I am responsi- ble when any- December 2018 Volume 42, No. 12 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 someone depends for a means of escape from a difficult situation. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com

How appropriate it seems that there are twelve months in a year and we have twelve steps in the program. The joy of good living is the theme of the twelfth step and it blends right in with the holiday season in November and December, starting with Thanksgiving and ending with the New Years Eve celebration. This time of year does bring a lot of joy to many of us, but it also brings distress to some of the less fortunate ones who haven’t yet been blessed with the gift of sobriety and peace of mind, in and outside of A.A. During my drinking days I used to be very uncomfortable about the holidays. I never knew how to act around normal people unless I was half smashed. When invited to a celebration, I felt like a charity case and would rather just hang out at the bar where I felt safe. I never got into the spirit of reaching out to others. My family always celebrated the differ- ent holidays, and I always (due to my discomfort) would put a damper on it by complaining about the tacky gifts that people would buy for each other and the mad rush to go shopping and the commercializing facade that it had become. Any excuse was better than facing me and the miserable wretch I had become. Why don’t you just take a back seat and just watch the joy in their eyes as they experience these things. After being sober for several years it occurred to me that I still had some of those same attitudes, and that I was still holding on to them to some degree largely due to the inconvenience of it all. I explained this problem to a dear friend once, and he asked, “Does the rest of the family enjoy the holidays?” I said yes. He then said, “Why don’t you just take a back seat and just watch the joy in their eyes as they experience these things.” I did exactly what he suggested and when I started to observe the childlike innocence and happiness it brought to them, it gave me a whole new appreciation for this time of year. It brought tears of Joy to my eyes and I no longer wanted to be the grouch, putting a damper on the joy that they were having. I have been following this line of thinking ever since and it has changed my whole attitude concerning these things. This change of attitude has inspired me to apply the unselfish lessons that I’ve come to under- stand and now I spend the holiday season filled with Joy. If it works like that for the holidays, then why can’t I bring it with me for the rest of the year? This has been my mission for several years, and I am always looking for the opportunity to brighten the lives of people less fortunate than myself. I try to do these things anonymously and without fanfare. I also try to consider the discomfort that I used to feel when I was the one on the receiving end of a charitable gesture. I am very careful to do these things in a way that preserves the dignity of that other person. I don’t have to wait for the holidays to do these things. Every day is a holiday in and outside of my home, and you can believe me when I say; I reap more than my share of the joy. – Rick R. https://www.aacleve.org/joyful-life-holidays/

I had scooted through the holiday season one long-ago January without a drink for the first time in memory since teenage years. Even though I had been sober five full months, my gratitude was overshadowed by fear . . . after enjoying a happy-happy parade on Hollywood Boulevard, I marched right into a bar on Cherokee Avenue and almost ordered a happy-happy gin & tonic. Thank God I didn’t! It was definitely one of those strange mental blank spots mentioned on page forty-two of the Big Book. Terrified, I rushed back to my Santa Monica apartment, fell to my knees, and asked God to save me from a seemingly impending drunken spree.

What was I doing wrong? I had been going to at least two meetings daily, and work- ing the Steps from the pull down shades at the . God’s answer came in the form of a new sponsor named Carl. He informed me that the directions for AA recovery were in the Big Book, and nowhere else; that meetings only were probably not sufficient for me to recover . . . that my mental obsession to drink would triumph over my willpower whether I was happy, depressed or in-between. But then Carl took me through the Twelve Step process and I soon began to recover.

It was later explained that down deep within the alcoholics mind there exists a quiet undetectable, I-need-a-drink self which may linger surrepti- tiously for years before it attacks. Indeed, page forty-three informs us that we have no effective mental defense . . . that our defense must come from a higher power. But then, Bill W. informs us that we also have a marvelous often unknown protector; he calls it a “Great Reality deep with- in” (p. 55). Dr. Carl Jung called it a God Archetype. For whatever name, it is much more powerful than the mental obsession, and luckily for we alcoholics, this can be ours and it can last for a lifetime if we live the AA program of action. Many Januarys have passed since those days of yore, but the thought of drinking no longer appears in my emotional vocabulary. Thank you God! ~ Bob S. www.aacleve.org/great-reality-deep- within/

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We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

When a Twelfth Step call is received, we begin with the assumption that another human being’s life is at stake — literally. This means that, without delay, this call is to be answered at once.

