NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA


Posted on: Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Our Gymnastics Curriculum

Interested in gymnastics classes? We are offering an updated curriculum with the most flexible scheduling ever before available at our gyms in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro! Try NEW babies offerings, classes that run now through June—allowing gymnasts to progress between stages while keeping the time slot that works best—and many specialty classes like Superhero, Princess, and Gym & Swim.

Y Gymnastics Classes at a Glance:

PARENT-CHILD GYMNASTICS provides a child’s first introduction to gymnastics—led by a knowledgeable instructor while supported in class by a parent or guardian: a great way to bond with your child and encourage social interactions in a group setting from when your child starts walking through independent participation.

  • ME & MY 1 YEAR OLD introduce your toddler to a new & exciting environment with singing, stretching, floor stations; ME & MY 2 YEAR OLD bars, beam, floor and vault. Using all elements of gymnastics, you and your child will enjoy time together and witness learning take place alongside lots of fun; and ME & MY 3 YEAR OLD similar to above, with kids showing improved listening skills and progressing to participate independently.

REGISTER FOR PARENT-CHILD GYMNASTICS CLASSES NOW

PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS provides foundational skills for gymnasts age 3-6 through floor work (teaching proper positions such as V-sit, stick and straight jump) and developing skills on bars, beam, floor and vault.

  • STAGE 1 introductory skills will be practiced and children will advance once they show proficiency (example: swing on rings, sideways walk on beam, build upper body strength climbing over obstacles, vault: run and jump onto board then jump off alone); STAGE 2 using all elements of gymnastics, athletes will advance (example: back hip circle on bars with a light spot, handstand on low beam, round off, 3 step hurdle up to vault); and STAGE 3 extensive experience will be provided to gymnasts and skills will continue to improve (example: chin up and leg lift on high bar, pivot turns on beam, back bend, hand stand forward roll, dive roll on vault).

REGISTER FOR PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS CLASSES NOW

YOUTH GYMNASTICS provides organized drills and curriculum for ages 6-14, preparing gymnasts for a competitive or recreational track.

  • BEGINNER bars, beam, floor and vault: introductory skills will be practiced and children will advance once they show proficiency (example: pullover with spot, high beam walk without assistance, handstand, cartwheel off the vault with a spot); INTERMEDIATE using all elements of gymnastics, athletes will advance (example: back hip circle on bars with a light spot, handstand on low beam, round off, 3 step hurdle up to vault); and ADVANCED in which gymnasts really hone their skills and show grace and strength that is on par with competitive gymnastics (example: bars under-swing dismount, beam round off dismount, back handspring on wedge with a light spot, handstand off the vault).

REGISTER FOR YOUTH GYMNASTICS CLASSES NOW

Our intent is to foster a sense of achievement as children progress between levels, improving on listening and social skills on top of the benefits of movement classes toward gross motor skills. Through this approach, gymnasts flow more easily to higher levels while those who need more instruction can learn at their own pace. This results in more confident gymnasts who stick with lessons and develop a love for gymnastics that can lead to team gymnastics and a lifetime of healthy habits.


Our Youth Program Guide (pp 12-16) explains everything and can be downloaded to help when choosing gymnastics classes.

REGISTER FOR GYMNASTICS SPECIALTY CLASSES NOW

REGISTER FOR GYMNASTICS CLASSES THAT ARE COMBINED WITH BAKING OR SWIMMING NOW

Inquire about your gymnast today.

If you have any question about Gymnastics, or want some help placing your child in the right class, please reach out to our Gymnastics Directors below or simply call the front desk.

Bernon Y (Franklin): Lacey Whitaker at laceyw@hockymca.org

Foxboro Y: Alysha Lavatori at alyshal@hockymca.org

North Attleboro Y: Erin Shea at erins@hockymca.org

Posted on: Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Youth Splash and Dash is Cancelled for 2020

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA YOUTH SPLASH & DASH

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

THIS 2020 EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

AS PART OF OUR SPIER FAMILY TRIATHLON EVENT

Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street, Wrentham, MA

This is a swimming and running aquathlon competition for kids ages 5 to 14. Participants swim in lap lanes in Lake Pearl then transition from the lake to a running trail on Lake Pearl grounds to finish the race on foot.

