NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y


All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Tuesday, July 9th, 2019

Why is summer camp important?

A recent article by the Child Mind Institute stated that “the average American child is said to spend 4-7 minutes a day in unstructured play outdoors, and over 7 hours a day in front of a screen.” That’s a startling statistic. Instead of just tv, our kids’ technology has grown to include phones, tablets, apps, social media and texting. Not only are kids sitting too long in front of a screen, they are not interacting with each other face to face.

Y summer camps provide a safe place for kids to get away from technology and the stresses of the outside world and allow kids to simply just be kids. We are proud and respectful of the trust parents place in our YMCA. A safe environment for children combined with quality programming is vital in our focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. All camp counselors are trained in first aid, cpr, and child abuse prevention. All staff must sign and comply with our Y’s Code of Conduct and Abuse Prevention Policies. Our Y’s founding core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are part of everything we do. Our camps give parents peace of mind knowing that their children are participating in safe, technology-free, fun and interactive activities with their peers, face to face, and having the time of their life.

Summer camp gives children the chance to try new things, to develop confidence, and to learn new skills. Kids at our camps get to try new things such as archery, rope climbing, and planting in the garden. They get to play game favorites like Gaga, Capture the Flag, and Sticks & Arrows and well as swim daily in the pool. The campers get a swim lesson in the morning, and in the afternoon, they get to hang out in the pool. And throughout all of these activites, the campers are creating amazing friendships, and memories of the best summer ever.

Camp starts in June and runs for 11 weeks through the summer. Camp offerings range from traditional camps to sports camps to enrichment camps and more for kids ranging from age 3 through teen years. To see more details on our camps and what camp would best fit your child, click on camp offerings. If you would like a private camp tour, please reach out to Member Services at one of our branches. We look forward to meeting you and providing your kids with an amazing summer.

CAMP OFFERINGS

Posted on: Monday, July 8th, 2019

Join the Kid to Camp Challenge

DOUBLE YOUR GIFT THROUGH JULY 21!

Here’s a special opportunity to provide kids in need in your community a camp experience this summer. Now through July 21st, 2019 (or until we meet our $25,000 goal) your gift to our Reach Out for Youth & Families program will be doubled by the Spier Family Foundation!

PLEASE GIVE NOW

100% of every gift goes directly to helping children and families in need.

Greg and Kathy Spier, long time Foxborough residents, Y members and volunteers, and community leaders, are passionate about improving the quality of life in their community. The Spier Family name is prominently displayed on the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch. The Spiers are also benefactors of the SPLASH program which has resulted in teaching hundreds of local school children how to be safe around water, learn to swim, and begin enjoying swimming as lifelong recreation. Recently, they shared the inspiration for their philanthropy.

Did you know?

  • 1 in 5 of our Y campers receive confidential financial assistance
  • All children are welcome at camp regardless of ability to pay

This is our cause and our mission. With your support we will provide a safe, fun, thriving environment for more young people to explore the world around them, build confidence, develop life skills, and make lasting friendships and memories.

Join the challenge. Impact a life. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of local kids and families this summer.

Posted on: Monday, June 10th, 2019

FOXBORO YMCA 5K AT PATRIOT PLACE

Join us for a great race and celebration at the site of so many championships!

New this year! We are proud to announce that the Foxboro 5K has moved to Gillette Stadium and the course will be one that makes memories for years to come for all ages and abilities.

FOXBORO Y 5K
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
5K AND KIDS RUN

Saturday, Sept 28, 2019
at Patriot Place-The Plaza, located outside The Hall

Foxborough, Massachusetts
»» Race begins at 9:00 a.m.
»» Registration available online or on race day (starting at 7:30 a.m.)
»» Sponsorships are available now. Please contact: realimpact@hockymca.org or call 508.643.5265
»» Kids 0.9 mile run will start at 11:00 a.m.
»» DJ Mike will join us to hype up runners and their cheering committees
»» Don’t miss the YMCA’s annual free Healthy Kids Day event, which will be happening 10am-1pm also on the plaza! Details coming
»» Cost: $30- (5K) or $15- (Kids Run). Adult dri fit shirt or cotton short sleeved youth tee given to all who register by 9/1
»» All Kids will also receive a medal

ABOUT THE DAY

Our excellent 5K race will kick off the Hockomock Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day event. What a better way to encourage healthy patterns for the young ones in your life than this: a) arrive early and run or walk the Foxboro Y 5K, b) check out fun, interactive and educational vendor booths at Healthy Kids Day (free community event), and then c) cheer on kids who take on the fun run.

REGISTER TODAY!

Posted on: Monday, June 3rd, 2019

TECHNOLOGY CLUB AT THE YMCA

The Hockomock Area YMCA Technology Club had its final meeting and end of the year celebration on June 18. The club has been meeting monthly at the Franklin Branch since September to learn about programming and coding and gain firsthand experience in the field.

