BALDWIN PARK
LIVING MARCH 2022
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | MARCH 2022
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | MARCH 2022
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Kimberley R. Gernert Real state Specialist Baldwin Park Resident
(423) 381-5701
KimberleyRG@kw.com
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Orland was wonderful to work with. “Kimberley by Orlando Style Magazine She was very & 2019 that we would receive 2017, 2018confident multiple offers, and be under contract in less than 48 hours. She nailed it! We enjoyed working with Kimberley very much. She was very accommodating, with an outgoing very professional personality. She also had our home staged we did not do anything except sign the paperwork. Kimberley was excellent at handling all the details.
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I e, experienced, professional, savvy and kind-hearted, then "If you are looking for a Realtor who is knowledgeablGerner to t marke the te naviga ically strateg us helped t. She strongly and unequivocally recommend Kimberley every step of professionalism, enthusiasm and good-natured wit alleviated stress Her e. lifestyl our for find a home h sailing smoot ly Kimberley R. Gernert certain was It . the month the way. Then, she turned around and sold our current home within their and clients about cares ely genuin who ne were in such good hands with someo ng we knowi and so nice (423 381 - 5701 families." KimberleyRG@kw.com KMP of Winter Park / Baldwin Park, FL BALDWIN PARK LIVING | MARCH 2022
eyrg@kw.com
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Kimberley Reed Gernert Real Estate
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CONTENTS
MARCH 2022
REAL PAGE-TURNER
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JOYBIRD BOOKS Andrew Walker and Ollie Bird opened their new used bookstore on Corrine Drive.
DEPARTMENTS 8 BALDWIN PARK NOTEBOOK Read about recent decisions made by community leaders.
14 A GOOD SPRING CLEANING Baldwin Park resident Silvia Rodriguez opens Tidy Up Magic.
12 WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN What is the Baldwin Park Joint Committee?
20 THE PERFECT DAY Attention couples: Complete your perfect wedding in Baldwin Park.
13 GROUPS & GATHERINGS Looking to connect? Find your perfect group here.
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21 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Find your community fun in our monthly calendar.
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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 Jan. 25, 2022, Meeting Minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.
n BrightView will replace plants at Nolan Court; replace Bermuda under Oak on east side of Union Park; add drainage on north end of Parkland Quadrangle; and complete the 2022 canopy tree hazard pruning.
The board approved the following items/work:
n Tropitone replacements for the sling chaises and chairs at Grace Hopper and Enders, as well as replacement slings (fabric for chairs) at High Park, exploring other options for umbrellas, mobile umbrella bases at all pools and options for modern tables at all pools with Tropitone.
n Management to obtain pricing for the following items at High Park Facility Center: three to four permanent benches around the birthday pavilion; four commercial-grade movable picnic tables in the big pavilion; addition of a sidewalk on the north side of the playground from the emergency exit to the existing sidewalk along High Park Lane; addition of key fob access at the emergency gate of the playground; addition of an emergency exit button on the south side of the pool gate; and look into a sign at the pavilions with a QR code. n Management to obtain pricing for permanent picnic tables at Enders Park and to check with the insurance agent about making the emergency exit at the High Park playground an access gate/emergency exit. n DRS will repair expansion joints and add new backer rods at Grace Hopper, repair, paint doors on fire extinguisher boxes in pool bathrooms and replace men’s/women’s bathroom signs outside of bathroom doors at all pool baths. n DRS will pressure wash grout off pool deck and coping band, stain coping band around pool and clean grout off of handrails and pool tiles if needed at Grace Hopper. n DRS will pressure wash, caulk, paint trim, columns, doors, All-
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Guard pool bath building and replace screens on interior of bathrooms at Grace Hopper.
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n Tim Weber Events for the 2022 Residential Owner’s Association events (Easter and Kidtoberfest) and proposed cost. n Fourteen retrofitted arm rest for the benches at City Homes No. 2 Mews, City Homes No. 3 Mews and Corrine Commons.
UPDATES
COMPLETED ACTIONS n Painted all bike racks and trashcans at Grace Hopper Hall and pool area. n Replaced remaining dumbbells in Enders Fitness Center. n Painted all bike racks, benches and trashcans at Enders facility center, park and pool area as well as replacing backer rods in expansion joints, caulked and painted Ender’s pool deck. n Quarterly replacement of annual beds to North side of High Park facility center.
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS WILDLIFE IN STRUCTURES 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 year-round 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. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided us with a comprehensive video addressing “How to Remove Bats from Buildings.” You can access it online at youtube. com/watch?v=IbaKnvc8sZA.
