Community Center Currents

EXTERIOR RENOVATION IS UNDERWAY!

Recently the Venetia Heritage Society received 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 Fall 2022.
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.

Facility Updates--Maintaining the integrity of the building, while ensuring the safety of its users

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. Thank you so much to Mr. McGovern and those who installed the lights from Lighthouse!

The VHS sets goals for the organization and the facility. At its regular Executive Board meetings, the VHS has identified long term goals that will support the Purpose of the VHS as defined in our By-Laws. We do accept donations earmarked for Capital Improvements designed to help meet these specific goals. Progress to date on these goals:

* Replace broken windows and repair the main doors. Broken windows are in the process of being replaced and repainted. Repainting of main doors has begun and new magnetic locks will be installed.
* Convert heating from electric to natural gas. : We are making progress in this area and have converted to gas heating in various rooms.
* Create a Venetia School/Peters Township History Museum room.: We continue to collect photos, news articles, and any available memorabilia that people may want to donate. Plans include displaying historical photos and memorabilia in the MPR.
* Upgrade restrooms with new fixtures and heat: We have installed limited use faucets and automatic lights in the restrooms and we are looking at replacing other fixtures. Restrooms are being repainted.
* Repaint the interior of the building The DARE Model RR Club has begun to repaint and repair the upstairs walls.
 * Repoint the brick on the outside of the building. This was completed in 2021 by Escajeda Masonry, LLC. We are appreciative of the fine job that was done!

Latest VHS Highlights

> VHS is working to increase its social media presence. People can follow the VHS on Facebook and instagram. Trivia, historical facts, historic photos and more are being shared with followers.

> Electronic payment is now available on our website! Members and donors to the VHS can now submit dues and contributions electronically.

> VHS is working through the Strategic Planning process . The Executive Board is working to review its current Mission Statement, Vision, Goals, Objectives and Financial status

> The VHS is happy to announce the addition of a new Executive Board member. Please welcome Bryan Seip. He is a Peters Township resident who has supported the VHS for several years. Bryan is very involved with the DARE Model RR Club and is currently the President of the Montour RR Society. We are glad to have him as a partner in advancing the mission of the Venetia Heritage Society.

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 Association. 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!

>THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the VHS through the Washington County Community Foundation's "Day of Giving!" We received close to $2000 in much needed donations! We appreciate your support and participation in this fundraiser.

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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.

The Venetia Heritage Society is sad to announce the passing of its Treasurer, Past President and Lifetime Member, Clayton Sphar.. We will certainly miss his involvement , dedication and leadership. It is because of people like Clayton that the VHS has maintained its mission of preserving the former Venetia School for future generations to enjoy. We are deeply appreciate his dedication to the VHS and will greatly miss his presence.

We are so thankful to volunteers from the DARE Model RR Club and the Girl Scouts, 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 Venetia Community Center is located at 800 Venetia Road Venetia, PA 15367.
Our mailing address is: Venetia Heritage Society, Box 29 , Venetia, PA 15367