| Southern Maryland Intergroup Association On-Line Minutes |
The SMIA Monthly Minutes back to January 2016 are available from the links below. Contact the webmaster (webmaster@somdaa.org) for pdf versions, or versions prior to January 2016
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Sept 2020
SMIA Meeting
September 12 2020
Opening Bill L. opened with Serenity prayer.
Visitors None
Board Members present Bill L., Chair and Website, Keenan W. Parliamentarian and Bookstall, Cora W. Treasurer. Tressie F. Secretary and Janine G. Co-Chair attended via cell phone.
Group Representing &Committees Bill has the list.
SMIA Chair Report Bill stated that He had been confronted about the AA groups meeting in person. Bill stated that SMIA was not involved with how or when a home group decides when they should meet. SMIA adheres to the local and state governing on such matters, we are here to provide AA Literature, Where and When’s and the Lifeline.
Co-Chair Report No Report
Secretary Report Buddy F. gave Tressie F. Secretary report. The Secretary Report was accepted as read.
Treasurer Report Cora W. gave Treasurers Report the report was accepted as read
Committee Reports
Archives No report
Bridging the Gap, No report
Bookstall Keenan W. there were $ 43.00 in Bookstall sales last month. The Bookstall still needs a chairperson.
Lifeline Keith H. presented the possibility of printing fewer Lifelines due to ongoing COVID-19 and copies weren’t getting distributed. A discussion followed and a motion was made and accepted to only print 15 copies for next month.
Website Bill L. gave report see report
Corrections and Treatment No report
PI/CPC No report
Gratitude Dinner Canceled
Picnic Canceled
Serenity Breakfast No report
Where and When No report
Old Business Cora W. stated that she had sent the article of Revival in
Bill L. stated that he had sent messages to all three DCM’s about how some groups are not telling their district they have opened back up but they really have. This is not for the good of AA.
New Business None
For the Good of the Order
Keenan opened up a discussion about whether the SMIA meeting should resume meeting in person or having a Zoom meeting instead. After all who attended spoke on the topic. A motion was made to continue having in person meetings and also having people attend on Zoom. The motion was seconded and the motion was accepted. One reason being was that groups are open and we need to be able to supply the groups with literature and chips.
Meeting Adjourned at 11:05 with the Lords Prayer
August 2020
SMIA Meeting Minutes
For August 8, 2020
Opening: The meeting was opened by Bill L. with the serenity prayer.
Visitors: none
Board Members Present:
Bill L. Chairperson, Keenan Parliamentarian, Cora – Treasurer, Tressie F. Secretary.
Groups Represented & Committee Chairs: Buddy F. – Basic Text, Bill L. – Web Chair, Cora W. – Treasurer/We are not Saints, Joyce S. District 36 Alt DCM/Almost Normal, Keith H. Lifeline Chair/Almost Normal, Melissa W. – 12&12 Serenity, Emme J. – Graceful Sobriety (closing meeting), Steve H. – Brown Bag
SMIA Chair Report: Bill L. - no report.
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. – not present to report.
Secretary Report: Tressie F. gave the Secretary’s for Jul6 8th, 2020. The report was accepted with minor corrections.
Treasurer Report: Cora provided treasurers report. Net assets of $6760.75, $407 received in donations, and $996 from bookstall to date (for additional details see report online).
Committee Reports
Archives: No Report.
Bridging the Gap: No Report
Bookstall: Keenan is acting chair. Need a Bookstall chair. $135.95 in bookstall sales previous month. Need to replenish medallions and P&I Kit requested.
Telephone: Need a chair. Calls last month 3 for St. Mary’s, 4 for Calvert, and 2 for Charles.
Lifeline: Keith H. – printed copies for distribution today. Having issues with Publisher software. Bill recommended Keith check out InDesign.
Website: Bill L. There were 4466 visits to the website. COVID 19-Updates are being made as he gets them. Two online meetings have been removed and there are currently 36 online meetings. An online form is available for GSR or primary contact to enter meeting information for reopening. To date, 68 meetings have reopened with 43 being held outdoors; 81 are still closed; and 3 meetings have not reported their status. SMIA Online bookstall has had 147 visitors and 4 orders placed to date.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report St. Mary’s –No Report Charles - No Report
PI/CPC: Calvert – No report Charles – No report St. Mary’s – Mary F. – No report.
Gratitude Dinner: Canceled this year.
Serenity Breakfast: No report
Picnic: Cancelled for this year due to COVID19.
Where and When: No report.
Old Business:
Budget was reviewed, adjusted, voted on to accept.
Phone service – there have been complaints about the phone service. The phone service functions as required by our service agreement. Part of the issue is that we need a new service provided but the chair position has been open for a while. Melissa asked questions about what is involved and will think about taking the position.
New Business:
Articles were reviewed, signed and submitted to the state of Maryland
The fact that meetings are reopening and intentionally not telling people to keep numbers down was discussed. The SMIA body present felt this is a clear violation of traditions and selfish.
Good of the order: Graceful Sobriety is closing due to lack of support.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned with the Responsibility Pledge – I am responsible…. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible
Submitted by Tressie F., SMIA Secretary
July 2020
SMIA Meeting Minutes
For July 8, 2020
Opening: The meeting was opened by Bill L. with the serenity prayer.
Visitors: none
Board Members Present:
Bill L. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Keenan Parliamentarian, Emme – treasurer, Tressie F. Secretary.
Groups Represented & Committee Chairs: Buddy F. – Basic Text, Bill L. – Sunderland/WEB, Cora W. – Treasurer/We are not Saints, Joyce S. District 36 Alt DCM/Almost Normal, Mary F. PI/CPO St. Marys Chair, Keith H. Lifeline Chair/Almost Normal
SMIA Chair Report: Bill L. - no report.
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. – no report.
Secretary Report: Tressie F. gave the Secretary’s for June 13th, 2020. The report was accepted with minor corrections.
Treasurer Report: Cora provided treasurers report. Net assets of $6577.40 (for additional details see report online). Proposed budget presented – subject to review, the vote is tabled until next month. Asked about scanning paper treasurer materials.
Committee Reports
Archives: No Report.
Bridging the Gap: No Report
Bookstall: Dave T. is stepping down from the position. Need a Bookstall chair. $226 in bookstall sales previous month.
Telephone: Need a chair. Calls last month 3 for St. Mary’s and 1 for Charles.
Lifeline: Keith H. – printed 25 copies for distribution today. There was a consensus that was sufficient until more people start attending monthly meeting. Lifeline is also available online.
Website: Bill L. There were 5158 visits to the website. COVID 19-Updates to temporarily closed meetings are being made as he gets them. An online form is available for GSR or primary contact to enter meeting information for reopening. To date, 62 meetings have reopened with 35 being held outdoors; 80 are still closed; and 12 never reported their status. SMIA Online bookstall has had 99 visitors and 2 orders placed to date.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report St. Mary’s –No Report Charles - Report – Janine – no visitors allowed this time. Same for Calvert and St. Marys.
PI/CPC: Calvert – No report Charles – No report St. Mary’s – Mary F. – 5 member committee met and did a presentation on COVID-19.
Gratitude Dinner: No report
Serenity Breakfast: No report
Picnic: Since usually in August, picnic is cancelled for this year due to COVID19.
Where and When: No report.
Old Business:
None.
New Business:
In order to accurately update meetings status due to COVID-19, Bill will only accept meeting updates from the input form (reopening of a meeting), the DCM, GSR or a group designated POC. Meeting updates have to be performed in multiple places to accurately reflect information across various sources. Meeting guide app requires a physical address for geo-tag purposes.
Good of the order:
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Tressie F., SMIA Secretary
June 2020
SMIA Meeting Minutes
For June 13, 2020
Opening: The meeting resumed at its physical location. It was opened by Bill L. with the serenity prayer.
Visitors: none
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Bill L. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Keenan Parliamentarian, Emme – treasurer, Tressie F. Secretary.
Groups Represented: Pat P. – North Beach, Buddy F. – Basic Text, Cora W. – We are not Saints, Emme J. – Graceful Sobriety
SMIA Chair Report: Area 29 conference was not held.
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. – attended district 35 meeting.
Secretary Report: Tressie F. gave the Secretary’s for May 9, 2020.
Treasurer Report: Cora provided treasurers report. New fiscal year started May and we have net assets of $6310.51 (for additional details see report online). A small fee is charged when people contribute via Paypal (default method). Option available to add fee to donation amount but current method is default.
Committee Reports
Archives: No Report. Cora asked what this is? Currently Wally maintains documents around the history of AA. We also have electronic documents going back to 2009.
Bridging the Gap: No Report
Bookstall: Dave T. is the new chair but could not attend. Keenan now has a complete inventory. $230 in bookstall sales previous month.
Telephone: Sheri M is chair but unable to attend. Bill said the issue with the current 800 number is fixed.
Lifeline: Keith H. was absent. Lifeline available online but not printed due to closed meetings.
Website: Bill L. There were 7363 visits to the website. COVID 19-Updates to temporarily closed meetings are being made as he gets them. An online form was created for GSR or primary contact to enter meeting information for reopening. 19 meetings have reopened with 10 being held outdoors; 99 are still closed; and 23 never reported their status. There is an icon available with the meeting guide to go to Zoom. t was bought up about reimbursing people for Zoom costs.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report St. Mary’s No Report Charles Report – Janine – no visitors allowed this time. Same for Calvert and St. Marys.
PI/CPC: Calvert – No report Charles – No report St. Mary’s – No report.
Gratitude Dinner: No report
Serenity Breakfast: No report
Picnic: Janice will inquire about renting hallowing point part site and if there are restriction due to COVID19
Where and When: No report.
Old Business:
SMIA bookstall ready for publication /go-live. Go live – Keenan gave his vote to proceed and since all board members have voted, the system is available for online ordering.
Discussion on rent for SMIA location. Pat P. made a motion to pay $300 per quarter ($100 per month), Buddy 2nd and it passed. Cora will write a check for April, May and June to the church.
District 35 – Janice attended the meeting to inquire if they were going to establish a website since District 1 and 36 have websites. The district decided they would rely on the SMIA website and not establish one.
Tax exempt status (non-profit 503(1)c) approval received so SMIA is exempt from federal taxes per Emme.
New Business:
Emme filed certificate of liability insurance with the church.
Good of the order:
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Tressie F., SMIA Secretary
May 2020
SMIA Meeting Minutes
For May 9, 2020
Opening: The meeting was opened by Bill L. with the serenity prayer.
New Members and Visitors:
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Bill L. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Keenan Parliamentarian, Tressie F. Secretary.
Groups Represented: Paul Y. – Smoke Free Sobriety.
SMIA Chair Report: This month’s meeting was held online to abide with the governor’s order, state and local guidelines. No report at this time. We are hopeful we can resume to normal operations at some point. Next meeting – online or in person TBD.
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. – has a catalog available. Working on website for Charles county.
Secretary Report: Tressie F. gave the Secretary’s for April 2020.
Treasurer Report: Bill L. provided treasurers report. Treasurer moved $1000 from prudent reserve and net assets are $6312.61 (see report online). Reminder people can contribute online. Contributing a $1 to GSO or SMIA for every year sober was mentioned.
Committee Reports
Archives: No Report
Bridging the Gap: No Report
Bookstall: Dave T. is the new chair but could not attend. Keenan now has a complete inventory. Bill offered to enter the inventory into the database. Discussed details of going live with online ordering. It will also be sent to board members for approval to go-live.
Telephone: Janice – the current 800 number goes to a pain clinic. Will remove number from website and reach out to Sherri and Emme to address issue.
Lifeline: Keith H. was absent. Lifeline available online but not printed due to closed meetings.
Website: Bill L. There were 5793 visits to the website. COVID 19-Updates to temporarily closed meetings are being made as he gets them. It was bought up about reimbursing people for Zoom costs. Board members don’t think SMIA should reimburse but groups or districts may reimburse members for costs.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report St. Mary’s No Report Charles Report – Janine – no visitors allowed this time. Same for Calvert and St. Marys.
PI/CPC: Calvert – No report Charles – No report St. Mary’s – No report.
Gratitude Dinner: No report
Serenity Breakfast: No report
Picnic: No report
Where and When: No report.
Old Business:
SMIA bylaws were signed by board members.
Discussion on rent for SMIA location was tabled.
New Business:
Discussion around reimburse for Zoom costs mentioned above.
Good of the order:
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned around 10:45 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Tressie F., SMIA Secretary
April 2020
SMIA Meeting Minutes
For April 11,2020
Opening: The meeting was opened by Bill L. with the serenity prayer.
New Members and Visitors:
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Bill L. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Keenan Parliamentarian, Tressie F. Secretary, Cora W. Treasurer; in addition to Dee E., Paul V., Alan W., Jeff A. and Joyce S.
Groups Represented: n/a
SMIA Chair Report: This month’s meeting was held online to abide with the governor’s order. We are hopeful we can resume to normal operations at some point. Next meeting maybe be online - TBD. There are currently 172 online meetings; however, some groups are not sharing their online meeting information, which is unfortunate. While groups may be autonomous except in matters affecting AA as a whole, it is not keeping with the spirit of AA. Secretary comment: Please go read traditions 1, 3 and 5. Whenever anyone anywhere reaches out, let the hand of AA be there.
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. – no Area 29 report. The mini conference was held online last week.
Secretary Report: Tressie F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for March 2020 were accepted with correction.
Treasurer Report: Cora W. provided treasurers report, which was accepted as read. See report online. Paul – remind groups that donations are still being accepted – online option. There are still expenses.
Committee Reports
Archives: No Report
Bridging the Gap: No Report
Bookstall: Dave T. is the new chair but could not attend. Keenan stated there were bookstall sales in March. Dave and Keenan need to request permission from the church to conduct a physical inventory to set up the online bookstall shopping cart. Cora has a spreadsheet with inventory information, which would be a good start. The online feature has a database that contains all items but a physical inventory should be conduct prior to go live. There is also a shop-keeper role that has privilege access to maintain the database and update inventory items.
Telephone: Janice – there is an issue with 800 numbers by reports (stories on impact of COVID-19).
Lifeline: Keith H. was absent. Lifeline available online but not printed due to closed meetings.
Website: Bill L. COVID 19-Updates to temporarily closed meetings are being made as he gets them. Several meetings are being held online via Zoom. Zoom implemented a change that required new links with host password imbedded. Some online meetings may not be available if this change was not provided. There were 5619 visits to the website. Bill asked about Charles county establishing a website for their district. Janine will bring it up at the next district meeting.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report St. Mary’s No Report Charles Report – Janine – no visitors allowed this time. Same for Calvert and St. Marys.
PI/CPC: Calvert – No report Charles – No report St. Mary’s – No report.
Gratitude Dinner: No report
Serenity Breakfast: No report
Picnic: No report
Where and When: No report.
Old Business:
Chair, secretary and parliamentarian positions were filled last month.
Sherri is the new telephone chair.
Bill L. is electronically routing the SMIA bylaws for signature by board members – 1 at a time.
Discussion on rent for SMIA location was tabled.
New Business:
No new business.
Good of the order:
While we all miss our brick and motor meetings, the online meetings are a good interim option. They are keeping people connected. Also, we are still reaching people coming out of treatment or people returning to AA.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned around 11:00 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Tressie F., SMIA Secretary
March 2020
SMIA Meeting Minutes
for March 14,2020
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S. with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors: Tassie F, Mt Harmony, Mary F., Saturday Night Serenity
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson and Picnic, Bruce O. Parliamentarian, Buddy F. Secretary, Keenan W. Bookstall and John M. Gratitude Dinner and Bill L. Webmaster.
Groups Represented: Cindy H, Wednesday Noon Big Book, Bill L., Sunderland, Dave C. We Wuz Worse, Mary F., Sat Eve Serenity, Buddy F., Basic Text, Brian M. There is a Solution, Joyce S., Almost Normal, Kaki B., Hughesville, Patty M., Edge of the World, Rev Early Bird, Tassie F., Mt Harmony, Sheri M. 231 and Janine G. Waldorf.
SMIA Chair Report: Pat S. stated the 10th Annual Southern Md Round-Up has been canceled. Pat S stated about giving a certain % of what groups donate to SMIA as rent for our meeting hall. Pat thanked the Board members and the group for supporting her during the time she has been the SMIA chairperson.
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. stated the Md State Convention will be June 5-7 in Frederick MD,4th Step Workshop in Severn Md, and a Sobriety Show in Baltimore on May 2nd.
Secretary Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for February 2020 were accepted as read.
Treasurer Report: Buddy F. gave Cora W. Treasurers report, the Treasurers report for February 2020 was accepted read.
Committee Reports
Archives: No Report
Bridging the Gap: No Report
Bookstall: Keenan stated the bookstall sales for February were $634.00 and that he had made a purchase for the Roundup of $677.66. Keenan stated he would put that order back into the SMIA bookstall stock since the Round-Up was canceled.
Telephone: Emme J. sent in her report there were a total of 9 calls 2 wanting to talk ,4 needed a ride and 3 needing other information. A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209). Thank you Emme for your service with the Hotline. and Thank you Sheri M. for stepping in and taking over as the new Telephone Hotline Chairperson
Lifeline: Keith H. was absent but provided the March Lifelines to the group
Website: Bill L. COVID 19-Updates to temporarily closed meetings are being made as he gets them from various sources, please ensure the information is correct before sending it to him.
Menu Changes-the top horizontal menus were removed from the website. All menu links are now in the right column
An SMIA Bookstall On-Line ordering page is in development. It is essentially complete, but I need to finalize details with Keenan before publishing. You will only have the option of pre ordering books, chips, etc. You cannot pay for an item online yet. This may be an option in the future. The order will be sent to Keenan and the materials will be ready for purchase when you arrive at the Bookstall each month.
All meetings in the SMIA area are now on the Meeting Guide app. The app updates the feed every 12 hours, so be patient when you request a meeting addition or change.
The SMIA Group Maintenance on-line forms have been streamlined. Logic has been added that will prompt you for only the information that you need to enter.
An SSL certificate has been issued for our site. The site is now secure in all browsers. You should use:
https://somdaa.org or https://somdintergroup.org to access the site
We now have an Android app that you can download to your mobile device from Google Play Store at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newandromo.dev359899.app608979 if you have an Android based mobile platform. An iOS version will be released soon.
Bill L. stated that there were 2753 visits to the website up 22.00 % most frequently visited pages were the home page, where and when calendar and the where and when search.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report Charles No Report St. Mary’s No Report
PI/CPC: Calvert – No report Charles – No report St. Mary’s – Mary F. that she is purchasing 6 Big Books to give to our local High Schools and College of Southern Md. Mary stated that she had not heard back from Ryken High School and also stated the she has had some new volunteers to help with her committee.
Gratitude Dinner: No report
Serenity Breakfast: No report
Picnic: No report
Where and When: No report Where an When’s were provided for the meeting.
Old Business:
Pat S. nominated Bill L. for the SMIA Bill L excepted nomination no other nominations for the SMIA Chairperson
New Business: Election of Officers Bill L was voted in as the new SMIA Chairperson, Keenan W. was voted in as the new SMIA Parliamentarian and Tassie F. was voted in as the new SMIA Secretary.
Sheri M. has volunteered to take over as the new telephone Chairperson she was wondering where she would get a temporary phone number from and the Parliamentarian told her to go through UNITEL to get the number.
Bookstall will have to be inventoried before we can use the On-line ordering app
Bill L. stated the he reformatted the SMIA Bylaws.
We need to table the discussion of the amount of rent we pay till next month’s meeting
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:23 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
February 2020
SMIA Meeting Minutes
for February 15,2020
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S. with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors:
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson and Picnic, Bruce O. Parliamentarian, Buddy F. Secretary, Cora W. Treasurer, Pat P. Where & When, Keith H. Lifeline, Emme J. Telephone, Keenan W. Bookstall and John M. Gratitude Dinner.
Groups Represented:
SMIA Chair Report: Pat S. stated that the Baltimore Intergroup was presenting a Roundup on March 20 -22 she also mentioned that 10th Annual Southern Md Round-Up will be held March 20th-22nd @ the Holiday Inn in Solomon’s, Md
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. no report at this time
Secretary Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for January 2020 were corrected and accepted
Treasurer Report: Cora W. gave the Treasurers report, the Treasurers report for January 2020 was accepted read.
Committee Reports
Archives: No Report
Bridging the Gap: No Report
Bookstall: Keenan stated the he made a purchase of $664.07
Telephone: A total of 24 calls were received 12 wanting to talk, 9 needing rides, 3 were looking for other information. A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209).
Lifeline: Keith H. stated things were going well and was looking for anyone to provide a history on their home group. Keith also stated to try to keep the flyers small he is having trouble reducing them without them being blurred. Keenan W. stated that he would provide a service Bio for the March Lifeline.
Website: Bill L. stated he had completed the Where & When JSON File, . He also stated that there were 2,257 visits to the , most frequent were the Home page and Where and When calendar. On behalf of SMIA I would like to thank Bill L. for his service with the download of the Where & When JSON File. I understood it to be quite time consuming.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report Charles No Report St. Mary’s No Report
PI/CPC: Calvert – Pat P. stated for Roger M. that things are going well and that they will have a table set up at an upcoming event April 14th Charles – Cindy H. reported things were going well St. Mary’s – Buddy F. reported for Mary F. that she is purchasing 6 Big Books to give to our local High School and College Libraries
Gratitude Dinner: No report
Serenity Breakfast: No report
Picnic: No report
Where and When: Pat P. provided the group with the newly published Where and When’s. He asked to please review the directory for accuracy and if corrections need to be made you can send them to him at smia.whereandwhen@somdaa.org or enter them in the Web form: http://www.somdintergroup.org/smiachange.html Thank you Pat for your service.
Old Business
Emme J. gave a pros and cons evaluation for the Jive Phone Service Plan that had been proposed. at the January SMIA meeting, as compared to the one we are currently using (Ansa-Phone), plus she had also provided the group with a second phone plan from Anser Phone Service. After a Group discussion a motion was made to accept the Jive Phone Service the motion was seconded and a vote was held. 14 voted for the Jive service and 3 voted against the Jive service. Jive has been accepted as the new phone service. We had three volunteers 1 from each county Step up to be the coordinator for their District Sherrie M. for Calvert, Kaki B. for Charles and Keith H. for St Mary’s, Thank You for your service. Emme J. announced that she will be stepping down as the Telephone chairperson after serving for the last 2 years. Thank you Emme for your service.
Pat S. nominated Bill L. for the SMIA chairperson for the upcoming election.
Bruce O. stated that he will be stepping down in April as the Parliamentarian.
Buddy F. stated he would be stepping down in April as the Secretary.
New Business
Pat S. stated that the Old Mount Olive Church wanted us to sign a rent agreement for 2 years and had raised the rent to $300.00 from $150.00 and wanted another $150.00 a month to store the Bookstall material. A discussion ensued over various places that were central to the SMIA group. A motion was made to accept the Immaculate Conception Church in Mechanicsville Md as the SMIA’s new meeting place. The motion was seconded and a vote was taken. The Immaculate Conception Church has been accepted as the new meeting site for SMIA business.
Pat S. addressed the body about purchasing cabinets (2) for our bookstall, we are not allowed to store boxes in the meeting room due to it being a classroom. A motion was made to purchase 2 new cabinets the motion was seconded and a vote was taken. The motion to purchase new cabinets was accepted.
Pat S. we are still looking for nominations for the SMIA Chairperson, Parliamentarian and Secretary positions
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:23 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
January 2020
SMIA Meeting Minutes
For January 11, 2020
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S. with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors: Patty Nanjemoy Group, Paul Y. Smoke Free Group, Dennis P., and Scott C. Bedouin Group.
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bruce O. Parliamentarian, Buddy F. Secretary, Cora W. Treasurer, Keith H. Lifeline, John Miller Gratitude Dinner Pat P. Where and When, Bill L. Webmaster and Keenan W. Bookstall.
SMIA Chair Report: Pat S. asked for a volunteer to submit a Service Biography for the January Lifeline.
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. no report at this time.
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave Secretary’s report for December 2019, Secretary’s report was accepted read.
Treasurer’s Report: Cora W. gave Treasurers report for December 2019, the Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
SMIA Chair Reports.
Archives: No Report.
Bridging the Gap: No report Chuck G., is in need for volunteers in the Lexington Park area if anyone was interested please contact him.
Bookstall: Keenan W. stated book sales for the month of December $947.10 Keenan also stated that there was a purchase of $2,868.63 for the Bookstall. He also stated he will need volunteers for the 2020 Roundup.
Telephone: Emme J. submitted a report, calls since 12/14/2019 totaled 6 one looking for a ride 3 wanting meeting info and 1 wanting to talk. Emme stated in her Report that she had call from the Southern MD Pre Release requesting for meetings to be brought in to the facility. A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209).
Lifeline: Keith stated things were going well Looking for people to share about how and when their homegroup started and a little history behind their group. Also looking for someone to write a Service Bio for the Lifeline. Keith also stated that Flyers cannot be submitted on a full page.
