NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y

All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Tuesday, February 13th, 2024

Spring Sparkle

The Hockomock Area YMCA is hosting a night of bling, bubbles and Bingo!

All proceeds will benefit
our Y’s Mental Health Initiative.

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street Wrentham, Mass.
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Bingo will begin at 7:00 pm

TICKETS WILL BE SOLD STARTING MARCH 1 and include 4 Bingo sheets/game, a complimentary glass of champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
Additional Bingo cards & Raffles will be sold.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Must be age 21+ for admission.

For information about sponsorships or any questions, contact Amy Doyon at amyd@hockymca.org or 508-643-5232.

Spring Sparkle Sponsorship Opportunities:

Diamond Sponsor: $1,500

  • Tabletop signage
  • Your logo or name on the program cover
  • Reserved table with 10 tickets

Bingo Game Sponsor: $1,000

  • Recognition during the game
  • Tabletop signage
  • Your logo or name on the program cover
  • 4 tickets

Ruby Sponsor: $500

  • Tabletop signage
  • Your logo or name on the program cover
  • 2 tickets

We look forward to welcoming you and your friends and neighbors to this fun event!

Posted on: Friday, February 2nd, 2024

Great Options for Your April Vacation

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In!

When school is not in session due to the April break, your kids are invited to join us at the Y for fun and social happenings.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve! That’s why, at the Y we offer flexible schedules and promote the opportunity for kids to gain values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement.

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your camper’s safety and happiness during an action-packed day!


School Break: April 15 – 26, 2024:

  • Pre Care is available from 7:00-9:00am if needed for a nominal cost.
  • Break Program (typical) 9:00 am—4:00pm
  • Post Care is available if needed as well from 4:00—6:00pm for a nominal cost.
  • Note: Please bring a lunch, snack and water. Some programs will include swimming so please bring bathingsuit and towel.

The Foxboro Y Vacation Programs:

REGISTER / BROWSE PROGRAMS @ FOXBORO

We are offering a variety of vacation programs for youth ages 3-12 including April Camp Wapawca with field trips; Preschool and Youth Gymnastics, Cooking, Dance and Swim Camp.Click on the link above to get all the details.

We are also offering SPLASH during April Vacation Week – an initiative that strives to improve water safety skills and gives more kids the opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of recreational swimming. This is a free program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 in the Foxborough Public Schools. It will run Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 at the Foxboro Y. Times will be 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm and 5:00pm. Limited spots. To enroll call 508-543-2523. Y members and non-members are welcome to participate.

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course during April Vacation Week. Join us for this three day course – happening Friday, April 19 (5pm-9pm) and Saturday, April 20 & Sunday, April 21 (9am-5pm). The course includes CPR-Pro/AED, Oxygen Admin and First Aid certifications. A swim test will be conducted on day 1 of the course. Learn more and Register

The Franklin Y Vacation Programs:

REGISTER / BROWSE PROGRAMS @ FRANKLIN

At our Franklin Branch we are offering a variety of vacation programs for youth ages 3-14 including April Camp Wiggi with field trips; Preschool and Youth Gymnastics, and Swim Camp. Click on the link above to get all the details!

North Attleboro Y Vacation Programs:

REGISTER / BROWSE @ NORTH ATTLEBORO

At the North Attleboro Branch we are offering a variety of vacation programs for youth ages 3-14 including April Camp Elmwood with field trips; Preschool and Youth Gymnastics, Sports and Cooking Camp. Click on the link above to get all the details.

Mansfield Arts & Theatre Vacation Programs:

REGISTER / BROWSE @ MANSFIELD

At our Mansfield Arts & Education Center, we will offer musical theatre dance as as Tap (basic and intermediate) programs.

Association-wide Pre-Teen/Teen Vacation Trips:

REGISTER / BROWSE PROGRAMS

We are offering some cool trips for Pre-Teens & Teens, ages 11-14. All trips will leave from our North Attleboro Branch. Field trips include Hiking at Mt. Watatic, Fishing & Canoeing, Whiterwater Rafting, Go Karting and a Red Sox game. Click on the link above to get all the details.

Posted on: Monday, January 29th, 2024

Register for Spring Sports Leagues

Make plans to join Y coaches for eight weeks of our popular Spring Sports Leagues. Registration is open!

Leagues and Prep-for-Leagues programs will start outdoors the weekend of April 12 at all Hockomock Y branches. Member and public rates are available and most leagues come free with a Family membership. Game on!

