As we continue to strengthen our community connections here in Holliston, I'm excited to announce that we'll be developing a comprehensive strategic plan to guide HNN's future growth and impact. This planning process will help us identify new opportunities to serve our neighbors, enhance our programs, and ensure our organization continues to thrive for years to come. We'll be seeking input from our membership throughout this process, so stay tuned for opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas. Your voice matters in shaping the direction of our wonderful organization.

More details on how you can participate will follow in the coming months. 

Local Brewery Get Togethers:

We had so much fun at September’s brewery get together that we are looking forward to our October one. Come join us on Sunday, October 19th from 1-4pm at Clover Road Brewing in Ashland where they don’t only serve beer, but wine and appetizers, along with food trucks. It is a cool vibe at the downtown former  Ashland Firehouse. Like last time, please RSVP to Christel or Jackie to give us a heads up so we can try to get seating together, but of course last minute people are always welcome.

Adults Only Party at Casey's Pub

Join us for a scary good time on October 24th 8-10pm for our adults-only annual Halloween party at Casey’s Pub, 81 Railroad St. Holliston! This favorite tradition includes yummy appetizers, sweet treats and a cash bar. Come whether you have a costume or not and feel free to bring a friend who might be interested in joining.

See you there, if you dare!

Trick-or-Treating at Mission Springs

Members Only--RSVP required

Join us this month when we celebrate Halloween with our dear neighbors at Mission Springs, 100 Summer St. in Holliston. See our newsletter for further details.

This event is an HNN favorite you won’t want to miss with treats, crafts, snacks, costumes and fun! The residents love dressing up almost as much as the kids!

PLEASE RSVP  to Jackie

Children's Playgroup has been a wonderful way for our youngest members to play and for families to connect! It is great to see some familiar faces, and we look forward to welcoming new members to our upcoming gathering. Hope you can join us this month on Monday, October 13th from 1 to 3 pm. For RSVP and location information, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Noora.

Book Club got off to a great start last month—thanks to Ursula for hosting. Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of whether you have finished (or even started) the book. Book Club is mainly an opportunity for old and new friends to get together and chat and snack.

We hope you will join us for our next meeting, on Wednesday, October 15, at 7:30 pm, when we will be discussing The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters: A four-year-old Mi’kmaq girl goes missing from the blueberry fields of Maine, sparking a mystery that will haunt the survivors, unravel a family, and remain unsolved for nearly fifty years.

We're still looking for a few books to fill out our 2025-2026 calendar, so if you read anything over the summer that you would recommend, let us know.

The Holliston Public Library reserves several copies of each book for us; ask at the circulation desk for the HNN book. For those who want to get a head start on next month, our November book will be Sandwich by Catherine Newman.

We meet the third Wednesday of each month (no December meeting). We hold most meetings in person but also have a Zoom option if you can’t attend. Please contact Debbie if you have any interest in hosting a meeting.

As we look forward to the year, I'm filled with enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead. HNN has always been a bridge that connects people, builds lasting friendships, and helps transform neighbors into family. Whether you've been with us for years or just joined recently, you are the heart of what makes our organization thrive. 

In the coming months, we'll be focusing on how our programming can offer even more ways to connect. From our popular coffee mornings and book clubs to seasonal events and community service projects, there's something for everyone. I'm particularly excited about some new initiatives we're planning that will bring fresh energy to our gatherings while honoring the traditions that have made us strong. 

One of my top priorities is welcoming new faces into our community. We need your help! Do you know someone who would benefit from the friendship and support that HNN provides? Perhaps a new neighbor, a colleague who recently moved to the area, or someone looking to make meaningful connections? Please consider referring them to join us. There's no better endorsement than a personal invitation from a current member. Your referral could be exactly what someone needs to feel truly at home in Holliston. 

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who volunteers their time and talents. This organization runs on the generous spirit of its members, and I'm continually amazed by the willingness of our community to step up and help. I am truly excited to work alongside each of you to strengthen the bonds that make our community so special. 

