Kentuckiana News

AREA 26 NEWSLETTER - THE VOICE OF KENTUCKIANA - FALL 2009

Acceptance, Fall, or Change

Stories

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It's A Dog's Life

Acceptance is one of those life lessons that's so much easier said than done. I sure can talk the talk when it comes to accepting my situation, the foibles of others, and life as it happens around me. But when the rubber meets the road, my serene acceptance of life on life's terms can fly out the door.

I recently had a moment of clarity - a teachable moment - when my Higher Power sent me yet another one of those lessons in hopes that I might "get it" this time. It was a beautiful Sunday morning, I was glad to be sober and serene, and took my dog on a long, meditative walk. He's my sobriety dog. He was a gift to me after I'd been sober about six months, and he was just a puppy then, so he's grown up with me in sobriety. We were enjoying the morning, thinking of nothing, and full of gratitude. Well, I was thinking of nothing. I'm sure the dog, Boss, was thinking doggie thoughts involving rabbits, food, and girl dogs and marking his territory.

We were wandering in a wooded subdivision, walking on the right side of the road, the dog with his nose to the ground. Over and over again, Boss trotted across the road to the left side of the road, as if he knew life was somehow better over there. He seemed determined to steal my serenity. I kept pulling him back to the right side of the road, warning him (as if he understood!) that he was going to become a road pizza and have a horribly unhealthy encounter with oncoming traffic if he didn't stay over on the right side of the road with me. I explained (again, as if he understood) that there was plenty of grass, mailboxes to mark, trashcans to investigate, and birds to chase on the right side of the road, to no avail. We'd trot along serenely for a while, but then away he'd go, across the road.

I pulled him back repeatedly, asking him why in the world he kept darting over to the other side of the road? I knew he was "just" a dog,

but for goodness sakes, pay attention! Didn't he know I was the one with the leash, ergo the power, and I wanted him to be safe, stay alive on the right side of the road? Boy, he was slow to understand (or just plain stubborn.)

About that time, we rounded a curve, Boss trotted out into the road in yet another attempt to try out the grass over there, and a car met us in the middle of the road. The car swerved, the driver honked, and I shrieked and yanked the dog's leash, pulling him safely back to me. I love my dog, and although I was glad he was safe, I was frustrated. "See what happens when you don't listen to me, Boss? You could have been killed!! Why can't you just accept that the grass here is just fine and I want you to walk on this side? Will you ever learn?"

And because I'm often, like my dog, quite slow to learn the lesson, the light bulb finally went on and I stopped. I was the dog's Higher Power, and he was ultimately going to have to follow my will (particularly because I had the leash, ergo the power). My will for him was to stay safe and happy with me, on the right side of the road. But because he's a dog, his will just plain old doesn't align with mine and I have to keep reminding him that I'm running his show. It can be dangerous when he wanders off on his own. It's only natural that Boss thinks there's something better across the street. Fortunately, I am there to remind him that this side of the street is just dandy.

I'm even more fortunate to have the program of Alcoholics Anonymous as outlined in the Big Book, a sponsor and a home group to keep reminding me that my side of the road is exactly as it should be and that acceptance paves the way for serenity.

Susan

There is such a thing as having one year's growth eight times.

One could be in the program eight years and have less growth than someone who has been in two years, with two year's growth.

If you think about nature, growth is a major sign of life. The oak tree has one ring for each year's growth. And the oak gets stronger and stronger. On the other hand, the annuals I planted will disappear this fall and need to be replanted again next year.

I am, in fact, the one who had only one year's growth in the first eight years. O.K., the truth is, I had about three months' growth in the first eight years. I had only gotten through the first three steps. No fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh steps. So there I was, still pitiful, still a "victim," with major resentments, anxieties, fears, and anger - defects too numerous to mention.

I went to meetings with my butt in a chair and my head in the clouds - couldn't "get" what they were saying. Then, one night at my home group meeting, a tall thin guy named Carter came up to me and told me he was going to be my sponsor, and would meet with me for dinner before the meeting the next week, and go over the ground rules.

I was terrified. What ground rules? However, I had been told to do whatever "they" told me to do, and fortunately, I bought into that. I would do whatever they told me to do, except no one ever "told me" what to do. I stayed away from the members and they let me be.

Carter's intrusion into my nothingness changed all that. It was the beginning of my growth. He said we were going to go through the 12 steps. I did not want to return to the incomprehensible demoralization I had eight years before, in a hospital shaking and sick. Like I said, I would do whatever "they" told me to do.

Carter was a thin guy. If he stood sideways, you'd think he was a thermometer-a powerful, lean-to-the-bone A.A. guy. Before Carter, I had no idea the reading that started out "How It Works," meant this is how it works.

We started with the first step: Powerless over people, places and things. Not too hard. Didn't have to be a rocket scientist to know that wrecking cars, being in jail, shaking and being hospitalized showed a lack of power.

For the second step, I fortunately always did have God as my higher power. Used to stop by church at the end of my paper route - lit a candle and watched its flame flicker casting shadows on the ceiling. Such peace. God was there all right.

The third step was a bit difficult. Make a decision to turn my life over -how? I really had to get through most of the rest of the steps to understand how to do it. It was like the puzzle: If three frogs are sitting on a log over a stream, and one decides to jump, how many are left on the log? The answer is three. All the frog did was make a decision. He hadn't jumped yet. The rest of the steps taught me how to make the leap.

The fourth step was hard. Who wants to write down their resentments and look at themselves honestly to find what part they played? Whoever does the fifth step with us will see through any dishonesty. This step weeds out the less than sincere alcoholic! I stuck with it. I didn't want to find myself shaking apart in jails and hospitals again.

The fifth step worried me. Am I going to share all the ugly stuff I did with another person? I picked an A.A. in another town, Paul, to hear my fifth step so my stuff wouldn't get out at home. That showed my lack of faith in the program's principle of anonymity. (A zipped lip is a major part of the A.A. program.) My experience went something like this: Paul shared part of his fifth with me, so I was way comfortable in sharing my sorry stuff with him. After hearing his fifth, I knew I was as "A.A. normal" as he was, and he is now a hero to me.

Paul told me we were now going to do the sixth step. "Wait a minute, Paul, I'm not ready!" "O.K, take a few minutes first," said Paul. Boy, he just doesn't get it, I thought. But he did get it, and so did I. I became entirely ready for God to remove my defects of character. Willingness -that's the key. I don't have to remove my character defects. All I have to do is be willing for God to remove them. Just be willing. That means I must let go of my resentments against those who did hateful things to me. After all, that was only my perception. The bad news is that if they were at fault, I couldn't be helped. I would forever be a victim. That would mean that I would have to fix them, which the first step tells me is impossible. With no control over people, places and things, I needed to change me.

More unexpected news: Paul says we are going to do the Seventh Step and say the Seventh Step together. So we do, and when I'm finished I think, "Is that all there is to it??" It seemed like a big letdown. No wailing sirens or burning bushes, just a quiet end to that part of my life. I didn't realize what a profound transformation that was to make for me.

Over the next few days I suffered from the compulsion to drink. Only this time, I had the Sixth and Seventh Steps as tools to work with. (1) Have compulsion, (2) become ready to have it removed, and (3) ask God to remove it. Simple. Worked like a charm once I accepted it.

