Paradise Bay Activities Committee
Minutes of November 25, 2024
Meeting was called to Order at 10:00 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited
Present: Carl Kerr, and Jim Gath: Co-Presidents, Shana Simison: Vice President, Debbie Freeman: Secretary, Treasurer: Shana Simison, and 21 others
Reminder: Everyone was reminded to sign in
Co-Presidents’ Report: Jim Gath’s discussions covered flexible meetings due to; nothing changes must go through Lee; she is the most important person that will keep events and schedules organized. Lee Stephens reminded everyone if you are sending her any information, it needs to be sent by email, not TeamReach or messages. Her official way of handling calendar events will be with emailed information. Jim asked that everyone communicate with her and use our resourceful tools for updates etc. which are through the daily calendar and these informative ways of communications:
ParadiseBay.info (calendar, daily, weekly and monthly #1 resource)
Newsletter (Once a month, no paper, produced early, changes can happen)
Email blast (Important announcements be sent this way, be signed up with Paradise Bay…. follow–Jim handles this, send text to Jim this way if you information)
Activity report bi-weekly (Information reported from all club representatives and Activity Board members bi-weekly, again changes can happen daily)
Carl Kerr thanked volunteers and everyone for all the park work accomplished putting the park back together since the hurricanes. Carl updated us on the delivery of the “Stronger than the Storm tee shirts” and were sent to the office, and of the upcoming future order that can be placed on the Paradise Bay Marketplace. Carl said they raised $385.00 from this first order and that will be used towards we will decide needed in the park. The park has lost just about everything, so we will decide mutually on how to use the funds. Carl said Heidi suggested that everyone that ordered their shirts wear them to the Thanksgiving dinner at the Sarasota Bay Hall.
October Events Jim G. talked about how we have already had a couple events and they have been great!
- The first was organized by Melissa and Gary Coleman, a Burger night by the Pickleball courts. After a long day of park volunteers working together cleaning up the Sarasota Bay RV Park, we gathered that evening and had a fun night and great food, thanks to the Colemans and all those that helped.
- The next one was organized by Cindy and Doug Bogan (forgive me if I don’t know who else to name) and that was “Helene-O-Ween Night” prepared a hot dog cookout. That one was prepared after days and days of street to street clean up, Helm house clean up, wood shop clean up to name a few…There was a great gathering and so much food!!! Again, thanks to events like this, it makes the future look positive for PB/SB!
November Event
- Then in November, we tested the water (ha-ha) “Music by the Pool” …can’t do “Music by the Bay” but trust the Activities committee and musicians…there is a way! Scotty and Ron filled the air with music and lyrics, we even had a stage, and again lots of food!
Page 2 Minutes of November 25, 2024
We needed this, there are a few kinks and things to be done to perfect it, but there is time.
Jim also discussed the work on the pool area; Harry continues to work on the pool area, the restrooms are closed and Scotty is waiting on a part for the restroom repairs.
Jean Colson brought up the question of food in the pool area, and the rules on it was properly covered. Anne Osgood explained there is a state law that there can be no food within a pool area. Jim explained the rule of no food in pool area will be mandatory, there also was discussion previously that we would be having food trucks at outside dance events…
Lastly, Carl thanked both Activity Boards for all that they have done this season to get the “ball rolling” and getting the activities up and rolling after the 2024 hurricane rounds! Carl thanked all the volunteers that worked on getting the park in a better-looking condition.
Secretary’s Report: Debbie Freeman’s said the minutes of the last meeting were previously emailed and copies passed out at the last meeting. Are there any additions or corrections, if not the Minutes will stand as posted.
There were additions and corrections as followed: Anne Osgood updated the dance and entertainment information as; dances will continue but entertainment is cancelled. Also, due to hall capacity in the Sara Bay Hall, we have more dance tickets sold than capacity allowance. So, if you decide not to use your tickets, please contact Lisa D. for refunds, do not sell them to other residents in either park. Anne also corrected the wording of the word “Board” in the activity report. As it needs to be defined as Activity Board, due to the fact that we do have two different forms of “Boards” active in this park.
Chris Matteson-Shuffleboard Club corrected the information from our last meeting regarding the Easter dinner and the Shuffleboard Club sponsoring it with the Fishing and Boating Club. This information is incorrect.
Marilyn Morrisey-Art Classes informed me under the circumstances this year, she is not sure when they are going to be down here. Bunni Carroll #23 on 3rd Street will be handling the Art classes. Lee S.
has confirmed these classes will be Tuesdays and Fridays starting 12/3/2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Helm House.
Anita Cook-Luminaries, regarding the historical photos and VHS transformation report 11/11/2024, Anita wanted Joe Rush’s name added, as he is helping her with this project.
