High 'n Dry - JULY 2007
"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:
- Trudge
- Faith
- WOW
- Bumper Sticker Sobriety
- Open Positions, Vice Chair & Treasurer
- Intergroup Activities, Service Opportunities and INFO
- Memorable Bits of Wisdom from my sponser
- From the Archives
- District News
- Group & Club Activities and info
- July Anniversaries
Trudge
"Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny. May God bless you and keep you - until then." Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 164
I recently heard a story that got my juices flowing. This man shared his life changing decision to go to a country in Latin America to do some service work for an organization. While down there, he was given a car to drive since he lived about five miles from the agency. His first three attempts to get to work failed because each time he set off, he got a flat tire along the way...the roads were very bad. On his third trip, he got two flat tires! It was obvious that his best choice was to walk....or rather trudge. Along the way, he met a man carrying bundles of wood on his back, women carrying large pots of water on their heads, and countless other people going about their day. Even though the walk was laborious at first, his companions made it easy. Pretty soon, he learned their names and became more fluent in the local language. Over the weeks and months, these people became an integral part of his day and his life as he walked, shared meals, cried and celebrated life’s events with them. On his days off, he could be found at their homes visiting and helping with chores or repairs. One day the director at the agency told him that they had found him another car with better tires. He turned it down because he would rather walk. His daily walks had brought him closest to the people he came to help and in return, they opened his heart and his mind. These fellow trudgers had entered his heart and he no longer wanted to travel that road without them.
The dictionary defines the word "trudge" as "to walk, especially wearily or laboriously". When I first came into AA and heard the word "trudge", I associated it with something negative. Now I see that trudging in AA was the best thing that happened to me. I learned to "put one foot in front of the other" and to just keep walking. I was taught that "it’s okay to fall as long as I fall forward". I was told to keep working the steps and to not drink.
This Road of Happy Destiny had many pot holes...divorce, relocation, car accidents, deaths....stuff that if I would have done it my way (i.e. the easier, softer way), I would have surely suffered many "flat tires". Because of my Higher Power's will, I met fellow trudgers who taught me how to apply the steps and principles in my life by their example, helped me develop the willingness to change and to dream by sharing their experiences, gave me the strength to do whatever it takes to stay sober....no matter what.
Today, like the man in the story, if someone offers me the "easier, softer way", I’ll turn them down. I’d rather trudge.
Faith - a Blueprint - and Work
“Nothing is truer for us of A.A. than the Biblical saying ‘Faith without works is dead.’ A.A.’s services, all designed to make more and better Twelfth Step work possible, are the ‘works’ that insure our life and growth by preventing anarchy or stagnation.” As Bill Sees It page 284
WOW
Dear High & Dry Readers,
We have a new addition to our newsletter that follows a "Dear Abby" format. Each month, a member's question will be addressed. If you have a question or any comments about the new WOW section, please drop it off at the Intergroup office or send it by email to editor@aadaytona.org. All of your questions and comments will be kept anonymous.
(WOW stands for Words Of Wisdom)
Dear WOW,
I have been in AA for over a year and my life is amazing! I've changed so much that even my family and friends have noticed. I recently got promoted at work, bought a new car and now have a very special someone in my life. I have been going to a lot of meetings and I am sure I'll never drink again. I have not drank for over a year and I feel pretty good. All this happened without me having to take the steps. A good friend in AA disagrees. He says that I will drink again unless I work the steps. So far, I've proved him wrong. What do you think?
Stepless
Dear Stepless,
Your situation is not unique and I'm glad you asked the question. Many of us have the misconception that just not drinking is enough. Not surprisingly, when we stop drinking, a lot of our problems disappear. For me, the biggest problem that didn't go away....was ME. Members told me that until I experienced an entire psychic change as a direct result of working the steps, I wouldn't change. It brings to mind two major AA WOWs (words of wisdom)..."the same person will drink again," and "if nothing changes, nothing changes." I need to get down to "causes and conditions" if I want permanent sobriety, because our disease is two-fold - physical and mental. If I only take care of the physical and not the mental, the type of thinking that has tried to kill me in installments throughout my life will once again start to take over. As usual, I'll be the last to know. Let me ask you, Stepless, what do you have to lose? Perhaps instead I should ask, why do you want to lose?