Those were the life changers. Then for peace of mind, I looked at my Fourth Step to determine my part in every resentment, and I dug out the amends I needed to make.

The ninth step was simply a matter of time to get to all the persons I had harmed -and my sponsor helped me determine which I needed to make amends to, and which I would not because it would injure them or others.

Tenth, eleventh and twelfth steps: Maintenance (making quick amends, prayer and meditation, helping others). I began relying more and more on intuition, less on what I call logic. God is in my intuition now. With practice, the answers come immediately.

Am I transformed now?? I think so. I fall back sometimes. Sometimes I have anger of the kind that Carter used to call "alcoholic seizures." But it happens much less often now. That's trudging the road to happy destiny. Well, it's working for me. I hope it will with you. Progress not perfection, although perfection is my lifetime goal. Who wants to be 10% or 30% perfect? I'll try to get as close to 100% as I can.

With that, I am signing off. Keep growing. I want to live among extraordinary A.A.'s.

Joe S.

67 Years Old, 43+ Years Sober And Still Able To Change

Earlier this year I joined a step study group here in Lexington in hopes that one of my sponsees (pigeons) would also join the study group.

During the process of working through the steps one week at a time, I realized that I still resented my parents for the mistakes I believed they made during my growing up years. They therefore occupied a lot of space in my fourth and fifth steps. This year instead of going to my sponsor to do my Fifth step, I made an appointment with my Parish Priest.

When I had poured out all my resentment to him and read my stream-of-consciousness writing to him about both parents, he simply said, "Don't you think it is time to forgive all that is in your past?"

The forgiving began with that question and immediately I began to remember good things that they did for my siblings and me during our early years; like always providing awesome summer vacations often in Maine. I recalled the sacrifices Mom made to get us the right clothing and shoes for school. When my feet would only fit into one style of shoe after a summer of pounding around barefoot, Mom would take me to town by bus to the only shoe store in Hartford County that carried my shoe size and style. The round trip could take as long a three hours.

This summer I got a chance to visit my parents' gravesites in Brooksville, Maine where my eldest son lives with his new bride. As I stood in the rain looking down at the headstone and footstone placed by the VFW (Dad served during WWII), I believe all the anger about my childhood slipped away. They (and I) can finally rest in peace.

Work with a Chiropractor and freedom from this resentment have reduced my stress level to something manageable. I seem to have more energy.

So, you see, an aging old-timer can continue to change if circumstances require the change. "God will constantly reveal more to you and to us." Are YOU next?

In Love & Service, Gordon R DCM District 15 Area 26

Listener

If you're looking for answers Don't be so quick Open your mind And you might get fixed Slow to come, stay for a while Feel the love my wonderful child Don't leave just yet You might regret This hour of innocence

Has now begun Stay in your place And hear the plan The answer you seek Will come in time You'll be granted the key To ease your mind

Be honest with me

For I already know

Talk to someone and let it go

The excitement that comes When you feel the love: Don't let it scare you It's from up above

Let go of the old Put in the new Let me work With all of you

STEVEN L.

The One Event That Has Most Impacted My Life

The one event that has most impacted my life and for which I am eternally grateful is my recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction.

My father's death and the chaos of my life at the time served as a wake-up call for me. I could no longer drown out my feelings with alcohol or numb them with drugs. It was shortly after his passing that I attended my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous and found a way of life that works for me.

I grew up in the 1960s in a blue collar, working class Catholic family. My community and family suffered from the general loss of family values of that decade, and my parents eventually divorced. This created a chaotic and emotional environment at home. I saw very little of my father after my twelfth birthday. My teenage years were spent like many delinquent youths of the 1970s. I was expelled from Catholic grade school, briefly went to public high school, and then just

dropped out altogether. There was much experimentation with drugs and alcohol, hitchhiking cross-country, rock & roll concerts, and roaming the streets at night.

I met Diane, my soul mate, around 1978. We were both interested in playing music and collecting rare records. I formed a rock & roll band called Bodeco, and Diane and I became immersed in the rock & roll lifestyle. I had tormented my nervous system with various substances over the years and now considered alcohol my "medicine."

During the 1990s, my band was beginning to enjoy some modest success. We recorded a couple of records for independent labels and would occasionally go on little tours with similar acts. Around this time I started using a narcotic pain medication to treat my hangovers. Profoundly self-centered, I began to believe that I was part of some deeply transcendent musical tribe, that I had "paid my dues" and had achieved a sort of "graveyard cool." My alcoholism and drug addiction were progressing rapidly.

One evening my sister called from U of L Hospital. My mother had been in a car accident and had been rushed to the emergency room. I picked up my father and hurried to the hospital. Walking from the car to the hospital, I noticed my father stopping frequently to use an inhaler for shortness of breath. I suddenly realized that he was very ill. We continued to my mother's hospital room and much to our relief she was in stable condition.

On the way home, I told my father that I was worried about him and that he should see a doctor. He agreed. The next day he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. My father was hospitalized, and the next 10 days were very traumatic. There were nights I would walk into his room and find him convulsing violently to the sound of alarms going off.

I was terrified and found I was not able to numb my emotional pain with drugs and alcohol. I prayed, and asked God to please let him live long enough for us to mend our differences and connect as father and son. Dad was released from the hospital, but couldn't quit smoking. Soon he was hospitalized again and declined rapidly. After several heart wrenching months, he died.

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Alcohol had become a food substance to me. I was not eating solid food or sleeping well, and became severely depressed.

The events of 9/11 penetrated the morass of self-pity and selfishness I had been wallowing in, and stirred something within my soul. I said the alcoholic's prayer, "God please help me."

Desperation and divine intervention led me to an A.A. meeting. When the chairman asked if there were any newcomers, I stood up, stated my name and identified myself as an alcoholic and addict. Sitting back down, I had a spiritual experience; a most incredible release from sick and sorrowful emotion, and a feeling of great hope and joy. I knew I was in the right place. Through the understanding and compassion of the fellowship, I was able to face the truth about myself. A.A. taught me that there was a solution to my "seemingly hopeless state of mind and body." (Reprinted from Alcoholics Anonymous, page viii, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

I've been clean and sober for a little over five years now. It is truly through God's grace that I'm able to live the constructive, creative life that I always wanted.

Rick

Getting Real In Order To Heal

Not drinking and going to meetings is not the bottom line of sobriety. This alcoholic must

get real to heal. Those 12 Steps of Recovery are not optional for me. I have to practice them all for a sober life to be real.

The reality is that just going to meetings and abstaining from drinking will not automatically cause me to do a 4th Step. The pen and pad necessary for this Step will not appear in front of me and, by some magic, write down my moral inventory all by itself. The reality is that I must make the effort to do this myself.

The reality is that just going to meetings and abstaining from drinking will not cause someone to appear before me and proclaim, "I am here to receive your 5th Step." The reality is that I must with willingness and caution seek that person out!

The reality is that just going to meetings and abstaining from drinking will not automatically cause me to write down an 8th Step amends list. The pen does not work unless I pick it up and use it.