1. Arrange for another AA member to go with you. 2. Have a quiet time, read Chapter Seven in the Big Book. 3. Maintain anonymity. 4. Talk to the prospect alone, if possible (without his/her family and friends there.) 5. Congratulate him/her on wanting to do something about their drinking problem. 6. Provide some AA literature. 7. Note what the Big Book says at the bottom of page 94: “On your first visit tell him about the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. If he shows interest, lend him your copy of this book.” 8. Each of you tell him “what you used to be like, what happened, and what you are like now.” 9. If he wants to talk, let him. 10. At the top of page 95, it advises, “Give him a chance to think it over… Sometimes a new man is anxious to proceed at once, and you may be tempted to let him do so. This is sometimes a mistake. If he has trouble later, he is likely to say you rushed him… If he is sincerely interested and wants to see you again, ask him to read this book in the interval (at least ask him to read the first 164 pages). After doing that (reading the book), he must decide for himself if he wants to go on.

11. When you are ready to leave, tell him you will call on him the following day if he wants, and he will have had time to read the first 164 pages, or had time to think about your conversation. Note that the second paragraph on page 96 says, “Suppose you are now making your second visit to a man. He has read this volume, and he is prepared to go through with the Twelve Steps of the program of recovery.” At this point you review the Twelve Steps with him, and arrange to bring him to your group meeting. If he does not want to go on, or feels that he can do it some other way, pick up your copy of the Big Book and invite him to call on you again if he changes his mind and decides that AA can be of help.

12. Finally, note how the Big Book, at the top of page 96 says, “We find it a waste of time to keep chasing a man who cannot, or will not, work with you. If you leave such a person alone, he may soon become convinced that he cannot recover by himself.”

March 2007, http://www.aagrapevine.org

The Twelfth Principle ~ SERVICE Bill W. considered each step to be a spiritual principle in and of itself. Howev- er, particularly in the 12 & 12, he outlined the spiritual principles behind each step. Some of them seem like common sense, but understand going into the exercise that reading these principles and actually practicing them in your day- to-day lives are two entirely different things (and that the latter requires vigi- lance and willingness). 12. SERVICE – A helpful act; contribution to the welfare of oth- ers; useful labor that does not produce a tangible commodity.

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Holiday parties without liquid spirits may still seem a dreary prospect to new A.A.’s. But many of us have enjoyed the happiest holi- days of our lives sober—an idea we would never have dreamed of, wanted, or believed possible when drinking. Here are some tips for having a great holiday without a drop of alcohol: https://www.aacleve.org/

Line up extra A.A. activities for the holiday season. Arrange Be host to A.A. friends, especially newcomers. If you Keep your A.A. telephone list with you all the to take newcomers to meetings, answer the phones at a don’t have a place where you can throw a formal party, time. If a drinking urge or panic comes—postpone clubhouse or central office, speak, help with dishes, or visit take one person to a diner and spring for the coffee. the alcoholic ward at a hospital. everything else until you’ve called an A.A.

Find out about the special holiday parties, meetings, or Skip any drinking occasion you are nervous about. Re- If you have to go to a drinking party and can’t other celebrations given by groups in your area, and member how clever you were at excuses when drinking? take an A.A. with you, keep some candy go. If you’re timid, take someone newer than you are. Now put the talent to good use. No office party is as im- portant as saving your life. handy.

Don’t think you have to stay late. Plan in Worship in your own way. Don’t sit around brooding. Catch up on advance an “important date” you have to those books, museums, walks, and letters. keep.

Don’t start now getting worked up about all those Enjoy the true beauty of holiday love and joy. Maybe “Having had a . . .” No need to spell out the holiday temptations. Remember— “one day at a time.” you cannot give material gifts—but this year, you can Twelfth Step here, since you already know it. give love.

I took my last drink and used my last drug on December 27, 1997. Using AA Slogans to Deal with Holiday Stress... Right smack in the middle of the holidays. As you can imagine, Thanksgiving and Christmas were not so good for either me or my family that year. New Year's was a little better, but not by much. Since then, I have experienced 17 consecutive holiday seasons without using drugs or alcohol. But even with 17 years of practice under my belt, the holidays can still be stressful if I'm not careful. As I look back on those first months of sobriety in early 1998, I remember going to a lot of meetings. I was miserable. I was full of shame, and I remember feeling disgusted with myself because I couldn't quit drinking on my own. I knew deep down that my only hope was to show up and do what others had done to get sober and stay sober, but I hated it nonetheless. I hated the serenity prayer, I hated the Steps, I hated sharing in meetings, I hated holding hands with the people on either side of me to close the meeting, and most of all I hated the slogans. But somewhere along the way, I surrendered. My atti- tude and outlook on life in recovery changed completely, and I began to embrace all the things I so fiercely resisted in the beginning--meetings, fellowship, sponsorship, and the truth about my condition. Over time, I even began to embrace those annoying AA slogans. Today, I find that these simple words of wisdom can help me through any situation in life, much less the holidays. Here's how: (continued on pg. 4)

