Please send your submissions for the next issue to us by Oct. 4, 2019. Send to: plainandstraight@aapinellas.org.

September

2019

Continued on page 5

Women Suffer, Too

Archives Article 2

Unity Meeting Speakers 3

Upcoming Events 4

Anniversaries 6

Group Contributions 8

2

NEW MEETINGS

MEETING CHANGES

NAME, TIME, DAY AND LOCATION

CHANGES

HARRISON HOUSE 6527 1st Avenue South, St. Petersburg 7:00AM/NOON/8PM MON/TUES/THURSDAY/FRI/SAT OD/NEWCOMER’S/STEP/BB Child-friendly

SOBRIETY and SERENITY NAME CHANGE: Formerly Silver Freedom Peterborough Apartments 440 4th Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 7:00PM TUES BB C/D every 1st Tuesday of the month

ST. PETE BEACH PRIMARY PURPOSE GROUP Alano Beach Club, Dolphin Village 4615 Gulf Blvd. #112 St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 NEW TIME: 7:30PM TUES BB (study guide)/C

NEVER TOO LATE The Warehouse 2024 Main St. Dunedin, FL 34698 NEW TYPE: 9:45pm TUES L (As Bill Sees It)/OD formerly only OD, added L

About Dr. Bob...

Robert Holbrook Smith (Dr. Bob) was born in Vermont on August

8, 1879. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1902, he

completed his medical training at Rush Medical School in Chicago.

In 1915, some 17 years after he had first met her, he married his

high school sweetheart Anne Ripley and brought her to Akron.

While attending college, he became a steady drinker and his drink-

ing progressed through 1935. Even though he became a successful

surgeon, he continued to struggle with alcoholism. In 1935, Dr.

Bob met Bill Wilson, a New York businessman and entrepreneur

struggling with his own alcoholism. The two became close friends.

Bill W. discussed his own alcoholism and what was helping to keep

him sober. Together, with spiritual help, they were finally able to

stop drinking and gain relief from the effects of alcoholism.

We celebrate Dr. Bob’s last drink on June 10, 1935, which is con-

sidered to be the founding date of Alcoholics Anonymous. In 1939,

Bill W. wrote the book Alcoholics Anonymous. Dr. Bob and other

early members contributed stories included in the book.

Bill W. called Dr. Bob the “Prince of Twelfth Steppers” because

Bob, along with Sister Ignatia, personally treated more than 5,000

alcoholics at St. Thomas Hospital. He visited alcoholic patients eve-

ry day in addition to his regular medical practice. He never charged

for these 12th Step visits.

Dr. Bob emphasized that the program be kept simple. Some of the

basic spiritual ideas essential to the AA way of life were developed

in Dr. Bob’s home. The final letter, written by Dr. Bob, is read at AA

meetings today.

Submitted with love and service from Leslie B.,

Archives Liaison to Plain and Straight.

A statement about District 1 Archives Committee: Archives service is more than a

custodial activity. It is a means by which we collect, preserve and share the rich

and meaningful heritage of our fellowship. Visit our dedicated website at

www.district1archives.com to learn more about the Pinellas County Archives.

CLEARWATER 301 GROUP 301 Club 1614 N. Fort Harrison Clearwater, FL 34755 NEW TYPE: 7:00AM MON-FRI CD

3

UPCOMING UNITY SPEAKERS: 9/21 Never Too Late; 9/28 Back

Porch Breakfast Bunch; 10/5 Today in Sobriety; 10/12 Our Com-

mon Problem; 10/19 High Noon Daily; 10/26 Highpoint; 11/2

Mid Day Miracle Group; 11/9 New Beginnings Women's

4

SEPTEMBER

WED. SEPT 18 @ 10 AM

New Beginnings Women’s Group 7th Anniversary Celebration at Church of the Isles, 200 24th Ave. N., Indian

Rocks Beach. Fabulous speaker, fabulous potluck. Bring a dish, bring a friend!

SAT. SEPT 21 from 1 PM—3 PM

Carry the Message Day “The Joy Is in the Journey” at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd. in Largo.

