STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Sobriety News is a publication of the Harrisburg Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is written, edited, and read by AA members, and those interested in the AA program of recovery from the disease of alcoholism, linking one alcoholic to another.

Our desperation to find relief from the bondage of alcoholism has led us to this program as a new "design for living". Many members utilize meetings, sponsorship, self examination, amends, prayer, meditation, AA literature, service to fellow alcoholics, and many other tools to maintain their recovery. This publication is intended as one more tool to live a life of recovery. Because each AA member has an individual way of working this program, divergent views to recovery, within the concept of the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous, are welcome. An effort is made to print all viewpoints in this forum. Articles are not intended to be statements of AA policy, nor does publication of any article imply endorsement by AA or the Harrisburg Area Intergroup.

November Calendar of Events*

Nov 1     Thursday 6:45PM    Harrisburg Area Intergroup Meeting at Fellowship House

Nov 1     Thursday 7:00PM    Middletown Survivors Anniversary Speaker Phil M

Nov 2     Friday 8:30PM       19th Street Speaker Jeff H

Nov 3     Saturday 8:00PM     Hershey Speaker Bob P from Lebanon and 19th Street Groups

Nov 4     Sunday 8:00PM      Bridge Street Speaker Barry S from the Middletown Groups

Nov 9     Friday 8:30PM       19th Street Speaker Bob S (Buckskin)

Nov 11    Sunday 8:00PM      Bridge Street Speaker Carl

Nov 12    Monday 6:30PM      District 36 General Service Committee at Fellowship House

Nov 16    Friday 8:30PM       19th Street Speaker James O

Nov 18    Sunday 8:00PM      Bridge Street Speaker Missy P from Middletown Groups

Nov 19    Monday 6:45PM      HAI Prisons Committee at Fellowship House

Nov 22    Thursday All         19th Street Alcothon and Turkey Dinner(2:00PM)

Nov 23    Friday 8:30PM        19th Street Speaker not yet announced

Nov 25    Sunday 8:00PM       Bridge Street Speaker Elizabeth M from the Middletown Groups

Nov 30    Friday 8:30PM        19th Street Anniversary Night

Looking Ahead

Dec 2     Sunday 8:00PM       Bridge Street Speaker Kathy F from the Middletown Groups

Dec 8     Saturday 12:00N       Acts of Recovery in York - Eastminster Presbyterian Church

Dec 8     Saturday 7:00PM      Bug Light Speaker Meeting in York Dave D - Yorkshire United Methodist Church

Dec 8     Saturday 6:00PM      Hershey Christmas Dinner and Speaker (at 8:00PM)

* Look for more information about these events in Sobriety News.

Your Help for the Calendar of Events:

A complete Calendar of Events depends on our active members contributing information about their coming events, participation of Intergroups in surrounding Districts, and our ability to gather information. We feel it is worth trying. Let us know what you think. Often, we miss opportunities within the fellowship because the message didn't get out. We all want to carry the message to other alcoholics. This will be one more way we can accomplish that.

UPDATES TO SOBRIETY NEWS:

We now have the capability to update Sobriety News during the course of the month, so events can be added to the Calendar. You may, therefore, find it helpful or informative to check back to the website periodically to see what has been added. Your group has access to a printed copy of Sobriety News through your Intergroup Rep. As changes are made to the Internet copy in http://www.aaharrisburg.org your group will have no way of knowing new information about upcoming events unless a group member with internet access brings the information to the group. This can be another option for service that members can perform to maintain sobriety through action.

NOT NECESSARILY NEW MEETINGS:

The Double Trouble Meetings, formerly held at the Edgewater Psychiatric Center on Wednesdays at 7:00PM and Fridays at 7:30PM have moved to the Gaudenzia Common Ground at 2835 North Front Street (basement entrance), Meeting times will remain the same.

The Mid-City Group which meets Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7:30PM needs your support. The meetings are held in the German Methodist Church on Vine Street, just off South Front Street at the beginning of Shipoke. Tuesdays and Thursdays are closed discussion; Saturday is open discussion; and all are non-smoking meetings.

The Progress Group has voted to make the last Wednesday of the month a closed, non-smoking Tradition meeting. The location is the Ridgeway Community Church is on the corner of Progress Avenue and Elmerton Avenue. 

The Harrisburg State Hospital is starting a new Thursday night meeting named "Turning Point" at 7:00PM. Intergroup voted to supply a dozen copies of "The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions" to help it get started. If you would like to help get this going, see your Intergroup Rep, or contact Leeann C at 766-8099.

There is a new meeting in Newville, PA at the Zion Church on Fridays at 8:00PM.

The Capital Pavilion half-way house started a new meeting Sept 10 for about 35 inmates, Mondays from 6:00 till 7:00. They prefer that male or female guests have at least one year of sobriety. There is no limit on number of guests. Support from the community would be appreciated. They are located on 4th Street in Harrisburg about a half block down river from Maclay Street.

