The Hockomock Area YMCA held its Reach Out Annual Campaign Breakfast on September 15th at Gillette Stadium

The Hockomock Area YMCA held its annual Campaign Breakfast on September 15th at the Gillette Stadium Putnam Club in Foxborough.  

Eric Kevorkian, chair of the Board of Directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA provided welcoming remarks and noted, “This annual gathering of caring, compassionate members of our community never fails to inspire me, and never fails to remind me of why I’m involved and why what the Y does is so important.”

The Hockomock Area YMCA is more than a place; it is a cause that is committed to strengthening communities. The Y’s annual fundraising campaign, known as Reach Out,  ensures this non-profit organization continues to address diverse, emerging, and critical human needs across the 15 communities they serve.

Special guest speakers included friend of the YMCA Norm Bossio and YMCA member Nadine Bullock.  Bossio shared, “For over 50 years, the Hockomock Area YMCA has had a vision. You’re here today to help with that vision.”  During his remarks, Bossio credits his YMCA experiences in his youth for making a difference in his life and making it his mission to continue to help and inspire others.   

 

Mary Clermont, immediate past board chair and member of the Hockomock Area Y's Board of Directors

YMCA Board of Director Mary Clermont, the Y’s immediate past chair, commented, “The Hockomock Y is our home and it’s our community. Charity starts here today. People need help and together, we can impact the lives of so many in our community.”

Hockomock Y member Nadine Bullock addressed the crowd and sharing her own family’s personal YMCA story saying, “The YMCA does a lot of good for a lot of people. I am one of those people as well.”  The Bullock family received a scholarship for their children to attend summer camp sharing, “My children needed to have fun in a place with understanding, helpful people. They needed to be doing fun things for the sake of childhood itself and to experience joy and laughter. Thank you to all the people who have made camp possible for our family and to each of you for considering a scholarship donation.”  

Nadine Bullock, the event's testimonial speaker

The Hockomock Y’s Board of Directors issued a $50,000 challenge to event attendees, matching all leadership gifts of $500 or more. Vice Chair of the Y’s Board of Directors Farzin Karim shared her own personal story,  “I benefited because someone just like one of you in this room, made a donation to the Y and allowed me to experience camp for a couple of weeks at a local YMCA.  And in that experience at the Y, it changed my life.  You have an opportunity to change someone’s life this morning and make a difference.”  

The Hockomock Y’s goal is to raise $1.4 million for this year’s campaign. The Breakfast event raised $203,000, bringing the total raised to-date to $1.2 million for this year’s campaign.  To make a gift or learn how you can volunteer, visit www.hockymca.org/give.

Jim Downs, Hockomock Area YMCA CEO thanked attendees for being at this event, believing in and supporting the Y’s mission saying, “Thank you for your trust in our Hockomock Area YMCA. For the last 5 decades, you’ve trusted us to be here when kids and families needed us most and be that critical community safety net. Our Hockomock Area YMCA is something you can always count on.”

The Y provides a safety net for thousands of individuals and families facing challenges.  The Y encourages members, volunteers, neighbors and friends in the community to join them in making a gift and raising funds to provide confidential scholarship assistance and program subsidies for those facing challenges.  The essence of Reach Out and a cornerstone of the Y’s mission is that nobody is turned away because of inability to pay. 

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 www.hockymca.org/our-cause/

Say "NO" to exempt from "a slew of environmental requirements" for a stadium

"The Massachusetts House passed legislation late Thursday that could clear the way for Robert Kraft to build a long-sought soccer stadium for the New England Revolution on a waterfront property steps from the Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett.

Without floor debate or public input, lawmakers added language to a wide-ranging, multibillion-dollar economic development bill Thursday evening that would exempt the 43-acre industrial property straddling the Everett and Boston line from a slew of environmental requirements so it could be developed as a “sports, recreation or events center.”

Two people briefed on the legislation said the amendment is designed to aid Kraft’s pursuit of a soccer stadium after more than a decade of searching, but repeatedly failing to secure a new home for the Revolution in or around Boston."

