Baldwin Park Living February 2021 by Orange Observer

BALDWIN PARK

LIVING FEBRUARY 2021

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

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Kimberley R. Gernert

YO!"U!” helpYOU o help re tto hehere "I'm “I’m NEW PRICE • Beautiful Private Pool • Excellent Location • Private Office • Large Bonus Room

PENDING 1974 COMMON WAY

4474 VIRGINIA STREET 2,984 sq ft. 4 Bedrooms • 2.5 Bath

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2,276 sq ft. 3 Bedrooms • 2 Bath

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1878 Meeting Place win Lane Bald 625 Lake Top Realtor in Baldwin Park since 2019 Keller Williams Winter Park Luxury Orlando 100 Realtors since 2019 bath m 2HOT 3 bedroo Baldwin Park Resident for over 15 years Lovely Courtyard Garage 2 Car Ranked in Top Producer Magazine

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SOLD e Meeting Plac 2633February Happy 2021!

baths Salt water Pool These are some of the things I Love Most: Full Outdoor Kitchen • I love being a Realtor and helping my clients find their 2 Large SideYards

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perfect home! And I love helping my clients sell their home. • I love living in Baldwin Park! • I love my neighbors! and kind-hearted, then I savvy e, experienced, professional, "If you are looking for a Realtor who is knowledgeablGerner • I love our BP Downtown market toand Shops! te therestaurants naviga ically strateg us helped t. She strongly and unequivocally recommend Kimberley • I love the outdoor recreation westep have of in Baldwin Park! every stress ted allevia wit CAL atured L good-n and iasm enthus find a home for our lifestyle. Her professionalism, sailing • Above all, I love my Family, Faith, Friends and Freedom! h smoot ly certain was It current home within the month.

and sold our Kimberley R. around Gernert ME she turned the way. Then, about clients and their ely cares someone who genuinPlease with FOR A good hands PRIVATE such in were we ng knowi call me if I can help you in any way! and so nice SHOWIN (423) 381 - 5701 G families." I would LOVE to be YOUR realtor! Park / Baldwin Park, FL r Winte of KMP KimberleyRG@kw.com

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LOVE YOUR SKIN

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2021

CHANGING LIVES

HORIZON SCHOLARS Baldwin Park residents facilitate opportunities, resources for local students.

Courtesy photo

DEPARTMENTS 8 BALDWIN PARK NOTEBOOK Read about recent decisions made by community leaders. 12 WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN Denny O’Neil reminisces of Baldwin Park’s beginnings.

14 AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Put on your walking shoes and discover Baldwin’s best gems. 16 FROM THE COVER F45 Training is now open on New Broad Street in the Village Center. 20 GROUPS & GATHERINGS Looking to connect? Find your perfect group here. 22 MEET NURSE JEN Baldwin Park Elementary School’s nurse was a finalist for a district award.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

Courtesy of Orange County Public Schools

BALDWIN PARK

LIVING FEBRUARY 2021

Editor and Publisher — Michael Eng meng@orangeobserver.com

Inventory in Baldwin Park is at an all-time low.

EDITORIAL Design Editor — Jessica Eng jeng@orangeobserver.com Associate Editor — Danielle Hendrix dhendrix@orangeobserver.com Contributors Will Campbell Denny O’Neil Christina Rordam Becca Schmidt

ADVERTISING Advertising Executive — Ann Carpenter acarpenter@orangeobserver.com

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. For advertising inquiries, call (407) 656-2121. Baldwin Park Living is a monthly publication of the Observer Media Group published in partnership with the Baldwin Park Joint Committee Inc.

Thinking of selling your home? The moment is now.

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

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 Dec. 15, 2020, meeting minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com. n The board approved the office and gathering rooms remain closed and to open Enders Fitness Center implementing the current cleaning protocol, signage and sanitizer. n The board approved the pruning and removal of pavers. n The board declined signing Becker Law’s retainer agreement and voted to obtain competitive proposals from qualified law firms for the board to consider before awarding a contract for these services.

UPDATES n Landscape/sod replacements: The plant fill-ins at Baskin Mews; sod repairs at Parkland Quadrangle; replacement of the sod with mondo grass — a more shade-tolerant plant — at 1847 and 1853 Britlyn Alley and 1844 and 1850 Sipes Alley; and sod repairs/plant fill-ins at Fenwood Park were completed. n Canopy analysis: Mary Edwards, consulting arborist, completed the review/inventory of the ROA canopy and understory trees located in the parks/mews and townhome service areas. n City Home No. 2 and No. 3 Mews trellis: The approved work to clean, repair and repaint the trellis was completed.

