The Alano Group is often credited as being the first AA group in the Springfield area. Established by Ward Montgomery a successful Springfield businessman in the late 1930's, the meetings were held in the basement of his home.

In 1943 the Springfield AA community registered as the Alano Group. The group changed locations to 1100 West Jefferson with 3 meetings daily: noon, 8pm, and 10 pm. They relocated again in October, 1983 to the United Way Building at South Grand and 7th Street. In 1989, the group made its ninth location move to 2252 South 15th at Melrose Street under the name "Alano Group”. The Alano Group made it’s most recent move in 1997, and is currently located at 516 Bryn Mawr Boulevard.

The Beginners Meeting was established in 2004 and meets every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the basement at the Alano Hall. As the name implies, the meeting is an introduction to AA and is geared towards the first three steps. The chair person whom is replaced on a monthly basis is required to have under a year of sobriety. The rationale is that the chair is uniquely qualified for a meeting of this nature, as they have direct and recent experience in working the first three steps, while at the same time having the familiarity and understanding of the AA program which can be translated to meetings in a small group environment. In addition to helping the newcomer, the new monthly chair is given invaluable experience which can help them to later to facilitate traditional meetings for an extended period.

The history of the group shows that the attendees are diverse in their length of sobriety, thus allowing new members to witness first hand the positive progression of the program. The AA message is carried to the newcomer and can be particularly inspirational since fellow members in attendance typically have under a year of sobriety. The progress that can be seen and understood by the newcomer gives them the encouragement needed to continue on their path.

The beginner's meeting is one of the few meetings that invites strength in the promotion of the first three steps to the newcomer as well as those with long term sobriety. In talking with a few of the regular attendees, they feel this meeting has allowed them to improve and enhance their journey in sobriety, through the influence and encouragement of the fellowship. The beginner's meeting is an exceedingly powerful gathering.

Since the Sept. assembly I have traveled to the District 5 meeting in Quincy, the District 6 meeting in Peoria, and District 17 meeting in Marion. I also attended a SIA Spring Conference meeting in Champaign and an ISC planning meeting in Peoria.

After 10 years, Greg M., the GSO manager is going to retire. The new GSO manager will be Phyllis H., a past Pacific Region trustee, from Olympia, WA.

The GSB has recommended that The Very Reverend Ward B. E. D.D., be elected as the new General Service Board Chairperson. He will replace Leonard B.

The 2010 General Service Conference will be held at the Rye Town Hilton in Rye NY. The first time the GSC has been held outside the City of New York since 1972. The reason is because of the increased Hotel cost at the Crown Plaza Hotel. At the conference this year it was estimated that the savings would be more than $100,000.00

The site for the 2020 International Convention has been selected. It will be held in Detroit MI. Detroit is a part of the Ease Central Region. This is an opportunity to attend an International Convention that is close to home.

The deadline for filing a resume for ECR Trustee or Trustee at Large U.S. is January 1, 2009. If you know anyone that is interested then we need to get the application sent in soon.

This will be my last assembly as your Area Delegate. It has been an honor and a great privilege to serve you these past two years. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and A.A. as a whole. I will be forever grateful. Thank You.

Hugh N., Panel 57, Area 21 Delegate to the General Service Conference