This page features an official “Memo to Group Treasurers” issued by District 04 (Mid-Southern California Area 09) of Alcoholics Anonymous. It outlines new electronic contribution methods and details important financial changes approved at the General Service Conference.
[Read more…] about Memo to Group TreasurersDistrict 04 Guidelines & Bylaws
Treasurer Reports
March 2, 2022 District 04 Business Meeting
Meeting Date / Time: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 / 7:00 p.m.
Automatic Meeting Link
To join the meeting manually:
- Zoom ID: 996 5396 0080
- Password: 673617
Meeting materials:
- March 2, 2022 Agenda
- March 2, 2022 Minutes from February 2, 2022 (Approved)
- March 2, 2022 February Finance Report
January 5, 2022 District 04 Business Meeting Minutes
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DISTRIC 04, MID SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA 09, PANEL #72
BUSINESS MEETING
January 5, 2022 Minutes
Attendees: 28 (“Elect” signifies voted into the position at this meeting)
Angela B Willing to Grow/Alt DCMC Elect, Avonee D Early Birds MP, Billy M Intimacy in Recovery, Bryce T Friday Night Participation/Secretary Elect, Carly A CPC Chair-Elect, Chris P Keep It Simple and Treasurer, David K Bellflower Big Book and Archives Chair Elect, Debra L DCM Los Altos/GSR Belmont Heights Public Information Chair Elect/Harbor Area Service Comm. Liaison Elect, Gerry W Panel 70 Archivist/Panel 72 Area 09 Archivist, Gregory J Website Submissions Secretary/GSR School Chair Elect, Jenipher Surrender is Freedom, Jim D Corrections Chair Elect, Josh P Faith in Action, Karen F GSR, Linnea M Treatment Chair/Acting Secretary, Maryka d DCMC, Matthew L Registrar, Meg S GSR, Mercedelei M LGBTQ Chair Elect, Mike R GSR, Patrick O Webmaster, Ralph M GSR, Rick J Naples Mens Stage and departing Finance Chair, Samantha G Tues Womens As Bill Sees It, Tyler K Under the Bridge, Wilson C Panel 70 Registrar, and Guests: Manya W Area 09 Panel 72 Secretary, Mitchell B Delegate Elect Area 09
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Call to Order and Welcome: Following the Serenity Prayer, DCMC Maryka d called the meeting to order and welcomed attendees.
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Opening Prayer & Readings: The GSR Preamble was read by Debra L, Tradition One from the Twelve Traditions Checklist was read by Avonee D, and Concept I from the Twelve Concepts Checklist was read by Carly A.
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Introduction of New GSR’s: Samantha G, Tuesday As Bill Sees It MiraMar Womens, Mike G Crack the Big Book and Ralph M Long Beach 12 & 12.
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Review and Approval of Prior Business Meeting Minutes: Maryka d called for review and a motion to approve the December 1, 2021 business meeting minutes.
Motion to approve by Chris P, seconded by Gregory J, passed with no discussion -
Officer Reports:
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DCMC: Maryka d thanked Gerry W for making new Power Point slides and facilitating the meeting, Linnea M. for serving as Secretary, and Matthew L for being the meeting host and tracking attendance anyone else? She noted that: the District meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 PM on Zoom, agenda and minutes posted on the District website genesis.longbeachaa.org/; the GSR School Chair will reach out to the new GSR’s; and, the Steering Committee, comprised of the five District Officers, meets the Tuesday before the District business meeting every month and anyone is welcome to audit that meeting. She introduced our guests: Manya W, Area O9 Secretary and Mitchell B Area 09 Delegate, to facilitate the election of two Officer positions, as well as Panel 70 District Registrar Wilson to facilitate the election of Standing Committee Chairs, and Coordinating Committee Liaisons. Maryka invited anyone to call her with questions or concerns.
