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For Your Information
Your Voice to Area 31 Alcoholics Anonymous
May Issue - 2008

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Attention to Area 31 AA Fellowship & the Area 31 Service Committees.
 As of May 1st ALL Area 31 Service Committee Meetings will meet in the area's new location at the Grace United Church at 474 Pleasant Street in Holyoke.
All meeting times will remain the same. 
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What’s an AA Round-Up----and

WHY Should I Be There?

It has been suggested that AA members of Area 31 (Western Mass.) and as well as (Dist. 3-Berkshire County, for example) work...and why it's important to be there, for me and my recovery, to listen and learn.

During the calendar year, all AA's are invited to join Area Committee members and Group Service Representatives (GSR's) at one fall and one spring assembly weekend, the Annual State Convention and the Round Up. The Round Up is an informative, learning and participatory event held in late spring every year. One of the primary purposes and timing for this gathering is the annual report from our Area Delegate on the Agenda items discussed at the weeklong April General Service Conference in New York City. The Area Delegate provides the conduit between the Area and The GSO, and vice-versa. He/She will also bring pertinent information, concerns and questions to the G SO on behalf of the Area.

The Round Up is a wonderful opportunity to socialize with old (and new) friends and participate in well thought-out workshops, revolving around this year's theme:

"Communications & Participation: The Key to Unity and Self-support"

Highlighting the day is an old timers' sharing session, a play by the Grapevine Thespians, and the WMass AA Cheerleaders! A buffet dinner, a distinguished speaker from GSO, followed by dancing 'til midnight (led by a great DJ), will culminate this enjoyable event. The Round Up affords all of us a chance for personal reflection as well as warm group conviviality with many of our Area 31(& elsewhere) brothers and sisters.

Come join us Saturday JUNE 14^th for a day that's sure to help enhance our sobriety and promises for living a quality life. Look and ask for more information and flyers from your GSR at your group meetings.

For more information on purchasing tickets for the event you can visit the Intergroup website at www.westernmassaa.org - and click on the round-up page.

You may also pick up the registration forms at the Intergroup Office during normal business hours.

The 2008 Western Mass Round-Up - June 14th West Springfield Senior Center -128 Park Street, West Springfield, MA

Registration, Banquet, & Dance $25.00 - Registration & Dance $10.00 -Registration only $5 - Dance Only $5

You may send your Pre-registration payment to the following location - check or money order only (NO cash)

Western Mass Round-Up - 56 Prospect Street - Greenfield, MA 01301

****************************** Bill’s Last Message to AA
October 10th, 1970

Presented at The New York Intergroup Association annual dinner, Oct 10, 1970 in honor of Bill's upcoming 36th anniversary, Dec. 11, 1970

Bill was under hospital care for acute emphysema and was unable for the first time to attend the A.A. banquet at which his "last drink anniversary" had been celebrated annually. His greetings were delivered by his wife Lois to the 2,200 A.A. members and guests at the New York Hilton.

William G. 'Bill' Wilson
b. November 26, 1895. d. January 24, 1971
Co-Founder of Alcoholics Anonymous

My dear friends,

Recently an A.A. member sent me an unusual greeting which I would like to extend to you He told me it was an ancient Arabian salutation. Perhaps we have no Arabic groups, but it still seems a fitting expression of how I feel for each of you. It says, "I salute you and thank you for your life."

My thoughts are much occupied these days with gratitude to our Fellowship and for the myriad blessings bestowed upon us by God's Grace.

If I were asked which of these blessings I felt was most responsible for our growth as a fellowship and most vital to our continuity, I would say, the "Concept of Anonymity."

Anonymity has two attributes essential to our individual and collective survival; the spiritual and the practical.

On the spiritual level, anonymity demands the greatest discipline of which we are capable; on the practical level, anonymity has brought protection for the newcomer, respect and support of the world outside, and security from those of us who would use A.A. for sick and selfish purposes.

A.A. must and will continue to change with the passing years. We cannot, nor should we turn back the clock. However, I deeply believe that the principle of anonymity must remain our primary and enduring safeguard. As long as we accept our sobriety in our traditional spirit of anonymity we will continue to receive God's Grace.

And so -- once more, I salute you in that spirit and again I thank you for your lives. May God bless us all now, and forever.

Ever Yours Bill

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Dr. Bob’s Last Message

Dr. Bob's Last Message
Presented at
The First International Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous
July 28 - 30, 1950 at Cleveland, Ohio

In Memoriam Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith
August 8, 1879 - November 16, 1950
Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous

"My good friends in AA and of AA. I feel I would be very remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to welcome you here to Cleveland not only to this meeting but those that have already transpired. I hope very much that the presence of so many people and the words that you have heard will prove an inspiration to you - not only to you, but may you be able to impart that inspiration to the boys and girls back home who were not fortunate enough to be able to come. In other words, we hope that your visit here has been both enjoyable and profitable."

