Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts

Friday, September 26, 2025

Over 90K MA Teens Joined Planet Fitness’ Free Summer Program

MORE THAN 90,000 MASSACHUSETTS TEENS PARTICIPATE IN PLANET FITNESS' HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PASS™ PROGRAM, BUILDING LIFELONG HEALTH AND WELLNESS HABITS THROUGH FITNESS


As participation hits an all-time high, initiative demonstrates teens' commitment to prioritizing mental and physical wellness during summer months


Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, announced that 91,074 high school students across Massachusetts signed up for its High School Summer Pass program this year, logging 463,541 workouts over the course of the summer. 


More than 3.7 million teens ages 14-19 participated in the free summer initiative, completing over 19 million workouts from June through August in Planet Fitness' 2,700+ locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness

The unprecedented participation reflects teens' strong desire to stay active and prioritize their wellbeing during a critical time when school is out, and regular fitness programs like gym class and after-school sports are on pause. Planet Fitness is proud to provide the opportunity for millions of teens across the country to exercise in a safe and welcoming fitness environment during the summer months, further supporting their commitment to mental and physical health.


"We're incredibly proud to see such strong participation from teens across Massachusetts this summer," said Bruce Edwards, CEO of Core Development and Management, a local Planet Fitness franchise group. "The High School Summer Pass program provides a free, safe space for teens to stay active, build healthy habits, and grow their confidence. It's inspiring to see the difference we're making in our communities."


As a result of this year's program alone, Planet Fitness has invested more than $168M  in waived membership dues to promote youth health and wellness and improve the physical and mental health of millions of teens.


A survey conducted by Planet Fitness of more than 6,500 participating teens and 4,400 guardians revealed significant positive outcomes from the 2025 program, demonstrating measurable impact across dimensions of teen development: 


  • Building Lifelong Habits: An impressive 93 percent of teen participants report that the program has actively helped them create sustainable health and fitness routines that extend beyond the summer months.

  • Confidence is Climbing: 78 percent of participants report feeling more confident since joining the program, highlighting how a little movement goes a long way.

  • Energy Boost: 80 percent of teens have seen an increase in their energy levels.

  • Meaningful Family Impact: 86 percent of parents report that their teens' participation in the program sparked new, meaningful conversations about health and wellness with their teens.

  • Inspiring Family Fitness: 76 percent of parents report that their teens working out this summer has inspired others in their family to get more physically active.

The High School Summer Pass program's success stems from Planet Fitness' dedication to removing barriers to fitness and creating a high-value, inclusive environment where people of all ages and fitness levels can thrive. By investing in teenage wellness, the Company continues to fulfill its mission of enhancing lives through accessible, high-quality fitness experiences.


For more information about Planet Fitness and to find locations, visit https://www.planetfitness.com/gyms/



About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of June 30, 2025, Planet Fitness had approximately 20.8 million members and 2,762 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness clubs are owned and operated by independent business men and women.



Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Have you registered your teen yet for this week's FREE Life Skills Classroom ???

Have you registered your teen yet for this week's FREE Life Skills Classroom ???
Have you registered your teen yet for this
week's FREE Life Skills Classroom ???
Have you registered your teen yet for this week's 🌟FREE🌟 Life Skills Classroom?

We'll be joined by Annarella Cookie Co to learn about reading recipes and grocery shopping!

Register: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/teen-skills

Wednesdays 3–4 PM at SAFE (Franklin)

The year-long Teen Life Skills Classroom runs weekly and hosts basic life skills many of our amazing teens may otherwise leave home without knowing.




Wednesday, September 17, 2025

World Computer Exchange (WCE) - Franklin Chapter starts Saturday,. Sep 20

World Computer Exchange (WCE) - Franklin Chapter starts Saturday,. Sep 20
World Computer Exchange (WCE) -
Franklin Chapter starts Saturday,. Sep 20
We’re excited to launch the WCE Franklin Chapter starting September 20, 2025. 

As part of this initiative, we’ll be hosting monthly Laptop Refurbishing Events on the third Saturday of each month.

This is a long-term volunteer opportunity open to kids entering 9th grade in the 2025–2026 school year. Each session will run for 4 hours, and students will earn volunteer service hours through WCE for their contributions.

Where: New England Chapel , Franklin MA
Time: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM





Monday, September 15, 2025

St Mary's teen movie night Sep 21

St Mary's teen movie night Sep 21
St Mary's teen movie night Sep 21
ONE WEEK AWAY!
Just one week from today, the St. Mary Youth Ministry is premiering their second year!
  • Sunday, September 21 is the date.
  • 5:00 p.m. is the start time.
  • The field next to our parking lot is the place (Also known as the former Rocco Festival Grounds)
  • ALL students in grades 9-12 are invited.
  • Admission is free!
  • Movie
  • Cookout
  • Giveaways
The more who attend, the more FUN there will be so, plan to come and bring your friends!
You don’t want to miss this premier!


Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Get insights on the special events at the Franklin Public Library for Sep 2025 with Mitzi (audio)

FM #1503 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1503 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, August 25, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

  • Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

    • Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

    • Closed September 1 for Labor Day

    • Book sale weekend September 19 & 20

    • A new program “Community Song Circle” on Sep 10 & Sep 24

  • Library events for September 2025

    • Family events

    • Kiddos, or “littles”

    • Teens

    • Adults


Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.


