the Foxboro Y

Posted on: Monday, July 23rd, 2018

Our Swim Team Is in the News

Hockomock Area YMCA Swimmers amongst the best at New England Swimming Championships

Harvard University played host to this year’s New England Swimming Championships, where over 50 teams represented by more than 385 swimmers (ages 11-14) from the New England area competed over the weekend of July 19th to 22nd.

The Hockomock Area YMCA HAY Lightning Swim Team had many outstanding times from both individuals and relays. The 200 freestyle relay team of Melson Arquillano (Milford), Megan Lathrop (Foxboro), Isabel Qin and Jack Maron (both from Sharon) combined their efforts to place 6th overall.

Twelve year old Melson Arquillano led the team with an amazing round of competitions, which placed him in seventh position in the weekend’s Overall Championship. Arquillano and Maron each participated in one relay, as well as nine individual events—each involving preliminary qualifiers and night time finals.

All told, Melson came away with the following accomplishments: 2nd in the 50 fly with a time of 31.09; 2nd in the 200 fly (2:37.70); 4th in the 400 IM (5:32.61); 5th in the 100 breast (1:23.02); 5th in the 100 butterfly (1:11.10); 5th in the 200 IM (2:34.06); 6th in the 200 back (2:39.97); 6th in the 200 breast (2:57.29); and 10th in the 50 breast (38.83).

Jack Maron, also age 12, improved in every event he swam and finished 9th in the Overall Championships. His finishes included: 4th in the 400 free (4:55.40); 4th in the 200 back (2:37.02); 6th in the 100 back (1:13.33); 7th in the 50 back (34.23); 7th in the 100 free (1:05.33); 7th in the 200 free (2:21.32); 7th in the 200 IM (2:40.03); 12th in the 200 fly (2:47.48); and 14th in the 100 fly (1:13.97).

Isabel Qin, another 12 year old from Sharon, placed 20th in the 200 breast (3:13.66) and 24th in the 400 IM (6:00.29) and made a tremendous contribution to the HAY Lightning relay effort.

Megan Lathrop, 12 years old from Foxboro, swam a time of 1:09.81 to place 39th in the 100 free.

Additionally, Ryan Schmitt, 14 years old from North Attleboro, participated in two events placing 40th in the 100 fly (1:08.77) and 24th in the 200 fly (2:34.56).

“It was a fantastic weekend for HAY swimming,” said Coach Sue Roycroft, who herself swam for the team as far back as 1976 (then called the Hammerheads). “Our swimmers this weekend combined to earn 249 points and I’m incredibly proud of them. Together, they worked hard earning an overall finish of 13th from the more than 50 teams from New England.”

HAY Lightning Swim Team practices at all three of the Hockomock Area YMCA branches: Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro and participates in swim meets throughout the region. The program offers a year round opportunity for competitive swimming in both YMCA and USA Swimming, as well as seasonal clinics for aspiring competitive athletes. HAY Lightning is comprised of girls and boys from age 5 through high school. Tryouts for the upcoming short course season will take place at the Foxboro Y on August 22nd at 7:00 p.m. For details, contact haylightning@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Friday, July 6th, 2018

Y Family Night at a Paw Sox Game

Join your YMCA family for a Y Member Family Night at the Friday, August 3rd Pawtucket Red Sox game!

The Pawtucket Red Sox will play the Rochester Red Wings at 7:05p.m. on Friday, August 3rd. Tickets are $10 per person. And each ticket will receive a $2 voucher good towards a park purchase.

Peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and the crack of the bat! Hotdogs and popcorn as the crowd roots on the home team! Baseball in the summer is as traditional and American as apple pie and the 4th of July.

Bring your family. Bring your friends. All are welcome to purchase a ticket.

MORE DETAILS

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY

User ID – HockomockArea
Password – pawsox
$10 a ticket
A portion of the proceeds will be donated back to the Y which will help provide confidential financial assistance to those friends and neighbors in need in our community be able to experience our YMCA.

Questions, contact Dawn DaCosta at 508-643-5270 or dawnd@hockymca.org

Posted on: Friday, June 29th, 2018

Honoring George Johnson Jr.

It is with a sadness hard to describe that I share with you the passing of our dear friend and beloved colleague George Johnson, Jr.

The impact George leaves behind at our Hockomock Area YMCA will never be forgotten. To know George was to know kindness, to know George was to witness goodness, to know George was to see caring and concern, and to know George was to experience the best and purest elements of friendship and camaraderie.

George has been a vital and enthusiastic member of our YMCA family for the past 31 years. George loved our YMCA and our Y sure loved him back.

