08.04.17 Baldwin Park Living by Orange Observer

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CONTENTS

38 FEATURES

14 32 38

THE HANDYMAN CAN Meet Mike Allsup, Baldwin Park’s resident fit-it-all man. UP AND AT ‘EM This fitness group is up before the dawn to get fit and have fun doing it. A PLACE TO BELONG Lake Baldwin Church offers services Sundays at Glenridge Middle.

AUGUST 2017

BALDWIN PARK

DEPARTMENTS

LIVING

8 BALDWIN PARK NOTEBOOK Read about recent decisions made by community leaders. 12 WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN Columnist Denny O’Neil returns to ‘Penn’s Woods.’ 18 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Looking for something fun in Baldwin Park? Find it here.

AUGUST 2017

Publisher — Dawn Willis

EDITORIAL Executive Editor — Michael Eng Design Editor — Jessica Eng Associate Editor — Tim Freed Associate Editor — Troy Herring

20 CULTURE FOR YOUR CALENDAR Josh Garrick shares his picks for local entertainment.

Contributors Josh Garrick Denny O’Neil Christina Rordam

26 BUSINESS Pipoca Gourmet Popcorn opens in Baldwin Park. 34 EDUCATION Orange County Public Schools launches school grade cards.

42 TAX TALK What government has to prove in a tax-evasion case.

46 BALDWIN PARK SCENE Did our camera catch you?

Associate Publisher — Tracy Craft Advertising Executive — Pam Zerblas

PRODUCTION Creative Services — Kathleen Carreiro Creative Services — Tony Trotti

44 WHAT’S SELLING See two homes that sold recently in Baldwin Park. 45 KEEPING IT REAL ESTATE Columnist Christina Rordam explains the FIRPTA.

ADVERTISING

CONTACT

To submit story ideas, calendar listings or have your event considered for coverage, contact Tim Freed at tfreed@orangeobserver.com. For advertising inquiries, call (407) 401-9929. Baldwin Park Living is a monthly publication of the Observer Media Group published in partnership with Sentry Management, managing agent of the Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association Inc.; Baldwin Park Commercial Owners Association Inc.; and Baldwin Park Joint Committee Inc.

OrangeObserver.com

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

Baldwin Park notebook ROA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING BY STACEY FRYREAR The following information is a glimpse of the business the ROA Board of Directors addressed at the June 27, 2017 meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained at BaldwinParkNetwork.com. n The board approved the remaining language in the resolution pertaining to the inspecting and copying of the official records. n The board approved the holiday décor scheme for Grace Hopper. n The board approved Moister Intrusion Solutions to perform a water intrusion study in some of the townhomes that have decks over occupied space. n The board approved Certified Pool Pros as the new pool maintenance contractor. n The board approved adding sound absorption panels to the foyer and interior hallway of Grace Hopper. n The board approved various plant/sod replacements in the following parks/mews: Ardsdale Mews, Oak Mews, Parkland Quadrangle, Upper Union Park, City Homes No. 2, City Homes No. 3 and Grace Hopper Hall.

UPDATES PLANT/SOD REPLACEMENTS/ FILL-INS FROM THE MAY MEETING The replacements/fill-ins for City Homes No. 4, Bailey Square, Enders Park, The Yard and Union Park were completed. Union Mews plants/sod were scheduled for the end of July.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

INFORMATION FOR OWNERS Do you need a copy of the governing documents? The governing documents can be found on the Baldwin Park Network. Once you visit baldwinparknetwork.com, select the following: n Association Information n Residential Owners Association n ROA Overview & Documents n Scroll to the bottom of the page to see the different options

STRATEGIC PLANNING A strategic planning meeting was held on June 3, 2017. The board reviewed the previously discussed Mission Statement, Vision and Values. Mr. Petersen, Mr. O’Neil and Mrs. Comisky will meet prior to the June board meeting to finalize the Strategic Plan and assign board members to each Goal/ Objective mirroring Celebration’s Strategic Plan. SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS FOR UNION PARK PLAYGROUND AND ENDERS PLAYGROUND Staff met with the surveillance systems experts about adding cameras at these two locations. An update/proposal will be brought to a future meeting.

OFF-DUTY POOL PATROLS Starting July 1, the weekend off duty hours were covered through this season. Staff still is looking into a security company for this. An update will be brought to a future meeting. UNION AND ENDERS PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT Staff has ordered two new playground equipment see-through bubbles for the playgrounds (one each). Because of sun exposure, these become cloudy after a while.

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING BY BRAD WASIL The June Townhome Service Area Committee meeting did not take place because of the lack of agenda items. The July TSAC meeting was held on Thursday, July 20, 2017. A complete copy of all official minutes can be obtained on BaldwinParkNetwork.com.

UPDATES

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n The preventative maintenance contract work for 2017 is underway, and the City Home No. 1, City Home No. 2, Mattamy (City Home No. 3) and City Home No. 4 service areas have been completed. The contractor currently is working in the Issa 28 service area. n The pine straw mulching was completed in all of the service areas. n Over the last couple of months, we have noticed debris and sand blocking the irrigation system and clogging irrigation heads. Toward the end of June, the city of Orlando’s reclaimed water division flushed out part of the irrigation system within Baldwin Park to alleviate these issues.

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INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOME OWNERS Townhome Landscape Mulching is done once or twice a year based on the approved budgets. The mulch used is pine straw (pine needles). The following reasons are why the TSAC decided to use pine straw: n Pine straw breaks down quicker into the soil, thus helping the very high pH leaves in the soil. n Pine straw does not attract termites as pine bark / pine nuggets can. n Pine straw is considered an all-natural or “green” mulch. n Pine straw doesn’t float away as easily during rain storms because the needles become tangled together. n When pine bark/pine nuggets float away, many times the mulch lands in the sod and can damage the sod underneath. n The ground-cover beds will have pine fines used instead of pine straw.