The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.


The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1503-franklin-public-library-sep-2025-highlights-08-25-25/



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Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 


Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 


Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 


September Library newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=77 



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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


Get insights on the special events at the Franklin Public Library for Sep 2025 with Mitzi (audio)
Get insights on the special events at the Franklin
Public Library for Sep 2025 with Mitzi (audio)

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Franklin Public Library: News & Monthly Events for Kids - September 2025

**LIBRARY NEWS**

 

Library Hours
The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm.  The library is closed on Sundays. 


2025 Reading Challenge

September: Get inspired

Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's 2nd Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that you can redeem at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website. Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library.


VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Site Opening Saturday February 7

We Need You! Volunteers are always needed for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs, better known as VITA and TCE. Many volunteer roles are available. You can help as a greeter or an interpreter, but most of all we need tax preparers. Training for certification is provided! Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net.


ESOL Program

The library is looking for more volunteer tutors for our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. If you want to make a difference right in your own community, this is a great opportunity! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed and volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the volunteer form.


Museum Passes

Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area’s most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.


Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, September 20: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, September 21: 9am - 12pm

All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, September 21: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!


**LIBRARY EVENTS**


Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along, Mondays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Cool Cruisers, Tuesdays @ 9:30am
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time. No registration required.

Pre-K Pals, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Wiggle Worms! Tuesdays @4pm (Ages 0-5)
Beat the afternoon witching hour craziness with a dynamic program for littles! Enjoy music, movement, and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Terrific Toddlers, Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 18mo-3)
Dance, sing, clap, and play along with Miss Mitzi for a story time party! Enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities. No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5)
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30am
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning to nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library. Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort. No registration required.

Pre-K Pals, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Tot Bop, Thursdays, @ 4pm (Begins September 11) (Ages 3-5)
Get ready to dance around to an energetic playlist in a class that offers littles a chance to play with musicality, coordination, and creativity - all while practicing listening and learning skills! No registration required.

Artsy Afternoons, Thursdays @ 4pm (Begins September 11) (Ages 6-11)
Registration Required
Join Ms. Cindy for a step-by-step art project specifically for kids! All materials will be provided.

Bubble Buddies, Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Enjoy a Friday bubble dance party with music, movement, and fun surprises! No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles, Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Littles and their grownups are invited to an epic dance party to kick off the weekend! Get those wiggles out with fun music, exciting surprises, and plenty of joy and laughter. No registration required.

Friday, August 8, 2025

Parents versus kids challenge: Who knows more about protecting personal information? (video)


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

Back to school is a great time to start having conversations with your family about creating good online habits. Rather than telling kids what they should or shouldn't do online, consider making it a parent versus kids challenge. Find out who in your house knows more about protecting their personal information online — and bring in a little healthy competition.

Read more  -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/parents-versus-kids-challenge-who-knows-more-about-protecting-personal-information?utm_source=govdelivery


    

Video link -> 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj97-C4tMKc


Thursday, August 7, 2025

"Kids these days..." So the SAFE Coalition has a program to help !!!

"Kids these days..." So the SAFE Coalition has a program to help !!!
"Kids these days..." So the SAFE
Coalition has a program to help !!!
"Kids these days..."

We at SAFE Coalition are thrilled to announce a YEAR LONG Teen Life Skills Classroom. This program will run weekly and will host basic life skills many of our amazing teens leave the home without knowing. As adults, it is our role to support the learning and encouragement of these skills and we are proud to offer a variety of classes with local business owners!
What does this have to do with mental health and substance use? GREAT QUESTION! This is an exercise in prevention. Many teens we work with have shared that they are scared to move forward because they do not have the independent skills to be successful. By teaching our children life skills, we honor their intelligence, we set them up for success outside of the family home, and we move into a relationship of autonomy instead of reliance.
Here are a few topics we will cover:
  • Auto Ed 1: "What if" scenarios
  • Auto Ed 2: Car Maintenance
  • How to read a recipe & grocery shop
  • What changes (legally) when you turn 18
  • Advocating for medical needs after you leave home
  • Plumbing/Heating/Electric: plunging, thermostats, and fuse boxes
  • Communication skills: how to effectively use the telephone
  • Stop The Bleed Fire Safety at school/home/in the car
  • Banking, saving, and credit!
  • Laundry: wash, fold, dry clean!
  • Personal Paperwork: how to save and store your important documents
  • Internet Safety: how to protect yourself
  • Resumes: how to make them work for you
  • MAIL & PAYING BILLS: How to do it and why it is important
For more about the SAFE Coalition visit their web page ->  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Mitzi & I review all the big events and activities for the Library for August 2025 (audio)

FM #1486 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1486 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, July 21, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

  • Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

    • Closed on Sundays for summer, and winter due to budget reduction

    • Book sale weekend August 15 & 16

  • Library events for August 2025

    • Family events

    • Kiddos, or “littles”

    • Teens

    • Adults


Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.


The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.


The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1486-franklin-public-library-august-2025-highlights-07-21-25/



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


Whalemobile - Friday, Aug 1
Whalemobile - Friday, Aug 1
Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 


Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 


Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 


August Library newsletter -> (link to be added when available) 




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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"