To all subscribers of the Nuts and Bolts Newsletter,
my name is Nathan Kirschenbaum, and you may know me from meetings around the area. Dr. Fred has asked me to take over this local newsletter and keep a tradition going. I was honored to be asked.
It has been transformed it into an e-newsletter/blog, that will show up in your inbox but also be posted to a blog located at https://www.aanutsandbolts.com

So, you have the option of reading it as usual, or as a website that will show up well on any device. The newsletter will include a link to the coastal bender https://www.cbiaa.org/cbia-resources/newsletter/ , put out monthly by CBIA, as well as any additional information that is sent my way, or that I come across that is valuable for our fellowship. I hope that these changes are welcome. I would like to continue the tradition of AA humor, and I will also include a blog piece that I will write. Here is the first blog piece:

How Attending the 72nd Annual Coastal Bend Jamboree is Empowering Alcoholics Through Community, Learning, and Lasting Change
For over 71 years, attending the Coastal Bend Jamboree has been more than just an event—it’s a life-changing opportunity for alcoholics seeking enrichment. The Jamboree serve as a catalyst for profound personal growth, igniting hope, fostering healing, and propelling individuals toward lasting sobriety. In this supportive environment, attendees open themselves up to powerful change through shared experiences and collective wisdom.

Alcoholism can feel isolating and overwhelming for many, but this event offers a beacon of hope and connection. These gatherings foster genuine support, compassion, and empowerment in a non-judgmental space where stories of struggle and success are shared. The resulting sense of unity empowers alcoholics to move forward with confidence, knowing they are part of a larger movement toward healing.

Personal Growth and Lasting Change
AA events like the Coastal Bend Jamboree are fertile grounds for personal transformation. Exposure to diverse perspectives and recovery strategies sparks new ideas and re-energizes participants. This culture of continual learning and open exchange helps individuals break free from limiting beliefs and discover fresh approaches to overcoming addiction. The insights and practical tools gained during these conventions become essential to the ongoing journey, deepening resilience and adaptability.

Fueling Transformation Together
The true power of The Coastal Bend Jamboree lies in the ability to inspire sustained motivation and collective accountability. Attendees are reminded that they are not alone—everyone’s commitment to change is supported and understood by others who have lived similar experiences.

Please register today! Share this article with ALL of your AA friends, and help make the 72nd Coastal Bend Jamboree the best one yet! REGISTER @ https://www.cbiaa.org/jamboree/

AA Funnies: Why did the AA member bring a ladder to the meeting? To reach for a “higher power”!

To: GSRs, DCMs, Trustees, Non-trustee Directors, Area Officers & Committee Chairs, Delegates,
Appointed Committee Members, Intergroups and Central Offices, Group Contacts, GSO and
Grapevine Employees
December 22, 2025
Dear A.A. Friends:
Warm greetings – we hope this letter finds you well.
We are writing to inform you of an upcoming literature price increase affecting our English,
Spanish, and French books, booklets, pamphlets, and other literature items. At the December
meeting of the A.A. World Services Board, the board approved a price increase of $3 per item
for books and a 15 percent increase for all other literature items, with standard rounding
applied.
The new prices will go into effect on February 1, 2026.
For historical perspective, the last price increase occurred in April 2023, and the previous
increase was in 2014. As with the 2023 increase, this decision is the result of prudent fiscal
planning and the goal of long-range stability. Like organizations everywhere, Alcoholics
Anonymous is impacted by current economic changes and challenges. One of the most
significant challenges we continue to face, as we did in 2023, is the increasing costs associated
with the sale of literature.
It is important to note that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the combined costs of production,
materials, warehousing, and shipping—collectively referred to as the cost of goods sold—
generally ranged between 31% and 34% of sales. Over the past several years, those costs have
fluctuated between 42% and 56% of sales, resulting in an annual revenue loss exceeding $1.8
million. We do not expect these costs to return to pre-pandemic levels. This impact is especially
significant given that the General Service Office is supported through both voluntary
contributions and revenue generated from literature sales.
We continue to diligently and carefully monitor and reduce expenses where possible, always
mindful of the profound significance of each “nickel in the basket” sent to the General Service
Board.
Updated pricing will be reflected in the online store when the increase goes into effect.
For this increase, the following guidelines will apply:

Books are defined as any item whose item number begins with B, SB, or FB.
o These items will receive a $3 per-item increase, excluding B-0 (Alcoholics
Anonymous Facsimile First Printing of the First Edition—recently reduced to a
discounted $2 USD List Price) and B-28 (A.A. for the Older Alcoholic).
B-0 will remain unchanged and is the only exception to the book price increase.
B-28 will receive a 15% price increase.
All other literature items will receive a 15% price increase.
Literature sets will reflect a $3 increase per book.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
With gratitude for your service,
Ken T.
Chair, AAWS Board
Bob W.
General Manager, G.S.O.

Local Event Notes:

Alanos
New Year’s Eve
6:00 pm – Games, Pot Luck
Meeting at 8:00pm
Alanos Clubhouse
1633 18th Street

Friday night speaker meeting
JANUARY 2026
2ND: Birthday Night POTLUCK
9TH: ESKIMO DAVE/NEW PHOENIX16TH: RICK C./NEW PHOENIX
23RD: Round Robin
30TH: TIM R./NEW PHOENIX
Doors Open 7:15
Meeting 8:00 pm
ALANOS CLUBHOUSE
1633 18TH ST
8PM