As November arrives and we gather around tables with family and friends, I find myself reflecting on what makes our community truly special—and it's you, our incredible members.

This season of thankfulness reminds me that Holliston Newcomers and Neighbors is so much more than an organization. It's a living network of neighbors who show up for one another, who volunteer their time and talents, and who work together to make Holliston feel like home for everyone.

To every member who has hosted an event, welcomed a new family, planned an activity, or simply showed up with a warm smile—thank you. Your generosity of spirit is what brings our mission to life. You are the ones who transform newcomers into neighbors and strangers into friends. Your presence matters. Each conversation at a coffee meetup, each introduction at a community event, and each act of kindness ripples outward, creating the welcoming community we all cherish.

As we move through this season of gratitude, I'm reminded that the strongest communities aren't built by organizations alone—they're built by people like you who care enough to reach out, to connect, and to make a difference.

Thank you to everyone that stopped by Mission Springs for the Trick or Treat Event.  We received an email from the director thanking us for an amazing night of trick-or-treaters, sharing that it was the best turnout they have had post-COVID.  This is one of the Mission Springs residents' favorite events and your presence is what made it so successful. We appreciate you joining.

Brewery Tours: 

Save the date for the next stop on the Brewery tour. Join us:

• Sunday, November 16th at Start Line Brewing in Hopkinton from 1-4pm

Dinner Dates:

Enjoy some fun with friends old and new at one of our casual dinner gatherings:

• Thursday, November 13th, at Yama Fuji in Medway from 7-9pm

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. This month Tahmeena and Dave kindly offered to host on Saturday, November 8 from 4 to 6 pm. For location information and to RSVP, please email Tahmeena or Noora.

We will take a break from playgroup in December due to the holidays but if you'd like to host a month in 2026, please let Noora know!

We had a nice discussion of The Berry Pickers at October’s Book Club—thanks to Deb 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, November 19, at 7:30 pm, when we will be discussing Sandwich by Catherine Newman: a moving, hilarious story of a family summer vacation full of secrets, lunch, and learning to let go.

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. We take the month of December off from Book Club, but for those who want to get a head start on the next book (which is 464 pages), our January book is The Icon and the Idealist by Stephanie Gorton.

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 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.