NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Sunday, September 9th, 2018

Healthy Weight & Your Child: New Program

The Hockomock Area YMCA is excited to announce a new program called Healthy Weight and Your Child Program which empowers 7-13 year olds, with the support of their families, to reach a healthy weight and live a healthier lifestyle.

The Healthy Weight and Your Child program emphasizes three elements: healthy eating, regular physical activity and behavior change, engages the whole family, so together they can understand how the home environment and other factors influence the choices that lead to a healthy 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 marykateb@hockymca.org or call 508-339-4053 to register to attend the session.

The Hockomock Area YMCA has been involved with youth obesity prevention since 2007, which marked the start of their 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 accompanied by a parent or caregiver at every session.

Thanks to a generous grant from CHNA 6 and the continued support of the Stop & Shop Our Family Foundation, there will be no cost for the first eight families who enroll.

The first program will begin in Franklin in October. The Franklin class will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The class in Milford is currently being planned and the goal is to launch early 2019 with interest at a Milford location. For more information, please contact Marykate Bergen at marykateb@hockymca.org or call 508-339-4053.

Posted on: Saturday, September 8th, 2018

YMCA Teen Leaders Help Rebuild Houston

One year ago the city of Houston and southeastern Texas were devastated by Hurricane Harvey. The tragedy spurred our Teen Leaders to action and the results are something we are so proud to share.

As you may know, Hockomock Area YMCA’s Teen Leaders Clubs are available to all kids in middle and high school—combining leadership, volunteering, and community service opportunities with fun and fellowship. Alyssa Boutin, Teen Director at the Foxboro Y, wanted to get kids involved right away to address the Houston situation. “We talked about how it would feel to have to return to school amidst turmoil left from the natural disaster. Many of their peers in Houston were without basic necessities that we tend to take for granted.”

Boutin arranged for the Greater Houston YMCA’s Leaders Club to skype with club members at the Hockomock Area YMCA. “We learned they were going to school despite a lot of damage and loss of electricity and were in need of some of the most basic items, like tooth brushes and tooth paste or shampoo, soap, and clothing,” said Boutin.

Resultant of that conversation, our teens orchestrated a relief drive that generated nine boxes of essentials weighing over 200 pounds. The teens gathered donations from drop bins at each of the Hockomock Area YMCA facilities and sent them off to the YMCA in Houston. Bags of hygiene-related donations had come in to the bins located at each of our facilities.

“Membership at the YMCA is about building spirit, mind, and body,” said Executive Director Patrick Murphy of the Foxboro Y. “It was not surprising to see the generous response from our members. They are great examples to our teens as they learn about social responsibility and how they are called to make a positive difference.”

Houston teens were grateful recipients of the supplies. In turn, they offered up an invitation for our Leaders to join Teen Escape: a program designed for teens across the country to make real impact on a community in need. The 2018 destination was Houston and transportation would be covered by Southwest Airlines.

On July 22, seven teens from the Hockomock Area YMCA left for Houston and spent five days working on rebuilding homes. The youth that traveled had been chosen based on their essays during an application process conducted by Boutin and her counterparts in Franklin and North Attleboro. They joined YMCAs from Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, North Carolina, and Houston—all told over 75 people contributed to the rebuilding of Houston through Teen Escape.

“We worked on seven houses to get families back in their homes,” said Boutin who accompanied the Leaders. In addition to cleaning up debris remaining from Hurricane Harvey, the teens painted, removed walls and installed new drywall, and replaced tile and floorboards. The crew met a woman whose family left their home when water reached the four foot mark. The morning after Harvey hit, they waded through the water until they arrived at a high point in the neighborhood where a relative was waiting to help.

They also worked on a house for a retired nurse whom they enjoyed speaking to. She shared that she had lived in her house for 50 years. She’d stayed through Hurricane Harvey and had no intentions of ever leaving, so repairs to the house to keep it standing were critical.

“When we met her in her home and heard her story, I think that’s when the teens truly understood the impact they were making,” said Boutin. “It was an experience we all learned from and are determined to bring back here, encouraging others to make a difference.”

