Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are issuing a $25,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Food Access program, a part of the Y’s annual Reach Out Campaign. The Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation will match every donation made September 14 - 21 up to $25,000. 

The Hockomock Y’s Reach Out program provides confidential YMCA scholarships and program subsidies to people in need to experience the YMCA. These offerings include child care, camp, the food access program, and programs like swim, sports and gymnastics as well as adult chronic disease programs.

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough

As a non-profit organization, the Hockomock Area YMCA exists to help people be healthier, more confident and connected to each other and their communities. The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of its communities as individuals and families face financial struggles. In 2023, $3.3 million was invested by the Hockomock Area YMCA to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive by providing scholarships to people in need in the Y’s 15 town service area to experience YMCA programs and services regardless of ability to pay.

“We are grateful to be part of communities full of caring people committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  “I am so proud of the work our Y continues to do in partnership with others to raise critical funding for our annual Reach Out Campaign.  Funds raised allow our Y to be here when people need us most.  We are only able to do this through the philanthropic support of a caring community.”

“Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate, steadfast supporters of our YMCA and their generous challenge will help ensure that we continue to be here for our neighbors,” added Downs.   

The Spier family’s impact in our local communities runs deep.  Their legacy at the Hockomock YMCA includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers as well as the new splash park at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with Greg and Kathy’s parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier. 

Greg Spier shares, “One of my mentors is the late Don Rodman.  Don taught me the importance of being philanthropic. He always said how important it was to be philanthropic in the areas where we work and the areas where we live. What better place to be philanthropic in the area than at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The Y benefits thousands of children and families and we’re so proud to be a part of it.”  

“The Y is a fellowship that brings people together and provides joy to so many people,” says Kathy Spier.  “As our father Alex always said, we want to leave the world a better place and that’s what we are going to do.  Please make a gift to the Hockomock Y between September 14 and 21 and we will proudly match it as part of this giving challenge.” 

“Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for making a gift and for your generous support,” says Greg Spier.

Every gift matters. To learn more about this challenge and ways to make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/spier-challenge

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org. 

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. 

 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they 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.

The Franklin Library Reading Challenge for 2024 can bring rewards!

Via Franklin Public Library 

"Here in the Youth Services Department we love our special reading challenges - whether it's Book Bingo or Bookopoly - and that's why we are SO EXITED to be bringing you a year-long reading challenge for 2024!! 

Readers of all ages are encouraged to participate!

.

For full details and to sign up visit https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/2024-reading-challenge (link in bio).

.

Happy Reading!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C0cm8GxR38I/

The Franklin Library Reading Challenge for 2024  can bring rewards!

Space Apps Challenge is one month away

"The @SpaceApps Challenge is only a month away! You don't need to be a programmer or a scientist to join this #OpenScience hackathon. 

Apply now to create solutions to challenges we face on Earth and in space: https://t.co/uHhXyyKF7k  or https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/2023/register/"

Shared from ->  https://t.co/dFX3eKOWTe

Space Apps Challenge is one month away

Massachusetts Center for the Book has a 2023 Reading Challenge

• February: Read a book set in your home town/ city, or state

Do you have a cozy reading corner you’ve been wanting to spend more time in? 

Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? 

Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.

If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, the Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.

Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge

Massachusetts Center for the Book has a 2023 Reading Challenge

State Representative Jeff Roy shares his thoughts on lifelong learning, meaningful challenges, information transparency, and more (audio)

FM #858 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 858 in the series. 

Thanks to State Representative Jeff Roy for making some time in his schedule to join me for a virtual conversation about what’s happening in the state government and his campaign for re-election in November 2022.  Jeff represents the 10th Norfolk District and has served as the Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy in this current term.

A quick overview of Jeff 

Development of political career, School Committee, Town Council, then State Rep

Newsletter, office hours

Video from House floor – periodic, topical

More Perfect Union – broad topics on regular schedule 

Frank Presents – recent overview  

Making Sense of Climate – 2 episodes, likely more on the roadmap to 2050

Presidential library tours shared at Franklin Historical Museum 

PanMass ride, Ben Gardner’s Boat

SAFE Coalition, Franklin Food Pantry and other local nonprofits 

This listing may have left something out, but it leads me to two observations:

• Lifelong learner 

• Looking for meaningful challenges

Can you develop your thoughts on those?