Fast Facts

Age 5-9 Race Category

Swim is in a calm lake with lap lanes, 25 yards.
Run a quarter mile on Lake Pearl grounds to finish the race on foot.

Age 10-14 Race Category

Swim is in a calm lake with lap lanes, 100 yards.
Run a half mile on Lake Pearl grounds to finish the race on foot.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Dan Brennock at 508-643-5216 or danb@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Tuesday, December 24th, 2019

Honoring Marge Kraskouskas

It is with a a heavy heart and deep sadness — yet with feelings of great affection and fond memories — that I share with all of you the passing of Marge Kraskouskas on December 23, 2019.

Marge’s impact on her family, her community and our YMCA will be felt long after all of us are gone. Her contributions to the human condition of all the people she loved and cared for is the very definition of the word legacy.

Marge Kraskouskas was part of the fabric of our YMCA for more than 30 years. She was quite literally and figuratively the heart and soul of our Y family. The countless lives she touched and her passion for improving the quality of life of all those who were fortunate enough to benefit from her grace and wisdom was a blessing. The compassion she shared on a daily basis made all of us who knew her better for the experience, and grateful for her friendship.

Since her retirement, our Y has presented the Marge Kraskouskas Legacy of Caring Award each year at our staff recognition event recognizing a staff member for their loyalty, caring and commitment to the mission and vision of our Y. We were thrilled Marge joined us last summer at our annual luncheon.

Please join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the Kraskouskas family that she loved so deeply. Her devotion to family is something all of us can emulate during this holiday season.

May God Bless Marge Kraskouskas and her family.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

Obituary for Marjorie Ann “Marge” (Jandris) Kraskouskas, click here.

Posted on: Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

National Family Week

There’s a Y in every family. Celebrate National Family Week with us!

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 all families during National Family Week. Our activities will begin on Sunday, November 21st and continue through Sunday, November 28th.

More details with all of our offerings for Family Week will be posted here soon. See you at the Y!

Posted on: Friday, November 1st, 2019

December Wellness Specials

It’s time for the 12 Days of Fitness!

Give yourself or a loved one the gift of good health. Starting Friday, December 13th for 12 days, all one-on-one Personal Training and Nutrition Packages are 10% off. Our 12 Days of Fitness promotion will help kickstart the new year with a ‘get fit’ focus.

We all need the advice of an expert sometimes, as well as the personal attention that comes with a trainer or coach. Throughout the 12 Days of Fitness, our wellness staff will share nutrition and fitness tips on our social media outlets.

  • Promotion runs December 13-24, 2019
  • Purchase any one-on-one Personal Training Package or Nutrition package and receive 10% off the package price
  • Purchases can be made at any Hockomock Area YMCA Member Service Desk
  • Packages expire 4-1-20
  • No limit on purchases
  • No Coupons

REGISTER TODAY!

In the meantime, a couple of tips to stay healthy over the holidays.

Stay active. Exercise is just as important during the holidays as any other time of the year. Tight for time? Try any of our group exercise classes for an awesome workout and meet some new friends. Exercise will help reduce the stress brought on by the holidays.
Include your family and be healthy together. Go for a hike or come to the Y for family swim.
Plan ahead. Make a to do list each night as you get ready for the holidays. This will help you be efficient, get a lot accomplished, and reduce your stress.
And remember to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep helps your body lose weight, fight infections, and reduces stress.

For more information and tips on how to help you or a loved one reach your healthy living and nutrition goals, speak to any of our wellness staff and have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends from all of us here at the Hockomock Area YMCA.

Posted on: Thursday, September 26th, 2019

Learn CPR & Save a Life

The Hockomock Area YMCA is pleased to offer life saving skill training at the Y or at your preferred location for groups of six or more. The course lasts three hours and upon completion provides certification paperwork valid for two years.

Community Safety Training is available to everyone age 16 or older and membership at the Y is not required.

Get involved today.

Registration is required (cost: $70 per person).

