Please Support the Y’s 7th Annual Community Backpack Drive

Operation Backpack is now underway at the Hockomock Area YMCA and seeks the support of local businesses and individuals. Committed to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children and strengthening the community, the YMCA has a hefty goal of 3,000 fully stocked backpacks delivered before the school year begins this fall. 

students with backpacks from community drive YMCA

“Convening donors and volunteers to support area families in need reflects our Y’s commitment to serve and strengthen our communities together,” says Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Having access to backpacks and supplies is an integral part of a student’s success. As many families continue to face financial hardships due to the pandemic and the cost of living, we are working to make sure that kids have the supplies they need to start the upcoming school year off right.”  

 

New supplies and backpacks are requested now through August 14th. The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by the YMCA staff, program participants, partners and neighbors to provide kids the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared. 

Donation bins are located at all Hockomock Area YMCA facilities: Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough; Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin; Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom Street, Mansfield; and North Attleboro Branch, 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro.  

“Fulfilling our mission is only possible because of the dedication of staff, volunteers, donors and partners who support our cause of enhancing lives and enriching communities,” says Eric Kevorkian, Chair of the Hockomock Y’s Board of Directors. “Your support with this Backpack Drive will help children and neighbors in need in our 15 town service area.”  

YMCA delivering stuffed backpacks

Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to contact Katie Moore at 508-643-5265 or katiem@hockymca.org. Sponsorship levels range from $500–which will provide 10 backpacks to students in need–through Presenting Sponsor at $25,000, which is a giving level ensuring that 500 children will receive needed supplies. Be sure to inquire about all sponsorship levels by contacting the Y today. 

In addition to monetary donations, the Y is requesting the following supplies: backpacks for all ages including pre-k, elementary, middle school and high school, pencils and colored pencils, highlighters, washable markers, rulers, crayons, glue sticks, spiral notebooks and scissors.  A donation of $50 will cover the cost of a single fully stocked backpack. All the details to support this initiative are available at: hockymca.org/backpack-drive

 

If a member of your family or someone you know is in need of a backpack, a request form can be found online at hockymca.org/backpack-drive.  

 

About Hockomock Area YMCA: 

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

 

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

Hockomock YMCA swim team tryouts scheduled

We’re excited to announce short course tryout dates for kids in our community ages 6-18 who want to join the Y’s HAY Lightning Swim Team!

The team will participate in weekly practices and meets during the coming fall and winter, practicing at all Hockomock Y pools. HAY Lightning Swimmers have the chance to build skills and confidence in a caring and supportive team environment. Swim meets will be held throughout the area. 

Potential team participants should attend (1) of the following tryouts. Please arrive 15 minutes early with your goggles in hand and wearing your swim suit.

swim team tryouts scheduled

• Mon. July 18 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) at the Foxboro Y
• Tues. July 19 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) at the North Attleboro Y
• Wed. July 20 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) at the Franklin Y

At the Y, we recognize that youth need positive adult and peer role models, and they need to feel physically and emotionally safe to thrive. Our coaches nurture children along their journey to adulthood, so they can become active, thriving and contributing members of society. And we have a lot of fun!

Our Short Course season runs September to mid-February and is followed by our Long Course season, which runs mid-April to mid-July. Tryouts for long course will be announced as we get closer to April. Please contact haylightning@hockymca.org with any questions. See you on the pool deck!

Additional details on the team are available here ->  https://www.teamunify.com/team/nehayl/page/home

Shared from the YMCA page -> https://www.hockymca.org/hay-lightning-tryouts/

Five Days of Action: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention initiative

As adults, perhaps our biggest responsibility in our lifetime is to protect our children, and the uncertainty of the world today has made that more important now than ever before. 

Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that 1 in 10 children in the United States are sexually abused before their 18th birthday, typically by someone they know and trust; and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that 1 in 5 children will be solicited sexually on the internet. Child sexual abuse is happening regardless of age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic class.

