Paradise Bay Activities Committee
Minutes of December 9, 2024
Meeting was called to Order at 10:00 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited
Prayer was lead
Carl asked that every one sign in…
Present: Carl Kerr Co-President, Jim Graft Co-President, Debbie Freeman Secretary, Donna Matteson Board Assistant, Lee Stephens Calendar, Events and 23 other members
Co-Presidents’ Report:
Jim G Co-President: started the meeting with the discussion of where the meetings are to be held, and the confusion of why we were moving from one building to another. Due to consolidation of scheduling and accommodating all groups and meetings, we had to factor in what is best for this year’s activities. Jim has repeatedly mentioned throughout meetings that we would need to be flexible and that things could change weekly, daily etc. But, in conclusion today we find Helm House may be the answer. Timing is good, room is available, with the exception of a couple special meetings that may change timing a little in the future. There is a need for more chairs and possibly more tables.
Sue Baker-SB & Woodshop said there are extra chairs over at the hall, we can use, because new ones have been ordered for Sarasota Bay Hall. That idea was “stumped” due to the “blanket group” meets and they need them. So, we will continue to look.
Carl K also added to this by saying Helm House has “inside bathrooms and walls” another asset compared to SB hall or outside choices…
Jim G. second topic was the mass email situation. At this time, Lee is being overloaded with emails regarding mostly the calendar and scheduling. She has a plan, and it is in process with Paradise Bay groups, and now she is going to work with Sarasota Bay groups. The idea will be to have 1-2 representatives handle all the messages from SB, and they then send a refined list to Lee, whether it is inquiries or confirmed information pertaining to a club and more. Jim also emphasized a regular deadline day (Wednesday’s) of each week to have all information submitted, allowing Lee enough time to work on possibly processing all the park groups requests each week by Friday.
Kathy O. SB co-captain said she will redirect all their group’s emails and they will handle them first, and forward necessary information to Lee.
Sarah K. SB co-captain also mentioned that they will alert Lee and those on the Activities Board list of any necessary cancellations, or changes by email as they come in.
Please note: this is a voluntary position, and she is doing this on her own time. But thankfully with the help of the SB co-captains and all of you, they will make everything fit “in the calendar!” In the meantime, patience with a smile goes a long way.
Carl K Co-President: asked about the Open House on Christmas eve at Sarasota Bay Hall. Discussion covered the caroling and treats afterwards and all are welcome to join. This then took the topic of Open House to the January 12, 2025 which will be called “Activity Open House.” Topic was covered by Carl, Kathy and Lee with assist from Donna M. and myself. The Activity Open House is a welcome meet for all the new residents in the park. This year we will merge both Paradise Bay and Sarasota Bay and have one Activity Open House.
Secretary’s Report: Debbie Freeman said the minutes of the last meeting were previously emailed and copies passed out at present. Additional copies will be available at future meetings. Minutes are also sent to all individuals on the Activities lists before the Monday morning meeting. I now have access to making copies in the park office, so I won’t be using my printer at home.
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Lee S. asked everyone at the start of the meeting to please state their name and group, as both Debbie F. and herself are still working on getting to know all present. She mentioned that I would be attempting to collect as much information from the meeting as possible for the report, and it would help if everyone would allow time for each person to speak, so we can get each person’s report.
Kathy O. inquired about the Line dancing meeting that was already held earlier in the week and wanted to know the details of the meeting. I informed her, that “we” don’t have that information, we are not in attendance for those meetings.
Anita C. left a Unity picture with me to share, and if any one has a use for it, I have a few copies. It might be a cool symbol for project in the park??
My apologies for the last meeting minutes, I forgot to include my report. I had an idea regarding the Hurricane effects on all of us. I thought we should come up with something for Team Reach, like a Blog…where information and everyone’s pictures could be shared. Anyone that wants could add their experience, safety tips, pre-cautionary steps, dos and don’ts around electrical items inside the house and outside. What to do with debris, mold and more. To talk about the park and how it looked, and what we saw, or did. What the volunteers did for Sarasota RV Park, saving SB hall before the Reclamation Organization to it, (once we knew what they did at PB), street by street clean up, Helm House, Wood shop, the scrap pulled out of the bay, the Food trucks and supplies. The volunteers and church groups that came into help. No power for days, weeks, water shortage, the “Million Dollar Lot”
So, in a couple conversations that overlapped with Brenda in the Historical Group and other members, we will have to work on this!
