Fresh Start Group

The Fresh Start Group had its origins in the desire to get away from the smoke-filled room in the Happy Hour Group at the Bay Area Club in League City. Six members started a smoke-free meeting in 1995, but the continued lingering odor of smoke on non-smokers' clothing and hair led to the notion of a non-smoking club. The resolve was so strong that despite controversy and dire warnings, a smoke-free Up the Street Club started in 1998. The members of the Fresh Start Group were heavily involved in the birth of this new club in League City. It must be stressed that the group is not affiliated with the club; however, members were a pivotal force in the establishment of this non-smoking institution. The group's primary purpose is to carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic.

The group attempts to stay in the solution and adheres to the 12 Traditions. Because the group is so large (40 to 60 members at every meeting), everyone is asked to limit their sharing to five minutes. The group provides a phone list for the attendees and a child-care service. Members of the group are active in the service structures of both Intergroup and SETA, including participation in the Correctional Facilities Committee. A Saturday- night 8 p.m. speaker meeting is also offered.

Events forced the club to move, and eventually the Fresh Start Group and the Up the Street Club moved to the intersection of NASA Parkway and Highway 3, the current location. But first, group members and local clergy had to lobby and persuade the Webster City Council to lease the space to alcoholics. Evidently public acceptance of Alcoholics Anonomous is not universal, even though the group has participated in civic projects to help the less unfortunate. The Fresh Start Group is active in its community. Love and tolerance is the group's code.

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