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.
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.
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.
On May 28, the Fitchburg Serenity Club Board met to discuss the topic of facial coverings as part of the clubhouse guidelines as our Dane County community reopens. This special meeting was called based on recent feedback received from members. We care very much about ALL our members, and we wanted to have a thoughtful, intentional discussion on this particular topic. The board decided to maintain its current position of recommending, not requiring, facial coverings at FSC.
Signs like the one above are currently posted throughout the FSC Clubhouse.
Signage regarding guidelines is posted at the entrance and throughout the clubhouse (photo above). Language in the full-length version of the guidelines has been updated to specify the following: “Facial Coverings: Are recommended (optional) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As supplies permit, we will provide disposable masks and hand sanitizer at the FSC entrance for use as desired by members and attenders.” Previously, this had not included the word “recommended”, but simply indicated that masks and gloves were not required.
The board’s decision both last night and prior about guidelines is based on what we infer from CDC and Dane County guidelines about prevention of COVID-19. At this link, for individual community members, the CDC “recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.”
The Forward Dane plan outlined by Madison & Dane County Public Health asks individual community members to “Follow public health recommendations and population-level prevention strategies, such as maintaining physical distancing and wearing cloth face coverings.”
Crystal clear, right? For individual community members. What’s far less clear is whether community organizations like FSC should require anyone who enters the building to wear facial coverings. We know that we are not equipped to enforce such a policy while our local government does not mandate the wearing of facial coverings. If Wisconsin were to become like one of the five states currently requiring masks in public, we would have a different discussion.
Consider that FSC is not staffed like a healthcare operation or a local business to enforce wearing facial coverings, nor do we believe we could or should. As just one example, what would we say to a newcomer entering the building not wearing a mask, but desperately needing their first meeting?
The FSC Board is also guided by our purview as a clubhouse. We are a facility in which 12-Step recovery meetings take place, not a meeting group. Individual meeting groups wanting to use the space have a number of options for in-person meetings if they choose to, including the following:
Take a group conscience vote within your individual meeting to determine if masks will be required in that meeting. You can do this daily or as a way of operating the meeting for the time being.
Start a mask-only meeting at the clubhouse (FSC has the space available and would gladly publicize this meeting on our FSC meeting schedule).
Gather outside at any number of provided seating areas (picnic tables, firepit, other provided outdoor seating on the lower grounds of the clubhouse)
Start a “hybrid” meeting where those meeting in person and those meeting on Zoom can be accommodated together. We are happy to accommodate hybrid meetings if such a need arises by a meeting group.
If you have questions, you can contact the board at any time by approaching an individual board member or emailing board@fitchburgserenityclub.com.
While Fitchburg Serenity Club has remained open throughout our community’s Safer At Home order, we wanted to provide an updated list of guidelines as our community transitions to more places being open. FSC is moving forward based on information and input we have available today. We will continue to evolve our guidelines as this ever-evolving pandemic situation evolves. The following remains in effect until further notice.
*SOURCE FOR GUIDELINES: CDC and Forward Dane PDF for Dane County
We strive to uphold our mission: FSC is a non-profit corporation for recovering alcoholics, addicts, their families and friends, who follow a 12-step program of recovery. FSC provides space for meetings, the opportunity for fellowship, and endeavors to offer a safe, secure, positive environment for recovery.
Note: We understand that “safe” does not and cannot mean ensuring the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 due to humans being in physical contact or in close proximity. Those who attend meetings at Fitchburg Serenity Club should take precautions to maintain their own health and safety.
FSC Guidelines for Meeting Groups effective May 26, 2020 until further notice
Most of these guidelines are a continuation of how we’ve been operating throughout our community’s Safer At Home order.
Cleaning Meeting Rooms: After each use of each meeting room (including use by one or more persons), please use the provided disinfectant solution to wipe down all tables and hard surfaces (arms of chairs, hard-surface chairs). Indicate the room has been cleaned by writing the date/time on the sign on the door.
Masks/Gloves: Are not required, although some of our attenders choose to wear them to protect themselves and others. As supplies permit, we will provide disposable masks and hand sanitizer at the FSC entrance for use as desired by members and attenders.
Meeting Room Occupancy: Please respect social distancing guidelines. Once meeting numbers get to a level where social distancing is challenging, we ask that meeting leaders suggest a split in an available meeting room nearby.
