BALDWIN PARK L IVING
August/September 2009
SHANON LARIMER: Meet Your Neighbor BALDWIN PARK 101: What’s In A Name
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
What To Do After School
WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION! Look for your BUSINESS DIRECTORY &
AREA GUIDE tucked inside this issue!
Luke, 7, and Ashley, 7, are dressed for success as they return to school later this month. See Page 20 for more details.
S UMMER /F ALL 2009 E VENTS C ALENDAR Thursday, August 27th
UPCOMING EVENTS
ICE CREAM SOCIAL/
ICE CREAM SOCIAL/MOVIE NIGHT ON THE GREEN Thursday, August 27th 6:30 P.M. Village Center
MOVIE NIGHT ON THE GREEN 6:00 p.m., Village Center
Friday, August 28th THIRD ANNUAL DOG DAYS OF SUMMER WINE & BEER TASTING 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Village Center
Tuesday, September 8th NEW RESIDENT ORIENTATION 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., Grace Hopper Hall
Saturday, September 12th
Looking for a free night of entertainment right here in Baldwin Park? Mark your calendar for the fourth Thursday of the month in August when you can cool down with a free ice cream social, compliments of the Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association and sponsored by Coldstone Creamery. Come out and meet the ROA Board as they scoop up some fun and sprinkle on some good times for the entire family. And your furry friends will lap up cool treats from BullFish. Bring blankets or chairs and relax with your neighbors! Free popcorn is served, however, if you want to make it “dinner & a movie,” check out Movie Night drink specials at Jack’s Steakhouse or order your dinner to go! Wait staff from Village Center eateries are scheduled to be on-site to take your orders. Brought to you by the Baldwin Park Merchants Association and sponsored by Trish’s Teas and BullFish, August’s movie is Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.
2ND ANNUAL LIGHTNING RUN 2.5 & 5-Miler 7:30 a.m., Baldwin Park Publix
Sunday, September 20th 7th ANNUAL GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL Street Fair & International Pet Parade for Peace 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., BullFish (GPFF Headquarters)
Thursday, September 24th MOVIE NIGHT ON THE GREEN Dusk, Village Center
Friday, October 16th ART STOLL OF BALDWIN PARK 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Village Center
CLIP & SAVE See the Community Network
www.BaldwinParkNetwork.com
3RD ANNUAL DOG DAYS OF SUMMER WINE & BEER TASTING Friday, August 28th 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. BullFish, 4899 New Broad Street A benefit for the Sebastian Haul Fund, helping greyhounds with transportation costs to their forever homes. The Wine & Beer Tasting features fabulous food, delicious drinks, chair massages for humans, mini massages for dogs, pet caricatures, live gypsy jazz, and much more! The cost is $25 in advance or $40 the day of event. Premier tickets are available for an additional $15 and include your choice of Lolita Wine or Pilsner glass! For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact BullFish at 407-894-3474 or go to www.bullfish.net.
NEW RESIDENT ORIENTATION Tuesday, September 8th 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Grace Hopper Hall Two new resident orientation sessions will be held on Tuesday, September 8th at 1:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. at Grace Hopper Hall. These sessions are designed for new residents and include an overview of the Community Network, a review of the procedures for using recreational facilities and general information about the community. Attendees will receive a lovely welcome basket full of gifts and goodies, coupons, and menus from local merchants and restaurants. Please RSVP to Susan Comisky, Community Director by emailing her at SComisky@BaldwinParkpoa.com. Please include you name and which session your plan to attend.
for more details on these events.
Continued on Page 10 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Letter from the Community Director
Summer/Fall Events Calendar & Upcoming Events...Page 4 Letter from the Community Director...5
Dear Resident,
Inside the Bubble...10
I can’t believe it is already August! It seems like yesterday that the kids were getting out of school and parents were planning the summer’s events. We appreciate those who have shared their summer vacations with us. Look for those stories on page 36.
Letter from the Association President...7 Baldwin Park 101: What In A Name?...8 Susan Comisky
Enjoy what time is left of the summer, because alas, back-to-school is eminent! In this issue we are highlighting the arts and the extracurricular activities available in Baldwin Park that can enhance the educational experience.
Those Who Have Sparked!...12 Fun Fashions For School...20 Extra curricular Activities: What You Do After School Can Make A Difference...24
There are some important events in Baldwin Park in August. First, the Annual Meeting of the Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association (ROA) takes place on Tuesday, August 25th. During this meeting the election of directors will take place along with approval of some amendments to the Declaration. Denny O’Neil, President of the ROA Board of Directors has summarized the process on page 7 of this publication. This is your time to have your voice heard so please vote. The Ice Cream Social is two days after the meeting on Thursday, August 27th in the Village Center. We are teaming up with the Merchant Association and Coldstone Creamery for this event and you don't want to miss it. Watch the Community Network for more details and plan on coming down and meeting your new Board of Directors and watch the movie Charlie & The Chocolate Factory afterwards. Trish's Teas and BullFish are the merchant sponsors of the movie this month. Movie nights are going to continue after the summer months so mark your calendars now for the last Thursday of the month and check the calendar on the Community Network to see what movies are planned. This is a great way to have some free fun and get to know some of your neighbors. We appreciate the Merchant Association offering this to the neighborhood. As a reminder, please vote in the election!
