Business Report

February 20^th, 2005

We opened with the Reading of Concept 8 from the A.A. Service Manual.

Delegate:  Laurie E.:

Welcome to Area 45’s General Service Assembly.  We have started a very active year in Area 45, the region and the world. 

I was privileged to attend the quarterly General Service Board meeting the last weekend of January 2005.  At that time, I was invited to attend all Trustee’s sessions and sat as the co-chair to the Conference Committee on Agenda. I am ever grateful to A.A. as I continue to discover nuances in my sobriety.  I am amazed as each year goes by and A.A. continues to show the magnificence of our program.  The latest example was my experience at the General Service Board weekend, which meet to address the business of A.A.  Though the 13 delegate guests were unable to vote, we were welcome to participate in the discussion.  The Trustee’s and GSO staff could not have made us feel more welcome.  Additional guests attending Board weekend included four candidates for Class A Trustee (non-alcoholic). To see these individuals who are not alcoholics give of their time to experience A.A. and to be interviewed, so they might voluntarily serve our Fellowship, was incredible.  I can only imagine the tough choice it was for the Trustees’ nominating committee.  I am pleased to announce that a selection was made; Jeanne S. Woodford (previous warden of San Quinton) was invited to serve as a Class A Trustee, filling the slot vacated by Elaine McDowell following the April 2005 Conference.

Regarding our Region, it is not too late to make your plans to attend NERAASA.  Newton, Massachusetts is preparing as we speak to receive the Northeast Region next weekend, February 25^th, 26^th, and 27^th.  If you are in the position that you can attend, please consider going.  The hotel is sold out, though there are overflow hotels waiting to here from you.  For updated information go to www.aaemass.org/neraasa2005

Currently, there is no scheduled date for the Northeast Regional Convention (NERC).  Attendance has been declining over the past years, and no Area has come forward with a bid to host this event.  Current and past delegates will likely discuss the future of NERC, at the upcoming NERAASA and NERD.    

I have been privileged to attend several North East Regional Forums.  I find them to be incredibly informative and inspiring.  It is during the Forum that staff members of GSO and Trustees’ come to our region; in essence bringing the office to us.  They are available to report and answer any questions that you might have.  The Forum only occurring bi-yearly will next be held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, in Portland, Maine, this coming May 20-22, 2005.  It is certainly worth the trip!

Regarding our fellowship worldwide, the International Convention is soon approaching.  If you have not already made arrangement to attend, you can do so now.  Please keep in mind what has previously been reported regarding past criminal convictions and passing the border. See me if you need info on how to proceed; www.cic.gc.ca.  For information about the International go online @ www.aa.org or link from our website www.snjaa.org.  This will provide information about convention registration, hotels and all pertinent info about Toronto.

Concerning the Delegates Post Conference Report; it is the responsibility of the delegate to communicate the actions of the Conference to committee members being sure that districts, groups and Central Offices or Intergroups’ are informed.  Most Areas’ present this report to each district.  In recent history, Area 45 presents this report one time at our May Assembly.  I am suggesting that I be available to each Section for a Post Conference Report.  Please know however, that I would be pleased to attend any district, group or Intergroup in our Area who would like to here the Post Conference Report.   

Most pressing at this time is the upcoming Area 45 Mini-conference.  Your attendance is not only welcome, but hoped for. Area 45’s Mini-conference is modeled after the Alcoholic Anonymous General Service Conference (GSC) held in New York City annually.  The agenda items to be discussed at our Mini-conference have in the past been selected at an Ad-hoc meeting during NERAASA, from members of Area 45 in attendance.  Due to time restraints, and more importantly the hope of informing more members, we are going to decide those agenda items for our Mini-conference today.  They are from our 55^th GSC originating from various Areas’ throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Through our committee discussion at the Mini-conference the delegate is able to attend the GSC with an understanding of the collective group conscience of Area 45, and how it relates to matters that effect A.A. as a whole. 

On that note:

Alcoholics Anonymous 18^th World Service Meeting was held October 24-28, 2004 in NY, NY.  I have the final report if anyone is interested in reviewing it.  To sum up our connection to A.A. worldwide, here is a quote from keynote speaker Keith K. of South Africa: “never through the passage of time has there existed a design for living so perfect, so all encompassing, so inclusive as A.A….And so here we are this week, all unique in our diversities, yet so alike in our experiences.  Separated from each other geographically yet unified in spirit.  Different in our cultures, languages and origins, yet bonded by a common direction.  And we speak with one voice, carry one message, transcend the barriers of many languages and represent one Fellowship.” 

Again, thank you for the privilege of serving Area 45.  As always please do not hesitate to contact me, if I can be of any assistance to you, your group or your district. 

Alt. Delegate: Jimmy S.: 

Thank you Section 4 for hosting our Area Assembly and Committee meeting today. Your service is greatly appreciated.

