When I think about Fitchburg Serenity Club (FSC) routines at the start of 2020 and consider our current reality, the two stand in stark contrast. And yet, when I “look for the similarities and not the differences”, life is reassuringly similar, thanks to fellowships that gather in the name of
12-step recovery.
Thank you to all who attend meetings at FSC. And thank you to the countless members who’ve launched, sustained and supported new forms of gathering around the tables outdoors or virtually. It is always a privilege to witness 12-step recovery in action.
When circumstances change, even drastically and in unprecedented ways, we still wake. We still gather in the rooms, around a firepit or picnic table, or on a Zoom call. We pick up the same disciplines, steps and traditions that served us in the past and now keep us grounded along the path of recovery. New members, sober for the first time in 2020, pick up new tools to survive and thrive, to live happy, joyous and free. This year is the only recovery rhythm they have ever known, and they are getting what they need. We are a community and not a building, after all.
And yet, we are blessed with a physical clubhouse that refuses to be ignored, with its own set of similarities that persist month after month, year after year, even now when so much is different. Among those similarities are monthly operating expenses, building repair and maintenance and capital expenses.
The FSC Board voted early in the year to suspend discretionary expenditures in an effort to uphold our primary mission as a nonprofit that provides space to 12-Step recovery programs. 2020 has brought new expenses, like a steady stream of masks, disinfectant and enhanced cleaning protocols. Thanks to member donations, we added “hybrid” meeting capabilities to the ballroom, so folks who want to can have a “hybrid meeting”, joining those meeting in-person with those joining via Zoom.
This year, we tackled several large-scale projects that were already underway or could not wait, including a new security system (~$16,000), HVAC repairs and upgrades (~$50,000), and a new, safer walkway and railing ($16,500, covered in part by a member donation).
Our only revenue is derived from basket collections during meetings, monthly membership dues and individual donations. Historically, basket donations have provided more than 80% of the revenue and pay for operating expenses and building maintenance. Revenues have been significantly down this year versus recent years, including 2020 lows in the month of November. Because many of our members are experiencing financial challenges, we made the decision in 2020 to temporarily suspend our practice of canceling memberships for those who have not paid dues for more than two months. Currently, only two-thirds of our nearly 250 monthly memberships are current on pledged dues.
Each year, this year-end letter provides an opportunity to update you on FSC happenings and for you to consider how you can support Fitchburg Serenity Club’s mission. If you’d like to make a financial contribution to Fitchburg Serenity Club, you may do so online. If you have questions or comments, please email board@fitchburgserenityclub.com. May the spirit of the season bring you joy and peace. Until we meet around the tables once again, regardless of how, where or when we gather, may we always come together in fellowship.
Thank you for your support of the FSC Clubhouse!
FSC Zoom Meeting Schedule Updated
Posted: December 29, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
The FSC Zoom meeting schedule has now been updated to include a new Zoom meeting each day. You can find the full Zoom meeting schedule here.
The newly added meeting is a daily AA meeting called “Fresh Start: Vets for Vets”, which meets via Zoom at 8:00pm daily. Information about how to join this meeting is on the updated Zoom schedule. Please feel free to share this meeting info with those you know who could benefit.
Season’s Greetings
Posted: December 28, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
When I think about Fitchburg Serenity Club (FSC) routines at the start of 2020 and consider our current reality, the two stand in stark contrast. And yet, when I “look for the similarities and not the differences”, life is reassuringly similar, thanks to fellowships that gather in the name of
12-step recovery.
Thank you to all who attend meetings at FSC. And thank you to the countless members who’ve launched, sustained and supported new forms of gathering around the tables outdoors or virtually. It is always a privilege to witness 12-step recovery in action.
When circumstances change, even drastically and in unprecedented ways, we still wake. We still gather in the rooms, around a firepit or picnic table, or on a Zoom call. We pick up the same disciplines, steps and traditions that served us in the past and now keep us grounded along the path of recovery. New members, sober for the first time in 2020, pick up new tools to survive and thrive, to live happy, joyous and free. This year is the only recovery rhythm they have ever known, and they are getting what they need. We are a community and not a building, after all.
And yet, we are blessed with a physical clubhouse that refuses to be ignored, with its own set of similarities that persist month after month, year after year, even now when so much is different. Among those similarities are monthly operating expenses, building repair and maintenance and capital expenses.