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Registrar: Matthew L reported that he is keeping records up to date, will record attendance to assist the Secretary, and has been using a General Service Office online program to confirm group registrations with GSO. He asked new GSR’s to register using the form provided on the District website.
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Treasurer: Chris P reviewed the income, $295.90 (PayPal and checks), and expenses for the past month, reporting a balance of &9,103.27 as of January 3rd. Gregory J asked about the transition from the former Treasurer and obtaining the PO Box key. Chris responded that the transition will be complete very soon.
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Mid Southern CA Area 09 Update: Maryka d explained that the Area meets the second Sunday of every month, virtually and in-person, beginning with registration at 8:30 AM, with sessions involving delegate and officers’ reports and committee work starting at 9 AM, with the business meeting between noon and 2 PM. New GSR’s and any District Chair or Officer are encouraged to attend and to sign up for Area 09 newsletters and notice at MSCA09aa.org, where the home page has a “subscribe here” button. Mitchell B explained that the January meeting will be the first for Panel 72, and rules regarding prior attendance to qualify to vote will be suspended to allow new GSR’s to vote for Standing Committee Chairs.
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Standing Committee and Co Coordinating Committee Reports: None were made.
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Old Business:
a. Motion by Gregory J, seconded by Angela B:
All virtual AA groups are valid District 4 groups if they originate or have members who reside in MSCA 09 Dis 04. They will be recognized as District 4 Area 9 groups as long as they have no GSR representation in other districts or areas of the general service structure.
The motion passed with no further discussion. -
New Business:
a. Election of District Officers
Mitchell explained that the Officers are chosen in accordance with the Third Legacy by a two-thirds vote, reviewed the requirements and qualifications for each position, and called for anyone interested to stand for these positions. When no one came forward, we moved onto the remaining positions. Gregory J encouraged people not to be overwhelmed by the virtual meeting, which has kept us from experiencing the real camaraderie of this group, and not to be intimidated by the responsibilities of the offices and the accomplishments of prior office holders, to know that they would receive the full support and assistance needed from members of the Executive Board. Manya W spoke about her experiences on the District 6 Board and at Area 09. Chris P created polling forms to tabulate the votes. The outcome of the elections are as follows.
Alternate DCMC – Angela B
Secretary – Bryce T
b. Election of Standing Committee Chairs and Coordinating Committee Liaisons: Wilson C reviewed the requirements and duties of each position and facilitated the voting process. At 8:28, Debra L made a motion, seconded by Matthew L, to extend the meeting for 10 minutes to complete the elections. The outcome of the elections are as follows.
Archives Committee Chair – David K
Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC) Chair – Carly A
Finance Committee Chair – not filled
Grapevine Committee Chair – not filled
GSR School Committee Chair – Gregory J
Literature Committee Chair – not filled
Public Information Committee Chair – Debra L (who expressed a desire to step down as Los Altos DCM in light of this new responsibility)
Corrections Committee Chair – Jim D
LGBTQ Chair – Mercedelei M
Website Committee Chair – not filled
International Conference Committee Chair – Angela B
Special Needs and Accessibility Coordination Committee Liaison – not filled
Hospitals & Institutions Coordination Committee Liaison – not filled
Harbor Area Service Committee Liaison – Debra L (who already attends in another capacity and therefore may serve as a Chair and a Liaison)
YPAA Coordinating Committee Liaison – not filled
Note: Debra L asked that new DCMs be elected at the February meeting.
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GSR Concerns
Josh P asked for help for his group in obtaining equipment and expertise in running a hybrid meeting. -
Birthdays – none reported
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Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the recitation of the A.A. Responsibility Statement at approximately 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Linnea M, Acting Secretary for the January meeting.
In Memoriam
As we look back at the year 2021 – we take a moment to remember some of the remarkable people who graced our lives and the A.A. community.
We cherish the life they shared with us.
May their memories always be a blessing.
Gerry W
Chair, District 4 Archive
archives-chair@longbeachaa.org
Tom L.
