NEWS & UPDATES
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Posted on: Saturday, September 1st, 2018

New Fall Programs

Kids will get back to school soon, and it’s time to think about what Fall activities they’ll be doing. Besides the staple programs at our YMCAs, such as Swim Lessons and Fall Soccer, check out these new ones. The Youth Development Program Guide has all the details. Registration is now open.

NEW THIS FALL
Dance Recital Session
Kids Run Club (for ages 5-7 and 8-10)
Be Strong (for ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-18)
Gym & Swim (@ the Franklin Y for ages 3-6)
Sports Prep Classes (preschool age kids)
Confi-Dance (@ the Foxboro Y)

NEW STEM CLASSES & ARTS CLASSES
Music Together (@ the Franklin Y)
Pop Culture Cooking (@ the North Attleboro Y)
STEM Mashup (for ages 3-5)
STEM: Lego Robotics, Kitchen Science, Rockets and Roller Coasters, Rocketry, Electrify (for Grades 3-7)
Technology Club (@ the Franklin Y)

NUTRITION & HEALTHY EATING CLASSES
“What’s For Dinner?” Meal Planning Workshop (@ the North Attleboro Y on August 28)
Simplify your meal planning this fall. Discover new tools to get organized and build a meal plan. Create a meal plan for your personal family dynamics and receive advice on navigating the grocery store. Demos, sample meal plans, recipes, and more. For more info, contact North Attleboro Branch Nutrition Director, Jocelyn @ jocelynl@hockymca.org.

Healthy Chef (@ the Foxboro Y)
Our new Healthy Chef Class introduces kids to nutrition, food safety and delicious recipes that are easy to prepare. Kids will learn the importance of healthy eating and they will build on their cooking skills weekly and eat their yummy creations at the end of each class! All classes run in the Foxboro branch, and the recipes are chosen and tested by our on staff Nutritionist, Lauren. For more info, contact Foxboro branch’s Nutrition Director, Lauren at laurenhynes@hockymca.org.

Register Today! Classes begin the week of September 10. (For the Foxboro Y, classes begin September 9.)

Posted on: Tuesday, August 28th, 2018

The Foxboro 5K –
September 28

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

Details coming soon!

Location: Patriot Place (2 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA)

Our Kids fun run kicks off a great community event, which includes our 5K Run/Walk, family activities and a DJ. All proceeds support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families Annual Campaign.

We’ll run in memory of Michael Baker, Linda Cavossa and Jackie Thomas.

EVENT DETAILS

coming!

Posted on: Tuesday, August 7th, 2018

Technology Club & Computer Lab

GET AHEAD WITH OUR NEW TECHNOLOGY LAB & TECHNOLOGY CLUB

Thanks to a generous donation from a good friend, a technology lab has been created at our Franklin Y.

The goal of this space is to teach middle school and high school students about careers in technology.

Join us for an upcoming Technology Club Meeting! Our monthly meetings happen from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at our Franklin Y.

This is a free Y member & community opportunity.

This club introduces students to the benefits of a career in the technology field and provides a safe place to learn and prepare for a job in technology.

The academic year’s meeting dates are September 11, October 23, November 13, January 22, February 12, March 19, April 23, May 21 and June 18. All taking place from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at our Bernon Family Branch.

Y members must pre-register online here or call the Franklin Y’s Member Service Desk at 508-528-8708.

Community members and non Y members pre-register by calling 508-528-8708. Space is limited.

Our September meeting’s agenda is Python Coding. Did you know Python programming skill is one of the most sought after scripting languages available today? Many of the internet’s most popular services run on Python: Google, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Quora, Netflix, Dropbox, Reddit and more! Students will focus on learning to program in Python on the Windows PCs provided in the YMCA lab. As part of the class students will have hands-on instruction on the programming process from application design, coding, compiling and loading the final application on the devices available. Any adults wanting to learn and make a career change are welcome to join as well.

For more information about the Technology Club or Technology Lab, contact Kim Jennings at kjennings@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Friday, June 29th, 2018

Honoring George Johnson Jr.

It is with a sadness hard to describe that I share with you the passing of our dear friend and beloved colleague George Johnson, Jr.

The impact George leaves behind at our Hockomock Area YMCA will never be forgotten. To know George was to know kindness, to know George was to witness goodness, to know George was to see caring and concern, and to know George was to experience the best and purest elements of friendship and camaraderie.

George has been a vital and enthusiastic member of our YMCA family for the past 31 years. George loved our YMCA and our Y sure loved him back.

His presence and contributions endeared him to members and staff alike. George did it all in his Y career including impacting lives in the following departments and program areas: membership, childwatch, fitness centers, sports and aquatics, school age childcare, summer camp, teens, facilities and our Integration Initiative. Any of us who got to see George teach a swim lesson told you all you needed to know about the capacity of his heart and his willingness to share that big heart with others.

