NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Friday, February 3rd, 2017

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN BREAKFAST 2017

Join us as we kick off our 2017 Annual Campaign.

REACH OUT FOR
YOUTH AND FAMILIES
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN BREAKFAST

Raising life-changing funds
for children and families in our community

Friday, March 17, 2017
at Gillette Stadium-Putnam Club

Foxborough, Massachusetts
»» Networking begins at 7:00 a.m.
»» Breakfast and Program at 7:30 a.m.
»» RSVP by March 10 to:
realimpact@hockymca.org or call 508.643.5278

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

The Reach Out for Youth and Families Annual Campaign provides necessary funding for our YMCA’s vital community service initiatives. Funds raised provide confidential scholarship assistance, giving Y experiences including summer camp, child care and teen programs to local children and families in need.

Subsidized programs include LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, our YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, our Integration Initiative, and our Teen Centers and Programs.

Posted on: Thursday, December 1st, 2016

Weigh to Change Winter Session

Due to popular demand, we are excited to announce our upcoming winter session of our Weigh to Change program, a 10-week weight loss and healthy living program. Our winter session will start the week of January 9th and run through March 18th. We successfully launched our WTC program in the spring of 2016 where 31 members lost a total of 267 pounds and 318.5 inches!

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

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

Day & Time:

  • Wednesday Dec 14, 6:30pm

Invensys Foxboro Branch
67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro, MA 02067

Days & Times:

  • Saturday, Dec 10, 9:00am
  • OR Tuesday, Jan 3, 6:30pm

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

Day & Time:

  • Saturday, Dec 17, 8:00am

The Weigh to Change program offers support and education in both areas of fitness and nutrition. By combining physical training and better nutrition, participants will benefit in the most successful way to achieve weight loss. Participants will be challenged throughout the ten weeks with personal training, nutrition guidance, group work outs, and friendly challenge competitions.

Specifically the Weigh to Change Program includes:

  • Weekly individual 30-minute personal training session – Read about the trainer here.
  • Individual nutrition counseling with nutritionist
  • Minimum of three weekly group training sessions
  • Weekly nutrition and physical challenges
  • Two Nutrition workshops
  • Styku 3-D body scan
  • Entry into a local road race in late March

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

REGISTER ONLINE FOR WEIGH TO CHANGE

Posted on: Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

Ski Club

The Hockomock Area YMCA really is WHERE TEENS THRIVE.

What a great time youth ages 12-17 will have this winter as our popular Ski Club returns to spend six consecutive Sundays on the slopes of nearby Wachusett Mountain! Our club is chaperoned by the director of Outdooor Education Cody Albright and his team of volunteers who show their passion for the program by their year-after-year dedication to coming out, skiing with the kids, and ensuring the safety of all. Meeting and developing friendships with kids from various backgrounds and schools makes the winter a great time for all, not to mention a great chance to learn to ski or snowboard.

Of course, all skills are welcome to particpate in ski club. Rentals and lessons are available through Wachusett Mountain (see details below). The club will have its first outing from 2:00 pm – 9:30 pm on Sunday, January 15th and the season runs through February 19, 2017.

Participants will travel by bus to Princeton, MA where they will ski and board at Wachusett Mountain. The ski area offers progressive group lessons and equipment rentals, along with a great variety of trails to accommodate beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’re ready to join Ski Club, please complete the following steps:

First, visit Wachusett Mountain to purchase lift tickets. These will be linked to the group so in case of emergency, throughout the session, Cody will be contacted immediately. You may also opt to purchase lessons and get equipment rentals. Use code NATT

STEP 1:
BUY DISCOUNTED
LIFT TICKETS

Next, secure your transportation from your local YMCA. We will leave at 2:00pm so be sure to be at the front of the Y in Foxboro, Franklin or North Attleboro by that time. We will return to the Y at 9:30pm. Transportation cost is $150 member, $225 program member.

STEP 2:
SECURE TRANSPORTATION
TO/FROM THE Y

Consider Ski Club for the outdoor enthusiast on your holiday gift list! Space is limited. For more information, contact Cody Albright, Director of Outdoor Education at 774-235-2744 or codya@hockymca.org


Please note! Proof of lift ticket purchase must be sent to codya@hockymca.org by Jan. 15.

