Alano Club of Costa Mesa Newsletter

 A MESSAGE FROM CHRIS L., OUR CLUB MANAGER

I’m always amazed—but never surprised—over the generosity of our members. On March 8, many of you attended OC Dave’s Memorial BBQ, and, as reported in the Goathill Gazette, donations were received towards the club in Dave’s memory. In the end, we received some $1,000 to be used for advancement in various club projects.

 It is this kind of generosity that makes our club move forward. Last year, when we asked you to help with donations for the courtyard patio canopy, many of you responded, raising more than $1,200 towards that project. Now, we ask you again to help us raise more money to assist with tiling this area and providing furnishings for it. Please see me, or Bill C., for more information about this phase of the project.

 On behalf of the board and staff: THANK YOU, THANK YOU—I can’t say those words enough! So many of you have approached me with questions about our plans for the club, and I’m encouraged by your attention. Indeed, the board is working with staff on prioritizing projects to:

• Create a new section for a 30-seat meeting space to add space for more meetings;

• Sound-proof the meeting rooms currently in use;

• Possibly build or purchase storage in one of the meeting rooms;

• And continue with the courtyard project to resurface it with tile.

 We’re growing, and we’re moving forward. I remain hopeful and grateful, and I invite you to come along for the ride!

 MOVING FORWARD: WILBUR M. COMPLETES 2-YEAR TERM AS BOARD CHAIR;  BUD R. SUCCEEDS HIM

We salute and thank Wilbur M. for his guidance and participation as the board chair of the Alano Club of Costa Mesa since 2006. “The club is running better than ever,” says Wilbur. “And it’s looking better than ever. I leave with hopes that the club will continue its responsibility to create a recovery community where all are welcome.” Bud R. succeeds Wilbur as chair, effective March 2008.

The board of directors is as follows:

John P—Building Chair

Jerry K.—Membership Chair

Daniel E.—Ways and Means Chair

Early H.—Member-at-large

Faith B.—Grievance Chair

Pamela G.—Secretary

John W.—Treasurer

Bud R.—Board Chair

The board meets every first Sunday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the club room. All dues-paying members are invited to attend and participate in discussion of agenda items. For more information about board happenings and personnel, please see the club manager.

 MOVING FORWARD—POSSIBLE MEETING ROOM UPGRADES

As reported in the manager’s message on the previous page, plans are being reviewed by the board and staff to upgrade and/or create a new meeting space adjacent to the club room.

 “We’re looking at prioritizing the projects, and the staff is closely working with the board to review and finalize these plans,” says Chris L., club manager. “Of course, we’ll be looking closely at our fiscal picture to ensure we have the resources for each priority.”

 Here are some of the plans currently being prioritized and reviewed:

 Build a new 30-seat meeting room adjacent to the club room—

The focus here is to create a smaller space meant to serve 30 people. A wall would be built with a door, isolating the area in front of the club office for this new meeting area. The club office would move to the game room.

 Sound-proofing current meeting spaces—

The focus here is to reduce sound between existing meeting spaces by 50 percent. Possible ideas are creating another set of 6-inch-thick wooden panels to bump up against the current sliding dividers, as well as thick, fabric curtains.

 Offer new seating and storage space in meeting rooms—

The focus here is to freshen up the meeting spaces with new furniture, perhaps the building of wooden benches that would also act as storage. Another idea might be to build wooden lockers or purchase new metal ones.

 For more information about these possible ideas, please see Bill C., assistant club manager, or Chris L, club manager.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

 THERE IS NO SMOKING

PERMITTED IN THE COURTYARD,

UNDER THE PLASTIC CANOPY,

AT ALL TIMES.

COMPLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AT THE CLUB             the club is approved for community service hours for those who need to fulfill these requirements for court. “Here’s a win-win situation for all involved,” says Wilbur M, board chair. “The club is able to reach out to the community by providing a place where community-service recipients may be exposed to recovery messages while completing their court requirements.”

Service hours are completed by general house-cleaning of the club and other duties that serve to promote a clean and healthy environment to all those who come here for recovery meetings. For more information about this service, please see the club manager and connect with your court house/legal authorities to check on such requirements.

CHEESEBURGER, CHEESEBURGER, CHEESEBURGER!                       On Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., the club features cheeseburgers for a nominal price of $2 for a single and $3 for a double. Fixings for the burgers are build-your-own—with lettuce, tomatoes, onion and condiments for your own fabulous cheeseburgers! Come by and visit with your friends in recovery!

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY BREAKFAST 7:30-10:30 A.M.                        Hearty morning meals includes 2 eggs any style; 2 sausages; 2 bacon strips; home fries;1 slice of French toast, and all-you-can-eat pancakes. Cost is $4.50+tax with coffee for members and $5.50+tax without coffee for nonmembers. Come start your day with us!

PLEASE KEEP MEETING ROOMS TIDY                                                                           Please help us keep the meeting rooms tidy. After your recovery meeting, please pick up trash, clean up spills, and dispose of other items that may interfere with the next meeting.  We care about your recovery environment and experience!

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION                                                                                            Check this out: The last time club dues were increased was in 1986! If you think that’s great news, here is membership info for you to really sink your teeth into: The club offers free, monthly trial memberships. Please see Chris, the club manager, for details about and restrictions for this 30-day trial membership.  This is the perfect “gift” for you or a buddy looking for a supportive community in recovery!

• Dues for members ages 49 and under—remain at $10 per month or $100/year; a lifetime membership for ages 49 and under is $500.

• Dues for members ages 50 and over—remain at $5/month or $50/year; a lifetime membership for ages 50 and over is $250.

Please see the counter staff

for a meetings schedule.