The Rotary Club of Greenport will come together in April to honor a longtime village resident -- and spotlight a cause to which he devoted years of dedication.
This year's "Locals for Locals" fundraiser, hosted by the Rotary Club of Greenport, will be dedicated to the late George Costello, Sr. and benefit the American Legion Hall.
“George was a vital member of the Greenport community, and the club will be honoring his memory with this event,” said Craig Richter.
One hundred percent of the funds raised through ticket sales will go to the restoration of the American Legion Hall, to which Mr. Costello was devoted, Richter said.
For years, Costello worked to raise funds to rehabilitate the building so that the roller skating rink at the site could once again be used as a positive recreational outlet for area youth.
Eileen Solomon, president of the Rotary Club, embraced the idea of dedicating the funds to the restoration; Rotary supports projects that benefit the community.
“The skating events are well remembered by everyone who participated," Solomon said. "And the facility is a community asset for holding all types of family events. We’re hoping Greenporters will come out to enjoy a Greek-style dinner at the Hellenic in honor of George Sr. and help the hall where he dedicated so much of his time.”
Costello Sr., of Greenport, a marine contractor with Costello Marine known for his years of community involvement, died on Dec. 28 at the age of 63.
Recently, Costello was one of the main advocates for restoration of the roller skating rink at Greenport's American Legion Hall, and he and his family were honored in the summer of 2011 by San Simeon by the Sound nursing facility for their community service.
Since the 1950s, children in Greenport enjoyed the skating rink at the Burton Potter Post #185 of the American Legion in Greenport. Unfortunately, unless the Legion is able to make much-needed repairs, future generations of children will not get a chance to participate in an "all skate" on those much-used hardwood floors.
For many years, the American Legion Hall was home to wedding receptions, graduation parties, Friday night skating, flea markets, and dances. Now the building is shuttered because it remains in such disrepair.
The "Locals for "Locals" Greek Night fundraiser will take place at the Hellenic Restaurant on Tuesday, April 16, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $18 per adult; $12 seniors and children under 12. The menu features chicken Santorini over orzo with salad and dessert; a cash bar will be available.
Tickets are available at the Bridgehampton Bank in Cutchogue, McMann Price Insurance Agency in Greenport, Hampton Jitney in Greenport, and from Greenport Rotarians.
Would you like to see the skating rink open again at the American Legion Hall in Greenport? Tell us in the comments section.
