THE VENETIA HERITAGE SOCIETY
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About the Venetia Heritage Society

The VHS Story

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In 1997 the Venetia Heritage Society was formed to preserve the Venetia Elementary School, built in 1926.  It is a charitable organization with a Federal 501(C)3  classification. When the VHS was first organized, it received such status under the aegis of another historical non-profit organization.
​Two Peters Township businessmen, John Chapman and Victor Dosse, donated the initial funds to the society to facilitate the purchase of the old school.  The VHS is deeply appreciative of the support of these two dedicated men who love their hometown. The school's name was  changed to the Venetia Community Center, to reflect its new purpose in the area.
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Revenue and Funding

Since 1997, the  VHS has conducted various fundraisers to raise revenue to renovate and maintain the building. Initial fundraisers included golf outings, pancake breakfasts, rummage sales, flea markets, and paver sales. In addition, the society has been fortunate to receive several some grants that have greatly helped. A state grant of $35,000 provided a paved parking lot and a generous grant from Washington Federal Bank was used to renovate the kitchen. Donations have also contributed to the progress of enhancing the facility. The late Virginia VanVoorhis Lewis donated a beautiful Hammond organ, Eagle Scout Michael DuBois  installed engraved brick pavers outside the building, and the Girls Scouts laid new tile in one of the old classrooms. Generous donations from the Peters Twp. Rotary Club have enabled the VHS to upgrade the kitchen and other aspects of the building. Peters Township continues to support us with driveway and lawn maintenance and through financial contributions. A generous bequest from the McClure Estate enabled the VHS to complete the brick pointing on the building.

Building Use
T
he Venetia Community Center is providing a "home" for various non-profit groups in our community.
 The  Washington County Area Agency on Aging  uses the community room on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month to serve lunch  and to provide a special program to local senior citizens.  The Girls Scouts have a classroom that they are using for meetings and special events. The Montour Model Railroad Club, under the guidance of former DARE Officer Dave Stanton, is housed on the second floor in several rooms. 

The Executive Board
A terrific group of hard-working members make the Venetia Heritage Society a special organization that has strong ties to the Peters Township community. The  Board of Directors meets monthly and also participates in various events to ensure that the Venetia Community Center remains a viable landmark in Peters Township.  The Board oversees building use , maintenance and repairs of the facility, procurement of revenue, and communication of goals with the membership, donors, and the community.

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  • President:  Dan Mitchell
  • Vice President : David Stanton 
  • Secretary:  Toni Sulkowski
  •  Treasurer: Monica Merrell
  •  Membership:  Toni Sulkowski
  • Social Media:  Pam Polacek
  • Website: Toni Sulkowski
  • DARE Model RR Program: David Stanton
  • Marion Sphar (on leave)
  • Jim Leslie 
  • Rose Leslie
  • Rev. Richard Roberts
  • ​Kevin Luster​​
  • Kristin Taylor
  • Bryan Seip
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If you would like to become a member of the VHS and/or would like to make a donation, send photos, or provide information about the Venetia School/Venetia Community Center, please contact the Venetia Heritage Society at  venhersoc@gmail.com or click on the CONTACT US tab at top of the page.

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A Short History
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Girl Scouts of America Room
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One of the Montour Model RR Rooms
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Pavers in the back
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  • Home
  • About the VHS
  • Community Center Currents
  • Membership Information
  • Donors and Contributors
  • Contact us