ma ourprimarypurposeinteractive.ottawaaa.org/wp-content/...that statement hit me hard. it melted the...

~ Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 12

In the Sunlight at LastWhen the thought was expressed that there might be a God personal to me, I didn't like the idea. So my friend Ebby made what then seemed a novel suggestion. He said, "Why don't you choose your own conception of God?"

That statement hit me hard. It melted the icy intellectual mountain in whose shadow I had lived and shivered many years. I stood in the sunlight at last.

Ottawa Intergroup hours are 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday-Friday (subject to volunteer availability). When purchasing literature, chips or medallions, please remember to bring a credit

card or a cheque payable to "Ottawa Area Intergroup of AA", cash not accepted.

Ottawa Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous May 2018

OURPRIMARYPURPOSESTORIES, NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM OUR FELLOWSHIP IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

TRADITIONS EVENING - MAY 17th, 2018

SPRING CONFERENCE - MAY 12th, 2018 | VANIER ROUNDUP - JUNE 2nd, 2018

OTTAWA GENERAL SERVICE DISTRICTS AND COMMITTEESDistrict 54 - Ottawa East (Bartosz W) M [email protected]

District 58 - Ottawa Centre (Michel D) M [email protected]

District 62 - Ottawa West (Mike B) M [email protected]

Cooperation with Professionals (Karl B) M [email protected]

Public Information / Media Contact (Nigel L) M [email protected]

Corrections Facilities and Treatment (Kevin A) M [email protected]

Archives (Bruce C) M [email protected]

LM CONTACTS OTTAWA AREA INTERGROUP

Chair (Sandy K) M [email protected]

Vice-Chair (Harry B) M [email protected]

Secretary (Anne D) M [email protected]

Treasurer (Steve C) M [email protected]

Website and Email (Carolyn O) M [email protected]

Telephone Answering (Mickey R) M [email protected]

Newsletter (Vacant ) M [email protected]

Literature (Marie G ) M [email protected]

12 Step Coordinator (Caterina C) M [email protected]

Spring Conference (Brian L) M [email protected]

OTTAWA INTERGROUP OFFICE211 Bronson Avenue, Suite 108

Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6H5Open for Literature Sales

Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm(Subject to volunteer availability—

Call in advance)

GENERAL INFORMATIONTelephone: 613.237.6000

10 am - 10 pm, 7 days a weekEmail: [email protected]

NEWSLETTER [email protected]

Article submission deadline is last day of previous month

for following month

INSIDEMH Spring Conference Message ...........4

Spring Conference Schedule ........5,6Job Posting IG Office...................7,8

On Service...................................14

Archives Corner.........................9,10Traditions Evening........................11 Around the Groups in Pictures...12,13

VANIER ROUNDUP.......................16

May 2018 | Our Primary Purpose | Ottawa, Canada

Service Calendar ...........................3

Ottawa Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous

"Our Primary Purpose" publishes articles that reflect the full diversity of experience and opinion found within the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In determining content, the editor relies on the principles of the Twelve Traditions. "Our Primary Purpose" values the shared experience of individual AA members working the AA program and applying the principles of the Twelve Steps. Seeking neither to gloss over difficult issues nor to present such issues in a harmful or contentious manner, "Our Primary Purpose" tries to embody the widest possible view of the AA Fellowship.

The editor of "Our Primary Purpose" reserves the right to accept or reject material for publication, based on the AA traditions. (We note that this policy is consistent with that of the AA Grapevine.)

Articles are not intended to be statements of AA policy, nor does publication of any article constitute endorsement by either Alcoholics Anonymous or Ottawa Area Intergroup. Submissions are always welcome.

