By The Daily Item
MILTON — If his name wasn’t George S. Venios, it would be Mr. Milton. Venios is Milton’s No. 1 booster. He’s written a two-volume history of the town, and he’s been involved in countless civic improvement ventures. His enthusiasm for Milton is infectious, and he’s always thinking of new ways to promote Milton as a great place to live and work.
Question. What is it about your community that you like the best?
Answer. Milton is a historically significant town, more than most people know. I believe that Miltonians are a close-knit group; many have lived here most of their lives. People here band together in time of disaster, such as floods. I am excited about downtown revitalization, and I especially think there is a buy-in from the entire community.
Q. What is it about your community that you like least?
A. Presently, the Milton Community Pool is in danger of closing. We can’t let that happen; time to band together!
Q. How long have you lived there?
A. My entire life.
Q. How did you get involved in what you do?
A. My first real “volunteer” activity was to serve on the Milton School Board in the late 1980s. I also served as a Trustee at the First Presbyterian Church of Milton at about the same time.
By my mid 30s, when my children were very young, I became highly involved with the Milton YMCA in 1990, when it was on the verge of collapse and ready to close. I played an instrumental role with the reorganization and merger with Sunbury YMCA, served on the board for many years and was board president for several terms. My primary interest with the YMCA, however, was the creation of its Teen Center program.
In 2000, I took on the challenge to author and self-publish “Chronicles and Legends of Milton,” Volumes one and two. It was a success, and I was able to learn about and meet new people. It was a very rewarding experience. Also, in 2000, I became involved with a group of interested Milton High School grads to create the Milton High School Alumni Association.
In 2004, I became involved with T.I.M.E. (The Improved Milton Experience), Milton’s downtown revitalization organization. I was instrumental in creating the Historic Downtown Milton Walking Tour, which is based mostly on materials from “Chronicles and Legends of Milton.” I am also very involved with the Milton Model Train Museum. I am the president of the TIME Board.
Currently, I am a trustee of the Milton Moose Family Center board of officers, and I oversee their youth center, the Jungle Cafe.
In 2007, I received the Fred Piermattei Award for my volunteer services in working with the Northumberland County Juvenile Courts community service programs.
Q. How do you unwind after a particularly difficult day?
A. I enjoy walking outdoor,s and I enjoy my cars, a BMW and a classic Buick.
Q. What would you like people to know — that they might not know — about you or what you do?
A. I once co-owned a major DJ entertainment company through most of the 1980s. Raven Sound operated seven systems throughout central Pennsylvania. I was a pretty decent DJ at the time (a.k.a. party animal).
Q. What would you suggest to people who would like to get involved?
A. Volunteering and serving is very rewarding and important the community. Appreciate history and your community’s heritage.