n Cameras: Two cameras at Grace Hopper pool were replaced that had been hit by lightning. n Community network/website: Joint Committee representatives are moving forward with Elliptq on creating a new design to update the current resident website. There should be a test website available in the first quarter. COVID-19 ITEMS ON HOLD n Proposals for landscape and tree replacements: Oak Mews plants; Enders plants/sod and ligustrums in pool area; Enders plants on backside of pool near pool equipment; Grace Hopper plants and sod; Union Park shade-tolerant plants to replace sod; Union Park plant fill-ins; Fox Corner shade-tolerant plants to replace sod; Parkland Quadrangle shade-tolerant plants to replace four corners sod. n Proposals for High Park facility center (gutter cleaning, painting light poles, painting pool fencing and caulking/weatherproofing) n Proposals for bollard light painting in CH No. 2 and CH No. 4 Mews n Proposals for cleaning, repairing, caulking and painting Union Park pergola n Proposal for air purifiers and UV bulbs for Grace Hopper HVAC systems n Proposal for Enders gathering room HVAC systems n Proposal for crepe myrtle V-Shaping in select parks/mews n Sign panels (dog waste/park rules) for parks/mews spaces

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE

WILDLIFE IN STRUCTURES

MParker@BalwinParkPOA.com

The tree-lined streets of Baldwin Park offer shady canopies for residents to enjoy the outdoors and provide homes for amazing animals like songbirds, squirrels and even bats. Bats provide great pest control. They are protected yearround from harm and cannot be evicted from buildings until after the end of the annual bat maternity season, between April 15 and Aug. 15. Now is the time to evaluate your home for potential wildlife entry points and make necessary repairs. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided us with a comprehensive video addressing “How to Remove Bats from Buildings.” You can access it by visiting bit.ly/2LR8nQ3. Need more information about finding a professional bat excluder? Please contact your local FWC Regional Office at (352) 732-1225. If you have something you would like Community Manager Stacey Fryrear to make the community aware of, please email me at sfryrear@baldwinparkpoa.com.

The December 2020 Townhome Service Area Committee meeting was canceled. A copy of previous official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork. com.

BY MELISSA PARKER

UPDATES n Please remember to report any landscape, building or irrigation issues on the Baldwin Park Services App. The Baldwin Park Services App was previously experiencing reporting issues when Apple released an update for iPhone users; however, the conflicting issue has been resolved. Reporting items on the Baldwin Park Services App will allow residents to share photos of the reported area(s) and receive real-time updates from management staff on corrective measures being taken. n The Camellias are now in bloom, and BrightView will start selective pruning on these plants. n BrightView has performed the annual merit application on azaleas in townhome-service areas. n BrightView has treated all new sod with a fungicide. n Squirrel inspections for the Live/ Work service area began in January 2021. DRS Inc. completes inspections by reviewing the exterior soffit areas and building for damages. n Per DRS Inc., below is the townhome painting schedule for 2021: Live/Work, Issa 22, Cambridge, City Homes No. 2. n Per DRS Inc., the townhome maintenance schedule for 2021 is as follows: City Homes No. 1 (February); City Homes No. 2 (April); Mattamy (May); City Homes No. 4 (June); Issa 28 (July); Live/Work (September); Issa 22 (October); and Cambridge (November).

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOUSE OWNERS Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Half of home-heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January and February. Some simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires from happening. n Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater. n Have a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. n Never use your oven to heat your home. n Have a qualified professional install stationary space-heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions. n Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. n Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. n Always use the right kind of fuel specified by the manufacturer for fuel-burning space heaters. n Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. n Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. BY BILL PATTERSON VILLAGE CENTER UPDATES n The Village Center painting project has begun. The buildings along New Broad Street from Meeting Place down to Jake Street will get a fresh coat of paint throughout the next few months. n The Village Center parking lots will be getting a fresh sealcoat and re-striped in the first quarter of 2021. This will be done in phases as to minimize parking lot closures. We will give plenty of notice when each lot will be closed for repairs so that everyone can make arrangements. n Monthly streetlight repairs and landscaping replacement/upgrades are planned for the Village Center parking lots. NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT UPDATES Monthly streetlight repairs and landscaping replacement/upgrades are planned for the Neighborhood Business District parking lots. GENERAL UPDATES n Parking lot light checks and replacements occur monthly in both the Village Center and the Neighborhood Business District. If you notice a light out, please report it using the Baldwin Park Services app. You can also report the cityowned light outages using this app, as well.

n Architectural Review Committee meetings take place twice a month on the second and fourth 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. For questions and application submission, please feel free to send an email Bill. BALDWIN PARK BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT n Escape Artists, located in the Village Center at 4859 New Broad St., is offering a Valentine’s Day special. Save 14% on gift cards and vouchers throughout the month of February. See escapeartistsorlando. com for more details. n Brightway, The Harding Agency is located in the Village Center at 1595 Meeting Place. Tayler Harding is a third-generation Orlandoan and proud to serve the Baldwin Park community. They have been an active member in Baldwin Park for close to five years. You can find more information at brightwayharding.com.

n The COA Service Area Manager walks the property looking for covenant compliance each month. To avoid violations and fines, please maintain your building and property so it is looking Baldwin Best. If you have any questions, please contact Bill at bpatterson@baldwinparkpoa. com.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

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WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN!

