Baldwin Park Living January 2020 by Orange Observer

BALDWIN PARK

LIVING JANUARY 2020

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | DECEMBER 2019

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

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Happy New Year! 2020 is going to be wonderful! I am so thankful for the past but I can’t wait for the future! I look forward to serving new and past clients, family, friends, colleagues and of course my Baldwin Park neighbors! Please call me to to discuss any of your real estate needs. Call Me f or

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

CONTENTS

JANUARY 2020

FEATURES

16 DEPARTMENTS 8 BALDWIN PARK NOTEBOOK Read about recent decisions made by community leaders. 12 WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN Denny O’Neil wishes Baldwin Parkers a happy new year. 22 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Looking for something fun in Baldwin Park? Find it here. 24 DREAMING OF DANCE Frankie Muller played Clara in the Orlando Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

MINDS IN MOTION STEM clubs allow Baldwin Park Elementary students to explore technology.

26 AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Use these tips and tricks for better front-porch living this year. 28 GROUPS & GATHERINGS Looking to connect? Find your perfect group here. 30 KEEPING IT REAL ESTATE What’s in store for the real-estate market in Orlando in 2020? 32 WHAT’S SELLING See two homes that sold recently in Baldwin Park. 34 PARK PICS Between Light Up Baldwin Park and Winter Spark, community festivities were merry and bright.

38 FROM THE COVER

Baldwin Park Elementary’s Art After Dark event exposed students to new forms of art.

BALDWIN PARK

LIVING JANUARY 2020

Editor and Publisher — Michael Eng

EDITORIAL Managing Editor — Tim Freed Design Editor — Jessica Eng Associate Editor — Danielle Hendrix Contributors Denny O’Neil Christina Rordam Becca Schmidt

Unrivaled service. Personal attention.

Happy New Year

ADVERTISING Advertising Executive — Terri Hope

PRODUCTION Creative Services Lindsay Cannizzaro

CONTACT To submit story ideas, calendar listings or have your event considered for coverage, contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

Baldwin Park Living is a monthly publication of the Observer Media Group published in partnership with the Baldwin Park Joint Committee Inc.

JANICE COX 407.990.5885 Janice.Cox@PremierSIR.com JaniceCox.PremierSothebysRealty.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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For advertising inquiries, call (407) 656-2121.

Baldwin Park notebook ROA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING BY STACEY FRYREAR

The following information is a glimpse of the ROA’s general updates for the month. A copy of the official November meeting minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com. n The board approved a threeyear contract with BrightView Landscape Maintenance beginning in 2020 for its parks and facility center spaces. n The board approved plant fillins at Bailey Square. n The ARC denied the application to replace the azaleas at Parkland Quadrangle with firebush and variegated arboricola. The ARC did approve replacing the azaleas with white plumbago. The board approved this action during its November meeting with a cost savings from the original approved plan.

n The board approved new strength equipment for the fitness centers. Delivery is anticipated in late January to early February. n The board approved not renewing the preventative maintenance contract for the fitness equipment for 2020 as the new equipment is under warranty. It will be revisited for 2021. n The board adjourned the temporarily adjourned annual membership as too few proxies were obtained (need 606, received 523) to pass the proposed amendment to the bylaws.

UPDATES

n Pools. Contracts for the pool resurfacing work have been sent to the contractor for execution. Work is anticipated to start sometime in January. n Wi-Fi for fitness equipment. Staff reached out to Spectrum about eliminating the cable boxes connected to the cardio equipment. Because Spectrum requires a cable box for service,

BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.

start interior improvements to their office spaces located at 4750 and 4798 New Broad St. in January.

VILLAGE CENTER UPDATES n The Publix mural on the side of 1501 Meeting Place is in the process of restoration to bring the weathered artwork back to life.

n BrightView has repaired the irrigation leak in the parking lot behind the SunTrust building, and plant replacements around the oak tree in the planter are pending installation.

BY ANTHONY MADDOX

n The Village at Baldwin Park will be conducting landscape upgrades throughout various locations on the property. They also hope to take advantage of Florida’s typically dry winters to start repainting in January. n Rogers, Lovelock & Fritz Inc. and Stantec are planning to

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT UPDATES n Martin Orthodontics is preparing to replace the roofing to its office space, located at 863 Outer Road. The current roofing is being replaced with the same terracotta Juno Blend to uphold the Mediterranean architectural design of the building.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

there is no way to eliminate the boxes. The boxes could be moved to a closet, but the cords would have to be run under the flooring to the machines. Other fitness centers have the same setup on their equipment with TVs. n Dog park. Staff reached out to the declarant to see if they would allow a dog park on ROA property. An update will be provided in the future. n Projector and conference phone. Staff is in the process of obtaining cost for a Wi-Fi-capable projector. A proposal will be provided at a future meeting. n Covenants position. There is an open position and staff is in the process of interviewing. In the interim, the duties will be handled by the community association manager. n Floor replacement. The carpet flooring in the offices at Grace Hopper Hall was replaced with vinyl over the Thanksgiving holiday.

GENERAL UPDATES n BrightView’s irrigation techs found several lateral line breaks over the last few weeks in both the Village Center and Neighborhood Business District. Each of these breaks is a result of oak tree roots growing into the pipes, causing them to bend to the point of breaking. This is a common occurrence with established oak trees and will most likely continue as time goes on. As BrightView repairs these breaks, it will reroute the lines as far away from the roots as possible. n Landscape replacements occur monthly in both the Village Center and the Neighborhood Business District, as well as leaf removal.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS Happy New Year! Don’t forget to take down your holiday decorations.

n BrightView updates. All sod has been fertilized and treated for weeds. Corrine Commons flowers were replaced, and damaged Bermuda was replaced at no cost because of mole crickets in Corrine Commons. BrightView installed the approved replacement sod at Union Park near the playground and Fox Mews and replaced the filter cartridge at Union Park with another type to improve flow of water. This change to the filter was at no additional cost to the Association. n Recycling. Additional bins for pools have been delivered and are in place. An application for recycling bins at various parks was submitted to the ARC for review on Nov. 25. The bins were denied as the ARC wants the bins to match the existing fixtures in the park.

n Parking lot light replacements occur monthly in both the Village Center and the Neighborhood Business District. n Architectural Review Committee meetings take place twice a month on Tuesday for application reviews regarding commercial changes to exterior structures (roofing replacements and painting), landscaping and signage. All corresponding applications can be located on the Baldwin Park Network under Commercial Owners Association and Commercial Architectural Review Committee. Feel free to submit your Architectural Review forms to AMaddox@BaldwinParkPOA.com.

