NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y


All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Sunday, September 1st, 2024

Member Appreciation Week

We love our members and want to thank you for being part of our Hockomock Y family. Member Appreciation Week activities will take place November 1st through November 7th. Each day we have something fun at all 3 branches to say THANK YOU for being a member – like free snacks, drinks, massages and more! At each branch, we’ll also have a free Parents Night Out for active members with children ages 3-12.(Advance registration required.)

FOXBORO Y EVENTS:

Friday, Nov. 1:

  • 6pm-8pm: Parents Night Out! Free program for all active Hockomock Y members. Kids ages 3-12 will enjoy a few hours of fun and games with friends at the Y while parents enjoy a night out. Advanced registration required. Children must be potty trained.Click here to register.

Saturday, Nov. 2:

  • Guess the exact amount of Hershey Kisses and win a prize.

Sunday, Nov. 3:

  • Morning Coffee & Donuts in the Lobby.
  • Guess the exact amount of Hershey Kisses and win a prize.

Monday, Nov. 4:

  • Fruit & Yogurt Bar in the Lobby.

Tuesday, Nov. 5:

  • 10-minute Massages offered by Bay State Physical Therapy. Sign up required in Branch.

Wednesday, Nov. 6:

  • Mid Afternoon: Sample dips and vote for your favorite during the Y Staff Signature Dip Cook-off in the Lobby.

Thursday, Nov. 7:

  • Mid Morning Muffin Bar in the Lobby.
  • 10-minute Messages offered by Bay State Physical Therapy. Sign up required in Branch.

FRANKLIN Y EVENTS:

Friday, Nov. 1:

  • Morning Yogurt Parfait Bar in the Lobby.

Saturday, Nov. 2:

  • Morning Coffee & Donuts in the Lobby.
  • 6pm-8pm: Parents Night Out! Free program for all active Hockomock Y members. Kids ages 3-12 will enjoy a few hours of fun and games with friends at the Y while parents enjoy a night out. Advanced registration required. Children must be potty trained.Click here to register.

Sunday, Nov. 3 & Monday, Nov. 4:

  • Guess the exact amount of Hershey Kisses and win a prize.

Tuesday, Nov. 5:

  • 10-minute Messages offered by Bay State Physical Therapy. Sign up required in Branch.
  • Enjoy a samplings of foods during our Y Staff Crockpot Cook-Off contest in the evening. Vote for your favorite.

Wednesday, Nov. 6:

  • Morning Muffin Bar in the Lobby.
  • Evening Cupcake Bar in the Lobby.

NORTH ATTLEBORO Y EVENTS:

Friday, Nov. 1:

  • 6pm-8pm: Parents Night Out! Free program for all active Hockomock Y members. Kids ages 3-12 will enjoy a few hours of fun and games with friends at the Y while parents enjoy a night out. Advanced registration required. Children must be potty trained. Click here to register.

Saturday, Nov. 2 & Sunday, Nov. 3:

  • Snack bags in the Lobby.

Monday, Nov. 4:

  • Muffin Bar in the Lobby.

Tuesday, Nov. 5:

  • Coffee Bar in the Lobby.

Wednesday, Nov. 6:

  • Morning Yogurt Parfaits in the Lobby.

Thursday, Nov. 7:

  • Cookie Bar in the Lobby.

Posted on: Monday, August 19th, 2024

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA event on Sept. 25

Our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Celebration event will take place on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Please join us to celebrate impact and raise funding for our YMCA’s cancer survivorship program.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA empowers adult cancer survivors throughout our community to improve functional capacity and to enhance their quality of life through an innovative, research-based program of fitness, strength and support, provided by trained staff.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25 EVENT DETAILS

Lake Pearl

299 Creek Street in Wrentham, MA

5:30pm Cocktail Reception

6:30pm Program

Reception with hors d’oeuvres immediately following

RSVP for this event, email realimpact@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5220.

TO MAKE A GIFT

Our YMCA is creating communities among cancer survivors by guiding participants through safe physical activity, helping build supportive relationships and stress reduction. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants and their families a supportive environment and a feeling of community with other survivors, YMCA staff and members. Additionally, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is assisting participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Posted on: Monday, August 12th, 2024

Double Your Gift with the Spier Family Matching Challenge

JOIN THE SPIER FAMILY MATCHING CHALLENGE

We are excited to share that Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough – long-time friends and dedicated supporters of our Y – have once again issued a $25,000 challenge, matching every donation made September 14 – 21 to our YMCA.

