4 Thought Sep 2015

4 Thought
Volume 13, Issue 3—Fall 2015
Covering: Illinois [except the Chicagoland area], Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Manitoba,
Northwest Ontario, and Nunavut Territory, Canada.
The mission of Region 4 is to make OA known throughout the Region so that anyone with the desire to stop eating compulsively
may find an OA group, and to provide support so that any OA member can have recovery from compulsive eating through the
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous.
Starring “Snarkalina” - by Region 4 Chair
My disease is like a trashy reality TV show on steroids. The stories that fly through my brain
make those shows with top ratings pale by any comparison of their outrageousness.
That voice of my disease, whom I’ll call Snarkalina, can sound like a Valley Girl with all the
‘ya know’ and ‘like’ and then make up tall tales of dangerous adventures and superhuman
crises. It would be somewhat okay if it was kind, loving and beautiful. Instead it is based on
high drama and horror of huge proportions.
Let me introduce the lovely Snarkalina. She is captivating, gorgeous and seductive.
Sometimes she is a honey blond with tawny skin, or a deep black beauty from the depths
of a tropical land. Her speech is smooth and silky. She whispers all of the things that make
me alert for action. She slips sneakily under my skin and revs me up to take anyone to task
– especially those who’ve harmed me before in real life or those in my imagination. Her
slinky ways usually had me hightailing it to the store, vending machine or creating some
wild food combo of unique and gargantuan proportions. All for me to gobble, slurp and
devour.
Many thoughts percolated in my head; such as Person A got into an argument with me and
I told her how it was going to play out. Or Person B wrecked something of mine and then
someone got hurt. Of course some blood and guts were sometimes involved and strong
language was used to get my point across. The ending of the saga usually involved me
heroically saving the day, or else I’m a time-honored victim decorated with numerous
purple hearts to physically display my valor.
This state of affairs definitely makes me less astute than a fifth grader and a bit sheepish
to even call this way of thinking out in a newsletter. I’m grateful this all goes on in my head
and I’m not actually play acting at work or on the city bus.
(Continued on page 2)
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4 THOUGHT
When I was totally into the food, these performances were carried on all day long, seven days a
week. I showed my distress with huffiness, gruffness and sarcasm. I’m amazed I didn’t have my
internal conversations out loud when walking down the street or hallway at work.
I now know what I need to do to tone down the mental chatter. That is to work a robust program
of recovery. This includes using all of the tools when working all of the steps. While each day is a
new day for me, it is also a new day for Snarkalina. She is relentless whether I’m in the food or
not. However, the more abstinent I am, the less of a hold she has on me. One thing is always for
certain, she will NEVER go away.
When I don’t eat my binge or trigger foods, which helps me start and complete my day much
more clear-headed than the day before, it gives me a fighting chance. I immerse myself in service
– the kinds of things that I like to do, so then it’s hard for her to get me alone because I’m with
others. Therefore I go to workshops, assemblies, conferences and conventions.
I call people on the phone, smashing the stupid, flimsy Snarkalina excuses of ‘I might be
bothering someone’ or ‘what will I say’ to ‘this is hard talking to someone I don’t know’. I’ve never
heard of death by calling, only death by chocolate.
I have my action plan filled with reading, writing, praying and meditating. With a mixture of
exercise, self-care, sponsoring and being sponsored, it’s hard for Snarkalina to get her words in.
She tries, but I’m able to fend them off with the help of my Higher Power, fellow members and
friends.
Because I’m blessed with ongoing abstinence, I’m able to do the things I want to do. At this time,
my health is great. My food plan is based on weighing and measuring since my ‘Stop’ button has
a tendency to short out on portion size.
The miracle of a diminished Snarkalina is the result of my working a spiritual program. In the AA
Big Book on p. 85, it states: “What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the
maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God’s
will into all of our activities.” This is my responsibility and privilege.
When I work my program each day, basing it on the day before, Snarkalina takes back stage.
Therefore I get a main role because my Higher Power is center stage, and serenity and peace
help me go on with my day.
-Meg M., Region 4 Chair
Who’s center
stage today?
H.P. or My Ego?