EDITOR'S STATEMENT

SERVICECALENDAROTTAWA INTEGROUP MONTHLY MEETING ..............................................................................................Second Wednesday (7:00 pm)(Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue - Mac Hall)

DISTRICT 54 MEETING ................................................................................................................................................ First Thursday (7:30 pm) (Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street)

DISTRICT 58 MEETING ........................................................................................................................................... Second Monday (7:00 pm)(Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue - Room 106)

DISTRICT 62 MEETING ........................................................................................................................................... Second Monday (7:30 pm) (All Saints Church, 347 Richmond Road - rear entrance)

CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND TREATMENT .................................................................................................. Fourth Tuesday (6:30 pm)(Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue - Intergroup Office)

PUBLIC INFORMATION ...............................................................................................................................................Third Monday (6:30 pm)(Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue - Room 108)

COOPERATION WITH PROFESSIONALS .................................................................................................................Third Monday (6:30 pm)(Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue - Room 108)

OTTAWA ARCHIVES ............................................................................................................................................... Third Wednesday (7:00 pm)(Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue - Room 108)

ALKATHON COMMITTEE ............................................................................................................................................................................... (TBD)(Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue - Intergroup Office)

Is your AA Group's meeting information correct on ottawaaa.org? Please send all updates as well as temporary closures to Ottawa Intergroup at [email protected].

Do you have a question for the board? Heard a rumour you have a question about? You can email us with your question and you can also request an invitation to meet with us at our monthly board meeting. Send your email to [email protected].

If your group needs insurance, please contact Ottawa Intergroup at [email protected] to discuss.

No matter how much sobriety you have, find out how you can help and be a part of the greater whole. All AA members are welcome to attend any of the following committees:

Ottawa Spring

Conference

Gratitude Through Humility

It is my honour and pleasure to serve as your Spring Conference Chair this year. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

We on the committee are very excited for this annual one‐day event which will be held again centrally at St Anthony’s Banquet Hall. We’ve had strong feedback to ensure it remains accessible to all members of the program. Little Italy is a great location for that purpose. Maybe it will even be spring weather by then. Here’s hoping.

Spring Conference is often the first time a newcomer has an opportunity to see the broader AA in action. With strong speakers and panelists, it’s a great opportunity to see and hear panelists with strong program and spiritual messages. Perhaps even more importantly, newcomers have a chance to meet and talk to the speakers and panelist directly.

The committee is hoping the membership will come out and support the one‐day event so that we can continue this amazing tradition for the newcomer.

In my own personal experience, meeting and talking to the newcomer has helped my own sobriety tremendously. I was told early on that this was an action program. My action on May 12th is to show up and support the newcomer. Sometimes I have to tell myself just to do it. It's the right thing to do. I've always felt better once I've done my part.

The Spring Conference committee has planned a full day of events with Al‐Anon participation. The schedule is attached. We have one main AA day‐time speaker, one Al‐Anon main speaker and a Banquet AA speaker planned for the day.

Both our main AA speakers come from the Toronto area this time. Both have strong program and spiritual

messages. We’re hoping you’ll feel recharged by their experience, strength and hope.

The panels will have participation from all the districts in the city as well as the surrounding areas. This gives us an opportunity to hear from members we may not know. It was important for the committee to have broad participation.

Al‐Anon, which includes Alateen, has had full participation on the committee to ensure they have full and vibrant program as well. It sounds like they have a great day planned.

In addition to the speakers and panelists, there will be Meditation meetings at three time during the day. Two of the meditation groups have volunteers to lead these for you. Their room will also serve as a quiet room at other times during the conference. St Anthony’s will be hosting a beautiful meal again for us. Vegetarian and other diet restrictions will be fully accommodated. Please advise us when purchasing your Banquet tickets please.

Throughout the day, a hospitality room will be up and running. So please feel free to arrive at any point. Groups feel free to donate to the hospitality room.

Some folks will only come for part of the day, some may stay all day. All are welcome. It will be a beautiful day for fellowship and to see the spirit of the program in action.

Volunteers are needed for all the committees. Please feel free to put your name forward through the website. Group donations, in general, are also key.

https://spring.ottawaaa.org

In love and service, Brian L.

