No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each Keys Weekly edition, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Kate Banick, the executive director of the Good Health Clinic, the only no-cost clinic providing comprehensive medical care to uninsured, financially struggling Keys residents. Patients are seen at offices in Tavernier and Marathon. The Key Largo resident has been with the clinic for 12 years and prior to that worked in the public health sector and in animal research. She is a member of Upper Keys Business & Professional Women’s Club and Key Largo Sunset Rotary.
How long have you lived in the Keys? I first moved here in 2001.
What drew you to the Keys? Woodrats. I had a six-month research job with the University of Texas working in the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge catching and tracking Key Largo woodrats.
What do you enjoy most about your work? The health care model used by GHC is super efficient and effective. Everywhere I go I see the impact we have in the community. I loved being so connected to the community.
What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? After the woodrat research, I went to work for Dr. Jerry Lorenz (now retired) executive director with the Audubon Everglades Research Center then did some administrative work with the Marine Mammal Conservancy (now Dolphin Life) in Key Largo. I left for a bit to go home to Connecticut and took jobs in New York City in public health. I liked the work but not living in the city, so I returned. I was introduced to Claudia Stober who was then the clinic’s board chair. I got the job and here I am.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? So many weird experiences! When I was working off County Road 905, I’d be in the woods alone much of the time. Near dusk one day, I ran into a retired DEA agent who shared some crazy stories about how the area was used in the drug trafficking heyday, warning some smugglers might still frequent the area. It was super weird for me at 22 years old and also terrifying, but I soon realized these types of encounters are pretty typical of life in the Keys.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? I’m happy any time I am having dinner with good friends.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? To be able to speak any language.
Favorite food? Sushi or nachos, or tuna nachos.
Favorite movie/book? I love any and all zombie apocalypse books and movies. I find the genre soothing. For the past five years or so, I have fallen asleep listening to audio of the movie “World War Z.”
What are your hobbies? Pottery. I’ve been honing my craft for years, perfecting wheel throwing. Some of my pieces are for sale at a studio in the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. I also teach group and private classes. My first rule in classes is no references to the movie “Ghost.”
Is there a skill/talent you want to master? My pottery work. It is a lifelong journey.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? My personal relationships and taking the lessons my parents taught into adulthood. They taught me to be generous with that which you excel at, and share generously with others.
Do you have any regrets? I don’t believe in regrets. I prefer to learn from mistakes, move forward and do better.
What is the biggest daily challenge you face? Convincing people that a community does better when everyone participates. It is so important to help others and there are so many ways to do so.
