VIEWPOINT A MOVING AND FASCINATING ADVENTURE October 8, 2014 Inside this issue: Intergroup Minutes. 2 Events & Service Calendars. 6 Meetings Information & AA Notes. 5 Intergroup monthly Meeting Attendees. 3 North County Speaker 6 Meeting Birthday Celebrants. Special points of interest: Net Loss for the month of September: $2015.72. YTD Loss: $3925.01: see page 2 (minutes). North County Central Office Speakers and Host Groups: see page 2 (minutes). Group Contributions: page 4. Business Committee considers amended Guidelines: see page 2 (minutes) and page 3 (notices). Step Eight (in the 12X12) describes the A.A. journey as a "moving and fascinating adventure". In Step Nine we start the process of making amends, and by then we realize that the promises are already starting to materialize. It would have been easy to rest on my laurels at that time but I have been attending weekly step study meetings since I first got sober in 1969 and I couldn't get away from the sage advice that kept repeating itself over and over. In Step Ten it says "Our first objective will be the development of self-restraint. This carries a top priority rating". Some examples I read are as follows: Restraint of tongue and pen, drop the word “blame” from our speech and thought (step 4), quick- temper criticism, sulking and silent scorn etc. etc. etc. These are just a few, but you get the picture. With these things revisited three or four times a year, as I cycled through the steps, it kept acting like a rock tumbler and, slowly but surely, I adopted new habits which helped me to rein in many of the old behaviors that got between me and my peers. I never stop learning these new ideas. Another one of the things that caught my attention in Step Ten was the quote "Pain is the touchstone of all spiritual progress." It finishes off the paragraph with, “How heartily we AA’s can agree with him, for we know that the pain of drinking had to come before sobriety, and emotional turmoil before serenity”. Can this mean that we can have no spiritual progress without suffering pain? That didn’t seem to make sense to me so I looked up the word “TOUCHSTONE” in the dictionary and discovered that a TOUCHSTONE was a mineral that assayers used to test the purity of gold. Prior to that, I thought that it was synonymous with stepping stone. This definition seems to measure how spiritual we are when the going gets rough. Do we revert back to our old habits, or do we stick to the principles we have learned in the program? The next quote I kept seeing, which piqued my curiosity, was on Pg.90: "It is a spiritual axiom that every time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something wrong with us". The "no matter what the cause" part seemed to throw me a curve ball. I questioned the idea that, if a mother saw her child running into traffic and she wasn't disturbed, I would think that there must be something wrong with her. I don't think anyone could argue that point so I believe that the spiritual axiom quote relates to the way we interface with other people. I find this to be a tremendous template to improving our relations with others. In it we question what drives us when we start to get a little out of sorts and we can apply the above-mentioned self-restraint. As in all the steps, as I continue to attend those weekly step study meetings these things get clearer each time I go through them. Most of my issues are well under control as long as I don't assume that I can let down my guard, as my EGO is always ready to fill in the empty spaces in my program. The maintenance part of the Tenth Step is easy for me these days. I just get up in the morning and say, "God, please help me to go through this day without doing anything I regret." I'm not sure that He hears me, but I know that I HEAR ME and it puts me into the best possible