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December 2017

Harbor Area Central Office 3450 E. Spring St, Ste 109 Long Beach, CA 90806

(562) 989-7697 | www.hacoaa.org | info@hacoaa.org

A Life of Joy and Happiness

See Every Day is Christmas on page 5...

Hard Truths to a Spiritual Awakening

Is the gift of sobriety under your Christmas tree this year?

“Having had a spiritual awak-ening as the result of these

Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to

practice these principles in all our affairs.” – Step Twelve

See How Do We Carry the Message? on page 5...

This time of year brings a lot of joy to most of us but it also brings distress to some of the less fortunate ones who haven’t yet been blessed with the gift of sobriety and peace of mind, in and outside of AA. How appropriate it seems that there are twelve months in a year and we have twelve steps in the pro-gram. The joy of good living is the theme of AA’s Twelfth Step (12 & 12 pg. 125) and it blends right in with Thanksgiving in November, and all the religious holidays in December, and is topped off with the New Year’s Eve celebration. Under-standing is the key to right principles and attitudes, and right action is the key to good living. I would be very uncomfortable during the holiday season as I never knew how to act around normal people. I felt like a charity case and never got into the spirit of reaching out to others. My family always celebrated Christmas, and I would always put a damper on it by complaining about the tacky gifts that people would buy. I would complain about the mad rush to go shopping and the commercialization of Christmas. I explained this to a dear friend once, and he asked, “Does the rest of the family enjoy it?” I said, “Yes.” He then said, “Why don’t you just take a back seat and watch the joy in their eyes as they experience these things?” I did that exact

The Twelfth Step is the last Step and yet, in a sense, it is the first step into life of recovery. And we need to realize that in the phrase “having had” it is assured that the spiritual awak-ening has been experienced probably before we attempt this Step! The point I’m wishing to make is that my life today is an expression of the “spiritual awakening” alluded to in this step. At some point, in the process of doing the Twelve Step, I become aware that life is worth living; that it really does get better; that I have a divine power within myself that can overcome alcoholism. At a treatment center I often heard people asking, “Can I re-ally get better? Can I stay sober?” The answer is yes. We often say that it is hard to get sober. But in a spiritual sense it is much harder to stay drunk. It is hard to see the sadness on the faces of the people we love.

It is hard to not know what we did or said the previous night. It is hard to face legal battles created by alcohol or drug. Life is hard when you are living in the disease! Recovery, compared to drinking, is relatively easy. As a drunk I doubt if I could have had a vacation in Vietnam or Thailand without encountering serious problems. Certain-ly, a group of Americans would not have wanted to join me as their tour-leader! It’s also obvious that I would not have

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Harbor Light December 2017

Harbor Light is a monthly publication of the Harbor Area Service Committee of Alcoholics Anonymous. Send articles, comments, letters and artwork to:

Editor, Harbor Light

3450 E. Spring St., Ste. 109 Long Beach, CA 90806

E-mail: HarborLightChair@hacoaa.org

Harbor Light trusted servants: Mark B, Editor

Mark J, HACOAA Liaison Matthew L, Deborah M, Rosa P, Hiro S,

Harbor Light Committee

Contributors: Rick R, Step article

Father Leo, Step article Kevin P, Wit and Wisdom

Making Lists; Checking them Twice The holiday season is fraught with triggers to our sobriety. At a meeting room in Oakland over Thanksgiving, Harbor Light came across these lists that could help you celebrate your holiday season sober.

Follow These 10 Steps for a Stress-Less Holiday Season

1. Slow down. Make an effort to relax. Give yourself a gift of the season: Take a day and just do nothing!

2. Prioritize what’s most important to do and keep a “To

Do List.” 3. Contact friends who will support your sobriety and do

things with them. 4. Do the things you love to do. Make a list of 20 things

you love to do and the people you would love to do them with. Be sure to keep your program in mind.

5. Go to some marathon meetings with friends in recov-

ery; or just go to more meetings than you usually do.

6. Gets lots of rest. 7. Practice non-perfection. Do not attempt to be driven

by expectations that may not be fulfilled. 8. Be mindful of what you put in your body this holiday

season. 9. Enjoy the simple things in life. Take a 15 minute

breathing break. Just breathe, do nothing else. Re-lax.

10. Volunteer. Helping those less fortunate than you can

bring back the true meaning of the season.

1. Be prepared for difficulty. 2. Be aware of how you feel. 3. Be careful of expectations. 4. Do reality checks with recovering people. 5. Pay attention to nutrition – avoid sugar, caffeine, junk

food and overeating. 6. Keep your recovery routine – make meetings, work

your steps, write in journal, read the Big Book and don’t forget to sleep.

7. Go to meetings – increase frequency and consider

attending marathon meetings. 8. Participate at meetings as it lessens isolation. 9. Talk to your sponsor. 10. Take another person in recovery to a holiday event. 11. Leave an event if it becomes too difficult. 12. Take a time out from stressful events. Go to a meet-

ing and return later. 13. Plan or try to attend a Clean and Sober Celebration. 14. Attend meetings when traveling out of town. Look

up meeting online or call central office. (In the Har-bor Area call (562) 989-7697 or visit: www.hacoaa.org)

15. Carry phone numbers of clean and sober individuals

and call them when necessary. 16. Be prepared for relapse by confronting your denial.

Watch for thoughts like, “I can go to a party where everyone is drinking and be fine.”

17. Be prepared for the post-holiday crash – “I made it

through Christmas! I can celebrate!” 18. Be prepared for a flood of emotions and have a writ-

ten plan on how to deal with your triggers.

