The Secret to Building a Thriving Community
Our first stop: Winchendon, Massachusetts. Like many former New England factory towns, Winchendon faced the challenges of a changing economy, fading community connections, and the loss of their town’s grocery story. Young people struggled to feel heard and included, prompting local residents like Paul Hackett and Jane LaPointe to help bring people together.
In the first full episode of The Community Roadmap, Paul and Jane take us inside their town’s Community Heart & Soul journey, sharing how local voices are shaping the town’s priorities and inspiring people to take ownership of their community’s future.
At the heart of Winchendon’s story is the first core principle of Community Heart & Soul, involve everyone, which emphasizes reaching beyond the usual voices to ensure all residents have opportunities to be heard and participate.
Paul shares how the Winchendon Heart & Soul team put this principle into practice connecting with residents from across the community, gathering stories and perspectives, and turning feedback into visible progress. Jane reflects on returning to her hometown after living elsewhere and the importance of creating opportunities for residents to get involved and make a difference.
From The HUB, a former bowling alley transformed into a welcoming community gathering space, to the youth-led Taste of Winchendon festival, this episode uncovers how resident-driven ideas are creating new opportunities, strengthening local connections, and promoting youth engagement.
Most importantly, Paul and Jane reveal how Community Heart & Soul fosters an ongoing culture of participation that continues to bring people together and inspires community pride.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to The Community Roadmap and Winchendon, Massachusetts
01:56 Meet Paul Hackett
02:53 Turning Resident Ideas into Action
05:24 Taste of Winchendon and Youth Leadership
07:33 Bringing Local Organizations and People Together
08:52 Building a Team That Involves Everyone
10:43 What’s Next for Winchendon?
13:58 Meet Jane LaPointe: Returning to a Changed Hometown
17:12 Listening Across Generations and Helping Youth Feel Heard
18:38 Youth Engagement, Nature and Ongoing Community Conversations
21:28 Advice for Other Towns on Building a Team and Staying Adaptable
23:37 Community Pride with Hope for The Next Generation
25:05 Reflections and Closing
