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REPORT OF CORRECTIONS MEETING 12-13-09 Our most recent corrections meeting was held on December 15, 2009. There were 10 people in attendance: Jerry G., Bonnie P., Chris P., Dave J., Gary C., Jim A., Artie D., Roger, Dan R. and me. Dan R. was welcomed as incoming corrections chair. Bonnie P. is the new female chair replacing Anne A. in district 12. I brought in the Grapevines that I ordered and Jerry G. and Dave J. took some for the facilities. I emailed Tom P. to let him to know he should pick up the rest that we left for him at the Hooksett office. He said he will stop by. I reviewed duties of district chairs, adding that keeping track of meetings going on in the facilities in their district and reporting back at the area meeting is an important part of those duties. We discussed Jim Vila’s being laid off from the State. Jim came to all our meetings and answered a lot of questions about bring meetings into the prisons. I was told by the Chaplain Jim Dailey that orientations will be on hold until 2010 but that he will be taking over that position. Chaplain Beth will be taking over for the women at the State Prison. In Berlin, Chaplain Hoyt will be doing orientations. Gary C. has Big Books that were donated by his district, but it appears that the facilities are all set right now. If we have a need, we can contact Gary and he will provide us with those books. Jerry G. also has soft cover books as he replaced his with hard cover ones for the prison in Berlin, so those are also available. Chris P. said that he tried using big books at meetings in Valley Street, but found that speaker / discussion or topic / discussion meetings worked better. He thinks getting the inmates involved in conversation is good. When Artie goes to Berlin and Portland prisons, he asks the inmates what they want to do for the meeting, either follow format or read from the Big Book. Artie has instituted prelease program in Cheshire, Rockingham, and Strafford County jails. He is always looking for (outside) AA’s to volunteer for this program. Artie has volunteered to keep the prerelease program for now, and we all liked that idea. Artie is still waiting to hear from Pauline in order to get meetings going again at Carroll County HOC. Our next corrections meeting will be on February 7, 2010 at 1:00 PM at Hooksett. Leslie O. Area 43 Corrections Chair corrections@nhaa.net REPORT OF CORRECTIONS MEETING 10-04-09 Our most recent meeting was held on October 4, 2009 at the Hooksett office. There were 8 people in attendance; Jerry G., Tom P., Dave J., Jim Vila, Artie D., Celeste L., Anne D. and me. Artie has spoken with officers at Cheshire County HOC and Sullivan County HOC about our prerelease contact program which they will be instituting. Counselors at the State Prison will also be getting forms for inmates being released. Jim Vila still not sure where all our books are. Tom P. had dropped off may other books (besides the Big book and the 12 and 12). Anne A. was approved to get $171 book for Goffstown Prison. She said the books were brought in June for the Thursday night meeting, but that they are also lost. They were Came to Believe, Reflections, A Bill Sees it, 12 & 12) Jim suggested we should be certain that some in particular has been told and will be receiving the books. Jim says to cultivate personal relationship with people to keep track of books. Hard cover books are OK. Some places require hard covers. David J. and I went to the Spanish AA meeting in Manchester on a Sunday afternoon but no one showed up. The Hooksett office got us in contact with the originator of that meeting and he will be helping to get a meeting going at Valley Street Jail. Celeste said getting training in Boscawen is difficult and she is also having a hard time getting people to volunteer. Most everyone had suggestions for her as far as recruiting purposes. Anne said that it takes quite a bit to get someone to volunteer, but that once they go they are hooked. Anne suggested mentioning that it was only one hour a month, 12 times per year. And if they are scared, just do it scared!! Sometimes groups take over a meeting at a facility. Also, read the responsibility prayer. Also, we need to announce at all meeting we go to that volunteers are needed. Celeste said that women are going every Monday night to the jail and Bob W. is going e/o Wednesday for a meeting there. Jerry G.’s meetings in Berlin are Monday at noontime, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00. There is still a need for secure psych at State Prison. Thursday, closed custody, need meetings on 1 or 2 more nights. Tom and Doug F. do 3rd Monday but go more often. Anne A. is rotating out of corrections position. Bonnie P. to come in as chair. Artie D. needs more names for pre-release. Goffstown doesn’t use prerelease, but Anne is trying to get it established. Prerelease is a 12 step call, don’t go alone! Next meeting is December 14, 2009 at 1:00 PM in Hooksett. Leslie O. Area 43 Corrections Chair corrections@nhaa.net REPORT OF CORRECTIONS MEETING 08-09-09 Our most recent meeting was held on August 9, 2009 at the Hooksett office. There were 10 people in attendance; Jerry G., Tom P., Kelly L., Dave J., Jim Vila, Artie D., Lynne D., Chris P., Celeste L., and me. I stressed the importance of bringing forms to our district meetings, and all of the meetings we go to and encouraging all to sign up for pre-release and correction correspondence. Also bring "Donate a Big Book to an Inmate" sign up sheets to any meetings we go to and see if the group would like to contribute regularly to that. We also discussed how the girls in the Hooksett would exchange any new books for others types if need be. We discussed books at the prisons. Jerry G. says he needs some books. Tom P. believes there had been 100 Big Books and 50 12&12's, 50 copies of Living Sober at the Lakes Region Facility. Jim Vila says the books are in the warehouse and he will find out about getting them shipped up to Berlin State Prison. Artie suggests that we bring a box to our district meeting, and other meetings for book donations for inmates. We can also ask people who win raffles and don't need