HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Tuesday, January 21st, 2020

Healthy Weight & Your Child – Enrolling in North Attleboro & Bellingham

Empowering kids to reach a healthy weight and enjoy a healthier lifestyle—with the support of their families

Our upcoming session of Healthy Weight & Your Child (for ages 7-13) begins at the end of February—offered at either the North Attleboro Y or at Stall Brook Elementary School, Bellingham. Participants and their parent or guardian will meet twice weekly for the first 15 weeks and then once weekly for the final five weeks. This impactful program offers education and physical activity and is available at no cost to the first 10 families who enroll at the Bellingham site, thanks to the generous support of Stop and Shop’s Our Family Foundation. The charge in North Attleboro is $100 (member) or $150 (non-member), with financial assistance available to those who qualify.

Healthy Weight & Your Child (HWYC) emphasizes three elements: healthy eating, regular physical activity and behavior change. We will engage the whole family so that together you can learn about factors that influence choices, with the goal of achieving a healthier weight.

Made up of groups of eight to 15 children and their parents/caregivers, the program creates a safe, fun, and active environment for children and their families to explore and adopt proven methods to living a healthier lifestyle. The program is an evidence-based model, developed by leading child health and weight management specialists using the best available research, as well as clinical and government guidelines. The sessions are facilitated by trained content and activity leaders who are committed to engaging the whole family.

Interested families should contact Marykate Bergen at phl@hockymca.org or call 508-339-4053 to register to attend the sessions.

Information Sessions Will be Held as Follows:

February 10, 2020 at the North Attleboro Y (300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro) at 5:30 p.m. (learn more about the Monday, Thursday 5:30 pm sessions that will run Feb. 24-June 11)
February 11, 2020 at the Stall Brook School (342 Hartford Ave, Bellingham) at 6:00 p.m. (learn more about the Tuesday, Thursday 6pm sessions that will run Feb. 25-June 11)
no meetings during the week of April 19

The Hockomock Area YMCA has been involved with youth obesity prevention since 2007, which marked the start of the Healthy Futures Initiative designed to create healthier communities. Healthy Weight and Your Child is a 25-session program, which includes 20 sessions delivered two times per week, followed by five weekly sessions. Sessions are two hours in length with the first hour delivered in a classroom setting and the second hour focusing on physical activity. A family Y membership is provided for the duration of the program.

To be eligible for the program, each child must be between the ages of 7 and 13, have a body mass index greater than or equal to the 95th percentile, be cleared for physical activity by a health care provider or school nurse, and be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at every session.

Posted on: Monday, January 13th, 2020

February Vacation Programs Enrolling

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In.

WHEN: FEB. 17 – 21, 2020

Kids and young adults (ages 3+) are invited to join us during February school break for fun, social, and educational activities.

Our experienced staff in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro will ensure your child’s safety and happiness during an action-packed week!

Here’s what’s happening at The Foxboro Y:

WAPAWCA DAYS for ages 3-11 (choose JR WAPAWCA “JWAP” for your 3-5 year old and includes both half and full day options). Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm) includes field trips for ages 6+; details below*
WAPAWCA EXTENDED DAY PRE/POST CAMP CARE (option for working families) Runs 7am-9am / 4pm-6pm
VOYAGER TRIPS for ages 11-14. Runs Tuesday-Friday (9am-4pm) trips are listed below*
STAY ALL DAY for ages 5-10. Runs Tuesday-Friday (9am-4pm) including cooking, baking, swimming and STEAM activities.
THEATRE WORKSHOPS for ages 5-11, 7-16 and 10-16. Runs 9am-4pm. (Days vary; meets at Mansfield Arts Ctr)

* FIELD TRIPS Explore unique destinations with friends! We will group WAPAWCAs & Voyagers by age; both will visit: Monday, 2/17-Legoland; Tuesday, 2/18-BattlegroundZ; Wednesday 2/19-Snowtubing; Thursday 2/20- Children’s Museum; Friday 2/21- Xtreme Craze Inflatable Air Park.

