LIFELINE - Southern Maryland Intergroup
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I am responsible
when anyone,
anywhere,
October 2018 Volume 42,
LIFELINE
reaches out for
help, I want the
hand of A.A.
always to be
there, and for
that I am re-
sponsible.
life·line | \ ˈlīf-ˌlīn
1. A rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water.
2. A thing on which someone depends for a means of escape from a difficult situation.
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com
By the time some of us make it to A.A., chatting up a room full of strangers likely isn’t our first priority; we don’t want
to talk, we don’t want to ask (or be asked) questions - we don’t even know if we want to stay. Literature freely of-
fered to us at meetings can help explain this disease, provide avenues for help and opportunities to investigate the
fellowship at sober events. While a meeting lasts an hour, literature can be read anytime, anywhere, and kept for
future reference. Today, digital and printed newsletters carry the message around the world. In southern Maryland,
the printed Lifeline is a tangible bond between the previously-described newcomer and the local AA community.
Digital media and online resources are everywhere, but not everyone has regular access; a printed copy of the Life-
“I find the newsletter in print very uplifting and help- line provides the newcomer an in-depth understanding of how
ful, as it gives me a fresh literary perspective on the local members were able to get sober, remain sober, and experi-
steps and traditions. It also helps me feel a part of ence the miracles of the program in our daily lives. The signifi-
the AA fellowship, because it provides historical ref-
erences, AA Anniversaries and flyers about upcom- cance of this has been consistently underscored throughout
ing events. I don't read the newsletter online, but However, since the publication of the first edition of the Big Book
that is just my personal preference. I'm on a com- in 1939, literature has played an important role in spreading the
puter all day, I prefer my LifeLine in print. But if I'm
looking for info about an upcoming event, I'll check it A.A. message and imparting information about the A.A. Twelve
out online.” Emme J. Step program of recovery. A.A. co-founder Bill W., who often called
the influence of A.A. literature “incalculable,” wrote in the May 1964
In the May 1993 Lifeline, issue of the Grapevine, “Suppose, for instance, that during the last
saw this list, which in- twenty-five years A.A. had never published any standard litera-
spired me to throw out ture…no books, no pamphlets. We need little imagination to see
my Listerine, and buy
that by now our message would be hopelessly garbled. https://
alcohol free Crest mouth-
wash. That Aug had an www.aa.org/
awful fight, primarily ver-
bal, though I did kick In a The 5th Tradition reminds us of the importance to pass this mes-
bedroom door, with
someone very special to sage on to those who still suffer from alcoholism - the Lifeline is
me. The next morning I here to help us succeed in that. Check in with your home
felt terrible, and as I en- groups: Are newcomers at your meetings leaving with Lifelines?
tered the bathroom I
thought I could get a pick Are copies being taken or left untouched on the literature tables,
me up from the mouth- or could you use more? Let us know - better yet, write us a blurb
wash. As I took another about your home group and it’s history. Or your own experience
step I went "sh#t" realiz-
ing the Listerine was when you were a newcomer. What helped you? What scared
gone and replaced with you? Share your funny, humbling, memorable stories from your
the alcohol free. Had the recovery. The Lifeline is an effective way to share your experi-
Listerine still been there
ence, strength and hope with those who may need it the most.
it might have been the
beginning of the end.// I
left the person unidenti-
fied out of love. Sober
date: 16 Dec 1992, which
WE ARE GOING TO KNOW A
would indicate I wasn't NEW FREEDOM AND A NEW
quite right yet. Still a bit off, but so, so much better.
Peace n Love. Wally P. HAPPINESS.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org
THE MAINTENANCE STEPS: STEPS 10, 11, & 12 “What we really have is a daily reprieve
contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.”
Step Ten is for daily inventory and to stay current on new issues. The 10th Step inventory can be done using your 4thstep inven-
tory, a journal, a “balance sheet”, or it can be done right out of the Big Book pg. 84-85. Regardless of how we do it the main
thing is to watch for Fear, Anger, Dishonesty and Selfishness (F.A.D.S). The 10th Step becomes our workhorse step all
throughout the day. We use it to become vividly aware of our shortcomings and assets. This helps us utilize our strengths and
stop hurting others with self centered thinking. There is no self when fully present in this moment. “Thy will not mine be done.”
