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 present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Jesseray Van Houten, who is the manager of the Stuffed Pig in Marathon and loves working for his family. He is a “Conchy-Joe” who grew up on a sailboat and has lived in the Keys his whole life. He loves the ocean and anything that involves fishing.
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I was born in the Bahamas but I was raised here in the Keys since I was a baby.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? Definitely the ocean.
What’s a local business you couldn’t live without? The Stuffed Pig of course! Without my family’s support I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my life here in the Keys.
What is your greatest fear? I would say my greatest fear would be drowning.
Which living person do you most admire? My uncle, Michael Cinque.
What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? My favorite book series is “The World” by Jason A. Cheek.
What’s a talent you wish you had? I wish I had natural musical talent.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? My focus, so that I can build a better future for myself and family.
What is your most marked characteristic? My loyalty to my family and friends.
Who is one of your real-life heroes? My dad was my real life hero, when he was alive.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Having those who can share in your life’s ups and downs – knowing that they will always be there for you.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? My favorite mythical animal would be a dragon. The ability to fly and live in a world of magic would be awesome.
What’s a habit you’d love to break? The distractions of social media.
What is your most treasured possession? My memories I share with my friends and family.
What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty.
What’s a simple pleasure that brings you joy? Good food and the sound of a drag going off on a fishing reel.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Life is short, so enjoy the small things and appreciate what you have.
What are your favorite & least favorite smells? My favorite smell I have to say is the open ocean. My least favorite is old grease.
What was in the last Amazon package that arrived? Tennis balls for my ferrets to play with.
What’s one of your all-time favorite movie quotes? “Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.” – Batman Begins
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
