Paradise Bay Activities Committee
Minutes of January 13, 2025
Meeting was called to Order at 10:00 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited
Prayer was lead: Anne Osgood
Present: Carl K. Co-President, Shana S.-Vice President, Debbie F.-Secretary, Karen R.-Treasurer, Lee S.- Assistant Vice President, Donna M. Assistant Board Member and 20+ members
Reminder: Everyone was reminded to sign in
Secretary’s Report: Debbie Freeman’s said the minutes of the last meeting were 12/23/2024
not sent out as usual. Because, I was away, members of the activities board attempted to record the meeting of 12/23/24 and it did not record properly. I created a combination of today’s agenda and notes from the last meeting, from notes sent to me by Carl K. I apologize for the inconvenience.
The secretary’s report for today:
- There were 37 new residents and sales this past year.
- Welcome Packet and future reference. Thank you for those that responded and if I did not hear from you, then I used last year’s information and with some help updated your organizations status.
- The “name tag idea,” it would be useful for events, gatherings and especially the Bayfest. Please contact Sue Cassidy, fill out the form and orders can be placed.
The minutes will stand as corrected and the new minutes will stand as posted.
Treasurer’s report: Karen Rimatzki reported a balance in our account of $9467.58, and included info on receipts and expenses, this of course does not include the monies for the holiday dinner, she is waiting on receipts for that. Karen introduced herself as taking over and filling in for Shana, for now, and elections were coming up and the positions of Treasurer and Vice President will be open. Karen asked that all approved expenditures and deposits be submitted to her for payment etc.
- Question was asked by Rhonda B. as to what does the Activities Committee spend the money on. Carl responded with numerous financial functions Activities handles: $400 for the holiday dinners; funds are distributed to anybody or group that do not have a special account, with approval; advancements for purchases for clubs or events; Music by the Bay, we cover up to $200 towards food entre`; Bayfest-food, tickets, set up etc.;
- Rhonda B. made a suggestion to sell popcorn at various dances and events. She was going to purchase the necessary supplies and discussion on popcorn machine availability handled. Also, decision was made to sell it at $.50 a bag. This was approved by members in attendance.
- $400 motion to be approved for George Mullen for Bayfest; to purchase games (all was lost in storms)
This report will stand as read and posted.
Co-Presidents’ Report: Carl K. explained that Jim G. was out of town, due to family needs; the memorial for his sister-in-law.
- Music by the Bay is January 16, 2025 and Carl reminded everyone that Activities donates $200 towards the food for all the these, and we have Music by the Bay all the way till end of April. Rhonda B. suggested having a pizza night for one of the Music by…., comments were made that someone always brings a couple to the event.
- Carl reported on the library situation; they had Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 scheduled with volunteers to move the books from Park Hall building to the Helm House. Construction was starting for the remodeling of the rooms.
- Pantry in the Park Hall Building: Carl let Kathy and her team know that with the construction planning, some of the work includes the removal of the Pantry because bathrooms, need to be ADA compatible. Carl asked them to
come up with an idea of what they need. Vi asked for pull-out shelves in the kitchen. Carl suggested they draw up some ideas for the kitchen, bring it to Lowes or Home Depot and they will professionally put a plan together and then they can coordinate it with Optima construction crew and BOD.
- The library plan is to use the “Poker room, and the Art storage room” as the new Paradise Bay Library. Discussion included where to place the collected books, until construction was finished. Shelving units have also been delivered by Carl with the help of volunteers to the Helm House. Next step is to assemble the shelves etc. then
Page 2 Paradise Bay Activities Committee
Minutes, January 13, 2025
Sue Cassidy and volunteers can start organizing the books on the shelves. In the meantime, everyone is still asked to hold onto the books they have, as there is a huge amount to go through at this time.
- Bunni C. asked that table be left intact for future use regarding the Art group, especially with library and construction projects going.
- Bill Nicholson (regarding: Paradise Bay Board of Directors) inquired on decisions being made regarding the construction work being reported with Larry M, Chuck M, and Carl K. and updated status of layout.
- Anne O. said she will get with the B.O.D. and anyone working on library, and asking that the books and shelves be set up in the Poker room, rather than other areas, because they really are not going to be an inconvenience while work is getting done.
- Kathy O. wanted to make sure we were not discussing the SaraBay books as well, and at this time was reassured.
- Anne O. informed us that they are not taking the wall out between Poker room and Art room. Instead, they will remove bathroom and closet; this will allow access between rooms. Also, this way the construction work will take less time for completion.
- Kathy W. brought up another question regarding activities going on (meeting for example) in the Helm house, and access to others wanting to get to the future library. Should there be a door near the entrance, where anyone can access the library without disturbing other activities? TBD
- Carl then proceeded to discuss upcoming Hot Dog Night, which was that evening, responses sound like a great turnout (which it was) and it would continue at this time as the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. The event included games, cornhole, bocci, and more.
