DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING  October 16, 2023

OPENING

Meeting opened at 7:07 PM, recorded via Zoom.

The Declaration of Unity was read by all in attendance.

The Mission Statement was read by the Chair.

INTRODUCTIONS

Attendees (in person)

Matt - Monday Big Book, David - Fresh Start, Jim - South Shore Group, Steve - Snug Harbor Group, Jerry - Quincy Monday Night, Jamie - Braintree Eye Opener, Mark - Walk the Talk, Doug - Steppin Out Tuesday Nights, Jimmy - Miracles on Saturday, Deidre - Sunday Serenity, Christine - You Get What You Give, Maura - Weymouth Saturday Morning, Jeff - Monday Big Book, Chris - Fresh Start

Attendees (Zoom)

Marie - Fort Square, Rick - Everybody’s Group, Courtney - Women’s Saturday Morning, Trish - Women’s Acceptance, Kim - Milton Farm Group

ANNIVERSARIES

AA Birthdays / Anniversaries since last meeting:

●      N/A

READINGS

GSR Role, Tradition, and Concept were all read aloud.

GSR REPORTS

What’s going on with your groups?

●      Doug - Chris (known Zoom bomber) has reengaged Zoom meetings, be careful out there!!

MONTHLY REPORTS

MONTHLY REPORTS

Secretary Report - Jimmy - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:18 

(See last month’s mtg. notes for details)

●      Recap previous months Secretary, DCM, and Treasury reports

●      Highlight review for:

○      Monthly website deductions approved

○      Committee reports: Norfolk Corrections availability for commitments

○      Old business: May 19th, 2024 Assembly - potential locations reviewed, further research needed

○      Alcathons: Beale St confirmed available at same cost as previous year

○      If fall fellowship falls through, shift funding to Alcathon food

○      Hybrid component

○      Renewing Zoom account for upcoming year

DCM Report - Chris - report not available, Paul not in attendance

●      Limited feedback from Group Consciousness meeting

○      More to come following meeting notes distribution

Treasurer Report - Chris - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:23

●      Beginning Balance (as of 9/30): $4895.15

●      Contributions: $460.09

●      Disbursements: 

○      Rent: ($30.00)

○      Fall Fellowship - Webb St Park rental: ($69.50)

○      Web site: ($22.00)

●      Ending Balance: $5233.74

●      Allocated Funds: ($1459.50)

○      *$1000 Alcathon Hall fee

●      Prudent Reserve: ($500)

●      Available Balance: $3274.24

○      Cancel BBQ Add Hall Fee increase $459.74

●      Adjusted Available Balance: $3733.74

●      Note: Add Zoom allocation to Oct treasurer report ($150)

COMMITTEE REPORTS

●      Are card holders for QR code cards available? 

○      Marie to shop for solutions, submit for reimbursement if purchase made

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

●      Braintree: Mike | Milton: Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim B | Weymouth: Marie

OLD BUSINESS

●      Hosting 2024 assembly

○      BC High feedback: Cadigan Lecture Hall (~170 people), Hajjar Dining Hall both available

○      Breakout sessions could use classrooms

○      Mike follow up for possible pricing

●      Quincy Monday Night & South Shore Group anniversary recaps

○      South Shore Group 80th Anniversary (Sep 29) very well attended

○      Quincy Monday Night Anniversary (Oct 2) was standing room only!!

●      Xmas & New Year’s Alcathons

○      Slots drawn live by in-person GSR attendees; drawn by Jimmy P for Zoom attendees

○      Alcathon slot information to be shared when all event slots are fully populated

○      Chris to communicate remaining slot availabilities via email for additional selection

■      If groups then decide to participate they will get a random draw from remaining slots

●      General Alcathon discussion/thoughts:

○      How to distribute food/manage availability evenly across entire duration

■      Need more people

○      Try to stick to individually wrapped items (bulk snacks from BJs?)

○      Is refrigeration available? Coolers w/ ice?

○      Ensure plenty of coffee at start of meeting

○      Note: Xmas groups seem to bring more food than New Years

○      Motion: allot $500/event for food

■      Rescinded; likely revisit in Nov. meeting

○      Motion: purchase additional large coffee pot

■      Seconded, accepted, 8:17

■      Doug to facilitate purchase (complete during meeting)

○      Consider coffee carafes (purchase if necessary)

●      Open Positions

○      Archives - ( 3rd Thurs 7:30 pm) - OPEN

○      Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm - OPEN

○      Chair - OPEN

○      Corrections - (4th Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Two (2) Alt. DCMs - Steve P., Tim H. 

○      Grapevine - OPEN

○      Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN

■      Robyn G to continue in position

○      Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

○      Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00 pm ) - OPEN

MONTHLY REMINDERS

●      Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

○      serviceseminar@aaemass.org

●      Road Show - contact Kevin G

○      altchair@aaemass.org

NEW BUSINESS

●      GSR Packets: Click to get your GSR Packet PDF

TABLED BUSINESS

Goals for 2022/23

●      Continue building Group participation in Area activities

○      No new suggestions; item remains open

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

●      THE DISTRICT’S OWN PAUL S. (Alt Treasurer) IS SPEAKING AT THE STATE CONVENTION IN STURBRIDGE

○      November 10-12 (Paul speaking Friday?)

○      Try to support Paul S. if you can.

DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING  September 18, 2023

OPENING

Meeting opened 7:02 PM, recorded via Zoom.

The Declaration of Unity was read by all in attendance.

The Mission Statement was read by the Chair.

