In early sobriety, around January of 2001, Carl P. was going through the Maine Area Meeting list of Alcoholics Anonymous when he discovered there weren't any "beginners meetings" in District 17. He called a good friend, Will C., to run the idea of a Beginners Meeting by him. Will thought it was a good idea-so a call went out to Margaret G., Carl's dear friend, who also thought it was a wonderful idea. Another call was made to Mike T., Carl's sponsor at the time, who also agreed it was a good idea. They pooled the funds together, went through the process of finding a meeting place, coffee pots, etc. Walt J. emerged with a format which is very informative explaining types of literature, principals, types of meetings, etc. It was designed to school newcomers on the fellowship of AA. This format is still in use today.

Kate R. has been supporting the meeting since the start and is a vital asset.

Margaret G. passed away in March 2003 and is deeply missed by all. Her determination and power of example has provided the meeting with love and purpose.

The first meeting place was the Casco Alliance Church and the meetings were held on Saturday night 7-8 pm. The meeting moved to the Clyde Bailey Drop-In Center where it remains today. The group size is flexible.