Find out more about our service committees and how to get involved. Food, refreshments and FREE raffle.

Hosted by District 1 and Pinellas County Intergroup. Call (727) 530-0415 for more information. Bring a friend,

sponsor, sponsee, and a dessert or appetizer to share!

OCTOBER

FRI. OCT. 4 starting @ 3:30 pm through SUN. OCT. 6, concluding @ 4:30 PM

Florida Unity Roundup at Lexington Hotel and Conference Center, 1515 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville. Tampa

Bay area speakers, Saturday night banquet, entertainment and Florida AA fellowship.

SAT. NOV. 9 @ 9 :30 pm

Halloween Party at the Warehouse Club, 2024 Main Street in Dunedin. Food, costume contest, 50/50 raffle

and dancing. $5.

NOVEMBER

SAT. NOV. 9 @ 11:00 am

Intergroup Gratitude Dinner at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd. in Largo. Speaker Marina D.,

Gift Baskets needed. All proceeds benefit PCI. For more info, call 727-530-0415. Tickets are $12 and can be

purchased at Central Office. Only a few tables left, so get yours soon!

SUN. NOV. 10 @ 9:45 am

Keep It Simple Group’s Anniversary Eating Meeting at Mease Hospital Meeting Room 1, 833 Milwaukee Ave. in

Dunedin, Bring a covered dish to share!

5

I am responsible…When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.

Continued from cover page

ACCESSIBLITIES 3RD THURSDAY, 6PM

Central Office 8430 Ulmerton Rd #220, Largo

ARCHIVES 3RD SATURDAY 130PM

Alano Club - Dolphin Village 4615 Gulf Blvd #112, SPB

CORRECTIONS 2ND MONDAY 630PM

Central Office 8430 Ulmerton Rd #220 Largo

DISTRICT 1 BUSINESS MTG

3RD TUESDAY 7PM

Faith Community Church 11501 Walker Ave. Seminole

GRAPEVINE 3RD WEDNESDAY 630PM

Central Office 8430 Ulmerton Rd #220

LITERATURE COMMITTEE 2nd SUNDAY, 2 PM

Central Office 8430 Ulmerton Rd #220 Largo

PI/CPC LAST MONDAY 6PM

Central Office 8430 Ulmerton Rd #220

TREATMENT LAST SATURDAY 10AM

DeGeorge Plaza 12678 Starkey Rd., Largo

WEBSITE 3RD SATURDAY 10AM

Central Office 8430 Ulmerton Rd #220

Want to be of service? Consider joining a service committee!

New members always welcome

For more information on these committees, go District1aapinellas.org

6

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

August Celebrants!

