Facility Updates--Maintaining the integrity of the building, while ensuring the safety of its users The outside grounds are being cleaned up. Dan Mitchell, President, has been working on the landscaping outside, removing dead trees and bushes and cleaning up the grounds. We also appreciate the efforts of members of the Model RR Club for landscaping efforts and the new trees out front. The 4-H is helping to maintain the grounds by planting and tending to the gardens.
The Venetia Heritage Society was honored to receive a large bequest from the McClure Estate. This donation was used to repair the facade of the building. The repairs were done by Escajeda Masonry, LLC . The company did a great job on the brick pointing! Replacement of broken windows and painting of doors are scheduled for late 2023. The front doors are being painted and are receiving new mag locks. Venetia Community Center received new LED Outdoor lighting from LaFace & McGovern Associates in partnership with Lighthouse Electric that installed them! We are deeply appreciative to Harry McGovern for donating these lights and insuring that they were installed a timely fashion The parking lot and area behind the building are now brightly lit and provide a safer environment for those who use the building in the evening. The VHS continues clean out the interior areas, repaint sections of the building, and to update plumbing and electrical items. The VHS is also in communication with township officials as to building code requirements and future planning for the area of the township where the Community Center is located. Latest VHS Highlights >The VHS welcomes volunteers to join our 100th Anniversary Committee! Did you attend Venetia School? Did you work there? Or are you interested in celebrating the history of this historic structure? We invite you to join our committee that will celebrate the 1926 founding of the Venetia School. Click here to join! Contact us The VHS has instituted a self-service food pantry that is located in the back of the school by the parking lot. It is being stocked with non-perishable food items that are within stamped expiration dates only. This mini food pantry is intended to provide food for those who have food insecurity in our community, We are seeking monthly sponsors to help with financial assistance or food donations. Food items can be dropped off at the school outside the dining room downstairs on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month between 11 am and 2pm, Wednesdays from 3-6 pm or Saturdays from 9 am-12 noon. We appreciate your participation and contributions. >The VHS identified goals for the organization and the facility. At its regular Executive Board meetings, the VHS has finalized goals through the Strategic Planning Process. Those goals include: *Continue to make repairs and renovate the building * Determine ways in which the building can be repurposed and rooms/spaces be utilized *Improve the financial stability of the Venetia Heritage Society *Raise the visibility and consciousness of the VHS and the VCC in the community *VHS received a Washington County Community Foundation Grant of $10,000 in 2022 . The grant money has been used to hire an accountant, and to purchase equipment and software. This will help with our goal to achieve financial stability. > At the January General meeting, new officers were elected. Congratulations to our volunteer officers! We appreciate your time and effort on behalf of the VHS. Dan Mitchell,President Bryan Seip, Vice President Monica Merrell, Secretary Peg Smith, Treasurer > The VHS is happy to announce the success of its successful Spring Crafts Fair. Chairperson Peg Smith is organized more than 20 crafters and Kristin Taylor coordinated concessions with the local Girl Scout troops that use the building. Many people attended the event and the VHS was able to raise funds to help maintain and keep the building open for use. |
DARE Model RR Program is growing in size! The group has received donations of all types of trains and more youngsters are interested in participating in learning more about model trains and the Montour Railroad. The group is gaining recognition in the area and nationwide. THE DARE MODEL RR Club occupies the upstairs rooms. and has received great support and artifacts from the Montour RR Historical Society. Most recently they have shared their trains with the Peters Township Public Library and Carnegie Science Center on its Locomotion Day! Interested in joining or supporting this group? Contact leader Dave Stanton. Check out their Facebook page!
Or watch their Peters Township Cable shows here. >THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the VHS through the Washington County Community Foundation's "Day of Giving!" We received over $1900 in much needed donations! We appreciate your support and participation in this fundraiser. . Learn More about the Venetia Community Center and the Venetia Heritage Society via online shows! You can learn more about the VHS, Venetia Community Center and other events and buildings in the "Village of Venetia Show" featuring host Erma Grego, VHS Board Member and guest, Rev. Richard Roberts, also a VHS Board Member, on "Senior Perspectives." View the show here. We are so thankful to volunteers from the DARE Model RR Club ,the Girl Scouts, and the 4 H Club who support VHS behind the scenes by maintaining our building and grounds. The Model RR Club repainted the upstairs hallway and installed new ceiling, lights and a smoke detector. The Girl Scout Troops cleaned the carpet in the MPR and have brightened up the tables in the room. The 4 H Club is working on the grounds in the back of the building. The Venetia Heritage Society is a member of the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce. The VHS along with the Country Store hosted the monthly Lunch Mob in March 2023. The event was a success and the VHS was honored to be able to share the building and the progressing made in renovating it with local business leaders.
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