Here’s what’s happening at The Franklin Y:

FEBRUARY WIGGI DAYS for ages 5-12. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm)includes field trips, listed below**
WIGGI EXTENDED DAY PRE/POST CAMP CARE (option for working families) Runs 7am-9am / 4pm-6pm
SWIM VACATION for ages 5-13. Runs Monday & Friday (9am-4pm)
GYMNASTICS for ages 3-5 and 6-14. Runs Tuesday-Thursday (9am-12pm–ages 3-5; 9am-4pm–ages 6-14)
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRIPS for ages 10-15. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm from North Attleboro)

** FIELD TRIPS Explore unique destinations with friends! WIGGIs will have a great time visiting: Monday, 2/17 -Legoland Tuesday 2/18 – Rollerskating at Forrest’s Family Fun Center; Wednesday 2/19 – Museum of Science; Thursday 2/20 – Bowling/Entertainment Center; Friday 2/21 – Altitude Trampoline Park and Swimming at the Y

Here’s what’s happening at The North Attleboro Y:

ELMWOOD DAYS for ages 6-12. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm) includes field trips, listed below***
ELMWOOD EXTENDED DAY PRE/POST CAMP CARE (option for working families) Runs 7am-9am / 4pm-6pm
GYMNASTICS for ages 3-14. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm)
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRIPS for ages 10-15. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm). Trips will include Monday 2/17-Snowshoe/Hike Mt. Wachusett; Tuesday 2/18-Rock Spot Climbing Gym; Wednesday 2/19-Hike the Blue Hills & Campfire Cooking; Thursday, 2/20-BattlegroundZ; Friday 2/21-Lazer Gate.
SPORTS for ages 6-12. Runs Tuesday-Thursday (9am-4pm)
SWIM VACATION for ages 5-13. Runs Monday-Friday (9am-4pm)
COOKING & BAKING for ages 5-12. Runs Monday & Tuesday(9am-4pm)

*** FIELD TRIPS Explore unique destinations with friends! ELMWOODs will have a great time visiting: Monday 2/17-Lazergate; Tuesday 2/18-Snowtubing at Ski Ward Ski Area; Wednesday 2/19-Rollerskating at Forrest’s Family Fun Center; Thursday 2/20-Xtreme Craze Inflatable Air Park; Friday 2/21-Altitude Trampoline Park and Swimming

Here’s what’s happening at The Mansfield Arts & Education Ctr:

THEATRE WORKSHOPS for ages 5-11, 7-15 and 10-15. Runs 9am-4pm (Days for age groups vary)

REGISTER TODAY!

Posted on: Thursday, January 9th, 2020

Urinetown (the Musical)

The Hockomock Area YMCA Theatre Institute Presents Urinetown.

THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
From our Performing Arts Director, Julia Paolino: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that the YMCA has made the decision to postpone this weekend’s performance of Urinetown in response to the state of emergency that has been declared regarding the coronavirus. As healthy living and social responsibility are two pillars of our organization, the YMCA believes that it is best for us to avoid gathering large groups of people together for this performance.

The show will go on and the hard work of these amazing students will be celebrated, but just at a later date. We will be working tirelessly to reschedule the performance when it is safe to do so. All those who purchased tickets already will be fully refunded beginning tomorrow. Thank you all so much for your continued support of our program and our talented students.

———-

Our Theatre Institute actors age 15-22 invite you to Urinetown the Musical this weekend at the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center! Performances are Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th at 7 PM.

And yes- you read that correctly. The title is actually Urinetown!

In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!

Purchase your ticket today click here

The show runs approximately 2 hours, plus intermission, and is rated PG, with some moments of PG-13 humor. We are thrilled to share this wonderful story with you.

Performs:
March 13 (Fri) 7:00 pm
March 14 (Sat) 7:00 pm

At the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center
1 School St, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Our cast includes 21 fantastic high school students from throughout the surrounding area: Paris Arffa (Franklin), Gwenne Balcius (Franklin), Olivia Devlin (Franklin), Savannah Devlin (Franklin), Melissa Fredrick (Franklin), Brigid Gilberti (Franklin), Haley Hendrickson (Mansfield), Anne Kane (Walpole), James Kane (Walpole), Catherine Middelmann (Franklin), Katie O’Neill (Franklin), Andrew Olah (Franklin), Michaela Olah (Franklin), Angelina Perez (Franklin), Elena Perez-Kocis (Franklin), Leah Pilof (Franklin), Shannon Reardon (Franklin), Zachary Schreiber (Mansfield), Timothy Troilo (Mansfield), Jenna Van Hyning (Franklin), and Megan Whalen (Mansfield).

