NEWS MAY. Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship SCIF CENTRAL OFFICE. Howarth Park Gazebo, 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa

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1 Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship NEWS MAY 2015 Get the latest meeting listings, upcoming events and more at Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship Presents BOOKSTORE SCIF CENTRAL OFFICE 750 Mendocino Ave., Suite 10 Santa Rosa, CA Manager: Donna K. Phone: (707) Fax: (707) Summer Hours Monday-Friday 10-6 Saturday 11-3 The bookstore is staffed by volunteers. Occasionally it is closed due to lack of staff - Call first! The Bookstore is closed on these Holidays Howarth Park Gazebo, 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa Hamburger & beans w/ soda or water $6 Hot Dog & beans w/ soda or water $5 Bring a side dish or dessert to share! Info/Volunteer: Jessica W Memorial Day May 25 Independence Day July 4 Labor Day September 7 Thanksgiving November 26 Christmas December 25 New Year s January 1 & Disclaimer: The Fellowship News is the monthly newsletter of Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship. Opinions contained herein are strictly those of the authors. Publication of opinions, articles, and announcements does not represent express or implied endorsement, approval, or affliation by Intergroup. We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, language, length and content that violates A.A. Traditions.

2 Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship Presents A.A. in the Armed Services a seminar and discussion NEW MEETINGS Santa Rosa Knuckleheads, (Men s First Step Meeting), Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. (O) (W) (K), Church, 1620 Sonoma Ave. MEETING CHANGES Eldridge Eldridge Group, Monday, 7 p.m. (O) (W) New location: Slater Building, Sonoma Circle, Sonoma Developmental Center. Sebastopol Stein Group, (Lesbian), Sunday, 6:00 p.m. Now a Big Book Study, Senior Center, 187 N. High St. Need to report meeting changes? Send an to: meetingchanges@sonomacountyaa.org or Contact the SCIF Office at Wednesday, May 27, :30 pm to 8:00 pm SCIF Central Office / Bookstore 750 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa Info: Lori S New meeting directories now available The new SCIF Spring-Summer Meeting Directory, which lists meetings for April September 2015, is now available. Intergroup Reps. can pick up new meeting directories at the monthly SCIF business meeting or at the bookstore. The meeting directory is also available on the SCIF website: UNITY DAY PLANNING IS NOW UNDER WAY Thank you all for your support of last year s Unity Day. This year we are planning to have it on Saturday, October 10 at the same place as last year s event: Enmanji Buddhist Temple at 1200 Gravenstein Highway South, in Sebastopol. The time and program will be announced in next month s newsletter, provided Intergroup can find someone willing to take on the job of producing our newsletter. And that brings me to the theme of this year s Unity Day Many Paths to Service: It s all about the journey. If you have decided you want to expand your service opportunities into the wider world of A.A., please attend our first Unity Day 2015 planning meeting on Tuesday, May 26 at the bookstore at 750 Mendocino Ave. in Santa Rosa, 6:30-7:30 p.m. We have plenty of tasks on hand that need someone like you to help showcase the many service opportunities we are lucky enough to have here in Sonoma County. James C. This SCIF newsletter is made possible through the contributions of our members. Please read this newsletter and pass it on. Newsletters are also available online: Other A.A. Resources: Cal. Northern Coastal Area: A.A. World Services: A.A. Grapevine: Page 2 Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship News May 2015

3 SONOMA COUNTY INTERGROUP FELLOWSHIP GENERAL MEETING Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship General Meeting March 23, 2015 The meeting opened at 8:00 p.m. with the Serenity Prayer Readings: Lee J. read the Preamble; Jessica read Tradition Three; Jude H. read Concept III. New Representatives: Jamie N., Up the Steps (Sat 10:30); Elijah B., City Hall (Sun); Rob M., Knuckleheads (Tues 6:30); Rosemary H., Let s Discuss It (Fri); Barbara S., Sober Sisters (Tues); Shelly J., Monday Mood Swings (Mon); Deb D., Came to Believe (Sun); Nate L., New Hope (Sun); Nan B., Third Step (Sat); Cindy R., Higher Power (Thurs); Liliah O., Wednesday Night Women s (Wed); Alex, SOCY- PAA. Birthdays: Monica B., 3 years; Tom F., 7 years; Maddy T., 5 years. OFFICER REPORTS: Chair: (Holly H.) Who may vote explained. Vacancies available. Vice Chair: (Barry D.) Those new reps that did not attend the orientation tonight should arrive by 7:30 p.m. next month to attend the orientation. Include phone number and when signing in. Please bring information to your groups regarding the vacant positions. Secretary: (Jennifer R.) The General