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Easy Does It (continued from pg. 3) Go easy on yourself during the holidays. Show yourself the compassion you would give your own best friend if you witnessed th em being hard on themselves. If you are feeling stressed or noticing negative self-talk, give yourself permission to slow down, be human, and even do something nice for yourself: go to bed early, take a soothing hot bath, or treat yourself to a matinee.

First Things First

Remember to take care of yourself and your recovery first and foremost during the holidays. It's easy to let other people and things take precedence at this time of year, but it is especially important to take care of yourself during times of stress. Make a list of things you can do for self-care during the holidays, and when you feel anxiety, expectation, perfectionism, guilt, or any other stressful emoti on coming on, use your list as a reminder to put "First Things First!"

Live and Let Live

"Live and Let Live" is a great reminder that we don't all have to do things in life in the same fashion. The way your mother or other family members like to celebrate the holidays might be very different than the way you want to do them, especially now that you are sober. Part of recovery is learning how to practice good boundaries with others. Don't try to force your approach to the holidays on othe rs, and don't allow them to force their approach to the holidays on you.

Keep It Simple, Stupid

One way to combat holiday stress is to avoid trying to do too much to meet societal or familial expectation. Recognize that i t's exhausting and counterproductive to try to "do it all" at this time of year. Keep it simple. Rather than trying to cook, clean, bake, de corate, shop, and show up to every family or social gathering you're invited to on top of all your other commitments, simplify the season by ch oosing one or two things that you actually enjoy doing to celebrate the holidays.

Take What You Like and Leave the Rest

Now that you are in recovery, you have choices! Recovery and sobriety allow us to slow down and be more mindful about how we spend our time, energy, and money. It's up to you to decide which parts of the holidays you want to embrace and celebrate and which parts you want to release. You might realize that what you love is cooking and listening to holiday music, or maybe you really love to shop for spe- cial gifts for your loved ones, but cooking stresses you out. Take some time to plan how you want to spend your holiday energ y and money--and leave the rest!

This Too Shall Pass

A lot of people feel depressed during the holidays. If this is the case for you, acknowledge that this is a difficult time of year for you and do what you need to do to take care of yourself. You might go to extra meetings, schedule time with friends who know you well and love you unconditionally, or take extra time for prayer and meditation. Part of recovery is allowing yourself to feel the ups and downs of life and to fully experience all your moods. Feeling sad or down is part of being human. Know that you can handle these feelings w ithout drinking or using over them. Eventually every emotion we feel gives way to another. So whatever you are feeling, know that th is too shall pass.

Keep Coming Back

If there is ever a time to go to more meetings than you normally would, it's during times of stress. Sometimes even the most mindful holi- day season can bring up feelings of stress, sadness, expectation, or disappointment. Many addicts and alcoholics default to d rinking or using to deal with stress or emotion. Going to extra meetings during the months of December and January can make all the diff erence in getting you through this time. Make a list at the beginning of each week of all the meetings in your area that you might atte nd if your schedule allows. If you know ahead of time when and where the meetings are, you will be more likely to go.

To Thine Own Self Be True

It can be difficult to put your recovery ahead of others at a time of year when the expectation is to give (and give and give !) Remember that there are many ways to give--giving during the holidays doesn't have to mean giving gifts that you can't really afford or giving energy that you don't really have. It can mean giving to yourself, too. If you feel nervous about being invited to a holiday party, give yourself per- mission to drive separately and leave early if you start to feel triggered. Be true to yourself by honoring your own needs du ring the holi- days so you don't default to drinking or using. https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/hurley/using-the-aa-slogans-to-deal- with-holiday-stress

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DECEMBER 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

2 3 4 Dino, 7yr 5 6 7 8 Kayla B., 2yr Rene G., 29yr Freddie V., (both Tuesday (St Mary’s City) Night Big Book) 10yr (What’s the Point) Willie A., 10 yr (Lexington Park Big Book)

