Minutes
Guilford AA JOL Happy Hour Business Meeting
2/6/2016 at 6:30pm
Attendance:
Officers Present: John D. – Business Mtg. Chair & Service Chair, Jo – Treasurer, Herb S. – Web Site, Chair, Ann Z. – GSR & Secretary.
Officers Not Present: Pam D. – Coins and Books
Others Present: Sally B., Ron P.
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 1/7/26 meeting had been sent out to the Group – noting that she had corrected the notes to reflect Jo’s actual term as Treasurer. John D asked if there were any other comments or discussion needed-there was none. Herb made a motion to accept the corrected minutes for posting on the Happy Hour website. The motion was seconded by John D. and approved unanimously.
Regarding a separate Secretaries record on tracking motions passed during Business Meetings, Herb offered to help Ann by showing her a format and how it has been done in the past.
Treasurer’s Report:
Jo reported that the group’s 7th Tradition contributions in January 2026 totaled $199.00.
The current balance for the JOL Happy Hour Meeting is $260.88. (not counting the reserve of $400). $680.88 was deposited into the Citizen’s Bank account. Expenses reported for January were $120.81 ($36.14 for the group’s Zoom monthly subscription & $84.67 for coins and books.).
There were no questions or comments made regarding the spreadsheet. Herb made a motion to approve the Treasurers report, it was seconded by Ann Z. and passed unanimously.
Coins and Books Report: In her absence, Pam D. reported to Ann Z. that, in January, she sent out 5 Cards – 3 with coins for anniversaries. Sally B. motioned to approve Pam’s report and Jo seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously.
JOL Web Site Report: Herb reminded the group that he actually works on two websites:
- The JOL Happy Hour site – now converting to add a Phone App.
- The Area 11 site – now working on a chat box to help users navigate the site and where users can ask questions
He 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. Sally B. made a motion to accept Herb’s report, Ann seconded, and the report was unanimously passed.
Service Chair Report: John D. reported good news – that there was nothing new and all is running smoothly with the daily meetings. He remarked that we have a stable group of hosts and chairs doing a great job. Herb commented that John’s work has been excellent and made a motion to accept this report, Ron P. seconded , and the motion passed unanimously.
GSR Report: Ann Z. reported that the District committee’s initial rollout of their “Loving the Steps” event will be held on February 14, 2026 from 10:30-1:30 at the Guilford Congregational Church.
The new District 20 event series that will focuses on the 12 Steps – 3 at a time- over the course of 4 workshop/social events in 2026. Plans are finalized with 3 speakers (one each discussing steps 1-3). The event includes networking/socializing time, as well as morning refreshments and lunch. Jo made a motion to accept the GSR report, it was seconded by John D. and unanimously approved.
New Business:
- Suggestion to reduce the Prudent Reserve level from $400 to $300.
Herb asked in the January meeting if there was a reason not to reduce the Prudent Reserve from $400 to $300. Jo mentioned that the current reserve level was increased close two years ago, as the Group’s donations to the Alkathons had increased. However, she said we have maintained a healthy reserve in the 2 years she has been Treasurer. She also reported that we have built up finances and are in greatJo indicated that there would be no problem in reducing the reserve. Herb made a motion to reduce the reserve to $300. It was seconded by Ann Z and passed unanimously.
- Discussion about how to encourage more newcomers to read “How it Works” during meeting opening.
Currently, it is the practice of some regular attendees to volunteer to read How it Works – as regulars sign on early and have the reading handy. However, as a way to get new comers involved more and more familiar with the reading, the Committee members thought it may be a good idea to encourage Chairs to focus on asking new comers to volunteer to do the reading. It was suggested to continue the topic at the next meeting.
- 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. It was recommended that this topic be continued as new business at our next meeting.
Chairman’s comments/Adjournment. Herb made a motion to adjourn, it was seconded by Ann Z., and the meeting was closed.
