Public comments:

• No public comments were made. 

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Events

• Art in the Garden - ​April 29th. 2 PM - 4:00 PM at the Historic McSwain Home - Museum & Gardens.

• Speaker Series: Rising & Falling Waters: A History of the Calusa: April 30th 12:30 PM at the Historic McSwain Home - Museum & Gardens

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General Meeting​:

McSwain Home National Registry of Historic Places Nomination:

• The application process is underway, with public support playing a key role. A presentation is being prepared to gather community backing for the McSwain Home’s nomination. Photos of the property will be taken on April 24th for use in the nomination.

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Introduction of our Historic Bonita Springs Property Markers:

• A proposal was made to create historic markers for buildings in downtown Bonita Springs, starting along Old 41 Rd. A local supporter will produce laser-engraved wooden signs at no cost. Visitors can scan the signs with their phones to access our website for more info, photos, and videos. The initiative aims to boost website traffic and ad revenue, with no cost and scalable potential.

 

Community Foundation Grant:

• A revised funding request of $7,500 will be submitted to support the completion of the McSwain Home Property Master Plan. The project will convert the site into a community green space and garden, with revenue opportunities through plot rentals, advertising, and sponsorships, all designed to maximize ROI.​​

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Leadership Transition: Election of Chairperson:

• Derrick Botana introduced Jacque James as our presidential candidate. A vote from the Board was requested to elect Jacque James as our next chairperson. Carla Worth made the motion, and Carol Leone seconded it. All in favor. The motion was approved. As of April 11th Jacque James will assume the role as our new chairperson.

• Jacque spoke about her plans as chairperson for the society during her term. She discussed her fundraising structure ideas and encouraged everyone on the board to bring up any ideas, whether big or small. She welcomes a continuously open dialogue between all members of the board.

• Derrick will remain on the Board of Directors as Ex-Officio.

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Board Committees:

• Derrick encouraged everyone currently serving on our BOD to chair a committee deemed relevant and necessary for the mission of the Historical Society. Current committees are:

 

Special Events & Fundraising Committee: (Vacant)

McSwain Home Committee: (Jacque James)

Landscape Committee: (Jacque James)

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Committee Reports

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Landscape Committee (Jacque James)

 

Jacque discussed the property’s landscape expansion plans, which include:

 

• Green Space Enhancements: Landscaping, Shaded Seating, Additional Plants, and Educational Signage

 

• Safety & Accessibility: Lighting & Walkways

 

This project will be fully funded under our $7,500 budget raised through the Bonita Springs Community Foundation. As previously mentioned, all additional plants will be donated at no cost to us by our preferred local nursery. We should have a remaining balance on the funds raised once we are complete.

 

Jacque also mentioned that, during this project, we should consider ways to buffer the property from our neighbors due to future construction plans next door.

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New Business: 

Jacque James suggested replacing the remaining original windows throughout the house to improve insulation against heat, sound, and potential future storms. Maikol will contact Mike Fiigon with the City to explore potential funding opportunities for this project. Maikol will also check to see if this would effect our nomination.

 

Carol requested that we create signage acknowledging the Lions Club for their generous contribution of the new quilts placed inside the McSwain Home. She also expressed interest in bringing members of the Lions Club to see the quilts.

 

Derrick mentioned the Bonita Springs Meteorite, noting that based on his research, the Smithsonian paid only $300 in the 1950s, which is equivalent to $3,954.41 today. Derrick believes the Smithsonian underpaid for this unique piece of Bonita Springs history and would like to explore the possibility of bringing the meteorite back to Bonita Springs for exhibition.

 

Carla Worth introduced her idea of creating a storytelling program. She feels this may be a great way to collaborate with SugarShack to create an experience around storytelling. This will also create an ongoing partnership between us and SugarShack.