THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH — "He that would live In peace and ease must not speak all he knows nor judge all he sees," —BENJAMIN FRANKLIN THE AA COORDINATOR Published monthly by the Coordinating Committee of iamijAqv mcir Son Diego County Groups of Alcoholics Anonymous. JANUARY 1956 COORDINATING COUNCIL CHBONICLES -- The 122nd meeting of the Coordinating Council of Alcohol ics Anonymous of San Diego was called to order by its new Chairman, Bud Stout. The roll call by the Secretary revealed 21 Coordinators present, sufficient for a quorum. The Twelve Tradi tions were read by Joe Tully of the Coronado Group. Minutes of the Council's meeting held December 5th were approved as read. REPORTS BY COMMITTEES: BUSINESS COMMITTEE: A financial report on the operation of the Central Office was submitted by Business Committee Member Ben Edgerton. His report revealed a surplus of $54.88 for December and a surplus for the year of 1955 of $355.17. Total income of the CO for 1955 was $6,368.95, total expenses were $6,033.78. Here's the breakdown -- INCOME: Group Contributions.,,, $4145.50 EXPENSES: Rent & Office $2177.01 Buck-A-Month 1014.00 Secretarial 3530.00 Books & Literature 176.14 Miscellaneous 326.77 New Year's Dance I/1/55 286.26 1955 Annual Picnic.,.,, 747.05 PROGRAM COMMITTEE; Helen Gray, retiring '55 Chairman, reported that all proceeds from the Annual Banquet ($209,42) has been turned over to the Central Office, Helen expressed her gratitude for the Council's cooperation during her term in office and was, in turn, given a round of thanks by the Council, PUBLIC RELATIONS: Frank Surman, Chairman, advised the Council of the PRC'S need for three new members to succeed Russ Budd, John Gormley and Dorothy Gue who have resigned. The Business Committee will submit names for the Council's approval. NEW YEAR'S DANCE: Chairman A1 Harden reported this year's affair netted the CO a neat^ - $312.26. The Council gave A1 and his Committee a solid round of thanks for a fine Job accomplished under certain difficulties. A1 recommended the Council appoint the new Committee for this affair immediately to avoid any trouble. The Chairman will be named at the February meeting so submit the names of the people you think qualified to skipper this important affair, BY-LAWS COMMITTEE: After many weeks of hard work and deliberation the Committee submitted to the Council a new draft of AA by-laws. They were read in their entirety by Ben Edger ton and a number of important changes were explained. The by-laws will now be submitted to each group for approval or rejection. The decisions of each group shall not be made prior to March 1st or later than April 1st, Please have your group secretary advise the Secretary of the Council the nature of your action, NEW BUSINESS: Ann Laughlin of the National City group was elected to the Program Committee, Chairman Stout acquainted the new Coordinators with the Buck-A-Month plan and urged that it be brought forcibly to each group's attention. The Chairman of the Program Committee announced that the War Memorial Building in Balboa Park was being considered as an improved location for the Central (Wed. Nite) Meetings. Attempts are being made to obtain this location at the same rental now being paid at Craftsmen's Hall. This announcement prompted two motions that carried,. .#1: The Program Committee be authorized to lease the War Memorial Building location providing a guarantee of 52 weeks and a rental not to exceed $140.00 per month, could be obtained. #2: The Program Committee Chairman be author- ized to engage the War Memorial Building for the 1956 New Year's Dance providing the rental did not exceed $l4o. Results of efforts to be reported at the next Council meeting. When the Executive Secretary's salary was increased last September, the Business Committee recommended that its action be reviewed and if necessary revised on January 1st, 1956, This matter was introduced by Chairman Stout and after considerable discussion it was decided by motion to present this matter at a group level for approval or rejection. On a motion by the Spring Valley Coordinator, seconded by Del Mar and passed by the Council the groups are asked for action in this manner: "Shall the present salary of the Executive Secretary of the Central Office be maintained at $355.00." Vote YES or WO. Your Coordinator has the details on this matter and can provide each group with all the necessary information. There being no further business, the Council adjourned. The next regular meeting will be held in the Alano Club, Monday, February 7th at 8 p.m. PROGRAM COMMITTEE POINTERS--The final meeting of this important committee while undei uhe^ able direction of Chairman Helen Gray_, revealed some very gratifying figures for 1955% f During this 12-month period, the receipts of the Central Meeting totaled $3,05i)-.98 against an expense figure of $2,891.SU, This created a surplus of $163.74 for the year. Added to this surplus was the profit from the AA Annual Banquet which totaled $209.42. The two fig ures gave the PC a 1955 surplus of $373,16, At the end of I955 the Program Committee ac count