Hi my name is Charlene Johnson. I joined BAGS in July of 2021. I was first a member then the Administrative Assistance and I currently hold the role as the Director of Community Outreach for BAGS!!!

My husband Ralph and I moved from Indiana in 2014 to Palmetto, Fl. We are both retired and living the best life. Before retiring I worked in the Automobile Industry for 26 years. I was Team Leader, Supervisor , was over the Service Dept and worked in Customer Service. I dealt with Businesses from all over the world. My husband and I have 2 daughters, 3 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. I enjoy doing crafts, fishing, playing cards, going to the beach, traveling, you name it I like it and especially family time. My passions are helping others in need, volunteering, and getting involved with the community. I have volunteered with several organizations such as; FELT (Feeding Empty Little Tummies), Mothers Helping Mothers, Hungers End, The Blessing Bags Project, Nutrition Initiative of Manatee County, and Food Banks. Before getting involved with BAGS I knew only a few people. My granddaughter is the one who found BAGS for me and told me I had to join. If I didn't she was going to sign me up. BAGS has changed my life so much and I am so glad BAGS was started. If you know of any non-profit organizations that you feel could benefit from the help of BAGS volunteers, feel free to reach out to me. I love connecting our members to the community.

You can reach me at:

outreach@bags50.com

Hello to all our Beautifully Aging Girlfriends!! My name is Linda, and I originally came from New York with my wonderful husband, Ron. As my husband is retired from the military, I have traveled extensively and lived in other states as well as overseas. But coming to Florida has been a “Paradise” here on earth.

Before retiring I was a Real Estate Broker for 25 years, so being in the “people” business is where I like to shine. Being a member of BAGS has changed my life. Although married, I missed having girlfriends and “girl fun.” BAGS has opened doors for me to have fabulous connections with amazing women. I have not only enjoyed the wonderfully fun activities but have had the honor of being able to volunteer in service to others. BAGS is a well-rounded group of women who support, respect and encourage each other.

I'm happy to say that I am currently the Director of Member Relations. This position excites me because I can not only interact with current members but am able to reach out to new members for any questions and need of support they may have. I look forward to meeting all the lovely ladies that are part of this amazing BAGS community.

You can reach me at:

welcome@bags50.com

Hello, my name is Debbie and I have been involved with BAGS since the middle of October when my sister and I went to a dinner and a movie that was hosted by Nancy. I immediately loved being involved with the BAGS group and have participated in many events since then.

I moved to Holmes Beach in 2016 from Ohio after I retired. I worked for almost 30 years at a property/casualty insurance company wherein I travelled to many states for work. I have 2 grown sons and 3 grandchildren. I have had many, many fur babies through the years and currently have two of them.   I vacationed in Anna Maria for many years and I knew this was where I wanted to spend the rest of my life when I retired.

I love the island and the surrounding area; I am living my dream.   I am passionate about walking the beach, being outdoors and eating great food. As an Event Organizer, I hope to share this beautiful island and the surrounding area with many others as this is truly a paradise to enjoy.  

You can reach me at:

Deb@bags50.com

Hi, I’m Karen

I joined BAGS in July 2021 and what a blessing it’s been!  I grew up in Stafford County, Virginia, after being adopted from the Philippines by a wonderful Navy family. Florida’s been home for many years (30+) now, and I live in Bradenton with my husband, Shawn. I’m also a proud mom of three amazing grown sons! And also taking care of my handicap elderly father since my mother passed many years ago. 

Before my stroke in 2022, I worked over seven years in the ER at Blake Medical Center and loved every fast-paced minute of it. Life changed overnight after my stroke—but I refused to let it define me. Relearning to walk and rebuild my independence was one of the hardest battles of my life, but I’ve learned that forward is the only way to go. I found peace and strength in staying busy and surrounding myself with positivity. Joining BAGS gave me that—an amazing circle of women whose laughter, encouragement, and friendship have helped me heal in more ways than one. I’m so grateful for this group and all the beautiful connections its brought into my life. 

The things I love the most are the simple joys in life! I finds peace in nature — walking in the woods, kayaking, or enjoying a cozy cabin getaway. Creativity is my happy place, especially when they are transforming my beach-found treasures into one-of-a-kind sea glass and seashell art.  I love the simple joys in life: kayaking, nature walks, cozy cabin getaways, and spending time with family and friends. As an event organizer, I enjoy bringing people together and spreading positivity in our community. I believe life is meant to be lived, and we radiates that energy every day.

BAGS has been such a gift! The laughter, encouragement, and friendships here have helped me heal and grow in ways I never expected. So grateful for all the amazing ladies who lift each other up every day! 

“Life’s not about expecting, hoping, and wishing — it’s about doing, helping, and becoming… becoming the best version of yourself through life’s journey.

Hi, my name is Patti Phillips. We moved to Lakewood Ranch in June 2021 from Carlsbad, California. It was a rather spur-of-the-moment decision, and we haven’t regretted it for one minute! My husband Don & I got married in August in a small wedding with our family.

I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, and after a short time living in Waikiki I moved to the San Diego area over 42 years ago. I am the mom of 3 adult children, 2 whom I birthed, and one I acquired through other means! But, no matter how you look at it, I am mom to 3 humans I raised into adulthood!

About the time I unpacked the last of the moving boxes, and was preparing for my wedding, I found out about BAGS. What a perfect fit! I have gotten to know so many fun and fabulous women through this group! I love the women, the concept and all of the social interaction! I love socializing, and I don’t know WHAT I would have done without BAGS! When I was asked to become a Specialist Organizer, I jumped at the chance! It has been a fun and fulfilling challenge!

A lot of you know me as “The Queen of Damn Near Everything” because I love to be involved in lots of different activities. I am an author, comedienne, blogger, artist and whatever else strikes my fancy on a particular day! If there is a theme, a tiara, bling or fun involved, I’m all in! I love living life to the fullest!

Many of you know me from BAGS activities and for my art & craft classes. I love helping women find their creative spirit and flourishing under it! Every one of my classes feels like a party!

If we haven’t yet met I look forward to meeting you soon at one of our fun activities!

You can reach me at:

Patti@bags50.com