Sobriety News
MARCH 2002

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.

MARCH  Calendar of Events*

Looking Ahead

* Look for more information about these events in Sobriety News.
 ** See links page for flyer/info

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.

OUR FACE IS CHANGING

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 an other option for service that members can perform to maintain sobriety through action.
    The HAI index page has various links which gradually will become more active. This month links have been added for the Sunlight of the Spirit website, also a nationwide site listing meetings and Intergroup website addresses, the website for GLRCYPAA 2002, a Flyer for the Middletown Shot of Enthusiasm, and a Flyer for the 5th Annual SOS Conference. It also contains old issues of Sobriety News on one; current meeting schedules on another; Steps and Traditions and who knows what else may show up. Keep checking.

SOS Valentines Dinner Dance

About 100 people had a marvelous evening February 9th at the York Holiday Inn with delicious dinner, good fellowship, a tremendous speaker, and calorie burning dancing. The speaker from West Chester was Amy G, who introduced Michael E at the Middletown spaghetti Dinner last fall. She told of the miracles of recovery where her relationships with neighborhood children and family are so joyful today, such a transformation from the days when she was not allowed to be alone with them for fear of the danger she was to them. It brought many a tear of sympathy and remembrance to the eyes in the room to hear the honest details of situations past and present. Her enthusiasm for the grace of the AA program and her higher power in her life was contagious and I think all took something positive home that they didn't have when they came.

WE CANNOT THINK OUR WAY INTO SOBER LIVING.
WE LIVE OUR WAY INTO SOBER THINKING.

Carlisle Area 35th Anniversary

About 150 people were treated to a very special Saturday evening at the Carlisle Area Group's 35th Anniversary Celebration on Feb 23rd. The group certainly knows how to throw a party; they did a fabulous job of planning. The food was delicious, varied and plentiful, and it was certainly a joy to see so many young friends and meet new ones that we hadn't known before. Group member Tom sang the Lords Prayer to set our spirits in the right context for the evening, what a beautiful job he did. Chet A told the history of this group' s efforts to carry the message since 1967. Carolene H from Greencastle told how a caretaker full of self loathing needed a man to fulfill her life; and was tireless in efforts to make a succession of men love her. How she envied his nights out with the boys, because she would like to drink too, even if she didn't want to participate in their activities. Years of self-pity and self destruction finally brought her to her bottom and to AA. AAs loved her until she found she didn't need a man to be somebody, she learned how to laugh and to love herself, and for that she is grateful. Jane L, on behalf of District 36, presented the Group a congratulatory certificate for 35 years of carrying the message, by the grace of God. Thank you Carlisle for a wonderful evening.

New Bloomfield's New Beginnings Celebrated 16 Years

The New Beginnings Group sponsored an 'eatin meetin' on Feb 25 that drew a crowd from the four corners of District 36. The giant subs and covered dishes filled the empty places in our stomachs, the story of Peter F filled a hole in our souls, and the fellowship filled the empty spot in our hearts. Peter's story was perhaps typical of how it was for many of us, but the story of what happened and what it's like were a little more miraculous than for most of us. An enjoyable evening was had by all.

19th Street Valentine's Day Dance

The 19th Street Group sponsored an 8:30 till 12M Valentine's Dance for about sixty valentines on February 16th. There were meatballs, soft pretzel bites, great fellowship, lots of dancing and smiles, and everyone was able to go to work in the morning. We find that there is fun after sobriety, who ever would have guessed?

The Alcoholics Anonymous in Prisons Workshop

The Workshop held at the Central Pennsylvania College in Summerdale on March 3rd was attended by several dozen members actively volunteering or interested in this service opportunity. It has been reported that the workshop was very informative and created a better understanding of the difficulties and concerns of prison administration in trying to bring the AA recovery message to inmates in the system. Participants were in agreement that the rewards of this service opportunity, if shared by a greater number of the AA community, would be helpful to all concerned.