Find your way to savings. BY MELISSA PARKER

The following information is a glimpse of the business that the Townhome Service Area Committee addressed in the Nov. 13 meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com. The TSAC approved the 2020 preventative maintenance contracts with DRS Inc. A schedule of which areas will be serviced will be available after Jan. 1. UPDATES n BrightView has completed irrigation inspections in the City Home 1, Issa 22 and Issa 28 service areas. n Fertilizer has been applied to all turf and plant materials throughout the service areas. n Any new turf that was installed in November has been treated with a preventative fungicide. n Weed, insect and disease control is ongoing throughout landscaping in all of the service areas. n BrightView’s enhancement crews worked in the Cambridge, City Home 4, City Home 2, Mattamy and the Live Work service areas throughout the remainder of 2019.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOUSE OWNERS n The sidewalks, streets and curbs are owned by the city of Orlando. The city will not clean the sidewalks, but it will repair any possible trip hazards. You can report trip hazards, pot holes, broken curbs, etc., to the city by a link on the Baldwin Park Services App or visit orlando. gov/Report-a-Problem. n Lead walks (sidewalks that lead from the city sidewalk to the front door of a townhouse) are the responsibility of the service area to maintain. If you find a problem with a lead walk, you can report the issue on the Baldwin Park Services App. The sidewalks are cleaned during the preventative maintenance and possibly more often depending on the service area’s budget and needs. If you need a lead walk looked at for possible maintenance, please make that report through the Baldwin Park Services App.

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n BrightView will be replacing all of the Japanese boxwoods in City Home 1 with dwarf podocarps. The majority of the boxwoods in this area have been slowly dying from nematodes, which is a pest that cannot be treated. The dwarf podocarps are hardy plants with few pest issues.

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TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

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WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN!

Happy New Year, Baldwin Park! A

DENNY O’NEIL FORMER BALDWIN PARK RESIDENTIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

s we look forward to another great year, I’m going to eventually get to some information for your edification and enlightenment. Who used to say that, “edification and enlightenment?” I don’t remember, but I heard it a lot. Googled it. No help. College professor? Comedian? Army drill sergeant? I don’t know. Speaking of drill sergeants, I had a lot of them as a new Army trainee at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The Advanced Individual Training company that I was in at Fort Dix had a drill sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Nixon, who was the field first (think the guy that kept the trains running on time, the operations manager for the company, the senior sergeant who was over the rest of the company sergeants with the exception of the company first sergeant). One of his many duties was to hold the company formations each day. Virtually every training company event started with a formation. Every trainee and drill sergeant had an assigned position in the formation. Nixon spoke in a very distinctive way, so everyone noticed how he spoke. My company trainees consisted of about 75% Army National Guard trainees from Pennsylvania — not my part of Pennsylvania — and 25% Officer Candidate School-bound trainees, including me, from all over the United States. The ANG soldiers never let the rest of us forget that when we graduated from AIT, they were going home and the rest of us were headed to Vietnam. (It was the late fall and early winter of 1968-69.) Most, if not all, OCS-bound trainees were volunteers, so we knew we were headed there. No big deal. And there was a lot of joking about it. As we neared graduation, it became the norm for unknown

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

trainees in the company formation to imitate Nixon right after he called the company to attention. He would give the preliminary command, “Company,” followed by the command of execution, “Attenhut.” (Non-commissioned officers would say “Attenhut,” and commissioned officers would say “Attention.”) After the trainees snapped to attention, some unknown trainee in the formation repeated that command exactly the same way. At this early stage, trainees in the formation chuckled. SFC Nixon asked who said that. No one answered. Then all the trainees got to do 10 or 20 pushups, courtesy of Nixon. (Note: Imitating any sergeant in charge was not normal behavior by trainees; doing a bunch of pushups for instilling correction of attitude was.) As we got closer to graduation, more trainees repeated “Company, Attenhut” right after Nixon did so, and laughing came forth, followed by pushups. Later still, virtually all 200-plus trainees in the company repeated it after Nixon, although not all at the same time. It went on for about 20 seconds, followed by laughing. By that time, graduation was just around the corner. All the other company drill sergeants laughed, also. Even Nixon started laughing. Each trainee pretty much had the imitation down. Following graduation, the ANG soldiers went home; we OCSbound soldiers went to Fort Benning, Georgia, for Infantry OCS, and then most of us who graduated from OCS went to Vietnam. As promised, information for your entertainment and enlightenment.

ROA UPDATE

And now, for something completely different (from “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”). What

follows is an update on some of the efforts of the Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association Board of Directors relative to ROA-owned properties. Maintenance, such as replacing landscaping in the parks and around the facility centers, is always going on. Larger, more specialized jobs are planned and executed. For example, during the past two years, the interiors and exteriors of Grace Hopper Hall and the Enders Facility Center were painted; the pool heater for Grace Hopper pool was replaced; the existing cameras at all facility centers/pools were replaced and new cameras added; the Grace Hopper roof copula was rebuilt; the High Park Pool Playground was expanded and the equipment replaced; the gathering room chairs at Grace Hopper Hall and Enders Facility Center were replaced; the air conditioning unit at the Enders fitness center was replaced; and the pool furniture at High Park Pool was replaced. Additionally, the board contracted Becca Schmidt to perform duties as the ROA lifestyle director. Schmidt has put many new gatherings/clubs together for residents to enjoy. A lot of you have probably met her in this process. If not, you should contact her if you have any new ideas for resident activities. Her email is lifestyledirector@baldwinparkpoa.com. In the 2020 ROA budget, the board included funding to resurface all three ROA pools (including the kiddie pools), paint the pool fencing at the Grace Hopper Hall and Enders Facility Center pools, replace the cardio and strength equipment in both Fitness Centers, and replace landscaping and some trees in the ROA parks.

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The Stop-Motion Filming Club, pictured with instructors Jamie Weiss and Jessica Krell, spent six sessions learning about the art of storyboards and filming techniques.

Doing the

ROBOT

Baldwin Park Elementary students are learning coding, robotics, stop-motion filming and more through after-school STEM clubs. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

or an hour after school, there were Legos, ring lights and construction paper all over the floor of Baldwin Park Elementary’s STEM lab. About 20 children, many armed with iPads, surrounded the pieces and props as they laid out the

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storyboards they were working on. Within each group of two to four, one child was taking pictures of the scene at hand as the others were tasked with moving the pieces. Their energy mirrored their excitement as the room was filled with chatter and brainstorming. Little by little, the elementary students pieced together the masterpieces they were working on —

a short, stop-motion film. The Stop-Motion Filming Club is part of BPES’ STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) extracurricular sessions, and it’s a hot commodity among students. It’s also the second of a series of after-school, STEM-related clubs that the department has hosted this school year. This is the second year that BPES has had its STEM lab, and while the program’s instructors still are building its foundation with help from the school’s Bobcat Fund, its rapport with the students has taken off rapidly.