A Message from Brian L. - Chair Spring Conference


Ottawa Spring

Conference


Venue The 2018 Ottawa Spring

Conference will be held May 12 at

St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall located at 523 St. Anthony Street

(close to the Queensway Overpass on Preston Street)

Doors open at 8:00 am

Parking Free Parking is available

on-site but is limited. Additional parking may be avail-

able on the street or at the high school across from the venue. Check signs carefully to avoid

infractions as most parking is paid.

Buses The venue is easily accessible via

Bus 14 (Gladstone/Preston Stop) or Bus 85 (Preston/Young Stop)

Hospitality-Fellowship

will be located in the foyer from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

serving snacks and beverages while supplies last.

7th Tradition and snack food donations are appreciated.

Service Tables will be stationed in the foyer through-

out the day; including Ottawa Area Intergroup, Al-Anon AIS, Grapevine,

Archives, Public Information and Cooperation with the Professional

Community and Corrections & Treatment Facilities.

Questions? Please contact spri [email protected]

9:30 PM Live Band “Chris McCann Band” and Dancing

10:30 PM Celebrity DJ and Dancing Continues …

***Schedule Subject to Change***

AA Speakers and Panels Main Hall Schedule

9:00 AM Panel 1 (Chair John P.) Theme “Gratitude Through Humility” – Steps 1, 2 & 3 George W. – 12 Steps to Serenity Christian S. – West End Gordon G. – Westboro BB Study

10:30 AM Panel 2 (Chair Mary H.) Theme “Gratitude Through Humility” – Steps 4,

5 & 6

Kimberley M. – Ajax Area Group Rachel L. – Russell Goodwill Group Derrick H. – Oasis

1:00 PM Panel 3 (Chair Mike B.) Theme “Gratitude Through Humility” – Steps 7, 8 & 9 Joe DK. – Search for Serenity Shirley B. – Saturday Morning Westboro Patrick G. – Pinecrest

2:30 PM Afternoon Speaker Fraser S. – Oshawa, Ontario

4:00 PM Panel 4 (Chair TBD) Theme “Gratitude Through Humility” – Steps 10, 11 & 12 Christine S. – Hand in Hand Nathan A. – 12 & 3 Discussion Patrick O. – Serenity

6:30 PM BANQUET Clear Main Hall for Set-up 5 PM / Seating Beg ins 6 PM

7:45 PM A Message from Intergroup

8:00 PM Evening Speaker Robert F. – Whitby, Ontario

9:15 PM Sobriety Countdown

Ottawa Spring

Conference


Questions? Please contact spring @ottawaaa.org

AA Meditation & Discussion Downstairs Hall Schedule

9:00 AM Guided Meditation Keir K. – Conscious Contact Group

11:30 AM Guided Meditation David T. – Namaste Group

3:30 PM Guided Meditation David T. – Namaste Group

5:00 PM Discussion Meeting



Registration Registration without banquet is $10.00

(cash) in advance, $12.00 online or $15.00 (c ash) at the door. Cash tickets available from

committee members and your group’s In tergroup or General Service Representative.

Electronic tickets are available at https://spring.ottawaaaa.org.

R egistration with banquet is $55.00 and can be made by credit card or by cheque.

Printable forms (for cheque payments) and online payment options are available at

https://spring.ottawaaaa.org.

Banquet tickets cannot be purchased at the door.

Accommodations For reservations contact

Best Western Ottawa City Centre at (613) 728-1951 or online at

www.ottawabestwestern.com Hotel located at 1274 Carling Ave.

Volunteer If you would like to volunteer for setup,

teardown, registration, as a greeter or with hospitality, register online or email us at

[email protected]. Please include your name,

sobriety date and availability.

Contributions We are grateful for any financial assistance

to wards covering the cost of our event. Group contributions can be given to Spring

C onference Committee members or mailed to:

Spring Conference 211 Bronson Ave., Suite 108

Ottawa, ON K1R 6H5

Al-Anon Meetings Upstairs Hall Schedule

9:00 AM The Steps to Gratitude and Humility Discussion Meeting Kira M. - Chair

10:30 AM Exploring Humility Panel Adam F. - Chair

1:00 PM Main Speaker Lise W. – Oakville, Ontario

2:30 PM Exploring Gratitude Panel Natalie R. - Chair

***Schedule Subject to Change***

4:00 PM The Humility for Gratitude Exchange Discussion Meeting Barb B. - Chair


• The Alcoholics Anonymous Ottawa Area Intergroup Board of Directors with Direction from the Chair onday-to-day matters on Office Operations.