Music and Lyrics by Mark Hollmann
Book by Greg Kotis

Posted on: Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Our Gymnastics Curriculum

Interested in gymnastics classes? We are offering an updated curriculum with the most flexible scheduling ever before available at our gyms in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro! Try NEW babies offerings, classes that run now through June—allowing gymnasts to progress between stages while keeping the time slot that works best—and many specialty classes like Superhero, Princess, and Gym & Swim.

Y Gymnastics Classes at a Glance:

PARENT-CHILD GYMNASTICS provides a child’s first introduction to gymnastics—led by a knowledgeable instructor while supported in class by a parent or guardian: a great way to bond with your child and encourage social interactions in a group setting from when your child starts walking through independent participation.

ME & MY 1 YEAR OLD introduce your toddler to a new & exciting environment with singing, stretching, floor stations; ME & MY 2 YEAR OLD bars, beam, floor and vault. Using all elements of gymnastics, you and your child will enjoy time together and witness learning take place alongside lots of fun; and ME & MY 3 YEAR OLD similar to above, with kids showing improved listening skills and progressing to participate independently.

REGISTER FOR PARENT-CHILD GYMNASTICS CLASSES NOW

PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS provides foundational skills for gymnasts age 3-6 through floor work (teaching proper positions such as V-sit, stick and straight jump) and developing skills on bars, beam, floor and vault.

STAGE 1 introductory skills will be practiced and children will advance once they show proficiency (example: swing on rings, sideways walk on beam, build upper body strength climbing over obstacles, vault: run and jump onto board then jump off alone); STAGE 2 using all elements of gymnastics, athletes will advance (example: back hip circle on bars with a light spot, handstand on low beam, round off, 3 step hurdle up to vault); and STAGE 3 extensive experience will be provided to gymnasts and skills will continue to improve (example: chin up and leg lift on high bar, pivot turns on beam, back bend, hand stand forward roll, dive roll on vault).

REGISTER FOR PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS CLASSES NOW

YOUTH GYMNASTICS provides organized drills and curriculum for ages 6-14, preparing gymnasts for a competitive or recreational track.

BEGINNER bars, beam, floor and vault: introductory skills will be practiced and children will advance once they show proficiency (example: pullover with spot, high beam walk without assistance, handstand, cartwheel off the vault with a spot); INTERMEDIATE using all elements of gymnastics, athletes will advance (example: back hip circle on bars with a light spot, handstand on low beam, round off, 3 step hurdle up to vault); and ADVANCED in which gymnasts really hone their skills and show grace and strength that is on par with competitive gymnastics (example: bars under-swing dismount, beam round off dismount, back handspring on wedge with a light spot, handstand off the vault).

REGISTER FOR YOUTH GYMNASTICS CLASSES NOW

Our intent is to foster a sense of achievement as children progress between levels, improving on listening and social skills on top of the benefits of movement classes toward gross motor skills. Through this approach, gymnasts flow more easily to higher levels while those who need more instruction can learn at their own pace. This results in more confident gymnasts who stick with lessons and develop a love for gymnastics that can lead to team gymnastics and a lifetime of healthy habits.

Our Youth Program Guide (pp 12-16) explains everything and can be downloaded to help when choosing gymnastics classes.

REGISTER FOR GYMNASTICS SPECIALTY CLASSES NOW

REGISTER FOR GYMNASTICS CLASSES THAT ARE COMBINED WITH BAKING OR SWIMMING NOW

Inquire about your gymnast today.

If you have any question about Gymnastics, or want some help placing your child in the right class, please reach out to our Gymnastics Directors below or simply call the front desk.

Bernon Y (Franklin): Lacey Whitaker at laceyw@hockymca.org

Foxboro Y: Alysha Lavatori at alyshal@hockymca.org

North Attleboro Y: Erin Shea at erins@hockymca.org

Posted on: Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Youth Splash and Dash is Cancelled for 2020

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA YOUTH SPLASH & DASH

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

THIS 2020 EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

AS PART OF OUR SPIER FAMILY TRIATHLON EVENT

Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street, Wrentham, MA

This is a swimming and running aquathlon competition for kids ages 5 to 14. Participants swim in lap lanes in Lake Pearl then transition from the lake to a running trail on Lake Pearl grounds to finish the race on foot.

