the North Attleboro Y

Posted on: Friday, January 24th, 2025

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.

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

AT OUR FRANKLIN Y:

Monday, Feb. 3: 11:30am-12:00pm

AT OUR NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

Monday, Feb 10: 9:30am-10:00am

AT OUR FOXBORO Y:

Thursday,Feb. 13: 11:00am-12:00pm

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 2025 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 Non-members

Enrolling now for upcoming classes!

AT OUR FRANKLIN Y:

Mondays: 11:30am-12:30pm

AT OUR FOXBORO Y:

Thursdays: 11:00am-12:00pm

AT OUR NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

Wednesdays: 9:30am-10:30am

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 17th, 2025

New Equipment: North Attleboro Branch

Exciting fitness news!

We’re excited to announce a huge re-investment in our cardio and strength training equipment! This delivery was made at our North Attleboro Y on Monday, December 30.

We look forward to seeing you enjoy our new equipment soon! Wellness Center staff will be available to support members and can demonstrate how the equipment works.

New Equipment at our North Attleboro Y:

New treadmills including performance plus treadmills and new ellipticals
2 Matrix Half Racks with increased space efficiency
A Lateral Pulldown Cable
New Precor AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer) cardio equipment
A Hip Thrust Machine

Posted on: Wednesday, January 15th, 2025

Annual Campaign Breakfast

REACH OUT
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN BREAKFAST

Raising funds to strengthen community

Friday, March 14, 2025
Networking begins at 7:00 a.m.
Putnam Club at Gillette Stadium
Breakfast and Program at 7:30 a.m.

RSVP by emailing realimpact@hockymca.org or 508-643-5220 by March 5th.

Attire for this event is business casual.

To learn more about our Reach Out Campaign, click here.

Posted on: Tuesday, January 14th, 2025

February Vacation Programs & Care

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In during February Vacation.

WHEN: FEB. 17 – 21, 2025

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through Y programs, children are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, socialization, better health, and achievement.

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

Vacation Week Details:

Program Days: Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21.
Full Day programs: 9:00am – 4:00pm each day with options for pre-camp (7am-9am) and post-camp (4pm-6pm) at our 3 main branches.
Families can choose which day(s) they wish their child to participate.
Full day camps, please pack a full lunch with water bottle and snacks. Some camps will swim so please check the program description for more details on when to pack a bathing suit and towel.
Check out our field trip information for our traditional day program at each branch in our registration portal today for all the fun we have planned.
Program offerings will differ from each branch.

at the Foxboro Y

REGISTER TODAY (FOXBORO Y)

We are also offering our SPLASH PROGRAM during 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 age 5-12 in the Foxborough Public Schools. It will run Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21 at the Foxboro Y. Times will be 3:00pm, 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 Vacation Week. Join us for this three day course – happening Friday, February 21 (4:30pm-10:00pm) and Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 (9am-5pm). The course includes CPR-Pro/AED, Oxygen Admin and First Aid certifications. Learn more and Register

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA Babysitting Course during Vacation Week on Thursday, February 20 (9:00am-12:00pm) for ages 11-16 at our Teen Center, The Zone located at 485 East Washington Street in North Attleboro. Become a certified babysitter when you take the American Health & Safety course. Topics include basic child care and leadership skills, first aid, diapering, feeding and employment skills. Learn more and Register

See you at the Y for fun this February school vacation!

Posted on: Friday, January 10th, 2025

Join our 100-Mile Challenge

The Challenge will run from January 15 through February 28, 2025 at our Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro branches.

We hope this free fitness challenge will help keep you motivated through the winter months to stay on track to meet your health & wellness goals.

Workout miles can be accrued by any combination of the following types of exercise: swim, walk, run, bike, row, group exercise/water fitness classes, elliptical, arc trainer, lateral X, etc.

For the pool, 1/4 mile = 9 laps
1 lap = 2 lengths of the pool
A 45-minute water fitness or group exercise class = 3/4 mile

To participate and register, simply fill out the 100-Mile Challenge Chart hanging in your branch after your workout at our Y or after your workout completed elsewhere as soon as you can. Write your name with the dry erase marker provided in the larger block, and fill in the smaller box(es) in your name’s row for every 1/4 mile you complete. If you have any questions, please reach out to any health & wellness staff person.

