Sobriety News
October 2003

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.

October Calendar of Events*


LOOKING AHEAD*

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

To links and current events

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

    Sobriety News is updated 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.
    The HAI index page has links to flyers of coming events, or you can click on the AA blue button above. Did you know that the links page also has links to other AA websites and to back issues of Sobriety News? Also there is a link to the Meeting Schedule (or click the coin at right) so you can print out the schedule (if you can access Microsoft Word) on a single sheet of 8 1/2X11 paper. This schedule is current with the latest information available. If you see an error, or information for your meeting has been changed, the schedule will be updated if you notify us at aa@aaharrisburg.org, or if you notify an Intergroup Officer,  or mail the info to HAI, Fellowship House, 1251 S. 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105. This current schedule can be duplicated for group purposes from this link or by clicking on the chip at the right.
    Flyers will be added as they become available and removed when an event passes. If you are looking at this on the Internet, you will see that many of the insert pictures are links you can click on to get added information or flyers. Keep checking.
    The above suggested service opportunity to bring internet information back to the group could also be broadened to include flyers, and current meeting schedules. The printed schedules and flyers will still be available but may continue to have their current disadvantages too.

 

 

 

The distance is nothing;
It is only the first step toward it that is difficult.

Hello from Charlotte F and Amanda P

With anticipation and gratitude, these two AA's have begun the monthly responsibility of updating, editing and distributing Sobriety News.  We have enjoyed receiving the newsletter and find it a helpful and insightful way of keeping in touch with our community's AA activities.  We can only hope that we do justice to the previous editor's commitment to this endeavor and wish him well as he passes on the torch to us.  In this transitional stage, we can't promise that there won't be a few (or more) things done incorrectly but pray that you will bear with us until we find a niche. We earnestly hope that you will inform us of what's going on with your group, speaker events, celebrations and what not. Our best to you all.

PENNSCYPAA XV

PENNSCY, PENNSCY, PENNSCY!  PAA, PAA, PAA!  For those of you that haven't been there, PENNSCYPAA is a whole different take on enthusiasm in sobriety. This year's conference was held at the Pocono Manor Inn & Golf Resort August 22 thru 24th. The Pennsylvania State Conference of Young People in AA is a once-a-year conference that takes place in a different locale in Pennsylvania each year. "Young people" means anyone with room to grow, and all ages and lengths of sobriety were represented. The Conference yielded enthusiastic speakers, dances, round-the-clock meetings, a banquet, and even karaoke. PENNSCYPAA is a great way for young people in AA to carry the message to newcomers. The people who run PENNSCYPAA each year know that service work keeps you sober, and try to instill that in the newcomers.  It was great to watch that spark in someone's eye when they were asked to introduce a speaker, or chair a meeting.  Only at PENNSCYPAA do I see people form deep-rooted friendships in a matter of hours. It reminded this alcoholic of why I'm here: to help to carry the message that if you live this way of life, you never have to drink again.

Next year's PENNSCYPAA will be held in Williamsport on August 13-15, 2004, and I hope to see you all there. If you would like more information about PENNSCYPAA, please visit http://www.pennscypaa.org.

 Annual Summer Picnic at Campbelltown

The Hershey Group and the Harrisburg Area Intergroup jointly served up the annual summer speaker meeting and picnic on September 6, 2003. This year it featured two guest speakers: Dickie N at 11:30AM, whose home group is the Mustard Seed in Aston, PA, and at 2:15PM was Cindy J of the Friday Candlelight Beginners Meeting in Binghamton, NY. Between 12:30 and 2:15PM the Hershey group provided hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks; guests brought side dishes. After the second speaker (@ 3 PM) there were games, fellowship and soaking up the glorious weather. This affair was very well attended by more than a hundred recovering people from throughout the Lower Susquehanna Valley.

Dickie N shared a wild story of drunken brawls and outrageous behaviors that were certainly funnier in the telling than in the doing. These escapades were protected and enabled by the major league baseball team he starred on, because he was such a valuable asset to them. It wasn't until the publicity surrounding some of these adventures began to have negative public reactions that the team finally forced him to seek help. Now, many years later, after surrendering to the AA Program, Dickie speaks in schools about the dangers and results of drug and alcohol use.

