The Oil Region Alliance is pleased to send you its newsletter. If you have difficulty viewing this format via this email, it will be posted on www.oilregion.org soon. Also, depending upon your computer system, you may need to click on "view images" to see the pictures. Feel free to contact me at deaton@oilregion.org with questions and comments concerning the newsletter.
If you wish to be removed from the Alliance's email distribution list, please let me know. |
Alliance Participates in "Office On Wheels" to Market the Oil Heritage Region
by Betty Squire, VP-Marketing and Membership
October 21-23 I traveled with 13 others from the Pennsylvania Great Lakes Region (PAGLR) hospitality industry to 'sell' the Oil Heritage Region to group tour and consumer companies, encouraging group travel.
We boarded a specially-designed "office-on-wheels" executive motor coach and headed to Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Wilkes Barre and met with  representatives from Susquehanna Trailways in Williamsport, AAA North Penn in South Williamsport and groups in Wilkes Barre and Hazleton.
The next day we made stops in Allentown, Kutztown, and at Perkiomen Tours in Pennsburg, PA. This was a dual trip for the Alliance as we are embarking on developing an arts hub in the tri-cities of Oil City, Titusville, and Franklin.
On our way home we did a presentation to over 20 individuals at the AAA Central Penn in Harrisburg. This was our seventh sales mission marketing to AAA's and group tour companies. We promote "hub and spoke" opportunities with our Region, encouraging group travel and spending. This face-to-face marketing is much more effective than a mailing or a phone call.
At all the stops we presented each with visitor guides, maps, and souvenirs and a quiz where they could win prizes from our region. The answers could be found in the visitor guides.
We have already received requests for more information about the Oil Heritage Region and anticipate a much larger group of tour buses here in 2010.
Plans are already underway for the 2010 sales mission which may be to the upper western portion of New York.
PAGLR is comprised of Crawford, Erie, Mercer, and Venango counties marketing the region as a group travel destination. Visit us at www.PAgreatlakes.com. |
| State Budget Eliminates PA Heritage Areas Funding
by Marilyn Black, VP, Heritage Development
We thank everyone who advocated for Pennsylvania Heritage Areas funding in the 2009-2010 state budget. Over the past year, the Alliance and HeritagePA (the state association of Heritage Areas) conducted a respectful but assertive effort to educate our Governor and legislators about the 20-year track record of low-cost success for Pennsylvania's network of Heritage Areas. Unfortunately, not enough of them got it - the recently approved state budget zeroed out the Heritage Areas Program, eliminating all of the state's normal management and project grant funding for Heritage Areas.
The full impact of this cut is still to be determined, though some of the Commonwealth's twelve official Heritage Areas will likely be forced to close down or drastically reduce community services and projects.
The Alliance is working with our partners at HeritagePA and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to identify other potential sources of funding to bridge the current economic crisis and continue our good work for the region. We are also fortunate to have strong relationships with our local funding and program partners in Crawford and Venango Counties, along with designation as a National Heritage Area and great support from private donors, all of which will help us advance our work even in the face of this setback from the state.
In light of the eliminated funding, the Alliance will not conduct a pre-application cycle for project applications this year. The Heritage Development Department staff will concentrate on carrying out the widely varied grant-supported projects for which funding had already been secured. |
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Alliance Adds Two Books to Sales Offerings
by Marilyn Black, VP, Heritage Development
Two non-fiction books have been added to the publications available through the Alliance. These can be purchased at the office at 217 Elm Street in Oil City, over the phone at 814-677-3152 by credit card, or via www.oilregion.org and www.oil150.com. James DeLong of Titusville is an avid photographer who enjoys capturing images of nature, especially waterfalls. A Walk in the Park-- a Pictorial Tour of Historic Oil Creek State Park is a full-color, soft-cover, 60-page book for $15 which sales benefit the Friends of Oil Creek State Park.  Mr. DeLong made many treks through the Park in every season. You will enjoy the colorful scenes and discover objects and locations which you'll likely want to visit. Ben Hogan -- The Wickedest Man in the World was originally written by Mr. Hogan in 1878 (probably with assistance by George Francis Train) at age 36, "for the purpose of warning mankind of the dangers to which vice of every  description will inevitably lead them." This 276-page, hard-cover edition contains a compact chronology of his life and experiences and is available for $50. It contains accounts of his often-described saga in the oil regions and the lesser-known latter decades of his life after conversion and while he operated programs for homeless men in Chicago. Check out these and other history books, CDs, DVDs, and materials at the above web sites. They make great gifts, too! |
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Subsidized Architectural/Engineering Services Available
by Kim Harris, Project Manager
The Oil Region Alliance's professional architectural and/or engineering services project has available the opportunity for two additional participants. This project provides services via the firm of StruXures LLC in Seneca, on a subsidized basis, to public and private non-profit owners of buildings in or immediately adjacent to the designated historic districts in Titusville, Oil City, Franklin, and Emlenton. Each participating property owner must provide half of the costs, with the grant providing an equal match (up to $2,500).