LAB HAPPENINGS

The school’s Bobcat Fund, established in 2009, allows parents and local businesses to donate to and raise funds for school improvements. Last fall, it was able to write a $60,000 check to make the STEM lab a reality. This year, the fund has put in another $30,000. That lab includes a 3D printer, iPads, laptops, coding robots, cirContinued on page 18

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turns. The challenges might seem daunting for the non-tech savvy, but for the children, it was an opportunity to keep trying until they succeeded. “In middle and high school, you have those things — film club, robotics club, woodworking,” Krell says. “It’s nice that these kids at such a young age have it here, because they learn so fast. It’s insane how fast they pick it up. When they’re young like this, if they get it wrong, they’re just like, ‘OK, what do I do, how do I fix it?’ It’s nice to see them just keep going, not getting frustrated with it.” Danielle Hendrix

Students in the Stop-Motion Filming Club painstakingly positioned and repositioned Lego pieces, manned their cameras and adjusted lighting for their short films.

“

Every new piece of equipment we get, if we see a potential for an after-school class, we’re going to jump on it. We just keep creating and people show up.”

— JAMES WEISS

Continued from page 16 cuit boards, virtual-reality headsets, drones and much more. “We have Spheros, which are codable robots,” STEM lab instructor Jessica Krell says. “We have more snap circuits, all the way down to first-grade level now. We have one for almost every grade level. … They’ve added more Oculus VR headsets, we have Bloxels and we also have Osmos, which are code-able iPad pieces. “(The Bobcat Fund) did buy more stop-motion filming pieces for me — I asked for more sets and ring lights, and they got a lot of furniture for me,” she says. “This whole room wouldn’t be possible without the Bobcat Fund. The kids enjoy every minute, and then we want to keep expanding and learning new things.” With a lab of this caliber, the possibilities are endless. That’s why Krell and Jamie Weiss — the school’s curriculum compliance specialist — have worked to create curricula for multiple STEM clubs focusing on various topics, from coding to robotics and more. In fact, one of the first fall clubs this year involved Lego Mindstorms, high-tech robots meant to teach coding. They specially coded the robots and racers to navigate through mazes and race tracks. That involved learning how to code loops, forward motions, stops and

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

FILM FINESSE

Late last year, the children were in their fifth session of stop-motion filming and nearing completion. “We started out with leaning what a story board is and how filming comes together,” Krell says. “Most of them are doing brick film, which is Lego-based filming. It’s like the Lego movie and those really cool films that are out there. It’s basically really small motions, where they’re taking individual pictures and it becomes film by frame per second. “Since we’ve been here, they’ve been producing and creating, and we’ve had one group that has already done their film and wanted to make another one,” she says. “This is our second year for this STEM lab, so we’re still kind of building on ourselves, too, to make sure we have the foundation we need.” After the last session of the fall Stop-Motion Filming Club, the students got to watch each other’s short films and talk about the pros and cons of the things they learned. Discussions ranged from what they could have done better or differently, as well as what worked and went well. Additionally, the students got to share their creations with the school — their short films were taken off the iPads and played on the TV throughout the school. The students’ enthusiasm for the topics they get to learn about in each STEM club rotation is the main reason why Krell and Weiss continue to offer and build upon them. And while the students are learning in each session, Weiss

describes it as organized play and creation. “This is very removed from school,” Weiss says. “This is not something they’d do in school with this type of freedom. They would do this in school, but there wouldn’t be the flexibility and time; it wouldn’t be kids who all have the same interest who all are going to want to work together to create the same project. It’s not a structured classroom where we’re delivering instruction and quizzing. We explain and teach the first day, and then it’s on them. They take off; we’re here kind of on a consult (basis).” Krell said she and Weiss try to cover different subjects within the clubs to touch on different interests and realms of technology. And even though STEM careers and extracurriculars have traditionally been male dominated, more girls are involved in the clubs this year than last. “STEM has not been a really female-dominated subject, and we’re getting a lot of girls, which is nice,” Weiss says. “The last class when we did the Lego robots, it was almost half girls. … It’s nice to see that there’s an interest from both genders, not just the guys.” Krell and Weiss also have hosted two Robotics Club sessions and will do another in the spring. The popularity of each STEM-related club can’t be denied, either — the club capacities fill up within a week. “That’s the reason why we’ve done so many — they’re wanting to learn, so you want to keep that going,” she says. “You want that interest to keep festering, you want that excitement, especially taking that creativity and applying it without realizing that they’re learning a serious skill. … We have so much in this lab that has been donated that I want the kids to be able to experience as much as possible from what (the Bobcat Fund) has given us.” “Every new piece of equipment we get, if we see a potential for an after-school class, we’re going to jump on it,” Weiss says. “We just keep creating and people show up.”

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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Community calendar JAN. 1 PILATES FUSION 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Enders Park Gathering Room. Pilates Method Alliance-certified Baldwin Park resident Adriana Duarte Pontual is offering something new for Baldwin Park residents — a fusion of Pilates, yoga and ballet to work the body, mind and spirit and help build strength, increase flexibility and improve balance and coordination. Beginners are welcome. Take a mat. If you are interested in signing up for stretching classes, contact Adriana directly at adriana.tmrj@ gmail.com.

JAN. 3 FRIDAY MORNING YOGA 8:30 a.m. Fridays, in the upstairs gathering room at Grace Hopper Hall. Focus on strength, balance, stability and endurance. This 50-minute class is for yoga enthusiasts of all fitness levels. Instructor Becca Schmidt has more than 15 years of teaching experience teaching group classes, workshops and private sessions. Classes are $7. Go to bluemoon.yoga or text (407) 276-3478 to reserve a spot in class. FIRST FRIDAY FESTIVAL 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Baldwin Park Village Center. First Friday is a monthly event where patrons can shop, stroll and sip their way through Baldwin Park’s beautiful Village Center. With live music, free samples, food and drink specials (plus much more), there’s something for everyone at First Fridays. The festival also features local artists, many Central Florida-based small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with products and services ranging from health and fitness to beauty and

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

fashion. This free monthly event is open to the public and is both family- and pet-friendly. For more information on the First Friday series, please visit baldwinparkevents.com

JAN. 4 DATE NIGHT AT FARRIS AND FOSTER’S Choose from a 7 or 9 p.m. time slot weekly. This event is for couples and includes making and taking home one pound of handmade creations. Cost is $34 per couple plus tax. Reservations required; limited to 12 couples. Call (407) 770-1607 for space availability. This is a BYOB-available event.

JAN. 22

TASTE OF BALDWIN PARK 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Baldwin Park Village Center. Taste of Baldwin Park makes an amazing, fun night out with friends, a date night or girls’ night happening in beautiful downtown Baldwin Park. All tickets include all-inclusive unlimited food and drink from 35 top vendors plus live music. This event benefits Caring By Sharing United. Tickets start at $37. For tickets and more information, visit bit.ly/357pRfS or email events@bebestevent. com.