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WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN

Another tale from ‘Penn’s Woods’

DENNY O’NEIL BALDWIN PARK RESIDENTIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

irst, a couple of reminders: When driving, use your turn signals. Using them makes it safer for you and other drivers. And, the election for four of seven positions of the Residential Owners Association Board of Directors will be on Aug. 22, 2017. If you are a homeowner, please vote. By the time you get this edition of Baldwin Park Living, you should have already received voting information. THE STATE STREET BRIDGE

So why would I write an article about a bridge? Well, ordinarily I wouldn’t, but I got an email that linked to vintage photos of my home town in Pennsylvania. I commented on a photo of the State Street Bridge, which I walked and rode across as a kid about a million times to the city business district across the Allegheny River and my high school located on a hill nearby. Have you seen the TV commercial with five pigeons sitting on a wire talking and one says, “Fire at will?” Then those pigeons discuss how the pigeon knew the person below the wire was named “Will.” Next it’s mentioned that “Fire at will” is just a saying, etc. Well, many of my experiences on the State Street Bridge involved pigeons. More on that later. A little history of the bridge. The first successful attempt to span the river at the juncture of Oil Creek and the Allegheny River occurred in 1868 and was a Howe truss bridge with wooden timbers which

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

rested on stone-filled timber piers. It was 1,225 feet long and higher on one end than the other to allow steamboats to pass under it. It was a toll bridge (steamboats carried barrels of locally produced crude oil down the river to Pittsburgh.) That bridge was converted, beginning in 1875, to an iron bridge on stone piers. In 1903 the county bought the bridge and ended the toll. From 1911 to 1912, it was replaced with a three-span steel arch bridge with pedestrian sidewalks. That is the bridge that I used when I lived there. It had a steel grating road surface for the vehicle traffic and also had steel grating for the pedestrian sidewalks. The steel grating for vehicles had larger openings than the sidewalk grating and when a vehicle went across the bridge, the vehicle tires made a “whirrrr” sort of buzz sound. A lot of comments at the link were about that sound. I had forgotten about that sound until I read a comment about it. Walking the bridge sidewalks, you could look down through the grate at the river. A lot of comments concerned that experience. Some people commented that as kids they were scared to walk on the bridge sidewalks. I always thought it was fun to be able to look down through the sidewalk at the water (ice in winter, river rocks when the water was low) below. It was very cold to walk across the bridge in the winter and there was no relief from the wind and cold. That was the gist of one of my comments about the bridge. PIGEONS

My other comment was about the pigeons. There were always pigeons that sat on top of the steel arches of the bridge and relieved themselves. I think the pigeons sometimes did it for sport. Lots of evidence of that particular activity was on the sidewalk and railings of the bridge. More to the point, the pigeons seemed to have made me a designated target for the activity. I daily dreaded that I would receive a direct hit on my head

and/or my clothes. Which did happen. Not every day, but quite often. With a pigeon free-fire zone of about 1,000 feet, your chances were pretty good of taking a hit. And the chances got a lot better when more pigeons, which formerly lived in the attic of the old wooden railroad station at the east end of the bridge, moved to new homes in the steel arches of the bridge. Well, they didn’t really move so much as were forced to relocate (refugee pigeons?) because the city fire department decided to make a training exercise out of removing the old railroad station near the east end of the bridge. A Holiday Inn was to be built at that location, and the station had to go. So, the plan was to do a controlled burn. It seems that the firemen set up the building for the fire a little too well. When the fire got going (of course that is when the pigeons fled), it really got going. The railroad station was soon engulfed in flames and was burning very hot. The location of the station was a sidewalk width plus 50 feet south of the road access to the bridge. There were several businesses along the street. I found shelter behind a wooden street light pole less than 200 feet at most from the train station. From way back. Behind the pole, I felt like I was getting a serious sunburn. The station burned to the ground in about an hour or two. Luckily, it was the only building that burned. The whole thing was pretty hairy for a while. The firefighters got a real workout and some serious experience. But, what about those pigeons? Of course, the pigeons were a bit perturbed and for many years punished average pedestrians walking across the State Street Bridge by targeting them with even more discharge as there were now many more pigeons manning the bridge ramparts. Postscript: In 1995 the State Street Bridge was replaced with the Veterans Bridge, a concrete span structure. If the pigeons are still there, they now live below the bridge and are probably a threat to boaters. Darn pigeons.

A NEW STYLE OF SENIOR LIVING IS COMING SOON!

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There’s just one senior living community that’s ideally suited to the stylish Baldwin Park way of life, and it will open this September on the shores of Lake Baldwin. Westminster Baldwin Park will be the best of all worlds, offering maintenance-free, active senior living, and including such on-campus services and amenities as a casual café, swimming pool and fitness center. As a neighborhood of Westminster Winter Park, residents will also enjoy access to the well-established amenities on the nearby Winter Park campus, including the assurance of a full continuum of healthcare services, if needed. And they’ll be able to walk or bike to their favorite restaurants and shops, and remain close to everything they love about Baldwin Park. Opening this spring on the Westminster Baldwin Park campus is our brand-new Rapid Recovery rehabilitation center, where adults aged 62 and older can get the support needed after surgery to return to an active lifestyle. This is your neighborhood, and for those who will soon become residents of Westminster Baldwin Thi Park, it will become the neighborhood they know and lovve. For them, this move is not a change of heart, but merely a change of address!

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Here’s to the

handyman Kids know him as Mr. Mike. Their parents know him as the man who can fix anything. Meet handyman Mike Allsup. TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ou could talk about it, or you could do something about it. That’s the mantra of Baldwin Park resident Mike Allsup, known by his neighbors as a go-to handyman, lending a helping hand to whoever needs something fixed. It’s how he was raised, and at this point, it’s basic instinct, says Allsup, who has lived in Baldwin Park since 2012. “I’m a problem-solver by nature,” he says. “I see a problem, and I look for a way to fix it. I’m a pretty friendly person too, so I like to help people — always like to help people.” Allsup realized years ago he loved solv-

Baldwin Park resident Mike Allsup always has a project in the works. Photo by Tim Freed

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

ing problems, even if they are not his own. As long as he can remember, Allsup has helped neighbors with various repairs — from broken sprinkler heads and fences to skateboards and flat bike tires. He’s stepped up to help the Headrick family nearby on multiple occasions, including rescuing two kittens that had found their way into a vacant space inside the vanity in their master bathroom. Allsup brought his hole saw, cut an opening in the side of the cabinet and fished out two sawdust-covered kittens. “I drilled into the thing, reached my arm in there and grabbed a bunch of fur and got the cats,” he says.