Our Social Activity co-chairs have been busy lining up great opportunities for members to gather and connect. Mark your calendars to join any or all of these upcoming events. See you there! 

Local Breweries: Let’s get together and explore some local breweries on the dates listed below. If you know you will be joining, please RSVP via email to one of us and we will grab space to accommodate the group.  If you prefer to make a last-minute decision please still stop by and join us for a bit, it would be great to see you for however long you are able to attend. These events are intended for all members and if you are comfortable bringing your kids please do. We welcome your ideas for future events; please let us know your thoughts! Our September gathering will be on Sunday, September 21st,  1-4pm,  at Rushford & Sons, Holliston 

Dinner Dates: Let's gather and check out some of the great restaurants in our area. If you know you will be joining, please RSVP via email to one of us and we arrange space to accommodate the group. Our September gathering will be on Friday, September 26^th 6:00pm, at The Rail Trail Flatbread Co. – Milford 

Be on the look next month for more Breweries and Dinner Dates. We will also be hosting our traditional Halloween Events in October including the Great Pumpkin Trail Walk, Trick or Treating at Mission Springs, and our Adults Only Costume Party.

Children's Playgroup has been a wonderful way for our youngest members to play and for families to connect! It is great to see some familiar faces, and we look forward to welcoming new members to our upcoming gatherings. Hope you can join us this month on Sunday, September 14th at 3pm. For RSVP and  location information, or if you have any questions,  please reach out to Noora.

Welcome to a new season of Book Club! Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of whether you have finished (or even started) the book. Book Club is mainly an opportunity for old and new friends to get together and chat and snack.

We hope you will join us for our next meeting, on Wednesday, September 17, at 7:30 pm, when we will be discussing the thriller The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, in which a young woman with a troubled past goes to work for a family whose perfect-looking facade is hiding very dark secrets.

We're still looking for a few books to fill out our 2025-2026 calendar, so if you read anything over the summer that you would recommend, let us know.

The Holliston Public Library reserves several copies of each book for us; ask at the circulation desk for the HNN book. For those who want to get a head start on next month, our October book will be The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters.

We meet the third Wednesday of each month (no December meeting); upcoming meeting dates are October 15, November 19, January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, and June 17. We hold most meetings in person but also have a Zoom option if you can’t attend. Please contact Debbie if you have any interest in hosting a meeting.

The Holliston Newcomers & Neighbors organization celebrated the official induction of its new Executive Board for the 2025-2026 term during a ceremony held on June 26, marking the beginning of a new chapter in leadership for the community group.

The leadership transition follows elections conducted in May, with results verified and presented by the Election Committee at the organization’s May Board of Directors Meeting. The Board unanimously voted to approve the election results, paving the way for the formal induction ceremony.

Justin G. Roy, who served as Parliamentarian during the past year, will now step into the role of President for the upcoming term. Roy will be joined by Vice President Jennifer Mott, Vice President of Membership Michelle Vainshtein, Treasurer Amy Forman, and Secretary Ursula Roxin, creating a collaborative leadership structure designed to serve the organization’s growing membership.

The Holliston Newcomers & Neighbors organization serves as a vital community resource, helping new residents integrate into the town while fostering connections among both new and existing neighbors. The group organizes social events, community service projects, networking opportunities, and recreational activities throughout the year.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in this leadership role alongside such a strong and dedicated team,” Roy said following the induction ceremony. “We’re excited to begin this new term and continue building the strong sense of community that makes Holliston such a special place to live. Whether you have been rooted in the community for years or are just
settling in, I encourage everyone to consider becoming a member.”

The newly inducted board members will officially begin their duties on July 1, with their term running through June 30, 2026. The organization continues to welcome new members and encourages interested residents to participate in upcoming events and activities.
For more information about joining Holliston Newcomers & Neighbors or to view upcoming events, residents can visit the organization’s website at hollistonnewcomers.org/members.