the books to donate to correctional facilities. Tom said that some meetings have a lot of money (like the Hampton men's meeting) and you can ask them for money for books. They gave him $100 once when he needed it. Jim Vila says that there is new staff at the prison, better teams, and counselors for the inmates. It is best to leave prerelease forms and corrections correspondence with them and let them dole it out to inmates. He says that we need to wait for the inmate to ask for things, not hand it out. If they really want this program, they will come after it, they know how to get it. Jim also says that each inmate is allowed only a small amount of property in their cells, and they may choose another book over an AA book. Can only have 10 books each. Jim will take forms to counselors. Tom asked Artie about prerelease procedures and was told that a phone number or email of an (outside) AA is just as good as an address. Everything is kept confidential. Celeste goes to Boscawen jail and says they are very slow with scheduling orientations. Many said they also had that problem, however all jails are different. Jim gave us a new state prison application and will forward the form to me soon to be put on out website. Jerry asked about retired police bringing meetings which is fine. Asked also about new federal prison, doing meetings there. Was told there wouldn't be any meetings. Tom P. to find out about doing SPU meetings. Since Laconia is closed, he would like to find another facility to volunteer. Kelly, DCM district #8, is trying to get people through orientation. GSO is looking for Spanish speaking AA's for corrections correspondence. Celeste knows Spanish speakers and will pass forms to them. I am also planning to get to the Spanish-speaking meeting in Manchester next month. Artie to contact volunteers that used to go to LRF to see if they want to do meeting somewhere else. Artie going to Kansas City to a conference for BTG and prerelease. Lynne is frustrated that inmates not being called in on time in Berlin. Jim Vila says good relationship with guards will get things done. Jerry says Sue Young is very helpful. Next meeting is October 4, 2009 at 1:00 PM in Hooksett. Leslie O. Area 43 Corrections Chair corrections@nhaa.net CORRECTIONS REPORT, meeting of June 14, 2009 Our most recent corrections meeting was held on June 14, 2009. There were 14 people in attendance. There are new Hillsborough HOC forms to be signed before taking meetings into the facility. Laconia is closed. Jim Vila said our AA books have gone to the library at Concord State Prison. There are 731 prisoners now in Berlin. Jerry, Lynn and Artie are doing meetings at the prison. Dorm was converted from gymnasium for inmates coming from Laconia. The Tuesday SPU meeting at NHSP was restarted in the mental health room at Concord State Prison. Bob H. will be getting cleared to go in and bring meetings to SPU. There was a discussion re: starting a Spanish speaking meeting at Valley Street. Gary C. was concerned we would be breaking tradition. Dave J. said that Manchester’s population is changing and we should be attempting to keep up with that change. Chris P. said that the Hispanics don’t speak up or don’t show up at our meetings inside the jails. Tom P. believes we should also be trying to get other types of people to go into the facilities, including the young alcoholic. Our delegate is encouraging outreach to any and all sick and suffering alcoholics still out there. Artie is waiting to hear from Pauline in order to get meetings going again at Carroll County HOC. Artie is also ready to get meetings going in Coos County HOC if and when they are requested. Betsi, woman’s chair for district 15, said that Dover won’t allow anyone in to speak unless cleared. She said that 8 people were cleared at orientation. She will be setting up meetings for everyone soon. John Chaffee said he can bring in whoever he wants to the jail without clearance as long as a cleared AA is there. Chris P. talked to Annette Wood at SYSC and said everything going well now. Dave J. said that there was no need for MSU right now, as no inmates interested. Jim V. needs clarification on our programs: BTG changing to prerelease and corrections correspondence. He is also concerned about inmates soon to be released. Artie said he will speak with Jim about it and/or set up a time to meet with him. Jim also asking for meeting schedule for year 2010. Our next corrections meeting will be on August 9, 2009 at 1:00 PM at Hooksett. Leslie O. Area 43 Corrections Chair corrections@nhaa.net MINUTES/CORRECTIONS MEETING OF APRIL 5, 2009 We opened the meeting with the preamble and the moment of silence followed by the serenity prayer. There were 11 people in attendance, namely, Artie D., co-chair, Lynn D., volunteer, Kelly L., DMC district 8, Dave J., district 12 volunteer, Jerry Gagnon, district 17 volunteer, Ron L., district 14 volunteer, Tom P., district 11 corrections chair, Gary D., district 12 correctrions chair, Anne A., district 12 corrections chair, Gary C., district 14 corrections chair, and me. There was a discussion of the pre-release forms and what an inmate can do if they haven't filled one out before being released. Also, it is important to get volunteers signed up for this service and the corrections correspondence service. Forms should be brought to the district meetings. Unfortunately, the State Prison volunteer coordinator, Jim Vila, was not at our meeting this month, however, he emailed me to let me know that Laconia was closing in June. Jerry G. said that 80 inmates had been transferred to Berlin and they had closed one of the gyms to make room for them. Tom P. was concerned about the AA books being moved to Concord. We also discussed that the volunteers that go to LRF now might want to take meetings at the NHSP in Concord or other jails after June. Talked about the Inmate to Inmate books being on sale and decided to take advantage of it, and order some for Goffstown, Concord SP, and Valley Street. Discussed trying to get volunteers from different cultures to go into Valley Street, Concord SP, and other facilities so as to carry our message to all inside. I will inquire about a need for