Your Holiday Relapse Prevention Checklist

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Harbor Light December 2017

Meetings on the Move

EDITOR’S NOTE

FOR OUR JANUARY 2018 ISSUE

WE ENCOURAGE SUBMISSIONS ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:

New Year and Sobriety

Resolutions for 2018

First Step, Tradition and Concept

Experience, Strength & Hope

Deadline: December10th

Contact the Editor by email at: harborlightchair@hacoaa.org

There are over 650 meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in the Harbor Area. Keeping track of which meeting have sprung up, closed their doors or changed their times can be a tricky proposition. Not just for alcoholics looking for a meeting but also for Harbor Area staff and service members who docu-ment the changes to serve you better. Armed services veterans are invited to attend a new meeting at MWA in Signal Hill commencing December 9, 2017 at 2:00 pm. The Just for Today women’s meeting has recently moved to All Saints Church at 346 Termino Avenue. The meeting is held Thursdays and runs from 6-7:00 pm. There is a new open discussion meeting at the Imperial Alano Club on Rosecrans Avenue in Paramount on Monday at 10:00 pm. Chris I. would like to remind the fellowship that the Thursday night Lakewood Speakers meeting at 8:00 pm is still very much active at 5306 Arbor Road. If you have a meeting that has launched, closed, or changed it’s time or location please let us know and we will publicize it in an upcoming issue of Harbor Light.

1. Line up extra AA activities (help on the phones, speak, empty the ashtrays). 2. Be host to friends, especially newcomers, at home or at a coffee shop. 3. Keep your AA telephone list with you at all times. 4. Find out about holiday meetings or celebrations in your local groups. 5. Skip any drinking occasions you're nervous about. 6. If there's one you can't skip, take an AA friend — or keep candy handy. 7. Don't think you have to stay late (plan an "important date" in advance). 8. Go to church. Any church. And don't forget about extra meetings. 9. Don't sit around brooding; catch up on reading, museums, walks, letters. 10. Don't project about holiday temptations: remember "One day at a time." 11. Even if you cannot give material gifts, enjoy the beauty of holiday love. 12. Carry the message. Give the joy away, and it will be yours to keep.

— Adapted from Box 4-5-9

The Harbor Light would like to thank Tim from the Tri-County Central Office News in Tampa, Florida for posting these tips in their November newsletter. It is why these tips appear here in our Holiday issue.

12 Tips for Sober Holidays

Remembering that it's not about your first Christmas in AA but rather the first Christmas that AA is in you. This Christ-mas greeting from Bill and Lois appeared in the Holiday Is-sue of Box 459 in 1967. Dear Friends… Lois and I join in sending to AA’s worldwide our warmest affection at this Christmastime. You will agree that we of AA are just about the most fortunate people on the globe today. By God’s Grace we have received an unexampled opportunity to live, to serve, and to love. At this season, and in the New Year to come, may joys overflow and our grati-tude be boundless. May the Spirit of the Prince of Peace be among us always. — Bill

Bill W Christmas Greeting from 50 Years Ago

The kingdom of heaven is also for the lowly, the sinners, the repentant. "And they presented unto him gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Bring your gifts of gold — your money and material possessions. Bring your frankincense — the consecration of your life to a worthy cause. Bring your myrrh — your sympathy and understanding and help. Lay them all at the feet of God and let Him have full use of them.

Meditation for Christmas Day

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Harbor Light December 2017

Resolve to Represent Your Home Group and Become a Harbor Area

Representative in 2018!

The Fifth Tradition states that AA’s primary purpose is to carry it’s message to the alcoholic that still suffers. What better way to carry that message than by becoming a Harbor Area Service Committee (HASC) representative. Reps report back to their home group on issues affecting AA in the Harbor Area, and the right to vote on issues and serve on committees. With more than 650 meetings in the Harbor Area, HASC is represented by a mere handful of volunteers. Be the voice of your meeting at the Harbor Area Service Committee. The HASC meet once a month on the second Wednesday evening. For more info on how you can serve your home group on the HASC please call the Harbor Area Central Of-fice at 562-989-7697 or email info@hacoaa.org

This list is a list of gratitude. A heartfelt thank you from the desk of the Harbor Light editor to all of those who gave of themselves for the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous in the Harbor Area. Our first gratitude is to all the contributors to the Harbor Light. We could not have had 12 issues without you. That list begins with Rick R and Kevin P. Each month, without fail and without prompting, these two gentlemen provided articles, laughs and insight into alcoholism through their contributions. Rick through his Step articles and Kevin through his Wit and Wisdom column. We also had regular Step articles from Father Leo, and for that we are grateful. We are also grateful to the following 21 contributors in 2017: Danielle, Allen W, Hiro S, Julius Y, Lisa P, Tim R, Joseph W, Rosa P, Connor S, Kelly A, Jeryl T, Megan S, Jake R, Mark J, Barbara H, Sam G, Jeff C, Jessica C, Tom F, Mary K, and Tim C. Thank you. We are grateful to the Harbor Area Service Board and the Harbor Area Service Committee for their guidance and in-put throughout the year. A special shout out goes to two members in particular: our Board liaison, Mark J and Ron T from H & I whose support of Harbor Light was unparal-leled in my brief tenure. I am grateful to the Harbor Light Committee: Hiro S for the smooth transition, HACO webmaster Matthew L as a sounding board, Deborah M who kept things moving for-ward and to the Harbor Light Committee Chair, Rosa P who sought out writers and contributors and who now leaves us to continue her service with the Harbor Area Service Board. These last 12 issues would not have come together if not for Sue T and Deborah M. They kicked me in the butt when I needed it and more importantly provided me the files I needed to put each issue together and for getting these is-sues into your hands, the hands of our readers. And it is for you that Harbor Light exists. Thank you for picking up a copy. It is our hope that we have helped to inform your sobriety in the last year. We will endeavor to do better next year. Thank you, one and all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! — Editor

Tis the Season of Gratitude

Harbor Light gives thanks to all who made 2017 the year it was!