His presence and contributions endeared him to members and staff alike. George did it all in his Y career including impacting lives in the following departments and program areas: membership, childwatch, fitness centers, sports and aquatics, school age childcare, summer camp, teens, facilities and our Integration Initiative. Any of us who got to see George teach a swim lesson told you all you needed to know about the capacity of his heart and his willingness to share that big heart with others.

But it was in each of our own personal interactions with George that are the hallmark of how much we cared about him and how George was able to express how much he cared about us.

Because isn’t it in this mutual caring we get to experience every day that best describes his legacy?

George Johnson Jr. leaves a lasting and very powerful legacy at our Y and in all the members and staff whose lives he touched.

George comes from a large family that he was proud to be part of. But he always said – and in the last month loved to share with his family and friends – he had two families. He would tell everyone his second family was his Y family.

George made it a point to visit my office nearly every morning since I joined our Y in 1993. The mornings I wasn’t there did not stop him from coming by later or the next day. But it is in the mornings I was there that will forever be the basis of my memories of George. The conversations, the ribbing, the sports talk, the family talk, and the friendly wagers (he always seemed to win the coffee)…like all of you who knew George, that is what I will miss the most.

To those of you that didn’t know George, please know that our Y lost a special, dear friend. He will be deeply missed. But he will never be forgotten. All of us who loved George will ensure that his legacy is passed on to future generations.

We will also be setting up a time here at the Y when anyone who wants to gather will be welcome to come and share thoughts and stories about our friend George.

In 2016, I was honored to present George with the Marge Kraskouskas Legacy of Caring Award at our annual staff recognition luncheon. And at last year’s luncheon George offered the opening thought. He talked about his two families and he ended with a quote that I share with all of you. It is a quote that captures the essence of what George meant to so many of us and to so many Y families through his passion and his compassion:

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a child.”

George, you are important in all of the lives of anyone who had the pleasure to know you. And you are forever part of the fabric and spirit of our Hockomock Area YMCA.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

Posted on: Monday, June 25th, 2018

Our New Youth Programs This Summer

Kids will be home from school soon, and it’s time to think about what Summer activities they’ll be doing. Besides the staple programs at our YMCAs, such as Swim Lessons and Camp, check out these new ones. The online registration page has all the details.

NEW THIS SUMMER:

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

SPLASH BASH (for all ages)
June 16 is the opening of our outdoor pools. Celebrate and bring a friend to a free pool party 1:00-3:00pm @ the Foxboro & Franklin Y’s. Details at hockymca.org/splash-bash

INTENSIVE SWIM LESSONS
Get maximum exposure to swim lessons in either a four-day per week class, which week(s) you select (offered @ the Franklin Y) or an eight-day over two weeks class (offered at the Foxboro Y). Classes run Monday thru Thursday and are a great opportunity to fit lessons into your busy summer calendar—while benefiting from smaller class ratios.

Register Foxboro lessons 7/9-7/19

Register Foxboro lessons 7/23-8/2

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 11, 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 CANOE LESSONS (for ages 5-12 deep end swimmers only)*
Session 1: June 26 – July17; Session 2: July 24 – Aug 14 (Tuesdays 4:00-4:45 p.m. -OR- 5:00-5:45 p.m.)
YMCA Instructors and Lifeguard on the Beach; $40 per session, Includes a beach pass. Register canoe lessons @ Silver Lake.

SILVER LAKE SWIM LESSONS (for ages 3-12 Stages 1-4 offered)*
Runs: June 25 – Aug 26, 2018 (no class Wed 7/4); 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 today. Cost: $56 (Wed classes, which meet 1 less time, cost $48), includes beach pass.

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

FOXBORO SUMMER CLASS SERIES
We are offering week long classes to meet members’ availability during vacation coming and goings! 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:
7/9 – Hip Hop (ages 5-9) 4:30-7:30pm
7/16 – Superhero (ages 3-5, 7-8) 4:30-7:30
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 Summer Series @ the Foxboro Y.

FOXBORO KIDS’ DROP OFF DAY OPTIONS
Consider the Y’s exciting 2 hour mid-day options—a great way to get kids active and connected, learning and exploring. For ages 3-5 [Exceptions include: 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; the kids will enjoy a picnic together. Time: 12pm-2pm Cost: $20 (member); $25 (program member):
Every Tuesday 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 7/18, 8/15
Movie Night 7/14, 8/11 (5pm-8pm)
Nature Exploration 7/26, 8/9, 8/30
STEM 7/19, 8/2, 8/22 (latter two for ages 6-8)
Superhero Adventures 8/1, 8/29
Water, Water Everywhere 7/11, 8/8
Register Drop Off Options @ the Foxboro Y.

