Executive Summary
Of
Laurel Highland’s Historical Village Inc., N.P.
A comprehensive site integrating the follow facilities:
- Heritage Introductions geared for children.
- Life Skills Enrichment Program
- Living History & Themed Villages Park Supporting
Area Ethnic Groups.
- Media Production Center { Dance – Music- Theater }
- Educational Complex (Historical & Academic).
- Traditional Farming Practices.
- Renaissance Gardens, Featuring an Ethnic touch.
- Leadership & Relationship skills
- Natural Wildlife Trails
Introduction
“Be proud of who you are. Be proud of your heritage, “because that gives you the muscle”. This statement was made by President Abraham Lincoln. Our Home, Our Struggle, sums up the spirit of those living in the Laurel Highlands, and America. The laurel highlands have a long heritage of pride and “muscle,” evident throughout the ongoing building of our village.
Long used as a passage for Native Americans traveling between the east Coast and the Ohio Valley, the Laurel Highland’s area continued to be of vital importance after European settlement, becoming an economic and cultural crossroads. As a base point for a growing American immigration, the Laurel Highlands area has welcomed countless immigrants to begin a new life in America. In the 19th century, workers arrived to build coal mines, steel mills, the Allegheny Railroad, and farming. Many stayed to live and work in the neighborhoods.
Laurel Highlands Historical Village staff and neighborhood partners have joined forces to build this ongoing effort, in an effort to tell the story, of how our forefathers started what we today call America. Gathering in meetings large and small, residents and staff are working together, to build the only one of its kind in America. A Historical Village & Children’s Enrichment Camp which will support the many ethnic groups which built the communities we live in today.
It is our belief that engaging and stimulating entertainment, education and/or productive employment in a Pre American atmosphere will help to promote a stronger interest in and commitment to attitudes of honor, and personal integrity.
For guests, the visual appeal and quality of presentation, personal immersion and vividness of the experience will be over whelming and unparalleled. For artisans and history aficionados, the site will excel by providing a central location and first-rate facilities for the practice of skills and the exchange of professional and creative information.
The hands on nature of the educational curriculum will make courses and seminars unrivalled in quality and personal impact, greatly increasing interest, involvement and long term retention. For those who are resident staff, the quality of life and working conditions will be second to none.
Programs will complement the exhibition, using art, theater, music, and even food, along with lectures, panel discussions, and tours to introduce many different facets of the village it’s past and present. Founder and community activist, Ronald J. Shawley created the Village logo. We welcome you our fellow Americans, to help in our efforts as we continue to build a community, in which we will preserve our various ethnic backgrounds, and provide our children with an avenue for additional educational support.
Ronald J. Shawley
Ronald J. Shawley, President & Founding Member
Village Profile …Our Premise
Laurel Highlands Historical Village, non-profit organization, was founded in 2003 and continues to grow in numbers and size, becoming the only village of its type in North America. Laurel Highlands Historical Village is committed to building a full supporting ethnic village and Enrichment Camp, for children. This far-reaching dream of our corporation is a joint dream of every American who has a past either in America itself or abroad. Many who work with the village are here because they love their ethnic background, and it’s their desire to preserve same.
Mission Statement
We are a community born from the principles that every person can make a difference and that every moment matters. We further affirm that education is fun, learning should be something one is passionate about and knowledge should be presented in a manner that personally engages and stimulates the desire to learn all one can. In addition, we believe that we have a duty to preserve our world and its history, and, most importantly, its culture and ethnic diversity.
We coordinate groups of children to help them discover and enhance their ethnic origins and personnel potentials.
Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
This project represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to accomplish a financially practical prototype
Village and Children’s Enhancement Center, for environmentally friendly, family oriented, socially accountable entertainment and industry as well as a sustainable development and agriculture.
In short, we plan on taking an old Dairy farm and restoring it to it’s hey day. Children will have the chance to view Dairy Farming as it was in the early 1700’s to it’s present day process. From their children can either walk the trail or ride a hay wagon towards and Indian village where children can learn about Native Americans and their way of living. Down the path a short distance children walk into a world of miners as they mine for coal, salt, and other minerals. History of Coal Miners and their stories can be found in this setting. Children will be introduced not only to traditional Farming, but the responsibility of caring for the livestock found on the farm. Children will be placed into a role of responsibility as they will be teamed in groups, to provide support for the farm. Children may find themselves, milking a cow, churning butter, gathering fire wood, or feeding the sheep.
