PASS IT ON Eastside Intergroup Newsletter

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1 PASS IT ON Eastside Intergroup Newsletter Issue 7 July 2017 Fellowship Page 1 and 2 Fellowship by Annie Page 3 Upcoming Sober Events and Meeting Updates Page 4 Step 6 Information Corner Page 5 June Office News by Nancy O. Page 6 Birthday Club Faithful Fivers Pink Can Contributions Page 7 Office Information Newsletter Volunteers Hotline Volunteers Contributions Page 8 Thank you Reps My name is Annie, I m an Alcoholic. My first drink led to my first blackout. Alcohol took away the shyness, paralyzing self-consciousness. It gave me a warm and happy new feeling that freed me up to do anything. I danced at parties, yelled in the street, sang on buses, hitch-hiked across London, talked to strangers, no fear of anything. I loved it. I thought it helped me to be the real me. I didn t want to do anything that didn t involve drinking: cinema - boring, walks - you must be joking! I learned early to have a few drinks from my mum s cupboard before I went out, filling miniature bottles to take with me. I thought everybody did it! I look back at my teens and see that I have no idea what my family were doing, no memory of spending any time with them. I went to Spain for 6 months my university days are still a black hole full of twinkly lights and was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning. Came back and got married to a heavy drinker, workaholic, who took care of the boring stuff bills, housework etc. I was a charming wife, he never knew what he was coming home to. We had two beautiful children and drinking to party was no longer an option. My secret drinking started, hiding bottles, trying to hide the fact that I d had a drink, sneaking extra drinks whenever we had company, stealing money for drinks, making any excuse to buy a bottle. It got worse. I started to feel ashamed, a quick burn that another drink would fix. My daughter s diary at school on open day. Every weekend we went to this pub or that pub the rows that would flare up and the way I turned from happy smiley to hell-cat with a couple of drinks. I managed to divorce my husband for HIS unreasonable behavior and found somebody else who drank like me. I was in big trouble now. Desperately unhappy, life in chaos, coming to on the kitchen floor in the morning, trying to get kids to school, house being repossessed. (cont. on p 2) 1

2 Fellowship by Annie (cont. page 1) I saw counsellors, psychologists - blaming my childhood, my mother, my husband anybody and everything. I was in trouble. If only I could sort out the money (I borrowed and begged from anybody who stood still long enough). If I could only find the right man., if only I had a different upbringing, if only I got the right job, I d be OK then. I kept trying to manage all this with the same outcome, drunk and in a worse mess. I wore an old wax jacket bottle up each sleeve and a half in the inside pocket, hadn t cut my hair for years. One day a group of kids sitting on the wall at the end of my street shouted ALKIE at me. I was furious, burning with shame, if only they knew what sort of life I had! I had one friend left. A neighbor who brought food for the kids, gave me money. She told me one Sunday morning that I had to do something or she d have to walk away. She just couldn t watch it any more. I don t know what it was that pushed me to make the phone call to AA. Thank God for those AA members in service, people at the end of the phone 24/7 to handle calls from people like me, with nowhere left to go, no more excuses. Within a couple of hours, two members of Alcoholics Anonymous were in my living room, curtains drawn, vodka tears and snot running. They were not interested in my problems. They told me about the way they drank and I knew they were like me. I d never admitted it to anybody. They told me about alcoholism, the physical allergy which meant that once I had one drink I was unable to stop. The mental obsession which meant that I couldn t leave it alone, no matter how bad it got. The spiritual malady which led to the terrible dark loneliness and terror. These people told me that they had found a way to stop drinking in AA and that their lives had changed for the better and they were happy. I don t know why but I believed them. I did as they suggested. I went to a meeting near me, started going to others, started working the Steps. After a short time, the desire to drink left me and has not returned. My life has changed in ways that are beyond belief. I have faith in the future and I m no longer ashamed of my past. I m so grateful for the chance to live free from the obsession with alcohol. Annie 2

July 14th to July 16th: 26th Annual Cowlitz River Roundup from 12 pm - 12 pm at Shady Firs RV Park in Randle, WA. For additional information www.cowlitzriverroundup.

