The story of Nashoba Valley Neighbors is a heartwarming tale of human connection, a thread of goodwill that has woven itself through the fabric of the community for sixty years. It’s a story that began not with grand gestures, but with a simple, powerful act: a knock on the door and a warm, “Welcome to the neighborhood.”
In 1965, a group of dedicated women in Acton founded the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club. In a world that was rapidly changing, they offered a beacon of stability, a promise of friendship to new residents settling into a new town. The club was more than just a social group; it was a lifeline, helping newcomers find their footing, offering a sense of belonging in a new and sometimes intimidating place. Inspired by the national Welcome Wagon program, this local, volunteer-run group took the concept of neighborly hospitality and made it their own, creating a vibrant social network with coffee mornings, game nights, and family picnics.
As the 1980s dawned, Acton and its surrounding towns grew, drawing in new families seeking the perfect blend of suburban life and rural tranquility. The club’s reach expanded and, to reflect this wider embrace, it evolved into the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors. This wasn’t just a name change; it was a deepening of purpose. Many members were no longer “new,” but the need for connection remained, and the club became a cherished fixture for long-time residents as well. It offered a sense of continuity, a place to anchor themselves as their families grew and the community evolved. Many current members are new but many have been members for years and have developed lasting friendships through their connections with Nashoba Valley Neighbors.
By 2014, the organization had grown to encompass the entire Nashoba Valley region, welcoming residents from Littleton, Stow, Maynard, Westford, and Harvard. In a symbolic move, the members voted to adopt the name Nashoba Valley Neighbors, a name that honored the group’s broader reach while preserving its core mission of welcome. It was a powerful recognition that community is not defined by town lines, but by shared interests and a deep sense of local pride.
Today, Nashoba Valley Neighbors stands as one of the region’s longest-running social organizations, a testament to the enduring power of friendship and community spirit. The organization has interest groups to cater to different tastes. They have a book group with its very popular Holiday Potluck and Yankee Swap; lunch, brunch and dinner groups; wine tasting potlucks, game nights including everyone’s favorite at Halloween; Ladies’ and Mens’ nights out; and community service events; all organized by volunteer members.
The original Welcome Wagon company may have faded away, but the volunteer-driven spirit it inspired lives on through groups like Nashoba Valley Neighbors. It is a living legacy, one that transformed a commercial idea into a network of genuine relationships, rooted in shared experiences.
As NVN approaches its 60th anniversary, its story mirrors the evolution of the towns it serves. Generations of volunteers have poured their hearts into sustaining this momentum, ensuring that anyone who finds their way to the Nashoba Valley is met with a warm embrace. At its core, the story of Nashoba Valley Neighbors is a story about belonging. In 1965, it was a knock on the door; today, it’s a laugh shared at a wine tasting or a heartfelt conversation over coffee. The forms may change, but the message remains the same: “Welcome to the neighborhood. We’re so glad you’re here.”
To learn more about Nashoba Valley Neighbors and membership opportunities, please visit www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org. Or reach out to the group at info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org.
Laura Lunardo is a retired chief operating officer/chief financial officer. She has been a member of NVN since approximately 2010 and has made many wonderful friendships over the past fifteen years. She is a past president of the organization. She continues to serve on NVN’s board and has led its book group, shared Ladies’ Night Out event coordination, and is now moving into the role of secretary.