“(The Headricks) had just gotten the kittens. They put them in the bathroom and they thought it was going to be safe, and then all the sudden the cats had disappeared. The kids shined a flashlight and found them in there.” Allsup even takes the time to pass on his knowledge of repairs to the Headrick children. “My curious kids always find their way into his garage when we are getting ready to leave and ask, Dennis the Menace style, ‘Whatcha doing Mr. Mike?’” Kerry Headrick says. “Mr. Mike will greet them with a smile and patiently explain what he’s doing. He’s taught them the physics of putting together furniture, how to hold a hammer and the importance of safety. He’s an honorary uncle to this crazy crew and a dear friend to us.” But Allsup isn’t just good at repairs. He’s a builder, too. His creative side can be seen all throughout his home along Ethan Lane — from the backyard he designed to the classic teal truck he rebuilt and renovated in his garage over four and a half years. While looking for furniture for

their home, Allsup and his wife, Lisha, saw a shelf on Crate and Barrel’s website for $1,000. Allsup built something similar for $250 in wood. He even gutted out a bathtub in his guest bathroom and replaced it with a shower — the plumbing and everything all done himself. There’s always something in the works at the Allsup home, Lisha says. “We like to have a project,” says Lisha, who has a background in architecture. “We’re project people.” The itch to build and fix hit Allsup at an early age. He remembers working in a garage as a kid in high school. Even before that, he was building model rockets in junior high, putting together radio kits and working with a builder in his dad’s neighborhood framing out houses. “I learned a little bit about taking nails out of boards and things of that nature,” Allsup says. “It was always interesting to me. I always had an interest in science and technolo-

his wife look for houses to renovate and flip while helping people with various projects. “When you do corporate work, sometimes, you don’t always get the satisfaction of seeing things come to fruition that you can do with your hands,” Allsup says. “I build a table and I can see it, I can touch it. It’s tactile.” “Sometimes with a corporate meeting, you don’t know what you accomplished,” he says. “I really longed for a feeling of completion, of doing something.” When it comes to being the neighborhood handyman, the title sticks like glue, Allsup says. “I’m happy to share my knowledge with people,” he says. “If you have the ability to make someone’s life easier by helping them, why not? I could have sat in here and watched television, or I could have gone over and helped the Headricks with their kittens. I chose to help because they’re nice people, and it was a problem that I could solve.”

gy and how things worked. I would take things apart as a kid and try to put them together.” After he bought his first house out of college, Allsup couldn’t afford hiring a repairman, so he learned how to do several things himself. He learned to fix door handles and faucets, how to expand closets, and how to build walls. “You just have to go out and do it,” Allsup says. The Baldwin Parker has played the role of a handyman his whole life, but he’s also spent time working from a desk and instead of building one. He formerly worked as the senior vice president of operations for Harcourt Education in Orlando, and before that worked as the senior vice president of supply-chain management for Royal Caribbean. Personal reasons and his desire to pursue other interests led him to quit the corporate world in 2006. He’s since turned his passion for working with his hands into a source of income. Today, Allsup and

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Sometimes with a corporate meeting, you don’t know what you accomplished. I really longed for a feeling of completion, of doing something.” — MIKE ALLSUP

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING IT IS OUR OFFICE POLICY THAT THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED-FEE OR REDUCED-FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. DN19718

calendar August 2017 AUG. 4 FIRST FRIDAY FESTIVAL 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, along New Broad Street in the Village Center. First Friday Festival, presented by BOOM Marketing & Events, will feature more than 70 local artisans of all genres, as well as many Central Florida-based small businesses and nonprofit organizations with products and offerings ranging from health and fitness to beauty and fashion, as well as community-service opportunities. This free sidewalk festival is held the First Friday of every month and is both family- and pet-friendly. Sponsored by Westminster Communities of Central Florida. For more information, visit baldwinparkevents.com. AUG. 4 POWER YOGA EXPRESS 9:15 to 10 a.m. Fridays in the Grace Hopper Hall Gathering Room. Residents “ready for power” will enjoy this class, which features strength-building and calorie-busting. Instructor and Baldwin Park resident Becca Schmidt, RYT, has been practicing yoga for 15 years and teaching for more than 12 years. She earned her certification at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and is registered with the National Yoga Alliance. Students will be asked to sign a liability waiver and must disclose any injury,

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

recent surgery or pregnancy. Bring your own mat, a towel and water bottle to class. If you don’t have a mat, the instructor can provide one. No yoga experience is necessary; drop-in guests are welcome. Classes are $7; class packages are available. For more information, email beccasbluemoon@gmail. com. AUG. 4 YOGA FOR WOMEN 8 to 8:50 a.m. Fridays in the Grace Hopper Hall Gathering Room. Fire up your female energy for a new, all-levels yoga class designed specifically for women — with spa music, relaxing fragrances, soft lighting and hot herbal tea. New Baldwin Park residents will find this class a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends in the neighborhood. Instructor and Baldwin Park resident Becca Schmidt, RYT, has been practicing yoga for 15 years and teaching for more than 12 years. She earned her certification at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and is registered with the National Yoga Alliance. Students will be asked to sign a liability waiver and must disclose any injury, recent surgery or pregnancy. Bring your own mat, a towel

and water bottle to class. If you don’t have a mat, the instructor can provide one. No yoga experience is necessary; drop-in guests are welcome. Classes are $7; class packages are available. For more information, email beccasbluemoon@gmail.com. AUG. 7 STRONG BODY/FIT MIND LUNCHTIME YOGA 12:30 p.m. Mondays at Enders Park Gathering Room. This weekly class combines functional yoga moves such as stretching, toning and balancing with lifelong learning opportunities. Make a reservation by calling or texting the instructor, (407) 276-3478. AUG. 8 AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION LUNG CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the American Lung Association’s Baldwin Park office, 851 Outer Road, Orlando. Those who are affected by lung cancer can come together; support topics range from educational to inspiriting. Dinner is available. For more, call (407) 425-5864 or email central@lungfla.org. AUG. 8 PILATES MAT CLASS 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, in the Enders Park Gathering Room. Subsequent classes will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Cost is $10 per class. Students will need to bring a mat. Reserve by emailing Dede Ramos, PilatesTherapyCollective@gmail.com. AUG. 9 ROTARY CLUB OF BALDWIN PARK Meets from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Westminster Win-

ter Park, 1111 S. Lakemont Ave. The Baldwin Park chapter strives to strengthen the Baldwin Park community. It gathers at weekly meetings and other functions to fulfill a commitment to the Rotarian ideals of friendship, fellowship and service to others. Visitors welcome. For more, email to RotaryBaldwinPark@gmail.com. AUG. 9 WINEDOWN WEDNESDAYS 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at WineStyles Baldwin Park, 4841 New Broad St., Orlando. Wine is $20 all you can drink. AUG. 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. AUG. 14 MUSIC WITH MARLA 10:45 a.m. at a location to be determined. This event is through the Baldwin Park Kids Club. For more information, visit meetup.com/ Baldwin-Park-Kids-Club. AUG. 24 PRIVATE SHOPPING EVENT AT DIVAS BOUTIQUE Meets at 7:45 p.m. This event is through the Baldwin Park Kids Club. For more information, visit meetup.com/Baldwin-Park-KidsClub.