But it was in each of our own personal interactions with George that are the hallmark of how much we cared about him and how George was able to express how much he cared about us.

Because isn’t it in this mutual caring we get to experience every day that best describes his legacy?

George Johnson Jr. leaves a lasting and very powerful legacy at our Y and in all the members and staff whose lives he touched.

George comes from a large family that he was proud to be part of. But he always said – and in the last month loved to share with his family and friends – he had two families. He would tell everyone his second family was his Y family.

George made it a point to visit my office nearly every morning since I joined our Y in 1993. The mornings I wasn’t there did not stop him from coming by later or the next day. But it is in the mornings I was there that will forever be the basis of my memories of George. The conversations, the ribbing, the sports talk, the family talk, and the friendly wagers (he always seemed to win the coffee)…like all of you who knew George, that is what I will miss the most.

To those of you that didn’t know George, please know that our Y lost a special, dear friend. He will be deeply missed. But he will never be forgotten. All of us who loved George will ensure that his legacy is passed on to future generations.

We will also be setting up a time here at the Y when anyone who wants to gather will be welcome to come and share thoughts and stories about our friend George.

In 2016, I was honored to present George with the Marge Kraskouskas Legacy of Caring Award at our annual staff recognition luncheon. And at last year’s luncheon George offered the opening thought. He talked about his two families and he ended with a quote that I share with all of you. It is a quote that captures the essence of what George meant to so many of us and to so many Y families through his passion and his compassion:

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a child.”

George, you are important in all of the lives of anyone who had the pleasure to know you. And you are forever part of the fabric and spirit of our Hockomock Area YMCA.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

Posted on: Monday, June 25th, 2018

Our New Youth Programs This Summer

Kids will be home from school soon, and it’s time to think about what Summer activities they’ll be doing. Besides the staple programs at our YMCAs, such as Swim Lessons and Camp, check out these new ones. The online registration page has all the details.

NEW THIS SUMMER:

RUN.FUN.LIVE (for ages 6-10) @ the Foxboro Y
A week long (8/6-8/10 from 10:00am – 1:00pm) wellness mini series for kids who love to be active and have fun! Includes daily one-hour segments including: physical activity, cooking class, outdoor adventure. Kids will train for and participate in Jaime’s Fund 5K on 8/11. Register today.

SPLASH BASH (for all ages)
June 16 is the opening of our outdoor pools. Celebrate and bring a friend to a free pool party 1:00-3:00pm @ the Foxboro & Franklin Y’s. Details at hockymca.org/splash-bash

INTENSIVE SWIM LESSONS
Get maximum exposure to swim lessons in either a four-day per week class, which week(s) you select (offered @ the Franklin Y) or an eight-day over two weeks class (offered at the Foxboro Y). Classes run Monday thru Thursday and are a great opportunity to fit lessons into your busy summer calendar—while benefiting from smaller class ratios.

WILD WILD WEDNESDAYS @ the Franklin Y (for all ages)
Come together with your Y family for lunch and the opportunity to visit with a surprise character each week!
July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22 (weather permitting) 12:00-3:00pm. Cost per week: $8/person (Family-type members), $10/person (Youth members), $15/person (Non-members). Under age 1: free. Join us!

SILVER LAKE CANOE LESSONS (for ages 5-12 deep end swimmers only)*
Session 1: June 26 – July17; Session 2: July 24 – Aug 14 (Tuesdays 4:00-4:45 p.m. -OR- 5:00-5:45 p.m.)
YMCA Instructors and Lifeguard on the Beach; $40 per session, Includes a beach pass. Register canoe lessons @ Silver Lake.

SILVER LAKE SWIM LESSONS (for ages 3-12 Stages 1-4 offered)*
Runs: June 25 – Aug 26, 2018 (no class Wed 7/4); Select from lessons at Bellingham’s Silver Lake (30 min each) offered Monday thru Thursday. Certified YMCA Instructors. Option to arrange a swimmer evaluation by contacting the YMCA today. Cost: $56 (Wed classes, which meet 1 less time, cost $48), includes beach pass.

* SILVER LAKE ADDRESS: 10 BLACKMAR STREET, BELLINGHAM, MA

FOXBORO SUMMER CLASS SERIES
We are offering week long classes to meet members’ availability during vacation coming and goings! Try something new; classes run for one week each (Mon-Thurs). Cost: $125 (member); $188 (program member) Dates below indicate the Monday for each week options are available:
7/9 – Hip Hop (ages 5-9) 4:30-7:30pm
7/16 – Superhero (ages 3-5, 7-8) 4:30-7:30
7/23 – Yoga (ages 7-12) 4:30-7:30
7/23 – Healthy Chef (ages 5-7) 1:30-4:30pm
7/30 – Intro to Weights for Boys (ages 11-13) 2-5pm
7/30 – STEM (ages 5-9) 4:30-7:30
8/6 – Lego (ages 5-9) 4:30-7:30
8/6 – Girls Fitness (ages 8-12) 2-5pm
8/13 – Dance Combo (ages 3-5, 6-8) 4:30-7:30 Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro
8/13 – Healthy Chef (ages 8-11) 2-5pm
8/27 – Princess Dance (ages 3-5) 4:30-7:30
Register Summer Series @ the Foxboro Y.