Posted on: Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016

Holiday Events

Let’s Get Festive!

We offer a number of great holiday events to get together with your neighbors, family and YMCA friends! Join us for a good time.

Who’s that jolly man in the big red suit? See if you can spot Santa at your local YMCA.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec 17
Santa will be visiting the YMCA to share an annual Hockomock tradition that includes a delicious pancake breakfast, crafts, and photo opp’s. Don’t miss it!

EVENT DETAILS:

Seatings offered: 9:00am and 10:00am – the Franklin Y
Seatings offered: 8:30am, 9:30am, and 10:30am – the North Attleboro Y and the Foxboro Y
cost: $5 for family or single-parent members / $8 for others – (adults required to enroll if planning to eat)

Reserve your seats – Foxboro

Reserve your seats – Franklin

Reserve your seats – North Attleboro

The Polar Express

Sunday, Dec 11 (movie starts 9:30am doors open 9:15am)
Join us for a private viewing of our favorite Christmas film…the Polar Express. We will meet up at Route One Cinema Pub (652 E. Washington Street, North Attleboro) and enjoy breakfast items & hot cocoa while watching the film.

At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.

EVENT DETAILS:

$7 per person for family or single-parent members – $11 others
Registration closes Dec. 2 – (tickets will NOT be sold at the door)
Bells will be given out to children – love this!

Buy your movie tickets now

Candy Cane 5K

Tuesday, Dec 13
Walk, Run, Swim – you choose how you participate, but we do know you’ll burn some calories & say “so long” to any holiday stress that’s crept up. We are excited to announce this opportunity to get into the spirit of the holidays while being active with family and friends.

  • Swim: this option will be in the Foxboro Y’s indoor pool and everyone gets a cool candy cane swim cap. Choose to start your 5K timed event at either 5:00am or 7:30am. Sign Up coming soon! questions? Edwin Fladger
  • Walk/Run: meet us at 6:00pm on the Foxboro Y’s indoor track to get a great workout in! All participants will be given some Y swag to wear home. Sign Up coming soon! questions? Lauren Hynes

Swim with Santa

Saturday, Dec 17 (1:00-3:00pm)
Bring your friends and family to celebrate this holiday season at the Y and enjoy holiday crafts and… swimming with Santa!

  • Bathing suits must be worn by all swimmers (swim diapers required if not potty-trained) and inflatables should be left at home. Safety reminder: children must be accompanied by an adult and for kids under 8, an adult guardian must also be in the pool (within arm’s distance).
  • Cost: $6 per person or one unopened toy donation. Pre-registration is required. questions? Edwin Fladger

Posted on: Friday, November 18th, 2016

You can do this

Children are like sponges – they watch and absorb knowledge, skils and values from everything and everyone around them. At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success.

Every day our coaches and teachers, counselors, trainers, and child watch staff work hard to help kids feel connected and supported in trying new things. We can’t wait to welcome you at the Y!

Below, watch what we sound like from a child’s point of view. Please join us this winter.

Posted on: Wednesday, November 9th, 2016

Youth Basketball League

YBL runs: Dec 2-Feb 4

We offer young athletes the foundations that will last a lifetime!

Our popular basketball program offers a great way for kids to stay active and connected with others interested in healthy competition this winter. An estimated 1,000 kids age 3-14 will join basketball practices and games in our three gymnasiums. With a focus on youth development, coaches focus on the fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting, as well as the basics of defense, while emphasizing team work, fair play and learning to love the game of basketball.

Did you know, we have a special connection to the origins of the game? In December, 1891, physical education teacher James Naismith invented basketball at the International YMCA Training School. During the long winter, students wanted an activity unlike traditional indoor activities. Naismith came up with a physically demanding game, simple to understand. No contact would be allowed, the ball passed but not carried. He elevated goals at the ends of the court to increase the challenge, with 10′ selected because that was the height of the Y’s elevated indoor running track.

Although there are differences in the game today (it was originally played with a soccer ball and peach basket goals), today’s athletes share the same passion for the sport. Our coaches work passionately to foster skills while also sharing the pursuit of YMCA character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Take advantage of Early Bird pricing when you register by Nov. 20.

Cost for the 8 week program is $84 (member) or $126 (program member). This will increase by $15 per person after 11/20.