Longview Park, Parkland Quadrangle and Enders facility center n Painting of stall partitions at Enders pool baths. PENDING ACTIONS n Replace rusted door closures at Grace Hopper and Enders facility center at various locations. n Replace worn door handles at Grace Hopper and Enders facility center at various locations. n Landscape replacements at Grace Hopper Hall. n Floor replacement in hallways, foyer, kitchen and bathrooms at Grace Hopper Hall.
n Sidewalk panel replacements at Longview Park and Oak Mews.
n Interior touch up painting and painting of trim and doors at Grace Hopper Hall.
n Replacement of annual bed at Union Park, plant installs at
n Access control hardware upgrades as facility centers.
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOUSE OWNERS
TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE
management staff on corrective measures being taken.
BY MELISSA PARKER
n Roof replacements are coming to multiple townhome service areas! Please remember to check your attics/soffit areas for any bats and/or rodents. Some of these animals may have decided to make a home in these areas. Animals will be required to be removed prior to any roof replacement projects beginning and may delay construction if they are found. This is considered a homeowner expense. Issa 22 is the first service area to receive roof replacements this year, followed by Cambridge, Issa 28, and City Homes No. 1. Not all addresses will have roof replacements this year; some addresses are listed to be replaced in 2023 per the Reserve Study. More information will be released as it becomes available.
The following information is a glimpse of the business that the Townhome Service Area Committee addressed in the Jan. 20, 2022, meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com. n The TSAC moved to approve the Insurable Evaluation proposal from Integra Realty Resources. n The TSAC moved to ratify the Timeline for the TSAC Election. n The TSAC moved to approve the Issa 22 Project Manual and Plans for Roof Replacements Bidding.
UPDATES
n Please remember to report any landscape, building or irrigation issues on the Baldwin Park Services App. 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
n New sod that was installed in January/February has been treated with a fungicide.
BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.
course of the next few months until all are completed.
BY BILL PATTERSON VILLAGE CENTER UPDATES n May the luck of the Irish be with you the entire month of March! Check out all the local celebrations and decorations around the Village Center all month. NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT n Over the past few months, we have been working on a project to revitalize the landscaping on some of the parking lot islands. This project will continue over the
n BrightView treated all Majestic Beauty Trees (Live/Work) with granular fertilizer which contains micro-nutrients and a fungicide.
VILLAGE CENTER n The conversion of the parking light to LED continues throughout the year. LED lights are much more efficient and brighter than the old bulbs. GENERAL UPDATES n The annual tree trimming of the CDD areas started in February and will run though March. Be mindful around the workers and their equipment. n The parking lot dumpsters are not meant for large items. This can break or clog the city’s
Do you need proof of insurance for your townhome? If so, you can find the latest contact information for the insurance carrier by going to the Baldwin Park Network (BaldwinParkNetwork.com). After you log-in, go to Association Information > Residential Owners Association > Townhome Service Area Committee > Property Insurance. Currently, you can e-mail CAD@sihle.com or fax your request to 407-389-8416. Make sure to include the following: n Association name (Baldwin Park Residential Owner’s Association) n The address of the property n The name of the borrower/unit owner n Your lender’s name, address and loan number n The mortgagee clause required n Contact information for distribution of proof of coverage for lender and owner. (Sometimes, the lender will send a form to be filled out, which will contain some of the information listed above.)
n BrightView has sprayed/ treated weeds in the Cambridge service area.
n Per DRS Inc. here is the Townhome maintenance schedule for March 2022: City Homes No. 1.
n BrightView treated azaleas at Cambridge, City Homes 1, Issa 22, Issa 28, City Homes 4, City Homes 2, City Homes 3, and Live Works for spots.
n Because of the pandemic, there has been an adjustment to originally stated dates for painting projects and maintenance in the townhome service areas. Supplies were delayed in being shipped from vendors to DRS Inc. at the beginning of the year. Schedules now will be projected one to two months out to anticipate any possible future changes. Notices still are being left on townhome front doors one to two weeks in advance to inform residents of any upcoming projects beginning in their address range.
n During the month of December, there was 1.21 inches of rain (normal is 2.34 inches). n Per DRS Inc. here is the Townhome painting schedule for February/March 2022: Live/ Work (final building), Cambridge (Meeting Place).
dumpsters and cause further issues. If you have any bulk items, the city of Orlando offers bulk pick-up — in most cases, free of charge! This can be used for most items that cannot fit in the commercial dumpster. Visit orlando.gov/Trash-Recycling for more information and to schedule future pick-ups. n Have you downloaded the Baldwin Park Services App yet? You can find it in the Android Play Store or in the Apple Store. It is a great resource to report various issues around the community, including light outages, broken sprinkler heads and many others. You also can submit work
requests for city of Orlando maintenance and repair. n Architectural Review Committee meetings take place twice a month — on the second and fourth Tuesdays — 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 email Bill at BPatterson@ BaldwinParkPOA.com.
