Please support our Traders of the Day 28th March 2020 – after coronavirus

Boles of Boyle: Abbey House B&B: Paul Deane Appliance Repairs: Erita Nails & Beauty: Philippa’s Hair Design: Tai Chi Chinese Restaurant

The Toon Team, Coronavirus

Tony Conboy “An Oblique View”

Tadhg TV Update

Boyle at 8am Saturday 28th March

Remembering the old song “Oh What A Beautiful Morning …”

Lockdown: Stay at home

Irish Independent: “Ireland today enters a strict two-week period of almost total lockdown in a bid to crush the coronavirus outbreak.
With very few exceptions, people must stay in their homes for more than a fortnight – until Easter Sunday, April 12.
Thousands of gardaí will be on the streets as part of an operation to enforce the measures.
“There will be high visibility patrolling by Garda members across the country,” the force said last night.”

Irish Rail – revised service from Monday 30th March

 

• There will be a reduced schedule in operation on all routes. Please check times before travel for all routes on Irish Rail journey planner at www.irishrail.ie
Boyle to Connolly 06:13, 07:14, 11:38, 15:38, 19:38
Connolly to Boyle 06:55, 09:05, 11:00, 15:00, 19:15
• Iarnród Éireann will maximise train size wherever possible to ensure social distancing on board.
• Catering is not available and alcohol is not permitted onboard any rail service at this time.

Scoil na nAingeal Naofa

Friday 27th March: on this beautifully sunny, 15°C afternoon, teachers Fiona Keenan and School Principal Michelle Gill were on hand with a lovely CD memory for parents and pupils, “Seussical, the Musical”
270 performers from 19 families!!
Following the Musical last February I wrote: “I attended this sensational Scoil na nAingeal (Boyle) show in St. Joseph’s Hall … WOW … 270 national school kids … not a line was missed, not a song or dance move anything less than brilliant !!!

Public transport to be scaled back from next week

Public Transport is to be scaled back to manage the spread of COVID-19.
Revised timetables for Irish Rail, Bus Eireann, Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead will come into effect next week.
Services will run at approximately 80% of current levels.

The 8 at 8: Friday

Here’s a round-up of the headlines this morning.

Boles of Boyle

29 Mar 2020 – Daylight Saving Time Starts: Sunday, 29 March 2020, 01:00:00 clocks are turned forward !!!

It is great to see Boles and other Boyle traders continuing to change their window displays, giving pleasure to people as they are out walking.
The theme for their current window is “The Clocks go forward this weekend”
The time-pieces are supplied by ‘Taylors interiors’
By the way, you can contact Boles of Boyle by email info@bolesofboyle.com & by phone at 086 068 1366 should anybody need anything.

Civic Amenity Sites

Herald report: Roscommon County Council Civic Amenity sites are currently operational as normal in Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea and Boyle. Opening hours are Monday, Friday and Saturdays from 8.00am to 4.00pm. Customers are asked to observe ‘Social/Physical distancing’ advice and to co-operate with staff operating the sites.

BOYLE GARDAÍ ARE HERE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY DURING COVID-19

Working together we can all minimise the impact of COVID-19. Our focus in An Garda Siochana is on supporting our communities.
‘Social Distance’ guidelines are essential to decrease and interrupt the spread of COVID-19 –
• An Garda Siochana will be proactive in challenging behaviour which is not appropriate.
• An Garda Síochána appeals to every person, in particular, our younger members in the community to be ‘Socially Responsible’, for their health the health of their parents and the lives of their Grandparents.
• Public Offices in Garda stations remain open, but in line with ‘social distancing’.
• An Garda Síochána urges and encourages families, neighbours, clubs and community groups to continue to engage with their loved ones, friends and neighbours, strictly in line with ‘social distance’ guidelines.
• Where vulnerable and isolated persons are identified with No local supports, or where supports are no longer possible due to COVID-19, An Garda Síochána will support these persons. If you need us, call us: Boyle 071 9664620. Castlerea 094 9621630 (24 hour)

Covid 19 – New measures expected Tuesday 24th March

Photo – Irish Independent

The Government is expected to introduce further measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus today after the National Public Health Emergency Team meets this morning.