ENROLL: SOCCER

ENROLL: T-BALL / BASEBALL

ENROLL: NFL FLAG FOOTBALL

ENROLL: FLAG FOOTBALL (FRANKLIN ONLY, NON-NFL)

ENROLL: LEAGUES PREP FOR OUR YOUNGEST ATHLETES

Youth Soccer Leagues will run eight weeks (April 12-June 9, 2024; no meeting May 24, 25 or 26), costing: $100 member / $128 non-member / $20 family-type member with promo code. Participants will receive their uniforms after their first practice. Uniform cost: $20

Note: as rosters fill for leagues, there runs the possibility that your child’s start time may be pushed back by up to 75 minutes. Emails will be sent before the season begins to give ample notice of the exact schedule. For younger children, please see the information in the table titled Leagues Prep.

SOCCER
FranklinSAT.
Pre-k10:00am – 11:00am
Grade K, 111:15am – 12:15pm
FoxboroSUN.
Pre-k10:00am – 11:00am
Grades K-111:00am – 12:00pm
Grades 2-312:00pm – 1:00pm
NorthSUN.
Pre-k9:30am – 10:30am
Grades K-110:45am – 11:45am
Grade 2-312:00pm – 1:00pm

Youth Baseball Leagues will run during the same eight weeks: at the same cost and same details as above.

T-BALL
FranklinSAT.
Pre-k12:30pm – 1:30pm
FoxboroSUN.
Pre-k1:00pm – 2:00pm
Grade K2:00pm – 3:00pm
Grades 1-23:00pm – 4:00pm(Coach-pitch)
NorthSUN.
Pre-k, K1:15pm – 2:15pm

Flag Football Leagues will also run the same weeks, but costing $141 member / $173 non-member / $35 family-type member with promo code. Participants will receive their uniforms after their first practice. Uniform cost: $35. Note: our Franklin branch will run an introductory version of our Y’s NFL flag football program, so the cost is slightly lower ($100 member / $128 non-member / $20 family-type member with promo code). Franklin’s season includes skill trainings and scrimmages and offers a uniform (not branded with NFL Flag Football logo) which costs $20.

FLAG FOOTBALL
FranklinSAT.
Ages 5-71:45pm – 2:45pm
FoxboroFRI.
Grades K-15:00pm – 6:00pm
Grades 2-36:00pm – 7:00pm
Grades 4-57:00pm – 8:00pm
NorthFRI.
Grades 1-25:30pm – 6:30pm
Grades 3-56:45pm – 7:45pm

Sports League Prep for younger athletes and those wanting to try their hand at a sport will run the same eight weeks. Each meeting will run for 45 minutes and the cost is $72 member / $144 non-member. No uniforms are provided.

LEAGUES PREP
FranklinSAT.
Age 39:00am Soccer
FoxboroSUN.
Age 39:00am Soccer
Age 312:00pm T-ball
NorthFRI.
Pre-k, K4:30pm Football
NorthSUN.
Age 38:30am Soccer
Age 32:30pm T-ball

Family-type members, you receive FREE enrollment for Spring Sports Leagues (excludes League Prep programs)! Please see your email from Hockomock Area YMCA (the address associated with your YMCA membership) or call member services for the required promo code. Be prepared at checkout to pay uniform fees, which are excluded from the promotion. Those fees are $20 (soccer, baseball or flag football in Franklin) or $35 (NFL flag football).

Questions? Please email your local YMCA

ENROLL TODAY!

Posted on: Friday, January 19th, 2024

Volt Hockey

Get in the Game with Volt Hockey

Our YMCA is so excited to be launching Volt Hockey through our Integration Initiative!

Volt Hockey is a para-sport designed for people with upper and lower body physical disabilities including Muscular Dystrophy, Spina-bifida, Dwarfism, and Cerebral Palsy. Volt Hockey is played in specialty motorized chairs, bringing the game of floor hockey to a population that would not otherwise have access to team sports.

This Learn to Play program will be a drills-and-skills format for new players of Volt Hockey who are current wheelchair users. Players will learn basics of driving the chairs, basic rules of play, and fundamental techniques and strategies of the game. We are launching the program beginning February 3rd.

Offered for ages 13+ on Saturdays from 3:15pm-4:15pm at our Hurley Family Branch in North Attleboro.

REGISTER WITH US

Cost: $48 member & non-member per month

A competitive option will be available to players by coach invitation.

For more information, please contact Sarah Henesey at sarahh@hockymca.org.

This innovative program is being offered through a partnership between our Hockomock Area YMCA, Space2Thrive and the generous sponsorship of Bill & Tina Belanger.