Correctional Facility Service Opportunity

To carry the message to prison inmates can be a tremendously rewarding experience. Our alcoholic imaginations can give a very distorted idea of what this service work is about. A very large percentage of prison populations worldwide, and in Pennsylvania, are incarcerated because of their inability to consume alcohol like 'normal people'. If you can relate to that, you must know that those who attend meetings inside prison walls are not so different from us after all. Helping these alcoholics can have great benefits for them, and society, but even more so for those who carry the message to them. Crime rates inside prisons are generally much lower than anywhere else outside the confinement, so you need not fear for your safety. Really, aren't you just a little bit curious about what it's like at a meeting in there?

Camp Hill State Correctional Facility: Men's Meetings Tuesday & Wednesday 7:00-8:00PM Contact - Bob I 432-2773 or Kurt Kressler 737-4531

Community Correctional Facility: Speaker/Discussion Men's Meetings 2nd & 4th Thursdays 6:00-7:00PM  Contact - Jim D 566-7244, Moses B 238-3924, Ron M 652-2991

Cumberland County Prison: Women's Meeting - Tuesdays 7:00-8:00PM Contact Gail S 796-1554.  Men's Meetings Fridays 7:00-9:00PM  Contact Chet A 249-3028

Dauphin County Prison: Women's Meetings Fridays 7:15-8:15PM Contact Diane R 330-7122 or John Addison 558-1100.  Men's Meetings Mondays 5:00-6:00PM and Fridays 6:00-7:00PM Contact Moses B 238-3924.

The contact persons listed above are available and willing to receive and discuss concerns related to qualifications, actually carrying the message of AA, and the responsibilities of a Bridging the Gap Person.

Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible,
and achieves the impossible.

Message from our Chairperson

    I would like to thank our outgoing chairperson, Leeann C, and vice-chair, Bob H, for the excellent job they did during the past year. Their guidance and leadership helped Intergroup accomplish many good things with harmony. I pray that I may be as effective in my new role.
    I'd also like to thank our Intergroup Representatives and committee chairpeople for the job they have done and for the opportunity to continue to serve Intergroup.
    And finally I welcome our new and old Intergroup Representatives to a new opportunity to serve the fellowship of the Harrisburg Area in what I hope will be a productive and successful year. I am looking forward to working with our new vice-chair, Bill C, our new Treasurer, Troy M, and our experienced secretary, Georgia S.
    I am confident we all will help each other to make this next year another successful one in carrying the message.

Yours in Sobriety, Craig P. Chairperson

ANOTHER SHOT OF ENTHUSIASM

The folks down in Middletown will be hosting another Shot of Enthusiasm on April the 6th from 12 Noon till 3:00PM. The speakers will be Keith W from West Chester, and Liz B from Hollis, New York. Of course there will be the usual Internationally famous (or at least locally known) Middletown desserts. A good old fashion welcome will be extended to all who come for desserts, fellowship and enthusiasm. If you have attended spaghetti dinners, the Polly P, Eva C, or Michael E shots of enthusiasm, then you know what's in store. Pick up a copy of the flyer from the links page, or click on the logo at the left to get a copy of the flyer to take to your home group. If you have an internal modem, be patient, it may take 30 seconds.

MORE STUFF TO DO

Don't forget the Harrisburg Area Intergroup meeting Thursday the 7th at 6:45PM. The District 36 General Service Rep meeting will be on Monday March 11th at 6:30PM; all GSRs or alternates should be there.

Click Here!!The 5th Annual Sunlight of the Spirit Conference at the York Holiday Inn will be here before you know it. Avoid the disappointment of finding it's already filled and register now. You can get the registration form from the link page, or by clicking on the picture.
     The speakers signed up so far are: Ted B (LaMarque, TX), Karen G (Venice, CA), Dennis N (Charlotte, NC), Dave D (Alexandria, VA), and Don M (Louisville, KY). This Conference is always an excellent enthusiasm stimulator.
     If you don't have internet access, you can call Bill or Linda M at (717)741-9021, or there is still time to write to SOS Conference, PO Box 3538, York, PA, for a registration form.

The dance at Fellowship House on 19th Street is held on the third Saturday each month, starting at 8:30PM. It costs only $3.00 for adults, and please, no children under age eleven. Isolation is not a good alternative to enjoying the fellowship of dance. Come and have a good time.

