An annual tradition in the community, Hollis Old Home Days took place last weekend, September 15 and 16. The “OHD” celebrations were located at Nichols field in the center of town. On the surface, it is a place to socialize, get some food, and take the kids. But the event is it really much more than that.

With the large amount of traffic coming in and out of the festival, it is a fantastic time to advertise and raise money for clubs, teams and groups in the community. Maya Ruvido, ‘19, is a member of the “Green Group” at Hollis Brookline High School, a group that focuses on recycling and keeping the community clean. The group set up a booth at OHD, asking for donations for baked goods they had made. “Our goal is to organize recycling to make sure it gets done in school. We have also been working on a couple projects to make the school more environmentally friendly. Last year, we donated a large amount of our funds to support the Brookline Conservation Land. We recognize Old Home Days as a great opportunity to promote the group and environmental awareness,” Ruvido said.

While there are many booths and fundraisers going on, teachers and students alike know how difficult it can be to get people to come in support. One way kids from the district are attracted to the event is by hearing some of their favorite figures in the community will be there.

Eric Perry, science teacher at HB, volunteered along with many others to enter the student council dunk tank. “I think in general kids want to see their teacher in there. Promoting teachers being with students doesn’t just raise money, it makes it enjoyable to get involved. There are so many important organizations there and it’s such a great community event. It was my first year going, and hopefully, I’ll never miss it again,” said Perry. Bob Thompson, principal at Hollis Brookline Middle School, Richard Bergeron, school resource officer at HBHS, and Susan Connelly, history teacher at HBMS, also volunteered for the tank. It is clear that leaders in the schools understand how valuable Old Home Days is to support clubs and activities, as well as strengthen the bonds in the community.

“It’s really just a great fundraising event, and a fun time for kids to be social,” Brennen Korsak, ‘18, said. “It benefits everyone: the town, clubs, and the students. It’s always a good time to come down and see what’s happening.”

Korsak isn’t kidding. It’s tough to head down to Nichols during the celebration and find someone not having fun. Whether you’re new to the Hollis Brookline community, or a long time citizen, Old Home Days isn’t an event you’ll want to skip next year!