or similar can help us surrender and stay present. When disturbed take a spot check inventory, pray “at once” and “discuss
them with someone immediately and make amends quickly if we have harmed anyone.” To learn the tenth step Read Step 10
in Little Red Book, 12&12 and Pages 84-85 in the Big Book. Steps 10, 11 & 12 are worked while the amends are being
made. “It should continue for our lifetime.” pg. 84. http://www.aatheoriginalway.com
A Moving and Fascinating Adventure The week before a space launch, an
astronaut was trying to relax at an
Back in step eight (12&12) it describes the AA journey as a “Moving and fascinating adventure.” out-of-the-way pub. Soon, a boozed
In step nine we start the process of making amends, and by then we realize that the promises -up customer at the bar recognized
are already starting to materialize. It would have been easy to rest on my laurels at that time but him and said, “You NASA guys think
I have been attending weekly step study meetings since I first got sober in 1969 and I couldn’t you’re something, hitting the moon
get away from the sage advice that kept repeating itself over and over. and bringin’ back those shuttles and
In step ten it says “Our first objective will be the development of self-restraint. This carries a top all… Heck, we got a couple local
priority rating.” Some examples I read are as follows: Restraint of tongue and pen, drop the guys here, been building their own
word “blame” from our speech and thought (step 4) Quick- temper criticism, Sulking and silent spaceship right out back!”
scorn etc. etc. etc. These are just a few, but you get the picture. With these things revisited, Reluctantly, the astronaut steps in-
three or four times a year, as we cycle through the steps, it kept acting like a rock tumbler and side the spaceship - a huge mess of
slowly but surely, I adopted new habits which helped me to rein in many of the old behaviors beer kegs, cans and junk. A second
that got between me and my peers. I never stop learning these new ideas. drunk boasts, “Moon-schpoon!
Another one of the things that caught my attention in step ten was the quote “Pain is the touch- We’re going to the sun!”
stone of all spiritual progress” then it finishes off the paragraph with, “How heartily we AA’s can The astronaut warns, “Guys, this
agree with him, for we know that the pain of drinking had to come before sobriety, and emotion- thing will incinerate long before you
al turmoil before serenity.” Can this mean that we can have no spiritual progress without suffer- ever get close to the sun…”
ing pain? It didn’t seem to make sense to me so I looked up the word “TOUCHSTONE” in the
“Don’t you think we thought of
dictionary and discovered that a TOUCHSTONE was a mineral that assayers used to test the
that?”, argues the first drunk.
purity of gold. Prior to that, I thought that it was synonymous with stepping stone. This definition
“We’ve got that part figured out…
seems to measure how spiritual we are when the going gets rough. Do we revert back to our
we’re going at night!!”
old habits, or do we stick to the principles we have learned in the program?
The next quote I kept seeing, that piqued my curiosity, was
on page 90, 12&12, “It is a spiritual axiom that every time
we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is some-
thing 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 some-
thing 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 and I find it to be a
tremendous template to improving our relations with them.
In it we question what drives us when we start to get a little
out of sorts and we can apply the pre-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 and 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 any-
thing 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., www.aacleve.org
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 2
LOCAL HISTORY: Two Boyhood Friends Made Crucial Contributions
Two friends from boyhood who lie buried in the cemetery of Christ Episcopal Church at Owensville, Maryland, made
vital contributions to Alcoholics Anonymous in the Fellowship's infancy. But for their individual input, countless thousands
would never have joined AA and the Fellowship itself might have been short-lived. One of the pair-John Henry Fitzhugh M.,
"Our Southern Friend”, in AA's Big Book-was among the first few to get and stay sober in New York. The other was Jim B.,
whose Big Book story is "The Vicious Cycle." Their early efforts formed the foundation of AA's rich history in Maryland. The
pair's friendship flowered in southern Anne Arundel County after Fitz's minister father became rector of Christ Episcopal
Church at Owensville when Fitz was about four years old. Tim B. was the son of a Baltimore physician and grain merchant with
family ties at Cumberstone, just a few miles from Owensville. As teenagers they attended the Episcopal School for Boys at
Alexandria, VA.
Alcohol began to take its toll on both in their twenties. Fitz had a promising career with an established firm aborted by
the Great Depression and took a teaching position in Norfolk, VA, where he drank heavily, lost his job, and his health deterio-
rated. Feeling great compassion for Fitz, another friend from childhood gave him part of his own farm at Cumberstone to
homestead. Jim's story relates that, after losing several fine positions, he drifted into sales work and lost 40 jobs in eight years
"before AA found me."
In the fall of 1935, Fitz heard that Towns Hospital in New York was having some success in treating alcoholics, and
he went there for the "cure." This was just a few months after Bill W.'s historic meeting with Dr. Bob in Akron that marked the
founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. On Bill's return to New York, he had set about trying to "fix" drunks he found at the Calvary
Mission and Towns Hospital. His first successful project was Hank P., whom he had rescued at Towns; Fitz was the second to
be picked up there and maintain sobriety. After returning to Cumberstone, Fitz brought a number of prospects into his home in
a vain effort to get them sober, much to the distress of his wife. He also began to make frequent trips to New York to join Bill
and Lois W. and Hank at meetings of the Oxford Group, a "First Century Christian movement" with which early members of the
fellowship were affiliated. When weekly meetings of the small group of alcoholics soon began to be held at the Wilson home,
Fitz usually came up to attend. Fitz formed a close friendship with Bill and Lois W., who were frequent visitors to his Cumber-
stone home for several years, starting in 1936. Lois W. recalled in her book, Lois Remembers, that they often visited "Fitz and
Co" at Cumberstone and that on different occasions she was called on to care for Fitz's ailing wife and diabetic daughter.
