MAC HALL-ALKATHON-2015.

Transcription

1 2015 August, Reaching 2015 Out

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3 MAC HALL-ALKATHON Schedule subject to change without notice. CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY NEW YEARS EVE & DAY 11:30AM LUNCH 11:30AM LUNCH 2:00PM FAMILY PANEL 2:00PM FAMILY PANEL 3:30PM MEETING * 3:30PM 10 X 2MIN TALK* 5:30PM SUPPER 5:30PM SUPPER 8:00PM PANEL 8:00PM PANEL 9:30PM TBD 9:00PM SOBRIETY COUNTDOWN 11:00PM MOVIE MARATHON 9:15PM DANCE :00AM OVERNIGHT (tbd) 8:00AM BREAKFAST 8:00AM BREAKFAST 10:00AM PANEL 10:00AM PANEL 3

4 Reaching Out Many of us feel very alone over the holidays, our family ties cut, often as a consequence of our drinking, and sometimes as a consequence of our sobriety. But we need not BE alone. From the Keys to the Kingdom story in the back of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous: The last years of my life have been rich and meaningful. I have had my share of problems, heartaches, and disappointments because that is life, but I have also known a great deal of joy and a peace that is the handmaiden of an inner freedom. I have a wealth of friends and, with my A.A. friends, an unusual quality of fellowship. For to these people, I am truly related. First, through mutual pain and despair, and later through mutual objectives and newfound faith and hope. And, as the years go by, working together, sharing our experiences with one another, and also sharing a mutual trust, understanding, and love without strings, without obligation we acquire relationships that are unique and priceless. There is no more aloneness, with that awful ache, so deep in the heart of every alcoholic that nothing, before, could ever reach it. That ache is gone and need never return again. Now there is a sense of belonging, of being wanted and needed and loved. In return for a bottle and a hangover, we have been given the Keys of the Kingdom. And our families do care! As proof, I offer up the following stories from family these are members of Al- Anon Family Groups, many of whom will be with us at the Alkathon, because they know how important it is for us to be there. Enjoy. And don t be alone over the holidays. Harry B. (Note: The photos on the next couple of pages are of previous locations for the Alkathon over the years, and were taken by Carl F.) Alkathon Stories from Al Anon members: My first visit to the Alkathon was in December I had just returned from the 12 day Family Program at the Camillus Center at Elliot Lake. I was determined to do everything in my power to stop the effects of living with alcoholism both on me and on my family. I had joined an Al-Anon Family Group in early December and heard for the first time in my life of the Alkathon. I did not know how I could find any time over Xmas or New Years as this was always an extremely busy and stressful time spent with my family. I chose to go to one meeting on New Year's Eve afternoon. My wife came with me but went looking for an AA meeting. It was also her first experience. I had never been to the Bronson Center. My first impression was there were a lot of people and that everyone seemed to know each other. I did not recognize anyone. I did not feel comfortable despite the number of times people greeted me. I was not used to being around so many alcoholics. The building was big and confusing. I remember looking for the Al-Anon meeting room. Back then there were not as many men going to Al-Anon so that made me uncomfortable. I think it would have been easier for me to go to an AA meeting which had much more men. I do not remember much about the meeting. It was a discussion meeting, not large and mainly women. Most people shared. I think I did share but I am not certain. After the meeting I wandered around for a bit feeling a little overwhelmed at how so many people were spending their holiday season in such a different way than what I had been used to for my whole life. It was probably the first Xmas that I had spent any time with so many strangers. I remember feeling some sadness and as well as much gratitude. Stepping back from my family situation and sharing with so many strangers from all sorts of social settings was I guess a real learning experience. That was definitely where I was back then, becoming more aware of the disease and its effects. Not having been brought up in a home with alcoholism, I had a lot to learn. I have gone to a number of Alkathons over the past 16 years but usually for a single meeting and a little fellowship. It usually leaves me a little emotionally drained yet at the same time I come out somewhat reenergized. I am now much more comfortable being there and know many more attendees both Al-Anon and AA. I have helped to organize a meeting. This helped me to feel much more involved. I intend to go to future sessions and highly recommend that newcomers give it a try. Take Care Rick W 4

