The story of Nicole and her family , an example of how the Hockomock Y helps folks in need (video)

"Watch the moving story of Nicole and her family.  

We will always be here to help individuals and families in need of an immediate safety net through our annual Reach Out Campaign.  

https://t.co/TrPl6wITph #BeCauseY #YForAll #ReachOut"

Shared from -> https://x.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1900540007242150024? 

Maddie Frechette, commencement speaker for the Dean College Class of 2024 also told her story as part of the event on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Maddie Frechette shares her story

The Hockomock Area YMCA Held Its Reach Out Annual Campaign At Gillette Stadium

The Hockomock Area YMCA held its annual Campaign Breakfast, a long-standing tradition held at Gillette Stadium’s Putnam Club in Foxborough.  

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 emerging and critical human needs across the 15 communities they serve.

Farzin Karim, chair of the Board of Directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA provided welcoming remarks and shared her personal story of receiving a scholarship to attend the Y as a young girl, “The Y was there in my time of need and that’s exactly what we’re here to do this morning, be there for someone in their time of need,” said Karim. “None of this would be possible without all of you – our family, our friends, our neighbors, and our community leaders.  There’s collective strength and power in us coming together to serve the needs of those in our community and to make a difference in people’s lives. That need has never been greater.”  

Board of Director Angela Davis shared the Hockomock Y’s community impact noting, “Last year, this YMCA provided $3.3 million in confidential financial assistance, providing opportunities for people in need to participate at our Hockomock Y.  Additionally, 40,000 meals and 25,000 bags of groceries were distributed.  These numbers are incredible, but we must never lose sight of the fact that behind every one of these numbers is a person, a life, a story.” 

 

Congressman Auchincloss during his remarks

The event’s guest speaker was Congressman Jake Auchincloss. Congressman Auchincloss remarked, “The Hockomock Area YMCA serves as a cornerstone of our community, enriching the lives of individuals and families and contributing to the overall well-being and vitality of this area.”  Reflecting on his visit to the Y in 2020 during the pandemic, Auchincloss shared, “The Hockomock Y was providing food, emergency child care for first responders, and a safe place for students to participate in remote learning. The Y was there to meet whatever need arose. Quite simply, the Y provides opportunities in a way that no one else can. They can’t do this work alone and that’s why we are here today. Please help answer the call by making a donation to this incredible cause.”  

YMCA members receiving financial assistance shared their stories of how the Y has impacted their lives. Christina, a grandmother raising her grandchildren, shared, “The YMCA has become a cherished part of our journey. They have demonstrated the profound impact that kindness and support can have. The amazing thing is that my grandchildren had the ability to attend Y programs without anyone knowing we received support.  You all make that happen for hundreds of families.”

The Hockomock Y’s Board of Directors issued a $50,000 challenge to event attendees, matching all leadership gifts of $500 or more at the event.

Congressman Auchincloss (left) pictured with Hockomock Area YMCA Board Chair Farzin Karim and Hockomock Area YMCA CEO Jim Downs

Jim Downs, Hockomock Area YMCA CEO thanked attendees for being at this event, believing in and supporting the Y’s mission saying, “Reach Out is the centerpiece of how we provide for our YMCA mission every day and helps make it possible to deliver so many important, vital programs and services. My commitment to you and our 15 area communities is that our YMCA will continue to be here when the need is greatest to serve our communities and to serve them with compassion."

The Hockomock Y’s goal is to raise $1.5 million for this year’s campaign. The Breakfast event raised $224,000, bringing the total raised to date to $451,000 for this year’s campaign.  To make a gift or learn how you can volunteer, visit www.hockymca.org/give

The Hockomock 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 financial assistance to those facing challenges.  The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of the community it serves.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

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/

 

Note: I was one of the more than 600 participants for this wonderful event. 