Continue reading the article online at the Boston Globe (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/15/metro/house-measure-could-help-open-door-professional-soccer-stadium-everett/ 

Seth Godin in his podcast "Akimbo" addresses Stadium subsidies

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5hY2FzdC5jb20vcHVibGljL3Nob3dzLzA3MDU4YjIwLWU1MzctNDIyNS05YzU2LTNhZGYwZTJhNjY5YQ/episode/NjJhODljNWMyNjEwMDQwMDEyZjI1YmNl

And while there is economic value to such a proposed exemption, the worth of government subsidies for such stadiums was debunked by the Brookings Institute

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/sports-jobs-taxes-are-new-stadiums-worth-the-cost/

Disclosure: yes, I happen to follow the Revolution as a season subscriber but that doesn't change my opinion on the "one" earth we have that is already challenged by climate change. We shouldn't be creating exemptions for this kind of building.

construction on new lighthouse tower at Gillette in June 2022

Boston Veterans Job Fair! - Sep 23, 2021

Boston Veterans Job Fair!

September 23, 2021 - Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA 

11:00 AM  -  3:00 PM.

LOOKING FOR A JOB? 

The Boston Veterans Job Fair will be held on on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Gillette Stadium on Route 1 in Foxboro.

The Mass/Hire Metro South/West Career Center team is working with employers across the region to assist with recruitment needs in many industries including automotive, banking, IT, manufacturing, accounting, sales & marketing, cyber security and more!

For more information, contact the Mass/Hire Norwood Career Center at:  1-781-269-5494 

Shared from  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/boston-veterans-job-fair

Boston Veterans Job Fair! - Sep 23, 2021

"The future is going to be what it’s going to be”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The advisory board figuring out how Massachusetts businesses might be able to reopen has already filed interim reports with the governor and is expected to make additional suggestions ahead of its May 18 deadline, Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday. The governor also further elaborated on what conditions must be met before he will allow businesses to reopen.

Speaking outside Gillette Stadium after swearing in the latest class of Massachusetts State Police recruits, Baker said “the trends over the course of the last six to eight days have been reasonably positive” but added that the data still does not support a reopening of the economy.

“We’re still very much in this fight with COVID-19, but it is encouraging to see some positive progress. As we come through the other side of this and determine our next steps for a path forward, we need to see those numbers continue to drop,” he said. “Our goal, starting on May 18, is to begin re-opening certain types of businesses in a limited fashion where it can be done more safely than under normal operations. But this phased-in process can’t begin until we see sustained downward trends in many of the data elements that we talk about every day.”

Baker said the reopening panel led by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy has already “made several” reports on potential strategies. “They’re planning to make what I would describe as interim reports along the way here between now and the 18th, absolutely,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200506/reopening-panel-has-sent-reports-to-baker/2

Gov Baker's update from Weds May 6  https://youtu.be/eEAAPC709-A

In the News: COVID-19 testing facility for first responders; how to apply for unemployment assistance

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

COVID-19 testing facility for first responders

"A COVID-19 testing facility for first responders opened Sunday in Foxborough after it was built in just four days, and Gov. Charlie Baker said conversations are underway about setting up similar sites in western Massachusetts and the Merrimack Valley. 

After visiting the new drive-through testing site, set up in a Gillette Stadium parking lot, Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito provided updates on the state’s continuing efforts to prepare for the coming surge in cases of the dangerous and contagious coronavirus. 

Baker said state officials received a shipment of 100 ventilators -- a fraction of the 1,400 requested -- from the national equipment stockpile, and those ventilators will likely be distributed “over the course of the next 24 hours.” Last Monday, Baker had predicted 1,000 ventilators would arrived by week’s end."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/mass-continues-preparations-for-surge-in-coronavirus-cases

social distancing properly (Gov Baker's Twitter image)

how to apply for unemployment assistance

"In the past two weeks, 10 million workers have filed for unemployment, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. 

If you’re one of those 10 million workers confused on how to apply for unemployment assistance, the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been hosting Virtual Town Halls for the past week and can help you out. 

We simplified how that process works, and answered some common questions – including some questions answered during Saturday’s virtual town hall meeting conducted in Spanish."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/confused-on-how-to-apply-for-unemployment-during-coronavirus-outbreak-heres-simplified-guide-on-how-to-do-it

Franklin Veterans Services: Food 4 Vets

"Please find information on a local food assistance program for veterans. The food will be distributed in Lot 5 at Gillette Stadium."