Website: Bill L. stated that there was an outstanding payment of $8.71. This must be paid immediately or the host will close the site. Bill stated he changed the Banner for 2020 and was still working on the JSON feed for the meeting guide app. There were 2,279 visits to the website down 2% since December. Most frequent visited pages were Home, Where and When Calendar, Where and When Search, Minutes and Al-Anon information.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert: Colleen B. and Fred W. stated all was going well., Charles: both groups are doing well need more lady volunteers St Mary’s: Kim K. stated he had 10 men and was doing well.
PI/CPC: Calvert; Roger M. relayed a message; things were going well Charles; Cindy H. stated things were going well St. Mary’s no report.
Gratitude Dinner: No report.
Serenity Breakfast: No report.
Picnic: No report.
Where and When: Pat P. provided Where and When’s for the group Pat stated that it was time to update again would everyone PLEASE take the time to check through and look for any mistakes. Any changes can be sent to smia.whereandwhen@somda.org.or enter them in the Web form: http://www.somdintergroup.org/smiachange.html Pat stated that he will be doing a reprint of the Where and When’s in time for the February SMIA meeting.
Old Business: Cora W. stated that she was still working with the bank to resolve the issue concerning our tax issue. Pat P. asked about the issue of not having the insurance that the Church requested we have. According to our treasurer we do have a policy in effect to cover what the church requested.
New Business: Pat S. provided the group with information packets from Jive Business Phone Services and quotes for the cost of a monthly phone service. The group has been looking for a less costly service to replace the one we are using now. Pat S. was able to have a conference call to one of our fellow SMIA Groups in MD. that uses this particular service. The group was able to ask any questions and were given feed back from what the other group has experienced with the service. After the conference call the group had a discussion and decided to take the issue back to their home groups and then come back next month for a possible change in our Hot Line Service.
Bruce O. stated we need to make up an Elections Committee for the upcoming Election in March. The group needs to elect a new Chairperson which should be from Calvert, also the Parliamentarian and Secretary position are also up for new Officers as well.
For the good of the Order: Bedouin Group has changed their meeting time to 7:30 am
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:02 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
December 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes
For December 14, 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S. with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors: Terry Waldorf Group
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bruce O. Parliamentarian, Buddy F. Secretary, Cora W. Treasurer, Keith H. Lifeline, Emme J. Telephone, John M. Gratitude Dinner Pat P. Where and When and Keenan W. Bookstall
SMIA Chair Report: Pat S. asked for a volunteer to submit a Service Biography for the January Lifeline. Pat S. also stated that Mount Olive Church has requested that we (SMIA) carry Liability Insurance Pat stated she had been in contact with AAWS and our incoming Area 29 Delegate and that we must come up with some type of policy. Pat S. also stated that she has been in contact with another SMIA group to see what type of Hotline phone Service they had to see if it was beneficial for our Group to use instead of our current provider
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. no report at this time.
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave Secretary’s report for November 2019, Secretary’s report was accepted read.
Treasurer’s Report: Cora W. gave Treasurers report for November 2019, the Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
SMIA Chair Reports.
Archives: No Report.
Bridging the Gap: Chuck G., reported that he had 3 calls all 3 we responded too. Chuck also mentioned that there was a need for volunteers in the Lexington Park area if anyone was interested please contact him.
Bookstall: Keenan W. stated book sales for the month of November were $376.10. Keenan also stated he will need volunteers for the 2020 Roundup
Telephone: Emme J. stated we had a total of 7 calls for the month, 4 looking for rides 3 wanting to talk. A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209). Bruce O. has determined that changing our billing option with Ansafone would not benefit in cost so we our still searching for a less costly provider.
Lifeline: Keith stated things were going well Looking for people to share about how and when their homegroup started and a little history behind their group. Also looking for someone to write a Service Bio for the Lifeline. Keith also stated that Flyers cannot be submitted on a full page. Keith also stated that he was approached by a support group called SMILE and that they were looking for someone or to do a presentation on AA.
Website: No report.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert: Charles: St Mary’s: No report.
PI/CPC: Calvert; Charles; St. Mary’s no report.
Gratitude Dinner: John M. mentioned that ticket sales will go up for the Diner next year after looking at his tally sheet, John wasn’t able to provide a final report for the November Dinner at this time.
Serenity Breakfast: No report.
Picnic: No report
Where and When: Pat P. provided Where and When’s for the group Pat stated that it was time to update again would everyone Please take the time to check through and look for any mistakes in the Where and When’s any changes can be sent to smia.whereandwhen@somda.org.
Old Business: Cora W. stated that she was still working with the bank to resolve the issue concerning our tax status.
New Business: Chuck G. mentioned the possibility of changing locations if the insurance was too costly Chuck stated that he would check with Trinity United Methodist Church and Laura B. stated that she would check the local Community Center
Pat S. stated that she will be in contact with other SMIA Groups to get feedback for the Telephone service.
Dan H. has a question about the Treasurer’s report there is money taken out monthly for insurance but Cora W. wasn’t sure what that policy was for. Cora stated she would find out what it is.
For the good of the Order:
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:02 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
November 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes
For November 9, 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S. with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors: Rose and Jan from Today’s Group
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bruce O. Parliamentarian, Buddy F. Secretary, Cora W. Treasurer, Bill L. Webmaster, Keith H. Lifeline, Emme J. Telephone, John M. Gratitude Dinner and John W. Serenity Breakfast.
SMIA Chair Report: Pat S. asked for a volunteer to submit a Service Biography for the December Lifeline
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. no report at this time
Secretary’s Report: Due to the Secretary’s absence from the October meeting there were no minutes provided for the meeting
Treasurer’s Report: Cora W. gave treasurers report for October 2019, the report was accepted as read.
SMIA Chair Reports.
Archives: No Report.
Bridging the Gap: No Report.
Bookstall: No report
Telephone: Emme J. stated we had a total of 6 calls for the month, 4 looking for rides 1 needing meeting info and 1 looking for other info. A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209). Emme has been researching our current phone plan and looking into other option to try and lower the cost of the Hot Line phone plan anyone who knows of any pans that may help us cut this enormous cost please contact Emme or one of the SMIA Officers.
Lifeline: Keith stated things were going well Looking for people to share about how and when their homegroup started and a little history behind their group. Also looking for someone to write a Service Bio for the Lifeline. Keith also stated that Flyers cannot be submitted on a full page.
Website: Bill L., there were 2,271 visits to the Website down 22. % Bill also stated the GSO requires our database to be formatted a certain way for them to add to their app. Bill stated he has been working on publishing the meeting guide app. He is about 30% complete. Bill said he needed someone from Charles County to step up and start publishing District 35 anniversaries. He also stated the need for updated Where and When’s from each Districts.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert Fred stated that there is an orientation process before you can take meetings into the correction facility. He also stated he can always use volunteers. Charles Kim L. stated things were going well and working with bridging the Gap and she could use more volunteers as well. ST Mary’s No Report.
PI/CPC: Calvert Rodger stated everything was going well. Charles Cindy all racks are full making sure to keep the racks full at the recovery Houses St. Mary’s no report
Gratitude Dinner: John M. everything is going well could use Volunteers for working tables and clean up
Serenity Breakfast: John W. stated that 205 tickets were sold the silent auction was a success there was a large 50/50 raffle, after all was tallied and paid. The Serenity Breakfast was able to donate $1,490.00 to SMIA. We at SMIA would like to thank John W., his staff and the Paul Hall Seamanship School for their dedication to helping carrying the message of A.A. to the still sick and suffering.
Picnic: No report
Where and When: No report
Old Business: None
New Business: Cora stated that she has been working with the bank to get our account in order as a nonprofit for tax purposes.
For the good of the Order: Jeff A. stated that the Waldorf group will be celebrating 50 years on Saturday November 9th.
District 36 has nominations coming up for Service Position October8th at the Hollywood Rescue Squad
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
October 2019
September 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes
for September 21, 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Buddy F. with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors: Bobby U. Solomon’s group
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bruce O. Parliamentarian, Buddy F. Secretary, Cora W. Treasurer, Bill L. Webmaster, Keith H. Lifeline, Emme J. Telephone, John M. Gratitude Dinner and John W. Serenity Breakfast.
Groups Represented:
Bill L., Sunderland Joyce S., Drunks R Us Group & District 36 Rep
Kathy S., Today’s Group Emme J., Graceful Sobriety Group
Jeff A., Waldorf Group David T., Inspiration Group
Buddy F., Basic Text Group Debbie S., Wed Night Women’s Group
Cora W., We are not Saints Group Pat P., North Beach Group
John M., Early Bird Group Keith H., Almost Normal Group
SMIA Chair Report: No Report
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. no report at this time
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for August were accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Cora W. gave treasurers report for September 2019 report was accepted as read.
SMIA Chair Reports.
Archives: No Report.
Bridging the Gap: No Report.
Bookstall: Debbie S. Stated that Keenan made bookstall sale on September 14 of $245.00
Telephone: Emme J. stated we had a total of 26 calls for the month, 7 want to talk to someone 8 looking for rides 5 needing meeting info and 6 looking for other info. A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209).
Lifeline: Keith stated things were going well Looking for people to share about how and when their homegroup started and a little history behind their group.
Website: Bill L., there were 5,311 visits to the Website. Bill also stated the GSO requires our database to be formatted a certain way for them to add to their app. Bill stated it would be time consuming. Jeff A. volunteered his services to Bill if needed.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert no report Charles no report St. Mary’s No Report.
PI/CPC: Calvert no report Charles no report St. Mary’s no report
Gratitude Dinner: John M. everything is going well could use Volunteers for working tables and clean up
Serenity Breakfast: John W. Everything is good to go no action needed at this time from SMIA
Picnic: No report
Where and When: Pat P. New Where an When’s are available, working to get our meetings back on the app. Projecting end of October to mid-November.
Old Business: Janine G. and Emme J. have been looking for ways to cut the cost of the Telephone Hotline maybe getting a certain number of minutes per month. Anyone with any Ideas are sure welcome to come share with us.
New Business: John M. asked if SMIA would be willing to donate 3 books for a raffle during the Gratitude Dinner. A motion was made and seconded, SMIA agreed to donate 3 books.
For the good of the Order: Jeff A. stated that the Waldorf group will be celebrating 50 years on Saturday November 9th.
Bill L. announced District 1 will host a Soberween on Oct 19 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Prince Frederick, MD from 6:30 pm to10:00 pm tickets are $10.00.
Cora W. and Buddy F will miss the next SMIA meeting Bill L. volunteered to take the minutes and Bruce O. will do the Treasurers report.
District 36 is having a Service Workshop on Oct 12 from 10: to 2:00 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington Park MD.
District 36 has nominations coming up for Service Position October8th at the Hollywood Rescue Squad
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
September 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes
for September 21, 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Buddy F. with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors: Bobby U. Solomon’s group
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bruce O. Parliamentarian, Buddy F. Secretary, Cora W. Treasurer, Bill L. Webmaster, Keith H. Lifeline, Emme J. Telephone, John M. Gratitude Dinner and John W. Serenity Breakfast.
Groups Represented:
Bill L., Sunderland Joyce S., Drunks R Us Group & District 36 Rep
Kathy S., Today’s Group Emme J., Graceful Sobriety Group
Jeff A., Waldorf Group David T., Inspiration Group
Buddy F., Basic Text Group Debbie S., Wed Night Women’s Group
Cora W., We are not Saints Group Pat P., North Beach Group
John M., Early Bird Group Keith H., Almost Normal Group
SMIA Chair Report: No Report
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. no report at this time
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for August were accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Cora W. gave treasurers report for September 2019 report was accepted as read.
SMIA Chair Reports.
Archives: No Report.
Bridging the Gap: No Report.
Bookstall: Debbie S. Stated that Keenan made bookstall sale on September 14 of $245.00
Telephone: Emme J. stated we had a total of 26 calls for the month, 7 want to talk to someone 8 looking for rides 5 needing meeting info and 6 looking for other info. A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209).
Lifeline: Keith stated things were going well Looking for people to share about how and when their homegroup started and a little history behind their group.
Website: Bill L., there were 5,311 visits to the Website. Bill also stated the GSO requires our database to be formatted a certain way for them to add to their app. Bill stated it would be time consuming. Jeff A. volunteered his services to Bill if needed.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert no report Charles no report St. Mary’s No Report.
PI/CPC: Calvert no report Charles no report St. Mary’s no report
Gratitude Dinner: John M. everything is going well could use Volunteers for working tables and clean up
Serenity Breakfast: John W. Everything is good to go no action needed at this time from SMIA
Picnic: No report
Where and When: Pat P. New Where an When’s are available, working to get our meetings back on the app. Projecting end of October to mid-November.
Old Business: Janine G. and Emme J. have been looking for ways to cut the cost of the Telephone Hotline maybe getting a certain number of minutes per month. Anyone with any Ideas are sure welcome to come share with us.
New Business: John M. asked if SMIA would be willing to donate 3 books for a raffle during the Gratitude Dinner. A motion was made and seconded, SMIA agreed to donate 3 books.
For the good of the Order: Jeff A. stated that the Waldorf group will be celebrating 50 years on Saturday November 9th.
Bill L. announced District 1 will host a Soberween on Oct 19 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Prince Frederick, MD from 6:30 pm to10:00 pm tickets are $10.00.
Cora W. and Buddy F will miss the next SMIA meeting Bill L. volunteered to take the minutes and Bruce O. will do the Treasurers report.
District 36 is having a Service Workshop on Oct 12 from 10: to 2:00 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington Park MD.
District 36 has nominations coming up for Service Position October8th at the Hollywood Rescue Squad
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
August 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes
for August 10, 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors: David T. Inspirations Group and Jason R. Cove Point
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bruce O, Parliamentarian, Buddy F., Secretary, Wallace S., Archives Emme J., Telephone Cora W., Treasurer Bill L., Webmaster Keith H., and John M., Gratitude Dinner
Groups Represented:
Bill L., Sunderland Joyce S., Drunks R Us & District 36 Rep
Jill B., Sunday Morning Sobriety Colleen B., Bedouin
Bruce O., Waldorf Group David T., Inspiration Group
Buddy F., Basic Text Group Debbie S., Wed Night Women’s Group
Jason R, Cove Point Pat P., North Beach
John M., Early Bird Dee E., New Life Group
Rick W., Graceful Sobriety Group Wallace S., Sobriety as Bill see’s It Group
Robin B., Beach Beacon Group Kathy S., Today Group
Dan H., Awakening Group Janine G., Sobriety Sisters
Wayne J., Step Free Jeanine W., District 35 DCM
Laura B., 231 Group Fred W., Daily Reprieve
SMIA Chair Report: Pat S. proposed moving back the September meeting to the 21st due to the Session by the Sea Convention, all agreed
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. no report at this time
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for July were accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L., gave the Treasurers report for July the report was accepted read. Cora W. was on hand to take over her new Treasurers Position. On behalf of SMIA we all would like to thank Bill L, for his dedication and service.
SMIA Chair Reports.
Archives: No Report.
Bridging the Gap: No Report.
Bookstall: Debbie S. Stated that bookstall sales for June were $590.70 and bookstall sales for July were $436.70.
Telephone: A total of 14 calls were received 4 wanting to talk 3 needing rides 4 looking for meeting info and 3 was looking for other information. A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209).
Lifeline: Keith stated things were going well Looking for people to share about how and when their homegroup started and a little history behind their group.
Website: Bill L., there were 3,698 visits to the Website.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert Colleen taking meetings to corrections could use more men and woman volunteers. Charles Jeanine W., for Dan W. men’s meeting has had low attendance always looking for more men and woman volunteers. St. Mary’s No Report.
PI/CPC: Calvert Bill L., for Roger stated all racks are updated and he needed more Where and When’s. Charles– Jeanine stated for Cindy that things are going well and was in need of Where and When’s St. Mary’s – Buddy F. stated for Mary F. that all the racks are being kept up and she has had some volunteers step up to help.
Gratitude Dinner: John W. has volunteered for the Chair position and the Dinner will be held on November 16 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Mechanicsville MD.
Serenity Breakfast: No report
Where and When: Pat P. has updated the Where and When’s for it’s fall printing and asked for it to be reviewed also Pat provided a budget for how much the cost would be for printing.
Old Business: None
New Business: Pat S. stated that SMIA needed to get their financial audit done and needed volunteers Jill B and Jeanine W. graciously stepped up to get this done Thank You Ladies for your service.
Pat S. asked if someone would like to do a Bio on their service work for printing in the Lifeline Janine G. volunteered.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
July 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes
for July 13, 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors: Parker M. Back to Basics Group and Don B. Area 29 Delegate
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bruce O, Parliamentarian, Buddy F., Secretary, Wallace S., Archives.
Groups Represented:
Parker M. Back to Basics Joyce S., Drunks R Us & District 36 Rep
Jill B. Sunday Morning Sobriety Kaki B. Hughesville Group
Bruce O. Waldorf Group Renee W. Inspiration Group
Buddy F., Basic Text Group Debbie S. Wed Night Women’s Group
Chuck G. Bridging the Gap, Daily Reprieve Dave C. We Wuz Worse Group
John M. Early Bird Dee E New Life Group
Rick W. Graceful Sobriety Group Wallace S., Sobriety as Bill see’s It Group
Robin B. Beach Beacon Group David Y. Solomon’s Group
Jim D. Awakening Group Janine G, Sobriety Sisters
SMIA Chair Report: Pat S. stated that she would like the group to recite the Declaration of Unity before the committee reports, Pat also stated that SMIA is trying to start a new Outreach committee and are looking for volunteers. The SMIA picnic will be held August 4 at Hollowing Point Park we are looking for volunteers and also entertainment. Pat also approached the group looking for a volunteer to submit a Bio article on their service work for the Lifeline in August. Pat stated that we are in need of Chair Persons for the Gratitude Dinner, Serenity Breakfast and we need volunteers for the Audit committee. We are also looking for volunteers to help out at the annual Round Up at Solomon’s Island
SMIA Vice Chair Report: Janine G. no report at this time
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for June were accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Treasurers report for Bill L. the Treasurers report July was accepted read.
ALL Committee report were tabled due to our Area 29 Delegate Don B. presenting his activities during the General Service Conference held in New York. Don provided the group with a slide presentation of all the ongoing businesses of the conference. Don also provided a large amount of literature for our group reps to take back to their groups. He provided a large amount of information about what’s going on in A.A. today and we are very lucky to have someone like Don representing us in Area 29 Thank You Don for your wonderful service.
Archives: No Report
Bridging the Gap: No Report
Bookstall: No Report
Telephone: A total of 12 calls were received 5 wanting to talk 3 needing rides 3 looking for meeting info and 1 was looking for other information. A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209).
Lifeline: No Report
Website: No Report
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report Charles No Report St. Mary’s No Report
PI/CPC: Calvert – No Report Charles – No Report St. Mary’s – No Report
Gratitude Dinner: No Chairperson. We need volunteers to make this successful.
Serenity Breakfast: No Chairperson. Again, we need everyone’s help to make this a successful event.
Picnic: Will be on August 4 at Hallowen Point Park, we are looking for volunteers and also entertainment anybody wanting to help should speak to Janine G. or Keenan W.
Where and When: Pat P. is checking out all the info for the upcoming printing of the Where and When’s hoping to make sure all information is correct anyone that has noticed something wrong in the printing please let Pat know ASAP before we go to print in August.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
June 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes
for June 8, 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Janine G., with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors:
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bruce O, Parliamentarian, Buddy F., Secretary, Emme J., Telephone, Keith H., Lifeline and Keenan W. Bookstall and Picnic, Wallace S., Archives.
Groups Represented:
Sheri M. 231 Group Joyce S., Drunks R Us & District 36 Representative
Kathy S. Today’s Group Kaki B. Hughesville Group
Jeff A. Waldorf Group Pat P. North Beach Group
Buddy F., Basic Text Group Debbie S. Wed Night Women’s Group
Chuck G. Bridging the Gap Dave C. We Wuz Worse Group
Scott K. Bedouin Group Shellie S., Wayside Group
Emme J., Graceful Sobriety Group Wallace S., Sobriety as Bill see’s It Group
Cora W. We are not Saints Group David Y. Solomon’s Group
Jim D. Awakening Group Janine G, Sobriety Sisters Group
Keith H. Almost Normal Group Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Opener Group
Jim D., Awakening John M., Early Bird Group
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for May were accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Treasurers report for Bill L. the Treasurers report June was accepted as read.
Archives: Wallace S. supplied some Archives for the group to view.
Bridging the Gap: Chuck G., provided volunteer sign up sheets for the group to take back to their home groups. Doing well at this point still getting things established.
Bookstall: Keenan W. stated books sales were down $212.00, he made a purchase of $1320.35 and $505.00 of that were for Chips
Telephone: Emme J. stated there was a total of 8 calls, of that 2 wanted to talk, 3 needed rides, 2 wanting meeting info and 1 looking for an Al-Anon meeting. There is a new 1-800 number for the A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209). Emme also stated she was looking for New Volunteers from Charles and St Mary’s but will submit a new list from Calvert.
Lifeline: Keith H. stated things were going well. He will be glad to receive any article(s) for printing and please let him know if something needs to be corrected.
Website: No Report
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report Charles No Report St. Mary’s No Report
PI/CPC: Calvert – No Report Charles – No Report St. Mary’s – No Report
Gratitude Dinner: No Chairperson. We need volunteers to make this successful.
Serenity Breakfast: No Chairperson. Again, we need everyone’s help to make this a successful event.
Picnic: Will be on August 4 at Hallowen Point Park, we are looking for volunteers and entertainment. Emme J. said that she and her band member would play music anybody wanting to help should speak to Janine G. or Keenan W.
Where and When: Pat P. is asking that we take a good look at the Where an When’s to make sure all the information is correct, please have corrections in by the July SMIA meeting the next printing will be in Early August.
Old Business: Wallace S. stated that he needs his name to be removed from the Treasurers Account at the bank.
New Business: Cora W. volunteered for the Treasurers position; the Secretary cast a voted to accept Cora’s nomination. Cora W. is the new SMIA Treasurer.
For the Good of the Order
Bill L. ask please put your group name and group ID number on you Donation checks.
There will be a Joe and Charlie Big Book study beginning on September 9, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Immaculate Conception Church, Mechanicsville, MD. This study will run for 19 weeks
Pat S. asked if anyone would like to write a Service Bio for the next Lifeline edition, Janine G. volunteered.
Area 29 Maryland State Convention June 28-30 Clarion Inn 5400 Holiday Drive Frederick, MD.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
May 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes
for May 11, 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and Visitors: Shelly S. Wayside Group
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, Janine G. Vice Chairperson, Bill L., Treasurer and Webmaster, Buddy F., Secretary, Emme J., Telephone, Keith H., Lifeline and Keenan W. Bookstall and Picnic, Wallace S., Archives.
Groups Represented:
Bob H., District 35 Joyce S., Drunks R Us & District 36 Representative
Bill L., Sunderland Kaki B. Hughesville
Brian M., There is a Solution Renee W., Inspiration Group
Buddy F., Basic Text Robin B., Beach Beacon
Chuck G. Bridging the Gap Ron R., St. Charles Step
Dee E., New Life Shellie S., Wayside
Emme J., Graceful Sobriety Wallace S., SABIT
Fred W., Daily Reprieve Rick W., Graceful Sobriety
Jill B., Sunday Morning Sobriety Janine G, Sobriety Sisters
Jeanine W., District 35 DCM Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Opener
Jim D., Awakening John M., Early Bird
Keith H., Almost Normal
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for April were accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. gave the May 2019 Treasurer’s Report. The report was accepted as read with no corrections. Walley mentioned the fact that its been a year and his name is still on the SMIA checking account. It needs to be removed.
Archives: Wallace S. stated that he would like to bring in Archives for the Group to view during the SMIA meeting.
Bridging the Gap: Chuck G., explained how the program works and also provided volunteer sign up sheets for the group to take back to their home groups
Bookstall: Keenan W. stated book sales were $839.50 and that he will be placing a large order this month.
Telephone: Emme J. stated they’re were a total of 12 calls,5 wanting to talk,3 needing rides 2 wanting meeting info and 2 not specified. that There is a new 1-800 number for the A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209).
Lifeline: Keith H. stated things were going well. He will be glad to receive any article(s) for printing and please let him know if something needs to be corrected, Emme J. stated that she would provide a Bio on Service.
Website: Bill L. stated there were 3,267 visits to the website, down 3.60%. Top visited pages were Home page Where & When Calendar and Where & When Search.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No Report Charles Jeanine W. reported for Dan W. that they are always looking for volunteers, the men’s meeting is on Saturdays @ 6:30 and the women’s meeting are on Tuesday @ 6:30, St. Mary’s No report
PI/CPC: Calvert – Bill L. gave a report for Rodger M. All racks are updated and going well. Charles - Cindy H. stated that she has put the new Where and When’s and filling the information racks up and is in contact with the local rehab facilities. Cindy also stated that if anyone has information about any facility looking for information to please reach out to her. St. Mary’s - Buddy F. gave Mary F’s. report. She was able to get literature to the all the racks.