Register Today for Leagues, Skills & Cheer:

AT THE FOXBORO Y

AT THE FRANKLIN Y

AT THE NORTH ATTLEBORO Y


League play is offered for ages 4-14, however a shorter (45 minute vs 60 minute) option is also offered for 3 year olds. Beginner cheerleading is also offered in North Attleboro only, and gives girls a great opportunity to develop tumbling skills and the chance to cheer at basketball games.

Our new Youth Program Guide collects all our Winter youth development programs for easy download.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Posted on: Tuesday, November 8th, 2016

National Family Week

National Family Week is an annual celebration observed during the week of Thanksgiving. The Alliance for Children and Families and its member organizations have annually promoted National Family Week for more than 40 years.

Our Y is proud to help area families connect to the opportunities, networks, support, and services that enable them to succeed. We encourage you to join our celebration of National Family Week, November 21-27, 2016.

On Thanksgiving Day, our branches will be open 7-11am with child watch open 8-11am. We wish you a happy Thanksgiving! Be sure to look for recipes for using your leftovers when you visit the Y and feel free to bring a friend on Thanksgiving Day free of charge. Donations to our local food pantries are encouraged throughout the week.

FOXBORO Y EVENTS:

Monday

  • Holiday-themed story/craft class with take-away in child watch 9:30am $5/child
  • Family open gymnastics 12:15-1:15pm (free)
  • Wee Dance parent/child class 1:00-1:30pm (preregister at Member Services; free)
  • CPR class 6:00pm. Adults, free. Online pre-work is required (limited enrollment) Sign up by 11/15

Tuesday

  • Join us at Bass Pro Shop for a serving of trail mix before heading out to the cranberry bogs for an 11:30am family hike
  • Parent/child cooking class 5:30pm (free. call 508-543-2523 to register)

Wednesday

  • Dora & Diego Character Lunch 11:30am (serving turkey roll up, apple slices & yogurt) Sign up
  • Use our Child Watch Drop Off Program 12:00-3:00pm and get a jump on your Thanksgiving prep with no kids under foot
  • Jumparoo & giveaway in 1/2 gym 1:00-3:00pm (free)

Friday

  • Black Friday Swim Challenges 8:00am start. All ages, all day. contact: edwinf@hockymca.org or 508-772-1324
  • Pickup an ornament from our lobby giving tree. Thanks for helping a local family in need

Saturday

  • Swim with the turkeys! 1:30-3:30pm inflatables in the pool (free)
  • CPR class 6:00pm. Adults, free. Online pre-work is required (limited enrollment) Sign up by 11/15

Sunday

  • Open Gymnastics for families 4:00-4:45pm (free)


FRANKLIN Y EVENTS:

Monday

  • Family Freeze Dance 4:00-4:45pm in Kids Club (free)

Tuesday

  • Join us at Bass Pro Shop for a serving of trail mix before heading out to the cranberry bogs for an 11:30am family hike
  • Dora & Diego Character Lunch 11:30am (serving turkey roll up, apple slices & yogurt) Sign up
  • Family Zumba 4:00-5:00pm (free)

Wednesday

  • Jumparoo & Giveaway in the gym 10:00am-12:00pm (free)
  • Use our Child Watch Drop Off Program 12:00-3:00pm and get a jump on your Thanksgiving prep with no kids under foot

Friday

  • STEM Family activity 1:00-3:00pm (free)
  • Pickup an ornament from our lobby giving tree. Thanks for helping a local family in need.

Saturday

  • Swim with the turkeys! 1:30-3:30pm inflatables in the pool (free)

Sunday

  • Family Open Gymnastics 2:00-3:30pm (free)


NORTH ATTLEBORO Y EVENTS:

Monday

  • Dora & Diego Character Lunch 11:30am (serving turkey roll up, apple slices & yogurt) Sign up
  • Swim with the turkeys! 1:00-3:00pm inflatables in the pool (free)

Tuesday

  • Thanksgiving Food Craft in lobby 11:00am-12:00pm (free)

Wednesday

  • STEM Family activity 10:00-11:30am (free)
  • Use our Child Watch Drop Off Program 12:00-3:00pm and get a jump on your Thanksgiving prep with no kids under foot

Friday

  • Jumparoo, snacks & giveaway 10:30am-12:00pm (free)
  • Family Dodgeball 4:00-5:30pm (free)
  • Pickup an ornament from our lobby giving tree. Thanks for helping a local family in need.