Meeting minutes of March 2015 were put forth and approved. Treasurer: (Carolyn A.) Group contributions for February were $3,370 which was $219 more than February of last year. After expenses we had a net gain of $86. Bookstore income was $5,939 and after expenses there was a net loss $306.Overall we had a net loss of $ Year to date we are $2, more than February of last year. Registrar: (Madeleine T.) In February there were 221 groups offering 344 meetings per week in Sonoma County. There were are currently 117 groups that regularly send a rep. to the General Meeting. There were 72 reps. at February s meeting. New reps are encouraged to sign in on the correct day of the week (clearly marked). And if a rep. is an alternate or just picking up items for another rep. please sign in using the reps. name, meeting time, and day. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Bookstore: (Donna K.) The book that will be on sale at the bookstore for the month of April will be the Pass It On. The books normal price is $15.91 but the sale price for April only will be $12.72 plus tax. That is a 20% savings. We are in full swing with our Spring/ Summer hours. The bookstore is now open until 6:00 pm Monday Friday and regular hours 11-3 on Saturdays. We have received some medallions in celebration of A.A. s 80th Anniversary and the International Convention in Atlanta this summer. The will cost $1.15 plus tax. We only ordered a few so if you want one come and get it ASAP. If they go well I will order more. ICSC: (Jay S.) Inventory at Bookstore will take place on 3/29 at noon. Bookstore doing fiscally well. Jay s commitment will be up and open. It is an 18-month commitment. Outgoing Activities: (Open) No volunteers for position. Outgoing Alkathons: (Open) Steve V. voted in as new chair. Outgoing Communications/Newsletter: (Open) No volunteers for position. Outgoing Outreach: (Open) No volunteers for position. Seminars: (Lori S.) Voted back in for another year commitment. Next seminar 5/27/15, A.A. In The Armed Services. Teleservice: (Gus C.) Open shift Thursdays 10:00 p.m. to Friday 9:00 a.m. LIAISON REPORTS SOCYPAA: (Alex) SOCYPAA did not receive the bid for AACYPAA. Went to Orange County. Spanish Central Offce: (Jessica B.) Business meeting is the 3rd Sunday. PI/CPC: (Manuel for Michelle G.) This past month, we had the opportunity to make a presentation in one class at Laguna High School and six classes at Analy High School, both in Sebastopol. All were well received. Next month we are looking forward to co-presenting with NA at Casa Grande in Petaluma. We had three new speaker trainees this month. If anyone here is interested in volunteering, please come see me after the meeting tonight or better yet, come to our committee meeting the second Wednesday of the month in the underground meeting room at city hall. Speaker training starts at 7 p.m. Our regular meeting is from 7:30-8:30. We are especially in need of young people with two years of sobriety or more to help make presentations in the schools. Hospitals and Institutions: (Mary B. - Not Present) General Service: (Jennifer B.) Attended PRAASA (Pacific Regional Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly) in Utah. Hosting Summer Assembly August 1 at Petaluma Vets Hall. Volunteers needed. Bridging the Gap: (Bill D.) Committee meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., 50 cards filled out; 39 from Sonoma County; 11 from out of county. Access Sonoma County: (John F. ) 5/30 Pain Management Workshop at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Meeting on Wheels going well. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: None. Group Representative Sharing: None. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. with the Responsibility Statement. In service, Jennifer R. Suggestions & Submissions for NewsletterWelcome Please send any corrections, suggestions, submissions or comments about the Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship newsletter to: newsletter@sonomacountyaa.org May 2015 Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship News Page 3

4 NEWS FROM THE BOOKSTORE The sale book for May will be One on the retail price. Grapevine. It talks about Ebby T., the Oxford Group in A.A. s very beginning, and how the conception of a sponsor and the ways of sponsoring worked for the pioneers of A.A. Summer hours are in force so come by, we are open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday Friday. SONOMA COUNTY INTERGROUP FELLOWSHIP I Opportunities for Service in Intergroup know what you re saying. You re saying, Holly, how can I be of service to Intergroup and our Sonoma County Fellowship? Well, let me tell you how. Let s say you are a people person, love putting on social events, and delegate well. Maybe the Activities Chair position is right up your alley. Perhaps you enjoy meeting new people, and discovering new meetings. Maybe the Outreach Chair pulse of all the things happening in the Fellowship? Do you want to