showed a balance of $1,200.48. This healthy financial condition of the Program Com mittee most certainly reflects able direction, hard work and pleasing meetings. A hearty vote of thanks is due Helen Gray and her splendid committee. A list of excellent speakers is scheduled for your January and February Wednesday Nite meetings..,donH miss a single one of themj Here are the programs — JANUARY 18th - Chet Castellaw ... Hails JANUARY 25th - Glenn Christiansen ,.. from Los Angeles and brings a terrific Another one of the top-ranking speakers AA story. His trip here enabled his from the City of Angels. Highly recom- 3 children to visit the S, D. Zoo. mended for wonderful AA talks, Juanita Carney, Chairman "Red" Haines, Chairman Steps by Eunice Dibrell Sat. Nite Y, Hosts Women*s Group, Hostesses FEBRUARY 1st - Bill Cummings ... A lad FEBRUARY 8th - Asa Bushnell ... Down from from San Clemente with a fresh approach. the hi^ country for his annual pitch Norma says he is great...that's enuff to and you can bet it will be a dandy ... bring you out that nite, he never misses. Norma Scott, Chairman A1 Ries, Chairman Steps by Ben Scott Steps by Ralph Corbett Santee Group, Hosts Pacific Beach, Hosts ATTEND YOUR WEDNESDAY NITE MEETINGS.. .THEY'RE PLANNED FOR YOUR PLEASURE.* BUD STOUT CHOSEN FOR NEW YORK DELEGATE -- The San Diego-Imperial County Area Assem bly at its meeting held on December 13th, selected Bud Stout of the Spring Valley Group to succeed Jim Burwell as the Area's Delegate to the New York General Service Conference during I956-57. Carl Nelson of the Carlsbad Group was elected Chairman of the Area Assembly and Virginia Jarvis of the Women's Group was named Secretary, "Doc" Muiphy of La Jolla will serve as Vice-Chairman and alternate New York Dele gate. The meeting was attended by representatives of 35 of "the 38 Area groups. LEMON GROVE GROUP TO CELEBRATE Ist ANNIVERSARY...Everyone in AA is cordially invited to attend this significant celebration to be held Sunday, February 5th, 1st Congregational Church, 3130 Main Street in Lemon Grove. It marks the first birthday of this highly successful group and an excellent program has been arranged. There'll be food and coffee and a host of fine speakers. Let's turn out for this event...LA MESA "JEWEL OF TEE HILLS" GRQIP CHANGES MEETING TIME AND PLACE — From this date forward this group will meet on Sunday nites at 8:15, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 8745 Lemon Ave., La Mesa. Make this change in your meeting directory...TEMPORARY MEETING CHANGE -- This Friday, January 13th, the Friday Nite Women's Group and the Associates will conduct a Joint meeting at the Alano Club. The Friday Nite Men's Group will meet at the Pathfinders, The All Saints Episcopal Church is not available on this Friday. IN RETROSPECT - Again all hats are off to our fine Associates for another tremendously successful and enjoyable Christmas Party. Seldom has an AA affair moved with more dis patch and precision then this one, yet maintained such a Joyous atmosphere. Norma "Stretch's" Lunder skippered this affair and engineered "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Rein deer" into a super production. The fine handiwork of every Associate Member was in evidence and a good time was had by all. We thank you...all us alcoholics. THE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY - Only Alcoholics Anonymous could pack a hall with almost 5OO people on New Year's Eve and point with pride that there wasn't a drunk among them ... although the ex-drunks predominated. It was nothing short of miraculous. And despite music that did not come up to expectations, a glorious New Year's Eve was celebrated and enjoyed by all present. Although the final figures aren't in...the CO stands to gain approximately $300. A1 Harden and his Committee worked hard on this one and des pite numerous difficulties came up with a pleasing party. Thanks, Al, and your Committee. QUICKIES -- (One of the nicest Christmas presents was the sight of Russ Budd up and about again and the li^t in Ruth's eyes was as bright as the Star of Bethlehem I956 years ago).. Rev, Bass Browning who won the TV at the New Year's Party still carts it around in his car, now he must find an apartment large enou^ to accomodate the TV and BB...They're still talking about the hassle at the Friday Nite Men's Group over railroad elections, ask Bud Connors...As Tom Moriarity takes over the duties as Manager of the Alano Club, Ruth Thompson assumes the Secretarial duties...Leo and Margaret Gunn make another man and wife team at North Park...Bud Stout must live up to his name with all the extra AA duties now his responsibility...Maureen Miller presented the Alano Club with a delight ful Christmas Day Dinner; over 100 talked and ate Turkey during the affair...We'll always remember Bill Marcus's definition of an alcoholic, "A guy that drinks between drinks" ...Out of space but not material, see you next month, (No room for Group Contributions - Will pick it up next issue.) THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH: God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into the nest.