INTRODUCTIONS

Attendees (in person)

Marie - Fort Square, Paul T - Everybody’s Group, Matt - Monday Big Book, Chris - Fresh Start, Doug - Tuesday Night Stepping Out, Jerry - Quincy Monday Night, Paul S - Quincy Mens, District 8 DCM, Jeff - Monday Big Book, Mike - Quincy Men’s Monday Night, Jim - South Shore Group, Steve - Snug Harbor,

Attendees (Zoom)

Mark - Walk the Talk, Courtney - Weymouth Saturday Morning

ANNIVERSARIES

AA Birthdays / Anniversaries since last meeting:

• Jerry: Aug 22 - 30 years!!!!

READINGS

GSR Role, Tradition, and Concept were all read aloud.

GSR REPORTS 

What’s going on with your groups?

• South Shore Group - 80th Anniversary!!!

  • Friday, Sep 29 - 7 PM, 40 Beale Street

• Quincy Monday Night - Anniversary Meeting at Fort Square

  • Monday, Oct 2 - meeting 6:30 - 7:30 PM (no beginner meeting)

  • Pizza and Fellowship 7:30 - 8:30 PM

MONTHLY REPORTS

Secretary Report - Jeff - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:12 

(See last month’s mtg. notes for details)

• Recap previous months Secretary, DCM, and Treasury reports

• Highlight review for:

  • Potential Area Assembly hosting sites

  • Fall Fellowship planning/inventory

  • Website administration (auto-deduct from District checking)

DCM Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:22

• Steve, Paul attend area meeting via zoom Aug 23

  • AA Grapevine app is LIVE

• Area Assembly 9/12

  • Treasurer: request to increase budget for 2024

  • Review of 2023 expenses

    • If districts believe they will exceed budget, submit supplemental report

  • Reminder: Belmont location for Area Meetings goes away EOY

    • Currently searching for new location

  • New booklet: Never Too Late - for the older Alcoholic

  • One-time budget increase to replace boards (passed)

  • Ad-hoc supplemental increase (passed)

  • One-time budget increase for assemblies for remaining 2023 assemblies - 10% (passed)

    • Resulting from two previous assemblies exceeded existing $2500 budget

    • Anticipate 2024 assembly budget to be set at $3000

  • New Area Alt Secretary volunteered, accepted

• NECYPA: Danvers DoubleTree, Danvers MA, Jan 5 - 7, 2024

• Mass State Convention: Nov 10 - 12, Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge MA

  • Registration is open

  • Scholarships are not available for State Convention (considered Social event)

• Upcoming area meeting (area inventory)

  • Pressing business only

Treasurer Report - Paul T - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:24

• Beginning Balance (as of 8/31): $4686.81

• Contributions: $359.34

• Disbursements: 

  • Rent: ($30.00)

  • Fall Fellowship - raffle literature: ($121.00)

• Ending Balance: $4895.15

• Allocated Funds: ($1379.00)

• Prudent Reserve: ($500)

• Available Balance: $3016.15

  • Monthly deductions for Website administration established, will be reflected as line item on Monthly Reports going forward

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Cooperation w/ Professional Communities (CPC)

• Corrections: Paul S note Commitments can now be booked at Norfolk County Correctional Center

  • Requires orientation, held first Thursday of month

  • Christopher Dawley: cjdawley@norfolksheriffma.org

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Braintree: Mike | Milton: Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim B | Weymouth: Marie

OLD BUSINESS

• Hosting 2024 Assembly - May 19, 2024

  • Doug waiting on email responses (Weymouth)

  • Paul S note: event locations outside of District geography acceptable

    • Main concern is transportation accessibility

  • Mike to reach out to BC High as possible location (availability, cost)

• Fall Fellowship Event

  • September 17th event canceled (weather)

  • Rescheduled to October 7th, 12 - 5 PM

  • Matt E. confirm that 2 grills will be made available

    • 11 AM dropoff

    • 2 coolers, propane

  • Marie: paper goods, drinks, chips/treats, condiments (Chris will assist)

  • Recommendation: Paul S. try to arrange for a Service speaker

  • Motion: cancel event for rain only, go forward otherwise

    • Seconded, accepted 7:55

    • Opposed - if Fall Fellowship is canceled, then include food for Holiday Alcathon

      • Deferred to Xmas & New Year Alcathon discussion

• Xmas & New Year Alcathons

  • Jim F. confirm that Beale Street available for both events, price remains same as previous year

  • Will need to confirm with hall if food service is allowed

  • Motion: If Fall Fellowship is canceled, provide some sort of food for Alcathon (monies from Fall Fellowship budget)

    • Seconded, accepted 8:06

  • Recommend suggesting food donations from participating groups

  • Motion: update bulletin to inform that Alcathon slots will be pulled in October GSR meeting

    • Seconded, accepted 8:14

  • Hybrid: Non-interactive Zoom broadcast of both events

    • Does require some level of technical support volunteer

    • Motioned, seconded, accepted 8:23

  • Motion: Renew Zoom account for 2024 ($150)

    • Seconded, accepted 8:24

• Open Positions

  • Archives - ( 3rd Thurs 7:30 pm) - OPEN

  • Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm - OPEN

  • Chair - OPEN

  • Corrections - (4th Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

  • Two (2) Alt. DCMs - Steve P., Tim H. 

  • Grapevine - OPEN

  • Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

  • Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN 

    • Robyn G to continue in position

  • Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

  • Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

  • Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00 pm ) - OPEN

MONTHLY REMINDERS

• Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

  • serviceseminar@aaemass.org

• Road Show - contact Kevin G

  • altchair@aaemass.org

NEW BUSINESS

• GSR Packets: Click to get your GSR Packet PDF

TABLED BUSINESS

Goals for 2022/23

• Continue building Group participation in Area activities

  • No new suggestions; item remains open

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

• Doug note: known Zoom bullies recently returned, be vigilant!

Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:34 PM

DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING August 21, 2023

OPENING

Meeting opened 7:00 PM, recorded via Zoom

The Declaration of Unity was read by all in attendance.

The Mission Statement was read by the Chair.

INTRODUCTIONS

Attendees (in person)

Paul S - Quincy Men’s, District 8 DCM, Jerry - Quincy Monday Night, Marie - Fort Square, David - Fresh Start, Paul T - Everybody’s Group, Steve P - Snug Harbor, Mike - Quincy Men’s Monday Night, Jim F - South Shore Group, Mark - Walk the Talk, Tim H - Milton Rule 62, Jimmy P - Miracles on Saturday, Doug H - Tuesday Night Steppin Out, Jeff B - Monday Big Book 

Attendees (Zoom)

Kim B - Milton Farm Group, Jamie - Braintree, Rick A. - Everybody’s Group

Meeting opened 7:01 PM, recorded via Zoom

ANNIVERSARIES

AA Birthdays / Anniversaries since last meeting:

●      Paul - July 20: 3-years

●      Jeff - July 7: 4-years

READINGS

GSR Role, Tradition, and Concept were all read aloud.

GSR REPORTS

What’s going on with your groups?

●      Monday Big Book - 12th Anniversary Pizza Party 

○      8/28/23 Pizza and refreshments 7pm, meeting 7:30 pm 385 Ralph Talbot Rd, Weymouth

●      Milton Farm Group - Anniversary Picnic

○      9/17/23 12 - 5 pm Houghton’s Pond, Milton

●      South Shore Group - 80th Anniversary!!!

○      9/29/23 7 pm 40 Beale Street

MONTHLY REPORTS

Secretary Report - Jimmy P - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:13 

(See last month’s mtg. Notes for details)

●      Anniversary - Mike 2-year

●      DCM report - in search of hall for Area Meeting (September)

○      Area Meeting workshop ideas

○      Technology Committee - looking for help

○      Local commitment opportunities: Spectrum Health, BMC Brockton, Pine Street Residential, BMC South End

○      Mass State Convention: November 10-12, Sturbridge Host Hostel

●      Treasury Report reviewed and approved.

●      Community Outreach: Mike to cover Milton  (See updated list on these minutes.)

DCM Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:18

●      September Workshop Assembly

○      Florida Ruffin Ridley School

○      345 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446

○      Sept. 10, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

○      Orientation begins 9:30

○      Hybrid in available on www.aaemass.org

○      Workshops available include: GSR Best Practices, DCM Best Practices, Service Structure, and Area 30 Customs

Treasurer Report - Paul T - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:20

●      Beginning Balance (as of 7/31): $4442.31

●      Contributions: $274.50

●      Disbursements: ($30.00) rent

●      Ending Balance: $4686.81

●      Allocated Funds: $1500.00 fall fellowship

●      Prudent Reserve: ($500)

●      Available Balance: $2686.81

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Cooperation w/ Professional Communities (CPC)

●      N/A

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

●      Braintree: Mike | Milton: Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim B | Weymouth: Marie

OLD BUSINESS

●      Hosting 2024 Assembly - May 19, 2024

○      North Quincy: Jimmy P to follow up

○      Weymouth: Doug H to follow up

○      Quincy High: Chris P to follow up

○      Curry College: not an option - Commencement weekend 

●      David - question as to whether local Union Hall (Dorchester) would be acceptable

■      Ideally would remain within District

■      Motion for David to follow up for availability, seconded and accepted 7:30

●      Fall Fellowship Event 

○      Matt E - grills/propane

○      David H - tables (4)

●      Goods on hand:

○      250 paper plates

○      Two (2) boxes plastic utensils

○      Various serving utensils

○      Big Books, raffle tickets, other literature

●      Chris G. compiling list of remaining needs, to be shared via email

●      Open Positions

○      Archives - ( 3rd Thurs 7:30 pm) - OPEN

○      Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm - OPEN

○      Chair - OPEN

○      Corrections - (4th Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Two (2) Alt. DCMs - Steve P., Tim H. 

○      Grapevine - OPEN

○      Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN

■      Robyn G to continue in position

○      Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

○      Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00 pm ) - OPEN

●      Steve P., Tim H., volunteering as Alt. DCMs  (THANK YOU  BOTH!!)

MONTHLY REMINDERS

●      Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

○      serviceseminar@aaemass.org

●      Road Show - contact Kevin G

○      altchair@aaemass.org

NEW BUSINESS

●      GSR Packets: Click to get your GSR Packet PDF

●      2023 Xmas/New Year Alcathon

○      Jim F. to contact hall (40 Beale St, Quincy) to confirm availability, pricing

■      $1,000 total (both nights, 2022 spend)

○      Steve P. to contact Winthrop Ave (as alternate location)

●      Area compiled list of inactive groups in District; requesting feedback about contact person(s), whether group is still active etc.

