During the October board meeting, the FSC Board approved an extensive HVAC project to replace the third rooftop unit that is inoperable after numerous tactical fixes since the spring. This project will also address temperature control and comfort issues that have plagued FSC for years. This was an investment we considered very carefully and researched thoroughly, since the price tag for this project is high ($44k), and 2020’s been a challenging year.
After careful consideration, we decided to move forward because temperature issues have been the single-biggest challenge FSC has dealt with over the years, and short-term fixes (which are also not inexpensive) would not resolve our larger challenges of temperature control, airflow and comfort. We have funds in the FSC reserve account to cover this investment, and our HVAC partner for this project, Harker, has graciously extended payment terms to us which will spread out the cost over the next six months.
The new rooftop unit will be operational within the next couple of weeks, addressing heat issues in Room E, lobby and restrooms.
Remaining work to address airflow/comfort issues involves duct work and may impact Rooms A/B beyond that timeframe.
Groups typically meeting in A/B are being asked to meet in the Ballroom/Room E while work’s being done, with the Ballroom being preferable on cold days. There is a sign in the lobby to this effect.
Thank you for your patience, and we hope to bring you a more comfortable meeting experience in the very near future.
FSC HVAC Update
Posted: October 26, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
During the October board meeting, the FSC Board approved an extensive HVAC project to replace the third rooftop unit that is inoperable after numerous tactical fixes since the spring. This project will also address temperature control and comfort issues that have plagued FSC for years. This was an investment we considered very carefully and researched thoroughly, since the price tag for this project is high ($44k), and 2020’s been a challenging year.
After careful consideration, we decided to move forward because temperature issues have been the single-biggest challenge FSC has dealt with over the years, and short-term fixes (which are also not inexpensive) would not resolve our larger challenges of temperature control, airflow and comfort. We have funds in the FSC reserve account to cover this investment, and our HVAC partner for this project, Harker, has graciously extended payment terms to us which will spread out the cost over the next six months.
The new rooftop unit will be operational within the next couple of weeks, addressing heat issues in Room E, lobby and restrooms.
Remaining work to address airflow/comfort issues involves duct work and may impact Rooms A/B beyond that timeframe.
Groups typically meeting in A/B are being asked to meet in the Ballroom/Room E while work’s being done, with the Ballroom being preferable on cold days. There is a sign in the lobby to this effect.
Thank you for your patience, and we hope to bring you a more comfortable meeting experience in the very near future.
Posted: September 30, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
Mid-Year FSC Financial Update
Many of you have asked how the clubhouse is doing financially this year. We wanted to provide an update through the month of August. We will continue to update you in the months to come. You’ll find graphs below. Here are a few highlights from Fitchburg Serenity Club Treasurer Dave S.
Monthly Income Trend September 2019 through August 2020
FSC Income vs Expenses September 2019 through August 2020
While revenue has fluctuated significantly, normal monthly operating expenses remain constant. These operating expenses run about $6000 monthly for FSC. When monthly income doesn’t cover this amount, we need to tap our prudent reserves.
The extent to which we need to use reserve funds for operating expenses impacts our ability to cover big-ticket items to maintain and preserve our beautiful, old clubhouse. Earlier in 2020, those big-ticket items included HVAC fixes, a much-needed security system installation, as well as a safer set of steps and walkway up to the building to replace the old paver walkway.
Prior to the pandemic impacts, we had planned to move forward with kitchen renovation, but have put this project on hold in favor of focus on must-do projects for the sake of repair and maintenance and keeping the doors open. For example, this fall/winter, we will likely need to invest in some major HVAC system repairs and upgrades.
If you have questions, you may always email the FSC board. Thank you for your continued 7th Tradition donations for Fitchburg Serenity Club.
You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring donation amounts via our Paypal donate link below or at any time from our homepage.
