Holliston Newcomers and Neighbors’ Year in Review

From Debbie Colburn, President, HNN

Holliston Newcomers and Neighbors’ big news for 2019: in our 50th year, we became Holliston Newcomers and Neighbors because members don’t have to be new to be a newcomer!  As a not-for-profit all-volunteer organization, HNN coordinates charitable, civic, and recreational events and activities.

Throughout the year, HNN gave back when they partnered with the Holliston’s Pantry Shelf, providing Easter and Thanksgiving baskets to many deserving community families.  With a focus on senior residents, HNN families visit Mission Springs at Halloween. Additionally, the Holliston community unites to package and deliver Thanksgiving meals to homes of some of our seniors.

HNN also united our community by presenting some entertaining family events.  Our Princess and Superhero Party, Touch-a-Truck, The Great Pumpkin Rail Trail, and Gingerbread House Decorating events drew many families of Holliston and the surrounding communities.  We even held an event when the whole town was rockin’ with Rock & Roll Bingo!

In the springtime, Holliston organizations can apply for a grant sponsored by the HNN’s Grant Fund. The 2019 Grant recipients, honored at our 50th Anniversary Celebration, (held during a Parks and Recreation Dept. summer concert) included:

  • Holliston Public Library for discounted museum passes;
  • Parks and Recreation for their Free Summer Concert Series;
  • Holliston Police Department for Speed Enforcement Equipment;
  • Conservation Associates for a Brentwood Trailhead Marker; and
  • Marigold Project for Downtown Hanging Baskets.
Above (l-r):  Mark Frank, Leslie McDonnell, Karen Fung, Mary Curren, Bobby Blair,
Marc Connelly, Debbie Colburn, and Sergeant Leurini.

But Holliston Newcomers and Neighbors isn’t all work and no play! Many enjoyable member-only groups and activities occur.  Almost every month a children’s event, a ladies’ night out, or a dinner club get-together takes place.   Some of the 2019 events for children included music classes, bowling, and pony rides at Lil’ Folk Farm.  Ladies’ Escapes enjoyed many get-togethers: a clothing swap, makeup party at B. Luxe, and a Holiday ‘Shop Local’ Yankee Swap. The monthly Book Club welcomes members whether they read the book or just come for the conversation.

Of course, we could not have accomplished so much without the support of our 2019 sponsors: Gold Sponsor Harelick Dental Associates; Silver Sponsors Tink’s Magical Vacations and Donna & Dr. Barbara Pruessner Asthetic & Family Dentistry; and Bronze Sponsors Blessed Beginnings Preschool and The Bloom Center for Esthetic Dentistry. 

Even as HNN looks back at a successful 2019, Holliston Newcomer and Neighbors is always looking forward.  The Princess and Superhero Party returns this spring, and a new fundraiser will appear with a month of daily prizes!  We are canvassing Holliston and surrounding communities for our 2020 sponsors and welcome with gratitude the businesses that have already pledged their support – Gold Sponsor Goldfish Swim School in Milford, and Silver Sponsor Tink’s Magical Vacations with Donna.

If HNN sounds like an organization you want to be a part of, then become a member at hollistonnewcomers.org.  Want to support us by becoming a sponsor? Go to hollistonnewcomers.org/Become-a-Sponsor for more information. Holliston Newcomers and Neighbors is looking forward to a great 2020: Building Friendships, Building Community.

Press Release

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