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MAINE AREA 28 FALL ASSEMBLY The Fall Assembly was hosted by District 3 at the Brewer High School, 79 Parkway South in Brewer. This was an election assembly. Election results and actions taken at the assembly are presented in these minutes and summaries of reports given by Area Officers, Standing Committees, and Districts will be included. All original reports in their entirety are available from the secretary files that are passed on to the next secretary. The elections were conducted by Becky C., Past Delegate of Area 70 in Vermont, with assistance from Chazz C., Miles B., and Bob D. - two Past Delegates of Area 28. There were 162 registered participants in the assembly – 119 voting members including 81 GSRs who made up over a two-thirds majority of voters for a quorum. The volunteers from District 3 did a wonderful job in putting on the Fall Assembly. ELECTIONS ACTIONS TAKEN Agenda #1: The 2010 Spring Assembly March 26, 27, & 28th, 2010 will be hosted by District 5 – Lewiston-Auburn area. Majority vote Agenda #2: The Post Conference Forum, May 16th, 2010 (3rd Sunday in May) will be hosted by District 17 – Gorham-Gray area. 47 yeas, 42 nays – simple majority Agenda #3: The motion to combine the Alt. Secretary and Registrar positions was defeated by a majority. Agenda #4: The motion to accept the donation from NECYPAA was passed. A vote to reconsider was passed. A new vote was taken and the motion passed again to accept the donation for $762.45. 89 yeas, 20 nays Agenda #5: A Friendly amendment was made to the motion to read – Motion that Maine Area 28 purchase a new laptop computer for the Maine Area’s usage. Motion passed with 69 yeas, 4 nays. The Minority opinion was heard- there was no motion to reconsider. Agenda #6: The motion to accept guidelines for Special needs: A friendly amendment was made and accepted to 4.18.1 to read Maine Area 28 Special Needs/Remote Communities Committee’s two fold purpose is to offer alternatives so that the AA message is accessible to anyone when requested, including the remote communities within Area 28. Agenda #7: The motion to accept guidelines for Treatment: A friendly amendment was made and accepted to 4.17.1 to read: The purpose of the Area 28 Treatment Facilities Committee is to coordinate the work of the individual AA members and groups that are interested in carrying the message of recovery to alcoholics in treatment facilities. Agenda #8: The motion to accept guidelines for Literature was passed by a simple majority. Agenda #9: Motion to accept the proposed 2010 Maine Area 28 Budget. Two friendly amendments were made to the budget and accepted. Under Standing Committees – Alt. Archivist a budget amount was added of $200.00 based on a past assembly action. Under Revolving Accounts, Seed Money – District Aid Fund (Struggling District) a budget amount of $1000.00 was added. This changes the officers & committees total to $22,800.00 and the Overall Total to $33,175.00. The Budget passed by an overwhelming majority. NEW BUSINESS Floor Action: (brought by Spencer R. Guidelines Committee Chair) Motion to add to the Maine Area 28 Service Workbook the following: 2.1.1 Assemblies to rotate geographically, such as North, South, East and West or Central, if possible. Floor Action: (brought by Byron B. Finance Committee Chair) Motion for the Guidelines Committee to review the simplified Robert’s Rules of Order and consider them to be listed in the Maine Area 28 Service Workbook. MAINE OFFICERS REPORTS Alt. Area Chair: I attended the Casco Speakers Meeting/ District 17 anniversary celebration, District 3 Round-up and District 4’s Round-up and I didn’t get arrested! As the Archives Committee Chair I have attended an Archives Workshop and have accompanied the traveling archives display. I have enjoyed attending these many functions and look forward to continuing. Paul L. Area Secretary: It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Area Secretary. I have learned so much, my sobriety has been enhanced, and I have met many wonderful friends in the fellowship. Thank you for allowing me to serve. Mary Lou Q. Alt. Area Secretary: It is with regret that I must resign as Alt. Secretary. I have recently married and have my own business that, instead of allowing me time off for Area business, has required much more commitment in these economic times. I will be staying closer to home in AA. Thank you for electing me and giving me a chance to serve. Dana G. Area Treasurer: I am a very Grateful Alcoholic who has had the pleasure of serving Maine Area 28 as Treasurer for the past 12 months. Last year at the fall assembly Linda appointed me and Maine Area confirmed me as Treasure when Tony V. needed to step