Link to page with video segment
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/03/30/coronavirus-massachusetts-military-support-foundation-free-meals-veterans/

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/food-4-vets

Volunteer for the 24-hour watch when the Moving Wall visits Gillette Stadium

"From Thursday, Nov. 8 through Monday, Nov. 12, Patriot Place will host the Moving Wall, the half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Since the memorial requires 24-hour watch we are looking for volunteers while it is on display. Please fill out the following information if you are interested in volunteering."

To volunteer for the visit, please sign up online for a 3-hour shift
https://www.gillettestadium.com/2018-moving-wall-volunteers-needed/


About the Moving Wall:
"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for thirty plus years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

John, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veteran volunteers built The Moving Wall. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of The Moving Wall now travel the USA from April through November, spending about a week at each site.

More about the Moving Wall  http://www.themovingwall.org/index.html

Volunteer for the 24-hour watch when the Moving Wall visit Gillette Stadium

In the News: BFCCPS 4th graders at Gillette; legislative hearing on neonicotinoids

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

“Breaking out the big guns, here we go,” said Kevin Flaherty over the public address system at Gillette Stadium. “I like what I see here; let’s go, 20 more seconds.” 

Flaherty is the senior staff coach at the Revolution Academy, but on Wednesday he was the director of fourth grade fitness, guiding students from Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, and nine others, though a set of soccer stretches and exercises. 

The turf field at Gillette was filled with about 1,200 fourth graders from Massachusetts and Rhode Island all doing lunges and mountain-climbers in unison.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171004/franklin-fourth-graders-hit-gillette-turf

"Beekeepers, scientists and horticulturalists swarmed lawmakers Tuesday, bearing studies, anecdotes and dire warnings that a popular pesticide is killing off pollinators essential to the food supply, but a farm group warned their proposed cure might lead to worse outcomes for the bees. 

Bees pollinate the key Bay State crops of apples, cranberries and corn, and pollinators have a role in about a third of the food that people eat, according to Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston. 

Scientific studies have found bees are put in danger by neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides that entomologist Richard Callahan said were developed from the addictive chemical found in tobacco and gained popularity in the early 1990s. 

Legislation (H 2113) filed by Dykema would require people to be licensed or certified to use neonicotinoids. She said Maryland and Connecticut have passed legislation to restrict neonicotinoids and major retailers are limiting access to those products, too."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171004/pesticide-targeted-in-bid-to-preserve-dwindling-bee-colonies

From the archives

• Chronicle did a series on bee collapse disorder

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/the-chemicals-pose-serious-risk-of-harm.html

screen grab of the Chronicle intro

Mark the date --> Patriots Night at Remington - Nov 17

Friday, November 17, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Admission - $10 Suggested Donation per person

Have your photo taken wearing all 5 rings : $5 per person, $10 family shot

Activities for All
Combine Drills, Estimation Jars, Face Painting, Tattoos, Patriot Coloring Pages, Patriot Cheerleader Autographs, Meet Pat Patriot, and MORE!

Patriots Night at Remington - Nov 17: the 5 Super Bowl banners hanging at Gillette Stadium

GATRA Update: Suspension of service on Franklin Line begins Friday, Aug 25

The MBTA published two alerts on Tuesday that contradict each other. I think they mean to say due to a weekend event at Gillette, the GATRA bus service will stop on Friday and resume on Monday.

You can find the full text of the two alerts on the MBTA webpage here
http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/?ttype=cr&advistory=true&route=Franklin+Line#details

Franklin Area Bus

What is GATRA? The Franklin Area Bus
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/have-you-taken-ride-on-franklin-area-bus.html

In the News: FinCom capital budget, Kraft and Dean team up

The town’s director of public facilities in his annual capital budget has asked for more than $30,000 to scrap the portable classrooms at Davis Thayer Elementary School, seven years after the School Committee declared them surplus. 

Davis Thayer and John F. Kennedy are the only elementary schools in the district that still house portable classrooms. 