This past quarter has been a busy one and your panel has many commitments going forward.

Since we last met, I have attended meetings of the Convention and Policy & Charter Committees. Rich H and the convention committee are poised to put on yet another awesome area 45 convention this spring. I urge everyone to make am effort to attend. The Policy and Charter committee is hard at work on an updated Area 45 service manual.

Area 45 conducted its biennial fearless and searching inventory back in December. I’d like to personally thank our immediate past delegate, Joe O’Neill for his efforts in planning and executing the event and for inviting me to be a presenter.

I also attended several district meetings this past quarter and it’s heartening to see such large attendance at many of these meetings.

Part of the Alternate Delegate’s responsibility is to maintain communication with the three Intergroups in South Jersey. To that end I try to attend each Intergroup at least every other month. I can report that all three are doing a bang up job in their respective regions. Also, let your home groups know that Intergroup offers many valuable opportunities for service. I’d like to thank Cape-Atlantic Intergroup for inviting me to participate in their sponsorship workshop in January. It was fun being in a play, even if I did blow my lines.

Looking ahead, I will be attending NERAASA at the end of the month, along with the panel and several other AA’s from South Jersey. Area 45 always has a good showing at this event, which can only benefit us all in the long run.

Looking even further down the road, mark your calendars for the annual Day of Sharing on October 22. The Day of Sharing brings together Area 45 and all three Intergroups to help ensure continuity and unity in carrying the message. This year, it is South Jersey Intergroup’s turn to host the event, which will be held in Collingswood at Transfiguration RC Church on the White Horse Pike. I look forward to coordinating the planning of DOS with the three Intergroup chairs.

Chairperson:  Fred E.:

First, Thank you to section 4 for hosting today’s assembly & committee meeting.  Here is the list of area events that I have attended:

1.District 13-district meeting on Nov. 18^th.

2. District 8 district meetings on Nov. 16^th, Dec. 14^th, and Jan. 18^th.  The DCM Marie K. is doing a great job.

3. I attended and spoke at OSTRA’S Christmas meeting on Dec. 16^th.  Thank you to Stella J. for the invitation.    

4.The Newsletter committee meeting on Jan. 8^th at Cathy R.’s house in Sewell. 

5.  The convention committee meetings on Dec.5^th, Jan. 2^nd, and Feb. 6^th

6.  The CTF meeting on Jan 9^th in Camden.  Ed. You are doing a great job down there.  Thank you.

7.  The South Jersey’s Young people’s meeting on Dec. 8^th and Jan 12^th in Cherry Hill, Congratulations and welcome to Kate S. the new Chair for the committee. I also attended one half of the speaker/dance on Jan. 29^th

8.  The Policy and Charter meeting on Jan. 25^th at Ruthann C.’s.  Our plans are to meet in March to update our area service manual.

9.  The Area 44 luncheon on Feb. 13^th.

If your District has district meetings or Workshops, email or call me in advance (at least two weeks notice), and I will make every effort to come out to support and to assist you in any way I am able.

Treasurer:  Elaine Mc.:  (11/1/04 to 2/17/05)

Thank you, Section IV for hosting today’s assembly.

Since our last meeting, I have attended the monthly convention meetings as well as the January CTF meeting and the February SJCYPAA meeting.  Congratulations to Kate S. on being elected to chair that committee. I also attended the January and February meetings in District 13.  In January, I was privileged to participate in a workshop on sponsorship put on by the Unity Committee of Cape Atlantic Intergroup.  It was fun as well as informative.  I’m still not quite sure why Robbie asked me to play the part of a control freak, though.  It really was a test of my acting ability to pull it off, as it was so far out of character for me. 

Last Sunday, I attended Area 44’s Winter Luncheon along with the rest of the Panel.

I am pleased to present a report of your treasury.  This covers the period from November 1, 2004 until February 17^th, 2005, slightly more than a quarter. 

The checking account balance is:   $12,454.98.

Group contributions were: $6,184.21.

While this seems high, it should be remembered that many groups make a yearly donations in either December or November.  This figure reflects that.

Interest income from our Prudent Reserve was $74.29. 

The Prudent Reserve Fund remains at $18,000.00. 

Other income was: $108.30.  This represents a refund to the Area.

Total income for this quarter is: $6366.80.

Expenditures this quarter has been: $5466.87.         .

A detailed report has been given to the chairperson as well as the Budget and Finance chair.  It is available upon request.

Thank you for allowing me to serve Area 45 and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Secretary:  Julie W.:

Thanks to Section 4 for hosting again today.    Thank you as always to everyone who e-mails me his or her reports.  If you are having any trouble doing that, I have some instructions up here that you can take.  Also you can e-mail me through the Area website through the Secretary it gets to my home.  I have updated Area Calendar’s.

