the Franklin Y – Page 4 – Hockomock Area YMCA

Posted on: Thursday, June 12th, 2025

Free Summer Lunch Programs

Our YMCA, in collaboration with many partners and organizations, will operate summer meal programs in the communities of Bellingham, Milford and Plainville.

Since 2016, we are proud to have served over 600,000 free lunches and counting!

Free Summer Lunches for Kids Ages 18 and under

No registration or paperwork required. Each child (and accompanied adult) will receive a free lunch at any of the sites below.

At Bellingham Public Library:

Free lunches Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
11:30am to 12:30pm
Bellingham Public Library: 100 Blackstone Street, Bellingham
The program will run Tuesday, June 24th through Thursday, August 14th.
Special thanks to our partners, the Town of Bellingham Public Library, the Franklin Food Pantry, Franklin Public Schools and Bellingham Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.
Join us for free lunch, activities and more.

At Milford’s Memorial Elementary School:

Free lunches Monday through Friday
11:00am to 12:30pm
Memorial Elementary School: 12 Walnut Street in Milford, MA
The program will run Monday, June 23th through Friday, August 15th.
Special thanks to our partners including the Town of Milford.
Every Friday, we will have interactive activities and games for all to enjoy during the mealtime including special Friday events like block parties, reptile encounters, mad scientist experiments, princess meet & greets, beach party fun and more.

At Plainville’s Jackson Elementary School:

Free lunches Tuesday and Thursday
12:15pm to 1:00pm
Jackson Elementary School: 68 Messenger Street in Plainville, MA
The program will run Tuesday, June 24th through Thursday, August 14th.
Special thanks to our partners including the Plainville Public Schools.
Join us for free lunch, activities and more.

Volunteer Opportunities

Join our YMCA and the communities of Bellingham, Milford, and Plainville as we provide lunches for youth and families who rely on school food through our summer lunch program. Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts, week days during the summer. All ages of volunteers welcome (under 15 years old with an adult). It’s a great way to supervise fun activities, interact with families and make a difference. Volunteer training is required.

Sign up to volunteer today! Fill out the form below to inquire.

We will host a volunteer training on Thursday, June 19th at 6:30pm in the Community Room at our Franklin Y.

I’M INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING

If you have questions, please email Alyson Delano.

USDA non-discrimination statement

Posted on: Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

Rediscover Summer

OUR OUTDOOR POOLS & SPLASH PARKS ARE OPEN

Splash into Summer with your Hockomock Area YMCA!

You and your loved ones can enjoy the perks of a Y membership. Take advantage of indoor and outdoor pools, state of the art wellness facilities, summer camp & summer session classes, friendly and helpful staff, and much more!

View each branch’s outdoor pool & splash park* schedule:

FOXBORO

FRANKLIN

NORTH ATTLEBORO

*Splash Parks at our Foxboro and Franklin locations.

Hockomock Area YMCA active members can visit any branch facility including our indoor and outdoor pools and our splash parks in Foxboro and Franklin.

Members are welcome to bring guests with guest passes.

Please note: photo ID is required at every visit for non-members ages 18+. Day passes and reciprocal member usage permitted for use of our outdoor pool at our North Attleboro Y.

Day passes and reciprocal member usage are not permitted for use of outdoor pool and splash park at our Foxboro and Franklin Ys.

Not a Y member? You can join today and rediscover summer with us Click Here.

Posted on: Monday, May 12th, 2025

Summer Classes at Your YMCA

June 23 – August 24

Join us for Summer classes! Fun & Creative Activities for Youth Development are coming soon. Registration is open and the session will start the week of June 23rd. Don’t miss out.

Destination Summer at our YMCA! Build Confidence & Play This Summer.

REGISTER FOR CLASSES

Summer Session runs 9 weeks long. We know many families take summer vacations and may go out of town – we understand and want to provide some flexibility. That’s why our summer program rates are only for 7 weeks, instead of 9.

Summer Classes include: Swim Lessons, Gymnastics, Sports, Dance, Fitness & more!

Not a Y member? You can join today and save 50% on classes Click Here. The entire community is welcome to participate in our summer classes.

Also! For information on our day camps and to register for the Best Summer Ever, visit hockymca.org/camp

Posted on: Saturday, May 10th, 2025

Water Safety Tips

May is National Water Safety Month

When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a delightful activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The Hockomock Area YMCA is sharing tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children swim, ensure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath-holding activities.

Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

Tip # 7: Use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool covers, and alarm systems to help prevent children from accessing water unsupervised.

Water safety isn’t just during swim time. Know the five layers of protection which include: barriers & alarms, supervision, water competency, life jackets and emergency preparation. You never know which layer will save a life.

Tip # 8: Prepare for emergencies by making sure everyone in your home takes water safety, first aid and CPR Courses.

Training in lifesaving skills such as lifeguarding and CPR presents opportunities for us all to take greater responsibility for ourselves and others. The Hockomock Area YMCA offers lifeguard, CPR and First Aid training programs with full certification. Reach out to us with any questions.

Listen to our water safety audio series:

Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4.

Tips on Water Safety in Different Bodies of Water

Water safety is important to every person. Be prepared and knowledgeable about being safe in and around water. We’re here to help.

Posted on: Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Game On For Mental Health Event

Featuring a Panel on Leadership, Athletics & Tackling the Stigma

Sponsored by our Hockomock Area YMCA, Paul & Karen Lenahan, Be Inspired Together, and Kyle Cares in celebration of Mental Health Awareness.

Thursday, June 26, 2025

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sports Illustrated Pavilion, Gillette Stadium

Foxborough, Mass

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
Audience Q&A at 7:45 p.m.

Parking Information: Please park in Lot 22A and look for signage for the event. To view the Gillette Stadium parking map: click here.

Join us for a powerful panel of community members who are dedicated to exploring the role of mental wellness in shaping leadership and resilience.

From the athletic fields, to working with professional athletes, to everyday life, the evening will focus on how conversations and support can tackle stigma, build resilience, and shape stronger communities. Learn how early awareness and supportive environments can foster healthy development and lasting confidence.

Perfect for athletes, parents, coaches, educators, and leaders at every level. All in the community (ages 13+) are invited to attend.

This event is free but registration is required through the YMCA.

REGISTER TODAY

About our Panelists:

Rob Ninkovich
Dr. Kimberly O’Brien
Dr. Jonathan Jenkins

Questions about this event, please email our YMCA’s Social Worker Brynne Kirwan, LCSW at brynnek@hockymca.org.

Parking Information: Please park in Lot 22A and look for signage for the event. To view the Gillette Stadium parking map: click here.

Posted on: Monday, April 28th, 2025

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA event

Our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Celebration event will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Please join us to celebrate impact and raise funding for our YMCA’s cancer survivorship program.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA empowers adult cancer survivors throughout our community to improve functional capacity and to enhance their quality of life through an innovative, research-based program of fitness, strength and support, provided by trained staff.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10th EVENT DETAILS

Lake Pearl

299 Creek Street in Wrentham, MA

5:30pm Cocktail Reception

6:30pm Program

Reception with hors d’oeuvres immediately following

RSVP for this event, email realimpact@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5220.

TO MAKE A GIFT

Our YMCA is creating communities among cancer survivors by guiding participants through safe physical activity, helping build supportive relationships and stress reduction. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants and their families a supportive environment and a feeling of community with other survivors, YMCA staff and members. Additionally, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is assisting participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Posted on: Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Day of Giving – Support our Y and Jersey Mike’s Subs

Join us Tuesday, May 6th for a Day of Giving at Jersey Mike’s Subs at the Franklin & Plainville stores.

Get a free regular sub on May 6th when you donate a minimum of $5. Proceeds will support our YMCA’s Annual Campaign.

Pick up a coupon at any Hockomock Area YMCA Branch Member Services Desk.

Or you can download and present this DIGITAL COUPON when ordering.

Thank you for your support!

Posted on: Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Pickleball Tournament at the Franklin Y

Join us for the 3rd annual Charity Pickleball Tournament – proudly sponsored by the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA.

This local community fundraiser is an opportunity for friends and neighbors to come together to play pickleball, have fun, and raise funds to enhance the lives of those in the Franklin community.

We’ll have Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Events

Competitive and Social Divisions

Saturday, May 17, 2025
8:00am – 5:00pm

Bernon Family Branch: 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA

Advanced registration required

REGISTER TODAY!

