NEWS & UPDATES
the North Attleboro Y


All that’s happening at the North Attleboro Y.

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

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.

Posted on: Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

End of Summer Party!

Free Family Fun! It’s a Splash Bash

Saturday & Sunday,
Sept. 10-11, 2016

We’re thrilled to open our outdoor pools this weekend for a celebration of All Things Summer 2016. We hope you’ll join us!
TIMES:
12:00-3:00pm, Sat.
At all branches: Foxboro, Franklin & North Attleboro

– and –

3:00-6:00pm, Sun.
Only in Franklin & North Attleboro on Sunday

Bring a friend! Non-members, when you check-in, please be sure to mention splash bash for free admission to the YMCA. It is our policy that non-members age 18+ provide photo identification.

Enjoy free open swim and the chance to learn more or enroll in our fall swim session. Reconnect with some of your summer camp counselors and make new friends.

No registration is required.

Posted on: Friday, September 2nd, 2016

How to Prevent Diabetes? YDPP Classes This Fall

Diabetes is a serious condition that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Currently, diabetes affects more than 29 million people.

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 COULD BE LIFE-CHANGING. JOIN US!

North Attleboro Y: begins Wednesday 9/7 at 1:00pm; also offered Thursdays at 6:00pm (beginning 9/22)

Franklin Y: begins Monday 10/3 at 12:30pm; also offered Wednesdays at 6:00pm (beginning 10/5)

Not sure if this is for you?

There is a great tool for prediabetes and type 2 risk assessment at YMCA.net/diabetes. Risk factors include: race, age, weight and activity level. A diabetes screening can also be conducted by your physician.

If you are at risk for diabetes, our YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP) is designed to help reduce that risk. The Program uses a CDC-approved curriculum and is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. The year-long program consists of 16 weekly sessions and three sessions every other week during the first six months followed by 6 monthly sessions in the second six months. A trained lifestyle coach helps participants learn tactics for healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes.

YDPP resulted from a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which showed how healthier eating, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight could lead to better health in participants and an overall reduction of new type 2 diabetes cases.

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.

We are proud to offer this program – which has strengthened over 1,400 communities in 44 states – at no cost to Sturdy Memorial Hospital patients (including anyone with a medical provider associated with Sturdy Memorial Hospital). For other patients diagnosed with prediabetes, finnanical assistance is available. Please call Donna Higgins at 508-772-1310 or phl@hockymca.org with any questions. You may also wish to contact your medical provider for a referral.

Posted on: Monday, August 29th, 2016

Louise’s Story – Weigh to Change!

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
  • 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

Read about Franklin Y’s trainer
Read about Foxboro Y’s trainers
Read about North Attleboro Y’s trainer