January 2023

WOW! If you missed the VAHS Holiday Party on December 8th, you missed a great time! We “sold out the room” at the Venice Yacht Club, we had a delicious meal, and the view from the top deck was spectacular! Our speaker Chucko the Clown gave a heart-warming reminiscence of the Ringling Bros. Circus here in Venice. The best part? It seemed that a heavy veil had lifted! I know, Covid is still a threat, but it felt like we were able to be “normal” again, to greet old friends, meet new friends, and forget for a moment hurricanes and infections.

In the coming months (as described in detail below) we will have more excitement. In addition to the ongoing Betty Intagliata Lecture Series, we are planning for the dedication of the Circus Car on February 23, 2023. As many of you know, in 1967, circus promoter Irvin Feld and colleagues purchased the circus from the Ringling family and transformed it during the Venice years. Kenneth Feld, the son of Irvin Feld and CEO of Feld Entertainment in Palmetto, has confirmed that he and his daughter Juliette Feld Grossman will attend the dedication, helping us celebrate what the Ringling Bros. Circus has meant to Venice over the years. We also expect to have dignitaries from Sarasota County and the City of Venice. Chucko the Clown and colleagues will provide entertainment. More details will follow by email. 

We are looking forward to being back at the Yacht Club on March 31 for the Annual Luncheon and Members Meeting. Venice Museums Day on May 6 will be another occasion to celebrate, along with the Venice Museum and Archives, the heritage of Venice. 

All of these events are made possible by the work of VOLUNTEERS! As an all-volunteer organization, we rely upon our members for their participation in our events to make these things happen. Please consider how you might be able to help in this joint effort. Please see Carol Bailey’s note below for how to sign up.