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Kim K., 14yr Cinthia Y., 1 yr Nancy S., 2yr (Solomons) (Wednesday (Almost Nor- Night Women) mal)

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Elisa S., 22yr (Lexington Park)

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Steve H., 28 yr (Brown Bag)

30 31

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 Christian Adella A., 4yr (Smiley) M., (Beginners at 4 yr (Tuesday Noon) Night Big Vickie P., 4yr Book) (Cove Point)

Donna B., 2yr (Not Quite Right) 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Frances R., Jeff M., 9yr Sandy C., 2yr Kathy N., 27yr (KISS) (Lexington (Charlotte Hall 10yr (Early Park) Veterans Risers) Home)

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Claudia D., 8yr (Laurel Grove)

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

Gordon M., Jeff P. 4yr Dennis B., 43yr 36yr (Happy Destiny) John D., 30yr Warren K., 2yr David D., 10yr Al S., 30 yr (all Poplar Hill) (both from (Hollywood) KISS)

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Treasurer’s Report - December 2018

We continue to suffer with cash flow issues as our contributions have decreased drastically. If we compare last fiscal year to this year, our total revenue has been $10,308.59 and out total expenses have been $15,162.25. For the same period into our last fiscal year, our total revenue was $13,197 and our total expenses were $13,883.57. Contributions are down almost $3000. That is our major shortfall. Additionally, we’ve spent $300 more on Bookstall Sales than we’ve sold. Last year, we’d only spent $152 more than we sold. Un- fortunately, it was necessary to transfer $1552.90 from our Prudent Reserve to our Oper- ating Funds to cover the invoice for the most recent Where and When printing cost. Again, please encourage your groups to make contributions to the SMIA so that we can continue to provide the services consistent with our By-Laws and remain financially solvent.

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Southern Maryland Intergroup Association Inc Revenue by Donor Summary November 1-24, 2018 Revenue Serenity Seekers $200.00 Sobriety First $98.70 Waldorf Group $28.61 TOTAL $ 327.31

Top Ten Contributor’s Honor Roll Southern Maryland Intergroup Association Inc Revenue by Contributor Statement of Activity May 1 - November 24, 2018 November 1-24, 2018 Revenue Total Beach Beacon $727.00 Revenue Sunday Morning Contributions $327.31 $540.00 Sobriety Total Revenue $327.31 Anonymous Donor $500.00

Back to Basics $335.00 Gross Profit $327.31 La Plata $328.20 Expenditures Phone Answering Almost Normal $300.00 $410.80 Solomons Group $275.00 Service Rent & Lease $300.00 Drunks R Us $225.00 Where and When $1,552.90 Waldorf Group $205.92 Total Expenditures $2,263.70 Net Operating Revenue -$ 1,936.39 Serenity Seekers $200.00 Net Revenue -$ 1,936.39

Statement of Financial Position - As of November 24, 2018 Total ASSETS Current Assets Bank Accounts Bookstall Cash on hand $100.00 Business Savings (1168) $5,439.21 Petty Cash $57.70 Primary Business Checking $1,032.14 (6806) Transfer from Prudent Reserve $-1,552.90 Transfer to Operating Fund $1,552.90 Total Bank Accounts $6,628.24 Total Current Assets $6,628.24 TOTAL ASSETS $6,628.24 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities Total Liabilities Equity Opening Balance Equity $11,762.54 Retained Earnings $-280.64 Net Revenue $-4,853.66 Total Equity $6,628.24 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $6,628.24

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CHRISTMAS ALCOTHON Presented by Brown Bag Group and District 36 on DEC 24th 9:00pm thru DEC 25th 10:00pm LOCATION Lexington Park United Methodist Church 21760 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD FOR MORE INFO [email protected] 240-577-3569

The drunk phoned the police to report that thieves had broken in to his car. "They've stolen the dashboard, the steering wheel, the brake pedal, even the accelerator," he cried out. Before the police investigation could get underway, the phone rang a second time. It was the drunk. "Never mind," he said with a hiccup. "I got into the backseat by mistake." Jim S. Melbourne, Florida SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 10

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Want to Need a Meeting Total County Other* SMIA PHONE Talk Ride Info Calls REPORT Calvert 3 1 1 5 DECEMBER 2018 Charles 2 3 5

St. Mary’s 2 2 1 5

Not Speci- 1 1 fied

Total Calls 7 6 1 2 16

*Other: 1-Student wants to attend AA to observe, 2-Al-Anon info needed for PI

“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.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!! One Big is a collection of , originally published in Grapevine, which rep- resent the shared experience of secular AA members who have struggled with alcoholism, yet ultimately found a common solution in AA. Atheists, agnostics, nonbe- lievers and secular alcoholics have been members of the AA Fellowship since its ear- liest days, making significant contributions to the develop- ment of the program, helping to swing the doors of AA ever- wider. But finding their has not always been easy. In One Big Tent, these members share how they found their place in AA, work the program, do service and sponsor others. To order for only $11.50, simply click here.