Gratitude Dinner: No Chairperson. We need volunteers to make this successful.
Serenity Breakfast: No Chairperson. Again, we need everyone’s help to make this a successful event.
Picnic: No Report, Janine G. volunteered to be the Picnic committee Chair person.
Where and When: No Report
Old Business: We are still looking for people to volunteer for the Treasurer’s position. Bill L. stated he would try to stay till a new volunteer is found.
New Business: Bill L. gave the 2019/2020 Budget Proposal Shellie S. made a motion to put $15.00 into the Life Line Budget in order to balance the budget. The motion was seconded and the vote was unanimous. Shellie S. made a motion to accept the 2019/2020 Budget Proposal Emme J. seconded the motion, the 2019/2020 Budget Proposal was voted on and accepted
Pat S. asked if SMIA could provide funding for a trip to the National SMIA Convention in Arizona It was mentioned that the group representatives go back to their home group and ask their opinions.
Renee W. was concerned about the posting of the top ten Group Contributors in the Treasurers report. A conversation followed and a motion was made to stop posting the top ten group contributors, the motion was seconded and it was passed. Shellie S. made a motion to post all Group Contributions on a Quarterly basics for all home group members to see so they know what their home groups are doing with their funds.
For the Good of the Order
Bill L. ask please put your group name and group ID number on you Donation checks.
There will be a Joe and Charlie Big Book study beginning on May 6, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Immaculate Conception Church, Mechanicsville, MD. This study will run for 19 weeks Registration deadline is May 1, 2019.
Area 29 Maryland State Convention June 28-30 Clarion Inn 5400 Holiday Drive Frederick, MD.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
April 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes
for April 13, 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., with the Declaration of Unity.
New Members and Visitors: None.
Board Members and Committee Chair Present:
Pat S. Chairperson, John L. Vice Chairperson, Bruce O., Parliamentarian, Bill L., Treasurer and Webmaster, Buddy F., Secretary, Emme J., Telephone, Pat P., Where and When, and Keith H., Lifeline
Ann G., Friday Night Alive Jim D., Awakenings
Bill L., Sunderland John M., Early Bird
Bruce O., Waldorf Group Joyce S., Drunks R Us & District 36 Representative
Buddy F., Basic Text Keith H., Almost Normal
Cindy H., Wednesday Noon Big Book Kim L., District 35 Representative
Chuck G. Bridging the Gap Pat P., North Beach
Chuck M., Sobriety First Peggy K., Emotional Sobriety
Cora W., We are Not Saints Renee W., Inspiration Group
Dan H., As Bill Sees It Rick W., Graceful Sobriety
David Y., Solomon’s Group Robin B., Beach Beacon
Dave C., We Was Worse Rodger M., Living Sober
Debbie S., Wednesday Night Women Ron R., St. Charles Step
Dee E., New Life Sheri M., 231 Group
Emme J., Graceful Sobriety Vickie P., Cove Pt./Happy Destiny
Fred W., Daily Reprieve Wayne J., Step Free
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave the Secretary’s Report. The minutes for March were accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. gave the April 2019 Treasurer’s Report. The report was accepted as read with no corrections.
Bookstall: No report.
Telephone: Emme J. provided a report of telephone calls. In total, 32 calls were received, 27 looking for rides, 1 wanting to talk, 1 needing meeting information, 1 looking for literature and 2 looking for contact information. Emme also stated that there is a new 1-800 number for the A.A. Hotline, New Caller ID (800-492-0209).
Lifeline: Keith H. stated things were going well. He will be glad to receive any article(s) for printing and please let him know if something is misprinted or needs to be addressed. He also mentioned that Chuck G. is the new Bridging the Gap Chairperson and that the transition to Chuck is going well.
Website: Bill L. stated there were 3,768 visits to the website, up 4.70%. Top visited pages were Home page Where & When Calendar and Where & When Search. Bill also updated the sites New Bookstall order form, District 1 & 36 Where and When, SMIA Treasurer vacancy and responsibilities, the Toll-free number on the Home page and the header change for the Calendar Year 2019.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert - Fred W. meetings are well attended and things are going good Charles – No report, St. Mary’s – Kim K. stated things are going well, but we could use more volunteers.
PI/CPC: Calvert – Bill L. gave a report for Rodger M. All racks are updated and going well. Charles - Cindy H. stated that she has put the new Where and When’s and filling the information racks up and is in contact with the local rehab facilities. Cindy also stated that if anyone has information about any facility looking for information to please reach out to her. St. Mary’s - Buddy F. gave Mary F’s. report. She was able to get literature to the all the racks.
Gratitude Dinner: No Chairperson. We need volunteers to make this successful.
Serenity Breakfast: No Chairperson. Again, we need everyone’s help to make this a successful event.
Picnic: No Report.
Where and When: Pat P. stated that a correction insert has been prepared and is now available. He stated that he is working to create individual county tri-folds which will be available as downloads from the SMIA website. He received a comment about the toll-free number no longer appears on the Meeting Directory. The toll-free number was relocated to page two when the legend was relocated. It will be restored to the bottom of the front cover in the next printing.
Old Business: We are still looking for people to volunteer for the Treasurer’s position. Bill L. stated he would stay an extra month if needed, but we need to find a new volunteer.
Pat S. stated that she would like to withdraw her proposal for the Professionals Awareness Day event.
New Business: Pat S. has asked if someone would step up and do a Biography on their road to recovery through their service work. Joyce S. stated she would turn one in.
Joyce S. also inquired about how much time the Treasurer estimated he spent during a month preparing the Treasure’s Report. Bill L. stated he put in about 8-10 hours.
For the Good of the Order:
District 35 is Holding a 4th Step Workshop in May. Flyers are available.
Peggy K. stated that there is a new Women’s Meeting on Monday Nights at 7:00 pm at the Patuxent Presbyterian Church located at 23421 Kingston Creek Rd., California, MD.
Pat S. mentioned the possibility of getting a bus trip together for Founder’s Day in June. It would be a 3-day trip for approximately 50 people. Registration is $150.00 with no meals or $200.00 with meals. If they get 56 people it would cost about $75.00 per person for the bus ride
Pat S. also provided information about 2019 Regional General Service Board Forums that are being held through out the country. Tarrytown, New York; Detroit, Michigan; Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Houston, Texas. Pat also provided information on some up-coming Sober Cruises.
There will be a Joe and Charlie Big Book study beginning on May 6, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Immaculate Conception Church, Mechanicsville, MD. This study will run for 19 weeks Registration deadline is May 1, 2019.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 pm with the Responsibility Pledge.
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
March 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes March 9 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., with the Declaration of Unity.
New Members and visitors: Ron R. St Charles Step, Robin B. Beach Beacon
Board Members and Committee Chair: Pat S, Chairperson; John L., Vice Chairman; Bruce O., Parliamentarian Bill L., Treasurer and Webmaster; Buddy F., Secretary; Keenan W., Bookstall; and Picnic Chair person; Pat P. Where and When Chair person; Keith H. Lifeline Chair person;
Groups Represented Peggy K., Emotional Sobriety; Vickie P., Cove Pt/ Happy Destiny; Jill B., Sunday Morning Sobriety; Rodger M., Living Sober; Dan H., As Bill See It; Robin B., Beach Beacon; Dave C., We Was Wurse; Jim D., Awakenings; Kaki B., Hughesville; Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Buddy F., Basic Text; Rene W., Inspiration Group; Bruce O., Waldorf Group; David Y., Solomon’s Group; Ann G., Friday Night Alive; Lunch with the Big Book., Joyce S., Drunks R Us and District 36 Representative; Bill L., Sunderland; Pat P., North Beach; Dee E., New Life; John M., Early Bird; Keith H., Almost Normal; Rick W., Graceful Sobriety; Janine G., Sobriety Sisters; Kim L., District 35 Representative; Kathy S., Today’s Group;
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave Secretary’s Report, the minutes for February were accepted as read with corrections
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. gave the March 2019 Treasures Report the report was accepted as read with no corrections.
Bookstall: Keenan W. bookstall sales for the month was $491.31 and Keenan stated that he has a Literature order to place for approximately $1,100.00
Telephone: Emme J. was able send in a report, a total of 5 calls were received 4 were answered and the other contacted by Email.
Lifeline: Keith H. stated things were going well will be glad to receive any article for printing and please let him know if something is misprinted or needs to be addressed.
Website: Bill L. there were 3,631 visits to the website up down 3.5% top visited pages were Home page Where & When Calendar and Where & When Search.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert; No report Charles; Kim L. stated that they really need help taking meeting into the corrections for the men as well as the women ST Mary’s; No report
PI/CPC: Calvert Rodger M. all racks are updated, going well. Charles; Jeanine W. stated that Cindy H. has taken over that position and there is no activity to report at this time. ST Mary’s; Buddy F. gave Mary F. report Mary was able to get literature to the all the racks, Still looking for volunteers to help.
Gratitude Dinner: No Chairperson
Serenity Breakfast: no Chairperson
Picnic: Keenan W. Nothing to report looking into new location for the event. Keenan noted that someone needs to step up and Chair this event he has been doing it for the last 6 years.
Where and When: Pat P. stated that an insert has been prepared to accommodate critical errors that were made when reprinting. Information was gathered from the online guide that appeared not to have been updated or review for a while. This issue has been corrected and a process has been put in place to prevent this from happening again. Changes have also been made to the Group Information Portal on the Web site to make it easier to use.
Old Business: We are still looking for people to volunteer for the Treasurer’s position, Bill L. stated he would stay an extra month if needed but we need to fill this position.
New Business: Pat S proposed that the SHIA hold a C.A.D. (Professionals Awareness Day) Event hosted in February 2020 to help educate our professional Community, she has put together a package about the Venue, who we would like to invite, possible locations to hold the event and service committees that will be needed. Pat S. stated that approximately $2,700.00 will be needed to put this on. Pat P. made a statement that we were lacking people to fulfill our own service positions for fund raisers in SHIA. Jeanine W. stated that we don’t really use the Gratitude Dinner or the Serenity Breakfast as fund raisers anymore. John M. stated that the Gratitude Dinner profited $1,200.00. Pat S. stated that we will look at ways to reserve funding for the PAD Event.
Jim D. had to respectfully decline his nomination last month for the SHIA Co-chair position. John L. nominated Janine G. for the co-chair position after discussion Janine G. was nominated by the SHIA Secretary.
For the Good of the Order: Anne G. stated that she could use some help at Roundup please sign up to lend a hand,
Jeanine W. spoke about the CAR (Conference Agenda Review Committee) meeting that was held and Charles was the only attending SHIA District she gave a brief summery of the meeting and what the group does.
District 35 is Holding a 4th Step Workshop in May flyers are available.
Peggy K. stated that there is a New women’s Meeting on Monday Nights 7:00 (pm) at the Patuxent Presbyterian Church 23421 Kingston Creek Rd., California Md.
Pat S. mentioned the possibility of getting a Bus trip together for Founder’s Day would need about 50 people would be a 3-day event in June.
Adjournment: the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 pm with the Responsibility Pledge
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
February 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes February 12 2019
Opening: The meeting was opened by John L., with the Declaration of Unity.
New Members and visitors: Kathy S. and Hal C.
Board Members and Committee Chair: John L., Vice Chairman; Bruce O., Parliamentarian Bill L., Treasurer and Webmaster; Buddy F., Secretary; Keenan W., Bookstall; and Picnic Chair person; Emme J., Telephone Chair person; Pat P. Where and When Chair person; Keith H. Lifeline Chair person; Wallace S. Archives Chair person;
Groups Represented Andy X. Keeping it Green; Emme J., Graceful Sobriety; Jim D., Awakenings; Kaki B., Hughesville; Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Buddy F., Basic Text; Rene W., Inspiration Group; ; Wallace S., Sobriety First; Jeff A., Waldorf Group; David Y., Solomon’s Group; Ann G., Friday Night Alive; Lunch with the Big Book., Dan H., Beginners at noon; Joyce S., Drunks R Us and District 36 Representative; Bill L., Sunderland; Pat P., North Beach; Dee E., New Life; John M., Early Bird; Chuck G., Dailey Reprieve; Hal C., Kingston Creek; Keith H., Almost Normal; Rick W., Graceful Sobriety; Janine G., Sobriety Sisters; Kim L., District 35 Representative; Kathy S., Today’s Group;
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave Secretary’s Report, The minutes for January were accepted as read with no changes or corrections
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. gave the February 2019 Treasures Report the report was accepted as read with no corrections.
Bookstall: Keenan W. bookstall sales for the month was $675.20. And Keenan stated that he an order to place.
Telephone: Emme J. there was a total of 5 calls 2 looking for rides 3 needed to talk to someone.
Lifeline: Keith H. stated things were going well will be glad to receive any article for printing and please let him know if something is misprinted. Keith stated he was still looking for someone to take over the Bridging the Gap Chair.
Website: Bill L. there were 3,757 visits to the website up 26.80% top visited pages were Homepage Where & When Calendar and Where & When Search.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert; Fred W. stated that they only had 2 men taking the meetings to the jail, Charles; Kim L. stated that they need more women to help carry the message on Tuesday nights 5:45 pm and that the men meet on Saturdays 5:45 pm, ST Mary’s; John M. stated that Becky B. had passed her position over to Linda M. for the women and that Kim K. is going to take the men there is a fair amount of participation at this time.
PI/CPC: Calvert No Report Charles; No Report ST Mary’s; Buddy F. gave Mary F. report Mary was able to get literature to the Great Mills High School all the racks else ware are being maintained. Still looking for volunteers to help.
Gratitude Dinner: No Chairperson
Serenity Breakfast: no Chairperson
Picnic: Keenan W. Nothing to report looking into new location for the event
Where and When: Pat P. stated New Booklets were printed. We received 3200 copies at a cost of $1,477.64. Please take a moment to review the information and submit any changes, corrections, etc. to him via the Web form, email or hard copy. Any changes or corrections will be incorporated into the online version. The next printing will be in July
Old Business: We are still looking for people to volunteer for the Election Committee,
New Business: Chuck G stated that he would take the Bridging the Gap Chair, Thank You Chuck
We now can accept nomination for the Vice Chairperson and the Treasurer’s position. It was mentioned that 2 years sobriety is needed for these positions that it is a 2 year commitment and you cannot be an Officer and a Home Group representative at the same time
Kim L. nominated Jim D. for the Co Chairman’s position
For the Good of the Order: Kim L. stated District 35 was going to sponsor a 4th Step Workshop and they need the District GSR’s participation, Wallace S. asked what type of experience was needed to fill the Treasurer’s position and it was noted that Book keeping experience would help a lot. Jim D. stated that the Carol Porto facility has change their name to Avenue Recovery Center.it was stated that they had stopped the Wednesday night AA meeting and the 8:30 am meeting on Sunday’s has been changed to 4:00 pm on Sunday’s
There will be a guest Speaker next month from Area 29 on Bridging the Gap at the SMIA meeting.
Adjournment: the meeting was adjourned at 10:35 pm with the Responsibility Pledge
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
January 2019
SMIA Meeting Minutes January 12 2018
Opening: The meeting was opened by Bill W., with the Declaration of Unity.
New Members and visitors: Chuck G., Marilyn D .and Vickie P.
Board Members and Committee Chair: Bill L., Treasurer and Webmaster; Buddy F., Secretary; Emma J., Telephone; John M., Gratitude dinner Chair; Pat P. Where and When;
Groups Represented: Laura B.231 Group; Emme J., Graceful Sobriety; Jim D., Awakenings; Katherine L., ODAAT; Buddy F., Basic Text; Colleen B., Bedouin Group; Jill B., Sunday Morning Sobriety; Wally S. Sobriety First; Jeff A., Waldorf Group; Bob E., Solomon’s Group; Ann, Friday Night Alive; Lunch with the Big Book;, As bill see’s It; Dan H., Joyce S., Drunks R Us; Bill L., Sunderland; Pat P., North Beach; Dee E., New Life; John M., Early Bird; Vickie P., Cove Point; Jeanine W., St Charles Step; Janine G., Sobriety Sisters; Chuck G., Daily Reprieve; Katherine L. ODAAT; Peggy K. ODAAT; Beth M., Step Sisters; Keith H., Almost Normal.
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave Secretary’s Report, The minutes for December were accepted as read with corrections, John M. noted that he wasn’t happy that people complained about not being able to get tickets to the Gratitude Dinner He answered all his emails and phone messages and even drove places to meet up with people who wanted tickets. He thought he went out of his way to try to get tickets to anyone who ordered them. He actually sold 80 more tickets than the previous year’s event.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. gave the January 2019 Treasures Report the report was accepted as read with no changes or corrections. Bill stated that total income for the month was $2,329.00 and expenses for the month totaled $1217.00 for a Net Income for December of$1,112.00 total. The fiscal year total income was $12,641.00, the fiscal years Expenses were $16,437.00 for total net income of $-3,796.00
Bookstall: No Report
Telephone: Emme J. there was a total of 12 calls 2 looking for rides 5 needed to talk to someone and 4 looking for info outside of scope of hotline and 1 looking for meeting information.
Lifeline: Keith H. stated things are going well and he still is looking for someone to step up and take over the Bridging the Gap chair.
Website: Bill L. there were 3,037 visits to the website up -0.60% top visited pages were Where & When Calendar and Where & When Search.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert Colleen B. all applicants were approved the women meet on Wednesday nights 5:45 pm and the men meet on Thursday nights at 5:45 pm Charles. Jeanine W. meeting are going well always looking for more volunteers St Mary’s no report
PI/CPC: Calvert Bill L. gave Rodger M. report Bill stated that the racks are updated but he needed more Where and When’s CHARLES Jeanine W. gave a report for Cindy H. Cindy is the new PI/CPC Committee Chairperson for District 35 St Mary’s no report
Gratitude Dinner: No report
Serenity Breakfast: no Chairperson
Picnic: no report
Where and When Pat P. stated that as of today we will have distributed all of the available booklets, he will begin incorporating all changes since the last printing this week. We have received very few corrections over the past month. The cut off for corrections will be January 20, 2019 He plans to release the new booklets to the printer on January 21, 2019 in order to have the new booklets available for our February 10, 2019 meeting. Budget and available funds will determine how many we will print in this run. Pat stated that he would need approximately $1,300.00 for the new printing. He stated that the funds would have to come out of our prudent reserve we could not vote on this because we did not have a quorum. Pat asked that all members please go back to your groups and let them know that we are working on such a low budget at this time.
Old Business: We need volunteers for an Elections Committee to help with the upcoming election of our Treasurer and Vice Chair.
New Business: Need someone to step up and do the Bridging the Gap program at the Recovery of America Center
For the Good of the Order: Ann G. noted that the upcoming Round Up in Solomon’s is looking to spend about $1,000.00 to set up the bookstall for the Event. Solomon’s group 35th Anniversary 3rd annual Pot Luck Dinner on January 20, 2019
Adjournment: the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 pm with the Responsibility Pledge
December 2018
SMIA Meeting Minutes December 8, 2018
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., with the Declaration of Unity.
New Members and visitors: None
Board Members and Committee Chair: Pat S., Chair; John L., Vice Chairman; Bruce O., Parliamentarian Bill L., Treasurer; Buddy F., Secretary; Keenan W., Bookstall; and Picnic; Emma J., Telephone; John M., Gratitude dinner Chair; Pat P. Where and When;
Groups Represented 231 Group; Emme J., Graceful Sobriety; Jim D., Awakenings; Bob H., Hughesville; Katherine L., ODAAT; Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Buddy F., Basic Text; Colleen B., Bedouin Group; Rene W., Inspiration Group; Jill B., Sunday Morning Sobriety; Chuck M., Sobriety First; Jeff A., Waldorf Group; Bob E., Solomon’s Group; Ann, Friday Night Alive; Dan H., As Bill Sees It; Joyce S., Drunks R Us; Rodger M., Living Sober; Pat S., Charlotte Hall; Bill L., Sunderland; Pat P., North Beach; Dee E., New Life; Becky B., Poplar Hill; John M., Early Bird; Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Opener;.
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave Secretary’s Report, The minutes for November were accepted as read with no changes or corrections
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. gave the December Treasures Report the report was accepted as read with no changes or corrections. Bill stated that total income for the month was $911.00 and expenses for the month totaled $3170.00 for a Net income of -$2,259.00 total income for the fiscal year is $10,309.00 and total expenses are $15,162.00 for a net income of -$4,853.00 John L. had a question about the bookstall financing witch was answered by the Treasurer.
Bookstall: Keenan W. bookstall sales for the month was $778.00.00 and Keenan stated that he placed an order of $527.75 for Chips.
Telephone: Emma J. there was a total of 11 calls 2 looking for rides 5 needed to talk to someone and 3 not specified and 1 looking for meeting information.
Lifeline: Keith H. stated he was looking for suggestions for printing it was mentioned that we might want to add in the Lifeline the need for contribution or an article on the 7th Tradition maybe even a breakdown of the services provided SMIA
Website: Bill L. there were 3,044 visits to the website up 10.80% top visited pages were Where & When Calendar and Where & When Search.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert there was orientation procedure Charles. No Report St Mary’s Meeting are going on at the correction facilities there is an orientation procedure that needs to be attended before one can take a meeting to the facility. All meetings are being filled.
PI/CPC: Calvert Rodger M. Everything is going well Pat S. asked Rodger to submit a list of locations as to where the AA information is located CHARLES no report St Mary’s Mary F. was unavailable but provided a report she is keeping all the racks full and was in touch with a counselor from one of the local High Schools that has reach out to us for literature. She stated that she would be setting up a table at the District 36 Alcothon and also stated she could use some help with the Committee.
Gratitude Dinner: No report John M. did turn in some proceeds from the Dinner to the Treasurer, Thank You for your successful dinner
Serenity Breakfast: no Chairperson
Picnic: Looking into new location for the event
Where and When Pat P. stated that we were down to less than one box of Where and When’s, there will more printed in February if any changes need to be made on any group or locations, this information has to be turned in at the January 12th SMIA meeting. Dee also asked if it were possible to relocate the meeting codes from the back page of the Where and When to the back of the front page, it was noted and it will be discussed and possibly voted on at the January meeting.
Old Business: None
New Business: Bruce O. mention that we need to form a committee for an upcoming election the Treasurer and Vice Chair positions.
.
For the Good of the Order: Bob H. stated that Jeanine W. was the new District 35 DCM and that Cindy H. was the new Alternate DCM. Dee stated that the Benedict group had moved their meeting to a new location The Church of the Nazarene 5105 Leonardtown Road Waldorf MD and that that time was the same 7:00 pm
Adjournment: the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 pm with the Responsibility Pledge
November 2018
SMIA Meeting Minutes November 10, 2018
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., with the Serenity Prayer.
New Members and visitors: Craig R. and Scott K.
Board Members and Committee Chair: Pat S., Chair; Bruce O., Parliamentarian; Buddy F., Secretary; Keenan W., Bookstall and Picnic; Emma J., Telephone; Wallace S., Archives;
Groups Represented Worse: Dave C., We Was Worse; Jeanine W., St Charles Step; Sheri M.,231 Group; Emme J., Graceful Sobriety; Jim D., Awakenings; Kaki B., Hughesville; Katherine L., ODAAT; Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Buddy F., Basic Text; Colleen B., Bedouin Group; Rene W., Inspiration Group; Jill B., Sunday Morning Sobriety; Chuck M., Sobriety First; Jeff A., Waldorf Group; Bob E., Solomon’s Group; Ann, Friday Night Alive; Dan H., As Bill Sees It; Wallace S., Sobriety First; Joyce S., Drunks R Us
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F. gave Treasurers Report that was taken by Jeanine W. The minutes for October were accepted as read with no changes or corrections
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. provided Treasurer’s report but was unable to attend, Treasure’s report was read by Buddy F. report was accepted as read with no changes or corrections. A total of $911.00 was collected and a total of $3,197.00 in expenses for a net income of -$2,286.00 for the past 30 days. Income total for the fiscal year is $9,981.00 and the Expenses for the fiscal year is $12.899.00 for net income of -$2,918.00
Where & When: Bryan G. was not available However Where an When’s were available. SMIA is still looking for someone to chair this committee.
Bookstall: Keenan W. bookstall sales for the month was $663.00 and Keenan stated there will be no order this month.
Telephone: Emma J. there was a total of 9 calls 5 looking for rides 2 needed to talk to someone and 2 not specified.
Lifeline: Keith H. was not available however he was able to supply the Lifelines
Website: Bill L. Bill was unavailable but did supply a report, there were 2,735 visits to the website up 4.20% top visited pages were Where & When Calendar and Where & When Search.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert there is an orientation procedure that needs to be attended before one can take a meeting into the Barstow facility Charles Dan there are meeting beings held at the new Recovery of America treatment Center. They only have 2 men and 4 women taking meetings into the correction facilities we really need more people to help out. St Mary’s Meeting are going on at the correction facilities there is an orientation procedure that needs to be attended before one can take a meeting to the facility.