Pictured (left to right): BACK ROW Bobby Saba (of the Foxboro Y), Michelle Mattson (of the North Attleboro Y), AJ Jaber (of the Foxboro Y), Dan Brennock (Executive Branch Director, North Attleboro Y), Alyssa Boutin (Teen Director, Foxboro Y); FRONT ROW: Valentina Ipatova (of the Foxboro Y), Maddy Jankowski (of the North Attleboro Y), Megan Flaherty (of the North Attleboro Y), Corinne McMorrow (of the Franklin Y)

Posted on: Friday, September 7th, 2018

Looking Back at Summer

We’re all so proud of our dedicated camp staff who served for the past eleven weeks as young leaders and role models to youth from the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. 284 counselors were hired by our YMCA this year.

Many staff members came to our Y as campers and return to make their impact as counselors. To me, that’s a special part of the tradition of summer camp that we celebrate each year.

Enjoy this video that highlights a day at summer camp. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Thank you for all you do in support of our YMCA.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

Posted on: Sunday, September 2nd, 2018

Check out our Fitness Classes for Kids

Do you want your kids to be more active & look forward to fitness activities?

We offer a number of fitness programs to fit the needs of kids… from elementary to middle school (and beyond)–
From kids that have never exercised before to very athletic kids, and anywhere in-between. Our Y has a program that will benefit them all physically, mentally, and socially. Have them try one of our 7-week Fall 1 classes that will run starting the week of September 9th through Oct 28th.

We have a Special Offer!

If you register for one of the fitness programs listed below by September 9th, we will give you a free 1/2 hour parent/child nutrition session with our nutritionist.

Details:

  • Sign up your child for Be Strong, Kids Run Club, Duathlon Kids, or Intro to Sports Performance Training for the Fall One Session. (Sept 9-Oct 28, 2018)
  • Program must be purchased by the start of the first class for Fall 1 2018
  • Half hour parent/child nutrition session must be used by December 31, 2018

Description of Fitness Programs:

Is your child new to exercising?

BE STRONG:
This program introduces strength training using F.I.T.T. Principles in ways that are fun, creative & motivating. You will create a personal fitness journal using the S.M.A.R.T. concept making long term goals & weekly short term goals. Under the fitness coach’s direction, you will learn the importance of consistency, creating healthy habits, and accountability, all while having fun with others kids your age.

For Ages 5-7:

  • North Attleboro: Tues 5:00-5:45pm
  • Franklin: Sat 10:00-10:45am
  • Foxboro: Tues 5:00-5:45pm

  • Cost: $43/Member $65/Program Member

For Ages 8-10:

  • North Attleboro: Wed 5:00-6:00pm
  • Franklin: Sat 10:45-11:45am
  • Foxboro: Wed 5:00-6:00pm

  • Cost: $55/Member $83/Program Member

For Ages 11-13:

  • North Attleboro: Thurs 5:00-6:00pm
  • Franklin: Sat 11:45-12:45am
  • Foxboro: Wed 5:00-6:00pm

  • Cost: $55/Member $83/Program Member

Register here for Be Strong

Are your kids already fairly active and interested in competing in running and / or biking?

KIDS RUN CLUB:
Run Club provides valuable tools that will help your child concentrate better in school, manage their time, set goals, gain confidence, and improve their individual and team participation. Runners will challenge themselves weekly to run stronger, improve their form, their times, and their distances run.

For Ages 5-7:

  • North Attleboro: Tues 4:00-4:45pm
  • Franklin: Wed 3:45-4:30pm
  • Foxboro: Tues 4:00-4:45pm or Sat 10:00-10:45am

  • Cost: $43/Member $65/Program Member

For Ages 8-10:

  • North Attleboro: Wed 4:00-4:45pm
  • Franklin: Wed 3:45-4:30pm
  • Foxboro: Wed 4:00-4:45pm or Sun 10:00-10:45am

  • Cost: $43/Member $65/Program Member

DUATHLON KIDS:
This is a fun program to introduce Duathlon training to kids! Each week participants will work toward the goal of completing a 1/2 mile run, then 4-1/2 mile bike, and another 1/2 mile run. At the last class, parents are welcome to watch their athlete compete in a duathlon.

For Ages 9+:

  • North Attleboro: Thurs 4:00-5:00pm
  • Cost: $55/Member $83/Program Member

Register here for Kids Run Club or Duathlon Kids

Is your 11-13 year old athlete looking bring his or her fitness and sport to another level?

Intro to Sports Performance Training:
Improve performance in competition with this program designed for athletes. Participants will work on footwork, balance, agility, and strength. This is a 6-week large group setting of 6 to 10 athletes led by a certified personal trainer.

