Somerville Boxing Club & A Special Night

I love the Somerville Boxing Club! – That one sentence really does sum it up.

 7 year old Saraha doing her own wraps

I think there are a lot of common misconceptions about boxing.   I can tell you from experience that it is one of the hardest workouts I have ever done and not once have I hit another person.  Strength training, learning coordination techniques, increased cardiovascular energy, hand-eye coordination, confidence building and getting into the ring and going three rounds hitting mitts (yes, I actually own pink boxing gloves) are just a few of the things I have learned from being a member of the club.  

Anna & Lisa teaching the kids the ropes at the Saturday morning kids class

I have been on the boxing clubs Advisory Board along with Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello, Deputy Chief Michael Cabral and Captain Dave Fallon since the club reopened in 2011.  I use to be a regular fixture down there almost every day of the week – even volunteering with the Saturday morning kid’s class.  Unfortunately, being the Alderman and running a campaign has not allowed me as much time as I would like to spend down the club but “my light at the end of the tunnel” is I know that once campaigning is over I can allow myself the time to go back and volunteer like I use to.

The Somerville Boxing Club has had many homes since first opening in 1978 – even having to close its doors due to lack of funding  – but has been going strong in its current home in the basement at the Edgerly School – 11 Otis Street - right here in Ward 1.  The Club offers many different programs & classes throughout the year for both children & adults including boxercise.  Membership is free to all Somerville youth ages 12-21 and a modest monthly fee charged to adults.

Receiving a donation from the American Legion Post 19

The Somerville Youth Development & Boxing Club is in existence in order to help foster and promote positive development in young people. This will be accomplished through positive role modeling, developing leadership potential, and bolstering self esteem. Having this program in place will provide youth with a chance to become aware of the dangers of alcohol and drugs while providing them with a safe and stable setting in which to productively release those feelings which may influence negative choices. Utilizing this program as an option for exercise and as a means to help combat childhood obesity will only serve to enhance the recreational opportunities for the youth of the City of Somerville.

Serving on the Board of Directors is President  - Norman "Stoney" Stone, Vice - President  -  Nancy Bacci,
Secretary- Alan Monaco, Treasurer - Bruce Desmond, Edward Fitzgerald, Cory Mashburn & Ed Walsh.  And there are many many many men & women who VOLUNTEER their time – with training, upkeep, mentoring, cleaning and just helping out around the club in general.   Not one person receives a pay check – ALL volunteering their time & energy.   

The Club was packed for "Round One - A Stronger You" class which promotes exercise & healthy eating

The Somerville Boxing Club is funded solely by grants & fundraising.  Last year, after much brainstorming, we came up with Fight Night.  It was a huge success and we are hoping to have another successful repeat Fight Night this year.  The evening gives a chance for the kids and adults - both male & female - whom regularly frequent the club to showcase what they have been learning in sanctioned fights.   All participates wear protective gear and the U.S. A. Boxing Association officiates the fights.  

It is my hope that by sharing with you how much I love it there, by telling you about the great work that is done there with Somerville’s youth and by showing you some photos and videos that you will help us by attending this year’s Fight Night.  

This year will be extra special for the evening will be dedicated to Sean Collier, slain M.I.T. Police Officer, Somerville resident, Somerville Auxiliary Police Officer and original Webmaster & Facebook administrator to the Somerville Boxing Club’s Website (now defunked) & Facebook page.  A plaque will be presented to Sean’s family, the U.S. Marine Corp Honor Guard will be partaking in the opening ceremony, 15 fights are scheduled and special one of a kind t-shirts will be available with Sean’s badge number of the sleeve.  Not only are we Boston Strong we are also Somerville Tough.  

For additional information on Fight Night, ticket sales or the Somerville Boxing Club please call 617-764-3326.  I hope to see you there!!!!!!!