PI/CPC: Calvert no report Charles no report St Mary’s Mary F. was unavailable but provided a report she had place an order for more pamphlets was going around to all the locations to make sure the racks are full She stated that there was a flyer in the Lifeline asking for volunteers to help out.
Gratitude Dinner: No report there was a discussion about having it somewhere else that was larger than this year’s venue due to the fact that tickets sold out to fast and people did not get a chance to buy them.
Serenity Breakfast: no Chairperson
Picnic: Looking into new location for the event
Old Business: None
New Business: Bob H. stated that he was the liaison for the Spanish Community meeting@ the New Life Church in La Plata
Wallace S. brought in old Archives for the group to view he has be organizing Jeanine thanked Wallace for his services.
Jeanine W. stated about how we used the Gratitude Dinner and Breakfast as fund raisers but since that not our main source of income now maybe we can do a Pot Luck Dinner.
For the Good of the Order: Shift work volunteers are needed for the Round Up in March
District 1 has an upcoming workshop on Service to let the new comer know about the importance of service work.
District 35 is in need of members for it District Board and also Committee positions elections will be held December 6th 2018 @ 7:00 pm at the Peace Lutheran Church 410 East Smallwood, Drive Waldorf MD (St Charles)
Adjournment: the meeting was adjourned at 11:05 pm with the Responsibility Pledge
Submitted by Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
October 2018
SMIA Meeting Minutes - October 13 2018
Opening: The meeting was opened by Pat S., Chair, with the Serenity Prayer. New Members and Visitors: Colleen B., new rep for Bedouin Group; Sheri M., new rep for 231 Group, and Bob H., Alt DCM for District 35
Board Members and Committee Chairs: Pat S., Chair; John L., Vice Chair; Bruce O., Parliamentarian; Bill L., Treasurer and Webmaster; Keith H., Lifeline; Keenan W., Bookstall and Picnic Chair; John M., Gratitude Dinner Chair.
Groups Represented: Cindy H., Wednesday Noon Big Book; Rob E., Solomon’s; Cora W., We Are Not Saints; Jim D., Awakenings; Chuck M., Sobriety First; Greg H., Turn It Over; Sheri M,. 231 Group; Joyce S., Drunks R Us; Jeff A., Waldorf Group. Pat P., North Beach; Rene W., Inspiration Group; Bob N.; (not legible); Julian J., Beach Beacon; Katherine L., ODAAT; Colleen B., Bedouin, Kaki B., Hughesville; Keith H., Almost Normal; Ann G., FNA, LWBB, ABSI; Dave C., We Wuz Worse; and Bill L,. Sunderland.
Secretary’s Report: Buddy F., SMIA Secretary, had asked Jeanine W. to present the September minutes and take this month’s minutes. The minutes from September 15, 2018 were accepted as read with no changes or corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L., SMIA Treasurer: The Statement of Activities and Statement of Financial Position is on page 10 of the October Lifeline. $1,052.15 were received in contributions the past month. These contributions, as well as significant bookstall sales, brought us closer to a balanced budget. We currently have a $1,552.90 invoice due for Where and When printing. There was a large Bookstall purchase of $1,200.00 not reflected in the Operating Account balance of $4,137.25 stated in the distributed report. Only 21% (26 out of 120) of groups have contributed to SMIA in the past year, and only 14% of groups are represented at the monthly meetings. Jeanine W.: The Annual Audit was conducted, and the report is awaiting the last signature.
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. Jeff A had considered but is not able to be Chair.
Bookstall: Keenan: Has made a $1,200.00 purchase. Sales last month were $663.00.
Telephone: Bruce O for Emme: There were a total of 15 calls. 4 needed to speak to some one and 4 needed rides. The rest were under category of “Other”. Emme stated in her sent report that volunteers ARE answering the phone when the service calls them.
Lifeline: Keith H: The grayscale has been adjusted for printing. Keith has also cut printing costs. As usual, article submissions are requested.
Website: Bill L.: The website received 2,574 visitors last month. Most were for the Where and When calendar. 63% of visits were direct hits.
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert County: Colleen B: Barstow is putting together a new orientation. Charles County: Jeanine W. for Dan W.: Dan has given Dick R. from Bridging the Gap info to contact Thomas at Recovery Centers of America. Dan will follow up. St. Mary’s County: No report.
PI/CPC: Calvert County: No report. Charles County: Need volunteer for this position. St. Mary’s County: No report.
Gratitude Dinner: John M.: The dinner sold out. Will need clean up help for the event. The menu is on page 7 of the Lifeline.
Serenity Breakfast: Need chair. Picnic: Keenan: No report
Old Business: Jon L. will write the November Lifeline bio.
New Business: Bob H. from Charles County wants to start a Spanish speaking meeting at the same location in La Plata where the New Life Meeting is currently held. It would be held at the same time in the downstairs. Bob made a request for literature (in Spanish) for the meeting. Kaki B. made a motion to allow the purchase of 10 books for the meeting. During discussion, John L. and Jeanine W. pointed out that we need to be careful about setting a precedent in giving literature for meeting startups. Pat P. made a friendly amendment to the motion that a one time donation be made to promote meetings for an underserved community of a $100 Bookstall credit. The motion was seconded and passed.
For the Good of the Order: Pat S.: Flyers with registration available for the Crystal Coast Round in North Carolina on March 22, 23, and 24, 2019; and cards available for NERAASA on February 22-24, 2019 in Hunt Valley, MD. Flyers also available for the District 36 New Year’s Eve Dance. Pat S. asked a show of hands for those who would consider SMIA donating funds to the Dance. Jeanine W. objected, but several people would like to discuss this matter at the next meeting.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned with the Responsibility Pledge. Submitted by Jeanine W. for Buddy F., SMIA Secretary
September 2018
SMIA Meeting Minutes September15 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 Traesurer, 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 Sisters, 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 Whens 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 good.
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 Anchor 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 distributions 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 give their email addresses on the sign in sheet There wasn’t a block for that. New sheets will be printed
Pat S. wanted to know 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 absents 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
August 2018
SMIA Meeting Minutes August 11 2018
Opening: Pat S. opened the meeting with serenity prayer
New Members and District Reps: Rick from Hughesville Group
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Pat S. SMIA Chair and District36 DCM ALT, John L SMIA Vice Chair, Bruce O. SMIA Parliamentarian, Bill L. SMIA Treasurer and Webmaster, Calvert District Rep, Buddy F. SMIA Secretary District36 Secretary, Keith SMIA Lifeline, Keenan W. SMIA Bookstall, Emme J. SMIA Telephone Chair, John M. Gratitude Dinner Chair, Becky B. District 36 C&T Chair, Catherine District 36 Where and When Chair.
Groups: Jeanine W. St Charles Step, Andy X. Keeping it Green, Jill B. Sunday Morning Sobriety, Jeff A. Waldorf, Becky B. Poplar Hill, Bob E. Solomon’s, John M. Early Bird, Rick G. Hughesville, Wallace S. Sobriety First, Anne G. We Wuz Wurz, Jim D. Awakenings, Emme J. Graceful Sobriety, Dee E. New Life, Keith Almost Normal, Katherine L. ODAAT, Rene W. The Inspiration Group, Buddy F. Basic Text
Previous Months Minutes: Buddy F. presented Secretary’s report for the month of June Emme J. made motion to accept the minutes Jeanine W. seconded the motion July minutes were accepted as read.
Treasurers Report: Bill L. Fiscal years income $6,500.00 expenses were $6,713.with a net loss of-$213.00. Bill stated that all is well He also Mention that the Audit still needs to take place.
Where and When: Bryan G. was not available there were some Where and Whens passed out.
Bookstall: Keenan stated that there was $380.90 in Bookstall sales and $150.00 in purchases for chips.
Telephone: Emme J. there was a total of 18 calls 5 of which people wanted to talk the other were seeking information.
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. Keith also is Chairman of the Bridging the Gap program and would like to step down he stated he would be more than glad to help Co chair. After Keith’s report a discussion took place about printing out more Lifelines. Emme J. made a motion to double the printing of the Lifeline it was stated that it would have to come under New Business.
Website: Bill L. stated there were 2,430 visit to the website
Corrections and Treatment: Calvert No report, Charles no report, St Mary’s Becky B. All the meeting at the corrections are being filled and she stated she had monthly groups covering the Anchor facility and they are doing well.
PI/CPC: Calvert Rodger asked Bill L. to give his report Bill stated that the Where and When’s were depleted in most of the racks, Bryan G. the Where an When committee chair was not available to give any information as to the next Where and When printing or if some were available for distribution, Charles Wallace S. stated all is going well trying to get information out to more Medical facilities and Religious Centers. Wallace also mention about having the AA Hotline number being posted at the local DMV. St Mary’s no report
Gratitude Dinner: John M. stated the tickets were 65% sold out and asked if SMIA would be willing to donate books to the Dinner for raffle prizes John also stated that there would be no DJ but he had hired a comedian for the event.
Serenity Breakfast: No chairperson
Picnic: Keenan stated he thought it was a good turnout not as good as prior years he also stated he was over budget by a few dollars the body talked about reimbursing him and Bill L. for their contributions. It was also mention about upping the budget for next year’s picnic.
Old Business: Pat S. stated that they still need more people to take meetings into the Recovery of America on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s they have a meeting on Thursday’s now. Keenan asked if they were posted in the Where and when. It was stated that the meeting cannot be posted in the Where and when due to the facility being a profit organization. It was stated that if anyone or any group would want to move their home group to this facility to help support both their home group and the people in treatment it will be welcomed too.
New Business Jeanine made a motion to donate 4 literature books for the Gratitude Dinner raffle Emmie J. seconded the motion the motion was voted and accepted
Pat S asked for a motion to be put on the floor to double the printing of the lifeline Keenan mention that in the past this was done and the group fell into some financial difficulty. It was mention that if the Home group representatives could make a few copies to take back to their home group it could help. Jeff A. mention that we should table the motion on the floor to double the Lifeline printing and further. Investigate the situation for financial reasons. The body voted to table Emme’s motion.
Jeff A. stated that we might want to look for a new location for the SMIA picnic due to over crowding
Pat S. asked that all committee chair persons please submit their email address to Bill L.
Keenan mentioned that the SMIA meeting for Sept 8th needed to be changed do to Sessions going on the same week the Group voted to have the September SMIA meeting in the 15th of September.
For the good of the Order: The past committee chair needs to have his name remove from the Banking Business of SMIA and Pat S. needs to be added.
The financial Audit needs to take place
Pat S. stated that NERAASA was being hosted this year by AREA 29 and will be held in Hunt Valley MD. She said what a great chance this is to get the most out of AA service. There will be workshops available for all Committee’s.
Jeff A. made a motion to adjourn the meeting motion was seconded by Emme J. meeting adjourned at 11:18 am
Submitted by Buddy F. SMIA Secretary
July 2018
SMIA Minutes 14 July 2018
Opening Pat S. 0pened the meeting with the Serenity Prayer
New Members and Visitors Mike Y. Area 29 Liaison Committee Pat S. introduced Mike Y. who is a Liaison between Area 29 and the SMIA Committees throughout the state
Committee Chairs and District Reps Bruce O SMIA Parliamentarian, Becky B. District 36 C&T, Chairperson Buddy F. SMIA Secretary District 36 Secretary, Bill L. District 1 Rep SMIA Treasurer and Website, Chairman Pat S. SMIA Chairperson District 36 DCM Alternate, Keenan W. SMIA Bookstall and Picnic Chairman, Wallace S. SMIA Archives, John M. SMIA Gratitude Dinner Chairman District36 new comer Packet Chairman, Rodger M. District 1 PI/CPC Committee Chairman and Mike Y Area 29 Liaison Committee Chairman
Groups Represented Laura B. 231 Group, Buddy F. Basic Text, Becky B. Poplar Hill, Jeff A. Waldorf Group, Andy X. Keeping it Green, Wallace S. Sobriety 1st, Pat P. North Beach, Debbie S. Wed Night Women, Keenan W. Sunday Morning Eye Opener, John M. Early Bird, Jim D. Awakening, Janine G. Sobriety Sisters, Greg H. Turn it Over, Pat S. ODAAT, Bill L. Sunderland, Bob E. Solomon’s and Rodger M. Living Sober
Previous Month’s Minutes Buddy F. presented the minutes for 9 June 2018 meeting Jeff A. motioned to accept the minutes Rodger M. seconded the motion, Minutes were accepted.
Treasurers Report Bill L. presented Treasurers Report Fiscal years income as of 26 June was $4,919.00 expenses were $2,742.00 with a net income of $2,177.00 Bill stated he thought that the treasury was doing well. Jeff A. made motion to accept the Treasurers report Rodger M. seconded the motion The Treasurers Report was accepted.
Where and When No report
Bookstall Keenan bookstall sales were$783.20 and noted the he had placed an order of $1,099.34 and stated all is well
Telephone No report
Lifeline No report
Website Bill L. stated that there were 3,178 visit to the website
Institutions Calvert no report, Charles no report, St Mary’s Becky B. things are going well all meeting are being filled
Public Information Calvert Rodger M. doing good keeping the racks full Rodger stated that there were some events coming up that he would be attending all is well, Charles no report and St Mary’s no report.
Gratitude Dinner John M. stated he had a date for the dinner November 10th but not a Location.
Serenity Breakfast No Chairperson
Picnic Keenan had flyers for distribution the event will be on August 5th he stated the he would be setting up at 9:00 am and could use all the help he could get.
Old Business None
New Business Wallace S. had bought in some of the Archives to show the group some of the material that has been saved and was wondering as to what is relevant to save and what is not. A conversation then started and the group seemed to think to use your digression as needed as to what is Archive and what is irrelevant.
Becky B. asked about the new Recovery of America facility in Charles County and was wondering if anyone was taking groups the yet.
For the good of the Order None
Adjourned Jeff A. made motion to adjourn Keenan seconded the motion meeting adjourned at 10:38am
Pat S. closed with the Responsibility Declaration
June 2018
June 9 2018 SMIA MINUTES
OPENING: Pat S. Opened meeting at 10:00 with the Serenity Prayer
NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS: Don B. Area 29 Delegate
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Keenan W. Bookstall and Picnic, Bill L. Calvert District Rep, SMIA Treasurer and Website, Becky B. C&T Chair District 36, Keith Lifeline, Emme J. Telephone, Pat S. SMIA Chair and Alternate DCM District 36, John L. Vice chair, John M. Gratitude Dinner Committee chair, Bruce O. Parliamentarian, Katherine L. District 36 Where and When Committee Chair Buddy F. Secretary for SMIA, District 36 Secretary and District 36 workshop Committee Chair Martha K. Outreach Bob H. District35 Alternate DCM Cora W .Where &When District 35 Pat P. and Janine G. Budget review Board
Groups: Pat P. North Beach, Buddy F. Basic Text, Jim D. Awakenings, Jeanie W. St Charles Step, John M, Early Bird, Emme J. Graceful Sobriety, Bob E. Solomon’s, Jeff A. Waldorf Group, Becky B. Poplar Hill, John L. Hughesville, Anne G. Friday Night Alive, Janine G. Sobriety Sisters, Keith Almost Normal, Ed P. Sunrise Sobriety. Katherine L ODAAT, KEENEN Sunday Morning Eye Opener, Dee E. New Life, Cora W. We are not Saints, Bob S. Lusby, Martha K. Solomon’s, Jill B. Sunday Morning Sobriety, and Claudia D. Early Risers,
Previous month’s Minutes: Buddy F Accepted as read with corrections
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. Fiscal years income $3.239.00 expenses $1,841.00 with a net income of $1,398.00 for the first fiscal quarter. Bill also noted that Audit Committee which consist of the SMIA Treasurer and 2 volunteers Jeanine G. and Pat P. we not able to meet last month.
Where and When: Bryan G. not available but Where and Whens were distributed
Bookstall: KEENAN Bookstall sales $1,245.20 And Keenan noted that he had another large purchase to make this month
Telephone: Emme a total of 7 call were received and all were answered She has also collected more new phone numbers to provide to the answering service.
Lifeline: Keith stated he was having trouble getting men to fill in for the Bridging the Gap program he really needs volunteers he also stated that if anything was left out of the Lifeline please let him know and he would make sure it gets printed
Website Committee Bill L. stated that there were 2,479 visits to the Website up 2%
Corrections and Institutions Calvert no report, Charles Dan meetings are going good, there is a new treatment facility on Billingsly Road in Waldorf that is looking for groups to take in meetings or possibly setting up a home group on site St Mary’s Becky B. all the meetings are being filled the Lexington Big Book group were doing the month of June and the There is a Solution Groups were taking meetings into Anchor for the month of July
Public Information: Calvert no report, Charles no report and St Mary’s no report
Gratitude Dinner John M. stated that the Gratitude Dinner will be on Nov 10 2018 but did not disclose where it will be held
Serenity Breakfast: Picnic Keenan stated that the flyers are out and the picnic will be on August 5th at Hollowing Point Park
Old Business: Pat S. would like all the committee chairs to provide a Biography about their service position to try and promote service work
New Business: No new business
Adjourned at 10:47 am
Meeting was then turn over to the Area 29 Delegate Don B who gave a presentation on the topic of the Conference What they do ,why they do it and spoke about funding and cost analysis Printing Donation Grapevine, it was great to have him come down and give the presentation
Pat S. closed the meeting with the Responsibility Declaration
May 2018
May 12 SMIA MINUTES
OPENING: Pat S. Opened meeting at 10:00 with the Serenity Prayer
NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS: Jeff A Waldorf Group, Katherine L. ODAAT, Bob Huntington, Rick B. Monday Night Traditions, Tressie F. Mount Harmony
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Keenan W. Bookstall and Picnic, Bill L. Calvert District Rep , SMIA Treasurer and Website, Becky B. C&T Chair District 36, Keith Lifeline, Emme J. Telephone, Pat S. SMIA Chair and Alternate DCM District 36, John L. Vice chair, John W. Breakfast Committee chair, Bruce O. Parliamentarian, Katherine L. District 36 Where and When Committee Chair Buddy F. Secretary for SMIA, District 36 Secretary and District 36 workshop Committee Chair.
Groups: Pat P. North Beach, Buddy F. Basic Text, Jim D. Awakenings, Jeanie W. St Charles Step, Rev Early Bird, Emme J. Graceful Sobriety, Bob E. Solomon’s, Jeff A. Waldorf Group, Becky B. Poplar Hill, Andy X. Keeping it Green, John L. Hughesville, Anne G. Friday Night Alive, Treesie L. Mount Harmony, Wallie S. Sobriety First, Janine G. Sobriety Sisters, Keith Almost Normal and Ed P. Sunrise Sobriety. Katherine L ODAAT, KEENEN Sunday Morning Eye Opener
Previous month’s Minutes: Accepted as read with corrections
Treasurer’s Report: Bill L. Fiscal years income $21,716.00 expenses $22,001.00 with a net loss of $285.00. Bill noted that there more donations that needed to be added. The Audit Committee consist of the SMIA Treasurer and 2 volunteers Janine G. and Pat P.
Where and When: Bryan G. not available but Where and Whens were distributed
Bookstall: KEENAN Bookstall sales $595.00 purchase were $1,274.60 And Keenan noted that he had another large purchase to make this month
Telephone: Emme a total of 13 calls 10 had no answer or busy and 3 were not patched through Emme stated she had gone through the list of name and removed old numbers that weren’t answered and shifted numbers up from bottom of the list She has also started looking for more new phone numbers to provide to the answering service.
Lifeline: Keith noted he was having trouble setting up a Staples account Pat S. said she would assist him the issue was brought about some events in the Lifeline that aren’t sanctioned by AA. There was also talk about trying to make some of the flyers smaller to try and down size the Lifeline. Keith also stated that he needed more volunteers for Bridging the Gap especially females. Pat S. shared an email from our Area Delegate about how well he like the SMIA Lifeline. Good Job Keith and Rev
Website Committee – There were 2304 site visits, down 6.20% from the previous month. Top pages visited were Home, Where and When Calendar, and Where and When Search. Requested changes to the 12 Step Call page were completed.
Corrections and Institutions Calvert no report, Charles Dan meetings are going good, St Mary’s Becky B. all the meetings are being filled and ODAAT was taking meetings into Anchor for the month of May.
Public Information: Calvert Rodger M relayed to Bill L. that things are going well, Charles Wallie noted that he found some new locations for recovery racks and their keeping the old racks full as well St Mary’s no representative but John W. stated that the Racks were full as of a week ago.
Gratitude Dinner Tressie F. stated that we would need a chairperson. Rev acknowledge that he would chair the Dinner
Serenity Breakfast: John W All went well $1,250.00 in ticket sales and $320.00 in a 50/50 raffle, expenses were $1,200.00 there was net profit of $370.00 which was given to SMIA
Picnic Keenan stated flyer would be out next month Picnic will be on August 5th at Hollowing Point Park
Old Business: Pat S. would like all the committee chairs to provide a Biography about their service position to try and entice new comers to serve
New Business: Wallie who has been working on the Archives asked if there were any funds available so he could replace old book binder and storage bends that are worn out. He is also looking for Archives from the other Districts if they would like to donate. Tressie F asked for Archives Chair Review for the meeting to add a line item. Jeanine motioned to add line item for SMIA Archives Jeff A. seconded the motion passed to add line item
Anne G. made motion to let archive have a budget of $200.00 motion was seconded by Emme J. Archives budget was approved
Bill L. presented the new Budget 2018-2019 after a group discussion Jeanie made motion to except the budget as proposed Janine seconded the motion 2018-2019 Budget was approved
Pat S. stated that a Delegate was coming to speak on June 9th wanted to shorten up the meeting by skipping some reports after discussion we will hold our regular meeting and the Delegate can speak after the meeting.
Adjourned at 11.10 am
April 2018
Opening: 10:00 by Pat with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Claudia – Early Risers, John B. – Sunrise Sobriety
Board Members Present: Pat – Chair, John L. - Vice Chair, T Bill L. – Treasurer, Tressie F. – Secretary (filling in for Buddy)
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Keenan W. – Bookstall and Picnic, Bill L. – Calvert District Rep, Treasurer, and Website, Becky B. – St. Mary’s C&T, Dee E. – Charles P&I and C&T, Keith – Lifeline, Emme J. – Phone, Pat S. – Chair and District 36 Alternate DCM, John L. – Vice Chair, Roger M – Calvert C&T and PI
Groups represented: Pat P. – North Beach, Keenan – Sunday Morning Eye Opener, Bob E. – Solomon’s, Chuck M. – Inspiration, Becky B. – Poplar Hill, , Roger M. – Living Sober, Janine G. – Sobriety Sisters, Jill B. – Sunday Morning Sobriety, Jim D. – Awakenings, Claudia W. – Do Drop In, Linda H. – Kingston Creek, Wallace S. – Sobriety First, StBryon G. – Sobriety As Bill Sees It, Claudia D. – Early Risers, John B. – Sunrise Sobriety, Emme J. – Graceful Sobriety, Cora W. – We are not Saints
Previous month’s Minutes: Accepted as read with corrections
Treasurer’s Report: Bill - Fiscal year income 21681 and expenses $ 21856 with a net loss of $175; however, there are donations that need to be deposited. Audit committee consists of treasurer and two volunteers – Janine G and Pat P.
Where and When: Bryan G. not available. Where and whens were distributed.
Bookstall: Keenan – bookstall sales $594. 65 and a large purchase was placed (see treasurer’s report).
Telephone: Emme was able to speak with the phone company. Still need to revisit the phone script. There were a total of 11 calls: 2 to talk, 2 for meeting info, and 7 for other.
Lifeline: Keith – distributed copies of the lifeline. He appreciates any feedback and requested input. Pat – asked if we could have spotlight area to highlight things. Keith will go ahead with that.
Web Committee: There were 3507 visits.
Corrections and Institutions:
Calvert County: . No report.
Charles County: There is a new recovery center in Charles county. Wally met with the CEO and they are interested in hosting meetings.
St. Mary’s County: Becky – going well. Meetings are being taken into Anchor.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger – all literature racks are updated. Tri county memory walk at Serenity Farms on 5/19. AA will have an information table. Recovery 5K walk on 6/2 at Chestnut Land Trust located on Double Oak Road.
Charles County: Wally will be the new rep for Charles county.
St. Mary’s County: John – all racks are full.
Gratitude Dinner: Need a chair person for next year.
Serenity Breakfast: John - tickets are all sold out. Everything is in order.
Picnic: Keenan – confirmed Sunday August 5th at Hallowing Point Park at noon.
Old Business:
Online Meeting guide was discussed and the application is done by an outside entity. Pat met with the CEO and he wanted to make the information available to the public. This falls under Public Information. Other inter-groups are sharing information. AAWS plans to look into an online application.
Tabled discussion for phone script. .
New Business: Pat would like all committee chairs to provide a biography about the service position we are in to entice people to want to serve.