The 19 classrooms were installed in the mid- and late-1990s during a period of increasing enrollment in the district. The deteriorating units have long surpassed their 10-year life expectancy. Two years ago, the town removed the portable classrooms at Jefferson Elementary School.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150422/NEWS/150428383/1994/NEWS

A newly announced partnership between Dean College and the Kraft Group will allow students to study the business of sports and entertainment management under the company’s executives — with Gillette Stadium serving as one of their classrooms. 

Dean said Wednesday that it had teamed with the Kraft Group, owner of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, to establish the Center for Business, Entertainment and Sport Management. 

The agreement will create new degree programs in arts and entertainment management, business, media studies, communications, security management, sports management, and sports and fitness studies, including courses taught by Kraft Group executives and Dean professors at Gillette Stadium and the downtown campus.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150423/NEWS/150428404/1994/NEWS

Sport Management and Entertainment Career Fair at Gillette Stadium - Mar 28th

The New England Revolution & Kraft Sports Group will host their annual Sport Management and Entertainment Executive Lecture Career Fair on Saturday, March 28 at Showcase Live at Patriot Place. College students and members of the general public who are interested in a career in the sports industry are invited to attend the fair, which will take place just prior to the Revs’ home game against the San Jose Earthquakes at Gillette Stadium. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

The four-hour event will begin at 10 a.m. and feature a series of panels and presentations from sports professionals throughout the New England region. The career fair offers prospective employees an opportunity to network and interview with high-level professionals in the sports business that are looking to offer internships as well as part-time and full-time positions with their organizations.

Additional info on the career fair can be found here
http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2015/03/new-england-revolution-kraft-sports-group-host-career-fair-march-28

Sports and Entertainment Career Fair - Mar 28

MLS Cup or Bust! Conference Championships decided this weekend

Yes, let's go New England Revolution!

To view this email as a web page, go here.

Forward To A Friend Stars Aligned for Championship Finales UPHILL BATTLE: Can New York overcome one-goal deficit in New England? EVOLUTIONARY LEAP: The transformation of the LA Galaxy, post-David Beckham MARSHALL PLAN: Sounders defender Chad Marshall named Defender of the Year NE vs. NY: It all comes down to this #SEAvLA: Breaking down Rogers vs. Yedlin NE v NY NBCSN / UDN 11/29 3:00 PM ET SEA v LA ESPN / DEPORTES 11/30 9:20 PM ET

To get the best, most relevant emails about the club you love, review the info below: Name: Fan Favorite Club: New England Revolution Location: Franklin, MA UPDATE INFORMATION

This email was sent by Major League Soccer, LLC 420 Fifth Ave. 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10018, USA.

Patriots, Public Safety Officials Throw Danny Nickerson a Surprise Birthday Party Unlike Any Other

It started with a simple wish for birthday cards a week before his sixth birthday and ended with a birthday celebration unlike any other at Patriot Place and Gillette Stadium on Saturday, July 26.

Danny Nickerson, a Foxborough boy with an inoperable brain tumor, celebrated his sixth birthday on Friday, July 25, with a trip to Legoland in Boston before meeting New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft at Gillette Stadium.

Danny and friends

During the visit, Danny and his family toured the Patriots’ trophy room before taking a walk onto the Gillette Stadium field, where they were greeted by Pat Patriot, the team’s official mascot, and Patriots Cheerleaders.

“We got out on the field and Danny’s name was up on the video boards, which was absolutely awesome,” said Daniel Jamieson, Danny’s father. “I never thought one of my family member’s names would be up on the video board in Gillette Stadium.”

presentation of the card

Kraft presented Danny with a card signed by the entire New England Patriots team and a gift bag, which included Patriots-themed toys and a customized Patriots jersey. Following the special field visit, Patriot Place treated Danny and his family to a birthday lunch at SkipJack’s.

“Seeing Danny smile so much has been amazing,” said Jamieson. “Everything Mr. Kraft and the Kraft family have done to help out my family and show support for my son is incredible.”

The show of support for Danny didn’t stop there, as Cops for Kids with Cancer organized a surprise birthday party for the six-year-old and his family at Patriot Place and Gillette Stadium on Saturday, July 26.

“Hopefully this helps Danny and his family know they aren’t alone,” said Burlington Police Sgt. Gerard McDonough, one of the organizers of Saturday’s event. “I’ve read that Danny can feel alone and sad at times, so we want the family to know they are not alone and they are not fighting alone.”