Class Options:

  • Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 PM @ the North Attleboro Y; choose from the following dates: 11/13/19, 12/4/19, 12/18/19, 1/15/20, 1/29/20. CONTACT: nicoleb@hockymca.org or call 508-695-7001 if you have any questions.

  • Weekend evening options upcoming @ the Foxboro Y: Friday, November 1, 2019 or Saturday, December 14, 2019 (6:30 – 9:30 PM) @ the Foxboro Y. CONTACT: sheilar@hockymca.org or call 508-543-2523 if you have any questions.

  • Saturday morning, January 11, 2020 (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM) @ the Foxboro Y. CONTACT: sheilar@hockymca.org or call 508-543-2523 if you have any questions.

  • Do you have a group of six or more? If it is preferable that the safety training is done at your location, please contact krystinae@hockymca.org or call 774-235-2761. We look forward to working with you.

Lifeguard Certification:

  • Lifeguard certification and recertificataion is also offered throughout the year at the YMCA. To view availability click here.

  • Non-members: when you enter the registration page, please choose “I don’t have an account, but I want to create one.” Scroll all the way down (past a variety of membership options) to the section that states “Non-Member Program Registration: This membership type allows non-members to register for programs”.

REGISTER NOW

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. Thank you in advance for striving to improve others’ quality of life.

Posted on: Sunday, August 18th, 2019

Join us at Patriot Place for Healthy Kids Day

Our annual event promoting healthy lifestyles–Healthy Kids Day®–is returning for a great day of fit family fun on Saturday, Sept. 28th.

The Hockomock Area YMCA really is WHERE FAMILIES CONNECT. Don’t miss our largest community event focused on healthy living. Enjoy all the creative, challenging, smart, and healthy fun for all ages. For the first time, our Foxboro YMCA 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Six String Grill & Stage will take place simultaneously (there is a charge for the running events, below). We look forward to sharing this unique chance to race at the same place as so many championships!

Healthy Kids Day will take place:

Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 10am-1pm
at Patriot Place in Foxborough

Find us on the Patriot Place Plaza, located outside Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon. In addition to our Presenting Sponsor Patriot Place, the day is supported by these generous sponsors: Live Nation New England and Xfinity Center, Norwood Hospital, and Sturdy Memorial Medical Staff, as well as Goody Bag Sponsors Nature’s Path and Stop & Shop.

Healthy Kids Day is a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. Enjoy:

  • inflatable gaga ball pit
  • photo booth (Every Photo Tells a Story, presented by Patriot Place)
  • giveaways
  • car seat safety checks (presented by Dorel Juvenile Group)
  • gymnastics obstacle course
  • nutrition demos
  • visit with Pat Patriot & New England Patriots cheerleaders
  • hands on STEM (science, tech, engineering & math) activities
  • fitness obstacle course
  • vision checks (presented by Lions District 33 Eye Mobile)
  • and much more!

Don’t miss The Foxboro YMCA 5K at Patriot Place — Here are the Details:

  • Our start and finish lines are at same spot at Healthy Kid Day!
  • Onsite Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
  • 5K starts at 9:00 a.m. (run or walk)
  • Kids Run starts at 11:00 a.m.
  • Cost: $30 (5K) and $15 (Kids Run)
  • All Kids Fun Runners will be awarded a medal!
  • Join us as we run in memory of Michael Baker, Linda Cavossa and Jackie Thomas
  • Early bib pickup (optional) will be available 9/26 (12pm-9:30pm) and 9/27 (5:15am-9:30pm) at The Foxboro Y (67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough)

Be sure to visit all the great vendors who will be onsite to share their Healthy Kids Day tips, games and prizes:

American Cancer Society, Bass Pro Shops, BBS Energy Works, LLC, Bellingham Senior Center, Brigham & Womens/Mass General Health Care Center, Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, District 33K Lions, Dorel Juvenile, Every Photo Tells a Story PhotoBooth, Foxboro Rotary Club, Fuel Up To Play 60, Jennifer Rose Art, Kennedy Donovan Center, Malco Art Center, Mass Dept of Children and Families, New England Frozen Ventures, Inc, New England Revolution, Norwood Hospital – Sponsor, Patriot Place, Pediatric Dental Healthcare, Project Bread, WIC Nutrition Program.

