No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, 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 Tara Kahn, the membership coordinator at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada. Kahn has held many positions over the years, including with the Trading Post, Dr. Darel Pruett and Dr. Sara Badano. She and her husband have lived in the Keys more than 25 years, currently residing on Plantation Key.
What drew you to the Keys? My husband Shameer is a marine mechanic and he was offered a job at a marina. We came to check out the area and there was no going back. We left New York and moved here.
What do you enjoy most about your work? I love meeting people and making people feel good when they come in. I greet every member by name.
What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? I tried to retire and was volunteering at the JOY Center when it first started. Denise Downing knew of a part-time job at the museum and I went for it.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? I would have loved to have dinner with Indira Gandhi (a four-time prime minister in India). She was such a special woman who tried to change life for the better for Indians.
Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? When my husband and I were first looking for a home, the real estate agent took us to a home in Harry Harris Park. The owner was there and refused to let “those people” into her home and said she doesn’t want “them” in the neighborhood. My husband is Muslim and I was raised Hindu. This was before 9/11 and this discrimination was a first for me.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? To make everyone happy and help them find their happy place. I love sharing kindness.
Favorite food? Italian. Give me a good marinara sauce and a crusty piece of bread and I am satisfied.
Favorite movie? “How to Lose A Guy in Ten Days”
Favorite book? I have so many favorites but my current one is “Kaurs Reimagine: Sikh Women Blaze New Trails.”
What are your hobbies? Taking care of my friends’ dogs and spending time with my friends.
Is there a skill/talent you want to master? I’d love to speak another language, any language.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? Being married for 38 years to a wonderful husband and still being happy.
Do you have any regrets? No, no regrets.
What is the biggest daily challenge you face? People come to the museum to speak to someone and are often taken aback that it is me who has the knowledge they are seeking. Most of the time people warm up and come around.