3 Meeting Updates July 6th to July 10th: Annual 12 x12 Campout 2017 from 4 pm - 12 pm at Lower Group Campground in WA. July 8th: Live at Pine Lake Speakers Meeting from 7 pm - 9 pm at Pine Lake Covenant Church in Sammamish. Speaker is Jane D. from Tallahassee, Fl. Childcare available by 6:30 pm. July 14th to July 16th: 26th Annual Cowlitz River Roundup from 12 pm - 12 pm at Shady Firs RV Park in Randle, WA. For additional information July 16th: ASL FUNdraiser Game Night from 4 pm 7 pm at the Greater Seattle Intergroup Office in Seattle. July 21st to July 23rd: 6th Annual Camp Morehead Campout from 12 pm 12 pm at Camp Morehead in Ocean Park, WA. Call for additional information. July 22nd: WWA 72 Web Committee Quarterly at the Broadview Public Library in Seattle from 10 am - 4 pm. Individuals can also join from a computer, tablet or smartphone. July 22nd: Logan Fell at Hope Hall in Snoqualmie from 7 pm - 10 pm. Free live music event. July 28th to July 30th: Freedom in Sobriety: FIS Tacoma at La Quinta Conference Center in Tacoma. Three day conference including speakers, banquet and dancing. July 29th: AA Area 72 Pre-Assembly at the Kirkland Congregational Church in Kirkland. Hosted by District 38 from 10 am - 2 pm. July 29th: 2nd Annual Car Show from 11 am - 2 pm at the Greater Seattle Intergroup Office in Seattle. August 3rd: ESIG Intergroup Rep Meeting from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Bellevue Christian Reformed Church in Bellevue. NEW MEETINGS! THE PRESTON GROUP Monday 6:00 to 7:00pm Raging River Community Church SE 86th St., Preston (one hour literature study) WOMEN S STEP STUDY Thursday 6:30-7:30pm YWCA Family Village Issaquah Highlands 930 NE High St., Issaquah FIRST RESPONDERS RECOVERY FELLOWSHIP Sunday 5:00 to 6:00pm NE 79th St., Redmond (Closed to First Responders) NEW TIMES! BEYOND SOBRIETY Friday 7:00pm (was 7:15pm) Grace Lutheran Church, Bellevue ISSAQUAH TUESDAY NIGHT Tuesday 7:45-9:00pm Our Savior Lutheran Church Issaquah SUPPORT NEEDED! HAPPY DESTINIES 8:00pm Eastside Alano Club SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES! LIVE AT PINE LAKE 6:00pm 2nd Saturday each month Setup Coordinator, Group Secretary, Coffee Makers, Greeters, Treasurer & Alt. Treasurer, Coordination/ duplication of CD s, (distribution & labeling) Child Care Provider 3

Information Corner Step 7 Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Step Seven Information You cannot overcome your character flaws without humility.

4 Information Corner Step 7 Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Step Seven Information You cannot overcome your character flaws without humility. Too often, alcoholics are victims of pride and selfishness. During this step, you begin to practice modesty and welcome a change of attitude, which will lead to a happy life. According to the "Big Book" we have completed the information for practicing Step Seven on an ongoing basis. Now, it is time to clear away the wreckage of our past. We do this by making amends or restitution. My Creator, Step 7 Prayer I am now willing that You should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that You now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to You and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do Your bidding. Amen Tradition 7 The 3 Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous Recover We learned recovery after completing the 12 steps of alcoholics Anonymous with a sponsor. WE achieved a clean conscience for the for the first time in a long time. This enabled us to bein to experience God s Love. Unity Through the 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous we learned how to get along with each by placing the welfare of others before our own. We learned equality. Service We grew with God by serving others in our Home Groups, our District and our Area. (The 12 Concepts). We carried the message of our Spiritual awakening to suffering alcoholics we attempted to reach out to them in places they might seek us. Every A.A. group ought to be fully selfsupporting, declining outside contributions. 4