The top 3 winners at each branch will earn bragging rights and will be announced during the week of March 1st.

Good Luck!

Posted on: Tuesday, December 31st, 2024

Food Access – Feeding & Caring For All

Our YMCA is a local non-profit organization committed to addressing public health challenges, such as food insecurity, in our communities. The Food Access Program partners with food pantries, schools, regional public health hubs, and community organizations to increase equitable access to nutrition. This collaborative effort—largely born from the depths of the pandemic—continue to help our neighbors of all ages and demographics to ensure access.

We have distributed more than 102,000 bags of food and served over 550,000 meals to those in need in our communities.

We are a proud partner of the Greater Boston Food Bank, dedicated to ensuring that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. To learn more or if you are in need of support, please contact foodaccess@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5277.

IF YOU ARE FACING FOOD INSECURITY, THE Y IS HERE TO HELP

Below is information on how the YMCA acts as an extension of the food pantry. Further down the page, you will also find details on how to volunteer and what pressing items we’re in need of from anyone who can donate. Food distribution is provided to all with no financial statements required.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

Food insecurity has grown in our communities and to address that, the Y is distributing food to people in need.

GROCERIES ARE PROVIDED EVERY WEDNESDAY AT THESE BRANCHES FROM 12:30pm – 1:30pm:

at the Foxboro Y (67 Mechanic Street)
at the Franklin Y (45 Forge Hill Road)
at the North Attleboro Y (300 Elmwood Street)

Pantry hours are available at the North Attleboro Y from 12:00pm-2:00pm and 5:30pm – 6:30pm.

FUEL FOR THE WEEKEND PROGRAM

Our North Attleboro Y offers a Fuel for the Weekend program which provides weekend food bags for students (or children ages 3-18) to help fill the gap between school lunches on Fridays and school breakfast on Mondays. For more information, please email fuelfortheweekend@hockymca.org.

DONATE TO HELP US

We welcome donations including the following: oatmeal cups/packets, macaroni & cheese boxes/cups, granola bars (nut free whole grain preferred), applesauce or mandarin orange cups (no added sugar), whole grain crackers, tuna pouches in water (low sodium), Progresso chicken soup (low sodium), rice boxes/cups, Barilla Ready Pasta and pasta boxes.

Needed baby products include: size 4, 5 and 6 diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, and toddler puffs/snacks. All items can be dropped off in bins located inside the YMCA or for large donations please contact us if arranging a pickup is preferred. Click to see our food drive flyer

DONATE NOW

Other ways to help…

Donate the amount needed to fill a family-sized bag of groceries. Each bag given to prevent hunger is valued at $50. Visit hockymca.org/give.
Become a Volunteer – Join our team as a volunteer to help with food distribution, delivery or pantry operations. For more information, please email stephanieb@hockymca.org.
Run a food drive in your neighborhood. Take on the role of a “neighborhood captain” by adopting a street or neighborhood to mobilize a food collective drive. Select a pickup time a week or so in advance and ask neighbors to leave a bag or two of nonperishable food items outside their home or drop them at your residence — which you can bring to the Y.
Donate by shopping online from our Amazon wish list, click here.
Inquire about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org.

WE OFFER FREE SUMMER LUNCHES

Along with our many partners in our local communities, we offer free meals to kids ages 18 and under during the summer months at the following locations. This program is designed to help close the hunger gap children face during the summer and also includes activities, arts and crafts and special visitors throughout the summer. There is no sign up or registration required and the program is open to children in any community.

MILFORD’S MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Monday through Friday from 11:00am-12:30pm. (12 Walnut Street in Milford, MA)
THE FOXBORO Y: Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am-12:30pm. (67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro, MA)
NORTH ATTLEBORO’S TOWN POOL: Wednesday from 5:00pm-6:00pm. (43 S. Washington Street in North Attleboro, MA)

Includes an adult meal per family to enjoy while children enjoy their meals, too.

Posted on: Thursday, December 5th, 2024

Swim Lessons Enrolling Now

Have Fun, Be Confident, Stay Safe

Each year, the Y teaches more than a million children how to swim. Y Swim Lessons are available year round and provide resources for all kids. Sign up for swim lessons today! We foster a sense of achievement as swimmers progress between levels in our pools. Through this approach, advanced swimmers flow more easily to higher levels while swimmers who need more instruction can learn at their own pace. This results in more confident swimmers who stick with lessons and develop a love for swimming that can last a lifetime.