"I get a big thrill out of looking over a vast sea of faces like this with a feeling that possibly some small thing that I did a number of years ago, played an infinitely small part in making this meeting possible. I also get quite a thrill when I think that we all had the same problem. We all did the same things. We all get the same results in proportion to our zeal and enthusiasm and stick-to-itiveness. If you will pardon the injection of a personal note at this time, let me say that I have been in bed five of the last seven months and my strength hasn't returned as I would like, so my remarks of necessity will be very brief.

"But there are two or three things that flashed into my mind on which it would be fitting to lay a little emphasis; one is the simplicity of our Program. Let's not louse it all up with Freudian complexes and things that are interesting to the scientific mind, but have very little to do with our actual AA work. Our 12 Steps, when simmered down to the last, resolve themselves into the words love and service. We understand what love is and we understand what service is. So let's bear those two things in mind.

"Let us also remember to guard that erring member - the tongue, and if we must use it, let's use it with kindness and consideration and tolerance."

"And one more thing; none of us would be here today if somebody hadn't taken time to explain things to us, to give us a little pat on the back, to take us to a meeting or two, to have done numerous little kind and thoughtful acts in our behalf. So let us never get the degree of smug complacency so that we're not willing to extend or attempt to, that help which has been so beneficial to us, to our less fortunate brothers. Thank you very much."  - Dr. Bob Smith

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TRADITION 5 STORY
Each Group has but ONE Primary Purpose

Each Group has but ONE Primary Purpose - To Carry its Message to the Alcoholic who still Suffers.

Closed Meeting
A Brain-storming session

"TONIGHT, we are going to try something a little different. It is called 'brain storming,'" said the leader of the closed meeting.

"No relation to 'brain washing,' I hope, though maybe I could stand a little brain washing of the right type," said Eddie in the front row.

"No relation to 'brain washing.' This is 'brain storming.' It is used by Madison Avenue ad agencies and big corporations to apply the benefit of group thinking to specific problems. Something like we do here, only the pace is quicker, the technique more mechanical," continued the leader.

"Here is how it works. A group sits around a table, just like this, with a chairman and a secretary. Then everyone makes suggestions as rapidly as possible, no matter how impractical they may be. There is to be no evaluation or criticism of any suggestion at the brain storming session. Everyone must feel free to spiel forth any idea, even if it is silly. If even two or three per cent of the suggestions are worth further consideration, that is all we can hope for.

"Our question tonight is, 'What more can our group do to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers?' That's what the Fifth Tradition calls for, you know. Edna, here, will act as secretary and will take down all the suggestions. She will make a list to be considered by a committee to consist of Joe, Harry, Freddie, Marie, and Edna as secretary. We'll expect the committee to report back in a couple of weeks with recommendations.

"Are you ready to start? Let's make the suggestions brief, snappy, without elaboration. One suggestion should lead to another, which is the basic purpose of the whole technique. 'What more can our group do to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers?' Eddie, will you start?" asked the leader.

"Let's run an ad in the newspaper," said Eddie.

"O.K.," said the leader, "Let's keep it rolling. What does 'newspaper ad' suggest to you, Susie?"

"Let's run an ad every week telling about our open meeting and offering free literature," said Susie.

"Why not call on the editor see about an article on AA?" added Joe.

"Maybe a series of articles. You can't tell enough in one issue," said another voice.

"Yes, George here is good at that sort of thing. He could do one installment on group therapy, one on public health and even one from the woman's angle," said another contributor. - "Actually our members come from all over and there are quite a few newspapers in the county. Some one should look into that."

“There are also several magazines and lots of churches have little publications that could take shorter pieces."

"Get more publicity for special events. Our group anniversary is coming up soon. Write it up from the reporter's angle and send it in."

"Have a countywide meeting. That would serve two purposes. You could get good publicity for it and some new prospects might show up."

"Start a speakers' bureau," said another voice.

"Some one could speak to the Kiwanis Club at a club luncheon and tell them about AA." - "Don't forget the Rotary, Lions, University Club, and the men's clubs in the churches." - "Why not the PTA and the woman's club? Most of us were pushed in here by women," added the group cynic.

"Does the library have our books? Have someone check all the libraries in the county." - "Maybe we can donate the AA books if the library will catalogue them."

"Perhaps the library will make a display of our books in the reference room with a big colored poster drawing attention to them." - "Don't overlook the high school library."

"Yes, some high school students are old enough to understand about alcoholism."

"All of them are old enough, and some of them have had adequate personal experience," added another.

"No comments on the suggestions," said the leader.

"Let's do something for the physicians," said Louie, changing the subject. - "Every member should go to his physician, explain about AA, and offer to help with other patients suffering from alcoholism, when they're interested."

"Let's write a letter to every doctor in our area telling them about AA in one typewritten page which they can file for reference." - "And include some literature for the doctor and his best prospects."

"Include the names of some members whom the doctors can call for further information and for future help with patients." - "Be sure you have the permission of the members for use of their names."

"Why not write to the dentists also? They may have opportunities to pass on the message."