CALL OUT FOR OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009: Just about everyone in Florida is from somewhere else! Do you miss autumn in the northeast? The brisk mornings, the colorful leaves, harvest festivals...Share your special memories of the season, Halloween or Thanksgiving with us along with any photos you have of “back home” and we will feature them in the next issue of Baldwin Park Living. Send your submissions and photos to Susan Comisky, Community Director, at SComisky@BaldwinParkpoa.com.
5
Meet Your Neighbors: Shanon Larimer...26 “What I Did On My Summer Vacation!”...36 What if Baldwin Park had a Theme Song?...36 Business Directory...38 Featured Club: Baldwin Park Aviation Club...39
Publication Info Baldwin Park Living is published by Baldwin Park Joint Committee, Inc. (Joint Committee), a Florida not-for-profit corporation. The publication is for the purpose of commercial and merchant advertising and is circulated to all owners and tenants of the residential and commercial units within Baldwin Park. All advertisements are subject to approval, revision, or rejection by the Joint Committee, which decisions may be made in the sole judgment of the Joint Committee. The presence of an advertisement in this publication for products or services which affect the exterior appearance of your home or lot does not in any way imply that Baldwin Park’s Architectural Review Committee will approve of such items. Any and all planned modifications to the exterior of your home must be approved by the Architectural Review Committee in advance. ®Baldwin Park is a registered service mark of Orlando NTC Partners, a joint venture d/b/a Baldwin Park Development Company.
Editor: Shari King 407.365.3128 sharik214@aol.com
Advertising Sales: Creative Printing & Publishing 407.302.9147 kevin@cpponline.us
In the Bubble: Sarah Campbell & Mike Seifollahi The June/July 2009 issue of Baldwin Park Living contained “Baldwin Park 101: No Reason to Leave!”, a great explanation of the business districts located within our community by Jim Schirtzinger, Vice President of the ROA. At the end of the article, we asked you if you knew someone who never seems to leave Baldwin Park. Someone who walks to Publix, eats regularly at a Baldwin Park eatery and attends every social function? Someone who can claim to “stay in the bubble” for a long time...Sarah Campbell answered our call! Here is her story! Twitter Post: I walked out my door, walked to CVS, then to work, all within 5 minutes. Did I mention I love my neighborhood? Funny I never thought of it as a bubble, but I live and breathe Baldwin Park. My story probably reads like many of my fellow residents. New to Orlando happened upon Baldwin Park - fell in
love - never looked back. So, how is it that I stay in “the bubble?” To start, I live and work in the Village Center. I always joke that I can see my front door from my desk - but literally getting to work each day means walking about 300 yards from door to desk at New Broad Street Realty. A typical day at Baldwin Park’s exclusive real estate office is pretty exciting - helping guests make Baldwin Park their home, chatting with visitors who want to know our story, and learning more and more of Baldwin Park history from those who were stationed here when it was the Orlando Naval Training Center. Outside of the office my boyfriend, Mike, our adorable Pomeranian, Abby and I are no strangers to the perks of neighborhood. A nice coffee on a Sunday morning at Barnie’s, Paddy Murphy’s on Saturdays with the rugby club, countless trips to Publix trying to create my newest culinary masterpiece
6 6
Sarah and Mike, with Abby. (well, a girl can dream), and dinner in the Village Center. Seito Sushi makes a mean Spicy Volcano Roll and the canoles at La Bella Luna are a favorite splurge. What else keeps us here? Mike and I both play rugby so several days a week you’ll Continued on Page 10
Letter from the Residential Owners Association President
What a Great Neighborhood We Live In! Residential Owners Association (ROA) Annual Meeting I am always encouraging residents to participate in events held in Baldwin Park because it builds a sense of community when you participate. Soon, you will have a chance to participate in one of the most important events for the neighborhood. I'm speaking of the Board of Directors election for the Residential Owners Association (ROA) on August 25th. This year at the Annual Meeting, you will be voting for four Board members. (The Board is made up of seven members. Board members are elected for two year terms. Next year there will be three seats open.) During the first week of August, you will receive a mailing which will include a notice of the meeting, blue election ballot, yellow proxy, blue envelope, green absentee amendment ballot, green envelope and a pink document with a description of the proposed amendments. There will be detailed instructions in the mailing, but here is a summary of what steps you need to take: 1. Election of Board Members: Fill out and return your blue election ballot in the blue envelope. 2. Quorum: Fill out and return your yellow proxy in the blue envelope.
3. Amendments: Fill out and return either the yellow proxy in the blue envelope OR fill out and Denny O'Neil return your green absentee amendment ballot in the green envelope if you will not be attending the meeting. Whether or not you are planning to attend the Annual Meeting, the Board asks that you mail in your ballot to the address below or drop off your ballot to the receptionist at Grace Hopper Hall at 1913 Meeting Place by August 21st because each ballot must be validated prior to being counted at the Annual Meeting. However, ballots received by August 25th will be counted. If you desire to wait until the meeting to turn in your ballot, you may do so; but because the validation of your ballot will have to take place at the meeting, the vote counting process at the meeting will take longer. It is very important that you mail in your proxy along with your ballot because we must have a quorum at the Annual Meeting before we can begin counting votes, and your proxy will allow us to have a quorum at the meeting. A quorum is 10% of the membership of the Residential Owners Association. To validate the ballot, the management company (Sentry Management) must verify that the signature on the ballot is that of the property owner listed on the homeowner list. No vote counting may occur before the opening of the Annual Meeting. All ballots will be counted at the meeting and the voting results announced before the meeting adjourns. MAILING ADDRESS FOR BALLOTS: 2180 West SR 434 Suite 5000, Longwood, Florida 32779.