CLUBS BASKETBALL Contact: Rick Schreiber at rickschreiber2@gmail.com KIDS’ CLUB Contact: Julie at bpkidsclub1@gmail. com NIFTY 50S … PLUS Contact: Diane at niftyfiftiesplus@ gmail.com CRUISE AND TRAVEL CLUB Contact: Kathleen at kmptravel@icloud. com MEETUP GROUP Contact: Lianna D’Angelo at Lianna@soteraliving. com ROTARY CLUB Contact: Kathleen Peters at kmptravel@icloud. com THE PAGE TURNERS Contact: Ginae Karoub at ginaelee0828@gmail. com

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Culture for your calendar AUG. 4 TO 27 AUGUST WILSON’S ‘FENCES’ Winner of the Pulitzer, Tony, and Drama Desk Award among many others, “Fences” is August Wilson’s 1950s chapter in his 10-play “Pittsburgh Cycle” chronicling the evolving African-American experience through the 20th century. In Mad Cow’s first production of a Wilson play, the universally relevant themes of freedom, family, and the ‘American Dream’ are conveyed in this landmark production. The New York Times wrote, “This is not theater, this is life.” Tickets are available online at madcowtheatre.com or by calling (407) 297-8788, Ext 1.

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AUG. 6, 13 AND 27 ‘OPERA ON PARK’ Opera Orlando’s second season of “Opera on Park” features worldclass artists up-close-and-personal at the University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave. The performers include multiple-award-winning Juilliard Grad Soprano Kenneithia Mitchell Aug. 6; Grammy Award-winning Baritone Daniel Belcher Aug. 13; and Metropolitan Opera Soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer Aug. 27. Each of the singers enjoys a critically acclaimed career and “the generosity of spirit that only great performers can embody.” All performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 per recital

or $75 for the series and available online at operaorlando.org/operaon-park. Call (407) 512-1900. AUG 10 TO 13 KEY WEST LOBSTERFEST Lobster lovers are invited to sample the crustacean as festivities kick off Aug. 10 at the Sunset Tiki Bar & Grille. Known as “spiny” lobsters, the clawless crustaceans may be steamed, baked, stuffed or served in a creamy bisque or cold salad. Dishes of all sorts are offered at the Street Fair Aug. 12, along with a free concert, and art and crafts for sale. Other events include a catamaran sail, a pub crawl and a lobster brunch Aug. 13. Visit keywestlobsterfest.com.

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AUG. 19 TASTE! FOR CHILDHOOD HUNGER RELIEF 6:45 - 10:00 p.m. The region’s premiere food and beverage tasting event, Taste!, will bring the area’s finest culinary experience to our community in an evening featuring celebrity chefs, signature tastes and specialty drinks. “Childhood hunger touches thousands of residents in Central Florida, and Taste! will direct every dollar we raise to those who need it in our own community,” said Michele Byington, co-chair for Taste! This volunteer-driven event will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida — the leading nonprofits for fighting childhood hunger. At the Orlando World Center Marriott; tickets are $150. Visit centralfloridataste.org/taste. AUG. 21 ‘RIMMA & FRIENDS’ Travel back to the romantic era with extraordinary concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois and Friends for an evening of intense musical emotion. Be

part of the artistic, literary and intellectual movement with music from composers Bruch, Dvořák and Schumann. Joining Rimma will be violinist Alexander Stevens, violist Mauricio Céspedes, cellist Grace Gavin, pianist Keiko Andrews and bassoonist Gabriel Bergeron-Langlois. Call (407) 770-0071. AUG. 22 ANDREW DICE CLAY: LIVE IN CONCERT Proud to be one of America’s most controversial comics, Andrew Dice Clay released his debut album with a parental advisory that read, “This album is offensive.” See him live at 7:30 p.m. at The Plaza Live in Orlando. Tickets available at plazaliveorlando.org. AUG. 28 ‘PRINCIPALS OF WIND POWER’ The Orlando Philharmonic’s four woodwind principals perform a variety of duets, trios and quartets showing off the power of great woodwind playing. Colleen Blagov, Jamie Strefeler, Nikolay Blagov and Diane Bishop, assisted by pianist Keiko Andrews, will perform an exciting program of music by Francaix, Dring, Beethoven and Saint-Saëns. Call (407) 7700071 or visit orlandophil.org.

AUG. 5: SABRINA CARPENTER In 2015, singer/actress Sabrina Carpenter, unveiled her debut album, “Eyes Wide Open,” which reflects Carpenter’s rise to fame playing Maya Hart on the Disney Channel. “EVOLution” encompassed more growth. “I’m living in an adult world,” notes Carpenter, now 17. “I put all my feelings and all these stories into the songs I’ve made.” VIP tickets are available for this 7 p.m. performance at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call (844) 513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

AUG. 30 ‘GROW YOUR BUSINESS’ The Orlando Science Center will host the free Winter Park Chamber of Commerce networking event, “Grow Your Business.” Connect with more than 50 local businesses and grow your business network and knowledge as you learn from local experts at the Business Lab sessions. Complimentary beer, wine and lite-bites provided. The event begins at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit winterpark.org/event.

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AUG. 17 ‘SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING’ Enjoy diverse selections from classical to pop as players from the Orlando Philharmonic celebrate the music of female composers and songwriters. Experience the premiere of a string quartet by American composer Gwyneth Walker, which commemorates the coming together of the Central Florida community in support of the Pulse tragedy. Presented by violinist Joni Bjella, along with violinist Olga Ferroni, cellist Maureen May, violist Karen Peters and soprano Samantha Barnes Daniel at The Plaza Live. Call (407) 770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org.

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Priscela Lagreca and Paulo Lyra started Pipoca Gourmet Popcorn in May and already have seen their business blossom in just a few months.

Popping with passion A lifelong love of popcorn fuels Pipoca Gourmet Popcorn, which offers more than 30 different flavors of the classic snack.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

s soon as you step into the shop, you’re met with the scent of freshly popped kernels. The heavenly aroma and sight of bags filled with multi-colored popcorn sitting on shelves is enough to make you feel as if you were at a fair. Above the counter in the back, a television lists the 34 different sweet and savory flavors to choose from. With flavors such as watermelon, cheddar and bacon, peanut butter, and dill pickle, any customer

is bound to find whatever their sweet/savory tooth is hankering for at Pipoca Gourmet Popcorn. The brand new specialty shop is the brainchild of couple Paulo Lyra and Priscela Lagreca, who were inspired to start up their new venture thanks to Lagreca’s passion for the treat. “I love popcorn,” Lagreca says. “I use to eat popcorn every night — I could switch a meal for popcorn.” Since Lagreca was a child growing up in Brazil, nothing seemed to match a bowl of delicious popcorn. After the couple immigrated to the United States three years ago from Brazil, where they ran a few different restaurants, Lyra and La-

greca continued their food careers when they arrived in the U.S. by opening up a sushi place. Although business was good, popcorn remained on Lagreca’s mind. At home, she experimented with popcorn, drizzling different ingredients atop to see what kind of flavors she could get. Luckily, for Lagreca, her passion was about to be rewarded. After selling their sushi place, the couple sat down and began planning for their next venture, and that’s where popcorn came into play. “We were thinking (of) something new to open, then she came

