Hockomock Area YMCA : Healthy Kids Day at Patriot Place on September 28

On Saturday, September 28, the Hockomock Area YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. The event will take place at Patriot Place in Foxborough from 10 AM to 1 PM. 

Fun, creative, and healthy activities for children will take place at Patriot Place Plaza, located outside Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon. For the first time in the seven years that Healthy Kids Day has been hosted by Patriot Place, the YMCA is additionally inviting the public to run in the Foxboro YMCA 5K and Kids Fun Run—at the same place as so many championships.

an inflatable gaga ball pit game

Healthy Kids Day will feature active play and engaging activities including: an inflatable gaga ball pit game, bounce house, Every Photo Tells a Story photobooth presented by Patriot Place, numerous vendor giveaways, car seat safety checks presented by Dorel Juvenile Group, a gymnastics obstacle course, nutrition demos, visit with Pat Patriot & New England Patriots cheerleaders, hands on STEM (science, tech, engineering & math) activities, a fitness obstacle course, vision checks presented by the Lions District 33 Eye Mobile, face painting and much more.

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, and WIC Nutrition Program.

Pat Patriot and Slyde

Don’t miss our largest community event focused on healthy living—and while at Patriot Place, enjoy the unique opportunity to race at the site of so many championships. For the first time, the Foxboro YMCA 5K and Kids Fun Run will take place at Patriot Place, with the 5K starting at 9:00 a.m. and the Kids Run starting at 11:00 a.m. Cost: $30 (5K) and $15 (Kids Run). 

All Kids Fun Runners will be awarded a medal in the 1 mile run/walk. Race day registration will be offered starting at 7:30 a.m. at the event or register online now at www.hockymca.org/5k.

Together we will run in memory of Michael Baker, Linda Cavossa and Jackie Thomas.

goodie bags

In addition to 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.

All participants will be required to display a Healthy Kids Day wrist band which will be
provided to you at no charge when you visit the check-in tents located at the entrance to Patriot Place Plaza, located outside Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon

Details on the event can be found at www.hockymca.org/healthy-kids-day.



About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not- for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

YMCA: Healthy Kids Day - Free Community Event - Oct 6

Our YMCA–together with many community partners–are excited to share that Healthy Kids Day® (formerly scheduled for May 19, which was a rainout) is set for Saturday, October 6 at Patriot Place in Foxborough. This is a free community event that features fun activities throughout the day, shown in this recap video. Press release is attached, along with photos from last year. 

Healthy Kids Day Free Community Event Oct 6

Healthy Kids Day is the largest health day for families nationally. Locally, the 10 AM – 1 PM event at Patriot Place will feature fun, creative, and healthy activities for children including:

• youth and family fitness challenges
• gymnastics obstacle courses
• STEM learning activities
• Photo booth
• Air brush tattoos, brought to you by Patriot Place
• arts and crafts
• seed planting
• fire and police safety
• Prizes, coupons and goody bags

YMCA: Healthy Kids Day - Free Community Event - Oct 6

Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® free community event set for May 19 at Patriot Place

On Saturday, May 19, the Hockomock Area YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. The event will take place at Patriot Place in Foxborough from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun, creative, and healthy activities for children will take place at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.

“Healthy Kids Day is an important event on our YMCA calendar. The day celebrates and reinforces a commitment to our Healthy Futures Initiative, encouraging kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active, and enjoy healthier lifestyles. Once again we are grateful for the tremendous support and collaboration with our friends at Patriot Place,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Healthy Kids Day at Patriot Place is another example of cause meeting community.”

“The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is a wonderful community event that we are proud to host at Patriot Place for the sixth straight year,” said Patriot Place General Manager Brian Earley. “This signature event helps deliver the important message of living a healthy lifestyle to the children and families in our communities through a number of innovative and fun activities throughout the day.”