For the Good of Order:
Job fair is being held in Mechanicsville about AA service jobs. Disrict 35 Fourth Step Workshop April 21st. District 35 Celebration of 83rd AA anniversary on June 23rd. Solomons Island group will have guest speakers the first Sunday of the month… so May 6th is the first one.
Adjourned at 11:00.
March 2018
Opening: 10:00 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Janine from Tuesday Women’s Laplata, Jill B. – Sunday Morning Sobriety
Board Members Present: Wally – Chair, John L. - Vice Chair, T Bill L. – Treasurer, Bruce 0. - Parliamentarian, Tressie F. - Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps UPDATE: Bill L. – Calvert District Rep, Treasurer, and Website; SMIA Rep., Becky B. – St. Mary’s C&T, Dee E. – Charles P&I and C&T, Bryon G. – Sobriety As Bill Sees It, Keenan W. – Bookstall, Roger M. – PI Calvert / CPC, Keenan – Bookstall, Buddy F. – District 36 Secretary, Keith – Lifeline, Bill L. – Website, Pat S. – District 36 Alt. DCM
Groups represented UPDATE: Bruce O. – Waldorf, Bill L. – Sunderland, Rev – Early Bird, Pat P. – North Beach, Buddy F. – Basic Text, Julia J. – Beach Beacon, John L. – Hughesville, Bob E. – Solomon’s, Chuck C. – Whats the Point, Chuck M. - Sobriety First & Inspirations, Becky B. – Poplar Hill, Andy X. – Keeping it Green, Wayne J. – Step Free, Eric B. – Step Free, Janine G. – Tuesday Women’s Meeting LaPlata, Roger M. – Living Sober, Pat S. – ODAAT Women’s, Jill B. – Sunday Morning Sobriety, Jim D. – Awakenings, Bryon G. – Sobriety As Bill Sees It, Keenan – Sunday Morning Eye Opening
Previous month’s Minutes: Accepted as read with corrections
Treasurer’s Report: Bill - see detailed report. Yearly audit coming due and we will be seeking volunteers for audit committee.
Where and When: Bryan G. delivered where and whens. There were a lot of changes. Dee will keep where and whens.
Bookstall: Keenan – sales totaled $649.45 for February and placed no orders. Will place an order this month.
Telephone: Dee for Emme who is having trouble getting in contact with phone company. Two 12 step calls & five for information.
Lifeline: Keith – working with Rev to transition to take over. Both Keith and Rev worked on it this month. Next month Keith will prepare Lifeline.
Web Committee: There were 3507 visits.
Corrections and Institutions:
Calvert County: Roger- changes at the jail.
Charles County: Janine for Dan – always looking for men to take meeting into jail. Women are still taking meetings in.
St. Mary’s County: Becky – all meetings are being taken into jail and are covered. New volunteers for men and women. Process is smooth.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger – racks are updated. Tri county memory walk 5/19 and AA will have a info table. Recovery 5K walk 6/2 at Chestnut Land Trust.
Charles County: Dee - in good shape. Trying to get someone to help.
St. Mary’s County: John – surplus of material being moved. Most racks are full.
Gratitude Dinner: We have all the money but need a formal report.
Serenity Breakfast: John - tickets are all sold out. John would like to pick up books for prizes. Pay for hall out of proceeds from ticket sales.
Picnic: Keenan – confirmed Sunday August 5th at Hallowing Point Park at noon.
Old Business:
We have to hold elections. Nominated Pat S. for Chair. Bruce O for parliamentarian. Buddy F. volunteered Secretary. Secretary casted 1 vote for each position since there was only 1 nominee per position.
Tabled discussion for phone script.
Finance committee should form next month. Three people consisting of treasurer and 2 non board members form audit committee. Janine G. and Pat P volunteered for committee.
Online meeting guide not sanctioned by Maryland General Services. Dee printed guidelines. Not recommended linking to other non AA apps.
New Business: None
For the Good of Order:
District 36 workshop on Three Legacys on March 24th. Disrict 35 Fourth Step Workshop April 21st. District 35 Celebration of 83rd AA anniversary on June 23rd.
February 2018
Opening: 10:03 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: None.
Board Members Present: Wally – Chair, John L. - Vice Chair, T Bill L. – Treasurer, Bruce 0. - Parliamentarian, Tressie F. - Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Bill L. – Calvert District Rep. and Website, SMIA Rep., John W. – St. Mary’s P&I, Becky – St. Mary’s C&T, Dee – Charles P&I and Charles District Rep; Emme J. – Telephone, Keenan – Bookstall, Buddy F. – District 36 Secretary, Keith – Lifeline, Pat S. – District 36 Alt. DCM
Groups represented: Bruce O. – Waldorf, Bill L. – Sunderland, Rev – Early Bird, Pat P. – North Beach, Buddy F. – Basic Text, Bob E. – Solomon’s, Chuck M. – Sobriety First & Inspirations, Emme J. – Graceful Sobriety, Becky B. – Poplar Hill
Previous month’s Minutes: . Accepted as read with corrections
Treasurer’s Report: Bill - As of 1/27/2017 our operating fund is at a surplus for the first time this fiscal year - See report. If operating budget exceeds prudent reserve than we will make donations to MGS and GSO. Fiscal year ends April 30th. Report accepted.
Where and When: Bryan G. unavailable at meeting; however will continue to be Where and When chair. Accepting corrections / updates through 2/15. Updated Where and Whens will be delivered in March. Dee requested emphasis to remove meetings no longer in existence and get in corrections.
Bookstall: Keenan – sales totaled $756.30 and expenses totaled 418.96.
Telephone: Emme – 23 calls total. Reviewing emails for each call that is received. Emme is working with the company on call results for calls that are not answered. Emme needs to forward telephone report to Keith. Keith bought up call rotation forwarding. Service needs to ensure call is for SMIA area. We have received calls from CA and KY. There is a volunteer list on the website. There is a field for email.
Lifeline: Keith – working with Rev to transition. Keith suggested moving date up to receive reports to either the 15th or 20th. This will be discussed next month.
Web Committee: There were 3243 visits.
Corrections and Institutions:
Calvert County: No report.
Charles County: Dee – need women to take meeting into jail.
St. Mary’s County: Becky – everything is running smoothly.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Bill for Roger – updating the racks. Tri county memory walk 5/16 and AA will have a table.ens.
Charles County: Dee - in good shape.
St. Mary’s County: John – there are 4000 pieces of materials and John has picked up racks and filled them.
Gratitude Dinner: Suzie F. will chair next year. Still need a formal report.
Serenity Breakfast: John - flyers have been prepared. John has tickets available at $10 per ticket for up to 120 people.
Picnic: Keenan – in planning phases. Keenan has assistant chair in training.
Old Business:
Telephone script changed tabled.
New Business:
SMIA board jobs up for rotation are the chair person (preferably St. Marys in rotation), secretary and parliamentarian positions. Nominating committee should be appointed in January which did not happen. Formed nomination committee today (Wally, Bruce, and Bill). Bruce read the bylaws from section 5.3. The body discussed if Bruce can be re-elected. Since Bruce was appointed and did not serve a full term, a point of was made he could be nominated because he will not serve two full consecutive terms. He was subsequently nominated for the position.
Online meeting guide not sanctioned by Maryland General Services. Dee is going to check with her contact. Some districts and intergroups are feeding information to these apps (for example District One is sharing information). Meetingguide.org\contact) to send the information
For the Good of Order:
Adjourned at 11:30.
January 2018
Opening: 10:10 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Chuck – Inspiration Group, Jim – Awakenings, Becky – C&T Committee, Cory – We are Not Saints
Board Members Present: Wally – Chair, John L. - Vice Chair, T Bill L. – Treasurer, Bruce 0. - Parliamentarian, Tressie F. - Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Bill L. – Calvert District Rep. and Website, Duke R. – St. Marys SMIA Rep., John W. – St. Mary’s C&T, Dee – P&I and Charles District Rep; Joyce S. – Lifeline, John L – Telephone, Suzie F. – Gratitude Dinner
Groups represented: Bruce O. – Waldorf, Bill L. – Sunderland, Rev – Early Bird, Pat P. – North Beach, Duke R. – Laurel Grove, Buddy F. – Basic Text, Bob E. – Solomon’s, Roger M. – Living Sober, Joyce S. – Drunks are Us, Mike S. – Huntingtown Noon, Debbie S. – Wednesday Night Womens
Previous month’s Minutes: .
Treasurer’s Report: Bill - As of 12/27/2017. No meeting for month of December so no deposits. Bill received 2686.91 in receipts to be deposited today. Refer to report.
Where and When: Bryan G. unavailable. Byran will continue to be Where and When chair. Keenan will let him know that we would like to go to print to have where and whens available for March. Corrections should be submitted as soon as possible.
Bookstall: Keenan – no bookstall purchases in December.
Telephone: John L. explained duties since we still need a telephone chair. Emmy volunteered.
Lifeline: We need a Lifeline editor. Rev is filling in temporarily. Keith will assume editor role.
Corrections and Institutions:
Calvert County: Meetings are being taken into jail and treatment facilities.
Charles County: Dan W taking meetings into mens jail. There is a meeting being taken in for women.
St. Mary’s County: Becky – all meetings at St. Marys detention is covered for men and women.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger – wants to donate books to the library. Need more where and whens.
Charles County: Dee - status quo.
St. Mary’s County: John – just took over position. Trying to coordinate with previous chair. Working on distributing materials. John asked about the 44 questions pamphlet being changed. The name changed to frequently asked questions last printed on 9/2017.
Gratitude Dinner: Suzie F. will chair next year.
Serenity Breakfast: John will chair. In the planning phase.
Picnic: Keenan – last year to chair. In planning phases. Keenan has assistant chair in training.
Web Committee: There were 6689 visits over 2 months from November 11th. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Removed 40 year anniversary from banner.
Old Business:
Script change tabled until new chair takes over. Adding a statement if this is an emergency – seek medical attention.
New Business:
We need a coffee maker – Pat volunteered.
SMIA board jobs up for rotation is the chair person (preferably St. Marys in rotation), secretary and parliamentarian positions. Nominations to be made in March and vote in April.
Bill ask that group be noted on dontations for checks or paypal. Group name and id if available is helpful. Paypal has a comments area and use memo on checks.
For the Good of Order:
Attending defunct meetings – make sure where and when for SMIA and county is updated.
December 2017
The December meeting was cancelled due to inclememt weather. There are no minutes for December
November 2017
No minutes for November
October 2017
Opening: 10:05 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Buddy – Basic Text, St. Marys ,
Board Members Present: Wally – Chair, John L. - Vice Chair, T Bill L. – Treasurer, Bruce 0. - Parliamentarian, Tressie F. - Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Bill L. – Calvert District Rep. and Website, Duke R. – St. Marys SMIA Rep., John W. – St. Mary’s C&T, Dee – P&I and Charles District Rep; Joyce S. – Lifeline, John L – Telephone, Suzie F. – Gratitude Dinner
Groups represented: Julia J. – Beach Beacon, Bruce O. – Waldorf, Bill L. – Sunderland, Rev – Early Bird, Pat P. – North Beach, Duke R. – Laurel Grove, Buddy F. – Basic Text, Bob E. – Solomon’s, Emma J. – Graceful Sobriety, Wayne J. – Step Free, Ann G. – Friday Night Live
Previous month’s Minutes: Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill - September was an expensive month. SMIA paid for Where and When order and Bookstall purchases. Also issued $1000 check for gratitude dinner bringing total expenses to $5329. Received $3012.78 in donations and an additional $958 as of today. Please refer to detailed reports. The membership and board like the ew format of the treasurers report. Accepted treasurer’s report.
Where and When: Bryan G. unavailable. Wally will reach out to Bryan. A box of where and whens was distributed.
Bookstall: Keenan – not available however he stocked the bookstall earlier this week.
Telephone: John L – still need a telephone chair. Report provided yesterday and copies are available here. John provided copy of script where a change is being considered to provide a generic statement about contacting local hospitals instead of specific information. Suggested review script and provide feedback next month. 12th step volunteer contact list – blank forms are available to take to your group for people to sign up. There is a concern about phones being covered and calls being returned.
Lifeline: Joyce – was able to get Lifeline completed. Thanked Bill for the report. Being announcing there is a website for people to get information on SMIA, meetings, etc. Joyce is working with Hal to incorporate Area 29 information into Lifeline. Still need anniversaries for Charles and Calvert.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Roger – no report.
Charles County: Wally picked up 13 big books and 8 where and whens. Dee asked if that should go through the district. However, SMIA sets funds aside for each county for C&T. Jail reached out to Wally as they are having a Rentry this Friday. Wally reached out to Area 29 and Bridging the Gap. Number of organizations will let prisoners know what is available. Area 29 liaison for Bridging the Gap came down and spoke
St. Mary’s County: John – uses books from both SMIA and the district. Men’s program is doing well. Treatment center is covered. There is a shortage of woment to cover women’s meetings. Have a person involved to get volunteers to sign up and take meetings in. Had bridging the gap – but lack of interest from clients.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger not here but Suzie reported all the racks are full.
Charles County: Dee – all is good.
St. Mary’s County: Buddy - David H has been getting pamphlets out and set up at racks at the college. 2700 pamphlets have been passed out.
Gratitude Dinner: Suzie F. - Gratitude dinner – tickets are almost sold out. Gratitude dinner committee met last night. Great food lined up. Two speakers lined up. There will be raffles and dancing. Wally has archive items to be incorporated into the theme. Also Keith has archive items.
Serenity Breakfast: John volunteered to chair the breakfast.
Picnic: picnic was a success. Keenan expenses were $712.80.
Web Committee: There were 2910 visits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Changed to add a submission page for stories for the lifeline. Posted PDF of SMIA where and when and St. Marys.
Old Business:
No.
New Business:
Bridging the Gap – Keith is the coordinator for the southern Maryland area. Patty T. is the volunteer for Calvert Bridging the Gap. Keith will contact Area 29 liaison to get names that were provided for district 36 last month.
For the Good of Order:
Buddy – district 36 allocated money set aside for a Christmas Alcathon to be held at Brown Bag. Also, money allocated for a New Years alcathon. ODAT will sponsor a New year’s dance.
Suzie – will be a New Years dance at Star of the Sea.
Distict 35 – meet Area 29 delegate, Linda J., on Nov 2nd at 7PM at Peace Lutheran Church in Waldorf.
Bruce O. – prudent reserve defined as 3 months operating month’s expenses. Need to determine the monthly expenses to determine what should be set aside. Bill will determine what the average monthly expense is and bring it back to the group.
Bob E. - Solomons group donated cash to help Houston Intergroup replace literature. Any requests for donations for Puerto Rico and California.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:05.
September 2017
Opening: 10:00 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Steve – Brown Bag,
Board Members Present: Wally – Chair, Bill L. – Treasurer, Bruce 0.. - Parliamentarian , John L. Vice Chair, Tressie F. - Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Bill L. – Calvert District Rep. and Website, John W. – St. Mary’s C&T, Dee – P&I and Charles District Rep; Roger M. – Calvert P&I; David – St. Marys P&I, Suzie F. – Gratitude Dinner, Joyce S. - Lifeline
Groups represented: Cindi H. – Almost Normal,Julia J. – Beach Beacon, Bruce O. – Waldorf, Gamaliel S. – New Life, David H. – Monday Night Traditions, Rev – Early Bird
Previous month’s Minutes: Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill – report is in Lifeline. Please refer to detailed report. PDF version not clear in Lifeline. Bill suggested workaround for Joyce. Dee asked for copy of financial report. Bill said it can be downloaded. Accepted treasurers report.
Where and When: Bryan G. unavailable. Bryan distributed box where and whens from new printing. Dee volunteered to take boxes and return next month.
Bookstall: Keenan – was not here last month. Card was decline for purchases because account updates. Keenan paid 118 and will request a new card.
Telephone: John L – contacted Ansaphone. Looking for an updated 12 step call list. Report provided. Asked about providing vendor with area hospital phone numbers – discuss under new business. Steve recommended request updates once a year. Bill maintains a list and he can ask for updates once a year. Dee – make sure vendor rotates names to contact. Will charge for scripting.
Lifeline: Joyce – talking with Hal C. from Area 29 about getting more information for Lifeline. Not a lot of anniversaries for Charles and Calvert counties. Joyce going to solicit personal stories. Dee thanked Joyce for stepping up to do Lifeline and as District 35 rep will ask people to submit anniversaries.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Roger – no report.
Charles County: Dee – no report.
St. Mary’s County: John – no report.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger - everything is fine. He was going to Serenity Farms to have a public information table.
Charles County: Dee – would like to send information to doctors, etc. SMIA use to mail out pamphlets to professionals. When you google AA.. you don’t get AA.. you get a bunch of treatment facilities.
St. Mary’s County: David – form letter samples are available. St. Marys made contact with Wellness center in St. Marys city.
Gratitude Dinner: Suzie F. - Gratitude dinner is a go. The hall was $250. DJ Kasey is $200. People are selling tickets.. so far 40 tickets sold. Lining up speakers. Hall holds 130 people. Since this is SMIA 40th anniversary board attends for free; however, the board declines. Recommended tickets made available to sponser people to attend.. 10 tickets are set aside. Buffet starts between 7 and 7:15. Theme – thru the years with SMIA. Asked about receiving money to purchase gifts for raffle.
Serenity Breakfast: Still need a chair.
Picnic: Keenan – picnic was a success. Keenan expenses were $712.80.
Web Committee: There were 3015 visits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Changed banner to reflect SMIA 40th anniversary. Bill updated group numbers for 97 groups. Bill will put a form under the lifeline for people to enter stories. Dee – sometimes gets confused finding meetings.
Old Business:
No.
New Business:
Can our answering service provide information for hospitals. Lot of discussion around this because we don’t want to be in a position to endorse hospitals. We could change script to suggest contact a local hospital. John will look at adding to the script to suggest contact local hospital. Dee suggested we contact Area 29 and AA for additional guidance.
Wally’s time will be up in 5 months so need to start looking for a chair. Next chair should be from St. Marys.
For the Good of Order:
Dee – get information out about SMIA meeting.
Distict 35 – meet Area 29 delegate, Linda J., on Nov 2nd at 7PM at Peace Lutheran Church in Waldorf.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:09.
August 2017
Opening: 10:00 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Mason, Kenny and John are visiting, Adonica – Turn it Over
Board Members Present: Wally – Chair, Bill L. – Treasurer, Sam T. - Parliamentarian , Tressie F. - Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Bill L. – Calvert District Rep. and Website, John W. – St. Mary’s C&T, Dee – P&I and Charles District Rep; Roger M. – Calvert P&I
Groups represented: Pat P. – North Beach, Cindi H. – Almost Normal, Dee E. – New Life, Julia J. – Beach Beacon, Keith H – Almost Normal, Bruce O. – Waldorf, Laura B. – 231 Group, Roger M. – Living Sober, Debbie S. – Wednesday Night Womens, Adonica E. – Turn It Over
Previous month’s Minutes: Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill is 99% complete reconciling the books. Everything is now in Quick Books. Cash on hand $5582.30 and Petty Cash 74.02 not -$40. Total assets $10345.32. Statement of activity goes back to May 1st since Bill took over treasury (see report for detailed expenses and revenue. Laura heard that SMIA has a lot of money. At one time there was an excessive balance; however, the membership took action and distributed funds to GSO and Maryland General Services; in addition to a one time distribution to each district. Accepted treasurers report.
Where and When: Bryan G. unavailable. Tressie distributed last box where and whens. Printing for distribution in September.
Bookstall: Keenan – no report.
Telephone: John L – will be taking over the telephone report.
Lifeline: Cindy will talk to Joyce to see if she is able to continue.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Roger – Mark B. has been doing institutions but looking for someone to take it over.
Charles County: Dee for Dan. District has a Grapevine chair. Checking to see if jail will allow them to bring grapevines into the jail.
St. Mary’s County: John – they take Grapevines into jail. Gave away 12 and 12 and Big Books to jail and treatments centers. Report meetings were missed at jail but it was a communication issue.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger - Serenity Farms is sponsoring a recovery event September 16th.
Charles County: everythings good.
St. Mary’s County: No report.
Gratitude Dinner: Susie F. will take the Gratitude dinner. This is SMIA 40th anniversary.
Serenity Breakfast: Still need a chair.
Picnic: Huge success.
Web Committee: There were 3107 visits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search.
Old Business:
Laura B – got 3 keys made.. 2 work. The chair and secretary were both given keys.
The SMIA meeting next month will be on the 3rd Saturday, September 16th.
New Business: We need a new parliamentarian as Sam is stepping down. Dee nominated Bruce O. Cindy and Pat 2nd. Secretary casts one vote. Thanked Sam for his many years of service.
New budget has been completed for this year. Bill went through the proposed budget. Question about corrections budget. Bookstall has an accounting for each county allotted $500 they keep track. Pat - leave at proposed amounts and districts can request additional money as needed. It was motioned and voted on to approve the purchase Quicken books.
For the Good of Order:
District 35 workshop on Carrying the Message July 22nd at 11:30 was successful. Keith was able to get 3 volunteers from the workshop to help with Bridging the Gap.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:09.
July 2017
Opening: 10:00 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: David R – Baltimore, Alt GSR, Kurt W – from Maryland General Services Intergroup Liason
Board Members Present: Wally – Chair, John L– Vice Chair; Bill L. – Treasurer, Tressie F. - Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Keenan – Bookstall, Bill L. – Calvert District Rep., John W. – St. Mary’s C&T
Groups represented: Linda H. – Kingston Creek, Cindi H. – Almost Normal, Emme J. – Graceful Sobriety, Bob E. – Solomon’s, Bruce O. – Waldorf, Claudia W. – Do Drop In, Rev. – Early Bird, Laura B. – 231 Group, Dave H. – Monday Night Traditions, Bill L. – Sunderland
Previous month’s Minutes: Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Wally challenge getting with Jay to transition to Bill. Bill is sorting through. Last balance from Suntrust is $3955. Bill has business checking card from Jay. Bill will use Applios account software for non profits. Bill paid out $700 to Keenan for the picnic. Recommend hold treasurers report until finalized. The audit was good.
Where and When: Bryan G. unavailable. Tressie distributed where and whens.
Bookstall: Keenan – reported bookstall numbers; collected $599.50 and no purchases for month of June. Plan on purchasing books and chips this month.
Telephone: No report. Wally contacted Mitch.
Lifeline: Rev for Joyce – need information. Life line not published. Tressie will reach out to Joyce.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: No report.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: John – 2 new sign ups for men. Commitments are being filled with treatment center and jail. C&T committee has changed its meeting time to 6:00.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Bill – everything is going well.
Charles County: Emme picking up where and whens for PI
St. Mary’s County: No report.
Gratitude Dinner: Need a chair. Linda said someone from her group is interested. Contact Wally.
Serenity Breakfast: John appreciates all the complements.
Picnic: Keenan – Hallowing Point Park, August 6th - noon to 4:00. Flyers are available. Emme has a trio that will sing.
Web Committee: There were 3140 visits with an average session time of 14 minutes. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search.
Old Business:
Wally – Bryan has the original and will bring 50 copies next month. Bill has posted signed copy to website. Laura has Articles of incorporation.
New Business: Do we need to purchase a safe. No we have a safe and a key to it. Laura will make keys.
September SMIA meeting – motion made to change meeting to September 16th. Cindy will check with church if available. Motion was tabled.
Maryland GSR Kurt has had discussions about better cooperation with intergroups. There is an area on their website for intergroups to post information. David – new pamphlet coming out. Linda will come early December to speak to us. Background: Districts are established so a representative can go before the trustees. There are 93 areas in the US / Canada. Every 2 years the area picks someone to serve for 2 years. The Maryland General Service (Area 29) includes all of Maryland except Prince Georges and Montgomery county (part of DC). Makes sure voice of AA gets carried back to the trustess as the Area is the link between the groups and trustees.
For the Good of Order:
District 35 workshop on Carrying the Message July 22nd at 11:30. Delegate Linda J. will come and speak on public information, social media, safety and other issues.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1045.
June 2017
Opening: 10:00 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Mable G. – Today Group
Board Members Present: John – Vice Chair; Wally – Chair, Bill L. – Treasurer, Sam T. - Parliamentarian , Tressie F. - Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Keenan – Bookstall, Joyce S. – Lifeline, Bill L. – Calvert District Rep., John W. – St. Mary’s C&T
Groups represented: Linda H. – Kingston Creek, Cindi H. – Almost Normal, Cindy H. - Wednesday Noon Big Book & alt for We Are Not Saints., Gamaliel S. – New Life, Emme J. – Graceful Sobriety, Bob E. – Solomon’s, Joyce S. – Drunks R. Us, Bruce O. – Waldorf, Ann G. – Friday Night Alive & Lunch with the Big Book, Claudia W. – Do Drop In., Mabel G. – Today Group, Julia J. – Beach Beacon, Bill L. – Sunderland, Rev.. – Early Bird
Previous month’s Minutes: Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill - received report late last night from Jay so did not have time to make copies. Read reports. Detailed group donations. Bill, Wally and Jay still need to meet to transition the checking account. Recommend hold treasurers report until finalized.