If you are interested in participating, contact Kim Harris, Project Manager, at 677-3152, Ext. 120; or kharris@oilregion.org.
This project is funded by a PA Historical Museum Commission grant via the Alliance. |
| Survey of Historic Resources Underway
by Marilyn Black, VP, Heritage Development
This fall in northeastern Venango County a team of researchers will identify buildings and structures that were constructed before 1960. This survey is a project coordinated by the Venango County Regional Planning Commission (VCRPC) and the Oil Region Alliance. According to Randy Seitz, President of the Alliance, "This inventory of historical resources will provide vital information to the municipalities, planners, and property owners of Allegheny Township, Oil Creek Township, and the Borough of Pleasantville for many years to come." The research team is comprised of historians and archaeologists from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They will take photos of the landscapes and building exteriors in this 49-square mile area, with special attention to items at least 50 years old and will take GIS readings to prepare maps. The team will describe important buildings or sets of oil field artifacts which the current property owner would like to see recognized on various listings. For instance, the Free Methodist Church in Pleasantville has since 1978 been included on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, the Connely Holeman House on Chestnut Street in Pleasantville was added to the NRHP. The public attended a meeting on October 23 at the Pleasantville Community Church. The team described their methodology and invited people wishing to provide oral histories to contact them. The team welcomes guides to identifying former oil-related resources such as road traces, pipelines, and other industry-specific items. They will concentrate on agricultural resources including farms; mills or dairies; schools; churches; undocumented cemeteries; other industrial resources; native American resources; colonial era resources; and transportation-related structures. The survey is funded by a grant from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, to the Alliance which is matched by the VCRPC. For information, contact Marilyn Black at (814) 677-3152 or mblack@oilregion.org. |
Oil 150 Unveils New Documentary by Melissa Mann, Oil 150 Deputy Director
Oil 150 and the Oil Region Alliance are proud to  announce the completion of a new oral history documentary entitled Stories of a Third-Generation Independent Oil Producer, As Told by Bill Huber. In this new 30-minute film, produced by Pittsburgh's Legion Media, Bill Huber recounts his family's history as independent oil producers in the Oil Region National Heritage Area. The film is highlighted by entertaining and informative anecdotes as well as by historical photographs and film footage from the Huber family archives.
A packed audience viewed the premiere screening of the new documentary on September 30 at The Movies at Cranberry. Additional free screenings will be held at the University of Pittsburgh, Titusville Campus and at the Crawford Center in Emlenton, on November 19 and December 2, respectively. For more information, visit www.oil150.com. DVD copies of the film are also available for purchase for $12 via www.oil150.com.
The documentary was financed in part by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities' We the People initiative on American history. Additional funding was provided by Baker Hughes Foundation, National Fuel Gas Company Foundation, and the Alliance. |
| Kennerdell Overlook Dedication Held by Kim Harris, Project Manager
The Kennerdell Overlook is a natural overlook that has provided a spectacular view of the Allegheny River for many, many generations. Years of the natural elements as well as vandals had taken a toll on this wonderful site. The Alliance joined with many partners over the past several years to provide safety upgrades and enhancements to make this once again a must stop venue in the Oil Region National Heritage Area.