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3
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A Few Words From The Region 4 Trustee
Hey Region 4,
I can’t believe it’s July already. Our weather has been so cool and rainy that I keep forge ng it’s the middle of summer. Here’s my quick check in and then on to what’s happening in Region 4 and at World Service. My personal milestone of 25 years in program passed in the month of June. If you had told me I would s ck with anything for that long, the day I walked into OA, I would not have believed you. I love the fact that I belong here even a er all these years, and that I keep wan ng to belong and be a part of something as great as OA. I am so grateful to HP and the fellowship for accep ng me and guiding me to abs nence and forward to a purposeful life. Giving back just gets easier over the years. I’ve had friends in program ask me what they should do to keep their program exci ng and my answer is always, “Stay abs nent and give service.” The more the be er. It’s when we rest on our laurels or wait for something to happen that leads us down a less than desirable path. Being a part of OA has made my life far be er than those dark days when I could not get out of a chair because I was so miserable. I’m full of gra tude and awe at what recovery can do.
My service to Region 4 since our Assembly in April has included a workshop with the Sunflower Intergroup in Topeka, KS. There were a endees there from both the local mee ngs and a car pool of about ten members from Wichita. We worked on and shared about working the Twelve Steps, and I certainly enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. I met a woman there who showed me the power of the program. She is 87 years young and has been a member of OA for five years and is maintaining an 85 pound weight loss. How inspiring is that? She was at the workshop with two of her daughters who are in program because of her example. One of the items used that day was Overeaters Anonymous, Third Edi on, from which we read the unabridged version of “Our Invita on to You.” I find this very inspiring and have used it for a mee ng topic in the past. Working the steps on a single problem was easy using Twelve Stepping a Problem, the new guide available on oa.org. We also took me to create reminder cards to carry with us using the examples from The Simplicity Project created by the Twelve Step Within Commi ee at WSBC.
I’ve also been encouraging a member from southwest Missouri to prepare for a Public Informa on event in her area. I some mes think we believe that we can only make people aware of OA through a large commi ee project, yet here is an individual who has done all the prepara on for the event because she was inspired by her Higher Power to carry the message. With a li le support from afar she made all the arrangements, passed out flyers and got a press release in the local news. Next week, I and two other members from my Intergroup are traveling down to do a panel presenta on to whoever a ends to hear about OA. No ma er what happens, this woman’s program has been enhanced through her effort to carry the message, and mine will be stronger because of working with her.
As for my World Service commitments I’ve spent a lot of my me since the World Service Business Conference fulfilling commitments I made. I con nue my work on the ad hoc commi ee reviewing The Twelve Steps and Twelve Tradi ons of Overeaters Anonymous. (Continued on page 4)
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The commi ee is hopeful we can bring the completed dra to the conference in 2016. I am a member of the ad hoc website redesign commi ee, which will result in a new look and feel for oa.org. The es mated comple on of this project is November 2015. I am a member of the Board Approved Literature Commi ee, and we’re reviewing three pieces of literature for now. I’ve also wri en several mo ons as the Trustee co-chair of the Conference Bylaws Commi ee. Plus a couple of other things where I’m assis ng others with their projects. the Region 4 Assembly. Remember that I would love to come visit your area and facilitate a workshop if your Intergroup is interested. Just contact me at trustee@oaregion4.org.
In OA Service,
-Cyndy L., Region 4 Trustee
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I plan on seeing some of you in Minneapolis in October at When was the last time you checked out your meeting information at oa.org? Please make sure it is current and if not, have
your group secretary make the updates.
WSO Update from Cyndy
Below are a couple of items that WSO wants you to be aware of. If there is something useful to you, your mee ng or your service body, please pass it on.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight? The Fellowship Needs Your Story by September 30th.
OA is revising the pamphlet Maintaining a Healthy Weight and looking for new stories. We want to hear from all members and are especially interested in stories from members who had to gain weight to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Stories of weight maintenance from members who exhibit any manifesta ons of the disease, including anorexia and bulimia, are welcome. h ps://
www.oa.org/maintaining-a-healthy-weight-the-fellowship-needs-your-story/
Step Seven Podcast—FREE to download or stream
Second Sunday Telephone Workshops con nue in 2015, and Step Seven podcast is now available to download or stream: h ps://www.oa.org/podcasts/step-seven-july-12-2015/. Spend some me in recovery and take in this in-depth focus on Step Six. To par cipate in the next telephone workshop see the Datebook Calendar for dial-in instruc ons: h ps://www.oa.org/datebook-calendar/
(Continued on page 5)
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3
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WSBC 2015 Keynote Speaker
A compelling and moving story from OA member Ma S., who was the banquet keynote speaker at the 2015 World Service Business Conference. Download or stream at h ps://www.oa.org/
podcasts/182616/.