The reality is that just going to meetings and abstaining from alcohol will not cause the people I have harmed to show up at my door and say, "Please make amends to me so you can feel better." The reality is that I must locate those I have harmed and make the amends, wherever possible!

These are only four examples of the action required for me to live the 12 Steps. Only I can do these things. Working these steps for anyone other than myself won't get or keep me sober.

Sobriety doesn't happen by some magical process or by osmosis. Sobriety occurs when this alcoholic engages in the miracle of effort.

Sobriety is not a temporary measure to get my life in order so I can go back out and screw it all up again! Sobriety is a committed, spiritual venture to bring my soul back into unity with

God's Plan and live one day at a time, over and over again!

When it comes to living the 12 steps of recovery, there is no room for me to engage in fantasy. This alcoholic must get real in order to heal. There is no cure for my disease, so I need to get off my duff and get on the pathway to HEAL!

Fred G.

Life Had Become An Endless Cycle Of Drinking, Sleeping It Off, Drinking, Sleeping

I was just wasting my life and causing pain to everyone who cared about me. I had quit so many times but was never able to stay "on the wagon," "just say no," or "drink like a gentleman." I knew that in the past I had always gone back to that misery. But I realized the only time I had ever spent clean was when I was involved with A.A. meetings and the Big Book.

I had my doubts. Didn't think that I could stay sober. For once in my life though, I was just ready for anything that was not the way I had been living. I was so sick of my life. I knew I could be so much more than what I had become. I made a decision that no matter what it took to stay sober, I would do it. "If it keeps

me moving away from what I am, I will do it and keep doing it," I said to myself.

Then I was confronted with a dilema. "Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?"

(Reprinted from Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 47, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.) I wanted sobriety so bad, had to have it, could not continue to live the way I was. But, no matter how much I wanted to believe, I could not say honestly that I believed.

Every time I prayed, deep down inside me, I knew that I didn't fully believe. I was scared that I might return to the life of drinking which I was trying to escape. Could I proceed without my cornerstone properly placed?

I HAD NO CHOICE. So I prayed, pleaded, "I don't need a burning bush or a mountain to be moved, but please God, show me that you exist." Later in the evening I was sitting outside having my nightly smoke and noticed that on the wall, just under the flood light was a little lizard.

Now, I have always loved lizards. Ever since I was a little boy I have tried to catch them, sometimes succeeding but more often only ending up with a portion of a tail and a very angry lizard. When my daughters were little I would try and catch lizards to show them to the girls but with even less success. It seems that the older I got the slower I got and the less energy I had for chasing the little critters. "It's a good thing those tails grow back," I'd say.

Anyway, I saw the lizard on the wall under the light. I walked up to the lizard and looked at it. Surprisingly it looked right back at me. I got even closer and still the lizard did not move. I laughed and said to myself, "I'll just put my hand out like I'm going to catch it and surely the lizard will run away."

I began to reach for the lizard and still it didn't move. So I put my hand on the wall and

leaned over till my face was only inches away from the little guy. It didn't scurry away, and now I could see it very clearly. We were so close I could see it blink. We were eye to eye. I moved my hand to within inches of the lizard and still no movement. I cupped my hand and halfway encircled the lizard.

Then the unbelievable happened. That little lizard crawled right into my hand. Many people look at me like I am crazy when I tell that story. I'm sure that there could be many explanations of why that lizard crawled into my hand but I really don't even want to hear them. I know!

I knew right then that God had given me a sign of His existence. It wasn't anything extreme but it was very personal. It established the beginnings of a relationship with a Power that I could call my God. I began to pray every day just like my friends in A.A. I am amazed daily about how things happen that show me that God is present and working in my life.

As Alcoholics Anonymous said it would, I have become open to many things which before seemed totally out of reach. I was told that I can pray and God will give me what I need.

Like everyone I guess, the economy has been really affecting me adversely. Yesterday I asked God for money. After I finished praying, I went over to my computer and checked my e-mail. Upon hitting the send/receive button a new e-mail popped up. I opened it and there was a picture of a big pile of money. Not only was I shown again the existence of God but I learned something else about him. God has a sense of humor!

I sit here awake at 7 a.m. thinking about the day ahead. Just what can I accomplish today? God has put in front of me so many opportunities. Some will work out, some won't, but now I have options. Was that me a short time ago that could not get out of bed?

Was it me who could only think of how I just wanted to sleep?

I have not taken a magic pill. I have not found the elixir of life or the fountain of youth. What has happened is I have become willing to ask for help. That is all I have done. Could it be that easy? My brain says, "No way!!" There must be something else to it. I search back over the time since my last drink. What a transformation has taken place. When I go to sleep at night I am excited about the next day!!!! I can hardly wait to wake up and "get to it."

I watched the sun rise this morning. The sky changed from a wintry gray to a bright yellow spring morning. The sunshine glistened off the pine trees and the bumper of my sister's car. It's a miracle that the sun, revolving around the earth precisely, fills my day with light, exactly on time.

God is changing my life in the same way. I simply ask for what I need and He changes my life right on time, right in front of me and just in the nick of time.

I was lost and alone and now my personal friend, God, is transforming my life. Sometimes I still have doubts. I know that I do not have the power to do this thing that is happening. I am afraid that it will not last. But I do know this; it isn't me who is making these changes!!!

My fear is exactly what I have been told it is, caused by my reliance on things other than God. My experience shows me that when I rely on myself or other worldly things I am always let down. Worldly things do not last. Nor are they supposed to I guess. The only thing that is constant is God. He has always been there when I sought him.

I asked for His blessing and so far I am receiving it daily. If writing about my experiences helps someone else, then I have done something good today and I am glad. I

feel my purpose in life now is to be of service and I am truly excited about what lies in store for me.

Anonymous

My Sobriety Date Is . . .

My sobriety date is April 22, 2002. Since my two-year birthday I have been blessed with the opportunity to take several men through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Not all of them have finished and some have never gotten started, but since my primary purpose is to stay sober and help another alcoholic to achieve sobriety, I continue to look for new opportunities to give back what was given to me.

My sponsor passed on to me the knowledge that we are not here to run someone else's life but to stay sober so we can be present when the light comes on in their eyes. It's wonderful to watch sponsees grow spiritually. This has happened a few times for me so far. Each of them has been willing to go to any lengths to learn this program.

Recently I realized that not everyone that appears to have a psychic change stays sober. Recently a young man I was working with finished his fifth, sixth and seventh steps, and started on eight.

On a Thursday, he was aglow with new feelings and confidence that comes with communing with a Higher Power and knowing that he was not alone anymore. The next Monday he returned from a job-seeking day and failed a Breathalyzer test and left his treatment center. I haven't heard from him since.

I have learned that everyone has a choice. God gives us free will to do the next right thing, or not. Each time someone I sponsor makes a conscious decision to put a drink in himself, I have to assume that the willingness is gone for the moment and move on to those that are willing. I have plenty to do sharing my

experience, strength, and hope with other sponsees in their times of need. I also have to call my sponsor and share what I learn so he knows that his work with me continues to help me grow.

I have found that if I am not working the Steps with a newcomer, there is a void in me, which I fill by reaching out to others whether they need a sponsor or just a friend. Never, through 7 years of college and 40 years of work have I ever found anything so satisfying.