attitude I can have for that day. It usually works. I let the rock tumbler keep me on my toes, and I hope that I always pass the assayer's test. Rick R. Does AA have a Dress Code? : see page 5. Events Calendar: see page 6. A Declaration of Unity- This we owe to A.A.’s future: To place our common welfare first; To keep our fellowship united. For on A.A. unity depend our lives, and the lives of those to come. 1 NORTH COUNTY INTERGROUP MEETING AGENDA October 8, 2014 CALL TO ORDER: The October Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Jim R. There were 48 Reps present, 4 of whom were new. The Traditions were read by David B... Co-Chairman Greg W. read the minutes from the September 10 th Meeting. After correcting the spelling of Micheline’s name and changing “important papers” to “Articles of Incorporation”, a motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes. All in Favor FINANCIAL REPORT: Treasurer John C. gave the Financial Report. Net Sales were $5014.97, with a Gross Profit on Sales of $1136.71. Group Contributions were $6391.76 and Miscellaneous Income was $277.50. Total Income for the month of September was $6805.97. Total Expenses were $8821.69, leaving a Net Loss for the month of September of $2015.72. Our YTD Loss for the month of September is now at $3925.01. A motion was made and seconded to accept the Financial Report as given. All in Favor. PROGRAM COMMITTEE: Chairperson David B. reported on the Tuesday Brengle Terrace P.I. Speaker Meeting and “It’s Beginnings”. David B. reminded everyone about the AA Birthdays every 1,5,10, etc. years and encouraged all Intergroup Rep’s to pass the word to Celebrate AA Birthdays. He requested Host Groups for the month of November. For more information on being a Host Group at the Brengle Terrace Meeting please contact David B. at 619-481-4290. or email him at David [email protected]. David mentioned that it is important to dress appropriately. Date: Speaker: From: Host Group: Oct. 14th Bob M. Carlsbad Sunday Night Serenity - Carlsbad Oct. 21st Ken G. Valley Center Wednesday Night Mens Stag - Fallbrook Oct. 28th Manny M. Oceanside Wednesday Night Mens - Carlsbad Nov. 4 th TBA TBA Women’s Wed. Night - Carlsbad Nov. 11 th Sandi B. San Diego Friday Nite “Back to Basics” – S. Marcos Nov. 18 th Larry S. Palm Desert Tues. Nite Mens Stag - Leucadia Nov. 25 th Jerry M. Carlsbad Sat. Nite – San Marcos - Speakers PUBLIC INFORMATION COMMITTEE There was no report since Bob was out of town. For information regarding Public information please contact Bob B. at (760)3109086 or by e-mail at [email protected]. OUTREACH COMMITTEE: Chairman Gary M. reported. He requested Volunteers to visit meetings in the area to encourage new Representation at our Intergroup Meeting. He likes to encourage the Volunteers with ‘CANDY’ but unfortunately he left the candy at home. Gary suggested putting an article in the Viewpoint concerning recruits. For more information on the Outreach effort please contact Gary M. at 760-8091676 or by email at [email protected]. CENTRAL OFFICE REPORT Jennie thanked all the Groups for their continuing support. She also reported that New York raised their price on the Books on October 1st but Central Office will be keeping the prices on our Books the same until January 1 st 2015. We also still have plenty of First Edition Big Books. The price on this book will stay the same ($12.00). For more information contact Jennie at the Central Office at 760-758-2514 or by email at [email protected]. TELEPHONE COMMITTEE: Chairman Ken G. reported. He said we did well in September with only 15 missed calls. There were three troublesome shift. He stated that Volunteers are always needed. For more information on volunteering for the Telephone Committee please contact Ken G. at 760-504-5707 or by email at [email protected]. OLD BUSINESS