meetings in Spanish and also try to find out what populations are housed at the facilities. Anne A. has been in contact with Annette at SYSC. Annette is very particular about who comes into her facility and what books are used. Anne is trying to accomodate her requests. Anne has requested the new young people's DVD. Jerry G. has asked for 6 12 & 12 soft cover. Kelly L. reports that 7 new people have been to orientation for the Merrimack County Jail and will be taking meetings into the facility. Anne A. and David J. and Gary D. said they are still awaiting for orientation at Hillsborough County, Valley Street jail to be scheduled as they have people wanting to get orientated in order to take meetings into the jail. In the interim, the sgt. has allowed certain volunteer to become facilititors and to take the meetings in. Anyone, male or female, interested in carrying the message into any correctional facility is welcome. Please go online to nhaa.net for information and/or contact me or your district chair for more information. We always need speakers and there are many people who have been bringing meetings for many years and would like other people step in and take over. Our next correction's meeting will be on June 14, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Hooksett Service Office. Leslie O. Area 43 Corrections Chair corrections@nhaa.net CORRECTIONS REPORT, MEETING OF FEBRUARY 8, 2009 The meeting started about 45 minutes late due to the Chair (that would be me) having to go back home for the correct keys. We opened the meeting with the preamble, moment of silence followed by the serenity prayer. There were 12 people in attendance, namely, Dave J., district 12 volunteer, Doug F., district 7 co-chair, Gary D., district 12 men's chair, Gary C., district 14 chair, Jim Vila, NH DOC volunteer coordintor, Stephen P., district 19 chair, Anne A., district 12 women's co-chair, Dave Doherty, district 9 chair, Arthur D., area co-chair, Jerry G., district 17 chair, Patrick A., district 9 chair. I made the announcement that Artie D. is now the new co-chair for Area 43. We discussed the the jails and prisons that need meetings - Carroll County HOC needs a women's meeting, Coos County HOC needs meetings, Merrimack County HOC's volunteers haven't been showing up, Sullivan County jail wants more meetings, and NH State prison, psyche unit needs a weekly meeting. Jim Vila said the meeting at the NH State Prison psyche unit could be rescheduled for any time on Tuesdays. Artie D. said he might consider it. Artie has done that meeting and says it is really different. Artie D. plans to go to Whitefield to the district meeting to recruit volunteers for Coos County HOC. Doug F. said he would talk to Ltn. Douglas Roberts about bringing meetings into Sullivan County HOC. His district has people ready to bring meetings and didn't think that jail would be too far for them to travel. Jerry G. said that sometimes they don't want him to go and do an extra meeting. Anne A. said that the meetings at the Merrimack County HOC always had a lot of women inmate participation. Everyone talked about sometimes being refused entry at the prisons / jails, and how sometimes don't get in on time or out on time, due to problems inside the jails/prisons. Have to just go with the flow. Anne A. and David J. said they are both waiting for orientation at Hillsborough County, Valley Street jail to be scheduled as they have people wanting to get orientated in order to take meetings into the jail. Orientation had been rescheduled more than once due to weather. Anne A. and Gary D. both say that if you emphasize that a volunteer only needs to go once a month to a correctional facility, then it is easier to get volunteers. Ann also mentioned she liked Gary's suggestion of sitting with a potential volunteer while they fill out the application in order to get them to do it then. Stephen P. said the jail at Cheshire County is not organized. He sometimes has problems with inmates talking and/or not paying attention. Artie D., and Dave J. suggested that when this happens, they stop talking and then when it is quiet, they mention that at AA meetings only one person speaks at a time. Artie said you have to command respect at the facilities. Artie D. goes to Laconia prison once a month and has made connections with some inmates. Anyone, male or female, interested in carrying the message into any correctional facility is welcome. Please go online to nhaa.net for information and/or contact me or your district chair for more information. We always need speakers and there are many people who have been bringing meetings for many years and would like other people to take over. Our next correction's meeting will be on April 5, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Hooksett Service Office. Leslie O. Area 43 Corrections Chair corrections@nhaa.net CORRECTIONS REPORT, October 5, 2008 Our most recent corrections meeting was held on October 5, 2008. There were 14 people in attendance. Opened with the preamble, moment of silence, and serenity prayer. We spoke of recruitment. Tom P. and Dave J. said that they stand up at your meetings, and emphasize the importance of going into facilities, Grace of God, about the benefits they reap from taking those meetings inside the facilities, how much the inmates appreciate it, etc. Ron L. said clearance process at Rockingham County HOC is only once a year. Prerelease forms were handed out to replace Back to Basic forms. Cindy Cyr will be receiving those forms for people volunteering to go into the facilities. Inmates will send their forms to the Hooksett office. Annette Wood, volunteer at SYSC, was at our meeting. She spoke about the needs of the adolescents there and about our meetings there. Annette said the kids there can relate better to younger people coming in from AA. Ann A. said she would contact people at ICYPAA and hopefully get them involved. They've been using the Living Sober book for their meetings. Tom P. said he's also been using the Living Sober books for his meetings at LRF in Laconia, however, the facility has been shut down to everyone (AA, bible study, etc.) for disciplinary reasons for the time being. Laura P. and