The Middletown Trudgers Group voted to change the format of their S&T meeting on the final Tuesday of the month. It will be a 90 minute closed meeting. The format will be to read both the Step and the Tradition for that month; then have the co-chairperson share for about fifteen minutes about their experience with that Step and Tradition; and subsequently open the meeting for discussion. There will be a ten minute intermission at 7:50PM, and then reconvene promptly and continue. The co-chairperson will be selected by the chair for knowledge and experience with that particular step and tradition.

Thanksgiving Day Alcothon:

There will be meetings every two hours starting midnight on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 22nd, at Fellowship House at 1251 South 19th Street. There will be no meetings from 2:00PM till 4:00PM because a Turkey Dinner will be served (sponsored by the 19th Street Activities Committee). All alcoholics are welcome to come join them for meetings, fellowship, recovery, and dinner. This is certainly a worthwhile event that always leaves members with a sense of Thanksgiving. Anyone who feels lonely or isolated on holidays can attest to the fellowship here that dispels that emptiness that is so dangerous for us alcoholics.

Joy of Living Christmas Party:

The Joy of Living Group is hosting its third Annual Christmas Party for children of recovering families. As before they are asking the Fellowship to donate wrapped gifts. Please label your gift boy/girl and the age category. You may bring your gift to the Joy of Living's Wednesday 6:00PM meeting at Fellowship House, or call 503-5814 to make arrangements to have your gift(s) picked up. They are also looking for entertainment for the children, such as music or games, and any clothing to help dress up Mr and Mrs Claus. They would like to thank everyone in advance for their help in making this a joyful Christmas for these children. This event is planned for December 17.

Acts Of Recovery In York - Mini-Conference:

I'm sure those thirsting for a special recovery event will not be disappointed by this mini-conference in York on December 8. There will be four speakers to present talks on the following subjects between Noon and 5:00PM: What It Was Like, Sponsorship and The Home Group, The Twelve Steps, and Passing It On. There will be a FREE light lunch and good fellowship. Those who have attended Sunlight of the Spirit Conferences or PENNSCYPAA XII can tell you the kind of quality events our York friends are known for. Directions to the Eastminster Presbyterian Church at 311 Haines Road, York, from Harrisburg. Route 83 South to Exit 18 (formerly Exit 7) taking Route 124 East to the first traffic light where you turn left, and the church will be on your right.

If you want to make a day of it, there are many fine eating places in York. You can then catch the "Bug Light" speaker meeting at the Yorkshire United Methodist Church to hear Dave D from the Harbor City Group in Baltimore, who will share his experience, strength and hope. This church is only a couple of blocks further East from the afternoon event at 125 Edgewood Road. Directions from Harrisburg are the same as above, except go to the second traffic light, turn left, and the church is on the right.

Traditions Checklist

TRADITION ELEVEN: 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.

1.    Do I sometimes promote AA so fanatically that I make it seem unattractive?

2.    Am I always careful to keep the confidences reposed in me as an AA member?

3.    Am I careful about throwing AA names around --- even within the Fellowship?

4.    Am I ashamed of being a recovered, or recovering, alcoholic?

5.    What would AA be like if we were not guided by the ideas of Tradition Eleven? Where would I be?

6.    Is my AA sobriety attractive enough that a sick drunk would want such a quality for himself?

Pearls of the month

Contributed by Jim M, c. Alcoholics Anonymous, page 33 and Daily Reflections, page 276

We have seen the truth demonstrated again and again: "Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic." Commencing to drink after a period of sobriety, we are in a short time as bad as ever. If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation of any kind, nor any lurking notion that some day we will be immune to alcohol.

Today I am an alcoholic. Tomorrow will be no different. My alcoholism lives within me now and forever. I must never forget what I am. Alcohol will surely kill me if I fail to recognize and acknowledge my disease on a daily basis. I am not playing a game in which a loss is a temporary setback. I am dealing with my disease, for which there is no cure, only daily acceptance and vigilance.

The 19th Street Group held its Fall Dinner Dance October 6, from 7-12PM(Social Hour at 6). It was held at the Creekside Fire Hall, Erford Road, Camp Hill. The all you can eat Stuffed Chicken Breast and the live band "Free Shots" were enjoyed by all. This event was certainly proof that all fun doesn't end with the last drink. The roughly sixty people who attended demonstrated that they hadn't forgotten how to party. They even remembered afterward how much fun they had had, and there is talk of doing it again next year.
 

Middletown Spaghetti Anniversary Speaker Meeting:

Middletown celebrated their TWELFTH Anniversary on October 20th, with the usual spaghetti and desserts being served at 6:00PM. Two quality speakers, Amy G from West Chester, PA, and Michael E from Evans, GA, shared their messages to an attentive crowd. Attendance broke new records, packing the Fellowship Hall at Middletown Presbyterian with about 250 guests. Amy shared a spiritual story of how, in early sobriety she had asked her higher power to direct her in how to help others. In spite of being rushed for time, she took her dog for a walk in the woods. The dog found a two year old child who had been missing since the day before, and for whom search and rescue operations had all but given up hope. What an inspiring message of the power of prayer, and the value of following a sponsor's directions.