For Ages 11-13:

  • North Attleboro: Sat 9:30-10:15am
  • Franklin: Wed 3:45-4:30pm
  • Foxboro: Sun 10:00-10:45pm

  • Cost: $43/Member $65/Program Member

Register here for Intro to Sports Performance Training

If you have any questions about any of these classes or about the special offer, contact your branch’s Health & Wellness Director:


Posted on: Saturday, September 1st, 2018

New Fall Programs

Kids will get back to school soon, and it’s time to think about what Fall activities they’ll be doing. Besides the staple programs at our YMCAs, such as Swim Lessons and Fall Soccer, check out these new ones. The Youth Development Program Guide has all the details. Registration is now open.

NEW THIS FALL
Dance Recital Session
Kids Run Club (for ages 5-7 and 8-10)
Be Strong (for ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-18)
Gym & Swim (@ the Franklin Y for ages 3-6)
Sports Prep Classes (preschool age kids)
Confi-Dance (@ the Foxboro Y)

NEW STEM CLASSES & ARTS CLASSES
Music Together (@ the Franklin Y)
Pop Culture Cooking (@ the North Attleboro Y)
STEM Mashup (for ages 3-5)
STEM: Lego Robotics, Kitchen Science, Rockets and Roller Coasters, Rocketry, Electrify (for Grades 3-7)
Technology Club (@ the Franklin Y)

NUTRITION & HEALTHY EATING CLASSES
“What’s For Dinner?” Meal Planning Workshop (@ the North Attleboro Y on August 28)
Simplify your meal planning this fall. Discover new tools to get organized and build a meal plan. Create a meal plan for your personal family dynamics and receive advice on navigating the grocery store. Demos, sample meal plans, recipes, and more. For more info, contact North Attleboro Branch Nutrition Director, Jocelyn @ jocelynl@hockymca.org.

Healthy Chef (@ the Foxboro Y)
Our new Healthy Chef Class introduces kids to nutrition, food safety and delicious recipes that are easy to prepare. Kids will learn the importance of healthy eating and they will build on their cooking skills weekly and eat their yummy creations at the end of each class! All classes run in the Foxboro branch, and the recipes are chosen and tested by our on staff Nutritionist, Lauren. For more info, contact Foxboro branch’s Nutrition Director, Lauren at laurenhynes@hockymca.org.

Register Today! Classes begin the week of September 10. (For the Foxboro Y, classes begin September 9.)

Posted on: Thursday, August 30th, 2018

Welcoming Wednesdays

Thank you for your interest in joining the Hockomock Area YMCA. Give us a try when you join us for Welcoming Wednesdays during the month of September. Try the Y free any Wednesday and experience all we have to offer. Join our family and pay no join fee in September.

At the Y, we want to know you and your family. Your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but in your community too. Learn how. Stop by your local Y in Foxboro, Franklin, or North Attleboro.

To encourage your participation and show how the Y can be your home away from home, we are offering FREE group exercise classes, nutrition coaching, kids activities and more—every Wednesday in September. ALSO, we invite you to join us during WELCOME WEEK, which runs September 17-23, 2018. A list of free activities that will happen during Welcome Week is included at the bottom of this page.

“If you want a place where there are activities for everyone, it is here.” – Daniel
“I feel safe and welcome at the Y.” – Nicole

We look forward to meeting you! The below activities are free. Join us.

Suggested Classes to Try

Each of our YMCAs offers a variety of classes throughout the day. Take a look at these Welcome Wednesday Schedules, with classes we encourage you to consider. Our Group Exercise classes are open to ages 14 and over. We welcome people ages 13 and over to enjoy a workout in our Wellness Centers. Please contact us with any questions!

Welcome Week Activities
September 17-23

Can’t make it in on a Wednesday? No problem! We are also welcoming the community into our branches for the week of September 17th. In addition to the Welcoming Wednesdays offerings listed above for September 19th, below is an array of offerings for the week and we look forward to welcoming you!

The Fine Print:

  • Offerings subject to change.
  • A photo ID is required for all visitors, age 18 or above. If visitor can not comply, he/she will be denied access.
  • Please arrive a few minutes early to fill out a day pass when you arrive at our Y.
  • If enjoying our pools, a child must pass a swim test to swim in water without an adult.

Posted on: Tuesday, August 28th, 2018

The Foxboro 5K –
September 28

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

Details coming soon!