FRANKLIN PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS CLINICS
Try Gymnastics! Learn the basics on vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. This week long clinic includes games, crafts and a daily snack to re-energize. Join us as we 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 Gymnastics Clinics @ the Franklin Y.

CAMP 2018
We are ready to greet you at Camp! Be sure to check out our recent Camp 2018 website blog post and follow the links to ensure you are signed up and paperwork is submitted. If you haven’t registered yet, download the registration forms today and submit them to your local YMCA branch. Spots are filling up fast!

TECHNOLOGY LAB & TECH CLUB @ the Franklin Y
A new tech lab is operating at the Franklin Y, thanks to a generous donation from a good friend. The goal of this space is to teach middle school and high school students about careers in technology. For more info, contact: kjennings@hockymca.org

Register Today! Most of our classes (with the exception of those listed above, such as Foxboro’s Summer Class Series) run June 25-August 16. Get 9 Weeks for the Price of 7!

Posted on: Thursday, June 21st, 2018

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program – It’s Here!

According to Center of Disease Control (CDC), more than 29 million adults in the U.S. have type 2 diabetes — and 25% of them are unaware of the fact. Additionally, over a third of American adults have prediabetes, and 90% of them don’t know it¹. The YMCA is seeking to change these statistics for the better.

To help educate and assist those who are at risk of type 2 diabetes, the YMCA has developed a CDC-approved type 2 diabetes prevention program. The year-long Diabetes Prevention Program at the Hockomock Area YMCA follows a CDC-led curriculum, consisting of 16 weekly and 3 bi-weekly sessions during the first six months of the program, followed by six monthly sessions during the final six months. Participants in the program also learn healthy living tactics that they can use in their day-to-day lives.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is currently enrolling for YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program classes at all three branches held on the following days and times:

Invensys Foxboro Branch: Tuesdays 1:00pm-2:00pm beginning July 10th
Bernon Family Branch (Franklin): Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm beginning July 11th
North Attleboro Branch: Wednesdays 11:30am-12:30pm beginning July 11th

To learn more about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program at the Hockomock Area YMCA, the community is invited to attend an upcoming information session:

Wednesday, June 20th at 5:30pm at our Franklin Y
Wednesday, June 20th and Wednesday, June 27th both at 11:30am at our North Attleboro Y

To learn your risk for type 2 diabetes, learn about our program and take the diabetes risk test, visit https://www.hockymca.org/north-attleboro/diabetes-prevention/

The YMCA encourages you to call the Program Coordinator at 508-643-5271 to learn more or contact your medical provider for a referral.

Posted on: Tuesday, June 19th, 2018

Annual Meeting 2018

Every spring at our Annual Meeting, passion for our cause-driven mission is inspired and renewed as we gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the previous year. On May 16th at Lake Pearl we had the pleasure of honoring shining examples of youth, individuals, families and community partners who help our Y enhance lives and enrich communities.

Enjoy this short video capturing highlights from the annual meetin. And please read our 2017 annual report chronicling another fulfilling year at our Y. The report describes the impact our relationships have in improving the quality of life of our members and friends as together we strive to meet emerging community needs with our focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

Posted on: Monday, June 18th, 2018

Riders Needed — 9/22: The YMCA Rodman Team

10 Riders Needed

Join us on September 22, 2018 for the 28th Annual Rodman Ride for Kids, a non-competitive 25, 50, or 100-mile cycling tour throughout Southeastern, MA.

You will be on Team Hockomock Area YMCA
Together, we will raise funds for charity
Last year the Ride raised over $12 million, and it has raised over $134 million since 1991
Rodman matches 3% of what we raise so every dollar counts!

All proceeds benefit the Reach Out for Youth and Families scholarship assistance program, allowing our Y to be there when friends and neighbors need us most.

Please contact amandad@hockymca.orgor 508-643-5292 for more race information or to volunteer.

Facebook is a great way to keep up with Rodman Ride for Kids

Facebook.com/
Rodman for Kids

Posted on: Monday, June 18th, 2018

July 4th Veterans Picnic

Thank you for your service.

We are pleased to invite local veterans and their families to celebrate Independence Day together with us. On July 4, 2018 our North Attleboro Branch will host the 3rd annual July 4th Picnic for Veterans from 10am until 2pm.

EVENT DETAILS

10:00am – Opening Remarks & Welcome
11:00am-1:00pm – Swim in our outdoor pool and play field games that will be coordinated for all ages to enjoy
11:30am-1:00pm – Food will be provided in the picnic area
A DJ will provide music and entertainment throughout the event. Reminder: alcohol use and smoking is prohibited on YMCA property.

