Volume 31, Issue 11 NOVEMBER 2015

ScaanSOUTH COUNTY

AA NEWSLETTER

The Hand of AA

24 Hours a Day

561-276-4581

South Palm Beach CountyIntergroup Association, Inc.Serving A.A. Groups inBoca Raton, Boynton Beach,Delray Beach and Lantana31 Years of Service ~ 1984-2015

I wake up every morning with untreated alcoholism. It isas if my mind waits all night for me to wake up so it cantorture me. What’s an ex-drunk to do?

Step Eleven: “Sought through prayer and meditation toimprove our conscience contact with God, as we under-stood him, praying only for knowledge of His will for usand the power to carry that out.”

Step Ten teaches us we have a daily reprieve contingenton the maintenance of our spiritual condition. StepEleven is the “maintenance of our spiritual condition”.Every morning when I awake, I pray, asking God to helpme be the best version of me I can be. I ask to be free ofanger, worry, self pity, and selfish thinking.

I have a brain that God gave me to use. In Step Eleven Ilearn how to use it correctly. I allow God to give meintuitive thoughts to help with my decision making. NowI can relax and take it easy. Life is no longeroverwhelming.

As I go through my day, there is always going to be some-one or some situation that will agitate me … You knowthey are not doing as I want them to do. I then pause and

STEP ELEVENremind myself I am no longer running the show, my life isnone of my business. I say to myself “THY WILL BEDONE”. I don’t waste time trying to arrange life to suitme.

At night I constructively review my day to find out whereI was selfish, afraid, dishonest or owe an apology. Was Ikind? Did I try to be loving toward all? Did I see what Icould bring to life? Was I humble, a good husband, agood friend, a good employee and a good member ofAlcoholics Anonymous? I pray to God asking him to helpme have proper conceit of myself.

To improve means to develop or increase in mental capac-ity by education or experience. The FOREWORD to theFirst Edition of the Big Book explains it best … “Torecover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind andbody”.

My relationship with my Higher Power is the most impor-tant thing to me. Without God I have nothing. So gohave some fun and remember God is large and in charge!

Respectfully in love and service,Tommy B.

THE STEPS & THE TRADITIONS

STEP 11 - “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as weunderstood 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.”

Special Events

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November 7, 2015

AlcathonDecember 24-25, 2015

Dec. 31, 2015 - Jan. 1, 2016

Page 2

THANKYOU!

A great bigTHANK YOU

to all who participatedand volunteered for the

2015 Serenity Scramble.

A day of golf, food andfellowship was enjoyed by all!

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Saturday, November 7th, 2015 at 7:00pm

The Embassy Suites Hotel, Boca Raton

Tickets: $47/person or $470/Table of 10

TICKET PURCHASE INFORMATION

Individual and “table of 10” tickets are availableat the SPBCI office

GRATITUDE DINNER MENU

SALADCrisp Leaves of Romaine, Cucumber and

Tomato with Assorted Dressings on the Side

ENTRÉE SELECTIONCedar Plank Honey Glazed Salmon

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce

VEGETARIANGrilled Portobello Mushrooms

Balsamic marinated Portobello Mushroomsgrilled to perfection and stuffed with

diced Tomatoes, Basil and fresh Mozzarella,served with Mashed Butternut Squash

and Green Beans

ACCOMPANIMENT CHOICERoasted Red Bliss Potatoes

DESSERT SELECTIONMousse in a Chocolate Cup with

Fresh Whipped Cream

Page 3

South Palm Beach County Intergroup - Profit & Loss - September 2015

OOffffiiccee VVoolluunntteeeerrssDan B., Joe, Nancy W., Charlie, Linette, George, Stan R.,

Dennis, Marianne, Gabby, Daniel M., Emily, Shane, Sarah, Hunter,Justin, Nicole, Mel, Stephen K., John B., Lisa Y., Eugene D.,

Garry, Sandy, Lucy, Thomas, Leslie

Intergroup Activity Log Sept. 1512th Step Calls 2First Call to AA 3Meeting Inquiries 85Business Inquiries 136Walk-Ins 166QB Sales Receipts 178

New Intergroup Reps.Just For Now ~ Scott P.