(When queried some years later, Lois said that Bill did not write any of the Big Book at Cumberstone, but some Maryland old
timers believe he made notes there as he formulated ideas for the book.)
At least as early as 1937, Fitz was spending much of his time trying to help drunks and gain a foothold for the Fellow-
ship in Washington, DC, where his sister Agnes worked and provided Fitz shelter and a base of operations for his AA work. His
early efforts met with minimal success, but by the fall of 1939 he and Ned F. had established the nucleus of a small group with
staying power that began to function in Washington as AA's southernmost outpost. One of Fitz's early reclamation projects was
the ill-fated Jackie W.. Fitz sent Jackie to see his old chum Jim B., who was just coming off a binge at his mother's home in
DC. Jim describes the encounter in his Big Book story:
January 8, 1938-that was my D-Day; the place Washington, DC. This last real merry-go-round had started the
day before Christmas and I had really accomplished a lot in those fourteen days. First, my new wife had walked
out, bag, baggage and furniture; then the apartment landlord had thrown me out of the empty apartment and
the finish was the loss of another job. After a couple of days in dollar hotels and one night in the pokey, I finally
landed on my mother's doorstep--shaking apart with several days' beard ... That is the way Jackie found me,
lying on a cot in my skivvies, with hot and cold sweats, pounding heart and that awful scratchiness all over. I
had not asked for help and seriously doubt that I would have, but Fitz, an old school friend of mine, had per-
suaded Jackie to call on me. Had he come two or three days later, I think I would have thrown him out, but he
hit me when I was open for anything...
Jim and Jackie took the train to New York, where they met Bill and Hank. It turned out that Hank had fired Jim from a job years
earlier. Jim was impressed by the sobriety of the New Yorkers and decided to join them "and take all that they gave out except
the 'God Stuff'." He also took a job as a traveling salesman for a business Hank and Bill had started. Jim B. later recalled that
his association with the little band in New York started about the time that Hank began pressing Bill to put something of the pro-
gram in writing; up to that time, the "program" was carried solely by word of mouth in the New York and Akron meetings. The
Akron contingent was initially against any publication--it was still closely affiliated with the Oxford Group, from which the New
Yorkers had severed ties in September 1937. Akron finally acquiesced, and Bill began writing in the sprint of 1938. As Bill fin-
ished a chapter it would be reviewed and discussed by the New York members and a copy sent to Dr. Bob for review in Akron.
This procedure brought lively debate in New York, particularly over the language of Chapter Five and the Twelve Steps. As
related in Part 1 of this series, Fitz and Jim became central characters in the discussions, (continued on page 12)
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 3
TWELFTH
When I was only a few
days without a drink, I God is Not the Bad Guy Tom M.
asked for help from a
STEP
sponsor. He told me How many times have we heard in the rooms that someone
that one of the ways I
turned off on seeking a spiritual union with God because their
could end the pain I
parents made them attend church as a child, and they found the
GOLD
was in was to be of ser-
vice to others. I of preacher lacking? How many of us have used similar excuses to
course, at that time, had avoid prayer, or leave the church altogether? We kept away,
no real Idea of what that sometimes with a vengeance, until we reached a point where we
meant or would come to mean to me. My sponsor suggested had no options. “God, please help me” we finally asked. And
I find a home group to be of service in. then, despite our years of absence, He responded, and we found
new hope in recovery. Such thinking is just another way of avoid-
In short order I found the group that would remain my home
group today. The people in that group welcomed me with ing reality. We alcoholics are really good at denying what is all
opened arms, and gave me the keys to the meeting place, too obvious to others who believe in a Higher Power. We say
and asked me to make coffee. I figured they were either test- “God, as we understand Him” so we may welcome those who
ing my trustworthiness, or reliability. I was sure they ex- claim to be agnostic or atheist. No matter what we believe, we
pected me to fail! I was determined to prove them wrong. can find a spiritual home which welcomes us. Our vision of God,
That’s correct, I was determined to be sober and reliable out as we understand Him, is of a welcoming deity who wants us to
of spite and resentment! I still shake my head at my foolish be joyous and free, so we may be of use to our family and fellow-
arrogance. I have learned since, the AA program and fellow-
ship. We have left behind the images we may have learned as a
ship do not work under the principles of spite and resent-
ment, but love and tolerance. Sponsor suggestion continued; child of a wrathful God who dishes out retribution for every fault
he had suggested I find three service commitments! What an we may have, for every transgression we may have committed.