down to take care of family situations. Budgets and actual spending have been a source of constant concern for me over these past two years. As our past delegate and one of my mentors, Teddy S. always said “Don’t worry, the money will be there if it is needed.” Our groups have come through for us. We were able to achieve our goal of raising our Prudent Reserve to $5000.00 and going into this assembly we have a balance of $3695.14 in our checking account before this assembly’s expenses. Teddy was right (as usual) and we are getting just what we need to squeak by….less problems of money, property, and prestige….Yours in service Ray A. Alt. Area Treasurer: I have the pleasure to serve as your Treasurer / Finance Committee Chairperson. I was appointed and confirmed to this position at the 2008 Fall Assembly after serving on the finance committee, when Ray stepped into the position of Treasurer. At our Spring Assembly 2009, those in attendance were informed of the alarming concern that existed with our Maine Area finances. At that time our Prudent Reserve was barely $300.00 and we had less than $40.00 in our checking account. Since the Spring Assembly there have been Group and District trusted servants who have responded through group 7th tradition contributions, understanding that serving the sick and suffering alcoholic and spreading the message comes with a cost. I thank you and God daily for the opportunity to serve you. Byron B. Alt. Area Delegate: The position of Alternate Delegate has been devoid of work with Kathi D. doing such a terrific job as our Area Delegate. The Alt. Delegate is also the Guidelines Committee Chair and that is where I have kept busy. The guidelines committee keeps us on track doing what we are suppose to be doing in a consistent manner. We have brought before the Area ten sets of guidelines for our various standing committees including guidelines for the guidelines committee, that are in a simple, uniform format. There is still plenty to keep the next Alt Delegate busy as Guidelines Chair. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. Spencer R. Area Delegate: I serve you as your delegate for Maine Area 28 which is a true privilege and honor. This is my last report to the Maine Area as an area officer. For the last 13 years I have been with you in the area starting as a GSR for the West Newfield Sunday Night Meeting then I was elected LCM for District 13 in which I attended and reported to the district all the meetings that were in the boonies of the district. During an election assembly, Mark T. looked over at me and said “you should stand for Area Alt. Secretary”. You elected me Alt. Secretary. Two years flew and I stood for Area Secretary. I stood for Area Chair and was picked out of the hat. That was a growing experience. I stood for Alt. Delegate as Denny O. was being elected Area Delegate, another person who was patient with me and taught me by example just like the many others, of how to truly serve. Then you elected me your Area 28 Delegate for panel 58. Words cannot express how grateful I am to all of you who have given me this opportunity; boy oh boy what a ride it’s been. I want to thank all the voting members taking time to be part of this wonderful spiritual principle called the 3rd legacy procedure and for taking responsibility for ensuring another two years of the Area being able to do its work. It is what Bill W. wanted when he was writing up our traditions and concepts 1 and 2. Thank you very much. Kathi D, Area 28 Delegate for Panel 58 STANDING COMMITTEE / POSITIONS REPORTS Archivist Report: It has been another productive year. The traveling archives display was available and displayed all over Area 28. I focused this year on gathering materials, books, as well as stories from our past. The highlight is the original copy of the daily reading book Dr. Bob read from every day. His copy is still in Akron, Ohio. Jeff W. and I have also been converting cassette tapes to CD’s, researched and produced new handouts such as the origin of the Serenity Prayer and stories about AA members in Maine meeting Bill Wilson, coming home from World War II and chips, medallions and much more. We have new cardboard displays and have recorded some of the old timers. There is a CD/DVD library of master copies and about 200 different handouts. I’m hoping that the next Archives committee will focus on restoring some of our treasures that, within ten years, will be ashes if they are not preserved. Two manuscripts of special concern are Captain Jack’s original manuscript and the Neil Wing book, which are both signed with notes from each. I have proposed using some of the budget for acid free folders for our fire proof filing cabinets plus other materials