100% of every gift goes directly to helping children and families in need experience our YMCA through our Reach Out Campaign, providing confidential scholarships and program subsidies to participate at our YMCA.

All gifts made September 14-21 will be matched by the Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation during our Giving Week.

As a non-profit organization, the Hockomock Area YMCA exists to help people be healthier, more confident and connected to each other and their communities. The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of its communities as individuals and families continue to face financial struggles.

EVERY GIFT MATTERS. GIVE TODAY!

WAYS TO GIVE:

  • Donate today and double your gift! Give online
  • Visit any Hockomock Area YMCA Member Services Desk and make your gift with a member of our team.
  • Become part of our Membership That Matters Program, by adding to your monthly membership at our Member Service Desk.
  • Mail your gift to: Hockomock Area YMCA 300 Elmwood Street North Attleboro, MA 02760 (payable to: Hockomock Area YMCA)

DID YOU KNOW?

  • In 2023, $3.3 million was invested by the Hockomock Area YMCA to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive by providing scholarships to people in need in the Y’s 15 town service area to experience YMCA programs and services regardless of ability to pay.
  • 1,164 kids received financial assistance to participate in swim lessons, gymnastics, enrichment & sports programs last year. Your support can help even more kids get the chance to learn and grow at the Y!
  • Our Food Access program has distributed over 750,000 pounds of food to 625 households in 25 towns, making a big impact on food security. Join us in the fight against hunger.
  • 425 people joined our chronic disease and prevention programs, including LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, and made positive changes in 2023. Let’s keep working together to fuel life-changing programs.

Join us in making a positive impact in our community, while doubling your donation!

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Nicole Bartlett at nicoleb@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Thursday, August 8th, 2024

Active & Healthy. Join Fall Sports Leagues Today

SPORTS LEAGUES (& LEAGUES PREP) START SEPT 13. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Our sports and recreation programs develop more than skills – they develop character. At the Y, we cheer for more than points. We believe positive competition and a sport’s skill go hand-in-hand. Learn a sport, improve your skills, make new friends, and be active. League Dates: September 13-November 3, 2024

FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUES

DOWN SET HIKE! Our flag football league provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. All players will receive an official NFL jersey; belts and flags will be provided at the field. Games will be held on Fridays at the North Attleboro and at the Foxboro Ys.

This coed league allows youth in grades K-5 to play flag football. All players participate in every game. We emphasize fun, fitness, skill development, fair play, and family involvement. The goal is to provide participants with a great place to learn football while having fun!

REGISTER TODAY

SOCCER LEAGUES

Youth Soccer is an exciting sport that combines individual skill with team effort. The program develops and enhances soccer skills while building on lifelong fundamentals, such as teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship. Games will be held on Saturdays in Franklin and on Sundays at the North Attleboro and at the Foxboro Ys.

No benchwarmers here! Y Youth Soccer promises that every child will get to play. This coed league gives youth in grades Pre-K-3 the opportunity to play soccer.

REGISTER TODAY

LEAGUES PREP

A great way to get kids playing team sports, YMCA Leagues Prep puts kids on the field and gives them a chance to run, kick, score, hit, catch, throw, and learn all about how sportsmanship can be fun.

  • Flag Football Skills (Pre-K & Grade K; North Attleboro) Parent involvement is encouraged, as together we turn a child’s excitement and passion for sports into a healthy, positive outlet for them to gain new skills, develop a sense of team and connect with positive role models.
  • Tball Skills (age 3; North Attleboro) For our youngest players, the tee provides them with a stable ball while learning the basic motions of hitting.
  • Softball Skills (age 3-Grade K); North Attleboro) Learn softball while building character, developing self-confidence, and creating healthy relationships!
  • Soccer Skills (age 3; all locations) Our youth soccer skills classes help kids develop a love for sports by focusing on skill development and teaching the fundamentals of the game.

REGISTER TODAY

Football and Soccer Leagues are FREE with a Hockomock Area YMCA Family Membership*! Please register online to save your roster spot or give us a call if you have any questions.