Where and When: Bryan G. unavailable. Tressie distributed where and whens and will give Bryan the rest next month.
Bookstall: Keenan – reported bookstall numbers; collected $486.65 and no purchases for month of May.
Telephone: Report has been submitted and published. Waiting to hear back Wally on contacting Mitch.
Lifeline: Joyce S. Thanked everyone for their patience and thanked Sam for guidance. Please send her suggestions and ideas. Joyce would like to use personal email account . Bill will double check the forward email address in lifeline email.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: No report. Bill - getting meetings into the jails. Books have been distributed.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: John – 3 women have signed up to take meetings in. One woman approved but needs to take class prior to going in.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Bill – everything is going well.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: No report.
Gratitude Dinner: Need a chair. Emme will not be able to chair.
Serenity Breakfast: Sold 117 tickets. Cost with breakfast and hall there was about $90 left. Financial report will be sent. Outstanding speaker. Some folks got to go aboard a ship after breakfast. Very nice venue. SMIA made $271. Gentleman who won 50/50 donated back to SMIA. John did a great job.
Picnic: Keenan – Hallowing Point Park, August 6th - noon to 4:00. Committees are forming. We supply food and drinks but bring sides. Flyers should be ready shortly. We have volunteers to play music. Open if others interested in playing.
Web Committee: There were 3112 visits with an average session time of 14 minutes. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search.
Old Business:
John signed off on the bylaws. Wally gave to Bryan to get copies printed for SMIA membership. Bill needs signature sheet. John will let Wally know. Sam will send Bill bylaws.
Archives – There is an archive section on SMIA website where you can enter historical information.
New Business: Sam – look at disbursement of excess funds on a monthly item. Make part of the routine agenda under Treasurers report – Bruce O. 2nd. The motions were passed.
For the Good of Order:
Mt Harmony 41st Group Anniversary June 29th.
District 36 workshop on Sponsorship June 24th.
District 35 workshop on Carrying the Message July 22nd.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1045.
May 2017
Opening: 10:00 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Marna A. – Do Drop In, Jeff A.– Waldorf
Board Members Present: Wally – Chair, Bill L. – Treasurer, Jay T. -Outgoing Treasurer; Sam T. - Parliamentarian , Tressie F. - Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Roger M. Calvert P&I, John – St Mary’s C&T, St. Mary’s District Rep., David H. – St. Mary’s P&I, Dee E. – Charles P&I, Keenan – Bookstall, Joyce S. – Lifeline, Where and When – Tressie F., Bill L. – Calvert District Rep
Groups represented: Roger M. – Living Sober, Rev – Early Bird, Dave H. – Monday Night Tradition,Jay T. – Basic Text, Jeanine W. – St. Charles Step, Bill L. – Sunderland, Debbie S. Wednesday Night Womens, Linda H. – Kingston Creek, Cindi H. – Almost Normal, Laura B. – 231, Bob E. – Solomons, Emme J. – Graceful Sobriety, Judy H. – Keep It Green, Byran G. – Sobriety as Bill Sees It., Joyce S. – Drunks R. Us, Gamaliel S. – New Life
Minutes: Read and accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill Finance committee met last Sunday. The audit went well and books are in good shape. Bill will have Jay – read the reports. Please refer to reports. All expenses normal operating expenses as month except web service. Printer needs to be paid for last printing of where and whens. Bill as treasurer will not issue checks to himself for web expenses. He will have Wally issue those checks. Gratitude dinner discrepancies.. Jay and Rev need to meet. Printed report different than actual expenses. Bill and Jay will met to transition checking account.
Where and When: Correction inserts for where and when pamphlets delivered by the printer. Tressie F. is willing to give up the Where and When chair. Bryan G. volunteered and was nominated. Tressie will transition the boxes of where and whens to Bryan next month.
Bookstall: Keenan – reported bookstall numbers; please see financial reports.
Telephone: Rev – saw Mitch who planned on attending but unable to make it.
Lifeline: Rev – The new lifeline chair is Joyce S. Thank Rev for his service.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Mark and Tracy taking meetings into Jail. Keenan ordered 20 Big Books and 20 12&12 which Tressie will pick up after the meeting to be distributed. Charles County: Dan and Dennis P started taking meetings to Charles county jail meetings per Dan.
St. Mary’s County: John – new grapevine material to share. Taking meetings in. St Mary’s does take books into treatment facility and half way houses.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger M – everything is going well.
Charles County: Dee – hosting a workshop. The state rep will be there. Lot of issues of interest such as safety and social media.
St. Mary’s County: David H. – could use help get literature out. Created a QR code that goes to where and when. Gave to bill to post.
Gratitude Dinner: Need a chair. Emme interested. Asked what the job entailed. Jeanine explained what the duties involved and formed a committee. Will take it under consideration.
Serenity Breakfast: May 20th at Piney Point. Everything is a go. Facility paid for, speaker scheduled. Some things changed so went to plan B.
Picnic: Keenan – will chair. Hallowing Point Park, August 6th - noon to 4:00. We supply food and drinks but bring sides.
Web Committee: There were 3300 visits with an average session time of 16 minutes. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Lots of anniversaries from Charles county. Portal is available to enter anniversary information.
Old Business:
Bylaws signed by board members but still require Vice Chair signature. Wally has to get John’s signature; then will get copies and get to Bill to post.
Jeanine – November 2016 – Tom G came and talked to us about a section of the bylaws… 8.7. We should review on a monthly. Discussed as part of the treasuers report excess funds and disbursement.
Keith – Archives – would like to take items home. There is an archive section on SMIA website where you can enter historical
New Business: Wally – representatives (Joe and Dick R) from Bridging the Gap – Dick R spoke about being a bridge between treatment and AA. Small group pre-arranged with facility goes in. Clients fill out a questionnaire. Facility coordinator gets request and sends out to region where person will be going. Need temporary contact for either county or intergroup. This person sends information back and client is asked to contact person. Patty T. for Calvert and Pat S. Charles and St. Marys. Keith asked what are requirements. Year sober and know the meetings. Maryland State convention 2nd weekend in June at the Doubletree.
For the Good of Order:
Mt Harmony 41st group annivery June 29th. Bonfire cancel due to flooding – to be rescheduled.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1100.
April 2017
Opening: 10:00 by Wally with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Brian G. – Sobriety as Bill Sees It
Board Members Present: John., Vice Chair; Wally – Chair, Jay T.,Outgoing Treasurer; Sam T., Parliamentarian , Tressie F., Secretary
Committee Chairs and District Reps verify: Roger M. Calvert P&I, John – St Mary’s C&T, John L. – St. Mary’s C&T, David H. – St. Mary’s P&I, Keenan – Bookstall, Rev – Lifeline, Where and When – Tressie F.
Groups represented: Andy X. – Experience Strength and Hope, Roger M. – Living Sober, Dan F. – Saturday Morning 12&12, Rev – Early Bird, Bruce O. – Waldorf, Ann – Friday Night Alive and Lunch with Bob,, John L – Hughesville, Dave H. – Monday Night Tradition, Julia J. – Beach Beacon, Wayne J. – Step Free, Jay T. – Basic Text,
Minutes: Read and accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay – read the reports. Please refer to reports. Total assets = 10417.76 ending balance. Jay was unable to make initial meeting with finance committee. The next meeting is scheduled for April 23rd 9 AM. Rev – discrepancies on gratitude dinner. Jay and Rev will meet to resolve the discrepancies.
Where and When: New where and when pamphlets delivered by the printer. The cost is $1450 for 2500 and a one time set up charge of $100 to get the where and when in a good format with margins and same font (apparently there were 17 different fonts being used). This effort will save time and work on the setup to print saving SMIA roughly $90 to 95 per printing. Ann – a couple of Calvert county noon meetings are trying child friendly approach. This is not the pruview of the SMIA; however, is good information to get out via the Lifeline. Tressie will follow up to see if there is a code by either GSA or GSO to indicate child friendly meetings.
Bookstall: Keenan – reported bookstall numbers; please see financial reports. Also – an inquiry was made as to the remaining budget for each county C&T and PI funds in order to purchase literature to distribute. Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s each tarts with $500 for PI and $500 for C&T. Calvert: C&T $458 and P&I $0; Charles: C&T $500 and P&I $424; St. Marys: C&T $8.60 and P&I $269.50
Telephone: We receive the report but the chair has not been able to attend. Wally will reach out to Mitch.
Lifeline: Rev – two people are interested in the editor position. Wally suggested that they come to the SMIA meeting and express their interest. Sam stated in the SMIA bylaws article 5.5.1 – intergroup chair appoints a committee chair. Wally looks forward to meeting both people next month
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Mark and Tracy taking meetings into Jail. Tressie asked for literature on their behalf since Tracy mentioned they are running low on books. Keenan will order 20 Big Books and 20 12&12s and they can be picked up next month.
Charles County: No chair – revitalizing Charles county jail meetings per Dan.
St. Mary’s County: John – things are steady and books are being distributed. There is a request for women to take meetings in to the jail. St Mary’s does take books into treatment facility and half way houses.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger M - 1180 pieces of literature put out including 81 where and whens. Roger inquired as to the balance of his budget in order to acquire literature.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: David H. – distributing 400 pieces of literature not including where and whens. Still have places remaining to distribute literature.
Gratitude Dinner: Need a chair.
Serenity Breakfast: To be held May 20th. 120 tickets are available @ $10 a ticket.
Picnic: Keenan – will chair. Same location – will have a date by next SMIA meeting.
Web Committee: There were 3172 visits with an average session time of 14 minutes. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Added Bill and Johns email addresses to be forwarded. Previous chairs email addresses will be removed next month.
Old Business: Sam - we have a proposed bylaw. Sam stated we can allow secretary reading to be formal reading.
Proposed bylaw change was read by Bill L. Article 8: section 8.4: The regular checking and savings accounts shall bear the signatures of the Treasurer, Chair and Vice Chair. Two (2) signatures shall be required to disburse funds. The special accounts shall also bear 3 signatures, two (2) of which shall be required to disburse funds. One signature disbursing funds must be that of a Board Member. Add a new sentence “Electronic disbursement of funds require the Chair and/or Vice Chair approval via email which must be retained for audit purposes.”
Amended Bylaws approved by the membership. Once changes made, the bylaws will be sent to board of directors for approval. Based on this, the bylaws should be published and copies should be provided for the membership to be distributed at SMIA meetings.
New Business: Wally – archives – interested in historical SMIA materials. State level – archivist. Bill has capacity to scan and maintain historical information. Keith is interested in helping so Wally gave him some materials to go through after the meeting. Intergroup is starting an archive committee- interest preservation of intergroup materials. If you are interested, please come to the next SMIA meeting. Wally will check if state archive person will come to speak to us.
For the Good of Order: Ann - SMIA Bookstall sign for Roundup to clarify vendors from what is supported by SMIA. Literature purchased at the SMIA bookstall is generally cheaper. On April 22nd District 35 is sponsoring a 4th step workshop. Flyers are available and information is posted on website and in Lifeline.
March 2017
Opening: 10:00 by Leo with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Becky B – Poplar Hill
Board Members Present: Leo B. , Vice Chair; Tressie F., Secretary; Jay T., Treasurer; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps verify: Roger M. Calvert P&I, John – St Mary’s C&T, Dee E. – St. Mary’s P&I, John L. – C&T, Bill L – Website, Keenan – Bookstall, Rev – Lifeline, Where and When – Tressie F.
Groups represented need Update: Bill L. – Sunderland, Andy X. – Experience Strength and Hope, Rosemary – Mt. Harmony, Bob E. - Solomon’s, Roger M. – Living Sober, Dan F. – Saturday Morning 12&12, Rev – Early Bird, Bruce O. – Waldorf, Ann – Friday Night Alive and Getting it Right at Noon, Cindy H. – Almost Normal, Larry S. – Leonardtown, Laura B. – 231, Greg H. – Turn It Over, John L – Hughesville, Becky B. – Poplar Hill, Dave H. – Monday Night Tradition, Gamaliel S. – New Life
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay – Issues with printer to make copies so read the report. SMIA received $823 donations total for the month. Bookstall sales $96.80. Lifeline $42.57, message center $112.77, rent $300 – fiscal year $3000, webmaster $278, web host fee $21.57. total expense$ 754.91. No PI or CPC for the month. The beginning balance was $5090.88 and the ending balance is $5366.84. Prudent reserve is $5588.02. Total assests ending balanceis $11023.71. See report for additional information.
Where and When: Last box was distributed (300 copies per box). Deadline for updates is 2/28. Tressie will probably submit for print in March.
Bookstall: Keenan –$96.80 in sales and purchases $2065.63 (includes order for Roundup)
Telephone: No report but report in the Lifeline. Rev gets every month. He will ask that board be included.
Lifeline: Rev – need input feedback for Lifeline. Rev is still doing the lifeline; however, new editor needed.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: No report.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: John – things are steady. Asked for women to take meetings in and they are. They are distributing books.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger M - 823 pieces of literature put out including 110 where and whens. Roger inquired as to the balance of his budget in order to acquire literature.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: David H. – distributing 400 pieces of literature not including where and whens. Still have places to distribute to.
Gratitude Dinner: Need a chair.
Serenity Breakfast: To be held May 20th. 120 tickets are available.
Picnic: Keenan – will chair. Same location – will confirm date.
Web Committee: There were 3197 visits down 2%. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Most downloaded document was Southern Maryland roundup registration.
Old Business: Open floor for additional nominations for the vice chair or treasurer. There were no additional nominations. Nominations are closed. Since no additional nominations secretary casts one vote to elect. John L. – Vice Chair and Bill L for Treasurer elected. Sam stated we can allow secretary reading to be second reading. Amended Bylaws approved by the membership.
- Article 7: Insert “SMIA Publishing guidelines germane” at the end of sections 7.3.2, 7.3.7 and 7.3.8. Passed
- Article 8, section 8.8 – delete “and bookstall fund” and bookstall chair. Sam: At one time, the bookstall had their own fund/ account and required audit but now is part of the main account. Passed
- Article 3, Section 3.3 – Include District C&T and PI/CIPC representatives to become standing committee chairperson and have voting rights. Passed
Proposed bylaw change was read by Bill L. Article 8: section 8.4: The regular checking and savings accounts shall bear the signatures of the Treasurer, Chair and Vice Chair. Two (2) signatures shall be required to disburse funds. The special accounts shall also bear 3 signatures, two (2) of which shall be required to disburse funds. One signature disbursing funds must be that of a Board Member. Add a new sentence “Electronic disbursement of funds require the Chair and/or Vice Chair approval via email which must be retained for audit purposes.”
New Business: Jay still has decorations from gratitude dinner. Jay has to get stuff together to transition and the audit is done by the financial committee at the same time. Bruce and Rosemary volunteered for finance audit committee.
For the Good of Order: Rosemary – Mt. Harmony will host bonfire meeting at Serenity Farms. Starts at 6:00, meeting from 7:00 – 8:00. Bring a lawnchair and a snack. Solomon’s group – Every other month starting in April, there will be a speakers meeting the first Sunday of the month. Cindi Hicks – Monday at 7:00 in St. Marys is being discontinued. Where and when online and booklet have been update to reflect this.
February 2017
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Beth M. – Keith H. – Almost Normal, Pat G. – Area 29 Secretary
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman; Tressie F., Secretary; Jay T., Treasurer; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps verify: Roger M. Calvert P&I, John – St Marys C&T, Dee E. – St. Marys P&I, Bill L – Website, Keenan – Bookstall, Rev – Lifeline, Where and When – Tressie F.
Groups represented need Update: Bill L. – Sunderland, Andy X. – Experience Strength and Hope, Rosemary – Mt. Harmony, Bob E. - Solomons, Kevin B. – Awakenings, Roger M. – Living Sober, Dan F. – Saturday Morning 12&12, Rev – Early Bird, Bruce O. – Waldorf, John – This is Sanity, Bob N. – Sunday AM Sobriety, Wayne J. – Step Free, Ann – Friday Night Alive and Getting it Right at Noon
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay – We received $1939.18 donations; which brings total donations for the year to $11615.18. See report for detailed expenses. Total expenses were $6646 due to Where and Whens payment clearing the bank. SMIA has $5090 balance in checking and $5582 in savings.
Where and When: One box was distributed (300 copies per box). One box left. We usually provide Where and Whens for the Southern Maryland roundup in March – only need quarter of a box. Deadline for updates is 2/28. Tressie will probably submit for print in March.
Bookstall: Keenan – please email order in advance if you are restocking. Sales $943.65 and purchases $1503.38.
Telephone: No report.
Lifeline: We are still seeking a Lifeline editor.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Six new men signed up to take meetings into jail.
Charles County: Dee – Dan will still be chair and is working with the jail to take meetings in.
St. Mary’s County: John – Everything is on an even keel. They are distributing Big Books and 12&12s.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger M - 823 pieces of literature put out including 110 where and whens. Roger inquired as to the balance of his budget in order to acquire literature.
Charles County: Dee – will be putting on a workshop. They are using funds for pamphlets for workshop.
St. Mary’s County: David H. – replenishing his stock. He needs where and whens.
Gratitude Dinner: Need a chair.
Serenity Breakfast: Usually held in May. Still need a chair and a new location. John W.– budget is $1500. Tickets sold for $15. John volunteers to chair. Would like to hold the event at Piney Point in St. Marys; however, John will check on capacity and a date – possibly third Saturday of May.
Picnic: Keenan – looking for a new chair.
Web Committee: There were 3290 visits up 13%. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Most downloaded document was Southern Maryland roundup registration.
Old Business: Bruce - no nominations for the vice chair or treasurer. Responsiblities of the vice chair include filling in for the chair, reviewing expenses and signing off on bank account. John L volunteered for Vice Chair and nomination committee accepts John L. Bill L. volunteered for treasurer if no other nominations. Bruce subsequently reported that as part of the search committee, he had found nominees. Group is not replacing Sunset group. Is there a group at Bennedict – Dee will get information. Sam stated a group does not have to be published in the Where and When if they do not want to be.
New Business: Sam – proposed bylaw amendments. Being a board member Sam cannot introduce. Bill L – read the amendments.
Article 7: Insert “SMIA Publishing guidelines germane” at the end of sections 7.3.2, 7.3.7 and 7.3.8. Passed
Article 8, section 8.8 – delete “and bookstall fund” and bookstall chair. Sam: At one time, the bookstall had their own fund/ account and required audit but now is part of the main account. Passed
Article 3, Section 3.3 – Include District C&T and PI/CIPC representatives to become standing committee chairperson and have voting rights. Passed
Article 8: section 8.4: Add to 2nd sentence “except for recurring monthly expenses paid electronically “ This amendment was held over for review and further discussion next month with adjustments.
Technology has changed the way we conduct our financial business and that needs to be taken into consideration within the bylaws. Bill L – need to recertify the bylaws; however, when bylaws are finalized they will be. Sam said please provide comments to him.
Smart phone app has meetings in it. Data comes from intergroups. James would like to work with webmaster to provide information to the app – Meeting guide, which is available on android and iphone. Technical discussion occurred which is outside scope of this group. Bill and James will work together on this effort. Ann does bookstall at roundup – which is outside of SMIA. Wally – SMIA historical data – for example first copy of Lifeline. New sign for building – Sam will check.
For the Good of Order: Dee – March 25th - eat, met and greet – discussion on roles of district and SMIA. Pat – Area 29 secretary – Area 29 meeting will be held in Berlin next Saturday.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:13.
January 2017
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Beth M. - Step Sisters, Anthony L. – Grapevine; Rosemary – Mt Harmony
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman; Tressie F., Secretary; Jay T., Treasurer; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Roger M. Calvert C&T, John – St Marys C&T, Bill L – Website, Keenan – Bookstall, Rev – Lifeline, Where and When – Tressie F.
Groups represented Update: Bill L. – Sunderland, Andy X. – Experience Strength and Hope, Julia J. – Beach Beacon, Rosemary – Mt. Harmony, Bob E. - Solomons, Jim M. – Lexington Park, Kevin B. – Awakenings, Anthony L. – Grapevine, Roger M. – Living Sober, Dan F. – Sunday Morning 12&12, Rev – Early Bird, Andrew – Sobriety as Bill Sees It, Gamalied – New Life, Bruce O. – Waldorf, Ed P. – Sunrise Sobriety, Linda H. – Kingston Creek, Larry S. – Leonardtown, Anthony L. – Grapevine, Beth M. – Step Sisters
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay – 1366.12 total income; expenses – checks issued to MGSA and GSO – See reports for numbers. Will have $4900 left after GSO and Where and When checks clear. Where and when receipt from last printing provided to Jay by Tressie
Where and When: One box was distributed (300 copies per box). About 3 boxes left. Calvert P&I needs for literature racks and we usually provide Where and Whens for the Southern Maryland roundup in March. Will probably submit for print in March.
Bookstall: Keenan - no report.
Telephone: No report.
Lifeline: District 1 and District 35. Rev doesn’t get a lot of anniversaries. Sam stated it is up to the individual to post their anniversary. We are still seeking a Lifeline editor.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Conducted interviews for men to go into jail. Tracy G. took over women’s corrections outreach effort.
Charles County: Dee – Dan will still be chair and is working with the jail to take meetings in.
St. Mary’s County: John – Thank you for money to support alcathon which had 250 attendees. The money was returned as it was not needed. Literature is being donated to treatment and jails. Meetings are being taken in to men and women.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger M - start PI for Calvert County. Roger needs where and whens for literature racks.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: No report.
Gratitude Dinner: No report; however report was in Lifeline. Looking for a chair; however current chair was not happy with lack of participation of SMIA members volunteering. We will need a chair for next year. The issue was raised that a report should have been provided to the SMIA board.
Serenity Breakfast: Usually held in May. Still need a chair and a new location.
Picnic: Keenan – looking for a new chair. Keenan has travel commitments so cannot commit at this point until they are finalized. Issue of having it earlier in the year which was suggested, like June; however, there may be a conflict with activities at the park.
Web Committee: There were 2389 visits. The most popular pages are the home page, anniversary and where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Most downloaded document is the where and when.
Old Business: None
New Business: Sam – need nominating committee for vice chair and treasurer whose position is up in April. Nominating committee exists of 1 or 2 people from each county which try to find interested candidates. Bylaws – 3 people 1 for each county. Bruce O. volunteered to be Charles Country representative on committee. Meeting App – Tressie mentioned there is an App to find AA meetings GSO and MGSA have them.
For the Good of Order: Sunset Reflections new group on Tuesday – Charles – replacing Sunset group . New meetings are in bold. Also, new meeting in Lusby – 10 am on Thursdays. Jay looking for which group made 2 donations.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15.
December 2016
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Shane S. – Daily Reflections; Area 29 delegate –Linda J
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman; Tressie F., Secretary; Jay T., Treasurer; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Calvert C&T – Roger M., Bill L – Website, Rev – Lifeline, Where and When – Tressie F.
Groups represented Update: Lost sign-in sheet.
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay didn’t send reports from previous month. Totals are aligned but need some adjustments. was present and provided the reports as of the month of October. Donations total 1306. Bookstall sales were $639 and purchases $665.09. Chairs cost $635.29. Paid $1200 in rent for 4 months. Gratitude dinner expenses were reviewed and need to finalize numbers (just got some more receipts today. Payments still be made for World Service and Maryland General Services. We have about $6500 outstanding for GSO, GSA and Where & Whens. Jay will amend reports as there are still some minor discrepancies that need to be corrected. Sam motioned treasurers report be tabled until next month. We have prudent reserve in savings – we are slightly over.
Where and When: One box was distributed (300 copies per box). About 4 boxes left.
Bookstall: No report. Dee suggested Chair have an extra set to cabinets.
Telephone: No report.
Lifeline: Still seeking a Lifeline editor. Dee – would like to have extra copies distributed. Tressie suggested print extra copies.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: No report.
Charles County: Dee – Dan will still be chair and is working with the jail to take meetings in.
St. Mary’s County: John - Literature being donated to treatment and jails. Men and women taking meetings in. St. Marys will have alcathon need to cover basic expenses – coffee and food. Ask for donation; however SMIA sent a $1000 to each district. John is going to request money from district. Made a motion for $100 as this is an outreach through C&T. Motion was seconded and passed.
Public Information:
Calvert County: No report.
Charles County: Dee – status quo.
St. Mary’s County: No report.
Gratitude Dinner: No report yet. Jay – has decorations from dinner and will bring next month.
Serenity Breakfast: Need a chair for next year. Need a new location.
Picnic: Wally – looking for a new chair.
Web Committee: There were 3046 hits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search.
Old Business: None
New Business: Linda J. 2 way communication link between AA and GSO. New video for corrections – can buy it on website for $10.95. Young people in AA pamphlet is being updated. Mental health and LBGT pamphlets are being updated. Half of AA literature is sold by intergroups. Trying to improve AA position in web search results. Report Booklet includes 2015 information. Linda serves on conference finance committee. Communication is the key. Next year is the first ever corrections conference. Our conference is 93 area and includes North America and Canada.
