Posted on: Sunday, August 22nd, 2021

Dante Scarnecchia is our 2021 Legends Honoree

Our YMCA announced that Dante Scarnecchia, former assistant head coach for the New England Patriots, will be the recipient of the 2021 Legends Award at the 16th annual Legends Ball on November 30th. The announcement was made at our Legends Golf Classic on October 18th hosted by TPC Boston. Coach Scarnecchia was on hand to acknowledge the honor that will recognize his commitment and passion to our YMCA’s Integration Initiative.

Ed Hurley, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA, said, “I’ve had the privilege and honor to get to know this individual over the years.” Ed continued, “You talk about people who are class acts, who give back and who believe in being part of their community. This person truly exemplifies these qualities.”

“Every time I’ve ever asked Dante Scarnnechia to help in any way at our YMCA, the answer has always been ‘yes,’” says Hurley. “We can’t have a better ambassador for the Integration Initiative, for our Hockomock Area YMCA than Coach Dante Scarnecchia. It’s my pleasure and honor to announce that our 2021 Legends Ball Honoree will be Dante Scarnecchia.” YMCA supporters, friends, sports legends, Integration Initiative participants and their families, volunteers and staff congratulated Scarenecchia upon the announcement.

On receiving this recognition Scarnecchia remarked, “What a great day it is for the Legends Golf Classic and what a great privilege it is to be here today. Let’s have a great day.” Scarnecchia, a five time Super Bowl Champion, is a legendary coach for the New England Patriots for 34 years.

Past honorees have included Kyle Van Noy, Brian Flores, Matthew Slater, Rob Ninkovich, Devin McCourty, Tim Fox, Nate Solder, Peter Brock, Rick and Dick Hoyt, Matt Light and Joe Andruzzi. Coach Scarnecchia was surrounded by participants of the Y’s Integration Initiative on the putting green before the 12th annual Legends Golf Classic began. There were also sports legends on hand to congratulate Coach including his former players Patriots Guard & 3-time Super Bowl Champion Joe Andruzzi and Patriots Center and 2-time Super Bowl Champion Russ Hochstein.

The 16th annual Legends Ball will take place on November 30th. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative, established in 2004, which provides opportunities for children, young adults and adults with special needs to participate in YMCA programs and activities alongside their typically-developing peers. The program improves social skills, builds self-esteem, increases physical activity and independence, and enhances mutual respect among people of all abilities. Since its inception, the Integration Initiative has served more than 1,300 children and families by connecting children with special needs and their families to the community at large by removing barriers to inclusion.

Sports fans and friends of the Hockomock Area YMCA who are interested in sponsoring the Legends Ball may contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Friday, August 13th, 2021

Health Management Classes

We provide comprehensive support programs to address specific challenges associated with diseases such as cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. We’re excited to resume these classes in 2021 safely at our YMCA in both in-person and virtual settings.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program

Our YMCA is a provider of the Blood Pressure Self Monitoring program which supports individuals with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support. This 16-week program helps 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.

Please email Kasia Frenette kasiaf@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5271.

Cost is $30 for members; $50 for non-members.

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

• 18 years old or older
• diagnosed with high blood pressure
• not have experienced a recent cardiac event
• not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
• not be at risk for lymphedema

LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA Program

Cancer is a life-changing disease that takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected. The Y and LIVESTRONG have joined together to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, an evidence-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health. Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. The program includes a no-cost 12 week membership for the participant and his/her family.

New Fall sessions now forming and classes will begin the week of September 13th.

• Foxboro Y:Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10:30am-12:00pm session or 6:00pm-7:30pm session
• Franklin Y: Mondays & Wednesdays: 6:00pm-7:30pm
• North Attleboro Y: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00am-11:30am

To learn more about the program, please contact: Jackie Robison at jackier@hockymca.org or call at 508-772-1310.

Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

Diabetes Prevention Program

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to support adults who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce their risk.

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Risk for developing type 2 diabetes may be reduced or eliminated by weight loss, healthier eating and increased physical activity. More than 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes.

Prediabetes may be reversible; diabetes has no cure. Fortunately, our Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to support adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and to reduce their risk for developing the disease. This 1-year program, consists of 24 sessions, providing a welcoming environment where participants work together in a small group with certified YMCA instructors to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity. Program fee includes a 12-week YMCA membership.

Classes are Thursdays 12:30pm-1:30pm at our North Attleboro Y beginning September 9th. Evening classes to begin in October.

Cost is $285 for members; $429 for non-members.

The goal of the program is to help adults at risk for diabetes reduce their body weight by 5 to 7 percent and increase their physical activity to 150 minutes per week. Studies have shown that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can prevent or delay new cases of type 2 diabetes in adults by 58 percent and by as much as 71 percent in those over age 60.

For more information, please call Donna Higgins at 508-772-1310 or phl@hockymca.org.

MS Wellness

A 12-week program designed for individuals living with multiple sclerosis, with a focus on regular physical activity and improved nutrition. Includes a 12-week membership to the YMCA.

New Fall sessions now forming.

Free for members and non-members.

For more information, please call Donna Higgins at 508-772-1310 or phl@hockymca.org.