FOXBORO KIDS’ DROP OFF DAY OPTIONS
Consider the Y’s exciting 2 hour mid-day options—a great way to get kids active and connected, learning and exploring. For ages 3-5 [Exceptions include: Lego Robotics (ages 6-8) / Pool Party (ages 4-6) / STEM (ages 6-8) / Movie (ages 5-8)]. Your children may be dropped off with us for the duration of the class. Please arrive with a packed lunch; the kids will enjoy a picnic together. Time: 12pm-2pm Cost: $20 (member); $25 (program member):
Every Tuesday through August – Pool Party: mix of activities plus 1 hr of pool time (kids will wear life vests)
Lego Robotics 7/25, 8/16
Messy Fun 7/18, 8/15
Movie Night 7/14, 8/11 (5pm-8pm)
Nature Exploration 7/26, 8/9, 8/30
STEM 7/19, 8/2, 8/22 (latter two for ages 6-8)
Superhero Adventures 8/1, 8/29
Water, Water Everywhere 7/11, 8/8
Register Drop Off Options @ the Foxboro Y.

FRANKLIN PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS CLINICS
Try Gymnastics! Learn the basics on vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. This week long clinic includes games, crafts and a daily snack to re-energize. Join us as we make new friends while improving flexibility, strength, and balance. Cost: $125 (member); $187 (program member).
Session 1: July 23 – 27; Session 2: August 13 – 17 (9am-12pm)
Register Gymnastics Clinics @ the Franklin Y.

CAMP 2018
We are ready to greet you at Camp! Be sure to check out our recent Camp 2018 website blog post and follow the links to ensure you are signed up and paperwork is submitted. If you haven’t registered yet, download the registration forms today and submit them to your local YMCA branch. Spots are filling up fast!

TECHNOLOGY LAB & TECH CLUB @ the Franklin Y
A new tech lab is operating at the Franklin Y, thanks to a generous donation from a good friend. The goal of this space is to teach middle school and high school students about careers in technology. For more info, contact: kjennings@hockymca.org


Register Today! Most of our classes (with the exception of those listed above, such as Foxboro’s Summer Class Series) run June 25-August 16. Get 9 Weeks for the Price of 7!

Posted on: Monday, June 18th, 2018

Riders Needed — 9/22: The YMCA Rodman Team

10 Riders Needed

Join us on September 22, 2018 for the 28th Annual Rodman Ride for Kids, a non-competitive 25, 50, or 100-mile cycling tour throughout Southeastern, MA.

  • You will be on Team Hockomock Area YMCA
  • Together, we will raise funds for charity
  • Last year the Ride raised over $12 million, and it has raised over $134 million since 1991
  • Rodman matches 3% of what we raise so every dollar counts!

All proceeds benefit the Reach Out for Youth and Families scholarship assistance program, allowing our Y to be there when friends and neighbors need us most.

Please contact amandad@hockymca.orgor 508-643-5292 for more race information or to volunteer.

Facebook is a great way to keep up with Rodman Ride for Kids

Facebook.com/
Rodman for Kids

Posted on: Monday, June 18th, 2018

July 4th Veterans Picnic

Thank you for your service.

We are pleased to invite local veterans and their families to celebrate Independence Day together with us. On July 4, 2018 our North Attleboro Branch will host the 3rd annual July 4th Picnic for Veterans from 10am until 2pm.

EVENT DETAILS

10:00am –  Opening Remarks & Welcome
11:00am-1:00pm – Swim in our outdoor pool and play field games that will be coordinated for all ages to enjoy
11:30am-1:00pm – Food will be provided in the picnic area
A DJ will provide music and entertainment throughout the event. Reminder: alcohol use and smoking is prohibited on YMCA property.

This fun day is co-sponsored by the Town of North Attleborough, Rolling Thunder, North Attleborough Historical Society, American Legion, Daughters of The American Revolution, Friends of the North Attleboro Veterans, and Triboro Realty Group with in-kind donations provided by Freihofer’s Bakery Outlet, Stop & Shop, Target and Walmart.

