Greenport American Legion's Grand Opening Draws Joyful Crowd

GREENPORT, NY — A dream was realized in Greenport on New Year's Eve as the the American Legion's Burton Potter Post #185 was reborn after years of dedication and hard work by many.

The grand opening fundraiser brought a crowd to the Third Street facility, all bringing memories of the days when the skate rink meant days and nights of fun for Greenporters.

Mindy Ryan, hired recently as general manager of the Greenport American Legion, has been tasked with tying together years of volunteer efforts and shepherding efforts to revitalize the Legion to the finish line before the big night.

"When the ball dropped at midnight the Greenport American Legion Burton Potter post 185 was reborn," she said.

Memories color every corner of the building, with boxes of skates, photos of years gone by, an old Kist cooler — the Greenport company made soda — and "Skate Room" signs still on the walls.

After almost a decade of restoration kicked off by George Costello Sr. in 2010, efforts have culminated in a beautiful new space.

"The cool thing about last night is there were 300 people here and most of them probably don’t go out on New Year’s Eve. They were here because this place mean so much to them," Ryan said. "The grand reopening of the Greenport American Legion was a huge success. The possibilities for this community center are endless. So many people made this happen. It was a true community effort."

Greenport artist Kara Hoblin created a beautiful depiction of Costello for the event. "“I am beyond honored to create this chalkboard for the @greenportamericanlegion," she wrote, adding that it was her first black and white chalk portrait. "Although I never had the chance to meet him all the stories I’ve heard and all the love everyone has for George Costello is heartwarming, and lets me see how this man has truly touched the hearts of so many. The Greenport American legion Burton Potter 185 is reborn. So excited to be a part of such an amazing community achievement. It truly takes a village."

Signs of rebirth were everywhere inside the building that has meant so much for generations of Greenport residents, and the grand re-opening has sparked excitement and memories throughout the entire community.

Patch courtesy photos.