This fun day is co-sponsored by the Town of North Attleborough, Rolling Thunder, North Attleborough Historical Society, American Legion, Daughters of The American Revolution, Friends of the North Attleboro Veterans, and Triboro Realty Group with in-kind donations provided by Freihofer’s Bakery Outlet, Stop & Shop, Target and Walmart.

For more information, contact Mario Tardif at 508-643-5291 or mariot@hockymca.org

Posted on: Sunday, June 17th, 2018

Prep for Summer Camp

Summer camp is almost here!

All of our plans and preparations are in full swing so that all campers will have their best summer ever. To help, here is some guidance for parents about what we suggest kids bring to camp (and what they leave at home). In addition, for your convenience, we have included a link to our camp handbooks.

PLEASE label all items – including lunch

» Foxboro Camp Handbook

» Franklin Camp Handbook

» North Attleboro Camp Handbook

Suggested Items for All Camps

When preparing for a camp day, it’s helpful to remember how active kids are at camp. They need to be comfortable and to have a few food options:

Comfortable Clothes to move and play in. Campers will get messy so consider bringing a change of clothing
Swimsuit & Towel – if you are participating in a camp that has swim time
Closed Toe Shoes (No Sandals or Flip Flops Please)
Sweatshirt or Light Jacket for cool or damp days
Lunch, Snacks, & Drinks.
Please be sure to provide choices that are healthy, fulfilling, and non-perishable (there is no refrigeration at camp). Children will eat and drink more than usual because they are so active throughout the day. Half-day and full-day campers will need lunch, snacks and drinks. Water bottles are highly recommended.
Water Bottles with Water (no glass please)
Sunscreen and Bug Repellent.
A Bag to carry your belongings and a plastic bag for wet clothes

Suggested Items for Rainy Days

On bad-weather days, it’s a good idea to send a little extra to camp. It helps keep them comfortable if we get stuck out in the weather:

Raincoat or Poncho
Umbrella
Extra shoes/socks
Changes of clothes (including underwear)

What NOT to bring to Camp

PLEASE leave valuable personal items at home.

Campers should not bring or wear any valuable, personal articles such as expensive footwear, watches, jewelry, phones, personal music devices, electronic games, trading cards, key chains, toys, etc. Children are not permitted to use these items at camp. Do not bring sporting equipment unless it is approved by the camp counselors and/or to be used at a specialty sports camp.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your camp director.
We look forward to sharing amazing new adventures with you and your children this summer!

VIEW OUR CAMP OFFERINGS

Posted on: Thursday, June 7th, 2018

CSA Shares Offer Convenient Pickup @ Your Local Y

We are now accepting registrations for CSA Shares at both our Mansfield Community Farm & Gardens and our NEW Bellingham Community Farm! This is a great option for increasing your intake of veggies this spring and summer. Take advantage of these local sources of freshly harvested organic produce.
DETAILS ON OUR VEGGIE SHARE PROGRAM:

MANSFIELD COMMUNITY FARM & GARDENS

The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Mansfield
Our mission is to educate and involve the community in learning about fresh produce
We promote healthy, active lifestyles by connecting people to the food they eat and grow
Located across the street from 386 Essex St in Mansfield, MA
No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used and consumers benefit from organic practices

BELLINGHAM COMMUNITY FARM

The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Bellingham
The goal of the Bellingham Community Farm is to provide the local community with a variety of avenues to access and learn about sustainably and locally grown food
Located at 200 Center Street in Bellingham, MA
We do not use any chemically derived herbicides or pesticides
We use OMRI approved field amendments and do not use genetically engineered seed

PURCHASE A CSA

From June – October, we produce a typical CSA weekly share of produce (approximately 5-8 lbs/items)
Produce may include: lettuce, kale, chard, bok choy, arugula, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, cabbage, squashes, cucumbers, broccoli, melon, beans, peas, onion, potatoes, radish, beets, turnip, carrots, herbs, and more
All are harvested and prepped for pickup before you arrive
You may choose to pick up at the garden or **NEW** at a Hockomock Area YMCA branch! See pickup schedule below
See below for detailed information on cost and pickup times

PICK UP DETAILS (FOR AFTERNOON PICKUPS)

You may choose pick up at the gardens:

Tuesday or Thursday @ Mansfield farm
– OR – Wednesday or Friday @ Bellingham farm

OR – choose to pick up at the Y:

Tuesday @ the Foxboro Y
Wednesday @ the Franklin Y
Thursday @ the North Attleboro Y

Limited Spots.

DOWNLOAD THE CSA ENROLLMENT – MANSFIELD

DOWNLOAD THE CSA ENROLLMENT – BELLINGHAM

For further inquiries, including volunteering at the garden, please contact communitygarden@hockymca.org.

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