NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y

All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Where Community Comes Together

Summer 2016 was a record setting, fun-filled experience for thousands of local kids and families.

Adventure trips, new climbing trees, hammock villages, remote controlled race cars, paddle boards and our new and innovative STEM activities for campers were new additions to our traditional offerings, making summer camp among the most special times in the lives of the children we serve.

Program quality, and a safe and nurturing environment for kids, were combined with great leadership from role model counselors who brought with them an energy and enthusiasm that permeated throughout all of our camps this summer. 10,242 sessions of summer camp in 2016 represents an increase of 20% from the previous summer.

Another source of pride at our YMCA is the opportunities for employment extended to high school and college age role models. This summer we hired 241 camp counselors under the age of 21, in many case providing teens with their first job.

Brittany Gretchel, who is 16 years old and starting her junior year of high school, exclaimed, “I’ve been going to the Y as a camper since I was 7 years old, the Y has been part of my life since I can remember.” In her first year as a counselor working with 5 year olds Brittany says, “It’s a lot of fun working here and getting to know all the kids and I feel like I really make a difference. There was one girl who had never been in a pool before this summer and she did not want to go in the pool at all. And now she’s swimming by herself, it’s so cool to know we helped her get to this point.”

Experiences like the one described by Brittany happened each and every day as over 1,000 kids a day attended camps at our locations throughout the communities we serve. And like we are fond of saying, “It was the Best Summer Ever.”

August was special for participants in our Y’s Integration Initiative. Members of our Unified Golf Team once again met, interacted, and putted with professional golfers from all over the world during the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston.

We take great pride in our partnership with our friends at TPC Boston and the Deutsche Bank Championship and once again enjoyed a wonderful experience.

And on August 23rd teens with special needs and disabilities from our Integrated Voyager camps experienced a day on our Ropes Challenge Course at the Kyle Van De Giesen Outdoor Leadership Center at Camp Elmwood in North Attleboro. It was an awesome afternoon as kids continued to overcome fears and obstacles as they scaled the high ropes in an environment that inspired courage, perseverance and teamwork.

Thank you all for your continued support and friendship of our YMCA. It means a great deal to all of us and more importantly makes a great impact on the thousands of kids that came to our Y this summer.


Ed Hurley

President, Hockomock Area YMCA




September news from the office of President Ed Hurley

Posted on: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Holy Halloween Batman! It’s Time for Spooky Games!

Family and friends are invited to a free Halloween event with face painting, jumpy house, crafts, games, and more! The theme for the evening is Superheroes! Pizza Slices & Water will be available for $1.00 each.

Details

WHERE: Franklin Bernon Family Branch

WHEN: October 21st, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you in your Halloween costume!

HAUNTED WOODS – CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN :

Kids ages 7 years or older are invited to tour our Haunted Woods.

Questions?
Contact Brandi in Franklin @ brandij@hockymca.org

Posted on: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Celebrate 10 Yrs of Theatre Excellence

On Saturday, October 29th, JOIN US!

We are hosting a special performance celebrating the past 10 years, in which a truly special youth theatre program has grown. The show will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Guidrey Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. Since 2006, our YMCA has produced over 55 musicals and 10 plays featuring full costume and professional sound/lights and dozens of concerts, showcases and cabarets.

Join us as past and present performers and original director, Andrea Champagne, return to the local stage. All ages will be tapping their toes and singing along as highlights from the past decade come alive on stage. “We are excited to reunite with some of the over 600 families that have been part of our theatre community,” says Heather Utsler-Smith, the current performing arts director at our Mansfield YMCA Arts & Education Center.

A survey of alumni was used to help select numbers for the upcoming anniversary show, which will feature 20 songs, piano accompaniment, karaoke tracks, and high school and college students playing drums, guitar, and bass. The show will open with You’ve Never Had a Friend Like Me from Aladdin, the troupe’s first ever full production number. Other numbers include Consider Yourself (Oliver), songs from The Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, and more.

The Theatre Institute, added in 2013 to provide high quality theatrical education to high school students, will also be featured. The Institute prepares students for collegiate theatre programs and the foundational skills and experiences in the arts that they receive will be highlighted in songs from past shows including Little Women, The Wedding Singer, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

“It’s a great time to celebrate the quality and quantity of shows that we are able to put up every year,” says Utsler-Smith, noting that the Hockomock Y serves families in 15 communities and with 10-12 full productions per year, the opportunity to include youth is impactful. “We have created a special community because the YMCA is intentional about including students of all abilities. Anyone can audition and then be welcomed on stage.” Thank you to those who make this event possible. Your support of Hockomock Area YMCA Teen Programming and Outreach is sincerely appreciated.