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WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN!
Who is the Baldwin Park Joint Committee? H
WILL CAMPBELL PRESIDENT BALDWIN PARK JOINT COMMITTEE
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ello friends and neighbors! One question I often get asked is, “What is the Joint Committee, and what does it even do?” Because we have some new people in the neighborhood, as is apparent from the homes that have instantly sold lately and the extreme lack of homes on the market, I thought it would be a good time to reintroduce everyone to one of the driving forces behind Baldwin Park: The Joint Committee. The Joint Committee is the unifying board between the Residential Owners Association and the Commercial Owners Association). It consists of two members from the ROA, two from the COA and one member-at-large (that’s me!). Each member serves a one-year term, so every year in August, new members are appointed from the ROA, COA, and then they appoint the member-at-large. This five-member board is responsible for the Overall Benefit Property, which is basically the shared spaces between the residents of Baldwin Park and the commercial properties. This includes the sidewalks, signage, plants and public space outside of the commercial spaces along New Broad Street from Chatfield Place down to Lake Baldwin Park, which is city of Orlando property. As a resident of Baldwin Park, I know how much pride we all take in our community, and the Joint Committee takes equal pride in the OBP areas. You would be surprised at how much effort is put into all of the details within the
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | MARCH 2022
village center, from the planters to seasonal banners to the flags that are displayed at the end of New Broad Street. No detail goes unnoticed! In addition to overseeing the OBP, the Joint Committee is responsible for the planning and coordination of certain community-wide events and functions that benefit the entirety of our beautiful corner of the City Beautiful. These events include the Independence Bash and Winter Wonderland Extravaganza. As you may have noticed from the holiday event, we’re really making a concerted effort to showcase the Baldwin Park lifestyle as it should be to those who don’t live here. These events not only bring all of us as neighbors together, but they also bring attention to Downtown Baldwin Park, which is a huge win for the local, independent businesses down there. Over time, we’ve seen the popularity of some events wain, which gives us the opportunity to try out new events in which the community shows interest. We’re also always looking for new ideas for different events that are best for Baldwin Park. If you ever see something elsewhere or think of large events such as Independence Bash that would be a good fit around here, don’t hesitate to share those ideas. Make sure to keep an eye out on our official Instagram, @visitbaldwinpark, as we showcase new and exciting things going on within the community. One of our biggest accomplishments recently, in addition to bringing bigger and better
events back, was the addition of our gorgeous tree for the holidays located on the New Broad Street fountain. A huge shoutout goes out to the entire board and our Sentry management team, which worked endlessly for at least two years to bring that into fruition. Trust me when I say, I know more about wind insurance, metal anchoring and weight balances than I ever thought I would! Additionally, the Joint Committee is responsible for things such as the Baldwin Park Network, our public- and resident-facing website at baldwinparknetwork.com, which got a huge face-lift last year in honor of Baldwin Park’s 20th anniversary. There are several other items that fall under the Joint Committee’s purview, but they aren’t nearly as fun as our gorgeous Village Center or our spectacular events, so I’ll spare you those details. Just know the Joint Committee, in tandem with the ROA and COA, spends its time helping to keep Baldwin Park one of the shiniest gems in the City Beautiful. All of these positions are voluntary, with no other compensation than knowing that what we’re doing benefits our neighbors, our friends and our families. So, if you see one of us out along New Broad Street or in one of the shops or restaurants, we’ll never turn down a thank you! Until next time, stay safe, stay well and remember, We Are Baldwin Park!
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Groups & Gatherings We have several groups and classes that are active and waiting for your sign up. Many groups have postponed meetings or are now meeting virtually due to COVID-19. Please take note of all of the club/ fitness happening around Baldwin Park and reach out to any/all that interest you! ART EXPLORERS CLUB Baldwin Park resident Robyn Bertram offers this club through Rollins Museum of Art. The free Art Explorers Club introduces visitors ages 6 to 13 to a world full of art through creative missions inspired by pieces from the museum’s collection. Explorers collect prizes and stamps in their special members’ passport with each project — all while expanding their imagination and art research skills. For more, email rbertram@rollins.edu. BALDWIN PARK ART CLUB Baldwin Park Art Club is a mixture of art classes, studio tours and gallery openings for art lovers. It is open to everyone. Contact Pat at plremingt@gmail. com for more information and to see when the club is meeting next. 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 for kids are now on Zoom.