Mee ng Formats Updated with New WSBC-approved Preamble
Represen ng the group conscience of the OA Fellowship, delegates at WSBC 2015 voted to amend the OA Preamble, a summary statement about OA and its purpose. The new Preamble language is now included in the following mee ng formats, which are available for download:
·∙ Suggested Mee ng Format: h p://www.oa.org/pdfs/suggested_mee ng_format.pdf
·∙ Suggested Telephone Mee ng Format: h p://www.oa.org/pdfs/
suggested_telephone_mee ng_format.pdf
·∙ Suggested Recovery from Relapse Mee ng Format: h p://www.oa.org/pdfs/
recovery_from_relapse_mee ng_format.pdf
·∙ Suggested Step Study Mee ng Format: h p://www.oa.org/pdfs/stepstudy_format.pdf
The new Preamble reads:
Overeaters Anonymous is a Fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength, and hope, are recovering from compulsive overea ng. We welcome everyone who wants to stop ea ng compulsively. There are no dues or fees for members; we are self-suppor ng through our own contribu ons, neither solici ng nor accep ng outside dona ons. OA is not affiliated with any public or private organiza on, poli cal movement, ideology or religious doctrine.; we take no posi on on outside issues. Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive ea ng and compulsive food behaviors and to carry the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who s ll suffer.
We can only live one day at a time,
one moment at a time!
Enjoy Region 4’s Daily Journal
Region 4 Daily
Journals—Available
For Purchase!
A place to write down your...
Food
Intent for the day
Gratitudes
Step 10 never looked so
easy...
Ease of Use
They are lightweight and great for travel
All of your writing can be in one location
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Coil binding keeps pages intact
Affordable—@$12 —includes postage
Go to www.oaregion4.org to order.
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4 THOUGHT
Members from Unity Intergroup in Minnesota
Share on the Topic of Living Abstinently
Vacationing While Abstinent
As I write this I'm sitting at a cabin with 10 other friends. For the last three years we have rented a cabin and fish, boat, float in the lake, and laze around reading books and playing games. Our meals are planned such that breakfast and lunches are on our own, but each night two people are responsible for providing supper for everyone. I never quite know what I'm eating for supper until we arrive at the cabin and start comparing meals. And each year, I enjoy this lovely vacation while abstinent and unconcerned about food.
embarrassment of my addiction stop me from admitting if there are some alterations I need to make. It was so hard for me to believe that nonaddicts don't focus on food like we addicts do. Most of the time they could care less if there was something I don't eat or if I need to add something different to the meal they planned. It's only food addicts that focus on each bite people take! What a revelation. I do run into the occasional friend who focuses too hard on trying to meet my needs, and it gets embarrassing or annoying. But I just remind myself they're doing it out of love. Their focusing on my food is their issue, not mine. I cannot let their care, concern, focus, or issues Before OA, this would have been a very intense, affect my program and my food. I am polite and kind stressful time. How would I be able to sneak in all the and love them for their care food I needed, and how would I eat it without others of me and my eating needs, seeing? What would I do if I got hungry and others but don't let it change the were around? I would plan on eating like a bird in course of my food or eating.
front of others, but before I knew it I had eaten 3 or 4 plates of food, and sometimes before others got their first plate.
I am so blessed to have found this program. I’m thankful for my fellow OAers, Now that I'm in OA and living abstinently, it's so very for the strength given to me by my HP, and for my different. First and foremost, I bring my HP with me to abstinence. Without these I would not be able to be the cabin. I am not alone, and I don't have to handle present for my vacation. My focus is not on food or any situation alone. Second, I plan ahead to assure I eating, it's on conversation and activities and games have abstinent breakfasts and lunches. Finally, I ask and friends and books, and, and, and the list goes on others what we're having for supper, and I plan it long and on for which I am forever grateful!
before it's time to eat. I don't let peer pressure or -Amy D.
