Montauk Pioneer - November 21, 2008

Montauk magic was in the air all night at the Montauk Chamber of Commerce's 2008 End of Season Gala at Gurney's, which featured real estate broker John Keeshan winning the "2008 Person of the Year" award. It was a glamorous and festive evening with the women of Montauk dressed elegantly and the men looking dapper. With the music provided by South Beach, the party goers danced, surrounded by silver and black balloons' hanging everywhere almost as if was New Years Eve. With a crowd numbered by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laraine Creegan as, "Over 100 plus," many were dancing to hits such as Patsy Cline's "Crazy," and some upbeat Michael Jackson hits.

Chamber of Commerce Director Richard Edelstein, was presiding as the Master of Ceremonies and the dinner began with an invocation by Rev. Charles Ehrhart. While a first course of Rigatoni Pomodoro was being served from the kitchen of Chipper Monte at Gurney's, Pete Hammerle awarded John Keeshan a town recognition as well as the Chamber award with Laraine Creegan. Ever the polished speaker, John Keeshan, gave a brief acceptance speech, which made all in the room proud of their new person of the year.

John brought home to the gathering why Montauk is different, special and unique to work, live and prosper. Next to speak was the current President of the Friends of Erin Joe Bloecker. His admiration and respect for the distinguished John Keeshan was obvious. John Keeshan was spoken about being a gentleman, a family man, a visionary and a patron of Montauk. His service to the Ambulance and Fire Department of Montauk was lauded, and credited for being instrumental in the creation of the Montauk Public Library. In effect John was praised for his 50 years of love and service to Montauk. Then the present President of the South Fork Country Club, Alex Walter rose to poke fun at John's golf game, his dapper dress, and his dedication to everything his does. It may be noted that both men were sharply dressed.

The last speaker was the never boring and always interesting, George Watson. Mr. Watson is the proprietor of The Dock restaurant and bar in Montauk, whose sharp barbs about John were very funny. Just before George spoke, John Keeshan put on a THE DOCK tee shirt and cap. George explained in a tongue and cheek way that the only reason he agreed to appear to talk this year was because ticket sales were so disappointing that he had to step in and help out. Telling John "nobody cares" about you, he actually meant everybody in the room admired the dignity and grace John Keeshan has brought to Montauk and its citizens. It must be noted both John's wife and his charming daughter were all smiles all night posing for perhaps a thousand photos. Nancy Keeshan, John's accomplished daughter who has inspired me with her writings was dressed in a "killer" red gown with her blonde hair perfect as usual. Afterwards it was a dancing frenzy with John at times dancing with no less than four Montauk females as his wife watched laughing, enjoying John's showmanship and quite frankly, talent as a dancer.

In fact Laraine Creegan was out on the floor showing moves only a talented dancer can perform. It may be noted that Chamber President Paul Monte was away on a vacation after the death of his beloved and admired father Angelo Monte.

It is also important to mention that there were raffle prizes donated by; The Viking Fleet, Deborah Thompson Day Spa, Strawberry Fields, Tom and Marilyn Bogdan, Artist Tony Servedio, The Montauk Chamber of Commerce and Gurney's Inn.

At the end of the evening the words of John Keeshan resonated. He said he had traveled the world and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, only to come home to, "This place called Montauk." Realizing that in fact, "There is no place like home." As he was saying this there were many misty eyes in the room, for everyone who lives in Montauk knew exactly what he meant and felt the same way. John Keeshan is a giant of a man. A good man, good father, good husband, trusted business leader, established civic leader but most of all he is humble, soft spoken and a resident of Montauk.