VALLEY ORGANIZATION FOR IMPROVED history

In 1985, the Grass Valley Downtown Association adopted the Main Street program as the program they would pattern their downtown plan after.

The group decided to incorporate, followed by the creation of a constitution and by-laws (1993). As the group formalized, and expanded their advocacy, it became apparent that the historic Red Barn that anchored the park needed help to survive.

In May of 1995, FVF’s 501 C-3 non-profit status was re-approved, and the restoration proceeded.

In 1997, a berm was constructed by the Vernon Public Works Department on the east side of the barn to prevent yearly spring flooding of the basement floor.

The second project development effort was initiated in 2000.

In 2001, the Vernon Garden Club partnered with FVF to establish an herb garden in the upper coldframe at the Farm.

Having recognized an unmet need in our community, she created Dawn’s Closet and in 2005, she partnered with Valley Outreach.

In September of 2006, Bernice Dixon, Vernon’s Town Clerk, designated Valley Falls Road a “Scenic Road.” Everyone would agree that Valley Falls Park and the Farm, especially the pond, the dam, and the picturesque farm buildings, is a most photogenic area.

He began his career at GVHC in July 2007 as a family physician in Merced, practicing full scope family medicine including hospital inpatient care.

In the spring of 2008, the new replacement “Valley Falls Farm” sign mirrored after the original, was installed.

By 2009, the Braille Trail needed a major overhaul.

Many thoughtful concerns were raised and confronted, and an open public hearing demanded, as a result of careful monitoring by FVF. In 2010 there was a second pond drawdown to clean the weir.

A 2011 grant of $5,320, from CT Trust for Historic Preservation enabled FVF to contract with Musevue-360 to prepare a strategic plan for the future of the “Heritage Center” in the stable building at the Farm.

The dedication of the refurbished and enhanced Braille Trail was held on April 12, 2012.

In 2014, the current CEO, Tony Weber joined the organization and provided a fresh vision for the future.

In 2016, Golden Valley modernized its logo to revive its purpose in the community.

In August of 2018, under Mayor Dan Champagne, another “dam reconstruction and improvement project” with limited water draw-down this time in order to have the least impact on aquatic life was initiated.