Rick K. are moving to NH from Seattle and want to stay in corrections work. Gary D. suggested keeping application forms for clearance with you when you announce the need for speakers at meetings. He said he offers to sit down and help fill out. He says that getting the message out is very important. Dave J. says that every third week he makes a pitch to get more people cleared to go to the State prison. Said that the younger people are needed in the correctional facilities. He has been taking meetings for years and is older and wouldn't mind cutting back on the meetings. Artie D. did two meetings in Laconia. Says he is connecting really well there, and he does know a few of the inmates. He also did two SPU meetings. Said he was uncomfortable that the CO that came in and talked during the meeting. Artie said it bothered him more than the inmates. Jim Vila said he would take care of that problem. Artie said that the guys were grateful. Dave D. needed an application for Valley Street. Gary D. gave him one. Patrick is grateful to Ron L. for Thursdays nights at Rockingham HOC. Also glad to be going to Valley Street too. Patrick said he also supports a young person's meeting in Plaistow at Sad Cafe. Ann A. said she also speaks up during meetings to get volunteers to get cleared to go into the facilities. She has started going to Valley Street. She said she sits down with potential volunteers and helps them fill out applications and then submits for clearance. Otherwise, it seems that people just won't fill them out. She is also looking to get younger people to go into facilities. Ron L. was also glad that Patrick is doing Thursdays at Rockingham HOC. He talked about the STAR program which included temporary sponsors for the inmates being released and that it was working out well. Jim Vila said that people needed to be out of the justice system for 5 years, including probation and parole, to get cleared to bring meetings to the state prison. However, he said if people were demonstrating good attendance at AA and other positive things, that they could possibly waive the 5 year rule. Closed the meeting with the responsibility statement. Our next correction's meeting will be on December 14, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Hooksett Service Office. Leslie O. Area 43 Corrections Chair lohagan95@yahoo.com CORRECTIONS REPORT, September, 2008 Artie D. is doing a few new meetings on Monday nights at Laconia SP and is enjoying it very much. Ann A. has taken over female co-chair for district 12. She is working on covering Saturdays at Goffstown women's prison. Betsy R. has taken over female chair from Malone for Strafford County HOC. The aim is to get 3 meetings a week at Laconia NHSP. We still need people for some Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We always need people to speak at all the facilities. Please consider getting approved. Any and all new or used AA books are needed for the corrections factilities and are gratefully accepted. Please leave any donations at the Hooksett Office, with your corrections chair or call me to arrange a pick up. Yesterday I went to a treatment and corrections seminar in Area 30 with Kevin S., our delegate. It was interesting to see how other areas are doing in those areas. A former warden from San Quentin spoke, as did a therapist from the VA. Bottom line seems to be that people get sober with AA. The stats are much lower without our program. They had a system at San Quentin in which a person bringing a meeting could call a phone number before driving over and it would tell them whether or not the prison was in lock down. They also talked about how much easier it is to get speakers into facilities if clearance was simpler. I spoke with Cindy C. before the area meeting. Cindy took a copy of the new prelease forms which will replace the Bridge the Gap forms in order to keep the inmates and patients separate. I will advise my correction chairs/volunteers about the change at the meeting next Sunday. Our next correction's meeting will be on October 5, 2008 (a week early due to the October holiday) at 1:00 PM at Hooksett. Leslie O. Area 43 Corrections Chair lohagan95@yahoo.com CORRECTIONS REPORT, August , 2008 Our most recent corrections meeting was 08-10-08. There were 15 people in attendance. Discussed gas money for trips to correctional facilities. Artie D. says his group gives $5 to volunteers going to speak. Tom P. says even if you don't need the money, take it and contribute it back to the group so that the group doesn't stop its practice of paying for gas. Gary C. reminded us of our tradition of being self supporting. Tom P. mentioned his contribution of books to the Lakes Region Facility. Still need "Reflections" books at LRF. Would like to see others donate books too. Tom also mentioned that he brought meeting books to LRF and arranged to have them given to the inmates when they have finished their time and are leaving the facility. His district donated the money for the meetings lists. Jerry G. who goes to Berlin State Prison says he puts the meeting list books out for anyone to take - wives, parents, etc. In Concord SP, the case manager distributes the books. At Rockingham HOC, 3 weeks before release a sponser picks up and brings inmate to a meeting. Probation officer makes meetings mandatory. There was a discussion about mandatory meetings. Updated AA guidelines are online. Discussion re: prerelease forms. Agreed that we should detatch from Bridge the Gap. Not sure if Cindy C. should continue working on that for us. Dave K. wants to send group from his district #7 to Concord State Prison. Facilities that need people to bring meetings: Lakes Region Facility, NHSP Laconia - 1st, Wed, 3rd Wed, 1st Friday, Mondays, speakers Carroll County HOC / women, Ossipee Merrimack County HOC / women, e/o Monday, e/o Friday NHSP, secure psychiatric unit, Tuesday evenings NHSP, closed custody, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Strafford County HOC / women Our next correction's meeting will be on October 5, 2008 (a week early due to the October holiday) at 1:00 PM at Hooksett. Leslie O'H. Area 43 Corrections Chair lohagan95@yahoo.com MINUTES OF CORRECTIONS