The Wonder of Abstinence
“To watch the eyes of men and women open with wonder…..” page 110, AA 12X12 I see this happen each week at my in person OA meeting. It is a bit more challenging over the phone meetings, but tone of voice does convey a lot! The wonder is the fact that the impossible has occurred. The food is DOWN. Many of us waited years for this to happen. For over 20 years in program I tried to use a food plan to the best of my ability. I did pretty good, but there was always a gray area, a niggling in my brain that told me I was not really being abstinent. I was like that little bird in the children’s book. He fell out of the nest and went looking for his mother. He went to the pig and asked, “Are you my mother?” No was the answer. Then he went to a duck and asked, “Are you my mother?” No was the answer. He went to a horse a cow and several other animals till at last he found his mother. I feel like I was doing that for 21 years in program. “Is this my abstinence?” I asked around, took different food plans, asked various sponsors what I should do. I kept asking myself, “Is this my abstinence?” Even when I had a food plan I was challenged to stick with it. Somehow, I stayed in program all of that time and never left. I knew OA was the answer! Then in November of 2001, I ran across a more structured way to work OA, and that was it. That clicked for me. I was guided to a way to be very certain what abstinence was. I always had ‘sobriety’ envy over the AA’s, who could put the substance down once and for all. Now I had a way to be certain I was clean and abstinent. Since Dec 20, 2003, not one compulsive bite has crossed my lips. Like the little bird I found my “mother” or my abstinence. Today my food is DOWN. The obsession is lifted. My eyes are open with wonder! -Mary T.
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3
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HhOoWw DdOo Ii KkNnOoWw Ii’Mm AaBbSsTtIiNnEeNnTt?
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says this in The Doctor’s Opinion on page xxviii: “The only relief we have to suggest is en re abs nence.” OA defines abs nence as “the ac on of refraining from compulsive ea ng and compulsive food behaviors while working toward or maintaining a healthy body weight.” When I began working the OA program, I worked with a sponsor to determine what specific foods created the abnormal reac on described in the Doctor’s Opinion. Honesty was required as I became aware that there was a common theme; generally, my binge foods contained a specific ingredient and that ingredient is what I now call my drug. It’s as serious as any other substance addic on: cocaine, meth, alcohol; and I can’t have even a li le. I have an allergy of the body which causes an abnormal reac on when I take a single bite of my substance. So that connects me to the alcoholics in the Big Book and I can be very clear about whether or not I am abs nent from that substance. However, in OA we have an addi onal aspect to our illness. At least I do. When you take away my substance, I s ll have the desire to quiet my mind and stuff my feelings with food. My addict brain says this: Food will solve your problems. If you are hungry, eat. If you feel overly full, eat something to “se le” your stomach. Stressed? Eat something. Tired? You probably need a quick-fix. Eat. The ac on of compulsive ea ng and compulsive food behaviors also needed to be addressed. I once heard an OA speaker talk about her own perfec onism and her tendency to create an extensive list of behaviors from which she would abstain. Never eat standing up. Never eat in the car. Never eat a er 8pm. Never eat during a full moon. Never eat in front of the refrigerator. Never eat while red. Never eat while angry. Never eat while reading. In my experience, I do feel be er emo onally, spiritually, and physically when I eat meals in a sound emo onal state, seated at a table, at regular mes. I try to make that happen as o en as possible. However, life does not always happen according to my plan. There are mes that I need to eat on the run. There are mes when my schedule gets shi ed unexpectedly. There are mes when I have an actual physical need to eat *and* I’m having a strong emo on. The type of emo on that I used to eat over. How do I keep my body nourished with drug-free food abs nently, while dealing with the unexpected? I have a plan of ea ng. I did not make it up myself or take it from a diet book. I brought all my so-called knowledge of food, nutri on, and my disease to a medical professional (a Registered Die cian), and I allowed her to create a plan of ea ng for me.
My plan tells me that I eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. It tells me how much protein, starch, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and fat is consumed at each meal and snack. I do not eat outside of those planned meals and snacks. Ideally, they are evenly spaced, weighed and measured, eaten in an emo onally neutral state, while seated at a table. That doesn’t always happen. My plan of ea ng is a tool to support my abs nence. The behavior from which I abstain is ea ng outside of planned meals and snacks. Even if the food is free from my drug-substance, I don’t eat unless it is part of my planned meal or snack. End of story. En re abs nence, as suggested in the Big Book. So that is how I know I'm abs nent. How do I stay abs nent? Just for today, I consciously connect with my Higher Power and ask for help to maintain a fit spiritual condi on. I work the steps as laid out in the Big Book to bring about a psychic change in which the compulsion to overeat is li ed one day at a me. -Melissa A.
