Volume 3 issue 1 January 2016 December Contributions: Hal D. $51, Donna C. $7, Steve G. $5, Jen B. $7 Changed Meeting The Common Solution group has moved to: The Church of Beatitudes 2812 8th St N., Saint Petersburg. January 1, 1946: The A.A. Grapevine increased the cost of a year's subscription to $2.50. January 2, 1889: Sister Ignatia was born in Ireland. January 5, 1941: Bill W. told Jack Alexander that Jack was "the toast of A.A. - in Coca Cola, of course." January 8, 1938: New York A.A. split from the Oxford Group. January 17, 1919: 18th amendment, "Prohibition," became law. January 21, 1951: A.A. Grapevine published memorial issue on Dr. Bob. January 23, 1961: Bill W. sent an appreciation letter, which he considered long-overdue, to Dr. Carl Jung for his contribution to A.A. January 24, 1918: Bill W. and Lois Burnham were married. January 25, 1915: Dr. Bob S. married Anne Ripley. January 26, 1971: New York Times published Bill's obituary on page 1. January 30, 1961: Dr. Carl Jung answers Bill's letter with "Spiritus Contra Spiritum." 1938: Jim B., author of The Vicious Cycle, a former atheist, gave A.A. "God as we understand Him." New Meetings The Central Group has a new Thursday night Closed Big Book meeting at 8:00pm. The address is Central Christian Church -6161 22nd Street North, St. Pete Let’s meet for Lunch is a new group that meets at the Warehouse Club at noon, Monday through Friday. Schedule is as follows: Monday - Open Discussion Tuesday - Open Discussion/Meditation Wednesday - Closed Big Book Thursday - Closed Step Friday - Open Discussion A Safe Place added a Thursday noon Reflection meeting to their schedule. The address is: Sylvan Abbey Methodist Church , 2817 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL 33759. 2 December 4, 2015 GOYA Group @ Serenity Club @ 6pm daily Phyllis: “My sobriety date is Dec 5, 2008. It’s amazing the different levels of sobriety, maturing as time goes by. My 1st AA meeting I was 13, to get people off my back. Ran away with the carnival in my 20’s. I’ve had anger management issues. I called a treatment center to detox. I admitted that I was afraid and had no place to go and needed help. I went to AA to stay out of trouble. I got sober at the hospital and knew I needed help. I keep working on my defects. I got my life together and the respect of my family back. I don’t have to run and hide anymore. I get to live 2 lifetimes in one. I am a better mother, and all this is possible because of AA.” Charlie:”My sobriety date is October 24, 1986. At age 43, I had my last drink. My first meeting was in 1981. I was in and out for 5 years. My wife said, “Please go back to AA.” My sponsor saved my life. Did service work making coffee for 14 years, and I kept doing what my sponsor says to do, and that’s why that I am sober today.” Andrew:”My sobriety date is August 5, 2012. My sister drowned in 1963. My mom died of alcoholism 10 years later. Went to jail a lot, drugs and alcohol were involved. Went to jail facing prison time. I got a Big Book, and I started reading it, and after 30 days in jail, I got a call from a lawyer, “the charges have been dropped.” It was a miracle! Started going to AA, the seed had been planted years ago, and instead of going to prison, I got to come here. December 12, 2015 Primary Purpose Group, Dunedin, Fridays 8pm Cathy: "I used to wonder why (why do I feel so alone)I am one of 5 children from an Irish family in Brooklyn, NY...I came in late, I didn't like wine. When I drank, I wanted more. When I drank, I drank until I passed out, I thought I fell asleep, but I was out of control, I would pass out & then I "came to" When I first came in, I was told that I never have to feel alone again, to keep coming back, and they said, "it's your journey." I didn't know what peace or serenity was, until a few years ago. I pray to God, & tell him exactly what's on my mind. I come here because this is the only place that's gonna save me..." Vinny: "My sobriety date is May 5, 1993. Started drinking alcoholically at 12 yrs. old, high school, college. Ended up in San Francisco. In 1978, mom said Dad joined Alcoholics Anonymous. 