Can you explore:

• How you juggle home/family life with public work

• Opportunities for improvements in transparency of State House deliberations, information

The audio segment runs about 50 minutes, so listen in to my conversation with State Representative Jeff Roy.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-858-ma-state-representative-jeff-roy-10-04-22

--------------

Jeff Roy’s campaign page  https://jeffreyroy.com/ 

Jeff Roy’s Twitter =  https://twitter.com/jeffroy 

Representative Roy’s Facebook page =  https://www.facebook.com/RepJeffRoy/ 

Jeff’s Representative profile page at MA Legislature =  https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1 

Newsletter - subscribe here -> https://jeffreyroy.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a03272e278ec395d5f164106a&id=43d5611856 

Video advocating passage of the climate act -> https://youtu.be/PB-CRp7ooCg 

More Perfect Union – broad topics on regular schedule ->  https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/ 

Frank Presents – recent overview   -> https://youtu.be/E5RjWxDg1lU 

—----------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

State Rep. Roy attends White House Ceremony

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge at Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are once again issuing a $25,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s commitment to address food insecurity in area towns and neighborhoods. The Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation will match every donation made July 25th through August 5th up to $25,000. When the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge is met, it will result in $50,000 to benefit food security initiatives through the Hockomock Area YMCA.  

Every Wednesday, since March 2020, the Hockomock Y has provided free family-size grocery bags valued at $50 each at their branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro to anyone in need. To date, more than 58,776 grocery bags have been distributed.  Additionally, the Y has been working with community partners and school nutrition departments to ensure that children and families have access to healthy meals when school is not in session. This summer, meals are being provided in Milford and North Attleboro.  Since March 2020, the Hockomock Y has provided 420,219 meals to those in need. 

Individuals and families continue to face financial stresses as a result of the pandemic including basic needs like food.  With the ongoing increase in the cost of groceries and gas, we are again seeing an increase in the number of people challenged with food insecurity.  “We are grateful to be part of communities full of caring people committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods by working together to address community challenges,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  “I am so proud of the work our Y continues to do in partnership with others to alleviate hunger in our communities through our Food Access initiative.  We are only able to do this through the philanthropic support of a caring community.”

“Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate, steadfast supporters of our Food Access Initiative and their generous challenge will help ensure that we continue to be here for our neighbors,” added Downs.   

The Spier family’s impact in our local communities runs deep.  Their legacy at the Hockomock YMCA includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with Greg and Kathy’s parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier. 

Through the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge, Kathy Spier expressed her hope that this challenge “will inspire people to make a gift to help people, spread kindness and provide a caring hand to those who need it in our communities.”

“We were so thrilled with the overwhelming response to last year’s Kindness for Kids Challenge,” added Kathy. “Knowing that the need continues in our community, and proud of how our YMCA is responding, we are offering this challenge again to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and make a difference.” 

Greg Spier shared, “My dad always talked about wanting to leave the world a better place than he found it.  That’s why he and my mom, and Kathy and I, are such passionate supporters of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  We continue to see firsthand the impact our Y is having in responding to so many critical emerging needs.  Kathy and I are so grateful for how our Y is responding to the ongoing challenges of food insecurity.”

“The Hockomock Area YMCA remains committed to ending hunger in our neighborhoods and we join them in these efforts. Please consider a gift and we will proudly match it, July 25th through August 5th,” says Greg Spier. “Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for making a gift and for your generous support.”

Every gift matters. To learn more about this challenge and ways to make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/spier-challenge

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org. 

For more information about the Y’s food securities initiatives, visit hockymca.org/food-access. 

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. 

 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they 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.

(L-R: Kathy Spier, Greg Spier, the late Alex Spier and Sonja Spier)

Olivia Quinn can use your help in her Shoot4Cure Challenge

Olivia Quinn can use your help

"I am so excited to compete for the 3rd year in the @ASFL_Shoot4Cure challenge!! Help me reach my $1,000 goal by donating through the link below or in my bio!! You can also venmo me: oliviaquinn1 

Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. "

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/oliviaquinn22/status/1537059680249425921 

What is the Shoot4Cure Challenge?