I ask God to keep those who returned to the madness of alcoholism safe so they may return one day to A.A. Sadly, not all of them make it back, not very many at all.

So newcomer, take heed! This just might be your only chance. Disgraced athlete Michael Vick said recently that he now understands the value of a second chance; and for us alcoholics A.A. is our second chance.

Peace & Love;

Eddie G.

So You Need To Know About Your Love Life In A.A.?

So you need to know about your love life in A.A.? When will you find somebody? All the answers are in the first paragraph on pg. 96 in the Big Book.

If you see two newcomers holding hands after meeting in the rooms, (boy meets girl on A.A. campus) for goodness sake leave them alone! You don't want them screwing up two more people.

I flew to Louisville years ago for work and drove with a small group to Bardstown to meet with the grandson of Jim Beam, Mr. Booker Noe.

Booker's wife made us sandwiches and Booker started pouring whiskey for the group.

I of course declined, but he continued pouring round after round until he got to me again and said, "Boy why ain't you drinking?" I said, "Booker I'll drink with you but then I'll have to move into your house, steal all your stuff and sleep with your wife."

You could have heard a pin drop. Then he laughed and said, "You're all right boy," and invited me to fish with him in Beam Lake every year until he passed...

peace, Dave S.

Events

49th Annual Tri-state Convention November 13-15, 2009 KY Dam Village State Park, Gilbertsville, KY Greg H. (270) 556-9575, Bob T. (270) 994-8661 Margie D. (270)-836-8138

59th Annual Kentucky State Convention Jan. 29-30, 2010 The Owensboro Sports Center 1215 Hickman Avenue Jeff N. (270) 525-3422 or Terrie G. (270) 691-1112

Central/Intergroup Offices in Area 26

Bluegrass Inter-Group Office 1093 S. Broadway Lexington, KY 40504 Phone: 859-225-1212 Toll Free: 1-800-467-8019 Email: bluegrassintergroup@hotmail.com

Bowling Green Central Office 1337 US 31W Bypass PO Box 20033 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 502-782-5267

Louisville Central Office Greater Louisville Groups 332 W. Broadway, Room 620 Louisville, KY 40202 Phone: 502-582-1849 Visit us online at www.louisvilleaa.org Email: glgi@bellsouth.net

Northern Kentucky Intergroup 1727 Madison Ave Covington, KY 41011 Phone: 859-461-7181 Toll Free 1-877-257-7856

Yellow Banks Central Office 320 Crittenden Street Owensboro, KY 42303 Phone: 270-683-0371 Email: yellowbankscentraloffice@owens.twcbc.net

Western Kentucky Intergroup 210 W Pierson St. Fredonia, KY 42411 Toll Free 1-800-606-6047 Email: wkintergroup@mchsi.com

DCM Reports

District 1 --DCM: James G. I would like to thank District 5 for hosting this weekend. I am glad to be in Bardstown. Due to health problems the last few months I have been unable to participate with the District and the Area like I would have wanted to, but all and all District 1 as a whole has survived. I was able to attend the workshop on January 31st. It was a huge success and I would like to at this time thank all the other districts for taking up the slack. District 1 has changed the day and time of our meeting, we now meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 3 pm at The Icehouse located at 1400 Shelby Street. Again, thanks to District 5 and I hope to see each of you at our next meeting in Bowling Green in July. Yours in Service.

District 2 --DCM: Diane S. Not present. No report given.

District 3 --DCM: Kelvin H. Like to thank District 5 for hosting this weekend. We in District 3 have been very active in making plans to host the Area in July, we have a host hotel, the facility is not confirmed at this time, as soon as it is we will get flyers out, also post on website, send to all DCM's and Standing Committee's. Spring of the year is a wonderful time; we also have the Sponsorship Rally coming up Memorial Day weekend. The Men's group has a campout weekend coming up also; the Women's Group does a campout, to help show newcomers and others things to do in sobriety. We in District are learning that hosting the Area is a big job; it makes us appreciate all the work that goes into it. Yours in Service.

District 4 --DCM: Charles W. report by Jill D. Thank you to District 5 for hosting this Area Assembly! Our last District meeting was held on March 2nd. It was at the Serenity Club in Elizabethtown. We had 9 GSR's present which is half of the 18 current GSR's. From the 8 groups represented: our groups are holding steady attendance; 1 group remains small with 6 to 8 in attendance; the last group fluctuates up and down from 8 to 30 in attendance. Due to the ice storm some meetings were closed and attendance was down in the month of February. In Irvington there is a new recovery club called "The Acceptance Place" which has 4 new A.A. meetings a week. Out of these 4 meetings, one new GSR has been elected; Mike O. of the Retread Group. The McDaniel's Group celebrated a 5 year anniversary on February 8 in McDaniel's, KY. The New Beginnings Group also celebrated a 5 year Anniversary on March 3rd in Cloverport, KY. A new Drug Core facility will be opening this year in Leitchfield. I'm sure when this occurs; our groups will have questions about the papers they will be signing. Our district is planning to have a CPC Workshop. The workshop will be at the Serenity Club in E-Town. The date is unknown at this time. Our next district meeting is May 4th at the Serenity Club. May God Bless to all who serve Him!!

