Paradise Bay Activities Committee
Minutes of February 10, 2025
Meeting was called to Order at 10:00 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited
Prayer was lead: Donna Matteson
Present: Carl K. Co-President, Jim G., Co-President, Shana S.-Vice President, Debbie F.-Secretary, Lee S.- Assistant Vice President, Donna M. Assistant Board Member and 14+ members
Reminder: Everyone was reminded to sign in
Secretary’s Report: Debbie Freeman Minutes were posted on line for all activities members and copies are available today for that meeting; a correction of Kathy and George Mullen’s spelling of their last name was sent to me. Jim G. updated us of the Music By the Bays, correct date of entertainment as being on the 27th rather than the 14th, as it is Valentine’s Day and there is a dance that night. No other corrections or request was made, and a motion was made to accept the last Activities minutes posted. Motion accepted and the minutes will stand as posted.
Treasurer’s Report: Shana Simison Karen is out sick, $159.97 Flower pots etc. Bayfront Flowers (Kathy Sparks) $105.00 Deposits from doughnuts (Coffee hour), $22.00 Deposit 50/50, $79.11 Doughnuts, flagpole etc. (Carl Kerr), $99.21 Sarabay hall kitchen supplies (Viola). Balance: $7999.11, Jim G. informed us that the Boat club has a check for the Paradise Bay activities committee for $500.
Dee M. (Craft Show Event, 2025) has cash to turn in, and was informed to give it to Shana S., also everyone was informed that monies are turned in then to Kathy Z. in the office. All of Paradise Bay Activities Committee monies goes through the office, and Kathy deposits it. Jim G. also explained how important it is that everyone follow the proper protocol on handling monies at their event, requesting money, filing the form regarding their event due to insurance liabilities and coverage for clubs that follow the above protocol. This way if someone was injured, the insurance company will handle it and we will not be sued.
Bunni C. inquired if monies for the Art club need to be turned in and she explained what it was for? Jim G. and Carl K. went over the process and emphasized how the P.B.A.C. (Paradise Bay Activities Committee) and Park works and also if their club needs financial assistance, it will be handled.
Carl K. Superbowl party was a riot and very well attended. The zita pasta dinner, (Woodshop’s fundraiser) was also great and sold out. They had a lot of meatballs etc. left; they were used at the P.B.A. function. Carl K. suggested a donation of $200 be made to Woodshop and that $200 was spent for food expenses for the Music By the Bay event;
Motion made to accept Treasurer’s report and all in favor accepted.
Co-Presidents’ Report:
Jim G. – Mentioned Bayfest will be really different; focused around the pool and PB hall. It will be smaller, venues etc. volunteers are all coming back, and we will have to arrange tents etc.
Continuing Jim G. mentioned no changes as far as Golf club goes, same as it has been for the past 23 years. He then asked does anyone have any questions regarding venues, some of it may seem somewhat confusing due to our situations this year.
Mary F. J Street Block Party, February 23, 2025 was inquiring of the overlap with the hall for Travellaires during the J Street Block party event and asked that their time be rearranged. As the “Block Party” was a scheduled event, Lee clarified it by informing them that Irish Dance is giving the Travellaires her time slot. Lee informed everyone to come to her for information on scheduling, before listening to others comments.
Kathy O. asked about February 19 whether Jam session was cancelled, as she did not see it on the calendar. Concerns regarding Health Fair setup needed. Lee explained it was cancelled because Bocce Party is scheduled for the hall on 2/19/25 and Health Fair generally sets up the morning of… additional response was made and Lee explained it is being handled.
Carl K. – Donations plus the balance of $7997.00, we will be back over the $8000.++
Bayfest, 1st of March, dinner tickets ready to sell: 20 tickets at $7.00 each, asked that everyone take a packet, sign them out and hopefully it will be great. Continuing Carl K. conversations: Hot Dog Monday, that evening at the Helm’s house and are adding Bocce under the Stars that evening…
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Minutes, February 10, 2025
Kathy O – inquired how much time we needed the hall the night before for the Bayfest setup? What was being cancelled? Lee informed her, that if anything has to be cancelled, she will let them know (euchre etc.)
George and Margie – Now present dance committee, are taking over the dance events from Lisa D. and with that George asked about set up scheduling for dances and use of hall etc. Sweet Fleet anytime between 3-6 p.m., to set up; also, in the past they would set up, tear down afterwards; also set up for church service Sunday morning…. Maintenance service is available too, if needed. Sweet Fleet and Abba Nova are both 6-8 p.m. dances, rather than 6-9 p.m. schedule. George-regarding Sha Duo dance March 15th, is it moved outside due to Mulligan’s Stew? Mulligan Stew is on the 17th... Information was given by properly by Lee regarding the above inquiry. George was given the proper information regarding forms, payments etc. Bands, contracts etc. and going through the Park office with everything as well.
Lee S. told George and Margie about Soul R Coaster and the upcoming event, suggestions to have it outside and over by the pool area (like we do for Music By the Bay in the past) was optimal choice, open for everyone to attend. Hall is still reserved as needed, depending on weather.