For the Good of Order: Sam had privilege of meeting a couple different guys at his home group working from out of state. They were surprised they did not have to pay for the where and whens. Most intergroups charge.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15.
November 2016
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Christian M., Monday Traditions
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman; Tressie F., Secretary; Jay T., Treasurer; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Calvert C&T – Roger M., Bill L – Website, Keenan – Bookstall, Rev – Lifeline, Where and When – Tressie F.
Groups represented: Cindy H. - Almost Normal; Wayne J. - Step Free; Keenan - Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Bill L.- Sunderland; Bob E.- Solomon’s ; Jeannie W. – St. Charles Step; Bruce O. - Waldorf Group; Dan F.- Saturday Morning 12&12; Linda H. – Kingston Creek; Claudia W. – Do Drop In; Kat B. – GLAD; Kevin B. – Awakenings; Dee E. – New Life; Grace H. –Turn It Over; James M. – North Beach; Gamaliel S. – New Life; Pat P. – Experience, Strength and Hope; Ann G. – Friday Night Alive, Getting It Right at Noon and Sunrise Sobriety.
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay was present and provided the reports as of the month of October. Donations total 1147.18 and expenses were reviewed (please refer to reports). Tell the groups we appreciate the support. Had to pay church rent for 3 months in the amount of $900 because we changed names on accounts it affected the payment to the church. The total balanced does not reflect two of the checks to the district ($2000), the where and when payment ($1531), and the chairs $635.69. The checking account balance is less than $1200. The treasurer’s report cannot be accepted as there is an inconsistency. Jay will review.
Where and When: One box was distributed (300 copies per box). Second box stored was opened. The bill totaled $1531 and was paid electronically. Hard copy provided.
Bookstall: Keenan - $554.50 collected last month. Purchases were made but Keenan doesn’t have total.
Telephone: Bill for Mitch – read report.
Lifeline: Rev would appreciate sending content in such as flyers information anniversaries. We are still seeking a Lifeline editor.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Tracy G. – taking over chair for women’s corrections meetings. Calvert county requires an application and you complete a course scheduled for November 30th.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: John - donated books and groups are taking books in. Meetings are being taking into jail.
Public Information:
Calvert County: No report.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: No report.
Gratitude Dinner: Mitch – is setting up for gratitude dinner today which is being held tonight. Ann – was announced if you volunteer you can attend for free, which is not the case.
Serenity Breakfast: Need a chair for next year. Need a new location.
Picnic: Keenan – looking for a new chair.
Web Committee: There were 3770 hits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search.
Old Business:
New Business: Sam T – has proposals to make bylaws in line with what we are doing. For example, bylaws require 2 signatures to disburse funds; however, we have being paying with one signature for years. Require excess funds being sent to World Services, Maryland General Services. Obvious solution is to comply with bylaws however, we have not. Jeanine - we do have someone here that was involved in writing the original bylaws – Tom G. Thinks we should follow the bylaws for distribution of excess funds. Pat pointed out our annual budget is more than we have in the bank. Maintain operating capital over and above our prudent reserve. Tom – money goes up and down. Dan – adjust prudent reserve to support SMIA for six months. Bruce – what are we going to set aside for our core functions, then disburse rest to GSO and MD GSA. John – mixed feedback on donation back to group. Jeanine made a motion that the board distribute $5000 on a 60 40 basis to World Services and Maryland General Services and it was seconded. Dan – motion would take care of excess. SMIA is taking in enough to cover our core expenses. Motion passed. Issue with one signature for payment and electronic payments – there was a lot of discussion. We can bring up changing to reflect our actual practices, which have been impacted by technology. Wally currently reviews monthly bank statements. next month.
For the Good of Order: Jan 29th – Potluck at Solomon’s group. North Beach group anniversary is 11/19 at 6:30. District 1 is hosting a New Year’s event – Who killed John Barleycorn at St. Pauls Church and looking for volunteers.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15.
October 2016
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Christian M., Monday Traditions
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman ; Leo B., Vice Chair; Tressie F., Secretary; Jay T., Treasurer; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Calvert C&T – Roger M., Bill L – Website, Keenan – Bookstall, Rev – Lifeline, Where and When – Tressie F.
Groups represented UPDATE: Cindy H. - Almost Normal; Wayne J. - Step Free; Roger M. - Living Sober; Bob N.- Sunday Morning Sobriety; Keenan - Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Bill L.- Sunderland; Rev. - Early Bird; Bob E.- Solomons ; Robert M.- Cover Point; Jeannie W. – St. Charles Step, Bruce O. - Waldorf Group; Andy B. – Sobriety as Bill Sees It; Dan F.- Saturday Morning 12&12
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay was present and provided the reports as of the month of September and reviewed income and expenses (please refer to reports). Tell the groups we appreciate the support. Bruce… net income in September there is a difference between 1400 increase in all the accounts. Jay explained that PI &CT was not previously factored in. Also, for totals for group contributions, a math error last month was corrected in this report. It was asked who the contact for the church to discuss rent is. Keenan has information. Jeanine talked about how it the past the treasurer was required to bring checkbook and someone would review checkbook against expenses. There are no checks for the Bookstall, everything is done as electronic transactions; however, they should be in statement. Dan is on the Audit committee with Cindy. And a 2nd person should sign off review checks. Treasurer’s report accepted. Sam stated on recurring monthly bills only require 1 signature. Checks were signed at meeting. All payments are electronic. Review actual checkbook and statements by 2nd person every month. Main concern checks and balances.
Where and When: New printing delivered (roughly 2400 copies for $1445) and two boxes were distributed today. Tressie forgot the bill and will get it to Jay.
Bookstall: Keenan - $341.15 collected last month. Purchases were 257.37 for books and 206.90 for chips – Last month there was a box of historical items Wally went thru.
Telephone: Mitch 9 total calls.. total minutes 66.
Lifeline: Rev would appreciate sending content in such as flyers information anniversaries. We are still seeking a Lifeline editor.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Roger M. – Mark B is male institutions representative and is passing out signup sheets. Jail is doing interviews in September. Veronica is the chair for women and meetings are being taken in.
Charles County: Jeannie – there is a new volunteer coordinator since Sergeant Williams retired. A couple guys interested in taking meetings in.
St. Mary’s County: No report.
Public Information:
Calvert County: No report.
Charles County: No report.
St. Mary’s County: No report.
Gratitude Dinner: Mitch – 3 tickets available for resale. We will be able to set up starting at 11/11 at 500 and 11/12 at 8am. Volunteers are appreciated. A question was asked if we are within proposed budget - yes. We are waiting on Sysco final numbers and will need roughly $2000 for payment to Sysco and DJ . Sysco delivers everything. Jay and Wally can meet to sign check. We will give driver check upon delivery. Weneed a check for the DJ - $250; and money for odds and ends.
Serenity Breakfast: Need a chair for next year . Need a new location.
Picnic: Keenan – Suggestions have been make if we could we have it earlier in the year before so hot., perhaps June; however, there may be an issues with activities going on at park and different month. Keenan is Still looking for a chair. He may assist or perhaps chair again. There is a picnic committee.
Web Committee: There were 2467 unique visits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Posted new Where and when and financial reports. The SMIA Publishing guidelines posted and available for review.
Old Business: Cindy checked on chairs. BJ…padded metal chair less than vinyl chair. $20 a chair. We provide chairs for SMIA….Cindy has a SMIA stencil. Would the church contribute for chairs. We don’t remember the number of chairs we bought with us from Charlotte Hall. Bruce stated the purchased chairs should be available to anyone uses room. We don’t need a phone number on chairs. Cindy made a motion we purchase 30 chairs which was seconded and approved by group. Bill volunteered to go with Cindy to bring chairs.
New Business: If you enjoyed donuts you can contribute. We also have a line item to cover that expense. Bill L - can SMIA donate to the District 1 New year’s party. Jay motioned we give $200 to District 1 for this purpose; however, it was not seconded. Pat proposed we give money back to the districts is there anything that prevents that. Contribute money to each district then they can use to sponser events. There was a lot of discussion. The purpose of this corporation is aid and relieve in the recovery of persons suffering alcoholism. SMIA receives and dispenses money in support. Suggestion SMIA sponsor New Year’s Event but District 1 host. Tressie made a motion that $1000 be donated to each district for their discretion to host events, workshops, or use to support alcoholics. It was seconded and discussed. Dan said way to get money to Districts to use as they see fit. Dan supports the motion and there was further discussion on disbursement of funds. Vote 4 to 3 for SMIA to give each district $1000 passed. Dispursement of excess funds was discuss to send money to GSO or Maryland General Service Assembly. Point from bill cannot donate more than $3000 to either GSO or Maryland GSA.
For the Good of Order: Charles County is holding a sponsorship workshop today from 8 to 2 October 8th at Good Samaritan Church in Waldorf. Monthly teleconference – focus on sponsorship workshops. Area 29 will post information to their calendar. District 1 is putting on a New Year’s event to remember at St. Pauls Church and looking for volunteers.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:25.
September 2016
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Christian M., Monday Traditions
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman ; Leo B., Vice Chair; Tressie F., Secretary; Jay T., Treasurer; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Tressie F. –Where and When, St. Mary’s C&T – John W., Calvert C&T – Roger M., Charles P&I – Dee E., St. Marys P&I – Dave H., Bill L – Website, Keenan – Bookstall, Rev - Lifeline
Groups represented: Cindy H. - Almost Normal; Wayne J. - Step Free; Roger M.- Living Sober; Andy X.- Experience, Strength & Hope; Bob N.- Sunday Morning Sobriety; Keenan - Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Bill L. - Sunderland; Rev. - Early Bird; Bob E.- Solomons ; James M.- North Beach; Brian M. - There is a Solution; Eddie K. - Waldorf Group; Sam T. – Brown Bag; Jay T – Basic Text; Leo B. – Poplar Hill, Tressie F. – Mt. Harmony; Dee E. - Group
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read with corrections.
Sam T. – the notion that board members cannot make motions are introduce business is erroneous. That is in conflict with the bylaws. Board members can make motions and introduce business.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay was present and provided monthly reports for income / expenses and contributions. Large deposit last month is due to Gratitude Dinner and bookstall. Monthly report accepted as read with corrections. Wally stopped by bank and added his name to the account. Asked to receive alerts for anything in excess of $1500 will require two signatures. Gratitude dinner and Where and Whens will probably be in excess of $1500. Proposed annual budget was submitted and line items were discussed. Income: Question about bookstall – leave at $8600. Serenity breakfast – last time held $2133 – leave at $1500. Gratitude dinner – leave at $4000. Expenses – Change Gratitude dinner from $3000 to $4000. Picnic – change to $700. Lifeline – change to $550. Software purchase will be an additional $119. Call Center – leave at $2900. James did an assessment last year. For money we spend, this is the best deal.. roughly about $10 a day for full coverage. Pay Pal - $100 is good (include with Office supplies). Petty cash – usually leave $100 to cover lifeline printing (include in Office supplies). P.O. Box - $84.00. Rent - $3600. Webmaster and Website – two costs - secure our website and host our site. Combine two - $900. Where and Whens - $4000. Where and Whens are printed at the request of the membership. Make a line item for AA World Services and Maryland General Services. The 60% goes to World Services. Bill pointed out that Maryland General Services donates the AA World Services. Required by SMIA bylaws so may need to revisit. Corrections and Treatments / Public Information – change to $500 each. Proposed to accept the proposed budget as presented – Roger M. Keenan seconded. Adopted by membership.
Where and When: Last box distributed today. The membership requested another printing. Roughly 2400 copies like last monthl. Will probably request updates and go to print after next month possibly November.
Bookstall: Keenan - $438 collected last month. Purchases were $532.10 and $57.45 for chips – total $589.55.
Telephone: No report.
Lifeline: Rev asks that we send the reports timely so he can include them in the lifeline. We are still seeking a Lifeline editor.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Roger M. – Mark B is male institutions representative and is passing out sign up sheets. Jail is doing interviews in September. Veronica is the chair for women and meetings are being taken in.
Charles County: Dee – Dan is going to be the institutions coordinator to facilitate taking meetings – looking for people to take meetings in.
St. Mary’s County: John – need women to take meetings in. SMIA gave 10 books and 11 books were dontated by groups.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger M. – literature racks are full. Person doing it term is almost up.
Charles County: Dee – distributing Where and When to groups.
St. Mary’s County: Dave H – committee is growing. Two more people signed up. Inventory is done and stock looks good.
Gratitude Dinner: Rev for Mitch – turned over $3321.20 and spent $731; however, still within parameters of budget. Five tickets available for resale. Speakers have been selected.
Serenity Breakfast: Need a chair for next year - May. Rev has files available.
Picnic: Keenan – this years picnic was a success. Spent $623.77 and will submit receipts to treasurer for reimbursement. He is looking forward to assisting the new chair.
Web Committee: There were 2013 unique visits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search. Need prompt reports and need native (software created in) format.
Old Business: Tax exempt status – asked treasurer to see if status is still good. Tax exempt number is currently not active. We have a registered agent for our SMIA Corporation. Please tell the 1:1 our representative should SMIA Corporation. Do we still want to maintain our tax exempt status? Sam suggest finance committee be tasked with following up on. Tax exempt status tabled. Publishing guidelines were approved and posted. Very few people reviewed.
New Business: Cindy will check on prices to purchase additional folding chairs.
For the Good of Order: District 1 is hosting Area 29 Committee meeting at 8:30 on September 17th at Mt. Harmony Church in Owings, MD. Charles County is holding a sponsorship workshop from 8 to 2 October 8th at Good Samaritan Church in Waldorf. Monthly teleconference – focus on sponsorship workshops. Area 29 will post information to their calendar. District 1 is putting on a New Years event to remember and looking for volunteers. Will be held at St. Pauls Church in Prince Fredrick.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:25.
August 2016
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: None.
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman, ; Tressie F., Secretary; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Tressie F. – Where and When, St. Mary’s C&T – John W., Calvert C&T – Roger M., Charles P&I – Dee E., Bill L – Website, Keenan – Bookstall and Picnic
Groups represented: Cindy H., Almost Normal; Wayne J., Step Free; ; Roger M., Living Sober; Andy X., Experience, Strength & Hope; Dan F., Saturday Morning Breakfast; Julia J., Beach Beacon; Linda H., Kingston Creek; Claudia W., Do Drop In; Bob N., Sunday AM Sobriety; Jeanine W., St. Charles Step; Dan W., St. Charles Step; Kevin B., Awakenings; Lisa T., Happy Destiny; Bill L., Sunderland; Rev., Reg Early Bird; Bob E., Solomons , Ann – Sunrise Sobriety and Friday Night Live
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay was present and provided monthly reports for income / expenses and contributions. Monthly report accepted as read. Proposed budget needs to be submitted and will be put in the Lifeline. Budget – Jay needs to met with Dan and Cindy. Audit committee – bank numbers match sheets.
Where and When: One box left after today. Will probably request updates and go to print after next month possibly November. Dee mentioned the need for more Where and Whens for P&I. Tressie will bring more to the monthly meetings; however, try to ensure a balance of enough pamphlets for distribution, P&I , etc.,
Bookstall: No report.
Telephone: No report.
Lifeline: Rev tries to reflect the fellowship, worships, anniversaries. We are still seeking a Lifeline editor.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Roger M. – Mark B is having new people take meetings in for men.
Charles County: No meetings – looking for people to take meetings in.
St. Mary’s County: John – there is support to take meetings into women’s facilities. Issue with Big Books at treatment facilities. SMIA can provide some books.
Public Information:
Calvert County: Roger M. – literature racks need filled.
Charles County: Dee – need Where and Whens.
St. Mary’s County: Rev for Dave H – support to fill racks.
Gratitude Dinner: Rev for Mitch – less than 19 tickets left. Have turned over $3159.
Serenity Breakfast: Need a chair for next year - May.
Picnic: Huge success – round of applause for Keenan.
Web Committee: There were 1863 unique visits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search.
Old Business: Our non profit status was raised. We need treasurer to follow up on as we may need to reapply. Wally is now on the checking account. The publishing guidelines are posted.
New Business: The next SMIA meeting will be the same weekend as Sessions so it was raised if we should move the SMIA meeting. However, the General Assembly is the third Saturday of next month so it was decided not to move the meeting.
For the Good of Order: District 1 is hosting Area 29 meeting on September 17 at Mt. Harmony Church in Owings, MD. Charles County is holding a sponsorship workshop from 8 to 2.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:05.
July 2016
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Brian N., There is a Solution
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman, Leo B., Vice Chairman; Tressie F., Secretary; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Tressie F. – Where and When, Robert M. – Phone, St. Mary’s C&T - John, Bill L – Website, Mitchell M. – Gratitude Dinner, Keenan – Bookstall and Picnic
Groups represented: Cindy H., Almost Normal; Ann G., Sunrise Sobriety & Getting it Right at Noon; Wayne J., Step Free; Robert M., Cove Point; Andy X., Experience, Strength & Hope; Dan F., Saturday Morning Breakfast; Julia J., Beach Beacon; Bruce O., Waldorf; James M., North Beach; Linda H., Kingston Creek; Claudia W., Do Drop In; Lanny S., Hollywood; Bob N., Sunday AM Sobriety
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay was not present but had dropped off the reports. He will send an email explaining the reports. Still need to go to bank. Cindy H. and audit committee need to get together with Jay to do the audit (probably the 18th or 19th). Proposed budget needs to be submitted and will be put in the Lifeline.
Where and When: Still have 2 boxes left (approximately 840).
Bookstall: No report.
Telephone: Mitch – 39 calls – 26 for information and 13 others. Average call 3 minutes and 30 seconds total minutes last month 96 minutes.
Lifeline: No report. We are still seeking a Lifeline editor.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: None
Charles County: None
St. Mary’s County: John – 1 new application for men. Need women volunteers.
Public Information:
Calvert County: No report
Charles County: No report
St. Mary’s County: No report
Gratitude Dinner: Hall is reserved for November 12th (Church of the Immaculate Conception). Mitch requested 3 big books to raffle as prizes.
Serenity Breakfast: Need a chair for next year - May.
Picnic: Keenan August 7th – Hallowing Point Park – noon to four. Flyers are available. Bring sides. If anyone has a number to contact the band from last year, please provide it to Keenan as we would like to have them return.
Web Committee: There were 1557 unique visits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and where and when meeting search.
Old Business: Bill completed publishing guidelines and Sam provided feedback. Publishing software was recommended. Bruce asked if we had to buy the software prior to having a Lifeline editor. It was recommended we state Publisher software is available; however, you can purchase and use a different software.
New Business: There was a monthly teleconference and Mitch shared information on the phone service SMIA uses.
For the Good of Order: District 1 is hosting Area 29 meeting on September 17 at Mt. Harmony Church in Owings, MD.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:35.
June 2016
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Bob E., Solomon’s Group
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman, Jay, Treasurer; Tressie F., Secretary; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Tressie F. – Where and When, Robert M. – Phone, Roger M. – District 1 liaison and Calvert P&I, Dee E. – Charles P&I, Keenan – Bookstall and Picnic, Bill L – Website, Mitchell M. – Gratitude Dinner
Groups represented: Cindy H., Almost Normal; Ann G., Sunrise Sobriety & Getting it Right at Noon & Friday Night Alive; Wayne J., Step Free; Bruce O., Waldorf; Robert M., Cove Point; Andy X., Experience, Strength & Hope; Roland H., AA In The AM; Dan F., Saturday Morning Breakfast; Julia J., Beach Beacon; Eddie J., We Are Not Saints; Jeanine W., St. Charles Step; Dawn W. St. Charles Step; Bill L., Sunderland, Roger M., Living Sober; Dee E.,
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read with corrections.
Treasurer’s Report: May donations $860.50 and April $1462.27; Year to date balance $16334.20; however, need to make a couple of adjustments ($425 from Roundup for bookstall) and submit final yearly report. Bruce O. noted the ending balance seems high; however, there were a couple of large donations (around $2000) and no Serenity Breakfast expenses. Dan F. and Cindy H. plus one other person will coordinate with Jay to do the audit. Account information – there are four people on the account (treasurer, chair and vice chair), there are no special or separate accounts. Two signatures are required but not done. Bylaws will be evaluated for change.
Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
Where and When: Where and When pamphlets hope to last through December; however, we do have needs for P&I and districts. The cost was $1531 for 2520 copies.
Bookstall: Keenan reported $1173.30 collected. Need to change bylaws since bookstall is not a separate account.
Telephone: Mitch – 39 calls – 31 for information, 8 others. Average call 4 minutes and 17 seconds total minutes last month 129 minutes and 12 seconds.
Lifeline: No report. We are still seeking a Lifeline editor.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Mark B. – new people are taking meetings to the jail.
Charles County: Dee – several people are interested in taking over; but not sure how to sign up.
St. Mary’s County: Debbie – several people signed up and taking meetings to jail and Anchor on Friday.
Public Information:
Calvert County: All is good
Charles County: Dee reported that old Where and Whens were thrown away by libraries. Health Department prints from website.
St. Mary’s County: No report
Gratitude Dinner: Mitchell M. will chair. There is a proposed budget and we will do ourselves. Tentative dates are November 5th or 12th to be held same place as last year.
Serenity Breakfast: Need a chair for next year - May.
Picnic: Keenan - everything is moving along. August 7th – Hallowing Point Park – noon to four.
Web Committee: We had 6000 – 7000 hits; however needed to block attackers. There were 1443 unique visits. The most popular pages are the home page, where and when calendar, and minutes.
Old Business: Bill recommended several software packages for publishing the Lifeline; however, his final recommendation was Publisher for $109 a year. He is working on publishing guidelines for all SMIA publications. He will follow Area 29 guidelines and draft a a reference document which will be referenced in the bylaws.
New Business: Wally stated there is a monthly teleconference. There will be discussion about telephone service and they would like our Telephone chair to participate to share information. Bridging the Gap - some institutions are making it hard to bring meetings. The 501(C)3 is in the safe.
For the Good of Order: District 1 is hosting Area 29 meeting on Septemb er 17 at Mt. Harmony Church in Owings, MD.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:19.
May 2016
Opening: 10:00 by Wally S. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Mark V., Sunset Group; Susan A., Graceful
Board Members Present: Wally S., Chairman, Leo B, Vice-Chair; Tressie F., Secretary; Sam T., Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps:
Groups represented: Cindy H., Almost Normal; Ann G., Sunrise Sobriety & Getting it Right at Noon; Wayne J., Step Free; Ed K., Waldorf; Kevin B., Awakenings; Linda H., Kingston Creek; Claudia W., Do Drop Inn; Kathy N., Early Risers; Dan F., Saturday Morning Breakfast; Wallace S., Sobriety First; Julia J., Beach Beacon; Leo B., Poplar Hill
Minutes: Read by Tressie F. Accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Jay was not present; however, Wally S. read a text that Jay has a handle on the books and will submit reports. His work is a factor. We are awaiting a budget for this year. Account balances were read. Mark Y. submitted an expense report and asked if there should be a 2nd person on the account. Dan was not sure an audit was done Dan F. and Cindy H. volunteered for the audit committee. Dan will request a 3rd person. The issue of having an assistant treasurer was raised but we would need the treasurers input. We need to deal with the issues with timeliness of Treasurers report first; suggest an audit committee, and deal with the bylaws separately. There is fiscal policy. There should be an audit at turnover of the books and annually. The board of directors ensures an annual audit and bookstall audit. Bookstall is not longer separate. Only 1 signature is required for disbursement. Board will set up a committee to change. In order to change a motion to a bylaw, an amendment is made, read two consecutive months, and voted on.
Treasurers report was accepted as read.
Where and When: New Where and When pamphlets have been published and are available. There was a larger than usual distribution due to Public Information needs as they were low. Tressie estimates the Where and Whens will last through December and will bring the invoice next month. Estimated copies 2520 and estimated bill $1350.
Bookstall: Debbie reported they received all the material. Keenan is working. No report on Bookstall finances.
Telephone: No report.
Lifeline: No report. We are still seeking a Lifeline chair. The issue of making the Lifeline more visible was raised. We currently print 40 copies. People generally pick up the Lifeline, review it and put it back. Ann asked about 1 copy per meeting. Lea stated some people can’t download the Lifeline. It was suggested to announce availability of the Lifeline at meetings. Someone inquired if there were district liaisons, which the answer is yes. In the past, there were issues with the material, which some board members thought was inappropriate. Volunteer to set up an adhoc committee. Lifeline will be sent to board, reviewed and feedback provided to editor.
C&T Institutions: Wally asked if institutions have a budget. John W. stated yes – St. Marys has spent their budget. Do we have aI representative for Calvert – yes – Roger M.
Calvert County: No report.
Charles County: No report
St. Mary’s County: John - they are getting applications for jails and treatment facilities. Big Books are being distributed.
Public Information:
Calvert County: No report
Charles County: Dee reported no changes; however, they need Where and Whens.
St. Mary’s County: No report
Gratitude Dinner: Need a chair for this event.