Cindy J had a hilarious story and inspiring recovery message. She related the impact that hearing Dr Paul speak had had on her. Dr Paul had related the story of how his wife asked, Hadn't he promised to clean the garage on Saturday? He said he has a negative committee that meets in his head, each of the members had an excuse or rationalizations, but he kept his mouth shut. He then consulted the positive committee that also meets, and they had many positive things to say. Finally, after hearing both, he said, Thank you for reminding me dear, do you know you are still just as beautiful as the day we met? This cute little story has saved her many times.

Working With Others Weekend

The Working with Others Weekend will be sponsored by the There's More To Life Group Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22, 2003 at the Community United Methodist Church at 16th and Bridge Sts, New Cumberland. There will be Fellowship starting at 5:00PM on Friday, followed at 6:00PM by Speaker Searcy W from Dallas TX. Searcy has accumulated 57 years of sobriety and is one of AA's pioneers. He was Ebby Thatcher's sponsor at the end of Ebby's life. This will be an open speaker meeting and will close at about 7:30PM. Click here for a copy of the Flyer.

Saturday will be a Closed AA Seminar, beginning at 10:00AM, with four panelists who will share on sponsorship, and working with others. Panelists will be Valerie & Alex D from Richmond, VA; Barbara C from Jenkintown, PA; and Brian D from TMTL. Saturday's seminar should end at approximately 1:00PM.

Both of these events will be free, and light fare and refreshments will be provided at both. Also, both events will be taped, and tapes and CD will be available for purchase. 
 

My ego and pride were so big,
I'd have run into my own open arms.

Halloween Dance and Costume Contest

The 19th Street Activities Committee presents a Halloween Dance and Costume Contest on October 25th at the Fellowship House. The cost is $3.00 per person with no charge for those in costume. No children under the age of 11 please. There will be dancing to the tunes of DJ Ron G and there will be refreshments provided. The costume contest will be at 9:45 for Scariest; Funniest; Most Original; and Best Overall. See the flyer on the links page.

ACTS OF RECOVERY

There will be an Acts of Recovery in Boston, Saturday, October 11, at St Mark's Church, 1725 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester Mass. This free event will include a free lunch and four speakers between Noon and 5:00PM. Speakers are: Noon, Maureen M from Chatham, NJ "One Alcoholic Sharing with Another"; 1:15PM, Doug C from Martha's Vineyard, "The Hole in the Soul"; 2:45PM Patricia C from Alexandria, VA, Rocketed Into a Fourth Dimension" and 4:00PM Tom F from Baltimore, The Big Book Comes Alive". Click on the blue button at the top of the page to go to the links page and print off the flyer for you group. Grab some recovering alcoholics and take them along for a great recovery day.

New Meetings and CHANGES

The renovations to the Pine Street Presbyterian Church are not completed. The meetings will continue to be held at 27 N Cameron Street until they are able to return to their regular quarters at the Pine Street Group.

A new speaker meeting started Sunday April 27 at Fellowship House at 2:00PM. On the last Sunday of each month the 2:00PM meeting will be a regular speaker meeting. The speaker on October 26 will be ???

There is a new Big Book Study Group started Tuesday September 9th at the Faith United Methodist Church, 1120 Drexel Hills Boulevard, New Cumberland. Bring your Big Book and check it out. Directions: 83 South - New Cumberland Exit 40B turn left at the light. Go straight at the light at 83 overpass, Drexel Hills Blvd is @ one block, where you turn right. Church on the right.

The fledgling 7:00PM Sunday night Way Out Group which meets at the Epworth United Methodist Church at 21st and Derry Streets will be providing BABYSITTING, starting with the August 3, 2003 meeting. For those needing a meeting and a way to assure that the children are safe and not a distraction, this service may be their answer. See the flyer on the links page, or click on the thumbnail at the left; take a copy to your group. Come see what's happening - be a part of, not apart from.

The Millersburg meeting has dissolved and has been removed from the schedule.

There has been yet another change to the meeting schedule at the Colonial Park Any Lengths Group. The Wednesday night 7:00 p.m. open men's meeting is changing. Starting on Wednesday, May 7th the meeting will become a closed step and traditions meeting. Both men and women are welcome and as is their policy, smoking is permitted.

The Bridge Street 8:00PM open discussion meeting at the Trinity United Methodist Church is asking for your support.

The Progress Group's Wednesday 8:30PM Mystery Topic Meeting at the Ridgeway Community Church at Elmerton and Progress Avenue will no longer meet, and has been removed from the schedule. 

The Progress Group's 7:15PM Step & Tradition Meeting at the Ridgeway Community Church at Elmerton and Progress Avenue could use your support.