5 My first Alkathon was in the early 1970 s and it was just beginning at this time. I do believe it was the first or second Alkathon (the only criterion I can use, is when my husband came into AA, 1967). Prior to that date there was nothing available for us over Christmas and New Years. I went to the Alkathon with my husband. In our memory it was being held at the Glebe Community Centre on Lyon St. Those meetings helped us as we found great comfort and support. This was a place where we could spend time with non-drinkers, especially at this time of year. I felt tremendous gratitude and a very special connection to all the people in attendance there was a spiritual connection. People of all economic status just trying to stay sober. It was a place for the family members to have an opportunity to be able to participate in their program of Al-Anon. If I in town, I have tried to participate in the Al-Anon activities such as the meetings, greeting etc. The group I attend usually sends a donation to the Alkathon and sponsors a meeting. In Gratitude Judy M Several years ago when I was fairly new to Al-Anon, and the whole AA experience, my wife persuaded me to help in the Alkathon kitchen. I was none too keen but went along anyway. It was an eye-opening experience. First of all the number of people who were at the old Immaculata High School; I had no idea so many people would spend Christmas Eve in such a way > every type of person from street people to fancy folk in dinner jackets or beautiful gowns. I was given an apron and put to work in the kitchen, cutting turkeys, hams and sorting out deserts which people kept bringing in. It was a surprisingly satisfying experience.. Tony F I don t really remember when my first Alkathon was but it would have been in the early 1990 s. My husband was attending AA and invited me to join him to go the Alkathon. What was that I asked? He said that it was 24 hour meetings from noon Christmas Eve to noon Christmas Day and food, lots of food and friendship. This was an opportunity to see people I hadn t seen since the Fall Conference or the occasional meetings we attended. So reluctantly I agreed to join him since he was going to go whether I joined him or not. I believe the location was the Hintonburg Center on Wellington Street but I can t remember for sure. And like a Conference there were lots of people, people we knew and people we would get to know. It was a nice time and like everything in program I was so happy to have attended even though initially I had resisted. As an Alanon member I got to sit in on AA meetings and hear their side of the story, learn some compassion and understanding for how others were dealing with the family disease of alcoholism. I am so glad my spouse asked me to join him and the Alkathon soon became a part of our Christmas tradition. We would pack up a goodie tray of Christmas baking and hop in the car and take that ride into town. It was always worth the effort and helped to relieve some of the stress of the busy season. Pat L 5