Here is a list of the Area events that I attended:

1.    In December, the Area Inventory here at Seville.  Thank you to Joe O’Neil for all his efforts to put that together.  I always learn something from them.

2.    In Jan & Feb, I attended the District 14’s meeting.

3.    On Feb 8^th, I went out to the South Jersey Young peoples Committee meeting in Cherry Hill.  Welcome to the new chairperson Kate S.  They are doing well and are back on their feet.

4.    I attended Wenonah’ Group’s 31^st Anniversary and Ventnor Sea Shore Group’s 18^th Anniversary.

5.    I will be attending NERAASA this weekend in Boston!  It is my privilege to do a presentation on Service Sponsorship.

6.    I also received a letter from GSO asking if I would be able to chair a meeting at the International Convention this summer.  Of course I accepted.

Registrar:   Ginger F.:                                                                       

First I’d like to thank Carol P. and Section IV for their warm hosting, hospitality, labor of love & service. The pay is another day. Thanks also to our Webmaster Bob and my Coach Ron.

GSO has received 98 changes on our Area disc (our first disc arrived corrupt) and over 150 group change forms went in over the last month.  They are currently processing.  Our 2^nd effort at disking arrived in the GSO Records Dept without a hitch.  Hurrah! 

Our Registrar in New York passed away, therefore your print out’s may be questionable at present in regards to any changes that were submitted and are not on them.  Tom J., GSO Office Services is relieved to have hired a new Records Dept. Supervisor this week.  Much thanks to Jennifer and all of the GSO staff for guiding during this interim period.

If any newly registered GSRs/DCMs have not received their welcome packet from GSO please sign your name, group, and phone #, on a Group Info Change Form so we can follow up. 

We are looking forward to our upcoming NERAASA to share with other NER Registrars how much I‘ve found out that I don’t know.

Area 45 has registered 15 New groups; one as young as #35 years young, with a grand total of #473 REGISTERED groups during 2004-5 Panel 54.  Is your group registered?  I was told not to assume.

We also generated a new District (by city and town) Form.  Which incorporates the new District’s 8 and 27, which split due to geographical reasons.

Thank you to Jim S. who volunteered to update the map. Look forward to an updated map by Jim S. 

All group changes are now reported on GSO group information form printouts.  Any new information is due to me by March 15^th.  Feel free to call or e-mail me to keep your group connected!

Archives:  No Report

Ad Hoc Literature:  No Report

Audio:  Joe Mc.: 
 
I’m sad to report the demise of our old cassette recorder.  It bit the dust at our November assembly.  It has been replaced by a DVD recorder which I am still learning to use. So please be patient with me.  I think it must be Alcoholic because it is so sensitive.

The rest of the equipment is in good working order.  I know I’m repeating myself, but please remember to speak into the microphone when giving your report.  When you turn your head away from the Mic., it causes your voice to trail off, thereby not recording what you are saying.

In the last quarter, the audio equipment has been in service at the Area Inventory, the Harbor Lights Group Anniversary, at the Cape Atlantic Intergroups Workshop and again at the Linwood Groups 35^th Anniversary earlier this month.

Remember, this is Area equipment, please feel free to request it for your district or group events.

Thank you for allowing me to serve.

Budget and Finance:  No Report

41^st Convention:  Rich H.:

We are just about ready to do it!  37 days to liftoff!! Things are going super! Those dates again are April 1, 2 and 3. The program is ready. The registration table has a few samples to pass around. Registrations are pouring in! If you aren’t registered yet better stop by our table over there for a no hassle registration! Jack is accepting checks and credit cards today !! 

Tell all you’re A.A. friends about the convention. Talk about it in your meetings. All the Speakers and workshops you can STAND, and all the dancing and karaoke singing you can DO !!  See Julie and her hubby’s workshop on R-E-L-A-T-I-O-N-S-H-I-P-S in recovery !!! Hang around with All for just $30 !!!!  Be there !! Get some Solid Serenity and Unanimous Unity ! Like a Rock  Recovery !!

Thanks to the Fourth Dimension newsletter for a fantastic edition featuring our convention. Thanks to everyone in advance for your service work at the convention. If you need some service work, we can use some more volunteers on hospitality, just me at home.

We need a few more marathon speakers, too. Harry and Mike are back there taking names !!! Committee chairs please see me before you leave about your tables at the convention.

 CPC :  Bill G.:

Since the November 14^th report there has been no CPC activity.

We were scheduled to assist Area 44 at the Substance Awareness Counselors’ Conference in Long Branch in January, but they informed me that they had more than enough coverage for this event.  Area 44 also decided not to participate in the NJ School Nurses’ Convention, May 11^th  and 12^th.  We were scheduled to assist there.