Amendments to be considered In addition to voting for Board Members, you will be voting on some amendments to the Declaration: A. Proposed amendment to the definition of the term “work” as found in Article II of the Restated Declaration - Basically, this adds “public rights-of-way” (i.e. the area between your sidewalk and street) to the areas covered by the definition of work. B. Proposed amendments to sections 4.2 and 4.8 of the Restated Declaration. Basically, the amendment to 4.2 adds “public rights-of-way” to the areas where the property owner must receive prior approval from the Declarant, AND also allows the ROA Board of Directors to appoint alternate members to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) so that it will be easier to get a quorum for an ARC Meeting and thereby allow business to be done timely as opposed to being delayed for the lack of a quorum. The amendment to 4.8 adds “public rights-of-way” to the unit owned by any builder to the area allowed for improvement. C. Proposed amendments to section 3(a) (4) (iii) of Exhibit G to the Restated Declaration. Basically, this adds metal panels to
Continued on Page 10 7
Baldwin Park 101: What’s In A Name? By Jim Schirtzinger
Why the name “Baldwin Park?” Baldwin Park is an 1100 acre tract located about 100 feet above mean sea level so even with global warming; your residence will not become valuable, ocean front property! The land was once part of the Army Air Force Corps during the Second World War; then became Orlando Air Force Base and later changed to the Orlando Naval Training Center before being developed as a “New Urbanism” neighborhood. After the Navy took control of the property, Lake Corrine was re-named after Robert H. B. Baldwin, who was appointed Under Secretary of the Navy by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the Vietnam War from 1965-1967. He was responsible for approving the development of the Orlando Naval Training Center. Baldwin Park’s name was derived from the lake’s name combined with “Park” commonly used for other Orlando neighborhoods such as College Park, Thorton Park and Winter Park. Why the name “Grace Hopper Hall?” Grace Hopper Hall was named after Grace Murray Hopper. Before joining the Navy, she received a number of advanced degrees in Mathematics from prestigious universities. After joining the Navy she was one of the early programmers of the first large scale automatically sequenced computers and was involved in the development of many advanced computer programs developed for the government. After completing her active service with the Navy, she was in the reserves. Because of her outstanding skills with mathematics and computers, she was the first woman naval reservist to be recalled to active duty. Before retiring she was promoted to Commodore and then to Rear Admiral. Why the name “Blue Jacket Park?” Blue Jacket Park was named after the Naval Cadets that populated Baldwin Park when it was a naval training facility often referred to as "Blue Jackets". This 55 acre parcel, that was set aside as a city park, flows from Glenridge Middle School on the north to Lake Baldwin. Buried beneath some of the open space of the park are crushed concrete remnants from the demolition of the naval training center. This crushed concrete serves to filter out contaminants in the rainwater before entering the lake system. Why the name “Enders Park?” Captain Enders P. Huey was the first commander of the Orlando Naval Training Center. Submarines, education, training, and executive management were prominent in his career in the Navy. He retired with the rank of captain. Huey was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star and also received other commendations and medals. Why do they call Baldwin Park a “New Urbanism” Neighborhood? Baldwin Park was designed to comply with the tenets of New Urbanism. New Urbanism is a planning concept that reverses the trends towards suburban sprawl that has been the primary residential development model since the end of World War II. Two well known communities in Florida were also designed with these precepts before Baldwin Park; Celebration, near Disney, and Seaside in Florida’s panhandle. Seaside is where the movie “The Truman Show” was filmed. The husband-wife team of town planners Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, who were instrumental in the development and movement towards New Urbanism created 13
8
elements that they felt would define a New Urbanism neighborhood. Many, but not all of the following elements were included in the planning of Baldwin Park: 1. The neighborhood has a discernible center. This is often a square or a green and sometimes a busy or memorable street corner. A transit stop would be located at this center. 2. Most of the dwellings are within a five-minute walk of the center, an average of roughly 1/4 mile or 1,320 feet (0.4 km). 3. There are a variety of dwelling types - usually houses, rowhouses, and apartments - so that all types of age groups, families, singles and income levels may find places to live. 4. At the edge of the neighborhood, there are shops and offices of sufficiently varied types to supply the weekly needs of a household. 5. A small ancillary building or garage apartment is permitted within the backyard of each house. It may be used as a rental unit or place to work (for example, an office or craft workshop). 6. An elementary school is close enough so that most children can walk from their home. 7. There are small playgrounds accessible to every dwelling - not more than a tenth of a mile away. 8. Streets within the neighborhood form a connected network, which disperses traffic by providing a variety of pedestrian and vehicular routes to any destination. 9. The streets are relatively narrow and shaded by rows of trees. This slows traffic, creating an environment suitable for pedestrians and bicycles. 10. Buildings in the neighborhood center are placed close to the street, creating a well-defined outdoor room. 11. Parking lots and garage doors rarely front the street. Parking is relegated to the rear of buildings, usually accessed by alleys. 12. Certain prominent sites at the termination of street vistas or in the neighborhood center are reserved for civic buildings. These provide sites for community meetings, education, and religious or cultural activities. 13. The neighborhood is organized to be self-governing. A formal association debates and decides matters of maintenance, security, and physical change. Taxation is the responsibility of the larger community. Because of the foresight of the development team, Orlando NTC Partners, Orlando’s city planning department, architects, planners, landscape architects and others, Baldwin Park has become an internationally known community. It has won many state and national awards recognizing the superb planning process used in its development, the progressive master planning involved, its sensitivity to the environment, and the smart use of land and reuse of available resources.