We wish to thank staff and former participants involved in these successes. Recognition will be given at the performance to Mansfield Bank, the Marilyn Rodman Theatre for Kids Program, and Dean College for their commitment to our Theatre program.

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY!



Time for a Memory
I plan to pursue theatrical arts in college and I attribute my aspirations to this program; Andrea, for introducing me to the world of theater, and Heather, for pushing me beyond my limits and believing in me enough to give me challenges. This theater company has allowed me to develop genuine relationships with others. I have met some of my best friends and role models throughout these 10 years. In a world where communication happens mainly in front of a screen, theater and live performance matters; it brings people together.– Maddie

The cost for tickets is $25 adults; $20 students; $10 youth ages 12 and under. To purchase advance tickets, click here. Tickets will also be available at the door on 10/29.

Posted on: Monday, October 3rd, 2016

Calling all Leaders!

Get Involved, Make a Difference

A Community for Teens

All kids have great potential. Learn more about our Leaders Clubs, enrolling now. These clubs (for middle and high school students) are designed to give young adults the opportunity to envision and pursue a positive future, and they give kids a chance to take an active role in strengthening their community.

Our goal is to help Leaders Club members develop the qualities of a leader and gain valuable life skills, thereby setting members up for success in whatever they look to achieve or accomplish. We are an active bunch that accepts everyone for who they are and encourage our members to be themselves. We are silly, we are goofy and we are proud of who we are. We establish a judgment-free environment to help members feel comfortable in their own skin and be themselves. Too often today’s youth have to deal with peer pressures at school and among friends: feeling forced to alter the way they act, walk, talk, think, and dress. Not here! In Leaders, you are encouraged to be YOU. In your purest form.

A major component of the club is our commitment to volunteerism. We require all members to complete 6 hours of service every month. Not only does this show us the value of giving back, but it also feels really good to know that because of YOU someone else is better off. In addition to giving back to the community, we also ensure tons of fun for all! Be prepared to attend lock-ins and overnights at the Y, go on field trips and visit other YMCA’s for fun and excitement… while meeting new people and making lifelong friends.

JR LEADERS: middle school ages. SR LEADERS: high school ages. Meetings are held weekly. Leaders Club is FREE for Hockomock YMCA members ($5 for non-members). Registration packets are available at Member Services.

Foxboro

(at the Foxbooro Y, in the Teen Center)

  • JUNIOR LEADERS meet Thursdays, 6-7:30pm
    • starts 10/20/16
  • SENIOR LEADERS meet Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm
    • starts 10/1/16

Franklin

(at the Franklin Y, 2nd floor Youth Development Area)

  • JUNIOR LEADERS meet Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm
    • starts 9/21/16
  • SENIOR LEADERS meet Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm
    • starts 9/22/16

North Attleboro

(at The Zone Teen Center (585 E. Washington St, North Attleboro)

  • JUNIOR LEADERS meet Mondays, 6:00-7:00pm
    • starts 9/19/16
  • SENIOR LEADERS meet Mondays, 6:45-8:00pm
    • starts 9/19/16


In addition to Leaders Club, your YMCA offers many teen activities like dodgeball and basketball tournaments, movie nights, and dances. Please keep an eye on our Friends & Family Calendars so you don’t miss a thing!

Foxboro Teen Schedule

Franklin Teen Schedule

North Attleboro Teen Schedule


“I don’t know where I would be without the Y!” – Peter Dailey, on gaining leadership skills and great friendships all while becoming more confident, open-minded, and accepting of others through his active participation in Leaders Club.

Posted on: Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

End of Summer Party!

Free Family Fun! It’s a Splash Bash

Saturday & Sunday,
Sept. 10-11, 2016

We’re thrilled to open our outdoor pools this weekend for a celebration of All Things Summer 2016. We hope you’ll join us!
TIMES:
12:00-3:00pm, Sat.
At all branches: Foxboro, Franklin & North Attleboro

– and –

3:00-6:00pm, Sun.
Only in Franklin & North Attleboro on Sunday

Bring a friend! Non-members, when you check-in, please be sure to mention splash bash for free admission to the YMCA. It is our policy that non-members age 18+ provide photo identification.

Enjoy free open swim and the chance to learn more or enroll in our fall swim session. Reconnect with some of your summer camp counselors and make new friends.

No registration is required.

Posted on: Friday, September 2nd, 2016

How to Prevent Diabetes? YDPP Classes This Fall

Diabetes is a serious condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Currently, diabetes affects more than 29 million people.

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Risk for developing type 2 diabetes may be reduced or eliminated by weight loss, healthier eating and increased physical activity. More than 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes.

Prediabetes may be reversible; diabetes has no cure. Fortunately, our Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to support adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and to reduce their risk for developing the disease.

THIS COULD BE LIFE-CHANGING. JOIN US!