up with the idea to do popcorn,” Lyra says. “This lady, she is addicted to it — she eats popcorn every day.” The choice also came down to understanding that a snack such as popcorn was something less foreign to the American public. Originally they had thought about doing coxinha, a popular food in Brazilian cuisine, but after some words of advice, decided against it. “I said, ‘Why not popcorn?’ Everyone knows popcorn, but we can do different kinds of popcorn,” Lagreca said. “We’re not from here, so we had to do something that everyone knows.” From that conversation, Pipoca — which is Portuguese for popcorn — was born. To start with Lyra and Lagreca began searching for a place to set up shop in a warehouse — that way they could produce everything in one spot. During the process however, they decided that instead of a warehouse, they would find a place where they could both make and sell their popcorn. That’s when they discovered an ad for a space for lease in Baldwin Park. “When we came here, we fell in love,” Lyra says. “There is life in Baldwin Park — it’s different than the other neighborhoods. The people are friendly.” They signed the lease in less than a week, and before they knew it, were up and running in May. In the front of the space is the storefront, where the different types of popcorn sit on display, while chairs are placed about so patrons can sit and snack after buying their treat. The popcorn making magic itself happens just past the counter, in the back of the facility. Not only are the kernels popped in-house using an air popper, but Lyra and Lagreca also use all-natural ingredients to give each batch its flavor. The process itself is different based on what the two are cooking, but the steps are similar. “For example — with the savory — once we pop the kernel, we put in a mixture and start adding the

flavors,” Lyra says. “We keep mixing for a little less than half an hour, and then after it’s done we bag it right away. We don’t want them to lose their crunchiness.” Although the company is still in its infancy, the two hope that their focused attention to detail and desire to give customers the tastiest popcorn eventually will lead to breaking into taking their product to wholesale venues. The plan is to get Pipoca into grocery stores and other markets in the next few months, Lyra says. With the new business just getting going and big plans for the future, Lyra and Lagreca feel as though they’re stuck in fast forward — though they don’t seem to mind one bit. “Everything is coming so fast,” Lyra says, laughing. “We’re really excited, and we like it.”

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The kids are heading back to school, which means it’s time for back to school shopping. With school, comes more homework, more activities, and – unfortunately – more germs. Before you know it, your kids are tired, behind on homework, and your entire family has caught the flu from some random student in the third row. So as you’re jotting down your back to school shopping list, don’t forget to stock up on items to nurture and nourish your kids throughout the school year. A Little Extra Energy Make sure they eat a healthy breakfast every single day. Eating the right food gives your kids the energy they need to make it through the school day. Think of combinations that use these energy-boosting ingredients: Protein and complex carbohydrates. Try mixing oatmeal with fruit and nuts, eggs with whole-grain toast and jam. And if time is an issue, mix up a shake with plain yogurt, fruit and green foods powder, or choose a nourishing fruit and nut bar to eat on the go. Balance It Out Adding a daily multivitamin is a great way to make sure your child’s nutrient intake stays balanced even when their diet falls short of “well-balanced.” But no two multivitamins are the same. Instead, try looking for multivitamins with natural formulas that do not contain the artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners you’ll find in a lot of well-known children’s cartoon vitamins. Brain Food For added brain power, consider adding an Omega-3 supplement to your kid’s diet. Consuming the right amount of Omega-3 improves the learning and concentration ability of school age children. But having too little Omega-3 can negatively affect school performance. In fact, Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency has been linked to behavior problems in children, making them an essential part of any nutrition program for children. Fight Back-to-School Germs Teaching your kids good hand-washing habits is the first line of defense against back-to-school germs. But schools are filled with germs and sometimes you need to take more action. Try enhancing their immune system by adding nutrients that support the body’s natural defense systems and protect cells from damage, like vitamin C

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Up and at ‘em A free fitness movement has residents and out-of-towners gathering in the wee hours of the morning to work out. TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Troy Herring

Top: Runners raced down a short dock on Lake Baldwin during a workout. Above: Allison Palmer, co-leader of the November Project Orlando, got her fellow runners pumped up for an early morning workout.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

hey were ready before the sun even had a chance to wake up. After starting the morning with a short run around Lake Baldwin, the group took a rest before the second leg of their morning routine began. As the time for the group workout approached, rays of sunlight streaked across the lake as the sun slowly began peaking above the horizon line off in the distance. At 6:29 a.m., Allison Palmer, co-leader of November Project Orlando, gathered the group of more than 25 people in a circle, hyping them up for the hourlong workout.

The instructions she gave were simple — lunges across the cement overlook of the lake, then run to one dock and do side planks, then run to the other dock for more side planks, and finally run back to the overlook — starting the process all over again. It was a routine easier said than done, especially once the humidity kicked up and the sun began bearing down. “Some mornings, you’re just happy to be alive,” says Matt Garrepy. “And in mornings like this, where it is oppressive, you’re happy to be alive, but just carrying a lot of extra sweat with you.” After almost an hour’s worth of lunges, running and planks, the workout ended with participants forming a “human tunnel” as they chanted and cheered as runners barreled through. The group, a “tribe” of the November Project, was started a year ago by Palmer and is co-led by her friend Travis Hennager. Referring to itself as a “free fitness movement,” the November Project was started in Boston and has spread throughout the world — from Orlando to Hong Kong. “We have a growing contingency here with this,” Palmer says. “Its freakishly friendly people dressed up as neon Skittles, and we spray paint our shirts because we think it’s funny.” Palmer was referring to the colorful shirts each person wears, which have “November Project” spray-painted across the front. The shirts also include a spray-painted on orange half that serves as a logo of sorts — each location has its own insignia. The idea to start up the tribe in Central Florida arose during the Orlando native’s time living in Maryland where she found out about the group’s activity in Baltimore. “I also like connecting people and seeing friendships grow,” says Palmer. “And say that you go to a running club, you normally wouldn’t run with people not in your pace,

but here you normally interact with people with different paces and different backgrounds. So I like that, I like the diversity of it.” The group is certainly diverse, with everyone from children to seniors participating in the runs and workouts. Inspired by his daughter, who is part of the tribe in Washington, D.C., Dave Camous decided to try the program.

“It really is the camaraderie — I worked on cruise ships for four-anda-half years and only came back to land last year, so I missed that,” Camous says. “I missed that intensity; I missed that group of people around you that supported each other to get the job done.” That sense of budding friendships and the inspiration that inspired in runners seemed to be the general theme for everyone involved.