Our next scheduled Convention is the NJ Nurses’ Convention on March 31^st and April 1^st at the Tropicana in Atlantic City.  This convention is done in coordination with Area 44, and our share of the cost is $312.50.

On May 3^rd and 4^th we will have a booth at the NJ Social Workers’ Convention at Bally’s in Atlantic City.  We have not covered this convention in recent years but have decided that this is a better investment of our time and money than the Associated Treatment Providers Conference, whose members are well acquainted with A.A.  The cost of this convention is $575 and is sponsored solely by Area 45.

Recently I have been conferring with the Special Needs Committee about visiting nursing homes to see if there is a need to bring meetings to their patients.  Previous mailings have produced few inquiries, so we are hoping that a more personal approach will bring greater results.

There will also be a CPC display at the Area 45 General Service Convention.

 CTF:  Ed C.:

Our committee meetings have now been set to be on the second Saturday of every Month, at the Outreach House located at 7^th and Woodland Ave in Camden, NJ. At 2:00PM. 

Our committee is now on the Website.

We had a committee meeting Dec 12^th, Jan 9^th and Feb 12^th.  The date was set for the Tenth Annual Area 45 Correctional and Treatment Facilities Conference to be on October 8, 2005.

We need a volunteer to co-ordinate our “Bridging the Gap” temporary contact program.  If you feel you can do this please see me.

We need people to help man our donation table at the Area 45 Convention.  Please see me about this.

We would like to thank the “Keep it Simple Group” for their $100. donation, and any other group for their donations.

GSR/DCM ORIENTATION/WORKSHOP:  John K.:

1 New DCM

9 New GSR’s

GRAPEVINE:  Isabel A.:

Most of you know me as “Missy” and I am going by my given name of Isabel.  Your respect with this is appreciated.

I have a new assistant.  Her name is Suzie.  She has been a big help.

We have sold all of our seasonal Calendars.  Thank you to everyone who helped by ordering one of these.  We are now preparing for the convention sales.

Could you please check with your home group for a Grapevine Rep. It is a great opportunity for a newcomer to get into Service.  “Service Keeps us Sober”!!

JAL-CON:  Nancy Lee B: (Given by Terri)

We have selected the topics for our A.A. Meetings.  The convention will be held on July 22^nd, 23^rd, and 24^th 2005.  The convention will be held at the Summerset Marriott.

If anyone is interested in attending and if you are attending, possibly chairing a meeting, please contact me.

Newsletter:  Cathy R.:

First, I would like to thank John K. for his fabulous article on Trustees and how it all works.  Our good wishes go with him for the election.

March 5^th is the next meeting for the May edition of the Fourth Dimension.  The main focus will be on the upcoming 70^th Anniversary of AA.  If anyone has any interesting articles, items or ideas please pass them along to the newsletter committee.  Any contribution is always welcome.  The next edition will hopefully go to print mid April, so if you have anything please get it to me by then.  Thanks so much for your help!

Policy and Charter:  Ruthann C.: (Given by Joe D.)

Policy and Charter Committee met at Ruthann’s house on Jan 25^th to discuss changes and addition to the Area 45 Handbook.  The next meeting is on March 15^th at 7PM at Jimmy S. ‘s house.

Point of Clarification:

Only the DCM ( or in the absence of the DCM, the alternate DCM) can call or schedule a district meeting or meetings.

In the absence of a DCM or an Alternate DCM, the Section Leader can call a district meeting for the purpose of electing a DCM or to keep the district functioning/communicating until a DCM can be elected.

PI :  Bob D. (Given by Julie W.)

We have had some success in reaching out to the public since our last gathering. After sending letters out to various schools and social organizations, we have been contacted by several to request literature and/or presentations.

The committee gave a presentation to the Counseling Center at Rider University on December 8. The have placed a literature rack along with meeting lists in their office. They also expressed interested in an on-campus meeting. I gave them the number of Central Jersey Intergroup and a brief guideline regarding our tradition of non-affiliation.

On January 19, 2005, we invited to and attended a meeting of PACADA (Professional Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse) of Atlantic County. It was held at Hansen House, a new Halfway House for men that opened up in Cologne. There I met representatives from numerous facilities and agencies. It was different but informative. As result of this session we were able to place literature in the Hansen House as well Covenant House in Atlantic City.

We have also been contacted by a new program in Atlantic and Cape May counties , “Drug Court.” First time offenders on Drug and Alcohol related charges are being handled with an emphasis on recovery. They are referred to AA and NA meetings in conjunction with their problem. They must attend a number of meetings and get a sponsor. They wanted a list of potential sponsors to give to the participants. I explained to the woman running the program that we do not provide a service like that. But, I encouraged her to have them announce at meetings that they attend, that they are new and in need of sponsors.

She stated that they have received some literature and mailing lists but would be interested a presentation from time to time.

The Salvation Army in Vineland requested and received literature in both English and Spanish.

