Paradise Bay Activities Committee
Minutes of November 11, 2024
Pledge of Allegiance was recited
Present: Jim Gath: Co-President, Shana Simison: Vice President, Debbie Freeman: Secretary, Treasurer: Shana Simison, and 25 others
Secretary’s report: there is no secretary’s report, other than an email was sent out to all club members of the minutes of the last meeting dated 3/25/2024 by Karen Rimatzki, so the minutes will stand as posted.
Treasurer’s report: there is no new treasurer’s report for the Activities Committee. But again, we would like to let everyone know that Shana Simison is our Treasurer, now. All receipts, requests for money and financial information are to be directed to Shana Simison at #61 on 2nd street. Shana has been handling the books. This report will stand as read.
Co-Presidents’ report: Jim Gath’s discussions were:
Signing up on Paradise Bay email sites, and making sure you are getting all the latest news and information.
Vice President report: Shana Simison said there are no additions to the report, so report will stand as read.
Wendy Graf: As most of you know, Wendy was not well, and her husband contacted Jim to let him know. So, at the meeting today Jim let us know that Wendy had succumbed to her pancreatic cancer in the past week or more. Please take a moment and keep her in your prayers, no more pain for Wendy now.
Old Business:
There was no old business discussed, as things have changed a lot due to the hurricane effects to the park and its amenities. Accommodations and scheduling have to be re-evaluated that all clubs can receive time and attention.
New Business:
Where to have activities:
As it stands, Paradise Bay Hall looks like it is off limits for this season, due to construction is slow, (but there’s hope it will be ready by the end of the season.) Questions were asked could the hall still be used for meetings as it is? Jim suggested there are possibilities but: there are no chairs nor tables, no a/c, no heat but you can bring a blanket or what you want to set up. (*still see Lee for scheduling)
Helm House-has 3-4 rooms, the larger rooms can hold 10-15 people per room. The other room can hold 2-3 tables for an activity.
The Million Dollar Lot Building Project: That’s difficult to build right now, as the area is indisposed, so that one is on hold…
Music by the Pool: Jim said we are looking at the EPT area, back in the corner, discussions were covered with everyone present on suggestions and ideas on how to make this happen. Ideas include; a portable stage (which Jim says there is one here in the park somewhere,) electricity, having it by the pool, (which that was eliminated, due to no food allowed in that area). Musicians that would we would invite to entertain are Scotty, Ron, Raymond, and Dave Brown.
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Finally, Jim mentions again contacting Lee for meeting spots and times, keeping an eye on your emails from Paradise Bay (office)
Committee Reports:
TeamReach Clean up-Sarah Kohler has asked if any of you have old business or comments, or questions that are no longer valid on TeamReach would you please remove them. We would appreciate it, if you would remove them regularly, as Jim and Sarah handle it and will continue to send a message out on TeamReach regarding the removal of outdated information, too. Sarah said she was available for questions and assist regarding this too.
Activities Posted-Lee Stephens regarding reservations for activities, she will not be looking at posts on TeamReach. You will still need to contact Lee directly if you want something reserved.
Sarasota RV Park Facebook-Cindy Bogen mentioned another avenue for seeing events that are being posted.
Travelaires Program: Mary Lou Mast asked about their schedule and Lee explained there is a meeting afterwards for the calendar and scheduling with the Sarasota folks, and she said she still has the program on the schedule for Travelaires.
Mary Lou asked about the storage unit by the laundry mat, whether the tables and supplies are still there. She mentioned the Travelaires kept a lot of their storage there too. Jim remarked that they may be in trouble regarding their expectations, but they can check in with the office for a key. Jim said some of the tables and chairs in there, and he believes they have survived.
Constitution Class: Kathy Harris and Lee confirmed that this class will still be scheduled and hopefully at the Helm House. Jim explained that the Helm house may not look perfect, and work will be ongoing, but he has talked with the office and requested that the Helm house be a priority on their list of finishing the work. Neither of these clubs are starting till January, so there is time.
Coffee Hours-Activities Meeting: Sarasota Bay has their coffee hour every Monday at 9 a.m. Paradise Bay had theirs at 9:30 a.m. Jim commented that the coffee hours will be melded together for the season. But Lee let Jim know that this will affect the Activities Meeting twice a month on Mondays, so a decision was (possibly made/not confirmed) to have our Activities Meeting held at 10 a.m. TBD!
Boating & Fishing Club: Ron Prieskorn told us about the docks that were destroyed along the shorelines, the guys that work the bigger machines have the stages ready to put back in. But we are waiting on the crane and hoping for that sooner than later. Once the docks are in place and boats in water, the club can start to offer our normal activities.
Frank & Beans Dinner Ron says historically, the Boating and Fishing club run the dinner on January 25th, 2025 and we know it is going to overlap with Sarasota Bay’s Dance that evening. Ron has asked Cindy, Sarah and the Activities committee to work with them on coordinating this event. Ron feels it can still be done and was wondering if they could run the Frank and Bean’s event earlier in the day. Possibly set up tents, do a “Take-out” order, served from 3-5 p.m. rather than the usual 4-6 p.m. before the dance starts that evening. A suggestion by Jim and other members was made that Franks & Beans could be the “food truck” venue for the dance that night. All agreed, and Ron was happy with the idea as long as there is money involved.