BALDWIN PARK LGBTQ+ The purpose of the Baldwin Park LGBTQ+ group is to provide social activities for Baldwin Park residents that identify as LGBTQ+, family members and allies of the community. For more information, contact Byron P. Lee at byron@biobitworks.com or call (470) 898-9315. BALDWIN PARK SINGLES This group — for singles ages 35 to 55 years old — will meet biweekly at various locations in Baldwin. This is a great way to meet friends and possibly find a person you would love to date. For more, email Jenny, jennylake94@gmail.com. ETHNIC FOOD ENTHUSIASTS Note: This group is not meeting currently but plans to resume soon. 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. GARDENERS GROWING TOGETHER Gardeners Growing Together members take field trips to local gardens for meet-ups and classes. Email alysonescribana@ gmail.com for details. MAHJONG For more information, contact Christopher at cfc106@gmail. com or visit bpmahjong.com.
FITNESS AND FUN n BLUE MOON YOGA — Classes exclusively for Baldwin Park residents. Enjoy a deeply relaxing indoor class at 9 a.m. Fridays (Restorative Yoga For Women) or 10 a.m. (Yoga for Newbies). These classes are held at Enders Gathering Room. On Saturdays, two outdoor classes are offered in front of Grace Hopper Hall, starting with Outdoor Flow at 9 a.m., followed by Power Yoga at 10 a.m. New students should contact the instructor at (407) 276-3478. For prices and additional information, visit bluemoon.yoga or email becca@blue-moon.yoga. n NOVEMBER PROJECT — This group is offering free weekly workouts for all. Find the group at 6:29 a.m. Wednesdays at Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin. Check it out at novemver-project.com. n PICK-UP BASKETBALL — Basketball enthusiasts will meet at Blue Jacket Park courts for five-on-five play. Contact Rick at rickschreiber2@gmail.com.
NIFTY FIFTIES PLUS Socials for active couples and singles ages 50 and up, meet several times a month for a variety of social activities, including happy hour, luncheons, parties and much more. Reach out to niftyfiftiesplus@gmail.com. REAL DEAL BOOK CLUB The Real Deal Book Club meets monthly to discuss its book of choice. The group not only discusses the current read but also shares articles and relevant reviews for the group to discuss. Find out more by emailing klhgibbons@gmail.com. TACTICAL BREWING RUNNING CLUB If you love craft beer and running, this group is for you!
n RAY OF LIGHT YOGA — Yoga instructor Lisa Schreiber a monthly Mommy & Me Yoga at 10 a.m. monthly. All kids ages 2 to 6 are invited for a morning of fun activities such as games, stories and movement, as well as learning yoga poses and relaxation strategies that will help them cope with the ups and downs of life. Schreiber often incorporates messages about healthy eating, kindness, mindfulness and self-love. Upcoming classes include St. Paddy’s Day in the Park (March 13); April Showers Bring May Flowers (April 24); Earth Day/ Park Cleanup (May 22); and Summer Vacation (June 26). For more, email Lisa at lisafineman@yahoo.com. n TENNIS CLUB — Meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the Blue Jacket Park courts. Contact Ceci Minn, crmdesign@yahoo. com. n ZOOM BALLET AND PILATES — Baldwin Park resident and PMA-certified instructor Adriana Duarte Pontual offers Zoom Pilates classes from 9:10 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Cost is $12 per class. For more, visit adrianaduartepontual. com.br.
Meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the Tactical Brewing Co. tasting room. Members head out for a cool 2.5-mile run around Lake Baldwin, with a 5K option. Find it at Tactical Brewing Running Club on Facebook. WIN! WOMEN INNOVATORS NETWORK This group is for Baldwin Park women who own or manage a business. Reservations can be made by contacting Bekah at beautifiedbybekah@gmail.com. WRITERS’ BLOCK WRITING GROUP This group discusses many topics to help writers. Come with a desire to meet other writers and learn to hone your writing skills. Contact Rich at powerofselfentertainment@gmail.com.
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Just like MAGIC
Silvia Rodriguez helps locals take back their lives with her new business, Tidy Up Magic. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER
B
Silvia Rodriguez started her business to help local residents take back control of their lives and homes by creating a clean and organized environment.
