NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y

All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Wednesday, November 9th, 2016

Legends Online Auction

A Benefit for the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative

Bid To Open
Doors of Opportunity

Legends Ball will be 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.

Our online auction opens at noon on Tuesday, November 15.

MAKE A BID!

Even if you cannot attend the Legends Ball, here is an excellent opportunity to contribute and get a great deal on items up for bid in many popular 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
  • An overnight at the Hilton + $50 CBS Scene
  • Domino’s Pizza for a Year
  • Adult Party at Splitsville/Howl at the Moon
  • Renaissance overnight and gift card
  • Tickets for a PPAC show (Lion King 3/5/17) with $100 gift card and Hotel Stay
  • 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
  • Flank Gift Certificate

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, Justin Rose, or Adam Scott
  • King Pines Ski Area Gift Certificate
  • Bill Belichick Autographed Football
  • Devin McCourty Autographed Jersey

Auction ends at noon on Thursday, December 15, 2016. 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.

Posted on: Saturday, October 8th, 2016

Year-end Personal Training Special

Commit To Be Fit

Save over $50!

Get 10 sessions with a personal trainer for only $399.

We all need the advice of an expert sometimes, as well as the personal attention that comes with a trainer or coach. Our Y offers personal training and coaching to help you set and meet your specific goals in order to live healthier. A great gift for yourself or others!

Promotion runs: Nov. 15-Dec. 31, 2016

  • Purchase the 10 sessions at our Member Services
  • Sessions purchased must be used before March 31, 2017 (limit one per person)
  • You’ll receive a 10% coupon off your next purchase of 6 or more sessions!

All our trainers are nationally certified. They will tailor a lifestyle program to YOUR needs through individual one-on-one sessions. All sessions will provide support, fun and intrigue. We hope to hear from you if you have questions.

CONTACT US

Posted on: Saturday, October 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

  • Family Zumba & Breakfast To-Go 9:00-10:00am (free)
  • 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
  • Small Business Saturday, vendors in the lobby 9:00am-12:00pm. contact: dawnd@hockymca.org or 508-643-5270

Sunday

  • Dance Class for 2-6 year olds (free) 11:00am-12:00pm

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: Friday, October 7th, 2016

The Legends Ball – Nov. 15

OPPORTUNITY
INCLUSION
IMPACT

TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 15, 2016

Rob Ninkovich, New England Patriots Linebacker, To Receive 2016 Legends Ball Award

Join us for an evening of distinction featuring New England sports legends and honoring Rob Ninkovich for his passion and commitment to children with special needs and their families.

Cocktail Reception 6:00pm
Introduction of Legends 7:15pm
Dinner with Legends 8:00pm

Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street, Wrentham, MA

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

Our Integration Initiative continues to provide unique, innovative and impactful opportunities for children with special needs and their families.

The Integration Initiative was created to meet an emerging need in the communities we serve, recognizing the importance of supporting children with special needs and their families, providing a community of inclusion at our YMCA.

Since 2004, more than 1,000 children and families have participated in our Initiative. Many participants have grown up in the program and families continue to look to our Y to provide more opportunities as children transition into the challenges of young adulthood. Environments are established that promote social growth, relationship building, and the comfort in knowing the Y is here for families.

OUR INITIATIVE INCLUDES:

The VIP Club (Volunteering through Inclusive Partnerships)
The VIP Club, introduced this year, meets weekly and provides opportunities for Integration Initiative participants over the age of 17 to learn about volunteering at our Y and within the community.

New Horizons Summer Camp
Our New Horizons summer camp provides an inclusive setting of traditional summer camp for children with special needs. 2016 marked the 6th year of New Horizons with 150 campers with disabilities attending over 600 weeks of summer camp.

Unified Sports
We support two Unified Teams in both basketball and flag football comprised of youth and young adults with and without disabilities. In 2016, over 50 participants with disabilities were involved in our Unified Sports Program.

HAY Harmony
HAY Harmony, a program inspired by our Y’s swim team, recently celebrated its 6th season. This teen program meets monthly with more than 40 kids with and without disabilities enjoying social time in the Spier Family Aquatics Center at our Invensys Foxboro Branch.

Inclusive Golf Team
Now in its third year, our Inclusive Golf Team has a roster of 20 golfers with and without disabilities. This year, the team enjoyed events sponsored by TPC Boston, The Deutsche Bank Championship and MGA Links.

Thank you for your role in creating a culture of inclusion and diversity celebrated at our YMCA every day. The important funds raised through your support and generosity make a tremendous difference in the lives of young people and their families.

