The voice of sports to many, Tony Ventrella was and is a familiar face in Newcastle. He served on the Community Activities Commission and as Deputy Mayor, along with his many volunteer activities.

Thanks everyone for this honor. We loved our time in Newcastle. Made many friends, feel like we’re still a part of that wonderful small city.

How long have you lived/worked in Newcastle?

My wife Mika and I moved to Newcastle in April of 2004 and lived in the Highlands neighborhood for 18 years.

What are some of the ways you contribute to our community?

I felt very close to so many different projects and organizations during my time in Newcastle. I worked with Dave at Newcastle Fruit and Produce just for the fun of seeing my neighbors. I especially loved working in the Fall and again during Christmas season, selling pumpkins and trees. The Boo-castle event, which still happens today, remains one of my favorites as does the Christmas tree lighting. I volunteered for cemetery clean-up, served 4 years on the CAC, two years on City Council as Deputy Mayor, created a group called Newcastle Players and staged two murder mysteries and one production of “Charlie Brown” in 2017. Started the Newcastle Softball Classic with Jim Quigg in 2017. Along with business partner Rohit Rohila, produced two videos for the Newcastle Chamber Diamond awards during the Covid years. Volunteered every year at Newcastle Days.

Tell us a Newcastle memory.

Best memories are seeing friends at the tree lighting and Boo-castle and of course Newcastle Days. Made such good friends during my time in Newcastle, on CAC, Council, through softball, theatre projects etc.

What do you hope for the future of Newcastle?

I would love to see a more robust version of the Chamber of Commerce and much more support of our local businesses, not only from the Chamber but from all our City Council members.

What are some of your favorite places in Newcastle to visit?

My perfect weekend in Newcastle would be a long walk on the beautiful trails and through Lake Boren Park, a softball game at Risdon field, friends, and dinner at Tapatio or the Golf Club at Newcastle, Yea Wok, Loco Chon, The Coalman or Blazing Onion.