Minutes
Guilford AA JOL Happy Hour Business Meeting
1/7/2016 at 6:30pm
Attendance:
Officers Present: John D. – Business Mtg. Chair & Service Chair, Jo – Treasurer, Pam D. – Coins and Books, Herb S. – Web Site Chair, Ann Z. – GSR & Secretary
Others Present: Dan A., David B., Sally B., Regina, 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 12-4-2025 meeting had been sent out to the Group. Jo requested that the Treasurer’s report section be corrected to state that she has now served 2 years of her 3 year term-not that her 2 year term was completed. John D asked if there were any other comments or discussion needed-there was none. Jo made a motion to accept the corrected minutes for posting on the Happy Hour website. The motion was seconded by Herb and approved unanimously.
Coins and Books Report: Pam D. reported that she sent out 9 Coins/Cards for anniversaries in September and 3 Big Book to a newcomer in December 2025. Ann motioned to approve Pam’s report and Sally B. seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously.
JOL Web Site Report: Herb noted that there have been no actual content changes in the Web site and said he is always willing to welcome any new suggestions. He mentioned that he was working with John D. on a Chat Box purposed to help people navigate the Site, i.e. how to use the menus. John requested and Herb agreed to send him the rights to access the Chat Box page. Lori made a motion to accept Herb’s report, Sally seconded, and the report was unanimously passed.
Service Chair Report John D. reported that everything is running smoothly. He remarked that we have a stable group of hosts and chairs doing a great job. Ann made a motion to accept John’s report, Sally B. seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Jo opened her report by reiterating that she has one more year to go in her three year term as Treasurer. She highlighted that the detail involved in setting up relationships with banks, donation beneficiaries, as well as donors, makes a3 year term for this service both appropriate and necessary.
She reported that the group’s 7th Tradition contributions in December totaled $135.00 with $1,903.02 donated Y-T-D.
The current balance for the JOL Happy Hour Meeting is $144.69 (not counting the reserve of $400). $544.69 was deposited into the Citizen’s Bank account. Expenses reported for December were $189.17 ($36.14 for the group’s Zoom monthly subscription & $153.03 for coins and books.). Donations of $200 each for the Thanksgiving Alkathon, Christmas Alkathon and New Year’s Eve Party have all cleared our account. Also, donations to the District ($90.70), Area 11 ($181.39), and the GSO ($381.39) have cleared.
There were no questions or comments made regarding the spreadsheet. Herb made a motion to approve the Treasurers report, it was seconded by John D. and passed unanimously.
In addition, a discussion began regarding the level of the Group’s prudent reserve (from $400 to $300) that will be continued as “New Business.”
GSR Report: Ann Z. reported that the District committee and GSRs met on 12/18/25
and that plans are moving ahead for 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 beginning on February 14, 2026 at the Guilford Congregational Church.
Herb made a motion to accept the GSR report, it was seconded by Joand unanimously approved.
New Business:
A suggestion to reduce the Prudent Reserve level from $400 to $300
Herb asked if there was a reason not to reduce the Prudent Reserve from $400 to $300. Jo Mentioned that the current reserve leve was increases as the Group’s donations to 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 great shape.
Dan A Was concerned that we not make a knee jerk decision and recommended that we not approve a motion at this meeting. Joanne agreed and told the group she would monitor the reserve going forward to see if we should reconsider the level.
A suggestion was presented regarding a review of guidelines for monthly chairs to limit cross talk in their role as the meeting facilitator.
After a brief discussion of this continuing issue that happens in all AA groups, John D recommended that he update the current guidelines for Chairmen to reiterate the crosstalk and share time limits.
Chairman’s comments/Adjournment. John D. made a motion to adjourn, it was seconded by Dave and the meeting was closed.