The Grove City - Acts of Recovery will be held March 16 from Noon till 5:00PM. Speaker: Duke H from Pittsburgh, Vicki N from Baltimore, Carol L from Canfield OH, and Steve F from Baltimore will give you a half hour break for a light lunch. Getting four quality speakers on a Saturday Afternoon for FREE is a perfect opportunity to take a newcomer and show them a new way of life.

The Spring Fling - Dinner Dance will be sponsored by the 19th Street Group on April 13 from 6:30 till 12:00PM at the Oberlin Firehouse. There will be an all you can eat spread, good fellowship, and dancing to DJ Ray Thomas. This is always a fun event and you can get tickets for $10 per person before April 6 from a 19th Street member, or call Bill P at 215-8377.

Click Here!

The GLRCYPAA 12 Conference will be held in Philadelphia this year from March 28 to 31st, in the Hyatt Regency at Penn's Landing. They have fun events like a trolley sightseeing tour planned. There will be a bodacious banquet. Join your friends from the Great Lakes Region for a weekend of recovery.
   Click the picture or you can check their website from the links page, or you can contact them at GLRCYPAA, PO Box 7379, Philadelphia, PA 19101, or call Sarah B at (610)664-6506.

Keep in mind that PENNSCYPAA XIV will be held this year July 26-28th in Pittsburgh at the Ramada Plaza Suites & Conference Center at One Bigelow Square, Pittsburgh. The handle for the conference will be ROCKETED INTO A 4th DIMENSION. Tickets will be $12 until June 28, and rooms run from $90 per night. The committee has mailed out registration forms, so they will be around; there will be more on this as we get closer to June.

The Intergroup Bookstore at 19th Street is still open Saturdays from 10:00AM till 11:00 AM for Groups to restock their literature cabinets with books and pamphlets.

March 15, 16, and 17: The S. E. P. I. A. Round Up 2002 will be St Patrick's Day Weekend in Cape May NJ, at the Grand Hotel. They plan Marathon Meetings, AA and Alanon speakers, Friday and Saturday nite Dances, Ice Cream Socials, Workshops, Beach Meeting, 5-K Walk/Run, Long Timers Panel, and Indoor Swimming. You must register by Feb 28, and rooms will be on a first come first served basis.

* Many of the above have Flyers on the http://www.aaharrisburg.org/links.htm page. Some of these provide additional information. If you wish to print copies of the flyers, be aware that to reduce the enormous file size of scanned flyers for transmission on the internet, the physical size rather than resolution has been reduced. Therefore, to print you should adjust the print size of the document using whatever program your system uses to view these files (not the printer icon on your toolbar). It may take 30 seconds or so to download, so be patient.

PEARL OF THE MONTH contributed by Jim M

HOPE
He had lain awake all night.
Down in the pit of his depression, new hope had suddenly been born.
The thought flashed through his mind, "If they can do it, I can do it."
Over and over he said this to himself.
Finally, out of his hope, there burst conviction.
Now he was sure. Then came a great joy.
At length peace stole over him, and he slept.

c. 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 189

March Speakers

The Friday 8:30pm speaker meetings for the 19th Street Group for Mar 1, Bill F; Mar 8, Keith; Mar 15, Dennis H from the More to Life, Desire, and Carlisle Area Groups; Mar 22, Tom C; and Mar 29 is Anniversary Night. The Sunday 8pm Bridge Street speakers are: Mar 3, Catey from the Trinity Group; Mar 10, Gilley from the Dillsburg Group; Mar 17, Louise M; and Mar 24, George C from the Dillsburg Group. The February 2 speaker at Hershey will be Bill C from the Millersburg Group and for April 6, Chet H from the Hershey Group. The Middletown Survivors speakers for Mar 21 will be Louise M, and Mar 28, will be Noel.

Traditions Checklist*

TRADITION THREE: The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.