15 yrs. later, I joined AA. Dad died, and over 300 people showed up to his funeral, must be A.A.'s. I came here with nothing. I knew there was an answer. I got involved in service-literature guy, cookies, service committee, meeting before the meeting, meeting after the meeting. My life keeps getting better and better. I attend AA retreats and today I do more "accepting" instead of "tolerating." Every time I take a step, remarkable things will happen. These prayers saved my life. I do the 11th step prayer, I pray & meditate every morning, unless I’m busy...then I do an hour or 15-20 minutes. I pray for patience & tolerance. It's about love. I love alcoholics anonymous & I love my home group!" Frank: “2 years ago, I didn't have anything, now I have everything. When I first came here, I was thinking, ‘What am I gonna do if I can't drink?’ All my friends drank. I had to drink to feel comfortable in my own skin. My 1st meeting was at 301 and a lot of Old Timers took me under their wing. Found a hard core sponsor. I was eager to do the 4th step. I got a natural high after the 4th & 5th step. Procrastinated on steps 6 & 7. I was almost suicidal in recovery. My sponsor told me, "your perfectionism is gonna kill you." New Years Eve party that I had hitch hiked to, I was picked up by a man that thought that it was God that sent him there. I ended up getting born again, went to church. I am grateful for AA helps me with a new perspective." December 19, 2015 Together We Can Group -6:45pm Wed & Sundays Jody:”Born & raised in Wisconsin, rebellious & did the opposite of what my parents said. Parents offered to pay for college, I got married instead. We were a couple of knuckleheads. When I was 24 years old, I became a widow w/ a 3 year old kid, I lost my husband when he fell asleepndw/a cigarette which caused a house fire. I kept drinking, met my 2 husband in a bar, got pregnant, & had my 2nd kid. Moved to Florida, stark raving sober, we ended up splitting up. This disease is progressive. From weekend warrior to every night drinking by myself.3 Got a phone call, “your son was in a car accident.” That night, I felt the presence of God, I did not want to drink. Then I found myself at the Oldsmar meeting thinking “what a relief to see these steps on the wall.” You guys kept saying, “keep coming back.” After 1 yr. sobriety, I wasn’t sure if my son would talk to me. He said, “mom, you look great” I cannot believe my own life today. From what it was, to now. This program is nothing but love& joy. I let you guys lead me. I do what you told me to do. Anybody new? Keep coming back! It works if you work it!” Troy:”My sobriety date is June 7, 2010. I have a sponsor & sponsees. That’s not what keeps me sober. What keeps me sober is: my God, The 12 Steps, & working with others. I first walked into the Serenity Club in 1989. I’ve had many bottoms. I was 23 when I came here, & I stayed sober on this fellowship alone. I feel blessed, although I wasn’t when I relapsed. Relapses almost killed me. After I quit drinking, I thought I could go out for a weekend & pick up a white chip. Went away for 3 years. Then He blessed me by sending me to a shelter for a year. I gave it one last shot. I got Big Book George for a sponsor, had him take me through the steps, read p. 1-164, Doctors Opinion, Bill’s Story, more about alcoholism, etc. Step 2-told sponsor I’d rather tell you details about my sex life than talk about God! George said, “we’ll get to that later!” Step 4-forgave abusive stepfather, realized he was sick, became best friends with stepfather, who died of a drug overdose. The best gift I ever gave myself was doing the steps & didn’t leave anything