But these are not just numbers. Behind every number is a child, a child who has been robbed of their innocence. A child whose life will forever have been changed by the heinous act of an adult. We owe it to our children, and we owe it to their future, to do better. 

As part of our commitment to social responsibility to the communities we serve, the Hockomock Area YMCA, along with YMCAs throughout Massachusetts and across the nation will be sponsoring Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention, a campaign committed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take an active role to protect children from sexual abuse. 

While child protection is our Y’s number one priority every day, this critical campaign will run from April 18th through April 22nd and we will help shine a collective spotlight on how everyone can do something to prevent child sexual abuse. 

Our Y will share information and resources each day to our members and community partners about how adults can prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse situations to keep children safe.

Help us prevent child sexual abuse through Know, See, Respond.  When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations on how we can all work together to prevent it from happening. Please join our YMCA to spread important awareness and resources with your social networks and family and friends around this devastating epidemic.

Our YMCA is proud to have partnered and collaborated with school systems, municipalities and other human service organizations throughout our service area to help bring awareness, education and training regarding this issue. We remain committed to this collaborative cause and our effort to be part of a community-based prevention movement.  

For more information and resources—including training opportunities for your organization, visit our website at hockymca.org/child-protection or email protectkids@hockymca.org. 

As responsible adults, we need to give children a happy, healthy and safe childhood. Our world needs them, and they need us. Let’s give them the childhood they deserve.    

Jim Downs
CEO, Hockomock Area YMCA

 

Know, See, Respond

Women Veterans' Breakfast - Saturday, March 26, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Women Veterans' Breakfast - Saturday, March 26th, 

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

North Attleboro Hockomock YMCA

The Women's Veterans Network is partnering with local YMCAs to engage Women Vets and their families.

All women veterans are invited to attend the Women's Veterans Network Family Open House and Breakfast on Saturday, March 26 at the North Attleboro YMCA located at 300 Elmwood Street.

Franklin Veterans' Services Officer, Shannon Nisbett will be attending the breakfast and looks forward to meeting local veterans!

Go to: www.veterannetwork.eventbrite.com to register!

Shared from  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/women-veterans-breakfast-saturday-march-26th-900-am-1100-am

Women Veterans' Breakfast - Saturday, March 26, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

YMCA - Open House for Group Exercise & Personal Training Programs - Nov 19-20

Join us on Friday, November 19th and Saturday, November 20th for an Open House to experience our Group Exercise and Personal Training programs at the Y! This is a 2-day health & wellness celebration at our Y to try something new and challenge yourself. Bring your friends (for free) to the Open House, too! No registration required.

We will have personal trainers, wellness floor staff, and our nutritionist available to welcome you and answer your wellness questions. See you at the Y! 

For more information visit the Y online -> https://www.hockymca.org/wellness-open-house/ 

YMCA - Open House for Group Exercise & Personal Training Programs - Nov 19-20

Hockomock Area Y to perform "All Together Now"

"We are so excited to join thousands of theaters across the globe to perform the musical All Together Now! For us it is not only a celebration of the return of live theatre, but also to mark 15 years of our beloved youth theatre program here at the Hockomock Area YMCA. Join us for song, dance, laughter, and love November 12th & 13th at the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center / The Orpheum Theatre - Foxboro!"

Ticket link -> click here

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3025633764373296/

Hockomock Area Y to perform "All Together Now"

Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and Family Fun Day - Sep 19

On Sunday, September 19, the Hockomock Area YMCA will hold the Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and Family Fun Day at Patriot Place’s Enel Plaza, located outside The Patriots Hall of Fame Presented by Raytheon. This year’s event will also include a new two-mile race for kids ages 12 and under, along with free, family-friendly activities provided by community partners. All proceeds from this family event will benefit the Y’s Food Access Programs.

Greg Spier, longtime YMCA board member and community leader expressed, “My wife Kathy and I are so excited to sponsor this great event, bringing families together for healthy activities while raising awareness of our Y’s ongoing food security programs.” 