order! In addition to my home group, I found two other Sometimes we add another twist to our thinking, as in “I’m an
groups where I helped setup or clean up after the meeting. Irish Catholic, so a certain amount of drinking comes with the
territory.” This is just another way of diverting responsibility for
Today, a few years later, the AA fellowship considers me
our actions. In truth, it doesn’t make any difference what our an-
useful and I still find myself with three commitments. I am
chair of one of my home group’s weekly meetings. I have the tecedents may be. We must still take responsibility for our own
privilege of taking a meeting into a rehab once a month. Ad- actions. The same line of reasoning applies to people of Jewish,
ditionally, I was elected as a board member of the Intergroup Italian, or any other extraction. In the end, we are all God’s chil-
Association. As Parliamentarian, it is my duty to keep order dren. He wants the best for us, not the worst. With His help, we
in the member meetings and ensure the Intergroup follows can recover. With His help, we can attain the broad, sun-lit up-
the bylaws established. It is imperative the Intergroup con- lands of sobriety, and stay there. A central element of our twelve
ducts business in the correct way to further the mission of step program is for-
“Aid in the relief and recovery of persons suffering from Alco- giveness. As we forgive
holism and its’ attending problems.” In accordance with AA’s
others, we in turn are giv-
9th Tradition.
en freedom from resent-
Service has been a skill I have had to learn inside of AA re- ments which kept us from
covery, A skill which allows me to live in a world that does living full and happy lives.
not always lay a clear path for me to walk. Service is a skill Our Higher Power is the
that helps me to become “other centered”, and therefore so-
source of our love for oth-
ber. Bruce O.
ers, releasing us from the
self-centeredness that
consumed us. Now we
have learned how to think
logically again, to not be
driven by chemistry and
we can find His wisdom in
many people. This is a
good thing. We are on the
right path. So, instead of
using old ways of thinking to deny the existence of a Higher Pow-
er, we embrace the promise of redemption. Instead of wallowing
in self pity (“The church doesn’t understand me!”), we open our-
selves to understanding God’s real purpose for us, to live happy,
joyous and free. What a vision! And to think it all started with a
couple of drunks in Ohio. What a remarkable story. https://
"Earl suddenly realizes why his sponsor said that www.marylandaa.org/New/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/
he should always bring another person along on a MargenserNews_4rdQuarter2017-lowres.pdf
twelfth step call."—John C., Berlin, Wis.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 4
OCTOBER 2018
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6
Linda M., 18yr John F., 4yr Alkie Al, 22yr Rev, 10yr
(Monday Night (Hollywood) (Beginners @ (Early Bird)
Traditions) Noon) PIZZA
Andy R., 36yr
MTG!
(Huntingtown
Noon)
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Aaron S., 2yr
(Lexington Park
Big Book)
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Willie S., 33yr
(Solomon’s)
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Terry F., 18yr Mike D., 7yr Denise N., 1yr Dan S., 10yr
Barbara W., 17yr (Tuesday Night (Wednesday (Poplar Hill)
(Drunks ‘R’ Us) Big Book) Night Women)
28 29 30 31
CONGRATULATIONS!
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 5
November 2018
NOVEMBER 2018
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
Guy A.., 12yr
(What’s the
Point)
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Wayne S,
31yr
(Hollywood)
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Bill L., 8 yr
(Mt Harmony)
We will comprehend the word serenity and we will
18 19 know peace.
20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
Josh, 1yr
(Solomon’s)
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 6
2018 National Corrections Conference
www.2018NationalCorrectionsConference.org
2018NCCInfo@gmail.com
(207) 441-7981
FRIDAY November 2, 2018
2PM Registration opens
3PM Early Bird Meeting
7PM Opening Meeting
SATURDAY November 3, 2018
8AM Speaker Panels
(continue throughout the day)
6PM Saturday Night Banquet
7:30PM Speaker Meeting
SUNDAY November 4, 2018
8AM Speaker Panels
For more information: Be sure to mention that you are participating
in the 2018 National Corrections Conference to receive the $109 per
night reduced rate. All room reservations must be booked directly with
the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks before October 2, 2018. Hotel
offers free shuttle service from/to Portland International Jetport.
SMIA GRATITUDE DINNER
Jack Foreaker The Recovery Show”
November 10, 2018 6:30pm. Tickets $20/each
New York Strip Roast Sponsored by:
w/Au-Jus and Sau- S.M.I.A.
téed’ Mushrooms For more information
Pecan Encrusted
or tickets:
Salmon
w/ Balsamic Glaze 240-496-0211
Chicken Dijon or email
Whipped Potatoes rev.john13@hotm
w/ Bacon, Chives
ail.com
Herbed Rice Pilaf
Roasted Vegetable Immaculate
Medley
Autumn Baby Car- Conception Church
rots 28297 Old Village Rd.
Assorted Artisan
Rolls Mechanicsville, Md.
Gratitude Cake
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 7
HOT OFF THE PRESS!!