North Attleboro Y: begins Wednesday 9/7 at 1:00pm; also offered Thursdays at 6:00pm (beginning 9/22)

Franklin Y: begins Monday 10/3 at 12:30pm; also offered Wednesdays at 6:00pm (beginning 10/5)

Not sure if this is for you?

There is a great tool for prediabetes and type 2 risk assessment at YMCA.net/diabetes. Risk factors include: race, age, weight and activity level. A diabetes screening can also be conducted by your physician.

If you are at risk for diabetes, our YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP) is designed to help reduce that risk. The Program uses a CDC-approved curriculum and is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. The year-long program consists of 16 weekly sessions and three sessions every other week during the first six months followed by 6 monthly sessions in the second six months. A trained lifestyle coach helps participants learn tactics for healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes.

YDPP resulted from a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which showed how healthier eating, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight could lead to better health in participants and an overall reduction of new type 2 diabetes cases.

The goal of the program is to help adults at risk for diabetes reduce their body weight by 5 to 7 percent and increase their physical activity to 150 minutes per week. Studies have shown that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can prevent or delay new cases of type 2 diabetes in adults by 58 percent and by as much as 71 percent in those over age 60.

We are proud to offer this program – which has strengthened over 1,400 communities in 44 states – at no cost to Sturdy Memorial Hospital patients (including anyone with a medical provider associated with Sturdy Memorial Hospital). For other patients diagnosed with prediabetes, finnanical assistance is available. Please call Donna Higgins at 508-772-1310 or phl@hockymca.org with any questions. You may also wish to contact your medical provider for a referral.

Posted on: Thursday, September 1st, 2016

Play a Round in Support of Teens




Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be hosting a golf classic at Maplegate Country Club this year. Thank you for your understanding. If you would like to provide 2020 fiscal support of our Teen Programs, we would be grateful. Donate by visiting hockymca.org/give. Questions? Please contact Jim Downs at 508-643-5275 or jim@hockymca.org.




Each year our YMCA is proud to partner with our friends at beautiful Maplegate Country Club 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 Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Maplegate Country Club in Bellingham, Massachusetts.

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

EVENT DETAILS

8:30-9:30am – Check-In & Registration / Continental Breakfast
9:30am – Shotgun start
Lunch  – Provided on the course
3:00pm – Dinner program
 Maplegate Country Club, 160 Maple St, Bellingham, MA

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

REGISTER TODAY!

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

Course sponsor: Maplegate Country Club
Presenting Sponsor: Servus

Sponsorships are welcome. For more information, contact Jim Downs at 508-643-5275 or jim@hockymca.org

Posted on: Monday, August 29th, 2016

Louise’s Story – Weigh to Change!

We are excited to announce that all 3 of our branches will now offer a 10-week weight loss program called Weigh to Change following the success of our Foxboro spring program where 31 members lost a total of 267 pounds and 318.5 inches. Our fall program begins September 12th and will run through November 19th.

Meet Louise McAuliffe, one of our success stories from our spring program. She lost a total of 16lbs. and 28.1 inches. Here is her story:

10 weeks ago I was introduced to the Weigh to Change motto, “I do this for me.” I have 3 jobs: wife, mom & employee… at my best I can do those jobs well at any given time. However, notice there is no mention of “me”.

I was overweight, unmotivated, stressed out, & often grumpy. I was making terrible food choices & definitely not practicing portion control. Focusing on my family & job has always made it difficult for me to fit in any type of exercise,.. but I know that was just an excuse. I read about the Weigh to Change program on my Y’s Facebook page & decided to call for info.

So many things appealed to me about the program… the early mornings, 1 night a week, early Saturdays, the nutritionist, the support. I decided to sign up even before the information night.

I love the program. It’s a lot of work, but boy, it was worth it! I felt great after each session. The comraderie of fellow participants & support from coaches were amazing. I learned so much. I now add veggies to smoothies for a delicious breakfast, have salad for lunch almost every day, and eat smaller portions of healthy food for dinner.

I am thrilled to say that I have lost a total of 16 lbs. & 28.1 inches! I now wear clothes I haven’t worn in years, & people are taking notice! My 13 year old daughter exclaimed, “Mom, you’re sticking with it this time, you look great!” My 8 year old daughter wants to come to classes with me. I have even lowered my blood pressure. This program has given me so much energy & I deal with my stress so much easier. I feel great! I am so glad I chose to “do this for me!”

Come to one of our Weigh to Change Information Sessions & Learn More!

Bernon Family (Franklin) Branch
45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038

Days & Times:

  • August 30, Tuesday @ 6:30pm
  • OR September 3, Saturday @ 10:00am

Invensys Foxboro Branch
67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro, MA 02067

Days & Times:

  • September 1, Thursday @ 6:30pm
  • OR September 10, Saturday @ 9:00am

North Attleboro Branch
300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro, MA 02760

Days & Times:

  • September 1, Thursday @ 6:30pm
  • OR September 10, Saturday @ 8:00am

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 work outs, and friendly challenge competitions.