Register Today for the Hockomock Y "Choose Love Event" at Gillette Stadium - May 24

Register Today for the Hockomock Y "Choose Love Event" at Gillette Stadium - May 24 Join us to hear Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, share her journey in overcoming tragedy and encourage us all to Choose Love as a response to adversity and challenges. Scarlett has inspired over 3.5 million people to Choose Love through a simple yet powerful formula to create a more loving world.  Her explanation of how the Choose Love Formula (Courage + Gratitude + Forgiveness + Compassion-in-Action) can change your life, improve communities & cultures of groups, and promote a safer, more peaceful and loving world, will unite, excite and motivate everyone in attendance. We hope to see you there! Free Event • Register Today The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement was created in honor of Scarlett's son who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. This event is free, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. Registration is required through the YMCA. All in the community (ages 15+) are invited to attend. Learn more today. Hockomock Area YMCA | 300 Elmwood Street North Attleboro, MA 02760

Hockomock Area YMCA: Free registration for the Choose Love Event on May 24

Scarlett Lewis, Choose Love Movement founder, will speak at a Choose Love Event sponsored by the Hockomock Area YMCA on May 24, 2023 from 6:30 to 8 PM at the Putnam Club, Gillette Stadium. The community is invited to attend this free event, ages 15+ are welcome. While this event is free, registration is required at www.hockymca.org/choose-love-event.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is hosting this event at no cost to the community, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month and the Y’s commitment to mental well-being. At this event,   Scarlett Lewis will share how the Choose Love Formula can change your life, improve communities & cultures of groups, and promote a more loving world.  “We are thrilled to be bringing Scarlett Lewis to our community to share her journey and encourage all of us to Choose Love,” says Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  

Scarlett Lewis will share her journey in overcoming the tragedy, and encourage everyone to Choose Love as a response to adversity and challenges. Scarlett is a world-renowned speaker and leading advocate for character social emotional development. In 2022, Scarlett was named to Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2022 Bloomberg 50, and was a featured speaker at the New York Times DealBook Summit 2022. In 2021, Scarlett was named a Forbes 50 over 50 Impact Honoree.

Scarlett Lewis, founder and Chief Movement Officer of Choose Love, will share her inspiring story journey to become part of the solution in making the world a safer and more peaceful place after her son’s death at Sandy Hook in 2012. 

“I decided to be part of the solution to the issues that we’re seeing in our society—and that also caused the tragedy. I created programs that teach children and adults how to manage their emotions, feel connected, and have healthy relationships,“ said Lewis. “If we can teach our children that they have the power to choose a loving thought over an angry thought, we can create a more peaceful world.”

The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement is a global nonprofit that provides Character Social Emotional Development programs for schools, homes, communities, and the workplace. Choose Love programs serve more than 3.5 million children in over 11,500 schools across the U.S. and 120 countries.

The community is encouraged to register for this free event at www.hockymca.org/choose-love-event.

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 The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement™

Jesse Lewis, a six-year-old first grader, was a victim of the Sandy Hook tragedy whose action saved the lives of nine classmates. Jesse left behind a message on a household chalkboard, “Nurturing Healing Love,” that became the inspiration for his mother, Scarlett, to found the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement. 

The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a commitment to reach students, educators and individuals, nationally and internationally, and provide them with a simple, yet profound formula for choosing love. Choose Love programs are free and teach essential life skills to children and adults. It has grown organically, one person at a time over the last ten years, and now reaches 3.5 million children and adults in over 120 countries. Scarlett Lewis’ vision is to reach and positively impact 25 million people by 2025. 

Register for the free "Choose Love" event hosted by the Hockomock Y at Gillette Stadium - May 24

Register for the free "Choose Love" event hosted by the Hockomock Y at Gillette Stadium - May 24

Join us at

@GilletteStadium

on Wed, May 24 at 6:30 pm to hear Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, share her journey & encourage us all to Choose Love as a response to adversity & challenges. Free event, open to all. Ages 15+.  

Register at https://www.hockymca.org/choose-love-event/

Register for the free "Choose Love" event hosted by the Hockomock Y at Gillette Stadium - May 24

The Choose Love Movement is a global nonprofit providing Character Social Emotional Development programs for communities, schools, homes, and the workplace. This event is sponsored by our YMCA at no cost to the community due to the philanthropic support of our partners and the Y’s commitment to mental well-being. Join us for this important community event. Questions about this event, please email Brynne Kirwan, LCSW at brynnek@hockymca.org. Learn about Scarlett’s journey and her mission to encourage everyone to Choose Love. 

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