Tom L. passed away in November 2021 with 57 years of sobriety. His legacy will live on in the many people he helped both in and out of Alcoholics Anonymous. Tom was dedicated to helping people and lived a life of Love and Service. He wanted all people to embrace the Ninth Step Promises and helped many realize their dreams. He worked with disabled Veterans for over 40 years helping them to not only get VA benefits but also helped them get into AA and stay sober. He loved AA and went to meetings every week for all of his 57 years of sobriety. His Spirit will be present in the rooms for years to come.
Ann Marie M.
December 20,1984 – November 6, 2021
To say that Ann Marie was a free spirit would be the understatement of the year. She was raised in Boston, Massachusetts and came to Long Beach, California in search of sobriety. She was a dedicated employee and a natural leader. She was sponsored by the late Elizabeth T. and had many sobriety sisters which she called her family. Her work with Liz changed her perspective, the meaning of life, and her sobriety. She helped all in need and gave of herself and of her time, freely, upon request.
Those close to her would talk about her energy and attitude after being of service. One person described it as her refilling her spiritual gas tank. Anyone who had the opportunity to spend time with Ann Marie felt a bond form, and for everybody, that bond was different. After spending the precious time we got with her, we all walked away just a little better for the experience. The women she sponsored in AA have followed her example and strive to be that same beacon she was inside this program. Unfortunately, after Liz’s passing, Ann Marie struggled on her spiritual path.
Like a ship lost at sea, Ann Marie searched for safe harbor. Liz T. was her lighthouse, and unfortunately, Ann Marie never made it back to shore. She searched in and out of the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous for an answer that she could not find inside herself. Towards the end, Ann Marie stood looking over the Grand Canyon and said, “How could anyone deny the existence of God looking at this?” There is a hole left in all our hearts. No matter how painful the reminder, we always keep the door open, and we keep coming back for the ones who paid the ultimate price.
Ann Marie, we miss you, and we love you. We find comfort and solace knowing that you have joined Liz and everybody else before you in the Big Meeting in the Sky. We know that we will see you there, and may God bless you, and keep you, until then.
Rick T.
On December 9, 2021, our long-time member, Rick T. of Long Beach, passed away. Rick was my friend, mentor, and sponsor of more than thirty-three years. Rick was a member of Harbor Area H&I, OC H&I, Thursdays Alano Club, Skid Row Drifters, as well as being active in the Beaver Campvention, Hawaii convention, Las Vegas, and Laughlin Conventions.
Rick was thirty-six years sober when he passed of natural causes, and he
was of service to thousands of people along his journey. He will be missed.
There will be a celebration of life for Rick at the Sunset Community
Center, 16861 12th Street, Sunset Beach on Sunday, January 9th, 2022, from 1-3 PM.
Danny B.
Dr. Frank C.
1942-2021
Frank C. – a jazz blues and rock-and-roll drummer, manager, record producer, psychoanalyst/psychologist, professor, and a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous – passed away peacefully at home in Marina Del Rey, CA on July 9, 2021.
Frank became a professional drummer in his mid-teens. He played drums with Canned Heat, Pacific Gas & Electric, Sam Cooke and Les Brown, the latter touring Vietnam during the war. He also performed with Chet Baker, Charlie Haden, Frank Sinatra, Linda Ronstadt, and many more great artists. A producer at Columbia Records before going out on his own, he collaborated in that capacity with many greats, including Sly Stone, Percy Heath, and Solomon Burke.
Then, at age 37, Frank swapped his music career for sobriety to become a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and member of A.A.
Frank was proud of what turned out to be his 43 years of sobriety. As an A.A. Member, he was a nurturing and formidable sponsor, saving many lives with his pragmatic and loving direction. He truly believed he was kept alive because God made him of service to others.
He is profoundly missed by everyone he touched.
Bob S.
In Memoriam 2020