Only the insane
defend their sanity.
 

Pearl of the Month contributed by Jim M, c. Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions, page 88

 A continuous look at our assets and liabilities, and a real desire to learn and grow by this means, are necessities for us. We alcoholics have learned the hard way. More experienced people, of course, in all times and places have practiced unsparing self-survey and criticism. For the wise have always known that no one can make much of his life until self-searching has become a regular habit, until he is able to admit and accept what he finds, and until he patiently and persistently tries to correct what is wrong.


OCTOBER SPEAKERS

The 19th Street speakers for October were not posted at press time. October 24 is Anniversary Night. The Hershey speaker for Saturday October 4 will be DonnaJean from the Way Out Group, and November 1 will be Neal D from Elizabethtown. The 8:00PM Bridge Street Speakers will be: Oct 5, Jane S L from E-town; Oct 12, Larry L from E-town; Oct 19, Mike D from West Shore Group; Oct 26, Todd H from Fairfield Wednesday meeting; and Nov 2, Greg B from the Hershey Group. The speakers at the Middletown Survivors 7:00PM meeting on Thursday October 23 and 30 will be selected later. Speakers for the 10th Street Friday night 7:30PM speaker meeting in Lebanon:  Oct 31st - Joe R, NYC; Nov 28th - Jane L, E-Town; and Dec 26th - Jared L, Elizabethtown. The 2:00PM Sunday Oct 28 SAM speaker at Fellowship House will be _____.
 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Contributions are made to Food For Thought by recovering alcoholics who have this outlet to share feelings and opinions about living in recovery. The material included does not necessarily express the views of Harrisburg Area Intergroup, or Alcoholics Anonymous. It is simply an opportunity for recovering alcoholics to express thoughts they would like to share.

from LUNCH HOUR
 Contributed by DonnaJean

While on my lunch hour one afternoon I went to a small diner a couple of blocks from work to escape the noise and just sit. While contemplating the color the cream had turned my coffee, I noticed a woman who was speaking at the next table. I was not intending to eaves drop,  but with my being alone, and her voice carrying over to my table,  it could not be helped. She was crying quietly, and saying to her companion that all the people she knows who are happy, walk with God. She wants to walk with God, she said, but doesn’t know how.  

This gave me a bit of a start. I thought, “Doesn’t she know she is walking with God right now?”.  The problem seemed to be that she didn’t know this.  She seemed to think that God is something  outside of herself to be sought and found. Once found, life would be full of miracles and song, with no heartache or pain.   

There is the part of me which wants to sit down and tell her that as long as she is doing what she believes God would want her to do in each situation, then God is indeed walking with her.  Not only with her, but inside of her as an integral part of her. Life IS full of miracles and song.  So many of us just don’t look at the miracles, and close our ears to the song. 

 If I cannot accept that of God which is in me, and therefore also in you, how can I believe in a  God which walks with the so-called “happy people”?  If I do what God would want of me I would not have time to sit down and cry for myself as I would be far too busy admiring and doing God's work.  It would not be a matter of how I am feeling,  but of what I am doing.  Doing God's work does not mean I would spend all of my time in a church (although that may be a part of it for many), but that I will see God's work in all which I do and recognize it as Gods work.

I thought that if only this woman could see that all around her was nothing more than God walking with her, pregnant with possibilities. Then she would be setting foot on a bright new path. A path where she could not only SEE the flowers, but would be stopping along the way to plant them.

In leaving the diner I glanced over and smiled at the woman, who happened to be looking in my direction.  She hesitantly smiled back at me. Two strangers recognized God walking with us when we smiled at each other, and in just that instant, Gods work was being done.
                                       
Service to another Alcoholic
Bob B has assumed the duties of managing the office and getting our answering service running smoothly. He will certainly appreciate your help in assuring that the hand of AA is there for the struggling alcoholic, or the traveler who needs meeting information. Why not give Bob a call at 838-9117 to offer a helping hand or volunteer to identify changes that could benefit users at both ends of the line. Central Office needs phone volunteers to handle the phone during the day to help reduce the burden on the cell phone volunteer.

Traditions Checklist

TRADITION TEN: Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy. 