District 5 --DCM: Joe O. 10 GSR's, 1 Alt. GSR, the DCM, Alt. DCM, Treasurer, Secretary and 6 visitors attended the last district meeting. The Saturday night Surrender Group has a new GSR, Starr F... Campbellsville is looking for a member to take an A.A. meeting to the jail. Also Nelson Co. jail looking for person to take meeting in there. Jail people need meetings too. Leanne and Charlie will be giving a workshop at the meeting. Mark at the Sunday Morning Campbellsville Group is doing well, Breakfast is good, come on over. Kellie with the Bardstown Thursday night Group says the meeting is flourishing. Al-Anon is doing well. Waiting on State about starting Al-Ateen. Marvin at the Friday Night Camel Group is doing well, they are passing out literature. Average 50 to 55, court ordered people doing okay. Rick at Wednesday Hodgenville Group says 10 - 15 average attendance, one new member, one group has died. Joe with Tuesday night New Hope Group has 3 new members. Francis celebrated 39 years. The group celebrated 10 year anniversary. Buster celebrated 1 year. All is well. Dean at Columbia Thursday night says the group is holding their own. Charles with Wednesday night says a member celebrated 17 years. They are trying to get people to help with Area Assembly. GET INVOLVED. Leanne at Sunday night Greensburg are holding their own but asking for support. Richard at Tuesday night Springfield says their attendance is strong; they have 1 new group member. Buck at the Monday Night Lebanon Library says it's a happy group, doing good, young people are coming in. Starr with Saturday night Surrender group says meeting is well, Willie celebrated 15 years, and Neil celebrated 5 years, average of 15 to 18 members. Bonnie at Friday night Campbellsville group is doing well, like to get more members involved. Kenny at Sunday Night Bardstown group is going good, average attendance is 50, mixed Al-Anon and AA. Wednesday night group at Nazareth is doing good. Ky newsletter chair Leanne asked for stories for the newsletter. CPC chair Buck passed out Grapevines at Dr. Offices. Archives chair, Marvin has been getting archives from group. He's learning how to preserve any tapes and old papers. A member asked Marvin about how to get in touch with the person from Lexington to help with Archives. The person has been dealing with the Webmaster. They have been dealing with computer on details of home groups. Joe announced that anyone interested in seeing the Archives, It's the 3rd Sunday of the month or you can schedule an appointment, see Marvin if interested. Corrections: Richard G. need for person to take meeting to Nelson County jail. Campbellsville jail needs contact - would like to have a link to Area. Old Business: Area assembly, Joe O. asked about getting brochures from visitors' center and also pins. Groups agreed. The hospitality room, if not available, a room will be reserved for 2 nights as agreed by the groups. The Bardstown Sunday night group is responsible for overseeing coffee, snacks and drinks. The Hospitality room is at the Quality Inn in The John Fitch Room. Setting up the meeting: David, Buddy and Rick will be greeting and there for signups. Also setup tables for gifts for the raffle. The groups decided that each home group should donate$25 gift for the raffle if possible. Joe is responsible for setup. Bonnie is responsible for raffle. Kellie wants to help. Rooms: Groups ask for a total of twelve breakout rooms will be needed. One room needed for Al-anon. Dinner: Marvin had an offer from Wal-Mart for $600. That's chicken and all the fixings, plus 200 doughnuts. Deserts and drinks brought by the groups. Neil C. had Kroger bid 14 for basically the same thing but they cater, setup forks, napkins and etc. for $655. Group voted for Kroger and the Saturday night Surrender group is responsible for lunch. Bonnie asked about potluck with lunch - group voted no. Deserts were suggested for lunch; Kellie M. is responsible for deserts. Pat V. is responsible for soft drinks. Leanne is responsible for lemonade. Bardstown Friday night group is responsible for coffee at the assembly. District setup: Marvin K. is to find out if possible to get in the school for the District to setup. Group agreed to pay extra for this convenience. Joe is responsible for getting in touch with Secretary. Dean M. is responsible for direction signs from motel to school. Group voted to give Marvin K. a check for holding of school. Speaker for Saturday night will be Bell P. the Springfield Tuesday Night group will be responsible for chairing meeting. Joe O. said he would be responsible. A.A. and District 5 would like to thank all the home groups, all the volunteers, Bardstown High School and their board, and Quality Inn for all their support in helping make this happen. The next district 5 meeting will be held at the Coffee Club on June 28th at 1:30 pm.

District 6 --DCM: Bob R. Attendance at the district meeting is average with about 10 per meeting. We have 14 A.A. groups with an average attendance of 19 to 22. The 3L Group campout/picnic will be on July 25 and 26 at Kincaid Lake State Park. District 6 will host 2nd Annual Summer Picnic - location to be announced. DCM of District 6, Bob R., along with District 18 and District 35 will present a bid to host the Area Assembly in October in Northern KY.

District 7 --DCM: Mitch M. Thanks to District 5 for hosting this meeting. Unfortunately District 7 is only being supported by 2-3 groups. We have 2 of those members in attendance, would they please stand up to be recognized. One of our old timers, Jackie S., is undergoing treatment for cancer. We'd like to ask you to keep him in your prayers.

District 8 --DCM: Donna D. Not present. No report given.

District 9 --DCM: Buzz T. Thanks to district 5 for hosting this weekend. Our Corrections Chairperson, Bob G. has been busy - with meetings at the Floyd County Detention Center in Prestonsburg, Johnson County Regional in Paintsville, and Big Sandy Maximum Security Prison in Inez. Bob has been working actively on New Pike County Jail in Pikeville with a new member from Florida. We have had a little bit of a surge in attendance - men and women - it is most welcome. District 9 will not be bidding to host the October Assembly. The Intergroup decided to try hosting non elections fall quarterly - possibly next year. Thanks for the opportunity to serve.

District 10 --DCM: Nick S. We continue to have good attendance at our district meetings. We meet at the Care Center in Louisville at 1:30 on the first Sunday of the month. Katie E. and Tom M. put on a great corrections workshop, again at the Care Center. That was on March 7th and there was a good turnout. Louisville Intergroup and Bridge the Gap also had a Singleness of Purpose workshop on March 28th at the Care Center. I would like to thank all who came to Louisville for the State Convention. Yours in Service.

District 11 --DCM: Phyllis C. I would like to thank district 5 for hosting this area meeting. We held a district meeting March 8th with 9 GSR's in attendance. Among those GSR's were about 4 new to area service. Two of our home groups are in need of support; the Garden View Group on Friday night at the Jeff Token Club and our Wednesday night Beginner's meeting at 8 pm in the back room at the Jeff Token Club. District 11 is in the planning stages of hosting a sponsorship workshop. The workshop will be held May 17th at the Jeff Token Club. Lunch will be provided and we are going to have a raffle. I will send a flyer to the Area 26 website. Thanks.

District 12 --DCM: Kate D. District 12 is continuing to grow and become more active. For the first time in many years. We have chairs for five committees at our district level and are trying to fill the others.* We have elected a new Alt. DCM Eddie B. and a new treasurer, Mark H. We have currently 13 GSR's and 6 group contacts out of 32 active groups which is the most we've had in many years. Active members of the district are trying to at least get a contact for the rest of the groups so information can be distributed. We recently hosted our first of three annual events. Mardi Gras celebration with a gumbo dinner and a speaker on the legacy of recovery, we had somewhere between 75-80 people who attended and had a great time. Thanks for allowing me to be of service. *As a district, we are trying to figure out the role of these committees in our district as related to Intergroup committees.

District 13 --DCM: Chris W. - Report given by Rory W. Alt. DCM My name is Rory, and I'm an alcoholic, the alternate DCM for district 13. I would like to thank district 5 for hosting this weekend. We have 42 active groups in district 13 with 26 GSR's. District 13 committee has met twice since our last area 26 meeting with our average attendance being 15 people. We participated in the 3 legacies workshop held on January 31st. The program was awesome and the attendance was reaching 90 people. Working with the other districts in the Louisville area on these types of events is setting a strong Legacy of Unity for us all. At our last district committee meeting we had a lengthy discussion on the agenda item for tomorrow, regarding the webmaster committee. We feel that the webmaster committee should copy that of the GSO and be a part of the PI Committee with reimbursements allowed to attend Area 26 business meetings. We also discussed the idea brought up by our delegate to participate in a Regional Service Conference on the years that the Southeast Forum is not held. We believe that we need more information on what the financial obligations would be to participate in this endeavor. In the coming months District 13 will be contacting the other Louisville districts to plan the annual Unity Picnic and Delegates report. Yours in service.

District 14 --DCM: Judy K. I would like to thank district 5 for hosting this assembly. Thank you for the preparation and hard work. Several from our district attended the KY State Convention in February. The Committee Meetings, Workshops and speakers were great. We have several standing committee positions open. Hopefully these will be filled soon. It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of our special needs chairperson Gayla B. Gayla had over 20 years of sobriety. I would like to personally that Kathy B from Lexington for keeping me informed on Gayla's condition during her illness. Our last district meeting was March 21st in Midway. GSR attendance was down. However, we do have a new secretary, Bruce B. from the Versailles Group, Welcome Bruce. Our area delegate attended and discussed upcoming agenda for the KY State Conference. District 14 guidelines were passed out to those in attendance to share with their home groups. Also discussed district workshops and a district inventory. Hopefully, I will be attending a district inventory in May that will be put on by district 2. I will be going as an observer only to learn as much as I can. Our district meeting will be May 30th in Frankfort. Sincerely.