Baldwin Park’s humble beginnings S

o, it is 2003, and I’m on a weekend trip to Orlando from my temporary residence in a little cabin on a lake in Richmond Hill, Georgia. I had come down so my wife — who was staying in an Orlando motel — and I could look for a home in Orlando where she had taken a job. Our daughter had lived here for a while, and she and her husband were our tour guides. After several weekends of this had not resulted in any good prospects, we opted to look at a neighborhood just opened for home construction — Baldwin Park. At the time, Baldwin Park was a great big sandbox with some wet spots (two lakes) that had an apartment building (still there) on the southeast corner of newly built New Broad Street and Bennett Road, and a home-sales trailer with a small asphalt parking lot on the northeast corner (now a park). There were a couple of homes that had been were started in Unit 1 — basically the area from southeast part of Baldwin Park to Common Way Road. That was it. We entered the sales trailer, and in the center of it, we saw a table on which was a layout of Baldwin Park that showed all of the streets — some finished and some projected; the types of lots — there were a total of six different types — along each street; the projected parks; the projected amenities; and a projected place called the Village Center.

Besides being numbered, lots were different colors. That was important, because you could only build your desired home on a certain size lot which the colors identified. Various builders owned the lots, and on a given street, there were a number of different builders who owned lots. A number of salespeople at the sales center answered questions. I asked mostly about the Village Center but also about the projected school and the abundance of parks. n Having only lived in a gated community in Vietnam, I did not want to live in one here, nor did I want a neighborhood with only one entrance/exit: Check — 26 neighborhood entrances, no wall, no gates. n Close to a grocery store (projected), drug store (projected), restaurants (projected), bars (projected): Check, check, check and check. n Fitness centers, swimming pools, parks, trails, tennis courts: Check, check, check, check — sort of. Tennis courts are available when the middle school is closed. n Close to mall (Fashion Square – not much a mall anymore), Home Depot (or Lowes or Ace Hardware), theater, Walmart: Check, check, check — sort of. The dollar theater on Colonial, check.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

n Close to major highway transportation network and airport: Check. What’s to want? Seemed perfect to me. My wife didn’t like Baldwin Park much as she couldn’t picture the neighborhood in her mind. After all, at that time, there really wasn’t a neighborhood. I’m good at spatial relations, so based on the layout I could imagine what completed Baldwin Park would look like and how it would work. Until I was 10 years old, I could walk to stores and movie theaters in my hometown of Oil City, Pennsylvania. From age 10 on, no matter where I lived all over the world, I generally had to ride in a car to go from my residence to businesses. I liked the Baldwin Park self-contained neighborhood concept. After a lot of discussion, we decided to purchase in Baldwin Park. We began the process of choosing a style of home. I first liked the Charleston Single model home. Two of them had just been completed on Anson Road. I liked the hallways with rooms to both sides, like I was used to in Pennsylvania. Then, the next weekend I came down to Orlando, my wife and my daughter told me I needed to look at the just-completed Coastal Brahams model home. I did and loved it. One story and open. Nice. That was our choice. So, as I visited Baldwin Park every weekend for 15 months, I

DENNY O’NEIL FORMER BALDWIN PARK RESIDENTIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT watched our home come up out of the ground. When our home was finally finished, I took two weeks of vacation from my job at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and came down to paint some interior rooms, hang ceiling fans and drapes, and finally move in our furniture. There were homes under construction on my and neighboring streets, and with that construction came lots of flat tires caused by the many nails in the streets and alleys, construction workers everywhere, food-item trash left all over by the construction workers, instances of yet-to-be installed appliances stolen, landscaping installed that day was stolen that night, construction workers’ tools stolen off their vehicle by other construction workers, etc. Those were exciting times! And they inspired me to say that I would be the Neighborhood Watch Block Captain for my block. Next time: When is the Village Center going to be built? When can we drive to Winter Park on Lakemont Avenue? The golf driving range that became a school. Why is there a traffic circle on Lakemont Avenue at Lower Park Road? Where is the submarine buried in Baldwin Park?

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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

BECCA SCHMIDT BALDWIN PARK RESIDENT Becca Schmidt, Baldwin Park resident since 2005, writes about lifestyle in this beautiful neighborhood. For the pulse on neighborhood social gatherings, check out the Groups and Gatherings section of the Baldwin Park Network to see a list of Baldwin Park-based groups.

This neighborhood is made for walking! B

aldwin Park expands more than 1,000 acres. How many of those acres have you seen on foot? If you aren’t out there walking, you’re missing some of the best jewels of our beautiful neighborhood. One thing I’ve loved about being lifestyle director is all the walking around I’ve done to learn the streets, to meet people, to take photos and to discover all the amazing nooks and crannies of Baldwin Park. Because it’s February, let’s talk about all the places people love to walk in Baldwin Park and why. Your walking preferences will depend on your life stage — whether or not you have a dog or kids, a camera, or a need for speed in your walking shoes. Got a dog? Go where the other dogs go! You can’t be lonely in Baldwin Park if you have a dog, because dogs offer the best opportunity to strike up conversation with a complete stranger who also has a dog. Where do the “dog people” go? A popular destination is the expansive loop around Blue Jacket Park, which includes a big, noisy fountain at one end and Lake Baldwin on the other. People also like the green spaces of Enders Park, Corrine Commons, High Park, New Broad Street Park and of course, the dog park off Lakemont. Got kids? All three of Baldwin Park’s playgrounds include ancillary space for parents or grandparents to grab hold of a little hand and walk mindfully, making quiet memories together. For parents with strollers or