* Leagues Prep are not included in this promotion. Uniform fees are not included in the promotion; if you are a family-type member, please check your email inbox (including your spam) for an email from Hockomock Area YMCA sent on 8/9/24. Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our Membership Services at the phone numbers at the bottom of this website.

Posted on: Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

Legends Online Auction

LEGENDS ONLINE AUCTION

A Benefit for the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative

Amazing Items. Great Gifts.

** Bidding is now open! **

Here’s an excellent opportunity to contribute to a great cause and score unique gifts this holiday season! Our online auction is held to complement our October 15th Legends Ball at Lake Pearl. All funds benefit the Integration Inititative, which provides opportunities for children and adults with special needs in our communities. Since 2004, more than 1,600 children and families have participated in our initiative.

ONLINE AUCTION

Remember to bid high and bid often!

AMAZING ITEMS INCLUDE:

  • Birthday Party Packages
  • Signed Sports Memorabilia including Gronk, Jaylen Brown, Brenden Schooler & more
  • Private Chef Experience
  • Taste of Italy Basket
  • Makeup and Mimosa’s Party for 6
  • TPC Boston Foursome
  • At Sea with the Spiers Boating Experience
  • 2 Night Florida Stay in a Treehouse
  • Tree Work for a Day
  • Camping Package
  • Boston Celtics Tickets
  • 7 Night Italy Stay for 2
  • Yeti 65 Cooler
  • Smart House Package
  • Tree House Brewery Items
  • and much more!

Be sure to check back often, as new items will be added to the auction daily.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Nicole at nicoleb@hockymca.org or 508-643-5235.

Posted on: Monday, August 5th, 2024

Spier Family 5K & Family Day

Join us for a great race and family day!

Sponsored by the Spier Family and in support of our Hockomock Area YMCA Food Access Initiative, the annual 5K that hundreds have come to love is taking place at our Invensys Foxboro Branch. Join us!

This course and the entire morning of activities will make memories for years to come for all ages and abilities. All proceeds will go to feeding our community and our Food Access Program.

Saturday, September 14, 2024
at our Invensys Foxboro Branch

RACE RESULTS

EVENT PHOTO ALBUM

»» Cost: $25 for the 5K
»» Cost: Free for the Kids Fun Run (but must be registered)
»» The first 200 5K registrants receive a commemorative Kindness for Kids 5K shirt
»» Strollers are also welcome as part of the race.
»» Don’t miss the YMCA’s free activities! Family Day will be happening 8:00am-11:00am
»» Bib pick-up available on race day starting at 7:00am and on Friday, September 13th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in the lobby of our Foxboro Y.

ABOUT THE DAY

Our excellent 5K race will kick off the Hockomock Y’s Spier Family Kindness for Kids Family Day. 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 Kindness for Kids 5K, b) check out fun, interactive and educational vendor booths, and then c) cheer on kids in the Kids Fun Run!

For information about becoming a vendor for the family fun day, please email patrickm@hockymca.org.

Questions about the 5K or the overall event, please email nicoleb@hockymca.org.


Posted on: Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Operation Backpack

For the last 8 years, our YMCA Backpack Drive has provided school supplies and backpacks for children in communities across the Hockomock area, filling them with hope for a brighter future as they start the school year. The children in our community need us now more than ever.

Having access to proper supplies is an integral part of a student’s success. Together we work to make sure that kids have the tools they need to start the upcoming school year off right. If you are in a position to help, we will be so grateful. Please donate to the 9th annual Hockomock Area YMCA Backpack Drive.

New supplies and backpacks are requested now through August 9th.

Supplies that are needed include:

  • backpacks for elementary, middle school and high school age students
  • lunch boxes for all age students
  • pencil boxes for all age students
  • binders
  • notebooks
  • folders

WAYS TO HELP:

Order items from our Amazon wish list

Your items will be sent directly to our YMCA.

AMAZON WISH LIST

Donation bin locations

Items not shipped to us directly from the above Amazon link may be dropped off at collection sites at our Hockomock Area YMCA lobbies during normal business hours. If donating at our Mansfield Arts & Education Center, please do so when dropping off or picking up your camper.

Host a Neighborhood Drive

If you have a high traffic business location and would like to host a bin or are willing to collect supplies from your neighborhood, please contact backpacks@hockymca.org.