Our “Put a Grapevine a Doctor’s Office” Program has been picked up by several groups. Thank you.

Our next PI Committee will be March 1, 2005, at 7pm. at Bob house in Absecon. We encourage the PI committees from the Intergroups and all other interested parties to attend, Contact him at his website for more information.

Registration:  Mary Ann L.:

13 DCM’s

52 GSR’s

6   Panel Members

12 Committee Chairs

4   Section Leaders

2   Intergroups

19 Visitors

108 Total Attendance

Special Needs:  Joe P.:

First, I would like to thank the Central New Jersey Intergroup Area for Special Needs volunteers. We all appreciate your service commitments. Thanks to Bob H. for continued service taking a meeting to Trenton.

I apologize for not being at the November meeting. I had a family emergency and was unable to attend.

Kim, who has been the co-chair of this committee, is no longer able to act in that capacity. Kathie L. will be replacing her as co-chair.

Each year Special Needs exhibits at the NJ Speech-Language and Hearing Association convention. This year the exhibitor’s fee is $150.00, which we will fund from our budget. Bill G from the Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC) committee will supply literature and do the set up and breakdown. The dates for the convention are May 5,6, and 7.

Bill G has also agreed to meet with the administrators or social worker of some of the local nursing homes to see if they are receiving our (SNC) mailings. We have not had much response from previous mailings. Bill will also introduce the purpose of the Special Needs Committee and explain that we are willing to bring an AA meeting into the facility for AA members. He will also give the administrators forms to find out if any of the patients desire a meeting.

The SNC information on the Area 45 website will be updated. We will use the published AA Guidelines for Serving Alcoholics with Special Needs. We will also develop and post e-forms for volunteers and for those wanting a meeting. The forms once completed will go directly to Area 45 email box.

We will have a table at the Area 45 Convention- April 1-3. Different committee members will man the table to explain the purpose of Special Needs and to recruit more volunteers.

We’ve been taking one meeting a week to Lou M. Lou is homebound and cannot get out to meetings.

We continue to announce the SNC at AA meetings and we always need support.

Thank you again for giving me this opportunity to stay involved in service.

Young People’s SJYPPA:  No Report

Website:  Bob W.:

Website committee report for Area 45 www.snjaa.org

The only major change to the website has been that every page now has a link to read the Big Book online. This takes you to http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/ which is the official GSO big book site.

Joe P. and I will be working on an online questionnaire for people who would like to volunteer on line to help the Special Needs Committee. This can be done for any committee which would like to do something similar.

I still do not have links that will enable the following committees to receive mail via the website. Ad hoc, Archives, Budget & Finance, Cooperation with the Professional Community, GSR/DCM Orientation, JALCON, Newsletter, Policy & Charter, Workshop, and Young People.

I still need a description of the current function of the Ad Hoc committee

Usage Statistics for www.snjaa.org as of 2/13/ 05

Summary Period: Last 12 Months
Generated 13-Feb-2005 05:11 EST

Cape Atlantic Intergroup: Bill B.:

Thank you to the panel for attending our Unity “Sponship Workshop”.  I was unable to attend, but I heard it was great.  I would like to thank all who are here from the office to help me.  I would like to report the passing of Mimia R.  one of the founding members of CAIG. Over 300 attended the viewing.

We had a Unity dance in November that was very well attended.

At our last business meeting it was approved to purchase a new computer system to prevent any catastrophic failures and for upgrades.

We adopted a change in our bi-laws that mimic third legacy procedure for our future elections.

Our Unity committee will be holing its first Annual Unity Speakers Breakfast, on September 18^{th 2005,}  at Wildwood Convention Center.  Hopefully we will have a circuit speaker. Previous groups that have sponsored this event donated seed money for this.

I will be attending NERAASA.

Central Jersey Intergroup:  Tom O.: (Submitted, not reported due to illness-approved by Policy and Charter).

Anniversaries: Justine  - 8 years

I’m sorry to miss the meeting. I’m recovering from surgery and can’t get around too well yet.

1.    Our Intergroup Representative Handbook was approved by the Groups in January. It has been printed and distributed.

2.    Our Computer, Newsletter, Public Information, Unity and Website chairs are open.

3.    Our other committees are running well but, as always, anyone wishes to lend a hand is welcome.

4.    CJI has the lead for the Intergroup Workshop at the 41^st Annual Area 45 Convention in the spring of 2005.  The workshop will be held at 9:00 AM Saturday morning.

a.    I contacted the chairs of Cape Atlantic and South Jersey Intergroups with the following suggested format for the workshop.

1.    The convention committee suggested the topic/theme “Unity, Service, Recovery” for the Intergroup workshop at the convention in April.

If each Intergroup took one subject and spent 15 minutes on it – 5 minutes or so for presenting experience strength and hope for 3 reps we could leave a little time for introduction and questions and answers and comments from the audience at the end.