“It really just is the people that are here — though I love the exercise — but it’s the environment,” says Michelle Kruse, who is about to move to Baldwin Park. Kruse, a native from Huntsville, Alabama, ran for the Chargers’ cross-country team at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and has participated off and on in the group since before it became an official tribe. Along with the camaraderie, there is also an appreciation for people with ranging skill levels in running. “It’s very eclectic … you know, I bring friends who say, ‘Oh I’m not in shape,’ and I say there are people who are walking, there are people who are competitive runners – there’s all ranges,” Dawn Panny says. “There are other people who are just making it, whatever, you do what you can do, there’s no frowning on … we’re all supportive.”

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OCPS: ‘We are more than just a letter grade’ Orange County Public Schools has created a website for parents to get a more comprehensive look at each of the school district’s 188 schools. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

onducting school research for your child just became a lot easier with the introduction of Orange County Public Schools’ new school report cards. The website is akin to a Yelp for Orange County Public Schools, but instead of displaying rants and reviews of local businesses from customers, the site outlines school data gathered from annual district surveys taken by the students and staff. The purpose of the site, which went live in June, is meant to provide families a complete picture of what a particular school is like beyond the school’s state-assigned letter grade, said OCPS Director of Media Relations Kathy Marsh. “We just want to make sure parents know everything they can about a school other than just a letter grade that would be assigned to the school,” she said. Displayed on the school report cards are a variety of facts and details pertaining to the school, such as the school’s principal, the number of students, student demographics, attendance rates, list of advanced placement courses, athletic programs, magnet programs, visual- and performing-arts pro-

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grams, extracurricular activities and clubs, and more. The report cards also include the percentage of students who received in-school or out-of-school suspension in a given year, the percentage of students who get free or reduced lunch, speak another language other than English as their first language, and the percentage of students who are in the Exceptional Student Education Program, which helps students with learning disabilities. For the high-school report cards, charts titled “College and Career Readiness” also are included. These contain graduation rates, the percentage of four-year highschool graduates who enroll in a two-year or four-year college or university in the semester following their high-school graduation, and the percentage of students who score a level three or higher on statewide assessments. Students who score at levels three, four or five are considered to have satisfactory or higher demonstrated knowledge of the material instructed. Marsh said the push to construct the website originated from the OCPS Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins. “She felt strongly that we are more than just a letter grade given to us by the state and she wants parents to have that information,” Marsh said.

SCHOOL REPORT CARDS OCPS constructed individualized school report cards that highlight various stats about each one of their traditional 188 schools in easy-toread charts and graphs. The school report card, which will be updated every school year, excludes charter schools and does not yet include the newest schools. To see the existing school report cards, you may visit ocps.net/schools/report_cards.

LETTER GRADES Every school in the state, including charter schools, are given letter grades by the Florida Department of Education that attempt to measure the performance of a school in regard to how well it educates its students. Each school is assigned a letter grade of A, B, C, D, or F annually based on 11 components that include: student achievement; learning gains; graduation rates; the percentage of students who move on to two- or four-year colleges and universities; and more. For more on the school grade calculation, visit schoolgrades.fldoe.org.

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When learning begins in wonder, students are inspired and awe-struck, not stressed and pressured. They excel beyond ordinary and ahead of grade-level expectations as a natural expression of curiosity and confidence. Park Maitland students become out-of-the-box thinkers, innovative leaders, compassionate citizens, and lifelong learners. Schedule a tour today and discover just how wonder-filled learning can be.

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NEW LISTINGS: BALDWIN PARK

Lake Gear Conservation View – 4567 Fox, St, Orlando Baldwin Park one-of-a kind gem, Berea floor plan with customized spaces, is in the perfect location with a beautiful view of Lake Gear, conservation area and access to Cady Way Trail. This 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath home with a 3-car garage, includes many custom upgrades and is in immaculate condition. Wood floors throughout main floor, formal dining, dedicated study with custom made glass doors for privacy, and open kitchen family plan. A chef’s kitchen with 42” cabinets, center island, granite counters, double ovens, butler area and walkin pantry opening to large family space and adjacent Florida room that walks out to cobblestone patio areas. Close to park, community swimming pool and work out facility, walk to downtown Baldwin. Call today to schedule a showing.

Water View Home – 2769 Dorell Avenue, Orlando Perfect location in Baldwin Park across from serene pond with views to Lake Baldwin, very private. A grand front porch is ideal for enjoying the views. This beautifully maintained home features downstairs master, living and dining combination, open kitchen and family room, 3-bedroom and bonus space upstairs, 3-car garage and 1-bedroom garage apartment for guests, family or as income stream if rented. Hand scraped wood floors, plantation shutters throughout main house, custom staircase with rod iron artistic rails. The kitchen is spacious with custom 42” cabinetry with upgrades that include a gas cooktop, GE stainless appliances, upgraded cabinetry and Granite counters. Call today for pricing and a private showing.

MOSLEY

ALISON & FRANK MOSLEY Mosley Real Estate is the husband-wife team of Frank & Alison Mosley. In conjunction with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Mosley Real Estate specializes in Central Florida’s finest real estate markets including the Florida Coast. Frank and Alison’s collaborative approach, creative marketing strategies, and exceptional negotiating capabilities have contributed to millions of dollars in sales. As a 4 time award winner of Orlando’s Top 100 Realtors and over 20 years experience, The Mosley Team has proven to be a market leader. Their impeccable reputation, tenacity, and integrity coupled with their unwavering commitment to client service sets The Mosley Team apart from the rest.

ALISON HICKS MOSLEY Rollins Graduate 407.304.6458 cell/text alison.mosley@floridamoves.com

FRANK MOSLEY Army Veteran 407.489.9508 cell/text frank.mosley@floridamoves.com

If you are interested in selling or buying call Frank and Alison evaluation of your real estate needs.

BALDWIN PARKfor LIVING today confidential

400 Park Ave, Suite 210 Winter Park, FL 32789 407.304.6458

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Going Away?

We would love to care for your pet Whether you’re going on a lengthy vacation or you just need a pet-sitter for a day, Animal Hospital at Baldwin Park’s boarding facilities can meet your needs. Both our canine and feline boarding facilities are staffed by highly trained veterinary professionals who are deeply passionate about pets. Plus, every pet receives plenty of interaction and loving care during their stay. We can also board pets that have specific medical, physical and emotional needs. All pets are closely monitored by our veterinary technicians, so we can quickly address any urgent medical needs that could arise. Our boarding spots fill up quickly, especially in busy travel seasons, make your pet’s reservation soon!

946 Lake Baldwin Lane Orlando, Florida 32814

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www.AHABP.com • 407.641.0388 BALDWIN PARK LIVING

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Tim Freed

Mike Tilley, Molly Tilley, Mark Mckinney, Joe White, Katie Pollard and Joel Pollard all serve on the staff at Lake Baldwin Church.