out. What’s important is what I have in their serenity & peace." December 26,2015 Spirit Group-Largo 12pm Fred:”I grew up in AA, started drinking at 13, St Patty’s Day party, blackout on film, smacked someone, got into trouble. I don’t like people telling me what to do. You people have given me a life, how to stay sober, one day at a time. I’ve learned how to live here by going to meetings, and using the phone a lot. AA has allowed me to be a good citizen in the community. Every time I was in trouble was because I was drunk and acting stupid. DUI’s –They asked me, ”why are you driving?’ (because I can’t walk!) If you are starting off, do what they told me-Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth, and go to meetings. . If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, do what I did, you have to change.” T:”I was in and out of AA, drinking 24 hours/day, then I prayed, “God please, give me the willingness to be willing!” I went into treatment and I got sober. At 19 years sober, I started skipping meetings. The next thing I know, I went to eat with a friend & I was out for 9 months, always in a blackout, doing horrible things. So I came back, and it will be 15 years, through the grace of God. I wanted to changemy thinking and my actions. I am grateful for my sponsor and AA, peace and serenity. I got it made in the shade today! Many years ago, I thought I was too young to stop drinking. I damaged my life. You are never too young to come to AA. I drank every day, so I go to a meeting every day. I love my life today. What I’ve got today is a blessing!” Jane:” I thought everybody in the world drank. Started drinking at 14, was bullied a lot. I hurt myself a lot when drunk, and I am very grateful that in the ‘80’s there were no cell phones, no you tube. A friend said I should try AA. In 1984, I opened a gas stove wrong, and a great ball of fire got my eyebrows and singed my hair. I had hit a bottom. I was going to kill myself. I was hearing voices,st and I heard a voice say, “It’s Alcohol!” November 17, 1984 was my 1 day without alcohol. I lied to get into treatment. They made me leave when they found out I didn’t have insurance. I went to a men’s sober house, they made me sign a “no flirting disclosure” they taught me unconditional love. At 10 years sober, I cleaned houses, got a degree. I was raised by gay men in New Orleans. AA raised me. My mom died, I had lost my Higher Power. My parents had became my Higher Power. After they died, I got suicidal. I went to spirit group every day and it really works on spiritual principals, with recovery, and I can admit I am wrong, and I changed everything. I meditated twice a day, and then something changed. I could feel the spirit again. “ Intergroup MARCH 11TH - 13TH register online: retreatforaa-alanon.com 4 Archives 3rd Saturday 1:30pm Alano Club - Dolphin Village 4615 Gulf Blvd. #112 St. Pete Beach Corrections 2nd Monday 6:30pm Central Office 8340 Ulmerton Rd #220 Largo Grapevine 3rd Saturday 11am Central Office 8340 Ulmerton Rd SOUTH FLORIDA AREA ASSEMBLY hosted by District 1 April 8th-10th, 2016 Rooms are available at the Hilton: 333 1st Street S., St. Petersburg, FL. We are in need of volunteers to help - this is a HUGE opportunity to be of service. Please contact Robert T. @ (347) 762-1313 #220 Largo Treatment Last Saturday 10am REBOS 6766 54th Avenue N. St. Pete PI/CPC Last Monday 6pm Central Office 8340 Ulmerton Rd #220 Largo Special Needs Thursdays 6pm REBOS Social Club 6766 54th Avenue N. St. Pete Website 3rd Saturday 10am Central Office 8340 Ulmerton Rd #220 Largo District 1 UPCOMING MEETINGS DCM & Officer Meeting February 13th, 2016 Church of the Good Shepherd Corrections would like to THANK: For December: Roger, Kathi F., All Ages, Honest Group, Shore Acres Gratitude, Sisters on a Journey 10891 102nd Ave N., Seminole, Florida 33778 District 1 Quarterly: Saturday, March 12th 2016 