The achievement of freedom from fear is a lifetime One Big Tent is a col-
undertaking, one that can never be wholly complet- lection of stories, origi-
ed. When under heavy attack, acute illness, or in nally published in Grape-
other conditions of serious insecurity, we shall all re- vine, which represent
act to this emotion -- well or badly, as the case may the shared experience of
be. Only the self-deceived will claim perfect freedom secular AA members
who have struggled with
from fear. Bill W., Grapevine, January 1962
alcoholism, yet ultimately found a com-
mon solution in AA. Atheists, agnos-
tics, nonbelievers and secular alcohol-
ics have been members of the AA Fel-
MARK H. lowship since its earliest days, making
significant contributions to the develop-
ment of the program, helping to swing
the doors of AA ever-wider. But finding
their path has not always been easy.
NEED A SPEAKER MEETING? Mark H. In One Big Tent, these members
shares "What God can do" (Steps 10,11, share how they found their place in AA,
work the program, do service and
and 12) https://www.youtube.com/
sponsor others. To order for only
watch?v=nPAMRN6RKHk $11.50, simply click here.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 8
24th ANNUAL BOOTHEEL ROUNDUP
October 12th, 13th and 14th 2018 Hayti Community Center, Hayti, MO.
NO REGISTRATION FEE - FREE BANQUET
Friday, Oct. 12th
5:00 Registration Begins
Coffee and Fellowship
LODGING
8:00 AA Speaker Drury Inn 573-359-2702
Ron P. (Piedmont, MO)
10:00 Fellowship Quality Inn 573-359-2200
Regency Inn 573-359-0023
Saturday, Oct. 13th
9:00 Coffee and Fellowship KOA Campgrounds 573-359-1580
10:00 AA Speaker, John S.
(St Louis, MO)
2:00 Alanon Speaker, Geneva D. (Moscow Mills,
MO)
3:30 Bingo
Contacts
6:00 FREE Banquet
LC
7:45 Sobriety Countdown
870-740-8113
8:00 AA Speaker, Pat D. (Moscow Mills, MO)
10:00 Fellowship CD ‘s Available by:
Danny W. On-Q Audio Recording
Sunday Oct., 14th 731-334-7794 314-413-5939
8:00 Coffee, Donuts &
MaryAnn H. Email:
Fellowship OnQAudio@gmail.com
870-740-2792
10:00 AA Speaker,
Diane C . (Martin , TN)
Prize Donations Appreciated - Drawings for raffles will be held after each speaker
50/50 Raffle after the 8:00 speaker
NO SMOKING INSIDE
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org
Treasurer’s Report
OCTOBER 2018
Top 10 Yearly Contributors
Southern Maryland Intergroup
Association Inc Honor Roll
Revenue by Donor Summary Beach Beacon $727.00
Sunday AM Sobriety $540.00
September 1-22, 2018
Anonymous Donor $500.00
Revenue
Back to Basics $335.00
Beach Beacon $122.00 La Plata $328.20
Do Drop Inn $50.00 Solomon's Group $275.00
Friday Night Drunks R Us $225.00
$75.00
Alive
We Are Not Saints $174.38
Huntingtown
$50.00 Way Of Life $147.00
Noon
231 Group $121.00
Waldorf Group $20.03
TOTAL $317.03
Our member groups were extraordinarily generous
this month, contributing $1052.15! These contri-
butions as well as significant Bookstall sales
brought us closer to a balanced budget. The tim-
ing couldn't have been better as we have a
$1552.90 invoice for Where and When printing due. Presently, we have $4137.25 in our Op-
erating account. However, while reviewing our Contributor’s summary, it occurred to me
that only 26 of the 120 groups in our intergroup association have made contributions this fis-
cal year. That’s only 21%. On average, at most of our monthly meetings, only 14% of our
120 groups are represented. Please pass this info along to your home groups.
“Now that we are sober in A.A., the word ‘support’ has to do with sharing, people,
self-respect, gratitude, and what we are privileged to give — not take — in material
terms.” While the Fellowship has always faced problems of money, property, and
prestige in one form or another, through the wisdom of the Seventh Tradition we
have never been diverted from our primary purpose of carrying the message to the
alcoholic who still suffers — wherever he or she may be. This is the fundamental
work of Alcoholics Anonymous, and to ensure that the hand of A.A. will always re-
main outstretched, money and spirituality must continue to mix. And for that, we are
all responsible. Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix - Pamphlet F-3 on Self Support
The Seventh Tradition states that Alcoholics Anonymous is self-supporting through our own contributions.