A resident of Baldwin Park from 1966 to 1967 and from 2004 to present, Jim Schirtzinger is the vice president of the Residential Owners Association.
9
Continued from Page 4 2ND ANNUAL LIGHTNING RUN 2.5 & 5-Miler Saturday, September 12th 7:30 a.m. Baldwin Park Publix, 1501 Meeting Place Both races start at 7:30 a.m. Divisions/Age Groups include: 8 & Under, 10-12, 13-14,15-19, 20-24, 2529,…,90+, and active or inactive military of any branch. Awards will be given to the top three overall males and females in both events and to the top three males and females in each age group. For entry fees and more information, please go to www.Buttar.com.
7th ANNUAL GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL Street Fair & International Pet Parade for Peace Sunday, September 20th 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. BullFish (GPFF Headquarters)
Free Outdoor Screening Thursday, September 24th 8:00 p.m. Village Center The Global Peace Film Festival will kick off its 2009 season with the second annual Street Fair and International Pet Parade for Peace on Sunday, September 20th. The Street Fair takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will feature a variety of vendors with who support peace. This fun and informative Street Fair will feature music, art, non-profit organizations and is family friendly. The International Pet Parade for Peace is open to pets of all kinds who are well socialized, and will meet at 11:00 a.m. to parade around Baldwin Park to the Street Fair to celebrate peace. Now in its 7th year, the Global Peace Film Festival shows films that set out to make a difference. Many feature international culture, with subjects ranging from the human condition to the environment. The film festival runs from September 22nd through 27th, with venues at Rollins College, Winter Park Public Library, and downtown Orlando at the
Continued from Page 6 find us at Blue Jacket Park for practice (which then leads to another visit with Tom and the crew down at P a d d y Murphy's). We love a good party, so we try to attend most all the special events that Baldwin Park hosts. I can’t tell you how nice it is to step out my front door and simply walk right into some type of unique street festival. And speaking of parties, if you haven’t taken your special someone on a date night in awhile, Date Night at Farris & Fosters is exceptional. The list goes on and on. Baldwin Park just seems to have most everything that we enjoy in life. Good friends, great places, new experiences. We don't try to stay in “the bubble,” there is just so much here, there's no need to leave. Keep those stories coming…If you know someone who never seems to leave Baldwin Park, tell us their story. Submit your stories to Susan Comisky, Community Director at SComisky@BaldwinParkpoa.com.
The School of Cultural Dance performs at 2008 Global Peace Film Festival UCF Digital Media Center across from the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, where parking is free for those attending the festival. There is also a day of environmental screenings at the Orlando Science Center on Saturday, September 26th, and a free outdoor screening at Baldwin Park on Thursday, September 24th, sponsored by Rollins College. The selected film at Baldwin Park is called, “Playing For Change: Peace Through Music,” and will begin at approximately 8:00 p.m. This popular film follows a videographer who captures a street artist performing the classic song, “Stand By Me,” as he takes the simple recording and travels around the world to different cultures where musicians jam along. At once uplifting and informative, this film is appropriate for all ages. For more information on the Global Peace Film
Continued from Page 7 the multi-family unit roofs the ROA has responsibility to maintain. Currently metal panels are not specified as a roof material that the ROA maintains. D. Proposed amendments to section 3(a) (4) (iii) of Exhibit H to the Restated Declaration. Basically, this adds under ROA maintenance responsibilities the new installation and maintenance of gutters for Live/Work units. Each proposed amendment must be approved by the affirmative vote of Members representing at least thirty percent (30%) of the total Class “A” votes held by the Members other than the Declarant and a majority of the votes cast must be in favor of each amendment being considered. The amendments that add “public rights-of-way” will clear up a gray area as to if the ROA will enforce guidelines and covenants pertaining to the area between the sidewalk and the street in front of each residence. These areas belong to the City of Orlando, but the residence owner is responsible for the maintenance of the grass and landscaping (trees) located on the easement. I would hope that residents will agree with your Board that the ROA is more concerned about the appearance of these easements and more able to enforce the requirements than the City of Orlando. The ROA, through the management company, has the manpower to inspect the areas to ensure that owners are maintaining the grass and landscaping to Baldwin Park standards, whereas the City doesn’t currently do regular inspections and is reducing the size of its workforce. The Board recommends approval of these amendments. If approved by the ROA membership, the amendments must be sent to the City Council for final approval. All owners are asked to vote on all amendments regardless of your home type.
10
Festival, visit www.peacefilmfest.org or BullFish at 4899 New Broad Street in Baldwin Park, 407-894-3474. Check the community Network at www.BaldwinParkNetwork.com for local updates.
MOVIE NIGHT ON THE GREEN Thursday, September 24th Dusk Village Center September’s movie is Playing For Change: Peace Through Music in conjunction with the Global Peace Film Festival. More information to come.
