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!

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 as wee head outdoors this month on Saturday June 27 from 2 to 4 pm (weather permitting). If you have any questions, please reach out to Noora.

We had a great discussion of My Friends at our May meeting. Thanks (again!) to Deb for hosting on short notice. We hope you will join us for our next meeting (and final meeting until September), on Wednesday, June 17, at 7:30 pm, when we will be discussing Twice by Mitch Albom: “When he is eight years old, Alfie Logan discovers the magical ability to get a second chance at everything. He can undo any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try—for better or worse.”

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.

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

It’s time to start thinking about what you would like to read for Book Club next year. We are planning on reading the very-in-demand The Correspondent by Virginia Evans for our September book. You may want to consider trying to reserve this book soon (or early in the summer) individually, as the library may not be able to reserve copies for us. Feel free to bring book suggestions to our June meeting.

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

Spring has finally arrived in Holliston, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to get outside, reconnect with neighbors, and enjoy all that our community has to offer. As the days grow longer and the weather warms, we hope you'll take a moment to browse this month's newsletter and mark your calendars for the many exciting events ahead. None of it would be possible without the incredible volunteers and leaders who give their time and energy to make these gatherings happen, and we are so grateful for each and every one of them. Whether you're a longtime member or still getting to know the group, there's something for everyone this season, and we'd love to see you there. Come join us!

Want to see what Pickleball is all about? Join us at Bosse in the Natick Mall, 310 Speen St. on Thursday, May 28th 7-9 pm. it’s $10 per person, and drinks and food are available. Whether you know how to play or are ready to learn it should be a fun night out! Feel free to bring a friend or neighbor. Please RSVP to Christel by May 25th.

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 Saturday May 9 from 3-5pm.  For RSVP and location information, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Noora.

We had a great discussion of The Librarians at our April meeting. Thanks (again!) to Deb for hosting. We hope you will join us for our next meeting, on Wednesday, May 20, at 7:30 pm, when we will be discussing My Friends by Fredrik Backman: “an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later.”

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.

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 June book (depending on availability) will be Twice by Mitch Albom.

It’s time to start thinking about what you would like to read for Book Club next year. We are planning on reading the very-in-demand The Correspondent by Virginia Evans for our September book. You may want to consider trying to reserve this book soon (or early in the summer) individually, as the library may not be able to reserve copies for us. Feel free to bring book suggestions to our May meeting.

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

This month I defer the President's column to the very important subject of HNN leadership. Specifically, it is nearly time for our annual elections! Read below for an important message from our Parliamentarian, David Pronchick.    ~Justin

Last month we announced that HNN Elections were upcoming.  Of particular interest and importance is that neither the Treasurer nor the Membership Committee Chair can be reelected.  We would love to generate some new interest and the incumbents will be available to help with the assimilation process. Please call any of the Board members to ask any questions you may have.

This year, the following positions are open for election:

• President
• Vice President
• VP of Membership
• Secretary
• Treasurer

All position descriptions can be found on our website: www.hollistonnewcomers.org/board-positions

Looking forward to seeing everyone who can make it to Line Dancing and Brewery Tour this month!

Line Dancing: Looking for something different to do on a Thursday night?  Want to dust off your dancing shoes?   Let's all head to LaCantina in Franklin for some line Dancing: 

• Thursday, April 9th at LaCantina in Franklin from 7-9:30pm. Workshop from 7-8 for those who want some instruction. Open Line Dance floor from 8:00-9:30. Please RSVP via email to Jackie so we can make a reservation for everyone who is coming. 

Brewery Tour: Sundays should be a day for good company.  Join us at Rushford & Sons original location at 8 Grove Street in Upton. Let’s see where it all started. 

• Sunday, April 26th at 1:00-4:00 PM.  Please stop by and bring your kids, your neighbors or anyone else looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon. Email Christel to give us a heads up on reserving a table, but if you’re unsure feel free to stop by anyway. We will keep adding tables, if need be.