Looking for ways to spice up your life in AA and strength-en your commitment to sobriety? Here are some ideas for putting new enthusiasm and delight into your AA life. 1. Take a commitment with your home group or with the Harbor Area Service Committee. Be a greeter. Make cof-fee. Volunteer on a committee 2. Read from the Daily Reflections...daily! 3. Extend a hand to a newcomer at each meeting. Say hello to five people you don't know at each meeting. 4. Help support a meeting whose attendance has dropped off by showing up with a friend. 5. Accept phone calls from the alcoholic in need. 6. Write an article for Harbor Light about your experience, strength and hope. 7. Become an audiophile. Listen to a speaker in the Ar-chives section of the HACO website. 8. Become a sponsor. 9. Attend an H&I panel at least once this year. 10. Do one of the above, even if you don’t want to — at least just for one day. This list was adapted from the resolutions offered in 1967 by the Box 459 newsletter. If you haven't yet, check out this AA time capsule over the holidays! here's the link... https://www.aa.org/newsletters/en_US/en_box459_holiday67.pdf

Anyone for a Resolution?

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Harbor Light December 2017

Every Day is Christmas at My Home Continued from Page 1...

How Do We Carry the Message?

thing and have been doing it ever since and it has changed my appreciation of this time of year. This change of attitude has inspired me to apply the unselfish lessons that I’ve come to understand. I now spend the holi-day season looking for the opportunity to brighten the lives of those less fortunate than myself. I often do these things anonymously and without fanfare. I also consider how I used to feel when I was the one on the receiving end of a charita-ble gesture and am very careful to do these things in a way that preserves their dignity. I don’t have to wait for the holidays to do these things. Every day is Christmas at my home! Recently I started to contemplate the difference between joy and happiness as I always thought that they were synony-mous. They are in some respects but they do have some dif-ferent qualities. I am a very happy person as the result of be-ing very diligent when it comes to working the steps of the program and practicing the principles in all of my affairs. I am not without the little inconveniences and irritations that come with my day-to-day living but they are nowhere near the problems I encountered prior to becoming a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. These do not lower my level of hap-piness because I simply take them as they come. Over a period of time, as I mature in this journey, my level of happiness continues to grow and I am generally very happy as a result. When I look at the word joy, I do not feel that I am in a constant state of joy but I do have many little things that happen on a day to day basis that rise above my state of happiness and they sometimes bring tears to my eyes. We can all identify with the term “tears of joy.” Even unhap-py people can have tears of joy occasionally. I was intro-duced to the principle that, “happiness is a byproduct of right living and not an end in itself.” I have been living by that principle ever since and you can believe me when I tell you that I reap more than my share of joy. — Rick R

the capacity to write these articles. The “spiritual awaken-ing” involves enjoying the good life. In this Step we have a phrase that many people in AA would say sums up spirituality… we tried to carry the message; in order to keep sobriety, you must be willing to give it away. How do we carry the message? Well, each person will dis-cover their own way but here are a few that I seek to live on a regular basis:

Be willing to share my story at an appropriate recovery group.

Tell non-alcoholics that I’m an alcoholic in recovery and I had treatment in England many years ago.

Write informative articles and books about spirituality and my recovery from alcoholism.

Be willing to sponsor those people who say they want what I have in recovery.

There are many more ways that the message is carried in recovery circles. You might be asking; where did I experience the spiritual awakening? Which Step held the key? I think the similar element that comes in Step Three was pivotal. And the cleaning up of my life that is required in Step Four – to Step Nine also helped. But truly I believe that the Twelve Step program is a process; it’s not something that you do as much as live and experience. The program is about being willing to change. It is about saying yes to our lives on a daily basis. And it works! I hope you have enjoyed reading this series of articles on the Twelve Steps this year. Happy New Year! — Father Leo

Continued from Page 1...

As I mature in this journey, my level of happiness continues to grow.

Harbor Light December 2017

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HARBOR AREA SPEAKER MEETINGS

For a comprehensive Harbor Area meeting directory, visit: www.hacoaa.org

To submit your speaker meeting schedule, email: harborlightchair@hacoaa.org

East Bay Group Sunday, 7:00pm 5550 E. Atherton St., Long Beach December 3 Leo B — Long Beach December 10 Eric B — Anaheim December 17 Rose S — Rancho Palo Verdes December 24 Kathleen P — Long Beach December 31 Pru T — Sunset Beach Fireside Speakers Sunday, 8:00pm 641 S. Western Ave., Anaheim December 3 Ralph W — Los Angeles December 10 Walt E — Fullerton December 17 Ron R — Fountain Valley December 24 Anthony B — Orange December 31 TBA Big 10 Speakers Thursday, 7:30pm 835 E. 33rd St./Atlantic, Signal Hill December 7 Jesse A — Santa Clarita December 14 Julie St J — Huntington Beach December 21 Bob T — Long Beach December 28 Bill C — Torrance Rule 62 Speakers (Thursdays) Saturday, 7:00pm 16865 Pacific Coast Hwy., Sunset Beach December 2 TJ December 9 Joanie December 23 Ken December 30 Richard W

One Hour Men’s Stag Monday — Ron W

12 Steps & 12 Traditions — Daniel H

Attitude Adjustment Saturday 6:30 Inter City — Revo

Bowling Green — Eric B

Carry the Message — Rudy T

Downey Thursday Night — Alan O

Friday Night Fellowship — Robert C

Friday Night Men’s Stag — Joe W

Friday Night Participation — Regina J

Harbor Area/South Bay — Julius Y

High on Life — Dale C

La Palma Big Book — Chris I

Signal Hill Speakers — Gilbert G

There Is A Way — Frank U

Tuesday Night Women’s Closed — Jacqueline V

Under the Bridge — Carlina W

Thank You to All the Delegates who Attended the November Harbor Area

Service Committee Meeting

Birthday Contributions!