I included a suggested workshop format from GSO as a basic guideline for the whole workshop.

5.    We plan to have an open house this Spring, this will be a chance for individual group members to come and share with us their feelings on how we a re doing, and what we can do better.

South Jersey Intergroup:  Joe McCormick:

SJIG will be doing an Inventory on Sunday, April 10^th, at the Intergrouup Office or if needed, another location to be announced.

SJIG will be hosting the Day of Sharing this October 22^nd.  Location is Transfiguration Hall in Collingswood. We are looking for volunteers for set up, serving food, & clean up. Topics have not been picked yet.

SJIG Steering Committee has voted to form an Ad Hoc committee to research a sufficient dollar figure for a “Prudent Reserve” and an “Operating Reserve/Fund”. This Ad Hoc Committee will then identify any dollar figure balance then present the Intergroup Body with the challenge to “spend down” or invest this money in “Carrying the Message”.  Make sure your group’s Intergroup Rep is involved!

PI (Public Information Committee) Chair Hakkan D. has “P. I. Packages” available for groups to hand out. See your IG Rep.

SJIG welcomes a new Meeting List Chair, Joe I. & his Co-Chair, Russ M.

H & I (Hospitals & Institutions) Chair Fran M., reminds speakers who can’t keep their commitment please call Fran M. or his Co-Chair, Chuck H. so that can attempt to get commitment covered. 

The Fourth of July Al-cathon is confirmed by Unity Chair, Randy N. and will be held at the W. Bryant Community Center, on Charleston Avenue, Lawnside, NJ

The Social Events Chair, Mike B. reported a great turn out for the Tubing Event in the Pocono’s this past Saturday, February 12^th!

SJIG is looking for an Archivist! This person would help in compiling information from GSO in New York about the history of AA in South Jersey.

And as always, the Bookers & H & I needs speakers & hosts, Newsletter Committee needs articles, Answering Committee needs slots filled.

No Agenda to discuss:  The Mini-Conference topics were chosen.

Workshop:  John K.:  “What is the Purpose of the Northeast Region?”

(CD Available upon request from the Audio Committee)

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Section I:  Janet S.:

I would like to say welcome, to all new GSR’s and DCM’s.   Thank you for your commitment to service.

Thank you section 4 for your hospitality and wonderful lunch.

Section 1 is alive and well, and anticipates some activity in Districts 1,2 &4.

The districts that are mentioned have GSR’s but need DCM’s in place.

Section 1 has $418.53 in the checking account.

District 1 & 2 : No report

District 3:  Bob P.:

Balance is $524.03 

The ODAT club in Delran is sponsoring many new meetings that are not yet in the meeting lists.  If you are in the area you can stop by.  Chances are a meeting is going on.  This includes a meeting Mon-Fri from 5:30-6:30PM.

District 22 & 23:  No Report

GSR:  Randi J.:  Live & Let Live Group- Hamilton Square

Our Home group had discontinued contributing to Area 45 in 2004 because for a least one year prior to that our group contribution checks remained uncashed.  We are happy to report that contributions are resumed per our discussion with our New

Area treasurer, Elaine M. who assured us that our checks mailed to the Cherry Hill Box office will be negotiated. 

I would also like to welcome Vivian L. to her new position as alternate GSR.

District 24:  Mike R.:

All is well in the Ewing, Lawrence and Hopewell Townships. 

The 14^th Annual Alkathon at the Slackwood Presbyterian Church was a huge success again.  The main mid-night meeting had an attendance of about 120 A.A.’s and their families.  The later meetings were considerably smaller, but they filled a need for those there and will continue.

Next up will be our annual picnic, tentivily being held at Rosedale Lake in June or July 2005.  More details at the May Assembly.

Thanks to all the groups in the District for their donations and support which makes these events and more possible.

We meet every 3^rd Monday at the Ewing Presbyterian Church located at 100 Scotch Road, Ewing NJ at 6:30 P.M. if you wish to help.

District 25, 30 & 31:  Doug P. (Given by Tim S. GSR for West Windsor Monday One Step at a Time Group)

Currently we have 13 GSR’s and 37 known groups (25 groups without GSR’s).  We have gone on several “District Night Out’s” meetings to invite other groups to send their GSR’s to the monthly District meetings.

Our area is: Princeton, Rocky Hill, Skillman, West Windsor, Heightstown, Cranbury & Plainsboro. \

Section II:  Joe H.:

Thank you to Section 4 for hosting today’s Assembly. 

Since the last time I was here in Seaville where I attended the Area Inventory, which was very informative to our Section and myself, I have been working on a few things that will be going on in our Section in the upcoming year.

I have secured the Collingswood Senior Center for the Area Elections on September 11, 2005 and for the November 13^th

Assembly.

