GREETINGS! 

As I take the President's gavel from Sue, I am both thrilled and humbled, humbled to be entrusted with this role and thrilled with the prospects which lie ahead of us as an organization. 

Following Sue in office would be a challenge for anyone. I can only hope to keep the flame alive and burning brightly. What gives me strength is your fantastic Board of Officers and Committee Chairs, who impress me every day with their dedication and hard work. I, and our members, are blessed. 

Our prospects going forward--some would say our "challenges"-- include:

• Reopening the Depot with our former and our new Docents 
• Completing the Circus Car, and having a grand celebration
• Resuming, in-person, and perhaps continuing online, Betty's impressive Bill Jervey lecture series

Our organization is not alone in the challenge that Covid and our aging membership present. Vital to our going forward is recruiting new members to our organization. I ask each one of you to look around at your neighbors, club members, pickleball players, golf buddies--and ask them to join you in your interest and enthusiasm in the history of the Venice area. Invite them to one of the lectures. Take them to the Venice Museum and Archives. Take them to the Depot and the Circus Car when it's ready! Share with them what you have learned about Venice and why you love it. 

If we all take seriously our responsibility to refresh our membership with new blood, we will have met the first and greatest challenge. 

Sincerely, 

Frank Wright, President

“Come!  Celebrate history with us!”