Serenity Breakfast: Ann stated the event is usually held in May; however, there were no volunteers or support.
Picnic: We have the date, a cook, and flyers have been distributed. The information is also in the Lifeline.
Web Committee: No report as Bill is out of town. Webmaster should be involved in developing web guidelines.
Old Business: Guidelines for Lifeline and Web committee. Intergroup wants to buy software but needs a breakdown of products and cost. Bill will provide when available.
New Business: Wally stated there will be a statewide intergroup teleconference in a couple of months. We need more young people and more participation.
For the Good of Order:
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
April 2016
Opening: 10:05 by Leo B. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors:
Board Members Present: Leo B, Vice-Chair; Jay T, Treasurer;
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Mitchell R, Telephone; Dee E District 35 P&I, Keenan W., Bookstall, District 36 Intergroup Rep, John M., Lifeline
Groups represented: Debbie S., Wednesday Night Women’s; Robert M., Cove Point; John M., Early Bird; Lisa T. Happy Destiny; Erik M. Poplar Hill; Ed K., Waldorf; Sam T., Brown Bag; John, ??; Wayne J., Step Free; James M., North Beach; Dave H., District 36 PICPC; Dee E. District 35 P&I; Eddie J., ??; Tressie F., Mt. Harmony; Ann G., Friday Night Alive, Veronica G, KISS
Minutes: Read by James M. Accepted as read.
Treasurer's Report: Contributions For March: 929.46, Bookstall INCOME 745.20. Call center, 311.15. Rent 300.00. Expenses: 619.16. Accepted as presented.
Where and When: Last of the stock was distributed. Tressie will make changes and order 8-10 boxes from printer. Advised members to fill form on website to request change to where n when listing.
Lifeline: No report
Bookstall: Keenan – Roundup sales ~400 – Books to be returned to inventory.
Telephone: Mitchell reported.
There were 50 calls; Average call 4 minutes, total time, 200 minutes. There were 8 hang-ups, 34 Information, 7 Referred, 1 wrong numbers, and all others were directed calls for meetings or 12 Step.
Institutions - Calvert: Veronica reported 10 female voilunteers qualified to bring meetings into jail. Further orientation sessions coming. Additional meetings being arranged for Jail.
Institutions - Charles: No Report.
Institutions – St. Marys: John reported. Many female volunteers for jail. New materials purchased.
Public Information - Calvert: No Report
Public Information - Charles: Dee reported. Where and Whens all disappeared from library. They were replaced. 4Th Step Workshop being put on by the District.
Public Information – St. Marys: David reported. Running out of where and whens.
Gratitude Dinner: Still seeking chair for this event.
Serenity Breakfast: Seeking Chair for this event.
Picnic: Aug 11, Hallowing Point Park. Keenan has conscripted a grill and a cook for the event.
Web: 8215 visits. 5158 visits unique. Top pages: home; where n when calendar; where n when search.
Old Business: Possibility of Intergroup paying for software for lifeline Editor. Tabled for Bill's input next meeting. No hard costs available. Potential volunteer withdrew her willingness to be lifeline editor as she had no computer / internet.
Developing Guidelines for web and lifeline positions. Tabled.
New Business: Still seeking Secretary and Parliamentarian. Please take back to groups. Any county eligible.
Tressie volunteered to be Secretary. Elected by a show of hands. There were no votes opposed.
Sam volunteered to be Parliamentarian. Elected by a show of hands. There were no votes opposed.
For the Good of Order: District 36, Picnic, April 30th, Dorsey Park.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 AM.
March 2016
Opening: 10:00 by James M. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Kurt W, Maryland General Service Intergroup Chair; Wallace S., Sobriety First, Lisa, Happy Destiny; Kenny G., Daily Reprieve; Pat S, Maryland General Service Secretary
Board Members Present: James M, Chairman, Leo B, Vice-Chair; Bill L., Secretary; Jay T, Treasurer;
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Mitchell R, Telephone; Dee E District 35 P&I, Keenan W., Bookstall, District 36 Intergroup Rep
Groups represented: Debbie S., Wednesday Night Women’s; Kenny G., Daily Reprieve; Julia J., Beach Beacon; Lisa T., Happy Destiny; Bill Leftwich, Sunderland; Sam T., Brown Bag; Dan F., Saturday Morning Breakfast; Wallace S., Sobriety First; Laura B., Huntingtown Noon., Leo B., Poplar Hill; Linda H., Kingston Creek; Dina., Tuesday Night Big Book; Wayne J., Step Free; Keenan W., Sunday Morning Eye Openers; Andrew B., Sobriety As Bill Sees It; Cindy H., Almost Normal; Kathy N., Early Risers., Claudia W., Do Drop Inn; Ann G., Sunrise Sobriety, Lusby Big Book, and Friday Night Alive
Minutes: Read by Bill L. Accepted as read.
Addendum to Minutes: According to Robert’s Rules, minutes are a recording of what was done at a meeting, not what was said at a meeting. While the minutes should be accurate in record, they are not intended to be a verbatim recording of every word spoken.
Point of Order: James advised the members that the Treasurer was late and would deliver his report upon arrival.
Point of Order 2: Keenan advised the board and members that he would deliver his report after the Treasurer.
Where and When: Bill reported on behalf of Tressie. One box of Where and When pamphlets are on the side table.
Telephone: Mitchell reported. There were 32 calls; Average call 3.75 minutes, total time, 120.30 minutes. There were 3 hang-ups, 4 wrong numbers, and all others were directed calls for meetings or 12 Step.
James reiterated the excellent service provided by our answering vendor.
Lifeline: Bill reported on behalf of Rev. The SMIA Lifeline Newsletter deadline is the 27th of each month. Reports, input, anniversaries, events, and stories from the fellowship need to be turned in to the editor by the deadline. Anniversaries are intended to show that the program works. The Lifeline’s content directly reflects the commitment from the intergroup to the fellowship.
James mentioned that we are still seeking a Lifeline chair. A volunteer from the floor, Lisa T. was willing to take the position, but she did not have a computer. Laura B, asked what software would be needed. Microsoft Publisher or Adobe InDesign were cited as examples. Subscription rates and software costs were discussed. This will be table until next month for feasibility.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Dan reported on behalf of Veronica. 10 women are in orientation.
Charles County: No report
St. Mary’s County: Debbie introduced John W., and said that was working hard to get the program back in shape
Public Information:
Calvert County: No report
Charles County: Dee reported – Flyers distributed for April 23, District 35 – 4th step workshop, Good Samaritan Church off Rte. 5, 11-3 pm. Lunch will be provided. Literature all stocked up
St. Mary’s County: No report
Gratitude Dinner: James mentioned it was never too early to have a new chair for this event.
Serenity Breakfast: Denise Y. volunteered last month. She is still interested but is without transportation or a computer. James will reach out to Denise. James asked who chaired last year. Jeanine was confirmed as the previous chair, and we need knowledge transfer
Picnic: Keenan reported. We have secured Hallowing Point Park for August 7th from 12 PM – 4 PM. Flyers forthcoming as we near the event date.
Web Committee: Bill reported. There were 14,856 visits, 7624 were unique. Top pages, Home, Where and When Calendar, and Where and When Search. The unusual number of visits was probably a result of the site being fingered by the Chinese. Bill also suggested that committee reports should be sent in advance to the Secretary as well as the Webmaster (happens to be the same person presently).
Treasurers Report: Jay reported. Jay mentioned there were issues with the delivered report. He appreciates when groups include their group number with contributions, as that helps in organization.
Group contributions; $1846.41 and Bookstall sales; $927.65. The total income was $2774.06
Expenses; $2742.19 for Bookstall purchases; $222.51; Rent $300; Total of $3277. Account balance is $11,409.05.
James inquired about the annual budget, which will be approved in May 2016.
Dan asked about the Treasurer’s Report, concerned about the YTD information, and Jay reiterated that is was not complete and he knew corrections were necessary. Dan asked if the report was available on the website. Jay will send the report to the webmaster to be posted soon.
Keenan was concerned that the Bookstall numbers did not match that which was in the Treasurers Report. They agreed to discuss after the meeting
Report was tabled until next month
Old Business: Elections. This will be addressed after New Business
New Business: No new business
Elections: James announced open board positions for consideration; Chair, Secretary, and Parliamentarian. There were no nominations for Secretary or Parliamentarian.
Someone (name not recorded) asked about the county rotation requirement in the SMIA By-Laws, which was confirmed. Sam clarified that if no suitable nominee for Chair was available from the next county in rotation, it would rotate to the next county. Charles County is the next county in line. Bill nominated Wallace S. as Chair. The nomination was seconded by several members. Bill asked if there were any other nominations. None were raised. According to the By-Laws, the Secretary will cast one vote if there are no other nominees. Bill cast his vote for Wallace. Wallace will assume that position in April 2016.
James implored that we go back to their groups to seek nominees for Secretary and Parliamentarian.
Dee asked if there was a duty description for SMIA board positions. Those position descriptions are available in the By-Laws on the SMIA Website.
Bill advised the membership that he will remain in the Secretary’s position for two months or until a new Secretary is elected.
For the Good of Order: Kurt W, Intergroup Chair for MGS spoke about the monthly Intergroup Conference Call. He would like the Intergroup Chairs to speak about their challenges at the next call. Kurt offered his assistance for anything we need. There are 11 intergroups in the state. Some are struggling, while some are doing very well.
Bill recommended that we entertain the possibility of developing website and Lifeline publication guidelines. This will be tabled until April.
District 36 will be holding Meet and Greet Picnic on the 30th of April at Dorsey Park in Leonardtown from 11 AM to 3 PM, the purpose of which is to encourage new GSR’s.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:43 AM.
February 2016
Opening: 10:00 by James M. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Don Bridges, Maryland General Service; Dee E. District 35 Intergroup Liaison, Nick B., Inspiration Group; Nicole P., Cove point
Board Members Present: James M, Chairman, Leo B, Vice-Chair; Jay T, Treasurer; Sheri M, Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Rev M., Lifeline; James M. Phone; Veronica, District 1 Women’s C&T Chair
Groups represented: Leo B., Poplar Hill; Sam T., Brown Bag; Roland H., AA In The AM; Ron Z., Early Bird; Don N. Sunday AM Sobriety; Larry S., Hollywood; Brian B., Waldorf Group; Dwayne B. Inspiration Group; Travis S. Hollywood; Wayne J., Step Free; Mitchell R, Cove Point; Ann G. Sunrise Sobriety; Keenen W. Sunday Morning Eye Opener; Debbie Smith, Wednesday Women's;
Minutes: Read by James M. Correction to minutes a) nominations will be received in February (not March) and b) telephone report: clarification that Danny's comments refers to the “number of minutes” not just “minutes”. The minutes were accepted as corrected.
Point of Order: James advised the members that the Treasurer was late and would deliver his report upon arrival.
Where and When: Ann reported for Tressie: Box of Where and When pamphlets are on the side table.
Bookstall: No report
Telephone: James reported.
SMIA 12th Step Volunteers |
|
Ansaphone Call metrics |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crisis |
Ride |
Other |
|
Reason |
Calls |
Calvert |
1 |
|
1 |
|
SMIA 12th Step Volunteers |
6 |
St Mary’s |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Hang Up |
3 |
Charles |
|
|
1 |
|
Information Only |
17 |
Other |
|
|
1 |
|
Referred |
9 |
Total |
|
|
6 |
|
Wrong Number |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reason Code Not Found |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Totals: |
38 |
|
|
|
|
|
Minutes: |
171 |
Still seeking chair for telephone committee chair.
Lifeline: James reported that the new volunteer has not published the Lifeline for February. We asked for a new Lifeline publisher. A question from the floor asked if the editor needed to attend the monthly meetings; replied: it helps.
Treasurer's Report: Jay presented an abbreviated report. A question from the floor asked what we do with the ~$11,000 in the account. We discussed some of the major cash outlays (Web, Phone, Where and When, Lifeline, Rent) and explained that the BALANCE at Feb 1 is NOT the average balance of the account (which tends to be in the $5k range).
James stated that SMIA is its own corporation and is NOT Alcoholics Anonymous. The questioner asked what he was doing at the meeting then... Don Bridges (Maryland General Service chair) answered eloquently that the Intergroup help and support AA and its mission by acting as local contact points and doing things that individual groups aren't able to do (where-n-when, Lifeline, web, phone). He also outlined the role of MGS intergroup liaisons who return to districts with information about what Intergroup is doing and discussed the monthly intergroup conference call facilitated by MGS.
(Abbreviated) Treasurer's report accepted
- Total group contributions, Jan, 2016: $2,236.45
- Total contributions for period May, 2015 to Jan 2016: $11,163.93
- Prudent reserve: $5,581.46 (unchanged)
- Business checking: $11,206.40 (up $1,112.13 – net of $2,909.55 deposits, $476.68 withdrawals)
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: No report
Charles County: No report
St. Mary’s County: Debbie reported. They found a new Chairperson: John W. Everything moving along good. Meetings at Anchor, Jails, etc...
Public Information:
Calvert County: No report
Charles County: Dee – April 23, District 35 – 4th step workshop, Good Samaritan Church off Rt 5, 11-4 pm
St. Mary’s County: No report
Gratitude Dinner: Rev tabled a report. Lessons learned, final amounts, budget.
Serenity Breakfast: Denise Y. volunteered. She will attend next month.
Picnic: No report.
Web Committee: James read Bill's report: 7334 site visits, 4018 unique visitors, top 3 pages: Home, Meeting Calendar, and Meeting Search.
Old Business: section 5.3.1 is an item allowing for nominations of persons with LESS than the required length of sobriety if nobody else steps up.
New Business: Next month will be elections for Chair, Secretary and Parliamentarian. No nominations were received. Sam announced his blurb at meetings letting people know that the minimum 2 years of sobriety is not a hard rule. Like an old fisherman, he has received lots of bites but have not hooked anyone.
For the Good of Order:
Ann mentioned that she advises any interested parties what SMIA does.
Mitchell volunteered to be phone committee chair. He has one year of sobriety. He was accepted as Phone Committee Chair by the Board.
Don Bridges:
MGS has a different function than the Intergroup. While you-all provide services right at the point that the alcoholic comes into AA and then stays or not, MGS tries to provide communications for the groups so that the groups stay connected to AA as a whole. Things like: what's going on with the Literature, the grapevine, policies that have to do with public information, archives.
There's a lot of overlap in terms of services. We have many of the same committees as you all do at the area level, and those committees are willing to help out when intergroup has any sort of need. But the main function is to get what the group conscience of ALL the groups in Maryland so that the US and Canada can come to a collective group conscience about what to do.
There is a general service conference. We have one delegate from Maryland who attends it. It is a weeklong event in New York at the end of April. A lot of our work is preparation of the delegate for that. The delegate, the Alternate Delegate and a panel of past-delegates is meeting right now. They just received yesterday the agenda items for this next general services conference. And they're going through those and taking out the things that don't apply or that there's no background on or are of no interest to people in Maryland and leaving the rest to be considered by what we call “Conference Agenda Review Committees”.
There will be four committees meeting in the different corners of the state: one in eastern shore, one in western Maryland, one in northeast Maryland and one in Southern Maryland which is Annapolis all the way south to St Mary's county. The panel 2 which is the counties here does not yet have a leader, does not have a recorder, and does not have a date nor a time set for its meeting. At the area committee meeting nest Saturday, these modified agendas will be given to the District Committee Members who attend those who'll bring them back and they'll have an opportunity to set a time and place for the Part 2 meeting. It may be up in Annapolis, it may be in Davidsonville, it may be in one of the counties down here; I don't know. Any member of AA can participate in those; you don't have to be a GSR or a DCM, or anything like that.
We don't know yet what the agenda items are, but some of the ones that are probably going to be on it are what has come back from the trustee’s literature committee about
- the proposed updates to the “Women in AA” pamphlet,
- a new pamphlet about AA members with Mental Health issues besides alcoholism.
- and then there's a proposal, I don't know if it made it to the final agenda, but it looks like it probably did, based on what trustees are saying in their quarterly meetings: “A Proposal to Create A Plain Language version of the Big Book. <collective clutching of pearls>
There's a mini-conference on April 9th [in Severna Park] where everything will be presented again. We're trying to hold our assemblies in a central location in the state this year. The area committees are in the outlying districts. The one in September will be in Calvert County. We try to cooperate as much as we can. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a venue for our March assembly other than the same weekend as the SMIA convention [Roundup] so sorry about that. Next year we'll try to do better.
The state convention this year is in Annapolis June 16-19. There are fliers available on the marylandaa.org website.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the Lifeline Chair. It has been excluded to avoid controversy in the next meeting, however the result of the discussion was that Rev will remain as the Lifeline editor and publisher until such time as there is a suitable replacement.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 AM.
January 2016
Opening: 10:02 by James M. with the Responsibility Pledge
New Members and Visitors: Pat S., Area 29 Secretary; Veronica, District 1 Women’s C&T Chair
Board Members Present:James M, Chairman, Leo B, Vice-Chair; Bill L, Secretary Jay T, Treasurer; Sheri M, Parliamentarian
Committee Chairs and District Reps: Tressie F., Where and When; Rev M., Lifeline; Bill L., Web; Veronica, District 1 Women’s C&T Chair
Groups represented: Leo B., Poplar Hill; Rev M., Early Bird; Bob N., Sunday AM Sobriety; Sam T., Brown Bag; Julia J., Beach Beacon; Bill L., Sunderland; Dan F., Cove Point; Eddie K., Waldorf Gp; Wayne J., Step Free; James M., North Beach; Ann G., Sunrise Sobriety, Friday Night Alive, and Monday Night Big Book; Tressie F., Mt Harmony; Eddie J., We Are Not Saints; Laura B., Huntingtown Noon; Andy B., Sobriety As Bill See’s It; Linda H., Kingston Creek; Kevin B., Awakenings; Cindy H., Almost Normal; Kathy N., Early Risers; Roland H., AA in the AM; Larry S., Leonardtown Group;
Minutes: Read by Bill L. The minutes were accepted as read.
Point of Order: James advised the members that the Treasurer was late and would deliver his report upon arrival.
Where and When: Tressie reported. She brought in two full boxes and by the beginning of the meeting, they had been extinguished. We have approximately 5 boxes remaining.
Lifeline: Rev reported. He advised that we need a new Lifeline publisher.
Bookstall: Debbie reported in Keenan’s absence. We are out of Daily Reflections texts, but we should have new copies next month.
Telephone: James reported. He mentioned that he believed he’d bitten off more than he could chew by attempting to implement an in-house solution, and that despite his best efforts, it was not successful. He does not believe this is feasible, however we still have two options;
- Continue with the current service that does maintain copies of our Where and When and our 12 Step Call List and they can field over 50% of our calls where folks are just asking for the location of meetings. This option is less than $10 per day for 24x7 coverage
- Option 2 is to have the 800 number forward calls to a roster of volunteers. This might not be feasible either.
James recommends that we remain under the current service and procedure.
Veronica asked that aside from the calls for Where and When information, where the remaining calls were directed.
James elaborated on the workflow for those calls.
Sheri M asked if the 12 Step Call list could be shuffled, and James recommended that we manually shuffle the list to avoid a $2000 programming fee. There were no objections.
James also reported the call metrics for December and they are as follows:
SMIA 12th Step Volunteers |
Ansaphone Call metrics |
|||||
|
Crisis |
Ride |
Other |
Reason |
Calls |
|
Calvert |
2 |
2 |
SMIA 12th Step Volunteers |
21 |
||
St Marys |
1 |
Hang Up |
3 |
|||
Charles |
8 |
1 |
1 |
Information Only |
17 |
|
Other |
6 |
Referred |
7 |
|||
Total |
|
|
21 |
Wrong Number |
0 |
|
Reason Code Not Found |
0 |
|||||
Totals: |
48 |
|||||
Minutes: |
281 |
|||||
Tressie commented that it seemed that our call service had members in the fellowship because they were very helpful.
Danny commented that the minutes for December appeared to be the same as November. James recognized that he probably transposed the numbers. James will correct later. James is asking that someone volunteer to take over the Telephone Chair position as he has been in the position for two years.
C&T Institutions:
Calvert County: Veronica reported. No report other than taking over as the Women’s C&T Chair for District 1. She did mention she needed female volunteers for the jail in Calvert County
Charles County: No report
St. Mary’sCounty:Debbie reported. They are in the process of seeking a new chair.
Public Information:
Calvert County:No report
Charles County:No report.
St. Mary’s County: No report
Treasurer’s Report: Jay T reported. Group contributions, $700.87; Gratitude Dinner $140.00; Bookstall sales; $589.65 for a total income of $1430.43. Expenses: Gratitude Dinner $1027.86; Lifeline, $42.57; Message Center $231.24; Rent, $300.00, Where and When’s $1364.22, and other $5.00. We have a reported net loss of $1540.46, but the numbers may be eschewed by missing information. Our total cash on hand is $15780.82
Sam asked if we made a profit on the Gratitude Dinner, or if we had all information. Rev reported that we had a loss of about $150.00.
The Treasurers Report was accepted as presented.
Gratitude Dinner: James reported in absence of a chair for that event. James had a list of questions prepared and read them. These will not be read in the February minutes but are included in the printed form as a matter of record
The co-chairs exercised their budgetary discretion within their purview. This caused resentment and drama within the volunteers
- If SMIA were to prepare and approve a budget for the Gratitude dinner before expenditures occurred, would that mitigate hurt feelings and resentments? Is there anything else SMIA could / SHOULD do to manage expectations?
Ticket issuance.
- There were disagreements over quantity of tickets distributed / monies received
- Would preparing tickets with a double-stub lessen the chance of discrepancies over who is responsible for what monies?
- a stub signed by vendor and ticket manager, retained by ticket manager
- a stub signed by attendee for door prizes
- Are there other measures taken by organizations to mitigate discrepancies over monies? Co-ticket-managers? Distribution of duties? Peer review / peer audit?
Volunteers.
- Traditionally, volunteers to the Gratitude Dinner, although working diligently and often for long hours, did not receive 'free admission' to the dinner.
- If SMIA were to consider and approve a volunteer policy (allow or disallow free attendance), would that mitigate hurt feelings and / or improve the bottom (financial) line?
Ticket Prices / Fundraiser
- Political and charitable fundraiser dinners sometimes serve worse food and had fewer decorations for much higher ticket prices
- If SMIA is to raise funds, the event should be structured to do so.
- If SMIA is to present a gala celebration of gratitude and cover costs, the event should be structured to do so.
- Clarity of purpose needs to be stated, planned, and known by all participants lest hurt feelings and resentments
There were some questions and comments from various members but they were of no real consequence.
Several people asked if these questions could be e-mailed, but in lieu of that, they will be posted on the SMIA website with the minutes.
Serenity Breakfast: We still need a chair. Announce at groups
Picnic: Keenan will continue as the chair
Web Committee: Bill reported
Website statistics:
8778 Visits
5487 were unique
Top visited page: Home
2nd top visited page: Where and When Calendar
3rd top visited page: Where and When Search
Service form was updated to include the three open board positions as well as the Serenity Breakfast Chair. The opening for the Telephone Chair and the Lifeline Chair will be added
A checkbox was added on the Group Change form to indicate whether an Al-Anon meeting exists corresponding to the AA meeting at the same location.
Pat S reported that at the Area 29 meetings, the SMIA web site was always mentioned for how well it was maintained. This was followed by thunderous applause.
Old Business: James reported on the open amendment
[Proposal to amend SMIA bylaws as follows: 5.2 EACH DIRECTOR MUST BE A MEMBER OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. It is mandatory that each Director have at least one (1) year of continuous sobriety except for the Treasurer, who must have at least two (2) years of continuous sobriety.]
We voted last month and with the exception of one vote, the motion for that amendment carried.
The amendment was read again.
Julia J. commented that she did not believe that one year of sobriety was not sufficient for someone sitting on the board of the SMIA, contending that it may have an adverse affect on their sobriety and that they may not know enough to hold the position.
Tressie commented that she believed that irrespective of the length of sobriety, it depended on the individual, and that this had been brought up due to lack of volunteers.
James asked if the board had a vote, and we do not.
Several other members commented on their experience with this and a lengthy discussion ensued with varying opinions supporting and in dissent.
The amendment was read once again and a vote was taken. There were 6 yes votes and 9 no votes.
Sheri shared the parliamentary procedure for continuing the resolution.
Ann proposed that we change the wording of the proposed amendment to include “recommended 2 years of sobriety”, with a minimum of 1 year, except for the Treasurer.
The proposal was seconded and a great deal more discussion ensued
Another vote was cast on the new proposal. There were 7 votes in the affirmative and 7 in the negative. The deciding vote went to the chair, and James voted that the amendment be defeated.
New Business: James announced that we should form a nominating committee. Sam volunteered for St. Mary’s County. We should bring this back to our groups. Nominations will be received in March.
For the Good of Order: Pat S announced that the Area 29 Assembly would meet on March 19th in Ellicott City. James stated that we did have a volunteer [Shaun] to publish the February Lifeline.
Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at11:05 AM.