Healthy Kids Day will feature active play and engaging activities including: Airbrush Tattoos brought to you by Patriot Place, Giveaways, Inflatable Gaga Pit, Interactive Gymnastics Obstacle Course, Nutrition Demos, Pat Patriot and Patriots Cheerleader Autographs (11am-1pm), Photo Booth brought to you by Patriot Place, Seed Planting & Gardening, NE Revs Accuracy Kick & Ticket Giveaway, Character Visits including Elmo and a Ninja Turtle, Spy Obstacle Course presented by 5Wits, and STEM activities designed to awaken imaginations. Visitors, be sure to visit the Y’s summer camp section where kids can tie-dye a shirt, play games and get a taste of camp.

Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®

Thanks to their sponsorship of Healthy Kids Day, Patriot Place, Stop and Shop, Norwood Hospital, Xfinity Center, and the Lions Clubs of District 33K are helping to keep families active and healthy. Numerous community partners will attend and provide tips, activities and prizes to round out the day. These include: 5 Wits, Brain Fit Academy, Brigham and Women’s Dermatology Department & Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Bass Pro Shops, Brigham and Women’s / Mass General Health Care Center, Chestnut Dental Associates, Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Franklin Food Pantry Truck, Fuel Up to Play 60 Tour, GetREAL Food Campaign, Golden Opportunities for Independence, Kind Snacks, Lions Club Eye Mobile, Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, Massachusetts Safe Routes to School, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, New England Revolution, Norwood Hospital, Pediatric Dental Healthcare, RWL Weightlifting, Inc., Sturdy Memorial Hospital, and Tinker and Create.

“Encouraging lifelong education and an enthusiasm for learning are key components of our Y’s youth development focus. Healthy Kids Day is another forum for our Y to provide kids and families with further opportunities to learn, grow and have fun together,” said Earley, who also serves as Chairman of the Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors.

 May 19 at Patriot Place

The community is invited to participate in the Y’s Healthy Food Access Food Drive taking place now at YMCA branches in Foxborough, Franklin and North Attleboro and other community locations. Healthy Futures Franklin will be hosting a ‘Stuff a Truck Challenge’ benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. The Franklin Food Pantry will bring their mobile pantry truck to the event and challenge the community to fill it with healthier food items. Suggested items include whole grain products, brown rice/quinoa, lower sodium hearty soups, canned vegetables/fruit, beans, oatmeal, nuts, spices, and household/personal care items.

Dorel Juvenile Group, in partnership with Safe Kids, will be on site with a car seat safety checkpoint in the parking lot. Families are encouraged to bring their car seats to the designated area for a check and have the opportunity to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) about proper car seat installation. Families also can receive useful child passenger safety tips.

All participants will be required to display a Healthy Kids Day wrist band which will be provided at no charge when you visit the check-in tents located at the entrance to NRG Plaza, near The Hall. In order to expedite check-in, Pre-Registration is offered at hockymca.org/healthy-kids-day.


About The Hockomock Area YMCA
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

About Patriot Place
Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 16 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the award-winning Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes featuring live entertainment by Howl at the Moon, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

Franklin Dad Opens Ninja Gym - Grand Opening - April 7

April 7 Grand Opening Event Features 

2017 Top Female American Ninja Warrior 

Contestant and Massachusetts Teacher, Allyssa Beird

On April 7, thanks to local Dad, Tim Keenan, Franklin will be getting their very own Ninja Warrior fitness gym with the grand opening of Strive Ninja Fitness on Kenwood Drive. 2017 top female American Ninja Warrior contestant and Massachusetts teacher, Allyssa Beird will be on hand to provide inspiration and coaching to the many future Ninja Warrior hopefuls that will be in attendance.

Tim, father of two junior Ninja Warrior competitors has been traveling quite a distance to provide this unique sport for his children. "I'm very excited to bring this extremely positive and supportive sport to this community," said Tim. "Strive Ninja Fitness hopes to provide an environment where kids (and adults) of all ages and abilities can grow their strength, agility, balance, coordination and most importantly, their confidence."

