WELCOME TO THE HMB DISTRICT 5 NEWSLETTER

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1 WELCOME TO THE HMB DISTRICT 5 NEWSLETTER The District 5 Newsletter is published monthly and is distributed as an in an effort to be more eco-friendly, as well as to reduce postage and printing costs. Please feel free to forward this , because we are unable to reach all our District 5 members, especially at the group level. If you want your contributions to be included in the newsletter, please us at NewsDistrict5@gmail.com. The District 5 Newsletter Committee will do its best to make this a valuable resource for communication, and to allow the members of our District to keep in touch with each other, further strengthening the unity of our fellowship. We ask Group Chairs and GSR s to bring this Newsletter to their Group Meetings. (Please print copies and distribute them at your groups) We hold a monthly business meeting for GSRs and committee members to discuss service needs in our district and to report on World Services on the First Friday of every month at the First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St. (corner of Railroad Pl. and Washington St., 2 blocks up from Starbucks), Saratoga Springs, at 7:00 pm. All members are welcome to attend. HELPFUL LINKS OF INTEREST SARATOGA TELEPHONE ANSWERING SERVICE (STAS) GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE NYC GRAPEVINE WEBSITE AREA 48 HMB WEBSITE A.A. Area 48 HMB Hudson Mohawk Berkshire AREA 48 HBM DISTRICT 5 HOME PAGE District 5 Home Page HMB AREA 48 MEETING SCHEDULE SEARCH 1

2 ONGOING EVETS District 5 s Service Development Committee Tradition Study (FLYER ATTACHED) UPCOMING EVENTS November 3 rd Way Of Life Group 40 th Anniversary (FLYER ATTACHED) November 12 th - Bill W. Dinner, Beyond Your Wildest Dreams (FLYER ATTACHED) November 24 th Thanksgiving Day Alcathon 2016 (FLYER ATTACHED) GROUPS IN NEED OF SUPPORT But For The Grace Of God Friday s - 7:30PM Saints Luke s On The Hill Episcopal Church 40 McBride Road, Mechanicville, NY (O D) Young Adults In Recovery Wednesday s - 7:30 PM First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs, NY (Corner of Railroad Pl. and Washington St., 2 blocks up from Starbucks) (O BB) MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS Meeting Terminated Zion Dire Super Church Thursday s 6 PM 222 Crescent Street, Saratoga Springs, NY (O - BB) Backstretch Winners Group Meeting will be staying at 5 th and Henning for the rest of the year. Thursday s 7:30 PM Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church 175 Fifth Avenue Saratoga Springs N.Y. (O - D) Women Sharing In Sobriety Group Meeting time has changed from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM New England Presbyterian Church 24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY (C D) 2

3 AA Principles of the Month Step 11 Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Tradition 11 Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films. Concept XI The Conference recognizes that the chief initiative and active responsibility in most world service matters should be exercised by the trustee members of the Conference acting as the General Service Board Tradition 11 Checklist 1. Do I sometimes promote AA so fanatically that I make it seem unattractive? 2. Am I always careful to keep the confidences reposed in me as an AA member? 3. Am I careful about throwing AA names around even within the Fellowship? 4. Am I ashamed of being a recovered, or recovering, alcoholic? 5. What would AA be like if we were not guided by the ideas in Tradition Eleven? Where would I be? Concept XI Checklist Are we familiar with how our General Service Board (G.S.B.) Class A and Class B trustees serve A.A.? Are we familiar with how our other trusted servants serve A.A.? Slips and Human Nature WILLIAM DUNCAN SILKWORTH, MD, JANUARY 1947 There is a tendency to label everything that a alcoholic may do as alcoholic behavior. The truth is simply human nature. Emotional and mental quirks are classified as symptoms of alcoholism merely because alcoholics have them, yet those same quirks can be found among nonalcoholics, too. REPRINTED FROM THE BEST OF THE GRAPEVINE,VOLUME 1 WITH PERMISSION OF A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC 3

4 BENEFITS OF STEP 11 The other Steps can keep most of us sober and somehow functioning. But Step Eleven can keep us going.... REPRINTED FROM THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, P. 240 WITH PERMISSION OF A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC. There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit. But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakable foundation for life. REPRINTED FROM TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, P. 98 WITH PERMISSION OF A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC. Perhaps one of the greatest rewards of meditation and prayer is the sense of belonging that comes to us. REPRINTED FROM TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, P. 105 WITH PERMISSION OF A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC. But first of all we shall want sunlight; nothing much can grow in the dark. Meditation is our step out into the sun. REPRINTED FROM AS BILL SEES IT, P. 10 WITH PERMISSION OF A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC. It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. REPRINTED FROM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, BIG BOOK P. 85 WITH PERMISSION OF A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC. We know that God lovingly watches over us. We know that when we turn to Him, all will be well with us, here and hereafter. REPRINTED FROM TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, P. 105 WITH PERMISSION OF A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC. Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they have. REPRINTED FROM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, BIG BOOK P. 87 WITH PERMISSION OF A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC. 4

