High 'n Dry - DECEMBER 2006
"The purpose of the High 'n Dry is to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous by providing a resource in print, where alcoholics can get information about the activities and meetings in Volusia County. "
from the High 'n Dry Guidelines, established February 2006
Contents:
- Best Wishes from VCI
- Feature Article
- "Is there a good way to get over a grudge?"
- Archives
- From GSO
- Intergroup Activities, Service Opportunities and INFO
- Overheard at Meetings
- Treatment Update
- District News
- Group & Club Activities and info
- December Anniversaries
We at Volusia County Intergroup wish everyone a wonderful joyous holiday season!!
Prayer of St. FrancisLord, make me a channel of Thy peace,
that where there is hatred,
I may bring Love
That where there is wrong,
I may bring the spirit of Forgiveness
That where there is discord,
I may bring Harmony
That where there is error,
I may bring Truth
That where there is doubt,
I may bring Faith
That where there is despair,
I may bring Hope
That where there are shadows,
I may bring Light
That where there is sadness,
I may bring Joy
Lord, grant that I may seek to comfort rather than to be comforted,
To understand than to be understood,
To Love than to be Loved
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds,
It is by forgiving that one is Forgiven
It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
Amen
Is there a good way to get over a grudge?
Yes, in fact there is. Many times, a question having to do with a “matter of the heart” is difficult to explain logically and the answer is somewhat philosophical. This is not one of those instances. In fact, the answer is quite logical.
I’ll start with what I believe is a perfect quote for this question. It’s from Pema C., a famous spiritual teacher. She says, “Holding a grudge is like eating rat poison and expecting the rat to die.” What an image!
Imagine, for a moment, what she is saying. So often we get caught up in our thinking. And when we do so and it has to do with someone we are mad at, or resenting for some reason, we torture ourselves with our own thoughts, without the slightest clue we are doing so. We have visions of revenge and act as if we are punishing the person who hurt or angered us. It’s amazing that almost everyone, including even the most educated people, do this at least once in a while.
But you can see that it’s absurd. The person who bothered or irritated us usually has no idea whatsoever what they did to you, and even if they do, they have no idea, nor do they care, what you are thinking about them. So, they get off scot-free while we suffer.
The “trick,” if you want to call it that, is to first realize that you are not hurting the person you are mad at, even one tiny bit. The second part of the solution is to “catch yourself” when your mind starts to think about the “jerk” and what he or she has done. Also, don’t make the mistake of believing that just because you aren’t harboring as much resentment, that you are somehow advocating negative behavior. Not at all! You can do everything in your power to make sure you don’t have to deal with the person ever again, and in some extreme cases even involve a lawyer if that is necessary – but all the while, you can remain calm simply by knowing what to do (and what not to do) with your own thoughts. Good luck with this one – it’s a great question!
Anonymous
FROM THE ARCHIVES:
DAYTONA 24 HOUR GROUP
The Daytona 24 Hour Group was founded to offer an alternative morning meeting. We differ in format by reading the 24 Hour meditation and use it for a topic. We also read “Some More Promises” (pages 84-85 of the Big Book) at the end of the meeting. The group got great support from the other groups, averaging 12 people in attendance at our first 5 meetings. The group was founded April 5, 2004 by Don P. and Donnie C. Early members were Tom H., Don P., Donnie C., Kathie L., Lacy H. and Kim M.
From GSO:
GSO will not publish the Eastern U.S., Western U.S., Canadian and International directories; or lists of Central/Intergroup offices/U.S. & Canada; or General Service Offices and Intergroup and Answering Services Overseas.
We have tried our best to work around a costly license renewal and the inability of our software to integrate with that of publishers who print our directories. We are developing a new software program for our records that will allow us to easily publish directories and lists next year.
In the meantime, the 2006-2006 Directories will continue to be available. Additionally, GSO’s web site, www.aa.org remains a source for AA members who are traveling and for 12 Step referral.
Intergroup Activities, Service Opportunities and INFO:
Your Annual Volusia County Intergroup Picnic will be held December 10th at Bethune Point Park at the end of Bellevue on the river. We will have food, a speaker, games and prizes. Fellowship begins at 11:00 am, food at 12:00 with the speaker at 1:00. Come out and enjoy the day. Tickets will be $5.00 in advance, $6.00 at the door. No Pets please.