Qualifications:• Sound knowledge of, and experience with, the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of the Alcoholics

Anonymous Recovery Program.• Sound familiarity with and knowledge of, the Alcoholics Anonymous organization in Canada and the

General Service Office in New York.Skills:

• Experience in Office Management and Administration.• Competency and experience with computers in general, and any Intergroup software tools including

the MS Office Suite and online accounting software.• Experience with QuickBooks or other bookkeeping software.• Strong verbal and written communication skills.• Diplomatic in an often changing and at times stressful environment• Ability to work well with the Public, Intergroup Representatives, and Volunteers.• Flexible and able to work well independently under changing priorities.

Responsibilities:Administrative duties associated with the Ottawa Area Intergroup Office of Alcoholics Anonymous include but are not limited to:

• Providing a monthly report to the Executive Board on Administrative Activities.• Responding to incoming calls and email messages related to Ottawa Area Intergroup.• Intergroup Office Operations:

• Receiving visitors from the public and professional community.• Providing input to the Executive Board on Ottawa Area Intergroup office policies, procedures and

strategic plans such as the Capital Plan and Literature Pricing Policy.• Using QuickBooks:

• Inputting all invoices for payment and producing cheques for signature.• Inputting and/or ensuring input of all Sales and Revenue transactions, including revenues related

to Group Contributions, the Eastern-Ontario Regional Fall Conference, the Ottawa AreaIntergroup Spring Conference and other supported events, as required.

• Inputting all inventory purchases and maintaining Product, Customer and Vendor Master Recordsand the Chart of Accounts.

• Maintaining User Access Profiles.• Preparing Monthly Bank Reconciliation.• Preparing Inventory, Sales, Accounts Receivable Aging, Accounts Payable Aging and other

Financial Reports for the Treasurer.• Preparing Monthly Financial Statements/Reports as directed by the Treasurer.• Preparing and taking deposits to the bank.

JOB POSTING - PART-TIME OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Chw с ahb¢I ¢9wa

Ottawa Area Intergroup of AA is seeking candidates for a temporary 6-month, 16-hour per week Office Administrator position. Please send resume and contact information to [email protected] if you are interested in applying.

Reports To:


• Creating and maintaining a consistent and efficient filing system/electronic repository for all financial andother important Intergroup records so that they can be easily located and reviewed by Auditors andfuture Board Members.

• Ensuring all Board Members are familiar with this filing system.

• Under the direction of the Treasurer, may assist with the following:

• Preparing the Annual Budget.

• Preparing and submitting Quarterly HST Filings.

• Preparing and Posting all Payroll Transactions (using QuickBooks Payroll and/or Excel).

• Making monthly remittances for the Employer’s and Employees’ share of Payroll Deductions.• Preparing T4s and associated payroll summaries and filings for CRA.

• Preparing annual individual statements of Group Contributions and distributing statements toOttawa Area Intergroup Representatives.

• Assisting and/or arranging for the preparation and submission of the Corporation’s Annual T2Corporate Return.

• Preparing and assisting the Treasurer in preparing information for the Annual Financial Review.

Responsibilities (Cont'd):

• Intergroup Inventory• Arranging/Assisting with periodic counts (not less than semi-annually) of Inventories.• Advising when literature and other supplies are low and materials need to be purchased.

• Volunteer Support• Preparing a monthly report on office operations for the Monthly Intergroup Representatives

Meeting.• Assisting with volunteer training and responding to questions by from the volunteers.