John B $40

Celebrate your birthday in Harbor Light!

info@hacoaa.org

Be the Voice of Your Meeting at the Harbor Area Service Committee!

Marathon Meetings for the Holidays Check to see if your home group is hosting any Marathon Meetings over the Christmas holidays. Marathon Meetings are a great way to step away from the stress of the holiday season and help inform your sobriety. As of this printing, the Harbor Light is aware of two Mara-thon Meetings to be held Christmas Day and New Year’s Day at Thursdays in Sunset Beach. Call HACO at (562) 989-7697 for an up-to-date listing.

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Harbor Light December 2017

Your own sober birthday! Share it with your friends, fam-ily, home group and sponsor in Harbor Light with a birth-day shout out donation by emailing: info@hacoaa.org. In the subject line please write, "HACO Sober Birthday Party in Harbor Light" so we can be sure to mention your special day on this sober party page. AA members may send $1, $5, $10, $20, or more for each year of sobriety to any or all of the following AA service entities: The Local Office; The District Office; The Area Assembly Office and; The General Service Of-fice. Each service component provides information and ser-vices to other alcoholics who may be dying and need AA life support. Your birthday donations continue to help the Harbor Area Central Office provide the following ser-vices to AA groups:

•AA 24 Hour Hotline •AA Archives

•AA 12 Step Calls •AA Literature—English & Spanish

•AA Grapevine Publications •AA Updated Meeting Directories

•AA Speaker Information •Harbor Light Newsletter

•HACO Website •Public Information/CPC Resources •Harbor Area AA Sponsored Events

Mail Your Birthday Donations to:

Harbor Area Central Office, 3450 E. Spring Street, Suite 109,

Long Beach, CA 90806-2461

General Service Office, PO Box 459, Grand Central Station,

New York, NY 10163

Contributions are limited to $3,000 per member per year and are tax deductible under Internal Revenue §Code 501(3)©. Page 9—Self-Support Pamphlet.

Wit and Wisdom Words of recovery spoken in the rooms of

Harbor Area AA meetings.

Heard something clever, witty, even profound at a meeting?

Send it to: harborlightchair@hacoaa.org

It’s that time to recount what was heard in the AA herd. I could never chug down ten sodas, but I could easily chug down ten beers. Every time I tried to quit I ended up making up for lost time. No matter how much I drank I was always one drink short. It’s rigorous honesty, not ridiculous honesty. We don't drink or smoke those left-handed cigarettes. I'm a poor man's Sinatra – I had to do it my way instead of the AA way. I'm not going out so that you can hear new stories. No you're not going insane – you're very much sane but you don't know what it feels like. I'm allergic to booze, when I drink I break out in handcuffs. Take alcohol from the alcoholic and you're left with the 'ick'. Not drinking is only one of the benefits of the program. It's simple, not easy – we're not 'footwork' kind of people. Animals get mad; people get angry. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Yes easy-does-it- but you have to actually do it. It really is about people and relationships. There is a treasure in the Big Book. I don't have to accept everything, but I have to accept something. If your blood/alcohol level is higher than your IQ then you just might be an alcoholic. Life by the inch is a cinch, life by the yard is hard. This brings us to a close of the words of wisdom as heard in the rooms of AA. Everyone have a good and a safe holiday season. — Kevin P

You’re Invited to the Party of the Year!

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Group Contributions December 2017 Harbor Light

The General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous suggests that groups support AA by sending excess funds to various service activities. There is no required breakdown of these contributions and each group should take a group conscience in mak-ing that decision. Many groups in the Harbor Area divide their contributions according to the percentages below. Also, consider making a personal donation during your birthday month in the dollar amount of years you have been sober.

Continued on Next Page...

60% to Harbor Area Central Office 3450 East Spring St., suite #109 Long Beach, CA 90806 30% to General Service Office Box 459, Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163 5% to Mid-South California Area 9 Box 5146

