As a long-time resident of Waldoboro, I am thrilled to see the recent changes in the town. There is a blossoming of art and community beyond anything in my 20+ years living here. Change of this kind takes a lot of hard work and persistence — a lot! I want to shout out and thank the four recent initiatives that are building a more encouraging, supportive and strong community.

Deep gratitude to Susan Hodder and her amazing team at the Waldo Theatre. In the last three years, the Theatre has exploded with programming that is wide-ranging, inspirational and honoring of the widely varying people who live here in Maine. Not content to settle for the average boring roster of a local theatre, the monthly schedule is filled with cutting edge performances, concerts, films and educational programming. People are coming from all over the state and beyond. I hope those numbers increase to bring stability to the Theatre’s future.

It’s a jewel in the crown of the Midcoast region and needs your support! The Waldo Inn next to the Theatre is an easy overnight stay for event attendees and is drawing weekenders exploring the mid-coast region. Every week the Inn holds food and community events in Ida’s Bar that bring locals and visitors together. Increased visitors is supporting all of our community businesses.

The Open House of History, a new project of Michael Amico, Ph.D, is shining the spotlight on Waldoboro’s history and exploring the way history has shaped our community today. This view of history is unlike any I’ve experienced in seven decades. From lectures and activities, to a kayak tour of the river, I’ve learned more about Waldoboro’s indigenous communities, early settlers, LGBT ancestors and more recent immigrants than I have in the last two decades. With knowledge comes understanding; Amico’s vision is already softening edges and bringing folks together.

Perch Cafe and Bakery arrived at the start of this renaissance. Heartfelt thanks to Lynn, Eli and the Perch family for their vision and inspiration. Perch’s colorful, inviting and welcoming space encourages folks to mingle, get to know each other and enjoy the town. Clearly, Perch is well- loved in Waldoboro and surrounding towns. When the Cafe’s latte machine broke in September, a GoFundMe raised $16,000 in one week to help finance the Cafe’s survival. Now, that’s amazing community.

I’m amazed at how these four organizations inspire as they actively work together on scheduling, coordinating and supporting each other’s work. That collaboration alone is notable in today’s dog-eat-dog world. Great job, Waldoboro. Let’s model how collaboration and community helps everyone.

Today’s Waldoboro is not a town of bougie shops and high-priced restaurants, like some of our sister Midcoast communities. For that alone, I am truly grateful. Those experiences are readily available elsewhere.

I’m thankful that Waldoboro is real. We’re building a place where people come together to and celebrate amazing art, history, food, nature and diverse company. I’m grateful for all of the work folks are putting into our town, deepening our community and enriching us in ways I never saw possible. It makes me proud to say I live in Waldoboro. And I’m glad I bought here years ago.

Please, use your time and money to support local organizations who are actively striving to retain our humanity, caring and sharing. While donations are great, there are organizationsdoing amazing things to keep our communities open and welcoming that need our ongoing presence and support. Join me in showing up all year-long.

Jeanne Dooley lives in Waldoboro.