• Other• Attending the Ottawa Area Intergroup Board Meetings and the Monthly Intergroup

Representatives Meeting, as required.• Responding to queries by answering questions, or referring people to the Intergroup Executive

Board.• Maintaining a log of changes to the current version of the hard copy meeting list.• Responding to e-mails as directed by the Ottawa Area Intergroup Secretary or designate.• Performing other duties as requested by the Intergroup Executive Board.• Ensuring all Office Operating Procedures are up to date.• Completing and signing a timesheet for each payroll period.• Notifying the Ottawa Area Intergroup Board by e-mail ahead of time, of any absences during a

regular or scheduled shift.

JOB POSTING - PART-TIME OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Chw с ahb¢I ¢9wa (CONT'D)

History of The Barrhaven Tuesday Night Group - Happy 29th Anniversary!

Back in the late 80’s there were no AA Meetings held in Barrhaven. AA’s who lived in the area felt that there was a need for one and so The Barrhaven Tuesday Night Group was formed. Founding members Barb T. and Marilyn M. held the first meeting on April 1, 1989 and within the first month the Group grew to include Don., Brian R., and Dave MacD. The Group did not register with GSO until it was six months old.

A humorous little anecdote; When Barb and Marilyn decided to start an AA Meeting and were searching for a church or facility to hold the meeting in, they were told repeatedly that there were “no alcoholics” in Barrhaven. The first meeting was held at The Larkin House Community Centre on Larkin Dr. and subsequently moved to The Barrhaven United Church on Jockvale Rd. in 1996. In June 2007, Dave MacD and Dennis S., founded a second meeting; The Barrhaven Big Book Study which was Incorporated into The Barrhaven Tuesday Night Group in 2009. The Tuesday Meeting is closed discussion with the last Tuesday open speaker format to celebrate AA Birthdays. The Thursday Meeting is closed Big Book Study format.

Over the years the Group has been active is service supporting meetings in the corrections facility at Burt’s Rapids, and the treatment facilities, Newgate 180 in Merrickville and Allwood outside Carleton Place. Members have also supported monthly commitments at the Detox Centre and the Telephone Answering Service of Intergroup as well as participating in The Alkathon, and both The Spring and Fall Conferences.

BY THE ARCHIVES COMMITTEE

ARCHIVES

CORNER


History of The Hand in Hand Group - Happy 41st Anniversary!

Active AA members in the Ottawa area at the time felt that an early morning meeting on Sundays in the East End of the city would compliment the existing Sunday morning meetings such as McNabb, Turning Point and Billings Bridge.

Founding members John W., John H., and Bob E., held the first regular meeting of the Hand in Hand Group in the bar at the Butler Motel in April of 1977, and members prepared and offered a breakfast to those who attended. The members, who prepared the breakfast, brought all the provisions each time, then brought the unused and leftovers home again.

The next stop was the tavern downstairs at the Maple Leaf Hotel. The Sunday morning coffee and set-up included cleaning up the empty beer bottles and dirty ashtrays from the busy Saturday night before closing.

The exact order is no longer that clear, but during 1989, the several locations included the El Matador (near the present Vanier Grill); Haskell’s; the Matador Restaurant (George); the Edgewood Riverside Hotel (The Rib); the Maple Leaf Tavern; the Eastview Hotel; 50th House - Vanier Senior Citizens Home.

In September 1990 the group settled at the Vanier branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on Cyr St; then Vanier City Hall on White Fathers until the City of Vanier decided to close the building on Sundays; next was Haskell’s Restaurant, and finally, and before 1994, on to the present location at the Overbrook Community Centre, on Quill Street (except for a brief relocation during the $4.6 million Overbrook Community Centre expansion during 2005).

Some of those early members, in particular Jack C., joked about how they could have thought the meeting was trying to lose them. So Jack crafted a blue plywood sign welcoming people to “Hand in Hand, Friends of Bill W.” so that it would be posted outside the current meeting location, by driving past familiar sites so members could "find" the meeting. The sign remained in use until about 2005 and was subsequently donated to the Ottawa AA Archives.

BY THE ARCHIVES COMMITTEE

ARCHIVES

CORNER


Want to learn more about those Traditions that get read at most meetings around town, but almost never get discussed? THIS IS FOR YOU!