I attended District 8 and District 26 business meetings.  I am also working with the Jamie, the new DCM for the new District 27, by helping him to work with the GSR’s in that District and anything else he needs to get things started.  He sends his regrets that he could not attend today due to prior commitments.

I am planning on attending NERAASA next week.

I am moving and will get the new contact information to the registrar.

I will be holding a Section II meeting on March 2, 2005 at the Transfiguration Church on the White Horse Pike in West Collingswood at 7:30 PM.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Mini-Conference on March 19^th in Collingswood.  I promise that it will be held in the place that is stated on the Area Calendar!

I would like to thank Lynn B.DCM District 9 and Collin Alt. DCM for going to any lengths to get to this Assembly.

District 5 & 6:  No Report

District 7:  No Report

District 8:  Marie K. (Acting DCM)

Our District has met monthly since the last Assembly.  We are proud to report that our checking account is now in the possession of the acting DCM.  I received it from the previous DCM.

We are growing in a small way but with continued support, District 8 will again flourish.

District 9:  Lynne B.:

We have identified and established contact with 8 GSRs of 24 meetings in District 9.  Nearly all of the other meetings have been visited and information was left with a representative of each group informing them about District activities.  Included in the packet was specific information for the GSR and the Treasurer.

·       I conducted District meeting on January 18

·       The District workshop will be held Sat. May 14, 2005. At Centenary United Methodist Church in Berlin on the White Horse Pike at 9 AM. Two topics were selected: “How Did the Early AA’s get Sober without a Big Book?” and Nurturing the Newcomer”.  The first of several planning meetings will take place this Tuesday February 22 at my house.

·       A thank you letter was sent to the Treasurers of all Groups that contributed part of their 7^th Tradition to the District.

·       District“ 9 contributed $150. to District 26 for out-of-pocket expenses toward the last Assembly.

Thank you to all who contributed to all who helped

District 10:  No Report

District 26:  Frank Z.:

District 26 Meeting February 2, 2005

In attendance: Karen C, Frank Z., Doris D., Kathy O., Nick K., Chris C., Joe H., Bill B., Maria, Sam W, Chris C, Chip E, Jim S, Bob. Jimmy S. The Alt. Delegate, and Joe H. Section II leader.

Karen C – Secretary opened the meeting with the minutes from Nov meeting.

Sam W – Treasurer - read her report. After the November assembly our balance is now $63.92. The decision to move the account from Commerce Bank to Susquehanna Bank was once again revisited. Frank Z. and Sam need to set time to open the account at Susquehanna before we are charged another cycle charge of $25.00 (a low balance fee) from Commerce Bank. However, after talking to Commerce Bank and explaining our non-profit status, they will refund the entire fee’s they charged us for.

Frank Z. – DCM – Brought us up to date on all the pertinent happenings.

February 20       Section 4 assembly in Seaville.

February 26-28 NERASSA in Newton, MA

                    March 11-13     NERD for delegated and past                          delegates.

                    March 19            Section 2 hosts the Area 45

                    April 1-3            Area 45 Convention

                    April 6                District 26 meeting

        August 3             District 26 will hold nominations for all positions; DCM, Alt DCM, Secretary, Treasurer.

        September 11,     Area 45 elections

        November 2        District 26 Elections.

Frank, Chris, and Joe H. and Maria will be attending NERASSA. Frank will pay out of his own pocket but will be reimbursed by the District when the funds become available.

Chris C. – Suggested a Workshop on step 11. We will decide on a date at the April 6 meeting.

Frank Z – will need to remind all District 26 GSR’s of the March 19^th assembly. We will need people to set up, serve, clean up etc. 

Next meeting, April 6

District 27: No Report

Section III:  Charlie C.:

THANKS TO SECTION – 4 FOR HOSTING. GREAT JOB.

I HAVE SEVERAL THINGS TO REPORT.

I ATTENDED WILLIAMSTOWN OSTRA’S HOLIDAY PARTY ON DEC. 16^TH 2004. IT WAS GOOD TO SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE THERE.

ALSO ATTENDED DISTRICT-13 MEETING ON JAN. 20^TH 2005 TO EXPLAIN HOW WE HOST AN AREA ASSEMBLY.  I HOPE I CLEARED A FEW THINGS UP.

NOTE; (BY THE WAY, I MADE A MISTAKE ON THE PRICE OF THE HALL RENTAL. TOTAL PRICE IS $ 285.00 OF WHICH  $ 200.00 WAS REPAID BY THE AREA TREASURER TO ROGER G. FOR PROCURING THE HALL. SORRY FOR THE MISUNDERSTANDING.)

I ATTENDED DISTRICT-14’S MEETING ON FEB. 17^TH2005 TO EXPLAIN THE SAME DETAILS AS ABOVE.

