out the “butt cans” and Molly blew up the colorful
prudent reserves, to accumulate funds for no stated
A.A. purpose. Experience has often warned us that
balloons. Luckily, we found power (other than our
nothing can so surely destroy our spiritual heritage as
“Higher Power” that we had already found) and made
futile disputes over property, money, and authority.
coffee just in time, because we came to find out that
(From, The AA Service Manual, pp. S13-S14.)
the coffee and music couldn’t operate on the same
outlet without tripping the breaker. When Tom arrived
This really says it all. Tradition 7 seeks to
to set up the band tent, we simply unplugged the coffee
protect us from excess and from dependence. Put
(thankfully, it was already done) and Frank, the sound
another way, it suggests prudence and self-
engineer, tested the equipment. Meanwhile, under
reliance. Important in this are open and
Dean’s coordination the softball game was on its way.
transparent financial management practices
The smell of BBQ was in the air – yummy – and the
subject to the will of the group as expressed in the
cold drinks were flowing. Then Tom and his volunteer
group conscience.
band played their own mega-hits, including their 1963
Hopefully you can see echoes of the articles
hit “Rhythm and Rain”, which blew us away and
we’ve been running since February—a recap of
energized the atmosphere. It even got better when our
special guest Ron sang his hits from the '50s. Also,
that month’s treasurer’s workshop—in these words
thanks to Jeff and Jack for entertaining the crowd as
from Tradition 7. I’m gratified that several of you
well.
have let me know you’ve found this stuff useful.
Cleanup was a snap. While Cynthia took care of
(The only item we have not covered is taxes, since
the coffee pots, Peter from Baldwin came over and
most groups will never handle the level of funds
picked up any overlooked litter. In fact, the Parks
where accounting to the IRS and State will be
Department commented that the grounds were left
required.)
better than ever. Although, as we were loading the
Please let me know if I may be of any direct
trucks at the end, Ron said to George that the tables
assistance with any finance-related group
seemed much heavier now than at 7:00 am when we
questions. Also a reminder, groups contributing to
picked them up.
Nassau Intergroup should be receiving fairly
Thanks to all who came to celebrate and those who
prompt acknowledgments. If not, I may not have
came to serve. A special thank you to Sammy (last
year’s picnic chairperson). I understand you were on
your group correctly identified (try to include your
line in the middle of the night to make sure to get the
group’s NIG#, found in small print to the right of
park permit.
your group’s listing in the meeting list, on all
In love and service,
contributions) or may have an incorrect return
Picnic Chairperson
address. (I use the address your group has listed
picnic@nassauny-aa(dot)org
with us for mailings unless you have expressly told
me otherwise.)
From the 12th Step Lists Chairperson
Hope this is helpful.
My name is Tony V and I'm a happy and grateful
Feel free to contact me with questions.
recovering alcoholic. I just want to share that I'm happy
In service,
to be your new acting chair for the 12th Step Lists. I'll
Treasurer
be updating you in the next issue on current events,
treasurer@nassauny-aa(dot)org
but in the meantime please remember to update the
12th Step List for your group. Please stop by the
From the Nassau AA Website
Intergroup office to pick up forms.
From the Treasurer:
provides a wealth of information to AA members and
'Self-Support'
the general public in an easily accessible place.
Resources accessible to AA members include:
In the end, it’s all about self-support. Since we
Meeting List – organized by town, the posted
●
rarely see this in its entirety, the long-form of
meeting list is updated frequently and
Tradition 7 is worth quoting in full:
includes changes that have not yet made it to
The AA groups themselves ought to be fully supported
the printed meeting list.
by the voluntary contributions of their own members.
We think that each group should soon achieve this
Forms – Administrative forms such as 12th
●
ideal; that any public solicitation of funds using the
step list and meeting list change requests are
name of Alcoholics Anonymous is highly dangerous,
available in PDF format for easy printing.
whether by groups, clubs, hospitals, or other outside
Special Events – Usually posted as the
agencies; that acceptance of large gifts from any
●
source, or of contributions carrying any obligation
general distribution flyer, they can be easily
whatever, is unwise. Then, too, we view with much
printed for presentation to the group.
concern those A.A. treasuries which continue, beyond