Cops for Kids with Cancer

Danny’s special day began with a convoy of more than 100 police, fire and EMS vehicles arriving at Gillette Stadium shortly before 9 a.m. Hundreds of public safety officials representing more than 40 communities throughout the region then gathered on the steps of Patriot Place’s grand staircase to sing “Happy Birthday” to the guest of honor.

“Seeing all the police, firefighters and motorcycle riders showing up to support my son is absolutely emotional and really nice,” said Jamieson.

The celebration continued on the first floor of CBS Scene with a public safety-themed birthday cake that featured a photo of Danny on a motorcycle and a presentation of birthday cards and gifts from each agency, including a motorized toy police car from Boston Police, which Danny drove around NRG Plaza until the power ran out.

“It’s been an incredible and emotional day,” said Canton Police Deputy Chief Helena Rafferty, who also serves as President of Cops for Kids with Cancer. “Every little boy loves police and fire and it is such an honor to be part of this special day.”

Foxborough police officer Stephen McGrath said participating in Saturday’s celebration was important to the department because Danny is a relative of one of their sergeants.

“We knew that participating today would be just one way to demonstrate our support to Danny and his family, and also to our sergeant,” said McGrath. “I know how important it is to them and I think they need to know not only the Foxborough Police Department is behind them, but the support extends throughout law enforcement and communities across the region. This event brings everything into focus for us and we are honored to be a part of it.”

After cake and presents at CBS Scene, the party moved to Patriots Training Camp where another surprise was waiting for Danny.

Toward the end of practice, Kraft invited Danny and his parents onto the field where the entire team, including head coach Bill Belichick, gathered around the Foxborough family and sang “Happy Birthday” to Danny.

“It’s been an incredible day for Danny and the Patriots singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to my son was a real touching moment that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said Jamieson.

Danny’s mother, Carley Nickerson, was equally grateful for all the support her family has received since making a public request for birthday cards for her son.

“It’s overwhelming,” Carley said. “Everyone has been amazing. They’ve all come together and are here for our little boy.”

Danny has received more than 150,000 birthday cards in the 10 days since his wish was made public. Some cards have been sent from as far away as Japan, and mail is still coming in.

“It’s been amazing to see him so happy,” said Carley. “He loves getting mail.”

For Sgt. McDonough and Cops for Kids with Cancer, the goal for Saturday was a simple one – make Danny and his family smile.

“As long as Danny was smiling and we gave the family some happy memories it was mission accomplished for us,” said McDonough. “We are very grateful to the Kraft family and the Patriots organization for giving us the venue to be able to do this and we were very happy for the show of support to Danny and thank all the officers who were able to come out.”

The Hall at Patriot Place Announces 31 Days of July Program Featuring Daily Activities & Family Fun

The Hall at Patriot Place announces 31 Days of July program featuring daily activities and family fun

Program includes autograph signings, a magic show, Patriots painting lessons, games and tournaments,
caricatures and more throughout the month of July inside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Already a great destination for family fun, The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon is taking its interactive experience and activities to another level with its 31 Days of July program, beginning on Tuesday, July 1.

The program features daily activities such as autograph signings by Patriots alumni, a magic show, Patriots painting lessons, games, tournaments and sweepstakes and of course the exciting and interactive Patriots Hall of Fame and museum.

All events will take place inside The Hall and are included with admission. Tickets to The Hall are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children 5-12. Children four and younger are admitted for free. The program's schedule can be viewed below or online at www.thehallatpatriotplace.com.

On Thursday, July 31, Patriots 2014 Hall of Fame inductee Ty Law will be the featured guest for The Hall's popular Speaker Series. This is a special ticketed event. Tickets are $30 each and include access to The Hall before and after the event.

The Hall is the only sports and education experience of its kind. Through a dazzling array of interactive multimedia exhibits and artifacts, The Hall showcases the tradition of the New England Patriots, explores the history of football in New England, and promotes math and science education for thousands of schoolchildren each year.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.thehallatpatriotplace.com, visit "The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon" on Facebook or follow @TheHall on Twitter.

31 Days of July Schedule of Events

Tuesday, July 1: Scavenger Hunt – Find out who can be first in your group to answer all the questions and find all the artifacts that are part of The Hall's impressive exhibit galleries.