ART STOLL OF BALDWIN PARK Friday, October 16th 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Village Center “Totally Tubular” is the theme of a collection of bike frames, donated by local bike shops, and other pieces from more than 50 local artists, which will be exhibited in the Village Center. Some artists will be creating their work live for your visual pleasure. Come by and converse with the creators of this thought provoking imagery. The decorated bike frames will be raffled/auctioned off and the proceeds will go to Audubon Park Elementary School for much needed art supplies. The event is sponsored by the Baldwin Park Merchant Association, The Arts Hub and Images Auto Spa.
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
199
20
21
SHOPPING INFORMATION Upper left photo, page 20 Harbor Park: Ashley - Hannah Banana dress and leggings, Lulu Belle; Skechers sneakers ($38), Tiny Toes. Center, page 20 - Harbor Park: Luke with Duke - Shirt and Shorts by Monster Republic, Lulu Belle; Ugg flip flops ($42), Tiny Toes. Lower left, page 20 - In front of Coldstone Creamery: Ashley Hannah Banana Dress, Lulu Belle; Primigi sandals ($68), Tiny Toes; bookbag ($32), BullFish. Luke - Joe's Jeans, Kingsley Shirt, Lulu Belle; Converse sneakers ($35), Tiny Toes; bookbag ($32), BullFish. Upper left, page 21 New Broad Street: Adriana & Chris - blouse, skirt, scarf, earrings, t-shirt, and jeans, from Merrigan's Boutique. Center, page 21 - Five Guys' Famous Burgers & Fries: Adriana & Chris - blouse, shirt, jeans, sandals, shoes, and bag
22
from Merrigan's Boutique. Lower right, page 21 - In BullFish: Ashley - Halter Top and Striped Leggings by Monsterette, Lulu Belle; Skechers sneakers ($40), Tiny Toes; bookbag ($32), rain boots ($38), BullFish. Luke - Shirt and Shorts by Wonderboy, Lulu Belle; Geox sneakers ($66), Tiny Toes; bookbag ($32), rain boots ($38), BullFish. The nautical table and chairs and globe, Authentic Model, BullFish, price available upon request. Lulu Belle Baby Boutique www.shoplulukids.com Tiny Toes Children's Shoes www.tinytoesUSA.com BullFish - www.bullfish.net Merrigan’s Boutique www.shopmerrigans.com Adriana Milbrath http://aimhighwiththeateam.org/ AboutAdriana.html All photos are online at www.BaldwinPark Network.com, click on Photo Gallery.
23
Featured Merchants: My Art Studio,Vibe Performing Arts Center & Ki Martial Arts Academy
Extracurricular
ACTIVITIES: What You Do After School
Can Make A Difference!
Sit down and talk to Bertha Burruezo, Leslie Daymond or Adam Elkhaldi and it won't take you long to string together the theme that each one of these Village Center merchants is in the business they are in not only because they love what they do, but also because it is who they are.
Upper photo: Ki Marital Arts Academy Left Photo: VIBE Performing Arts Center Lower Photo: My Art Studio
MY ART STUDIO
“I
truly believe that because of working with art at a young age that I am where I am today,” says Bertha, owner of My Art Studio. Her childhood was tumultuous, says Bertha, and she relied on her interest in art to remain grounded and focused. A high school drop-out, Bertha eventually went on to earn her G.E.D., graduated with honors with bachelor of arts degree in English literature, and earned a master’s degree in secondary education. After teaching middle-school age children, Bertha returned to school and earned a law degree. “Art gives kids the ability to look at things in a ‘big picture’ way,” says Bertha. “It helps them to think critically, to think outside of the box. Art forces them to come up with an answer for things that have no answer!” In August 2006, after nearly five years of law practice, Bertha developed the idea of founding an art studio for children, families and adults. Bertha’s dream was to create an environment where each person -- like her -- could find and explore their artistic side. “I really respect art and what it does for kids,” says Bertha. It is the deeper reason about why she created the My Art Studio concept.
24
Above: Bertha & Carlos Burruezo; Leslie Daymond, middle; and Adam Elkhaldi, left, with two of his students.
VIBE PREFORMING ARTS CENTER
KI MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
F
A
or Leslie, a former Orlando Magic dancer and owner of Vibe Performing Arts Center, the story is similar, but her background is very different. Raised by a dentist father and a physical education teacher mother who strove to give her three children all the things she did not have as a child, academic achievement was instilled in Leslie at a young age. A gifted student, her mother wanted her to be a doctor. But Leslie was more interested in dance, so they compromised. “I wanted to dance,” says Leslie. But her parents wanted her to do well in school. “It gave my parents leverage!” She had to maintain a high GPA in order to continue with her extracurricular activities, which also included some sports. “Plus, there was no down time (between homework and practice) to get into trouble!” Leslie eventually earned a master’s degree and is certified to teach chemistry and biology. But being a good student doesn’t guarantee becoming a successful adult. Leslie says, “dance gave me an outlet to gain confidence in other areas besides school.” She says she is seeing a similar situation with her daughter, Ashley, who attends Audubon Park Elementary. “She has trouble with reading,” says Leslie, but dance gives her self confidence, which eventually should help her to overcome her problem with reading. After a multi-faceted career in the performing arts, Leslie’s husband and partner, Brad, finally convinced her to focus on the one thing she loves most, teaching children to dance. Together, they opened Vibe in September of last year. Leslie credits her educational training for her success in performing arts instruction. She says a good dancer isn’t necessarily a good teacher. And as much as she loves dance, “I fell in love with teaching!”
dam, owner and sensei of Ki Martial Arts Academy, attributes his academic success to participation in karate from the age of seven.