Covid 19 – UK LOCKDOWN

Tough restrictions on travel and socialising aimed at forcing people to stay in their homes have been implemented across the UK, following an announcement by Boris Johnson last night (Monday 23rd March)
• People only to be allowed out for limited reasons
• Shops selling non-essential goods to close
• No gatherings of more than two people who do not live together
• Measures to be reviewed in three weeks

Bank of Ireland temporary closures

101 branches of BOI are scheduled to close temporarily. Branches in Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Carrick-on-Shannon, Castlerea and Roscommon will remain open

Boyle Golf Club Update

Varadkar open to unity government without SF

Leo Varadkar is open to forming a national unity government, as long as it does not involve Sinn Fein, the Sunday Independent can reveal.
Mr Varadkar, the acting Taoiseach, is prepared to begin negotiations with every other party and Independent TDs, about forming a government to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he will not enter into an arrangement involving Mary Lou McDonald’s Sinn Fein.
The unity government being proposed would remain in place for the duration of the national health crisis and the first phase of the recovery.

St. Joseph’s Church Newsletter

St. Joseph’s Church, Boyle.

Apology: “We experienced technical difficulties with our webcam during the week
and it was beyond our control. We have been working daily with the company who installed our webcam and we now hope it is now working properly.
Mothers Day: Mothers Day will be very different for everyone this year.
People need a lot of mothering in these difficult times.
We ask you, Lord, to bless all Mothers.
We give thanks for their love. We remember also all the Mothers who are not with us.

Coronavirus – Covid 19

Shannonside News: Fewer than five cases have been reported in counties Roscommon and Longford, with none in Leitrim so far.

Boyle Credit Union: Covid- 19

In these difficult times, the safety and welfare of our staff, volunteers, members and the community at large is of paramount concern to us & all our decisions are made with this in mind.
Our opening hours have been reduced. We are now open from 11:00 – 3:00 Monday to Friday & 11:00 – 1:00 on Saturday. They are open to change so please keep an eye on our social media.
For lodgements, we have an express lodgement box in the office. You can transfer funds from your bank account online or you can log onto your online credit union account. Please give us a call on 071 9663144 or email info@boylecreditunion.com.
For withdrawals, please give us a call on 071 9663144 or email info@boylecreditunion.com first to minimise office visits.
For loan applications, we ask members to please call us on 071 966 3144 or email info@boylecreditunion.com first, to minimise office visits.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept new members at the moment.

Kelly’s Londis Supermarket

East Brothers Machinery

We are operating a RESTRICTED ACCESS to our Shop/Workshop. Please follow SIGNS, Thank you Edward & Nigel

“Calm Before the Storm” – Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

Joe Simon Home, Garden & Build

Hi all, from Wednesday morning 18th March, Joe Simon Home, Garden & Build will be implementing controlled access to the general public. This involves changing our customer purchasing and collection processes to help protect our staff and customers.

• We ask customers to please call or email ahead of time with your order and we will give you a collection time.
• No customers will be allowed in the store for browsing.
• Please follow the direction of the staff when you arrive at the store.

We thank you for your continued support and understanding, keep safe everyone and adhere to government warnings.

Call 0719662236, 085-1026792, 085-1026836 email: info@joesimon.ie

Boyle Chamber of Commerce

Boyle Chamber of Commerce members are thinking of all Businesses in Boyle at this very difficult time and wishing them, their employees and customers good health over the coming weeks. We are fortunate to have a great Community in Boyle who supports one another and are adhering to the advice given. Hopefully, life will return to normal soon again.
The Boyle Chamber Development Lotto re-launch has been postponed until such time as is appropriate to gather socially again, as directed by Health Authorities.