Wednesday, July 2: Game Day – Are you any good at cornhole or finger football? Stop by for Game Day at The Hall and have some fun while you enjoy The Hall's interactive exhibits and tour the modern museum.

Thursday, July 3: Madden Video Game Tournament – Test your Madden skills on Xbox 360 and have some fun playing against friends or strangers in The Hall's classroom. Tournament will take place every Thursday and The Hall will keep track of the winners. On the last Thursday of the month (July 31), The Hall will hold the "finale" and invite all winners from previous tournaments to compete against each other for a great prize.

Friday, July 4: Show Your Patriotism for Discounted Admission – Celebrate America's birthday by wearing your Patriots gear to The Hall and receive a 30 percent discount off your adult admission (discount applies only to person wearing Patriots gear).

Saturday, July 5: Show Your Patriotism for Discounted Admission – Celebrate America's birthday by wearing your Patriots gear to The Hall and receive a 30 percent discount off your adult admission (discount applies only to person wearing Patriots gear).

Sunday, July 6: Show Your Patriotism for Discounted Admission – Celebrate America's birthday by wearing your Patriots gear to The Hall and receive a 30 percent discount off your adult admission (discount applies only to person wearing Patriots gear).

Monday, July 7: Win VIP Seats to Ty Law's Patriots Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Ty Law will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Friday, Aug. 1, in the NRG Plaza adjacent to The Hall. The event is free and open to the public, but The Hall is giving away seats inside the ropes where the Patriots alumni and VIPs sit. You will be sitting only a few rows behind Patriots Hall of Famers, VIPs and members of the Kraft family. Enter to win when you visit The Hall on Monday, July 7.

Tuesday, July 8: Trivia Day – Are you a Patriots trivia wizard? Come to The Hall and find out. This is a fun chance to win a great prize during your visit to The Hall's interactive exhibits. The Hall will supply the wizard hat for you to wear while staff asks you Patriots trivia questions. As long as you answer correctly, The Hall's staff will keep asking questions. When you answer incorrectly, the questions stop and the staff tallies the number of correct answers you gave. The person with the most correct answers will be The Hall's trivia wizard.

Wednesday, July 9: "Crazy Train" Lip Dub – The Hall is boarding the "Crazy Train" on Wednesday, July 9, and you are invited! Patriots fans know the team runs onto the Gillette Stadium field prior to each home game to Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" and The Hall is giving fans an opportunity to be part of an exciting lip dub video featuring the song. The Hall will distribute lyrics to "Crazy Train" in the morning and plan the lip dub video with guests of The Hall. Then the cameras will start rolling as fans – both individually and in groups – will lip sync the lyrics to "Crazy Train" in a fun and energetic way. The Hall will post the video on its website and to its social media pages (Facebook, Twitter).

Thursday, July 10: Madden Video Game Tournament – Test your Madden skills on Xbox 360 and have some fun playing against friends or strangers in The Hall's classroom. Tournament will take place every Thursday and The Hall will keep track of the winners. On the last Thursday of the month (July 31), The Hall will hold the "finale" and invite all winners from previous tournaments to compete against each other for a great prize.

Friday, July 11: Beach Party – Visit the Grand Hall and receive a lei while dancing and playing limbo games to beach-themed music.

Saturday, July 12: Steve Nelson Autograph Signing – Stop by The Hall from 12:30 to 2 p.m. to meet, and get an autograph from, Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker Steve Nelson.

Sunday, July 13: Win Patriots Tickets to Preseason Game – Visit The Hall on July 13 and enter to win tickets to the New England Patriots' preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium.  

Monday, July 14: Meet the Curator – The Hall's curator, Chris Meiman, will greet guests at The Hall's Building Blocks exhibit. He will show Patriots artifacts from the 1960s and relate them to Patriots history. If you are a Patriots fan interested in the team's beginnings, this is the event for you to come ask questions and see artifacts dating back to the Patriots founding in 1959.

Tuesday, July 15: Combine Day: Test Your Skills – Find out how you stack up against NFL players by taking some of the athleticism tests used at the NFL Combine. The Hall will provide you with your own score sheet to track your results as well as average results from NFL players by position. You can test your time in the three-cone drill and the shuttle run.

