributors” section from the monthly Treasurer’s Report, however we will continue to publish the monthly contributors. The running yearly contributors will be published on the SMIA Web Site, and can be e-mailed to any member of the SMIA upon request. Since I will be absent for this meeting, I will arrange another day to perform the annual audit with Jeanine W.

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DISTRICT 1 CALVERT COUNTY

DISTRICT 35 - CHARLES COUNTY

OPEN SERVICE POSITIONS: District Meeting: • Public Info 7 PM, 3rd Mon-

• Secretary day St. Paul’s Episc. • Hospitality Chair Church Prince Freder- District Meeting: ick, MD District 1 Trust 7 PM, 1st Thurs Fund Peace Lutheran Church PO Box 234 Waldorf MD Barstow, MD 20610 District 35, PO Box 1981, La www.calvertaa.org Plata, MD 20646

DISTRICT 36 - ST. MARY'S COUNTY GREAT 12-STEP OPPORTUNITY! New treatment center needs support. Local groups from all districts are needed to take meetings. Meeting calendar flexible This is a unique oppor- tunity to help local Newcomers build a solid foundation and learn about strong sponsorship. Contact Pat. S. for more info - 301-481-2090 District Meeting: 6:30 PM, 2nd Tuesday @ Hollywood Rescue Squad Bldg., Hollywood Mailing Address: District 36, PO Box 1334, California, MD 20619

“We ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences might be.” Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 79 SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 15

Want to Need a Meeting Total County Other* SMIA PHONE REPORT Talk Ride Info Calls MAY 2019 Calvert

Charles 1 3 4

St. Mary’s 1 1 2

Not Speci- 1 2 3 fied

Total Calls 2 3 2 2 9

*Other: (1) Wrong Number. Looking for AAA. (2) Meeting no longer at 3587 Old Wash Road in Waldorf (old Home Group locale)

“And above all, let us remember that great legions who still suffer from alcoholism and who are still without hope. Let us, at any cost or sacrifice, so improve our communication with all these that they may find what we have found.” Bill Wilson, ©The AA Grapevine, February 1961

One of the most important things in recovery is helping the still suffering alcoholic. The SMIA is committed to this principle and provides a 24x7 Telephone Service. But phone support is of no benefit if we do not have service committed people to call . We have a simple and secure method for you to add your name to the SMIA 12-Step Call List. This information is protected and will only be shared with the Phone Committee Chair. Go online to the intergroup website, www.somdintergroup.org (the 12-step Phone List link is on this page). Click on the link to access, complete the online form, and discover the benefits of this valuable service opportunity by connecting with others throughout the local community. You will be amazed before you’re half way through.

Please send any updates for the Where & SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP ASSOCIATION When to: [email protected]. CHAIR: Pat S. Current Where and When meeting guides VICE CHAIR: John L. are available at the monthly SMIA meeting. SECRETARY: Buddy F. TREASURER: Bill L. TWELVE SPIRITUAL PARLIAMENTARIAN: Bruce O. PRINCIPLES / VIRTUES Where & When: Pat P. Bill W. considered each step to be a spiritual Lifeline: Keith H. principle in and of itself. However, he outlined Telephone: Emme J. the spiritual principles behind each step. Website: Bill L. Reading these principles and actual- ly practicing them in your day-to-day lives are Bookstall: Keenan W. two entirely different things and the latter re- The Lifeline is an unofficial newsletter published by Southern quires vigilance and willingness. Maryland Intergroup Association, Inc. Any opinions expressed are those of the writers. They are not endorsed by SMIA, any group 6. WILLINGNESS – Prompt to act or respond; accepted and done of choice or without reluc- or AA as a whole. Group secretaries and individuals are encour- tance. aged to send group news, anniversaries and events. Material may be edited for space and content. Please send all Lifeline corre- https://www.aacle.org/twelve-spiritual- spondence to: principles/ [email protected] THE DEADLINE FOR ALL LIFELINE SUBMISSIONS IS THE “Our leaders are but trusted 27th OF EACH MONTH. servants, they do not govern.”

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