Since March 2020, the Hockomock Area YMCA has provided more than 380,000 grab & go meals and  more than 40,000 bags of food, valued at $50 each, to those in need in local communities.  

“Patriot Place is so proud to the support the important work of the Hockomock Area YMCA to help our neighbors in these challenging times,” said Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place. “We have partnered with Greg and Kathy Spier and the Hockomock Area YMCA for many years and look forward to working with them again to host this family-friendly community event at Patriot Place on September 19.”  

The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., and individuals, families and teams are welcome to run or walk. The Two Mile Youth Run and Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m.  From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., all are welcome to participate in the Spier Family Fun Day – a free family event where children can take part in activities, crafts, and more! 

Online registration for the Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and youth races is open now through September 16. Interested participants can register for the 5K for $25 and for the Two-Mile Race for $15.  There is no charge for the Fun Run, but advance registration is required. Further details and registration information is available at www.hockymca.org/5k-family-day. Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to “Stuff the Truck” to assist those in need.  

The first 200 registrants will receive a commemorative Kindness for Kids 5K shirt and the first 200 youth to register for either the Fun Run or the Two-mile Youth Run will receive a coupon for a free month of swim lessons at the Hockomock Area YMCA. Medals will be awarded to all youth who participate.

September 19 activities timeline: 
7:00 a.m. Race registration opens at Patriot Place Enel Plaza (available now at www.hockymca.org/5k-family-day)
8:00 a.m. Family Day begins, runs until 11:00 a.m. 
8:00 a.m. 5K race begins
9:00 a.m. Two-mile Youth Run and Fun Run begin

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

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

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

ABOUT PATRIOT PLACE

Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 23 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the award-winning Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, the modern gastro sports pub, CBS Sporting Club, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place and Helix eSports, the region’s largest egaming center and social hub. Patriot Place is also the home of Brigham Health and Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Centers. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

 

Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and Family Fun Day - Sep 19

Spier Family Kindness For Kids 5K & Kids Run + Family Day - Sep 19

Join us for a great race and family day at the site of so many championships!

Sponsored by the Spier Family and in support of Hockomock Area YMCA Food Access Programs, the annual 5K that hundreds have come to love (formerly called The Foxboro 5K) returns to Patriot Place and will be held Sunday, Sept. 19. Join us!

Food insecurity is a growing concern in the region and, to address this, the Hockomock Y provides free food and meals with no questions asked. We are proud to announce that the annual Hockomock Area YMCA 5K has matured beyond our former route neighboring the Foxboro Y and invite you to run/walk at Patriot Place surrounding Gillette Stadium!

This course and the entire morning of activities will make memories for years to come for all ages and abilities. All proceeds will go to feeding our community. 

More info and link to register at https://www.hockymca.org/5k-family-day/

Spier Family Kindness For Kids 5K & Kids Run + Family Day - Sep 19

 

Area Swimmers Post Personal Bests at Sunkissed Championship Meet

HAY Lightning is the name of the longstanding team of swimmers hosted by the Hockomock Area YMCA, which practices at pools housed at the Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro YMCAs. For this team of athletes ranging in age from 6-18, the goal of swimming at the Sunkissed Invitational swim meet every March or April has become a highly anticipated event.
 
If going to Nationals is one of a swimmer's goals for the season, then the swimmer must make the commitment to attend practices and work hard. Additionally, swimmers must give themselves every opportunity, over the course of the season, to swim the events in which they are trying to qualify.

During the pandemic this past year, we are proud to say that members of the YMCA team have continued to swim and improve their skills, including competing in 12 swim meets between September and March.

HAY Lightning

The Nationals meet, designed in accordance with USA Swimming guidelines, gives the opportunity to compete in a national meet to many more swimmers than comparable meets in other organizations. Historically, swimmers, who otherwise may never encounter this experience, get the opportunity to travel to, and compete in, a big four-day meet. The qualifying times are attainable goals for most junior swimmers (at least 10 years of age) as they approach the age of 13, and for senior swimmers from 14 years of age.