Church of the Good Shepherd 10891 102nd Ave N., Seminole, Florida 33778 5 It’s the sure and comforting sign of an A.A. meeting. People congregating with Styrofoam cups in hand and a cloud of cigarette smoke above. But the truth is that those comforting Styrofoam cups pollute our Earth. Every Styrofoam cup you’ve ever used is still in existence, because Styrofoam takes over 1 million years to decompose. Styrofoam became widely used in AA in the 1960s. Most of those men and women who got sober back then are no longer with us (or they are super old timers!), but the Styrofoam cups they used are still part of our planet sitting in landfills. According to a report from the General Service Office in New York, the estimated number of AA groups and members as of January 1, 2014 is 59,565 and 1,295,037 respectively. Suppose, hypothetically, each member attends 3 meetings a week. However, not every meeting has coffee, not everyone drinks coffee, and some members do bring their own coffee mugs. So we say only half of the total number of members use Styrofoam cups. This still brings the count to 1,942,555 Styrofoam cups per week and 101,012,886 Styrofoam cups per year. This is not the legacy we are supposed to leave! As we grow in recovery, we learn to practice all the principles in all our affairs, including how we treat the Earth. It takes courage and willingness to speak up at a business meeting asking for the removal of Styrofoam cups, and it is the group’s service to the Earth when they accept the change. We can do this one meeting at a time, for we are responsible! These changes have been successfully made at Holiday Isles, the Koala group, and the Experience, Strength and Hope group. These groups began to slowly phase-out Styrofoam and encouraged members to bring their own coffee cups if they do not want to use the ones provided. A new service position was also created for members to contribute to their group and clean mugs after the meetings. It works if you work it! If you would like to try this new way of drinking coffee at your home group, please email Jillian K. at jilliancoreykatz@gmail.com or Jessi S. at jcsmithica@yahoo.com. Recovery Retreat, Inc. formerly The Retreat Since 1965 Began by Fr. Joe, For All 12 Step Members Many of us also like the experience of an occasional retreat from the outside world where we can quiet down for an undisturbed day or so of self-overhaul and meditation. - 12 & 12, PG.89 Held at The Life Enrichment Center at Fruitland Park, FL. This is a non-denominational Spiritual Retreat, for all 12 Step Members. Our time is spent on spiritual recovery with meetings on Spiritual Awakening, and the Steps. March 11-13, 2016 Retreat $160 Total Cost $60 Deposit due by Feb 3rd- $100 Balance due by Feb 26th. Registration is held in the lobby alcove and begins at 2:30 p.m. on Friday. Please register before dinner. Retreat begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and closes with lunch on Sunday. www.therecoveryretreat.com (PCI publishes material and articles in this newsletter that are created by 3rd parties. PCI does not endorse or assume responsibility for any 3rd party material or articles.) 6 49ers Bruce Cindy Danny Deb B. Gina Hank Larry Mark M. Mark M. Sarah W. Susan Thomas 36 28 36 4 16 45 11 1 9 1 4 12 2250 Group Amanda T. Cora B. Dawn Y. Drew B. Ernie H. Eric P. Fred K. Johnny S. Ken S. Margaret R. Mark S. Molly M. Patti E. Ray B. 1 7 7 1 26 2 13 4 2 9 4 8 34 30 A Power Greater Than Ourselves Keaton C. Troy H. Abe’s Place Anna D. Bill E. Jane S. Joe R. John D. Kathy C. Laura W. Lisa G. Maureen S. Robin V. Sherri B. Susan M. Tia W. Tom S. 4 5 2 7 5 24 27 3 11 10 10 13 3 4 12 2 Archangel Danny M. 29 Stella 38 Attitude Adjustment Al G. 28 Christina 21 Fay 10 Florence 17 Jim 15 Les 29 Lynn 9 Nigel 8 Paulette 2 Steve R. 31 Suzanne 1 Central Group Jennifer D. 19 Steve G. 5 Tracy V. 25 Experience Strength and Hope