Summer at FSC
Posted: July 24, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
We’ve gotten questions here and there about “are you open”? YES! FSC has been and continues to be open for those in need of in-person 12-step meetings. In compliance with Dane County orders, masks are required indoors. You can find our schedule here. On the same page, there is a schedule of Zoom meetings. If updates are needed, please let us know at board@fitchburgserenityclub.com.
Meeting groups have also started meeting outdoors on our lovely grounds, so attenders can enjoy safer in-person connection. We would love it if you let us know of regular outdoor meetings taking place, so we can help you get the word out on the FSC Schedule and avoid schedule conflicts. Drop an email to board@fitchburgserenityclub.com, so that we can let others know of outdoor meeting opportunities available. We receive regular email inquiries about outdoor meetings, and it’s good to be able to provide options for those inquiring.
FSC members wanting to reserve clubhouse space for a new meeting, fellowship event or regular fellowship gathering can always find our FSC Room Request form here. This form can be used to request space for 12-step meetings as well as other fellowship (picnic table book club, meditation meeting or yoga, anyone?). For guidance on use of FSC clubhouse and grounds, you may find our house rules here, as well as clarification to address a few questions that came up recently.
This is an incredibly challenging year, and folks are hungry for community and fellowship. We hope FSC members continue to take full advantage of the well-maintained clubhouse and grounds available for community use, as you feel comfortable doing so and in keeping with our mission of being a space for meetings, the opportunity for fellowship and a safe, secure, positive environment for recovery.
FSC Safety Protocols Update
Last Updated: July 8, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
On July 7, Madison and Dane County Public Health issued a new emergency order which requires that facial coverings be worn indoors in public spaces beginning Monday, July 13 at 8:00am. You can find the actual order here.
In compliance with this order, beginning on Monday, July 13, Fitchburg Serenity Club will require individuals to wear facial coverings while indoors at Fitchburg Serenity Club (in meeting rooms, as well as in common areas like lobby, entryway, hallways, restrooms, etc.). Signage like the example below has been posted at the clubhouse.
Disposable masks are available at no charge at the entrance of the clubhouse and in commonly used meeting rooms for those who do not already have one or cannot obtain one. As long as supplies permit, we will do our best to keep this mask supply stocked and available for those who need them, although we certainly appreciate individuals providing their own masks as they are able.
For those unable to follow these guidelines, outdoor meeting spaces at the clubhouse or a variety of Zoom meetings are available as alternatives. You’ll find the complete schedule here.
Thank you for your cooperation. Your compliance helps keep the clubhouse open and safe for those attending in-person meetings. If you have questions, you may email board@fitchburgserenityclub.com.
FSC Welcomes New Board Member
Last Updated: July 8, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
Fitchburg Serenity Club is proud to welcome Brian C. as our third Director-At-Large. This position was recently left vacant by Laurie A. We thank Laurie for her dedicated service in her time as a board member.
If you have been at the clubhouse within the past few months, you have no doubt seen or met Brian doing any number of tasks, from leading a meeting or wiping down tables, to helping a newcomer to find the resources they need. He’s been a constant presence at the clubhouse prior to and throughout the Safer-At-Home order. As our newest Director-At-Large, Brian will continue to put his hospitality gifts to work in service to our members.
Brian was raised in Madison and has recently relocated here after life and work took him around the country for a while. We are grateful to have him back in Madison, in the rooms at FSC, wearing his ever-present cologne of disinfectant solution.
In his short time as a board member, Brian’s been a quick study on how FSC functions behind the scenes and has become a key part of creating and maintaining our space. Brian’s career includes running a large nightclub for many years which taught him a lot about physical building management and creating strong relationships with municipal and community stakeholders. Anyone who’s met him can attest to his strong people skills and deep concern that every group operating at FSC has the support it needs to provide maximum service to those in need of help.
Please join me in welcoming Brian C. to the FSC Board as Director-At-Large.
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In this season of “social distancing” people have been asking how to help support the continued mission of the Fitchburg Serenity Club. Please use the button below to donate. You can use this button to create a recurring donation as well.
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