Minutes
Guilford AA Happy Hour Business Meeting
12/4/2024 at 6:30pm
Attendance:
Officers Present: Dan A – Chair, Jo – Treasurer, John D – Service Chair, Pam D – Coins and Books, Herb – GSR & Website Chair, Ann Z – Secretary
Others: Gina, Karen C. Ron P.
Dan A. opened the meeting with the Serenity Prayer.
Old Business: none
New Business: As a “Food for Thought” idea, Dan asked the group to consider the current nomination process and whether or not the current process is a deterrent for some meeting participants to engage and do service. He was concerned that opportunities may not be given to people who want to volunteer. He wondered if some nominations were “fait accompli”- discussed and agreements made before formal nominations were made. John D. remarked that the number of times there is more than one candidate is rare – but also remarked that the process is “glib.”
Dan said that there was an incident in an early morning meeting where the host/candidate stated that he would love to extend his position for another year. Dan noted that some positions are complicated but wondered if such a request subverts the process.
Herb noted that in cases where there is more than one candidate, people may be embarrassed to vote and actually leave the meeting when such a vote is held.
It was agreed to defer this topic for further discussion during the January 3, 2025 meeting.
Secretary’s Report: Ann Z. reported that the minutes for the 11/1/2024 Business Meeting had been posted on the group’s Website and Dan A. asked for any comments. Jo noted that the minutes contained an error regarding all donation checks for area groups clearing our Bank account-the Area 11 check had not yet cleared. This will also be noted in the Treasurer’s report below.
Service Chair Report: John reported that all was running well and said he was happy Michelle had joined the team.
Coins and Books Report: Pam reported that 3 coins and cards had been sent out in November – no books.
Treasurer’s Report: Jo reported that in October, 7th Tradition donations of $95. Total 2024 year-to-date 7th Tradition donations through November are at $2,119.67.
The current balance for the JOL Happy Hour Meeting is $372.81(not counting the reserve of $400). $884.58 was deposited into the GSB account. Total expenses reported for November were -$153.41 ($34.01 for the groups’ Zoom subscription, $19.40 for coins and books, and $100 for the Clinton Thanksgiving Alkathon).
Correction: It was reported in the November minutes that all area donation checks had cleared. Jo corrected this by saying that donation checks for District 20 and the GSO had cleared. The Area 11 donation check is still outstanding. Dan A. asked why there is a 2-3 month delay with Area 11 processing donation checks. Herb thought it was possible that Area 11 handles financial processing on a quarterly basis but said he will check with his contact for Area 11.
Jo noted that our group is still in good financial standing. Herb noted that since the group’s budget was still significantly above the prudent reserve, that we make a decision,in this meeting, to make donations to this year’s Christmas Alkathon in Branford and to the New Year’s Eve Alkathon in Guilford. He made a motion to donate $100 to each event. John D seconded the motion and the group voted to unanimously move forward with both the donations. Jo said she would handle the logistics of the donations.
Jo reminded the group that we have a Venmo account, which makes it easier for financial processing. Dan A. asked for any questions or comments. There were none.
GSR Report: Herb restated that the Booklets listing physical meeting in CT have not been reprinted since 2019. He reported that the graphics for the books will be available to all Ct groups to be reprinted by the individual groups for their own purposes.
Herb also noted that people at the district level are doing a good job visiting people in prisons and treatment centers and hospitals, as well as distributing books and other AA materials.
Herb reminded the group that all GSR minutes are posted on the district web site at: https://d20a11.org.
Website Chair Report: Herb noted that there was nothing new to report regarding the Web site.
Chairman’s comments. Dan A. made a motion to approve all service reports at once at the end of the meeting – noting that the secretary’s report would be corrected to note changes in the Treasurer’s report. This motion was seconded, unanimously accepted, and the reports were approved.
Adjournment: Dan A. asked if there was any further new business – none was mentioned. The meeting was unanimously called to adjournment.