JAN. 7 FAMILY NIGHT AT FARRIS AND FOSTER’S Choose from a 5 or 7 p.m. time slot weekly. This event allows groups of up to four people to make and share one pound of handmade creations to take home. Cost is $34 per group (max of four people) plus tax. For families with more than four people, add $5 extra per person to share the initial pound. Reservations highly suggested. Call (407) 7701607 for more information.

JAN. 8 THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE PARKS Meets from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The Rotary Club of the Parks is a diverse group of working professionals and neighbors that like to have fun while doing good in their community and the world. Visitors and guests are welcome. For more information and the current meeting location, email RotaryClubOfTheParks@ gmail.com or visit our Facebook page for the latest events at facebook.com/RotaryClubOfTheParksOrlando.

BALDWIN PARK KIDS CLUB NEW MEMBER EVENT This event is slated to start at 9:30 a.m. and is through the Baldwin Park Kids Club. For more information, visit meetup. com/Baldwin-Park-Kids-Club. JAN. 14 AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION LUNG CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the American Lung Association’s Baldwin Park office, 851 Outer Road, Orlando. Those who are affected by lung cancer can come together; support topics range from educational to inspiring. Dinner is available. For more, call (407) 425-5864 or email central@lungfla.org. JAN. 16 TSAC MEETING Meets at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Hopper Hall. Members should look for updated scheduling information in the weekly Wednesday resident updates. JAN. 20 CHASING THE DREAM 5K — MLK DAY CELEBRATION 7:45 a.m. at Blue Jacket Park. Chasing the Dream 5K is an opportunity to support equality, unite the Orlando community and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The race includes chip timing and age group awards. All participants will receive a shirt, medal and race packet. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Urban League of Central Florida, which works to help members of our community gain social

and economic equality. There also will be a Zumba warmup, music, great vendors and free raffle for all runners. Enjoy this fast and flat USATF certified course route at a beautiful park. You can do even more to help your community on MLK Day by volunteering with the Urban League of Central Florida or another charitable organization after the race. Let’s keep chasing Dr. King’s dream by actively working to improve our community. JAN. 28 BALDWIN PARK ELEMENTARY PARENT PREVIEW NIGHT 6 to 8 p.m. at Baldwin Park Elementary. Welcome to your neighborhood school! Whether you have an incoming kindergartner or a new first- through fifth-grader, the BPES PTA invites you to hear from the principal what makes BPES special, meet current parents and fellow new parents, and take a tour of campus. For more information, email BaldwinParkPTA@gmail.com or visit baldwinparkpta.org. ROA BOARD MEETING Meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Grace Hopper Hall. All members of the ROA can attend the meetings. During this meeting, the board will vote on budget adoption.

shop, dine, unwind & live in style! Enjoy specialty stores, delicious restaurants, luxurious salons, the latest movies, convenient grocery store, lifestyle apartment homes, or sit by a sparkling fountain and watch the world go by. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination. ShopWinterParkVillage.net 407.571.2700 BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

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JAN. 9 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Grace Hopper Hall, Gathering Room 1913.

STAR OF THE SHOW DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

or some bright-eyed, 7-year-old ballerinas, the coveted role of Clara in “The Nutcracker” is one of which they dream for years. That dream came true in September for 14-year-old Frankie Muller, an eighth-grader at Glenridge Middle — but it didn’t come without years of blood, sweat and tears. The Baldwin Park resident has been a student at the Orlando Ballet School since she was 7 years old and now is part of its pre-professional division. And now, after years of training at the school and participating in Orlando Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” she performed as Clara for the first time.

CHASING DANCE DREAMS

Frankie wasn’t always a dancer. Although she did mommy-and-me ballet classes as a toddler, it was gymnastics that captured her attention in the beginning. “I did gymnastics at first, and my best event in gym was floor, and on floor your dance in your routine,” she says. “I decided that I wanted to stop doing gymnastics but I didn’t want to stop doing floor, so I decided that dance would be the best option because it’s almost the same — or at least I thought it was almost the same. That’s why I decided to start ballet.” Even then, ballet didn’t resonate with Frankie. For the first couple of years, she said, she found it boring. But she kept at it, and by the time she was 9 or 10 years old, it became

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

Although the holidays are over now, 14-year-old Baldwin Park resident Frankie Muller danced through them as Clara in Orlando Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker.’

her favorite activity. “I saw more of the light at the end of the tunnel there,” she says. “I set more goals for myself, and I really started to work hard and could see the work starting to pay off, which really made a big difference.” The most rewarding part of it, she says, is the unmatched feeling of being on stage and performing in front of an audience. Forget stage fright, too — Frankie loves being able to step on stage and do what she does best. “The thing that I love most about it, I think, is definitely performing, just that feeling of going on stage and letting everything go,” she says. “I love performing for an audience. I especially love being able to hear their reactions — whether it’s laughing or a gasp or if something funny or crazy happens on stage.” But with the exhilaration of performing comes hours of hard work. As a student in OBS’ pre-professional division, Frankie takes classes and dances for at least three hours daily. “It’s definitely very time-consuming,” she says. “You’re in classes every single day, and you’re usually in rehearsals. There’s not much time for things like birthday parties or extra social things, because you’re constantly focused on ballet and ballet only, which can be a good thing and a bad thing. A lot of people usually do virtual school or homeschool, but for me personally, it was just easier to stay in public school so I could have those two separate worlds where I could have a social life and then also a dance life.” With dance classes six days a week — seven days a week during “The Nutcracker” season — time is a precious commodity. Frankie goes to school every day but leaves early, because dance starts before school ends. She goes straight from school to dance, often doing her hair and getting ready in the car on the way over, and always stretches before class to ensure she is warmed up and less likely to suffer an injury. Ballet classes are daily, and sometimes an extracurricular class — such as jazz or hip hop — is thrown in the mix. After dance, Frankie goes home, completes all homework and gets some sleep. On weekdays, Frankie is at dance for three to four hours.

On Saturdays, it could be as long as eight. Balancing school and dance is tough, she said, but organization and time management is key to being successful at it. “The best way to manage that — and the way that I manage it — is I use every single bit of time I have that I’m not in dance for things like homework,” she says. “I just think that when it comes to dance, you can’t procrastinate. You have to get it done, because if you don’t get it done ahead of time, you’re going to keep getting distracted and you just have to be very, very organized.”