A PLACE TO BELONG Lake Baldwin Church has been offering services every Sunday at Glenridge Middle School since 2006. 38

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

very Sunday the auditorium at Glenridge Middle School is transformed into a church service. About 300 chairs are placed, coffee is brewed and a worship band takes the stage. It’s another day at Lake Baldwin Church — and their doors are wide open. The church that meets at the nearby middle school hopes to look after its community through its services and partnerships with local charities. It’s a place where people of all beliefs and backgrounds are welcome, Senior Pastor Mike Tilley says. “We wanted to have a church that related well to all sorts of people,” he says. “We have a lot of people in our church who believe in Christ, but we also have a lot of people who are earlier in their spiritual journey (who) are either just exploring Christianity or in some cases even skeptical of the faith. There’s a lot of diversity of views within our church.” Starting at 10:45 a.m. every Sunday, Lake Baldwin Church offers sermons and live worship. They host community groups as well, where people come together and study the Bible. There’s also a children’s program run by Heather Shiflett called SPLASH KIDS, as well as a middle school and high-school ministry. The church also does its part to give back to the community through local charities and nonprofits, including Elevate Orlando, which empowers underserved youth, and the Toolbox for Life program with

IF YOU GO

LAKE BALDWIN CHURCH SERVICE TIMES: 10:45 a.m. Sunday WHERE: Glenridge Middle School, 2900 Upper Park Road, Orlando WEBSITE: lakebaldwinchurch.com

“

If you’re new, you’re going to feel welcome. If your life isn’t all together, that’s fine, because none of us have our life all together.” — SENIOR PASTOR MIKE TILLEY

who relates well to all age groups.” The SPLASH Kids ministry has also begun a new format called “rotation stations,” which gives children a chance to learn Bible stories in a hands-on way. The church’s new Youth Director Mark Mckinney also brings his experience after growing a teen program in Liverpool. Lake Baldwin Church is the realization of a dream for Tilley and his wife, Molly. The couple had worked for almost three decades at Cru, an international entity that teaches leadership to people in Africa and Europe and helps communicate the gospel to university students. Tilley and his wife decided they wanted to start something on a more local level, and were part of an initial group that started Lake Baldwin Church. They had their first worship service Feb. 6, 2006, at the middle school. “A bunch of people saw that opportunity and began to dream about that,” Tilley says. “Parallel to that, my wife, Molly, and I were

thinking about planting or pastoring a church in the area. “We didn’t want to just be the next suburban church,” he says. “We wanted to be in a location that was close to the heart of the city. We really wanted to connect with the city and be a church that was for the city.” Since then, the church has grown to about 300 members. Attendance at the church has grown by 76% since 2012. Tilley says what makes Lake Baldwin Church so special is the sense of community. “One of the things that we’ve learned is that — in a culture so fragmented and so fast-paced and so into social media — individual people are kind of longing for a place where they can have community and where they can have relationships,” Tilley says. “If you’re new, you’re going to feel welcome. If your life isn’t all together, that’s fine, because none of us have our life all together.”

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the 306 Foundation, which helps to provide victims of human trafficking with health care, education and other community resources. On July 22, the church hosted an event dedicated to serving families in need who send their children to Glenridge. The event gathered school supplies, food and clothing to go to the school’s dedicated stockpile for needy families. “One of the interesting things about Glenridge, even though this is such an affluent neighborhood, is there are actually 50 to 70 homeless families who send their kids to Glenridge, and a lot of others who can’t put food on the table,” Lake Baldwin Church Administrative Manager Katie Pollard says. “We figured since we’re right there at Glenridge, let’s do something to help that effort.” The church currently is stepping into a new chapter, with several changes underway, Tilley says. It starts with them bringing on Assistant Pastor Joe White, whom Tilley calls an “excellent communicator

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TAX TALK

What the government must prove in a tax evasion case

ax evasion under 26 U.S. Code § 7201 is one of the more serious charges the federal government can bring against a taxpayer. To establish a violation of section 7201 for tax evasion, the following elements must be proved: n An attempt to evade or defeat a tax or the payment thereto; n An additional tax due and owing; and n Willfulness.

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HOW TO PREVENT CRIMINAL TAX CHARGES? If you haven’t filed your tax return or if you filed a return that you know understated the correct amount of your tax liability, there are a few things you must immediately do to minimize the chances that the IRS will make a referral to its criminal investigation division. They are obvious, but still, many people don’t do them. n File your return before the IRS refers your case to the CID n Amend your return to correct the errors in the original return n Hire a tax lawyer to get attorney-client privilege

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Serving Central Florida taxpayers since 1992 Affordable fees vary depending on the age, complexity and severity of your tax problems. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based on advertising alone. Contact us for information concerning our qualifications and credentials.

The government must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. The IRS sometimes mistakenly makes criminal tax referrals. It is the job of your tax attorney to demonstrate to the IRS criminal investigators that no tax crime has been committed and that the case should be sent back to the IRS civil division. It is the job of a tax attorney to demonstrate to the IRS criminal investigators that you did not commit a tax crime. If you are being investigated for tax evasion (or other criminal tax charges) by the IRS criminal investigation division or are currently undergoing an IRS audit and believe that the IRS may make a referral to the IRS criminal investigation division, you must consult with an experienced tax attorney. But far and away the best way to avoid IRS tax evasion and other criminal charges is to know the tax laws, comply with them and document that compliance. The best way to do this is to hire a qualified, experienced tax attorney and/or tax CPA to advise you.

Peter Pappas is both a tax attorney and certified public accountant. His Baldwin Park firm, The Pappas Group, has been assisting both federal and state taxpayers with their tax problems for more than 30 years. To set up a free consultation to discuss your tax problem or to learn more about our services, call (407) 648-2555 or visit pappastax.com.

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The Parke House Academy admits students of any race, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender or religious affiliation. Accredited by FCIS and FKC.

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WHAT’S SELLING 2280 OSPREY AVE., BALDWIN PARK SELLING PRICE: $425,000 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,039 BEDROOMS: Three BATHS: 2.5

LISTING AGENT: Jerry Oller, Fannie Hillman & Associates SELLING AGENT: JJ Mackle, Kelly Price & Company

DETAILS: This Rebecca Builder Interiors-designed townhouse offers living and dining rooms with custom finishes, designer paneling and updated floors. The kitchen has a designer island, wood cabinets, Carrara marble countertops, stainless-steel appliances and custom flooring. The patio has been professionally landscaped with a large brick-paver patio.