5 Area 48 Meeting Schedules It was announced at the Area Assembly this past weekend that it is time to make sure your group's information is accurate in the Area database, as they will be printing the new meeting schedule soon. The deadline for changes is 11/15. You can go to the Area website ( to verify that your group's information is correct. If it is not correct, our Records Keeper at and let him know what needs to be changed. I may be mistaken, but I believe if your group does not have a contact person, it will not show up online or in the meeting schedule. Again, the deadline to make changes is 11/15! I have also attached the order form for the 2017 meeting schedule. Back by popular demand...the blank page! We will once again have a blank page on which to write our phone numbers for newcomers! This year, the cost has gone up from 35 cents to 40 cents per copy due to their being more pages. It is once again recommended that groups bundle their orders to save on shipping costs. The order deadline is 12/1. (Order form on next page) 5

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11 GSR Report From District 5 Meeting-Date: October 7, 2016 District Meeting Opens at 7:00 P.M. with Serenity Prayer 12 th Tradition is read New GSRs introduced, newcomers welcomed. Chicago Joe David, GSR, Stillwater Grapevine Group Motion is made to pass on reading of the minutes, seconded and passed. DCM (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Nancy notes that she has books from the area meeting, available to take back to home group Steps, Traditions, and Concepts. There is one Spanish version. Only 40% of groups contribute to GSO o 22 of 60 in D5 contribute (36%) o AA.org is a good place to learn about the structure o They discussed how to run/chair a meeting at Area. Group members are responsible for how their group is run. If you want to learn about how to chair a meeting, information can be found at AA.org. 941 hits on the Area website every day. Nancy has the Area financial report, shows which groups are donating and how much There is an area meeting tomorrow at 9am in Scotia at 201 North 10 Broeck Street at the Scotia Methodist Church. Convention meeting to follow. Michael notes that they had the conference call on Tuesday, a major topic was the meeting schedule booklet; it will have to expand past 80 pages due to number of groups. Important that each group checks that their information is correct with the records keeper. Going to a new printer. Treasurers (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Maria is unable to attend tonight, reports that she has reached out for, and is getting help with reconciling the ledger and commits to having a corrected treasurer s report for November s business meeting. If anyone needs funds or reimbursements, contact her and she will take care of that ASAP. If you need her contact information, see me (Chris) and I will provide it for you. Records keeper (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Liam notes that at the last meeting he got some corrections for groups, submitted them all to Area, looks like they haven t updated it yet, he followed up with them a few days ago, will continue to monitor and follow up. Reiterates that GSRs can him group changes rather than wait until the business meeting. Liam notes that we do have an address for a webmaster, but we don t have a webmaster, will look into getting a records address. Kim notes that we used to have a separate records account, D5records@gmail.com. Nancy suggests checking with Melanie, the past records keeper 11

12 S.T.A.S. (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Ken notes that STAS still has slots for Saturdays 6pm-10pm and Thursdays 12pm-6pm open. There is an extra $150 that is not on the report. Got two more checks today that aren t on the report. They did do a 12 th step call the other day from a call that came in. Treasurer s report: o Starting balance: $ o Donations: Misfits Group: $50 Top Shelf Group: $100 o Expenditures: 21 st Century Media (Saratogian Ad): $97.25 Contact Communications Answering Service: $ Verizon Phone Bill: $32.34 o Ending Balance: $ Corrections Women s (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report): Emily notes that they had a meeting 9/20. They have one person leaving her regular rotation, Renee, wants to acknowledge her service for the last year and a half. The rotation for jail: o 1 st Wednesday: Iris, Elizabeth O o 2 nd Wednesday: Deb N., Cathy o 3 rd Wednesday: Jane, Alida o 4 th Wednesday: Emily M., Erica o 5 th Wednesday: Alison, Anne Mary Jane K. contacted her and donated a bunch of back issues of Grapevine so they can share with the inmates. Nancy asks about Washington County Jail o Emily notes that she has flipped that to Kathy who is Area Corrections chair. They decided to have the meetings on Mondays instead of Tuesdays. Has the name of 2 women who are interested in doing this. Giving them the volunteer application and handing off to Kathy. Corrections Men s (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Dean notes that there was an orientation, those who attended should hear back by the middle of next week about whether they were approved. If you are approved, please forwarded your information to Dean so he can put you on the list. Will be putting together an updated schedule which he will share with Chris to distribute. Public Information (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Dan notes that Addie has moved. Discussed at the last meeting that they merged PI and CPC. Will discuss and make a motion when Heather is here next month. Fay notes that she has been in contact with Heather, they have been putting together packets that they had intentions of passing around tonight. o Fay is unsure of the budget for purchasing literature for the packets. Nancy responds that she can get in touch with Maria about budget. CPC-Cooperation With The Professional Community (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: No report 12

13 Newsletter (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Dave notes that everything is going fine. Bridging The Gap (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Nancy reads report from Mike who is unable to attend: o All is well with bridging the gap at this time. The speakers going into conifer just need to follow the directions that Jessica laid out in the binders at the admissions desk. o Make sure to fill out the BTG form. Treatment (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Jessica notes that she had a disappointing week, twice this week, the speakers did not show up o Jessica notes that there are people who want to step up, and there are people who have been doing this for a long time o Jessica spoke to Conifer and apologized for not having someone show up o There were no BTG forms when she was there earlier o Kim asks when she needs coverage; Jessica responds that if someone is interested in doing service to contact her. She has people responsible for finding speakers, will pass the names on. Functions/Roundtable (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Kim thanks Matt for opening up early tonight so they could meet, would like to do that again next month. Matt agrees to do this. $2116 in their account o Got $100 and $50, plus a random check from a personal account for 50. o Have fliers for Halloween dance o Have Thanksgiving fliers for the Alcathon. o If you want to help with the Halloween dance, see her, Emily, or Jessica o They have a new Chef, Dave (Stillwater). Will be asking for turkey and ham donations at the next district meeting Emily announces that they need cleanup people for Halloween dance, asks that this be announced in groups. o Be prepared to arrive by 7:30pm. They will need dishwashers and cleanup people. o Also will need people to start at 9pm and work through end. Clean bathroom, mop kitchen, vacuum carpets. Kim notes that they have secured and paid for storage space for functions stuff through the end of the year Grapevine (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Special Needs (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: Nancy asks if anyone has seen Dennis lately, no one has. Service Development (Present) (Not Present) (Nothing To Report) Report: There will be no traditions study this month due to the convention being on the same night. The committee chair will call a committee meeting in order to discuss whether to continue with this due to no attendance and we will announce our decision. 13

14 Announcements Kim announces the Halloween Dance Dave B. notes that the Way of Life is celebrating 40 years on 11/3 at the Mechanicville Methodist Church at 7:30pm. Emily notes that the Sunday 2pm meeting at Nolan house is looking for a chair person, if you have a year of sobriety, can be trusted with 7 th tradition basket and can unlock and lock the door, and would like to take on this responsibility, see her. Nancy announces the HMB Area Assembly is tomorrow Andy announces that there will be a committee meeting from 9-11pm after Area to bid for ICCYPAA at the A Frame on Western Ave in Albany, see him after the meeting if you want more information Susan notes that Thursday Backstretch will be staying at 5 th and Henning for the rest of the year. Liam notes that he just updated and printed 50 of the district meeting schedules Matt notes that the Thursday Zion meeting is still on the website, Liam responds that this meeting is now defunct. Chris announces HMB convention Old Business New Business Dave asks if we usually start in November looking for candidates for positions opening in January. Nancy answers yes, we will vote for these positions next month. If you know someone looking for District position, have them come to the district meeting next month. o Emily notes that she came in mid-year, doesn t know if she is supposed to give it up [this is answered in the bylaws, summarized later in the minutes] o Jessica notes that she also came in half way at treatment o DCM, DCM Co-chair, BTG, CPC, Functions, Newsletter, Treatment change on the odd year Jessica notes that CPC and PI came in half year as well as treatment, how do the Bylaws handle that. From the Bylaws: o All chairs are elected for 2 year period, ending on 12/31. o It is suggested that a committee chair serve only 1 full year elected term. If no one stands for the position, the standing chair can stay for the next term. It is recommended that no more than 2 two year terms be served o Partial term served due to a mid-term vacancy does not count as full term. Heather had conference call with Glens Falls, will have a CPC table set up at the convention. If interested in manning it, see her after the meeting. Kathy asks about Area tomorrow if there is an agenda; Nancy runs down typical Area meeting. Open Positions Jessica nominates Kim for Functions Chair, seconded. Passed unanimously. Functions Alt: no one stands Newsletter Alt.: no one stands Grapevine Alt: Jonah stands, Andrew nominates, seconded. o Jonah gives service resume. Unanimous. o Kim will get Jonah in touch with Ginger Records Alt: no one stands Special Needs Alt: no one stands Meeting is closed with the Lord s Prayer Next Business Meeting: Friday November 4,

WELCOME TO THE HMB DISTRICT 5 NEWSLETTER

WELCOME TO THE HMB DISTRICT 5 NEWSLETTER The District 5 Newsletter is published monthly and is distributed as an e-mail in an effort to be more eco-friendly, as well as to reduce postage and printing costs.