Guidelines for Common Space Areas: Please be respectful of others. Avoid physical contact and maintain six feet of personal space as much as possible in the lobby, hallways, entrances, restrooms.
Wash hands frequently and make use of hand sanitizer provided in meeting rooms and common areas.
Please avoid bringing food to share: If food was shared during your meeting, please take all leftovers home after your meeting. Please dispose of all wastepaper and empty cups, etc. in the bin.
7th Tradition: Thank you for your continued observance of the 7th Tradition. Based on your comfort level, meeting groups and individuals can elect to pass the basket or observe the 7th Tradition by dropping contributions directly into the safe near the vending machines or contributing online (donate link on the FSC website).
Discussions Underway:
Technology: As our community re-opens, we realize that some meeting groups which have had both virtual and in-person meetings taking place may want to bring their virtual and in-person groups together by using technology within the rooms. The FSC Board is discussing ways to make this easier and less distracting than having someone’s laptop on a table. If your meeting group has a need for technology-assisted meetings, please email board@fitchburgserenityclub.com, and we will work to support your needs.
Coffee Service: We are in discussions about how and when coffee service can be safely resumed and what that might look like. We will keep you posted as updates are available.
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.
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.
Update on FSC Guidelines as Dane County Reopens
Posted: May 29, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
On May 28, the Fitchburg Serenity Club Board met to discuss the topic of facial coverings as part of the clubhouse guidelines as our Dane County community reopens. This special meeting was called based on recent feedback received from members. We care very much about ALL our members, and we wanted to have a thoughtful, intentional discussion on this particular topic. The board decided to maintain its current position of recommending, not requiring, facial coverings at FSC.
Signage regarding guidelines is posted at the entrance and throughout the clubhouse (photo above). Language in the full-length version of the guidelines has been updated to specify the following: “Facial Coverings: Are recommended (optional) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As supplies permit, we will provide disposable masks and hand sanitizer at the FSC entrance for use as desired by members and attenders.” Previously, this had not included the word “recommended”, but simply indicated that masks and gloves were not required.
The board’s decision both last night and prior about guidelines is based on what we infer from CDC and Dane County guidelines about prevention of COVID-19. At this link, for individual community members, the CDC “recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.”
The Forward Dane plan outlined by Madison & Dane County Public Health asks individual community members to “Follow public health recommendations and population-level prevention strategies, such as maintaining physical distancing and wearing cloth face coverings.”
Crystal clear, right? For individual community members. What’s far less clear is whether community organizations like FSC should require anyone who enters the building to wear facial coverings. We know that we are not equipped to enforce such a policy while our local government does not mandate the wearing of facial coverings. If Wisconsin were to become like one of the five states currently requiring masks in public, we would have a different discussion.
Consider that FSC is not staffed like a healthcare operation or a local business to enforce wearing facial coverings, nor do we believe we could or should. As just one example, what would we say to a newcomer entering the building not wearing a mask, but desperately needing their first meeting?
The FSC Board is also guided by our purview as a clubhouse. We are a facility in which 12-Step recovery meetings take place, not a meeting group. Individual meeting groups wanting to use the space have a number of options for in-person meetings if they choose to, including the following:
If you have questions, you can contact the board at any time by approaching an individual board member or emailing board@fitchburgserenityclub.com.
FSC Update as Our Community Transitions
Posted: May 26, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
While Fitchburg Serenity Club has remained open throughout our community’s Safer At Home order, we wanted to provide an updated list of guidelines as our community transitions to more places being open. FSC is moving forward based on information and input we have available today. We will continue to evolve our guidelines as this ever-evolving pandemic situation evolves. The following remains in effect until further notice.
*SOURCE FOR GUIDELINES: CDC and Forward Dane PDF for Dane County
We strive to uphold our mission: FSC is a non-profit corporation for recovering alcoholics, addicts, their families and friends, who follow a 12-step program of recovery. FSC provides space for meetings, the opportunity for fellowship, and endeavors to offer a safe, secure, positive environment for recovery.
Note: We understand that “safe” does not and cannot mean ensuring the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 due to humans being in physical contact or in close proximity. Those who attend meetings at Fitchburg Serenity Club should take precautions to maintain their own health and safety.
FSC Guidelines for Meeting Groups effective May 26, 2020 until further notice
Most of these guidelines are a continuation of how we’ve been operating throughout our community’s Safer At Home order.
Discussions Underway:
If you have questions, please email board@fitchburgserenityclub.com. Thank you.
Make a Contribution
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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