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.

As we close out the HNN year, and I close out my final year as President, I feel grateful for our outstanding Board, Committee leaders, volunteers and participants. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to help our small and mighty club thrive.  I hope you enjoyed our socials, fundraisers, playgroups, and civic activities, as well as found a sense of community with us this year.  Finally, please join me in welcoming and supporting our next President, Justin, as we look forward to another great 2025-26 HNN year!

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 Sunday, June 22nd at 2pm. For RSVP and  location information, or if you have any questions,  please reach out to Jackie.

We had a great discussion of our May book, The Cliffs; many thanks to Sue for hosting. We hope you will join us for our next meeting, on Wednesday, June 18, at 7:30 pm, when we will be discussing Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout. “The author returns to the town of Crosby, Maine, and to her beloved cast of recurring characters [including Lucy Barton and Olive Kitteridge] as they deal with a shocking crime, fall in love and yet choose to be apart, and grapple with the question ‘What does anyone's life mean?’”

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.

This will be our last meeting of the season, so we are also looking for books to read in the fall. Feel free to offer suggestions at the June meeting or via email.

The Holliston Public Library reserves several copies of each book for us; ask at the circulation desk for the HNN book.

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.

I'm looking forward to a beautiful May and all of its celebrations, including HNN's annual Touch a Truck & Food Truck Fundraising Event on May 17th!  This is one of HNN's most fun family events and our biggest fundraiser.  So, please sign up to volunteer for a shift that day, as well as enjoy the event with your family and friends!  Next, join us for cocktails and art at a Sip and Paint Night Social on May 23rd.   Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to host a Kentucky Derby Party this year as planned.  But we hope to revive that special social event next year!  Finally, I want to thank Trisha for her unwavering support in organizing our Easter Basket Drive for the Holliston Food Pantry in April.  This, along with the Thanksgiving Basket Drive, are important hallmark civic activities for HNN, so we're grateful to those who organize it and donate. 

Join us for a creative night out at Muse Paintbar, 115F Apex Drive, Marlborough on Friday, May 23rd, 7pm. An instructor will guide us through step-by-step on how to make this painting and provide all of the materials. No art experience required! 

Refer to our newsletter for further details. You must sign-up using the dedicated link to reserve your seat as spaces are limited, and ONLY AFTER you are registered please email Christel. Feel free to bring a friend!