TIDY UP MAGIC WEBSITE: tidyupmagic.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ Tidyupmagic
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aldwin Park resident Silvia Rodriguez’s business goes beyond just cleaning. It brings families together. Rodriguez started Tidy Up Magic last September. Her mission as a professional organizer is to declutter, organize and create a system that will allow customers to find everything they need while keeping their house beautiful. “My focus is on understanding your expectations and needs and creating a system that you can maintain, allowing you to feel lighter and happier at home,” Rodriguez says. “Your house is an extension of you, and we want it to show. I will work with you until you are satisfied with the organizing system custom-created for you.” Rodriguez is ready to use her expertise to organize and refresh everything from pantries and closets to playrooms and even garages. The 46-year-old from Lima, Peru worked in marketing, management, communication, service and sales before coming to the United States in 2012. Only a few short months after moving to Orlando, the family moved to Baldwin Park, which they discovered on a random drive one day. “We immediately decided we have to live here,” Rodriguez says. “We love the neighborhood, and we have a group of friends that are just like family. I just hope we can stay here for years to come.”
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | MARCH 2022
Annabelle Sikes
Rodriguez’s mission as a professional organizer is to declutter, organize and create a system that will allow residents to easily find everything they need while keeping their house looking beautiful.
Baldwin Park locals already are loving the concept of the business. Olivia Willey says she had the pleasure of having Tidy Up Magic declutter, sort, organize and make her daughter’s closet and drawers look beautiful. “It was such a wonderful experience,” Willey says. “Her taste is impeccable!” Julie Hemphill agrees. “Hiring Silvia with Tidy Up Magic was a great decision,” Hemphill says. “She did a complete overhaul of my kitchen. Now, the entire family can find things easily.” Since moving to the U.S., Rodriguez has been focused on her family, which includes her husband of 28 years and three children. Although she is grateful she was able to take time to be with her family, she always wanted to have her own business. “There was always something in me where I wanted to do something for myself, and I went through some different ideas before I realized this concept was perfect for me,” she says. “ Why not use the way my brain works and the way that I catch detail to help others? “I have always loved to be around people, and it makes me happy to be of service,” she says. “I have an almost obsessive eye for things out of place, and I am always looking for
ways to make a space more organized and functional.” After a customer contacts her, Rodriguez provides a free consultation to check out the space and discover the needs. Rodriguez says the business has the potential to do so much more than provide a clean space. “I really believe when we have an organized space, it just gives us peace of mind,” she said. “Our mental health is very important and with going from one thing to another every day the last thing we need is to come home to a messy house. We need a space that makes us feel relaxed and comforted. We want to be able to look around and feel good about ourselves and the place we call home.” Rodriguez also says it is hard to keep relationships at home good if one does not feel comfortable in the space. “We need control over something, because there are so many things in our lives — especially lately with the pandemic, that we cannot control,” she says. “I try to keep my house organized and clean, and I’m not going to tell you this is how my house is 100% of the time, but I strive to make our house a relaxing place for my whole family. I hope I can help other families, too.”
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John Ledford I Fortress Wealth Group 407-999-8998 I www.fortresswealthgroup.com
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President/CEO of Fortress Wealth Group John Ledford and his family are residents of Baldwin Park
Co-owner of Joybird Books Andrew Walker says books always have been a large part of both his and co-owner Ollie Bird’s lives.