Michael E followed with an impressive account of how her higher power has worked in her life and sobriety, complete with honest to goodness burning bushes and neon signs that have confirmed her beliefs, but more importantly, saved others. Her stories of the ladybug and the solution to her mental dilemma after a traumatic life event, certainly must have stirred even the spiritual fence sitters in the audience. She gave examples of instances where she received the direction in her life and thinking that she urgently needed to stay safe, sane and sober, from other members of Alcoholics Anonymous. Tapes of the talks were available after the event

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Jane L, the District 36 DCM, presented the Middletown Groups with a Congratulatory Certificate for 12 years of carrying the message. Congratulations to the Middletown Groups on reaching this milestone in service.

Our District 36 Committee Members' Event Successful:

GENERAL SERVICE DISTRICT 36 FALL GATHERING, Saturday, October 20, 2001. The event had  a panel discussion with  Questions "Integrity of the Group", "Integrity of the Meeting", "Chairing Meetings", and Reports by Area Committees. There were coffee and donuts at 9 and for lunch at noon, Barbeque, Rolls, Salads and Chocolate Cake. The meeting was held in the multi-purpose room at Central Penn College, Summerdale, PA. The two former officers of Area 59, Clay R and Andrew F, who served on the panel with five active local members, were obviously experienced and knowledgeable in their subjects. The discussion began with emphasis on the importance of the group. There was discussion of the importance of thoroughly discussing subjects and gathering pertinent information before decisions are made on how groups are run and about other matters in the AA structure. If there is some division of opinion on a matter, the wisest course may be to not make a decision. There were specific questions from dozens of participants from the floor relating to problems their groups have. There was helpful intercourse on the 'thirteenth step', including 'A meeting where anything goes is a meeting where nobody goes.' and 'Two birds, each with a broken wing, do not make a bird who can fly'. A group survives based on its ability to make decisions that provide a safe and stimulating environment for its visitors and members. I'm sure attendees will take valuable knowledge on how to assure this back to their groups. The event could certainly be marked as a success in that respect.

Lykens Hike to the Rock:

LYKENS  SERENITY MEETING This you can have If you work for it

The Lykens Winding It Up Group sponsored the hike on October 28. Hikers met at the Glen in Lykens by 12:00 noon and  took an invigorating walk through the woods to Lovers Rock. Once the hikers made it to the rock, we held a serenity meeting, and a perfect spot for it. A member of the group shared an enchanting reading about how the rocks got their name. Many shared how they had gained serenity in their life today through working their program. After the hike back to Lykens, Chili, scrumptious desserts and fellowship were served at the church, where the group meets. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent with our new friends from Lykens. I know that the 'Spring Stir' to be held there will be just as hospitable and enjoyable. I know I was quite thankful that I didn't have to carry a cold case on my back on that hike, and I'll definitely put that event on my calendar for next year.

Groups Continue Supporting Intergroup

October Intergroup Meeting:

At the October Intergroup meeting a motion was passed to allow any group who wishes, to put a contact number in the next meeting schedules. The Middletown Groups handled the cell phone for October, the There's More To Life Group is handling November, and the Out Of The Dark Group volunteered for December.  A vote was taken to donate twenty soft-cover Big Books to the Cumberland County Prison. Middletown Groups handled State Hospital Meetings for October, the Bridge Street Group will cover for November, and the Lambda Group will help in December. The Middletown Trudgers volunteered to take the first Thursday Step and Tradition meeting (Turning Point) at the State Hospital . There is still a supply of Third Edition Big Books on hand at the bookstore. Jim D points out that these will be collectors items soon, as the Fourth Edition should become available this month. A vote was passed to reduce the price of all Big Books by a Dollar. Group conscience will determine the charge groups make for copies they may have on hand.

The following groups were represented at the October Intergroup meeting: 19th Street, 40th Street, Ain't You Had Enough, Bridge Street, City Limits, Chapter Nine, Fellowship House, Hershey, Joy of Living, Late Night, Lykens Winding It Up, Mechanicsburg Serenity Group, Middletown Survivors, Middletown Trudgers, Millersburg, Out of the Dark, Progress, Up The Creek, West Shore, and Women's Serenity Groups. Were you represented?

$$$ OUR CHANGING TIMES:

What our collection baskets bring in, is what determines how well our activities are supported. 

Our Seventh Tradition states that we are self supporting through our own contributions. You can see why it is so important that our trusted servants are careful how they use the donations that can only be stretched so far. Also it emphasizes how important it is that we each present the kind of impression that makes the newcomer want to keep coming back.
 

PRIDE= Pretty Ridiculous Individual Directing Everything

ANNOUNCE YOUR EVENT - GIVE YOUR OPINION: