October 2011
District 17 Newsletter
The district monthly GSR meeting was held Tuesday September 27, 2011 at the district office, located at 373 Woodward Ave., Kingsford, MI. The meeting was opened with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer. In attendance were: Marion H., Cliff W., Joanne B., Bruce L., Gordie P., Betty S., Nancy H., John R., Dennis S., Aaron H., Debbie G., Kathy M., Liz L., Bonnie J. and Isaac C.
Secretary’s Report 10/25/2011:
Report was read and motion made and accepted as presented.
Financial Report 10/25/2011:
Balance from 9/11 report $1232.81
Deposits:
Early Monday Night. I. Mtn. $50.00
New Hope Group. I. Mtn. $60.00
Withdrawals:
9/27 ck1285 B. Lange A.A. Literature reimb. 11.00
10/21 ck1286 CSAS Rent Oct.-Dec. 90.00
10/21 ck1287 AT&T Phone 34.46
Balance October 2011 $1,207.35
We are self-supporting through our own contributions
Joanne B., Treas. Dist. 17
Report was read and motion made and accepted as presented.
Corrections Report 10/25/2011:
As contrary to what self appointed experts proclaim the position of the corrections chair is more than just giving a monthly report as some self appointed experts of nothing proclaim. It is in part, being a liaison between the local correctional facilities and the local district, area and fellowship of AA. Any other view is narrow with no regards to respect of the fellowship of AA or the correctional facilities involved as well as in contradiction of the corrections manual.
This position is also the active coordination of those working correctional meetings and AA as a hole, to do otherwise is in the realm of self centered personal interests. The chair is the procurer for the needs of the correctional meetings and the local group’s involvement, such thus opening a bridge between those on the outside with those inside. These
Meetings are for the newcomer and those that have fallen to begin a process known as recovery, there is no light to go towards as I have recently witnessed – as such is not AA.
Since my last report Val has started the Florence Women’s AA Meeting and she has received the two 24 Hour books I acquired from the Iron Mountain Early Monday AA Meeting. James has received his Reflections book he requested for the Florence AA meeting. They have also received copies of Grapevines and if any one wishes to donate such to Gordon P., James and Omar.
I have had Terry G. and Brad L. approved for Dickinson Corrections and I take Brad in for his first two meetings tonight. I also have brought in all the books the district has supplied as well as the four cans of coffee I had on reserve as they do not let you know when the supply is out except for the fact that there is no coffee. So by the next district meeting Brad and Terry will be doing the meeting until our intergroup at least.
Respectfully submitted; Dennis S.
It was noted that Grapevines can be taken to the jail meetings but they cannot have staples in them.
Report was read and motion made and accepted as presented.
Webmaster/Coordinator Report 10/25/2011:
On Saturday, October 1 at district office made changes to option #8 live contact phone #’s adding five people for the last quarterly period of 2011. Was unable to connect to the Internet using our Bellin device router for wireless connection. However, at home was able to update the website.
On Saturday, October 8 with the result of a power failure Friday night that lasted 70 minutes, I returned to district office to discover the complete building of the Community Substance Abuse Services, Inc had no power. Was unable to get the 0900 AA Hotline back in service. Was unable to reach any personnel but left messages that the power was out in the whole building.
On Tuesday, October 11 received call from Community Substance Abuse Services, Inc., that power was restored in the building. Met with Carol who was going to work, received information from C J Graphics for new order of AA meeting cards and made the order of 2000 cards in hot pink with updated changes to be made for their proof.
At district office, was able to put the 0900 AA Hotline back on line with the computer operating. Again, was unable to connect to the Internet using the Bellin device router and learned that no changes were made downstairs at the Community Substance Abuse Services, Inc. Will invest on a new router and printer for the district office if approved.
On Tuesday, October 18 was at C J Graphics to examine the new proof and sign off for the printing of new Fall AA meeting cards set for Friday, October 21.
The actual printing of new meeting cards took place on Thursday, October 20 and on Friday, October 21 picked up the new batch of 2,000 meeting cards from C J Graphics.
On Tuesday, October 25 at district office to perform updates, made change option #9 information, and to open the conference room for the district 17 monthly GSR meeting.
The District 17 Office has new fall batch of 2,000 meeting cards in drawer.
The 0900 AA Hotline _ 43 _hits, including _ 14_calls w/no option pressed.
The District website _ 131_hits the past month.
Any member of the fellowship with sobriety can become a contact on the option #8 contact listing for a 3-month period. This listing should periodically be updated, especially for those who are about to take a 3-month turn with their listing on option #8. email to: dcm@district17a74.org
As a regular monthly reminder, must train people (female/male) the operation as coordinator of the 0900 AA Hotline and as webmaster of the district website. Carol H will be taking over for Cliff W on Jan 1, 2012 and anyone interested in getting involved with being webmaster or coordinator for 0900 AA Hotline please contact a District 17 committee member, or show up at the monthly GSR district meeting the last Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at District 17 Office in Kingsford.
Living my life 1-day at a time,
Cliff W. (Webmaster/coordinator, District17)
Report was read and motion made and accepted as presented.
A motion was made and accepted that Cliff W. purchase a new router and inkjet printer for the district computer, not to exceed $100.00 total. This goes with the accepted motion made earlier of spending up to $100 for a new APC backup battery.
Archives Report 10/25/2011:
No report. Due to health reasons Pete has resigned this position so we are in need of an Archivist.
PI/CPC Report 10/25/2011:
There is a need for someone to fill this position. Information regarding what this position entails can be found on AA.org.
DCM Report 10/25/2011:
Went to Newberry intergroup and attended the GSR meeting with a very good discussion on what the district does to support the groups. On the 15th I went to Three Lakes for the Area Assemble with 17 districts attending. A motion was made at last assemble to raise the
Money sent to GSO by $1800 was voted down
after a second vote when it noted by the minority vote that the budget
present show a negative balance for 2012.
A motion was made for the Assemble that the Now & Then should be on e-mail
only and that hard copies be stopped.
UPCOMING INTERGROUPS 2011:
November 12th Ishpeming KD Hall
December 3rd
Marquette __________
2012 INTERGROUPS BIDS: (Please email bids to
Motion made and report was accepted as presented.
NEW BUSINESS 10/25/2011:
Jill who holds the women’s weekly AA Meeting in the Iron County Jail in Crystal Falls has a request for the following literature:
LIVING SOBER ONE COPY
DAILY REFLECTIONS ONE COPY
She has no further requests at this time and reports the meeting is going okay with several female inmates in attendance. It’s held at 6:00 p.m. on Mondays.
Debbie and Betty said they have both books they can furnish to Jill for the Crystal Falls Meeting.
If approved John R., GSR of Iron River KISS Group, Tuesday 10:00 a.m. meeting will deliver the books to her.
OLD BUSINESS 10/25/2011: None
ELECTIONS:
The following were nominees for the 2012-2014 Elections for District 17:
DCM: Bruce L., accepted
Alternate DCM: Aaron H., accepted
TREASURER: Joanne B., accepted
SECRETARY: Nancy H., accepted
CORRECTIONS Co-chair: Dennis S. & Debbie G., accepted
When anyone anywhere reaches out I want the hand of AA always to be there and for that I am responsible.
Respectfully;
Nancy H. Secretary Dist. 17