- Carl asked Lisa D. for update on dances and tickets~Lisa said anyone requesting refunds for this year’s dance events and tickets are already being processed the first set of refunds went out January 4th, and the rest was to follow.
- Kathy W. asked was there any information or updates on Bingo this year? Carl and Vi explained all was destroyed, so a “no go” for this year. Anne O. explained a claim was filed, and because a lot of things were destroyed and removed by the Reclamation team; Rock Crew have filed a claim to reimburse us, there is hope.
- Billiards at the Helm House; Anne inquired on the usage of the Billiards and room at the Helm house, it is being used in general, but not scheduled. Kathy O. and Vi said there use to be a Women/Men’s League, but at the moments their area is being used for many purposes. Carl said they were more than welcome to make use of Helm house Billiards table, although Lee informed us that it isn’t full competitive size. Also, at the Helm House, new ping pong paddles were ordered and available to share.
- Anne O. asked that someone look at the Helm House refrigerator, and the interior may look clean, but feels the outside could do with a good cleaning etc. Carl said he would get with the (Tom)Bocci team and they would handle it.
Vice President’s Report: Shana thanked Karen R. for taking her place handling the treasurer’s position. That the Treasurer’s position is coming up for election this year, and Karen said she will fill in for her until then. The position is a 2-year run, Shana said she needed a year off, to spend time with family and enjoy life.
Vice President Assistant: Lee covered the repeated request of sending her all date, time and changes for any activity or events.
- Lee handles the maintenance scheduling; she is requesting anyone needing their service to fill out a request form and she will coordinate the ones needing their service. She is asking everyone not to contact
- Maintenance on their own. They have so many projects in the park that need to be handled, and the more time spent moving tables and chairs will only delay work in the park getting done. Like posts/signs/pavilion lot/halls/building work…called “Hurricane Recovery Work.”
- Lee has a plan laid out with maintenance; to have 4-5 tables left set up in the Park Hall building at all times, used for most general group gatherings. They can be rearranged by groups needing them that day. This would alleviate constant changes and extra work for either the maintenance guys, or Kathy, Sarah, Cindy and anyone else, plans are being processed on putting a PB book together for the sake of Maintenance crew, and groups with general set up plans again.
Page 3 Paradise Bay Activities Committee
Minutes, January 13, 2025
- Lee has asked Kathy and team to submit their schedules for February by Wednesday, January 15th, allowing her a week to coordinate February’s schedule for both sides of the park.
- Dee found 6 tables in the laundry room and had them sent over to the Park Hall Building, and need cleaning.
- Billiards room at Park Hall Building: Kathy reminded everyone that the Billiards room is locked daily after 4 and on weekends, for a number of reasons. If they needed anything from the room, please get it early! Personal files, park records are stored there, and it is easy access through to the SB Rental office (walls).
Old Business:
Update on the Thank you letters for all volunteers, food trucks and company donations. Donna M. and Sue Cassidy have been handling this. Donna said the project is complete, They sent off between 8-10 letters, list and information will
Karaoke Machine Update: Anne informed us that we can go ahead and purchase a karaoke machine. Turn in receipts to Office for reimbursement. She also realizes the CDs are gone too.
Anne needed an update from Kathy and Team on how many chairs and tables they have. They came to the conclusion of about 18 tables and 160 new chairs. New chairs have been ordered for both buildings. Old chairs will be kept in laundry building for outside events and use. New ones are not to be removed from the building they are placed in, for future reference. Mark old chairs with a star, for housing.
BradenTrucky Food Truck: were generous to us. They supplied free meals (158 meals served), pay it forward and support this company. They are back for the Westbound Dance and to top it off, there food is very good! Send thank you letters to them as well.
The Open House-2024 - Kathy thanked everyone for the turn out and how great it was. Kathy asked about thoughts on next year and plans for combining both groups again, in the future. Idea will be tabled until a later “talk about.” He also said when it comes time to work on Open House 2026, a committee should be formed from both buildings; they can communicate and coordinate the event so that all issues are recognized. Carl offered to share the expenses, but Kathy explained that for the past 3 years they have been doing a “Camp Host” system. Carl finished saying “If there’s anything good that has come out the hurricanes, it’s the blending of people!”
New Business:
- Three signs are being ordered by Carl K. for regular yearly use for the Ladies Friendship club: The Craft Show, The Parkwide Sale, Hot Dog Sales; all was agreed upon and approved.