1617 CHATFIELD PLACE, BALDWIN PARK SALE PRICE: $366,000 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,960 BEDROOMS: Three BATHS: 3.5

DETAILS: This end-unit home features additional windows for a light and bright home. The second floor has open plan and is pre-wired for surround sound. The kitchen boasts custom cabinetry and butler’s pantry, and a private sun deck sits off the kitchen with plenty of additional space for dining and entertaining. The master bath includes a Vita Bath jacuzzi tub and separate shower and large linen closet. The home also has a doorbell system with video monitoring and phone-doorbell answering system.

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LISTING AGENT: Betsey West and John Penne, Penny Brokers Inc. SELLING AGENT: Joan Matthews, Olde Town Brokers Inc.

KEEPING IT REAL ESTATE

Foreign Investor In Real Estate Act Explained F lorida is arguably one of the most desired places in the world to live — certainly within the continental United States. The weather is great year-round, there are beaches and theme parks and art festivals, so one is never lacking in things to do (or not do) in the Sunshine State. Florida is a hotbed for international buyers and eventually, international sellers. The Foreign Investor in Real Property Act is a commonly misunderstood act, and because I run into situations with international sellers on a regular basis, I thought it would be a great topic on which to offer some clarity. Here are some of the basics on what you can expect when dealing with FIRPTA. As a U.S. citizen if you don’t pay your taxes the government can take measures to obtain the monies owed them. It can be a bit trickier to collect those taxes if you are not a citizen of the U.S. and so FIRPTA is the solution to that problem. The Foreign Investor in Real Property Act requires that 15% of the sales price in all transactions be withheld when the seller of the U.S. property is not a U.S. citizen. There are some exceptions such as if the seller is a resident alien with a green card. So how does FIRPTA impact the buyer? FIRPTA is not a tax but rather an amount withheld at closing to ensure any outstanding taxes owed by a foreign seller to the U.S. government are paid in full. Per attorney Shawn Berr,

owner of Title Professionals Of Central Florida LLC: “A buyer needs to know there is a withholding requirement per IRS guidelines. Although the settlement agent is required to withhold a portion of the seller’s proceeds pending IRS determination, the buyer may be required to render these funds in the event the settlement agent fails to withhold the proper amount.” If the buyer does not withhold these funds at closing, he or she may be liable to the IRS to for the amount to be withheld plus penalties and interest. To be clear, the buyer does not pay an additional 15% or any percentage upfront at closing. The buyer is only liable for those funds in the event that the seller does not fulfill their obligations to the U.S. government in terms of taxes owed per FIRPTA. But back to the numbers. Fifteen percent is always the amount withheld, right? That depends on a few factors — one being if the purchaser of the home is in fact buying the property to use as their primary residence. Under the Primary Residence Exemption, no amount is withheld in the event that the home will be a main residence, the sales price is under $300,000 and the buyer elects to waive withholding. A more recent exception is the Reduced Rate Of Withholding, instituted Feb. 16, 2016, wherein the amount withheld is reduced to 10% when the purchaser will be using the property as their primary home, the purchase

price is above $300,000 and below $1 million, and the buyer elects to waive withholding. So, if you are a foreign seller of a home in this price point, you are only subject to have 10% of the sales price withheld until the IRS has determined that you are up to date on all your tax responsibilities if your purchaser is a citizen intending to occupy the home as their main residence. The funds withheld at closing by the settlement agent are sent along with IRS forms 8288 and 8288-A within 20 days of closing to the IRS. It has been recommended by many that a seller obtain the assistance of a CPA to expedite the timeline of getting a determination from the IRS of funds owed and subsequently a return of any funds withheld above and beyond outstanding tax responsibilities. Ultimately, it is always a good idea to have clarity regarding if you are going to be impacted by the Foreign Investor in Real Property Act or not prior to entering into a contract. A sellers disclosure will ask if the seller is subject to FIRPTA or not, so that is a good place to start. If you’re still not sure, inquire with your agent or title company whether the seller is a U.S. citizen. As a buyer, there is no need to fear purchasing a home in the U.S. from a foreign seller any more than a local one.

CHRISTINA RORDAM FLORIDA REALTY INVESTMENTS Christina Rordam is a local Realtor with 12 years experience and a member of ORRAs Top Producer Club. For more, visit christinasellsorlando.com.

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INDEPENDENCE DAY BASH A little rain couldn’t put a damper on Baldwin Park’s patriotic spirit, as residents and visitors celebrated America’s 241st birthday during the community’s annual Independence Day Bash July 3 in the Village Center and Harbor Park. Presented by the Baldwin Park Joint Committee and sponsored by Westminster Communities and Lake Baldwin Church, this event featured vendors, a kiddie fun zone, food trucks, Baldwin Park’s own Room 2 band and, of course, a 15-minute fireworks display.

— TIM FREED

The Civil Air Patrol’s 463rd Composite Squadron presented the colors during the national anthem.

Lailah Caicedo, Kyle Comes and Isabella, 4, were eagerly awaiting the fireworks.

Guitarist Sam Atallah of Room 2 was excited to perform at the event.

Lex, Zach, Liz and Lucy Lynch didn’t let a little rain stop them from enjoying the event.

BRIGHT HORIZONS AT BALDWIN PARK 1700 Fire House Lane, Orlando, FL 32814 407-895-8339 | brighthorizons.com/baldwinpark Lic# C09OR0671

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Summer Fun, Friendships, and Exploration at Bright Horizons

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Beautiful Baldwin beauty email 3/13,Park inside back located Lisa Fleming, Realtor within walking distance to Enders Park 178914 playground and community pool and fitness center. With over 5000 sq ft and 5 bedrooms, which includes a full bedroom and bath garage apartment, there is plenty of room for everyone. Gorgeous pool and landscape completed in 2013.

Asking $995,000

2017 Ovations Award Winner for “Best Real Estate Agency” by the Winter Park/Maitland Observer Readers

• One of Baldwin Park’s Top Realtors in 2016 • Highest Sales Volume in Townhomes in 2015

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Impeccable and well-maintained, this END UNIT three story townhome is conveniently located in the heart of Baldwin Park’s downtown. This 3/3.5 has hardwood floors and an open floor plan. Newer A/C unit, 2 car garage and plenty of additional parking in the back of the property for your guests. Amazing location close to everything. Just a short walk to Baldwin Park’s restaurants, shopping, pool/fitness center, and schools. This one is worth seeing!

Asking $375,000

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

WHAT’S SELLING

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Gorgeous David Weekley custom home overlooks quaint Longview Park. This 5 bedroom 6 full bathroom home is beautifully upgraded and features a downstairs master as well as another bedroom for your guest. Beautiful pool and spa area with a summer kitchen and pergola.

Sold for $1,175,000

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This Baldwin Park bungalow sits on a beautiful corner lot with fenced in yard and a brick paver patio. 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths, plus a study with gorgeous hardwood floors throughout and a spacious kitchen. All bedrooms upstairs and just a short walk away from one of the community pools and open green space.

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