5/16/2013 Director Jim Valley Resigns From Discover! Children's Museum

Thursday, May 16, 2013
By The Chronicle

After assisting with starting up the Discover! Children’s Museum pilot project in Chehalis, Director Jim Valley has resigned.

According to the museum's board of directors: "Jim has done a terrific job of developing the themes that have set the tone for the museum from day one when it opened February 9. Those themes, 'fun, friendly, learning, family and safe,' as well as the phrase, 'Come to Discover!' have served the facility very well and set a tone that is just right."

"Jim has been a major part of the success during the critical pilot startup and his marketing expertise has been instrumental for Discover!, greatly exceeding the anticipated attendance by welcoming over 7,000 paid guests in this short period of time," the board said in a release.

The Friends of the Chehalis Community Renaissance 501(C)3, under which Discover! operates, has appointed retired Chehalis and Toledo science teacher Marilynn Chintella as the new director. Chintella, the founding president of the Chehalis PTA, has received significant recognition for her work, including participation in the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program, which involved a three-week visit to Japan, according to the Discover! board.

Chintella has been an active volunteer at Discover!

"She has been instrumental in enhancing the learning content of the exhibits and the entire learning experience," the board said.

Chintella has arranged 16 school-related visits involving more than 600 students since Discover! opened.

The Discover! pilot is wholly supported by donations from individuals and private foundations, as well as paid attendance. The museum is in the Twin City Town Center near the Chehalis-Centralia Airport and is open Wednesday through Sunday.