Men With Solutions ~ Matt D.Men’s Roving Big Book Study ~ Eugene D.

We Are Not Saints ~ Ross A.Women In Recovery ~ Christine R. ALT

Women With A Solution ~ Alyson S.

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SPBCI HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

November 11 ~ Veteran’s Day

November 26, 27 & 28 ~ Thanksgiving

December 24, 25 & 26 ~ Christmas

December 31 ~ New Year’s Eve

January 1, 2016 ~ New Year’s Day

AA HOTLINE – RELAY PHONEThe Hand of AA is Available 24 Hours a Day!

November - From Steerage to Captain’s TableDecember - Tuesday Men’s Solution

January - Spiritual AwakeningFebruary - Men’s Roving Big Book

FFAAIITTHHFFUULL FFIIVVEERRSSWWiitthh GGrraattiittuuddee ffoorr tthheeiirr ssuuppppoorrtt::

Linda P. - West Boca Friendship Group

BIRTHDAY CLUBSOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY INTERGROUP

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ANNIVERSARY!Your donation goes to help the valuable services provided by Intergroup includingthe AA hotline, meeting schedules, 12 step work, literature inventory, SCAANnewsletter and hospital/institution meetings.

Name Anniversary Date

Home Group Contribution* $*Recommended contribution is $1 for every year of sobriety.

If you would like a reminder notice next year, please fill out the address portionbelow or provide an email address.

Address City

State/Zip Email Page 5

BIRTHDAY CLUB

Intergroup Business Meeting Minutes –September 30, 2015Vice Chair: Cheryl S.: The meeting opened with a moment of silence followed by theSerenity Prayer. Cheryl called for approval of last month’s minutes, Peggy D. made amotion to approve the August 26, 2015 minutes; motion was seconded and passedunanimously. Cheryl welcomed new group reps. Cheryl reminded all that as vice chairshe is the liaison to committee chairs, groups and the Intergroup office; If you have anyquestions or concerns do not hesitate to contact her. Chair: John S.: Excused absence. New Group Rep: Just For Now: Scott P.; Men With Solution: Matt D.; Men’s Roving BigBook: Eugene D.; We Are Not Saints: Ross A.; Women In Recovery: Christine R.;Women With A Solution: Alyson S.Treasurer: Elizabeth B.: According to the 7th tradition baskets were passed. Intergroupfinances are in good standing. Intergroup had a net revenue of $7,033.00 for the monthof August. There was a large group contribution received in August. Year to date is$13,167.00; comparable figure for 2014 is $6,262.00. A detailed report is in the SCAAN. Office Manager: Jeannie G.: Thank you to all fellow AA’s who continue to carry the mes-sage to the alcoholic who still suffers. The 2015 Serenity Scramble is 11 days fromtoday. We have received contributions totally $800.00 for “hole sponsorships”. Fifty sixgolfers have signed up, reservations will be accepted through October 7, 2015. The 2015Gratitude dinner is 38 days from today, as of September 29, 2015 we have 264 paidreservations. Tickets are available for purchase at the Intergroup office Monday throughSaturday. Hillari H. will provide more event info. District 9 hosted the 30th AnnualIntergroup/Central Office/AAWS/AAGV Seminar. Throughout the four day event theimportance of anonymity and singleness of purpose were discussed again and again.Jeannie closed with two quotes from AA General Service Conference Approved literatureregarding those topics. Committee Reports:Archivist: Michael G.: Excused absence; Sarah B. read report. Michael was hoping topersonally attend tonight, however, driving is sometimes still a challenge. He thankseveryone for their love and prayers this past year. Michael is looking for volunteers toassist with the ongoing “cassette to MP3” project, no experience necessary. Please con-tact SPBCI office for additional information.Archives: Lisa M.: The Archives Committee has been working on the tape to mp3 project.I am in contact with the most recent Archives Chair in order to learn my responsibilities,and am in discussion with another former Archives Chair as far as a display at theGratitude Dinner. Bridge the Gap: Gary K and Emily L.: Gary gave report: This past month we did notreceive any requests to Bridge the Gap. We encourage the Intergroup Reps andAlternates to inform their homegroups of the availability of our service. During your meet-ings, should an attendee express that they are moving on from treatment and returninghome, kindly invite them to call the Intergroup office to be put in touch with someone whocan help them connect with AA in the area they are headed to. We are in the process ofcreating a flier that you can hand out and/or post. We are looking at additional ways toget the word out and welcome suggestions on how we can better reach those who mayneed us. Please see me or Emily after the meeting or contact us via phone or email. Ourinformation is on the list of trusted servants provided to reps and alternates. We aremeeting with representatives from the District 8 Treatment Center committee to discussways to partner and support each other.General Service Liaison: Open position; previous chair stepped down. Group Information: Stephanie M.: Unexcused absence. No report. Hospitals and Institutions: Carla S.: Currently, we have 54 meetings per week. Therehave only been a few minor changes since last month’s report. The Fair Oaks Fridaynight commitment has been split between two chairpersons who will do alternatingweeks. I have made contact with Satori Water in Delray Beach. A coed meeting will beneeded there for Wednesday evenings at 8:00pm. The H & I has not scheduled ameeting for our sub-committee at this time. To carry the message in this committee any-one with 1 year or more of sobriety that is interested in being of service please contactmyself or Intergroup. Public Information: Stuart M.: I met the public information Committee chair for GeneralService and I am going to work with both General Service and North County to get amore organized and better way to get the message out. We have ordered stands for thebrochures and we have chosen the brochure that we are going to be using. We aregoing to focus on reaching out to professionals and students. We will work to makedonations at schools, doctors offices and libraries. We are making progress and I willhave more exciting news to come. Telephone Relay: Taylor G.: The Relay Phone is covered up through March 2016. Weare always looking for more groups to volunteer. If your group would like to sign upplease see me, Taylor G., at the monthly business meeting, or contact the Intergroupoffice. The swap of the phone is made at the monthly business meeting which is held on