Location: Patriot Place (2 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA)

Our Kids fun run kicks off a great community event, which includes our 5K Run/Walk, family activities and a DJ. All proceeds support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families Annual Campaign.

We’ll run in memory of Michael Baker, Linda Cavossa and Jackie Thomas.

EVENT DETAILS

coming!

Posted on: Tuesday, August 7th, 2018

Technology Club & Computer Lab

GET AHEAD WITH OUR NEW TECHNOLOGY LAB & TECHNOLOGY CLUB

Thanks to a generous donation from a good friend, a technology lab has been created at our Franklin Y.

The goal of this space is to teach middle school and high school students about careers in technology.

Join us for an upcoming Technology Club Meeting! Our monthly meetings happen from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at our Franklin Y.

This is a free Y member & community opportunity.

This club introduces students to the benefits of a career in the technology field and provides a safe place to learn and prepare for a job in technology.

The academic year’s meeting dates are September 11, October 23, November 13, January 22, February 12, March 19, April 23, May 21 and June 18. All taking place from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at our Bernon Family Branch.

Y members must pre-register online here or call the Franklin Y’s Member Service Desk at 508-528-8708.

Community members and non Y members pre-register by calling 508-528-8708. Space is limited.

Our September meeting’s agenda is Python Coding. Did you know Python programming skill is one of the most sought after scripting languages available today? Many of the internet’s most popular services run on Python: Google, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Quora, Netflix, Dropbox, Reddit and more! Students will focus on learning to program in Python on the Windows PCs provided in the YMCA lab. As part of the class students will have hands-on instruction on the programming process from application design, coding, compiling and loading the final application on the devices available. Any adults wanting to learn and make a career change are welcome to join as well.

For more information about the Technology Club or Technology Lab, contact Kim Jennings at kjennings@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Saturday, July 28th, 2018

Teens: Try Us Tuesday 8/28

On Tuesday, August 28th, from open to close, high school students are invited to come in and try our Y for free!

Come on in and swim in the pool, visit our teen center, check out our weight room or try some cardio machines. Just stop by with your school ID to our Foxboro, Franklin, or North Attleboro Branch Member Service Desk and fill out a guest pass form for entry.

Teens are also invited to set up a free 15-minute consultation or 15-minute personal training session with their branch’s Health & Wellness Director on Tuesday, August 28th by appointment.




We offer a number of programs specific to high school teens at our Y:
Programs for teens that have never exercised before, programs for teen athletes, and programs anywhere in-between. Our Y has a program that will benefit you physically, mentally, and socially.


Are you a teen new to exercising?

Be Strong:
This 7-week fall one program introduces strength training using F.I.T.T. Principles in ways that are fun, creative & motivating. You will create a personal fitness journal using the S.M.A.R.T. concept making long term goals & weekly short term goals. Under the fitness coach’s direction, you will learn the importance of consistency, creating healthy habits, and accountability, all while having fun with others kids your age.

For High School Students Ages 14-18:

  • North Attleboro: Sat 8:30-9:30am
  • Franklin: By appointment
  • Foxboro: Sun 9:00-10:00am

  • Cost: $87/Member $131/Program Member

Register here for Be Strong

Are you an active teen looking to become more fit or an athlete looking to excel in your sport?:

We offer sports performance training programs for active teens. Sports performance training improves functional movement to support the physical demands of sports. We help athletes of all levels minimize weaknesses, decrease injury risk, and build strength, power and endurance.

Sports Performance Training:
Enhance your performance in competition with this program designed for athletes. Participants will work on footwork, balance, agility, and strength. This is a 6-week small group setting of 3 to 6 athletes led by a certified personal trainer.

For High School Athletes Ages 14-18:

  • North Attleboro: Sat 10:30-11:30am
  • Franklin: By Appointment
  • Foxboro: Thurs 6:00-7:00pm

  • Cost: $99/Member $149/Program Member

Register here for Sports Performance Training

Take advantage of this Special Offer

If you register for Sports Performance Training (six 1-hour sessions) before October 1st, we will give you a 7th hour for free. So that’s 7 sports performance training sessions for the price of 6!

Details

  • For high school students ages 14-18
  • Sports Performance Training (six 1-hour sessions) must be purchased by September 30, 2018
  • Sports Performance Training sessions must be used by December 31, 2018

If you have any questions, please contact your branch’s Health & wellness Director.