Boating & Fishing Club are having their meeting on December 10th, and would appreciate confirmation on these plans, so they have time to start making arrangements with club members at the December meeting.
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The Easter Dinner was next on Ron’s list; traditionally this is hosted by the club too, but the Shuffleboard club is going to help them out and they are going to sponsor it this year. That will need to be changed on the calendar schedule too.
Italian Dinner: Jim Gath said that he has not talked to John Maddy. about the dinner yet, and that he thought John was going to resign, but Jim knew the crew he used to have help him, and are still in the park. There is the possibility of us still having the Italian dinner. TBD.
Shuffleboard Courts: Chris Matteson asked for $400 from the Board to help cover food supplies for the meal for the Thanksgiving Dinner. Jim Gath had already approved the funds at the last meeting, November 11, 2024. Reminder for signup for attending the dinner needed to be done by November 21st.
Shuffle Board Courts: Chris continued then to discuss the shuffle board courts. The courts are not playable at the moment, there is a lot of clean up to be done. A work day is scheduled for Saturday, November 15th.
Golf League: Jim Gath said golf started last Tuesday, 11/5/2024 and are meeting every Tuesday at Pinebrook Ironwood Golf Club at 11:30 a.m., just show up, ready to play.
Water Aerobics: Jean Colson announced water aerobics started today at 9 a.m. and the notifications are in the TeamReach, and she had sent a message to the office and it may not have been sent out. She said the pool is great, never has it been so clear, there were only a couple there today. Jim will send out another email blast to let everyone know.
Wood Shop: Vickie LaMotte spoke for the wood shop members. Numerous tools were destroyed, lockers are water damaged too. If anyone has things in their locker, they need to be removed by Wednesday or all will be thrown out once we start working on the locker areas.
Most of the stuff in the Trash to Treasure building is gone, they were damp, damaged and moldy, including tables. Vickie asked how do they go about replacing the tables, and does the Activities committee have tables from the Paradise Bay building available. Jim, again explained that insurance company brought in a Reclamation group that clears out “EVERYTHING” after a storm and that is exactly what they did with the Paradise Bay Hall. Tables, chairs, decorations, kitchen, memorabilia, and more are all gone. Vickie was told to check with the office for information on what the wood shop needs to do regarding replacement of lost and destroyed items.
Vickie also asked about damage to some of the areas in the wood shop too, and who would be responsible for that? Jim explained that work is ongoing every where in the park and some is volunteered and some should be directed to the office.
Bocce Club: Tom Billings is having a meeting 20th of November at 10 a.m. to see how many people will be available and playing this year. The courts are not terrible, but are playable. Tom said they have $700 worth of sand in the Helms garage that they can add to the courts. They will gradually be back to tournament level this year. “Bocce with a Twist”
Bingo: Joyce Farrington asked should each activity group get the items they need for their club, or do they need to have it approved in the office, and/or contact the activities committee? Jim said it probably would be a good idea to check in with the office before you purchase the items you need. Jim also said they would take care of it if you need it, and they will go to the office if there is an issue, and explained there’s money to go around!
It would be a wise idea to get an estimate of all the items a club needs and submit it to Jim, Shana or the Office, first.
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Waterfront Worship: Dan Smith said they are having a service, Sunday November 17, 2024 at 4 p.m. at the Sarasota Bay Hall. The theme is Reflections Thanksgiving Worship, and he said we have something to be thankful for; we may need to think about it, but we have not lost any lives, and that is
a start. He also mentioned the people he knows people that left their house in a mess for example, and are out on the streets the past few weeks helping others first. Dan emphasized how much his wife, himself and others appreciate this community and the activities, the coordination of the clubs and what they do for all of us.
Sunday worship will start up the 1st Sunday in December at 10 a.m. It will be a “storm series” so bring your lighthouses with you. Our goal will be to attempt to gather near the Canal and Bayview Street area. If there is a weather issue, we can meet at the Sarasota Bay Hall.
Luminaries: Anita Cook has updated Carl Kerr and the office on the Luminaries plans for December 24th. She has purchased over 200 decorative bags and sets of battery lights for Christmas eve, to light up our streets and “let our lights shine.” She also has 150 jugs for those that like that style, but those are also used near the entrance areas to the park. Everyone can pickup their bags and candle-batteries at the office. Volunteers needed only for the main entrance and street areas.
Lee mentioned there was a drone picture from last year of the luminaries and it was beautiful!! Anita went on to tell us that Don Howard was one of the first one to start the Luminaires in the 90’s, but it has been noted that Anita has been doing it for over 20 years. She is going to put a little history “tidbit” together regarding the luminaires.
Luminaires and Caroling Sarasota Bay: Sarah Kohler said there will be luminaries on the three streets and caroling. Jim and Kathy Ormiston will handle the luminaries. Sarah has invited everyone to join them, especially with the caroling. She also mentioned there would be cookies, brownies and hot chocolate.