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

tots, I love the pathway that runs along Lincroft Avenue, around the playground to Dorrell. The pathway is set off from the road and feels distant from the one-way traffic. This pathway sometimes gets a little crowded at sunset when area families are walking off their dinner calories, but it is beautiful! Got a camera? Did you know that Lake Baldwin is a designated nature preserve? The photo opportunities are endless — from the tiniest dew-covered flowers to the osprey and hawk nests above. New Broad Street Park (which splits New Broad Street) is also a popular place for photographers. Most people carry their phones on their walks, so slowing down to snap a photo here is a no-brainer. Get creative with your portrait lens to capture park benches at sunrise or other common items with an uncommon view. Love nature? Lake Baldwin Lane is probably the most obvious nature preserve, but many know “Mid Lake Park” — which connects Lake Baldwin to Lake Susannah — as the secret spot for real nature watching. Spot rabbits, birds of all kinds, fish, and even a handmade rock garden where butterflies abound! Take time for reflection here, meditate and find your spirit again! Whatever your motivation is for walking in our beautiful neighborhood, make time to connect with those around you. Say hello, wave, smile and make someone’s day just a little brighter. You can’t do that from your couch.

WALKING FOR FITNESS If achieving your 10,000 steps a day is your motive for walking, that’s OK, too. For those of you who may be interested in a curated (by me) playlist, here are 15 songs about walking! I hope you will remember many of these — feel free to sing along! n “These Boots are Made for Walkin’” — Nancy Sinatra n “Walk Like an Egyptian” — The Bangles n “Walking on Broken Glass” — Annie Lennox n “Walk Right In” — The Rooftop Singers n “Walk of Life” — Dire Straits n “Walk This Way” — Aerosmith n “Walk on the Wild Side” — Lou Reed n “Walk the Line” — Johnny Cash n “Walk Like a Man” — Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons n “Walking in Memphis” — Marc Cohn n “Walking on Sunshine” — Katrina and the Waves n “Walking to New Orleans” — Fats Domino n “Walk All Over You” — AC/DC n “Walkin’ Back to Georgia” — Jim Croce n “Walking on the Moon” — The Police

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Fully FUNctional Husband-and-wife duo Tara Gally and Robert Strauss are bringing the F45 Training fitness franchise to the heart of Baldwin Park. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

itness always has played a large role in Tara Gally and Robert Strauss’ lives. In fact, the husbandand-wife duo first met at a gym — Strauss worked the smoothie bar, and Gally was a group fitness instructor. Fast-forward more than 10 years, and the two now are preparing to open their own F45 Training franchise on New Broad Street. “I’ve been active in fitness for over 20 years — working out has been a huge part of my life,” says Strauss, a former professional wrestler. “(My wife and I) have been together for 14 years, and fitness has always been a part of both of our lives.” Although he and Gally are co-owners, though, they agree that their F45 Training location is primarily Gally’s project.

WELCOME TO BALDWIN PARK Prior to the pandemic, Gally was a regional director for 24-Hour Fitness and oversaw a few hundred clubs across the nation. She also has been a Les Mills national presenter, instructor, trainer and educator. In fact, her connection to the Les Mills company is how she found out about F45 Training. When she first began researchContinued on page 18

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Continued from page 16 ing F45 Training, she and Strauss lived in New Jersey. At the time, there were no locations near them. “I talked to some friends and convinced some other people to get involved with the brand, but I still wasn’t a member,” Gally says. “Two summers ago, a friend of mine opened one up in New Jersey, and I became a member there. The day I walked in on my first class, I walked out after and said, ‘OK, we have to do this. This is what I want to do. This is perfect for us.’” The two — along with their children — ended up moving in November 2019 to the Lake Nona area. They signed their F45 franchise documentations and began the processes of finding the perfect location. Although they live in Lake Nona, Baldwin Park was among the communities they considered in the home-buying process. When she first began working with her commercial real-estate agent, a Baldwin Park site was among the first locations she visited. “There was just something about Baldwin Park to me,” she says. “I like the urban, eclectic, community/ neighborhood kind of feeling. It just resonates with me as a person. … We looked here, looked into some other places. … Every time I talked to somebody, they’d be like ‘Well, why not Baldwin Park?’ I said, ‘You’re right — there’s something there.’”