HARD WORK PAYS OFF

At the Orlando Ballet, “The Nutcracker” season is the busiest of the year. Auditions and casting begins in September, and after the dancers get their roles, it’s full-steam ahead for the holiday season. “It’s exhausting, but it’s also one of my favorite parts of doing ballet, just because it’s almost a professional experience because not only are you performing with the company — all the professional dancers — but you also get to perform for a big, live audience at the Dr. Phillips Center (for the Performing Arts), which makes it even cooler,” she says. Frankie has been part of “The Nutcracker” for years, but it was only in 2018 that she got to audition for the role of Clara. She received the role of the Clara understudy, in which she learned the role to be able to act as a replacement on short notice. This year, though, she was chosen

as one of four Claras. Because the Orlando Ballet puts on 22 performances of “The Nutcracker” and each dancer also has other parts, the four rotate their performances as Clara. “I’ve been wanting to do this so bad; this was always kind of my goal and the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for me pretty much since I started,” she says. ‘When I found out, I was sitting in one of my classes at school, and I knew that the emails were going out, and every once in a while I’d check my phone … I texted my mom really quick and I said, ‘Did you get the email?’ She sent me a picture of it and it said (I got) Clara, and I was just so overjoyed and shocked.” Although the artistry in “The Nutcracker” looks dreamy, Frankie said ballet is not necessarily all about pretty tutus and smiles. “Even though that’s what we do on stage, there’s a lot of hard work and blood, sweat and tears that goes into it,” she says. “Things like our shoes, how we have to stand on our toes. It looks pretty, but it can hurt really bad, and you have to dance through it and you have to keep going.” Through numerous rehearsals, Frankie mastered the role of Clara. But it didn’t become real to her until the dress rehearsals in the theater. “To the audience, it seems very simple, but it’s easily one of the hardest roles I’ve ever done,” Frankie says. “(Clara is) a very happy, joyful character. ... It’s so surreal, just getting to dance on the stage, it doesn’t feel real.”

Photos courtesy of Orlando Ballet

Frankie Muller took part in numerous rehearsals to master the role of Clara before the show officially opened in mid-December.

“

…it’s easily one of the hardest roles I’ve ever done. (Clara is) a very happy, joyful character — she’s a little girl at Christmas, she’s pretty relatable. It’s so surreal, just getting to dance on the stage, it doesn’t feel real.” — FRANKIE MULLER

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Front-porch living offers space for reflection, connection I

BECCA SCHMIDT BALDWIN PARK LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR

Lifestyle Director Becca Schmidt has lived in Baldwin Park since 2005 and has the pulse on neighborhood social gatherings. Check out the Groups and Gatherings section of baldwinpark.net for a list of Baldwin Parkbased groups. Contact Becca at lifestyledirector@baldwinparkpoa. com if you’d like to start a new group or have questions about how you can meet your neighbors.

remember the first time I sat in the big, white rocking chair on the front porch of the blue Victorian David Weekly model home on Anson. It was 2004, and we were just starting our home search in Orlando. From that quintessential vantage point, it didn’t take me long to feel the magic of this neighborhood and visualize the many years I would spend in a chair like this, a home like this, on a front porch like this. Fast-forward 15 years. I still enjoy front-porch living nearly every day in our own blue Victorian house of the exact same model, different street. Baldwin Park was built for front-porch living. The single-family homes — many adorned with rocking chairs, porch swings and bistro tables — offer a perfect mini getaway from our busy lives. My husband and I often sit on our front porch to talk about our day and reconnect. Of course, many Baldwin Park residents who live in townhomes or apartments have smaller spaces — patios or balconies that serve as porch space. But we all have some kind of outdoor space we can use for reflection or connection, even if we have to get a little creative. In the new year, make plans to enjoy Orlando’s beautiful weather outside your home. Here are a few ideas for making your space perfect for front-porch living: n Consider how you want to use your space and furnish it accordingly. My favorite front-porch activities are reading and birdwatching. I have a big, comfortable wicker chair with a footstool, and a side table for my coffee cup.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

n Consider other comfortable seating, like a loveseat with outdoor fabric that matches your house, a bistro table for two or Adirondack chairs. If you have young children, include kidsized Adirondack chairs that match yours.

als that you can move around. Front porches allow you to break the “design rule of three,” especially if your potted plants will flank the front door. For a patio space, use taller plants to create a sanctuary, grow herbs or tomatoes, and remember to include plants for the butterflies!

n Before you install your new design, make time to clean your porch. Start the new year by taking everything off your porch, clean it thoroughly and put back only the pieces you love. Replace worn cushions, buy seasonal toss pillows and paint the wicker.

n Bird feeders, wind chimes and small water features can transform your space from “blah” to “ah” because they add the layer of sound and energy. (Check with your neighbors before installing a loud wind chime.) My neighbors love the soothing sounds of our wind chime, but they may be the exception.

n A porch swing can offer memorable moments of cuddling with the kids or with your sweetie. If your house doesn’t have the proper support beams to hold the weight of a swing, buy (or make) a glider swing that moves back and forth on a base. n Consider the bright Florida sun in your new design. If your space faces east, then your best time of day will likely be in the afternoon, out of the direct sunlight. An east-facing porch is perfect for afternoon reflection and a glass of iced tea. A west-facing porch is lovely for morning use. For evening enjoyment, add miniature lights to give your patio nighttime sparkle. n Enhance your space with plants. If you can keep potted plants alive, buy flowering annu-

n Finally, get some expert advice! Our Jan. 26 Meet & Mingle speaker is America’s favorite home designer, author, blogger and newspaper columnist, Marni Jameson Carey! She’ll share hilarious stories of designing over the years and talk about her newest book. And, as a special surprise, the first 25 families who attend the event will take home a signed copy of one of her books. The event, which also includes hors d’oeuvres, is free for Baldwin Park residents, but a reservation is absolutely required. Call me at (407) 808-9601 and reserve your space. And, while we’re on the phone, tell me what kinds of public speakers you want to hear in the new year. Cheers to front-porch living!

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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

JANUARY MEET & MINGLE

Groups & gatherings

Connect with like-minded neighbors. Choose from dozens of activities every month. For a complete list of groups, visit baldwinparknetwork.com. BALDWIN PARK JAM SESSIONS Play an electric or acoustic instrument? Get together once a month with other Baldwin Park musicians and play until your heart’s content. All ages, life stages and music backgrounds are encouraged to jump in and jam. For the date, time and location of the January jam, contact Fred at backesf@bellsouth.net. BALDWIN PARK ART Baldwin Park’s art club is a mixture of art classes, studio tours and gallery openings for art lovers. This club is open to everyone. Contact Pat at plremingt@gmail. com. BALDWIN PARK KIDS CLUB Activities for children ages up to 5 years old. Parents and kids enjoy a variety of casual get-togethers, including story time, play dates, park picnics, moms nights out and more. Contact Piper at bpkidsclub1@gmail.com.

