I really enjoyed getting to know new members and laughing with our seasoned members at our March General Meeting last week.  Thank you to both for your enthusiasm and support of our Club! 

We have so many exciting developments & events that I can't mention them all, so please read this Newsletter and be on the lookout for future announcements.  First, log-in to your Member Profile on our HNN webpage to edit your preferences and opt-in for text messaging announcements.  Second, take our very brief member survey.  We want to hear from you, and it only takes a minute!  Third, Prize a Day in the Month of May calendars are now on sale!  Get your calendar(s) and share the link with friends and family, for a chance to win a prize every day in May!  As Ina Garten would say... "How easy is that?"  There is so much more (playgroup, book club, etc.), but in the meantime, mark your calendars for our Kentucky Derby Party on May 3^rd and watch for the details soon. Finally, congratulations to our HNN Community Investment Grant recipients!

As we look forward to another fantastic year of community building and friendship, it's time to select the future leadership of our cherished organization. Our upcoming annual board elections will take place in May, and now is the time to consider the opportunity to help guide HNN. 

Positions Open for Election:

A few reasons to consider running include; make a meaningful impact in your community, build lasting relationships with neighbors, help shape the future direction of our organization, and work alongside a passionate team.

No prior board experience is necessary – just enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute to our vibrant community. Current board members will be happy to answer any questions about the position and provide guidance during the transition.

 If you interested in running or want to learn more? Please contact Justin Parliamentarian, April 15th.

The HNN Community Investments Committee is pleased to announce the 2025 Community Grant Recipients!

• Holliston Public Library - Museum Passes to Boston Children’s Museum, New England Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts and Ecotarium
• Holliston Parks & Recreation - Summer Concerts in the Park
• Holliston Community Farm - Continued Electrical Upgrades for the Barn
• Holliston Historical Society - Shoe Shop Upgrade
• Downtown Marigold Project - Growing Benches

Remember that the HNN Community Grant Fund is raised during the various fundraising activities held throughout the year, and why it is so important for the Newcomers & Neighbors membership to volunteer at and support these events. The 2024 fundraising events that contributed to the 2025 HNN Community Grant Fund were Prize A Day Calendar Raffle, Touch-A-Truck, The Great Pumpkin Trail Walk and The HNN Comedy Night. Thanks to all who organized and volunteered at these events.

Thanks also to fellow committee members Jennifer, Michelle, Melissa and Beth for the time that they put into the review process.

Children's Playgroups are in full swing and it has been great to see some new faces at our recent gatherings. Hope you can join us at our next gathering on April 27th at 3:30. For RSVP and  location information, or if you have any questions,  please reach out to Jackie.

We had a great discussion of our March book, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann, last month. Thanks to Deb for hosting. We hope you will join us for our next meeting, on Wednesday, April 16, at 7:30 pm, when we will be discussing Real Americans* by Rachel Khong. A head’s up that this book is almost 400 pages. You are more than welcome to attend Book Club if you haven’t finished (or even started) the book—Book Club is mainly an opportunity for old and new friends to get together and chat and snack.

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 May book will be The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan (subject to availability).

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.

*An exhilarating novel of American identity that spans three generations in one family and asks: What makes us who we are? And how inevitable are our futures?

March presents an important opportunity for our members to learn about how HNN works, the opportunities it presents for you and your family, and the importance it plays in Holliston Community, at our March Open House! Expect an invitation to our March Open House in your inboxes this month.  In the meantime, mark your calendars for March 26th, starting at 7 pm, at the Holliston Historical Society's Asa Whiting House.  Enjoy some savory appetizers, desserts and socialize among members and learn about our Club from its Board members.  We'll share exciting updates and answer your questions about how we get things done! 

We had a great discussion of our February book, Someone Else’s Shoes, last month, and we welcomed a couple of new faces to Book Club. Thanks to Christel for hosting. We hope you will join us for our next meeting, on Wednesday, March 19, at 7:30 pm, where we will be discussing The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann, by Virginia Pye. You are more than welcome to attend Book Club if you haven’t finished (or even started) the book—Book Club is mainly an opportunity for old and new friends to get together and chat and snack.

The Holliston Public Library reserves several copies of each book for us—they can be found (typically about a month ahead of each meeting) on the shelves along the windows on the right as you enter the library; ask at the circulation desk for the HNN book. For those who want to get a head start on next month, our April book will be Real Americans by Rachel Khong (subject to availability).

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.

About the book: Victoria Swann is a successful author of romance and adventure novels who becomes a champion of women's rights as she takes on the literary establishment and finds her true voice. Set in Gilded Age Boston, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann shows writing and reading as acts of defiance and revision in life and on the page as intimately entwined.

We're in the heart of Winter, so it's time to connect and engage in some cozy HNN social activities!  Specifically, on Feb. 7th we'll be meeting at La Cantina Winery in Franklin, MA for wine and small bites, details are in the member newsletter & on Facebook.  And don't forget about Book Club on Feb. 19th!  One of the easiest & coziest activities in which to participate (members welcome even if you didn't read the book).  

On that note, the HNN Board and Committee leaders strive to offer Club social activities that serve our membership, which includes young families, empty-nesters, retirees, individuals and vibrant couples.  However, our small group of leaders may not be able to offer all of the activities that you'd like to see.  So,  if you have an idea for a social activity that fits your schedule and interests, please share it with us!  We can help you make it happen. Lastly, please consider participating in other fabulous and rewarding HNN opportunities described further in this Newsletter.  

Join our gathering on Friday, February 7th, 6:00pm, at La Cantina Winery, 357 Union Street, Franklin.

Bring a friend, your sweetheart or yourself to enjoy wine, small bites, hopefully music, and definitely some smiles with fellow HNN members.

RSVP in the Facebook Event, or message the event coordinators with any questions. 

Small bites will be provided by HNN, wine or other beverages available for purchase.

This HNN Winter Social Event is not to be missed. Hope to See You there!

Children's Playgroups are in full swing and it has been great to see some new faces at our recent gatherings. We hope to see you at our next playgroup on Saturday, February 22nd from 2:00-4:00. Please RSVP to Jackie for details.