Cliff R. attended our Business Meeting and shared with us. He stated that if the Business Committee thinks it has a good idea it is presented to the Intergroup for approval. The Business Committee will be responsible to work with the Office Manager on the Day-to -Day Central Office operating decisions. “Bylaws” were not developed. But, the Standing Rules on the back page of the Guidelines are considered to be Bylaws as stated by Cliff. Amendments to the Standing Rules will be accomplished first by placing a notice in the Viewpoint for all Groups to see and presented to the Intergroup Representative in writing. Cliff reaffirmed that the Quorum for the Intergroup Meetings is 25 Representatives. Voting on issues will be 2/3 of the Intergroup Representatives present for approval on voting issues. After discussion, the Business Committee agreed to place a Notice in the Viewpoint which reads as follows (See attached Notice). John C. received the information from the State of California and they sent us copies of the “Articles of Incorporation” and copies of the “Statement of Information”. NEW BUSINESS: Our Annual Audit is still underway and should be completed in November. INFORMATION ITEMS FROM OTHER SERVICE COMMITTEES: BYOB COMMITTEE: Chairlady Micheline reported. Micheline is still going to set up a Blood Bank probably at the beginning of the New Year. For information on BYOB you can contact Micheline F. at 760-315-5591 or by email at [email protected]. H&I: Connie M. reported for H & I. The next Quarterly Meeting will be October 17 th at 6:30p.m. at the Oceanside Alano Club, 4198 Mission Avenue. For more information regarding the H & I program please contact Connie M. at (760)828-0843 or by e-mail at Connie [email protected]. AREA ASSEMBLY: Our Area Delegate Dean reported on the 64th Annual General Service Conference. He gave a real up-beat report on how great these Conferences are. Thank you Dean. For more information regarding the Area Assembly activities please contact Dean at (760) 274.5309 or by email at [email protected]. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The North County Friendship Center in Oceanside will be holding a Meeting and Halloween Gathering on October 25 th at 6:30 p.m.. The Speaker will be “Racetrack” Tom at 7:45. NCFC at 1906-D Oceanside Blvd.92054. The next Intergroup Meeting will be November 12th... ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. All in Favor. Respectfully submitted: Greg W. ([email protected]) (for Secretary Debby T.) Recording Secretary 2 Intergroup Meeting Attendees for October 8, 2014 Cardiff M-W-F 7 AM Back to Basics Carlsbad Mon thru Fri. Sobriety Rocks Tuesday 8 PM Men’s Stag Tuesday 8 PM Carlsbad Big Book Wednesday 8 PM Women’s L.I.S. Thursday 8 PM AA Workshop Friday Night Leftovers Saturday 9 AM Women in Recovery Sat. Speaker—Sobriety Rocks Camp Pendleton Monday 6:30 PM Camp Del Mar Wednesday 6:30 PM Tag Team Friday 4 PM Dry Dock #20 Encinitas Friday 8 PM Step Study Escondido Monday-Sunday 7 AM Attitude Monday Lunch Bunch Mike’s BBQ Tuesday 6 PM Women’s As Bill Sees It Wednesday 7 PM Misfits Thursday 8 PM Step Study Saturday 9:30 AM Women’s Sunday 9:30 AM Taxi-Cab Fallbrook Monday 8 PM Grapevine Wednesday 7:30 PM Women’s Friday AM Women in Solution Friday 8 PM Speaker’s Leucadia Tuesday Men’s Saturday 7 AM Six Step House Oceanside No. County Friendship Center Moose Lodge Meetings Monday Men’s Stag—St. Margaret’s Tuesday 8 PM Beginners Wednesday 8 PM Men’s 3rd & Pierview Thursday Noon Brown Baggers A/C Friday 8:30 PM King of Kings Saturday 11 AM Recovery—Alano Club Sunday 9 AM Big Book Study A/C Sunday 10 AM Surf and Sun San Marcos Monday 7 PM Rose Ranch Thursday 8 PM Step Study 12x12 Friday 7:30 PM Speaker/Participation Saturday 7:30 PM Speaker Sunday 7 PM Big Book Thumpers Sunday Debbie’s Pie Shoppe Valley Center