Classes and open gym training times are available for both kids and adults. Kids classes are offered in 8-week sessions. Each class session is followed by an end-of-class competition where students will have a chance to run through a course that highlights the skills they learned. Obstacles and focus areas vary from week to week including, but not limited to: quad steps, swinging rings, ring toss, cannonballs, monkey bars, various balance obstacles, cargo net, rope climb, cliffhanger and the ever-famous warped wall! For more information on classes and to sign up online, please visit: http://www.striveninja.com/kids-classes.

VIP Pre-Opening Event · 10:30 AM, Saturday, April 7

This special VIP Pre-Opening Event is FREE and open to the first 50 kids* who are signed up for 8-week Spring Session classes. The event features a meet and greet with Allyssa Beird, photo/autograph opportunity, along with obstacle circuit training and instruction provided by Beird and Strive Ninja Fitness Coaches. A parent/legal guardian must sign electronic waiver for each participant. For more information, please register for a Spring Session Class at: http://www.striveninja.com/kids-classes.

Public Grand Opening Events · 1 PM and 2:30 PM, Saturday, April 7

Strive Ninja Fitness will officially open its doors at these 2 FREE public events. Owner Tim Keenan will provide opening remarks, and introduce special guest trainer Allyssa Beird along with the Strive Ninja Fitness Coaches. Obstacle Circuit Training is limited to the first 50 kids to ensure safety and fun for all. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Pre-Register online at: http://www.striveninja.com/grand-opening-event. 1 PM is now sold out. 2:30 PM is Open.

About Strive Ninja Fitness

Strive Ninja Fitness is an 800 square-foot ninja warrior training facility for athletes of all ages and abilities with obstacles like those seen on the show American Ninja Warrior such as the warped wall (8', 10', 12',14.5'), salmon ladder, quintuple steps, jumping spider, swinging rings, cannonballs, cliffhanger, wingnuts, and many more. Strive Ninja Fitness provides classes, summer programs, birthday parties and corporate events under the supervision of our CPR-Certified and trained Strive Ninja Fitness Coaches. For more information, please visit: http://www.striveninja.com.

Franklin Dad Opens Ninja Gym - Grand Opening  - April 7

Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® free community event set for May 13 at Patriot Place in Foxboro

On Saturday, May 13, the Hockomock Area YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. The event will take place at Patriot Place in Foxborough from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun, creative, and healthy activities for children will take place at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.

“Our Y is excited to once again celebrate Healthy Kids Day and appreciates the support and collaboration with our good friends at Patriot Place who will host us for the fifth consecutive year,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Healthy Kids Day reinforces the importance of our Healthy Futures initiative and encourages kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active, and enjoy healthier lifestyles.”

“We are thrilled to once again host the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day,” said Patriot Place General Manager Brian Earley. “All of us at Patriot Place are proud to partner with such an innovative, mission-driven organization on a signature event that showcases the importance of healthy lifestyles in our community.”

Healthy Kids Day will feature active play and engaging activities throughout the NRG Plaza and parking lot, including youth and family fitness challenges, gymnastics obstacle courses, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning activities, an interactive photo booth, fire and police safety, air brush tattoos, arts and crafts, garden and planting activities, food samples and more. Join Hockomock Y Summer Camp staff for some favorite camp activities including tie-dye shirts, Gaga Pit ball games, arts and crafts and more fun. Elmo and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle will be making appearances during the event and prizes, coupons and goody bags will also be part of the day for all attendees.

Community partners include Healthy Kids Day event sponsors Norwood Hospital and Stop and Shop and the following Patriot Place businesses: Bass Pro Shops, Brigham and Women’s Rehabilitation Services, Brigham and Women’s/MGH Health Care Center, 5 Wits, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, and the New England Revolution. Additional community partners include: CBS Radio 103.3 AMP Team, Chestnut Dental, Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, Enable Inc. Early Intervention, Franklin Food Pantry, Fuel Up to Play 60, Hulafrog, Kind Snacks, Macaroni Kids, Mansfield Community Garden, Medway Community Farm, New York Life Insurance, Pediatric Dental Healthcare, RWL Weightlifting, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, and Tufts Health Plan.

