What a September it was! Our first month of the new year was filled with great activities, and one of the best parts was seeing so many new faces. Some were brand new to Holliston and still unpacking boxes, while others have called this town home for years and were finally ready to see what HNN is all about. That mix is exactly what makes our community special.

If you joined us for the first time last month, welcome. We hope you left with a new friend, a familiar face to wave to around town, and maybe a few recommendations for the best local spots. And if you are a longtime member, thank you for making everyone feel at home so quickly.

Our events are designed to be easy and relaxed. There is no pressure and no special skill required. Just come as you are, enjoy good company, and let the connections happen naturally. Whether you are looking to meet neighbors, find people who share your interests, or simply get out of the house for an evening, there is a place for you here. October brings more opportunities to connect, so take a look at the events in this newsletter and pick one to try. 

Mah Jongg! Ready to see what the craze is all about? Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 6:30-9:30pm at Julie’s house 12 Ruth Ellen Rd. for  Mah Jongg lessons (for those who are new) and Open Play (for those who’ve already learned) and be part of the latest movement! The lesson, normally $40, will be $35 with our club discount. Open play is $10. Feel free to bring a friend. 

Adults-only Halloween party! Get ready to bring out your costumes for our beloved adults-only Halloween party. Join us at Casey’s Pub, 81 Railroad St. on Friday, October 23 at 7:30pm.  This favorite tradition includes yummy appetizers, sweet treats, and a cash bar. Whether you have a costume or not feel free to meet us in the loft, and bring a friend who might be interested in joining. See you there, if you dare!

We are bringing back our favorite Potluck Dinners! These have been a lot of fun in the past so we are looking for hosts for our first on 11/10.  If you are interested in hosting November or other months, please email Christel. Bon appétit!

We will try one more time for a playground meet up before it gets too cold. Hope you can join us on Saturday, October 3 from 2 to 4 pm (weather permitting) at Goodwill Park in Holliston. If you have any questions, please reach out to Noora.

It was great to get back together last month to discuss The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, we recommend putting it on your To Be Read list.

Thanks to Deb for hosting. We hope you will join us for our next meeting, Wednesday, October 21, at 7:30 pm, when we discuss Lucy Foley’s The Midnight Feast, “a twisty psychological thriller and locked-room mystery set at the grand opening of a luxury seaside wellness resort.”

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 are still looking for a few books to fill out our calendar for the year, so please bring any recommendations to the October meeting (or feel free to email with suggestions).

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 The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O’Neill.

We meet the third Wednesday of each month. Please contact Debbie if you have any interest in hosting a meeting.

September always feels like the real start of the year for our organization, and I'm excited to open another season of events and connections. Whether you're a longtime member or brand new to HNN, we're here to help you meet your neighbors, find your people, and get involved in the community we all call home.

We have a full calendar taking shape for the months ahead, and none of it happens without our members. Reach out and let us know how you'd like to be involved, whether that's helping set up an event, assisting for an hour to register attendees, or joining one of our committees, where there's a home for just about every interest, from social media and PR to grants and event planning.

Here's to a great year of new friendships and familiar faces. I hope to see you at Celebrate Holliston and be sure to check out the other events highlighted in this newsletter.

Welcome to the start of a new year for the club! Let’s get together at a member‘s house on Saturday, 9/12 from 2-4pm and celebrate. This is a family-friendly event, and bring your bathing suit if you are so inclined to enjoy the pool and hot tub. If you are able, please bring an app, drink or dessert to share. RSVP and include how many adults and children will be coming. Address will be sent to those who RSVP. Can’t wait to see you there!

We're happy to start our children's playgroup again this fall! Hope you can join us this month on Sunday September 13th from 2 to 4pm (weather permitting) at Goodwill Park in Holliston. If you have any questions, please reach out to Noora.

We hope everyone had a chance to do a lot of reading over the summer, including our September book, The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans. Regardless of whether you have read it, we hope you will join us for our first meeting of the new season on Wednesday, September 16, at 7:30pm.

"Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime."

While the Holliston Public Library usually reserves several copies of each book for us, The Correspondent was in such high demand, the library was unable to do so. For most other months, 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 Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley.

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 meet the third Wednesday of each month. Please contact Debbie if you have any interest in hosting a meeting.

What a year it has been for Holliston Newcomers and Neighbors. As we close out 2025-2026, I find myself filled with deep appreciation for the remarkable people who make this organization what it is. To our board members, who gave their time and judgment to guide HNN with such care, and to our committee leaders and volunteers, who showed up again and again with energy and heart: thank you. None of what we accomplished this year would have been possible without your dedication and generosity of spirit.

Most of all, I want to thank our members. You are the reason HNN exists. You bring the warmth, the curiosity, and the sense of community that make every event, gathering, and connection meaningful.

Feeling hungry and in the mood for good old-fashioned diner food? Then join us at 2Mauro’s Cafe at 372 W. Union St in Ashland on Saturday, 6/20 at 11am. They offer a delicious variety of breakfast and lunch options made from scratch. They are popular and we will make reservations so please email Christel by 6/17. See you and your appetite there!