    1. Do I ever give the impression that there really is an "AA opinion" on Antabuse? Tranquilizers? Doctors? Psychiatrists? Churches? Hospitals? Jails? Alcohol? The Federal or State Government? Legalizing marijuana? Al-Anon? Alateen?
    2. Can I honestly share my own personal experience concerning any of those without giving the impression I am stating the "AA opinion"?
    3. What in AA history gave rise to our Tenth Tradition?
    4. Have I had a similar experience in my own AA life?
    5. What would AA be without this Tradition? Where would I be?
    6. Do I breach this or any of its supporting Traditions in subtle, perhaps unconscious ways?
    7. How can I manifest the spirit of this Tradition in my personal life outside AA? Inside AA?


*The Traditions Checklist Questions were originally published in the AA Grapevine in conjunction with a series on the Twelve Traditions that began in November 1969, and ran through September 1971. Sobriety News prints the Checklist for the number of the month that corresponds to the number of the Tradition that it deals with, because of the prohibitive length of all twelve. It is important that we be aware of the Twelve Traditions in our lives of recovery, because they help assure that AA will continue to be here for us, and for others who want it.
Printed by permission. THE AA GRAPEVINE INC., PO BOX 1980, GRAND CENTRAL STATION, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10163-1980

 

This-n-That

Don't forget the Harrisburg Area Intergroup meeting Thursday October 2nd at 6:45pm, and the District 36 General Service Rep meeting on Monday October 13th at 6:30; both meetings need your support. The Intergroup Bookstore is still open for business following the HAI meeting and on Saturday mornings from 10:00 till 11:15 for Groups to restock their literature cabinets with books and pamphlets.

 

Wisdom is knowing what to do;
Virtue is doing it.
 

September Intergroup Meeting

At the September meeting of Intergroup, Chairperson Bill C asked Reps to consult their groups and report back on a suggested dinner dance/speaker meeting to encourage active participation in the many service activities Intergroup is responsible to provide. There were two new Reps: Eric N, alternate for the Pine Street Group; and Jay C, alternate DCM from District #36. Moses B reported that both the Capital Pavilion meeting and 27 North Cameron facilities could use some volunteers to share their story at the Pavilion's 6:00PM Monday evening meeting and the Cameron Street 1st and 3rd Thursday 6:00PM meeting. Why not give Moses a call at 238-3924. It was reported by Bob B that the Hot line had received 112 calls during July and encouraged volunteers for central office phone work.

The State Hospital was covered in August by the Out of the Dark Group; the Hershey Group volunteered to be there in September, the West Shore Area will cover October, Winding It Up wants November, and Monday Night Men's will take the opportunity in December. The 19th Street Group responded to cell phone calls in August. The 40th Street Group will be visiting the Gaudenzia Adolescent Center in September. The 19th Street Group will perform this rewarding service for October, November, and December. Camp Hill Prison had a lot of new inmates participating and Dave asked for Big Book donations. The Dillsburg Group agreed to donate some books, and Intergroup voted to give them a case of books when the new order is received. Albert reminded the assembly that Intergroup also had accepted responsibility for the Hospital's Thursday night 12 & 12 meeting that the former Chairperson was still leading. The Way Out Group accepted responsibility for helping keep that meeting going.

Groups represented at the September meeting were: 19th Street, 40th Street, Al-Anon, Any Lengths, Central Office, Hershey, Monday Night Men's, Pine Street, Rule 62, Survivors, The Way Out, West Shore Area, and Winding It Up. Was your group represented?

Groups Continue Supporting Intergroup
Group contributions during the month of September to the Intergroup Fund were $______. We thank the following ___ groups for their contributions: ________________________Group. Of course, we also would like to thank all the groups and members who continue to donate time toward Intergroup's activities. These activities include speaker meetings, picnics, men and women's prison meetings, State Hospital visits, Internet Website, meeting schedules, 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

SOBRIETY NEWS is published monthly, and is usually available on the website the Tuesday night before the first Thursday of each month, so paper copies can be distributed to Reps at the Intergroup meeting. You can locate this newsletter, as well as lots of other stuff that would interest members of groups belonging to the Harrisburg Area Intergroup, at http://www.aaharrisburg.org

INTERNET SOBRIETY NEWS SUBSCRIPTIONS

Sobriety News is e-mailed monthly to free subscribers who have indicated a desire to receive it. You may indicate a wish to be added to the mailinglist by clicking on Subscribe and then clicking on send. There is no charge for this service. It is normally mailed the Tuesday before the first Thursday of the month by BCC (blind copy) to protect the anonymity of recipients. You need to notify us if you change e-mail addresses, and you may not receive it, if your computer or internet service provider screens out mail that does not have your name in the To: box.

REMOVAL
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