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Living Life Abstinently
Life has a way of being on its own terms. Things happen;; good things, unpleasant things, difficult things, and downright painful things. That’s just how life is. Some of life’s ‘things’ are problems needing to be solved, such as how to deal with my spouse or work problems. Some are painful times that need to be experienced, such as the grief that comes with loss. Accepting the gift of abstinence necessarily requires that I find a way to walk through life – in all its varieties of experiences – abstinently. 11 years ago, I received the miracle of willingness and ability to abstain. Initially I floated along on a joyful ‘pink cloud’, but the day eventually came when life came up and smacked me on the face saying ‘OK, now it’s time to deal with me.’ I gratefully saw that returning to the food was no longer an option and that I would have to find other ways of dealing with this thing called life. Sometimes the things I choose instead of food are simply another way to avoid life. That’s OK – sometimes. If I am overtired and incapable of clear thinking, watching TV for the evening may be a good choice. Eventually, however, I need to choose things that are actually solutions to the problems I previously would have turned over to the care of food. If I don’t, I will surely return to the food, because I cannot tolerate a high level of emotional energy for any sustained period of time. That is where our OA program shines the most brightly. Our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, with the help of our nine tools, help me learn a new way of living that not only solves my current problem, but other problems as well. If I embrace this program in its entirety, I find many things to help along the way. For example, through this program and out of sheer necessity, I developed faith. When I walked through my divorce, navigating entirely new and unfamiliar territory, I found that my faith jumped up to help me. The January Ninth entry in Voices of Recovery contained a beautiful description of faith;; one that sustained me through the divorce. And when I started a new job after losing one that I had dearly wanted to succeed at, I focused on a portion of the November Eighth entry in For Today, which talks about choosing faith.
Using the steps to find solutions was pretty difficult in the early days of my recovery. I had to work them more purposefully and think things through more. And there were more problems needing solutions because I had only just begun my recovery. I recall saying to my sponsor one day;; “Another problem to deal with – really?!?!” It seemed like they were coming at me one after another. And I especially didn’t love it when someone else’s behavior created the problem that I had to deal with. I didn’t like the fact that when someone else does something that upsets me, my reaction to what they do is my problem to solve. Gratefully, as I grew in my recovery, the number of problems to resolve diminished significantly. Since then, the Steps have become an integral part of my life and my thinking. I am typically unaware that I am using them because looking at my part, talking to my sponsor about situations, and making amends where needed are how I think now. To be sure, there are many times when I don’t go there immediately, but when I tire of feeling self-pity, resentment, or any other negative feelings, I become willing to do what I need to do. I always feel better once I do, because I become empowered to ‘change the things I can.’ I am grateful for that day 11+ years ago when I suddenly knew what I had to do and was also given the willingness to do it – no matter what. I am grateful to this beautiful OA program that offers me a way to live life - not only abstinently, but sanely and serenely (well most of the time) as well! Thank you OA and thank you HP! -Anonymous
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3
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Insight from Intergroup
How can I get through trying times with my abstinence in tact? The April 16 reading in Voices of Recovery
states it can be done if I remember three simple words: Think, Pray, Act.
The first part of this three-step process is think. Because I was in a food fog or withdrawal most of the time
before coming to OA, I did little thinking except about me, me, me. I didn’t think about the effect my
eating behavior had on relationships with myself, others or God. Nor the effect my weight had on my
physical well-being, how my overeating affected my emotions, what I could do for others, or how my words
or actions might impact others. OA has shown me how to better use my conscious mind and think rationally
--- at least most of the time. It’s opened my eyes and ears so I’m better able to recognize ways that can
improve my mind, body and spirit. I love our Just For Today pamphlet quote of Abraham Lincoln: “Most
folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” I can focus on the positive or the negative in life. I
can focus on our differences or the similarities. I can focus on the joy or sadness of life. It’s my choice.
Another piece of literature that ties directly to this part of the 3-step process is the Think First pamphlet.
It has several ideas / options to use instead of food. But we must Think First. What I have in my
mind….what I think….is the attitude I want to show in my actions. You know that old phrase – “Talk the talk
or walk the walk.”
The second part of this three-step process is pray. My attitude towards prayer has changed significantly
during my years in OA. Pre-OA, I prayed on Sunday or when there was something big going on, such as
serious illness, death, etc. You know, the kind of things that should concern God. Otherwise, I thought I
should be able to handle these things myself. I put human limitations on my understanding of God. Since my
first OA meeting, my understanding of God has changed. I don’t think God has changed at all….just my
understanding. I now believe God has no limits, that He can be intimately involved in every aspect of my
life including my food choices. He cares about all of me and how I treat my body, mind and spirit. My
prayers are now a more open communication with God. I pray for others and myself and try to listen.