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS Founded by Rob Deutsch and Adam Gilchrist in Sydney, Australia, F45 Training is described as providing “the ultimate gym experience by combining cutting-edge techniques with high-grade equipment and friendly, supportive staff.” As an international fitness community, F45 has more than 1,750 studios in 45 countries. It is functional group training that encourages participants through various exercises. The “F” in the name stands for “functional,” while the 45 represents the 45-minute classes. F45’s program consists of a library of thousands of exercises, customized training systems, cir-

“

I just want to be able to provide a place that gives people the opportunity to feel better. I believe that we are only our best at anything and everything that we do … when we feel our best.” — TARA GALLY

cuit-movement patterns, timing modules and workouts that change on a daily basis. Each studio has access to these training systems, and each studio completes the same workouts and exercises. Workouts combine high-intensity interval training, functional training and circuit training. “F45 is the closest thing you can get to getting a personal experience within a group setting,” Gally says. “Everything is functional based, which just means that it mimics everyday life. It’s the fundamentals of fitness. There’s certain things that repeat themselves, like a squat or lunge — we do that all the time. Those movements are in every single workout … it’s pretty comprehensive.” F45 also integrates technology in the form of monitors along the wall that play the same video workout demonstrations. Additionally, F45 deejay playlists are played across all studios. “This workout is so awesome, because it’s functionally based and because of the variety of equipment we actually have,” Gally says. “You could be anyone — a first-timer, a person that wants to be fit and feel good … or you could be someone who wants to be super fit and is training for a marathon or obstacle-course race. … That’s something I absolutely love about this, and I think it very uniquely fits into this community, too.”

ENCOURAGING ENVIRONMENT Gally says it’s important to her that F45 Training Baldwin Park fosters an inclusive environment where everyone who works out feels safe and

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

supported. Walking into any gym for the first time can feel daunting, but her goal is to provide a place for everyone to grow and feel good about themselves. “That, for me, is the most important thing,” she says. “(I hope) their experience when they come to the studio is that they felt supported, understood and … in an environment that supports them wherever they’re at right now. It needs to be … a place that everyone feels like they belong — and that should mean everyone, no matter who you are, what your athletic abilities are, what your goals are — because everybody is different. I want people to feel better when they leave than they did when they arrived. A person’s success in here is really an indication of the service we provide to them.” Gally and Strauss opened F45 to Baldwin Park and surrounding communities in late January. There are various membership specials available until the studio’s grand opening. “It’s just so exciting to be able to be in Baldwin, because we just love this community, the people and the culture that’s here,” Gally says. “I have so many experiences that have brought me to this place. I’m excited … that we’re able to apply that to something that belongs to us but that also belongs to a community that we’re able to build. I just want to be able to provide a place that gives people the opportunity to feel better. I believe that we are only our best at anything and everything that we do … when we feel our best.”

F45 TRAINING BALDWIN PARK 4841 New Broad St., Orlando PHONE: (407) 538-6676 WEBSITE: f45training.com/ baldwinparkfl EMAIL: baldwinparkfl@f45training.com INSTAGRAM: @f45_training_baldwinparkfl FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ f45trainingbaldwinparkfl

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Introducing Dr. Francesca Carey! The team at Animal Hospital at Baldwin Park is excited to welcome our newest veterinarian, Dr. Francesca Carey! She originally hails from Jamaica, and had the wonderful opportunity of experiencing island life as a child before moving to Orlando, Florida. She completed her undergraduate coursework at FSU and graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary medicine in California. Dr. Carey enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and is excited to incorporate integrative modalities available here at Animal Hospital at Baldwin Park. Her special interests include internal medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, and emergency medicine.

Call (321) 319-5417 to learn more and book your pet with Dr. Carey!

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ethnic foods with hands-on cooking demonstrations. This group will resume when residents can meet in the kitchen again!

Many of the Baldwin Park groups have postponed meetings due to the COVID-19 precautions. However, some groups are meeting on Zoom, or connecting via email or Facebook. Please take a look at what interests you, and reach out to a group leader to connect make an introduction.

ETHNIC FOOD ENTHUSIASTS Explore exceptional epicurean dishes every month. Experience a chef talk or food flights and bites at local restaurants. Singles and residents new to the area are encouraged to jump in and enjoy incredible food and conversation. Contact Shannon at sfaith14@ gmail.com.

BALDWIN PARK ART Baldwin Park’s art club is a mixture of art classes, studio tours and gallery openings for art lovers. It’s open to everyone! Contact Pat at plremingt@gmail. com.

GAMES GALORE! Adults are invited to play a variety of games on various Saturdays. Learn new games like Settlers of Catan or play the classics. Contact Robyn at rhzgrodin@gmail.com.

BALDWIN PARK KIDS CLUB Activities for children ages infant to 5 years old. Parents and kids enjoy a variety of casual get-togethers, including story time, play dates, park picnics, mom’s night out and more. Contact bpkidsclub1@gmail.com. Many programs are now on Zoom.

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 ladies coffee, happy hour,

COOKING AROUND THE WORLD Learn the artful craft of cooking

NOVEMBER PROJECT Unlike the name, this group meets year-round. Run, squat, plank and laugh while you work out with this all-levels fitness group. Meets at 6:29 a.m. every Wednesday at Harbor Park. Contact Dyani at novemberprojectorlando@gmail.com. PICK-UP BASKETBALL Basketball enthusiasts will meet at Blue Jacket Park courts for five-on-five play as soon as the city basketball courts reopen! Contact Rick at rickschreiber2@ gmail.com. TACTICAL BREWING RUNNING CLUB If you love beer and running, this group is for you. Meet at 6 p.m. Thursdays at Tactical Brewing Company’s tasting room. Then, head out on a run around Lake Baldwin with fellow runners. After the run is complete, enjoy a beer and socializing with others. For more information, visit bit. ly/2H6OX7q. WIN! WOMEN INNOVATORS NETWORK This new group is for Baldwin Park women who own or manage a business — big or small. Entrepreneurs are invited to come for lunch to exchange ideas and hear guest speakers. Reserva-