Fast Facts

Age 5-9 Race Category

Swim is in a calm lake with lap lanes, 25 yards.
Run a quarter mile on Lake Pearl grounds to finish the race on foot.

Age 10-14 Race Category

Swim is in a calm lake with lap lanes, 100 yards.
Run a half mile on Lake Pearl grounds to finish the race on foot.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Dan Brennock at 508-643-5216 or danb@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Tuesday, December 24th, 2019

Honoring Marge Kraskouskas

It is with a a heavy heart and deep sadness — yet with feelings of great affection and fond memories — that I share with all of you the passing of Marge Kraskouskas on December 23, 2019.

Marge’s impact on her family, her community and our YMCA will be felt long after all of us are gone. Her contributions to the human condition of all the people she loved and cared for is the very definition of the word legacy.

Marge Kraskouskas was part of the fabric of our YMCA for more than 30 years. She was quite literally and figuratively the heart and soul of our Y family. The countless lives she touched and her passion for improving the quality of life of all those who were fortunate enough to benefit from her grace and wisdom was a blessing. The compassion she shared on a daily basis made all of us who knew her better for the experience, and grateful for her friendship.

Since her retirement, our Y has presented the Marge Kraskouskas Legacy of Caring Award each year at our staff recognition event recognizing a staff member for their loyalty, caring and commitment to the mission and vision of our Y. We were thrilled Marge joined us last summer at our annual luncheon.

Please join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the Kraskouskas family that she loved so deeply. Her devotion to family is something all of us can emulate during this holiday season.

May God Bless Marge Kraskouskas and her family.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

Obituary for Marjorie Ann “Marge” (Jandris) Kraskouskas, click here.

Posted on: Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

National Family Week

There’s a Y in every family. Celebrate National Family Week with us!

Our Y is proud to help area families connect to the opportunities, networks, support, and services that enable them to succeed. We encourage you to join our celebration of all families during National Family Week. Our activities will begin on Sunday, November 21st and continue through Sunday, November 28th.

More details with all of our offerings for Family Week will be posted here soon. See you at the Y!

Posted on: Friday, November 1st, 2019

December Wellness Specials

It’s time for the 12 Days of Fitness!

Give yourself or a loved one the gift of good health. Starting Friday, December 13th for 12 days, all one-on-one Personal Training and Nutrition Packages are 10% off. Our 12 Days of Fitness promotion will help kickstart the new year with a ‘get fit’ focus.

We all need the advice of an expert sometimes, as well as the personal attention that comes with a trainer or coach. Throughout the 12 Days of Fitness, our wellness staff will share nutrition and fitness tips on our social media outlets.

Promotion runs December 13-24, 2019
Purchase any one-on-one Personal Training Package or Nutrition package and receive 10% off the package price
Purchases can be made at any Hockomock Area YMCA Member Service Desk
Packages expire 4-1-20
No limit on purchases
No Coupons

REGISTER TODAY!

In the meantime, a couple of tips to stay healthy over the holidays.

Stay active. Exercise is just as important during the holidays as any other time of the year. Tight for time? Try any of our group exercise classes for an awesome workout and meet some new friends. Exercise will help reduce the stress brought on by the holidays.
Include your family and be healthy together. Go for a hike or come to the Y for family swim.
Plan ahead. Make a to do list each night as you get ready for the holidays. This will help you be efficient, get a lot accomplished, and reduce your stress.
And remember to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep helps your body lose weight, fight infections, and reduces stress.

For more information and tips on how to help you or a loved one reach your healthy living and nutrition goals, speak to any of our wellness staff and have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends from all of us here at the Hockomock Area YMCA.

Posted on: Thursday, September 26th, 2019

Learn CPR & Save a Life

The Hockomock Area YMCA is pleased to offer life saving skill training at the Y or at your preferred location for groups of six or more. The course lasts three hours and upon completion provides certification paperwork valid for two years.

Community Safety Training is available to everyone age 16 or older and membership at the Y is not required.

Get involved today.

Registration is required (cost: $70 per person).

Class Options:

Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 PM @ the North Attleboro Y; choose from the following dates: 11/13/19, 12/4/19, 12/18/19, 1/15/20, 1/29/20. CONTACT: nicoleb@hockymca.org or call 508-695-7001 if you have any questions.