meeting changes? Enjoy working with computers? Maybe the Communications Chair/Newsletter Editor position is for you. All three of these positions include a recommended sobriety time of two years, an ability to attend the SCIF Steering Committee Meeting, as well as the SCIF General Meeting every month. In addition, we have a very special position opening up in June. Our SCIF treasurer Carolyn Adams is moving. We are looking for someone with the recommended sobriety time of four years, and a bookkeeping background is also year commitment for Carolyn. Intergroup really needs your help. If you are interested, please contact me, Holly H. at In love and service, Holly H. ACCESS Sonoma County Presents Pain Management in Sobriety Workshop Educating Alcoholics: Strategies to Maintain Sobriety While Living with Pain Saturday, May 30 th, :00 4:00 PM Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1300 Saint Francis Road, Santa Rosa TOPICS A View From the Professional Community Experience, Strength and Hope Mind, Body, Spirit: Spiritual and Practical Tools to Work a Program While In Pain Teamwork: Sponsor, Sponsee, Physician Wheelchair Accessible Translation provided: Spanish Please bring an FM radio for Assisted Listening ASL Interpretation provided if requested before April 30, 2015 For more information or ASL Request: or ASC@sonomacountyaa.org It becomes clear that just as it is wrong to enable or support any alcoholic to become re-addicted to any drug, it's equally wrong to deprive any alcoholic of medication, which can alleviate or control other disabling physical and/or emotional problem. -- Member Medications & Other Drugs pamphlet, page 6 Painters, Artists, Helpers Needed WANTED: Painters, artists, and general helpers for SCIF Bookstore spruce up! We are looking for painters who are willing to donate has also been suggested. Are there are any artists who would be interested in working on this mural project? General helpers will also be needed for painting preparation such as moving furniture, taping, etc. If you would like to help in any of these capacities you can contact Tom F. at ASL - QUARTERLY REPORT (GREEN CAN) Group Contributions For Sign Language Interpreters MEETING Cazadero Group Expect A Miracle Higher Power Group Mature and Sober Moment of Silence River Women s Meeting Signs of Sobriety Single Purpose Group Sunday Night Closed Disc. (RP) There Is A Solution Third Step Group 12x12 Discussion Group (Thurs Night) Women s Perspective AA Group Women s Step Study & Discussion Total Paid to interpreters: Prudent Reserve: Page 4 Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship News May 2015

5 HOSPITALS & INSTITUTIONS We of A.A. sometimes brag of the virtues of our fellowship. Let us remember that few of these are actually earned virtues. We were forced into them, to begin with, by the cruel lash of alcoholism. We finally adopted them, not because we wished to, but because we had to. Then, as time confirmed the seeming rightness of our basic principles, we began to conform because it was right to do so. Some of us, notably myself, conformed even then with reluctance. But at last we came to a point where we stood willing to conform gladly to the principles which experience, under the grace of God, had taught us. A.A. Comes of Age The April 1, 2015, meeting of the Hospitals and Institutions Committee greeted our newest meeting reps Erik T., representing the Round Barn Big Book Study; Logan P., Wednesday West Siders (Petaluma); and Elroy Z., Check it Out Group. Thank you for your willingness to serve your fellow alcoholics. Thanks also to our visitors: Lance O., Johnathan, Johnna, Mark and Chris we hope to see you all next time! Over 85 years of sobriety were being celebrated by H&I members for the month of April! Would you like to share your gift with an alcoholic who is confined? For suggestions on how to do that, please come to the next meeting of the H&I Committee, Wed., May 6, 2015, at 6:15 p.m. As always, everyone is welcome to attend the orientation that begins at 5:45. The location is the Community of Christ Church, 1495 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. In service, Mardi BRIDGING THE GAP What Bridging the Gap Means to Me first heard of Bridging the Gap during announcements at one of my I weekly Petaluma A.A. meetings. My first interest was to be on the phone list of volunteers that take newly released alcoholics from treatment centers to an A.A. meeting in their community. Well, I have never been called but I don t take this personally. I have been guided towards two other fabulous commitments in Bridging The Gap; a monthly presenter at Mountain Vista and the liaison between PI/CPC and Bridging the Gap. My presenter service at Mountain Vista is a vital part of my recovery. It provides a precious step for newly exiting men and women. In my past service commitments in H&I, I often thought that there needed to be more guidance towards the A.A. fellowship as soon as people leave a facility. It