Annabelle Sikes
always been part of my life.” The couple recently opened their brick-and-mortar used bookstore Joybird Books at the end of November on Small Business Saturday. Joybird Books, located on the outskirts of Baldwin Park on Corrine Drive, is focused on bringing together local authors and artists to share their work and celebrate the spirit of art, literacy and community in a collaborative space. The community already is taking notice of what is now the city of Orlando’s only independently owned used bookstore. “What inspires the most passion for being in the business of building a neighborhood space around books is the overwhelmingly positive community response,” Bird says. “It’s one thing for us to make an observation that this sort of store is something people want more of, or to gauge an
economic value of the store based on demand, but it’s another thing to have people and families of all ages and from all different backgrounds come in and, without us asking them to or expecting anything from them, build the community with us. It’s as if they were just waiting for us to get there.” The area has been hungry for a used bookseller; many in the surrounding areas have failed.The closest used bookstores are in Longwood or Casselberry. “Opening our own store was always one of those far-off, ‘Oh, wouldn’t that be so cool’ sort of things, so it was never a real concrete thing until recently,” Walker says. What started off as just a dream has now turned into the couple’s reality. Less than a year ago, Walker de-
Once upon a time … Andrew Walker and Ollie Bird recently realized a longtime dream when they opened Joybird Books on Corrine Drive. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER
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ndrew Walker and Ollie Bird found each other — and themselves — through books. Now, they are sharing their mutual love of literature with the Baldwin Park community. “My love for books just always seemed to come naturally,” Walker says. “Books were something that I could always connect with and something that was always there — no matter what. Even if that love waxes or wanes, it has
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cided to put a bid in for an auction event taking place at a university in Georgia. The library was attempting to weed out 10,000 books. “I put in a little chance bid, thinking, ‘Oh, wouldn’t that be cool?’” he says. “And then I ended up getting it. That’s where the adventure first started.” Books always have been a part of Walker’s and Bird’s lives. Bird worked at the Orange County Public Library, Winter Park Library and other local bookstores. The two also have a strong passion for poetry and have had several poems published. Walker participated in art and literary magazines while in college and graduated from UCF with an English degree. He still works fulltime remotely as a technical writer, on top of helping to co-own the shop. The used bookstore hosts a variety of books from fiction to nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, rare books, self-help books, audiobooks and more. “I feel like used books are more accessible for everyone because you don’t have to be price motivated when making a selection,” Walker says. “We have flat pricing so for
example our paperbacks are all $5. We’re not looking to make a huge profit, because obviously it’s a used bookstore, it’s not going to make a huge profit, but having the space and being able to connect with the community is really the ultimate goal.” Looking ahead in the future, the couple hopes to expand their community programming even more. The used bookstore currently hosts storytime at 11:30 a.m. every Friday. The owners also have a projector and would love to do book-to-screen movies on or even set up a stage at the front for open-mic nights or poetry nights. The back office space has the potential to eventually be rented out for meetings or for local authors. “It’s very inspiring to feel the outpouring of love and connection from our neighborhood,” Bird says. “I think that’s what really drives the passion and quantifies the value of our space. This feeling that it’s not just mine and Andrew’s, and it’s not just another store, but that our being here really means something for our community. I really look forward to growing with them.”
Outside of the bookstore, the couple enjoys spending time with Walker’s 10-year-old son, as well as their three birds and two cats.
JOYBIRD BOOKS 3018 Corrine Drive • (407) 951-5436 • joybirdbooks.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/joybirdbooks EMAIL: joybirdbooksorlando@gmail.com
WE ARE ENGEL & VÖLKERS.
In January of this year, I joined Engel & Völkers Orlando Winter Park and I’m grateful to share this with all my Baldwin Park neighbors. The decision to team up with Engel & Völkers was based on a few key factors: charitable culture, global real estate network, and respected brand image. Learn more at ericenglish.evrealestate.com
GLOBAL RECOGNITION. B A L D W I N PA R K E X P E R T I S E .
ERIC ENGLISH ©2022 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act
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Eric English · Engel & Völkers Orlando Winter Park 558 W. New England Avenue, Suite 120 Winter Park · FL 32789 License# SL3493985 +1 352-308-7111 eric.english@evrealestate.com
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The Diaz family came together with friends to walk in honor of their lost loved one, DJ Diaz.
Coming into the
LIGHT The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention held its annual Out of the Darkness Walk Saturday, Feb. 5, at Lake Baldwin.
Families created homemade signs and T-shirts for their lost loved ones.
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ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER
T
he Orlando community came together to honor and remember their loved ones in the Out of the Darkness Walk Saturday, Feb. 5, at Lake Baldwin. The 15th annual event, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is a journey of hope to heal the losses of the past and help prevent suicide from taking more lives. All proceeds from the event benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to fund research, education, and survivor and awareness programs. According to the foundation, suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among young people age 15 to 24. The highest overall rates of suicide are for adults age 40 to 59. Jim Payne, news anchor from WESH 2, has helped to host the event every year with the help of the dedicated individuals from the foundation and local community members. Payne says people who attend the walk usually fall into two different categories — people looking for something and people who have found something and want to share it.
HOW TO HELP n Donations will continue to be accepted until March 31. n Donations can be made at bit.ly/352eNW8. n For more information, visit afsp.org.