- We came up with still sending all information to Brenda O. to be document in the History files
She has been requesting all residents that were involved share their experiences, so they can document it in the History of the Park, she has been talking about it at coffee hour, and having it promoted through Facebook and the Newsletter.
- Set up a Team Reach site that has become quite popular (BUT MUST BE POSITIVE, OR WILL BE REMOVED) where pictures can be downloaded, and useful information can be shared
- A resource/A handbook ~ a helpful tool, should we ever face a hurricane again. We will have information out there others can read, for those inexperienced with before and after effects of hurricane floods and devastation. There’s a lot of “Did you Know how to” …that I didn’t know and learned quickly in the two hurricanes!
- Sue Cassidy also mentioned the Food Truck volunteers, Church groups, supply donations; did we send out Thank you letters? Again, part of the plan, they need to be remembered. Sue C. and Donna M. have volunteered to handle the Thank you Letter project, and they will go over the letter with Carl K before sending it out etc. (A List of the Volunteer Groups is Needed!) If you were here, and remember them, please share the Group, contact etc. with Sue C. or Donna M., Carl K and myself (Debbie) and Brenda O. for records.
- Sarah K. also mentioned the volunteers that worked on the park and the buildings; their names? Holding onto the memories we have from this experience and positive stuff to share.
- Carl K. suggested a site “Team Reach Historical Group”, to help Brenda, but with the external sites, and it could be useful to make sure everything was cross-referenced with her for the Historical records. Perhaps put a team/committee together for that. This way anyone can have an easy access to pictures etc. in our park history. (I myself (maybe I’m just an airhead), but at the moment how would I see records, pictures, or documents stored through the History group?)
Anne O. brought up the question of how to consolidate pictures and information regarding the Hurricanes and the aftermath, so that emailing them etc. would be easy? (Knowing that there
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- is “a lot” of information accumulating) Carl had volunteered to handle it, but that was squashed, and redirected to be handled by Brenda O.
- Bonnie (I may have the name wrong) suggested a great idea…creating a site and calling it “Hurricane Survival Stories” and this too could be put on as a Team Reach site. People could write stories, download pictures etc…and we can share these memories.
Obviously, we have a project to work on, how it will develop; we will brainstorm and pull it together with all your help. Jim and Carl both agreed on this.
Additions and corrections were inquired of, and there were none, other than the secretary’s. The minutes will stand as corrected and the new minutes will stand as posted. A motion was made, secretary’s report is finished.
Treasurer’s report: Shana Simison was not available due to another appointment.
Carl K. spoke for the treasurer’s report: We have $10,604.03 in the Activities account. Paradise Bay Activities purchased the doughnuts for last Monday’s coffee hour. That was 6 dozen doughnuts at $58.00. Comparison discussion on where doughnuts are being purchased between Kathy O. and Carl K. was covered.
This report will stand as read and posted.
Vice President report: Shana Simison was not available due to another appointment.
Carl K. there is nothing else to report.
Old Business: None
New Business: Deb F. In the upcoming future, I will possibly be working with the Sarasota Bay Activities group to embroider their sweatshirts. There may be a need for other groups that needed embroidery work done in both parks, that they can contact me at deb.celticstitches.com, 810-441-5343 or check out the website first…. www.celticstitches.com. I would also be interested in the idea of Paradise Bay Park having their own sweatshirts etc. with the Paradise Bay logo, which I can do too. If there is an interest, I am available….
Committee Reports:
Bayfront Flowers: Kathy Sparks talked about the work on the Bayfront, and the process of the posts being worked on. She won’t be able to work on flowers for awhile yet. But, at the moment, Kathy has no pots, all the terra cotta pots etc. are gone, again due to storm and cleanup. She was told to put an itemize list together, submit it to Kathy in the office first to be handled by insurance. If she still needs help, let Activities know what she needs and the costs and it will be handled. Past orders handled by Tom Colson, estimated a need for about 50 pots.