“Karate changed my life,” says Adam. Because of the discipline he learned through the study of martial arts, he was able to skip two grades in school and entered college at the age of 16, eventually graduating with a bachelor’s degree in digital media. Adam has been teaching karate since he was 16 and he says he has never seen one child “who has not changed for the positive. “I have some children who have made a 180-degree turn just because they are in the martial arts,” says Adam. “Their parents tell me ‘they are focusing more in school, they are showing us more respect, they are nicer to their friends, they are nicer to their siblings, they are listening better.’ “It took me a long time to figure out how martial arts does that,” he said, “but essentially it’s the habits we build in the children (through repetitions in classes three or four times a week) are the habits they carry over into their everyday life.” Adam decided at 17 that teaching karate is what he wanted to do, inspired by his instructor. “I saw his passion for teaching.” He opened Ki in Baldwin Park during the summer of 2007 and will open his second location in August.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS My Art Studio, Vibe, and Ki all offer after school and evening classes for children. For more information on the classes and schedules, please check the following web sites: www.myartstudio.com, www.vibeperformingarts.com, and www.kimartialartsacademy.com. To further enhance the after-school experience, My Art Studio and Vibe have joined forces to provide services to the parents of children who want participate in both genres. My Art Studio can provide after school pick up, followed by a session at the studio and then a session at Vibe. Please consult Bertha and Leslie for specifics.
25
Meet Your Neighbor: Shanon Larimer In December, Baldwin Park resident Shanon Larimer was named executive director of the Downtown Arts District. Formerly the executive director of the Enzian Theater in Maitland and the Florida Film Festival, his new task is the advancement of the arts and economic development in Orlando. Laura Lapointe caught up with him recently and asked him a few questions about his job, his influences, the importance of the arts in education and his life in Baldwin Park. By Laura Lapointe
F
irst, give us a brief synopsis of the mission of the Downtown Arts District, and the role you play in the organization.
I was tapped as executive director of the Downtown Arts District to further advance the arts and economic development in Orlando. By providing promotional and financial assistance to art and cultural venues, public art projects, and signature events, I support the organization’s mission to Grow the Arts in the heart of Orlando. For instance, if Downtown were a big cruise ship, I’d be the Cruise Director that helped promote everything there is to see and do. Every successful cruise requires the presence of a cruise director, right? Essentially, the cruise director serves as the planner for all types of shipboard entertainment and activities. Along with ensuring that all social and cultural events are well coordinated, the cruise director also often acts as the main source of information for the guests on the cruise, ensuring they are having an enjoyable experience.
The Arts District recently launched a new online community at www.orlandoslice.com. The site is community driven and it has taken on the personality of everyone who has signed up so far. In less than three months we’ve welcomed more than 500 opt-in members and to me, that demonstrates that the site was a much needed, well-received addition to the local community. That’s exciting! What is the personal reward you take from your role with the Downtown Arts District? I am invigorated by the happiness of others. Seeing people having spirited conversations, sharing common interests, laughing out loud, enjoying a piece of art or watching a performance is personally rewarding for me. If I can act as a catalyst to help make others have a good time, I get something out of that as well. Does the Downtown Arts District have any programs geared specifically toward students?
“Some of my fondest
There are many organizations within the Downtown Arts District that have children’s programs and special events geared for students. From the History Center to the Public Library, there’s something for everyone.
memories of my early schooling years are from Was there a moment during your education that sparked your initial my art classes...” interest in the arts? - Shanon Larimer That’s an interesting question and one
What drew you to be involved professionally with the arts? Creativity and passion. I am a person that is driven by creativity and I have a strong appreciation for the arts and their intrinsic benefits-their beauty and vision and how they inspire, soothe, provoke, and connect us. I have grown to appreciate the merits of an arts community that embodies wisdom, intellect, and imagination. Name an experience that has inspired you since assuming your position with the Downtown Arts District. Every Third Thursday of the month, we produce a monthly gallery hop downtown featuring dozens of local artists. About a thousand visitors attend each month and it is amazing to see how this event brings people together through a common interest. That kind of shared vision inspires me and reminds me of why it is important to have a strong arts community. What would you deem a significant contribution to the Central Florida artistic community either by you or someone in the area recently?
26
that I haven’t been asked before. The answer is yes! Some of my fondest memories of my early schooling years are from my art classes and I even remember my first art teacher, Mrs. Plank. She encouraged me to be a creative individual and she never forced me to “stay in the lines.” I can say that I’ve always been someone that pushes the envelope and definitely colors outside the lines when it comes to getting the job done. Too often we see the fine arts programs being the first to go in schools when finances are negatively affected by the economy. What would you tell a school to convince them not to remove these programs from the children’s curriculum? Schools serve as fundamental centers of community and, in addition, serve as the major provider of formalized arts instruction for our youth. The arts help children develop core skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The arts encourage divergent thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling students to think both creatively and independently. Therefore, it is critical that the arts maintain their status as a central academic subject within a school district’s educational mission and that they are adequately funded.