AA Cook Book in the Works
Volusia County Intergroup is putting together a cookbook. We have some pretty good cooks in AA. There is even going to be a cook-off on January 27, 2007, an event where contestants or groups bring a dish. A panel of judges (I have already volunteered) would pick the best in each category. A cash prize will be awarded and the winning recipe in each category will be pictured in the cookbook. If you have a favorite recipe, pick up a flyer and submit it to the Intergroup office no later then December 8th. Or you can send your recipe via email to: cookbook@aadaytona.org
Office Volunteers
Office volunteers answer the phone and sell merchandise. They do not 12-step callers.Phone Army
This is a term used to describe a group of volunteers who answer the AA Hotline when the office is closed. Calls to the Hotline are routed to their home or cell. Phone Army volunteers don’t 12-step callers; they dispatch a help call to someone on the 12th Stepper list and provide general info regarding meeting locations, etc.12th Steppers
This is a term used to describe a group of volunteers who are willing to help another alcoholic. 12th Steppers are always contacted by Volusia County Intergroup or phone army volunteers.The names and phone numbers of all Volunteers are maintained by Volusia County Intergroup. All volunteers are instructed to never, under any circumstances, disclose to anyone, information about people on the volunteer list.
Please complete the 12th Step Sign-up sheet and fax to Intergroup at 386-756-3573, or mail to: Volusia County Intergroup, 345 Beville Road, Suite 102, South Daytona, FL 32119
If you are already doing 12th Step work through Intergroup please send us an update on the 12th Step Sign-up Sheet.
12-Steppers Wanted
Our 12-Step call list is increasing (slowly). But, we still need more volunteers! Calls into the help line are answered 24/7. Intergroup maintains a list of persons willing to help another alcoholic get introduced (or re-introduced) into sobriety through one-on-one contact. As calls for help come in at all times of day and night, and current volunteers are not always available, we still need more Twelve Steppers. If interested in participating as a Twelve Step volunteer, please complete the form (please print) and send or drop off at Volusia County Intergroup Office.Should you have any questions, please call Intergroup at 386-756-2930.
INTERGROUP REPRESENTATIVES MEETING - Intergroup reps attend the monthly meeting and then bring back to their group items of vital interest to the group, present items and motions on behalf of the group, and are eligible to vote on motions and for officers of the Intergroup Steering Committee. If interested, please attend or call 756-2930 for details.
Groups represented at November, 2006 meeting: A Fresh Start, Adventures in Sobriety, As Bill Sees It, A Vision for You, Back to Basics-Deland, Came to Believe/Living Sober, Choice is Yours, Friday Night Men's, Had Enough, Lest We Forget, Lifesavers, Pass It On-Deltona, Riverbridge, Saturday Matinee, Saturday Night Alive, Step Sisters, Three Legacies, Turn the Page, Turning Point, Wednesday Closed, Wednesday Women’s.
Was your group represented?
The Volusia County Intergroup financial sheet is now available at the office. It is also available through your Volusia County Intergroup Representative. If your group is represented, then your group has a copy. Ask your IGR to show you the financials.
Celebrate your anniversary with an act of gratitude that will help your Volusia County Intergroup Office continue to carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic. Make a commitment to send a dollar (or whatever amount you wish) on your anniversary, for every year sober.
Overheard at Meetings:
No where in the Big Book does it say that relapse is necessary.
God, grant me the Serenity to accept the people I cannot change,
the Courage to change the one I can,
and the Wisdom to know it’s me.
“Experience demonstrates that a club can live in harmony with the AA community
and serve a very useful purpose for those who find a club helpful.”
Treatment Update
Who says alcoholics are cheap!! Through your generous support in donating time, money and literature, the treatment facilities effort is thriving. I would like to extend many thanks to all individuals, groups and districts for your continuing support.
Love and service,
Bob W., Treatment Chair
District News
District 32: 12 Traditions Workshop, 500 S. Nova Rd. Ormond Beach, Life Village Mobile Home Park Clubhouse January 6, 2007, 10:30-1:00, panel of 5 experienced members, discussion, ask it basket. Emphasis; Traditions Working in our Recovery and Relations with Others. Donuts, soda and snacks will be provided. Bee informed “Why It Works.”
Group & Club Activities and info
All meetings at the Almous Club are now non-smoking.
