NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y


All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Friday, September 15th, 2023

Spooky Games is Back

It’s that time of year…
SPOOKY GAMES is here!

WHERE: North Attleboro, Franklin, & Foxboro Branches

WHEN: October 20th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

We are conjuring up a ghostly time with face painting, jumpy house, crafts, games & more. The theme for the night is Boo Bash. This is a free event open to all! Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume!

Highlights:

North Attleboro Branch:
Trunk or Treat, Boo-Loon Game, Spooky Sensory House, Pizza & Drink (small cost).

Foxboro Branch:
Trunk or Treat, Spooky Scratch Art, Stick the Boo on the Ghost Game, Peek-a-Boo Staff Scavenger Hunt, (No pizza or water).

Franklin Branch:
Pin the Spider on the Web, Boo Toss, Dance Party, Bounce House Obstacle Course (weather permitting), Pizza & Drink ($1/Each), and Haunted Woods.*

*Franklin’s Haunted Woods Tour is for kids ages 7 years & older and runs from 6:30-8:00pm. The cost is $3.00 per child (parents can accompany child for free). Proceeds support the Franklin Y Branch’s Teen Leaders Club.

Questions?

Contact Molly Mills in North Attleboro: mollym@hockymca.org
Contact Jen Doherty in Foxboro: jend@hockymca.org
Contact Kristin Torraco in Franklin: kristint@hockymca.org

Posted on: Friday, September 1st, 2023

Midnight Masquerade

Join us for Midnight at the Masquerade! A fun night out – just in time for the Halloween season.

This local fundraiser, hosted by the YMCA child care staff – is an opportunity for friends and neighbors to come together to raise funds to enhance the lives of those in our 15 town service area who need the YMCA in their lives.

Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 5:30pm
LaFayette House 109 Washington St. Foxboro, MA

ABOUT THE EVENT

We welcome you to the Midnight at the Masquerade! Please note that we suggest semi-formal costume attire for the event which is age 21+. There will be a prize for best dressed! Dinner will be served at 6 and the show will start shortly after! There will be a cash bar available throughout the evening.

PURCHASE TODAY

THE PLOT

The rustle of silks and feathers under muted conversation was probably the last thing heard by the tragically and unexpectedly deceased at the Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade Ball. With a mystery under each feathery façade, unmasking the killer may be quite a challenge. It’s up to you to determine which partygoer is guilty, bring this crime to justice, and save the party!

Attend the Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade Ball and help get this soiree back on track by trading clues with your guests, gathering information, and solving the crime before the masked menace gets away! Evening wear, ball gowns, Venetian masks, suits, and tuxes are what to wear to this high class night of masks and murder. Get ready for a glamorous evening of mystery, intrigue, and murder at this masquerade ball murder mystery party!

If you have any questions, please email: Nicole at nicoleb@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Friday, August 25th, 2023

Spier Family Splash Park at our Foxboro Y

We are pleased to announce our brand new Spier Family Splash Park at our Invensys Foxboro Branch!

This expansive water feature, adjacent to our existing 25-yard outdoor pool, will provide families with lifetime memories and opportunities for quality time together. An exciting new addition, the Splash Park will provide entertainment for the entire family while adding to the value of summer camps, child care and memberships.

Come check out The Spier Family Splash Park — an ideal spot for parents with both younger and older children, as the younger ones (ages 10 and under) will be able to use the park while the older ones use the pool. We are looking forward to the 2024 Summer season!

We held our dedication event August 14, read the Sun Chronicle article.

Posted on: Thursday, August 17th, 2023

Join Us for a Group Exercise Open House

Join us on Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th for our fun and challenging Group Exercise Open House! Experience a variety of our classes including Les Mills at our North Attleboro Branch, meet our instructors, and get a challenging workout too!

We will have prizes and giveaways, light refreshments, and special kids crafts. Learn more about our wellness programs such as personal training, small group training, nutrition, Weigh to Change, and our Stronger Together premier team and personal training program (offered at our Franklin Branch). For more information on these programs, speak to one of our Wellness Directors or visit Member Services.

Our Open House is free and open to both members and nonmembers. Bring your friends! No registration required.