District 15 --DCM: Gordon R. Southern Fayette and Jessamine Counties. Thanks to district 5 for hosting this area 26 meeting. We are well aware that much time and many volunteers are needed to keep us all comfortable and well fed during our deliberations. During the last quarter, several new GSR's have joined our ranks some representing groups not recently represented. At a recent district meeting, Drew L stepped forward to fill our H & I chair position. Also through the fantastic energy of Carl B. Jessamine County is beginning to be represented at our meetings, and the news about new meetings there is most heartening. Also our corrections committee continues to work with Fayette and Jessamine detention centers bringing outside AA members to participate in the meetings there. At Fayette County detention center AA speakers are being identified to share experience strength and hope in some of the general population units there. At our March meeting, with the help of Danny C and his laptop computer, we were able to present to the GSR's and Committee Chairs present some idea of the daunting task that Barbara faces at the end of this month when she carries with her our instructions and our trust that her years of service will enabler her, after considering our instructions, to "act on her own conscience in final conference vote's. referred to concept III this "right of decision" is granted to all trusted servants from coffee makers and other home group officers to the trustees of General Service board. Barbara, as you journey to "The Big Apple" to join the many voices of the conference, carry us with you in your heart, and trust your intuition to always search beyond "The Good" to find "the Very Best" in all the work that you and the others do there. I ask for your continued kind thoughts and (if you prefer) prayers that district 15 will continue to grow. To avoid conflict with Easter Day and Mothers' Day we have moved our April and May meetings to the third Sundays still at the Alano Club at 6pm. In Love & Service

District 16 --DCM: Amy B. Thanks to district 5 for hosting this area assembly. Alcoholics Anonymous is alive and well in district 16 and several recent developments continue to prove to all of us the importance of our program, steps and traditions. First attendance at district meetings continues to rise and there is now usually at least one new face at every meeting. Second for the first time that we are aware of

district 16 has a prudent reserve in the bank. Finally the groups of district 16 will host an all day workshop. The workshop will be on Saturday May 2, 2009. Each group participating will be responsible for presenting an AA topic of their choosing and most of the day is filled with the final two groups to decide this weekend on participation. We invite you to join us for what is sure to be a lively and flyer are on the table in the hall. Thanks for allowing me to serve.

District 17 --DCM: Jeff P. District 17 would like to thank district 5 for hosting this meeting. I have some what of an understanding of how much work that is put into making something like this possible - so from me personally, it is much appreciated. Our district would also like to thank every officer and committee chair who devote so much of their precious time in order to keep our area alive and strong. It is hard enough to balance family life, the job, and one on one work with drunks. If you throw this kind of service in as well - which demands a whole lot of time, patience and effort - it makes it very hard to remain spiritually fit. So with that being said…Thank you very, very much! District 17 in my opinion is in a very good place. We need help! We have 20 active groups in our district - only 7 GSR's come to the monthly district meeting. Only 1 of those 7 contributes money to the district on a regular basis. On top of all of that - our district has a new DCM - me - and also a new Alt. DCM - Steve C., which couldn't make it this weekend - but is very excited about his new position. Both of us are new to this, so to go back to why I think our district is in a good place - because we have so much room to grow. It was suggested to me to go to all of the groups and introduce myself-in addition I have been suggesting to the groups to attend the district meetings and also to donate money to both the district and central office. I've explained to the groups that I have visited so far how vital both are to the AA community. This was also the topic of discussion in our district meeting itself - and was probably the best district meeting we've had since I've been around. A lot of questions were asked with many good answers - hopefully this was a beginning to something awesome to come! Thank you.

District 18 --DCM: Ed C. Thanks to district 5 for hosting. We have been extremely busy in district 18. We have purchased numerous cases of Big Books for correction and for treatment. Both chairs have been extremely active and are to be commended. Additionally our CPC chair, Kathy L. has been very active as usual and has developed a solid relationship with most of the doctor's offices in our district. Kathy is here - thanks to all.

District 19 --DCM: Jim K. I am Jim K. and I am an alcoholic. Thank you district 5 for hosting this assembly. I know that it is a lot of work and I appreciate you doing it. District 19 has 10 meetings and 4 of these have GSR's. We are presently having monthly meetings on the second Sunday of each month at the Token III Club in Louisville and we are trying to get the district organized. Thank You.

District 20 --DCM: Jeffery H. District 20 would like to thank district 5 for this weekend's meeting. We are hoping to hold a district meeting in May to collectively discuss amongst the GSR's how the message can be carried. This district meeting may be held in conjunction with the Morehead Into Action Group's summer picnic. The Morehead Inspiration Center rehab facility continues to need speakers to give a lead on Monday's and Wednesday's at 6 pm. This is certainly a good opportunity for service work for people inside and outside the district. Both Sunday West Liberty meetings and the Thursday and Saturday Frenchburg meetings have been receiving little attendance. Both meetings are considering closing their doors. Hopefully a push in the district to support these meetings will see greater attendance. The Morehead Into Action Group continues to carry the message to the West Liberty prison. Again, district 20 would like to thank district 5 for hosting this weekend's events. In love in service.

District 21 --DCM: Bernie O. - Report given by Greg R. Alt. DCM Thank you district 5 - the food was great and the facility as well. District 21 does not have a lot to report this quarter - as with all, the ice storm has hurt some members - but we survived - attendance seems to be on the rise. We have a new meeting on Thursday in Bethany and its growing. As always we are asking our groups for more support by sending up GSR's for those who haven't and we plan to push this harder in the election year. Thanks.

District 22 --DCM: Eric B. Thanks to district 5 for hosting us this weekend. Since the last Area meeting, our literature committee as verified which libraries in our district have copies of the Big Books and Twelve and Twelve. We have purchased books for the libraries that did not have multiple copies of both books. We have 4 new GSR's. We will be putting on another workshop in June and have asked groups in our district to submit topics for the workshop. AA members in our district have expressed intent in starting a Traditions meeting. We are working with volunteers who want to get the group started. We have 2 new groups: Floyd Memorial Hospital - Saturday 9 am and Burning Desire Friday 10:30 pm FC Token. We also discussed forming a committee to organize a group to attend the International Convention in San Antonio next year. We are open to other districts who would like to participate. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

District 23 --DCM: Gregg S. Report given by Dave K. DCM Greg S. regrets not being able to attend this weekend and asked that I thank our host for their hard work that has made all this possible. There has not been a district meeting in quite some time but reports from attendees indicate that our meetings continue to carry the message and grow. Efforts to start a women's meeting at the Boyd County Detention Center have been successful with several young women making a commitment to ensure our message of hope reaches this population. Thank you.