For more information, contact Mario Tardif at 508-643-5291 or mariot@hockymca.org

Posted on: Thursday, June 7th, 2018

CSA Shares Offer Convenient Pickup @ Your Local Y

We are now accepting registrations for CSA Shares at both our Mansfield Community Farm & Gardens and our NEW Bellingham Community Farm! This is a great option for increasing your intake of veggies this spring and summer. Take advantage of these local sources of freshly harvested organic produce.
DETAILS ON OUR VEGGIE SHARE PROGRAM:

MANSFIELD COMMUNITY FARM & GARDENS

  • The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Mansfield
  • Our mission is to educate and involve the community in learning about fresh produce
  • We promote healthy, active lifestyles by connecting people to the food they eat and grow
  • Located across the street from 386 Essex St in Mansfield, MA
  • No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used and consumers benefit from organic practices

BELLINGHAM COMMUNITY FARM

  • The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Bellingham
  • The goal of the Bellingham Community Farm is to provide the local community with a variety of avenues to access and learn about sustainably and locally grown food
  • Located at 200 Center Street in Bellingham, MA
  • We do not use any chemically derived herbicides or pesticides
  • We use OMRI approved field amendments and do not use genetically engineered seed

PURCHASE A CSA

  • From June – October, we produce a typical CSA weekly share of produce (approximately 5-8 lbs/items)
  • Produce may include: lettuce, kale, chard, bok choy, arugula, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, cabbage, squashes, cucumbers, broccoli, melon, beans, peas, onion, potatoes, radish, beets, turnip, carrots, herbs, and more
  • All are harvested and prepped for pickup before you arrive
  • You may choose to pick up at the garden or **NEW** at a Hockomock Area YMCA branch! See pickup schedule below
  • See below for detailed information on cost and pickup times

PICK UP DETAILS (FOR AFTERNOON PICKUPS)
  • You may choose pick up at the gardens:
    • Tuesday or Thursday @ Mansfield farm
    • – OR – Wednesday or Friday @ Bellingham farm
  • OR – choose to pick up at the Y:
    • Tuesday @ the Foxboro Y
    • Wednesday @ the Franklin Y
    • Thursday @ the North Attleboro Y

Limited Spots.

DOWNLOAD THE CSA ENROLLMENT – MANSFIELD

DOWNLOAD THE CSA ENROLLMENT – BELLINGHAM

For further inquiries, including volunteering at the garden, please contact communitygarden@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Saturday, May 19th, 2018

Come to a free Pool Party – June 16

Make a Splash!

We’re thrilled to open our outdoor pools and invite you to join us as we kick off summer fun on June 16 at the Y’s in Foxboro and Franklin with a free pool party.

SPLASH BASH! Details:

June 16 (1:00-3:00pm)
@ the Foxboro Y and @ the Franklin Y

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 summer swim lessons and camp. Reconnect with some of your summer camp counselors and make new friends.

In Franklin, enjoy some carnival games and bouncy house near the Rockland Trust Family Splash Park, which will also be open. Swimmer evaluations in Franklin are scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

No registration is required. Children under 10 years old must be supervised by an adult when visiting the facility; child must be within an arm’s length of the adult. Adult members must be physically present in the pool with children eight years old and younger.

Note: All outdoor pools and our Franklin splash park will open on 6/16. Check out your local Y’s schedule on the homepage for that branch (see SCHEDULES section, mid page) or visit:

See you at the Y!

Posted on: Monday, April 23rd, 2018

Camp Open House Saturday, 5/5

Get ready for summer at our last Camp Open House – Saturday, May 5!

Both prospective and returning families are welcome to come to our open houses to meet our staff, tour the property with one of our directors, and learn what summer camp is all about.

This outdoor-based family event will highlight fun camp activities that the kids will look forward to such as camp crafts and games, gaga, sports, music, bounce house, tree climbing, STEM activities, face painting, and more!

Mark your calendar and join us in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro:

Camp Open House Saturday, May 5 10:00am-1:00pm

Y Members: Anyone who registers for camp at open house will be entered into a raffle for a free week of camp.

Non Y Members: Those who attend open house and register as members and sign up for camp at the open house will have their Y joiner’s fee waived.

Registered for Camp Already? Bring a Friend that registers for camp at open house & receive a $25 Y Gift Card!

Few environments are as special as summer camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.

There’s a summer camp for every kid.

The Y has more than 130 years of experience in providing a safe, thriving environment for young people to explore personal interests, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills, discover the creativity and health benefits of the outdoors, and make lasting friendships and memories. If your child is a budding actor or athlete, a gymnast or outdoor adventurer, there’s a Y camp they will love. We offer part-day and full-day camps for all ages, including preschoolers and teens.

Our new Camp Guide collects all our programs for easy download.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Are your kids ready for their Best Summer Ever?

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your camper’s safety and happiness during an action packed summer! For questions about our camps, please call the Y or CONTACT US.

Visit Foxboro’s Camp Website

Visit Franklin’s Camp Website

Visit Mansfield’s Theatre Camp Website

Visit North Attleboro’s Camp Website

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

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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