Hosted by Team Charlotte Swimming, this year’s event—formerly planned to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina—was forced to become a virtual event. Parents, most of whom usually attend the meets and perform chaperoning duties for meals, as well as timing and officiating duties, pulled together to ensure a successful local event, while honoring the seniors and upholding important team traditions such as door decorating, swimmers’ parade, and roses for anyone earning a spot on the podium.

Participation on the National Team involved 25% of the swimmers. “We saw amazing achievements that included kids receiving qualification times that will allow them to compete at other prestigious events,” said swim dad Dan Campbell of Plainville.

“Twenty-seven of the meet participants swam at personal best times.” Dan continued, “Beyond the 189 swims at Sunkissed, we know how fortunate our kids were to be able to swim throughout the short course season. My daughter Megan, who will go on to swim in college with eight other recruits, is one of two who got to swim during COVID — and she is the only one that’s been able to compete. That she achieved four personal bests at Nationals is something else!”

It is a testament to the commitment of the team when one looks at Sunkissed results to see nine team records broken, including the shattering of the twenty-year-standing 500 free record. Harikalal Birali (of Franklin) broke her first team record, Jack Maron (of Sharon) broke two, and Jill Carline (of Attleboro) had a standout showing with 6 team records.

“The Y’s support means so much to families involved in the 2020 HAY Lightning season, said Dan who looks forward to the future of the team and his involvement with it.

 

HAY Lightning, the Hockomock Area YMCA’s competitive swim team for swimmers 18 years and younger, participated in their annual national championship swim meet March 25-28 at the North Attleboro YMCA. The 30 Junior & Senior National Championship qualifying swimmers posted 134 personal best times (out of 162 swims) and 25 swimmers achieved qualifying times for Sunkissed Championship Meet 2022

Hockomock Area YMCA Awarded Grant From Dean Bank

The Hockomock Area YMCA has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Dean Bank for the Y’s annual Reach Out Campaign.

“For almost two decades, Dean Bank has helped our YMCA address the ever-changing needs of our shared community through values-based programming and services.  Dean Bank's philanthropic investments over the years, especially through Reach Out,  have enriched the lives of our neighbors through progressive community impact to meet the often urgent needs of those who face life's unforeseen challenges, and I am deeply grateful for their partnership, engagement, and confidence in our YMCA's mission,” states Hockomock Area YMCA CEO Ed Hurley.

The Reach Out Campaign is a volunteer- and community-driven annual fundraising effort serving as the cornerstone of its philanthropic outreach across the 15 communities the Y serves.

The Hockomock Area YMCA has for decades invited Y members, volunteers, neighbors, partners, collaborators, vendors and friends in the community to join in raising funds to provide confidential scholarship assistance, program subsidies, and essential services for those who are facing challenges in their lives.  

The essence of Reach Out and a cornerstone of the Hockomock Y’s mission is that nobody is turned away because of their inability to pay.

Each contribution to this campaign provides confidential scholarships for those who otherwise could not enjoy a Y experience due to financial struggles. This is an opportunity to feel welcomed as part of the YMCA  family and for kids to enjoy summer camps, swim lessons, and out-of-school child care programs.  

Reach Out also subsidizes mission-driven programs, including our Teen Centers, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, and participation in our Teen Center programming and sports, as examples, designed to address the increasing problem of bullying in and outside of school.

Additionally, Reach Out helps make it possible for our YMCA to deliver essential services to our neighbors experiencing hardships, such as food insecurity, emergency child care during extremely challenging times, and backpacks for kids who cannot afford them at the start of a school year.

In 2020, the Reach Out program provided $1.9 million in confidential scholarships and subsidies, 247,439 grab and go meals, and 25,242 bags of groceries, valued at $50 each. 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is extremely grateful for the long-standing relationship with Dean Bank and for its continued generosity for its mission-driven work.  