Free STEM activities at HKD2016

The Dana Farber Blum Family Resource Center Van will be on site to provide sun safety and skin cancer-related information and screening at no cost.

The New England Revolution’s street team will also be on-site with giveaways, soccer accuracy kicking for kids and additional activities that include a life-sized Jenga game, beanbag toss, and the opportunity to win tickets to attend a Revs match that evening or on May 21.

“Encouraging lifelong education and an enthusiasm for learning are key components of our Y’s youth development focus. Healthy Kids Day is another forum for our Y to provide kids and families with further opportunities to learn, grow and have fun together,” said Earley, who also serves as Chairman of the Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors.

The community is invited to participate in the Y’s Healthy Food Access Food Drive taking place now at YMCA branches in Foxborough, Franklin and North Attleboro and other community locations. Healthy Futures Franklin will be hosting a ‘Stuff a Truck Challenge’ benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. The Franklin Food Pantry will bring their mobile pantry truck to the event and challenge the community to fill it with healthier food items. Suggested items include whole grain products, brown rice/quinoa, lower sodium hearty soups, canned vegetables/fruit, beans, oatmeal, nuts, spices, and household/personal care items.

All participants will be required to display a Healthy Kids Day wrist band which will be provided at no charge when you visit the check-in tents located at the entrance to NRG Plaza, near The Hall. In order to expedite check-in, Pre-Registration is offered at hockymca.org/foxboro/healthy-kids-day.

About The Hockomock Area YMCAWhere Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org. 

About Patriot Place 

Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 17 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the 16,000-square-foot CBS Scene Restaurant and Bar, the award-winning Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes featuring live entertainment by Howl at the Moon, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

Healthy Kids Day - May 14

On Saturday, May 14, the Hockomock Area YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. The event will take place at Patriot Place in Foxborough from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun, creative, and healthy activities for children will take place at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.

having fun at Healthy Kids Day 2015

“Our Y is excited to once again celebrate Healthy Kids Day and appreciate the support and collaboration with our good friends at Patriot Place who will host us for the fourth consecutive year,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Healthy Kids Day reinforces the importance of our Healthy Futures initiative and encourages kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active, and live healthier lifestyles.”

“We are thrilled to once again host the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day,” said Patriot Place General Manager Brian Earley. “All of us at Patriot Place are proud to partner with such an innovative, mission-driven organization on a signature event that showcases healthy lifestyles in our community.”

Healthy Kids Day will feature active play and engaging activities throughout the NRG Plaza and parking lot, including youth and family fitness challenges, Kids Zumba classes, gymnastics obstacle courses, nutrition games, STEM learning activities, an interactive photo booth, fire and police safety, caricature art, air brush tattoos, arts and crafts, garden and planting activities, dance party, food samples and more. Join Hockomock Y Summer Camp staff for some favorite camp activities including tie-dye shirts, Gaga Pit ball games, arts and crafts and more fun. Elmo, SpongeBob and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle will be making appearances during the event and prizes, coupons and goody bags will also be part of the day for all attendees.

Healthy Kids Day - May 14, 2016

Community partners include Healthy Kids Day event sponsors Norwood Hospital and Stop and Shop and the following Patriot Place businesses: 5 WITS, Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center at Patriot Place, B&W Dermatology Department & Dana Farber, B&W Rehabilitation Services, Bass Pro Shops, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt at Patriot Place, Reebok, Rev’d Indoor Cycling, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ and Howl at the Moon. Additional community partners include: CBS Radio 103.3 AMP Team, Chestnut Dental, Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Cooking Matters Massachusetts, Franklin Food Pantry, Fuel Up to Play 60, Mansfield Community Garden, Mass Safe Routes to School, Milford Regional Medical Center, Miscoe Hill & Nipmuc High Skippers, Norfolk DA Office School Programming, Pediatric Dental Healthcare, Plantation Products, RWL Weightlifting, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Way Better Snacks, and WIC Nutrition Program.

The Dana Farber Blum Family Resource Center Van will be on site to provide sun safety and skin cancer-related information and screening at no cost.

