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!

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.