2250

Johnny W. 22

Bobby B. 21

James H. 21

Doug B. 17

Jimmy B. 17

Tom T. 17

Brandy C. 12

Martha H. 10

Gideon A. 8

Dave M. 7

Veronica J. 3

Bob 2

Dennis M. 1

Eric C. 1

Mandy W. 1

Melinda S. 1

Quinn W. 1

3rd Tradition

Lorraine M. 45

Dot C. 9

A New Start

Larry M. 33

Val P. 30

Paul 26

Abe’s Place

Bernie W. 35

Bill Q. 29

Lisa D. 26

Clayton 15

Shelly R. 9

Gene C. 8

Jeremy K. 5

Dennis S. 4

Doug R. 2

After Work Bunch

Linda Br 39

John T. 27

Norm P. 23

Hugh B. 21

Annette W. 13

Barnes M. 7

Lech O. 7

Morgan D. 4

Michael W. 3

Belinda N. 3

John St 2

Steve K. 2

GG H. 1

Attitude Adjustment

Rick D. 34

Back Porch Lunch Bunch

Lorraine 45

David D. 39

Rob G. 35

Sue D. 29

Pete F. 21

Dot 9

Carey 5

Pete 5

Ken C. 4

Nikki 3

Heath 2

By the Book Group

Tom T. 17

Kent U. 1

Central Group

Sondra K. 8

Countryside Group

Evelyn S. 30

Denise B. 24

Ryan P. 5

Liz G. 5

Alan Y. 1

Friends of Bill

Sue D. 29

Tanya Y. 13

GOYA

Robbie 35

Nancy L. 30

Gene G. 28

Mike H. 15

Billy O. 9

Danny C. 8

Andrew M. 7

Debra N. 2

High Noon Daily

Bill W. 47

Gail R. 20

Marc L. 1

High Point

Craig L. 18

Into Action

Ringo R. 2

Dylan B. 2

Keep It Simple Group

Pat L.. 32

Christy M. 2

Koala

Steven M. 38

Chris W. 33

Katie R. 11

Lunch Bunch Dunedin

Gordon T. 36

Linda F. 7

Lech 5

Jim K. 4

Jim R. 4

New Beginnings

Women’s Group

Gladys D. 19

Sandy H. 4

Suzanne P. 4

Oldsmar

Hazel 32

Wright 17

DJ 11

Cindy 3

Ozona

John F. 41

Larry M. 33

Joanie F. 29

Russell B. 23

Sheri 23

Adam 9

Chris B. 7

Seminole Group

Tony C. 35

Clayton W. 15

Mike W. 1

Shore Acres Gratitude

Joanne K. 35

Angela S. 30

Sunrise/Sunset

Olga K. 34

Janet 30

Deb G. 14

Rick H. 12

Megan 6

Nick K. 2

John T. 2

Together We Can

Missy KC. 5

Linda M. 2

Walsingham

Linda C. 18

Kelli S. 8

Debbie L. 1

7

JULY CELEBRANTS

A New Start

David G. 17

Leslie H. 7

Back Porch Lunch Bunch

Bob L. 29

Al C. 27

Jim 25

Chuck D. 24

Sufi D. 19

George M. 13

Sal 12

Mike D. 7

Mary P. 6

Rex 6

Dan H. 3

Gary 3

Christina 1

Central Group

Leo R. 18

Ray W. 6

Lindy M. 1

JUNE CELEBRANTS

A New Start

Sparky J. 3

Back Porch Lunch Bunch

Linda M. 44

Barbara B. 35

Judy H. 34

Diana M. 33

Terry F. 32

Jack F. 31

Sufi D. 19

Janet 29

Jimmy E. 29

Jim 25

Kris P. 11

Tardy S. 11

Bob V. 8

Dennis H. 6

Christina S. 6

Bingo 4

Bree J. 2

MAY CELEBRANTS

A New Start

Chris L. 34

Midday Miracles

Blanche J. 44

Ray M. 35

Mary W. 33

Alesia McK 1

Got an

Anniversary

Coming Up?

Celebrate by making a

contribution to help the next new

one coming

through the door.

Go to

www.aa.org,

Birthday Plan!

8

Alcoholics Anonymous,

A Vision for You, page 152

“There you will find release from care, boredom and worry.

Your imagination will be fired. Life will mean something at

last. The most satisfactory years of your existence lie

ahead. Thus we find the fellowship, and so will you.”

AUGUST

CORRECTIONS WOULD

LIKE TO THANK:

Holiday Isles

GOYA @ Serenity Club

For donating literature to AAs in need. 3rd Tradition Group 23.36 A New Start 50.00 After Work Bunch 210.07 Anonymous 35.00 Back Porch Lunch Bunch 100.00 Clearwater Group/301 30.00 Common Solution 23.50 Forty Niners Group 20.00 Free Spirits 75.00 Intergroup Meeting 57.56 Ladies' Beach Serenity Break Group 35.00 Mid-Day Miracle 50.00 Never To Late Group 32.40 New Beginnings Womens Group 300.00 New Freedom / New Happiness 400.00 Personal Contribution 62.00 Steering Committee Meeting 20.00 Sunrise Sunset Group 177.09 Sunset Beach Group 200.00 The God Stuff 115.00 Turner Street Evening 100.00 Women Stepping Up Group 50.00 Wonderful Program 100.00 2,265.98