Weekend evening options upcoming @ the Foxboro Y: Friday, November 1, 2019 or Saturday, December 14, 2019 (6:30 – 9:30 PM) @ the Foxboro Y. CONTACT: sheilar@hockymca.org or call 508-543-2523 if you have any questions.

Saturday morning, January 11, 2020 (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM) @ the Foxboro Y. CONTACT: sheilar@hockymca.org or call 508-543-2523 if you have any questions.

Do you have a group of six or more? If it is preferable that the safety training is done at your location, please contact krystinae@hockymca.org or call 774-235-2761. We look forward to working with you.

Lifeguard Certification:

Lifeguard certification and recertificataion is also offered throughout the year at the YMCA. To view availability click here.

Non-members: when you enter the registration page, please choose “I don’t have an account, but I want to create one.” Scroll all the way down (past a variety of membership options) to the section that states “Non-Member Program Registration: This membership type allows non-members to register for programs”.

REGISTER NOW

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. Thank you in advance for striving to improve others’ quality of life.

Posted on: Sunday, August 18th, 2019

Join us at Patriot Place for Healthy Kids Day

Our annual event promoting healthy lifestyles–Healthy Kids Day®–is returning for a great day of fit family fun on Saturday, Sept. 28th.

The Hockomock Area YMCA really is WHERE FAMILIES CONNECT. Don’t miss our largest community event focused on healthy living. Enjoy all the creative, challenging, smart, and healthy fun for all ages. For the first time, our Foxboro YMCA 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Six String Grill & Stage will take place simultaneously (there is a charge for the running events, below). We look forward to sharing this unique chance to race at the same place as so many championships!

Healthy Kids Day will take place:

Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 10am-1pm
at Patriot Place in Foxborough

Find us on the Patriot Place Plaza, located outside Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon. In addition to our Presenting Sponsor Patriot Place, the day is supported by these generous sponsors: Live Nation New England and Xfinity Center, Norwood Hospital, and Sturdy Memorial Medical Staff, as well as Goody Bag Sponsors Nature’s Path and Stop & Shop.

Healthy Kids Day is a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. Enjoy:

inflatable gaga ball pit
photo booth (Every Photo Tells a Story, presented by Patriot Place)
giveaways
car seat safety checks (presented by Dorel Juvenile Group)
gymnastics obstacle course
nutrition demos
visit with Pat Patriot & New England Patriots cheerleaders
hands on STEM (science, tech, engineering & math) activities
fitness obstacle course
vision checks (presented by Lions District 33 Eye Mobile)
and much more!

Don’t miss The Foxboro YMCA 5K at Patriot Place — Here are the Details:

Our start and finish lines are at same spot at Healthy Kid Day!
Onsite Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
5K starts at 9:00 a.m. (run or walk)
Kids Run starts at 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $30 (5K) and $15 (Kids Run)
All Kids Fun Runners will be awarded a medal!
Join us as we run in memory of Michael Baker, Linda Cavossa and Jackie Thomas
Early bib pickup (optional) will be available 9/26 (12pm-9:30pm) and 9/27 (5:15am-9:30pm) at The Foxboro Y (67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough)

Be sure to visit all the great vendors who will be onsite to share their Healthy Kids Day tips, games and prizes:

American Cancer Society, Bass Pro Shops, BBS Energy Works, LLC, Bellingham Senior Center, Brigham & Womens/Mass General Health Care Center, Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, District 33K Lions, Dorel Juvenile, Every Photo Tells a Story PhotoBooth, Foxboro Rotary Club, Fuel Up To Play 60, Jennifer Rose Art, Kennedy Donovan Center, Malco Art Center, Mass Dept of Children and Families, New England Frozen Ventures, Inc, New England Revolution, Norwood Hospital – Sponsor, Patriot Place, Pediatric Dental Healthcare, Project Bread, WIC Nutrition Program.

Connect with us on our #HealthyKidsDay2019 facebook event

BERNON FAMILY BRANCH	45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA 02038	508.528.8708
INVENSYS FOXBORO BRANCH	67 Mechanic Street Foxboro, MA 02035	508.543.2523
HURLEY FAMILY BRANCH	300 Elmwood Street North Attleboro, MA 02760	508.695.7001
MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER	40 Balcom Street Mansfield, MA 02048	508.339.3066