To mark the completion of work, a dedication was held October 16 at the site in Rockland Township, owned by Scott and Cindi Schneider. Nearly 30 people turned out to celebrate the completion of this $23,000 project and to take time to thank the project partners for their support and efforts. Joe Fadden, Senior Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson's Office remarked to the crowd, "This is a good example of how organizations and community members working together can achieve wonderful things."
The Alliance and its partners encourage you to visit the Overlook and take in the breathtaking view. The Overlook is located on Kennerdell Road, in Rockland Township, Venango County.
This project was financed in part by a PA Heritage Parks Program Grant from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, via the Alliance. Additional funds were furnished by The Allegheny River Support Group via the Venango Museum of Art, Science, and Industry; Constellation Energy; and Misty Ridge.
Speaking to the group is Craig Udy of
Constellation Energy. |
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Symposium Rescheduled
by Will Wingo, Oil 150 Director
The Oil Region Alliance's symposium, "The Philanthropic Legacy of the Oil Pioneers" which originally was scheduled for November, 2009, has been rescheduled for March 10 and 11, 2010. | |
| Drake Well Museum Closed for Renovations
by Will Wingo, Oil 150 Director
The Drake Well Museum main exhibit building closed to the public on November 1 for renovations and the installation of a new permanent exhibit. The outdoor exhibits will remain accessible to visitors during the renovations, although machinery displays will cease operations during winter and begin again in May.
Construction is expected to begin by late November or early December, when contractors begin removing interior walls and ceilings and creating a geothermal system for heating and cooling the building
The renovations are expected to take from a year to a year and a half, but when completed, interior space will have been re-adapted for new use.
The re-configuration of existing space makes room for a comprehensive research library and collection storage area, a larger orientation theater, an education center, and a multi-purpose room for conferences and receptions. An enlarged glass entrance foyer on the front of the building will increase the size of the lobby and exhibit areas and make it easier to see the Drake Well Replica Exhibit.
The Museum Store will remain open during renovations, and staff will show site orientation videos in the trailer near the store. Staff offices will be located in the maintenance building and trailers near the entrance building. |
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PA State Park System Ranked #1 in the Nation -- Oil Creek State Park is Included in This System
The Alliance congratulates Oil Creek State Park, one of its partners, for being a part of this prestigious National Gold Medal Award presented by the American Academy of Park and Recreation Management in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. This award, presented every two years, is the highest honor a park system can receive.
The PA Bureau of State Parks has 1,600 dedicated full- and part-time staff that manages more than 300,000 acres of land for wildlife, water quality, and recreation. PA has 117 state parks and three conservation areas that host more than 35 million visitors each year. How many have you visited?
Oil Creek State Park hosted the Inaugural Run of the "Oil Creek 100 Trail Runs" on October 10-11 this year. Included were a 100-mile run, a 50-mile run, and a 50K run which drew 275+ runners from the local area and across the U.S., and from Canada and Germany. It was sold out a month before. The event showcased the Oil Region and gave a boost to the local economy. Contratulations to the organizers, volunteers, and everyone who played a part in this run. |
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Welcome, New and Renewal Members
by Darlene Eaton, Membership Coordinator
Fine Line Design, 676-3007, A quality advertising and production company serving the area since 1983, where creativity is spoken.
Hepler Roofing & Siding, 676-0387, Excellent exterior renovations.
IPEG, 437-6861, Manufacturer of plastic processing equipment.
MPC Studios, 956-423-2233, Custom website design and website development company.
Pilewski, Dr. Robert, individual.
Rapid Reaction, 432-9832, CNC machine job shop.
Tomorrow's Dentistry Today, Dr. Robert DeShong (new), 676-6594, Advanced cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.
It's Easy to Join!