For more information please contact Katie Moore at KatieM@hockymca.org or 508.643.5265. 

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

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

 

Hockomock Area YMCA Awarded Grant From Dean Bank

Stronger Together is our Y’s new team training and personal training programs

Starting March 1st, we will begin this new premier personal training program at our Bernon Family Branch in Franklin. Workouts are completed in a private, dedicated space used for Stronger Together clients only on the second floor of our Franklin Y.

Start with an assessment to learn about the program: Stronger Together programs start with a free Starting Point Session. The 60-minute session allows our trainer to learn about your goals and challenges, observe your movement quality and create the perfect plan for you!

The Starting Point Session will include:

• Finding out more about you: your goals, limitations, and health history.
• Giving you a tour of our dedicated Stronger Together personal training area.
• Assessing movement patterns with a Functional Movement Screen to help find the right exercises specifically for you.
• Go through a light workout so you can experience the different tools we use during Stronger Together workouts.
• Provide recommendations on a program that suits your goals, time and budget.

All of this information will be used to help create your training program and keep you injury free along the way!

BE HEALTHY. BE STRONG. BELONG.

What is Stronger Together?

• Stronger Together is powered by Alloy®, a premier personal training system helping people look and feel their absolute best. Alloy’s programs are tested in real facilities, and created by degreed exercise physiologists, doctors of physical therapy, registered dietitians and other behavioral specialists.
• Team Training is a 45 minute workout perfect for those who want coaching from a personal trainer every time they come to the gym and enjoy the dynamics of group workouts. We offer 3 great options for Team Training – Foundations for beginners, Afterburn for advanced metabolic training and Industrial Strength for a true strength training option – and members can do unlimited sessions each month. $89 per month.
• Personal training is perfect for clients with specific goals, injuries and those who do not prefer to work in larger groups. We can accommodate nearly all fitness levels and health issues in this setting. For those with more experience in fitness, we program more advanced exercises, which require more hands-on coaching. We begin to introduce lower repetition ranges and focus on those with strength goals. Also, we work on corrective strategies to help clients improve their movement restrictions. Team Training is included in all one-on-one personal training programs as a way to supplement the workouts. Options include up to 4, 8 and 12 sessions per month, and cost ranges from $179 to $419 per month.

Workouts are scheduled appointments to make sure you stay on track with getting started. Track your progress and communicate with your trainer with a custom mobile app. You’ll schedule your monthly personal meetings to discuss basic nutrition coaching, goal-setting and strategy. These personalized sessions are designed to keep you on track… so you can be on your way to reaching your goals.

Tailored to your goals, time and budget: our monthly programs allow you the most flexibility in scheduling workouts and finding a program that’s works for you.

Grand Opening Offers Available for a Limited Time Only!

The 30-Day PT Experience is a great way to try Stronger Together to determine which type of training is best for you. Included in the 30 days is a one-on-one Starting Point health assessment, Two 45-minute one-on-one personal training sessions, and unlimited team training sessions. All sessions run approximately 45 minutes. Get to know our friendly, experienced trainers, meet other members and see first-hand the results possible with Stronger Together. One time special promotional rate for new clients only at $89. Only available to our members, for a limited time only!

All of our Hockomock Y members have $50 personal Y Bucks to use towards any Stronger Together personal training program. Members can use towards the 30-Day PT Experience, brining it to $39. This is a limited time only, grand opening offer. Certain restrictions may apply.

How to Get Started:

Contact our Fitness & Personal Training Director Chris Raymond at chrisr@hockymca.org or 774-235-2732 to get started with us today. Let’s get Stronger Together!

Stronger Together is our Y’s new team training and personal training programs

Youth programs starting in January at YMCA

A few updates happening at the Y. They are offering 4 programs for youths of all ages and revising the athletes conditioning program. 

Everything will be starting in January.

