April-June, 1996 Rob Patton completed a report on his survey of Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) properties near Punta Gorda. Bill became heavily involved in trying to secure the Randell Mound property (see story elsewhere in this issue). T. Wayne Miller pledged $10,000 toward the Randell Center fund from the Price Foundation. Bill and Carol, along with Hersche
l and George, made a presentation to the zoning board in Fort Myers regarding development plans for the RRC.Bill and Darcie wrote a special-category grant proposal to the Florida Department of State for assistance with the permanent Calusa exhibit. Bill and Doris Threlkeld were interviewed by Secretary Lipscomb on a radio program called “Florida Lifestyle Radio: Elder Update” about opportunities to volunteer on archaeological project. Bill spoke to the Tourist Development Council in Fort Myers. An article by Bill entitled “Unearthing Support for Archaeology” appeared in the Chronicle of Higher Education on June 7th. Dorr Dennis, Bob Leavy, and Merald Clark continued work on the traveling exhibit.
Merald designed a Randell Center banner, and worked with Carol and Laurie Walz on a RRC brochure. Rob successfully passed his Ph.D. comprehensive exams and was advanced to Ph.D. candidacy. Bill was at Pineland June 19 to show the site to CARL land acquisition personnel. He also met with Randy Wayne White, who wrote an article on archaeological site looting for the October 1996 issue of Outside magazine. The summer Florida Museum Associates Quarterly featured the Southwest Florida Project and the proposed Calusa exhibit.