COOKING AROUND THE WORLD Learn the artful craft of cooking ethnic foods and much more! Every class features edible, hands-on demonstrations. Meetings are limited to 12 people because of kitchen sizes. Contact Dianne at dianne. brownmorin@gmail.com. CRUISE AND TRAVEL Hear guest speakers, share travel tips and plan group travel in this popular Baldwin Park group. Contact Kathleen at kmpeters2009@ gmail.com. ETHNIC FOOD ENTHUSIASTS Craving global cuisine? Explore an exceptional epicurean eatery every month. Experience a chef talk or food flights and bites at unique local restaurants. Singles and residents new to the area are encouraged to jump in with this friendly group to enjoy incredible food and conversation. Contact Shannon at sfaith14@gmail. com. MAHJONG Ready, set, play Mahjong. Mahjong is a tile-based game played by four people at a time. New players at all levels are welcome. Contact Christopher at cfc106@gmail.com.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

NIFTY FIFTIES PLUS Socials for active couples and singles, age 50 and up, meet several times a month for a variety of social activities including a women’s coffee, happy hour, luncheons, parties and more. Contact niftyfiftiesplus@gmail. com. Meet and mingle with America’s favorite lifestyle columnist, Marni Jameson Carey. Join us Sunday, Jan. 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Enders Gathering Room for a presentation exclusively for Baldwin Park residents. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beverages and a lively presentation about home and hearth. Jameson Carey writes a weekly column for two dozen newspapers throughout the country, including the Orlando Sentinel. She also has written five lifestyle books and will be sharing an array of humorous stories from her books and articles. Bonus — the first 25 people to register and attend the Jan. 26 event will receive a copy of one of her books. A short book signing will follow the presentation. Book your seats at this special Meet & Mingle presentation by Jan. 20 by calling (407) 808-9601 or emailing lifestyledirector@baldwinparkpoa.com.

MIGHTY MOMS STROLLER WALKS The mission of this group is to get Baldwin Park moms together doing something good for themselves while building friendships. The group meets at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for walks around the neighborhood. Children must be willing to sit in a stroller or be worn for the duration of the walk. Contact Dana at dana@drobinfitness.com.

NOVEMBER PROJECT Unlike the name, this group meets all year round. Run, squat, plank and laugh while you work out with this all-levels fitness group. Meets at 6:29 a.m. Wednesdays at Harbor Park. Contact Dyani at novemberprojectorlando@gmail.com. PICKUP BASKETBALL Basketball enthusiasts meet at Blue Jacket Park basketball courts at 8:15 a.m. Saturdays for five-on-five play. Contact Rick at rickschreiber2@gmail. com. PICKLEBALL GAMES Grab your paddle and whiffle ball for a friendly game of pickleball. Beginners are welcome! Find out about the next game. Contact Craig at cgile@cfl. rr.com. WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? A novice tennis group has just formed and is seeking new players of all ages and life stages. Amateurs are invited to come out to the tennis courts at Glenridge Middle School to practice hitting, serving and volleying for exercise. Players with just a little experience (and a tennis racquet) come together to enjoy the sport without competition. Tennis balls are provided. Contact Becca at lifestyledirector@ baldwinparkpoa.com.

All book clubs listed below welcome new members! Find the day of the week and type of book that best suits you. Book Clubs meet once a month at a member’s home. n BOOK BUDS This fiction book club welcomes new members. This group meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month at various members’ homes. To find out the January book selection and location for this month’s gathering, contact Audean at audean63@gmail.com. n HOOKED ON BOOKS This club just launched last month and is welcoming new members who love fiction. They meet on Mondays at various members’ homes. For January’s book selection and location for their gathering, contact Melissa at melissajay522@gmail.com. n REAL DEAL NON-FICTION BOOK CLUB This new book group reads and discusses biographies, memoirs, business books

YARN CIRCLE FOR A CAUSE Share knitting and crocheting ideas and work on projects for charitable causes. Yarn Circle meets once a month at a member’s home. For details about time and location, contact Dawn at finddawn@gmail.com. NEW THIS MONTH! THE WRITERS’ BLOCK Come to the first group gathering for bloggers, writers, authors, poets and aspiring authors. This group will discuss topics like thinking outside the box, preventing stagnation, practicing new vocabulary words, research and more! Contact Rich at powerofselfentertainment@gmail.com.

and contemporary non-fiction. They meet at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. For January’s book selection and location for this month’s gathering, contact Kathy at klhgibbons@ gmail.com. n BOOKS & COOKS If you salivated while reading “Fried Green Tomatoes” or drooled during “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake,” then Books & Cooks is the group for you. Readers will gather to discuss a book where food is a prominent theme and enjoy fare featured in the book. This group needs a group leader for its first meeting in January. Contact lifestyledirector@ baldwinparkpoa.com. n PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB This club meets on the second Monday of each month to discuss a variety of books. New participants are always welcome! Ask about the next book selection and the location of the January meeting by contacting Genie at bsrocky@hotmail.com.

What kind of Baldwin Park residents group would you like to join? Community service? Golf? Single moms and dads? Empty nesters? Sailing? Cigar club? Optimist club? Speakers round table? Wine tasting? Frisbee football? Friends of animals? If you don’t see your interests reflected in the groups listed here, consider spearheading a new group. Contact Becca Schmidt at lifestyledirector@baldwinparkpoa.com for directions on how to get started.

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KEEPING IT REAL ESTATE

2020 State of the market: What’s happening in Orlando real estate

lthough Central Floridians have been forced to break out their winter scarves and warmest tank tops this winter as temperatures dip, the sun is still Christina Rordam is a local shining here — and in more ways Realtor and a member of ORRAs Top Producer Club. than one. Orlando-area real estate For more, visit christiremains vital, and growth is nasellsorlando.com. still everywhere the eye can see. Commercial, residential and even the theme parks all are growing. Disney and Universal are attempting to outdo each other with new rides, lands and attractions. Love Star Wars? Come immerse yourself in the galactic experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Dreaming of exotic tropical locales but dread long flights? Hop on over

CHRISTINA RORDAM FLORIDA REALTY INVESTMENTS

to Universal’s Volcano Bay and enjoy a tropical drink as you bask in the shadow of Orlando’s own volcano. Orlando is a prime spot for those seeking second homes or a sunny place to raise a family and is increasingly a destination for young professionals and executives hoping for a blend of city and suburban life. Central Florida’s appeal is growing, and its homeowners hope for the values to continue to do so, as well. Let’s take a look at some local and national trends as they pertain to housing. SALES ARE STRONG, INVENTORY STILL TIGHT. At press time, the me-

dian sales price was $242,000, an

increase of 6% over last year this time. Five percent fewer homes were available compared to last year, keeping the housing inventory shortage a concern heading into 2020, both locally and in many other markets. Highly rated schools and proximity to downtown Orlando and the theme parks continue to be driving factors contributing to the demand for Orlando housing and thereby the ever-increasing median sales price. Catering to the many homeowners who have opted to reside farther from the rush of downtown, communities such as Sanford, Deland and Winter Garden are creating destination shops and local events, strengthening their position within