The contributions help to cover the group’s expenses. But the Seventh Tradition is more than simply paying
for rent and other group expenses. It is both a privilege and a responsibility of individual groups and mem-
bers to ensure that our organization, at every level, remains forever self-supporting and free of outside in-
fluences that might divert us from our primary purpose. The monetary amount of each contribution is sec-
ondary to the spiritual connection that joins us in unity with A.A. groups around the world. - GSO
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 10Southern Maryland Intergroup Association Inc
Southern Maryland Intergroup Association Inc
Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Activity As of September 22, 2018
September 15-22, 2018
Total
Total
ASSETS
REVENUE
Current Assets
Bookstall Sales $663.60
Bank Accounts
Contributions $1,052.15
Bookstall Cash on hand $100.00
Total Revenue $1,715.75
Business Savings
$6,991.94
(Prudent Reserve)
Gross Profit $1,715.75
Petty Cash $57.70
Expenditures Primary Business
$43.76 $4,137.25
Lifeline Printing Checking (6806)
Total Bank Accounts $11,286.25
Total Expenditures $43.76
Total Current Assets $11,286.25
Net Operating Revenue $1,671.99
$1,671.99 TOTAL ASSETS $11,286.25
NET REVENUE
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 11LOCAL HISTORY (cont.) with Fitz favoring a Christian religious approach and Jim aligned with those wanting a philosophical
text devoid of references to God. The resulting compromise language of "God as we understood Him" was hailed by Bill W. as
a "ten strike" that opened the way for those of all faiths and little or no faith to embrace and be embraced by Alcoholics Anony-
mous. And when disagreement developed over the title of the Big Book, it was Fitz to whom Bill turned for help: his search at
the Library of Congress found a dozen books titled The Way Out and none named Alcoholics Anonymous. Thus both the
book and the Fellowship were named. Fitz and Jim were also prototype "service workers." In addition to "Twelve Stepping" pro-
spects and founding groups, they pioneering institutional relations community/public emissaries.
Fitz's efforts in Washington led to groups forming in Georgetown, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville
and Colmar Manor in Maryland; and Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church in Virginia. The other traveling salesman
Jim B.'s need for the company of other alcoholics led him to establish groups in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Harrisburg, PA and
Wilmington, DE. His seed-planting in Baltimore doubtless eventually sprouted groups in Towson, Glen Burnie and other points
in Maryland. Both developed excellent relationships with hospitals in DC and Philadelphia to the point where A. A.'s could ad-
mit and take home alcoholics from alkie wards to which they had were and access any hour of the day or night. Through his
liaison with top government officials, Fitz also gained AA access to the workhouse to which drunks were sent by DC courts. An
invaluable bonus growing out of Jim's founding the first group in Philadelphia was the famous Jack Alexander article in The
Saturday Evening Post, which Jim B. was instrumental in getting published. Publicity in the immensely popular and widely
circulated Post brought thousands of letters to AA and spurred phenomenal growth of the Fellowship in 1941 and subsequent
years. Jim B. can also be credited with adoption of AA's Third Tradition--"The only requirement for membership is a desire to
stop drinking"--as reported by Bill W. in Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (pp. 143-145).
In World War II, Fitz rejoined the army where he was found to have cancer. He died October 4, 1943, eight years so-
ber. Jim migrated to San Diego and continued active in AA until his death on September 8, 1974. Fittingly they rest a few yards
apart just outside the chancel of Christ Church at Owensville, where their paths first crossed as youngsters. Undoubtedly there
were many other unsung heroes among "early timers" whose efforts helped Alcoholics Anonymous through its perilous first
years, but few if any made critical contributions like those of the two Maryland men of south Anne Arundel County.
http://silkworth.net/aagrowth/early_maryland.html
One of the most important things in recovery is
HOTLINE SERVICE: A WIN-WIN FOR ALL helping the still suffering alcoholic. The SMIA is
committed to this principle and provides a 24x7 Telephone Service. But phone support is of no benefit if we do
not have service committed people to call . We have a simple and secure method for you to add your name to the
SMIA 12-Step Call List. This information is protected and will only be shared with the Phone Committee Chair. Go
online to the intergroup website, www.somdintergroup.org (the 12-step Phone List link is on this page). Click on
the link to access, complete the online form, and discover the benefits of this valuable service opportunity by
connecting with others throughout the local community. You will be amazed before you’re half way through.
Want Need a Meeting
SMIA PHONE REPORT County Other * Total Calls
to Talk Ride Info
FOR SEPTEMBER 2018
Calvert 1 1 2
Charles 1 1 2
St. 1 1 2
Not
2 3 5
Specified
Total
2 0 3 6 11
Calls
“And above all, let us remember that great legions who still suffer from alcohol-
*Other: 1-Crisis | 2-Info about
ism and who are still without hope. Let us, at any cost or sacrifice, so improve treatment for a friend | 3- Info
our communication with all these that they may find what we have found.” about workshop | 4-Meetings in
Bill Wilson, ©The AA Grapevine, February 1961 Spanish
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 12DISTRICT 1
CALVERT COUNTY
DISTRICT 35 - CHARLES
COUNTY
Saturday pm:
MEN’S MTG (JAIL)
Tuesday pm:
WOMEN’S MTG
(DETENTION CENTER) District Meeting:
Wednesday pm: 7 PM, 3rd Monday
MEN’S MTG St. Paul’s Episc.