Posted on: Monday, January 15th, 2024

FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH

February is American Heart Health Month. It’s a great time to understand your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease and make some important life changes for a long healthy life.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 80 million adults have high blood pressure in this country. Less than half have it under control. High blood pressure is most prevalent in racial and ethnic minority populations, and is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms. High blood pressure is a key, modifiable risk factor for both heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and dementia. Many forms of heart disease, including hypertension, are highly preventable.

This month and all year round, we encourage our members and the community to learn more about 2 of our Y’s Healthy Heart Programs.

  • Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSMP)
  • Heart Strong: Post Cardiac Rehab Program

We also invite folks to stop by 1 of our branch locations this month to attend a free blood pressure screening and to learn about blood pressure management and strategies.


Free Blood Pressure Readings & Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Program Information in February

AT OUR FOXBORO Y:

  • Monday, 2/26: 9:15am-10:15am

AT OUR FRANKLIN Y:

  • Monday, 2/12: 9:30am-10:30am

AT OUR NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

  • Wednesday, 2/7: 9:30am-10:30am
  • Wednesday, 2/21: 9:30am-10:30am
  • Tuesday, 2/27: 4:00pm-5:00pm

BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM (BPSMP)

Learn more about the risk for heart disease by getting a blood pressure reading. Ask a medical provider if you are at risk and take action to reduce your risk. Long-term adherence to lifestyle modifications and medication treatment can be challenging, many studies have focused on the potential of self-monitoring as a tool for blood pressure management. In an effort to address these issues, the Y designed an evidence-based, self-monitoring program aimed to help participants better manage their blood pressure. This program emphasizes that self-monitoring and tracking of individuals’ blood pressure can play a significant role in reducing one’s blood pressure and improving their quality of life.

Our YMCA is a provider of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program which supports individuals with hypertension to lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support. The YMCA of the USA developed this program to help individuals better manage hypertension and improve their overall health. Less than half of all Americans living with hypertension have it under control. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in some people with hypertension. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Enrollments are currently being accepted from February through May of 2024 for our Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program. People who enroll during February through May will receive:

  • The program valued at $150 for only $50
  • A blood pressure cuff/monitor (valued at $40)
  • Heart healthy recipes and education

How the program works:
Participants will work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors over an 8-week session to:

  • Self-measure their blood pressure
  • Attend 2 personalized consultations
  • Attend nutrition education seminars
  • Record blood pressure readings using a self selected tool

Program Goals:

  • Reduction in blood pressure
  • Improved blood pressure management
  • Increased awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure
  • Enhanced knowledge to develop healthier eating habits

To learn more about our program or to register, click here. You may also call us at 508-643-5271 or email donnah@hockymca.org to ask questions and schedule a consultation.

HEART STRONG: POST CARDIAC REHAB PROGRAM

Heart Strong, our Post Cardiac Rehab Program, is a 12-week program designed to support individuals who have participated in a medically supervised cardiac rehabilitation program and want to continue to maintain optimal heart and vascular health through exercise.

This program helps individuals continue with their prescribed exercises with the care and support of YMCA trainers and instructors.

What are the benefits?

  • Exercise with confidence
  • Small group setting
  • Social support
  • Fully supervised

What is included?

  • Small group support
  • Experienced trainers and instructors
  • Weekly 1-hour sessions for 12 weeks
  • Free YMCA membership for enrolled participants and full use of all Hockomock Area YMCA branches for the program’s duration.

Cost: $100 for YMCA Members / $150 for Nonmembers

Enrolling now for upcoming classes! For more information and to register, email donnah@hockymca.org Donna Higgins, Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator, or call 508-643-5271.

Posted on: Friday, January 12th, 2024

Dean College Scholarship Application Online Now

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to partner with Dean College to offer a $39,000 scholarship to a deserving young person who has been actively involved with the Hockomock Area YMCA.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • currently enrolled as a high school senior in good standing
  • be a Hockomock Area YMCA member or an active volunteer
  • minimum high school GPA of 2.5
  • meet the admission requirements of Dean College for Fall 2024
  • be a US citizen or permanent resident

Please return completed application to YMCA Member Services in Franklin, Foxboro, or North Attleboro or email it to our Franklin Y’s Senior Executive Director Scott Martin at scottm@hockymca.org by Friday, March 1, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Download the application

The scholarship is renewable for four years as long as the student remains in good academic standing.

Finalists will be required to meet for an interview with the scholarship selection committee the week of March 18th.

Posted on: Thursday, January 11th, 2024

Join our Leaders Club today (Grades 6-12)!

