It’s often said that it’s difficult for more than one person to keep a secret. Imagine how difficult it is to keep a secret among dozens of people and officials of three separate towns.

And yet, that’s exactly what happened on Saturday, April 2, when a crowd of more than 50 volunteers and visitors surprised Jane Good with a “Thank You” celebration. The event was held at the community center to recognize Good for her work in creating the facility.

Party planning began only two weeks before the event and arrangements were spearheaded by Margaret Jones Perritt and Gladys Beane. The center’s many friends were generous in providing cheeses, sandwiches and cakes and the Boothbay Region Greenhouses donated “Thank you” balloons.

Southport and Boothbay officials also conveyed their thanks for Good’s hard work. Gerry Gamage, chairman of the Southport selectmen, read from a declaration honoring her work in establishing the center. “She, along with others, went the extra mile to make this happen,” Gamage said, “and it has become a vital service for our region.”

Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer Jr. thanked Good on behalf of “the whole community.” He explained to the Register that the center is filling an integral role, and said he believes it will become a model for other communities to follow. 

Good credited the many visitors and volunteers with the center’s success. “You’ve all done this, not me,” she said.

She spoke about her original vision for the center, explaining that she realized that members of specific groups and clubs had facilities of their own for their members, but, “there was nothing for everyone, for all of us. But now there is.”

Good also said that she is gratified by the caring she sees among the center’s members. “It’s like having a really nice family; everyone is looking out for each other.”