The course was run by two IT professionals, Frank Murphy,the Customer Success Manager at HackerRank, and JP Corriveau, the President and CEO of LMC Associates, who volunteered their time to teach the club and provide the kids with valuable real world experience in the field.

The final meeting involved a challenge which had the participants attempt to program a sphere ball through coding to maneuver through a maze. The winner of this challenge was Paul Mahoney, a yearlong participant in the club. He learned the skills required to win this challenge throughout the entirety of the course and with the help of the two volunteers.

The club will be starting up again on Tuesday, October 1st and is free for students that are Hockomock Area YMCA members. This club provides children with a great opportunity to learn about programming and coding along with preparing them for future jobs and careers in the field.

Register Now

Posted on: Thursday, May 9th, 2019

Commit to Change this Summer

Join the many folks who have participated in our Weigh to Change program and have succeeded in losing weight and inches, and are now living healthier, happier lives.

Our Weigh to Change (WTC) Program provides the support and guidance you need to succeed. Check out the WTC testimonials of John and Nancy Brennock, Christine Tolland, and Ben Ray:


NORTH ATTLEBORO BRANCH
WEIGH TO CHANGE SPOTLIGHT

“My wife Nancy and I have tried to lose weight repeatedly,” says John Brennock. “She asked me to join Weigh to Change with her. Reluctantly I said I’d join for her. She replied, “do it for yourself or not at all.” Day one I asked, “I love sweets, carbs, beer, wine, single malt scotch, and don’t eat vegetables. Can you help?” Surprisingly the nutritionist said yes! Without giving up things I love, and despite normal aging, we were more successful than we ever dreamed.”

FOXBORO BRANCH
WEIGH TO CHANGE SPOTLIGHT

“In April 2016 I participated in the first Weigh to Change and lost 14 pounds. I lost another 18, equaling 32 total” explains Christine Tolland. “What I gained from WTC was beyond my expectations. Not only did I learn how to eat clean, WTC helped me peel back the layers revealing the real me. I have gained a network of people that support me, 3 years after the program! I am stronger, more condident, and determined in all aspects of my life.”

FRANKLIN BRANCH
WEIGH TO CHANGE SPOTLIGHT

“I began Weigh to Change overweight at 330 pounds,” says Ben Ray. “Within 10 weeks, I lost 35 pounds and the weight is still dropping. At the same time, I’ve gained muscle and an increase in strength and energy.

Weight to Change is about embracing a lifestyle change. Unlike other programs I’ve been on, there’s no point counting or avoiding carbs. It’s about being mindful of your food choices and balancing your diet with the right combination of fat, protein and carbs. The nutritionist taught me how to make changes to my eating habits so that I don’t feel I’m on a diet and I’m never hungry.

The group and individual workouts are also outstanding. The trainers push hard but also do a great job modifying workouts to accommodate everyone’s fitness level. So whether you’re fit, out of shape or suffer from injuries, the workouts work for everyone.

The thing that surprised me the most was the comradery within the group. People in the group were all very friendly. They encouraged each other throughout the workouts and also shared food tips. Everyone worked together because we were all striving for the common goal of making positive changes in our lives.”


Join our Weigh to Change program today and achieve your own personal weight and inch loss goals.

Registration is now open for the Summer program.
The 11-week program will run June 24th – Sept 7th. (Normally the program runs for 10 weeks however, an additional week has been added in to allow for vacation.)

The Weigh to Change program offers support and education in both areas of fitness and nutrition. By combining physical training and better nutrition, participants will benefit in the most successful way to achieve weight loss. Participants will be challenged throughout the ten weeks with personal training, nutrition guidance, group workouts, and friendly challenge competitions.


Join us for a free introduction to Weigh to Change. At the introduction, you will choose either:
a 1-on-1 session with our nutrtionist OR a 20-minute workout with 10-minute healthy post-workout snack, and 15-minute quick info session:

  • Bernon Family Branch: Sat. June 15 @ 10:30am OR Wed. June 19 @ 6:00pm
  • Invensys Foxboro Branch: Sat. June 15 @ 10:00am OR Wed. June 19 @ 6:00pm
  • North Attleboro Branch: Sat. June 15 @ 11:00am OR Wed. June 19 @ 6:00pm

The program includes:

  • Weekly individual 30-minute personal training sessions
  • Individual nutrition counseling with our nutritionist
  • Minimum of 3 weekly group training sessions offered solely for the Summer WTC group
  • Weekly nutrition and physical challenges and entry in a local road race
  • Two Nutrition workshops
  • Grocery store education tours
  • Before & after Styku 3-D body scans to provide measurements

The cost of the program is $499 for Hockomock Area YMCA Members and $599 for Hockomock Area YMCA Program Members (over an $800 value). Payment plan available.