There’s no need for Panic Buying

**IMPORTANT NOTICE** from Brogans totalhealth Pharmacy

We here at Brogans totalhealth Pharmacy will remain open for the weeks ahead… To ensure the health and safety of our staff and you our valued customers we are putting precautions in place with limiting public access to our pharmacy no more than 3 people at any one time with separate entry and exit doors.
This will NOT cause disruption to our service, our staff will be there to meet you at the door whether you are: Handling your prescription, Collecting your prescription, Looking for anything else in our pharmacy.
Please call us in advance to order you prescription
OUR NUMBER IS (071) 9662044 OR (071) 9664840
OR TEXT (087) 3884208
We can deliver your medicine if required
Please observe strict hand hygiene measures in place. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding in this matter. These measures are put in place to protect our Staff and you, our customers. We are going to be a critical part of the healthcare system over the coming weeks so it is vital we stay fit & healthy so we can protect you, your families & the most vulnerable in the community. Thank you for your patience and understanding, We wish everyone good health at this difficult time, please feel free to ring us if you are worried about your health or your medical needs.
~STAY SAFE EVERYONE~
Kind Regards, Pat Brogan & Staff

The Toon Team, Duty-Free Politicians

Boyle GAA Club Update

Coronavirus – Covid 19

A concerned viewer wrote: “If you contract the disease it becomes a household and family disease. 90% of people who are healthy will fight off the virus as they would a cough or a cold. Their mortality rate is very low.
• However, in our town of Boyle, we have people with underlying conditions and elderly people whose immune system is not strong as it might be. Hopefully, the “healthy” group is hearing enough about their potential to pass on Covid 19.
• Maybe if they heard the more realistic possibilities of infecting their grannys, grandfathers, newborn babies or another long-term ill it might encourage them even more to follow the instructions from the HSE.
• Nobody would like to be responsible for the death of anyone but it could happen through lack of personal conduct. Imagine how you would feel knowing that you could do severe damage to a neighbour or loved ones just by not washing your hands.”

St. Joseph’s Church, Boyle, webcam masses

The celebration of all public Masses in the Diocese is suspended until and including Sunday 29th March.
** Exceptions may be made for weddings and funerals where the attendance will be controlled to under 100 persons **
Masses will be streamed live and viewable on the parish webcam: weekdays at 10am: Sundays and Holy Day at 10.30am

Ireland West Airport

Magees Fashion Shop, Main Street, Boyle

Coronavirus – Covid 19

Irish Independent: “No one knows where and when it will end and how many people will die. This is the terrifying reality confronting us all now.
It relegated the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations by Irish-American politicians and business leaders to a mere footnote.
Mr Varadkar’s visit was cut to 24 hours of events in Washington which themselves were overshadowed by the crisis as it unfolded.
Elsewhere, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan cancelled a trip to Germany this weekend and Culture Minister Josepha Madigan will not travel to London. “The virus takes precedence over everything,” said one Cabinet minister. It will be like that for a long time to come.”

Zorba – nothing to do with Boyle, but enjoy !!

Úna Bhán Community Notes

 

 

St. Patrick’s Day Window Displays

Boles of Boyle on Bridge Street

Marians Fashions on Bridge Street

Taylors, Bridge Street

St. Patrick’s Day 2020 will still be on Tuesday 17th March. Boyle traders will create window displays as they do every year.
I will add photos accordingly …

Scoil na nAingeal Naofa – “Scríobh Leabhar” – Emma Duggan.

Comhghairdeas le hEmma Duggan a bhuaigh an comórtas Scríobh Leabhar. Is é seo an tríú bliain i ndiaidh a chéile a d’èirigh le hEmma duais a bhuachan sa chomórtas. Táimid ar fad an-bhródúil aisti.
Congratulations to Emma Duggan on winning the Scríobh Leabhar competition. This is Emma’s third year in a row to have a winning entry in the competition. We are all very proud of you Emma.

Boyle Parochial School 11th March

I was delighted to visit the school during Open Afternoon, chat with teachers Mardette, Daphne and Mary as well as view their excellent “Bogs of Roscommon” acclaimed science project. Apart from the assembled articles and animated video, I loved Daphne’s specially composed song, performed and signed/danced by the school pupils.

Fire at Roscommon Herald 10th March 1965 report

Photo courtesy of M.F.O’Gara.