The final part of this three-step process is act. There’s an entire chapter in the Big Book titled ‘Into Action’
and covers steps 5 through 11. All of these steps require our action:
5. Admit our wrongs
6. Ready ourselves
7. Ask God to remove the defects
8. Make a list
9. Make amends
10. Continue to make inventory and admit our wrongs
11. Pray and meditate
Taking these action steps helped rebuild my mind and spirit, and that process continues yet today. I have
daily opportunities to improve, and it’s up to me to take necessary action. God will help me. He does his
part and lets me do mine.
-Deb W., OA Links of Lincoln Intergroup Chair, Lincoln, NE
What is the next right action?
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We R4 Recovery: Outreach to the Public
My journey started September 17, 2011, in Houston Texas. I walked into a week-end Unity mini-retreat and knew I was where I belonged. I had been around OA for about 13 years, going to different mee ngs as a guest with a family member. But in my head those mee ngs we a ended were for her, I sure didn't need them. I stayed because I wanted the joy, and spirituality, and serenity I saw in the faces of those in the room. My big plan was to join this group of people who ate too much, lose 100 pounds in the first year and then graduate from the program. Li le did I know that my Higher Power (who I came to know later in program) had other plans for me. I stayed and found a sponsor who had what I wanted, and she is s ll my journey partner today. I found my abs nence the first month but lost it in the 8th month due to self pride. I just kept forge ng that the program is a spiritual program, not an " I can do it " program.
I was almost 64 years old when I walked into the rooms and was pre y sure I was a strong woman and had most things in my life under control. But those ideas were soon smashed. Because of the OA program, I am able to see things so much clearer now, and I give all the credit to my Higher Power; a new-found spirituality; face to face mee ngs; prayer; medita on; sponsorship; the principles; literature; and doing service; which means sharing my experience, strength, and hope with other compulsive overeaters.
I haven't lost that 100 pounds yet, but I have acquired so much more. I am a be er (not perfect) wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. I see the promises of the Big Book come true in myself and also in my journey partners. So do I want to graduate? I don't think so. I need this program and my Higher Power to finish this person who was in despera on that first day she walked into her home mee ng. I feel if I con nue to work the 12 steps un l the day I die, I s ll won’t be finished. This prayer sums it up for me:
Thank You, Higher Power, for your gi of recovery, that through this program, I have come to know myself be er than ever before, and that I have come to know others be er as well. I pray that I may be eternally grateful for this, Your Blessing. Amen.
-Jan W., North East Iowa Intergroup Rep. & Member of Region 4 Outreach Committee
New Registered OA Phone Meeting: Midwest Step and Tradition Study
Using the OA “12x12” Book
Get connected with other OA’s from the Midwest and around the world! All are
welcome to join us! Great way to start or end your week!
• Sunday evenings
• 7 PM – 8 PM US Central Standard Time
• Phone Number: 605-562-3130
• Access code: 290492#
Contact Name & Phone Number: Bob 763-229-6196 CST
Meeting # 55338. See oa.org “Find a Meeting” feature for more info.
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3
PAGE 11
Region 4 2015 Fall Assembly
and Super Saturday Event
Theme: Pass It On… Maintaining Unity for the Next Generation
October 2 - 3, 2015 Crowne Plaza Airport – Mall of America 952.854.9000 http://www.cpmspairport.com/ 3 Appletree Square Bloomington, MN 55425 Rate: $115 + tax (per night) Traditional set up: 2 queen beds NOTE: Call in Reservation by September 11 – to make the rate and our quota. Use the code: ‘Region 4’ when making reservations Need a roommate? Let Meg know – meg@region4@gmail.com
Keep Coming Back!
It works, if you work it!
The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent R4 or OA as a whole.
Do You Have Something You’d Like To Share With Your Fellow OAs? Please Submit Articles or
Information About Your Local OA Events!
4 Thought is a Quarterly Newsletter That Comes Out in March, June, September, and December.
Please Send Submissions To: 4thought@oaregion4.org
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Region 4 Proposed 2016 Budget to be Voted
upon at Fall Assembly
Continued on next page
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3
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