Monday 7 PM Big Book Study Vista Tuesday Women’s 12x12 6:30 PM Tuesday 7 PM Came to Believe Wednesday 6:30 PM Men’s Hole in the Wall Wed. 7 PM Big Book Shadowridge Other San Diego Area Assembly Sun. Upper Room Vista Connie M. Denice D. Dave R. Mary M. Tammy T. LBW Paul H. Becky J. L.A. Mike Steve N. Steve N. Steve N. Runde M. Greg B. Sam L. Ali B. Rick P. Nick K. Carrie B. Michealine F. William A. Deb M. Lita H. Susie D. Kathy D. John H. Paul L. Michael D. Earl Caroline A. Zach RP Marianne N. Ali S. Su C. illegible Karla H. Tom C. Celeste G. Judy D. Lita H. Becky J. Travis H. Rick W. Janet A. Dean B. Dennis (Alt.) Ryan W. John C. ATTENTION ALL A.A. GROUPS IN NORTH COUNTY ATTENTION ALL A.A. GROUP MEMBERS IN NORTH COUNTY The Business Committee is proposing to Amend the Intergroup Guidelines. The proposal will start by establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to generate a list of recommendations. Any North County Group that objects to this Amendment proposal needs to call the Central Office and provide your Group Name and person calling. Contact the Central Office @ (760) 758-2514. The Business Committee is soliciting any interested A.A. Group Member (s) in North County to be part of an Ad Hoc Committee to develop recommendations which will be presented to the Intergroup Members if the current Guidelines need amending. All interested A.A. Members need to contact the Central Office to submit your name. @(760) 758-2514. 3 Group Contributions—September 2014 GROUP – TOWN BORREGO SPRINGS SUN. AM – SPIRITUAL PROGRESS SEPT.’14 YTD 141.30 20.00 50.00 CAMP PENDLETON WEDNESDAY – “TAG TEAM” FRIDAY – DRY DOCK - #20 CARLSBAD MON THRU SUN-SOBRIETY ROCKS MONDAY NITE AA (158720) FRIDAY 1:30P.M.”WATERWORKS” FRIDAY – 6 P.M. – “LEFT-OVERS” SAT. 9AM – WOMEN IN RECOVERY SUN. 7AM-ALTERED ATTITUDES SUNDAY MENS – “SOBER PRIDE” DEL MAR WED. DEL MAR LUNCH BUNCH SUN NITE DEL MAR-ST. PETERS ENCINITAS AREA 8 – DISTRICT 16 – AA. BALOUR GROUP TUES. NIGHT MENS GROUP WED. WMNS-LIVING IN SOLUTION THURSDAY PM – ROVING WOMENS THURS.NITE-WOMENS MEDITATION ESCONDIDO MON.NOON-MIKE’S BBQ-LUNCH SAT.NITE – 7:30PM – “WHY NOT ME” SATURDAY AM – TAXI-CAB SATURDAY 7PM – “TRUDGERS” SUNDAY – TAXI-CAB SUNDAY 11TH STEP/GRAPE DAY PK. FALLBROOK M. thru Sat.- ATT. ADJ.” – 7.A.M. MONDAY NOON A.A MONDAY WOMENS-SAFE HAVEN. TUESDAY 7 A.M. – AA. WEDNESDAY NOON THURSDAY NOON FRIDAY NOON DISCUSSION SATURDAY AM – STEP STUDY SUNDAY AM- 1-2-3 STEP STUDY FALLBROOK-GROUP #000711815 FRIDAY NIGHT SPEAKERS JULIAN TUESDAY WOMENS LA COSTA MONDAY NITE – WOMENS THURSDAY DISCUSSION LEUCADIA AA GROUPS/SIX STEP HOUSE OCEANSIDE AA GROUPS/NO.CNTY.FRIENDSHIP 7AM ATT. ADJUSTMENT GROUP MONDAY-12 NOON-ALANO CLUB THURSDAY – BROWN BAGGERS – A/C TUESDAY “CHIP-IN GROUP” TUESDAY-LGBT RECOVERY GROUP WED.5PM-LIVING SOBER-ALANO CLUB WED. 5PM-SOBER O’SIDE SENIORS THURS.NOON-BROWN BAGGERS/AC FRIDAY 5 p.m. – BIG BOOK SATURDAY 10AM – WOMENS SATURDAY – 11 A.M. SAT.7PM – SPEAKER-ALANO CLUB SATURDAY 5P.M. – ALANO CLUB SUNDAY – 11 A.M. – ALANO CLUB PAUMA VALLEY TUESDAY NITE AA POWAY WED. 9:30 A.M. – WOMENS – A/C WEDNESDAY BEGINNERS FRIDAY NOON “ACCEPTANCE” SUNDAY 9AM – MENS – A/C RAMONA TUESDAY AA – “BAREFOOT” WED. NOON – “TRI-SERENITY THURSDAY – “HIGH NOON”GROUP” THURS. NITE – JUDGE’S BIG BOOK SATURDAY AA – “WAY OF LIFE” SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE SUN. “KICKSTART YOUR HEART SUN. NITE – “SWEET SURRENDER” ANONYMOUS MEETING MEETING 1618 141.30 303.00 70.00 245.00 921.00 293.89 120.00 245.00 360.00 55.85 100.00 66.67 375.26 750.00 100.00 250.00 969.28 750.00 399.00 119.00 189.01 171.00 150.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 111.00 40.00 60.00 36.00 40.00 40.00 60.00 60.00 40.00 45.00 25.00 25.00 40.00 60.00 36.