Jim G. emphasized “all activities in both parks” should be checking in and following through with the Park office management: regarding the forms, monies and planning, this way no worries or burdens are placed on the Dance Committee etc. if anything should happen to persons etc. Without filing an application, or following our activities protocol, any group disregarding this policy could have a serious lawsuit etc...
Carl K. emphasized the reasoning for having the Soul R Coaster dance over by the pool area. With dances in the past near park office area-anyone outside the park were coming in and attending. Again, the situation of injuries and liability can be the risk. Enclosed, secluded is a priority.
Kathy O. had another calendar inquiry, whether (Irish dance/Line Dance) were cancelled on February 18, 2025 due to Board election meeting at 2 p.m. Lee verified that neither are on the schedule for that time.
Bunni C. made inquiries of her upcoming event and whether she had the Helm House room. Lee clarified it for her.
Vice President’s Report: Shana S. nothing to report
Old Business:
Carl K.: Bayfest – Meeting next scheduled recap February 24th after the PBAC meeting to finalize everything for March 1st, 2025 Circus Theme Bayfest Event. Tickets available, please take and sell, headcount for food, kitchen somewhat ready, a sink is available, no stove but we have had the oven checked out at the old half. Needs cleaning but it works. Plans are being made on how we can move forward with using it…
Debbie F. inquiries to names on the Pickleball Board regarding volunteers signing up for Bayfest; decorating and Golf Cart Rodeo. If they had a separate volunteer group being established? Kathy O. explained that it was a central board to get the information out regarding the Bayfest event and I will be able to take those names and include in our volunteer list for the committee. Kathy O. also said they have a couple “bulletin boards” that could be used in the halls (like Helm house) where information can be posted. Plans were made to put the bulletin boards up, so everyone can see future information. This was a very good suggestion!
Carl K.-Jim G. said they are going to follow up on the “electronic informational board” and see where we stand with that starting up again.
Inquiries was made to everyone, whether there was any other old business? There was none, and we were able to move forward.
New Business:
Carl K: Asked committees for their updates:
Committee Reports:
Activities Posted
Art: Bunni C. Coffee canvas, February 17th, an informal outing to the Ringling art museum; and is free on Mondays; Sunset with Sandi February 27, an email blast will be sent to Jim G.
Roll around chairs and tables-Thursday; could we have groups that are in here before us, Lee said signs will be posted to activities: could put everything back in place the way you found it!
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Minutes, February 10, 2025
Bayfest-Circus Theme: Carl K. discussed throughout meeting…
Bayfront Flowers: Kathy S. A sign-up for watering schedule is almost complete, assembly, preparation and setup is of flowers pots; volunteers and the view is wonderful! There are still opportunities to sign up for continued help.
Blood Mobile and Health Fair: Susan M. Information for the Blood Drive, please share with activities group, take fliers and share with everyone... Carl asked did she need any help with Health fair, she mentioned that has been handled. Jim G. asked if anyone has golf carts to volunteer and shuttle people back and forth between Paradise Bay Rec Hall to Sarabay Hall for Blood Drive (mobile) and the health fair in the hall.
Boating and Fishing: Kathy M–” sponsoring a giveaway of an original painting “The Mermaid Painting”. It is an original and tickets will be $10.00 donations will be going to the Boating and Fishing club. Share information and pic on TeamReach and Facebook…also an email blast. The above special-order print will be on the back of Boating and Fishing tee-shirts, if anyone wants to order one. various colors were listed by Cathy M. and Kathy S. the price is $25.00
Boating and Fishing tour: Jim G. Gilligan’s Island is a deserted island, described what to be prepared for when you take the tour.
Goldtimers: Mary F. for Paradise Bay Goldtimers representative updated us on whether there would be a Paradise Bay Goldtimers event, as it is late in the season to start and Pam with Sarabay-Goldtimers event has been preparing for their event for over a year. Under these circumstances and Mary F. recent loss, it is understandable that this event will be postponed until 2026. She does have over 26 couples at present signed up, and that would have been unfair to try to combine that many. Mary is presently prepared with a list and has most of the information ready for next year. Any additional updates can be included between now and January, 2026.
History: Brenda O. Still here, no changes. Just keep submitting pics, Superbowl was mentioned and pictures should be sent to Brenda regarding it. April in the office is a contact too, for pictures as they are being sent to her too. Discussion was made on where to send pictures and information again.
Ladies Friendship Group: Kathy M. Ladies Friendship meeting was February 12th, any first timers…lunch is on the Friendship club! A speaker will talk about the “Bio of Life”,
- Super Bowl contest
- February 14th, Valentine’s flowers and cards for 90+ age residents. (20 residents in the park!)