REGISTER HERE FOR WEIGH TO CHANGE

Posted on: Thursday, May 9th, 2019

GETTING READY FOR SUMMER!

Safety Around Water

Community pools, including the more than 2,000 pools operated by Ys, are a center of family activity over the summer. They can also be a place where kids develop self confidence and discover new ways to stay fit.

Safety measures are critical to keeping the season safe and fun (drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages 14 and under).

It’s not too late to do your part. The YMCA is offering a Mini Session so children ages 3-12 can experience four weeks of swim lessons concluding roughly at the end of the school year. Enroll today!

Mini Session runs: May 29 – June 19

SWIM BASICS

Children will work with an instructor to develop comfort in underwater exploration by learning self-rescue techniques in order to promote safety around water. This class is for children who need instructor assistance to float and who may not be comfortable submerging in water.

AGES 3-5: Wednesdays 9:00-9:30 a.m. –OR– 9:35-10:05 a.m.
AGES 5-12: Thursdays 4:00-4:45 p.m.

SWIM STROKES

Children will learn the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke and butterfly kicks. This class is for kids who are able to swim 25 yards on their front and back.

AGES 5-12: Thursdays 5:25-6:10 p.m.

REGISTER TODAY

45 Forge Hill Rd. Franklin, MA
CONTACT: Krystina Edens krystinae@hockymca.org

Posted on: Thursday, May 9th, 2019

Happy 175th Birthday to the YMCA!

Join the YMCA World Challenge!

On June 8, 2019 YMCAs around the world are celebrating the YMCA’s 175th birthday with a day of action! In honor of this special occasion, the Hockomock Area YMCA is inviting all of our staff, program participants, partners and neighbors to volunteer 175 minutes of their time to improve our community!

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH 175 MINUTES?

Celebrate 175 years of strengthening communities at the Y by jumping into an activity from the list below or choose a cause that’s close to your heart. Share your experience on social media under #YMCAChallenge #Volunteer175 and #HockomockYMCA.

MILFORD SUMMER FOOD BLITZ DAY:
Our Fuel Your Fun Summer Meal Program is back! Kids who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year can access healthy snacks and meals during the summer. Hang flyers and go door to door talking with community members to spread the news. Must be accompanied by a parent if under age 18.

  • Where: Memorial Elementary School, 12 Walnut Street, Milford (meet at the parking lot)
  • When: Saturday, June 8th 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
  • Contact: ShannonN@hockymca.org
  • program details available here

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ALL NIGHT PARTY:
Volunteers are needed for the Franklin High School All Night Party, an annual tradition that offers a fun safe night for teens following graduation.

  • Where: 218 Oak Street, Franklin
  • When: Various times (Party runs 11:00 pm on the 7th until Saturday, June 8th 5:00 am)
  • Contact: EvePellecchia@yahoo.com
  • details on the party available here

FOXBOROUGH FOUNDERS DAY:
Non-profit organizations are gearing up to participate in Founders Day by running field games, selling food, raffles or other products, and organizing their members to march together in the Founders Day parade!

HOPEDALE FAIRY WALK:
Assist the Friends of Historic Hopedale (FOHH) in running the 3rd Annual Hopedale Fairy Walk. In conjunction with the Hopedale Park Commission, Hopedale Parklands will be turned into an enchanted forest & temporary home for fairies, gnomes, trolls, elves and magical folk!

For more information, please reach out to YMCA Member Services at 508-543-2523 (Foxboro), 508-528-8708 (Franklin), or 508-695-7001 (North Attleboro).

Posted on: Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

Summer Theatre and Come See a Show

On with the Show! Cyrano de Burgershack Performs: 6/8-6/9

Calling all summer campers interested in the performing arts.

Two production camps are now enrolling for Summer 2019!

They are: “GETTING TO KNOW … ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” and “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.” In addition, three new theatre camps will run at the YMCA this summer: “From Page to Stage” (Franklin Branch), “Musical Cabaret” (Mansfield Arts & Education Center), and “One Act Play” (North Attleboro Branch). The additional camps are 1 week long and will have an informal show at the end of the week.

Please see our Theatre Camp page for details and if you have any questions, please contact Performing Arts Director Julia Paolino at juliap@hockymca.org or 508-964-2088.

Visit Camp Online Registration

Cyrano de Burgershack will take the stage June 8th and 9th.

Come see the show, performed by our Broad-Y actors, ages 11-14. You’ll love Cyrano de Burger Shack!