Kathy Ormiston-Co-captain: Inquired on having the Sarasota Bay Activities members names added to the minutes and to the email list (those attending the Paradise Bay Activities Meeting). Kathy was informed that all who attend the meeting and sign in, are included in the report and receive the minutes report in an email. I also confirmed with her that at all previous meetings, Sarah Kohler and Cindy Bogan from Sarasota Bay Activities were included and emails have been sent to every club representative usually by the Friday before our upcoming Monday morning meeting.
Last correction: Brenda Ocenasek-History, informed me that she had not received the minutes from previous meetings, she updated me on her correct email address.
The minutes will stand as corrected and the new minutes will stand as posted.
A motion was made, voted on and the “ayes” accepted.
Treasurer’s report: Shana Simison notified us that before the end of last season the balance in the Activities Account was $10,206.82. Since then, $400 was paid out towards the Thanksgiving dinner.
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Carl Kerr added $385 to this account, it was being held at the park office, again this is the monies made from the tee shirt sales.
Jim Gath once more reminded us, since it is early in the season and not everyone may be aware of this but Shana took over handling the Treasurer’s job and is doing a wonderful job. Jim says Shana will be consulting with one of our past officers as needed but believes she is handling it well too.
Carl Kerr talked about Wendy Graf, too and how wonderful she was and how she kept this whole park activities finances in order in a fine fashionable way!
This report will stand as read and posted.
Vice President report: Shana Simison welcomed everyone back and thankfully appreciates all those that helped put this park back in order and helped with the cleanup. There is nothing else to report.
Old Business: None
New Business: Sarah Kohler suggested could we get a Karaoke Machine now before Christmas. She suggested between both park activity groups. Sarah asked could this be put to a motion to move on the idea? A few steps need to be followed first; Jim said Darnell would be the one to talk to, Darnell would be knowledgeable and possibly do the research on which one to purchase. The second thing we have to look at, is the issue with the Reclamation company (insurance claim) and are they handling the replacement? At present, Jim will talk to Darnell, and then Sarah, Carl and Jim will make a decision as far as purchasing one ASAP.
Parking Sara Bay RV: Questions and permission were asked if parking would be allowed on empty spaces before meetings, and events (especially with Thanksgiving coming up) in the Sara Bay RV area? Kathy O. checked with Kelli in the office and was told, they preferred the answer stay “No”, as they are not always sure when one of the RV bookings might show up, especially on the weekends or the evenings. But moving forward Carl came up with a possible solution of making temporary parking signs for specific areas, and he was going to discuss it with Kelli. TBD
Chair Replacement SB/PB Halls: 100 new chairs have been ordered for Sarasota Bay Hall, so that’s going to be a happy ending. Because at the moment for the Thanksgiving dinner whatever chairs are in decent condition will have to do. Jim and Carl mentioned to Kathy and Sarah that there might be chairs in the building by the laundry mat if needed. Even after thoroughly giving the chairs they have on hand a great cleaning after the hurricanes, someone pointed out that dried up rust was still seeping out of the bottom of the legs and some stains could not be removed etc.
Committee Reports:
Activities Posted
Bingo: Anne O. asked if there is a possibility of considering having Bingo every other Monday, just for the park people. And even if we don’t have the computer program at the present time, until insurance coverage is resolved, couldn’t we start one of the old fashion forms of Bingo? Could we get Joyce Farrington or the twins support or help? Reasoning is: there are a large number of residents in the park that look forward to Bingo, that is an important social activity for them. A number of them cannot participate in other more vigorous activities, this one is essential for their social needs’
Bocce Club: Anne Osgood spoke of Bocci league starts January 7, 2025, the 2nd Wednesday of the month. She mentioned the club’s idea to possibly buy a flat stone griddle and have “a hot dog Monday night” every other week by the Sara Bay Hall. Jim G. told everyone that we have one, donated by Dave and Debbie Greeves last year
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Blood Drive: Susan Miller is in charge of the blood drive, we were reminded they will be in the park December 7, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the blood drive will be set up near the Shuffleboard court area
Cards & Games: Joyce Farrington reported the dates of start up of various card groups
- Mexican Train 5
- Mah Jong 6
- Nickle Nickle 6
- Head to Foot 10
- Fun Cards 1st.
- Euchre 6
Coffee Hours-Activities Meetings: Coffee hour every Monday except the 5th Monday of the month at 9 a.m. and will rotate hosting by Paradise Bay Activities groups and Sarasota Bay Activities groups.
Craft Shows: Dee Majewski introduced herself and explained she is handling the Craft shows and wanted an opinion on whether we should have a Craft show next spring, considering the hall situation, scheduling etc. The winter craft show had been cancelled due to buildings and the storm consequences. It was unanimously decided we needed the Craft show, positive events were good for every one to look forward to. But Dee did mention to Jean Colson that she is not getting responses from vendors (crafters) on attendance. She has reached out twice to them already. Discussion was also brought up depending on the size of the event, that they may set up tents outside for crafters etc. if needed. TBD
Dances: Ron Prieskorn’s Dec. 14th dance has been cancelled.