Ottawa Area Intergroup, in its wish to celebrate the incredible number of AA members in Ottawa who cheerfully do service with the serious intent of helping others, is putting on a:

TRADITIONS EVENINGsponsored by Ottawa Area Intergroup with

speaker Debbie D from Concord, California.

May 17th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm *doors open at 6:00 pm* at the Royal Ottawa Hospital

1145 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4

It's free and open to all AA members!


Around the Groups From the creative mind of Ron M.

Stittsville Second ChanceAwakening Group

Freedom Group Morning Glory


New Life,New Hope

Open Door

West End Group


ON SERVICEBy Ron M.

When I was newly sober I never thought service was anything I would do. Wasn't it enough just to do the Steps?

I was not a joiner, had never been a joiner, and never would be. (The only team I ever liked was the one I owned.) Eventually after two years, our group needed a General Service Rep. I unwittingly asked the out going GSR what his responsibilities are. He answered, "Here Ron, you can find out the way I did!" And he handed me a big wack of paperwork! Nonplussed I reluctantly accepted the responsibility. I went to a wise older member who'd been involved in all kinds of service.

Al R. now deceased, said there are three things to remember. One is read the service manual. I replied that our group doesn't have one. He replied it was my job to get one! Pretty brassy I thought. Next is for you to remember that you are not important. Check. And what's the third. Remember, YOU ARE NOT IMPORTANT! Uh...Oh!

So I found myself going furtively to the District Meeting introducing myself with both names (horrors) as everyone else was doing. I had brought my 'unimportant self' to the meeting as advised. The first thing that was discussed was why everyone hadn't received the minutes of the last meeting. This took a full fifteen minutes to resolve and I thought "These people will never accomplish anything". It's surprising how quickly my 'important self' resurfaced but I worked at keeping an open mind and when I went to the Kingston Area Assembly that year I was blown away by the army of service work being done in our Alcoholics Anonymous. Many different committees focused on the various important and effective ways to reach the still suffering alcoholic. I was humbled by the sheer numbers of people involved and by the substantial body of knowledge there was available.

In the ensuing years I have had the privilege of serving in many different capacities, answering the phones, going with other members to 'detox', taking meetings to prisons, and serving on various committees. Al would always tease me with such things as, "Are you unimportant enough yet to get anything done?" Luckily I was able to tell him that I was working on it. In 2011, when I chaired the Spring Conference, Al came walking in. The place was swarming with people. He greeted me with a smile and said "Good job". I hastened to add that "I know, I know Al, I am not important." He gave a little laugh and said "You're right Ronnie, but what we DO is important". That has stayed with me ever since.

Doing service work, even if it's only greeting at meetings, or helping out at the Alkathon, brings a richness and growth to my life that I never expected. And all I ever hope for in exchange is one more good day of sobriety. Thank you for keeping me sober.


Intergroup looking for Newsletter EditorOttawa Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous is looking for a Newsletter Editor to serve for the remainder of the 2018 term, as a Director and Board Member of Intergroup.

Please contact either the Chair at [email protected] or the Vice Chair at

[email protected]

Ron M.


Une Vision d’Espoir

Rassemblement VANIER Round-up Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, 300 Pères Blanc

A Vision Of Hope

Speakers & Panels / Conférenciers et Tables Rondes

An Alcoholics Anonymous event with Al-Anon participation Un événement d’Alcoholics Anonyme aver la participation d’Al-Alon

7th Tradition 7ième Tradition

BBQ 10.00$

For Food, or financial contributions please email:

Pour faires des dons alimentaires ou financiers veuillez envoyer un courriel à:

To help volunteer please email: Pour vous porter volontaire

veuillez envoyer un courriel à:

Saturday, June 2nd, 2018 Opens at 12 noon samedi, le 2 juin, 2018

[email protected]@gmail.com

ma ourprimarypurposeinteractive.ottawaaa.org/wp-content/...that statement hit me hard. it melted the...

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