5 June Office Report Eastside Intergroup our hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00am until 6:00pm with the exception of the first Thursday of each month at which time we try to close by 5:00pm for the Intergroup Board of Directors meeting. We are located at Bel Red Rd. Suite B in Bellevue. I hope you ll stop in and visit sometime soon and meet one of our many volunteers. The Intergroup office is a volunteer organization with the exception of myself who is hired full time in accordance with Tradition 8 as a special worker and Rick L. who was recently hired to help me out 10 hours per week. Everyone else volunteers their time helping to make Eastside Intergroup the awesome community resource that it is. This month I d like to mention some of the people that help keep us running smoothly. Our office volunteers during the week are: Barb M., Carrie W., Jeremy H., Marie N., Matt F., Rick L., Sharon R., Sherry L., Ted W., Terri M., Tiffani S., Tim Q. and Wallene D. Our awesome IT team is made up of Travis S., Matt B., Rick L. and John M. This month I leaned on Matt B. to help me out. Our Hotline consists of our Coordinator Travis S. and Co-Coordinator Eric C. with the following volunteers: Anne W., Carmen A., Carrie W., Chuck M., Dominique T., Elton B., Erica M., Fred M., Ginny K., Jim R., John M., Leslie G., Mark B., Mark J., Matt D., Mike S., Richard J., Sheldon A., Sheree P., Stephanie S., Susan M., Susan W., Syrianah V., Ted W., Tina B., & Tracy A. Our Committee Chairs are: Accessibility David M., Corrections Dan H., CPC Conor O., Events John M., Grapevine & Literature Meghan W., Hotline Travis S., Live at Pine Lake Tim B., Newsletter Alma O. & Sandy B., Public Information Andy G., Treatment & Hospitals Tim M. and Website Charlie C. These committees also have countless volunteers working hard to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous. Our Board of Directors are: John K. Chairman, Garret V. Co Chairman, Virginia M. Treasurer, Mary B. Secretary, with Conor O., David B., Derek B., Jon S., & Wade S. all Board members at large. Our Board meets at 6:00pm on the first Thursday of each month followed by the Intergroup Representative meeting from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Everyone is welcome to join us we meet at the Bellevue Christian Reform Church at th Ave NE. Our committees meet at 6:30pm prior to the Intergroup Rep meeting. I wish I could name everyone that makes this organization work as these are just a few. We also have everyone that is on our 12 th Step call list that takes a call on a moment s notice, all of our Intergroup Representatives that take time out of their schedules to attend the monthly Intergroup meetings and take information back to you at your home groups. And of course all of you in your Home Groups that continue to support us through your Seventh Tradition Contributions. We ve been in our new office for two years now and although the rent is less than it would have been, it is much higher than it was so we count on your contributions to make this place great. Thank you everyone that makes the Eastside Intergroup office such a great community resource. I hope to see you all at the ESIG picnic August 19 th at Beaver Lake Park. As always, thank you for allowing me to be of service. Nancy O. ESIG Manager 5

00 each month to support Eastside Intergroup in its efforts to carry the AA message of hope and recovery to those alcoholics who still suffer in the Eastside area.