Three Legacies is having a dance after the regular Friday night 8:00 PM meeting,
December 29, 2006.Silver Dollar Club presents Friday Night at the Movies, 7 pm on the last Friday of every month. The Silver Dollar Club will show classic movies on alcoholism & addiction. Big Screen TV---popcorn included. Dec. 29, feature presentation: “The Days of Wine and Roses”
The New Dawn group is celebrating their 13th Anniversary on Saturday January 6th, 2007 at Grace Episcopal Church, 4110 S. Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange. The doors open at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 with a speaker at 8:00. Please bring a covered dish to share. Speaker is from Ohio. Door prizes, 50/50 raffle. Coffee, soda and dessert are provided.
DECEMBER 2006 ANNIVERSARIES
5:30 Group Audrey M 21 12/16/85 Christine D 5 12/08/01 Chris M 4 12/19/02 Bob J 4 12/27/02 Jay O 4 12/29/02 Pat L 2 12/08/04 Aloha Group Jim D 26 12/23/80 Steve L 19 12/16/87 Any Lengths OBP Ron J 17 12/17/89 Sidney B 11 12/03/95 Back to Basics Deland David O 2 12/14/04 Big Book Study Holly Hill Bill B 23 12/03/83 Boulevard Group Mary W 18 12/16/88 Andy M 3 12/11/03 By The Sea Ron C 1 12/01/05 Came to Believe OB Frank S 27 12/17/79 Deland Group Jane W 21 12/07/85 Deltona Any Lengths Sandi B 19 12/04/87 Donut Group, The Mike G 9 1203/97 Four Townes Noon Group Gretchen S 21 12/23/85 Vanessa M 18 12/28/88 Debbie S 16 12/01/90 Nancy C 2 12/01/04 Free To Be DBP Patti L 8 12/10/98 Randy P 2 12/13/04 Friday Noon Men's Discussion Arnold 21 12/07/85 Syd B 12 12/03/94 Grace Group Jeanette B 15 12/29/91 Grateful Group Bing W 25 12/12/81 Andy B 18 12/27/88 Craig B 2 12/10/04 High Noon NSB Joe Q 1 12/02/05 Just Do It John K 8 12/12/98 Bob M 4 12/16/02 Last Call Dellia K 7 12/04/99 Christopher S 6 12/14/00 Norma W 5 12/16/01 Michael J 3 12/12/03 Tom J 3 12/22/03 Terry A 3 12/23/03 Ray S 2 12/22/04 Kevin R 1 12/01/05 Michael S 1 12/07/05 Clayton B 1 12/14/05 Erwin P 1 12/15/05 Lest We Forget Ruby J 20 12/22/86 Lifesavers Group Chick S 20 12/07/86 Bruce S 16 12/15/90 Dan M 8 12/13/98 Love & Service Mary O 16 12/11/90 New Birth Group Larry P 10 12/25/96 Alfred L 3 12/26/03 Larry B 1 12/01/05 New Dawn Group Bob K 22 12/10/84 New Smyrna Beach Group Wendy Q 3 12/26/03 Ormond Beach Group Andrew G 13 12/07/93 Peace Of Mind John O 28 12/31/78 Jan D 26 12/28/80 Chick S 20 12/07/86 Bruce S 16 12/15/90 Elizabeth M 10 12/31/96 Chris S 2 12/26/04 Road To Recovery Ron C 24 12/26/82 Short Timers Arthur L 3 12/26/03 William D 2 12/04/04 Sobriety and Beyond Pati H. 24 12/27/82 Step Sisters Joyce F 11 12/13/95 Suzanne 9 12/27/97 Sunrise Group Bob V 33 12/26/73 Mark Z 17 12/30/89 Larry M 6 12/02/00 Med C 6 12/08/00 Pete O 5 12/02/01 Three Legacies Delilah 7 12/04/99 Pasquale P 4 12/06/02 Wednesday Women's Evelyn C 25 12/05/81 Beryl D 22 12/02/84 Patty A 17 12/08/89 Jeanne G 12 12/12/94 Jill C 4 12/25/02 Westminster-By-The-Sea Pennie S 18 12/12/88 Kathy B 9 12/17/97
If you would like to submit an article for publication, or have an idea for something you would like to see in the High 'n Dry, you may contact the editor at: editor@aadaytona.org
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