Bingo: Carl K. Bingo is still at a standstill, no machine, no bingo? But Carl and Tom B. are going to have Hot Dog Monday Nights, twice a month. It will be the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, from 4-6 p.m. in front of the Sara Bay Hall. Carl suggested they might add cornhole, or games to the evening as well?
Blood Drive and Health Fair: Susan Miller is in contact with the Health Fair Organization and they need confirmation on tables, vendor capacity for the SB hall. This is a huge fair and they rely on us
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availability. Kathy O, Sarah K, and Sue.B. Are going to get the details and layout ideas, on the number of tables the hall will hold, options for tents, the vendors bring their own tables.
Jim is going to check out the laundry area and Helm house and get a tally on what we have as far as tables, tents and chairs for this event and all future activities use.
- Health Fair – February 20. 2025, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
- Blood Mobile Drive – February 20. 2025, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Boating & Fishing: Rhonda Bowling Was confirming the information that B & F were still having their Beans and Franks dinner on January 25, 2025. She was checking because of the dance held the same night in SB. Everything is confirmed and dinner will be from 3-5 and as Food Truck afterwards for the dance! There was a 9 a.m. meeting Wednesday, all welcome. Topic regarding the work on the posts, docks and where the park stands; the Frank & Bean Dinner, the Fish Fry,
Cards & Games: Mary Fox – Euchre - Mary was inquiring on the situation for the Euchre group that met on Monday nights at PB hall. She has about 20-25 card players once the season gets going., Lee S. said the two choices at this time are Helm House along with the other card games, on Mondays and Fridays. An option for Monday evening at the Sarabay Hall at her usual time was found. With 20-25 people in this group, more tables and chairs will be needed. Kathy, Sue B, Jim and Anne and a number of others covered that, more chairs and card tables are needed and are ordered, if more are needed; Anne O said she can get Kathy in the Park office to get them.…
Rhonda B. was also wondering if the Euchre group would consider having a Euchre Tournament. Mary F. said her group are dollar type players, simple euchre game night.
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 covered the plans, inquiries and requests, she is also going to confer with Cindy Bogen on previous years Craft show set up etc.
- February 1, 2025 Craft Show
- January 31, 2025 Vendors set up 12 – 3 p.m., building will be locked down the rest of the evening, no one can get back in, not even with their fobs.
- Dee needs a layout plan for the tables too, which Kathy O. is sending her a copy too. Jim G. mentioned the option for 8 tents if needed, that can be set up.
- Peggy B. Friendship club will be handling a “Carry-out luncheon” with the Craft Show. Like in the past, they will be serving barbeque chicken and chicken salad sandwiches. There will be a bake sale too. Kitchen at SB can still be used for set up and display, again no cooking.
- Dee needs help with a few names on her list that she has no information on, and needs to get with Jean Colson or perhaps the office for information.
Friendship: Peggy B. let us know there are no Welcome bags, nor mugs, a loss due to the “usual.”
These are given out to the new residents in the park. Sue C. and Donna M. are going to working with the Friendship club and they need to figure out what they can put together…Ideas were being discussed, Lee mentioned there being mugs in a box in the Billiards room area, they would get together on that…
Golf: Jim G - Golf meetup weekly at Ironwood, Bradenton at 11:30 a.m. with a tee time starting at Noon sharp, and there are no club fees.
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History: Brenda – See notes in Secretary’s area. A lot of the history information has been covered there. Brenda has been sharing information at coffee hour too, regarding everyone sharing their experiences of the Hurricanes and the History group will document them.
Jam Sessions: Sarah K. informed us for the rest of December, Jam sessions will be cancelled. Start up first Wednesday in January, 2025.
Library: Sue Cassidy question the state of the library and the books in Sarasota Bay Hall, and has volunteered Anita Cook, two other ladies and herself to do the “visible and ready” for shelving review of books. She was inquiring on where they could set up and when…a number of options are being discussed:
- Tables in Sarasota Bay Hall or Helm House – not feasible
- Instead of two libraries in the future, we will have one
- Helm House looks like the best place for a future library. The house is still under repair in numerous areas, (including the floor), but possibilities of using the art room, or the sewing (craft) room for a library sounded positive among those at the meeting.
