Paradise Bay Activities Committee
Minutes of December 22, 2025
Meeting was called to Order at 10:00 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited
Prayer was led by Sarah Kohler
Present: Jim Gaft: Co-President, Debbie Freeman, Secretary and 10+ activities members
Reminder: Everyone was reminded to sign in
Co-Presidents’ Report: Jim G. No new updates, Christmas preparations are underway; dinner, decorations, luminaries and our final meeting of the year. Changes and new opportunities have been emailed regarding golf and areas to meet.
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. The minutes will stand as reported. A motion was made, voted on and the “ayes” accepted.
New reports: Open House is well under way-we have 52 groups signed up, and there are still a few more expected. We are adding a table for Chuck Meidema as Project Paradise Bay Hall, 2026 “What’s going on, what can be done, volunteers needed” We will also have a section for resources started (2) builders; Palm Harbor and Jacobsen, anyone interested or needing information. With this number of clubs showing up, everyone will be sharing tables. I am attempting to group everyone in categories that are similar. Especially if there are same clubs in PB as in SB. Donna Matteson and I have all the tables labeled and numbered, we will be sending out an email with the information ahead of time to help you with set up. There will be a packet prepared for all guests (especially new residents) with information pertaining to all the activities, clubs etc. going on in both parks. .. A suggestion was made by Jim G. that perhaps we could add insurance resources/contacts as well. Jim has one, Sue C, Anita C. too. We decided to be careful how far we go with this, and Ricky suggested we have fliers with a list of recommendations from residents that have worked. Kathy O. thought information like the above would be a useful topic to share at the Shareholder’s meeting too.
Another inquiry was made by Ricky Baer regarding the Paradise Bay building and what is going on, regarding Manatee County. Manatee county as usual, are either evasive with answers or constantly redirecting anyone inquiring down useless paths. Rhonda Bowling was able to help us out a lot with information. Positive moves forward are happening; permits have been approved for building work in the park. (I believe the Kitchen was one area I heard in the many voices speaking) I believe this is at the SB hall. Contractors (Electricians, Plumbers etc.) are now being contacted and asked to place bids. We are now waiting on their responses.
Next topic: I brought up the use of the stage in the SB hall for dancers performing. That we have had two practices for the Virginia Reelers and it was awkward, and if not careful your feet stick and struggle with movement. It wasn’t a good decision having carpet on a performing stage. I also see this could be an issue for groups like the Line Dancers, possibly the Travelaires and their acts, the Talent Show. To name a few.
Additional Topic: “Welcome Wagon New Residents” (we nicknamed it, unless someone wants to properly name it) This group will now be active this year, and Peggy Baer, Donna Matteson and Rita Foley have volunteered to get it up and running. But, will appreciate others willing to assist. It involves keeping up with acknowledging new residents moving into the park, and welcoming them etc. At the Open House we will have a table to start it going…
No Treasurer’s Report:
No Vice President report:
No Old Business:
No New Business:
Committee Reports:
Activities Posted
Craft Shows: Dee Majewski mentioned invites are out for the February 7, 2026 Craft Fair. She also, said her expectations are that we will have a large response, and may have to turn some away. No outside tents etc. will be used, due to time of year and unpredictable weather issues.
Library: Sue Cassidy asked how many have checked out the Helm house library. Response was awesome, it is well appreciated, even “envied” as Kathy says.
Luminaries: Anita Cook They are(were) all set and ready for Christmas eve. Lights, milk containers and bags. Carl Kerr even had to order more this year, because of the response. Volunteers are ready, and set ups are planned! Joe Rush will be handling the drones and we will have a picturesque memory made of 2025 too!
2026 Idea! Ricky Baer mentioned seeing the bicycles decorated and parading through the streets one evening. It happened to be Forest and Debbie McPherson’s family. Thought it was a beautiful display. Well, it has inspired Ricky and now the PBAC and SBAC to do something next Christmas season. It has been decided we will have a Golf Cart (bicycles?) Christmas Parade and Caroling the week before Christmas. (Before a lot of residents leave for the holiday) and meet up afterwards at the SB hall for cookies and refreshments. We may even plan to have a Santa lead the parade? And who knows what else. Everyone got involved in this discussion, Sarah, Rhonda, Kathy, Jim, Dee and more. something we are all excited about! This committee is now officially created and will be led by Ricky Baer as the lead organizer. More to be discussed in the future.
Meeting ended
Motion to adjourn was adjourn….by Jim Gath
2nd by Debbie Freeman Motion passed\
Next meeting will be Monday, January 12, 2026
Respectively submitted by Debbie Freeman, Secretary 12/29/2025