MEETING OF 06-08-08 Our most recent corrections meeting was on June 8, 2008. The number in attendance was 12. The meeting opened with the preamble, moment of silence and Serenity Prayer. Up to date lists of cleared volunteers for NHDOC were distributed as were NHSP applications, Merrimack County HOC applications and handbook, and copies of "Sharing Behind the Walls". Kevin S. came to our meeting. He recently went to the conference in NY and serves on the corrections committe at that level. Kevin said that our suggestion of including a grapevine in the corrections kit was approved and would be incorporated. Also, AA has non-conference approved material group handbook for group in prison or jail to have a meeting on their own. It is also on CD. Jim Vila said that that wasn't allowed at the State Prisons. He said there should always be a facilitator. (I wonder if the jails would allow that.) Kevin had given me pre-release forms at the last area meeting which I had copied for this meeting. He felt that would be better than BTG and that BTG should be for release from treatment factilites only. He suggested we review the forms and discuss it. The "Inside" form would be given to the people at the jail to distribute when they felt it was appropriate. Jim said that Laconia has people getting ready to be released and the pre-release forms would make sense there. Important to keep different functions separate - AA's who bring meetings, AA's who are contacted when leaving facility to take a newly released person to a meeting, AA's to write to inmates and also visitors should all be different - ie, if you are on a visitor's list, you cannot do any of the other functions. Meetings are needed at: Laconia SP, Concord SP, Valley Street Jail, Merrimack HOC-women's, The donated books were taken and very much appreciated. Jerry G. said that the inmates at the NHSP in Berlin really enjoy reading the Grapevine but have read all the old ones. If anyone or any groups would like to donate their used Grapevines from 2007 or 2008 that would be appreciated. Jerry G. requested some books be ordered for Berlin SP. Our meeting closed with the responsibility statement. Our next correction's meeting will be on August 10, 2008 at 1:00 PM. Leslie O'H. Area 43 Corrections Chair AREA 43 CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES FOR APRIL 6, 2008 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 9 people in attendance. The books in the donations box were gratefully taken. The 5 boxes of Inmate to Inmate books were brought in and were distributed to those who do meetings. We talked about coverage at the Lakes Region facility. There were 3 people in attendance that do meetings there and they were glad to hear that the meeting numbers had increased and that Ms. Brauns, volunteer coordinator, and the inmates were very happy about that. Tom P. said he would find out about the Monday night meetings there and if they were still needed. I let everyone know that the second edition of the Spanish big Books were on sale for $1 each by boxes of 20 but that you could only order one box of 20 and that I had ordered one box for the State Prison. I encouraged the other chairs to order them for the facilities that needed them. We discussed the fact that there were different rules and different orientations for different facilities, but that we had to respect the wishes of each. I mentioned that Sandy B. wanted to rotate out of the liaison position at SYSC and Chris P. said he was interested in that position. I told Christ I would inform Sandy of his interest. Tom P. gave Jim Vila a large quantity of Grapevines to take back to the State Prison for which he was grateful. We talked about old Grapevines which are gladly accepted for donations to the prisons and the jails. However, if the books are written in, then they will not be welcome in the facilities. I mentioned that I was going to the upcoming convention and would have a table set up with corrections pamphlets and the tv with a corrections video. We discussed which facilities needed more help so that I could encourage people stopping by to help out with meetings. We discussed getting on the mailing list for "Sharing Behind the Walls" in order to share that publication with the inmates. The meeting was closed with Tradition 7 and the Responsibility Pledge. The next meeting will be on June 8, 2008. Leslie O'H. Area 43 Corrections Chair AREA 43 CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 10, 2008 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 11 people in attendance. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrects were brought in by Jim Vila and distributed. We discussed the 2008 Area meetings schedule. Meetings will be in even numbered months on the second Sunday of the month, except for April and October, which will be held on April 6th, and October 5th due to holidays. Eric S. asked about Bridging the Gap and about getting a sponser before leaving a facility. This was discussed with Jim Vila. Correspondence flyers were discussed and handed out to be brought to district meetings. The donated books were taken. Jerry G. took a couple and also left a large order for more books. I got a head count on who was interested in the free books from the General Service Office in New York in order to place an order for them. The new DVD's entitled "A.A. in Correctional Facilities" were brought in by Tom P. and were distibuted to Jerry G., Gary D., Patrick A. and Jim Vila who were interested in watching them and then distributing them to officials or program directors in the facilities. There is one remaining which I have possession of. A few chairs filled out Correctional Facility Information Sheets. A vote was taken on Corrections paying for my flights for NERASSA in New Jersey this year. It was unanimously approved, the cost being less than $150.00. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. The next meeting will be on April 6, 2008. Leslie O'H. Area 43 Corrections Chair Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for December 9, 2007 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 11 people in attendance. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. We had received a request for a temporary sponsor in the Concord area for someone leaving Shea Farm. Rick G. has agreed to address this. Gary D. has agreed to replace Dave R. as Facility Liaison for Valley Street, since Dave is stepping down. Gerry provided information for GSO regarding a new DVD presenting AA as a resource to non-AA professionals and employees in the correctional facilities. I will get one for him and some more for use by anyone with a need. During 2008 we will continue to meet in the even numbered months on the second Sunday of the month at the Area Service office from 1 to 3pm, except for April and October. The April meeting will be moved to the first Sunday to avoid conflict with the Area 43 Convention, and the October meeting will be moved to the first Sunday to avoid conflict with Columbus Day weekend. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. The next meeting will be February 10, 2008. Yours in service Tom P. Outgoing Area 43 Corrections Co-chair tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for October, 2007. The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 11 people in attendance. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. The draft application packet for SYSC (Sununu Youth Services Center) was distributed. SYSC is the new name for YDC. We should see meetings starting real soon now. The proposed budget was discussed. NHDOC Lakes Region Facility needs more volunteers. Many of the meetings there have no attendance by members from outside the facility. The 7th Tradition collected $21. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. The next meeting will be December 16, 2007. Yours in service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for August, 2007 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 6 people in attendance The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. Clearance forms are now available for YDC meetings. We should see meeting starting real soon now. There is an opportunity for service at the Midway Shelter in Bradford, NH. Boys aged 11 to 17 at the shelter are court ordered and most have alcohol and drug problems. Those wishing to help can contact Kristen, 938-2556. Staple-free July issues of the Grapevine are available for $1.75/copy for 10 or more. This issue has a special section for inmates. NHDOC Lakes Region Facility has been having problems with volunteers not coming to the meetings. There is a meeting in District 8 that is now off limits to inhabitants of the state halfway houses and Shea Farm because the church at which they meet does not want them there. The next meeting will be October 14, 2007. The 7th Tradition collected $6, which was left at the office to offset reproduction costs. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. Yours in service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for June 10, 2007 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous.. There were 11 people in attendance. Districts 8, 9, 14 and 17 were represented, as were Berlin and Unity facility liaisons and NH Department of Corrections. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. New orientation schedules for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to attendees. Additional meetings will be added to the list on the commitment form for the state applications. We have an opportunity for a new meeting at the secure psychiatric unit at Concord. Rick G. (district 8 corrections chair) will make the arrangements. No literature from the groups was in the donation box, but a number of books and pamphlets from other sources were passed out to volunteers to bring to inmates. We received donations as follows: $50.10 from Bare Facts and Brass Tacks group in Hampton, $100 from District 14. $100 from Rick G. (district 8 corrections chair) These donations are for corrections activities anywhere in NH. The budget for 2008 was discussed. In addition to what was requested this year, we will add travel expenses for the Area Corrections Chair to required meetings, pipelines for state prisons, and back issues of the Grapevine for state prisons. Orders for back issues of the Grapevine were delivered incomplete to Berlin and Unity. Instead of 50 issues, only 20 to 25 copies were received. A new Area Corrections Chair will be named by the new Area Chair after his election in the fall. We are seeking input for recommendations to him. If you know anyone who might be interested, let us know. We will pass the recommendations on to the new Area Chair. We are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43, and will need another for the fall. The next meeting will be August 12, 2007. The 7th Tradition collected $17 of which $10 was left at the office to offset reproduction costs. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. Yours in service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for April 1, 2007 There were 11 people in attendance. Districts 8, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18 were represented. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. New forms for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to attendees. Sandy B. has agreed to serve as Facility Liaison for YDC. She is planning meetings based on the book "Living Sober". Anyone interested in helping should contact her at 603-526-4743 or srb.4000@yahoo.com. We are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be June 10, 2007. The 7th Tradition collected $12 of which $10 was left at the office to offset reproduction costs. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. Yours in service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for February 11, 2007 There were 10 people in attendance. Districts 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, and 17 and NH Department of Corrections and Lakes Region Facility were represented. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. New forms for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to attendees. The new packet (available on-line) contains an additional page, which requests the volunteer to commit to regular support of specific meetings. The volunteer may still support other meetings, but will be expected to show up regularly at the meetings he has indicated on the form. This form will provide the additional information so those bringing meetings in will know which people to call first when needed. This mechanism has been replicated for Rockingham County Jail, since most of the cleared volunteers there do not get called regularly. Bernadette Brauns reported that volunteers have failed to show up regularly for meetings at the Lakes Region Facility. She requested some literature which we will provide. She would also like some banners and placards for the meetings. We would like some group or district to donate banners. Contact Tom P. if you are interested. Packs of 50 back issues of the Grapevine or of La Vina are available for $36. Although containing some duplicates, these packages are very useful for treatment and corrections facilities. They can be ordered on-line on the AA Grapevine web site www.aagrapevine.org. Flyers for this were passed out. This might be a good idea for groups to hand out to newcomers. Jerry G. requested an additional pipeline subscription to serve the new meeting in Berlin. Grapevines were donated by groups in District 9. They will be sent to the state prison in Berlin and to the county jail in Brentwood. An old list of Corrections Goals was passed out. We are looking for suggestions to update this list. The Corrections page on the WEB site was described. We are looking for suggestions to make this more useful to volunteers. District 8 is requesting help to serve the county jail in Boscawen. There are 7 pods requiring meetings. The facility would like all the meetings to be 6:30 - 8:30 on Thursday evenings. Contact me if you would be willing to help. Although I had planned to attend the District 8 meeting Wednesday, February 14, I was unable to attend due to the snowstorm. We still have no volunteer to serve as Facility Liaison for YDC. We are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be April 1, 2007. This will be the first Sunday in April to avoid conflict with Easter Sunday. The 7th Tradition collected $10. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for December 10, 2006 There were 10 people in attendance. Districts 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18 and NH Department of Corrections were represented. The representatives from district 9 were not yet on the mailing list. We thank Glen G. from District 13 for the donation of a portable TV able to take VHS tapes. This makes it easier for us to put on displays at district and area activities, and may also be used behind the walls. The difficulties at YDC were discussed, but neither Lin nor Dave were there, so that will be addressed off line. List of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. New forms are now available for NH Department of Corrections. Sample forms were distributed to attendees. The new packet (soon available on-line) will contain an additional page, which requests the volunteer to commit to regular support of specific meetings. The volunteer may still support other meetings, but will be expected to show up regularly at the indicated meetings as indicated on the form. This form will provide the additional information so those bringing meetings in will know which people to call first when needed. We may replicate this mechanism for Rockingham County Jail, since most of the cleared volunteers there do not get called regularly. Packs of 50 back issues of the Grapevine or of La Vina are available for $36. Although containing some duplicates, these packages are very useful for treatment and corrections facilities. They can be ordered on-line on the AA Grapevine web site www.aagrapevine.org. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be February 11, 2007. The April meeting will be held the first Sunday (April 1) to avoid conflict with Easter. The 7th Tradition collected $10. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for October 8, 2006 There were 9 people in attendance. Districts 9, 12, 17 and 18 were represented. No one had received mail notification of the meeting. The notices were sent out Saturday for a meeting on the 15th because the Pipeline gave the wrong date for the meeting. The Pipeline will be informed. Since the majority of attendees were at their first Area Corrections Committee meeting a lot of time was spent going over basic operations. The prison donation box was unlabeled and almost empty. We will try to label it better. Lin B. and Dave R. are working to resolve some problems with our interface to YDC. It was decided to send lists of state-qualified volunteers (first name, phone number) to all of the contact people for the state prisons. Displays for AA events have been requested. No one volunteered to provide them. If we could find a portable TV able to take VHS tapes a display would be simple. If anyone could supply one, we would appreciate it. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be December 10, 2006. The 7th Tradition collected $10. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for August 13, 2006 TThere were 7 people in attendance. Districts 12, 14, 15 and 17 were represented. Updated NH DOC cleared volunteer lists were distributed. Literature was requested for NH State Prison in Berlin. It will be provided, but that should almost exhaust the Corrections Committee budget for the year. Budgets for 2006 and 2007 were discussed. Corrections Committee spent $962 during 2005 and was allocated $200 for 2006. We will attempt to stay within that $200 for this year, but will require $705 to meet our responsibilities to state prisons and other statewide programs. That request has been submitted to the Finance Committee. NH DOC had requested a meeting in the Secure Psychiatric Unit of the Concord State Prison. The meeting would be for both men and women, and would take place some time during the day on a weekday. That request has been met. There is now an AA Meeting in the Secure Psychiatric Unit of the Concord State Prison at 9:00am on Wednesdays. For further information contact Tim F. at (603) 228-0048. Anne R. and Sarah C. are now bringing a meeting to the women at the Hillsborough County Department of Corrections on the second or last Friday of the month. Contact number is 738-6325. District 15 has been having difficulty getting more female volunteers for Strafford County DOC. Since Rockingham County DOC has no female inmates, the need for volunteers in Strafford County will be passed on to districts 9, 10 and 14. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be October 8, 2006. The 7th Tradition collected $7. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for June 11, 2006 There were 7 people in attendance. Updated NH DOC cleared volunteer lists were distributed. Lin B. brought some information regarding YDC, and will investigate further. Merrimack County House of Correction has requested a meeting for Wednesday nights. I will contact District 8. A letter was received from an inmate in Concord requesting group and sponsor information. Dave C. will pass it on to Jay for Bridging the Gap. NH DOC would still like to see a meeting in the Secure Psychiatric Unit of the Concord State Prison. The meeting would be for both men and women, and would take place some time during the day on a weekday. Anyone interested should contact Jim Villa or me. In any case I will pass this information directly to district 8. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be August 13, 2006. The 7th Tradition collected $7. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for April 9, 2006 There were 6 people in attendance. The following items were handed out: Minutes from the March 2006 Corrections Committee meeting. New NH DOC volunteer applications and orientation schedule. NH DOC cleared volunteer lists. Facility Information sheets for Goffstown. Updated Corrections Recovery Meetings sheet for Area 43 Gary D. will contact Dave R. for a Valley Street clearance application. Lin B. will contact Dave R. regarding YDC, and will find out what’s happening there and get back to us. NH DOC would like to see a meeting in the Secure Psychiatric Unit of the Concord State Prison. The meeting would be for both men and women, and would take place some time during the day on a weekday. Anyone interested should contact Jim Villa or me. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. Funding support was discussed. Last year actual expenses for area corrections were $962. This year’s budget is $200. The upcoming April 30 Bridging the Gap was discussed briefly. Most of the correctional facilities in New Hampshire cannot accept the program as currently described in the literature. Gerry G. requested some literature for use in Berlin. The next meeting will be June11, 2006. The 7th Tradition collected - $6. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for March 12, 2006 There were 9 people in attendance The meeting was held in March because the February meeting had been cancelled due to snow. The role of the Area 43 Corrections Committee was discussed. The following items were handed out: A.A. Guidelines for Correctional Facilities Committees Descriptions for District Corrections Chairs, Facility Liaisons, Area Corrections Chair, and Volunteer coordinators Relevant corrections information from The AA Group, The A.A. Service Manual and the NH Area 43 General Service Assembly Service Handbook. Corrections Recovery Meetings – Area 43 It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The Buying Big Books for Inmates program was discussed to determine how best to handle these funds. Facility Information Sheets were discussed and more input from the Facility Liaisons was solicited. Bridging the Gap was discussed briefly. Most of the institutions in New Hampshire cannot accept the program as currently described in the literature. Hopefully the forthcoming new pamphlet addressed correctional facilities will help to resolve the problems. An invitation to the April Treatment Committee meeting was handed out. Two lists were provided by Jim Vila from the NH DOC. These lists contain first names and last initial of AA’s who have volunteered for NH State Prisons. The lists give phone numbers, entry status, home town, expiration dates, etc. It was decided to pass these lists on to the Facility Liaisons for the various NH DOC facilities, rather than to all attendees. The Facility Liaisons might pass them on to the actual contact persons bringing meetings into state facilities. Some literature was requested by Gerry G. for use in Berlin. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections |
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Corrections Minutes for December 2005
Meeting
Date December 11, 2005
There were
11 people in attendance
The lack of AA Corrections Volunteers was again discussed and how best to get the word out to meetings. The Area 43 website (www.nhaa.net) is one place we are trying to utilize as a central location for Corrections information. Many items are now available, including an updated meeting list, contact information for those looking to get active in the various facilities around the state, and some downloadable applications. Hillsborough County Facility at Valley St. in Manchester is in need of more volunteers to help cover existing as well as new meetings there. Volunteering is also down at Valley St., with many members only showing up for one meetings and not returning. They asking for members to be more reliable. Grafton County facility has also started some meetings for women behind the walls and will be needing volunteers to help. Stay tuned for more information... Again, attendance is very low for Alcoholics Anonymous at all facilities and we are asking that all new District Corrections Chairs attend the next meeting in 2006 so that they can carry the message back to their districts and to the GSRs. There are alcoholics who need out help behind the walls, and we are the only ones who can help them. Also I would like to welcome Tom P. as the new incoming Area 43 Corrections Chair. The next Corrections Committee meeting will be on Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 1pm at the Service Office. Thank you for the chance to be of service over the last 2 years. Dave R. Area 43
Correction
Corrections Minutes for 10/16/05
Corrections Minutes for August 2005
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