needed for preservation. I have some ongoing projects to finish and would like to continue converting cassette tapes to CDs with my friend Jeff for the archives. I have compiled an extensive research library online and have CDs on the preservation process. The last prayer on service work from me to you- I pray and trust in you to do this work, keeping our program strong, and remembering to leave our egos at home. I never can repay what has been so freely given to me…. In love and service, Gordon M. just a common drunk. BTG Report: I’d like to thank all the AA groups and AA meetings that meet in treatment centers and correction facilities, for their support in providing temporary contacts for newcomers who have reached out for help. I had 7 BTG calls this month and have helped over 80 clients from Crossroads for Women. Once again, I’d like to thank Sandy K. in District 17 and all in Maine Area 28 for your support. Sincerely yours in service, Roy R. –Bridging the Gap Chair. CPC Report: I am just getting started as the new CPC chair. We have been working with the Treatment Chair and PI chair to bring meetings to St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston. I have been working on guidelines for the CPC committee and hope to submit them to the Guidelines Committee at the next Area Committee meeting. I am looking forward to serving as the CPC Chair for the next session. Thank you. Carla M. Grapevine Report: Thank you for allowing me to be the Maine Area Grapevine Chair. I have enjoyed the position just as I have enjoyed the Grapevine since picking up my first piece of AA literature, which just happened to be a Grapevine. There have been many changes but I am still moved by reading the stories in the Grapevine – Our Meeting in Print. EZ DUZ IT – Joe M. Literature Report: I received my first request for assistance with literature from the Treatment Committee. I had 36 hours to get some literature for the commitment they had. I scoured the literature box and produced a packet of pertinent material. I understand it was a successful commitment. I am also selling the inventory of literature, at the old price because it is what it cost us, that is not service oriented. Finally I would like to thank Area 28 for allowing me to serve as Literature Chair for the last two years and I stand ready to turn the box over to the next Chair. Yours in service Jay M. Love & Service Report: The committee has helped to sponsor more and more local workshops and gatherings, supporting them with seed money and assistance. Most important was Jean O’s presence as he often led workshops. His passion and special thrust of the committee work has brought the traditions and concepts to life. The committee took the responsibility of presenting workshops for GSR’s and DCM’s at Area Assemblies. This effort has been well received. Guidelines for the committee have been formed and turned out to be tremendously beneficial and energizing to the committee. I am hopeful that the momentum we have will continue into the next rotation. Yours in service, Peter L. Public Information (PI) Report: We have addressed questions about dark districts that have come back but have someone who has been doing things his way, not necessarily the AA way. Our thought was to offer a way to do what he is doing better. There is also a new movement to expand and improve treatment at St. Mary’s Hospital, and our Area Treatment Chair and I went to Lewiston to meet with folks from District 5 about what the hospital wanted and what AA could and could not do for them. It was a very good discussion, centering on the difference between a Recovery meeting and an AA meeting. It is my hope that sometime soon the Area Treatment, PI, and CPC chairs will be able to return to St. Mary’s for another meeting to further our efforts to help the still suffering alcoholic. Yours in love and service, Stephen M. Round- Up Chair Report: I would like to thank everyone who has supported the Maine Area Round-Up. Due to the state of the economy last year and the financial status after the 2008 Round-Up, the committee made a decision to raise registration by $3.00 to $25.00 for 2009. This generated $2100.00 more income this year which is part of the $2208.14 the Round-Up is turning over to the Area. T-shirt revenue increased from last year without increasing the price for the T-shirts. Putting on the Maine Area Round-Up is a big job and responsibility but the rewards are equally great. Thank you for giving the Maine Area Round-Up committee the opportunity to provide services to the Maine Area. John D. Special Needs/ Remote Communities: The CSO referred a request for a signer in the Bangor area and that process has begun. It is important that districts with large