Service Committee Minutes

Laurel Recovery Service Committee Meeting Notes December 20, 2025

Agenda:Service Committee Monthly Meeting — Virtual due to December 12, 2025 fire

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Brian D. and opened with the Serenity Prayer

Attendees:Lisa C., Kevin L., Mike O., Jeff K., Jeanne O’, Jay F., Brian D., Scott, Shawn G., and Rebecca J.

REPORTS — – Note that remarks about what we need to address regarding the fire damage came up throughout the meeting and have been combined primarily in the “new business” section.

Chairperson-Brian D. –The December 12 fire has changed almost everything– our plans regarding upcoming meetings, and activities like the Service Committee annual elections, etc. Our focus on the spiritual aspect of Laurel Recovery remains the same. At this meeting we want to know what we want to do going forward.

Vice Chairperson Report: Jeff K.

  • Jeff has been in contact with WAIA about Laurel Recovery’s temporarily closed and temporarily virtual meetings and they have adjusted their meeting schedules for LRG accordingly
  • Has removed “Sunday Matinee” from upcoming LRG events due to the fire.

Treasurer Report: Jay F

Money is a big factor, and the impact of closing the room from the fire could cut into our prudent reserve. We are not sure if we are being charged rent even though we are not able to get into the building, or whether we are being charged for electricity.

Suzy has the mailbox key. 2 checks are due to be deposited.

  • Gave September report
  • Contributions were good in part due to contributions to LRG from members for the upcoming picnic
  • We have a good amount of cash, but not sure about how the fire impacts prudent reserve, etc.
  • Approval of Treasurer’s Report from September: Motion made by Jeanne O’ to accept Treasurer’s report for September, seconded by Shawn G., and the report was accepted by Service Committee.
  • Gave October report
  • Contributions were helped by the picnic 50/50 and contributions from members for the picnic
  • Expenses were down
  • Approval of Treasurer’s Report from October: Motion made by Jeanne O’ to accept Treasurer’s report for October, seconded by Shawn G., and the report was accepted by Service Committee.
  • Gave November report
  • Balance in account plus prudent reserve is good
  • Expenses were down
  • Approval of Treasurer’s Report from November: Motion made by Brian D. to accept Treasurer’s report for November, seconded by Jeanne O’, and the report was accepted by Service Committee.

Alternate Treasurer Lisa C. 

  • BGE account due balance is “0.” Made a payment to BGE for 2 months and it cleared the bank last week.

General Services Rep (GSR) Report—information by Jeanne O’)

  • WAGSA had a successful Gratitude Breakfast on November 9. All 400 tickets were sold and $2000 to be sent to the General Service Office (GSO) in New York was collected at breakfast.
  • There was a Committee Meeting on Monday December 8th and the main topic was discussion about the upcoming 2026 Budget. Area 13 will vote on accepting the 2026 budget in January 2026.

Washington Area Intergroup Association (WAIA) Report– no WAIA representative

  • WAIA report is on the website.

Hospitals & Institutions Report: information from Shawn G,

  • It is uncertain whether LRG will provide a meeting to Howard County Hospital on December 24

Chips— Kevin L

Chips: Kevin L

  • Before the fire, we were going to order 4 packages of 24-hour chips and also a 49-year chip.
  • Will bring the levels of the chips current when we return to the room.

Publications Report–Jeff K.

  • Will update levels of literature when we get into the room.
  • Watching for notice of when/how to renew Grapevine subscription. Lisa may receive a reminder in the LRG mail.

Supplies–Marta C. -=- not present

  • Plenty of supplies are in the LRG room.

Secretary Coordinator–Shawn G. 

  • Has contacted the in-person secretaries to see if they want to go virtual.
  • Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday night meetings are temporarily virtual.
  • Susan is temporary secretary for the Thurs night meeting while it is virtual.
  • Has asked Suzy to ask the landlord for an up-to the minute status of Laurel Recovery fire damage/projections.

Virtual Meeting Coordinator–Jeanne O

  • LRG regular virtual meeting techs are providing tech support for Tues, Weds and Thursday night temporary virtual meetings.
  • Sunday and Monday night meetings are also virtual and provide their own tech support.
  • Working with Wednesday noon secretary to bring that meeting to temporary virtual.
  • Kevin l. announced that the Wednesday December 24th Christmas Eve 8PM meeting will be virtual. The Wednesday December 31st New Year’s Eve 8PM meeting will be in person at Greenbelt Step Club in Greenbelt,

Website–John R. — not present,  submitted report

  • Report was sent out to the Steering Committee.
  • Change from: “John asked that LRG members be advised to look at the “Virtual Meetings” section of the website to see the schedule of the now temporary virtual meetings. Jeanne will ask him if he will add wording to the website to guide them to look at the section” to John asked that LRG in-person meeting secretaries communicate with the virtual meeting coordinator if they  would like to have temporary virtual meetings., and she will communicate the addition to the webmaster to add the meeting to the LRG website virtual meeting listing, Jeanne will ask him if he will add wording to the website to guide members to look at the section.

OLD BUSINESS

  • Jeanne O’ had volunteered to coordinate the 2026 Service Committee election roster, etc. for what was to be January 2026 elections. In light of the logistical and scheduling uncertainty resulting from the fire, Jeanne made a motion that the elections be tabled until at least February. Motion seconded by Shawn and passed.

NEW BUSINESS:  THE FIRE

  • Per Shawn via Suzy the landlord says there is no fire damage to Laurel Recovery side of the upstairs, but all electric meters need redoing.
  • Questions: How quickly can we get into the room? Can we at least go in and clean out/empty the refrigerator, especially since there is now no electricity in the room.
  • If we go to another location for meetings, we most likely will have to complete paperwork and make some sort of time and financial commitment.
  • We have explored options with the Laurel Multipurpose Community Center at the intersection of 197 & 198. Not enough meeting times available.
  • Places on “C” Street have quoted rooms rents that vary from $100 per hour to $1400 for a month of 4 hours per day. A key advantage is that it is a first-floor location.
  • If we have to relocate, or cannot return to our 368 Main Street location soon enough, would then signing a lease for prolonged periods be more affordable? Like a 24/7 arrangement?
  • Brian looked at a place across from our parking lot for $1200 and it seemed small. Discussed the Armory and limitations, Crossroads is already rented out.
  • Jeff looked at 4 churches. They either had limited or no availability. Laurel Presbyterian is a possibility, but has stairs and LRG’s number of meetings and numerous entries cold be a problem.
  • NEXT STEPS:
    • Follow-up with landlord on status of our current location
    • Scott and Mike will explore more pricing options with the “C” Street locations
    • We will explore more options on Main Street: something close by, available 24/7, affordable
    • Shawn will reach out to Laurel City Council member
    • Shawan will reach out to realtor who has Laurel Maryland Connect Facebook page
    • THIS GROUP WILL RECONVENE FOR STATUS REVIEW ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 at 10AM in the Laurel Recovery Group Virtual meeting room.

 MEETING ENDED WITH SERENITY PRAYER AT 11:12 A.M.

Respectfully submitted, Jeanne O’, volunteer secretary

MEETING NOTES ACCEPTED BY SERVICE COMMITTEE SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026

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