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 60.00 80.00 45.00 60.00 25.00 20.00 20.00 163.20 125.00 163.20 1000.00 1000.00 75.00 203.40 207.60 100.00 100.00 80.00 110.36 78.99 50.00 150.00 120.00 75.00 203.40 40.00 461.13 60.00 60.00 40.00 100.00 GROUP – TOWN RAINBOW/PECHANGA SUNDAY P.M.-PECHANGA RESERV. RANCHO PENASQUITAS TUESDAY 7 P.M. – 12 X 12 RANCHO SANTE FE NOON- PROFESSIONAL WOMENS AA FRI.7:30P.M.-SOL.BEACH BEGINNERS RINCON WEDNESDAY-RINCON FIREHOUSE RANCHO BERNARDO MON.7:30PM-WMNS BIG BOOK STDY TUES.”WOMEN SEEKING SOLUTIONS WEDNESDAY NOON – “HALT” SAN MARCOS MON.NOON-PROMISE OF NEW DAY MONDAY 7A.M. “BROKEN YOLK” MONDAY NITE 7PM-ROSE RANCH TUESDAY-“OUT OF THE WOODS” TUESDAY NITE MENS WEDNESDAY NOON-STICK MTG WED.”BLIND LEADING THE BLIND FRIDAY NITE- RICHMAR SATURDAY NITE SPEAKERS. SUNDAY WOMENS MEETING-4:30PM SUNDAY – DAILY REFLECTIONS SOLANA BEACH 7 A.M.- M thru F – THE 3RD TRADITION MON.- “MOTHERS IN SOBRIETY” MON. NITE MENS A.A. VALLEY CENTER MON.NITE-SLOW LEARNERS-(SLBBSG) VISTA VISTA NOON GROUP WED, MENS “HOLE-IN-THE-WALL THURSDAY – “ROBBERS ROOST” THURS. NITE – 7:30 P.M. – WMNS. SATURDAY – 9 A.M. - ACCEPTANCE SUN AM-GAS & STEAM ENGINE MSN SUNDAY “EARLY BIRDS” ANONYMOUS MEETING SAN MARCOS MENS BANQUET WOMEN “LIVING IN THE SOLUTION ANONYMOUS GROUP/JAMES C. S.D. H. & I. CENTRAL MEETING INTERGROUP MEETING GROUPS TOTAL ANONYMOUS AA BIRTHDAY: Lucinda N.-13 yrs; DeeAnna – 1 Yr; BUCK-A-MONTH COFFEE KITTY OUR NEW FISCAL YEAR BEGAN JULY 1, 2014 60.00 45.26 10.00 20.00 20.00 15.00 25.00 33.00 200.00 45.26 120.00 20.00 20.00 50.00 15.00 50.00 30.00 40.00 15.00 15.00 20.00 4 SEPT.’14 YTD 91.75 25.00 246.67 124.49 75.00 125.00 33.00 70.00 102.15 33.00 70.00 71.28 40.00 260.00 122.50 180.00 96.00 45.00 430.00 600.00 28.75 270.00 40.00 600.00 1248. 40.00 600.00 62.00 256.00 75.00 20.00 227.00 76.00 $5391.76 120.00 18.00 30,00 325.00 506.00 324.75 21.00 64.00 225.00 51.80 100.00 400.00 124.50 245.00 40.00 1104.0 203.00 474.23 284.00 71.00 Meeting Information New Meetings Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. (cross street Museum Way, behind Guajome Park Academy) Borrego Springs: Thurs., 11 AM, Women’s 3rd Tradition. Alano Club, 3064 Borrego Valley Road. Meetings Moving or Changing CardiffWed., 10:15 AM, Women’s Discussion. Seaside Church of Religious Science, 1613 Lake Dr. (off Santa Fe Dr. near “5” freeway), 92024. Cardiff: Sat. 8 AM moved to 345 S. Coast Highway (El Callejon Restaurant) Encinitas Escondido: Sat. 10 AM moved to 1445 Conway Dr., Room 6. Mon. thru Sun., 7 PM, Spanish, 610 W. 9th Ave., Ste. 10 (92025) Escondido: Sunday 9:30 AM “Taxi Cab” moved to Escondido Alano Club, 1690 E. Valley Pkwy. Tuesday, 10 AM. St. Andrews, 890 Balour, Beginners Living Sober. Escondido: Wed., 7:30 PM, Rainbow Step Study (LGBT only), 1540 S. Escon- Escondido: Monday Lunch Bunch Noon moved to Mike’s BBQ (in dido Blvd. the “Owner’s Box”), 1356 W. Valley Pkwy. Fallbrook: Friday, 10 AM, Women's, 331 E. Elder Fallbrook: Sat. 7:30 PM time changed to 8:15 PM. Julian: Tues, 7 PM, Women’s Open Discussion, St. Elizabeth Church, 2814 “B” Street. Oceanside: Wed., Wheel of Recovery, Friendship Center, 1906-D Oceanside Blvd. Time changed from 6 PM to 7 PM. Ramona Sunday, 7:30 AM, 11th Step Meditation, 323 Hunter Street Oceanside Friday 8:30 PM on West St. moved to Presbyterian Church, 2001 N. El Camino Real. Sunday, 12:30 PM, 323 Hunter St. Ramona: Mon. Noon moved to 323 Hunter. Rancho Santa Fe: Tues. 7 PM, Village Pres., Del Dios Highway Ramona: Fri. 5 PM moved to Spirit of Joy Lutheran, 1735 Main San Marcos Rancho Bernardo: 7:30 PM at Aurora Hospital time changed to 7:40 PM. Monday Breakfast, 7 AM Broken Yolk Café, 101 S. Las Posas Rd. Saturday, 3 PM, Open Disc., Village Square, 1586 W. San Marcos Blvd. Solana Beach, Tuesday and Friday, 7 PM—9 PM, Spanish, 715 Valley Road Vista: Saturday Night Live. 6 PM. All Saints Church, 651 Eucalyptus. Rm. 10 Meetings Moved Escondido: Saturday Night B.E.G.O.T. moved to 737 E. Grand Julian: Monday 7 PM moved to St. Elizabeth Church, 2814 B Street (92036) Rancho Bernardo: Thurs. 