The A Shot For Life Challenge is a marquee basketball shooting event. To be eligible to compete in the A Shot For Life Challenge a player must be 19 or under and they must be in high school. Seniors who are going to college in the fall are eligible. Players are chosen based on their shooting ability that was demonstrated during the previous high school and AAU seasons. The winner of the A Shot For Life Challenge is named the best shooter in the state where the ASFL Challenge is held.

For more about the Shoot4Cure Challenge visit -> https://www.ashotforlife.org/asfl-challenge.html

To donate and help Olivia, use this link -> https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTUyNTg1

Olivia Quinn can use your help in her Shoot4Cure Challenge

Marble Run Challenge! Tuesday, Feb 1 - Friday, Feb 25, 2022

At the Franklin Public Library; this sounds like fun!

"A special program brought to you by our VolunTeens! Register to play, pick up your kit and complete the tasks to earn materials that you will use to build your very own marble run! Then join us on the 26th to put your design to the test!"

Shared from the Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/marble-run-challenge

Marble Run Challenge! Tuesday, Feb 1 - Friday, Feb 25, 2022

Kids Heart Challenge at Kennedy School beginning Jan 30, 2022

"All the @jfkladybugs are excited for Kids Heart Challenge to begin next week.  

Over the past 5 years we have raised $57,823 for the @AmericanHeartMA !  Our goal this year is $12,000!  

Be on the lookout for the envelope next week."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrBanksPE/status/1487097047614464004

https://twitter.com/jfkladybugs

FYI - Franklin (MA) Public Schools, Franklin Police prepare for another TIkTok challenge

Please see the attached message from the Office of Superintendent and the Franklin Public Schools

Dear Franklin Families, 

I find myself in the unfortunate position of, once again, writing to inform you of the latest TikTok challenge.  There have been reports of a “School Threat Challenge" encouraging followers, on Dec. 17, 2021, to call in bomb threats, school shooting threats, etc., at schools in the United States. We do not believe these posts originated in our area. 

We must remain vigilant when it involves these types of threats. Any situation that involves threats to our schools is taken seriously and acted upon immediately using our well-established threat assessment protocols.  Our partnership with the Franklin Police Department is an essential component for quickly investigating and assessing the level of concern. As a precautionary measure, we have notified the Franklin Police Department, and we will have a police presence at each school tomorrow. As of this afternoon, Dec. 16, 2021, the Franklin Public Schools have not received any threats.

As I stated in my last “November Tik Tok Challenge” communication, social media is a powerful tool often used to influence others, and not always for good. I enlist your support and strongly encourage you to discuss the negative impact of engaging in inappropriate TikTok challenges with your children. Students must understand that making violent threats towards the school is a criminal act, and violators will face disciplinary action, including suspension, expulsion, and criminal charges for making threats against the school. 

Despite the apparent threat these trends present to our community, many of our students are engaging in positive behaviors across the district worth acknowledging. 

I hope this information allows you to connect with your children about the concerning content on TikTok and other social media platforms. For resources on how to support your children’s healthy and safe technology use, we encourage families to access Common Sense Media for their social media monitoring guidance. 

Respectfully, 

Lucas Giguere

Assistant Superintendent

Shared from Franklin Police Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/162770995915/posts/10157968182015916/

"Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask"

 

"The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a competition to develop “the next generation of masks” with the winning submission receiving a $500,000 cash prize.

The competition — “Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask” — is a partnership between HHS’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

In the announcement, HHS notes that many health authorities around the world are encouraging people to wear masks to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, but masks often present some challenges such as: “contact dermatitis with prolonged wear, physical discomfort, fogging of eyeglasses, and difficulty communicating.”

Continue reading the article online

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/546411-hhs-launches-mask-design-improvement-contest

 

More info on the "Mask Innovation Challenge" can be found

https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/mask-innovation-challenge/

"Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask"

United Regional Chamber issues the $50 Challenge

"I'm Issuing a $50 Dollar Challenge" A Message from Our CEO/President Jack Lank  Typically, right about now we'd be singing about "the most wonderful time of the year". It's an understatement to say that 2020 has had other plans. If you've replaced wonderful with some other choice words, I promise, you're not alone. I always ask small business owners, "What keeps you up at night?" In the past, they responded that prime concerns are regulations or the ability to retain quality employees. This year, the most common response has been, "How is my business going to survive?" The corona virus has significantly hit our communities' economy.