is an honor to be a part of an organized link between treatment centers and the A.A. fellowship. I say, Stay in the middle of the pack, and take a service commitment. Bridging the Gap consists of a wonderful group of responsible, recovering winners! In service, Susan P. ACCESS SONOMA COUNTY Dual Diagnosis a Topic of Growing Interest Access Sonoma County (ASC) is putting out the call to all those interested in helping plan and put on the next Dual Diagnosis Workshop in October of this year. Dual Diagnosis means that a person has both the disease of alcoholism and an additional mental health diagnosis of some kind (such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bi-polar disorder, etc.). Our 2015 plate is full at ASC, because we re putting on two workshops: first, the Pain Management in Sobriety Workshop coming right up on May 30, then later this fall, the Dual Diagnosis Workshop. Dual diagnosis is a topic of growing concern and interest to many in A.A. More than 70% of people who live with a mental health diagnosis also suffer from alcoholism the highest percentage in any single population. As reflected by one of our hottest agenda items for the General Service Conference this year, our whole fellowship is becoming more interested in increasing access to A.A. for these numerous still suffering alcoholics. This local workshop, which has been so successful in recent years, is one great way to do this. Many of us already sober in A.A. are navigating dual diagnosis, and have learned much of both its challenges and rewards. Those fortunate to have stayed sober over time have found much experience, strength and hope to pass along, as this life-saving wisdom has been passed along to us. The workshop will again open lines of communication on this topic in our fellowship, allowing many to share solutions, questions, and concerns. We have an awesome Pass it On to work from, and will again offer a panel of speakers, open sharing, (and new this time!) perhaps several breakout meetings to choose from as well, in which attendees can hear and share more in-depth on the panelists topics. Please join us and bring your ideas, creativity and energy for this workshop; we need you! Please contact Dan F., Chair of ASC at asc@sonomacountyaa.org to get involved. In service, Kalia M. GENERAL SERVICE The Fun Assembly is Coming this Summer Save the date! Here they come! Sonoma County District 12 and District 18 are hosting the CNCA 06 Summer Assembly, the Fun Assembly, on Saturday, August 1. This event will happen at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall, and will include guest speakers, fun, workshops and lots of sharing opportunities. We are expecting over 400 attendees. Volunteers are needed for this event. If you would like to help, please call me at If you are willing to provide lodging for an out-oftown guest, please contact the Hospitality Chair at CNCAHospitality@ gmail.com. Join us in service. Sherrie M., Summer Assembly Chair Only through utter defeat are we able to take our first steps toward liberation and strength. Our admissions of personal powerlessness finally turn out to be firm bedrock upon which happy and purposeful lives may be built. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 21 May 2015 Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship News Page 5

6 General Service invites you to THE DELEGATE S BBQ! CNCA Delegate Raymundo L. sharing his NYC Conference experience Monday, June 1, 2015 Potluck and BBQ ~ 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Delegate s Report ~ 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm Faith Lutheran Church 4930 Newanga Ave., Santa Rosa, CA Hot Dogs, Burgers, Veggie Burgers & Drinks provided Please bring a side dish, salad or desert to share Volunteers Needed! Call Linda T UPCOMING EVENTS Annual Cache Creek Group Raft Trip The 28th annual Cache Creek Group Rafting trip will be held this year from June 26-28, There will be speaker meetings on Friday and Saturday. The cost for the rafting trip is $150 until May 10 and $155 after May 10. The cost of the trip includes two days of rafting, two nights of camping, meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday breakast and lunch) and a DVD with trip photos. There will be a potluck dinner Friday night. A camping only option is available this year. If you want to enjoy the meetings, the fellowship, and the fun, without rafting, it s $85. Visit for more details. For information, call Robert F., , Paul S., or Kevin P., SOCYPAA Hosts Camping Trip Sonoma County Young People in AA (SOCYPAA) will host its annual Wet Brain Olympics camping trip June at the Pleasure Cove Marina at Lake Berryessa, 6100 Hwy. 128, Napa. The camping trip will include games, fun, food, fellowship and speaker meetings Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. Cost is $25. Co-hosting are other YPAAs, including EBYPAA, SACYPAA. SANYPAA, SLOPAA and PENYAA. There is a barbecue dinner Saturday night. You can register