Wilton and Rumford were chosen to participate in Making Headway In Your Community, a joint community development program of GrowSmart Maine and the Maine Downtown Center at the Maine Development Foundation.

The towns were selected for their demonstrated readiness to begin this process and the timing of related community development efforts in the communities.

The program is a series of three public meetings during which community members identify what they value most in their towns. Small projects are funded with local matching grants to draw attention to good work and improve connection within the community and across Maine to information and inspiration.

The six- to eight-month community engagement program begins with the showing of “Reviving Freedom Mill.” The 30-minute film tells the story of Tony Grassi’s rehabilitation of an abandoned gristmill into a bustling community center with a restaurant and school that connects rural neighbors.

Using the film as inspiration, attendees will consider what matters most in their communities, discuss achievements and brainstorm for potential community projects. They discuss these ideas at a community conversation that takes place in each community in April and May.

The second step of Making Headway includes presentations and voting on potential community projects that will receive $1,000 in funding from Making Headway and a matching grant by the local community. Making Headway also provides all communities with training for volunteers, staff or community members to sharpen their skills, instincts and abilities to bring those back to the community.

The public is invited to the movie night and community conversation at any of the following venues and times. A light dinner will be served, and there is no charge to attend.

Wilton Downtown Movie Night: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Calzolaio Pasta Co., 248 Main St.

Wilton Community Conversation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 16, at Calzolaio Pasta Co., 248 Main St.

Rumford Movie Night: 5:30 to 7: p.m. Monday, May 9, at American Legion Post 24, 184 Congress St.

Rumford Community Conversation: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 23, at American Legion Post 24, 184 Congress St.

FMI: www.makingheadway.me.