• Kids running club  https://www.hockymca.org/franklin/youth-development/youth-swim-sports-recreation/youth-recreation/youth-fitness/
• Athletic development: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5192/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?keywords=full+athletic+training
• No Jump, Jump Rope: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5192/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?keywords=jump+rope
• Up N’ Run: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5192/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?keywords=up+n+run

Kids running club

Up N’ Run

Register now for new youth programs starting at the YMCA in January

Youth programs that will be starting in January at the YMCA: 

• Youth Running Club: https://www.hockymca.org/franklin/youth-development/youth-swim-sports-recreation/youth-sports/youth-running-triathlon/

• Athletic development: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5192/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?keywords=full+athletic+training

• No Jump, Jump Rope: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5192/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?keywords=jump+rope

• Up N' Run: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5192/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?keywords=up+n+run

New youth programs starting at the YMCA in January, register now

The Sun Chronicle: "Hockomock Area YMCA theater groups will present shows in early December"

From The Sun Chronicle, we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"Students in the Hockomock Area YMCA's Broad-Y Academy and Theatre Institute will in early December present virtual productions they have been preparing for the last few months.

The Broad-Y Academy will present "A Virtual Christmas Carol" at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and 1 p.m. Dec. 6. It’s the classic Dickens story with a modern twist -- all the scenes take place via phone or video call.Twenty local youth ages 7-14 rehearsed and prerecorded the play on Zoom from their own homes. “It was so fun to see how each student took the time to set up and decorate their individual performance space to make it special even though we were physically apart,” says Director Julia Paolino.

Simultaneously, The Theatre Institute, an intensive pre-professional training program for high school students, has been hard at work crafting their annual musical theater showcase, which will be streamed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. This year’s showcase is titled “Together Apart” and features songs in which the characters exist in physically separate spaces, but connect with each other nonetheless."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://t.co/Mrra8qRyIu 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/tMPhvpyXH8

The Sun Chronicle: "Hockomock Area YMCA theater groups will present shows in early December"

Hockomock Area YMCA - New Theatre Programs

The Y offers youth the opportunity to explore the arts, express their creativity and take risks in a safe and encouraging environment.🎬🎭‼️🎤 Read about our new shows ready to begin rehearsal next week - and grab your spot: https://t.co/GzhuY4u4cM

"We are pleased to run four great shows this fall, each will begin rehearsals the week of September 14th. Grab your spot today!

The Y provides a safe, enriching place for children to learn and grow and we welcome all new and returning students! Now in our 13th year, the Mansfield Y (known as the Mansfield Arts & Education Center) arranges students into two groups, described below.

1. The Broad-Y Academy

The Broad-Y Academy is our program for students ages 7-14. With several performance opportunities per year, ranging from musical theatre to plays, and workshops and to camps. Our mission is to create theatre magic for students of all ability levels, and to instill a deep love for the arts that will last for the rest of their lives.

Students will learn how to be part of a cast, and a community as they engage in the creation of productions, learning about dancing, singing, and acting along the way!

2. The Theatre Institute

The Theatre Institute is an intensive pre-professional training program for high school aged students, featuring a variety of classes, workshops, and full productions. Our mission is to provide high quality theatrical education, aimed particularly at students who want to develop and grow as young artists.

Each year, students are given the opportunity to participate in the showcase class, featuring concentrated training in acting, movement, and singing techniques, as well as several productions. Our goal is to ensure that students are prepared for collegiate theatre at the completion of their time with us.

If you have any questions, please contact juliap@hockymca.org."

https://www.hockymca.org/theatre-2020/

(https://twitter.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1303679072346812418?s=03)

Hockomock Area YMCA - New Theatre Programs 

“This model is going to be unique, because it’s a learning model”

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

"As students prepare to spend at least part of their week this fall learning remotely, many families are faced with a practical problem they’ve been wrestling with since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Someone needs to watch their children from the same side of the computer screen during the work day.

