Behind the Scenes with the Montauk Village Association
by Nancy Keeshan

Every year, when summer arrives and visitors flock to Montauk by the hundreds, the village of Montauk comes to life. Part it’s beautiful shine is due to the many flowering shrubs, trees , flower beds, teak planters and benches that line the streets. It’s almost as if when the town is sleeping, flowers begin to appear. Is it the magic of Montauk? Maybe, but it’s also the tireless work of the Montauk Village Association, a small group of local volunteers who have been caring for the village behind the scenes since 1961. One of Montauk’s oldest not-for-profit groups, the MVA care deeply for Montauk and their main objective is to preserve the unique character of our little hamlet, protecting the natural beauty and adding improvements along the way.

Over the course of the last 40 years, and with the help of East Hampton town,  the MVA has helped to transform a long, bare and hazardous stretch of pavement into an attractive Main Street. They have been strongly supportive of having utility wires buried, and the addition of curbs and sidewalks to make the village safer. The most striking innovation however has been the beautiful plantings. 

Deciduous trees, pines, juniper and other evergreens chosen for their ability to thrive in Montauk’s seaside climate soften the shopping neighborhood year-round. In milder months thousands of flowers are planted in pots, planters and flower beds throughout the village area. In select business areas, the MVA  has helped to replace unsightly, cement sidewalk areas with pretty red brick surfaces.

The Montauk Village Association does not stop there! They have helped to landscape areas by the Montauk Post Office and the adjacent parking are, spruced up the Montauk Train station, so that visitors are greeted by an array of flowers. They have placed the wonderful signs that mark the entrance to the village as well as the harbor areas, have planted memorial flower beds on the green, helped to be the custodians of our beloved Kirk Park, and they give scholarships to local school children each year!            

So as you can plainly see the Village Association is a pretty special group of people. Yet, just as like many other non-profit groups today, the MVA has really felt the economic pinch and are in fear that their stewardship of the Montauk village may be in jeopardy.

The price of landscaping has gone up while funds have gone down. The MVA relies on its membership, private donations, town grants and annual fundraisers to make ends meet each year. Sadly, grants received from the town have been cut by 75% this year and membership has dwindled. What can we, as a community do to help this important "behind the scenes" group of volunteers?

  Well, this summer the Montauk Village Association will be holding an amazing fundraising cocktail party at the Montauk Yacht Club on Friday, August 28th. They will be reintroducing the famous Greenery Scenery Party, a night under the stars with the stars!! Wine, dine and meet your favorite local celebrities, come out to support a good cause and help out the MVA! You can also enroll as a member. It's super easy! Join as an individual for $25,   a couple for $40 or make a one time tax deductible donation. Send your name, address and your donation to the Montauk Village Association, PO Box 457, Montauk, NY 11954 and help keep Montauk village as magical and beautiful as ever!