All are Welcome!

Join us as we kick off the spring session! Free for Hockomock Area YMCA members and only $5 for the entire session for anyone in the community who wants to get involved. Please register so we know to expect you!

LAUNCH INTO LEADERSHIP

Leaders Club is a year-long leadership development program for middle and high school teens. This program provides teens extensive leadership training and volunteer opportunities supporting YMCA programs and community services. In addition to teaching teens leadership through service, Leaders Clubs advisors introduce teens to all the work the Y does to strengthen the community, and inspire and prepare teens to become future Y leaders. Our goal is to challenge teens to serve the community, and to help them grow in who they are and lead those around them.

Leaders are known for making ordinary days extraordinarily fun. We enjoy field trips, parties, visiting neighbor Ys, guest speakers, and lots more.

Session dues: $0 for Hockomock Area YMCA members / $5 non-members; our two sessions run: September through December and January through the start of June

CLICK TO RSVP AND JOIN US

Please sign up at this link or contact us today!

CONTACTS: Ashley Dumas (Franklin) ashleyd@hockymca.org | Dawn Dacosta (North Attleboro) dawnd@hockymca.org phone: 508-643-5270 | Ross Gemba (Foxboro) rossg@hockymca.org

Posted on: Sunday, December 31st, 2023

New outdoor tree-climbing elements at our Franklin Y

New outdoor tree-climbing elements have been added at our Bernon Family Branch as an enhancement to our outdoor challenge course in Franklin. The new climbing elements were funded by a generous donation from longtime Y supporters Paula Rooney and Gerry Shaw, and will be used extensively in spring and summer 2024 with youth participating in the Y’s Before & After School Care and Summer Camp programs, as well as local school groups visiting the Y.

In late August, we installed Monkey Hardware systems on trees on at the Franklin Y, each providing a different climbing level of accessibility. These kits effectively turn the trees into climbing walls and are paired with the TRUBLUE iQ auto belay system. The TRUBLUE auto belays allow climbers of all ages and skill levels to climb heights safely. Rather than pulling the young climber upwards, they allow climbers to ascend the tree on their own power, while providing rest as needed during the climb with its catch and hold technology. Once the climber has reached the top of the climb they have chosen, the auto belays use magnetic braking technology to lower the climber back down slowly and safely to the ground.

“From their decades in leadership at Dean College in Franklin to their contributions as Board members of our Hockomock Area YMCA, Paula Rooney and Gerry Shaw have a long history of supporting youth and families in the Franklin community,” said Jim Downs, Hockomock Area YMCA CEO. “Our Y staff and members are so appreciative that they continue to find new ways to enhance operations at our Y and help us provide an even better experience for the youth we serve.”

The Monkey Hardware and TRUBLUE auto belays have received rave reviews from Y summer campers. “These new elements have brought the kids together in a new way that I have not seen in a long time. When a camper was climbing their whole group would be watching and cheering them on to reach the top,” said Ashley Dumas, Youth Program Director at the Bernon Family Branch. “It gave the kids something to work towards and accomplish. It was amazing watching the campers challenge themselves to make it higher than they did last time or try a harder climb.”

Our Hockomock Y is grateful for this generous donation made possible by Paula Rooney and Gerry Shaw. The Franklin Y’s camp and playing fields also feature Gramdma’s Place, an outdoor pavilion with weatherproof tables and seating, which was built with funds donated by the Rooney & Shaw family.

Registration for the 2024 Summer Camp Season begins January 12, 2024!

Register Now for Summer Camp 2024

Posted on: Friday, December 29th, 2023

Stronger Together: Team and Personal Training Programs

Stronger Together is our Y’s latest team training and personal training program

A premier personal training program that takes place at our Bernon Family Branch in Franklin. Workouts are completed in a private, dedicated space used for Stronger Together clients only on the second floor of our Franklin Y.

Start with an assessment to learn about the program: Stronger Together programs start with a free Starting Point Session. The 60-minute session allows our trainer to learn about your goals and challenges, observe your movement quality and create the perfect plan for you!

The Starting Point Session will include:

  • Finding out more about you: your goals, limitations, and health history.
  • Giving you a tour of our dedicated Stronger Together personal training area.
  • Assessing movement patterns with a Functional Movement Screen to help find the right exercises specifically for you.
  • Go through a light workout so you can experience the different tools we use during Stronger Together workouts.
  • Provide recommendations on a program that suits your goals, time and budget.

All of this information will be used to help create your training program and keep you injury free along the way!

BE HEALTHY. BE STRONG. BELONG.

