The “Wednesday noontime Grapevine Reflections Discussion Meeting” began in October of 1995 after one of the founders’ work schedule changed from days to evenings.  It only took a couple of weeks to realize a need for a noontime meeting in Windham.  We approached the North Windham Union Church with the plan.  The church secretary was excited.  She also donated time at the church in  Raymond where the Big Book Meeting was held on Friday.  She was familiar with AA and thought very highly of the Group in Raymond.  She arranged a meeting with one of the Board members and advocated for us.  It just so happened that the church had hoped to offer a meeting place for AA, but didn’t know how to contact a group who might need a start.  This particular Board member had family who died of the disease and wanted so much to help others who might be suffering.  The church wanted to help.

We explained that we had chose to create a meeting that would read an article from the Grapevine, our “meeting in print,” and discuss how the topic related to staying sober one day at a time from our own experience, strength and hope.  We planned to open the meeting with the daily meditation from Reflections.  The church also agreed to accept half the 7^th tradition for rent of the hall and coffee pot.  Those who were a part of the core group include:  Lorraine H., Marsha B., and Mike H.  The meeting averages about 12.  Anonymous donations of literature, meeting lists, Step and Tradition posters were made to the Group.  The group sends donations to CSO and District when the 7^th tradition accumulates above what is necessary for supplies.  An initial subscription to the Grapevine has grown from 3 to 5 so there are enough copies to circulate while reading an article.  Excess older grapevines have been donated to the Prison meetings.  Archived Grapevines were donated by Andy who has become our “long-timer” in regular attendance.

* Submitted 1995 *