New Greenport Community Association Hosts Potluck

GREENPORT, NY — For centuries, people have been sharing ideas and creating change, all while sharing good food — breaking bread together over a simple meal breaks down boundaries and fosters communication.

To that end, the new Greenport Community Association will host its March meeting with a community potluck, held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at Holy Trinity Church, located at 768 Main Street in Greenport.

According to one of the civic group's founders Penelope Rudder, "The day itself of the potluck, March 23, is a really exciting one. It's the first Saturday in spring and it is packed with what makes Greenport such a vibrant community — local food available in the Farmers' Market, free education on the environment at the William Floyd Library, beautiful music and then sharing a meal and conversation with friends new and old,' she said.

The brand-new Greenport Community Association is gathering momentum and the potluck is a time for new members to share ideas.

"The first priority is to engage together and keep building the relationships in the broader community, Rudder said. "By having the potluck relaxed and open, we also hope the conversation expands to hear and listen to what a more diverse group looks for and wants to help work on to make life better here."

Common interests expressed by member of the group thus far that have emerged include connecting neighbors and opening communication, educating residents on various quality of life concerns and issues — and how civic involvement and partnerships, she said.

Also on everyone's mind, Rudder said, are issues including protecting the environment, the area's water and green spaces, helping vulnerable neighbors, and keeping Greenport affordable.

"One goal we have is to see how we can help each other by sharing skills," Rudder said. "Many communities do that, have a 'skills swap directory' of a sort," she said.

Rudder said another issue on many minds is the proposed capital improvement plan for the Greenport school district.

"There will be another exciting community opportunity announced at the potluck. Lots is 'springing forth,'" Rudder said.

The day begins with the Farmers Market, then a water quality discussion, "Troubled Waters — Threats to Our Water Supply," at the Floyd Memorial Library, located at 539 First St., at 3 p.m. Then, at 5 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, the North Fork Evensong Program hosts a Jazz Mass. Rounding up the day is the community potluck; the public is invited; all are welcomed and invited to bring a friend to the free event.