District 24 --DCM: Charlie S. District 24 would like to thank district 5 for hosting this area meeting. District 24 along with districts 1, 10, 11, 13 and 29 hosted a 3 Legacy workshop on January 31st. This workshop was well attended with a much better than expected turn out. The inclement weather posed a threat to the turnout but it was not a deterrent after all. We had over 90 people attend with some attendees from Lexington, Northern Kentucky as well as Darryl from Central Kentucky. We started with a panel discussion on the 3 legacies where each legacy was discussed. Then the group split into three groups. Colleen Y. conducted a workshop on Recovery; Darryl M. conducted a workshop on Service and Lynda R. conducted a workshop on Unity. I would like to thank the host committee for coming together to ensure that this event was successful. In the planning and budgeting phase we did not think to include a budget for literature. Once this was realized we were able to assemble the appropriate literature for each workshop. This helped greatly with conducting the workshops. It was discussed how in the past workshops were held more often and how helpful they have been to our fellowship in understanding our recovery program better. We were also able to assist in conducting a correction workshop on March 7th where we learned more about the needs of those who are coming to us through the court system. It was revealed that there is a greater success rate from members who attend a meeting within the first 24 hours of being released. On March 28th the Louisville Intergroup hosted a workshop on Bridge the Gap. It was suggested that we read the Concepts at the opening of our district meeting so that we get a better understanding of the 12 Concepts. We have reviewed the first three concepts and will be reviewing the fourth at our next meeting. I am glad to report that district 24 is doing well with both finances and attendance. Respectfully submitted.

District 25 - DCM: Pat R. Thank you district 5 for hosting Area 26 this weekend. District 25 is going along as usual. All meetings in district 25 are open meetings even the Big Book studies. We need some closed meetings because we have not done what we need to do to have some closed meetings (i.e. start some new meetings that are closed). Casey County Group celebrated the 23rd anniversary meeting on March 17, 2009 (St. Patrick's Day). Norm W. from Danville shared his lead. He did an excellent job but he has 53 years of sobriety. I have not had much luck getting people involved in service work. Jim E. from Liberty is hanging on; he celebrated 43 years sober in March. He has not been able to attend meetings lately. Thank you, your trusted servant.

District 26 --DCM: Sarah C. We would like to thank district 5 for hosting this meeting. We continue to have 3 groups active in district 26. Cadiz Sober Group had a Chili Supper in January that was well attended. Cadiz Sober Group continues to have 2 meetings weekly. Hungry Spirits and East End together participated in a Spring Cleaning at Rebos in March, the women from the new Trilogy Center helped also. We took a traditions workshop into Volta, our local treatment center this week. Traditions 1, 3 and 5 were discussed. We currently have a group of alcoholics getting together on Friday nights for a study of the four absolutes. We will have our next district meeting in May. In Service.

District 27 --DCM: Tim P. We in district 27 would like to thank district 5 for hosting the April Area meeting. Our last meeting was March 15, 2009. We had 10 of 17 groups in attendance. We discussed the upcoming 12th Annual Howl at the Moon, everything is going as planned and will be held June 19th, 20th, & 21st at Barren River State Park for more info. See me of Mark D. Flyers should be around this weekend. Marie with corrections in the Barren County Jail women's side says things are going as normal for a jail meeting, she received the Big Books; the district furnished her with these to use in the meetings. Mike H. and Andrew are checking on getting a meeting started on the men's side of the Barren County Jail but they don't really want to let us in the men's side for some reason but we're still trying. We discussed a district picnic to be held August 29th, more will be revealed on this at a later date. We went on to talk about money and voted to send all over prudent funds on to the Area and GSO. District 27 set a check to GSO for approximately $279 and I gave Gary a check for $486.19 so this should get our money business in order. Our next district meeting will be May 3rd at 2:30 at E.B. Terry est. in Cave City, KY. Thanks for letting me be of service to Alcoholics Anonymous.

District 28 - DCM: John M. We have had a lot of committee movement over the past quarter. We have a new Group Awareness chair, Angie, and a new Corrections chair, David. However, we have lost our alternate DCM and Treatment Facilities chair. Our Public Information committee has been active, reaching out to the district through flyers and our Corrections committee is actively seeking volunteers to carry the message into the Fayette County Detention Center. We have had one new GSR, Bob, from the New Starting Over group. After much deliberation, district 28 officially passed a motion to recognize e-mail as a legitimate form of communication among its members with the condition that the communication be blind carbon copied and sanitized. Everything else is going well.

District 29 --DCM: Dalton D. Districts 24 and 29 believe that the motion that was passed at the October assembly to make the website committee a permanent standing committee should be rescinded. We feel that the person serving as Webmaster expenses to attend Area meetings and assemblies should be paid by the Area. In 1951 the General Service Conference established the system of standing committees and new committees have been added as necessary. The AA Service Manual defines the committee system by describing the duties, districts, areas and the General Service Conference. Currently there is no website or webmaster standing committee at the General Service Conference. The Alcoholics Anonymous website is maintained by a Public Information having oversight of what the website committee does. The General Service Conference did not feel it was necessary to create a new standing committee to maintain the website. The AA Service Manual defines the responsibilities of the Public Information committee as "creating greater understanding of -and preventing misunderstanding of -the AA program through the pubic media, electronic media, PI meetings, and speaking to community groups." Clearly, this gives the PI committee the responsibility overseeing the website. We do not believe Area 26 should take it upon itself to create standing committees that the General Service Conference has not found necessary. Additionally, the webmaster is highly technical position and it may not be in the Area's best interest to have this position rotate every 2 years as will be necessary If the webmaster remains a standing committee chair. Therefore: "districts 24 and 29 move that Area 26 rescind the motion to make the website committee a permanent standing committee. We further move that the webmaster shall be a member of the PI Committee and shall attend the PI Committee meetings held at the Area Meetings and assemblies, with his/her expenses to attend Area meetings and assemblies being paid by Area 26 pursuant to the current financial guidelines. Respectfully submitted.

District 30 --DCM: Brian H. There is a buzz around the AA community of district 30 about certain groups defecting or starting another district. As of today, out district has 8 groups. I believe this is a real concern that needs to be addressed. I've talked to a few people in service who believe a unity workshop or picnic would be of some benefit. I agree. We are in no position to make demands, but we are requesting any and all help with our next district meeting being held Friday night at 9 pm at the Episcopal Church in downtown Maysville, KY. We need an overhaul and direction. My name is Bryan H. and I represent district 30. The previous DCM stepped down and I was the alternate. I wasn't elected to this service position, so I will fill in until a replacement is elected. I hope to represent the groups of district 30 with integrity. Our groups want what's best for their members. Every group is emotional and enthusiastic. Attendance is at an all time high. However, there are many concerns about the health of our district. Differences of opinion and personalities have brought about grudges that seem to be severe and permanent. AA is still very much alive in our district but it may seem more like tribes then a fellowship to onlookers or newcomers. I feel I speak for the groups when I say that our district is "disgruntled" or "sore". It would be impossible to put into words the atmosphere of the district. It would be fair to say that there is a definite problem that calls for a solution. I don't feel I'm prepared to foster a solution to this dilemma. I'm 3 years sober and I don't feel like I have the confidence or trust that this position requires.