Angela T. 1 GOYA Barb B. 1 Betty S. 8 Claude S. 1 Dwayne 12 Melanie B. 3 Phyllis C. 7 Phyllis H. 7 Robert L. 15 Oldsmar Group Hoot E. 30 Danielle S. 4 Dave M. 23 Donna C. 7 Jena C. 2 Jennifer 2 Karen F. 1 Michael A. 2 Michelle g. 9 Riah D. 3 Ricardo M. 1 Steve M. 2 Teddy B. 21 Teresa C. 5 Toni A. 4 MISSED IN November Our Common Problem Gloria B. 1 Maria H. 29 Paul D. 6 Sonya B. 6 San Martin Bob D. 15 James 15 Laura 11 Mark 21 Ryan 3 Our Common Problem Free Spirits Cynthia H. Dave N. Jennifer C. Woodie S. High Point Anna G. Claude L. Ria W. Virginia M. Into Action Maggie T. KOALA Cathy B. Jessica S. Sunrise/Sunset It’s a Beautiful Day Cindy L. 12 George P. 30 Jan R. 35 Joe C. 41 John 10 Lynn P. 25 Peter K. 13 Sally K. 13 Seminole Group Chris H. 1 29 9 2 33 26 28 12 17 24 2250 Chris M. Claude H. Diana D. John D. Jim W. John K. Kevin O. Lawrence B. 1 4 13 54 9 27 2 1 High Noon Daily Bill L. Mary P. Pat K. Ray C. Scott P. Lucy L. 30 36 30 29 32 3 Walsingham Group Mike G. 11 MISSED IN October 2250 Alex B. Arthur F. Carmen L. David H. Fernando S. Kayde M. Patty K. Russell J. Terry D. Vicki Q. 2 35 45 1 15 1 4 5 30 7 Today in Sobriety Jen B. 7 Eileen 8 10 4 Women Stepping Up Group Adina G. 4 JANUARY Anniversary Submissions must be received by the first Friday of next month : FEBRARY 5TH, 2016 to make it into the NEXT issue. Thank you! Jen B: PnS Editor, Lana: Anniversary Editor 7 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 30.00 400.00 60.00 32.50 25.00 1-2-1 Group 2250 Group 3rd Tradition Group 4th Dimension Group 7 and Up Group A Power Greater Than Ourselves Group 72.85 282.73 A Work In Progress Group AA By The Sea Group ABC Group 25.00 0.00 0.00 400.00 100.00 150.00 1,528.0 0 2,358.7 2 115.00 32.25 15.00 Abe's Place 180.00 After Work Bunch Alive Again Group Amazing Grace Archie's Place - Hi & Dry 203.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 As Bill Sees It Countryside AS U R At The End Of The Rainbow Attitude Adjustment 0.00 76.43 Back To The Book Group BAIGIS Batman's Men's Meeting Beach Bunch Group Beacon Group Bill's Bunch Cash Customer Central Group Clearwater Group/301 0.00 25.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15.02 35.00 30.00 Coffee Makers Beginner Common Solution Corrections 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 District 1 Finance CommitDon Vista Group 10.00 0.00 Dunedin Causeway Beach 0.00 Eastlake Group Feelings Group Find Yourself Forty Niners Group Free Spirits Free Thinkers Free To Be Me Getting It Together Go After Your Sobriety GOYA Group Group contribution Grow Up Group Gulfport All Ages Group High Noon Daily Highpoint Group Holiday Isles Group Honesty Group Hopeful Group Humility Group In Touch Group Intergroup Meeting Into Action Jaywalkers Group Keep It Simple KOALA KOINONIA Group 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 55.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 77.06 0.00 0.00 196.00 0.00 0.00 Ladies' Beach Serenity Ladies Night Last Call Group 35.00 0.00 50.00 Living Sober Log Cabin Speakers Lunch Bunch Monday Night Speakers New Beginnings Women's Meeting Group 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 550.00 318.89 534.05 660.00 100.00 1,210.00 New Freedom / New Happiness New Hope Group New Women For Sobriety Not So Late Nite Group 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 289.00 Oakhurst Off Your Chest Oldsmar Group Open Door 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 200.00 1,351.67 415.00 0.00 Our Common Problem Group 0.00 85.00 Ozona Group 0.00 76.43 Palm Harbor Group 0.00 Peace Group 0.00 540.00 Peacefully Sober 0.00 706.40 Personal Donation 35.40 Primary Purpose 250.00 390.00 Progress Not Perfection Group 0.00 440.00 Real Happy Hour Group 0.00 150.00 Rebos Club 0.00 50.00 San Martin Group 0.00 116.00 0.00 211.84 Sat. Morning Women's Big Book 93.00 60.00 Saturday Morning Men's Step (SH) 330.00 0.00 Saturday