The New England Kids Triathlon will be participating with information about their annual event in New England and a triathlon demonstration.

Dorel Juvenile Group will hold car seat safety checkpoints in the parking lot outside of the plaza. Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles for a check. Speak with a technician about proper car seat installation and receive useful child passenger safety tips.

“Encouraging lifelong education and an enthusiasm for learning are key components of our Y’s youth development focus. Healthy Kids Day is another forum for our Y to provide kids and families with further opportunities to learn, grow and have fun together,” said Earley, who also serves as Chairman of the Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors.

The community is invited to participate in the Y’s Healthy Food Access Food Drive taking place now at YMCA branches in Foxborough, Franklin and North Attleboro and other community locations. Healthy Futures Franklin will be hosting a ‘Stuff a Truck Challenge’ benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. The Franklin Food Pantry will bring their mobile pantry truck to the event and challenge the community to fill it with healthier food items. For a complete listing of donation requests, visit hockymca.org.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org

About Patriot Place

Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 16 casual to high-end restaurants and other entertainment venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the 16,000-square-foot CBS Scene Restaurant & Bar, the award-winning Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ featuring live entertainment by Howl at the Moon, and the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel. 

For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

Healthy Futures Food Drive At The Hockomock Area YMCA Will Conclude At Healthy Kids Day On Saturday May 16

Please join the Hockomock Area YMCA and support local food pantries this week. The reality is that one in nine people in eastern Massachusetts is at risk for food insecurity. As an organization that is committed to social responsibility, the YMCA is in the final stages of their annual Healthy Futures Food Drive. 

Healthy Futures Food Drive

The community is encouraged to participate and be there for our neighbors and our community. On Saturday, May 16 at the free community event Healthy Kids Day®, held from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Patriot Place in Foxborough, the Franklin Food Pantry will have their mobile pantry truck and challenge the community to fill it with healthy food items. 

Healthy Kids Day aligns perfectly with the Hockomck Y’s Healthy Futures initiative, an innovative program committed to reducing inactivity and poor nutrition. Free activities for families will be held at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon. As an alternative to attending the event, donation boxes are also available in the lobbies of the YMCA branches in Franklin, Foxboro, and North Attleboro through Friday, May 15. 

The following items are suggested because food pantry partners in the 15 communities the Hockomock Y is privileged to serve often don’t have resources to consistently provide healthier options: 

• Cereal (lower sugar) 
• Mac & Cheese (whole grain) 
• Hearty Soups (ex. lentil, minestrone, vegetable, black bean; lower sodium) 
• Pasta Sauce 
• Canned Vegetables (lower sodium) 
• Canned Fruit (in juice) 
• Oatmeal 
• Pasta, Brown Rice (whole grain) 
• Canned Beans 
• Baked Beans, Turkey Chili 
• Peanut Butter, Sun Butter 
• White Tuna 
• Spices 
• Nuts, Seeds (ex. almond, sunflower) 
• 100% Juices 
• Water Bottles 
• Olive or Canola Oil
• Paper Goods 
• Personal Hygiene Items 
• Food for Restricted Diets (ex. gluten or nut free) 
• Pet Food / Pet Products 
• Supermarket Gift Cards (give directly to Y staff) 

For more information on Healthy Kids Day, please visit hockymca.org. To donate at the branches, please visit a Hockomock Y branch at 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro, 67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro, or 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin. 


About Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® free community event set for May 16 at Patriot Place in Foxborough

On Saturday, May 16, the Hockomock Area YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. The event will take place at Patriot Place in Foxborough from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun, creative, and healthy activities for children will take place at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.

Healthy Kids Day

“The Y encourages families to attend YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the largest health day for families nationally,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “As part of our Y’s commitment to healthy living, our goal is to teach healthy habits for kids and families, encouraging active play, and inspiring a lifetime love of physical activity.”