A GUY WALKS INTO A BAR and there is a horse be- hind the bar serving drinks. The guy stares at the horse and the horse says, "Hey, buddy, haven't you ever seen a horse tending bar before?" The guy says, "No, it's not that. It's just that I never thought the parrot would sell the place."-- Mick K., Key West, Florida

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SMIA MEETING MINUTES Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., with the Serenity Prayer. New Members and visitors: Craig R. and Scott K. - November 10, 2018 Board Members and Committee Chair: Pat S., Chair; Bruce O., Parliamentarian; Buddy F., Secretary; Keenan W., Bookstall and Picnic; Emma J., Telephone; Wallace S., Archives; Groups Represented Worse: Dave C., We Was Worse; Jeanine W., St Charles Step; Sheri M.,231 Group; Emme J., Graceful Sobriety; Jim D., Awakenings; Kaki B., Hughesville; Katherine L., ODAAT; Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Buddy F., Basic Text; Colleen B., Bedouin Group; Rene W., Inspiration Group; Jill B., Sunday Morning Sobriety; Chuck M., Sobriety First; Jeff A., Waldorf Group; Bob E., Solomon’s Group; Ann, Friday Night Alive; Dan H., As Bill Sees It; Wallace S., Sobriety First; Joyce S., Drunks R Us Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave Treasurers Report that was taken by Jeanine W. The minutes for October were accepted as read with no changes or corrections Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. provided Treasurer’s report but was unable to attend, Treasure’s report was read by Buddy F. report was accepted as read with no changes or corrections. A total of $911.00 was collected and a total of $3,197.00 in expenses for a net income of -$2,286.00 for the past 30 days. Income total for the fiscal year is $9,981.00 and the Expenses for the fiscal year is $12.899.00 for net income of -$2,918.00 Where & When: Bryan G. was not available However Where an When’s were available. SMIA is still looking for someone to chair this committee. Bookstall: Keenan W. bookstall sales for the month was $663.00 and Keenan stated there will be no order this month. Telephone: Emma J. there was a total of 9 calls 5 looking for rides 2 needed to talk to someone and 2 not specified. Lifeline: Keith H. was not available however he was able to supply the Lifelines Website: Bill L. Bill was unavailable but did supply a report, there were 2,735 visits to the website up 4.20% top visited pages were Where & When Calendar and Where & When Search. Corrections and Treatment: Calvert there is an orientation procedure that needs to be attended before one can take a meeting into the Barstow facility Charles Dan there are meeting beings held at the new Recovery of America treatment Center. They only have 2 men and 4 women taking meetings into the correction facilities we really need more people to help out. St Mary’s Meeting are going on at the correction facilities there is an orientation procedure that needs to be attended before one can take a meeting to the facility. PI/CPC: Calvert no report Charles no report St Mary’s Mary F. was unavailable but provided a report she had place an order for more pamphlets was going around to all the locations to make sure the racks are full She stated that there was a flyer in the Life- line asking for volunteers to help out. Gratitude Dinner: No report there was a discussion about having it somewhere else that was larger than this year’s venue due to the fact that tickets sold out to fast and people did not get a chance to buy them. Serenity Breakfast: no Chairperson Picnic: Looking into new location for the event Old Business: None New Business: Bob H. stated that he was the liaison for the Spanish Community meeting@ the New Life Church in La Plata Wallace S. brought in old Archives for the group to view he has be organizing Jeanine thanked Wallace for his services. Jeanine W. stated about how we used the Gratitude Dinner and Breakfast as fund raisers but since that not our main source of income now maybe we can do a Pot Luck Dinner. For the Good of the Order: Shift work volunteers are needed for the Round Up in March District 1 has an upcoming workshop on Service to let the new comer know about the importance of service work. District 35 is in need of members for it District Board and also Committee positions elections will be held December 6th 2018 @ 7:00 pm at the Peace Lutheran Church 410 East Smallwood, Drive Waldorf MD (St Charles) Adjournment: the meeting was adjourned at 11:05 pm with the Responsibility Pledge Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary

