HARDWICK — A new Christmas on the Common Committee has formed.

Hardwick resident Angelique Broussard, who has been volunteering in the town for the last four years, said, “We just put it out there to see who wanted to volunteer for it. We’re looking for people to come together and give ideas on what we can add to what’s already been there.”

She continued, “We don’t want to take over what anybody has done. We just want to add stuff to it.”
Christmas on the Common is a holiday tradition where the town can come out to watch the tree lighting and get a chance to see Santa. It was previously organized by the Historical Commission, MiMi’s Coffeehouse and Friends of the Paige Library. This year, Broussard said they’ll be building on this with vendors, games and crafts. Broussard started volunteering with the youth center – which she still does – as well as volunteering for Park and Rec. She said she just got done working with CMRPC updating the Open Space Rec Plan so hopefully they can get grants to build playgrounds in the community. One day, Broussard was talking to Emilly Cartier who she volunteers with, and Cartier suggested they should start a committee. Broussard brought the idea to Town Administrator Nicole Parker, who told her to write a letter to get on the agenda. The Selectmen thought it would be a perfect idea and from there the Christmas on the Common Committee started.

Eight people contacted Broussard and the first committee meeting took place on Sept. 29.
“The meeting was great,” said Broussard. “The committee brought lots of ideas and I can’t wait to work for these eight women.”

She went on to say, “We’ll continue to have meetings and see what everyone brings to the table. We’re also looking forward to working with past volunteers who put on Christmas on the Common.”

To learn more information, contact Broussard at 413-433-4007 or email christmasoncommonhardwick@gmail.com.