Baldwin Park Living September 2020 by Orange Observer

BALDWIN PARK

LIVING SEPTEMBER 2020

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

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Kimberley R. Gernert

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Assavvy first-time buyers, she, took I guess-work out thenthe earted kind-h andhome e, experienced, professional, of the process and te took care of so tmany things for us. In "If you are looking for a Realtor who is knowledgeablGerner to marke the naviga ically strateg us helped t. She addition to being super friendly, responsive, and an expert strongly and unequivocally recommend Kimberley of step every alleviated stress good-naturedinwit Baldwin Park, she went over and above to ensure our find a home for our lifestyle. Her professionalism, enthusiasm and sailing h smoot ly certain was It and sold our current home within the month.offer was accepted. Kimberley R. around Gernert she turned the way. Then, good hands with someone who genuinely cares about clients and their such in were we ng knowi and so nice When it’s time to move again, we will go with Kimberley” (423) 381 - 5701 families." FL Park, in Baldw / Park r Winte of - Kellie and Eric KMP KimberleyRG@kw.com

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CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2020

DEPARTMENTS 8 BALDWIN PARK NOTEBOOK Read about recent decisions made by community leaders. 14 WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN Will Campbell explains the role of the local Joint Committee.

16 16 FROM THE COVER Baldwin Biscuits sells delicious treats for four-legged friends. 20 AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Find some ways to make a difference right where you are. 22 GROUPS & GATHERINGS Looking to connect? Find your perfect group here.

26 WORLD CLASS

24 6

SMART SOLUTIONS ExchangeMate offers innovative education — even in a pandemic.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

26 WHAT’S SELLING See two homes that sold recently in Baldwin Park. 28 KEEPING IT REAL ESTATE What do COVID-area buyers look for in their living spaces?

BALDWIN PARK

LIVING SEPTEMBER 2020

Editor and Publisher — Michael Eng meng@orangeobserver.com

SOLD | 4072 Haws Lane

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

ADVERTISING Advertising Executive — Ann Carpenter acarpenter@orangeobserver.com

PRODUCTION Creative Services Lindsay Cannizzaro

To submit story ideas, calendar listings or have your event considered for coverage, contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com. For advertising inquiries, call (407) 656-2121. Baldwin Park Living is a monthly publication of the Observer Media Group published in partnership with the Baldwin Park Joint Committee Inc.

Now is a great time to sell your home. Call me today.

JANICE COX c 407.990.5885 | c 505.920.4774 Janice.Cox@PremierSIR.com JaniceCox.PremierSothebysRealty.com

233 West Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

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CONTACT

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 July 28 meeting minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com. n The board approved suspending off-duty OPD weekend patrols through August. n The board approved keeping Grace Hopper pool at 25% occupancy unless cases of COVID-19 stabilize. If cases decrease, changing occupancy to 50% at Grace Hopper will be considered. As part of the motion, a household will be able to sign up three times a week for general swim. In addition, gyms, gathering rooms, association offices and playgrounds will remain closed for now. n The board approved a parks/ mews and townhome canopy tree health and maintenance evaluation/report for 2021 to be performed by Mary Edwards Consulting Arborist. Ms. Edwards also will conduct two one-hour sessions six months apart with homeowners to provide information on tree care, answer questions, etc. n The board approved renewing the preventative maintenance contract for the City Homes No. 3 Mews fountain with Florida Water Features, as well as the ARC consultant contract with Lesleigh Foxworthy to review Live/Work signage applications. n The board approved a Transfer Fee Resolution to start Jan. 1, 2021. A transfer fee equal to one year’s base assessment will be charged on title transfers.

n The board approved a resolution for the 2020 annual membership/ election meeting process. n The board approved the access control systems upgrade and server. n The board approved the ADA mulch for Enders and High Park playgrounds, to be completed once playgrounds are reopened. n The board approved the costs for hurricane cleanup from BrighView in preparation for debris removal.

UPDATES

BRIGHTVIEW UPDATES n Replaced sod at Ardsdale Mews, treated new St. Augustine with fungicide. n Replaced sod at Union Mews, treated new St. Augustine with fungicide. n Replaced live oak, azaleas and sod rectangle at Union Park. Two sidewalk panels were broken in the process of removing the root ball. BrightView has repaired the broken sidewalk panels at their expense. In addition, during the process, the potable water line to the drinking fountain nearby was broken. BrightView shut off the water and hired a plumber to repair the break that same day. n Installed plant replacements in CH No. 2, CH No. 3 and CH No. 4 Mews. n Treated weeds in Bermuda at all parks. This is ongoing. n Bermuda in parks has been fertilized. n Trimmed ground coverings and hedges where needed. n Treated weeds in all beds. MOLDED SWING The molded swing was shipped the last week of July. It will be installed once the playground is opened. It will be installed and will replace one of the buckets on the swing set at Enders Park.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