- Anne O said before we start moving ahead on an idea, the Executive Board has already been discussing this situation and a plan too. Carl K. asked Anne to push the library situation at their next meeting. He offered to put a committee together to handle the work on the library shelves etc. once they resolve the room choice.
- Kathy O. told Sue C. about Kaye Rowe, she was the librarian for the SB library. She suggested Sue reaching out to her and having her join their team of volunteers working on the books. Sue C. confirmed that she will do that!
Inquiry was made on what to do if there was an overflow?
- Sue M. suggested a Book drive, whether it is in the spring or next fall for Books and Puzzles. She is sure there is plenty of books etc. accumulated in this park that could be recycled. This was agreed to be a great idea!
- Trash to Treasure building – Sue B. said not feasible for the Book Drive, that place needs a lot of work! TBD
Mah Jong: Donna Matteson – None scheduled for the rest of December, due to the holidays. We will start up again in January, 2025.
Music By the Bay: Jim G. mentioned now that the million-dollar lot has been cleared away, Marilyn has her porch fixed, that they can now have Music By the Bay, this Thursday, December 19 2024.
Sara Bay Co-captain: Kathy Ormiston Topic – maintenance scheduling. Kathy said if anyone from PB/SB schedule hall set up, please make sure you allow time for set up and breakdown in your scheduled time. If you are requiring the help of Maintenance, they are available daily till 4 p.m.
Kathy O. Meal preparation reminded everyone that there are no stoves at the SB hall, nor use of water in the sinks.
Sue B. informed everyone needing a way to cook, will have access to “outdoor burners, cooking style!” Sara bay has (2) Blackstone grills, Paradise Bay has (1) Blackstone grill, Sue has the key to the shed that contains these grills, and “if you share nicely, she will share the key access” 😊 As far as water usage…water hose and buckets! The kitchen is still available for prep work, fridge works…
Shuffleboard Courts: Chris Matteson The request for $400 for the Christmas dinner at the Sarasota Bay Hall had previously been approved by Carl K. but, Chris was finalizing it at the meeting. Jim at that time was not aware of the request, but after discussion, everything continued as an approval. Discussion was held regarding the plans for the dinner and the funds with Carl, Jim, Kathy O. and Vi. Carl said the Park covers the main course (meat) for the dinner, Paradise Bay is contributing $400 and Carl asked what was Sarasota Bay contributing?
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Sue B. explained they usually charged $5.00 p/p, but are waiving that this year. If there should be a shortage, they will have to go “begging or something.” But they will handle it.
Vi Bonnema is handling and coordinating the dinner for Christmas. Chris M. asked what can they bring? The ladies usually like to bring desserts etc. Vi said no desserts, no food, just bring your bodies. She said the only thing they need to bring is JOY!
Tee Shirts – Stronger than the Storms. Carl & Rosie Kerr Tee-shirts on sale, ends this week, but we have a few left and can be picked up at Seagrave 54. Contact Rosie or Carl for information. Tee-shirts are $20 and V-necks were $30.
Water Aerobics: Jean O. 9 a.m. gathering, pool water is still a little cool, considering the cover was not put back on it over the weekend and construction continues in the area. A 10 a.m. aerobic group is usually established in season, but that will only happen if there are enough people and a volunteer to put the music equipment away when finished.
Wood Shop: Sue B. Inquired if there will be an Italian Dinner this year. Lee S. confirmed that there won’t be one, Kathy O. said to accomplish that they would need 230 orders to break even. So, with that Sue I. requested the February 8th, 2025 date for a Zita Dinner with salad and dessert. One that was done years ago in the park. The wood shop losses are over $3000, and this would be beneficial to their club. Date is available, Carl and Jim agreed this would be a great idea, the date is available, plans can be made.
Motion to adjourn and 2nd Motion passed
Next meeting will be Monday, December 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Helm House.
Respectively submitted by Debbie Freeman, Secretary 12/15/2024