WOW
"Bumper Sticker" Sobriety
“If God chases you out of these rooms, alcohol will chase you right back in ... if you live." KM
"If you’re new, get a book, get a sponsor, get a group, get a God, and get it on!" KM
”Coffee makers make it." KM
"It just isn't all about me anymore" KM
Send your “Bumper Sticker ” to editor@aadaytona.org
Intergroup Service Opportunities:
New Intergroup Office Administrator - Lee B. is the new Intergroup Office Administrator. He's been sober over 16 years and his home group is New Dawn in Port Orange. He is the GSR for his home group. We wish him well in his new position.
Intergroup Office Assistant Needed - Part-time; 20 hr/week; minimum 2 yr. continuous sobriety; skills required Excel, Word, and general office experience; compensation above minimum wage. Mail or fax resume to: VCIG, 345 Beville Rd., Ste. 102, South Daytona, FL 32119, fax 386-756-3573.
Desk Volunteers: 3rd Saturday of the month, 9am - 1pm
• Monday 1pm - 5pm • Thursday 1 pm - 5pm
• Wednesday 1pm - 5pm (summer)
Phone Army
Service Volunteers needed for: Fridays 6am-9am; Saturdays 1pm-5pm;
and, Sundays 9am-1pm & 1pm-5pm
(Intergroup calls will be forwarded to your home or cell phone).
STEERING COMMITTEE
These vacant positions, like the rest of the Committee, were filled in October 2006 by election by the Intergroup Representatives. As they were vacated in mid-term, the Bylaws provide that:
Any vacancy of a permanent nature, whether for cause or resignation, shall be filled by appointment by the Steering Committee for the unexpired term. Art. II, Sec. 8
If you would like to be considered for Vice Chair, duties and service requirements are shown on the following pages.
In addition to this openings, there are two Standing Committee positions newly vacant. A Special Events, deals with coordinating the work of dinners, picnics, and workshops. Group Service position open, Member Group Vital Statistics Records.
Positions of Vice Chair & Treasurer,
The Vice-Chairperson: The duties and service obligations of the Vice-Chairperson include, but are not limited to:
- Chair Steering Committee and INTERGROUP Rep meeting in the Chairperson’s absence.
- Act as Chairperson, or appoint a Chairperson of a Group Relations Committee. This committee may operate in the following manner:
- Visit each AA group as often as practicable, but at least once a year, and explain the function of the INTERGROUP office.
- Maintain records of visits to groups by the Group Relations Committee members.
- Coordinate all committee information with the INTERGROUP Office Administrator.
- Attend all INTERGROUP sponsored events.
- Vote in all Steering Committee matters.
- Perform any other duties the Chairperson may request.
The Treasurer: The duties and service obligations of the Vice-Chairperson include, but are not limited to:
For more information, contact Intergroup for a copy of the By-Laws
Intergroup Activities, Service Opportunities and INFO:
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 June 2007 meeting: (14) Adventures in Sobriety • Back to Basics-Deland • Came to Believe/Living Sober • Friday Night Men’s • Friday Noon Men’s Discussion • New Dawn • New Smyrna Beach • • Pass It On • Riverbridge • Road to Recovery • Sand & Sea • Saturday Matinee • Saturday Night Alive • Step Sisters
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 at the monthly Intergroup Reps Meeting, then your group has a copy. Ask your IGR to show you the financial's.
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.
