NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y


All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Monday, October 15th, 2018

Nurture Your Kid’s Curiosity

The Y is helping build the next group of leaders through Enrichment and STEM programs. Won’t you join us? Fall 2 classes start the week of October 29 and it’s not too late to grab your spot!

Enrichment activities with kids can provide new opportunities for learning. From infant playgroups to mixed media art class, the Y has great options to keep your kids entertained and engaged while making friends.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH — Developing Youth Through STEM:

Youth who participate in STEM activities: Learn how to solve a problem, Develop critical-thinking skills, Get comfortable with failure and trying again, Learn to work successfully in teams, Develop self-confidence, Are able to see themselves in STEM careers. Kids will have so much fun in classes upcoming such as Kitchen Science and Lego Robotics, they won’t know they are learning (but we will).

ENRICHMENT/STEM CLASSES @ THE FRANKLIN Y:

  • STEM Mash Up (ages 3-5) Mondays 3:30-4:30PM
  • Story Adventurers (ages 3-4) Tuesdays 11:30AM-12:20PM
  • Kitchen Science (ages 5-8) Tuesdays 4:30-5:30PM
  • STEM Mash Up (ages 5-8) Fridays 3:30-4:30PM

ENRICHMENT/STEM CLASSES @ THE FOXBORO Y:

  • STEM Mash Up (ages 3-5) Mondays 11:00-12:00PM
  • STEM Mash Up (ages 5-8) Wednesdays 4:00-5:00PM
  • Rockets And Rollercoasters (ages 7-11) Mondays 4:30-5:30PM
  • Y Playgroup w/ Playground Park & Gym (ages 0-2) Tuesdays 9:30-10:15AM
  • Healthy Chef (ages 3-5) Wednesdays 10:30-11:30AM
  • Story Adventurers (ages 3-4) Wednesdays 11:30AM-12:20PM
  • Parent/Child Healthy Cooking (all ages) Wednesdays 6:15-7:15PM
  • Mommy And Me Infant Playtime (ages 0-1) Thursdays 9:30-10:00AM
  • Lego Robotics (ages 7-11) Fridays 4:30-5:30PM
  • Healthy Chef (ages 6-9) Fridays 5:45-6:45PM
  • Healthy Chef (ages 9+) Saturdays 10:00-11:00AM
  • Mixed Media Art Class (ages 6-9) Saturdays 3:30-4:30PM

ENRICHMENT/STEM CLASSES @ THE NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

  • Sprouts (ages 1-2) Mondays 9:15-10:15AM
  • STEM Mash Up (ages 3-5) Mondays 10:00-11:00AM
  • Creative Cooking (ages 8-11) Mondays 4:30-5:30PM
  • Kitchen Science (ages 4-6) Mondays 4:00-5:00PM
  • Pop Culture Cooking (ages 3-5) Tuesdays 9:30-10:30AM
  • Caterpillars (ages 2-3) Wednesdays 9:30-11:00AM
  • Creative Cooking (ages 5-8) Tuesdays 4:30-5:30PM
  • Caterpillars (ages 2-3) Wednesdays 9:30-11:00AM
  • Preschool Jumbler (ages 3-5) Wednesdays -or- Thursdays 1:00-2:00PM
  • Cocoon (ages 3-4) Thursdays 9:30-10:45AM
  • Story Adventurers (ages 3-4) Thursdays 11:00-11:50AM
  • Mixed Media Art Class (ages 6-9) Thursdays 4:00-5:00PM
  • Lego Robotics (ages 7-11) Thursdays 4:00-5:00PM
  • Butterfly (ages 4-5) Fridays 9:15-10:45AM
  • Kitchen Science (ages 6-10) Fridays 4:00-5:00PM
  • STEM Mash Up (ages 5-8) Saturdays 9:00-10:00AM

Register: Franklin

Register: Foxboro

Register: North Attleboro

Posted on: Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018

New Preschool Drama Classes

Our new Fall enrichment classes are open for enrollment and encourage youth to try new things. We encourage you to consider the youth development benefits that come from early exposure to drama and creative play.

TRY A THEATRE CLASS!
Story Adventurers is a new offering. Each week, students will use creative play and movement to explore favorite stories. Our youngest actors are assisted toward the cultivation of imagination, creativity, and teamwork. Family and friends are invited to attend the final class for an informal demonstration of our work.

Story Adventurers @ the Franklin Y
Weekly on Tuesdays, Oct 30 – Dec 19, 2018
11:30am – 12:20pm
45 Forge Hill Rd, Franklin, MA

Story Adventurers @ the Foxboro Y
Weekly on Wednesdays, Oct 31 – Dec 20, 2018
11:30am – 12:20pm
67 Mechanic St, Foxborough, MA

Story Adventurers @ the North Attleboro Y
Weekly on Thursdays, Nov 1 – Dec 21, 2018
11:00am – 11:50am
300 Elmwood St, North Attleborough, MA

Register for Story Adventurers Today!

Cost: $80 (member); $120 (program member). Questions? Please contact juliap@hockymca.org. See you at the Y!

Posted on: Monday, October 1st, 2018

Fall 2 Classes Start Week of Oct 29

Our upcoming programs are open for enrollment and are about encouraging active and connected lifestyles. The Youth Development Program Guide has all the details.

NEW THIS FALL 2
Gym and Swim (for ages 3-6 @ the Franklin Y)
Basketball Skills
Youth Basketball Leagues
STEM Mashup and Lego Robotics
Rocketry
Kitchen Science
Boys Gymnastics
Mixed Media Art Class
Lifeguarding Certification
Double Play Sports
Homerun Heroes
Indoor Arena Football
Indoor Golf
Lacrosse Skills
Progressive Gymnastics and Pre-Team
Story Adventurers (preschool drama)
Theatre Auditions (Guys and Dolls)

Register for Classes Today!

The 8-week session will run 10/29-12/23/18. See you at the Y!

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!