Robert W. - Just Before Dawn - 9/23/92Congratulations on 23 years of sobriety!

Margarita - Boynton Beach Beginners - 11/12/12Congratulations on 3 years of sobriety!

AA EVENTSJanuary 8-10Area 15 GSO AssemblySarasota - Hyatt Regency www.area15aa.org

February 202nd Annual Florida Archives WorkshopWinter Park - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMfloridaarchivesworkshop@gmail.com

OTHER EVENTSThe Other Events listed below are presented solely as a serviceto SCAAN readers, not as an endorsement by SPBCI.

Christmas and New Year’s9th Annual Speaker Extravaganza12/24, 12/25, 12/31 & 01/01/2016Boca Raton Railroad Station - 561-674-6200

South Palm Beach CountyIntergroup Association, Inc.

2905 South Federal Highway • Building C, Suite 15-16Delray Beach, FL 33483

24-hours: 561.276.4581Email: southcountyaa@comcast.netWebsite: www.aainpalmbeach.org

Office HoursMonday-Friday: 9am - 5pm

Saturday: 10am - 1pm

STEERING COMMITTEEChair - John S. Vice Chair - Cheryl S.

Treasurer - Elizabeth B. Secretary - Sarah B.Office Manager - Jeannie G.

COMMITTEESArchives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa M.Archivist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael G.Bridge the Gap - Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary K.Bridge the Gap - Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily L.General Services Liaison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AndreaGroup Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie M.Hospitals & Institutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carla S.Liaison to North County Intergroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura K.Public Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stuart M.SCAAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John T.Telephone Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taylor G.Twelve Step Committee - Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris M.Twelve Step Committee - Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bari W.Where & When . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaely L.