Oct 17 Oct 16 Jan-Oct 17

11th Step Study 0.00 0.00 50.00

12 Steps & 12 Traditions Sunday 0.00 0.00 208.00

12 Steps & 12 Traditions Tuesday 0.00 0.00 144.00

435 Intergroup 0.00 0.00 150.00

5420 Group 0.00 0.00 150.00

A.A. Book Study 0.00 0.00 40.00

Aloha Women's Group 0.00 239.64 907.78

Anonymous 0.00 0.00 215.00

Artists Musicians 0.00 0.00 60.00

As Bill Sees It Fri 7 am at Thursdays 49.00 0.00 169.00

As Bill Sees It Thurs Night 0.00 0.00 288.67

Att Adj 7 AM Fri Marina Pacifica 0.00 271.00 300.00

Att Adj 7 AM Mon Marina Pacifica 0.00 0.00 127.84

Att Adj 7 AM Sat Marina Pacifica 0.00 0.00 600.00

Att Adj 7 AM Sun Marina Pacifica 0.00 0.00 764.90

Att Adj 7 AM Thurs Marina Pacifica 0.00 0.00 150.00

Att Adj 7 AM Tues Marina Pacifica 0.00 0.00 257.35

Att Adj 7AM Wed Marina Pacifica 0.00 0.00 60.00

Att.Adj Fri IFH 0.00 0.00 65.00

Att.Adj Sun IFH 0.00 0.00 100.00

Att.Adj Wed IFH 0.00 0.00 100.00

Attitude Adj 645 am Lakewood 50.00 65.00 460.00

Bellflower Big Book Group 0.00 1,260.00 6,848.00

Bellflower We Care 0.00 0.00 30.00

Belmont Hts Closed Womens 0.00 120.00 90.00

Big 10 Speakers (MWA Thurs) 0.00 0.00 180.00

Big Book 12 Step Study 0.00 0.00 140.00

Big Book Study Los Alamitos 6pm 0.00 0.00 360.00

Book Study Wed MarPac 0.00 0.00 450.00

Bowling Green 0.00 0.00 50.00

Bring Your Own Coffee Book Stude 0.00 97.20 0.00

Carry The Message 0.00 0.00 859.00

Compton 401 Bullis Group 25.00 25.00 250.00

Courage to Change 0.00 0.00 115.00

Cover to Cover 0.00 0.00 30.00

Cypress Women's Step Study 96.30 81.82 380.90

Dirty Shirt Group 0.00 60.00 120.00

Discussion, Saturday 1 PM 0.00 0.00 103.00

Downey 5th Street 58.17 59.59 197.79

Downey Beginners 0.00 120.00 120.00

Downey Men's Stag Wed 0.00 10.00 50.00

Downey Real AA 0.00 0.00 650.00

Downey Tues Womens Home Group 0.00 0.00 240.00

Drunk Busters 0.00 75.00 300.00

Oct 17 Oct 16 Jan-Oct 17

Early Att.Adj Mon IFH 0.00 0.00 90.00

Early Att.Adj Sun IFH 0.00 50.00 150.00

Early Att.Adj. Thurs IFH 0.00 0.00 250.00 Early Attitude Adjustment Sat Morn-ing 0.00 0.00 75.00

Early Bird Att Adj Sun IFH 0.00 0.00 50.00

East Bay Group 0.00 0.00 1,069.00

Faith in Action 0.00 0.00 187.87

Friday Night Big Book 0.00 150.00 75.00

Friday Night Big Book (Lakewood) 0.00 0.00 70.20

Friday Night East Willow 0.00 0.00 30.00

Friday Night Men's Stag 150.00 0.00 650.00

Friday Night Men's Stag Long Beach 0.00 100.00 1,050.00

Friday Night Under The Bridge 0.00 0.00 187.75

Full Flight 0.00 0.00 60.00

Full Moon 0.00 0.00 40.00

Girls Night Out 0.00 0.00 311.00

Group 150.00 0.00 150.00

Group #000101408 50.00 0.00 50.00

Group #000696740 0.00 0.00 60.00

Group #159497 0.00 0.00 45.00

Group #168356 0.00 0.00 50.00 Group #178801 102.00 0.00 102.00

Group #648165 0.00 0.00 80.38

Group #649350 0.00 52.50 0.00

Group #688436-09-04 0.00 288.30 0.00

H.A.S.C. Receipts 0.00 0.00 36.50

Happy Hour Fri MWA 0.00 0.00 120.00

Happy Hour Mon MWA 50.00 50.00 150.00

Happy Hour MWA 0.00 40.00 0.00

Happy Hour MWA Mon 0.00 0.00 150.00

Happy Hour Topic Discussion 0.00 180.00 566.00

Happy Hour Wed MWA 0.00 0.00 235.00

Harmony Group 0.00 0.00 60.00

High Hopes Norwalk 0.00 0.00 52.00 Hour Brown Baggers 0.00 0.00 45.00

Hoxie Group 36.00 0.00 76.00

5% to your Local District: District 1 Box 10113 Torrance, CA 90505 District 2 — North of Carson Box 8343 Long Beach, CA 90808 District 3 1840 So. Gaffey St., #251 San Pedro, CA 90731 District 4 — South of Carson Box 9972 Long Beach, CA 90810

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Harbor Light

Continued from Previous Page

December 2017

Oct 17 Oct 16 Jan-Oct 17

Group Contributions

Icebreakers / Drydock 0.00 0.00 30.00

In the Can 0.00 24.00 70.00

Indian Charlie Group 0.00 50.00 100.00

Intimacy & Recovery Men's Stag 0.00 0.00 297.00

Invisible Spkr Mtg 60.00 0.00 195.00

It's Saturday Night 0.00 0.00 240.00

Keep it Simple 600.00 0.00 1,500.00

KISS 0.00 0.00 60.00

KISSAR Roundup 190.00 0.00 190.00

La Palma Big Book Speakers 100.00 0.00 100.00

Ladies Power Hr Thurs SB 52.00 0.00 52.00

Lakewood Q&A 0.00 30.00 30.00

Lakewood Speakers 0.00 50.00 0.00

Lakewood Women's Step Study 79.03 0.00 158.55

Living Sober LB 78.00 0.00 203.43

Lomita Wayfarers 0.00 0.00 25.00

Long Beach Mens Stag 120.30 0.00 1,207.25

Los Altos Group 0.00 0.00 125.00

Los Altos Open Door 50.00 0.00 150.00

Lucky 13 0.00 0.00 105.00 Marina Pacifica Womens Tues Step Study 0.00 240.00 0.00