○      Email updates to: registrar@aaemass.org

TABLED BUSINESS

Goals for 2022/23

●      Continue building Group participation in Area activities

○      No new suggestions; item remains open

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

●      District 8 Website administration

○      Configure automatic monthly deductions from District checking account

■      If unavailable, pre-pay 1 year of hosting

○      Motioned, seconded and accepted 8:11

●      Quincy Serenity Breakfast

○      Saturday, October 21, 8:30 - 10:30 am  The Tirrell Room 254 Quarry Street, Quincy MA

○      EMAIL TICKET REQUESTS: quincyserenitybreakfast@gmail.com

■      SEE JIMMY P. FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION 617-549-0956 

■      $25 PER TICKET includes full hot buffet breakfast and AA speaker meeting

■      Tables of 10

■      Must be purchased in advance, not available at the door

Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:14pm

DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING   June19, 2023

Attendees (in person)

Chris G - Fresh Start, Paul S - District 8 DCM, David H - Fresh Start, Jerry - Quincy Monday Night, Jean - Braintree Tuesday Night, Matt E - Monday Big Book, Doug H - Tuesday Night Stepping Out, Paul T - Everybody’s Group, Jeff B - Monday Big Book (Alt GSR), Ann - District 7 DCM (special guest)

Attendees (Zoom)

Rick - Everybody’s Group, Steve P- Snug Harbor, Mark - Walk the Talk Group, Robyn G - Easton Phoenix, Marie - Fort Square, Matt J - Rule 62 

Meeting opened 7:00 PM, recorded via Zoom

AA Birthdays / Anniversaries since last meeting:

●      N/A

GSR Reports: What’s going on with your groups?

●      Jerry: Quincy Monday Night - October anniversary; details TBD

●      Steve: Snug Harbor anniversary - July 13

○      July 16: Open Meeting w/ food afterwards

●      Rick: Everybody’s Group - August anniversary

●      Matt: Rule 62 anniversary - June 30

○      6pm food, 7pm speaker meeting, 8pm sober countdown

○      All are welcome

 Monthly Reports

Secretary Report - Jeff B - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:17

●      May 15, 2023 with 12 members in attendance

●      GSR Report highlights:

○      Group anniversaries (Fort Square, Fresh Start, Snug Harbor)

●      Secretary Report highlights:

○      Treasury, DCM, Secretary reports reviewed

○      NERF stipend(s) available for June 2-4 conference; none distributed

■      Three (3) $200 stipends were allocated

●      DCM Report highlights:

○      District 11 recently dissolved

■      All roles to remain open should interest in rebuilding District arise

○      Need for volunteers to support upcoming NERF

○      Need for volunteers/help for Assemblies

●      Treasurer Report Highlights:

○      May available balance: $3669.41

●      Old Business highlights:

○      Discussion on narrowing future Assembly hosting to either Pre- or Post-Assembly

■      Pre: March

■      Post: May

○      Continue outreach to local facilities for Assembly hosting opportunities

○      District voted to host Fall Fellowship late September, 2023

■      Final booking TBD

●      New Business highlights:

○      Pen Pal request (via Norfolk Corrections)

○      Yellow Card/Safety anticipated to be discussed as part of Post-Conference Assembly

DCM Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:31

●      Technology/Website committee: looking for willing participants to help with Assemblies and Area meetings

○      No experience necessary

●      Discussions about Safety can be directed to Area Chair: chair@aaemass.org

○      Safety Card can be found here: https://www.aa.org/safety-card-aa-groups

●      Open Committee Chairs: Archives, Website

●      Open Committee Alt. Chairs: Accessibility, Archives, Grapevine, Messenger, Registrar, Technology, Website

●      Latest edition of Box 459 available at www.aa.org

●      GSO contributions address change:

○      PO Box 2407

○      James A. Farley Station

○      New York, NY 10116-2407

●      GSO encouraging contributions electronically via www.contribution.aa.org

○      $2.67/transaction savings

●      Archives looking for help in cleaning storage unit

●      Grapevine app coming in September

○      Anticipated $2.99 price point

●      Grapevine received $352 to purchase La Vina books and subscriptions for District 27 East Boston 

○      La Vina workshop

○      June 24, 9a-4p

○      983 Bennington St., East Boston

●      Local Commitment opportunities: Spectrum Weymouth, BMC Brockton CSS, Pine Street Residential, BMC South End, Victory Programs

●      Mass State Convention (www.aamastateconvention.org ) November 10-12

○      Sturbridge Host Hotel

Treasurer Report - Paul T - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:32

●      Beginning Balance: $4169.41

●      Contributions: $345.10

●      Disbursements: ($30.00)

●      Ending Balance: $4484.51

●      Prudent Reserve: ($500.00)

●      Available Balance: $3984.51

**$2134.51 following 6/19 accepted motions**

Committee Reports

Grapevine - Sarah (QMN)

●      Robyn: Literature Committee

○      Robyn will continue to serve the District in this role - Thanks Robyn!!

○      Literature price increase

■      If Central Services has stocked items, will offer at previous price until replacements needed

○      Literature Committee evaluating electronic payment platform

○      Next meeting July 10 (reschedule due to holiday)

Cooperation w/ Professional Communities (CPC) - Kim (Milton Farm)

●      N/A

Community Outreach

●      Braintree: Mike | Milton: Kim B | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim B | Weymouth: Marie

Old Business

●      Open Positions

○      Archives - ( 3rd Thurs 7:30pm) - OPEN

○      Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm - OPEN

○      Chair - OPEN

○      Corrections - (4th Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Two (2) Alt. DCMs - OPEN

○      Grapevine - OPEN

○      Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN 

■      Robyn G to continue in position

○      Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

○      Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00pm ) - OPEN

●      District 8 will work with local facilities to secure May 19th, 2024 (Post-Conference Assembly)

●      Assembly hosting requirements/checklist: 

○      One large meeting room (recommended capacity: 140-170 people)

○      Three breakout rooms (recommended capacity: 40-50 people each)

○      Kitchen facility

○      Site availability: 7:30am - 5:00pm

○      Ensure facility has adequate WiFi to support virtual portion of hybrid assemblies

○      Special conditions and/or restrictions to make note of:

■      Handicap accessibility

■      Insurance requirements (Area 30 carries General Liability Insurance; this information available via Area Treasurer)

■      Special food requirements

■      Smoking policy

○      Site should be reasonably accessible by car with parking available

■      MBTA/bus accessibility is desirable if located in in the Boston area

●      Fall Fellowship event

○      Webb State Park - September 16 (reservation confirmed 6/19)

■      Date motioned, seconded, accepted 7:44

○      Matt E volunteering to be point person for event

■      Overall organization, shopping list, supplies

■      Recommendation for 2024: 2 grills (if possible)

○      2023 Fall Fellowship event spend: $975.28

■      Motion to increase 2024 budget to $1500.00, seconded, accepted 7:42

Monthly Reminders

●      Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

○      serviceseminar@aaemass.org

●      Road Show - contact Kevin G

○      altchair@aaemass.org

New Business

●      GSR Packets: Click to get your GSR Packet PDF

●      Post-conference Assembly (hosted by District 27 in East Boston)

○      AA in Plain Language will contain disclaimer along the lines of “This is note a replacement for the Big Book of AA” 

○      AA General Service Instagram program approved

○      Grapevine working to secure funding for new app

○      Motion to grant Alt. Delegates full access to Delegate information was not passed

○      AA World Service working to provide more transparency

○      General Service Board to perform inventory prior to next Conference

●      NERF recap

○      Great event and learning opportunity

○      Pleased to see how much transparency when fielding questions

●      July 4th Alkathon hosted by Districts 7 & 8 (Flier here)

○      The Anchor

○      7 Hadassah Way, Hull MA

○      10am - 8pm

○      Hybrid Zoom info

■      558 075 0486 / 123456

○      Motion to provide $350 contribution for event seconded, accepted 8:15

■      Funds for food, space rental

●      District 8 literature/business cards/safety

○      Current stock nearing replacement level

■      $279 for 10k cards

■      $150 for 5k cards

○      Chris, Paul S to inventory current levels ahead of July meeting

○      Table decision to July meeting

●      Volunteering at area 30 meeting - confusion led to missed opportunity, but will revisit again in coming months for next opportunity

Tabled Business

Goals for 2022/23

●      Continue building Group participation in Area activities

○      No new suggestions; item remains open

What’s on your mind:

●      Paul S: pen pal update

○      NY GSO has existing procedure (and forms) for correspondence with inmates

○      Note, several letters exchanged outside of protocol

Bulletin Deadline: June 20

Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:28pm

DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING   May 15, 2023

Attendees (in person) - Chris G - Fresh Start, Paul S - Quincy YP, David H - Fresh Start, Jerry - Quincy Monday Night, Marie - Fort Square, Jean - Braintree Tuesday Night, Matt E - Monday Big Book, Jeff B – 

Attendees (Zoom) - Steve P - Snug Harbor, Robyn G - Avalon, Mike - Quincy Mens Wed Nights, Kim - Milton Farm Group, Monday Big Book (Alt)                                                             

Meeting opened 7:02 PM, recorded via Zoom

AA Birthdays / Anniversaries since last meeting:

●      N/A

GSR Reports: What’s going on with your groups?

●      Fort Square anniversary meeting on June 16

○      Regular meeting time, to include food, speakers, fellowship, and fun

●      Fresh Start: Anniversary May 15

●      Snug Harbor anniversary July 16

●      Weymouth Avalon not meeting Wednesday, May 17

○      Update did not make Bulletin deadline; spread the word

Monthly Reports - 

Secretary Report - Jeff B - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:13

●      April 17, 2023 with 15 members in attendance

●      GSR Report highlights:

○      Quincy Monday Nights meeting new meeting hours

○      Quincy Young People considering looking for a new hall

●      Secretary Report highlights:

○      Treasury, DCM, Secretary reports reviewed

●      DCM Report highlights:

○      NERF information shared for June 2-4 conference, Burlington MA

○      Website and Technology Committees temporarily merged

○      Archives has a safe that needs to be cracked

●      Treasurer Report Highlights:

○      April ending balance: $2843.41

●      CPC update:

○      Literature needed for Randolph, Milton, and Braintree

●      New Business highlights:

○      Discussion on District interest in hosting future Assembly

○      Discussion on District Fall Event

DCM Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:20

●      Area meeting attended via Zoom

○      Light agenda as Area meeting landed between larger Pre-, and Post-Conference Assemblies

●      Reiterate need for volunteers to support upcoming NERF

●      Reiterate need for volunteers/help for Assemblies

○      Districts can volunteer to provide snacks (pizza)

●      District 11 no longer functioning as bespoke District

○      All roles (Chair, DCM, Treasurer etc.) remain open

○      Outgoing role holders willing to assist transition if new volunteers step into vacancies

Treasurer Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:

●      Beginning Balance: $3334.41

●      Contributions: $865.00

●      Disbursements: ($30.00)

●      Ending Balance: $4169.41

●      Prudent Reserve: ($500.00)

●      Available Balance: $3669.41

Committee Reports

Grapevine - Sarah (QMN)

●      N/A

Cooperation w/ Professional Communities (CPC) - Kim (Milton Farm)

●      Kim: setting up/conducting trainings

●      David: asked for clarification for facilities to be stocked - Court House, Police Station

●      Mike: confirm Braintree PD stocked

●      Robyn: attended Literature Committee meeting for a run down of what’s involved

○      Noted need to ensure literature coverage for upcoming NERF

○      Robyn will attend June meeting  

Community Outreach

●      Braintree: Mike | Milton: Kim B | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim B | Weymouth: Marie

