'We Should Be Skating This Winter': Greenport American Legion Hires New Manager

GREENPORT, NY — Walking through the doors of the Greenport American Legion Burton Potter Post 185, the first thing a visitor notices is the smell — it's the scent of new wood, fresh paint . . . excitement and rebirth.

Standing inside the Third Street facility, surrounded by skates that spark memories of the days when the skate rink meant days and nights of fun for Greenporters, is resident Mindy Ryan, who was hired this week as general manager of the Greenport American Legion, tasked with tying together years of volunteer efforts and shepherding efforts to revitalize the Legion to the finish line.

And for those who are eagerly waiting to lace up their skates once again, Ryan has great news: A grand opening fundraiser is planned for New Year's Eve on December 31. "When the ball drops at midnight the Greenport American Legion Burton Potter post 185 is 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.

But after almost a decade of restoration kicked off by George Costello Sr. in 2010, efforts have culminated in a beautiful new space that still needs hours of volunteer love before the grand opening.

Ryan was hired as the general manager and began on Oct. 16, to help with the completion of the renovation and manage all aspects of the business once it reopens. Her long list of duties includes building an online presence, overseeing daily operations for the building and grounds, concession stand, and skate rink, as well as bookkeeping, security, cleaning, and merchandise sales.

She will also hire, train and schedule employees and volunteers, fundraise, and book events.

"The possibilities are endless"

Her enthusiasm is palpable as she shows a guest around the cavernous space. "My first goal is to open by New Year's Eve," she said. "After that I will work toward making the American Legion a real community center with programs and activities for everyone, including our military veterans. We have such a great space and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. The possibilities are endless."

Perhaps the most exciting facet of the renovations for many has been the effort to breathe new life into the skating rink.

Ryan said the new gray skate tile floor should be installed by mid November; an interior designer has donated time to help bring the vision to life. Railings and curbs also need to be installed, Ryan said, as well as a sound system and lights.

"We should be skating this winter!" she said.

But volunteer efforts are still critical, Ryan said.

A volunteer workday has been organized for Saturday, October 28, from 8 a.m. to noon.

"We need to blow the dust off all of the skates and inventory the skate types and sizes. There is still more cleaning to do and more debris to load into the dumpster. If you would like to help, just show up. You don’t need to be there the entire time to make a difference. Every little bit helps," Ryan said.

Also planned is an Open House for Veteran's Day on Saturday, November 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"This will be a great chance for community members to get a sneak peak at all the progress we’ve made," Ryan said.

The event will include a 50/50 raffle, refreshments and information about future volunteer opportunities.

Being an integral part of the rebirth of a place that holds such deep and cherished memories for the Greenport community holds great meaning for Ryan.

"I am very honored," she said. "Then there is the feeling of excitement. There is just so much potential here and I can feel the excitement in the air. The people have waited a long time for this. The memories come flooding back. It was great then — and it will be even better now."

Still, there's much to do before residents begin to line up at the door.

"We are at the punch list stage but the list is long. We need to keep our volunteers and contractors moving towards completion. We have many very generous contractors and suppliers who have helped get us to where we are today but we need to remain diligent with our fundraising efforts," Ryan said.

Walking through the space Sunday, Ryan pointed out new bathrooms, a room that will be used for a conference room, the kitchen area and stage.

Down the line, the hope is to woo big name talent to the Legion, she said, as well as provide a space for skating for all ages, movies, dances, bands, all kinds of classes, antique shows, markets, wrestling matches, weddings, reunions and birthday parties.

Ryan said it's important to remember, always, that the building has a dual purpose. "It is the perfect venue for a community center but it is important not to forget that it is an American Legion Post for our military veterans," she said.

Everyone in the community can help bring the Legion to the finish line, Ryan said.

"Spread the word. Tell everyone that the Greenport American Legion will be open again soon. Volunteer. Even if you can’t make the workday this Saturday you can still be involved. Stop by our Open House on Nov. 11th and sign up to volunteer or email."

Individuals are asked to "like" the Greenport American Legion's Facebook page to keep updated on progress.

Volunteers can email mindy@greenportamericanlegion.org.

