Attending Tufts and now becoming a full-time Somerville resident post-graduation has truly opened my eyes to the vibrant, artistic, and inclusive community that is Somerville, Massachusetts. Somerville Open Studios, PorchFest, Honk, and regular farmers markets are just a few of my favorite local community events. Each of these is a chance to take a peek into the lives of the strangers I pass on the street and remember that every single one of them has a unique story to tell and special talents to share. Somerville is overflowing with a ton of fun, creative, passionate, inclusive, and conscientious people.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to one such local event: Crossfit Somerville's 5-year anniversary party. This Crossfit location is way more than just a gym - it is an awesome community! It's probably the most inclusive place I've ever been in my life. Members and coaches alike support each other in a judgement-free zone. There's a community chicken coop and vegetable garden on location. Fair-trade and anti-slavery bananas are offered after each WOD. So, when I got the Facebook invitation to the anniversary party, I knew I had to go.
With music, the Patriot's game projected on the wall, a bar, string lights, and giant party games like Jenga, I almost didn't recognize the gym. It took me a while to notice that the coatracks were actually just barbells on rigs and the cocktail tables were plyo boxes with table cloths spread over them. But without a doubt, the highlight of the night was watching Crossfit Somerville's owner JT Scott perform some ridiculously cool fire breathing. JT is well-loved in the community - with his frequent dad jokes, disarming enthusiasm, and zero qualms about living his life the way he wants, he's already an interesting person to know. And then it turns out he's a fire breather...and quite a good one at that. It just goes to show that even when you think you have an idea of what someone is like, there's always an opportunity to be surprised.
