6
Another member had received a contractor discount status with a building supply company.
When the group was presented with the Bank’s proposition, the Jailer’s offer, the financing arrangement, and the
materials acquisition plan, the C.H.I.P.S. Group voted unanimously to undertake the project.
Members gave up their lunch times to get supplies and materials. Jackson J. volunteered his truck (and
himself) to haul off debris and discarded materials. Many weeks (and many trips to the dump) later, the crew began construction.
It was discovered that the air conditioning system had been removed, and a new one must be acquired. This appeared to be
a major setback, and was announced at a meeting at the old Bait Shop. Before the announcement was completed, Tim B., who had just received an
inheritance, donated the money to purchase a new system.
An arrangement was made with a plumbing company to install the air conditioning system and restore the heating
system to proper operation, charging only material costs and labor expenses. (The group was unaware, at the time, that the owner’s brother-in-law was a
member of another AA group. The owner desired to help, because he appreciated what AA had meant to his brother-in-law and his family).
Miracles happened: Carpeting furnished by some anonymous member….items mysteriously appeared…the second floor rooms
repaired except for the kitchen. The Franklin County School Board wanted to rent three rooms for office space, which would help pay the plumber and the
credit card.…
7
On October 6, 1990 the C.H.I.P.S Group opened their new home with a pot luck
supper, honoring the jail inmate construction crew as guests. An open
AA/Alanon Speaker meeting followed, with Jackson J. and Sheila J.
becoming the first speakers at 111 Bridge Street.
In March 1991, the jail crew was back at work, removing the old debris and remodeling the
upstairs kitchen. Kitchen cabinets were donated by Bob W. ; plumbing
and materials were purchased at cost or at a discount.
While the remodeling of the kitchen was taking place, Ross P. and Charles A.
were talking with the bank about the possibility of the group steering
committee purchasing the property. The bank appraised the property, and
noted all of the improvements made by the group. Because of the increase in
the property value due to the work and materials supplied the C.H.I.P.S.
Group and the jail crew, a down payment would not be required. Tom S.
knew the banking business and worked with the bank to arrive at the terms of
the agreement.
Realizing that the C.H.I.P.S.
Group, in keeping within the Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, could
not own property, members of C.H.I.P.S and its associated family
groups formed The Bridge Street Token Club which was incorporated to
purchase the building. The BSTC became the owners of 111 Bridge Street on
December 29, 1992, and Landlord to the C.H.I.P.S. Group of Alcoholics
Anonymous and the New Hope Al-Anon Family Group which rent their respective
facilities from the BSTC.