“Damage estimated at over half-a-million pounds was caused to the premises of the Roscommon Herald, Boyle.
The blaze, which broke out half-an-hour after the staff of 50 reported for work, completely destroyed the main building in a very short time.
Fire brigades from Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon concentrated on preventing the fire spreading to two new wings of the premises and to adjoining private houses and business premises.
The paper, established 106 years ago, is jointly owned by Mr. John T O’Hanrahan, County Surgeon for Roscommon and Mr. Patrick J Nerney …”

New Roscommon Writing Award 2020 (short fiction)

First Prize: €500. Closing date for entries Friday May 15th.
For all enquiries and competition rules, please email artsoffice@roscommoncoco.ie

The Toon Team – Corona

Surf ‘n’ Turf at The Moorings, Knockvicar, Sunday 8th March

Daffodils on Station Road, Boyle, Sunday 8th March

EPIC in Dublin’s Docklands

128 Photos from a premier Tourism Attraction …

Tony Conboy “An Oblique View” – EPIC in Dublin’s Docklands

EPIC in Dublin’s Docklands and covers the history of the Irish diaspora and emigration to other countries. Its founder is Downpatrick born, South Africa raised Coca Cola supremo E. Neville Isdell and it was designed by a London-based design firm. It was voted as “Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction” at the 2019 World Travel Awards. This is an outstanding achievement for a tourist destination in its very short existence having come on stream in 2016. It is now challenging for world recognition through a voting system.

Boyle GAA – medals for the u12 and u14 boys teams

Team Managers Gerry Nerney and Eugene Halligan with Roscommon Senior Team Captain Enda Smith (centre)

Boyle Minor Team Captain Fergal O’Donnell introduced Roscommon Senior Team Captain Enda Smith who presented medals to the boys. Also present were team managers Gerry Nerney and Eugene Halligan, Club Chairman David Kelly and a large number of delighted parents..
• Following the medal presentations, all were treated to pizza, chips, sausages etc as well of course as tea/coffee and cakes/biscuits.
• This was another most enjoyable event courtesy of Boyle GAA and its management team

St Patrick’s Day plan criticised by doctors

Irish Independent: (7th March) “The Government’s go-ahead for the St Patrick’s Day Festival in the face of the coronavirus crisis has been strongly criticised by leading doctors.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, backed by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan, said the extravaganza – which will attract thousands from overseas and bring crowds on the streets across the country – would go ahead at this stage.
He made his comments as another five people were diagnosed with the coronavirus in the Republic last night, bringing the total to 18 …”

Brogans totalhealth Pharmacy

A Chairde, Mícheál anseo.

Tá Natural Options, atá suite in Ionad Siopadóireacht SuperValu diolta ag Pat Brogan agus ceannaithe ag beirt bhan áitiúil Paula Kelly agus Aoife O’Connor. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leo.
D’fhás na mná seo aníos le chéile i Mainistir na Búille agus tá siad anois i mbun gnó le chéile. Nach deas an rud é sin!
Sa Chogaslann Natural Options tá seirbhís iomlán oidise leighis ar fáil. Chomh maith leis sin tá gach cineál forlíon beatha agus sláinte gan trácht ar na táirgí áilleachta ar díol ann.
Beidh fáilte ag na hÚinéirí nua chomh maith leis an bhfoireann oibre Miriam, Sandra, Anna agus Sharyn roimh gach duine agus áthas orthu cabhrú lena gcuistiméirí maidir le cúrsaí sláinte agus áileachta. Go fada buan iad.
Slán go fóill.

New business for Shop Street?

It is reported that when purchase arrangements are completed, the new owners will proceed to set up a business pressing vinyl records

Jervis Centre and Heuston Station

5th March: Continuing my trips to Visitor Attractions I visited the Jervis Centre and Heuston Station, Dublin travelling to each location on Luas trams from Connolly Station

Abbey Community College Night classes

The following night classes are on offer this Spring

• Wednesday 11th March
Computerised Accounts – Sage
Mindfulness
• Thursday 12th March
Computerised Payroll – Sage
Upcycling
• All courses run for 5 weeks from 7.30-9.30 pm Cost €60. Grants available to social welfare candidates.
• Contact Karen on 086 795 8572 for further information.

Visitor Information Boards

Úna Bhán Tourism is in the process of updating the three Visitor Information Boards currently in place in Boyle and based in the following locations;
• Boyle Marina
• The Crescent, Boyle
• Boyle Train Station
Each board will include a Town Map and Visitor Information where your business can be highlighted

Boyle Chamber of Commerce – 50th Birthday

3rd March, 1970: It was decided to form Boyle Chamber of Commerce following a proposal by Harry Mullen,  seconded by Alfie Acheson at a meeting in the Royal Hotel – 31 attended the meeting.

