The Hardwick Gazette became a community owned nonprofit organization on January 1, 2024. Pictured in front (from left) are Vanessa Fournier, photographer; Sandy Atkins, production; Dawn Gustafson, production. The board members for the Northeast Kingdom Public Journalism Inc. in back (from left) are Elizabeth (Wiz) Dow, executive director/secretary; Jessie Upson, chair; David Kelley, treasurer; James (Skip) Duncan, director; Paul Fixx, interim editor/vice chair.
The Hardwick Gazette has served our communities since 1889, standing as a testament to the enduring importance of local journalism and the free press. It has been a pivotal part of our towns, chronicling the daily lives, significant events, and local issues faced by area residents for well over a century.
As a kid, the Hardwick Gazette meant many things to me. It meant spotting Vanessa Fournier at a game, offering a chance to revisit a small-town celebrity moment. It meant finding an envelope from my great aunt in the mail, bearing a newspaper clipping that celebrated a personal achievement. It meant a former teacher acknowledging the brutal photo of me playing donkey basketball. These small, yet significant instances transcend mere recognition; they were opportunities to forge connections. They are the threads that weave community together. Those connections extend beyond individual stories to the collective narrative of who our community is, binding us to each other and rooting us to the land we call home.
The need for such connections and community stories is more vital than ever in times like these, when the world is rapidly changing. Learning about events like those offered by the Civic Standard, being informed about local governance through reports about select board meetings, or capturing the excitement on an athlete’s face while they score a winning goal, reinforce our sense of collective identity.
In a broader context, the role of newspapers like the Hardwick Gazette in sustaining a free press cannot be overstated. Local journalism serves as the bedrock of democracy, ensuring transparency, accountability, and a well-informed public. In small towns especially, papers like the Gazette play a critical role in fostering community engagement and civic participation. The Gazette is currently facing a critical period of transition and it would be a disservice for any of us to let it fade away.
Call to Action:
The board of Northeast Kingdom Public Journalism has begun to do our part by producing and distributing the Hardwick Gazette at no charge, starting with this first issue of 2024.
Here are ways you can help:
- Subscribe: Your subscription is now free online at HardwickGazette.org
- Support: Your donation, in any amount, will help ensure The Gazette remains a part of our communities.
- Contribute: Share stories, photos, poems, letters to the editor, and your ideas for The Gazette.
- Participate: Engage with our content, attend advertised events, patronize advertised businesses, and be an active member of the community conversation.
- Advertise: Share the unique qualities of your businesses, civic organizations, and events with our readers.
- Volunteer or Intern: Offer your skills and time, especially if you have expertise in digital media, journalism, or event organization.
- Spread the Word: Advocate for the importance and value of local journalism with your friends and associates.
Our vision for the Gazette is to evolve into a vibrant publication, enriched with diverse contributions. I see a collaborative effort, where everyone takes part in preserving the free press, inspiring and empowering each other to share. This collective engagement promises to breathe new life into the Gazette, transforming it into a dynamic, community-driven publication.
Jessie Upson, board chair
Norrtheast Kingdom Public Journalism