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greater Orlando as viable places to live. Baldwin Park maintains its reputation for being the best of both worlds — with well-attended local shops, dining and neighborhood gatherings. All of these things will continue to draw would-be residents to Central Florida from both near and far. ELECTION FEARS LOOM, NOVEMBER SLOWDOWN ANTICIPATED. With the election

year coming up, many are cautious but still optimistic. Whether or not we experience a recession in the coming years, many more lending regulations are in place, which should alleviate the fears of a redo of the housing crash experienced during the Great Recession. That said, it would not be unusual to experience a slowdown in terms of housing sales in November 2020. According to Meyers Research LLC, home

sales tend to slow in the fall — more in cooler markets and those working around snowy conditions — and more so prior to elections. Concerns over trade wars and the global economy factor in here, too. Zillow reported in July that half of a panel of real-estate experts and economists anticipate a recession in 2020, with another third calling for that to occur in 2021. The majority of panelists further stated they felt any recession would not be caused by the housing market but rather impacted in the way of slowing growth in home values due to stock market corrections or global economic concerns. Regardless of the elections or national trends, people will still need and want to move, so whatever the course local homeowners are planning on concerning buying and selling, either objective is likely still going to be viable — even surrounding the election.

REAL ESTATE AS AN INDUSTRY WILL CONTINUE TO THRIVE AND EVOLVE. The most hyped

business model recently seems to be the so-called disruptors. Disruptors came for the travel industry aiming to reinvent it and did so in many regards. The same happened with taxis and vacation rentals. Now, some in Silicon Valley and beyond are aiming to remodel real estate. Ultimately, there is still nothing new under the sun here. iBuyers are investors buying homes at investor prices, just with better marketing, larger online platforms, and venture capitalists and national companies providing the funding. Tech continues to grow, and consumers look more and more for innovative marketing and convenient user-friendly experiences. Realtors continue to provide the best and most nimble process for those buying and selling and most important-

ly are held to a code of ethics, with which all Realtors (notice I didn’t say agents, there is a difference) must comply to keep their licenses in force. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) voted at its annual conference in November 2019 to ban pocket listings and require that listings be posted on the MLS within one business day of being marketed to the public, stating they felt this was a crucial protection for consumers. Look for NAR to maintain its position as an advocate for the consumer heading into 2020. Those hoping to disrupt the industry will continue to try, but ultimately Realtors will continue to assist most buyers and sellers heading into 2020 and beyond. Transparency and efficiency will increase as transaction processes and Realtors evolve and respond to demand.

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WHAT’S SELLING 2210 ROBIN ROAD, ORLANDO SALE PRICE: $1,476,870 SQUARE FEET: 6,192 BEDROOMS: Six BATHS: 7.5

DETAILS: This exceptional Baldwin Park beauty was custom built by Rex-Tibbs and sits on an oversized corner lot, overlooking a beautiful park setting that is one of the best in the neighborhood. It features a spacious floor plan with refinished hardwood floors and beautiful ceilings, trim and moldings. The home has a gorgeous chef’s kitchen with Wolf appliances and custom cabinetry with a large island and wine refrigerator. There is a full one-bed, one-bath garage apartment plus a separate pool house with full bath.

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3968 WARDELL PLACE, ORLANDO SALE PRICE: $750,000 SQUARE FEET: 3,244 BEDROOMS: Four BATHS: 3.5

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LISTING AGENT: Padgett McCormick, Kelly Price & Company SELLING AGENT: Lisa Fleming, Fannie Hillman and Associates

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

DETAILS: This traditional-style home, located in a prime area of Baldwin Park, has a brick front porch and entryway with a living room/office and dining room situated on each side. The open kitchen features an oversized eat-in island, stainless-steel appliances, dark wood cabinets and separate dinette; it overlooks the great room with two-story ceilings. The home features wood floors and plantation shutters throughout. The downstairs master has a walk-in shower and separate tub, and upstairs you’ll find three additional bedrooms and a nice-sized loft.

• ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY SUPPORT • SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION

Great Choices for Seniors and Their Families

HOUSE DOCTOR

Interior & exterior repairs

NO JOB TOO SMALL! TILE FENCING PAINTING WOOD FLOORS REMODELING

ASSISTED LIVING

DOORS KITCHENS ROTTEN WOOD BATHROOMS DRYWALL REPAIRS

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Gracious hospitality within comfortable and elegant surroundings at two conveniently located communities. Offering a full range of supportive services. Call today to arrange a visit!

Senior Discounts I Licensed & Insured SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION

1301 W. Maitland Boulevard

407.645.3990

Signature

MEMORY SUPPORT

740 N. Wymore Road

(407) 310-1967 allhomerepairsfl.com

407.628.0123

www.SavannahGrandMaitland.com Community

HANDYMAN TAKES ALL THE HOUSE PAIN AWAY!

LAKE MILLS & CURRYSVILLE | CHULUOTA, FL $1,200,000 | 25+/- ACRES CURRENTLY ZONED A-5 SUBJECT PROPERTY

LOU SUPOWITZ, GKC DIRECT: 407.415.0338 OFFICE: 407.645.4321 BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

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REALTOR | TOP 10 PRODUCER

MINGLE WITH Marni Jameson

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW for a night with America’s most beloved home and lifestyle columnist. Marni Jameson is known for her hilarious approach to managing home and hearth. Come listen to Jameson share humorous tales of blending homes, decorating, downsizing and how she once chose furniture to match the family dog! Jameson’s lifestyle column “At Home with Marni Jameson” appears in 25 newspapers nationwide. She is the author of five home design books, including the newly-released, Downsizing the Blended Home: When Two Households Become One.

Natalie Rodriguez gave Madison Ward some fairy hair. Right: Jackson Iafornaro met Santa Claus for the first time.

Free Event for Baldwin Park Residents

nce.

HORS D’OEUVERS + BEVERAGES Sunday, January 26, 6:30-8 pm Enders Gathering Room 947 Fern Avenue

tion.

Call 407-808-9601 by January 20 to reserve your spot

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Darrell Goodwin, center, got a free hug from Gedaliah Shaps, left, and Thom Kelly.

The first 25 respondents will receive a copy of one of Jameson’s books for signature at the event. This is an event of the Baldwin Park Residential Homeowners Association and free for Baldwin Park residents only

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

The holidays officially kicked off in the neighborhood Friday, Dec. 6, with Light Up Baldwin Park igniting the dazzling lights in the Village Center. Presented by AdventHealth and ParkLife Group, the event ran in conjunction with the monthly First Friday Festival. Attendees enjoyed strolling the festival and perusing vendor booths, grabbing a bite to eat, meeting and taking photos with Santa Claus and spreading holiday cheer as thousands of lights illuminated New Broad Street.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Nick McKee was one of Santa’s helpers.

