Triple Diamonds (Mystic Nights #2)(4)
Relief swept the table at that announcement. The man and his partner had confiscated over four million dollars in their siphoning scam.
Tawny was still speaking figures. She announced they were now back on track for further expansion if they so wished. There were murmurs around the table. Some suggestions. And that was when she dropped her newest idea.
“I have had an idea. I’d like to share it with you and get your input. I was thinking we could add an attraction for the tourists on the land we purchased on Miller Road. It would benefit the reservation at the same time as it is half way between here and there.” All eyes turned her way. She had piqued everyone’s curiosity. The board liked the idea of more attractions, and the council would be interested in how it could benefit the reserve. “I know Mohegan Sun has a cultural center, and a museum. I don’t want to have a repeat of what they are doing, but we need something along that vein. Something educational, but culturally uplifting. Something people can go see or even participate in to learn more about our people, the eastern Pequot.”
Myrtle Croatan was listening attentively. “Please go on. You have my attention.”
Tawny smiled encouraged by the elder council member. “Well, I got the idea from my daughter-in-law, Aliya Sassacus.” Jonathan sat up straighter, listening now even more than before at his mother’s latest scheme. He was probably trying to figure out what part his new wife had to play in this idea. “My daughter-in-law had plans for a dance studio on the reservation, but has put that on hold until after the baby, but she still wants to do that eventually, but instead of on the reserve, I think we should sponsor it, and . . .,” she added before Josephine Baker could interject, “I also heard the council was thinking of using her space for a medical clinic, which is something sorely needed. The Miller Road land was purchased with the intent of an attraction. So, I want to build a brand new cultural complex there, and if we can purchase the commercial land from the Smith’s next door it could be quite grand. The cultural center we would build would house not only a dance studio, but more. It wouldn’t be a museum. That has been done, but a hands on experience of our culture. It would offer classes to the locals and at reduced rates, but also for visitors to the casino to learn about our ways.”
“That’s brilliant,” Jason Paralta voiced his opinion above the exclamations of the others. Mostly encouraging words could be heard around the table. “What would be at the cultural center? How would it work with the visitors to the casino?”
Myrtle was beaming. Practically clapping in her seat. This was something she had always wanted for her people.
Jonathan sat up straighter in his seat. Aliya had mentioned this idea that had been proposed months ago, but it had still seemed a long way off. Her plans had been to start with just dance. He was all ears though wondering how she would fit in. “But, I think it should be something more than just dance,” Tawny continued. “I don’t want to do what The Mohegan have done either. Their educational center and museum are remarkable, but ours would also focus on the history of our people and oral traditions, storytelling, and exhibits. I want more. For our people. I think we could have a place where not only dance is taught, but art, crafts, history, language, and our oral traditions can be passed on. We can offer classes to the people and to the public.”
Josephine was the first to speak up. “You are talking about a large facility. A big endeavor.”
“Yes, I am and I want something that will have room to grow. Let me explain.” Her excitement was catching on. Everyone was listening attentively as she explained her vision. “We could expand as we grow. Add more classrooms, and storage. I see shops on the bottom floor that sell the products we make there. I see a restaurant that serves traditional foods, and a clothing store. But everything is created upstairs in the classes we teach. The profits would be put back into the center to buy more supplies and restock. We have a small auditorium for shows by our performers. Dance classes. Art classes. Crafts. A movie theatre, too. And what the kids and adults make at the center could be sold here at the casino as well, and all would be given back to the community.” She paused and then looked directly at Josephine. “The money could go for the clinic that Josephine wants.”
Josephine gasped. That was her project, what she had wanted for her people, but the cost of running it wouldn’t have been in their budget for years, she had recently learned.
“What about the casino? Where does their part come in?” asked Drake, currently serving as head of the Merchandising Department. “I know it all goes back to the people, but this sounds expensive.”
Tawny smiled. “We not only teach our people there, but tourists and locals who wish to learn. Here, we sell packages, day outings, to the patrons who may want to leave for a little while during the day. Instead of heading to The Mohegan’s, they stay in house so to speak. We still profit. Those sales stay with the casino. That money covers our expenses. Our profit initially will be small, but as we expand we can shuttle four to five groups a day to the Learning Center. And initially we will have to take a small percentage of the total profits on sales of the products to cover our costs. Twenty percent I think. This would be to cover our additional expenses of running and building the facility, and staff will come out of their end. But I’m thinking we may be able to utilize volunteers as well. This will mean jobs too, for our people. And it will give them an alternative to gambling, drinking, and other activities.”