Please respond if interested in attending no later than Friday, October 28. For further information, contact Peter Waisgerber at 508-643-5251 or peterw@hockymca.org.


Presented by: CVS Health

Posted on: Thursday, October 6th, 2016

New Programs for Fall 2

Fall 2 runs: Oct 31 – Dec 23

Feeling Like Fall!

We believe that kids need encouragement and a safe place to be active and learn together with peers. And that doesn’t change simply because the days are getting shorter! Our upcoming programs encourage kids to continue their summertime active lifestyles by joining us for awesome offerings. They just scream Autumn!

Our new Youth Program Guide collects all our Fall 2 youth development programs for easy download.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Check out Our Seasonal Programs for Youth:

  • Basketball Skills Classes
  • Youth Basketball League – teams are forming now
  • Floor Hockey – preschool to school age options
  • Beginner to Advanced Karate

We Encourage Pool Time.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that swimming skills gained this summer should be fostered throughout the school year. More time in the water = more confidence + improved skills. For anyone unsure which swim lesson makes sense for their child, please see our new swim placement guide. Also, check out our Pool Schedules to find options for participating in Open Swim, or plan to join us for lap swim and aqua exercise classes, which are available throughout the week.

Foxboro Pool Schedule

Franklin Pool Schedule

North Attleboro Pool Schedule

What About Specially Designed Programs?

  • Fall 2’s gymnastics classes will focus on reliving the fun we found watching the Summer Games in Rio. Kids will learn bars, beam, and floor routines based on levels 1 and 2 Jr. Olympics’ compulsory routines and march in their own parade of athletes before performing these skills for loved ones at the last class. Included is an awards ceremony, so don’t forget your camera.
  • Teen/tween fitness happens after school at the Y. Check out options like strength coaching, running groups, and introduction to Group Exercise classes including Zumba or Kickboxing.
  • Cozy up in the kitchen this fall and let your kids learn to cook at the Y! We offer a number of Youth Cooking Classes. (2-12 yrs)

Fall is Here. So Start the Move Indoors.

Join us as your workout begins to comes inside. Don’t forget to check our gym schedule because, in addition to pickup hoops & Open Gym, we offer the following ways to be fit:

  • Adult Basketball Leagues, including women’s leagues
  • Volleyball
  • Dodgeball

Foxboro Gym Schedule

Franklin Gym Schedule

North Attleboro Gym Schedule

Because we offer so many programs, we also have this printable guide you can download.pdf download: catalog of Fall 2 classes


REGISTER FOR FALL 2 CLASSES


Member Registration begins Tuesday, October 4th

Posted on: Thursday, October 6th, 2016

A Night to Celebrate Our LIVESTRONG Program

Please join us as we celebrate impact and raise critical funds for the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program.

This evening of inspiration will feature:

  • Community Champion Award Honorees CVS Health and Golf Fights Cancer
  • Remarks from LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program alumni
  • Program Volunteer Recognition

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week program designed for cancer survivors seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors.

EVENT DETAILS

Tuesday, October 25, 2016
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
At Lake Pearl, 299 Creek St Wrentham, Massachusetts

Please RSVP today to supportlivestrong@hockymca.org or 508-643-5278

Posted on: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Where Community Comes Together

Summer 2016 was a record setting, fun-filled experience for thousands of local kids and families.

Adventure trips, new climbing trees, hammock villages, remote controlled race cars, paddle boards and our new and innovative STEM activities for campers were new additions to our traditional offerings, making summer camp among the most special times in the lives of the children we serve.

Program quality, and a safe and nurturing environment for kids, were combined with great leadership from role model counselors who brought with them an energy and enthusiasm that permeated throughout all of our camps this summer. 10,242 sessions of summer camp in 2016 represents an increase of 20% from the previous summer.

Another source of pride at our YMCA is the opportunities for employment extended to high school and college age role models. This summer we hired 241 camp counselors under the age of 21, in many case providing teens with their first job.

Brittany Gretchel, who is 16 years old and starting her junior year of high school, exclaimed, “I’ve been going to the Y as a camper since I was 7 years old, the Y has been part of my life since I can remember.” In her first year as a counselor working with 5 year olds Brittany says, “It’s a lot of fun working here and getting to know all the kids and I feel like I really make a difference. There was one girl who had never been in a pool before this summer and she did not want to go in the pool at all. And now she’s swimming by herself, it’s so cool to know we helped her get to this point.”