 

Jack Lank How can the chamber help? The chamber supports local business by advocating on their behalf and communicating their needs to elected officials. We work with local partners to provide a prepared workforce so that our member businesses have access to qualified employees. We hunt down resources designed to help them succeed in entrepreneurial ventures. We create networking opportunities and facilitate connections. THIS year, especially, shopping local is what's going to keep small businesses ALIVE. The truth is we can shop and remain safe. Shopping looks different this year, but most small businesses are still open for business. We can shop safely (masks ON please), support our community, and make a significant difference in our friends' and neighbors' lives. This isn't about politics or your opinion on wearing a mask. This is about preserving what makes our communities special before it's too late. One study found that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remained in the community. However, only $43 of $100 spent at a chain retailer remains in the community. I'll be the first to admit that I shop at the big chain retailers. Many of these businesses employ our friends and neighbors, and they're a vital part of our community. However, let's not forget the local businesses – the ones that support our children's baseball team or theater program, volunteer their time, and give to the non-profits in our community. According to the small business support organization Independent We Stand, "If every family in the country shifted $10 a month to locally owned, independent businesses instead of national chains, over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to local economies." I have a challenge for you: Shift $50 of your holiday budget this month to a locally owned, independent business. If you don't have $50, shift $25. If you don't feel comfortable going inside, every shop will walk products or gift cards out to your car if you'll only ask. Post this challenge on social media with the hashtags #50 DollarChallenge, #URCC, and #Supportsmallbusiness. Check in and tag businesses on social media and post pictures to show your support. Together we can do this. This time next year, no matter where COVID takes us, we'll all be better for it.

Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone:  508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know" 

"Healing Power of Gratitude Challenge”

Dear Residents of Franklin,

This week many will be away from family and friends, unable to join together for the holidays. This week, let's spread gratitude & thanks and help each other remember the good!

Recently, Russell M. Nelson, global faith leader, prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave a message of hope and healing while calling upon the world to increase prayer and gratitude.

I am excited to share his brief message with you, and ask that as a member of the Franklin community, you consider taking part in his "Healing Power of Gratitude Challenge".

The challenge from Nelson began with, "I invite you—just for the next seven days—to turn social media into your own personal gratitude journal.  Post every day about what you are grateful for, who you are grateful for, and why you are grateful.  At the end of seven days, see if you feel happier and more at peace.  Use the #GiveThanks

The next part of the challenge encouraged those of faith to offer daily prayers of gratitude.

Youtube Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlcILxGmVrI

Facebook Link:  https://www.facebook.com/russell.m.nelson/videos/2150464655087765


The challenge has 2 parts.

For 7-days during November 21, 2020 through the 28:

Turn your social media page into a gratitude journal using #GiveThanks. Post every day about what you are grateful for, who you are grateful for, or why you are grateful.  Share experiences, remembrances, and people you are grateful for. At the end of seven days, see if you feel happier and more at peace. Use the #GiveThanks.

Say daily prayers of gratitude.

I will be participating in the #GiveThanks campaign and sincerely hope you will consider joining with me to share a message of hope and gratitude with others in our community.


With appreciation,

Alisa Hansen

Navigating a Mess of Unending Challenges Five Questions to Get Us Unstuck And Make Things Better

Now that we can back to our lives... Really looking forward to this free webinar with former IDEO designer and current Olin College prof @ElaBenUr next Monday: https://t.co/gXITrezKzy Some practical strategies to get unstuck and move forward. Register now!

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/willrich45/status/1325556685935702018?s=03

Navigating a Mess of Unending Challenges
Five Questions to Get Us Unstuck And Make Things Better 

– Especially During the Pandemic

With Ela Ben-Ur of Olin College, Formerly of IDEO

Two sessions: November 16, 2020 at 12 PM or 7 PM US ET

 

Register online  https://bigquestions.institute/compass/

 

Navigating a Mess of Unending Challenges

 

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are issuing a $50,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s commitment to support kids and families during this pandemic. The Spiers are matching every donation made August 10^th through September 26^th up to $50,000. When the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge is met, it will result in $100,000 to benefit food security initiatives through the Hockomock Area YMCA.  