Men's Step Study 0.00 0.00 50.00

Mens Banquet 0.00 0.00 664.64

Mens Step Stdy Tues 5633 Wardlow 61.00 0.00 61.00

Mustard Seed 0.00 0.00 25.00

New Millenium 0.00 0.00 40.00

Nomads Men's Stag 0.00 0.00 467.34

Now is All We Have 0.00 0.00 120.00

One Hour Big Book 0.00 0.00 97.20

One Hour Men's Stag 120.00 0.00 480.00

Outside the Fence 0.00 0.00 25.00

Over 50 Group 0.00 0.00 240.00

Paramount Speakers 0.00 0.00 623.75

Phoenix Beginners 0.00 0.00 10.00

POF 0.00 0.00 100.00

Rocky Timers 75.00 0.00 225.00

Rossmoor Watering Hole 0.00 0.00 120.00

Rule 62 Daily Att.Adj 0.00 0.00 480.00

Sanctuary Group 68.00 35.00 259.00

Seal Beach Mens Stag -Wed 114.78 0.00 114.78

Seniors 4 Sobriety 0.00 112.00 324.00

Sisters In Sobriety 0.00 0.00 150.00

Oct 17 Oct 16 Jan-Oct 17

Sober Gender Non-conformists 0.00 0.00 84.00

Sober on the Sand 0.00 74.56 195.78

Sobriety Seekers 0.00 0.00 30.00

Staggers On Monday 0.00 0.00 150.00

Step/Book Study 0.00 0.00 125.00

Sun Spots 0.00 0.00 40.00

Sunday Sundowners 0.00 0.00 60.00

Sunset Bch Sun 1000 AM 0.00 0.00 210.00

Sunset Beach Discussion 0.00 0.00 123.63

Sunset Beach Fellowship 0.00 0.00 90.00

Sunset Beach Tuesday Noon 0.00 0.00 40.00

Surrender is Freedom 0.00 104.70 0.00 Thursday Night Big Book Study Los Alamito 0.00 0.00 50.00

Topic Discusssion Los Alamitos 0.00 0.00 240.00

Tues Night Mens Stag 0.00 0.00 54.50

Tues Round Robin 0.00 0.00 50.00

Tuesday at Thursdays 78.00 0.00 218.00 Tuesday Night Live Big Book Study 0.00 0.00 30.00

Tuesday night round robin 0.00 0.00 50.00

Tuesday Night V.A. 200.00 100.00 910.00

Tuesday Night Women's #101461 0.00 0.00 16.00

Tuesday Night Women's Downey 0.00 0.00 120.00

Under the Bridge 0.00 3,187.66 0.00

Under the Bridge - Friday 0.00 0.00 318.00

Under the Palm Tree 0.00 78.80 0.00

Uppity Women 0.00 90.00 352.50

VA Sat Nite Wateringhole 0.00 0.00 100.00

Watering Hole VA 0.00 200.00 275.00

Wayfarers 0.00 0.00 25.00

We are not a glum lot 75.00 0.00 175.00

Wed Book Study 6201 E Willow 0.00 471.00 1,315.17

Wed Night A.T. 0.00 0.00 60.00

Wed Night Men's Stag 0.00 75.00 505.00

Wed Noon SS MarPac 0.00 0.00 120.00

Wednesday Book Study 0.00 0.00 178.77

Wednesday Discussion 0.00 150.00 1,250.00 Wednesday Night Candlelight Meeting 0.00 0.00 27.00

Wednesday Noon Rap MWA 25.00 0.00 25.00

Wednesday Noon Step Study 0.00 0.00 110.10

Weekenders Group 0.00 0.00 90.00

Westside Early Risers 400.00 0.00 1,350.00

Willing to Grow 46.00 60.00 231.78

Winners Circle 122.50 50.00 242.50

Women Achieving Serenity 0.00 0.00 50.00

Women Achieving Sobriety 0.00 0.00 50.00

Women in Recovery LosAl 0.00 60.00 0.00

TOTAL 3,531.08 8,637.77 42,557.60

Harbor Light December 2017

10

The meeting was called to order with the Serenity Prayer at 6:00 pm by Mark J., followed by opening remarks. Board Members Present: Chair 1: Jamie C.; Chair 2: Mark J.; Chair 4: Jackie P.; Chair 5: Mary K. Secretary’s Report: Rosa P., read the minutes from the September 6, 2017 meeting. The minutes were accepted as read and accepted on a motion made by Mark J., and seconded by Mary K. Motion passed 4-0. Chair 1 Report: Jamie C., no report. Treasurer’s Report: Ralph M. read the September 2017 Income Statement and the Literature Report for September 2017. Dis-cussion had about establishing a credit card for HACO. Central Office Reports: Sue T. read the HACO services provided for the month of September 2017:

Committee Reports Program Chair: Estefany A., absent. No report. Public Information: John S., absent. No report. H & I: TBD. No report. Will have a representative by next month. 12 Step (In Office): Dan H., absent. A reported stated that all is well. Action and Responsibility: Tim R., absent. Archives: Mark J., reported that all is well. Nothing to report. Phones (After Hours): Carlina W., reported that there are 114 calls total received, but there were only 83 calls received. Dis-cussion had about which way to report all calls, the total missed calls and received calls total will be included in the HACO services provided report for the month. Carlina made a recommendation to limit each volunteer to one shift just in case they take multiple shifts and suddenly back out. Open shifts 1st Monday, 1st Thursday, 2nd Sunday, and 2nd Monday of the month are available. Harbor Light: Mark B., reported all is well. Website: Matthew L., reported that PUSH notifications were successful for H&I. There are also great rankings for “Perceptions AA Workshop.” New features on HACO website: Meeting Places Pages, styles and speaker archives page, and location sensing closest meetings app. First tabled views are appearing in Google search results, citing information from HACO in the searches for, “AA Meetings in Seal Beach.”. Old Business: None. New Business: Elections Jamie C., reported that elections are coming up in December. There are many positions that are open. Reach out to HACO rep-resentatives for more information on upcoming elections. Printer issues. — Mark J. reported that the office printer is not working properly, possibly due to wifi issues. Discussion had about ways to solve printer problem.