"Nurses, too," said a feminine voice.—"The local hospitals could stand a little briefing but I don't know how you could get the story across or to whom."

"Maybe one of the doctors would know, but in any event we can find out."

"Can something more be done with the local prison? Why not talk to the warden?" - "General Service Headquarters has had a lot of experience working with prisons and other institutions. Why not write them for advice?"

"There are quite a few big corporations in our area. They must have alcoholic problems. Can we visit the personnel managers?"

"Chiefs of Police and judges can be helpful. Maybe we should have a committee to work with them."

"Let's not forget the personal approach. Many of us have friends who are alcoholics. Have we done our best to get our message across to them?" - "One of our best ads is personal example. Practicing the AA program 100 per cent is something we can all try to do."

"Who said there is not enough Twelfth Step work to go around!" said the leader.

"If we were really serious about carrying the message; if we would take these many fine suggestions, and everyone help a little, the results would be spectacular.

"Our committee is going to take these suggestions, discard those which are impractical, and back with recommendations on those that merit further attention. Perhaps the committee will work out a well-rounded program with a little assignment for each one of us who is willing to help.

"I notice that there are quite a few members here from other groups. Perhaps, if they liked our meeting tonight, they will try a 'brain storming' session in their own groups on the question of doing a better job of carrying the message.

"Shall we close the meeting in the usual way?"

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It is with deep sadness we announce
the passing of a dear AA Friend

Tom F.

of the Early Sobriety Group
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.

And congratulations to:

RANDY Z. - HAYDENVILLE GRP - 17yrs

MINDY - HOLYOKE NOONTIME - 4yrs

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WESTERN MASS INTERGROUP GROUP DONATIONS
April, 2008

LET IN BEGIN WITH ME

UN NUEVO AMANECER

SINGLENESS OF PURPOSE

NOT ALONE GROUP

EASTHAMPTON MONDAY NIGHT

SUFFIELD MONDAY NIGHT GRAPEVINE

7AM I OPENER

AA HADDEN

STEPS TO LIVE GROUP

SOUTHWICK NOONTIME GROUP

HAND OF HOPE

BIG BOOK STEP GREENFIELD

FRIDAY NIGHT STEP GROUP ENFIELD CT.

HOLYOKE GROUP

MONDAY NIGHT MIRACLES

WMIG BASKET

NEW FREEDON GROUP HOLYOKE

WORTHINGTON GROUP

EARLY MONDAY NIGHT

SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE GROUP

KIS - THORNDIKE

ENFIELD GROUP

BELCHERTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT

RANDALL GROUP

SCRAMBLED EGGS

BRIMFIELD ACADEMY FRIDAY NIGHT

EAST LONGMEADOW SUNDAY NIGHT

Thanks to all the groups who donate helping to support the services here in Western Mass. Your support keeps the services alive for all to share.

TOTAL GROUPS DONATING TO INTERGROUP:
( 24 out of 350 groups) - Thank you very much!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR GROUP NAME ON ALL CHECKS TO AREA SERVICES GROUP NUMBERS SHOULD BE ON ALL CHECKS TO GSO IN N.Y. Thanks Kevin L.

Thank you for your donations it takes about $2,500 a month to run the operation of you Area 31 Intergroup Office. This can only happen by you, the groups, continued support.
Thank you… Randy Z.. - Chairperson

Personal Donations are always welcome to
Western Mass Intergroup
Thank you

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Joke of the Month!

AN OFFICER PULLS A WOMAN OVER - for weaving across two lanes of traffic.  He walks up to the driver’s window and asks her, “Are you Drinking?"

The woman says, “I don’t know—are you buying?”

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THOUGHT TO  
 PONDER...

Guilt is in the past; worry is the future.
Both are manifestations of ego.

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From the words of Bill W. & Friends
Bill W., June, 1961

Guilt
Guilt is really the reverse side of the coin of pride. Guilt aims at self-destruction, and pride aims at destruction of others.

This is why I see humility for today as that safe and secure stance midway between these violent emotional extremes.

It is a quiet place where I can keep enough perspective, and enough balance, to take my next step up the clearly marked road that points toward eternal values.

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“Something to Think About”

“Generally Speaking”

Your not learning if your mouth is always moving!

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Quote of the Month

“Serenity is not the absence of conflict...
but the ability to cope with it...”

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Excerpts taken from Spiritual Meditation Books

May, 2008 

"Everything really is equal. The Creator doesn't look at me any better than He looks at the trees. We're all the same."

Sometimes humans think we are the center of the Universe. Sometimes we think we are above or better than other people or things. The Great Spirit made a set of Laws and Principles by which all things should live.

Everybody and everything lives by the same Laws. We are all made of atoms just like the trees. The life force in the middle of the atom is the life force of the Great Mystery.
It is the same for everything.

We are all equal in the eyes of the Creator.

Great Spirit I will respect your Handiwork...

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Western Mass Intergroups — MAY

BOOK OF THE MONTH

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