cities consider at least preparing for possible future requests in their area. It really is about having the hand of AA there when anyone needs it. This disease is arrogant, selfish, self-centered and self-seeking to the extreme. What would you do if you were the one who couldn’t hear? Reading alone is not enough. We all know we need each other. We all do service in AA for the love of another alcoholic. Once again, I attended the District 4 Round-up. Our equipment was used there for translation, but we were still short at least six receivers throughout the weekend. My recommendation to the next Chair is to encourage getting more receivers. The more people find out about this service the more equipment will be requested during these events. There is a need. Thank you Area 28 for filling that need. Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. If your heart is tugging at you to do something for special needs because you like to assist people, please consider letting the Area Chair know of your availability for this position. May God bless you all. Sandy P. Treatment Committee Report: The committee meetings have been well attended with a great deal of energy and interest. Along with the PI Chair, I was asked to assist District 5 in starting a meeting at St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston. This is an ongoing endeavor. Thanks for giving me the honor of being your Treatment Chair. Phil B. Al-Anon Liaison: I attended an Al-Anon Convention in August and was able to obtain a speaker for an AA workshop. I have just begun to figure out what to do in this position and I thank you for letting me serve the Area as the Al-Anon Liaison. Jean M. CSO Liaison: It is an exciting time for CSO, however as with all exciting things there does come some sadness. Tyrone, CSO office manager of 18 years decided that it was time for him to move on. We thank him for all that he has done at CSO and his service to AA. He will be missed by many. Both hiring and steering committees are currently working to find a new office manager. In the meantime Peggy L. agreed to be the interim office manager until the position is filled. Thank you, Peggy for stepping up for this service. There are a few hotline shifts that are in need of coverage and we would love to see more Central Service Representatives from groups getting involved. Please feel free to call the office for more information. We have statewide meeting lists for sale for $1.00 per book. DISTRICT REPORTS District 1: In January a special needs committee for the hearing impaired was begun. By June work was being done on getting a group of signers for meetings and progress is being made. Attendance and interest is up from last year. Our treatment committee puts on meetings at Serenity House, Spring Harbor, Milestone, and we have a new liaison to Mercy Hospital. Our corrections committee is covering Windham Prison (for both men & women), we are putting on meetings at Cumberland County Jail, Pre-release center, and Long Creek (for kids). We have a new chair for PI/CPC, Dave C., who will be working with Districts 24 & 26 on PI/CPC issues. We offer many thanks to the former chair, George O., who did a great job. We are working on District 1’s Alcathon. There will be fliers available soon look for them online and at meetings. We have had elections and Donna R. will be our new District 1 Chair. Jeff W. District 6: We had our elections and most positions were filled with the exception of secretary. Attendance has been good but we would like to see more folks. We recently held a workshop on service and sponsorship and are planning a Halloween dance as well as Christmas and New Years alcathons. Most groups are doing well but two groups are struggling. Corrections does several meetings at Two Bridges Jail and Bath’s Men’s meeting has commitments at Hearthside and Tedford Shelter. Shirley S. DCM 2 District 21: Our district meetings are well attended and a majority of the district positions are filled. District activities have included: Hosting the Post Conference Forum, A District Inventory in June facilitated by Spencer R. Alt. Area Delegate, and Fellowship Day in August. Elections were held at the last district meeting with the new panel starting at the first of the year. It has been an honor to serve as District 21 Chair. Thomas M. AREA TREASURY SUMMARIES Round-Up 2008 – 2009 Treasury Summary:
Total Income: $ 41,031.19 $ 40,592.66 Area Treasury Summary 09/01/09 ------ 09/30/09 Savings Account (Prudent Reserve) NOTE: PLEASE, ALL DISTRICTS , SEND NEW OFFICER INFORMATION TO THE AREA SECRETARY FOR UPDATED CONTACT LISTS. THANK YOU Respectfully Submitted by Mary Lou Quinn, outgoing Area Secretary
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