Old Business

●      Open Positions

○      Archives - ( 3rd Thurs 7:30pm) - OPEN

○      Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm - OPEN

○      Chair - OPEN

○      Corrections - (4th Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Two (2) Alt. DCMs - OPEN

○      Grapevine - OPEN

○      Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN 

■      Robyn G to attend June 1st meeting

○      Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

○      Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00pm ) - OPEN

●      NERF (New England Regional Forum): June 2-4, Burlington MA

○      11 years before NERF returns to Massachusetts

○      Seeking volunteers

April 18, May 16 @ 7pm

Zoom ID: 849 9131 7479

Volunteering interest: nerf2023host@gmail.com

●      District stipend for NERF (recipients must be willing to help - not just attend - NERF)

○      Motion: three (3) $200 stipends

○      Seconded, accepted 7:34p

●      Hosting 2024 Assembly - location scouting updates:

○      North Quincy HS: Chris, not able to connect with appropriate representative

■      Will follow up for June District meeting

○      Abigail Adams: Doug, listed as ‘Under Construction’ Spring ‘24, but possible other schools can be made available

○      Quincy High: Kim, would need to complete form and set firm date

○      Curry College: Mike, main auditorium 200+ w/ breakout spaces, $1500 for full day + $300 per classroom

■      3rd Sunday of May typically Commencement

○      Quincy College: Jean, unable to connect with appropriate College representative

■      Recommend contacting “Events Department” or “President's Office”

●      Group will look to secure date as soon as possible

○      Pre-Conference = March

■      Considering first two weeks of March

○      Post-Conference = May

○      Area provides $2500 + insurance coverage for event hosting

○      Motion to table to next month, seconded, accepted 7:46

●      Fall Fellowship Event

○      Motion to host event at end of September or beginning of October

○      End of September, seconded, accepted 7:47

Monthly Reminders

●      Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

○      serviceseminar@aaemass.org

●      Road Show - contact Kevin G

○      altchair@aaemass.org

New Business

●      GSR Packets: Click to get your GSR Packet PDF

●      Post-conference assembly - May 21, 2023, 10:00am - 4:00pm

○      Hosted by Hispanic District #27

○      East Boston High School

○      86 White Street

○      East Boston, MA 02128

■      Orientation: 9:15am

○       https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87568542784?pwd=ZVlXUEpXeHkvWHZiUFJWR2ZPVXpyUT09

○       Meeting ID: 875 6854 2784

○       Passcode: Area30

●      Paul S: relaying volunteer request from Virginia to help set up for Area meeting in Belmont

○      June 28th, 8pm

●      Chris: Pen Pal request from Brian (Norfolk)

○      Letter received at District PO Box

○      GSRs will bring request back to groups

●      Central Service Financial Statement: as of 3/23 $375k

○      Literature price increase July 1 (hardcover Big Book, Living Sober)

○      Other literature (GSO, Grapevine) prices to remain the same as long as inventory holds

●      Is Safety still a concern?

○      Will be discussed at Post-Conference Assembly

■      Yellow Card exists; does it need to be updated/amended?

■      Anticipate more information following East Boston meeting, May 21

●      June Bulletin deadline: Wednesday, May 22

Tabled Business

Goals for 2022/23

●      Continue building Group participation in Area activities

○      No new suggestions; item remains open

What’s on your mind:

●      N/A

Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:15pm

DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING  from April 17, 2023

Attendees (in person) Chris G- Fresh Start, Paul S- Quincy YP, Jeff B- Monday Big Book (Alt), Jean- Braintree Tuesday Night, Mark- Walk the Talk, Jerry- Quincy Monday Night, Doug H- Tuesday Night Steppin Out- Matt E- Monday Big Book, Mike- Quincy Mens, Kim- Milton Farm Group, Matt- Interested AA, , , 

Attendees (Zoom) Marie R- Fort Square, Courtney- Weymouth Sat. Morning, Robyn G- Avalon, Matt J- Rule 62

Meeting opened 7:05 PM, recorded via Zoom

AA Birthdays / Anniversaries since last meeting:

●      Mark: 28 years!!

GSR Reports: What’s going on with your groups?

●      Jerry: reminder for Quincy Monday Night changed meeting hours (May 1, 2023)

○      Beginners 6:30p - 7:15p

○      Speaker meeting 7:30p - 8:30p

●      Paul S: Quincy Young People - losing a lot of meetings at Salvation Army (closed Monday holidays)

○      Considering looking for a new hall

●      Chris G: Fresh Start Considering looking for a new hall

○      Voting Monday

○      Options are: Stay put, Move to Knights of Columbus, or Merge with Quincy (Wednesday) 

●      Paul S: recently attended Burn the Boat

○      Group elected GSR, Alt GSR

Monthly Reports - 

Secretary Report - Jeff B - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:18

●      Reviewed March GSR Reports

○      QMN schedule change

●      Reviewed March Secretary Report

○      Paul S - Good Shepherd meeting GSR feedback

○      NERASSA Albany discussion (stipend allocation)

○      Committee reports: CPC new chair (Pam)

○      Joint Treatment Facilities guest speaker (Mark)

●      Reviewed DCM Report- Posted on line as well. 