The Hall's Paint the Patriots activity held over spring vacation (courtesy of The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon)

Wednesday, July 16: Paint the Patriots – Paint the Patriots with The Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists Laura Zanghetti and Jerry Aissis will teach you how to paint the Patriots logo and you will leave The Hall with your own painting on canvas.

Thursday, July 17: Madden Video Game Tournament – Test your Madden skills on Xbox 360 and have some fun playing against friends or strangers in The Hall's classroom. Tournament will take place every Thursday and The Hall will keep track of the winners. On the last Thursday of the month (July 31), The Hall will hold the "finale" and invite all winners from previous tournaments to compete against each other for a great prize.

Friday, July 18: Face Painting – Get in the spirit of the 2014 Patriots season by getting your face painted in Patriots' red, white and blue – or almost anything you want - by artist Jennifer Rand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, July 19:  Gino Cappelletti Autograph Signing – Stop by The Hall from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to meet, and get an autograph from, Patriots Hall of Fame wide receiver and placekicker Gino Cappelletti.

Sunday, July 20: Win Patriots Tickets to Preseason Game – Visit The Hall on July 20 and enter to win tickets to the New England Patriots' preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.  

Monday, July 21: Joe Andruzzi Autograph Signing – Stop by The Hall from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to meet, and get an autograph from, former Patriots offensive lineman and three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi.

Tuesday, July 22: Game Day – Are you any good at cornhole or finger football? Stop by for Game Day at The Hall and have some fun while you enjoy The Hall's interactive exhibits and tour the modern museum.

Wednesday, July 23: Free Hot Dog Day – Enjoy a free Kayem hot dog on National Hot Dog Day after you visit The Hall.

Thursday, July 24: Magic Show – Magician David Hall will be performing a 45-minute magic show in The Hall's Raytheon Theatre beginning at 1 p.m.

Thursday, July 24: Madden Video Game Tournament – Test your Madden skills on Xbox 360 and have some fun playing against friends or strangers in The Hall's classroom. Tournament will take place every Thursday and The Hall will keep track of the winners. On the last Thursday of the month (July 31), The Hall will hold the "finale" and invite all winners from previous tournaments to compete against each other for a great prize.

Friday, July 25: Tom Brady Jersey Giveaway – Stop by The Hall from July 25 to Aug. 17 and enter to win an authentic Patriots jersey signed by quarterback Tom Brady.

Saturday, July 26: Mascot Day – The Hall will have a few special guests for fans to hang out with, including Pat Patriot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other mascots, including Slyde, the official mascot of the New England Revolution, will be in attendance throughout the day.

Sunday, July 27: Combine Day: Test Your Skills – Find out how you stack up against NFL players by taking some of the athleticism tests used at the NFL Combine. The Hall will provide you with your own score sheet to track your results as well as average results from NFL players by position. You can test your time in the three-cone drill and the shuttle run.

Monday, July 28: 1960s Patriots film viewing – Fans can view The Hall's collection of Patriots game film from the 1960s in the Grand Hall. The films will be played on a projector.

Tuesday, July 29: Caricature Artist – Visit The Hall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and have a caricature of you created!

Wednesday, July 30: Scavenger Hunt – Find out who can be first in your group to answer all the questions and find all the artifacts that are part of The Hall's impressive exhibit galleries.

Thursday, July 31: Madden Video Game Tournament Finals – All winners from previous Madden tournaments at The Hall will square off for a great prize.

Thursday, July 31: Ty Law Speaker Series – Patriots 2014 Hall of Fame inductee Ty Law will be the featured guest at The Hall's popular Speaker Series. Tickets are $30 each and include access to The Hall before and after the event as well as one autograph from Law. For more information, visit http://www.thehallatpatriotplace.com.

About The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon

The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon is the crown jewel of Patriot Place and the only sports and education experience of its kind. Through a dazzling array of interactive multimedia exhibits and artifacts never before viewable by the public, The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon showcases the tradition of the New England Patriots, explores the history of football in New England, and promotes math and science education for the thousands of schoolchildren expected to visit each year. For more information, please visit www.thehallatpatriotplace.com.

--www.TheHallatPatriotPlace.com—