District 31 --DCM: Chip A. Thanks to district 5 for hosting the Area meeting. Our last meeting was March 1, 2009. District 31 has had average attendance. Our district meeting attendance has been constant. Our district continues to move forward as the economy and groups feel the financial crunch. We have created a district dinner committee responsible for the planning and set up of dinners on behalf of each group. Each group will have a district sponsored dinner. Sherise K. has volunteered to chair this committee. Our district maintains a treasury balance in excess of our prudent reserve. We anticipate making another quarterly distribution to W.KY Intergroup, Area 26 and GSO. We are maintaining a status quo and continue to look for people to fill our vacant committee positions and for our alternate DCM. WARD continues to prosper and graduate people from their program. Fair-weather group has moved from Erlington, KY to the Serenity House in Madisonville, KY. Corrections are planning a workshop in Hopkins County during the month of May. Yours in Service.

District 32 --DCM: Harry M. Not present. No report given. Convention. Thanks.

District 33 --DCM: Mike L. I would like to first say how much I appreciate all the members of district 33 that helped me to get through the loss of my mother this last month. I truly witnessed the unity of this fellowship and will never forget the caring and kindness shown to me during this hardship. District 33 is doing well and membership is growing according to the reports of the GSR's. In our last district meeting 8 of 11 groups were represented by their GSR in that meeting. Our next district meeting will be April 11th of this year. A second meeting will be carried into the maximum security facility in Eddyville on April 8th. Ray B. will now be chairing the meeting at the Corrections Farm Center in Eddyville. He will be leading a Big Book study group there, and we are currently working on raising funds to get more Big Books into that facility. Our work in the Marshall County facility continues to show results as we have new members joining our ranks as they depart that facility. I would like to express my gratitude to the members who endeavor to carry the message into all these facilities. Thank you district 5 for hosting this event. Yours in Service.

District 34 --DCM: Jeff N. Not much is happening in district 34. All the groups seem to be doing well. A group of AA members have started a noon meeting in Central City. It meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Bremer Group (a.k.a. The Secret Meeting) had its 23rd anniversary, lots of food and an excellent speaker, Randy R. from Louisville. Everyone had a great time. District 34 is looking forward to being involved with the 2010 State

District 35 --DCM: Jerry D. Thanks to district 5 for hosting the Area meeting. There is plenty to report since the last Area meeting. We have a new alternate DCM and his name is JR J. he was voted in unanimously. Since he was Newport AA's GSR, Chris M. took his place. We thank them both for their service. We had a Grapevine workshop March 14th. Jeff N. came from the Area and did a wonderful job. Thanks again Jeff. Attendance was great. I have updated group info. To the best of my ability for the new directory. Our past two district meetings have been focused on structure. I guess it was in place; it just was never typed and given to the GSR's. I got a hold of the person that was I charge of completing the structure, I asked her to come and explain to the district how it came about. She did and what had happened was the secretary that was in charge of typing has stepped down. So the task wasn't finished, so now I am working with the secretary to get it finalized and given to the groups. This all came about because of miscommunication about our districts financial guidelines. Our district had to eat the cost of hotel rooms that shouldn't have been stayed in. We are all on the same page there. I think I took over 3 months ago and I have spent the past 3 months trying to get the district organized. Fortunately for me there are plenty of people that are willing to help. We are all willing to get things in order so that whoever takes our places there is a smoother transition. I am grateful that God let me get sober for awhile and understand the principles of AA before I was thrown into service. Also our treasurer has updated our account. He had to take former signers off and add new signers since it has been musical chairs the past few months in our district. We currently need to fill our corrections and PI chairs. Our former corrections chair resigned and also resigned as her home group's GSR. The new GSR for Rebounders Group is now Kelly S. and we thank her for stepping up and representing her homegroup. I want to thank you for letting me serve.

Host Committee and Intergroup Reports

Owensboro Host Committee

The Owensboro host committee is most proud to announce that all plans for the 2010 State Convention are well on their way. We are finalizing the speakers at this time, they will be announced at a later date, more will be revealed. Maps to the convention site from the hotels will also be ready at a later date. We would like to invite the standing committee chairpersons to take part in a service workshop we are calling "Experience, Strength and Hope". We are trying to get a mailing list together. We are currently waiting on the Louisville host committee mailing list. We are really looking forward to hosting all of you in Owensboro, January 2010. Thank you for letting me serve.

Jeff N

Western Kentucky Intergroup

I would like to thank district 3 for hosting this area 26 quarterly meeting. Western Kentucky Intergroup also wishes to express its gratitude to the area 26 committee for giving us the opportunity to present this report. As many of you know Western Kentucky Intergroup now has a new office at 6804

US Hwy. 641 in Gilbertsville, KY. Currently the office is open on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 11 am to 4 pm. These hours will continue until volunteers can be acquired to keep the office open every day. Our 800 toll free number receives calls 24/7 via cell phones. Since the opening of the office visitors are abundant and literature sales have increased substantially, however, contributions have fallen slightly, which seems consistent with other AA entities of late. We are proud to announce the recent creation of Western Kentucky AA archives. AA members and groups in Western Kentucky who have in their possession or know of anyone possessing materials that ought to be located in a safe and secure place for preserving AA's history are requested to contact Ray L., Archives Chairman. WK Intergroup will stage its annual picnic on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Kuttawa Harbor in Old Kuttawa, K (US Hwy 295) on beautiful Lake Barkley. Beginning at 11 am there will be the quarterly intergroup meeting followed by fellowship and activities (i.e. swimming, boating, volley ball, hiking, etc…). A fabulous cookout feast will be available at 2 pm and then to top off the day our own area 26 delegate, Barbara F. will give her lead at 3 pm. We are very excited that the 49th annual Tri-State Convention will be at Kentucky Dam Village State Park, just 2 miles from WK Intergroup office, on November 13-15. We plan on keeping the office open around the clock from noon Friday through 4 pm Sunday in the hopes that all conventioneers will have an opportunity to visit the office and archives sometime during the convention weekend. Respectfully submitted.

Chris P.

Bluegrass Intergroup

Thank you to the host committee for being of service to bring us this area quarterly meeting. An Ad-Hoc committee was formed in April and is meeting monthly to review and update the bylaws of the Bluegrass Intergroup which were last amended 9 years ago. When finished, the revisions will be taken to the steering committee for approval then to the intergroup committee for review and a vote. The electronic point of sale system is fully functional and working well at the intergroup office. The Intergroup office answered a total of 1,428 calls in the first quarter. The Intergroup picnic on June 6 was a success with approximately 300 people in attendance and a profit of $479.00. The H&I Chairperson has resigned and is the only standing chair position not filled to date. Our next intergroup event is the banquet in the fall, and planning is in full swing. Grateful to be of service.

Brenda K.

Greater Louisville Intergroup

F. We want to thank district 3 for hosting the area 26 meeting this quarter. Also to thank our delegate for her service this spring and all who serve at the area. Greater Louisville Intergroup has elected new chairpersons for public information, cooperation with the professional community and treatment. We are grateful for their willingness to serve. Our next quarterly will be on October 18, 2009 at the Saffin Center, 3938 Poplar Level Road. Hope it is not the same week as the area 26 assembly. Our central office and answering service had 2,308 calls and 55 twelve step calls. Visitors to our central office were 297 there were 4,809 hits to the website, 30 emails were answered (all figures above are for the quarter April, May, June). Free literature distributed to committees and CO request $554.73.

William