○      Paul S attended Area meeting as Interested AA

■      Discussion/approval of budget

■      Technology team seeking help/volunteers

■      Paul to share meeting minutes when available

■      Belmont location to be moved; new location TBD

●      Reviewed Treasury Report

○      Available Balance: $2834.41a fter prudent reserv e

DCM Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:34

●      Take from pauls email

●      NERF (New England Regional Forum) - June 2-4, Burlington MA

○      11 years before NERF returns to Massachusetts

○      Seeking volunteers

■      April 18, 7p

■      May, 7p

■      Zoom ID: 849 9131 7479

○      Stipends available

●      Website and technology committees have been temporarily merged

○      Very understaffed; concern that with so few people involved are overburdened and could burn out, resulting in the end of hybrid meeting support 

●      GSO conference end of this month

○      Survey remains available (and highly recommended) @ www.aaemass.org

○      Share to groups – Link: Survey

●      “Where Money and Spirituality Mix” pamphlet to remove suggested percentages

○      Group Conscience decision how to allocate

●      Archives has a safe that needs to be cracked - no questions asked

○      Safe is in the Archives, nobody knows the combination

Treasurer - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:35

●      Beginning Balance: $3361.21

●      Expenses (Rent): $30.00

●      Incoming Monies: $48.20

●      Allocated Funds: $0.00

●      Available Balance: $2834.41

Committee Reports

Grapevine - Sarah (QMN)

●      N/A

Cooperation w/ Professional Communities (CPC) - Kim (Milton Farm)

●      Literature for Randolph and Milton PD - Kim

●      Matt note Literature needed at Braintree PD - Mike

Community Outreach

●      Braintree: Mike | Milton: Kim B | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim B | Weymouth: Marie

Old Business

●      Open Positions

○      Archives - ( 3rd Thurs 7:30pm)  - OPEN

○      Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm) - OPEN

○      Chair – OPEN

○      Alt Treasurer – Newly OPEN

○      Corrections - (4th Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      2 -DCM & 2 Alt DCMs - - OPEN

○      Grapevine - - OPEN

○      Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN 

■      Robyn G to attend May 1st meeting

○      Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

○      Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00pm ) - OPEN

●      Pre-Conference Assembly recap

○      Plain Language translation of Big Book

■      Suzanne will be able to preview and report back to Districts

○      Safety in the Rooms

■      Does AA need to take a stance?

●      Traditions Workshop

○      Tuesdays, 6:30p

○      Contact either Mary Jane (serviceseminar@aaemass.org) or Paul S (pj.smith8289@gmail.com) for info

Monthly Reminders

●      Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

○      serviceseminar@aaemass.org

●      Road Show - contact Kevin G

○      altchair@aaemass.org

New Business

●      GSR Packets: Click to get your GSR Packet PDF

●      Post-conference assembly - May 21, 2023

○      Website not yet available

●      Discussion on hosting a future assembly

○      Suggestion to consider hosting something spring 2024 (either  March or May)

○      Fall event + Holiday Alcathons = a lot of volunteering requirements

○      Look into facilities to review at May 2023 GSR meeting; possible vote

■      North Quincy HS (Chris), Abigail Adams (Doug), Quincy HS (Kim), Quincy College (Jean), Curry College (Mike)

■      Breakout rooms necessary, advising at least 4

●      Discussion on Fall event

○      Vote to host 3rd event: motioned, seconded, passed (8:06p)

■      Will discuss event options at May 2023 GSR meeting

■      Food trucks?

●      Jerry notes that pre-Covid, District would host both events

●      Paul S notes that District 7 would likely contribute to assembly hosting tasks

Tabled Business

Goals for 2022/23

●      Continue building Group participation in Area activities

○      No new suggestions; item remains open

What’s on your mind:

●      Doug: Area 30 newsletter available for subscription on www.aaemass.org

●      Chris (for Jimmy P): Serenity Breakfast sponsored by Cohasset Lifeboat Group

○      Buffet breakfast & speaker

○      8:30a - 10:30a

○      Tickets $25

○      Seats available

Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:20pm

DISTRICT 8 MEETING

MARCH 20, 2023

Location: Quincy Point Cong. Church, 444 Washington St., Quincy

Officers Attending:

• Chair: Chris G.

• Secretary: Jimmy P.

• Alt. Secretary:  Jeff B.

• Alt. Treasurer: Paul S.

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm & opened with a Moment of Silence followed by the  Declaration of Unity, Statement of Acceptance, and the Mission Statement were read. After Anniversary the GSR Role, Traditions and Concepts were read.  Meeting was hybrid and recorded.

Introductions 

Attendees (in person)

Chris G - Fresh Start, Jeff B - Monday Big Book (Alt), David -  Fresh Start, Paul S - Quincy YP, Doug -  Steppin Out Tuesday, Jerry -  Quincy Monday Night, Jimmy -  Quincy Walk the Talk, Bob -  Interested AA, Marie -  Fort Square, Matt -  Monday Big Book, Mark -  Walk the Talk 

Guests  Suzanne -  Delegate to Area 30,   Virginia -  Area 30 Chair  

Attendees (Zoom)

Steve P - Snug Harbor, Kim B - Milton Farm, Robyn G - Avalon

Anniversaries since last meeting:  

Doug: 20 years!

Jimmy: 8 years on March 14 (Pi Day) 

GSR Reports What’s going on with your groups? 