6 How Can You Support Your Intergroup in Addition to the 7th Tradition at Your Meetings? Join the Faithful Fivers What are Faithful Fivers? Faithful Fivers are AA members who graciously pledge to contribute $5.00 each month to support Eastside Intergroup in its efforts to carry the AA message of hope and recovery to those alcoholics who still suffer in the Eastside area. As a Faithful Fiver, your contribution can and will make our vital services possible. The Faithful Fiver idea came about when we remembered that we wasted much more than $5 each month during our drinking days. Contributions to Eastside Intergroup from AA members are limited to $3,000 per member per year and are tax deductible under Internal Revenue Code: 501(c)3. Thank You June 2017 Faithful Fivers! Barbara M. Susan M. Nancy O. Eastside Open Breakfast Beth L. Sherre P. Dave W. Yes! Please enroll me as a Faithful Fiver! Here is my contribution of $ for months Name Address City State Zip Return this form to: Eastside Intergroup NE Bel-Red Rd. Suite B6 Bellevue, WA EASTSIDE INTERGROUP BIRTHDAY CLUB! Many of our members contribute to ESIG $1, $2 or $5 per year during their AA Anniversary month. We ll print your name, sobriety date and home group in our Newsletter. Your Birthday Club contributions directly support your Eastside Intergroup Office which provides a 24 hour phone line, literature, coins and more! Birthday Club! Name Home Group Sobriety Date Get your name, Sobriety Date & Home Group in the newsletter! Wake Up Fresh Start Seven and Sober Anonymous Join the Birthday Club June 2017 Birthday No Birthday Donations during June Pink Can Contributions 6

Office Information 13401 NE Bel-Red Suite B6 Bellevue, WA 98005 Phone: 425-454-9192 Email: esig@eastsideintergroup.com Website: www.eastsideintergroup.com Office Hrs: Mon.-Fri.

Bellevue Christian Reformed Church 1221 148th Ave NE, Bellevue 98007 Office Manager - Nancy 0. Email: Nancy@eastsideintergroup.com Anne W. Carmen A. Carrie W. Chuck M. Dominique T.

..... Annie Office News.. Nancy O. Richard J. Sheldon A. Sheree P. Stephanie S. Susan W. Syrianah V. Ted W. Tina B. Tracy A. Backups: Travis S. Syrianah V. Bill J. Eric C.

Handy-Man Help: Jim M. Computers: Matt B. Rick L. Travis S. John M. Literature Pickup: Rick F.

meeting directory, and carry AA information and literature.

Legacy Mercer Island Thursday Night Serenity on Sunday Bellevue Breakfast Eastside Open Breakfast PSYPC Tiger Mountain Stag Millennium Group Redmond Recovery Duvall Candlelight

7 Office Information NE Bel-Red Suite B6 Bellevue, WA Phone: Website: Office Hrs: Mon.-Fri. 10:00am-6:00 pm Closed for Lunch 1:30-2:00pm Intergroup Meeting First Thursday of each month 7:30-8:30pm All members welcome! Bellevue Christian Reformed Church th Ave NE, Bellevue Office Manager - Nancy 0. Nancy@eastsideintergroup.com Anne W. Carmen A. Carrie W. Chuck M. Dominique T. Elton B. Erica M. Fred M. Ginny K. Jim R. John M. Leslie G. Mark B. Mark J. Matt D. Mike S. Newsletter Contributors Publisher...Alma O. Editor....Sandy B. Personal Story Annie Office News.. Nancy O. Richard J. Sheldon A. Sheree P. Stephanie S. Susan W. Syrianah V. Ted W. Tina B. Tracy A. Backups: Travis S. Syrianah V. Bill J. Eric C. Coordinators: Travis S. Eric C. JUNE OFFICE SUPPORT Office: Barb M. Carrie W. Marie N. Jeremy H. Matt F. Rick L. Sharon R. Sherry L. Ted W. Terri M. Tiffani S. Tim Q. Wallene D. Handy-Man Help: Jim M. Computers: Matt B. Rick L. Travis S. John M. Literature Pickup: Rick F. ESIG Contributions June 2017 Group Contributions, ESIG, GSO, District & Area Thanks to the following Groups for sending contributions to the Eastside Intergroup office in the month of June Group contributions enable us to pay the rent and bills for your Intergroup Office, maintain our phone lines 24 hours a day 7 days a week, publish a monthly newsletter, provide a meeting directory, and carry AA information and literature. Eastside Beginners Nameless Bunch Of Drunks District 34 Treatment Committee Sammamish Sober Sisters Steppin Up Serenity Break Wake Up Anchor Group Seven & Sober Nooners Sharing the Legacy Mercer Island Thursday Night Serenity on Sunday Bellevue Breakfast Eastside Open Breakfast PSYPC Tiger Mountain Stag Millennium Group Redmond Recovery Duvall Candlelight Southside Breakfast Raging On The River Women In Recovery Women's Saturday Steps Eastside Intergroup: Eastside Intergroup NE Bel-Red Rd. #B6 Bellevue, WA Western WA Area Kentucky St., #535 Bellingham, WA General Service Office (GSO) P.O. Box 459 Grand Central Station New York, NY District 34 Bellevue, Redmond, East Lake Sammamish, Mercer Island P.O. Box Bellevue, WA District 35 Issaquah P.O. Box 442 Issaquah, WA District 36 Snoqualmie Valley, Duvall, North Bend P.O. Box 1963 North Bend, WA District 38 Kirkland P.O. Box 322 Kirkland, WA District 39 Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville PO Box 1695, Bothell