School systems in Milford, Franklin and three other communities have teamed up with the local YMCA to offer that opportunity.

“We’ve been able to work with the town, as well as the youth center and the YMCA, to provide a low-cost child care option for families, to be open throughout the school year,” Milford Superintendent of Schools Kevin McIntyre said. “We know that child care is going to be one of the biggest challenges.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200908/working-families-in-milford-franklin-get-relief-from-ymca-remote-school-program?rssfeed=true

For reference, the press release from the Hockomock YMCA

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/hockomock-area-ymca-opens-virtual.html

hockymca.org

Hockomock Area YMCA Opens Virtual Learning Space For Children

With the announcement by area school superintendents that schools will be run virtually or hybrid this fall, the Y, which typically offers before- and after-school care to children, will now offer programming during school hours to provide children a space where they can attend virtual classes while supervised by Y staff.  

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our Y is committed to best serving our community and be a safety net for those who need us,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “As an organization dedicated to youth development, we know how important it is that children have a safe and enriching environment for learning and to provide essential child care to those parents who need to return to work.”

The Hockomock Y is offering Out of School Time to provide children a place where they can attend virtual classes while their parents are at work. The Out of School Time Program will be run at Hockomock Area YMCA branches in Foxboro, Mansfield and North Attleboro, as well as at the former St. Mary school building in Franklin and the Milford Youth Center in downtown Milford. Virtual learning/enrichment programs are available for enrollment for children in grades K-6.

YMCA Opens Virtual Learning Space For Children

Working with school partners, the Y has created this program with the intent to complement the students’ remote school day curriculum while providing participants with enrichment and physical activities to keep kids active and engaged.  

Financial assistance is available to those who qualify, ensuring every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y. 

In order to help keep children and staff healthy and safe, the Hockomock Area YMCA, following state and local requirements, has adapted several changes to its day-to-day operations in licensed Y school-age programs, including:

• Required facial covering for all participants and staff 
• Daily health screenings for children and staff
• Reduced capacity in group activities
• Staggered mealtimes to reduce crowds
• Classrooms arranged by academic pods
• Enhanced outdoor play

“We are very fortunate to have the Hockomock Area YMCA as a partner in education,” said Allan Cameron, Ph.D., Superintendent of Wrentham Public Schools. "The Hockomock YMCA's Out of School Time program is a tremendous benefit for Wrentham families. The hybrid learning schedule is very challenging for families. Unfortunately, the school district does not have the space or staff to supervise students when they are learning remotely. The YMCA Out of School Time program provides families with a safe and supervised learning environment for students when they are learning remotely.”

For more information and to sign up for the Out of School Time Program and Before & After School Care, visit www.hockymca.org/out-of-school-time or call 508-528-8708.

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.  

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.

 

Hockomock Area YMCA Out of School Time (OST) Support Programs Pre-Registration Opens

With local schools in Franklin, Bellingham and Milford operating hybrid or remote, the Bernon Family Branch YMCA in Franklin will fill the gaps to ensure kids have safe places to learn during the school day while parents are managing their own work and schedule commitments. Out of School Time (OST) provides full day in-person learning assistance and additional enrichment programming for grades K-6. OST full day programs will take place in both Franklin and Milford. We offer 3 or 5 day options running from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (until 5:00 pm in Milford), with optional extended care available in Franklin.

YMCA staff will assist students in their school assignments using their own Chromebook and headset, assist with questions during remote learning, and help to keep them on track as they connect with their teachers online. During class breaks and after school work is completed, the Y team will engage students with enrichment and physical activities.

Safety is our top priority, and the COVID safety protocols we'll use are based on procedures developed for our successful Summer Camp and Emergency Child Care programs that allowed our Hockomock Area YMCA branches to safely provide care for over 700 kids during the past six months.

