NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y


All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

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!

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.

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