FOXBORO Y OPEN HOUSE OFFERINGS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023:

• 8-8:30am TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING (TBC) – Studio A
• 8-8:30am POUND – Studio B
• 8-8:30am AQUA ZUMBA – Pool

• 8:30-9am HIGH FITNESS – Studio A
• 8:30-9am AQUA AEROBICS – Pool
• 8:30-9am CYCLE – Cycle Studio

• 9-9:30am LOW IMPACT FITNESS – Studio A
• 9-9:30am PILATES/BARRE – Studio B
• 9-9:30am RIP/RIDE – Cycle Studio

• 9:30-10am BOOT CAMP – Studio A
• 9:30-10am POWER YOGA – Studio B

• 10-10:30am BARBELL STRENGTH – Studio A
• 10-10:30am VINYASA YOGA – Studio B

• 10:30-11am LOW IMPACT KICKBOXING – Studio A
• 10:30-11am ZUMBA – Studio B

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023:

• 7:15-8am Y Cycle – Cycle Studio
• 8:30-9:30am Barbell Strength – Studio A
• 9:30-10:30am ZUMBA – Studio A
• 9:40-10:20am STRETCH-CORE – Studio B
• 10:30-11:30am YOGA – Studio B

FRANKLIN Y OPEN HOUSE OFFERINGS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023:

• 7-7:45am Y CYCLE – Community Room with Beth
• 8-9am YOGA, Community Room with Jo Ann
• 8:30-9am TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING (TBC) – Studio with Jess
• 9-9:30am STRENGTH TRAINING – Studio with Jess & Jill
• 9:30-10:30am DANCE PARTY – Studio with Jill, Kaylee, Mayumi, & Gisela
• 10:30-11am PILATES CORE RECOVERY – Community Room with Jill

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023:

• 7:45-8:45am Y CYCLE – Community Room with Mark & Jenn
• 8-8:45am ZUMBA DANCE PARTY – Studio with Benji & Kacie
• 9-10am BOOT CAMP – Gym with Jenn & Jill
• 9:15-10:15am GENTLE FLOW YOGA – Community Room with Holly

We will have information available on STRONGER TOGETHER, our premier team & personal training program, for members and non-members at our Member Service Desk. Click here to learn More about our Stronger Together programming.


NORTH ATTLEBORO Y OPEN HOUSE OFFERINGS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023:

• 7:15-7:45am GRIT Strength – Studio 1 with Kaylea
• 8-9am BODY PUMP – Studio 1 with Laura, Tammi & Sally
• 8-8:45am BARRE – Studio 2 with Tiffanie
• 9:15-9:45am SPRINT – Studio 2 with Noelle
• 9:50-10:20am CORE – Studio 1 with Noelle

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023:

• 8-8:30am SPRINT – Studio 2 with Josie
• 8-8:50am BODY PUMP – Studio 1 with Tammie, Sally, & Rebecca
• 9-10am GENTLE FLOW YOGA – Studio 1 with Lisa
• 9:15-10am FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH – Wellness Floor with Bobby
• 10-10:45am ZUMBA DANCE PARTY – Studio 2 with Benji

We hope to see you soon!

Posted on: Sunday, July 16th, 2023

Summer Camp Fun, Trips & More

Our summer camps provide a safe place for kids to get away from technology and the stresses of the outside world, allowing them to simply just be kids. We are proud and respectful of the trust parents place in our YMCA. A safe environment for children combined with quality programming is vital in our focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

All camp counselors are trained in first aid, CPR, and child abuse prevention. All staff must sign and comply with our Y’s Code of Conduct and Abuse Prevention Policies. Our Y’s founding core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are part of everything we do. Our camps give parents peace of mind knowing that their children are participating in safe, technology-free, fun and interactive activities with their peers, face to face, and having the time of their life.

At our camps, kids have the chance to try new things, to develop confidence, and learn new skills. They’ll spend time in the beautiful outdoors while trying archery, rope climbing, planting in the garden, and so much more. They’ll play game favorites like Gaga, Capture the Flag, and Sticks & Arrows and swim daily in our pools. Our campers will receive a swim lesson in the morning, and in the afternoon, they will get to hang out in the pool. Campers in Grades 2-6 will go on local field trips and special guests will visit our younger campers to round out the summer experience. And throughout all of these activities, our campers are creating amazing friendships and memories of the #BestSummerEver.

Our camp offerings range from traditional camps to sports camps, to enrichment camps, teen travel camps and more, for ages 3 through the teen years. To see more details on our camps and what camp would best fit your child, click on the orange “camp offerings” button.

To see what field trips and special guests are planned for our campers, please see below!

We look forward to meeting you and providing your kids with an amazing summer.

CAMP OFFERINGS

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Posted on: Monday, May 22nd, 2023

Fire at our Family Pool Club @ Park Terrace

Monday, May 22, 2023

Due to the extensive damages from Saturday’s fire and the information we’ve gathered in the last 48 hours regarding the reopening process, the timeline to complete the necessary repairs would make it impossible to open our Family Pool Club in time for the 2023 summer season. We are deeply saddened by this fire and its devastation.