I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME A NEW DCM FOR DISTRICT – 29. WELCOME MIKE T.

SECTION-3 WILL BE HOSTING THE NEXT AREA ASSEMBLY/COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD ON MAY 15^TH – 2005 @ WASHINGTON TWP. SENIOR CENTER, 315 GREENTREE RD., WASHINGTON TWP., N.J.

I BROUGHT WITH ME A BUNCH OF FLYERS WITH GOOD ORDERLY DIRECTIONS ON THEM. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.

THE SECTION TREASURY STANDS AT $ 370.00.

District 12:  No Report

Announcement:  Thursday night Williamstown group of OSTRA meeting time is changed to start at 8:00PM.

District 13: Chris S.:

First, I would like to report that the District report that was in the last issue of the Fourth Dimension Newsletter stands corrected.  Due to the fact that the information contained there was not authorized for insertion by the DCM.  This is problematic to the function of the District due to the fact that individuals take it upon themselves to undermine and micromanage information that is not part of the A.A. message being put forth by District 13.  The District is the process of updating and correcting the information on current GSR status. Treasury monies turned over from the previous treasurer were incomplete and difficult to understand.  The breakdown in income and expenses as present. Therefore all money turned over will be entered as totals.  There were questions on the amount of money requested for funding of the upcoming Assembly that were not answered to satisfaction of the District.  The meeting place at St. George’s Church is reserved for the third Thursday of each month for District meeting.  All interested AA’s are encouraged to attend. 

As of our last Assembly meeting, we went fourth with working on the GSR listing.  I have assigned GSR to meetings to find out if information is correct.  We also had some trouble in the District, as some individuals want to change the district meetings behind the DCMs back.  We are discussing the monies for the May Assembly as Section 3 is hosting this event.  We think that cutting cost is more significant than outdoing the other Section’s before us.  We had 6 GSR’s, Elaine Mc. the Area Treasurer, Charlie C. the Section Leader.  The next District meeting is March 17, 2005.  All are welcome.

District 14:  Michelle C.:

In November we had a GSR sharing session.  The purpose of this session was to help the GSR’s better understand their roles at the District, in their Home Groups and AA as a whole.

Our District meting continues to be well attended each month.  The GSR’s and A.A. members on the whole are stopping by for information.

On behalf of District 14 I would like to thank all he Area 45 Panel members for stepping up to the plate and offering their time, sharing their experience, strength and hope with our District when needed.  Your support is so much appreciated.

Treasury balance:  $591.59

District 20:  No Report

District 21:  No Report

District 28:  No Report

District 29:  Mike T.:

I am new.  Thank you to all who helped put on this Assembly.  Welcome to Jim G. new GSR for Thursday Night Woodbury meeting.  I need and welcome all the support from the groups in the District.  As far as I know we do not have any money in the treasury.

Section IV:  Carol P.:

Thanks to all those who helped with the food today. As always, everything fell into place, thanks to everyone’s effort! Thanks to Herb for donating the pork and the rolls. It was a great addition to our lunch!

I attended the Unity Dinner/Dance in November, Leader Group Anniversary Meeting in December, InterGroup Workshop in January and Ventnor Seashore’s Anniversary Meeting last night. As always, grateful to be of service.

Treasury to be determined.

District 15:  No Report

District 16:  No Report

District 17:  Sally F.:

5 GSR’s here today.  Welcome to Vinny from Atlantic City’s Young Peoples Group, and a new Alt. Louie for the Down Beach Group. 

At the last District meeting Jan 25^th we discussed the possibility of a 3hr. “Booseless Cruise”for sometime in June around the Bay and Atlantic City Area.  The last business meeting in Feb. was cancelled due to Mima R. passing.  We meet the 3^rd Tuesday of each month.

We had in our District the following activities: Intergroup Unity  Workshop on Sponsorship, Vetnor’s Seashore Group’s 18^th Annivesay, the Leader Group Anniversary.

I will attend NERAASA next week.

Our treasury to be determined.

District 18:  No Report  (announcement by Carol P.)

The Stagecoach Memoria has a new location:

30 Butter Road in Memoria, across from Smith Jeweler.

District 19:  Karl U.:

District 19 recently completed the mailing of A.A. literature to the police stations and rescue squads throughout the District.  A special thanks to the “Cape May City group” for the donation of funds to make this possible.

Another thank you to the Public Information chair Heather Anne S. and secretary Delores R. for their work on this mailing.

We have now turned our attention to the schools in District 19.  Our goal is to provide proper literature, a Big Book and Step Book for each High School.

We are currently putting together a workshop to be held on June 18^th.  More information coming soon.

In closing, I would like to thank the District for the opportunity for me to attend NERAASA for the first time in Newton Mass. on Feb. 25-27^th.  

AGENDA ITEMS:  NONE