Saturday

  • CPR class 9:00am. Adults, free. Online pre-work is required (limited enrollment) Sign up by 11/15

We hope you have a great time celebrating Thanksgiving with your family and thank you for having fun and being active at the Y. For tips on healthy living, visit ymca healthy family home.

Posted on: Monday, November 7th, 2016

Legends Online Auction

A Benefit for the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative

Bid Today
to Open Doors of Opportunity

Legends Ball was held on November 15 and is our YMCA’s signature event raising funds for our innovative Integration Initiative. For 12 years our Integration Initiative has been responding to the emerging needs of local children and families, providing opportunities for children with special needs and disabilities to participate alongside their typically developing peers in Hockomock Area YMCA programs, activities and services.

If you missed the Ball, you now have an excellent opportunity to contribute and get a great deal on amazing items up for bid. Thank you for your support and recognizing that together as a community, we care for one another, accept one another, bring friends and neighbors closer, and connect to a larger purpose.

Our online auction opens at noon on Monday, November 14.

MAKE A BID!

Get a great deal on gifts & experiences offered across a wide variety of categories!

DINING, TRAVEL, ENTERTAINMENT

  • Orlando vacation week at Vistana, including Splittsville Orlando experience (7/2-7/9/17)
  • Tour and Tasting for six at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard
  • 5 Class Pack from Rev’d Patriot Place
  • An overnight at the Hilton + $50 CBS Scene
  • Domino’s Pizza for a Year
  • King of the Lanes Party at Splitsville & Renaissance Overnight
  • Renaissance overnight and gift card
  • Tickets for a PPAC show (Lion King 3/5/17) with $100 gift card
  • 2 tickets for Donny & Marie at Foxwoods (11/26/16 8pm)
  • $50 complimentary dining experience at Season’s Buffet at Mohegan Sun
  • Newport Experience- (2) Mansion Tickets
  • Lake Pearl Brunches for a Year

HOME, ART, FAMILY

  • Family Fun Package- 4 Waterpark Day Passes to Great Wolf Lodge, Winter Skate Family Pass, and 4 general admission Pawsox (4/11/17) Tickets
  • Paint Nite at Muse
  • $100 Gift Certificate to Cardi’s Furniture
  • Willow Tree Thanksgiving Dinner

JEWELRY, BEAUTY, FASHION

  • Kate Spade Bag
  • Steinfort necklace

SPORTS & MEMORABILIA

  • Gronk Autographed Jersey
  • 2 Celtics Tickets
  • DBC Autographed Golfer’s Pin Flags
  • Bill Lee Autographed baseball
  • Rob Ninkovich autographed Jersey
  • Rob Ninkovich autographed mini helmet
  • Selection of DBC Pin Flags signed by: Henrik Stenson, Jason Day, Justin Rose, or Adam Scott

Posted on: Monday, October 17th, 2016

Celebrating 10 Yrs of Theatre Excellence – Get Your Tix!

On Saturday, October 29th, JOIN US! We are hosting a special performance celebrating the past 10 years, in which a truly special youth theatre program has grown. The show will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Guidrey Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. Since 2006, our YMCA has produced over 55 musicals and 10 plays featuring full costume and professional sound/lights and dozens of concerts, showcases and cabarets.

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

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

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

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

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

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY!

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

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

Posted on: Friday, August 26th, 2016

Announcing the start of our fall Weigh to Change Program!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Days & Times:

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

Invensys Foxboro Branch
67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro, MA 02067

Days & Times:

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

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

Days & Times:

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

The Weigh to Change program offers support and education in both areas of fitness and nutrition. By combining physical training and better nutrition, participants will benefit in the most successful way to achieve weight loss. Participants will be challenged throughout the ten weeks with personal training, nutrition guidance, group work outs, and friendly challenge competitions.

Specifically the Weigh to Change Program includes:

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

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

REGISTER ONLINE FOR WEIGH TO CHANGE

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

MEMBERSHIP
COMMUNITY
CAUSE
CAREERS

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

NORTH ATTLEBORO BRANCH

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760

 508.695.7001

MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER

40 Balcom Street
Mansfield, MA 02048

 508.339.3066