- March 8th, starting at 8 a.m. annual “Coffee, doughnuts and hot dogs’ sale” outside Paradise Bay Rec Hall
- Have new banners for Ladies Friendship group, but need one 4 x 4 posts. And special hoop for banner
Library: Sue C. update – we will have a library, needs a sign for the library… actual nice sign! A group of volunteers are working with Sue C. and Anita C. is organizing and categorizing the books for the library. Needs donations of desk, couple (office maybe?) chairs and shelving …. they have carts are already. Carl K. made a suggestion of a white desk that he can donate. As finishing the construction works, it is still being worked on. Kathy S. is going to do a “hand painted sign” for the library!
Name tags: good size orders were placed between SaraBay and Paradise Bay with a list of the names… continued mention of name tags will be shared at gatherings...
Sue C. suggested sending a “Thank you note” to Chris Smith for all the help he has given towards the library. Question was raised by myself on whether our “Thank you committee handles that?” and Cathy M. suggested the Sunshine club handled something like that in the past. As it stands now, no group is handling it, so I assume the “secretary for activities” will send out the “Thank you...”
Paradise Bay Park Logo and Tee-shirts etc: Debbie F. I discussed the progress on the designs possibly for the Paradise Bay Logo, which I have been in communications with the Park Office Staff and members on the Executive Board as well. Two samples were brought to the Paradise Bay Activities Meeting and shared; a few more are being prepared. I asked for shared input from everyone, and suggestions of other ideas. I will put anything together that is creative and beneficial to allow the final choices to be made by whichever party will be handling this in the future.
Sarabay Activities: Kathy O. talked about next years pricing on coffee and doughnuts etc. wanting to be in sync with Paradise Bay’s Activities pricing. All will depend on the chickens and the eggs! Also, on where we will get the doughnuts, whether it is Walmart where our costs are half the price, and whether we will be supporting local small businesses next
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year. Sue C. inquired whether we will be using Bradenton Doughnuts (Peter), at this time his shop is still not operational. Jim G. also said to get a quote from local businesses.
Kathy O. the other charges to update: Pancake breakfast change to $5.00 and ice cream social $6.00 for 2026, and Paradise Bay Activities at this time is leaving the coffee and doughnuts at the price it is, unless costs go up on the products.
Brenda O. said it would be better to go local rather than the commercial stores, because they are hurting too, and we should support local businesses. Everyone agreed, as long as we at least get a reasonable price to work with.
Kathy O. Bike Rack at Paradise Bay Hall…she made a suggestion to have it brought over to the SaraBay hall and set up along the back wall outside. It isn’t being used presently, and with the accumulation of bikes at time in attendance, it would be useful! Work order will be placed by Lee with Maintenance to have it moved. Jokes and puns were made about monies in SaraBay’s Activity account, and Paradise Bay’s Activities regarding purchasing some of their own stuff and how money is used.
“Golf cart parking at the SaraBay hall” …discussion was brought up by Brenda O. of how they could have everyone park their golf carts in one direction facing the hall, rather than a mix of confusing looking parking as it is at times! Information and signs are there, if people would “possibly adhere to it.” (again, following directions and rules??)
Share A Craft: Bunni C. has asked if there is anyone willing to take over the Share a Craft group? There is a need for it, numerous people have asked about it and it has been well attended in the past. Betty Trader handled it before, but after the hurricanes, most of the stuff stored in the Craft room was destroyed. We are looking for someone to take over the Share A Craft club - please share among your friends and neighbors. Please have them attend our activities meeting or contact one of us if interested…
Talent Show: Debbie F. Information is displayed and an email blast has gone out, we have a few volunteer performances signed up for the Talent Show during the luncheon at the Bayfest festival, March 1st, 2025 in the Sarabay Hall. Looking for a few more please! Contact Debbie F. at 810-441-5343 or by email:
Storm Tee-Shirts: Rosie K. covered the topic on the blue tee shirts that were created referencing the Hurricane of 2024... there are a few tee shirts left. We covered areas of meetings that the tee shirts could be brought to, to be sold.
The Executive Board Plaque for Retiring Committee Members: Carl K. discussed presenting the retiring members an appreciation plaque at the Board Election Meeting. Don Howard past president had suggested to me, over the years this was always done. I created a sample; and Carl K. discussed at the activities meeting whether we should start doing this again. (For several years this had not been done) All agreed and we will move forward with preparations for (5) members that are not on or retiring for the Executive Board in the past year(s)… Also, Don H. mentioned some form of “Thank you and appreciation” to the Park staff and Maintenance Staff for what they have had to handle in the past year. (Larry Mohr, Diane Wilder, Don Nicholson, Randy Darr, and Larry Blank.) I mentioned in the past they gave the staff gift certificates etc. also Donna M. mentioned taking the Maintenance and Office staff out to lunch as a form of Appreciation. Carl K. said we will look into doing something for all of them.
Carl called a Motion to Adjourn was adjourned …. Motion passed
Next meeting will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. February 24th at the Helm House.
Bayfest Team Leaders Meeting followed at 11:00 a.m., to follow at the Helm House
Respectively submitted by Debbie Freeman, Secretary 2/16/2025
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