Swimming Pool for Boyle?

Roscommon Herald, April 9th 1971: At the first AGM of Boyle Chamber, President Gerry Dodd informed the meeting that following representation from the trustees of the Pleasure Grounds, the site will be available for a Swimming Pool in Boyle.

“Fir na Búille”

Are you interested in telling your story? Úna Bhán Tourism is conducting a new project called Fír na Búille, a celebration of the culture and creativity of the men from the community of Boyle. This follows on from our previous successful project and published book ‘Mna na Buille’. We would especially love to hear from men born prior the 1940s, up to 1960 making our age from 60 years and older. The project will capture their stories and experiences through different times and situations, often funny, often sad, but all amazing. Stories that reflect growing up in the local community, going to school, the chores they had to do, how they socialised, met their partners and how their lives led them through marriage and rearing families and careers. Stories lost if not recorded and passed to future generations reflecting their strength and endurance during different times, bringing rural and urban experiences and bridging different classes together. If you are interested or know someone that will like to be involved in this project, which will result in a book publication ‘Fír na Búille’, please contact Anna in Úna Bhán Tourism on 071 966 3033.

Patrick Street Tattoo Co. to close

Facebook: “Unfortunately I have to confirm that Patrick Street Tattoo Co will be closing its doors for good at the end of April. We’d like to thank all the wonderful clients that have gotten tattooed over the past 2 years.
If you have any unfinished tattoos or need an appointment, please let me know ASAP. As slots may be limited.”

The Toon Team – parades

ST. JOSEPH’S BOYS NATIONAL SCHOOL ANNUAL BOOK FAIR

We will hold our Annual Book Fair on the following dates:-
• Wednesday 4th March from 9.00am-9.30am
• Thursday 5th March from 9.00am – 9.30am
• Friday 6th March from 9.00am – 9.30am
• Monday 9th March from 9.00am – 9.30am
This is our Annual Book Fair and it gives us the opportunity to raise commission from book sales to stock up our library/classrooms. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Boyle Sports Clubs – updates on Facebook

Boyle Athletic Club [here…]
Boyle Curlew Walkers [here…]
Boyle Basketball [here…]
Boyle Celtic [here…]
Boyle Community Games [here…]
Boyle GAA Club [here…]
Boyle Golf Club [here…]
Curlieu Wheelers Cycling [here…]

Spring Training and Free Events at Boyle Enterprise Centre

Role Skillnet has launched its Spring Training and Free Events Programme at Boyle Enterprise Centre. Training courses include., Basic Excel March 9th, Intermediate Excel March 20th, Advanced Excel April 2nd, Intermediate Word March 23rd, Conflict Management April 22nd, Team Leadership QQI level 6, May (5 days).
• Free events include Power BI February 27th Time Management March 24th and Employment Law Essentials April 1st.
• For more information or to book places please email info@roleskillnet.com call 071 9673440. Role Skillnet, Training Network. Role Skillnet is based at Boyle Enterprise Centre and provides training support and funding for businesses.

Guinness Storehouse 28th February

The Website: “Immerse yourself in 7 floors of fun and excitement as you explore the story of Ireland’s most iconic beer. Enjoy the panoramic views from the famous Gravity Bar, dive into the history of Guinness in Dublin and experience the unique taste of Guinness. With over 20 million visitors, we are Ireland’s number one attraction.”
Pros: Friendly, well-trained staff, Loads of information on each of the thoughtfully-designed 7 floors, Easy to navigate from floor to floor through the building
Cons: €22 admission, Overpriced souvenirs, €17 for a lackluster Guinness Beef Stew, A bitter and badly poured Free pint of Guinness

A Chairde, Mícheál anseo.