Posted on: Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

Mid-Summer Offerings

How to keep kids active, engaged and unplugged as summer lingers? The Y can help! Besides the staple programs, such as Swim Lessons and Camp, check out these new ones. The online registration page has all the details.

RUN.FUN.LIVE
@ the Foxboro Y (for ages 6-10). A week long (8/6-8/10 10:00am – 1:00pm) wellness mini series for kids who love to be active and have fun! Includes daily one-hour segments: physical activity, cooking class, outdoor adventure. Kids will train for and participate in Jaime’s Fund 5K on 8/11. Register

INTENSIVE SWIM LESSONS
Swim lessons are now available as options to fit your vacation availabililty. Choose a 4-day per week class (@ the Franklin Y) or an 8-day over-2-weeks class (@ the Foxboro Y). Classes run Monday thru Thursday and feature small class ratios.

SILVER LAKE CANOE LESSONS (for ages 5-12 deep end swimmers only)*
July 24 – Aug 14 (Tues 4:00-4:45 p.m. -OR- 5:00-5:45 p.m.) YMCA Instructors and Lifeguard on the Beach; $40, Includes beach pass. Register

FOXBORO SUMMER SERIES
Try something new; classes run for one week each (Mon-Thurs). Cost: $125 (member); $188 (program member) Dates below indicate the Monday for each week options are available:
7/23 – Yoga (ages 7-12) 4:30-7:30
7/23 – Healthy Chef (ages 5-7) 1:30-4:30pm
7/30 – Intro to Weights for Boys (ages 11-13) 2-5pm
7/30 – STEM (ages 5-9) 4:30-7:30
8/6 – Lego (ages 5-9) 4:30-7:30
8/6 – Girls Fitness (ages 8-12) 2-5pm
8/13 – Dance Combo (ages 3-5, 6-8) 4:30-7:30 Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro
8/13 – Healthy Chef (ages 8-11) 2-5pm
8/27 – Princess Dance (ages 3-5) 4:30-7:30
Register

KIDS’ DROP-OFF CLASSES
At the Foxboro Y. For ages 3-5 (exceptions: Lego Robotics (ages 6-8); Pool Party (ages 4-6); STEM (ages 6-8); Movie (ages 5-8)). Your children may be dropped off with us for the duration of the class. Please arrive with a packed lunch so kids can enjoy a picnic together. Time: 12pm-2pm Cost: $20 (member); $25 (program member)

  • Tuesdays through August – Pool Party: mix of activities plus 1 hr of pool time (kids will wear life vests)
  • Lego Robotics 7/25, 8/16
  • Messy Fun 8/15
  • Movie Night 8/11 (5pm-8pm)
  • Nature Exploration 7/26, 8/9, 8/30
  • STEM 8/2, 8/22 (ages 6-8)
  • Superhero Adventures 8/1, 8/29
  • Water, Water Everywhere 8/8
    • Register

GYMNASTICS CLINICS
At the Franklin Y. Learn the basics on vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Clinic for ages 4-6 includes games, crafts and daily snack to re-energize. Make new friends while improving flexibility, strength, and balance. Cost: $125 (member); $187 (program member).
Session 1: July 23 – 27; Session 2: August 13 – 17 (9am-12pm)
Register

SWIM TEAM TRYOUTS
The HAY Lighting Swim Team practices at all 3 of our branches and participates in swim meets throughout the region, and offers a year round opportunity for competitive swimming in both YMCA and USA Swimming. Tryouts for boys and girls age 5 through high school will take place August 22nd at 7:00pm at the Foxboro Y. For details, contact haylightning@hockymca.org

WILD WILD WEDNESDAYS @ the Franklin Y (for all ages)
Come together with your Y family for lunch and the opportunity to visit with a surprise character each week! July 25, August 8, August 22 (weather permitting) 12:00-3:00pm. Cost per week: $8/person (Family-type members), $10/person (Youth members), $15/person (Non-members). Under age 1: free. Join us!

SILVER LAKE SWIM LESSONS (for ages 3-12 Stages 1-4 offered)*
Runs: June 25 – Aug 26; Select from lessons at Bellingham’s Silver Lake (30 min each) offered Monday thru Thursday. Certified YMCA Instructors. Option to arrange a swimmer evaluation by contacting the YMCA. Cost: $56 (Wed classes, which meet 1 less time, cost $48), includes beach pass.

* SILVER LAKE ADDRESS: 10 BLACKMAR STREET, BELLINGHAM, MA

Register Today!

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

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HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

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