at at SOCYPAA.org, or call Rachel G. for information at MAY 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY First United Methodist Church: Faith Lutheran Church: St. Luke Lutheran Church: Community of Christ Church: S.R. City Hall Employee Lounge: SCIF Bookstore: SOCYPAA First United Methodist 7:15 Business Meeting 3 4 General Service Faith Lutheran Church 6:45 Service Manual Study 6:45 New Rep. Orientation 7:30 Business Meeting SCIF Bookstore 6:00 Teleservice Meeting 6:30 ICSC Meeting 8:00 Intergroup Steering Committee Meeting 1551 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa 4930 Newanga Ave., Santa Rosa 905 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa 1495 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa First St. & Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa 750 Mendocino Ave., Suite 10, Santa Rosa 5 6 Hospitals & Institutions Community of Christ Church 5:45 New Rep. Orientation 6:15 Business Meeting PI/CPC S.R. City Hall 7:00 Training 7:30 Business 14 Access Sonoma County SCIF Bookstore 6:15 Orientation 6:30 Meeting June 2015 Newsletter Deadline 5 P.M SOCYPAA First United Methodist 7:15 Business Meeting 17 24/31 Happy Trails Meet at Coddingtown Post Office to carpool, 10 am. (May 31) Bridging The Gap SCIF Bookstore 6:00 New Rep. Orientation 6:30 Business Meeting 25 Intergroup St. Luke Lutheran Church 7:30 New Rep. Orientation 8:00 Business Meeting General Service Area 06 Committee 320 N. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma Page 6 Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship News May 2015

7 SCIF FINANCIAL SUMMARY MARCH 2015 MEETINGS MARCH 2015 YTD Acres Fellowship Alcoholics Anon. of Sonoma Anonymous Be What You Want to See BYOBB Expect A Miracle Fresh Air Group Friday Night Vets General Service Geyserville Good Neighbor Graton Fellowship GRBBS Grin and Win Group Healdsburg Anonymity Group Individual Kenwood Group Kittens on the Steps Language of the Heart Group LGBT Newcomers Group Lytton Springs Mature and Sober Midwek Madness Monday Night Book & Disc. GROUP CONTRIBUTIONS 2015 Monday Night Sonoma AA New Sobriety Group North Bay Dog on the Roof Not a Glum Lot Oaks Fellowship Open Door Petaluma Valley Group Promise s Group Quitting Time Petaluma River Discussion River Grace Rule 62 River Readers Saturday Night High Steppers Saturday Solution Group SCGMAA Sharing & Caring Signs of Sobriety Single Purpose Group Seb. Sober Sisters Sober Sunday SOCYPAA Sonoma Co. Mens Stag Sonoma Valley Fellowship Steps in Windsor Sunday Breakfast Club Sun. Morning Villa A.A. Group Sunday PM Closed Disc. Group The Eldridge Group There is a Solution Thurs 11th Step Thurs. Night 12X12 Disc. Group Thursday Night Women s AA Tuesday Night Beginners Warm Springs Fellowship Wednesday Matinee Group Wednesday Night Men s Stag Wednesday Westsiders We re In The Now Women in the Solution - Pet. Women s Book Group, Sonoma Women s River Meeting Women s Step Study & Disc. Women s Tues. Noon,Windsor Young at Heart Guerneville MARCH 2015 YTD May 2015 Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship News Page 7

8 A.A. HOTLINES Santa Rosa (707) Sonoma (707) Spanish Speaking (707) TELESERVICE Phone Line Coordinator Joe B. (707) Teleservice Chair Gus C. (707) WEB LINKS ADDRESSES Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship 750 Mendocino Ave. #10 Santa Rosa, CA Sonoma County General Service P.O. Box 536 Santa Rosa, CA Area 22 H&I Treasurer P.O. Box San Francisco, CA P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station New York, NY CA Northern Coastal Area Treasury P.O. Box San Francisco, CA Sonoma County PI/CPC* P.O. Box Santa Rosa, CA SOCYPAA P.O. Box 5784 Santa Rosa, CA *Funded solely through Sonoma County General Service CONTACT INFORMATION SONOMA COUNTY INTERGROUP FELLOWSHIP SCIF OFFICERS Chair Holly H. Vice Chair Barry D. Secretary Jennifer R. Treasurer Carolyn A. Registrar Madeleine T. SCIF COMMITTEE CHAIRS Activities Vacant Alkathons Steve V. ICSC Jay S. Seminars Lori S. Teleservice Gus C. ICSC Nominating Mike C. Unity Day James C. Communications Newsletter Vacant Website Sam K. Meeting Changes Russell SONOMA COUNTY GENERAL SERVICE DCMC Jennifer B. Treasurer Diana D. Registrar Darlene H. Archivist Denise G. Grapevine David K. Access So. County Dan. F. Bridging the Gap Tom F. PI/CPC Ginger K. Interpret./Translation Larry O. HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS COMMITTEE Liason Mary B. SONOMA COUNTY YOUNG PEOPLE IN ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Liason Michael H. FROM/TO SPANISH CENTRAL OFFICE Liason Rosa S. TELESERVICE FLASH As a hotline volunteer, you are the voice of hope. You can help alcoholic, as well as non-alcoholic, callers. Calls range from directions to meetings to Twelfth Step work. Get into service, help a drunk in need. If you re interested, contact Gus C. at , or teleservice@sonomacountyaa.org and sign up for a shift or get on the waiting list. Page 8 Sonoma County Intergroup Fellowship News May 2015