Experiences like the one described by Brittany happened each and every day as over 1,000 kids a day attended camps at our locations throughout the communities we serve. And like we are fond of saying, “It was the Best Summer Ever.”

August was special for participants in our Y’s Integration Initiative. Members of our Unified Golf Team once again met, interacted, and putted with professional golfers from all over the world during the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston.

We take great pride in our partnership with our friends at TPC Boston and the Deutsche Bank Championship and once again enjoyed a wonderful experience.

And on August 23rd teens with special needs and disabilities from our Integrated Voyager camps experienced a day on our Ropes Challenge Course at the Kyle Van De Giesen Outdoor Leadership Center at Camp Elmwood in North Attleboro. It was an awesome afternoon as kids continued to overcome fears and obstacles as they scaled the high ropes in an environment that inspired courage, perseverance and teamwork.

Thank you all for your continued support and friendship of our YMCA. It means a great deal to all of us and more importantly makes a great impact on the thousands of kids that came to our Y this summer.


Ed Hurley

President, Hockomock Area YMCA




September news from the office of President Ed Hurley

Posted on: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Holy Halloween Batman! It’s Time for Spooky Games!

Family and friends are invited to a free Halloween event with face painting, jumpy house, crafts, games, and more! The theme for the evening is Superheroes! Pizza Slices & Water will be available for $1.00 each.

Details

WHERE: Franklin Bernon Family Branch

WHEN: October 21st, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you in your Halloween costume!

HAUNTED WOODS – CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN :

Kids ages 7 years or older are invited to tour our Haunted Woods.

Questions?
Contact Brandi in Franklin @ brandij@hockymca.org

Posted on: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Celebrate 10 Yrs of Theatre Excellence

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: Monday, October 3rd, 2016

Calling all Leaders!

Get Involved, Make a Difference

A Community for Teens

All kids have great potential. Learn more about our Leaders Clubs, enrolling now. These clubs (for middle and high school students) are designed to give young adults the opportunity to envision and pursue a positive future, and they give kids a chance to take an active role in strengthening their community.

Our goal is to help Leaders Club members develop the qualities of a leader and gain valuable life skills, thereby setting members up for success in whatever they look to achieve or accomplish. We are an active bunch that accepts everyone for who they are and encourage our members to be themselves. We are silly, we are goofy and we are proud of who we are. We establish a judgment-free environment to help members feel comfortable in their own skin and be themselves. Too often today’s youth have to deal with peer pressures at school and among friends: feeling forced to alter the way they act, walk, talk, think, and dress. Not here! In Leaders, you are encouraged to be YOU. In your purest form.

A major component of the club is our commitment to volunteerism. We require all members to complete 6 hours of service every month. Not only does this show us the value of giving back, but it also feels really good to know that because of YOU someone else is better off. In addition to giving back to the community, we also ensure tons of fun for all! Be prepared to attend lock-ins and overnights at the Y, go on field trips and visit other YMCA’s for fun and excitement… while meeting new people and making lifelong friends.

JR LEADERS: middle school ages. SR LEADERS: high school ages. Meetings are held weekly. Leaders Club is FREE for Hockomock YMCA members ($5 for non-members). Registration packets are available at Member Services.

Foxboro

(at the Foxbooro Y, in the Teen Center)

  • JUNIOR LEADERS meet Thursdays, 6-7:30pm
    • starts 10/20/16
  • SENIOR LEADERS meet Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm
    • starts 10/1/16

Franklin

(at the Franklin Y, 2nd floor Youth Development Area)

  • JUNIOR LEADERS meet Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm
    • starts 9/21/16
  • SENIOR LEADERS meet Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm
    • starts 9/22/16

North Attleboro

(at The Zone Teen Center (585 E. Washington St, North Attleboro)

  • JUNIOR LEADERS meet Mondays, 6:00-7:00pm
    • starts 9/19/16
  • SENIOR LEADERS meet Mondays, 6:45-8:00pm
    • starts 9/19/16


In addition to Leaders Club, your YMCA offers many teen activities like dodgeball and basketball tournaments, movie nights, and dances. Please keep an eye on our Friends & Family Calendars so you don’t miss a thing!

Foxboro Teen Schedule

Franklin Teen Schedule

North Attleboro Teen Schedule


“I don’t know where I would be without the Y!” – Peter Dailey, on gaining leadership skills and great friendships all while becoming more confident, open-minded, and accepting of others through his active participation in Leaders Club.

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

MEMBERSHIP
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Privacy Policy

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