January 2022

Hello Dear Friends,

I hope that all of you had a wonderful holiday season, filled with family, friends, and frivolity.  I send you the very best wishes for the New Year of 2022.

We’ve been through a lot of stressful times together the last couple of years.  The dark days of the pandemic have kept us apart too long, and we’re not quite sure if it is done with us yet.  And so, continuing to err on the side of caution, we will offer our lecture series in January and February still in the “virtual” world.  In March, April, May, and June, the series will once again be offered “in person.”  March will be a special format so watch your email blasts for more information.

Please mark your calendars for the annual members’ luncheon meeting to be held at Pelican Pointe on Friday, March 18, 2022, starting with time to socialize at 11:00 AM.  Registration information will be sent to you by email blast as we get closer to the event.

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, VAHS is hosting a luncheon at Plantation Golf and Country Club honoring the history of The Venice Symphony.  We will meet Music Director Troy Quinn and Symphony President/CEO Christine Kasten and enjoy the music of live musicians.  The performances of the symphony at Venice Performing Arts Hall in January are titled “Under the Big Top.”  The luncheon proceeds will benefit Venice Area Historical Society’s work at the Depot, as we strive to preserve the historical assets there and promote our newest addition, the restored Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus car.  Seating is limited to 200, so we hope you got your tickets early.  If you didn’t, please check to see if there is any available seating.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed for the day when our volunteer Depot docents are back in uniform, giving tours at the Depot Campus.  Our loyal crew, along with some new recruits, are eagerly waiting for repairs to the Depot building and final touches to the displays to be finished.

One of my final jobs to accomplish, as I finish my last term as President, is to remind you of the campaign for the Giving Challenge, a county-wide donor event that will take place from noon April 26 to noon April 27, 2022.   This is your chance to help many nonprofits, including VAHS, gather funding dollars that are doubled by a matching grant from The Patterson Foundation.  I appeal to all members of VAHS and all our other friends to aid us in this drive.  It’s easy to do.  Safely send in a donation online with your credit card.  Every gift from $25 to $100 per person (one time only) will be doubled, with no cap on the number of matches.  Please extend this invitation to all your friends and neighbors to help VAHS support its work in the community.

Be sure to take a good look at the article following my message that tells you about the “new normal” in VAHS and explains our increasing financial responsibilities.  This is why fundraisers, the Giving Challenge, a slight increase in membership dues, and other calls that go out for financial support are needed now, more than ever. 

A last word . . .

I am retiring from active leadership on March 18, 2022.  It has been my privilege to help guide VAHS over several terms as President.  Thank you all for supporting the Venice Area Historical Society in any and all capacities.  Whether you were a board member, a committee chair or member, a docent, any other volunteer, or a member who regularly sent in your dues, thank you to one and all!  I’ve lost many dear friends during my tenure but have gained many new ones.  May we all continue to send out our call:

“Come!  Celebrate history with us”!

Sue Chapman, President

Venice Area Historical Society

president@veniceareahistoricalsociety.org