OST PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

FRANKLIN (available for Franklin, Bellingham and Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School students):

• OST runs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $300 per week)
• OST runs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $180 per week)

MILFORD (at Milford Youth Center, 24 Pearl Street, Milford):

• OST runs 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $250 per week)
• OST runs 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $150 per week)

EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE IN FRANKLIN:

• Runs 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm 5 DAYS (cost $50 per week or free to Hockomock Area YMCA members)
• Runs 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm 3 DAYS (cost $30 per week or free to Hockomock Area YMCA members)

Note: use promo code BEFOREANDAFTER to avoid paying our registration fee twice – for any child you have already enrolled in OST.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Our Y offers programs and services to all regardless of ability to pay. Our financial assistance program is available to those who need support and for those that qualify. Download our financial assistance brochure pdf here (https://www.hockymca.org/shared/docs/financial-assistance-application.pdf).

Use promo code VOUCHER$50 during registration if you are using a state voucher

Use promo code ROFY$25 during registration if you currently receive a Hockomock Area YMCA scholarship

HOW TO REGISTER

Currently, we are accepting $50 deposits. We offe

Hockomock Area YMCA Out of School Time (OST)

r a 5% discount for siblings, and will be applied automatically upon the start of the billing cycle. Following enrollment at the link below, please keep an eye out for our email with required next steps. An email will be sent within three business days. Included will be forms that you must complete and return to your local Hockomock Area YMCA or via scanned email. Though they may have been responded to in the online pre-registration, the forms must be completed in their entirety. Once we review your forms, only then can we contact you to confirm your student's enrollment.

** CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW FOR OUT OF SCHOOL TIME **: Franklin | Milford

For questions or more information, please contact us at 508-643-5243 or schoolsout2@hockymca.org, or visit us at https://www.hockymca.org/out-of-school-time-support/. 

Hockomock Area YMCA Offers Remote Learning Support Programs and Before & After School Care

Our Hockomock Area YMCA knows this academic year will challenge families and present a unique need in our communities, as families will be balancing their children's remote learning needs with their own work schedules and commitments. We have been preparing to adapt our Y's Before & After School Care program to include both full-day remote learning support as needed, along with traditional before and after school care.  These enhanced programs will be comprehensive, supporting your child's virtual learning needs, while providing enrichment, socialization and physical activity each day. 
 
At all three of our YMCA full facility branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro, we plan to provide onsite full-day remote learning and enrichment programming Monday through Friday as space allows. We are also identifying additional buildings in communities we serve where we may be able to expand our offering and allow more families to register.

Here is where we are in this process and the next steps we must take.

• All organizations who plan to offer any childcare or school age support program during the school year must be licensed by the state's Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) in order to operate legally and within the standards that provide quality care and keep children safe.
• All Hockomock Area YMCA childcare and before and after school care programs are licensed by DEEC and we follow their guidelines strictly.
• While local school districts have submitted their final plans to the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for approval, and have communicated these plans to families within their community, the DEEC that we depend upon for licensing has not yet issued their revised COVID-19 standards or guidelines. These two state departments coordinate efforts to make sure guidelines are consistent.
• Until these guidelines are released, no program can operate, and we cannot finalize key elements, including staff to child ratios, the number of children allowed per classroom, and revised cleaning protocols.

According to the DEEC, the state should be providing us with the necessary guidelines by the end of this week or early next week. It has been shared with us that organizations like our Y who already have a license will be first in line to expand their care and be approved for the full day remote learning support program.
 
We will be moving forward in the next few days on anticipated program guidelines and making registration for families available, with the understanding that the entire program is pending on state approval.

If you would like to receive future updates and registration information once it’s available, please complete our online contact form by CLICKING HERE (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PpzOnpumbUWH4PxDDFqr5r-uLr_JgcNOrd_wDdoe02lUNjVMSzM3WDdDMzhBVDk2QkVJUThPTDJQSSQlQCN0PWcu).

Hockomock Area YMCA
Bernon Family Branch
45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: 508-528-8708
http://www.hockymca.org/franklin

Hockomock Area YMCA 

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