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All book clubs listed below welcome new members! Some book clubs have suspended their meetings, but others are engaging on Zoom. Determine the type of books you like to discuss and contact the book club leader regarding their upcoming plans. BOOK BUDS This fiction book club welcomes new members. Contact Audean at audean63@ gmail.com. HOOKED ON BOOKS This club is welcoming new members who love fiction. Contact Melissa at melissajay522@gmail.com. REAL DEAL NON-FICTION BOOK CLUB This group reads and discusses biographies, memoirs, business books and contemporary non-fiction. Contact Kathy at klhgibbons@gmail.com. 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! Contact Genie at bsrocky@hotmail.com.

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So many people find friendships at the gym. Most gyms have been slowly reopening, but some Baldwin Park-area fitness and yoga studios are continuing the connection with live Zoom classes, Instagram feeds and Facebook Live. n BLUE MOON YOGA is offering free meditation and yoga classes for anyone who has recently lost employment due to COVID. All yoga classes — including classes for couples, families and small groups — follow social distancing outside in shaded green spaces around Baldwin Park. Certified yoga instructor Becca Schmidt has been teaching for 17 years in Orlando. Reach her at becca@ bluemoon.yoga for locations and times. n CHAMPIONSHIP MARTIAL ARTS — In-person classes are

WRITERS’ BLOCK WRITING GROUP This group will discuss many topics to help writers, such as thinking outside the box, preventing stagnation, practicing new vocabulary words, research and more! Come with a desire to meet other writers and learn to hone your writing skills. Contact Rich at powerofselfentertainment@gmail.com.

back in action with various safety precautions. Visit championshipmartialarts.com/baldwin-park to learn more. n MIGHTY GIRLS FITNESS — Offers a variety of classes including Go With the Flow Yoga, Pilates, Barre and Burn, Cardio Hip Hop Fit, Core and Cardio, Restorative Yoga, Self Care and Mighty Mobility. Sign up for classes at mightygirlsfitness. com or on the MINDBODY app. n 9ROUND FITNESS — Enjoy a 30-minute total body workout in a kickboxing-themed fitness program. For information, visit facebook.com/9RoundOrlandoJakeSt. n NOVEMBER PROJECT — This group is offering free weekly workouts. Visit november-project.com for more information.

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? If you don’t see your interests reflected in the groups listed here, consider spearheading a new group. Email lifestyledirector@baldwinparkpoa. com for more information.

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HERO Jennifer Bhullar, school nurse at Baldwin Park Elementary, was among the top-five finalists for Orange County Public Schools’ Support Person of the Year award. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

or Jennifer Bhullar, serving as the school nurse at Baldwin Park Elementary is so much more than just providing ice packs and Band-Aids. Each morning, she checks students’ hearing aids to ensure they are working properly. Throughout the day, she monitors her diabetic students’ blood-sugar levels, which are sent to her smart watch. She facilitates feedings for students with gastrostomy tubes, conducts vision and hearing screenings, monitors children for potential COVID-19 symptoms, and puts parents’ minds at ease when health concerns are present. And, yes, she does hand out the occasional ice pack or Band-Aid. In the three years Bhullar has been the school nurse, the children she cares for — and their families — always know they are in good hands under her watch. It’s one of the reasons she was a top-five finalist for Orange County Public Schools’ Support Person of the Year award. The Support Person of the Year award honors educational-support personnel for the contributions they make to their schools, district-level

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

Courtesy of Lauren Detzel, Baldwin Park Elementary PTA

Jennifer Bhullar has been the school nurse at Baldwin Park Elementary for three years.

sections, units and departments. The district winner was announced Wednesday, Jan. 27, after press time. Being a top-five finalist is a major achievement. And if you were to ask anyone at Baldwin Park Elementary about the honor, they would agree Bhullar has earned it. Bhullar’s previous nursing experience was in hospitals. She once worked at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies before switching over to pediatrics. For eight years, she was a registered nurse in Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children’s emergency trauma unit. After having her children, she became a stay-at-home mom for a

few years, but she always knew she wanted to return to nursing. When her children were getting ready to start school at Baldwin Park Elementary, she asked if the school happened to need a nurse — as it turned out, they did. “Never in a million years did I ever think I’d work at a school — especially after doing trauma and ER — but then I thought about it and I was like, ‘Well, gosh, I could have their same schedule,’” she says. “I went and interviewed, and that was that. … I think the biggest thing that is very emotionally fulfilling about the job is obviously the children, beContinued on page 24

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nounced it on the intercom. It was surreal. I was excited when I got it for the school, of course — I didn’t expect that — but I did not at all expect to get it for the whole county. I still am in shock.” Because of COVID-19, the school year has been different from any other, and Bhullar works as hard as she can to reassure worried parents through emails, texts and phone calls. It’s her job to look out for COVID-19 symptoms among staff and students, recommend quarantines and keep up with the latest news regarding the virus. Bhullar spends much of her “down time” doing everything in her power to keep the virus away from the school. Although it’s an exhausting role, knowing the impact she has on families is a major motivator. “It’s kind of refueled me — especially this year going all day every day with COVID and everything else going on — and it really makes me appreciate again how much impact I could have, even though I never thought I had that much,” she says.