6 My first Alkathon was in I went with my husband (a recovering alcoholic with one year of sobriety at that time) and our two children, ages 11 and 8. It was held at a community centre/former school on Heron Road near Baycrest. There was a room set aside for children where they could be supervised and have fun playing while their parents went to a meeting. Our children had a good time, but I was not happy that this was how we were spending Christmas Eve. I had an unrealistic dream that we would be home in front of a crackling fire enjoying time together. I hated that he would get up in the early hours of December 25th to head to the Alkathon because his home group was putting on a meeting at 4am. He was always back home in time to open presents under the tree, but I wanted him to be home with us through all of Christmas. I did not want to accept the reality that I was married to an alcoholic and that he needed the support of the AA fellowship to maintain his sobriety, especially at Christmas. I nursed my unhappiness with the situation into a long-lasting resentment. In 2003, I was finally ready to release that resentment and asked to be the Al-Anon representative on the Alkathon committee. Working with AA members was an amazing experience for me and my resentment was removed. But there was more to come... in 2005 that 11 year old asked me to take her to an Al-Anon meeting at the Alkathon. She had grown up in a home with parents in recovery and knew how AA and Al-Anon worked through our example. For me, that was the ultimate gift from my Higher Power - I was the chosen one who was taking her to her first Al-Anon meeting and it was at the event that I had resented for so long. Alcoholism really is a family disease. I am so grateful to AA and Al-Anon members who show up at the Alkathon - from the organizing committee, those groups who put on a meeting, members who bring food and those who are there for the fellowship. With my resentment removed, I now look forward to my time at the Alkathon with my extended recovery family. Jean McS However we separated in For me New Years was a time for couples. I was feeling my loss and decided to attend the Alkathon to put in time. My aloneness was touched and comforted by our fellowship. I felt at home, not alone. I went at 7 pm when there was a couple panel. It was a joy to hear their message. I have not forgotten that evening. Diane E I have gone to a number of Alkathons over the past 16 years but usually for a single meeting and a little fellowship. It usually leaves me a little emotionally drained yet at the same time I come out somewhat reenergized. I am now much more comfortable being there and know many more attendees both Al-Anon and AA. I have helped to organize a meeting. This helped me to feel much more involved. I intend to go to future sessions and highly recommend that newcomers give it a try. I went to the Alkathon with my husband. In our memory it was being held at the Glebe Community Centre on Lyon St. It was an eye-opening experience. First of all the number of people who were at the old Immaculata High School; I had no idea so many people would spend Christmas Eve in such a way. Those meetings helped us as we found great comfort and support. This was a place where we could spend time with non-drinkers, especially at this time of year. My aloneness was touched and comforted by our fellowship. I felt at home, not alone. I am so grateful to AA and Al-Anon members who show up at the Alkathon - from the organizing committee, those groups who put on a meeting, members who bring food and those who are there for the fellowship. With my resentment removed, I now look forward to my time at the Alkathon with my extended recovery family. M. I attended my first Alkathon in the early 80's It was being held at the Glebe Centre. I attended with my husband at that time and with another couple who were in the program. It was a special time for me. I had been in Al-Anon for 20 years. My husband at that time was newly sober. 6

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9 AA Speaker Meetings-ALKATHON-2015 CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY NEW YEARS EVE & DAY 11:30AM HAND IN HAND 11:30AM SATURDAY MORNING WESTBORO 12:45PM FREEDOM 12:45PM PARKWOOD HILLS 3:30PM OASIS 3:30PM UPTOWN 5:00PM AWAKENING GROUP 5:00PM VENTURE 6:30PM NEW SPIRIT (ABORIGINAL) 6:30PM BARRHAVEN TUES 9:30PM BARRHAVEN TUES 9:30PM HULL LIBERTY 8:00AM HULL LIBERTY 8:00AM OASIS AA Discussion Meetings-ALKATHON-2015 CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY NEW YEARS EVE & DAY 11:30AM SHARE & CARE 11:30AM MERIVALE GROUP 12:45PM BACK TO BASICS 12:45PM BIG BOOK STUDY (ORLEANS) 3:30PM WESTBORO BB STUDY 3:30PM THE PODIUM HILL GROUP 5:00PM VANIER EARLY BIRDS 5:00PM WEST END GROUP 6:30PM STEP BY STEP 6:30PM BACK TO BASICS 9:30PM HERITAGE GROUP 9:30PM LUNCH WITH BILL 7:30AM LUNCH WITH BILL 7:30AM SERENITY AT SUNRISE 9:00AM THE H.O.P.E. GROUP 9:00AM STEP BY STEP NADEZHDA Russian discussion meeting will be held in the Al-Anon room at 8:30pm Christmas eve and New Years eve. NADEZHDA Russian discussion meeting will be held in the Al-Anon room at 8:30pm Christmas eve and New Years eve. 9

10 Al-Anon Open Meetings-ALKATHON-2015 CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY NEW YEARS EVE & DAY TIME GROUP TIME GROUP 1:00 pm Saturday Night 1:00 pm New Beginnings AFG 200 pm Family Panel jointly chaired by AA/Al-Anon 200 pm Family Panel jointly chaired by AA/Al-Anon 4:00 pm Saturday Night Serenity AFG: 4:00 pm How It Works AFG 6:00 pm New Life AFG 6:00 pm Alateen AFG 7:30 pm Royal Ottawa AFG 7:30 pm Forward AFG Dec 25 th 9:00 How It Works AFG & Maintaining Serenity AFG

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