WINTER 2024 - SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION

Message from the President

Frank Wright

Dear VAHS Members,

This year's Annual Holiday Luncheon featured a special tribute to Betty Intagliata, the Founder of the Society (initially named the Venice Historic Preservation League, Inc.).  VAHS member Mary Huba led the audience through the many contributions Betty has made over the past thirty-two years, both to the City of Venice and Sarasota County, in the cause of historic preservation.  Mary illustrated her presentation with a plethora of photographs spanning the years.  At the conclusion, VAHS presented Betty with a crystal vase inscribed:

VENICE AREA

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PRESENTED TO

BETTY INTAGLIATA

IN RECOGNITION OF

YOUR OUTSTANDING

CONTRIBUTIONS

2024

Afterwards, many well-wishers came forward to express to Betty their appreciation for her hard work over the years.  We wanted the tribute to be a surprise to Betty - I think we accomplished that - and so we did not give advance publicity.  To those of you who would have made a special effort to attend had you known, I apologize; if any of you would like to convey your appreciation of Betty, please send your thoughts to me at the email link below and I will pass them along to Betty.

At the Annual Holiday Luncheon, VAHS Director Beth Gehring announced the Board established an annual VAHS Scholarship to be awarded to a graduating Venice High School senior, in the amount of $2,500, and in this first year to name it The Betty Intagliata Scholarship.  The Board also established a fund to receive special gifts designated by donors to the VAHS Scholarship Fund.

I'm pleased to report the USAAF Student Officers Club, which we featured in a gathering at the Club, has been added to the Venice Local Historic Register.  You may recall this is the last surviving original structure at the Army Airfield.

We continue with our popular impromptu "Pop-Up, Meet-Up" events, the latest being at the historic Schoolcraft Building, home of Venice Wine & Coffee Company.  These events have been so much fun, we intend to do more of them.  Stay alert - notice is given through an email blast to our members.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Frank Wright

President