CFSV July 2014 Newsletter
Last year around this time, I ran a survey asking all of the members of the CrossFit Somerville community what they wanted. I got a lot of great feedback and an amazing response rate – because y’all are really invested in what we’re doing here and really want to help me improve it. Looking at last year’s survey, I feel like we really took care of business – all of the “most wanted” items got done, and I feel good about the big and small changes we made based on your feedback.
That said, nothing’s ever perfect and there’s always room for improvement. This year, the survey is coming back your way to ask you what you’d like to see more of in your CFSV experience. You can click here to get started right now! It’s just a few totally anonymous questions, and I’d really love to hear from all of you.
There’s a lot more going on, too! I’ve been closely following the Master Developer selection process for Union Square. Now that Mesirow/US2 has been selected as the development team, I’ll be meeting with them next week to talk about the important role CFSV has in the future of Union Square as a community, as a business, and as a gateway property welcoming people to the new square. I’ll keep you updated on how that goes…
Along with that, I’ve been closely working with Union Square Neighbors (a neighborhood association) and the Union United Coalition, both of whom are groups of local residents who want to be active in negotiating a strong Community Benefit Agreement that will help shape Union Square into a place that we are proud of. There are several events being hosted at CrossFit Somerville over the next 3 weeks that are great opportunities for you to get involved if you’re interested in this process!
And yes, it’s relevant even if you’re not going to attend – because we will be shifting our Thursday schedule to 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm so that we can get the place cleaned up in time to host these seminars… but please do attend! They’ll be like TED talks about art and parks, plus a chance to brainstorm and chat with your neighbors about what we can do in the square!
On to the rest of the news…
- CONTENTS:
- ANNOUNCEMENTS
- “Big Tent” Union Square Resident Cookout July 20
- “Space In Between” Open/Green Space Seminar Series
– 3 dates! July 24, July 31, August 7 @ CFSV - Tati’s B-Day and Farewell Party August 2
- Community Cooks July 31
- Big Bad Wolf September 13
- Cambridge 5k Oktoberfest October 5
- SURVEY
- CFSV COMMUNITY PROJECTS
- CFSV + CFF 5k + BBQ Recap
- Beekeeping Seminar Recap
- Sasquatch Trail Race Recap
- Your Input: Community Involvement
- FUTURE NEWSLETTERS
Announcements
“BIG TENT” Barbecue: Union Square Advocacy Potluck Sunday July 20
At the last meeting of the Union Square Neighbors Association, they talked about how there are a lot of folks who are concerned about the future of Union Square, and how we are all working towards the same goals – inclusive housing, jobs for Somerville residents, fostering locally owned, independent businesses and the arts community, improved parks and green space. Then they started thinking that we all might be more effective advocates for our beloved Square if we knew each other better. And the best way they could think of to get to know folks better is to have a party. So, this Sunday, July 20th from 5:00 to 7:30, we’re helping by hosting a “Big Tent Potluck” at CrossFit Somerville! Please bring a dish to share, maybe something to grill, beverages (beer and wine would be welcomed!). They are also looking for music to fill the air as we, people who are committed to Union Square, talk about how to shape our shared future.
“The Space In-Between” Green Space and Open Space Design Seminar Series, July 24, July 31, August 7
We’re hosting a series of seminars, gathering as neighbors to re-imagine what is possible with our Open Space, Green Space, and Art in Union Square. Each night we have invited three speakers to share stories of what has been done in other places, and then we as a community will talk and generate our own ideas from that inspiration that can shape our square moving forward through the Revitalization process. We invite you – our neighbors in Union Square – to join us in this process! More info can be found on the Union Square Neighbors website!
We could also use some help getting set up and running these events – so if you’re passionate about these topics let me know and I’ll gladly get you involved.