We are committed to the Club’s rebuild and creating the best member experience possible, opening in June 2024.

Family Pool Club members will receive full refunds on all fees paid by May 26th.

Thank you for your confidence in our YMCA – even in the face of adversity – to continue to deliver our mission to be here for our neighbors, serve our communities, and come back even stronger from this unfortunate incident.

Sincerely,

Jim Downs
CEO, Hockomock Area YMCA

Pool Club questions are to be directed to poolclub@hockymca.org.

_____________________________________________________________

Sunday, May 21, 2023

We regret to inform our members and the community that our YMCA’s new Family Pool Club @ Park Terrace in Plainville caught fire Saturday, May 20, 2023. The main clubhouse building experienced significant damage. No one was in the building at the time and we are thankful that no injuries were reported. We are grateful to the Plainville Fire Department who led the efforts, along with mutual aid from other local fire agencies, to suppress the fire.

The facility was under final renovations and preparations for its opening in June. We acquired the property earlier this year and significant construction and renovations were underway in anticipation of re-opening the facility for the summer season. The swim club is situated on 10.5 acres in a park-like setting at 5 Berry Street, Plainville.

As a local community centerpiece for family fun for decades, everyone at the Hockomock Area YMCA was excited and energized for the re-opening of this Plainville summer landmark. We are deeply saddened by this fire and its devastation. We are fully supporting and cooperating with the Town of Plainville and the Plainville Fire Department as they conduct a fire investigation.

Our YMCA’s hope and expectation is to rebuild. While we don’t know the timeline and details at this very moment, we are dedicated and committed to this wonderful local recreational treasure. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Sincerely,

Jim Downs
CEO, Hockomock Area YMCA

All media inquiries are to be directed to jim@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Thursday, April 27th, 2023

Join our Kids’ Flip Fest to Benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA

Kids Helping Kids

Gymnasts of all ages and abilities are learning the value of social responsibility as our popular Flip Fest returns to the Hockomock Area YMCA branches the entire week of May 18, 2023!

At the Y, we believe in the potential of all kids. And that all kids should have the opportunity to grow and learn at the Y, regardless of ability to pay. Not enrolled today in gymnastics? That’s not a problem, as everyone is eligible to participate.

“The Hockomock YMCA has been a blessing to us. If it were not for all the donations we would not be able to send our children to the Y. Even a small amount can make a difference. You can help children and families like us.” – scholarship recipient

HOW TO JOIN FLIP FEST

Ask others to support your efforts to enrich someone’s life right here in our community
Share that the YMCA is a charity and we do not turn people away due to lack of funds
100% of dollars raised will go to our Reach Out Annual Campaign
This is a great fundraiser, allowing kids to solicit donations based on the number of flips (or cartwheels, forward rolls, walkovers, etc.*) they perform during our Flip Fest (in gymnastics classes 5/18-5/24/23) or you may ask for a flat donation of any dollar amount
Once your pledge form is complete, come to the Y during the Flip Fest for counting
Non-participants in gymnastics classes may schedule their private flip count with a staff member. Please email: sandyw@hockymca.org (Foxboro), laceyw@hockymca.org (Franklin), or kayleas@hockymca.org (North Attleboro).
Our Flip Fest pledge forms are available for easy download.

GET STARTED TODAY!
DOWNLOAD YOUR PLEDGE FORM

Prizes will be awarded based on dollars raised:

  • $250 — Earn a YMCA Youth Program FREE for one month!
  • $150 — Fundraisers at this level will receive a limited edition Flip Fest leotard!
  • $50 — Receive a limited edition Flip Fest t-shirt!
  • $25 — Receive a limited edition Flip Fest medal!

For more information on the mission of our YMCA and to support our cause, please click here.

*Flips can be of any nature, for all levels and include beginner rolls to advanced skills.

Posted on: Saturday, April 15th, 2023

Choose Love Event

Featuring Scarlett Lewis

A message of Hope, Love & Resiliency

Sponsored by our Hockomock Area YMCA in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Putnam Club, Gillette Stadium

Foxborough, Mass

Scarlett Lewis, founder and Chief Movement Officer of Choose Love, will share her journey in overcoming tragedy and will encourage us all to Choose Love as a response to adversity and challenges. Scarlett has inspired over 3.5 million people to Choose Love through a simple yet powerful formula to create a more loving world.

Courage + Gratitude + Forgiveness + Compassion In Action = The Choose Love Formula

This event is free but registration is required through the YMCA.