Continued on Page 34
27
28
29
30
GET CONNECTED... STAY CONNECTED! Sign up to access the Community Network @
www.BaldwinParkNetwork.com
31
32
33
Continued from Page 26 How long have you lived in Baldwin Park? What attracted you to choose our neighborhood? Four years. The planned community concept attracted me here. It reminded me a bit of the midwest, where I grew up. Before Baldwin Park, I lived the urban Downtown lifestyle. If you could add one thing to Baldwin Park, what would it be and why? I’d add a two-screen movie theater. One screen for classic movies, and one screen for the current blockbuster hits! One of my favorite things to do is dinner and a movie. Where is your favorite artistically expressive place in Baldwin? i.e. a spot on the lake, a restaurant’s art, unique architecture, etc. I love sitting on the pier with a cup of my favorite Coldstone Creamery creation (marshmallow ice cream with graham cracker crust and a drizzle of chocolate) . . . ok, I know that didn’t answer the question, but you can guess where I'm headed after this interview. As for “artistically expressive” . . . I really like the design of Lago. The interior is gorgeous, and sitting outside on the lakefront patio in the company of good friends is picture perfect. If your life had a soundtrack, what music would you include?
34
World Music. Peter Gabriel is a favorite of mine because I find his music to be very inspirational and uplifting. I recently discovered the music of A.R. Rahman after watching Slumdog Millionaire. My favorites are Latika's Theme, which I find elegant and touching, while Jai Ho is upbeat and invigorating. What’s on the horizon for you - personally or professionally? One of my greatest joys is traveling and exploring new places, savoring new cuisines, and meeting new people. I'm rather spontaneous when it comes to traveling, so if I find a good flight, or an incredible deal I can't resist, I’m there . . . even if I can sneak out of town for the weekend. In August, I’ll be hailing Hemingway in Key West with a group of close friends where we’ll be relaxing by day, and enjoying nightlife by night. It’s said that Hemingway created the legendary Papa Doble daiquiri - I’ll be having a few of those as well, I’m sure! Next year I’m off to Europe . . . Belgium with a stay in Paris. C’est magnifique!
Laura Lapointe is a Rollins College graduate who currently works at Schwalb Public Relations and loves living in Baldwin Park with her puppy Emma.
35
“What I Did On My Summer Vacation!”
Iron butt tour:
This summer, Jeffrey Joffe and Hanne Kronborg took a six-week motorcycle adventure - en route to Seattle, Washington, they made stops in stops in Santa Fe, New
Mexico; at the Grand Canyon; the Great Salt Lake in Utah; Lake Tahoe in Nevada; Crater Lake and Eugene, Oregon; and then returned to Baldwin Park via North Carolina.
“Je ne suis pas seulement le bateau!” (I'm not just off the boat!): When hockey
season ends in June, Gary and I (Sharon Green) waste no time heading to the "Off-Seas-On." We try to spend most of the four months from June until September, on the shores of Lake Ontario. Our home port is Wilson Boatyard Marina on the south shore, only about a half hour from Niagara Falls, but with a short 31 mile jaunt across the lake, we can be at our condo in Toronto in a couple of hours. This summer has been a whole new adventure. Leaving Wilson, we travelled to Toronto, onto the Thousand Islands and back to Kingston, where we headed up the Rideau Canal and through 49 locks before reaching Ottawa, Canada's capital city. There we were met by our two daughters, Jenn, who is also a Baldwin Park resident, and Missy, who lives near London, Ontario. From Ottawa, the four of us made our way to Montreal where we are now docked for 10 days in Old Port. It truly felt like we were in Europe. The girls and I found Gary's attempt to converse with French-speaking Canadians quite hilarious--should have paid more attention in French class in high school!
36
Parrots, volcanoes and monkeys, oh my!: My name is Indie (Wolf) and I am 5 years old. On my summer vacation (just before I start kindergarten at Audubon Park Elementary!) I went to Costa Rica with my mom and dad, and my uncle and his family. We went there so I can see and learn more about animals and volcanoes--and I did just that! I love all the monkeys, beautiful parrots, and as you can see here, I even stayed in an authentic Costa-Rican treehouse! We needed this great magazine to read...since our treehouse had no phones or TV! I think everyone should go to Costa Rica...I know we can't wait to go back.
Ask the Health Professional Q: Are there alternative methods to removing excess fat other than liposuction? A: Yes, the LipoLASER™ is a new bodysculpting procedure designed to remove fat and contour the body without invasive surgery. LipoLASER ™, unlike other procedures, helps patients achieve body contouring results without the pain and inconvenience associated with surgery. LipoLASER ™ allows daily activities to continue in comfort.
Q: Is the LipoLAser ™ safe? A: Yes, this procedure is FDA approved.
Q: Is there any pain associated with LipoLASER™? A: Absolutely not. There are no injections or penetration of the skin. LipoLASER™ patients have a spa like experience. A LipoLASER™ treatment is approximately one hour of rest time while the laser moves over the body.
Q: Can LipoLASER™ target specific trouble spots? A: Yes, LipoLASER™ targets the stubborn
and unsightly areas of the body. Double Chin: Roll fat under the neck hanging below the chin. Stubborn Belly Fat: Fat resistant to diet, pregnancy & exercise. Muffin Top: Excess belly fat that puffs out of jeans and shorts. Love Handles: Resistant fat piled up around the waist. Doughnut: Fat that lies around a woman's navel. Wings: Bulge around bra pushing excess fat above and below strap. Saddlebags: Accumulation of stubborn fat on the side of the thighs. Banana Fold: Excess fat below the butt. Chubb: Kneecap fat. Cankles: No distinction between the calf and the ankle.
