In the fall of 1980, the first meeting of the “AS YOU LIKE IT’ group of Alcoholics Anonymous was held. A local physician, Dr. Weaver, had suggested, to Dick D, that the hospital had a space in the physicians building, which could be used on Sundays for the purpose of an AA meeting. He felt because Pen Bay hospital had opened a unit for detoxing alcoholics, a meeting on the hospital grounds might give patients their first taste of AA.  The hospital was approached and permission was granted. The first group members were, Billy A, Dick D, Beverly D, and Alex.

At the first business meeting, these 4 decided the format; the meeting would be from 10:30 to 12:00, with a 5 minute smoke break half way through. (The hospital has forbid all smoking since 2008). At one of the first business meetings the question came up about how to pay rent, since the hospital would not accept money from the group.  It was decided, in place of money for rent, the group would give Big Books and other AA conference approved literature to the detox unit. Today, in 2010, this remains the group’s way to be self-supporting and pay rent to Pen Bay Hospital for the use of their facilities.  A steady stream of  “Big Books” flows from this group to the suffering alcoholics who find them selves in the throes of alcohol, as patients in the detox unit. 

Other matters had to be decided, such as what to name this new group?  After much discussion, “As You Like It” was selected. This name reflected the format chosen, which was a little different than other meetings presently being held in the area. The format at that time was, the person chairing the meeting choose what kind of meeting it would be, such as a speakers meeting, a tag meeting, a podium participation meeting. Originally the chairs were set up in a large circle, however, they could soon see it was necessary to set them up in rows to better accommodate the increasing number of people attending. As the years passed, the format changed to today’s format:  following the normal opening introductions and readings, the chair person (with at least one year of continuous sobriety) qualifying for about 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a 5 minute break (NO LONGER A SMOKE BREAK). The break has become an important part of this meeting and is now a time of fellowship, until the meeting is resumed as discussion, with the focus on the recovery from alcoholism. 

Beginning in the early 1980’s, Dick D. suggested the group hold a Gratitude Meeting on Christmas Eve. Since that time, this Gratitude Meeting has been held every year and has become a tradition for many as part of their family’s way to celebrate the holidays. The meeting is held at 8:30, in our usual location in the physicians building, using the regular format.  Members bring deserts and food to share, to add to the spirit of grateful sharing of our recovery in AA. For this meeting there is usually standing room only. 

The As You Like It Group has always been a meeting, which draws attendance from a large geographic area. It is a melting pot for the Camden, Rockport, Rockland, Owls head, Thomaston areas, as well as, many from outside our district who attend on a regular basis. Our attendance is also comprised of many  summer visitors to the area, as well as, patients who come over from the detox unit. Members who call this group their “home group”, are often few, but attendance remains high, ranging from 50 to 75 people each week. While the shortage of true group members, often makes it difficult to fill all service positions, or allow for the timely “spirit of rotation” suggested by the general service office, we continue to have members who are devoted to this group, making sure it is set up and ready to carry the message every Sunday morning.

 Submitted by Sue M., member since 1986