(DETENTION CENTER) Church
District Meeting: Prince Frederick,
7 PM, 1st Thurs MD
Peace Lutheran District 1 Trust
Church Fund
Waldorf MD PO Box 234
District 35, PO Box 1981, Barstow, MD 20610
La Plata, MD 20646 www.calvertaa.org
DISTRICT 36 - ST. MARY'S COUNTY
GREAT 12-STEP OPPORTUNITY!
New treatment center needs support. Local groups from all districts are
needed to take meetings. Meeting calendar flexible This is a unique oppor-
tunity to help local Newcomers build a solid foundation and learn about
strong sponsorship. Contact Pat. S. for more info - 301-481-2090
District Meeting: 6:30 PM, 2nd Tuesday
@ Hollywood Rescue Squad Bldg., Hollywood
Mailing Address: District 36, PO Box 1334,
California, MD 20619
“We ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the
personal consequences might be.” Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 79
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 13SMIA Meeting Minutes - September 15 2018 Opening: Pat S. opened the meeting with serenity prayer New Members and District Reps: Peggy K. District 36 Where and When committee Chairperson Committee Chairs and District Reps: Pat S. SMIA Chair and District 36 DCM ALT, Bruce O. SMIA Parliamentarian, Bill L. SMIA Treasurer and Webmaster, Calvert District 1 Rep, Buddy F. SMIA Secretary District 36 Treasurer, Keith SMIA Lifeline, Keenan W. SMIA Bookstall, Chair, John M. Gratitude Dinner Chair, Becky B. District 36 C&T Chair, Peggy K. District 36 Where and When committee Chair, Katherine L. District 36 Secretary, Rodger M. District 1 PI/CPC committee chair, Groups: Jeanine W. St Charles Step, Andy X. Keeping it Green, Jill B. Sunday Morning Sobriety, Jeff A. Waldorf, Becky B. Poplar Hill, John M. Early Bird, Kaki B. Hughesville, Dave C. We Wuz Wurz, Jim D. Awakenings, Dee E. New Life, Keith Almost Normal, Katherine L., ODAAT, Rene W. The Inspiration Group, Buddy F. Basic Text, Rodger M Living Sober, Pat P. North Beach, Janine G. Sobriety Sis- ters, Bill L. Sunderland, Anne Friday Night Alive. Previous Months Minutes: Buddy F. presented Secretary’s report for the month of August Jeanine W. made motion to accept the minutes Jill B. seconded the motion August minutes were accepted as read. Treasurers Report: Bill L. Fiscal years income is $6,500.00 expenses were $8,584.00 with a net loss of-$1,229.00. Bill stated that all is well He also mention that the Audit still needs to take place after today’s meeting. Where and When: Bryan G. was not available, However Where and When's were available. SMIA is looking for a new Chairperson for the Where and When Committee. Bookstall: Keenan stated that there was $485.95 in Bookstall sales and $97.98 in Bookstall purchases. Telephone: Emma J. was not available but provided a report that was presented by Pat S. a total of 12 calls were received and Emma stated that she up graded the contact list. Lifeline: Keith stated he would be interested in people giving brief stories about how their home group came about. He also stated he was waiting for the committee chairs Biography of Service to print. And is looking for feedback on the Lifeline - things are going well. Website: Bill L. stated there were 2,465 visit to the website. Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No report, Charles Jeanine W. presented a report for Dan W. stating that there is a Monday and Thursday meeting at the Recovery of America Center and that they only have 2 men and 4 women to take meetings into the correction facilities, St Mary’s Becky B. All the meeting at the corrections are being filled and she stated she had monthly groups covering the An- chor facility and they are doing well. PI/CPC: Calvert Rodger M. stated that he placed Where and When’s in most of the racks doing well, Charles no report, St Mary’s Peggy G. reported that she had been helping Mary F. who is the new District 36 Committee Chairperson out with Where and When distribu- tions and also Buddy F. gave a report from Mary F. stating she had made a large order and is getting around to all the racks with some help from volunteers. Gratitude Dinner: John M. stated the tickets were 90% sold out. The total number of tickets was 200. Serenity Breakfast: No chairperson Picnic: No report Old Business: Pat S. mentioned about the tabled Lifeline issue and a discussion took place about the cost of the additional printing and how many can we afford to print, after a lengthy discussion, Keith A. made a motion to continue printing 40 copies John M. seconded the motion after a discussion Dee E wanted to amend the motion for 20 more copies a vote was taken and the amendment was voted down 4 yays and 6 nays. Pat S. asked that all Committee Members please provide their email addresses to the Webmaster to be listed on the SMIA website; there is currently no method to contact the Committee Members if needed. Pat S. asked if anyone was looking into a new location for next year’s SMIA picnic and Keenan stated he was looking. New Business: Jeff A. stated he was willing to take over the Where and When. Pat S. stated she really wants to get the biography article for the Life line from the Officers and Committee Chairs going, it has been 3 months since that last article. Pat S. asked if anyone could stay after the meeting to help out with the audit 4 people volunteered. For the good of the Order: Buddy F. stated that he would not be able to attend next month’s SMIA meeting and that Jeanine W. would take the minutes. Pat S. stated that there will be a New Year’s Dance at the Immaculate Conception Church in Mechanicsville MD, sponsored by District 36. Bill L stated that there was a Sponsors/ sponsee Dinner District 1. Buddy F stated District 35 is having a workshop Myths and Misconceptions on the 28th of September. Bruce O. noted that our Vice Chair was out of town on business and his absence was excused. Buddy F. made a motion to adjourn, Jeff A. seconded the motion; meeting was adjourned at 11:05 am. Pat S. closed with our Responsibility Declaration. Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 14
Oct 1936 - Bill C., a Canadian alkie staying at Bill's house, committed suicide using a gas stove.
