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.

The HNN Community Investments Committee is pleased to announce the 2026 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
• FOWL (Friends of Winthrop Lake) - Lake Management Study
• Neurodiversity Support for Children - Fundraising Event Contribution
• Golf Course Advisory Committee - Stone Structure Restore
• Celebrate Holliston 250 - America250 Concert

The HNN Community Grant Fund is raised during the various fundraising activities held throughout the year and why it is so important for the HNN Newcomers & Neighbors membership to volunteer at and support these events. The 2025 fundraising events that contributed to the 2026 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 those who organized and volunteered at these events.

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 April 26 from 3 to 5 pm.  For RSVP and location information, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Noora.

We had a great discussion of Writing Creativity and Soul at our March meeting. Thanks (again!) to Deb for hosting. We hope you will join us for our next meeting, on Wednesday, April 15, at 7:30 pm, when we will be discussing The Librarians by Sherry Thomas: “When two patrons turn up dead after the library’s inaugural murder mystery–themed game night, four quirky librarians’ quiet routines come crashing down, and the only way they can save the library—and themselves—is to let go of their secrets, trust one another, and band together.” Note that our April book was scheduled to be Twice by Mitch Albom, but not enough copies were available this month. We hope to read this as our June selection, however.

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 May book (depending on availability) will be My Friends by Fredrik Backman.

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

Spring is Coming: Connect with Your Community

Spread the Word. Do you have a neighbor who's new to town or still looking to find their footing in the community? HNN grows through personal connections. Share our information and invite them to join. It only takes a moment and can make a world of difference. 

Stay Connected: Check the Calendar. We have a variety of events planned this spring, so be sure to check the calendar and find something that works for you. If you don't see anything that catches your eye, let us know. We're always looking to add new activities based on what our members want. And if you haven't tried one of our brewery tours yet, don't let the name fool you. These events are really about taking an hour or two to slow down and make genuine connections. We have members joining us from all walks of life, from kids to retirees, and the focus is always on the people, not the pints.

We Need You! HNN is run by volunteers, and there are lots of ways to help. Whether you can spare an hour, help lead an event, or are interested in taking on an officer role, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let us know how you'd like to get involved.