Since the pandemic started, when the Y’s doors were closed in March, the Hockomock Area YMCA immediately began providing food for people in need and providing emergency child care for essential personnel. As of August 7th, 152,000 meals and 15, 623 grocery bags have been provided to people in the local communities that the YMCA serves.

Every Wednesday, since March 18^th, the Hockomock Y has provided free family-size grocery bags valued at $50 each at their branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro to anyone in need. Additionally, the Y has been working with school nutrition departments and community partners to ensure that children and families have grab and go meals for breakfast and lunch while schools have been closed and through the summer months. As the need for food access continues to grow, grab and go meals are now offered in Bellingham, North Attleboro, Milford and Wrentham.

“In these challenging times, our YMCA has been there for our community providing an important safety net for so many kids and families,” said Ed Hurley, President of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “I’m so proud of the work our Y has done – reflecting our mission and values - to provide emergency support focused on the needs of those challenged with food insecurity. Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate partners for so many years with our Y.  This incredible challenge will help our neighbors when they need it most and is the latest example of the Spier family’s commitment to our YMCA and the communities we are so proud to serve.”   

Greg and Kathy Spier, long time Foxborough residents, Y members and volunteers, and community leaders, are committed to improving the quality of life in their community.  The Spier Family’s legacy includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with their parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier.

Through the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge, Kathy Spier expressed her hope that this challenge “will inspire people to make a gift to help feed kids and families and spread kindness and a caring hand to those who need it during a difficult time in our communities.”

“Our family has always believed in giving back to the community and this YMCA.  We have learned from our mom and dad the importance of paying it forward and making your community a better place. Through this challenge, and with the support of our community, together we will make a difference providing food access to our neighbors in need during this pandemic,” said Greg Spier.

When asked why the Spiers are issuing this challenge, Greg shared, “Kathy and I give because our hearts feel good when we do so, and we advocate for the Y because we know the Y’s reputation and commitment to helping people. Now more than ever in these uncertain times, we all need to come together to support one another.”

Every gift matters. To learn more about this challenge and ways to make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/spier-challenge

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org.

Many family and individuals have lost jobs which has an increasingly hard strain on people’s budgets for basic needs like food and other necessities and are not able to make ends meet. Through the YMCA, people will have access to healthy meals and food as a result of these philanthropic efforts and the support of a caring community of people who want to strengthen our community and make a difference.

For more information about the Y’s food securities initiatives, visit hockymca.org/food-access.

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. 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they 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.

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA

FM #237 Jamie Barrett - "Sisu Ubuntu" 4/02/20 (audio)

FM #237 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 237 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Barrett, Franklin teacher and singer/songwriter. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We jump right into the making of “Sisu Ubuntu”, his new song, collaborated on with over 100 word suggestions, and as we find out, it came together once he picked up his guitar to work on the music to frame the lyrics.

We also talk about TuNesDay and his “Wake up with Mr Barrett” Live concert that he performs on Tuesday mornings at 8 AM. We also raise another challenge for Franklinites to help Jamie get more than 2,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. He really needs 1,000 but we believe Franklin can do better than that, so let’s go for 2,000.

This recording runs about 15 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Jamie and get some insights into the creative process for this teacher and singer/songwriter.   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyZXbC07



--------------

If you haven't heard it, you can listen to the “Sisu Ubuntu” song here 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVP2eDzQGnQ

Please subscribe to Jamie’s YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiitAGAChXLE-lzyzPxauhg

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #237 Jamie Barrett - "Sisu Ubuntu" 4/02/20 (Twitter photo)

FHS Unified basketball challenge game a success

"Thank you to all that were able to come out and support our troops at tonight’s unified game! AND a huge thank you to

@franklinpolice @FranklinMAfire and @FranklinHS for coming out to play against unified! We appreciate your support and hope to see you at more of our games!!"