“Some of us need answers to know if we are even asking the right questions, some of us need comfort, some of us need a boost, some inspiration, some kind words, someone to listen, to know that people care,” he says. “Others of us have wisdom that we are hoping to share, experiences that we know are helpful, things that work. Others of us are ready to listen, to let people know that we truly care.” Vicki Dolan and Beth Hendren, of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, also spoke. Dolan lost her father in 2004 to suicide, and she wanted to do something to help herself and others heal. That’s how the even began. “I would like for all these beautiful people to know that they are not alone and there is hope for everybody,” she says. “You just look at the person next to you, and they’re feeling exactly how you’re feeling.” Residents from across Central Florida walked the 2.6-mile scenic walk around Lake Baldwin individually and in teams. They carried signs, wore customized T-shirts, and displayed remembrances of their lost loved ones. The organization also provided several activities to encourage hope and healing. Memory signs were displayed throughout the walk as a memorial to those lost and as a reminder of why others fight to bring the issue of suicide out of the darkness and help those who may still be struggling. In addition, the Butterfly Tree allowed participants to take a butterfly for themselves or to hang a butterfly from the tree. The Honor Beads allowed individuals to show their personal connection to the cause and identify others who understood through a color such as orange for the loss of a sibling or
Orlando residents came together to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Belinda, Jessica and Ella Scurry wore camouflage to honor the loss of a family member.
Clio Williams and Avery Johnson walked together for their lost friend, Ella.
white for the loss of a child. A raffle, silent auction, activities and live music by Matt Shenk was also part of the event. In all, 161 teams raised more than $170,000 for the cause. Participating organizations included Orlando Health, Target,
Mia Miner and Kiana Graham passed out water bottles and healthy snacks.
Photos by Annabelle Sikes
Maddy Mula and Nicole Pruitt walked in honor of their friend, Kayli.
University Behavioral Center and Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. “Mental health and suicide prevention are more important than ever,” Payne says. “We are confident that with your help we can reach more people than ever before.” BALDWIN PARK LIVING | MARCH 2022
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#BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK
Plan your wedding in Baldwin Park
D
id you know you can plan your perfect wedding in (or near) Baldwin Park? It’s true! Everything you need to make your big day spectacular is right in your backyard. Here are just a few places we think will enhance your special day:
n Under the Spanish Moss by Lake Baldwin Dog Park. This iconic location gives off the most spectacular, whimsical vibes and just brings the beauty of Florida to your photographs.
YES TO THE DRESS! BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
LET’S TALK RINGS
Victoria Jewelers has a stunning store right on New Broad Street, and it specializes in custom engagement and wedding rings. Find both of your dream rings all under one roof. The shop also does full restorations of family heirlooms, in case you want to keep your great grandmother’s ring as a family tradition. There truly is something for everyone there, and if you don’t find exactly what you were envisioning, the jewelers will make it from scratch!
one of these locations first: n The lake, of course! You have two covered gazebos from which to choose, and both overlook our beautiful lake. If you’re lucky, you will catch some wild birds in the background or a plane flying overhead. There has never been a bad photo taken there! n The New Broad Street Bridge provides a one-of-a-kind stunning photo — no matter where you stand. Take the photos standing on the bridge or the shoreline with the bridge in the background. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
FRAMING THE MOMENT
ON THEME
Need some décor/floral inspiration and Pinterest just isn’t cutting it? Head into Lafayette and Rushford for everything unique. You can find your toasting glasses, cocktail napkins, centerpieces and so much more 374395-1
We found the perfect ring, now let’s take those engagement photos. Baldwin Park is home to dozens of stunning photo opportunity spots but just to narrow down your search, try
We found the rings and took the photos. Now, it’s time to say “yes” to the dress! Thankfully, Baldwin Park has yet another small business to check something major off your list. Head over to White Blossom Bridal for a great selection of gowns. Want some gems? This shop has you covered. Want sleeves? It has you covered. Want to make it black with a six-foot train? This shop will make it happen! Check out the storefront for just a few examples of what the shop carries and book an appointment to try some on!
Broker Associate / ® Realtor
407-399-0629 ben@bencole.org ®
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Your Neighbor! 13+ year Baldwin Park Homeowner
Ben M. Cole III Inc. • 910 Versailles Cir. • Maitland, FL 32751
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— all within one store. You will walk out feeling relieved, productive and glamorous!
ON THE MENU
Time for dinner: rehearsal dinner, that is. Baldwin Park has tons of fine restaurants — each just as fantastic as the next. You and your significant other have plenty of options, including sushi, steak, seafood, Mexican and even authentic Mediterranean food — all in close proximity of each other. One thing most couples also look for are bars nearby, so the wedding party and friends can go out afterwards to continue the celebration. And yes, you guessed it: Baldwin Park still has you covered, with bars such as The Wildflower, Tactical Brewing, Golden Hour and Admiral Cigar bar all within walking distance.