In many ways, it parallels the concepts of Walt Disney in his heyday. It is our belief that now is an extremely auspicious time for such a project, as evidenced by the profusion of similar though smaller attempts being made in related genres throughout the world.
Education
Education is an integral part of the Laurel Highland’s Historical Village program. Courses and materials,
pertaining to all aspects of the operation and the periods and concepts we portray, will be obtainable.
In an on-going basis Laurel Highland’s Historical Village will work with area educational institutions and
conduct educational programming. The facility will also be the site for regular workshops, seminars and
educational demonstrations. Accreditation of education programming is the ultimate goal.
Conceptual Summary
All of these elements combine to create a unique entertainment and educational experience for people
of all ages. The Laurel Highland’s Historical Village projections and marketing strategies, as well as funding
criteria and requirements, are included in a detailed Business Plan available upon request. Our goal is
attainable due to the vast amount of dollars being allocated to non profit organizations with such dreams and
vision. It’s also going to be home for thousands of children throughout the year, as they seek additional support in after school needs.
The Village
Laurel Highland’s Historical Village, once built, will be a re-creation of Pre American villages, showcasing different ethnic groups of the world, some, complete with moats, drawbridges and other
related features common to that day. Moats, ponds and streams will feature water gardens,
waterscapes, and other forms of management and erosion control measures in an area of roughly
100 +/- acres, the village will feature modern, but properly disguised, infrastructure, such as water and
sanitary sewer lines, and other alternative ecologically protective measures. Plans to incorporate state-of-
the-art communications facilities, will serve to accelerate commerce as well as improve the comfort and
safety of the staff and guests at all times.
Shops & Merchants
Our goal is to incorporate vendors who show a strong interest in preserving those foods, crafts and
skills used by our fore fathers. Within the village we plan on having a Grist Mill, Blacksmith, Glass Blower,
and many other related professions, especially those that showcase an ethnic identity. We will have
artisans who will educate visitors to their individual trade. Those who desire will be allowed to
manufacture their items and market those items inside and outside the village.
FARM OPERATIONS
Our farming will be as Traditionally based as possible, which will provide food supplies to the greater complex, as well as open market sales, including onsite farmers markets that will also be open to farmers of the local community.
A great deal of publicly available research and education is an integral part of this aspect of the site allowing many opportunities for grants, educational programs, assorted workshops, consultations, seminars, and research reports derived from these operations.
The use of green houses in a number of locations will be coupled to other facilities such as small barns to offer a balanced energy load, which is mutually beneficial to both the barn operation and the operation of the green house. Likewise the green houses will allow a great deal of diversity in farming operations at a very low cost and will be a strong asset to the site.
Enrichment Camp For all Children A Day camp for children, Enrichment Camp offers opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, friendship and fun. It’s a Day Camp for all children, where children improve motivation and confidence, gain powerful study skills and develop high self-esteem in an environment that fosters learning and success. Summer programs will be held in Indiana & Cambria Counties. Laurel Highland’s Historical Village Day Camp will include Hiking, Cook outs, Dramas and Skits, Evening under the stars, Art activities, Barn Dancing and singing, Farm & Animal projects, Story Time, Gardening, Wildlife identification, Fishing, Treasure Hunting and enjoying time together around an evening camp fire.
Laurel Highland’s Historical Village Enrichment Camp will target over 340,000 children just like these…just like your child.
| Why we are unique! |
| At Laurel Highland’s Historical Village Enrichment camp, children develop skills that last a lifetime, build confidence in themselves, and enhance their motivation to make things happen. The skills and information they will receive includes strategies to improve their over all study skills to help them be successful in all their courses. Children will also have the oppertutnity to meet one on one with various ethnic leaders from our community. Children also learn to take the steps to reach their goals – whether trying out for a new sport, raising their grades, or attending the college of their dreams. Each program teaches study skills that help them succeed in any subject, at any level. Students learn life skills to help them develop friendships resolve conflicts and communicate more clearly. Students also find out how to manage their time and responsibilities, be more in control of their life, make the best choices, and rediscover the joy of learning. Students will work with college students from area universities, working on creative productions, art projects, and conservation projects. In all children attending our facility will learn by having un! |
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Our Staff Laurel Highland’s Historical Village will rely on students from area universities and Community Colleges for support in providing the educational element needed. Our Commitment to Excellence Our Underlying Belief System At Laurel highland’s Historical Village, we believe:
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PROJECTIONS …………Attendance
Thrill-seekers flocked to North American amusement parks in record numbers during 1999, according to year-end estimates appearing in the December 27 issue of Amusement Business. More than 170.5 million people visited the 50 largest theme parks in 1999, representing a 3% increase over 1998.