There are three categories of Y Swim Lessons:

1) SWIM STARTERS (PARENT OR GUARDIAN WITH CHILD)

Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills. Parents are coached to guide their child toward greater water independence while learning about the importance of supervision. Swim Starters classes are suggested for ages 6 months through 4 years as follows:

Can the student respond to verbal cues and jump on land? Not yet: enroll in Stage A
Is the student comfortable with their nose and mouth submerged assisted? Not yet: enroll in Stage B
Is the student over age 2, past Stage B, but not yet ready to be independent and apart from parent/guardian in the pool? Enroll in Stage C
Click here to see the days and times for the current session of Swim Starters.

2) SWIM BASICS

Students develop basic swimming competency and learn personal water safety. They begin by developing comfort in the water, then work on proper body position and control. While developing fundamental techniques, swimmers increase stamina for longer distance swimming. Students or their parents can sign up for a time slot in which a number of different stages are taught and instructors will look for your child to comfortably and consistently perform each skill in order to progress to the next stage.

Swim Basics classes are available for (ages 3-5), (ages 5-12) and (ages 12+)
Click here to see the days and times for the current session of Swim Basics.

3) SWIM STROKES

Having mastered the fundamentals, swimmers build on stroke technique, including all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues, and swimmers learn about competitive swimming and how to incorporate exercise swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

Swim Strokes classes are available for (ages 5-12) and instructors will look for your child to comfortably and consistently perform each skill in order to progress to the next stage.
Click here to see the days and times for the current session of Swim Strokes.

Each Swim Lessons category has three stages or levels that are designed for swimmers’ age and ability. If you have any question about Swim Lessons, or want some help placing your child in the right class, please reach out to our Aquatics Directors or simply call the front desk. Bernon Y Aquatics (Franklin): Krystina Edens at krystinae@hockymca.org -OR- Foxboro Y Aquatics: Chris Tower at christophert@hockymca.org -OR- North Attleboro Y Aquatics: Sheila Riley at sheilar@hockymca.org

SWIM STARTERS BABY & TODDLER LESSONS WITH PARENT

Parent/Child
6 Months – 3 Years

Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills. Parents are coached to guide their child toward greater water independence while learning about the importance of supervision.

A / WATER DISCOVERY

Parents accompany children in stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water.

B / WATER EXPLORATION

In stage B, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills.

C / WATER INDEPENDENCE

Parents work with their children to develop comfort in underwater exploration by learning self rescue techniques. This class is geared for children not ready to be independent from parents.

SWIM BASICS FUNDAMENTALS OF SWIMMING

Everyone
Ages 3 and up

Students develop basic swimming competency and learn personal water safety. They begin by developing comfort in the water, then work on proper body position and control. While developing fundamental techniques, swimmers increase stamina for longer distance swimming.

1 / WATER ACCLIMATION

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage lays the foundation for a student’s future progress in swimming.

2 / WATER MOVEMENT

In stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

3 / WATER STAMINA

In stage 3, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.

SWIM STROKES REFINING STROKE TECHNIQUE

Everyone
Ages 5 and up

Having mastered the fundamentals, swimmers build on stroke technique, including all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues, and swimmers learn about competitive swimming and how to incorporate exercise swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

4 / STROKE INTRODUCTION

Students in stage 4 develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.

5 / STROKE DEVELOPMENT

Students in stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.

6 / STROKE MECHANICS

In stage 6, students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

REGISTER FOR SWIM LESSONS NOW

Posted on: Sunday, December 1st, 2024

School Year Programs

Registration is Open

The Y is committed to helping kids learn, grow and thrive. From theatre to gymnastics to sports, swim lessons and more, we offer youth programming that nurtures the unique development journey of every child and teen.

Give your kids the opportunity to thrive this school year. Join us for youth programs at the Y.

