Narrowsburg Union opens its doors

Posted 8/21/12

NARROWSBURG, NY — The old Narrowsburg school building is now open as the Narrowsburg Union. Owners Brendan and Kathy Weiden held an open house on Saturday and welcomed the community to explore …

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Narrowsburg Union opens its doors

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NARROWSBURG, NY — The old Narrowsburg school building is now open as the Narrowsburg Union. Owners Brendan and Kathy Weiden held an open house on Saturday and welcomed the community to explore their vision for the Narrowsburg Union.

A new logo was placed at the top of the entrance, and new signage was installed. Many visitors passed through the doors for the first time since the building closed in 2005. The Weidens encouraged everyone to wander around the first floor, which includes classrooms, a gym with a stage, meeting rooms and a small kitchen. Grilled cheese and chocolate milk were served to pay homage to the history of the school.

Other people involved with the project were on hand, including Martin Higgins, who is doing their PR, and Sean Harrington, the operations manager. Members of the Tusten Town Council were also present, including newly elected Councilwoman Brandi Merolla. “I’m thrilled,” she said. “They [the Weidens] have great energy and a great vision. I’m very excited about the potential of this building.”

Besides an open house, other business was addressed. The Weidens presented a plaque to Narrowsburg Organized for Responsible School Usage (NORSU) thanking them for helping to make the Narrowsburg Union a reality. NORSU organizer Iris Helfeld said, “[I feel] very grateful…. I think that this is something that will be a forward movement in this town for wonderful new possibilities, education and commerce. I feel that what we wanted to do as NORSU, we accomplished.”

Also, a lighting ceremony was held to celebrate the new exterior up-lighting array. Town Supervisor Carol Wingert was honored with the task of flipping the switch. Before turning the lights on she said, “I want to personally thank Kathy and Brendan and NORSU for breathing life into this building…. I really appreciate their love for the history of the building and their respect for the community, and the way they treated and brought the community together.” After a countdown, the lights were turned on and the Narrowsburg Union was illuminated in front of a crowd that clapped and cheered.

The Narrowsburg Union is a mixed-use commercial facility. Some activities are already beginning; NACL Theatre will hold drama classes, and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is holding soccer workshops for kids. SUNY Sullivan will bring college-level classes to the Union starting in January. The first course to be offered will be 20th Century Art, taught by Michael “Rocky” Pinciotti, which will be held for 15 weeks on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8:50 p.m., beginning on January 26. The class is open to degree-seeking students as well as community members. Later this spring, the college also plans to begin offering non-credit, personal enrichment classes through its Office of Community Learning. For more information about the 20th Century Art class, visit www.sunysullivan.edu or call the admissions office at 845/434-5750, ext. 4287.

There is still space open for tenants. By summer, you can expect the Narrowsburg Union to be abuzz with activity.

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