Jamie C., made a motion to adjourn, Mark J., seconded. The meeting was adjourned with the Serenity Prayer at 6:57 pm. Respectfully submitted, Rosa P., HASB Secretary

Harbor Area Service Board Minutes for October 4, 2017

In-house phones Harbor Light After-hours phones

Fellowship calls 97 Paid copies mailed 94 Total calls 114

Newcomer 43 Total mailed 45 Persons reporting 34

Out of town 1 Total printed 100 Central Office Receipts

12th Step 0 Subscriptions emailed 18 Contributions $4,903

Other 54 Literature $3,029

Total in-house calls 195 Website visits 7,082

Harbor Light December 2017

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Harbor Area Service Committee Minutes for October 11, 2017

The meeting was called to order by Mary K., at 7:30pm followed by the Serenity Prayer. HASC meeting announcements and rules were announced. The 12 Traditions were read by Gilbert G. There were 5 new delegates: Jackie V., Tuesday Night Women’s Meeting; Robert C., Friday Night Fellowship; Joffrey M., Cracking the Big Book; Debbie W., 5420; Joe W., Friday Night Men’s Meeting

Julius Y. reported that 17 delegates were present, and 8 were needed for a quorum.

Secretary’s Report: Rosa P., secretary, read the minutes of the September 13, 2017 meeting. The meeting minutes were ac-cepted with corrections on a motion made by Randy S., and seconded by Robert T. Motion passed 14-0. Treasurer’s Report: Ralph M., read the Income Statement for September 2017. Matthew L., made a motion to approve the statement, seconded by Robert T. Motion passed 15-0. He then read the literature report for September 2017. Chair 1 Report: Jamie C., read the HACO services provided for the month of September 2017: (See chart previous page.) Committee Reports Public Information: John S., nothing to report. All is well. Program Chair: Estefany A., reported flyers and tickets are printed for the Traditions Banquet November 11th.. Tickets are $26 and tickets will be picked up tomorrow for distribution. There will be a 50/50 raffle and door prize. Planning committee meeting is meeting this October 21st and November 4th at 10 am at the HACO. In need of assistance with selling tickets and getting gift baskets for the event. If interested in being of service contact Estefany or contact HACO for more information. H&I: Joe W., reported the Chili Cook Off had the biggest turnout for the committee, 10 new people joined the committee last month. There is a new panel at Wasco State Prison for men. Joe W. is the new chair for the Chili Cook Off. A report by Revo M. stated that the annual H&I Conference is coming up in April in Ventury. H&I now has an HACO domain email address. In Office/Twelve Step: Dan H., reported all positions are filled, but does need a shift covered for this Saturday only, October 14th 12 am - 3 pm. Reach out to HACO if interested. Action & Responsibility: Tim R., nothing to report. Archives: Mark J., nothing to report All is well. This will be the last term Mark J. will be of service as archives chair. If any-one is interested speak to Mark J. before elections in December. Phones (After Hours): Carlina W., reported she needs help. Shifts that need to be covered are the 1st and 2nd Monday of the month and the 2nd Sunday of month from 6pm-9pm. Harbor Light: Mark B., absent. Nothing to report. Website Committee: Matthew L.,reported that the Spanish website can be accessed at the bottom of the menu on the HACO website. Most items on the English site are translated onto the Spanish version. Meeting updates have been made. District 2: Chris I., absent. Joe W. reported that they had a good group and were preparing for the Chili Cook Off. The group decided to print flyers and work the auction area and do a few baskets. There are many open commitments in District 2. Many members have multiple commitments. Looking for more participation at the meeting. District 4: Gilbert G., reported that every two years they hold elections at District 4. Julius Y. got elected as registrar and Jamie C. is the secretary of the meeting. Thomas P. is the alternate district committee chair. The new treasurer is Gregory. The area delegate brought four board member to officiate the election. District 4 is holding a workshop, “Perception: Regardless of our Perception, We are all Alcoholics First,” Saturday October 14th at MWA 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. This is a Free event. Main Speaker Barbara H. Area 9: Gilbert G., reported that the area 9 election has an important procedure called the 3rd legacy. A new delegate was elected, Jesus, who was the alternate delegate before and Ryan B. is the new alternate delegate.