Healthy Kids Day aligns perfectly with the Hockomock Y’s Healthy Futures initiative, an innovative program sponsored by Stop & Shop and committed to reducing inactivity and poor nutrition in the 15 communities served by the Hockomock Area YMCA.

“Healthy Kids Day reinforces the importance of our Healthy Futures initiative and encourages kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active, and ultimately live healthier lifestyles,” said Hurley. “We’re grateful to Patriot Place for partnering with us to host this event and are proud to be collaborating with Norwood Hospital as an event sponsor and so many other community partners who support our Y.”

The day will feature active play and educational activities, including youth and family fitness challenges, gymnastics obstacle courses, Dana-Farber’s Blum Family Van doing skin cancer screening and education, STEM learning activities, 30 minute infant and child CPR demos, photo booths, caricature art, air brush tattoos, arts and crafts, story time, seed planting, dance party, and more. Many of the favorite activities that are hosted at Hockomock Y camps each summer will be running on half-hour schedules, including tie-dye camp tee shirts, Survivor Challenge, Gaga Pit ball game, Messy Week activity, and Olympic Week games.

Fitness classes will also be held throughout the day, including Zumba, Boot Camp, and Yoga.

Pat the Patriot

A special Healthy Kids Day autograph signing session will take place and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation will be in attendance with information on the NFL Play 60 campaign and the New England Kids Triathlon. The New England Revolution will be participating with an inflatable obstacle course, team mascot Slyde the Fox, and a chance to win tickets to a match. Prizes, coupons and goody bags will also be part of the day.

The community is invited to participate in the Y’s Healthy Futures Food Drive taking place now at YMCA branches in Foxborough, Franklin, and North Attleboro and concluding at Healthy Kids Day. Healthy Futures Franklin will be hosting a ‘Stuff a Truck Challenge’ benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. The Franklin Food Pantry will bring their mobile pantry truck to the event and challenge the community to fill it with healthier food items. For a complete listing of donation requests, visit hockymca.org.

Dorel Juvenile Group will hold car seat safety checkpoints in the parking lot outside of the Plaza. Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles for a check. Speak with a technician about proper car seat installation and receive useful child passenger safety tips.

Community partners include Stop & Shop — the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Futures Initiative sponsor, Norwood Hospital, and participating Patriot Place businesses, including Bass Pro Shops, Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center at Foxborough, B&W Rehabilitation Services, B&W Dermatology Services, Olympia Sports, 5 Wits, Reebok, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Howl at the Moon.

Other Healthy Kids Day partners include: 103.3 AMP Radio Street Team, Fuel Up to Play 60, Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Fire and Police Safety, Kids Melanoma Prevention Foundation, MA Safe Routes to School, MGA Links/First Tee, Mansfield Community Garden, Milford Regional Medical Center, Miscoe Hill Skippers Jump Rope Team, Norwood Hospital, Pediatric Dental Health Care, RWL Weightlifting, Inc, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Way Better Snacks, and WIC Nutrition Program.

“We’re thrilled to host the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day and be a part of the event again this year,” said Brian Earley, general manager of Patriot Place. “Patriot Place is proud to partner with such an innovative, mission-driven YMCA. Encouraging lifelong education and an enthusiasm for learning are key components of the Y’s youth development work and we are happy to support the Y’s dedication to provide families with further opportunities to learn, grow and have fun together.”

In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits:

• High Five the Fruits and Veggies – Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development.
• Foster an Early and Ongoing Passion for Books – Read to and with your kids. Help children read at every age and every stage of their development.
• Team Up for Athletic Events – Set a family goal of great health by teaming up for community or charity events like races, walks, fun runs, bike rides, etc.
• Volunteer Together – Find a cause that matters to the kids. Open their eyes to a world beyond themselves and the rich rewards that come from making a difference.
• Lead By Example – Be a good role model – kids can be influenced by seeing how hard their parents work at home or on the job, and how rewarding that experience is.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

ABOUT PATRIOT PLACE

Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 17 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the 16,000-square-foot CBS Scene Restaurant & Bar, the award-winning Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes featuring live entertainment by Howl at the Moon, and the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).