7 PM There is a Way Out moved to Lifebridge Church, 17645 W. Bernardo Dr. San Marcos—Tuesday 7 PM Avalon moved to Grace Episcopal Church, 1020 Rose Ranch Rd. Solana Beach “Beginners” - Friday 7:30 PM moved to Rancho Santa Fe— Village Presbyterian Church, Del Dios & Via de la Valle Meetings Cancelled: Carlsbad Wed. Women’s Big Book (390 Oak Ave) Meetings Needing Support Oceanside Alano Club—2 PM Daily Reflections Meetings; Oceanside Alano Club—Wednesday 6:30 pm—12 x 12 Book Study; Oceanside North County Friendship Center—Sunday 7 AM 11th Step Meditation; Oceanside North County Friendship Center Saturday 11 PM; Oceanside Saturday Night Speaker, 1907 Apple Street ; Oceanside Sun. Nite Serenity Step Discussion—Methodist Church—1501 Kelly St.; Oceanside MonFri. 7 AM Attitude Adjustment—King of Kings, 2933 Macdonald, Carlsbad—Sat. 7 PM “Keep It Simple” - 390 Oak Ave, Ste. H.; Camp Pendleton—Monday, 1830, Private Kpause Hall, AMFIB School, Bldg. #210568; Camp Pendleton— Friday, 1600, Dry Dock #20, Bldg. H200T, S.A. R. P.; Warner Springs: Wednesday 6 PM (across from Warner School). Vista Sunday 10 AM 1855 E. Vista Way has moved to Gas and Steam Engine DRESS CODE Since when has a dress code been more important than sobriety? Recently, a speaker said in our group that birthday celebrants must wear a suit and tie or dress. A few years ago, a delegate from out of state was scheduled to speak at a large meeting. The escorts from that meeting came to her hotel and she had on a business pantsuit. Because her business suit did not have a skirt, she was told she could not speak at that meeting. Recently, I heard at a business meeting that they were going to state that the anniversary people would have to wear a coat and tie or dress to receive a cake. Someone asked, “what if someone showed up and didn’t know about it?” The secretary was told to tell them they’d have to come back next week. This was told to the members that night without having a group conscience. A friend recently had a birthday and I asked him if he was going to take a cake at this meeting – this being one of his regular meetings -- and he said, “No, I don’t want to get all dressed up.” I realized that a coat and tie wasn’t his style anyway. This person does a lot of service in AA. The 2nd Tradition states: “For our group purpose, there is but one ultimate authority, a loving God as he expresses himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern.” Is the above in violation of that tradition? In the chapter There is a Solution, there is a statement that reads “No fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to endure.” Do we ignore that promise? There is another principle which is not in our literature and that principle is “First, do no harm.” Alcoholics come from many levels of society and the achievement of an anniversary is usually very important to them. It is also important that they be acknowledged by others. In the many years that I have been in AA, there have been very few times when I have seen a member of AA in inappropriate attire. For many of us, it is very difficult to go through the transition from being a drunk to being sober. Usually that achievement is astounding to ourselves. And certainly we deserve the acknowledgement that we get from others from that achievement. When we obligate people to dress according to what we think is appropriate, it becomes dogmatic and demanding. Sobriety is a hard won opportunity and Alcoholics Anonymous has given us a wealth of joy. I’d like to end with this: Alcoholics Anonymous is not a social issue we can flaunt. It is a program that saves us from insanity and death. It would be kind to remember that. Alton S. 5 Your Birthday Gift To