BTSCF Newsletter - November 2022
We are marching toward the end of the year which also means we are heading for new beginnings as well. Here’s what’s going on at BTSCF this month…
In Case You Missed It
We announced the initial details about the CrossFit competition called Mindful Madness we will be hosting in April 2023 to help raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Registration info can be found within the post.
We took a look at the Overhead Squat as part of our Foundational Movement Series
Port Jervis Stone Challenge 4
Another PJ Stone Challenge is in the books. We loved being a part of this special event! We were so thrilled to see so many of our athletes participating and taking on the mountain. Congrats to everyone who participated and to the PJ Stone Challenge team for putting on such an awesome day! We can’t wait untilnext year!
Photos Courtesy of The PJ Stone Challenge
Thanksgiving Day with “The Deck”
One of our favorite traditions is our Thanksgiving morning workouts where we take on the Deck. Each suit designates a different movement and the number on the card designates the number of reps. The class works their way through the deck together until all 52 cards have been completed. We are so thankful for all of our athletes past and present who have helped us create such a great tradition. We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
BTSCF Annual Holiday Party
Our annual Holiday Party will take place on Saturday December 17 at 5pm. We hope to see everyone there with your families.
We are bringing back the White Elephant Gift Exchange. If you’d like to participate, bring a gift valued $15-20.
There’s a sign up sheet on the front desk for both the White Elephant Gift Exchange and if you’d like to bring an appetizer or dessert.
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve - Saturday 2/24 - Regular Hours
Christmas Day - Sunday 2/25 - Closed
New Year’s Eve - Saturday 12/31 - Regular Hours
New Year’s Day - Sunday 1/1 - Regular Hours
The Open is Coming
We have some pretty cool plans for The Open. Stay tuned for details. If you’re already planning to officially sign up for The Open, registration is now live. You can register on the CrossFit Games Website.
BTSCF Feature Athlete
Meet Tom Faggione
When did you start CrossFitting?
I took my first intro classes in late January 2022.
What brought you to CrossFit?
I used to play in a men's roller hockey league. I "retired" from the game as I got a little older and the younger players continued to skate by me like I was standing still.
I'm into hiking and mountain biking and kayaking, but I never seem to make it enough a part of my life schedule as I should. I was looking for something a little more scheduled, or should I say, I needed something in my schedule that would force me to go and get the work done.... I had been encouraged by BTS member Joe Accardi to give CrossFit a try. OK he kept nagging me to give it a go. I also I knew Mike Simmons, and Mike was very open and honest about coming in and giving CrossFit a try. Never a sales pitch or heavy hand, he was positive and honest.
AND, included in the appeal of giving CrossFit a try was the fact that BTS moved to Port Jervis. The new location made it easier and convenient for me to get to.... So, with nervous first steps I walked in and gave it a try
What have you learned from doing CrossFit?
I have learned that BTS and CrossFit really is for everyone. No matter your skill level, strength or mobility, if you are willing to come through the door, you will be able to do CrossFit. Need an example, look at me! If I can do it ANYONE can!!
I remember telling Mike during the first three intro classes what I couldn't do. "Mike, I can't do that....", or "Mike, I really don't like pushing weights...", or "Mike, that really isn't something for me". I remember his very quiet chuckle and his honest reply. "Not Right Now. You can't do that right now, BUT, you will be." Knowing that has kept me coming back more and more!
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting CrossFit?
Give a try, an honest try. Don't think of your limitations as obstacles. The hardest part of CrossFit is walking through the door. Truth!! Get here and you will see that CrossFit can be an awesome part of your life.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to get out and hike, mountain bike, and float the kayak. I also enjoy camping, a campfire, and Yes, don't yell, an ice cold Miller Lite by the campfire.
What do you do for work and how has CrossFit impacted how you do your job?
I am owner/operator of T-Bone Design, a custom embroidery shop located at Richard's Army Surplus here in Port Jervis.
I also an elected official. I am Orange County Legislator for the 13th district. I represent the citizens of Port Jervis, Town of Deerpark, and Town of Mount Hope in our county government.
Just because I need more work in my life, I've been a sports broadcaster for WDLC radio in Port Jervis for the past 29 years.
We threw some rapid fire questions at Tom, here’s what he had to say:
Q: What super power would you give yourself?
A: Time travel
Q: What's your favorite healthy food?
A: Broccoli
Q: What's your favorite not so healthy food?
A: Ice Cold Miller Lite.... and pizza
Q: What TV Sitcom family or group would you be a member of?
A: The Andy Griffith Show
Q: If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
A: If I were famous, this is a trick question.... I AM already famous.... (haha) If I were famous, I would like to be famous for being a notable statesman.
Q: If you could write your own fortune cookie fortune, what would it say?
A: Never give up, always keep moving.
Q: If you were a professional wrestler, what would you finishing move be called?
A: The Mind Breaker - a move so confusing my opponent would pin themselves
Q: Who do you look up to for inspiration at BTSCF?
A: Everyone at BTS inspires me!! Heather and Mike are the best! Their support is awesome! The coaches provide professional input and always know the right modification for the workout. All of the "students" - you wanna talk about inspiration - look around. Each one of us has our own story, our own reasons, AND all the while each one us is there to support each other towards a successful workout and experience.
Q: What is your favorite and least favorite movement?
A: Push Press is my fav. Sit-ups are NOT my jam.
Q: What is the one thing you've done at BTSCF that your old self wouldn't ever believe?
A: Jump rope. Tom Faggione, circa 2021 and prior was not a jump rope dude. Thanks to BTS I can now jump rope!