Know a unique Worcester County gem to visit? T&G editor wants to know for new column

If you were hosting someone from out of town for a few days, what are the places in Central Massachusetts you would have to take them to see?

There might be some obvious answers, like the EcoTarium, the Worcester Art Museum or the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.

But what about the lesser-known attractions?

Late last year, we at the Telegram & Gazette welcomed a new member to our family, when Sarah Barnacle came on as our new engagement editor.

Sarah is a Massachusetts native but a newcomer to Worcester County. She was very eager to learn more about her new work home, so shortly after starting here she began reaching out on social media, asking people about their favorite places to go and things to do in the area.

She got a lot of responses — so much that it gave her an idea.

Starting soon, Sarah will be writing a regular feature called "Exploring Worcester County." Each week, she'll pick one destination or activity, suggested by a reader, and explore it for herself. While doing so, she'll be on the lookout for interesting facts that you might not know.

"Every community has its so-called hidden gems and who better to reveal them than those who make this community so great," Sarah said. "I am beyond excited to be able to explore everything the Heart of Massachusetts has to offer through the expertise and advice from all of you."

If you'd like to suggest a place for Sarah to visit, or an activity to try, you can email her at sbarnacle@gannett.com.

Sarah came to us from WBZ News Radio, where she was an editor who pitched and assigned stories, and managed reporters in the field. She was previously an assignment editor at WHDH in Boston. In 2010, she served as a media relations specialist for the tribunal established to try members of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.

She lives with her husband, Mike, and her 2-year-old son, Logan.

She started working for us in November and quickly became a key part of our newsroom management team, along with digital editor Mike Elfland. Every morning she brings fresh coverage ideas to our regular staff meetings. I've really enjoyed the enthusiasm and positivity that she brings to the office each day.

The engagement editor job is a newly created position that is focused on identifying high-interest topics in the community and working with our reporting staff to develop more compelling stories and ensuring that they are optimized for digital audiences.

The job is also about finding out what you, the readers, would like us to cover more, and executing those ideas into stories. "Exploring Worcester County" is just one part of that effort.

When I asked her most recently what she saw as the ingredients to a compelling story, she responded: "One of the most rewarding things about this industry is being able to give a voice to those who may not be heard otherwise. Writing a compelling story, for me, is all about taking the emotion behind the experience and translating it into something the reader not only feels, but perhaps can relate to.  I strongly believe change begins through communication and in a time when change is needed more than ever, it's important to give the community a voice.

"I grew up about 20 miles east of Worcester and will admit, before my role with T&G I hadn't spent a lot of time in 'the Woo,'" Sarah added. "In the few short months I've been here, I am amazed at everything the community has to offer from its world-renowned art exhibitions to historical lunch-car diners, and can't wait to explore my way through 2024."

And I can't wait to follow along.

Michael McDermott is executive editor of the Telegram & Gazette.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: T&G editor Sarah Barnacle to explore Worcester County in new column