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: 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!
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.
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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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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