Connect with us on our #HealthyKidsDay2019 facebook event

See you at Patriot Place!

Posted on: Wednesday, August 14th, 2019

Foxboro YMCA 5K at Patriot Place

Join us THIS SATURDAY for a great race and celebration at the site of so many championships!

New this year! We are proud to announce that the Foxboro 5K has moved to Gillette Stadium and the course will be one that makes memories for years to come for all ages and abilities. Please contact JohnDevine@hockymca.org if you have any questions. Onsite registration will open at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday (9/28).

FOXBORO Y 5K
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
5K AND KIDS RUN

Saturday, Sept 28, 2019
at Patriot Place Plaza, located outside Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon

Foxborough, Massachusetts
Join us as we run in memory of Michael Baker, Linda Cavossa and Jackie Thomas.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Six String Grill & Stage! Visit them at Patriot Place (next to Renaissance Boston) for lunch, dinner, kids menu and live music.

  • Onsite Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.
  • 5K race begins at 9:00 a.m.
  • The Kids Run is just under 1 mile; it will start at 11:00 a.m.
  • DJ Mike will be onsite all day with great music and fun banter
  • Kids Run participants will each earn a medal
  • Cost: $30- for the 5K and $15- for the Kids Run

A DAY FILLED WITH CELEBRATION

On the same day and place as the 5K and Kids Run, the YMCA’s free annual celebration of healthy living—HEALTHY KIDS DAY®— will take place. So please be sure to join the activities on Patriot Place Plaza, which will run from 10:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m. What a great day for everyone!

For your convenience, the YMCA is offering bib pickup for registered runners at the Foxboro Y (67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough, MA) as follows: Thursday, Sept. 26 from 12:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 27 from 5:15 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Posted on: Sunday, August 11th, 2019

Annual Candle Sale

The Wax is Back!
Join us for our annual Candle Sale.

Details:

Friday, November 15: 10:00am-7:00pm
Saturday, November 16: 10:00am-2:00pm
Sunday, November 17: 10:00am-2:00pm
Lobbies of our Branches in Foxboro and North Attleboro

Candle prices will range from $3 to $5.

Thanks to a good friend of our YMCA, we have designer candles donated to help support YMCA Teen Programming.

Every dollar and scent will benefit youth and families in our community. Cash and credit card accepted. Candles make great gifts for the holidays!

Posted on: Saturday, August 3rd, 2019

Fall Weigh to Change session starting soon

Our Weigh to Change program provides the support and guidance you need to succeed. Christine Toland (pictured) explains, “the amount of support and encouragement that I received from the trainers, nutritionist, staff, and other WTC members is amazing. I have been transformed both mentally and physically, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Registration is now open for our Weigh to Change Program. The 10-week program run September 15th through November 23th.

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 workouts, and friendly challenge competitions.

Specifically the Weigh to Change Program includes:

  • Weekly individual 30-minute personal training sessions
  • Individual nutrition counseling with our nutritionist
  • Minimum of 3 weekly group training sessions offered solely for the Fall WTC group
  • Weekly nutrition and physical challenges and entry in a local road race
  • Two Nutrition workshops
  • Grocery store education tours
  • Before & after Styku 3-D body scans to provide measurements

The cost of the program is $499 for Hockomock Area YMCA Members and $599 for Hockomock Area YMCA Program Members (over an $800 value). Payment plan available.

REGISTER HERE FOR WEIGH TO CHANGE

INFO SESSIONS

Meet the trainers who will guide you through your Weigh to Change journey at one of our Info Sessions or schedule your own info session:

  • Bernon Family Branch: Thurs. Sept 12 @ 6:00pm or email abbyw@hockymca.org
  • Invensys Foxboro Branch: Wed. Sept 11 @ 6:15pm or email laurenhynes@hockymca.org
  • North Attleboro Branch: Wed. Sept 11 @ 6:00pm or email jocelynl@hockymca.org