- Pantry in the Park Hall Building: Carl let Kathy and her team know that with the construction planning, some of the work includes the removal of the Pantry because bathrooms, need to be ADA compatible. Carl asked them to come up with an idea of what they need. Vi asked for pull-out shelves in the kitchen and then they can coordinate it with Optima construction crew and BOD.
- Business Solicitation to be handled by Barbara G, Carl and Jim G. (usually make over $1000 on this) Raffles, baskets and prizes.
- Golf Cart Rodeo usually there is one donated from a Golf Club company to use
Committee Reports:
Activities Posted
Art: Bunni C. Asked about the chairs with rollers, and if there were more, they would like them kept at the Helm House. Anne O. recognized what she said.
- Optima Construction Crew~ Anne Osgood said they will be working on the three buildings, hopefully at the same time. Chuck is also working and go over the plans and needs. Anne said a proposal was submitted for a Warmer Vi and Kathy’s input was expressed and explained how it would not be a useful. They need a range, or something to bake in, even boil water! In the meantime, options like a roaster might be helpful.
- Anne~Fire Marshall~No contact: Anne said the B.O.D. are in serious negotiations with Fire Dept. and Marshall
and has asked that no one contact them, other than B.O.D. They will handle the decisions.
- Bayfest – Circus theme:
- Business Solicitation to be handled by Barbara G, Carl and Jim G. (usually make over $1000 on this) Raffles, baskets and prizes.
- Golf Cart Rodeo usually there is one donated from a Golf Club company to use
Page 4 Paradise Bay Activities Committee
Minutes, January 13, 2025
Committee Reports:
Activities Posted
Art: Bunni C. Asked about the chairs with rollers, and if there were more, they would like them kept at the Helm House. Anne O. recognized what she said.
She also covered some of the upcoming ideas planned for the art club, for example; offsite excursions, the art show, and was looking for help on how to plan this and share the information.
Bayfest-Circus Theme: Carl K. went over the plans on some of the designated people that handle things at the festival, all of this will be thoroughly covered at the Bayfest meeting January 27th, at 11:00 Helms House. Past volunteers in charge, willing to do it this year are asked to attend this meeting.
Bayfront Flowers: Kathy Sparks said poles are up, waiting on deep freeze to pass and she can start work on Geraniums and flower pots. At this time, she is preparing to purchase what she needs. Paradise Bay B.O.D. will pay for the pots, and Paradise Bay Activities will pay for the geranium plants.
Boating and Fishing: George Mullin -Beans and Franks event, 25th of January, before the SB dance. Available 3-5 p.m., may set up tables outside too.
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.4
Craft Shows: Dee Majewski needs Craft signs for the show! Carl said the Activities committee will handle that and pay for it. The sign(s) have since been ordered, and were designed to be reuseable yearly.
Dances: Lisa D.: Lisa said the Terry Lee show is now presently sold out. The Westbound Band, Saturday January 18th will be our first dance of the season
Exercise: Barbara Giachetti is concerned about Paradise Bay’s classes she had for exercise and equipment. Anne O. discussed what needed to be done with her, they will make room on the schedule to have her classes.
Ladies Friendship Group: Kathy Mullin February 1st, starts at 8:30 a.m. Doughnuts and coffee in the morning, lunch, craft show, baskets and donations needed and a bake sale.
Kathy M. needs a few volunteers still: 1 morning shift, 2 noon shift and 1-2 for cleanup.
Valentine’s Day Flowers: we need volunteers for assembling vases and delivery of flowers.
Parkwide Sale: 3/8/2025 needs signs! Carl said Activities will order a sign they can use yearly; Bunni said the Art group would help too!
Sara bay Co-captain: Kathy Ormiston thanked everyone for all the teamwork and full house attendance at the Open House, Sunday January 12, 2025.
Upcoming dance, ice cream social and set up, and dance on January 25, 2025, 6:30-9:30 p.m. were covered.
She expressed their library room being locked after 4 daily and closed on weekends, if anyone needs equipment or stored stuff from there, please collect before the above times.
Talent Show: Debbie F. went over the new addition to the Bayfest this year. Rather than just Irish dance group entertain during the luncheon, we are coordinating a Talent Show. This will be open to all residents and renters in Paradise Bay and SaraBay this year! We are inviting musicians, vocalists, dancers, comedians, story-tellers, jokesters, magicians (after all it is a CIRCUS THEME) and more., information will be in the newsletter, Jim G. with an email blast, flyer and committee sharing… We can discuss this at the Bayfest meeting January 27th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Helm House.
Motion to adjourn was adjourned ….by Ricky Baer
2nd by Peggy Baer Motion passed
Next meeting will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. January 27th at the Helm House.
Bayfest Team Leaders Meeting to follow at 11:00 a.m., January 27, 2025 at the Helm House
Respectively submitted by Debbie Freeman, Secretary 1/19/2025