What is Stronger Together?

  • Stronger Together is our premier one-on-one and group personal training system helping people look and feel their absolute best.

  • Team Training is a 45 minute workout perfect for those who want coaching from a personal trainer every time they come to the gym and enjoy the dynamics of group workouts. We offer 3 great options for Team Training – Foundations for beginners, Afterburn for advanced metabolic training and Industrial Strength for a true strength training option – and members can do unlimited sessions each month. $100 per month.

  • Personal training is perfect for clients with specific goals, injuries and those who do not prefer to work in larger groups. We can accommodate nearly all fitness levels and health issues in this setting. For those with more experience in fitness, we program more advanced exercises, which require more hands-on coaching. We begin to introduce lower repetition ranges and focus on those with strength goals. Also, we work on corrective strategies to help clients improve their movement restrictions. Team Training is included in all one-on-one personal training programs as a way to supplement the workouts. Options include up to 4, 8 and 12 sessions per month, and cost ranges from $201 to $471 per month.

Workouts are scheduled appointments to make sure you stay on track with getting started. Track your progress and communicate with your trainer with a custom mobile app. You’ll schedule your monthly personal meetings to discuss basic nutrition coaching, goal-setting and strategy. These personalized sessions are designed to keep you on track… so you can be on your way to reaching your goals.

Tailored to your goals, time and budget: our monthly programs allow you the most flexibility in scheduling workouts and finding a program that’s works for you.

Special Offer!

  • All of our Hockomock Y members have $50 personal Y Bucks to use towards any Stronger Together personal training program. Certain restrictions may apply.

How to Get Started:

Contact our Fitness & Personal Training Director Chris Raymond at chrisr@hockymca.org or 774-235-2732 to get started with us today. Let’s get Stronger Together!

Posted on: Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Pedaling for Parkinson’s Program

Research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic has demonstrated that riding an indoor, stationary bicycle at a rapid pace can reduce Parkinson’s Disease (PD) motor symptoms by as much as 35%. Fast pedaling is not a cure for Parkinson’s, but it can change the life of someone living with the condition. Our YMCA is excited to be a provider of Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) Program and support those living with PD in our communities and beyond.

The goal of Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) is to reduce PD symptoms and improve quality of life in those diagnosed by following a cycling protocol.

The PFP Program:

Participants ride a stationary/indoor cycle bike for 1 hour each class. This includes a 10 minute warm up at 60 RPM, followed by 40 minutes at 80 to 90 RPM, and a 10 minute cool down, with resistance. Class session will also include tracking heart rate, exercise frequency and cadence/intensity. The program is held 5 times a week for 60 minutes and is taught by certified Indoor Cycle Instructors. (We encourage participants to attend 3 times a week for maximum program benefit but not required.) Instructors have also completed the Pedaling for Parkinson’s training and Parkinson’s Disease Training for Fitness Professionals through the American Parkinson Disease Association.

New Program! Move Forward is a 30-minute class for individuals with Parkinson’s combining strength training, balance and stretching for. Each weekly class will include various exercises to help improve balance, mobility, strength, endurance, cognition, and flexibility.

All exercises are modified to accommodate all needs and abilities. This program is an add-on to our already successful “Pedaling for Parkinson’s” (PFP) program. PFP is an evidenced informed program to help PD patients achieve an improved sense of well-being and is offered at all Hockomock Area YMCA branches.

Our next session begins soon- Enrolling now

Move Forward* offerings denoted.

Here are our offering days, times and locations to fit your schedule:

Mondays at 10:30am* at our Foxboro Y

Mondays at 11:00am at our Foxboro Y

Tuesdays at 5:30pm* at our North Attleboro Y

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00pm at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 10:30am* at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 11:00am at our North Attleboro Y

Thursdays at 11:00am at our Franklin Y

Thursdays at 6:00pm* at our North Attleboro Y

Through support of the Parkinson’s Foundation and the APDA MA Chapter, enrollment is at no cost to participants. We encourage you to try all 3 class times to meet and learn from our entire team of instructors.

Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program:

  • 30-75 years old
  • Have a clinical diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease
  • Complete and submit a signed consent
  • Obtain clearance from a medical provider
  • Be willing to take part in monitoring and data collection
  • Wear wrist heart rate monitor (Provided by YMCA) to every class

Other recommendations:

  • While not required, padded cycle shorts and comfortable shirts are recommended
  • Please bring a water bottle
  • Clip in shoes are not required but may be helpful

To enroll or for more information, please contact Donna Higgins at donnah@hockymca.org or 508-643-5271.

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