Commitments
Representative profiles, letters of commitment, credentials, and other documentation of executives, staff, merchants and vendors may be made available on request by qualified parties.
Preliminary studies and tentative agreements have been made regarding the sale of produce from farming operations via wholesalers.
. Initial contacts have been made for sources of supply for construction materials and supplies, business and costuming supplies, food items, and quality breed and seed stock for the farming operations and historic depiction areas.
. Preliminary negotiations are in place for production and sale of theme-based merchandise and materials related to the site.
. Numerous special interest groups and businesses have made preliminary commitments for permanent participation or annual events using Village facilities.
. Professional filmmakers and production companies have provided verbal interest to utilize the site for permanent and / or temporary production of movies, television series and features, documentaries, and promotional films.
. The status of resources and investors may be discussed by request of qualified investors.
. Implementation of a private placement mutual fund for smaller investors is being pursued.
DEMOGRAPHICS AND SITE SELECTION
Several factors combine to make Laurel Highland’s area the best choice for this project. The scale of this operation is significant in that it will generate a certain momentum of its own, well above typical interest in Ren Faire type facilities. This is a significant factor in our examination of data relating to site selection. A site such as we intend has a potential drawing area equivalent to a 12 hour driving time as evidenced by the normal attendance in the early days of sites such as Disneyland.
- Taxation issues.
- Acquisition costs. This area has relatively low land costs, which are significantly lower per acre than virtually any point within several states. Our operations will greatly enhance the land value of the site and the surrounding region. For example, please refer to property values in Orlando compared to pre-Disney days.
- Availability of large sections of land.
- Access to markets. Driving time is a significant factor in attendance at most parks and villages.
Within 2-4 Hours (Approximate threshold for most day trips)
Eastern half of Ohio, including Akron, Canton, Cleveland, and Columbus
Western portions of Pennsylvania, which includes the extended Pittsburgh Metro area. Northern West Virginia, including Wheeling . Western-most parts of Maryland
Within 4 To 7 Hours (Approximate threshold for most weekend trips) . Southeastern Michigan, including the Detroit Metro area
. All remaining areas of Ohio, all of Pennsylvania.
. Most of the eastern half of Kentucky, including Lexington and Louisville. All remaining areas of West Virginia
. Almost all of Virginia, including the heavily-populated Washington DC Metro area . All of Maryland, including the DC-Baltimore Metro areas . Western New York, including Buffalo and Rochester
Within 8 To 10 Hours (Extended stay guest driving range)
. Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois
. Kentucky, Tennessee, parts of Alabama and Georgia. North and South Carolina, Virginia
. Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts. Parts of Vermont and New Hampshire
. Southern parts of Canada, including Toronto
- Ease of access. The area is well served by several major interstate highways and interstate- grade state highways. Ongoing highway development plans coordinate well with our long- term planning goals.
- Access to resources and materials. All required materials and services are readily available at highly competitive rates within two hours or less driving distance of the site. Rail and overland transport in the region is more than adequate for our supply requirements.
- Political climate. Pennsylvania has long stood as an area quite friendly to theme parks, campgrounds and family-oriented entertainment facilities. Representatives in the region have agreed upon several incentives and concessions, and more have been agreed upon in principle. Much of our funding will come from grants provided through DCNR, Department of Education, Conservation, Historical, Dept. of Interior, and other agencies. We will receive monies from the private sector as well.
- Regional attractions. There are several major natural attractions within approximately a 5O- 100 mile radius. This area represents a unique mix of these supporting attractions, which will strongly enhance the appeal of the site for extended-stay and repeat visitors.
- 9. Availability of staff and talent. Several related sites exist within a few hours drive, many of which have already agreed to work cooperatively with Laurel Highland’s Historical Village for the betterment of all parties Numerous colleges are within the region, many with entertainment-oriented departments, which are often heavily recruited by staff from entertainment corporations such as Disney.
- Labor industry. The regional labor market has been underemployed for an extended period providing a large number of skilled workers and subcontractors, readily available at very competitive cost
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Ronald J. Shawley
Ronald J. Shawley
President 814-322-1825
e-mail [email protected]
Employer Identification Number:
86-1079004
DLN:
17053316008033
Foundation Status Classification:
509 (a) (1)
DUNS:
144384786