Donations are also still needed, Ryan said. "This whole project would not have happened without the generosity of our community members. We still have work to do after we open, including completion of the upstairs meeting room and insulating the exterior cinder block walls."

Renovation to date has included complete interior demolition and clean-up, replacement of the entire concrete south wall, replacement of all windows and galvanized lintels, all new roofing materials, new drainage, new plumbing, new electrical service and wiring, exterior painting, all new insulation, three feet of concrete flooring throughout the building, a new wood ceiling and new bathrooms. All of the work so far has been possible due to donations.

The Greenport American Legion is a a non-profit 501(c)19 organization under the name “Burton Potter Club Inc", Tax ID 11-6036914. Donations can be sent to: Burton Potter Club Inc. P.O. Box 103, Greenport, NY 11944.

Ryan pointed out that her efforts come after years of dedication by many.

"The late George D. Costello Sr. had a dream"

"I really came into this project on the tail end. So much blood sweat and tears have gone into saving the Greenport American Legion in the last decade. The late George D. Costello Sr. had a dream. After his untimely death in 2012 his devoted team of volunteers carried on to make that dream come true. I'm just helping with the finishing touches. It's kind of funny but I consider George my boss because I know he's the one who is really overseeing this project," Ryan said.

Ryan said her experience is well-suited to her new position. "I've been working in the construction industry for 30 years on the North Fork," she said.

Ryan, who has been living on the North Fork since she was 17, worked as a lifeguard, then at a local deli.

Next, she started at a small formica cabinet company then worked for a builder for a few years, where she was involved with framing, roofing and "swinging a hammer alongside the guys," Ryan said, eventually working at custom woodworking company where she is still employed part-time.

"Over the last 20 years I helped transition our small business from a 4 man shop with no computers to a fully computerized business with 22 employees. I also ran a successful non-profit animal rescue organization for 5 years. With my background in construction, office management and non-profit work, I feel completely confident that this job was meant for me," she said.

And so, when John Costello, who has kept his brother's dream alive, put the call out for a manager, he felt Ryan was a win win for the position. "He wants to see this place done," Ryan said.

Not even a week into her new post, Ryan looks completely at home at the Legion, pointing out plans excitedly and explaining the work still ahead.

Despite all the new improvements, the Legion's rich history will be preserved and celebrated, Ryan said, adding that the best part of the process so far, personally, has been listening to people and asking questions.

"There are people out there who know the history and I hope to get those stories on our website. Our site is very basic for now and I will add to it as I collect information," she said, adding that she's asked residents to send in photos for a digital photo album that she's posting to Facebook.

Photos can be emailed to mindy@greenportamericanlegion.org or they can be brought to Ryan at the Legion and scanned.

The Greenport American Legion, Ryan said, holds a special place in the hearts of generations of residents. "I have memories of the Greenport American Legion and, lately, everyone I’ve talked to has memories, too. There is buzz about this project even outside of Greenport. People came from all over to skate or attend functions — and they will again."

Greenport resident Chatty Allen was also onhand Saturday, a veritable treasure trove of the Legion's history as she recalled what the building once looked like when she worked as a volunteer skating chaperone in past years.

And she's thrilled to volunteer again. "I've said from Day One, whatever I can do," she said.

Her eyes bright with memories, Allen recalled the many events the Legion once hosted, laughter and friendship resounding within its walls — Scouting banquets, spaghetti dinners . . . even a Charlie Daniels concert.

She remembered a vintage phone booth that once stood in the corner and the dirt floor beneath the skating rink floor that let out a "poof" of dust if you jumped on it hard enough. The floor was under four inches of water after Super Storm Sandy, Allen said.

But while the memories are precious, so is the opportunity to shepherd the building into its new life, Allen said.

From childhood memories to when she was a volunteer, the building has meant so much to Allen and scores of other Porters, brought to life by donations, volunteerism and hearts of gold.

And now, Allen would like to see the Legion reborn, an affordable option where kids can make new memories.

"We need a building for kids again," Allen said. "This needs to come back into the community — for memories old and new. It has so much potential."

She added that while children's theater, proms and roller hockey weren't even considered during the Legion's first life, they're all options to be considered in its next incarnation.

"It's going to be huge," Ryan said. "There are so many possibilities."

Patch photos by Lisa Finn.