Night Bonfire Group 125.00 Seminole Group 15.00 50.00 Serenity By The Sea 225.00 100.00 Serenity Club Of Clearwater 120.00 142.05 Serenity Seekers Group 0.00 Shore Acres Gratitude 20.00 0.00 Sisters On A Journey 200.00 0.00 Sober Spirits 0.00 282.48 Spirit Group 10.00 St Pete Group 8.75 1,208.0 Steering Committee Meeting 0.00 400.00 Step Sisters 0.00 150.00 Step Up To The Plate 0.00 140.00 Steps To Sobriety 50.00 Steps To The Solution 605.00 0.00 150.00 Stonewall Men's 0.00 Sunday Brunch 400.00 0.00 240.00 Sunday Night Live 200.00 Sunrise Sunset Group 255.00 0.00 800.00 Sunset Beach Group 0.00 340.00 Sunshine City 0.00 TGIS Women's Meeting 160.00 0.00 The Batman Group 361.01 0.00 THE GOD STUFF 400.00 0.00 Thursday Morning Break 112.50 25.00 Thursday Night Speakers 122.48 0.00 287.56 Today In Sobriety Group 50.00 522.50 Together We Can 0.00 270.00 Treasure Island Steppers 0.00 Tuesday Night Step 100.00 0.00 Turner Street Evening 832.91 214.93 Unity Meeting 200.00 50.00 We Are Not Saints 250.00 10.00 Website Committee D1 501.00 0.00 Wesley Men's Group 65.00 0.00 Where The Light Never Goes Out 100.00 0.00 Women In Step 0.00 Women With Freedom 365.00 TOTAL 2,716.49 75.00 8 505.00 100.00 2,000.00 506.70 10.00 75.00 100.00 257.83 237.50 100.00 9.77 200.00 466.61 432.00 134.00 650.00 100.00 1,200.00 1,523.21 405.50 190.00 35.00 400.00 10.00 147.25 150.00 2.00 50.00 96.00 266.03 80.00 160.00 3,069.00 875.00 300.00 605.55 300.00 406.00 350.00 25.00 1,200.00 275.00 104.38 318.00 20.40 3,685.99 250.00 50.00 65.94 250.00 30.00 275.88 48,177.46 What Is Intergroup? Meeting Lists “Each day, somewhere in the world, recovery begins when one alcoholic talks with another alcoholic, sharing experience, strength, and hope.” BB pg. XXII In this issue, the topic of a meeting list will be discussed to give the casual observer a clear under-standing of how our local A.A. service structure is responsible to share with one another a society whose members are anonymous. In fact, this is the very essence of service by members to insure A.A. will be here for those of future A.A.’s who do not yet know there is a way out. Our meeting list is formally referred to as the Where & When. For those who wish to start an A.A. group for the purpose of recovery, it may be wise to check first to be certain the new group to be formed does not conflict with any group already meeting nearby in close proximity to days and times. The simple reason for this is so both meetings may act as a complement to one another rather than an impression of competition which could harm both groups. –please refer to Tradition 4. Pinellas County Intergroup is responsible to maintain & print a list of A.A. meetings to include days, times, locations, and types. The Intergroup is ready to be of service to any group by helping get the word out a group has formed and/or provide information to anyone who visits or calls for information concerning any special functions happening at the group level, new or existing. All Groups are encouraged to register with GSO in New York. Why you ask? So you’re Group has a voice and a vote on all matters that affect the fellow-ship of Alcoholics Anonymous. An A.A. group actively involved in practicing, to the best of their ability, the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous is ultimately the greatest demonstration of alcoholics in harmonious action that will insure contented sobriety to its members. Registration can begin at the intergroup office, and/or forwarded to the District 1 Registrar, move on to the Area and straight to GSO. ANY Group member of ANY Group is encouraged to become aware of any local service needs and may decide to become involved by carrying the A.A. message to anyone at the Group level and beyond. Specific inquiry to any question or where to obtain information may be found at the following websites, aapinellas.org –OR- district1aapinellas.org.