Oct 1939 - 1st central committee formed in Cleveland; 1st example A.A. rotation.
Oct 1951 - Lasker Award given to AA by American Public Health Assoc.
Oct 1954 - The "Alcoholic Foundation" renamed the "General Service Board of A.A."
Oct 1, 1941 - Local news reports 1st AA Group in New Haven, CT.
Oct 1, 1957 - Book "A.A. Comes of Age" published.
Oct 2, 1944 - Marty M. founded National Committee Education Alcoholism, later became National Council on Alcoholism.
Oct 3, 1945 - AA Grapevine adopted as national publication of AA.
Oct 5-7, 1972 - 2nd World Service meeting held in New York.
Oct 5, 1988 - Lois Burnam Wilson died.
Oct 8, 1988 - Memorial Service for Lois W at Stepping Stones, NY.
Oct. 9-11, 1969 - 1st World Service meeting held in New York with delegates from 14 countries.
Oct 10, 1970 - Lois reads "Bills Last Message" at annual dinner in NY.
Oct 10, 1988 - Lois is buried next to Bill in East Dorsett, Vermont.
Oct 13, 1947 - "The Melbourne Group" held its first meeting in Australia.
Oct 14, 1939 - Journal of American Medical Association gives Big Book unfavorable review.
Oct 17, 1935 - Ebby T, Bills sponsor, moves in with Bill and Lois.
Oct 20, 1928 - Bill wrote promise to Lois in Bible to quit drinking. By Thanksgiving added second promise.
Oct 21, 1939 - Cleveland Plain Dealer begins series of articles on AA of by Elrick Davis.
Oct 22, 1963 - E M Jellinek, alcoholism educator and AA friend dies.
Oct 24, 1942 - L.A. Times reports AA groups in 14 California cities.
Oct 24, 1943 - Wilson's start 1st major A.A. tour, returned Jan 19, 1944.
Oct 24, 1973 - Trustee's Archives Committee of AA has its 1st meeting.
Oct 28, 1994 - National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence celebrates 50 years.
http://www.a-1associates.com/aa/HISTORY_PAGE/significant_dates.htm
SMIA BOARD “Our leaders
CHAIR: Pat S. smia.chair@somdaa.org
VICE CHAIR: John L. smia.vicechair@somdaa.org
are but trusted
SECRETARY: Buddy F. smia.secretary@somdaa.org servants, they
TREASURER: Bill L. smia.treasurer@somdaa.org
PARLIAMENTARIAN: Bruce O. smia.parliamentarian@somdaa.org
do not govern.”
Where & When: Bryan G. smia.whereandwhen@somdaa.org
Lifeline: Keith H. lifeline@somdaa.org
Telephone: Emme J. smia.telephone@somdaa.org
Please send any information
Website: Bill L. webmaster@somdaa.org
Bookstall: Keenan W. bookstall@somdaa.org changes to the
The Lifeline is an unofficial newsletter published by Southern Maryland Intergroup
Where & When Chair at:
Association, Inc. Any opinions expressed are those of the writers. They are not en-
dorsed by SMIA, any group or AA as a whole. Group secretaries and individuals are smia.whereandwhen@somdaa.org.
encouraged to send group news, anniversaries and events. Material may be edited for
space and content. Please send email to: lifeline@somdaa.org , or mail to SMIA at the
above address.
Current Where and When meeting guides
REMEMBER, THE DEADLINE FOR ALL LIFELINE SUBMISSIONS IS THE 27th OF are available at the monthly SMIA meet-
EACH MONTH.
ing.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND INTERGROUP 1-800-492-0209 www.somdintergroup.org 15You can also read