“

I know that I have worked hard, and this just proves that I’m where I’m supposed to be. I like my job, I love my students, and I want to help.” — JENNIFER BHULLAR

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cause that’s what makes our school run.” At the school, the children make her feel like a local celebrity. She can’t walk down the hallway without a child grabbing her leg and saying, “Hi, Nurse Jen!” It’s knowing the impact she has on their lives that keeps her going and motivates her to advocate for them and their health. She’s been able to help a child get much-needed glasses when his or her family can’t afford them, and she’s been there to help newly diagnosed diabetic families through the necessary life changes. Bhullar also has formed partnerships with the Winter Park Health Foundation and Kinsa for Schools to aid students and families when needed. She conducts the vision, hearing and Body Mass Index screenings every year, and has also done head-injury workshops and a seizure first-aid class. Then there is a team that hosts healthy-eating events and promoting healthy habits at school.

That dedication is what landed her among the five finalists for the district Support Person of the Year award. She remembers the day she learned of the recognition. “I remember it was Boss’s Day and we were eating together — I was eating wings, I remember, from Gator’s in the neighborhood,” she says with a laugh. “All of a sudden, the front-desk clerk comes in and she’s like, ‘Jen, I don’t know how to say this, but (Superintendent) Barbara Jenkins is on the phone for you.’ I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, did I give a kid the wrong meds? What did I do?’ I got worried all of a sudden.” She learned the superintendent was congratulating her for being an award finalist. Bhullar remembers Jenkins telling her she was chosen out of more than 200 employees, each of whom had also earned the Support Person of the Year honor at their individual schools. “I literally think I went pale and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, thank you!’” she says. “(My colleagues) all screamed, and the principal an-

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Baldwin Park resident Eric Brown and his first mentee, Isiah Hill, loved to goof off when they could.

Courtesy of the Horizon Scholars Program

Brighter futures Baldwin Park residents Kelly Astro and Eric Brown are

integral in making a difference in the lives of high school students through Valencia College’s Horizon Scholars Program. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

hroughout her two decades in education, Kelly Astro’s passion always has been giving students the opportunities to achieve whatever educational dreams they have. When the Baldwin Park resident first began teaching with Orange County Public Schools, she worked as a teacher in Orlando’s Parramore community, where many schools

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021

are part of the Title 1 federal-aid program. She also spent time working at the University of Central Florida’s Burnett Honors College. Now, as the director of the Horizon Scholars Program through Valencia College, Astro and her team have the unique opportunity to reach at-risk high school students — providing life resources, scholarships and hope for a brighter future. The program is an affiliate with Take Stock in Children, a nonprofit that provides an opportunity for

deserving, low-income youth to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The Horizon Scholars Program serves students from all OCPS high schools. “We are a scholarship and mentoring program for students who are at risk of being kind of left behind because the resources aren’t there for the schools,” Astro says. “We typically target students who are in the academic middle, which is unusual for a lot of programs. … The whole purpose of our program is to open up doors for students to be able to go to college, technical programs, to do something after high school that is meaningful to them.” Continued on page 28

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“

The thing we hear most from our students when we ask them about their mentor is … they refer to them as, ‘Well, that’s my person.’ … That is something that means so much.”

— KELLY ASTRO

Continued from page 26

mentor. I think the thing the students are most excited initially about is the idea of a scholarship, but by the completion of the program, what they have found most value in is the relationship they have with their mentor.” With about 500 students in the program, that means there also are 500 mentors involved. Mentors and mentees meet 15 times each year in 30-minute sessions. This year, most of those sessions have gone virtual due to COVID-19. Fellow Baldwin Park resident Eric Brown has been a mentor with the Horizon Scholars Program for nine years. He mentored his first student from freshman year to graduation, and he currently is mentoring another who will graduate this year. “I wanted to volunteer in some way, and we do some (volunteer) things at my work, but this one felt a little more personal,” Brown says. “Your scope is narrowed to one student, but you feel part of a community, and the other mentors are all doing it together. … The com-

The Horizon Scholars Program delivers four pillars of promise: a two-year college scholarship; leadership development opportunities; a caring mentor and college success coordinator; and good citizenship through civic engagement. Students must be living at or below the federal poverty line, and they must go through an application and interview process to be accepted into it. Each student is asked to complete 25 hours of community service each year as a way to give back. They also participate in various workshops that cover everything from financial literacy and career readiness to health and wellness. Throughout her nearly five years with the program, Astro has helped grow the program from 100 to 500 students. But she hasn’t done it alone. In fact, the mentors are perhaps the biggest part of ensuring student success, she says. “The cornerstone of the program is our mentoring program,” Astro says. “Every student is assigned a

mitment works out to about twice a month. … It’s really nice to spend that time with the student. They’re excited. I kind of got in a rhythm with Dayquan (current mentee) before COVID hit where I was bringing him lunch, and we’d sit and have lunch. … I’ve always enjoyed it and fully expect when he graduates to pick it up next year with somebody new.” Astro said mentors also go through an application and interview process, as well as training, before they are matched with a student. Personal interests and professional goals are among the factors taken into account. “The thing we hear most from our students when we ask them about their mentor is … they refer to them as, ‘Well, that’s my person. I don’t have to share them with anybody, with my siblings or anyone else. When they come, they are here to see me, and they’re interested in me,’” Astro says. “That is something that means so much.” Continued on page 30