REGISTER TODAY

All in the community (ages 15+) are invited to attend.

Please park in Lot 5 near the East Entrance and Enter using the E1 entrance (E2 for ADA Access). To view the Gillette Stadium parking map: click here.

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The Choose Love Movement is a global nonprofit providing Character Social Emotional Development programs for communities, schools, homes, and the workplace.

The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement was created in honor of Scarlett’s son who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

This event is sponsored by our YMCA at no cost to the community due to the philanthropic support of our partners and the Y’s commitment to mental well-being. Join us for this important community event.

Questions about this event, please email Brynne Kirwan, LCSW at brynnek@hockymca.org.

Learn about Scarlett’s journey and her mission to encourage everyone to Choose Love.

Posted on: Tuesday, February 28th, 2023

The Spier Family Splash Park Challenge

JOIN THE SPIER FAMILY SPLASH PARK CHALLENGE

We are excited to share Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are issuing a Donor Challenge to the community through the Hockomock Area YMCA. The Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation will match every donation made February 13th through April 15th up to $100,000.

When the Spier Family Splash Park Challenge is met, it will result in $200,000 to fund a new splash park at the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Invensys Foxboro Branch located at 67 Mechanic Street. The Spier Family Splash Park will be adjacent to the Y’s existing Spier Family Outdoor Aquatics Center and will add to the YMCA’s portfolio of outdoor activities including a sports court for basketball and pickleball.

PLEASE GIVE NOW AND DOUBLE YOUR GIFT

Ways to Give:

  • Donate today and double your gift! Give online hockymca.org/give
  • Give by Venmo
  • Text HOCKYMCA to 56651
  • Visit any Hockomock Area YMCA Member Services Desk and make your gift with a member of our team
  • Mail your gift to: Hockomock Area YMCA 300 Elmwood Street North Attleboro, MA 02760 (payable to: Hockomock Area YMCA)

Ground breaking on the Spier Family Splash Park will begin in Spring 2023 with a June completion. The opening is slated to coincide with summer enjoyment by members and campers alike and will provide exciting aquatics experiences that people will not be able to experience elsewhere in Foxboro or the surrounding communities.

The Splash Park project is part of the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Impact Campaign which celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Y is committed to raising $1.5 million for their Impact Campaign and have raised just over $1 million to-date, including Greg and Kathy Spier’s total pledge of $250,000.

“Our YMCA is so grateful for the decades of dedication, passion and support that the Spier Family and the Spier Family Foundation has bestowed upon us. It’s truly incredible,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “The impact of their generosity can be felt throughout Foxboro and beyond and is truly a ripple effect of support that spreads miles and generations.”

The Spier family’s impact at the Hockomock Y and the local community runs deep. Their legacy at the Hockomock YMCA includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with Greg and Kathy’s parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier.

The Spier Family’s generosity also includes the Spier Family Splash program which offers free lessons to Foxboro students in grades K-2 to learn to swim, as well as dedicated philanthropic support to other YMCA initiatives including the Reach Out Campaign and Food Access Program. The Spier Family and their foundation sponsors the Y’s Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K & Family Day, a day that celebrates and reinforces the Y’s focus on healthy living and commitment to raise funds for the Food Access initiative.

“My dad always talked about wanting to leave the world a better place than he found it. That’s why he and my mom, and Kathy and I, are such passionate supporters of the Hockomock Area YMCA,” shared Greg Spier. “We continue to see firsthand the impact our Y provides every day to strengthening families and communities. This splash park will create a safe and fun destination for children and families to create memories that will last a lifetime.”

“Please consider a gift and we will proudly match it, up to $100,000. The challenge will run February 13th through April 15th,” says Kathy Spier. “Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for making a gift to this exciting project for our YMCA and our community.”

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Friday, February 3rd, 2023

Day Trips for Adventure (ages 11-17)

Adventure Begins Here!

Make room for an adventure during your school vacation week. Join the Hockomock Area YMCA Outdoor Adventure crew as we head out for amazing day trips this upcoming April school vacation week.

Register now for April Vacation trips!

  • April 18 Purgatory Chasm Hike
  • April 19 White Water Rafting
  • April 20 Blue Hills Hike
  • April 21 Historic Fort Revere and Hull Lifesaving Museum

Register Now, click here.

Trips are based out of The Hurley Family Branch (300 Elmwood St, North Attleboro).


REGISTER FOR APRIL TRIPS

Questions? Please contact kenf@hockymca.org Ken Follette, Director of Outdoor Education (phone: 508-643-5290)