Continued on Next Page

Harbor Light December 2017

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Your Donation Helps A Suffering Alcoholic

There are more than 650 meetings listed in the Harbor Area AA Meeting Directory — only 25 percent of those meetings contribute to the Central Office. Give a little extra to show your support and gratitude for your sobriety. You can donate any amount — one dollar for each year of your sobriety; one dollar for each year that your home group has been in existence; $3.65, one penny a day for the past year, or if you can afford it, $36.50 — one dime a day. The amount you contribute can be anything! Every penny counts! Spread the word! The sober life you save may be yours! Mail your contributions to: Harbor Area Central Office 3450 E. Spring St., #109 Long Beach, CA 90806 General Service Office PO Box 459 New York, NY 10163 Southern California Area 05 PO Box 481193 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Mid Southern California Area 09 PO Box 51446 Irvine, CA 92619-1446 District 4 P.O. Box 9972 Long Beach, CA 90810 District 2 Box 8343 Long Beach, CA 90808

Harbor Area Service Committee Minutes for October 11, 2017

HASBYPAA: Julius Y., reported that there is a new meeting location for the 1st Sunday of every month at MWA boardroom 3pm. They are currently working on finding a location for the 3rd Sunday of the month meet-ing. Julius Y. thanked those who attended the Game to Believe event. The next event is on November 11th after The Traditions Banquet called, “Mingle and Flow.” This is the 2nd annual event featuring ice cream and a rap bat-tle at the Southwest Alano Club in Torrance. Attending ACYPAA summit this weekend. Old Business: None. New Business: Coffee Maker — Mary K. stated that a coffee maker is needed for the meeting. Dan H. volun-teered for coffee maker commitment. Memorial for Ron — Mary K. made an announcement that on Sunday October 22nd from 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM at Whaley Park in Long Beach there will be a memorial for Ron T. Salads and desserts are welcome. Elections coming in December. Commitments will be available. Ron W., made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Joe W. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm. Respectfully submitted, Rosa P., HASC Secretary

...Continued from Previous Page

AT PEACE WITH LIFE Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee — Thy will (not mine) be done." — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85 I read this passage each morning, to start off my day, be-cause it is a continual reminder to "practice these princi-ples in all my affairs." When I keep God's will at the fore-front of my mind, I am able to do what I should be doing, and that puts me at peace with life, with myself and with God.

Many alcoholics will be saying today: "This is a good Christ-mas for me." They will be looking back over the past Christ-mases which were not like this one. They will be thanking God for their sobriety and their new found life. They will be thinking about how their lives have changed when they came into AA. They will be thinking that perhaps God let them live through all the hazards of their drinking careers, when they were perhaps often close to death, in order that they may be used by Him in the great work of AA. Is this a happy Christ-mas for me?

AA Thought for Christmas Day

Daily Reflection for Christmas Day

13

AA Event Calendar

MWA’s 40th Ruby Red Birthday Bash December 2, 2017 5:00—10:00 pm

835 E 33rd St., Signal Hill, CA Info: 562-424-9666

2nd Annual California Hispanic Women’s

Workshop December 3, 2017 9:00 am—4:00 pm

1757 North Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA

mujeres@aacaa.org

Harbor Area Service Board December 6, 2017 at 6:00 pm 3450 E. Spring St., Suite 109,

Long Beach, CA

General Service — District 4 December 6, 2017 at 7:00 pm

(new GSR Orientation at 6:30 pm) 1900 E Carson St.,

Long Beach, CA

Harbor Area Service Committee December 13, 2017 at 7:30 pm

(Newcomer Orientation at 7:00 pm) 1900 E. Carson St.,

Long Beach, CA

Harbor Area H&I Service Committee December 20, 2017 at 8:00 pm

5938 E Parkcrest St., Long Beach, CA

General Service — District 2 December 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm

8021 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount, CA

43rd Annual San Fernando Valley

AA Convention January 26-28, 2018

Warner Center Marriott Woodland Hills, CA

www.sfvaaconvention.org

Miracles in the Desert 5th Annual Yuma Roundup

February 23-25, 2018 2020 S. Avenue 8E

Yuma, AZ www.yumaroundup.org

December 2017 Harbor Light

Harbor Area Central Office Income Statement

Oct 17 Oct 16 Jan-Oct 17

Income

Contribution

Group Contributions 3,531 8,638 42,521

Personal Contributions 66 56 761

Birthday Contributions 40 29 297

HASC Receipts 37 37 365

Bulletin Contributions 51 101 825

Total Contribution 3,725 8,861 44,769

Literature Sales 2,867 3,290 33,855

Event Income 4,235 4,389 6,962

Other Income/Interest 2 10

Total Income 10,827 16,542 85,596

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of Goods Sold 13 60

Cost of Literature 1,980 2,280 23,578

Inventory Adjustment (287)

Credit Card Fees 36 41 508

Total COGS 2,016 2,334 23,859

Gross Profit 8,811 14,208 61,737

Expense

Bank Charges 6

Bookkeeping 56 45 1,146

Computer 240 130 1,657

Copy Plan (Xerox) 239 238 2,654

Less Directory & HL copies (119) (114) (1,163)

Harbor Light 59 228

Insurance - General 125 125 1,150

Insurance - Workers' Comp 91 98 790

Payroll 6,154 5,431 43,061

Postage 368

Public Information 100

Rent 1,285 1,285 12,850

Rent - HASC 65 65 650

Rent - Storage 60 60 600

Sales Tax Adjustment (52) (204)

State Sales Tax Adjustment 3

Security System 52 51 213

Shipping Charges 73

Supplies 8 (1) 1,836

Taxes 371

Telephone/Internet 196 143 1,476

Utilities - Water

Total Expense 8,400 7,615 67,865

Net Ordinary Income 411 6,593 (6,128)

Donations

Total Other Expense

Net Other Income

Net Income 411 6,593 (6,128)

I pray that I may be truly thankful on this Christmas day. I pray that I may bring my gifts and lay them on the altar.

Prayer for Christmas Day

Harbor Light December 2017

14

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