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

Hello! My name is Karen, and I became a member of BAGS in July of 2021. I was invited to join by fellow Event Organizer, Nancy Armbruster, when she came into the ER where I was working, she noticed I was a Tampa Bay Lightning fan from something I was wearing and asked me “Do you want to meet the BIGGEST Lightning Fan?” Of course, she was referring to herself! I looked at her and said, “She’s right here!” as I pointed to myself! We both laughed and from that point on we became good friends!

I grew up in the once small town of Stafford County, Virginia. I was adopted from the Philippines by a Navy couple & brought to the United States. I became a citizen of the US when I was less than a year old! Like most families in the service, we moved around from time to time. I lived in Stafford through my mid-20s, then moved down to Florida. I currently live on the west side of Bradenton. I’ve been married to my honey Shawn for 6 years. I have 3 grown sons from my first marriage ages 34, 26, & 24 who I very much adore! I worked at Blake Medical in the ER processing insurance and authorizations for 6 plus years! In April 2021, I left Blake Medical and I’m currently taking classes to change my line of work. I wanted to be more hands on and love helping people they best way I can!

The things I love most are the simple things in life! I love nature! As a child I loved walking in the woods, being outdoors and being one with nature, it just calms my soul and clears my head! My hobbies include kayaking, nature walks and camping. What I mean by camping, as in a cabin not in a tent! I also enjoy using my imagination to create things I see but putting my own spin on it just to be different! I love spending time with my family and friends and became an Event Organizer, in hopes to meet new friends and ENJOY LIFE!!

You can reach me at:

karenB@bags50.com

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