Montauk Pioneer - April 24, 2009

The Montauk Chamber of Commerce office is located in the heart of the Montauk Village, because in many ways it is the heart of the village. With a dedicated Board of Directors lead by President Paul Monte, Vice President Jennie Leifheit, Treasurer Carl Darenberg, and Secretary Rich Edelstein, the board has planned another terrific season of events for 2009. Executive Director Laraine Creegan said this year's line up of events is once again strong and well timed, so that it's best for the community and the visitors. Due to budget cuts, the Monday Night Concerts on the Green were not funded by the Town of East Hampton. However, Laraine happily mentioned that on May 3, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Old Harbor House, Nancy Atlas, Gene Casey, and Caroline Doctorow are spearheading a benefit to raise the money to continue the wonderful Monday Night concert series. A donation of $10 will be required at the door to attend.

This year's Montauk Fine Arts Festival on the Green is scheduled for May 23-25. Laraine believes having the event on the Green will make it the best ever. On June 12, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce will have its Annual Festival Dinner. The site is to be determined. Call 631-668-2428 for more information. On June 13 the 6th Annual Harbor Festival will once again be sponsored by the Montauk Chamber, starting at noon. The next day is, of course, The Blessing of the Fleet.

July 4th fireworks by Grucci return to Montauk this summer, as stars over Montauk. The fireworks will be launched from Umbrella Beach starting at 9 p.m. on July 4th, and that is really great news. The first Monday Night Concert on the Green is scheduled to start on July 13. The acts are yet to be officially announced, but get your blankets, beach chairs, and picnic boxes ready. From then on, every Monday night until August 31, these unique free concerts, that really are the essence of small town community on a summer's night, will continue. Back by popular demand and attendance, the Third Annual Night at the Light: A Celebration of Long Island Wines will take place on July 25. This great event is conducted under tents on Turtle Hill, next to the historic lighthouse, with fine Long Island wines, music, tasty foods and lots of good cheer. There is also a fun silent auction. And way off in the future after summer is over will once again be the 28th Fall Festival, scheduled for October 11-12. The great Clam Chowder contest and other traditional good times will again be in full flight, as so many come out to celebrate the end of a terrific 2009 season. Laraine asked me to mention all the directors, because they do so much work for the town and the community and hardly ever get the recognition they deserve. The roster of these dedicated Directors of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce includes Bill Becker, Ray Cappiello, John D'Agostino, Chip Duryea, Catherine Foley, John Keeshan, Maureen Keller, Bill Mavro, Janice Nessel, Mary Persan, Ken Walles, and "Alternate" Paul Page.

Sitting in her office Laraine Creegan was all smiles and thumbs up for this coming season. She lives her job, and the town is better for the tireless efforts she gives. She is always helpful, knowledgeable and always offers good council and common sense. She stressed the importance of having a fine gentleman and leader like Paul Monte as President and all the innovative events that have been created in just the last few years, like the Harbor Festival and Night at the Light. Everyone knows the name Grucci signifies the best in fireworks, and when you watch them this July 4th you will know it's true. Laraine paused, looked up from the scheduled events and smiled, "It all lines up to be a really great summer in Montauk." I reminded her that she said the same thing last year, but then I realized last year was a great year. So remember to get over to the Old Harbor House May 3, to help contribute to the benefit for the continuation of the Monday Night Concert on the Green. The cause is our community and the reward is wonderful evenings of music, with children playing, dogs being dogs and families huddled together amongst neighbors, listening to music right in the heart of the village, across the street from that Montauk Chamber of Commerce Office, which is the heart of all activities planned to make the season successful for the residents, businesses and visitors to Montauk. It is fun to stop in to the chamber and check out all the free brochures, magazines, schedules and pamphlets, all presented by warm, friendly, knowing faces, there to serve and assist you in any question that you might have.