Minutes
Guilford AA JOL Happy Hour Business Meeting
4/2/2026 at 6:30pm
Attendance:
Officers Present: John D. – Business Mtg. Chair & Service Chair, Jo – Treasurer, Pam D. – Coins and Books, Herb S. – Web Site, Ann Z. – GSR & Secretary.
Others Present: Gina, Richard, John R. Sally B. Lauren, Dan A. Frank
Opening: John D. welcomed all and opened the meeting with the AA Responsibility Statement: “I am responsible when anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help. I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that I am responsible.”
Old Business: none
Secretary’s Report: Ann reported that the minutes of the 3/5/26 meeting had been sent out to the Group. John D asked if there were any other comments or discussion needed-there was none. Herb made a motion to accept minutes for posting on the Happy Hour website. The motion was seconded by John D. and approved unanimously.
Ann also noted that her term as Secretary for this group is ending. There was a discussion of who in the group may be interested and Ann will touch base with the suggested member. Ann has reached out to Lori B. who would accept the position if approved. She will also attend the 5/7/26 meeting. John will call for a vote at that meeting.
Treasurer’s Report Jo reported that the group’s 7th Tradition contributions in March 2026 totaled $187.00 with a Y-T-D total of $584.00
The current balance for the JOL Happy Hour Meeting is $403.00. (not counting the Prudent Reserve of $300). $703.00 was deposited into the Citizen’s Bank account. Expenses reported for January were -$301.74 (for the group’s Zoom monthly subscription $36.14, Coins, Books & Stamps $65.60, and a $200.00 donation For the April Gratitude Breakfast in Branford). Jo noted that she sent the Gratitude Breakfast via Venmo.
There were no questions or comments made regarding the treasurers’ spreadsheet. Herb made a motion to approve the Treasurers report, it was seconded by Ann Z. and passed unanimously.
Coins and Books Report: Pam D. reported that in March, she sent out 3 Anniversary Cards with coins. No questions or comments were made, Sally B. motioned to approve Pam’s report, and Jo seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously.
JOL web Site Report: Herb noted that there have been no actual content changes in the JOL Web site and said he is always willing to welcome any new suggestions. He mentioned that the Daily Reflections, which is posted on the site, continues to receive close to 2,500 views a day. He also said that changes in the way Google search engines find the site’s Web page may take users a little longer – but he said it is more a matter of users becoming familiar with the new Google protocols. Sally B. made a motion to accept Herb’s report, Ann seconded, and the report was unanimously passed.
Service Chair Report: John D. reported that there was nothing new and all is running smoothly with the staffing and management of our daily meetings. In light of John’s now serving as Chair of the Business Meeting, he is seeking a new Service Chair. He is working on that now as the Service Chair needs specific computer skills to assure that meetings run smoothly. He said he will see how it goes and will continue this role until a new Service Chair can take over this role.
Dan A. suggested that openings on the Business Committee be mentioned at our daily meetings. John said he would follow up on this. John’s report was accepted and passed unanimously.
GSR Report: Ann Z. reported that the 2nd of a in a series of 4 events focusing on the 12 AA Steps – hosted by District 20 (Guilford) – has been scheduled for May 16, 2026 at the Guilford Congregational Church hall for 10:30-1:00pm. This event will focus on Steps 4, 5, & 6 and offer a special opportunity for members and attendees to network. The district has confirmed 3 speakers – on each to present their views on steps 4, 5, & 6.
Herb also pointed out that a future Area 11 Assembly (State of CT) is interested in any ideas that should be trickled up and passed along for the next GSO meeting in New York City. He asked that any ideas be channeled to him.
Jo made a motion to accept the GSR report, it was seconded by John D. and unanimously approved.
New Business:
Discussion about how to draw more meeting goers to stay for Business Meeting.
Getting non-committee member more engaged in committee meeting has been an ongoing concern. Herb suggested this would be a good topic for new business at our next meeting. He mentioned that non-participants may not be aware that their input could impact the decisions made by the committee and also help steer the Agenda of the meeting. Or maybe non-participants view the committee members as “trusted servants” and are happy with the current status quo.
Herb noted that we often discuss how to get people to understand that their input is the machinery behind our Business Meetings. Dan restated is opinion that this subject has always been difficult. John D. suggested that maybe we find a way to poll people who attend the general meetings.
AA’s relationship with Hazelton Publications. Sally B. asked the group about AA’s use of Hazelton rehab resources. Herb reported that Hazelton Rehab was started and once owned by AA. But later AA changed it mission to not be involved in actual rehab facilities. Hazelton puts out publications and some workbooks that are approved be AA, e.g., The Big Book, 12 & 12, Daily Reflections, etc. Many Hazelton Material are widely used in meetings and deemed helpful, but are not officially endorsed by AA World services. In some areas there is still a debate about using non-approved Hazelton publications.
Chairman’s comments/Adjournment. Herb made a motion to reapprove all reports, if any were still open, and adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Ann Z., and the meeting was closed.
Treasurer’s Report