Thank you to all that were able to come out and support our troops at tonight’s unified game! AND a huge thank you to @franklinpolice @FranklinMAfire and @FranklinHS for coming out to play against unified! We appreciate your support and hope to see you at more of our games!! pic.twitter.com/xIL72f4ppV

— FHSUnifiedSports (@FranklinUnified) October 17, 2019

FHS Unified basketball challenge game a success

Spier Family Issues Camp Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA

The Spier Family of Foxborough is issuing a challenge grant to Hockomock Area YMCA members, donors, local businesses and partners. For the third straight year, a generous $25,000 matching gift challenge is being offered. The Spiers are matching every donation made July 8 through July 21 up to $25,000, which will result in an additional $50,000 to provide more kids with a summer camp experience in August.

Children and families who face financial challenges are welcomed each day to enjoy a YMCA experience in a place where they are nurtured and where they belong. On average 1,300 kids attend Hockomock Y camps each summer day, including YMCA camps located in Bellingham, Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, and North Attleboro.

Last year, the Y provided $180,985 in confidential scholarships for summer camp; more than 20% of campers received some form of financial assistance. As the need continues to grow, the generous Spier Challenge gift will provide more opportunities for kids to experience camp this summer.

Many family budgets are increasingly strained, placing a hardship on children in area communities, especially during the summer when they may not have access to quality care, active outdoor fun, and healthy meals each day. To learn more and make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/camp-challenge.

Kids deserve to be active, happy and care-free, especially during the summer months. Summer days are longer, warmer and more enjoyable for children to explore the world around them. This is exactly the setting YMCA member Mary needed and wanted for her son Parker. “It was kindergarten going into first grade when we experienced camp for the first time and my son went for two weeks. I was still a stay at home Mom, but just to have that opportunity to give him a break from having to go to his Dad’s cancer treatments those two weeks out of the summer really helped.

Last summer Parker attended summer camp for the whole summer and that’s because his Dad had passed and I had gone back to work and I didn’t know how I was going to be able to take care of my son and still provide for him. I think his favorite counselors really made an impact on his life, for which I’m forever grateful,” says Mary.

“The Y is important to kids like Parker, but also to all the other kids. The benefits of summer camp are phenomenal. Becaues of the Reach Out for Youth & Families assistance program, my son was able to have these opportunities when we couldn’t afford them. It not only gave my son a sense of normalcy during a time that wasn’t normal for him but it also gave me the opportunity to have a stress relief by having a membership to the Y for myself.”

Greg and Kathy Spier, long time Foxborough residents, Y members and volunteers, and community leaders, are passionate about improving the quality of life in their community. The Spier Family name is prominently displayed on the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch. The Spiers are also benefactors of the SPLASH program which has resulted in teaching hundreds of local school children how to be safe around water, learn to swim, and begin enjoying swimming as lifelong recreation.

“Our family has always believed in giving back to the community we love and our Mom and Dad modeled the importance of paying it forward. There is something magical about summer camp that every child needs and deserves. Through this challenge, together with our community, we can provide more kids an opportunity to experience their best summer ever at the Hockomock Area YMCA camps,” said Greg Spier.

When asked why the Spiers are issuing this challenge, Greg Spier shared, “Kathy and I give because our hearts feel good when we do so, and we advocate for the Y because we know the Y strengthens families and communities. Summer camp provides a special opportunity to shape a kid’s life while building confidence and self-esteem.”

Ed Hurley, President of the Hockomock Area YMCA expressed, “We are so grateful to the Spier Family for their continued commitment and confidence in our YMCA. This donor challenge and the gifts that will result means more children will have the opportunity to experience the magic of summer camp at the Y.

Our Y has a proud yet ever-growing history of inclusiveness. Whether it’s a family that cannot afford a Y camping experience for their children or a teenager who struggles with bullying at school, we continually extend our arms, welcoming them into our Y family. We are grateful to be part of 15 communities full of caring, committed people who share the values of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” said Hurley.

In 2018, the Hockomock Area YMCA provided $ $2,111,811 in confidential scholarship assistance and program subsidies.

To learn more and make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/camp-challenge.

The Spier Family with summer campers in 2012

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.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they 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.