Anniversary Donations this Month:
Tom P. $25 for 25 yrs
In Memory Donations:
Bob H. $20.00
Annonymous Donations were made in the following amounts:
$ 50.00
TOTAL Anonymous Donation for JUNE: $50.00
Memorable bits of Wisdom that your Sponsor 1st imparted on you
Go to more meetings than 1 a week. Go to a Big Book meeting, a 12 & 12 meeting and a Beginners meeting. Come early, set up chairs, and then put them away after the meeting. Be of service. When someone asks you to speak at a meeting, say yes. Dress up for speaking. Tell them your experience, strength and hope. Don’t get fancy. After listening to a speaker, always go and shake their hand and say one thing you liked and thank the speaker. My sponsor guided me through the steps at his pace, not mine. Although sometimes I dragged my feet, like around steps 4 & 5, he was encouraging me to move on for which I am now grateful. Anonymous
Send your “Sponsors Wisdom” to editor@aadaytona.org
From the Archives
Does your DCM, GSR, Secretary or Treasurer have all of the old records of your district or group tucked away in a box in the closet waiting to be turned over to the next person who takes their place? Or, are all those old papers being carrying around from place to place in some kind of suitcase or large folder? I have a solution to this situation. Why not donate all you old papers to the Archives at the Volusia County Intergroup Office? They will be stored in a climate-controlled environment to preserve them and still be available to you if you wish to look at them again.
Presently, we have records from District 8, 20 and 32. These records include old financial records, treasurers reports, lists of officers, lists of groups in each district with contact people, lists of GSR’s in the district, minutes of district meetings and correspondence as well as miscellaneous papers. Also, there is information about some of the workshops, Alkathon, and special events which the districts have sponsored. In this group of records are also all the papers from the Archives committee of District 20.
The group records include group membership lists, member anniversary lists, group inventories, financial records, copies of new group information sheets and a copy of the Facility Permit from Leisure Services in Daytona Beach for the Ortona Greenhouse where the Turning Point group meets. These group records include the final records from several groups which are no longer in existence.
Stop carting all those papers around. Clean out all the old folders and boxes. Donate your records to the Archives.
Carolyn C.
District News
DISTRICT 19: Open GSR Workshop 3rd Tuesday 6 p.m. 1st Cong. Church, 201 W. University, Orange City
Group & Club Activities and info
Almous Club: New management, kitchen open daily. Open times available for new meetings
Silver Dollar Club: 4th of July Celebration • Sunday July 8th • 12 – 4pm • Live Music • 50/50 raffles • Speaker at 3pm • please bring a covered dish • FREE to AA members + family only
Movie of the Month: “DRUNKS” July 29th 7pm Big Screen TV FREE PopcornClub YANA : 4th of July Celebration • Wednesday July 4th • join The Choice is Yours & Young at Heart groups for food • fellowship • 50/50 raffle • Karaoke • games