Newsletter: Sarah Kohler says Veronica McManus is doing the newsletter and it is wonderful and can be found on the Paradise Bay website. The deadline for Information to be submitted to Veronica needs to be submitted before November 26, 2024.
Tee Shirts – Stronger than the Storms: Jim reminded everyone of the tee shirts that Carl Kerr worked with a tee shirt company on a design for our park. Originally an order has already been placed and closed. Information is available on Team Reach and through an email and now we have a print out, with a QR code that you can use to place an order with his second round. His expectation for that will be around the end of November. These shirts are part of a fundraiser, where part of the money goes towards helping others through the hurricane situations. The shirts are selling for $20.00 each.
Start Up Dates Activities: Sarah Kohler reminded the groups to let us know if their activities have started up. Joyce Farrington said some of the card and game groups will be starting shortly. Dominoes, December 5th at 6 p.m.at the Sarasota Hall. Nickle, Nickle, December 6th at 6 p.m. at the Sara Bay Hall, Hand & Foot is usually Tuesday, but that is on hold; Mah Jong, Friday, December 1st at 1 p.m. at the Helm house. All possibilities to be confirmed after meeting with Lee, Sarah, and Cindy.
Line Dancing: Pat Green asked if Flo will be starting line dancing in January. Lee confirmed that it is on the schedule, starting Tuesdays, January 7th from 1-2:30 p.m.
History: Brenda Ocenasek is looking at any history related events in the park from the past to share with the History club. Most of the collection was destroyed in the hurricanes. Jean Bogan mentioned that there is stuff in the Sarasota Hall that would be of historical benefit to share.
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Anita Cook added to that: she has taken all the VHS tapes and photos from 1970-2012 and 1980-2004 and this past year has been having them digitized (unbeknownst to the storms coming!)
Blankets: Kaye Rowe will be having a meeting December 2nd for the blankets this year. She also inquired about turning in receipts regarding the materials lost and again was redirected to the office for that.
Christmas Decorating: Lee Stephens said the Bridge Street Church, Love Happens Week group may be here in December to decorate. Rhonda Mast inquired about what we have in decorations and volunteering. There are no decorations left at the Paradise Bay Hall, and no tree at either hall. But we do have some tree decorations.
Library: Cindy Bogan said they have all the books from the upper shelves saved from the Sarasota Bay Library. So, they are not in need of any donations at this time. Joyce Farrington did ask if they needed puzzles and Cindy said the hall cannot take on any more stuff at this time. Hold onto it till a later date. TBD.
Insurance/Reclamation Topic: Jim Gath explained how the insurance and reclamation company works. Unfortunately, it isn’t exactly the way we would imagine. They do a thorough job of cleaning out a building, especially if there is mold and dampness, and with that there was some minor damage done by the company in the hall. This of course is being handled by the office. Due to their cleaning, there is nothing left, almost everything was cleared out and disposed of. There are no tables, chairs, kitchen ware, decorations, club items, and more. So, for each of your clubs, again please put a list together of what you are missing or lost due to the storms and submit it to Kathy in the office for compensation.
Entertainment: Rhonda Mast inquired what was happening with dance and entertainment? All entertainment, and dances for the Paradise Bay Hall, Fun & Fitness, and Karaoke at this time are cancelled per Darnel Darr. Information has been sent out by email, newsletter, and on the Paradise Bay website also, regarding the prepaid dance and entertainment tickets by Darnel and Lisa. Lee Stephens mentioned trying to get Karaoke back on the schedule, that it could work’s… Outdoor ideas for dance events are an option that is being considered for dances too.
Bible Study-Hymn Books: Sarah Kohler said bible study for men and bible study for women will be in the pool room, Wednesdays, starting January at 10 a.m. Sarah was happy to tell us that the hymn books survived the storms. We can still sing!!
Patriotic Program: Kathy Harris received confirmation regarding the Patriotic Program. It will take place February 27, 2025. Further details on where and time are coming.
Fun & Fitness: Pat Gardner, exercise and workout is waiting to hear what can be done for a schedule for this club. Lee explained they will be working on the schedule that day, after this meeting with Sarah, and Cindy. Their goal is to merge as many activities as possible into a schedule within the building spaces they have available and to work on a reasonable but limited amount of time for each club. Their goal is to see that no one group will be left out or cancelled.
Ladies Pool: Kaye Rowe from Ladies Pool is on hold at this time because the pool room is the temporarily being used for the park office files, and major records, while the park building is under reconstruction.
Activities Committee: Jim Gath commented at our last meeting and I just want to remind everyone what he said. If there is construction going on in an area where an activity is scheduled, the construction takes priority. We want the work done…Everyone needs to be patient, to share schedules of activities to be sorted properly for the calendar. There is going to be a lot of changes and challenges this year, but we can do it!
Meeting ended, no motion to adjourn was set….
Next meeting will be Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sarasota Bay Hall.
Respectively submitted by Debbie Freeman, Secretary