OLD TIME AA

 Old Time AA


Many years ago back in the day.
The halls were filled with old timers.
Great memories, great people, it's different today.
Jack the Barber would say
”We’ll make it together. Come along for the ride, we’re in the back room come on inside.
Stay away from denial aisle, I saved you a chair, try to identify, don’t compare”.
John T. would say “This is serious business.”
God, I miss the old timers that aren’t here today. They spread the message near and far
and said the famous four words “Get in the car.”
Thank God for our founders Bill & Bob.
I can still hear Henry the cop saying “Get a job”. 
What ever happened to keep it simple?
Trust God, Clean house, Help others is what the steps mean,
 the perfect recipe to stay sober and clean.
Otto and Frenchy got sober before they drank Canada dry,
they helped many people and that's no lie.
We still have Kathy , Phil, Rock, Big Al, Leon, Austin, Ernie, Father Will, and both Tom B’s.
They make time for the newcomer with a cup of coffee.
Nibben O’Toole helped many a man, yes he was the greatest Sox fan.
I learned so much from Mike Burdell, he didn’t say much but he said it so well.
We’ve lost biker Jack, Frankie Mac, Turkey Bob, Darlene, Shine and Chappie, 1 step Eddie.
Lets not forget John the Indian and Johnny V.
Ann would trick us with nicotine gum for a laugh, she spent her whole life giving back.
 Roland and Leo would tell you what you needed to know and 100 different ways of where you can go.
They’d shake their heads when they heard “No Shame”.
I miss those old timers, they'd remember your name.
Father Fred, Zeus and Irish Pat, thank God I got to know those people,
they don’t make them like that.
They wore hats, busted chops and had funny nicknames,
and made it to commitments in snow sleet and rain.
Jimmy Q and I are so blessed we learned from the best and spread it to the rest.
John T. , I close my eyes and the wisdom you shared.
You were the best sponsor ever and can’t be compared.
I close my eyes and hear what they’d say.
Thank God for all the great people that aren’t here today.
Thank God for Old Timers and Old time AA.


Paul L.
Clinton Central Park Group

Clinton Central Park 55th Anniversary

We celebrated 55 years of operation with a big feed, great speakers and good fellowship. Also got a cakelady creation this year. Speakers were Chuck and Lila , procured from Sherborne group,by fearless leader Tom B.. Gary from Shamrock made us his famous shepherds pie, and many others brought their favorite dishes, a wonderful feast. A nice remembrance at the beginning by opener Mary Beth of Otto and John T.

O-T-T-O spelled backwards

We lost our Otto. A Gentleman
June 20,1932 – December 27, 2018
                    
Otto was proud of his Norwegian Canadian heritage, the single child  born to Otto and Aasta in Montreal. He grew up in Dolbeau, Quebec where his father was an engineer in the paper industry. After college he came to the US where he worked for most of his work life, as a field service engineer on mechanical banking terminals. When that technology was phased out in the 80s, he settled in Lancaster MA to be near cousins in central Mass. He worked for some years at Weetabix in Clinton, and Intellitech Inc. in Hudson before retirement. He was an active member of the Senior Center in Lancaster and active for nearly 30 years in his beloved  Clinton Central Park AA group.

Otto was well known as a quiet , reserved, gentle man, but with a quick wit and sense of humor. His love of steam engines, railroad lore, maps and geography were well known. He enjoyed shopping and in particular the restaurant trips with the seniors. When working in Manhattan he belonged to the Sheepshead Bay yacht  club and enjoyed fishing. When in MA , he enjoyed driving trips to the family camp on Merrymeeting Bay in Maine where he will be laid to rest.

We celebrate Otto's life and are grateful for his nearly 30 years service to our group and AA in the North Central MA area.