The Day’s Pickleball Line-up:

Double Events: Competitive & Social Divisions:

8:00am-11:00am: Women’s Division
11:00am-2:00pm: Mixed Divisions
2:00pm-5:00pmMen’s Division

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Pastore at meaganp@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

Golf with Legends

Our Legends Golf Classic

Monday, July 7, 2025

We are happy to host this annual event and raise critical funds that support our YMCA’s Integration Initiative providing programs and services for children and adults with special needs and their families.

Our YMCA is partnering with TPC Boston for our 16th annual Legends Golf Classic, raising critical funds to support our Integration Initiative for children and adults with special needs and their families. This event will feature 18 holes of memorable golf, pairing foursomes with New England sports legends and creating a priceless experience for golfers.

This program was created in 2004 to meet an emerging need in the community, recognizing the importance of supporting children and adults with special needs and their families, and providing a community of inclusion at our YMCA.

Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to hear from family members describing the impact you are making by partnering with the Hockomock Area YMCA and supporting our innovative Integration Initiative.

SPONSOR NOW

For sponsorship or event inquiries, please contact Patrick Murphy at 508-643-5262 or patrickm@hockymca.org.

AN AMAZING DAY

Here’s a look back at our 2024 Legends Golf Classic! Thank you to all our amazing golfers and supporters for making this event a hole-in-one success! And special thanks to our 2022 Legends Honoree Butch Stearns and Boston 25 News for the event coverage.

Posted on: Friday, January 24th, 2025

February Is Heart Health Month

February is American Heart Health Month. It’s a great time to understand your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease and make some important life changes for a long healthy life.

This month and all year round, we encourage our members and the community to learn more about 2 of our Y’s Healthy Heart Programs.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSMP)
Heart Strong: Post Cardiac Rehab Program

We also invite folks to stop by 1 of our branch locations this month to attend a free blood pressure screening and to learn about blood pressure management and strategies.

Free Blood Pressure Readings & Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Program Information

AT OUR NORTH ATTLEBORO Y:

Monday, Feb 10: 9:30am-10:00am

AT OUR FOXBORO Y:

Thursday, Feb. 13: 11:00am-12:00pm

AT OUR FRANKLIN Y:

Monday, Feb. 17: 11:30am-12:00pm

BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM (BPSMP)

Learn more about the risk for heart disease by getting a blood pressure reading. Ask a medical provider if you are at risk and take action to reduce your risk. Long-term adherence to lifestyle modifications and medication treatment can be challenging, many studies have focused on the potential of self-monitoring as a tool for blood pressure management. In an effort to address these issues, the Y designed an evidence-based, self-monitoring program aimed to help participants better manage their blood pressure. This program emphasizes that self-monitoring and tracking of individuals’ blood pressure can play a significant role in reducing one’s blood pressure and improving their quality of life.

Our YMCA is a provider of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program which supports individuals with hypertension to lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support. The YMCA of the USA developed this program to help 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. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Enrollments are currently being accepted from February through May of 2025 for our Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program. People who enroll during February through May will receive:

The program valued at $150 for only $50
A blood pressure cuff/monitor (valued at $40)
Heart healthy recipes and education

How the program works:
Participants will work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors over an 8-week session to:

Self-measure their blood pressure
Attend 2 personalized consultations
Attend nutrition education seminars
Record blood pressure readings using a self selected tool

Program Goals:

Reduction in blood pressure
Improved blood pressure management
Increased awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure
Enhanced knowledge to develop healthier eating habits

To learn more about our program or to register, click here. You may also call us at 508-643-5271 or email donnah@hockymca.org to ask questions and schedule a consultation.

HEART STRONG: POST CARDIAC REHAB PROGRAM

Heart Strong, our Post Cardiac Rehab Program, is a 12-week program designed to support individuals who have participated in a medically supervised cardiac rehabilitation program and want to continue to maintain optimal heart and vascular health through exercise.

This program helps individuals continue with their prescribed exercises with the care and support of YMCA trainers and instructors.

What are the benefits?

Exercise with confidence
Small group setting
Social support
Fully supervised

What is included?

Small group support
Experienced trainers and instructors
Weekly 1-hour sessions for 12 weeks
Free YMCA membership for enrolled participants and full use of all Hockomock Area YMCA branches for the program’s duration.

Cost: $100 for YMCA Members / $150 for Non-members

Enrolling now for upcoming classes!