The FSC Board voted early in the year to suspend discretionary expenditures in an effort to uphold our primary mission as a nonprofit that provides space to 12-Step recovery programs. 2020 has brought new expenses, like a steady stream of masks, disinfectant and enhanced cleaning protocols. Thanks to member donations, we added “hybrid” meeting capabilities to the ballroom, so folks who want to can have a “hybrid meeting”, joining those meeting in-person with those joining via Zoom.
This year, we tackled several large-scale projects that were already underway or could not wait, including a new security system (~$16,000), HVAC repairs and upgrades (~$50,000), and a new, safer walkway and railing ($16,500, covered in part by a member donation).
Our only revenue is derived from basket collections during meetings, monthly membership dues and individual donations. Historically, basket donations have provided more than 80% of the revenue and pay for operating expenses and building maintenance. Revenues have been significantly down this year versus recent years, including 2020 lows in the month of November. Because many of our members are experiencing financial challenges, we made the decision in 2020 to temporarily suspend our practice of canceling memberships for those who have not paid dues for more than two months. Currently, only two-thirds of our nearly 250 monthly memberships are current on pledged dues.
Each year, this year-end letter provides an opportunity to update you on FSC happenings and for you to consider how you can support Fitchburg Serenity Club’s mission. If you’d like to make a financial contribution to Fitchburg Serenity Club, you may do so online. If you have questions or comments, please email board@fitchburgserenityclub.com. May the spirit of the season bring you joy and peace. Until we meet around the tables once again, regardless of how, where or when we gather, may we always come together in fellowship.
Thank you for your support of the FSC Clubhouse!
Posted: December 5, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
Covid Update 12/5/20
UPDATE 12/5/20: A member who last attended an in-person meeting at the clubhouse on Tuesday 12/1/20 in Room E at 10:10am has tested positive for Covid and is now quarantining. As of this afternoon, Room E will be closed for 96 hours per our Communication, Cleaning & Closures Protocol (reopening again on Weds. afternoon 12/9). Groups who typically meet in Room E are asked to meet in the Ballroom, or another available meeting room (A, B, C, D) until Room E is reopened on Weds. afternoon.
For other Covid updates, please refer to the Covid Updates page of our website. If you have questions, email board@fitchburgserenityclub.com.
Covid Updates
Posted: November 21, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
The Fitchburg Serenity Club Board met Tuesday night November 17 to finalize this doc (Communication, Cleaning & Closures Protocol doc) and to discuss the recent Emergency Order #10 issued by local public health officials and clarify appropriate FSC protocols/response. Here are relevant updates:
Thank you for your active participation in helping FSC to remain open and safe, while complying with local public health authorities. 100% individual compliance and cooperation is essential in helping us to keep FSC open for those in need of in-person recovery meetings at this difficult time.
If you have questions, please email the board at board@fitchburgserenityclub.com.
Great Pumpkins, Charlie Brown!
Last Updated: October 29, 2020 by Hilary K Leave a Comment
Our amazing Pumpkin Tree has been drawing visitors lately. Folks who notice the tree when driving by often stop in to take a look at the amazing sight! What’s more, the FSC Pumpkin Tree was featured recently on WKOW-TV. Find a link to the story here. And here’s a transcript for a similar recap on the news appearance.
FITCHBURG (WKOW) — The Fitchburg Serenity Club has put on a beautiful Halloween display to bring light to a sometimes dark topic; Addiction.
Organizers say it can be hard to enter the building knowing that you’ll be sharing things about mental health struggles and substance abuse problems, so the display greets people with thousands of smiling pumpkins.
There are 9000 little pumpkins, 80 medium pumpkins, 13 giant pumpkins displayed in front of the Old Badger School House. It takes eight weeks and many volunteers to bring it to life.
During November the Halloween scene transitions to a Christmas version, with over 100 blue snowflakes.
Drive by the center at 6048 McKee Road in Fitchburg to see the display.
Visit the club’s website to learn more about its mission to help recovering alcoholics, addicts, their families and friends. [END OF STORY]
THANK YOU to Matt K and the numerous pumpkin volunteers who worked diligently for eight weeks to create this beautiful and festive display! We appreciate your efforts!
COVID UPDATES for FSC
COVID UPDATES Click here for Covid-related updates for FSC including our policies for hygiene, communication and guidelines for prevention, communication, FSC response protocols and closure thresholds.
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