• Jerry - Quincy Monday Night revised meeting hours

  • Beginners 6:30p - 7:15p

  • Speaker meeting 7:30p - 8:30p

  • Effective Monday, May 1

Monthly Reports - presented, Motions to accept, and voted 

Secretary Report - Jim P - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:16 

• Celebrated 33 years for Kim

• QMN proposed changed hours

• Paul S - Good Shepherd meeting GSR feedback

• NERASSA Albany discussion (stipend allocation)

• Committee reports: CPC new chair (Pam)

• Joint Treatment Facilities guest speaker (Mark)

• Group decision to highlight Open Positions

• Mandy added to Community Outreach (Quincy)

DCM Report - Chris G - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:19

• N/A: Position technically OPEN as of March 20 meeting

• Paul S attended Area meeting as Interested AA

  • Discussion/approval of budget

  • Technology team seeking help/volunteers

  • Paul to share meeting minutes when available

  • Belmont location to be moved; new location TBD

Treasurer - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:20

• Beginning balance: 3171.36

• Contributions: 474.85

• Disbursements: 330.00

  • NERAASA stipend: 300.00

  • Rent: 30.00

• Ending balance: 3316.21

• Less Prudent Reserve: 500.00

• Available balance: 2816.21

Committee Reports

Grapevine - N/A

Cooperation w/ Professional Communities (CPC) - Kim (Milton Farm)

• Booking new outreach

Corrections Chair (Margaret)

• Margaret contacted Chris G, Doug H directly for interested AAs to visit corrections facilities

Community Outreach

• Braintree: Kim B | Milton: Jay, Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim B | Weymouth: Marie

General Service Assembly

• Suzanne S (Area 30 Delegate) - spoke to group to highlight upcoming General Service Conference in New York City

• High-level review of Conference agenda

  • 84 items (14 new)

• Agenda items originate at Group level

• Advisory items/votes from Conference go to General Service Board for review

  • General Service Board generates quarterly updates on in-process items

• Questions can be emailed to delegate@aaemass.org

• Delegate information available in “Delegate Notes” section of www.aaemass.org website

• Area 30 pre-conference assembly, March 26, 2023, 9:15a - 4:00p

Lowell Catholic High School

530 Stevens St

Lowell, MA 01851

Committees Positions Volunteer(s)

• Archives - ( 3rd Thurs 7:30pm)  - OPEN

• Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm) - OPEN

• Chair - OPEN

• Corrections - (4th Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

• DCM & 2 Alt DCMs - - Chris and OPEN

• Grapevine - - OPEN

• Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

• Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN

• Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

• Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

• Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00pm ) - OPEN

Community Outreach (spreading AA literature around police stations, hospitals)

• Braintree: Kim B | Milton: Jay, Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim B | Weymouth: Marie

OLD Business  

Open Positions

• 2023-2024

  • DCM (3)

    • Meetings: last Wed. each month

    • Assemblies (x5 annually)

      • Tabled, to be kept as Old Business

  • Alt Chair

Monthly Reminders - Updates

1. Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

   1. serviceseminar@aaemass.org

2. Road Show - contact Kevin G

   1. altchair@aaemass.org

NEW Business:

• Marie: NERAASA recap

  • Big THANK YOU to District and Area for stipend to be able to attend

  • Lot of Fellowship and breakout rooms

    • Great exposure to how Northeast region discusses Area matters

• Area hosting upcoming NERF in Burlington, MA, June 2-4

• Chris, Paul S, begin inventory literature for potential replenishment

  • Work ongoing

• Central Services literature price change effective June 1

• GSO literature price change effective April 3

  • 20% for books

  • 30% for pamphlets

  • E-books pricing will increase, timing TBD

  • First increase since 2014

• Tabled motion from previous meeting: purchasing replacement literature after price change (effort to support GSO)

  • Motion retracted

What’s on your mind:

• Paul S: emphasizing efforts to visit 1 Group per month; discuss GSR representation

  • Doug notes that it is possible that some meetings choose to not have GSR

• Jimmy P: Quincy Serenity Breakfast 

  • Saturday April 29, 8:30-10:30 am

  • Tirrell Room in Quincy, 254 Quarry Street

  • $25/person for full, hot, buffet breakfast and two great AA speakers

  • 
    

• Virginia: seeking volunteers for upcoming Assemblies

Tabled Business

Goals for 2022/23

• Continue building Group participation in Area activities

  • No new suggestions; item remains open

• Address upcoming calendar (Alcathons, Fall outing, etc.) in April meeting

Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:28

***  Meeting ended at 8:28 ***

DISTRICT 8 MEETING

JANUARY 16, 2023

Meeting Date: 1/16/2023 

Location: Quincy Point Cong. Church, 444 Washington St., Quincy

Officers Attending:

○      Chair/DCM: Chris G.

○      Secretary: Jimmy P.

○      Alt. Secretary:  Jeff B.

○      Alt. Treasurer: Paul S.

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm & opened with a Moment of Silence followed by the  Declaration of Unity, Statement of Acceptance, and the Mission Statement were read. After Anniversary the GSR Role, Traditions and Concepts were read.  Meeting was hybrid. 

Introductions 

Attendees (In Person)

Chris G

Fresh Start

Jimmy P.

Miracles

Gerry

QMN

Mandy

Fr. Start

Mike

Quincy Mens’ Wed

Marie

Fort Sq.

Mark

WTT

Attendees (Zoom)

Steve P

Snug

Jamie H

Q. Rec.

Matt J

Rule 62

Kim

Farm Grp.

Deb R

SS Group

Deirdre

Sun. Ser.

Jeff B.

MBB

Paul S

QYP

Anniversaries since last meeting:  

Marie 12/1 = 10 years

Gerry 8/22 = 29 years

GSR Reports What’s going on with your groups? 

Kim, Milton Farm Group

Milton Farm Group will host a Memorial Meeting on Saturday 2/11/23 @12-1:30 to honor the lives of the people from their group who have passed.  Food will be served.

Monthly Reports - presented, Motions to accept, and voted 

Secretary Report - Jimmy P - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:15

●      Alcathons were a success for the most part

●      Alt Chair, DCM (x3) remain OPEN

●      Doug’s last meeting as Chair

●      Meetings will continue to be hybrid, equipment to be purchased for that purpose

●      Serenity Breakfast on 1/7/23 at Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant, Quincy.

DCM Report - Chris G - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:17