LIGHT UP BALDWIN PARK

June Eastwood was pleased with her reindeer face paint.

The Todd family — Frank, Lizzy, Ila and Ivy — arrived to Light Up Baldwin Park in style.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

WINTER SPARK Hundreds of Baldwin Park residents lined New Broad Street in the Village Center on Saturday, Dec. 14, for the annual Winter Spark parade. Dozens of groups, ranging from churches and schools to clubs and businesses, donned festive apparel and helped spread holiday cheer. Many handed out candy and other goodies to parade-goers, while others waved from elaborately decorated floats and vehicles. The parade culminated with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who greeted attendees from their own float and helped spark holiday spirit.

Raeleigh Yomtob and Jade Osman represented Florida’s Tiny Hometown USA.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Orlando City Commissioner Robert Stuart was the parade’s grand marshal.

DEVELOP THE SKILLS & CONFIDENCE TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL & BEYOND

Exceptional READY for SCHOOL program with STEM introduction beginning in Preschool

State-of the-art facility with technology lab, gymnasium, and on-site swimming pool

VPK and after-school programs offered

Winter Park High School’s marching band was one of the parade highlights.

Lic# C09OR0671

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

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1700 Fire House Lane, Orlando, FL 32814 407-895-8339 baldwinpark@brighthorizons.com brighthorizons.com/baldwinpark

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Bright Horizons® at Baldwin Park

Baton twirlers from Brite Star Twirlers of Central Florida wowed the audience.

BrightView Landscape made it snow in Baldwin Park.

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Right: Clover, a soft-coated wheaten terrier, was happy to be part of the festivities.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

Shannon Kennelly was thrilled to bring her artwork home with her.

Harlan Bradley was excited about the yarn bracelet he helped make. Luca Ferratusco pretended to be the Cat in the Hat.

BALDWIN PARK ELEMENTARY

ART AFTER DARK Students in the school’s music programs sang for all to hear. Right: Members of the Weavers of Orlando helped children learn to braid, weave and more.

Children loved adding their mark to a giant canvas at one of the hands-on art stations.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020

Painting, doodling, weaving and music all were part of the artistic festivities at Baldwin Park Elementary Thursday, Dec. 12, during the school’s Art After Dark event. Hosted by the PTA, the event was a celebration of art with fun for the whole family. Each student had a piece of framed art on display available for purchase to benefit the art department. Local artists, live demonstrations, a variety of hands-on art stations, a food truck, the Bobcat Boutique, and musical performances by BP Rocks and the Wednesday Warblers rounded out the evening.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

FEATURED PROPERTIES

E RIC

Two story David Weekley home overlooks one of Baldwin Park’s private mews parks. The 4 bed/3.5 bath home features beautiful hardwood floors throughout the downstairs and a light and bright kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and a large center island. All bedrooms are upstairs plus a bonus room/loft area and the upstairs laundry room. Master bedroom suite includes a gorgeous spacious bath and large walkin closet. Nice fenced in backyard area with pavers. Within walking distance to one of the neighborhood’s pools and playgrounds.

2018 Award Winner of “Real Estate Agency Neighborhood Favorite” by Nextdoor Baldwin Park 2017 Ovations Award Winner for “Best Real Estate Agency” by the Winter Park/ Maitland Observer Readers

• One of Baldwin Park’s Top Realtors in 2019

Asking $624,000

• Highest Sales Volume in Townhomes in 2015

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• Highest Sales Volume in New Construction in 2013

Traditional David Weekley Amina floor plan offers a beautiful brick front porch and open floor plan. This 4/3.5 home features wood floors and plantation shutters throughout, as well as upgraded cabinetry in the kitchen and master bath. Open kitchen overlooking a great room with two story high ceilings. Downstairs master suite and 3 additional bedrooms are upstairs plus a nice sized loft area, making this home perfect for any family. Large upstairs front balcony off of two of the three upstairs guest bedrooms. The backyard is perfect for entertaining with its oversized brick patio and lush landscape and just steps away from Blue Jacket Park.

• Ranked Top Producer since 2002 • Resident of Baldwin Park since 2004

Sold for $750,000

This three story townhome features 3 bedrooms/3.5 baths and is located in the heart of Baldwin Park. Downstairs bedroom and full bath are perfect for your teenager, guests or home office. Hardwood floors throughout the main floor and a custom wood and iron staircase. Gorgeous cherry cabinets with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. Open living room/dining room combo flows easily from the kitchen. Front balcony off of the family room makes it easy to entertain. Master bedroom and 3rd bedroom are located on the third floor, as well as the laundry room. Upgraded features that include plantation shutters, crown molding and taller baseboards really set this home apart from the others. Just a short walk to Baldwin Park’s restaurants, shopping, pool/ fitness center, and schools.

Sold for $375,000 This Baldwin Park beauty was custom built by Rex-Tibbs and sits on an oversized corner lot, overlooking a beautiful park setting that is one of the best in the neighborhood. With 6 bedrooms and 7.5 baths, this home boosts almost 6200 SF of living space with a spacious floor plan featuring refinished wood floors, beautiful ceilings, trim and moldings. Gorgeous chef’s kitchen with Wolf appliances and custom cabinetry with a large island and wine refrigerator. Enormous downstairs master suite overlooks the custom built resort like saltwater pool and spa. Downstairs is another bedroom, that would make a great office, nursery or guest bedroom with its beautiful built-ins and full bath nearby. Upstairs are 3 full bedrooms, each with a walkin closet and private bath. Large playroom area is perfect for the family’s needs as well as the fully equipped theater room that seats six. 1 bed/1 bath apartment over the 2 car garage. Lovely covered porches and summer kitchen plus separate pool house with full bath is perfect for your home gym.

Sold for $1,476,870

Lisa Fleming

407.644.1234 321.228.8341 cell Lisa@fanniehillman.com “The Right Representation All| JANUARY the Difference” BALDWIN Makes PARK LIVING 2020 39

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HORIZONS Announcing Bristol Landing at The Mayflower: WHERE YOUR LIFE PLAN COMES WITH A NEW POINT OF VIEW Architect's rendering, subject to change.

The Mayflower has long been Winter Park’s premier senior-living destination. And now, the best is getting even better! Soon, we’ll be expanding our campus by adding spacious waterview residences, a state-of-the-art Health Center and a stunning Club House. All nestled in a brand-new neighborhood among green space, ponds and walking trails. Discover The NEW Mayflower – where you can view life differently and still have the assurance of onsite, quality long-term care. Call us at 407.672.1620 to learn more. Only a limited number of residences are going to be built – and they will go quickly. Don’t miss the boat!

VOTED “BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY”

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— Winter Park Chamber of Commerce

1620 MAYFLOWER COURT 40

WINTER PARK, FL 32792

407.672.1620

THEMAYFLOWER.COM

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2020 88141 PRAD BPL 1/2020