A ME DAY
The big week has finally come and you are looking for some self-care. Let’s face it, you earned a treat-yo-self day. Head over to Glow Girl and feel like the queen that you are. This business can help you with your engagement photo glam, wedding hair and makeup, along with waxing, facials and skincare, lash lifts, and brow-shaping. It truly is your one-stop shop for feeling and looking your best!
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Community Calendar ONGOING
BACKYARD FOOD FARE This free-to-attend monthly food rallies will be open to residents and their guests only. Each month, the event will feature a handful of local food vendors, who will take care of all your dinner/dessert needs. For more, email Brie, mediacomm@ baldwinparkpoa.com with any questions. INFANT SWIM LESSONS Infant Swim Resources will be giving lessons from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in March and April at Grace Hopper Pool. The classes then will transition to Enders Pool.
MARCH 1
MOVIE NIGHT AT TACTICAL 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Tactical Brewing Co., 4882 New Broad St.
A different dessert vendor sets up shop inside the tasting room to sell goodies during the movie, as well.
MARCH 2
TRIVIA AT TACTICAL 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Tactical Brewing Co., 4882 New Broad St. Join “The Intern” from BYOCB every Wednesday night as he hosts trivia at Tactical.
MARCH 5
OCBA LAW DAY 5K 5 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at Harbor Park, 4990 New Broad St. The eighth annual event includes the OCBA Law Day 5K, free kids fun run, and block party. For more, visit runsignup.com/ ocbalawday5K.
MARCH 9
THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE PARKS Meets from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Visitors and guests are welcome. Meeting information is posted in the Baldwin Park Weekly resident email blast or at facebook.com/RotaryClubOfTheParksOrlando.
MARCH 10
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Grace Hopper Hall Gathering Room, 1913 Meeting Place. Due to the current high volume of Residential ARC applications, the number of applications is being capped at 25 per meeting. Meetings are subject to change.
MARCH 17
TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING Meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month virtually. Meetings are subject to change. Please look for updated scheduling information in the weekly Wednesday resident updates.
MARCH 20
AVERAGE JOE 5K 6:30 a.m. Sunday, March 20, at Harbor Park, 4990 New Broad St. This run is known as “The World’s Easiest 5K” — you have to finish in the middle to win. Awards will be given in the following categories: Average Joe and Average Jane; overall winners; and age group winners. For more, visit averagejoerun.com.
APRIL 2
BIANNUAL PORCH SALE Mark your calendars! Our biannual Porch Sale is making its return, and it is going to be bigger and better than ever!
THAT’S HOW WE ROLL. 374392-1
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IF YOU WANT TO GIVE YOUR HOUSE PERSONALITY, IT MIGHT AS WELL BE A COLORFUL ONE.
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© 2017 Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC
© 2017 Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC
Wealth management that meets YOUR needs starts with an advisor you trust. Start the conversation today. Visit Us warwickshore.com
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1507 Lake Baldwin Ln Suite B Orlando, FL 32814 investments@warwickshore.com Ph: (407) 493-6288
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VPK and after-school programs offered
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Bright Horizons at Baldwin Park ®
John Psomas RICP, Agent 922 Lake Baldwin Lane, Suite A Orlando, FL 32814 Bus: 407-277-2997 www.johnpsomas.com Hablamos Español
hey neighbor I'm your local real estate expert and Baldwin resident since 2004! Are you interested in buying or selling? Or maybe you're just interested in what the market has to offer? Let's chat!
Lisa Fleming
LET'S TALK
numbers ...
Fannie Hillman + Associates was the #1 real estate company in Baldwin park for 2021 I was ranked as one of Baldwin Park’s top 3 agents in home sales for 2021 I was the #1 individual agent in townhome sales for 2021 Fannie Hillman + Associates sold over half a billion dollars in 2021 321-228-8341
LISA@FANNIEHILLMAN.COM BALDWIN PARK LIVING | MARCH 2022
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O ur agents’ knowledge and expertise spans a wide range of communities, from the charming brick streets of Winter Park to the OO ururagents’ agents’ knowledge knowledge and and expertise expertise spans aawide widerange range ofof sandy beaches of New Smyrnaspans and beyond. communities, communities,from fromthe thecharming charming brick brick streets streetsofofWinter WinterPark Park toto thethe sandy sandybeaches beaches of of New New Smyrna Smyrna and andbeyond. beyond.
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