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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 14

Dec 1934 - Bill & Lois start attending Oxford Group meetings. Dec 1934 to May 1935 - Bill works with alcoholics, but fails to sober any of them. Lois reminds him HE is sober. Dec 1938 - Twelve Steps written. Nov/Dec 1939 - Akron group withdrawals from association with Oxford Group. Meetings moved from T Henry & Clarence Wil- liams to Dr Bob and other members homes. Dec 1939 - First AA group in mental institution, Rockland State Hospital, NY. Dec 1939 - 1st home meeting in Los Angeles at Kaye M.'s house. Dec 1939 - Matt Talbot Club has 88 members, uses wagons to collect old furniture to recondition & sell, not A.A., used A.A. program, material, marked 1st effort reach alcoholics outside married middle-class category. Dec 1940 - 1st AA group formed in St. Louis, Missouri. Dec 1940 - group started Ashtabula, Ohio due to Plain Dealer articles. A.A. Cleveland has about 30 groups. Dec 1948 - Dr. Bob's last major talk, in Detroit. Dec 1950 - Grapevine article signed by both Bill and Dr Bob recommend establishing AA General Service Conference. Dec 1955 - 'Man on the Bed' painting by Robert M. first appeared in Grapevine. Painting originally called 'Came to Believe' Dec 1982 - Nell Wing retires from GSO after 35 years of service. Dec 1, 1940 - Chicago Daily Tribune begins a series of articles on AA by Nell Hamilton. Dec 5, 1985 - Dave B, founder of Montreal Group dies weeks before 50th anniversary. His story added to the 4th Edition Big Book. Dec 6, 1939 - Bert the Tailor lends Works Publishing $1000. Dec 6, 1979 - Akron Beacon reports death of Henrietta Sieberling. Dec 7, 1949 - Sister Ignatia received Poverello Medal on behalf of A.A. Dec 10, 1975 - Birds of a Feather AA group for pilots is formed. Dec 11, 1934 - Bill admitted to Towns Hosp 4th/last time (fall '33, '34 in summer, midsummer and final admittance). Dec 11, 1941 - Dallas Morning News reports 1st AA group formed in Dallas. Dec 12, 1934 - Bill has Spiritual Experience at Towns Hospital. Dec 12, 1937 - Bill meets with Rockefeller Foundation and tries to get money. Dec 13, 1937 - Rockland State Mental Hospital takes patients to meeting in New Jersey. Dec 13 or 14, 1934 - Ebby visited Bill at hospital, brought William James's book, "Varieties of Religious Experience". Dec 19, 1939 - Los Angeles hold their 1st AA meeting there. Dec 20, 1945 - Rowland H dies (he carried the Oxford Group message to Ebby). Dec 27, 1893 - Rev Samuel Shoemaker is born. http://www.a-1associates.com/aa/HISTORY_PAGE/significant_dates.htm

Please send any changes to the Where & SMIA BOARD When Chair at: “Our leaders are but [email protected] Cur- trusted servants, CHAIR: Pat S. [email protected] rent Where and When meeting guides are VICE CHAIR: John L. [email protected] available at the monthly SMIA meeting. they do not govern.” SECRETARY: Buddy F. [email protected] TREASURER: Bill L. [email protected] PARLIAMENTARIAN: Bruce O. [email protected] IN GRATITUDE: It’s truly a blessing and a privilege to serve Where & When: Bryan G. [email protected] Lifeline: Keith H. [email protected] this incredible Southern Maryland AA community. Wishing you all Telephone: Emme J. [email protected] a safe, sober, happy holiday. Website: Bill L. [email protected] I n love and service, Bookstall: Keenan W. [email protected] The Lifeline is an unofficial newsletter published by Southern The SMIA Board Maryland Intergroup Association, Inc. Any opinions expressed are those of the writers. They are not endorsed by SMIA, any group or AA as a whole. Group secretaries and individuals are encouraged to send group news, anniversaries and events. Material may be edited for space and content. Please send “Let us always love the best in others - and never fear email to: [email protected] , or mail to SMIA at the above their worst.” Bill Wilson, The Language of the Heart address.

REMEMBER, THE DEADLINE FOR ALL LIFELINE SUBMIS- SIONS IS THE 27th OF EACH MONTH.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 15