Call Darlene at 814-677-3152 extension 117
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The Alliance's Major Members
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Alliance Board of Directors
The Oil Region Alliance is fortunate to call on the some of the most distinguished citizens of the area, our Board of Directors, for guidance. Their visionary reach and wise counsel are among our greatest assets. For a listing of the board members, visit www.oilregion.org, click on "About ORA," then "Board Directory." |
Darlene Eaton, Membership Coordinator
814-677-3152 extension 117 Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism
217 Elm Street, Oil City, PA 16301
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| November 2009
Volume 5, Issue 9
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FLY FKL
Gulfstream International Airlines began serving Venango Regional Airport in September with daily flights between Franklin and Cleveland -- Continental Airlines' hub -- with connections to more than 60 locations. Travelers can park for free at the airport while on their trip. There are same day departure and arrival capabilities.
The Alliance urges business and pleasure travelers to use this valuable asset when planning trips.
To FLY FKL, simply work with your travel agent, your favorite travel web site, or call 1-800-523-FARE.
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Any Weekend Deal
Fly to Cleveland on weekends for $120 round trip; applies to departure from Franklin on any Saturday and return on any Sunday. Call O. C. Bell at 432-5333. |
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Upcoming Events
November 11, 2009
Tax Tips Seminar at Northwest Commission, 9 a.m., 814-393-2060
November 13, 2009 Arts in the Transit The Red Mountain Boys in the Great Room of the historic National Transit Building in downtown Oil City, brought to you by the Oil City Arts Council 814-678-3017. $ www.ocartscouncil.com
November 14, 2009
Allegheny Sounds Chorus presents "Kickin It Up A Notch" in Ireland at 7:30 p.m. at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, Franklin
November 15, 2009 DeBence Mini Event Our annual preparation for the Christmas season by playing Christmas music on several of our machines begins at 1:30 pm. Donations appreciated. DeBence Antique Music World 814-432-8350 November 19, 2009 Navy Commodores This Jazz Group will be at Oil City Senior High School at 7:30 pm, brought to you by Oil City Arts Council 814-678-3017 or www.ocartscouncil.com November 21, 2009 Light Up Night Come to downtown Franklin, for open house, caroling, Christmas tree extravaganza, electric lights parade and a fabulous fireworks display.814-432-7138 or www.franklinpa.gov November 27, 2009 Santa Arrives Welcome Santa to Downtown Titusville with the Titusville Lions Club Holiday Parade, beginning at 6 pm. The storefront windows come alive with the annual Living Windows holiday display, courtesy of the Titusville High School Drama Club and Titusville Renaissance, Inc. Following the parade, Santa will visit with children in the gazebo at Scheide Park while cookies and hot chocolate are served, courtesy of the Titusville Lioness Club. A fun-filled evening of holiday spirit for one & all in Downtown Titusville! November 27 thru December 30, 2009 Holiday At Burgess Come to Burgess Park in Titusville for the Holiday at Burgess Drive-Thru Light Display from 6 pm to 9 pm each night, donations appreciated, sponsored by the Take Pride in Titusville Committee. December 2009 Holidays in the Gallery The Transit Fine Art Gallery celebrates the holidays with a variety of fine art and craft work, items large and small appropriate for all of your gift-giving needs. Unique one-of-a-kind art treasures and fun seasonal items will make the Gallery the place to visit this month. And don't forget to stop by the National Transit Building on December 31st for our FIRST NIGHT fun and festivities...we'll be open until midnight!! December 4, 2009 Cahal Dunne Reservations required for this Cahal Dunne's Irish Christmas Dinner Show at the Arlington Hotel, downtown Oil City, at 6 pm, brought to you by Oil City Arts Council 814-678-3017 or www.ocartscouncil.com December 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 2009 A Christmas Carol Come to the Barrow-Civic Theatre, downtown Franklin, for this holiday classic. This original adaptation of the Christmas classic includes music, dance and surprise special effects that are sure to dazzle any theatergoer. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm and Sunday Matinee at 2 pm. Contact the box office 814-437-3440 or 800-537-7769 or www.barrowtheatre.com December 5, 12, 2009 Santa Express Ride the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and all their helpers; enjoy the beautiful wintertime trip through Oil Creek State Park. Join in singing Christmas carols lead by local church choirs. Complimentary hot chocolate and home-made cookies at the end of the trip back at Perry Street Station, Titusville. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad 814-676-1733 or www.octrr.org | |