VIEW CLASSES & REGISTER

Start the Year Right (Click below to choose your branch/age range/day of the week)	Registration Link
Arts & Enrichment	register
Art (ages 3-10) & Explorers Classes for Preschoolers	register
Cooking	register
Dance	register
Fitness	register
Gymnastics (parent/child)	register
Gymnastics (preschool)	register
Gymnastics: Princess/Superheroes/Ninja (preschool)	register
Gymnastics (ages 6-14)	register
Integration Department Programs welcoming individuals with special needs	register
Intramural Swim Team	register
Leaders Club for Teens	register
Sports	register
Sports Leagues (Sept 13 kick off) 🏈⚽️⚾️	register
STEM (science technology engineering math) ages 3-12	register
Swim Starters: ages 6 months – 4 years	register
Swim Basics: ages 3-5	register
Swim Basics: ages 5-12	register
Swim Basics: ages 12+	register
Swim Strokes: ages 5-12	register
Stroke & Endurance: ages 5-12	register
Swim Strokes: ages 12+	register
Theatre Classes	register
Theatre	register

Our open enrollment for the school year makes it easier for you to choose the schedule that works, knowing the class spot will be yours for the school year. Sign up once and focus on the fun (not the paperwork). Classes are offered and charged on a monthly basis. You can enroll or transfer in/out of classes as needed. For details on our program enrollment policy, visit our webpage today.

Swim lessons are part of our mission to keep families safe and we work toward the healthy development of all youth. Unsure which class to choose? Visit hockymca.org/swim-lessons or give us a call.

See you at the Y!

Posted on: Saturday, November 30th, 2024

Inclement Weather Policy

The safety of our members and staff is a priority for our YMCA. During extreme weather conditions we employ an inclement weather policy, using our website home page and branch home pages to alert members of any facility closings or delays and class cancellations.

FACILITY CLOSINGS AND DELAYED OPENINGS

The Hockomock Area YMCA will monitor the weather during the winter months and will be mindful of the safety of our members and staff when deciding to continue a consistent class schedule or to modify the schedule based on the weather conditions.

For all group exercise classes, youth programming and adult programming, the Hockomock Area YMCA will make a decision two hours prior to the start of class and will notify all participants via our website and our social media pages.

In the case that the YMCA must close, this communication will be done through our website, member email blast, social media pages and on our phone messages.

CHILD CARE CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS

It is our intention to operate Child Care and our school-age School’s Out program during regularly scheduled hours. Please be sure to provide your contact information and cell phone number to the facilitator of your child’s program who will alert you in case of any delay or cancellation.

Posted on: Saturday, November 30th, 2024

December Break Programs

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In!

When school is not in session due to the December break, kids and teens are invited to join us at the Y for fun, educational, day programs.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve! That’s why, through Y day camps, children are cultivating the 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 Camps: Dec 23 – Dec 31.

Before Care 7:00 am—9:00 am available
A variety of fun activities available for ages 3 through 14
Break Programs 9:00 am—4:00 pm (and some half day programs as well)
After Care 4:00 pm—6:00 pm available
Note: If participating in a full day program, please bring a lunch, drink, snacks and water bottle. Half day programs, please bring lunch and water bottle.

in North Attleboro

We are pleased to offer a variety and specialized day camp options out of the North Attleboro Y. Choose from Camp Elmwood our traditional summer camp program to specialties like Gymnastics, Sports, Swim & Cooking. We are also offering a Teen Voyagers program which includes field trips and outdoor exploration & adventure!

REGISTER TODAY (NORTH ATTLEBORO)

REGISTER TODAY FOR TEEN & TWEEN PROGRAMS

in Foxboro:

We are pleased to offer a variety and specialized day camp options out of the Foxboro Y. Choose from Camp Wapawca our traditional summer camp program (which includes field trips!) to specialties like Sports, Gymnastics Dance, and Swim.

REGISTER TODAY (FOXBORO)

in Franklin

We are pleased to offer a variety and specialized day camp options out of the Franklin Y. Choose from Camp Wiggi our traditional summer camp program (which includes field trips!) or our Swim specialty program.

REGISTER TODAY (FRANKLIN)

in Mansfield

We are pleased to offer an Intro to Showcase 2025 through our Theatre Program. High Schoolers (and 8th graders, too!) will learn new theatre skills through Script Analysis, reading scripts, and learning their types of characters. We will also work on new audition techniques and how to be a good ensemble.

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