SPBC INTERGROUP EVENT CHAIRSGratitude Dinner - November 7,2015 . . .West Boca Beginners Group

the last Wednesday of the month at Central House, 7pm. Where & When: Kaely L.: The Where & When is currently up to date. The 2015 Fall edi-tion is being sent to the printer later this week. 5000 copies will be printed and makeavailable as soon as possible. All new meetings and updates are to be sent directly tothe Intergroup office. SCAAN: John T.: Not present for report, Elizabeth read report. Articles are welcomed andencouraged, please submitted your articles to the Intergroup office by the 15th of themonth. 12th Step Committee: Bari W. (women): Thank you to everyone who signed up for thewomen’s 12th step list. About 30 new women have added their names. This is a won-derful start, but we still need more, so that all times and areas are covered. Reminderto all volunteers to please put the intergroup phone number in your phone. Chris M.(men): Excused absence. Bari read report. Our Men’s 12th Step list has been revisedand not only have we added to it. We also confirmed all of those that were on list asready, willing and able volunteers to assist those in their battle with our evil disease,King Alcohol. These are positive results indeed however, I am still asking for any andall volunteers we can muster. Bari and I encourage you to keep on announcing at yourhome groups until you get at least one volunteer male and female to join in on thisimportant endeavor. There are forms available tonight to bring to your homegroup, orcontact the Intergroup office. Liaison to North County Intergroup: Laura K. (selected updates included in this summa-ry): The North County Intergroup meeting took place September 9, 2015. There werefive new Intergroup reps. If you wish to have an item on the agenda for the next month’smeeting, please submit by the 16th of the previous month. The co-chair, Jasine,announced the north county intergroup picnic will be Saturday November 14th at CarlinPark in Jupiter. Admission is $7.00 in advance or $10.00 at the door. Children under 10are free. Deb the Treasurer reports that Intergroup finances are in good order. Ed theGeneral Service Liaison reports the business meeting for District 8 is coming up theweekend of September 13, 2015. Randy, the website committee chair reports that theyare updating the announcements and events page. The Group Contact Maria has beenattending various meeting getting people and groups registered for intergroup. Patrick ofBridge the Gap is looking for volunteers. The following committees are vacant of chair-persons: Public Information, 12 Step Committee, South County Intergroup Liaison. Foradditional information please contact the Intergroup office. 2015 Gratitude Dinner: Hillari H stood in for Jeff. Hillari reported there are 304 ticketssold, 400 total tickets are available. The committee is working hard, the decorations arebeing finalized, raffle prizes are being gathered, and the speaker is in place. There is avolunteers meeting once a month if anyone is interested in being of service, please con-tact the Intergroup office for more information. We are all looking forward to the event onNovember 7, 2015. 2015 Serenity Scramble: Jay P. (chair) Excused absence. No report. Event date isOctober 11, 2015. Old Business: 2015 Alcathon: Central House has confirmed the following dates for the event: December24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st 2016. Guidelines for the event will be included in theFriday summary email. All group reps are encouraged to bring the event details back totheir homegroups and vote if your group will participate. Next month time slots will berandomly selected for those groups that choose to participate. New Business:General Service Liaison Committee Chair: Position is open, the committee descriptionwas read from the bylaws, position filled by Andrea D.

Closed meeting with the Lord’s Prayer.Respectfully submitted, Sarah B.

November & December Service Meetings

November 8 & December 8District 8 General Service Business Meeting - Triangle Club

4:00 PM: GSR/DCM SHARING4:40 PM DISTRICT 8 BUSINESS MEETING

December 12SPBC Intergroup Steering Committee Meeting

Saturday, 9:00 AM - SPBCI OfficeDecember 16

SPBC Intergroup Monthly Business MeetingWednesday, 7:00 PM - Delray Central House

The tipsy captain of an old freighter sawwhat looked like the light of another ship ona collision course with his. He signaled,“Change your course ten degrees to theEast,” but the reply came back directinghim to turn ten degrees West. He sent astronger message: “I’m a Navy captain.Change your course!” The message cameback: “I’m a seaman second class, butyou’d better turn your ship.” Infuriated, thecaptain answered, “I’m a battleship. Get outof my way!” The final message came: “I’m alighthouse. Do as you please.”

R.L., British Columbia, March 1985