November 2008

Our mission statement is "Conserving Land, Preserving History and Sharing it with the Community." Initially, we devoted all energy to the first two objectives – acquiring and preserving the land to protect its natural features and history. With that goal accomplished, our focus now turns to sharing this rich asset with our children, friends and neighbors. This was the vision for Valley View from the beginning.

I am elated to have Vanessa Hannah as our first Executive Director. Vanessa is a Milford resident and parent at Pattison Elementary. She started volunteering with Valley View about three years ago. Vanessa holds degrees in advertising and has also worked as a consultant with several Fortune 500 companies to increase effectiveness in the areas of leadership, customer care, and team effectiveness within their organizations. Her professionalism, enthusiasm and personal touch to her work make her the ideal person to fill a much-needed role at this stage of Valley View’s evolution. I can’t help but observe that the many pieces of the complex Valley View puzzle continue to fall into place perfectly.

We will increase outreach through this newsletter and more events on the property. And with this newsletter, we are starting our first formal membership drive with special on-property benefits to those who become members. Vanessa and others are pursuing child and adult education programs with local schools and other partners such as the Cincinnati Museum Center. And our volunteers are always working on improvements to this land that was farmed in soybeans just five years ago to enhance your experience when you visit.

I hope you will join me in welcoming and supporting Vanessa in her many endeavors as the first Executive Director of Valley View.