"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. "
JULY 2007 ANNIVERSARIES
5:30 GROUP Bob V. 29 07/19/78 Jeff H. 16 07/07/91 Jim N. 15 07/01/92 Sally M. 12 07/18/95 Rob P. 9 07/05/98 Donna S. 7 07/03/00 Maryann O. 7 07/31/00 Steve C. 5 07/16/02 Mike H. 4 07/11/03 Kenneth F. 2 07/04/05 Cathy G. 2 07/16/05 ANY LENGTHS - DELTONA Don W. 32 07/25/75 Gloria 10 07/26/97 Sue P. 3 07/??/04 Ana 1 07/15/06 Bill 1 07/15/06 BACK TO BASICS, DELAND Sandy D. 4 07/26/03 Mike G. 1 07/14/06 David O. 1 07/??/06 BEACHSIDE - NSB Dick R 23 07/07/84 John G. 16 07/11/91 BIG BOOK STUDY-HH Yvonne N. 8 07/23/99 BOULEVARD GROUP Frank H. 13 07/29/89 Frank R. 6 07/25/01 Alexia B. 4 07/02/03 Glenn 4 07/24/03 CHOICE IS YOURS Dan B. 19 07/05/88 Don E. 16 07/27/91 Gary M. 1 07/15/06 FREE TO BE - DB Jackson 38 07/15/69 John F. 27 07/07/80 Frank R. 17 07/09/90 Lisa M. 16 07/18/91 Jim N. 15 07/01/92 Bill G. 3 07/15/04 FRIDAY NIGHT MEN'S Bernie T. Jr. 29 07/01/78 Bernie T. III 16 07/18/91 Mike O. 11 07/19/96 Butch 6 07/04/01 Mike H. 5 07/16/02 Steve C. 4 07/11/03 Woody A. 1 07/15/06 FRIDAY NOON MEN'S DISCUSSION John G. 36 07/11/71 Bill S. 28 07/21/79 Mike S. 21 07/19/91 Barry N. 16 07/19/91 GRATEFUL GROUP Bette H. 33 07/25/74 Kathy H. 19 07/27/88 Dawn P. 1 07/26/06 JUST DO IT Flattop Dave 18 07/15/89 Liz 17 07/04/90 Paula 11 07/27/96 Janet T. 8 07/18/99 Dianna S. 2 07/16/05 Sherry R. 1 07/20/06 LEST WE FORGET GROUP Debra 18 07/16/89 Bob McG. 16 07/08/91 Marilyn K. 13 07/03/94 Joann 1 07/20/06 NEW BIRTH GROUP Donnell T. 28 07/04/79 Daniel N. 3 07/03/04 NEW DAWN Karen J. 24 07/12/83 Birdie H. 7 07/28/00 Jim B. 3 07/04/04 NEW SMYRNA BEACH GROUP Eugene S. 8 07/10/99 Ruth B. 7 07/08/00 John L. 7 07/22/00 Gene H. 5 07/13/02 Claire 2 07/03/05 ORMOND BEACH GROUP Rev. Hal M. 61 07/01/46 Allen D. 18 07/06/89 Ann D. 16 07/02/91 David Y. 15 07/14/92 Marty O. 14 07/19/93 Scott F. 8 07/07/99 PASS IT ON Jeff K. 6 07/12/01 Sam W. 5 07/12/02 Glenn D. 4 07/25/03 Mike K 1 07/03/06 Lisa C. 1 07/15/06 PEACE OF MIND Andrea B. 21 07/23/86 FrancisH. 20 07/27/87 Mary Beth T. 18 07/06/89 Charlotte S. 17 07/01/90 Wesley P. 17 07/07/90 John S. 17 07/17/90 John M. 17 07/19/90 Doug S. 15 07/21/92 Nsanette K. 6 07/13/01 Becky M. 4 07/18/03 Karen S. 2 07/19/05 Woody A. 1 07/15/06 ROAD TO RECOVERY, DAYTONA Bill I. 31 07/04/76 Ken T. 18 07/05/89 SATURDAY NIGHT BEGINNERS Dale 26 07/21/81 Yvette 3 07/28/04 SATURDAY NIGHT ALIVE Bob M. 14 07/28/93 Nancy B. 17 7/9/1990 Bob Z. 11 07/25/96 John H. 4 07/28/03 SOBRIETY FIRST Michelle M. 4 07/12/03 Carol 3 07/20/04 Kim S. 3 07/25/04 SUNRISE Debra L. 18 07/16/89 Jim N. 15 07/01/92 Carol D. 15 07/02/92 Richard W. 15 07/07/92 Bob M. 13 07/20/94 Lynn V. 10 07/06/97 Ashley H. 6 07/20/01 TURN THE PAGE Peter L. 8 07/11/99 Linda F. 7 07/30/00 THURSDAY NIGHT MEN'S Ed B. 25 07/06/82 Tom D. 5 07/25/02 WEDNESDAY CLOSED Pete C. 25 07/19/82 WOMEN'S NEW BEGINNINGS Carole B. 16 07/12/91 Carol 4 07/12/03
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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