New Year’s Eve dance tickets are on sale Dec. 2 after coffee hour, 11 a.m. and again on Dec. 9th while they last.
Exercise: Barbara Giachetti was asking if they knew where the metal cabinet went that held exercise equipment; balls and weights etc. If the office did not have them stored someplace then they were
History: Brenda Ocenasek has asked everyone to write down any interesting experiences regarding the hurricanes that affected anyone for our history club. Lee S. and I (Debbie) have bunches of great pictures from the day after and more that will be shared with Brenda. Jim G. said he will send this request for information out as an email blast too.
Debbie F. added that we should create a link in TeamReach for Hurricane experiences. One where anyone could input “first-hand experience” information that would be useful in case something like this ever happened again. Also, for those that weren’t here, an awareness later of what it was like, it would also be a place to give credit to some of the work that was done. Memories kept too. But, no negative, or bad-mouthing stuff! It definitely was a learning experience for all of us.
Library: Kathy O. Sarasota Bay Hall has plenty of books for the library to fill the shelves at present time, so please do not donate any at this time
Line Dancing: Meeting will be December 2nd.
Luminaries: Anita Cook “This Little Light of Mine talk with Luminaire light” talk given by Anita. She would love to see Paradise Bay all lit with these luminaires on Christmas eve. She gave a very informative demonstration and discussion on various ways to set up a “Little Light”. She also included what stock she has made available at the park office for everyone to use: 200 bags, candles, no batteries, milk jugs, battery lights etc. She asked for volunteers to help place luminaires along Bayview etc. and gave the time to set up. Anita also gave us the history of how the Luminaires were
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first started in our park. It will be included with these minutes, plus posted at the Sarasota Bay Hall and sent to Victoria to share in the newsletter.
Luminaires and Caroling Sarasota Bay: Kathy and Jim Ormiston will be organizing the luminaires for Sara Bay RV Park streets as well. Kathy covered the time for set up, distribution and light up on Christmas eve.
Sarah Kohler Caroling & Cookies Sarah said meet up will be at 6:30 Christmas Eve at the Sara Bay Hall for caroling. Sarah emphasized “all are welcome to join and sing!” There will also be cookies,
hot chocolate and goodies afterwards. Of course, weather permitting we will be caroling, if not then everyone will “sing” in the hall.
Sara bay Co-captain: Kathy Ormiston went over:
- The plans for the Thanksgiving dinner at the hall, the set-up, the use of rectangular tables, maintenance help setting up tables, decorations and tables and tents outside. The hall capacity is 160, and she said they have 125 reservations as of 11/25/2024. Desserts can be dropped off by day of by 11 a.m., doors open for seating at 2:30 p.m. and blessing and serving starts at 3 p.m.
- No bathroom usage inside hall, walls are open through to kitchen. Need to use RV park bathrooms.
- Kathy reached out to Barb & Darnell regarding cancelled exercise classes at Paradise Bay and suggested a time slot at Sarasota Bay Hall. There is nothing being planned at this time.
- Time slots are being set up for exercise class
- Cards are starting up, may need more tables for groups, particularly Euchre and where to store them (suggestion-probably against the wall in the hall for now.) Inquiry was made to check the tables out in the storage building behind the laundry room, if useable? An order for 6 tables to be purchased was discussed by Carl for the hall. Anne O. a claim with the insurance is in, and we are just waiting.
- Kathy O. inquired who handles the sound equipment, and was told Raymond has set it up. But Scotty Yates manages the equipment usually, response from Jane Hasek
Shuffleboard Courts: Chris Matteson said a lot of work has been done on the courts, but the back walls are still being worked on. Friday, November 29, at 6 p.m. will be our first evening of “Shuffleboard Under the Stars,” and we are looking forward to everyone joining us.
Tee Shirts – Stronger than the Storms. Carl & Rosie Kerr updated us on the delivery of the “Stronger than the Storm tee shirts” they have them at their place ready for pickup (Seagrave 54). Please message them when you can schedule a time to pick up your tee shirts. Another chance to place an order can be placed on the Paradise Bay Marketplace.
Water Aerobics: Jean O. checked in and let everyone know the pool was wonderful, temperature was 86 degrees and waiting for more people to join aerobics.
Meeting ended with a prayer from Anne Osgood
Motion to adjourn was adjourn….by Carl Kerr,
2nd by Lee Stephens, Jim Gath…………. Motion passed
Next meeting will be Monday, December 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Helm House.
Respectively submitted by Debbie Freeman, Secretary 11/25/2024