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Continued from page 28 Astro said 95% of the program’s students will be first-generation college students. Over the last four years, every student in the program has graduated high school, and about 98% of them started college the fall after they graduated. Additionally, the students’ average GPA has risen from a 2.8 to 3.2 overall. She credits much of these achievements to the dedication of each and every mentor. “The most rewarding part is that they’re excited to talk to you and that they want to tell you what’s going on,” Brown says. “They care that you’re asking them about their grades, and they feel accountable to you, in a way. They just want to do good for you and impress you, and I think that’s fantastic for the little amount of time that we get to spend together. I never had anything like this as a kid and never thought about that as a possibility.”

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Brown’s first mentee, Isiah Hill — a 2017 graduate of Edgewater High School — confirmed that. He and Brown were a great team throughout his high-school career. “Eric is a really awesome and cool guy,” Hill says. “He taught me about being professional, looking at people in the eyes when you talk to them, and how to plan a schedule. We laughed a lot, and I really appreciated his support.” Astro said Valencia College President Sandy Shugart has supported the program’s growth, and the whole team has worked hard to make the Horizon Scholars Program a meaningful experience for students in need. “We have many children in our county that are dreaming of going to college, and we are committed to making that dream a reality,” Shugart says. “This program will provide our children with a chance to obtain a higher education and will help them get there with the guidance of a caring mentor through middle and high school.”

Karla Salmon principal agent

HORIZON SCHOLARS PROGRAM An affiliate with Take Stock in Children, this program supports Orange County Public High School students and helps them chart their path toward a life of purpose. Students come from all OCPS high schools. To be eligible, they must be at or below the federal poverty line, and they must go through an application and interview process. During the program, they will be matched with a mentor and enjoy leadership development opportunities. Upon completion, they earn a two-year college scholarship. The Horizon Scholars Program needs mentors to continue to be successful. To volunteer as a mentor or for more information, call (407) 582-3008 or email horizonscholars@valenciacollege.edu.

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What’s Selling in ld ays o S D 6

2018 Award Winner of “Real Estate Agency Neighborhood Favorite” by Nextdoor Baldwin Park

Top floor 2bed/2bath plus study/den condo in Baldwin Park. Recent upgrades include new paint and engineered hardwood floors throughout. This updated condo boasts granite countertops, french doors to the lanai from living room and master bedroom, separate study/den and a one car garage. Short walk to the community pool and fitness center, as well as, Baldwin Park’s downtown area.

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

Sold for $340,000

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• Highest Sales Volume in Townhomes in 2015

Located on one of the few quiet cul-de-sacs in Baldwin Park, this beautiful Craftsman style 3/2.5 home sits on one of the largest lots in the neighborhood. Spacious and open floor plan allows for easy entertaining. Custom designer touches throughout the home with plantation shutters and extensive molding really make this home unique. Brand new roof, two newer AC units, a new hot water heater and the home was recently painted inside and out. The backyard is like nothing you have seen before with plenty of room for a pool and outdoor living space. Amazing location to schools, neighborhood parks, playground, pool and fitness center, as well as, walking distance to downtown Baldwin Park.

• Highest Sales Volume in New Construction in 2013 • Ranked Top Producer since 2002 • Resident of Baldwin Park since 2004

Sold for $689,000

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Truly the best condo on the market today! Beautiful first floor unit has been upgraded throughout and is located in the heart of Baldwin Park. Gorgeous condo with a large wrap around porch and just steps away from the Corrine Commons park, as well as, the Grace Hopper pool, fitness area and community room. Open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths plus an inside laundry area. Private driveway leads to attached one car garage. Perfectly located within walking distance to Blue Jacket Park, the neighborhood schools and Baldwin Park’s downtown area with shops and restaurants, as well as, easy access to downtown Orlando and Winter Park.

Sold for $402,000

Hard to find, this one story, open floor plan home sits on a quiet tree lined street. Kitchen features an island with granite countertops and a wine refrigerator, plus an eat-in area and a breakfast bar. Private study with French doors and a separate dining room really make this home great for entertaining. Spacious family room has pretty built-ins and a wood-burning fireplace and looks out onto the screened rear porch and fenced in backyard. Private master suite includes garden tub, separate shower, dual sinks, and walk in closet. Great den/playroom area in between the two secondary bedrooms, which is perfect for all your guests.

Sold for $617,000

Lisa Fleming

407.644.1234 321.228.8341 cell Lisa@fanniehillman.com “The Right Representation Makes All the Difference” BALDWIN PARK LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021 31

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Baldwin Park Living February 2021

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