Niches

I love how cities big or small have their own little microcosms, mini-communities inside the greater city. One can be found at the Jewish Community Center in Fort Douglas. My family has been members there as long as I can remember- my brother and I went to summer camp when it was in its older location further south. Now my parents and I use it primarily for its exercise facilities and classes, which are amazing! What I love about the J, though, is the sense of community there. Most of the people staffing the front and fitness desks have worked at the J for a while, so everyone knows them and can chat personally with them on their way in or out. There are several college students who work there, so we always exchange a "How's school?" or "Looking forward to fall break?" Jose, the facilities manager, sometimes acts as a doorman in the mornings, and many people greet him with a "¿Cómo estás?" Then there are all the regulars that work out in the gym or come to the exercise classes. From asking for a spot to discussing a basketball game on TV to commiserating about a particular exercise, there's always common ground. Then there are the gym characters, like one particular woman who always does a burlesque-type workout on the stairstepper, or the elderly, hunched Russian man who always says "Hello, sir" and "Have a happy day" to everyone he meets. There is a great diversity of patrons of the J as well, spanning ages, ethnic backgrounds, and religions. It's great to have such a place where I can go, knowing I'll always see a friendly, if sweaty, face.