  1. In my mind, do I prejudge some new AA members as losers?
  2. Is there some kind of alcoholic who I privately do not want in my AA group?
  3. Do I set myself up as a judge of whether a newcomer is sincere or phony?
  4. Do I let language, religion (or lack of it), race, education, age, or other such things interfere with my carrying the message?
  5. Am I over-impressed by a celebrity? By a doctor, a clergyman, an ex-convict? Or can I just treat this new member simply and naturally as one more sick human, like the rest of us?
  6. When someone turns up at AA needing information or help (even if he can't ask for it aloud), does it really matter what he does for a living? Where he lives? What his domestic arrangements are? Whether he had been to AA before? What his other problems are?

NOT NECESSARILY NEW MEETINGS

There is a new meeting at Fellowship House on Sundays at 6:00PM. The Group will be known as the Never Too Young For Recovery Group, and will be geared for young people and those young in sobriety. Fellowship House is located at 1251 South 19th Street, Harrisburg. See you there.

HOPE = Heart Open, Please Enter

The Chapter 9 Family group needs the support of recovering alcoholics with families. Check it out on Saturdays at 8:00PM, at Saint Mark's Lutheran Church, West Fairview (South of Enola) at the intersection of Rts 11/15 and Market Street (Uni-Mart). All people in recovery are welcome.

Groups Continue Supporting Intergroup

For the month of February, contributions from four groups totaled $175.00. We would like to thank the following groups for their contributions to the Harrisburg Area Intergroup Fund. They were 19th Street, Lykens, Millersburg, and Pine Street Groups. We would also like to thank all the groups and members who continue to donate time toward Intergroup's activities. These activities include men and women's prison meetings, literature, the AA Hotline, and the many other vital AA functions that help alcoholics recover in our community. Intergroup performs those services for our community which no single group is prepared to handle, and it coordinates activities between the 56 groups it serves. Remember that we can do together what none of us could do alone.

February Intergroup Meeting

At the February Intergroup meeting, the Vice-chair, Bob H gave thanks for his opportunity to serve during the previous year and mentioned some of the accomplishments we had achieved, including the hot line cell phone, the new computer, and the HAI web-site. Moses B announced the candidates for election, who ran unopposed. Our new officers are as follows: Craig P from Middletown Groups, Bill C from Halifax, Georgia S from Fellowship House, and Troy M from Middletown Groups. The Hershey Group visited the State Hospital on Tuesdays during February, March will be covered by Middletown Trudgers, April by West Shore, and May will see the 16th and Bridge. Tom Z is organizing this year's Easter Egg Hunt for Palm Sunday Saturday and Bill P from 19th Street will be available for the picnic committee. Cathy S announced that the HAI and Lykens sponsored Spring Speaker Stir will be held May 18th, starting at noon with local speaker Bud W, followed at 1:00PM by Bobby C from Philadelphia; a free pig roast will follow that**. Intergroup agreed to pay for the church rental. Hard cover 3rd editions were donated to the 19th Street Big Book Meeting, remaining soft covers will be sent to Botswana in an effort to carry the message to that African country. The following groups were represented at the meeting: 19th Street, Bridge Street, Cumberland Valley IG, Desire, Hershey, It Works, Joy of Living, Keep it Simple, Lykens, Millersburg, More to Life, Out of the Dark, Progress, Trudgers/Survivors, We have a Choice, Women's Serenity, and Women's Fellowship House Groups; were you represented?

Volunteers for Hotline

You can help assure that help is available for the suffering alcoholic, alcoholics needing meeting schedule information, literature, or other assistance by volunteering to operate the central office hotline, or by getting your group to take the cell phone for a month. Why not give Tina H a call at home (238-3545), or Email (spicee308@aol.com), or you can volunteer through your Intergroup Rep. Central Office needs phone volunteers to handle the phone during the day to help reduce the burden on the cell phone volunteer. This is rewarding service work, and Central Office hours are pretty flexible.

ANNOUNCE YOUR EVENT - GIVE YOUR OPINION

Let the AA community know what's going on in your group, express your opinion on any AA topic you want to share about, or contribute material you find helpful or meaningful in your recovery. You can inform the editor and get your information out by sending your material to Sobriety News, Harrisburg Area Intergroup, 1251 S 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111, or Email me at (asdungan@mindspring.com)