WHEN: Saturday June 8th at 7:00 pm and Sunday June 9th at 1:00 pm

Cyrano is king of the local Burger Shack, but he can’t seem to win the love of his best friend, Roxanne. When Roxanne confesses her crush on the new burger flipper, Christian, Cyrano decides that playing cupid is better than sitting out the game. An updated modern-day version of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, this rollicking musical features hit pop songs such as All Star, Firework, Call Me Maybe, Less Than Perfect, and more, that will have audiences cheering and singing along.

  • Location: Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center (Orpheum Foxboro)
  • Tickets $5 children/$7 adults in advance; $7/$10 at the door
  • Buy tickets: brownpapertickets.com

» CONNECT WITH US / BROWSE OUR CATALOGS

» Printable Camp Catalogue


» Printable Theatre Catalogue


Posted on: Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

2019 Annual Campaign Update

President’s Newsletter

Reach Out for Youth and Families is underway

Our campaign kicked off on March 15th with our annual Reach Out for Youth and Families Breakfast. This year’s fundraising goal is $850,000.

During the next two weeks we will be holding the community portion of our Annual Campaign, and I hope you will visit our branch displays and speak to our staff members to learn how your support makes meaningful impact in our community.

In 2018 the Hockomock Area YMCA provided $2,111,811 in confidential scholarships and program subsidies.

Gifts to the campaign provide confidential financial assistance & program subsidies to children & families in need. Our Y has a proud yet ever-growing history of inclusiveness. Whether it’s a family that cannot afford a Y camping experience for their children or a teenager who struggles with bullying at school, we continually extend our arms, welcoming them into our Y family.

Please watch highlights of the Breakfast click here and if you would like to get involved in the campaign, contact realimpact@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5287.

I wish to thank Mary Nickerson and Kerri Quintal for sharing their Y stories at our breakfast. Throughout our campaign we are humbled by the incredibly personal, heartfelt stories that describe the impact of this campaign. We are grateful to be part of 15 communities full of caring, committed people who share the values of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

You help make our Y a place where community comes together, and where people matter.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

DONATE TODAY

Posted on: Monday, April 29th, 2019

Grow Organic Vegetables, Fruits and Herbs – Community Garden Plots Available

GROW YOUR OWN FOOD

2021 UPDATE: Due to our YMCA’s current operational capacity and staffing priorities, we will no longer be operating the Community Gardens. We are excited to announce however, that our partners in the towns of Mansfield & Bellingham are looking forward to a great season and can be reached at: Mansfield Rec Dept: sgurnon@mansfieldma.com or Bellingham Garden: bellinghamcommunitygarden@gmail.com.

Raised beds now available at your YMCA Community Garden!

We are now accepting registrations for plots at both our Mansfield and Bellingham Community Gardens! This is a great option for increasing your intake of veggies this spring and summer.

DETAILS:
$75 per plot (10’x20’), open to all! Spots are limited. Please have your application in as soon as possible, as we are accepting shares on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The YMCA provides:

  • Plot space with soil
  • Water, hoses, and some gardening tools
  • Compost area for your use
  • A small storage shed for keeping items on site if you choose to do so

Bellingham and Mansfield Community Gardens feature organic gardening practices. Renting gardeners will have access to the garden from dawn to dusk.

Reserving your Garden Plot

To reserve your garden plot, please register at Member Services or follow these steps:

BELLINGHAM COMMUNITY FARM:

The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Bellingham and is located at 200 Center Street in Bellingham, MA. We do not use any chemically derived herbicides or pesticides. We use OMRI approved field amendments. Click here to read more about the Bellingham Community Garden.

  • Option 1 – Stop by member service at our Bernon Family Branch in Franklin and fill out the contract. Pay via credit card, check, or cash.
  • Option 2 – Mail the contract along with a check to: Hockomock Area YMCA, c/o Community Garden, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038. You will receive an email receipt. Please make checks out to Hockomock Area YMCA.

Plot Holder Enrollment Kit* * Please do not submit plot enrollment before confirming with communitygarden@hockymca.org that a plot is still available.

DOWNLOAD BELLINGHAM CONTRACT

MANSFIELD COMMUNITY FARM & GARDENS:

The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Mansfield and is located across the street from 386 Essex St in Mansfield, MA. No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used and consumers benefit from organic practices. Click here to read more about the Mansfield Community Garden.

  • Option 1 – Stop by member service at our Invensys Foxboro Branch and fill out the contract. Pay via credit card, check, or cash.
  • Option 2 – Mail the contract along with a check to: Hockomock Area YMCA, c/o Community Garden, 67 Mechanic St, Foxborough, MA 02035. You will receive an email receipt. Please make checks out to Hockomock Area YMCA.

Plot Holder Enrollment Kit* * Please do not submit plot enrollment before confirming with communitygarden@hockymca.org that a plot is still available.

DOWNLOAD MANSFIELD CONTRACT

Limited Spots.