Central Office Many A.A. members currently share their Birthday Celebration and Accomplishments with others who need the same help and opportunity that A.A. gave them. Start this year on your A.A. Birthday and make it an annual event. Send a dollar ($1) for each year of your sobriety—or send as much as you can to celebrate your Birthday. The amount doesn’t matter: it’s the “counting” that counts. Central Office Tuesday Speaker Meeting Birthday Cakes for September 2014 FROM YEARS Steve N. 25 TO Joe M. Cakes for this meeting can be given for 1 year and then 5 year increments thereafter. Please make your arrangements through your Central Office by calling 760.758.2514, at least one week in advance. May your special day be filled with many moments of joy and may the “24s” that lie ahead be especially glad and bright! SERVICE CALENDAR Program Committee: November 3rd, 7:00 PM, Brengle Terrace Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. P UBLISHED BY THE N ORTH C OUNTY I NTERGROUP Business Committee: November 11th, 6:30 PM, AA Central Office, 604 E. Vista Way, Vista. Intergroup Meeting: November 12th, 7:00 PM, Masonic Temple, 761 Eucalyptus, Vista. Viewpoint The “Viewpoint” is a publication of the North San Diego County A.A. Central Office Intergroup. We encourage our readers to send us their depiction of experience, strength and hope in their lives as it relates to Alcoholics Anonymous. Please send your article on a PC format to our office Please use “Microsoft Word” as the format. Deadlines for submissions are one week prior to printing. Submissions may be edited for space and/or content. Most of our scheduled meetings are located on our website shown below. Your Central office is located at 604 E. Vista Way, Vista CA 92084. Telephone numbers are: voice 760.758.2514, fax 760.758.2273. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 to 5, Saturday, 9 am to 1 PM. September “Viewpoint” assemblers were: Leslie, Rene, Tony, Mike O., John, Dana, Dinah, and Carol. Thank You All! W E’ RE ON THE WEB! W WW. NOSDCO- AA. ORG/ EVENTS CALENDAR October 17-19. 30th Annual Santa Barbara Convention: On the Plane of Inspiration. Santa Barbara Elks Lodge, 150 N. Kellogg Ave., Santa Barbara. www.sbaaconvention.org. October 17, 5:30PM-6:30PM. North County Area Institutional Committee (NCAIC). Quarterly orientation for bringing meetings into treatment or correctional facilities. 4198 Mission Ave., Oceanside. October 18, 10AM-1PM. Twelve Concepts Workshop. 170 Calle Magdelena, Encinitas. Linda R., 760-634-1618. October 25, 10AM-12:15. History of A.A. Workshop. San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave., San Marcos. Mike C., 714-319-1877. October 25, 6:30-8:30 PM. Taking the Skeletons Out of Your Past. Pot-luck, speaker meeting, costumes (optional). North County Friendship Center, 1906 -D Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside. Maria H. 562-618-3006. October 30-Nov. 2. SOCALYPAA (Southern California Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous). Sheraton Pomona, 601 W. McKinley Ave. www.socalypaa.org. November 6-8. We Agnostics and Freethinkers in AA International. Santa Monica. www.wafticca.org or [email protected]. November 15, 9 AM. 74th Anniversary of the Founding of A.A. in San Diego. 2111 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego. 619-265-8762. November 23, 2PM-4PM. 29th Annual R.O.O.T.S. (Remember Our OldTimers’ Stories). 8320 La Scenic Drive, La Jolla. [email protected]. November 27, 10AM-9PM (Thanksgiving Day). 14th Annual Thanksgiving Alcathon. 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove. Bring a dish to share. I am responsible...When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help. I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am Responsible. 6
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