Q: How does the LipoLaser™ work? A: LipoLASER™ uses low level laser, which is FDA approved to reduce inches. ADVERTORIAL
37
This low level laser allows for emulsification of adipose tissue (fat cells), which releases into the body.The excess fat is then passed through the body during is normal waste system (urine and bowel movement). In clinical studies, patients on average lost three to four inches from their waist, hips, and thighs.
Q: Who is a candidate for LipoLASER™? A: Adults between the ages of 18-75 and in good health are candidates for LipoLASER™. Lose 1 to 3 inches after first treatment…Guaranteed! To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 888-846-4074 or look for us online at
www.beforevertrim.com.
For more information on these businesses, please go to
www.BaldwinParkNetwork.com
Business Directory
and click on Directories in the side menu bar.
VILLAGE CENTER RETAIL
J Martin Black & Associates
Hanover Capital Partners
Amy Ridge Allstate Agency
Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC
Hess & Hess CPAs, P.A.
Artistic Expressions Photography
KRG&G, LLP
Hoskins Quiros Osborne &
Baldwin Bark & Meow Supply
MSCW, Inc.
Baldwin Nails & Day Spa
Post Properties
Human Development - Dr. Mary Travis
Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Company
The Majestic Apartments
Kay Green Design
Bead Bee Boutique & Beaderia
The Rosenthal Law Firm, P.A.
Lake Baldwin Dental - Dr. William Dunn
Best Cleaners
VOA Associates, Inc.
Lamm & Company Partners
BullFish
Websolvers
Marchena & Graham, P.A.
LaBeaume, CPA, LLC
Mark Rash Interiors
Chi Pan Asian Restaurant Cold Stone Creamery
VILLAGE CENTER LIVE/WORK
Colibri
Access LLC
CVS Pharmacy
American Home Companions
Dental Excellence at Baldwin Park Farris & Fosters Famous Chocolate Factory Fitness Together Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries Grouper & More Hair Cuttery Jack’s Steak House Kennedy’s All American Barber Club Ki Marital Arts Academy La Bella Luna Lago Restaurant Loco Motion Lulu Belle Baby Boutique Merrigan’s Boutique My Art Studio New Broad Street Realty Orlando Metro Gymnastics - Coming Soon! Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub Planet Beach Tanning Salon Planet Smoothie Publix Regions Bank
Martin Orthodontics - Dr. Jeff Martin McCorkle Construction Company
American Mortgage Company Ana Ivonne Aviles, CPA, LLC Ahn’s Nails & Skin Care Baldwin Granite - Focus Builders Belle Vie Day Spa & Gifts Blue Fox Services Cameron’s Design Charis Counseling Center Crystal Clear Concepts FRS Planning Associates - Frank Arnall GW Financial Hearing Associates of Central Florida IE Site Designs In Florida Mortgage Interior Talent Inc. Joyce Ducas, PhD Lake Baldwin Church My Stage Dance Studio Pro-Active Family Chiropractic Dr. Luke Peterson Rosa’s Design and Alterations
MSI Design Nishad Kahn P.L. Attorneys & Advisors New York Life Insurance - Larry B. Rash Orlando Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Maubashir Chaudhry Park Avenue Group Park Place Title, Inc. Physician Associates - Dr. Penny Danna Complete Health & Wellness Dr. Chris Brouillette Psychological Services, LLC Dr. Becky Eades Psychotherapy Works, LLC Maria Darcy, Ph. D., ABS R.W. Block Consulting, Inc. Reflections Dermatology Dr. Dimitry Palceski Rey Group SaJune Medical Center SGM Engineering, Inc. Smart Start Learning Center State Farm Agents Jim Ackerman & John Psomas
Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk
Sweet Glides Segway Tours of Florida
Subway
Solodev Internet Software
Therapeutic Hands of Steele
SunTrust Bank
The Home Mag
Wade P. Luther P.A. Law Firm
Seito Japanese Restaurant
WomenCare - Dr. Brenda M. Barry
Tiny Toes Children’s Shoes Trish’s Teas
NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE
Uptown Park Wine Bar
AdepTech, Inc.
OTHER COMMERCIAL
Victoria Jewelers
Animal Hospital at Baldwin Park
Cuhaci & Peterson Architects
VIBE Center for Performing Arts
Architects in Partnership
Fairwinds Credit Union
Weight Watchers
Beattie Family Orthodontics
Florida Institute of Technology
WineStyles Wine Bar & Market
Bird Eye Institute - Dr. Eugenio Bird
Nature’s Table
Brown Cooper Architects
North Park Baptist Church
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Specialists -
St. Paul Travelers
VILLAGE CENTER OFFICE Centerline Homes
Dr. Victor McNamara
Commerce Financial Group
Dyer, Riddle, Mills & Precourt, Inc.
(Baldwin Park Merchant Association
Executive OfficeSuites of Baldwin Park
Florida Retina and Vitreous Center
members are noted in bold.)
38
Featured Club: The Baldwin Park Aviation Club
39
1913 Meeting Place Orlando, Florida 32814
PRST STD U S POSTAGE PAID ORLANDO, FL PERMIT # 544