Beidh lá oscailte na Leabharlanna Náisiúnta againn amárach sé sin Dé Sathairn an 29ú Feabhra. Beidh fáilte roimh gach duine go háirithe roimh dhaoine nach n-úsaideann an leabharlann go minic.
Tá  Leabharlann i Mainistir na Búille le 90 bliain agus is i King House atá sé suite le 22 bliain.
Tá a lán áiseanna sa Leabharlann. Tá seomra ar leith ann do  na bpáistí agus tá an-úsáid á bhaint as. Tá leabhair Ghaeilge agus leabhair Bhearla ar na seilfeanna ann. Bíonn an-spraoi ag páistí ann. Tá sé i gceist ag foireann na Leabharlainne clúichí boird a chuir ar fáil do pháistí le n-imirt sa seomra sin.
Tá seomra staidéir ann freisin agus seirbhís idirlín saor in aisce.
An t-aon chostas a bhaintear amach na laethanta seo ná an costas ar fhótachóireacht agus ar chlóbhuaileadh.
Is iad Matthew Gammon, Marina Bruen agus Aideen Griffin foireann oibre na Leabhlainne.
Slán go fóill.

Inside a Medieval Gaelic Castle …

A tiny Irish island (McDermot’s Castle Island, Lough Key) holds the secrets of an unknown royal way of life

Flooding / High Water around Boyle 26th February

Boyle Canal

Bailey Bridge area

Boyle River – Boat Sheds

The Toon Team

Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham, Dublin

While Boyle is the town we love so well, and the centre of our universe, it is great to travel and become acquainted with other places.
I took photos on a recent trip to the IMMA [here…]
The Irish Museum of Modern Art also known as IMMA, is Ireland’s leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art.

A Chairde, Mícheál anseo.

Tá aithne agam ar Joe O’Donnell le fada. Is fear é a bhfuil ard-mheas agam air. Bíonn sé suailceach i gcónaí. Is minic a chonaic mé é ar an staitse i Halla Naomh Sheosamh anseo i Mainistir na Búille. Ar ndóigh tá taithí mhaith ag Joe ar an staitse mar ghlac sé páirt i bhfiche cúig ceoldramaí ar fad, i bPort Omna agus anseo.
Tá a chroi báite san C. L. G. áitiúil freisin agus freastalaíonn sé ar chluichí peile na háite go rialta ag tacaíochta leo.
Is i gContae Chiarraí a rugadh agus a tógadh Joe. Tar éis dó an Ardteist a bhaint amach chaith sé trí bliana ag obair i dTrá Lí. Thug sé a aghaidh ar Choláiste na hOllscoile Bháile Átha Cliath ansin, áit ar bhain sé Céim Tráchtála amach.
Ag obair san státsheirbhís a chaith sé a shaol oibre. Bhíodh sé ag taisteal ar fud na tíre mar chigire don Roinn Choimirce Shoisialaí.
Tá sé ar scor óna chuid oibre anois ón mbliain 2009 agus sílim  go bhfuil sé i gceist aige fanacht sa mBaile Mór Álainn seo an chuid eile dá shaol.
Go dtuga Dia saol fada duit a Joe. Slán go fóill.

Board Games at Boyle Library

‘Leap into Libraries’ … Play board games at Boyle Library on Sat 29th Feb from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

 

Realboyle.com Contributors

• Tony Conboy “An Oblique View” [here]
• As Gaeilge le Mícheál Ó’Tuathail [here]
• St. Joseph’s Church Newsletter [here]
• Christy Wynne [here]
• Know Your Rights (Boyle Citizens Information) [here]
• Boyle GAA [here]
• Boyle Golf Club [here]
• John Mulligan [here]
• Tony Conboy’s Essays and Observations [here]
• Frank Conry R.I.P. [here]

Know your rights – Rent Pressure Zones

Question: What is a rent pressure zone?
Answer: A rent pressure zone (RPZ) is an area where rents cannot be increased by more than 4% each year.

Tony Conboy “An Oblique View”

“Social Media” is not noted for balanced, intelligent, well-thought-out postings and comments. However there are many notable exceptions, one being Tony Conboy’s regular “An Oblique View”.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Just a gentle reminder –  “we would be delighted if you could put a small message on realboyle.com regarding our AA meeting. It takes place every Thursday at midday in St. Joseph’s Hall.
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. Their stated purpose is to enable “members to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.” It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, and apolitical.”