Specifically the Weigh to Change Program includes:

  • Weekly individual 30-minute personal training session
  • Individual nutrition counseling with nutritionist
  • Minimum of three weekly group training sessions
  • Weekly nutrition and physical challenges
  • Two Nutrition workshops
  • Styku 3-D body scan
  • Entry into the Foxboro Y 5K Race on October 9th

The cost of the program is $499 for Hockomock Area YMCA Members and $749 for Hockomock Area YMCA Program Members (over an $800 value).

REGISTER ONLINE FOR WEIGH TO CHANGE

Read about Franklin Y’s trainer
Read about Foxboro Y’s trainers
Read about North Attleboro Y’s trainer

Posted on: Tuesday, August 9th, 2016

You Are Cordially Invited To The Back To School Celebration

It is almost time to go back to school! To celebrate the return to learning, join friends, family, and other members of the community at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin for a Back to School Celebration full of fun and free haircuts! To get the school year off on the right foot, local hairdressers are offering free haircuts just in time for September. In addition to the haircuts, the event will also feature fun activities, and bounce house, photos, and much more!

The event will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2016. It will run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The event will be held at the Bernon Family Branch, which is located at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin.

The Back to School Celebration coincides with the end of the Backpack Drive. The Backpack Drive, which runs from July 11 through August 21, aims to provide backpacks and school supplies to kids who cannot afford them. To learn more about the Backpack Drive, click here!

Come stop by for fun, festivities, and free haircuts! Get ready for the school year and stop on by!

Posted on: Friday, August 5th, 2016

Where Community Comes Together

Summer continues to be an exciting time at our YMCA.

On Sunday, July 24th our Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon was held at Lake Pearl with nearly 300 participants braving the high temperature and humidity.

A highlight of the day was the participation of a group of 8 cancer survivors from our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program competing as a group on a course that traveled from Lake Pearl in Wrentham, through the towns of Norfolk and Franklin.

The group trained together for weeks. For some, they participated only months after treatments and surgeries, a true testament to the power and inspiration of this life-changing program we are so proud to offer.

Upon completion of the race, the courage and perseverance of our brave cancer survivors was transformed into incredible spirit and emotion among all those gathered at the finish line cheering them on, clearly inspired by their purpose and accomplishment.

The Milford Summer Food Service Program, a collaborative community initiative, continues to flourish with the goal of ensuring children have access to the food they deserve. The Hockomock Area YMCA serves as the project coordinator and provides staff and overall project management in parternship with the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition. As of mid-August more than 5,000 meals have been served to children and families in the greater Milford region.

On Monday, August 8th, the families visiting the Memorial Elementary site in Milford were treated to a surprise thanks to the generosity of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and Patriot Place as Pat Patriot entertained 85 kids and adults with pictures and autographs.

Brian Earley, General Manager of Patriot Place and Chairman of the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Board of Directors, presented the kids with 200 New England Patriots children’s books to take home and enjoy.

Milford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin McIntyre and Assistant Superintendent Craig Consigli treated the children to a reading of the book while Pat Patriot acted out the scenes to the chants of “Let’s Go Patriots!”

This summer, more than 1,000 kids a day are enjoying their “best summer ever” at our camps at locations in Bellingham, Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, and North Attleboro.

Summer campers from our Invensys Foxboro Branch were graciously welcomed to the Xfinity Center for a special tour of the facility by General Manager Jeff Mann – a valued Hockomock Area YMCA volunteer. They also had the opportunity to perform on stage.

Recently summer camp counselors were asked to reflect on their experiences and I’d like to close this month’s eNews with a couple of their responses.

“At camp we have kids from all different backgrounds. We have kids with a wide range of disabilities and special needs ranging from Down Syndrome to kids on the Autism Spectrum. And regardless of what disability they have, they still have an amazing time, making friends and participating at camp.” – Camp New Horizons Coordinator Colin Quinn

“I think at summer camp it’s really important for kids to make connections with other kids their age outside of a school environment…so inside a classroom they obviously know a lot of people but outside of the classroom at camp it’s so different. You get to play a million and ten games every week and get those connections outside of a learning environment where they get to learn about teamwork and about what it means to be a good friend.” – Camp Elmwood Group Leader Matty Greeley

I’m proud of our impact as a cause driven organization and the work we are doing to bring community together to make a difference in the lives of all those we serve. Thank you for continuing to make that impact possible.

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA



August news from the office of President Ed Hurley

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

MEMBERSHIP
COMMUNITY
CAUSE
CAREERS

Privacy Policy

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

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