Tati’s Farewell Party August 2:
Tatiane is moving to Colorado! She’s hosting a party at her place to celebrate and would love to have CrossFit Somerville in attendance, as her time at CFSV has been a big part of her Boston experience for the past year and a half. On Saturday, Aug 02 starting at 07:30 PM and going until some appropriately-Brazilian ending time/date, she promises Live Music, Drinks, and Food cooked on a custom made Argentinian-style grill. 80 Brighton Street, Belmont MA 02478
Community Cooks July 31
Our next Community Cooks volunteer night will be on Thursday, July 31. Each month, a group of CrossFit Somerville athletes get together to cook a hot meal for the Ruby Rogers Center, a recovery center for adults with mental disabilities. That night will be a busy one at the facility for JT, so cooking this month will need to happen in someone else’s kitchen – or you can also cook on your own and bring it to CFSV for delivery. (Brian helps us stay organized.) If you would like to get involved, please send an email to projects@crossfitsomerville.com.
Big Bad Wolf September 13
The Sasquatch Trail Race was so much fun, let’s do it all again in September!! Vert Race Series puts on another trail race in the fall called Big Bad Wolf. It is a 5 mile run held at the Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, MA on an actual wolf preserve. A group of CFSVers ran the race last year and had a great time running in wolf-related costumes.
Check out the race website and register here! http://www.vertraceseries.com/bigbadwolf/
Cambridge 5k Oktoberfest October 5
CrossFit Somerville will also have a team for the Cambridge 5k Oktoberfest. Tristann Naumann is captaining a team for a 5k through Cambridge on October 5, followed by an Oktoberfest-themed after party sponsored by the Cambridge Brewing Company.
Check out the race website and register here: https://www.racemenu.com/events/36281-4th-Annual-Cambridge-5K-Oktoberfest
Survey
I talked a lot about this up above. I hope to hear from all of you! Click here to give your feedback!
CFSV Community Projects
CFSV + CFF 5k + BBQ Recap
On Saturday, June 28, a group of CrossFit Somerville and CrossFit Fenway athletes raced a 5k from one gym facility to the other. On a hot, sunny day, several dozen runners braved the mean streets of Boston and Cambridge to get to a BBQ full of meat and beer hosted by CrossFit Somerville. It was great to share this event with our sister gym and show off some of the cool projects were have been working on at CFSV. Stay tuned for more social events!!
Beekeeping Seminar Recap
In case you are still unaware, CrossFit Somerville has a hive of honey bees that we keep on the roof of the gym. Bees are vitally important to ecology as the main pollinators for a huge number of plant species, but they often get a bad reputation when they are confused with wasps and hornets and other species of insects that are likely to sting you.
In order to become a more informed community of bee-keepers, we held a seminar on Saturday, July 12 to learn more about the common Western Honeybee, or as we now know, Apis mellifera. Max Kraft, friend of CrossFit Somerville and local bee expert, prepared a wonderfully informative presentation about honeybees and the art and science of keeping them.
After the presentation, the group of 20 or so CFSV members and friends and family went up on to the roof to open and check out the hive kept up there. The hive looks healthy and appears to be growing, laying eggs and making honey.
Sasquatch Trail Race Recap
Nothing beats taking your fitness out into the real world: running through the woods, up and over hills, feet barely avoiding rocks and tree roots studded in the dirt path. And just like in CrossFit, add an element of time and competition to it can make it even more fun! The Sasquatch Trail Race was held on the morning of Sunday, July 13 and brought together members of CrossFit Somerville, CrossFit Fenway and friends and family to conquer the 2.35 mile race through the woods of the Middlesex Fells. The race fee also included a post-race party with beverages supplied by a few local breweries.
I take it back. Nothing beats getting in a run and a few beers before 11am.
Your Input: Community Involvement
As you can probably tell, we do a lot! As the summer starts up, there will be even more opportunities for us to get involved in friendly competitions and other community events.
CrossFit Somerville is a place where community members come together to do some pretty awesome things. Do you have ideas for ways that CrossFit Somerville can improve? Are there specific programs or seminars that you would like us to offer? Do you have ideas for volunteering opportunities, projects, group trips, or social events?
If you are passionate about making something happen, we will work with you to find the resources to make it a reality. Contact projects@crossfitsomerville.com to start making the most of your CFSV experience!
Future Newsletters
Now that you’ve read what we had to tell you about, tell us what YOU would like to read about! In addition to announcements about events happening at CFSV and schedule updates, what would interest you in a monthly update from your Coaches? Tell us what you think and why! Email projects@crossfitsomerville.com with ideas and suggestions.