Make an online donation

A donation of $50 will cover the cost of one fully stocked backpack. Please visit hockymca.org/give to complete a secure monetary donation of any size. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Volunteer to Assemble Backpacks

We are eagerly recruiting volunteers to help sort and stuff backpacks. Click on the link below to reserve your volunteer spot! Many hands make light work and we are grateful for your interest in helping. Adults are welcome to bring their supervised children. Students, you may also plan to bring community service forms for signing.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Sponsor our Backpack Drive

Our goal is to provide 3,000 fully stocked backpacks to students residing in each of the 15 towns served by the Hockomock Y. Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or patrickm@hockymca.org. Sponsorship levels are varied: click here.

SPONSOR THE DRIVE

The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by the YMCA staff, program participants, partners and neighbors to provide kids the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared. Thank you in advance for your participation!

Posted on: Monday, June 17th, 2024

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Classes

Our Fall LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes will begin the week of September 9.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a no-cost, 12-week program designed for cancer survivors and their families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors. Participants work with staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve goals such as building muscle mass & strength, increasing flexibility & endurance, and improving confidence & self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help participants improve confidence and self-esteem.

A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with a form of cancer in their lifetime.

Check out the locations, dates, and times of the upcoming LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes beginning the week of September 9th.

Bernon Family Branch, Franklin

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA
Day & Time: Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:15pm-7:45pm
Day & Time: Wednesdays and Fridays: 10:45am-12:15pm

Invensys Foxboro Branch

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA
Day & Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:30am-12:00pm
Day & Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Hurley Family Branch, North Attleboro

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA
Day & Time: Mondays & Wednesdays: 10:30am-12:00pm

Participants receive a free family membership to the Hockomock Area YMCA during the program.

Cancer survivors are encouraged to contact Jackie Robison, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Director, at 508-772-1310 or jackier@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll. For additional information, click here.

When there’s the Y, there’s a way to learn about healthier living.


Inspiring Stories from Cancer Survivors

From gaining physical strength to finding encouragement along the way, community members share their journeys at the Y.

Posted on: Saturday, June 15th, 2024

Milford Summer Lunch Program

Our YMCA and the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition, in collaboration with Milford Public Schools Food Services, will once again operate a summer meal program in the community of Milford known as our Milford Summer Lunch Program.

Free Summer Lunches

  • Free lunches Monday through Friday
  • 11:00am to 12:30pm
  • Memorial Elementary School: 12 Walnut Street in Milford, MA
  • The program will run Monday, June 24th through Friday, August 16th.
  • No registration required.
  • Every Friday, we will have interactive activities and games for all to enjoy during the mealtime including special Friday events.

Volunteer Opportunities

Join our YMCA and the community of Milford as we provide lunches for youth and families who rely on school food through our 8 week summer lunch program. Volunteers are needed for two hour shifts that start at 10:45 a.m. in Milford, week days during the summer. All ages of volunteers welcome. It’s a great way to supervise fun activities, interact with families and make a difference.

Sign up to volunteer today! To sign up as a volunteer, please email Stephanie.

Posted on: Monday, June 10th, 2024

YMCA Golf Classic

Each year our YMCA is proud to host this golf classic to recognize the achievement of young people in our Leadership Development programs and raise funds for outreach programs that support teens in the 15 communities we serve.

We are pleased to invite you to join us for a great day of golf, for a great cause. This fun event is set for Monday, September 23, 2024 at Maplegate Country Club in Bellingham, Massachusetts.

What a value! In addition to an outstanding round of golf, the event will include continental breakfast, scrumptious food throughout the day, and will conclude with a buffet lunch — all while enjoying the complimentary beverage carts throughout the day and plenty of surprises along the way.

EVENT DETAILS

7:30-8:15am – Check-In & Registration / Continental Breakfast
8:30am – Shotgun start
2:30pm – Lunch / program
 Maplegate Country Club, 160 Maple St, Bellingham, MA

REGISTER NOW

How does the Hockomock Y helps kids to get on track and stay on track?

  • Teen Centers
  • Ropes Challenge Courses
  • Leaders Clubs
  • Youth and Government Programs
  • Teen Transitions and part-time staff development programs designed to teach skills and values needed to make safe decisions

Thank you to those who make this event possible. Your support of Hockomock Area YMCA Teen Programming and Outreach is sincerely appreciated.

Presenting Sponsor: Unic Pro

Sponsorships are welcome. For more information, contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or patrickm@hockymca.org.