8 Thank you Intergroup Reps for attending the June 2017 Meeting Andy G. ESIG PI, Dist. 35 PI, Core Relations Barb M. Better Odds Sober Bob C. Eastside Men s Group Carolyn M. District 34 Liaison/Living Sober Carrie W. Tons of Grace Charlie C. ESIG Web Committee Chris S. Nooners Cindy S. Mercer Island Thursdays/Mercer Island Serenity Clare C. Sober at Cottage Lake Conor O. ESIG Board Danielle M. ESIG Web Committee Derek B. ESIG Board/Maximum Service Erica M. Eastside Treatment Garret V. ESIG Board Co-Chair John M. ESIG Events Chair/Sharing the Legacy Jon S. ESIG Board/District 39 Liaison K.T. E. Sammamish Big Book Kathy S. Fresh Start Ken T. Redmond Recovery LeeAnn W. Ladies Step Study Maggie S. Sober Seniors Margaret H. Eastside Women Margie C. ESIG Web Committee Mary B. ESIG Secretary/Eastside Beginners Rob S. The Shack Robin O. Millennium Russell T. Redmond Step Study Sandy B. ESIG Newsletter Editor/District 38 Liaison Shawna C. Women in Recovery Sherry L. Kirkland Sobriety Headquarters Steph K. Issaquah Tuesday Night Ted W. Nameless Bunch of Drunks/Heretics Haven Secular Tim B. Live at Pine Lake Liaison Tom Z. Saturday Morning Step & Traditions Issaquah Travis S. ESIG Hotline/Pine Lake Stag Val F. Serenity Break/Bel Kirk Breakfast Virginia M. ESIG Treasurer/Friday Night Firehouse Wade S. ESIG Board Willy H. Tiger Mountain Stag What does an Intergroup Rep do? An Intergroup Rep is elected at his/her Home Group and attends the Eastside Intergroup Meeting on the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. You represent your home group at the monthly meeting and hold a vote for your group. Because Eastside Intergroup covers five Districts and is a central clearinghouse for local AA activities and information, you become a vital link between the Intergroup office, the Districts, and your home group. The Intergroup Rep keeps his or her home group informed about work being done, activities going on, etc. You become a part of the networking between Eastside Intergroup and the groups. 8

PASS IT ON Eastside Intergroup Newsletter

PASS IT ON Eastside Intergroup Newsletter Issue 14 February 2018 Eastside Intergroup Celebrated 35 Years! Page 1 Eastside Intergroup Celebrates 35 Years! Page 2 From Fear to Freedom -Anonymous Page 3 Upcoming