ARC APPLICATIONS Added blurb to the Baldwin Park Network where the ARC applications are found advising residents of the 25-application cap per meeting. 2019 FINANCIAL AUDIT The 2019 Financial Audit Report postcard mailer to membership has been completed. ACELLA APP The number of new Residential Owners Association (parks/mews) requests from June 24 to July 24 was 10. COVID-19 ITEMS ON HOLD n Proposals for landscape and tree replacements: Oak Mews plants/sod, Enders plants/sod and ligustrums, Grace Hopper plants and sod n Proposals for High Park facility center (gutter cleaning, painting light poles, painting pool fencing and caulking/weatherproofing) n Proposals for bollard light painting in CH No. 2, CH No. 3 and CH No. 4 Mews n Proposals for cleaning, repairing, caulking and painting Union Park, CH No. 2 and CH No. 3 Mews pergolas n Proposal for air purifiers and UV bulbs for Grace Hopper HVAC systems n Proposal for crepe myrtle V-shaping in select parks/mews n Sign panels (dog waste/park rules) for parks/mews spaces n Proposal for Enders playground mulch n OPD off-duty pool patrols (weekends) n One staff member continues to work from home (TSAC manager) n Staff has been working on the reopening plan with the committee formed by the board.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS

CONSERVATION TIPS FOR KEEPING WATER CLEAN Keeping water clean begins with each of us — where we live, work and play, and with the simple daily actions we take. Here are a few ways you can make a difference to reduce pollution: n Maintain a healthy lawn. A dense, healthy lawn can be an excellent filter for pollutants. Before you apply fertilizers, test your soil so you apply only what you need. Use the right fertilizer, at the right time and in the proper amount. n Clean up after pets. Dispose of pet waste in the garbage. n Compost grass clippings, leaves and garden waste. When these materials are washed into streams and lakes, they decay, which in turn consumes oxygen that fish and other aquatic animals need to survive. n Practice integrated pest management around your home and garden. IPM reduces pest problems through a variety of cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods. Try to eliminate chemical use or keep pesticide use to a minimum by using them only when other methods are not successful. n Maintain your vehicles in good condition to prevent leaks such as oil or antifreeze. Spilled motor oil, gasoline and lubricants can contaminate wells and streams. Visit auduboninternational.org for more conservation tips.

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE BY MELISSA PARKER MParker@BalwinParkPOA.com The following information is a glimpse of the business that the Townhome Service Area Committee addressed in the July 16 meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com. n Daniel Neri, City Homes 4 Representative, has resigned from his position on the TSAC.

UPDATES

n BrightView is providing weed, insect and disease control for the landscaping/sod (ongoing services). n BrightView’s enhancement crews will be working in the Cambridge, City Home 4, Live/Work and Issa 22 service areas. n Per DRS Inc., below is the townhome painting schedule for 2020: City 1, City 4 and Live/ Work n Per DRS Inc., below is the townhome maintenance schedule for 2020: Live/Work (September), Issa 22 (October) and Cambridge (November) n Please report any building or landscaping issues on the Baldwin Park Services App to receive a response with updates.

Continued on page 12

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOUSE OWNERS Who is responsible for maintaining townhome driveways? The townhomes are fee-simple properties just like any single-family home, where the owner owns the townhome inside and out, as well as the land it sits on. There are specific maintenance items that the association performs on the owner’s behalf, which are stated in Exhibit “G” (or Exhibit “H” for Live/Work townhomes) of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Baldwin Park Homeowner’s Association. Unfortunately, driveways are not included as an Association responsibility. Anything not specifically stated under Exhibit G or H of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Baldwin Park Homeowner’s Association is a homeowner responsibility. Driveways are a homeowner responsibility to repair and/or replace.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT BILL PATTERSON

SENTRY COMMERCIAL SERVICE MANAGER

Bill is the commercial service area manager for the Sentry Management team and oversees the properties under the jurisdiction of the Commercial Owners Association Inc., including architectural review and covenants. He is not new to Baldwin Park. Some of you might know him from his time working as the property manager of the Village Center several years ago. Bill has 10 years of experience in all areas of real estate, including residential, commercial and community property management, as well as being a Realtor.

He started his real-estate path as a property manager for the Disney College Program, where he learned that great customer service is essential to being a good manager. During his free time, Bill and his wife love to go cruising and scuba diving.

ESAU OSORIO

SENTRY MAINTENANCE TEAM MEMBER

Esau joined the Sentry Management maintenance team in 2016. He is currently charged with maintaining Grace Hopper Hall Association offices, fitness center, pool deck, pool restrooms, exterior building, and the sidewalks and streets that encompass the Grace Hopper Hall community center — Meeting Place, Kenan Lane and Prospect Avenue. He maintains some parks and common areas, as well — Union Park, Upper Union Park, Union Mews, Parkland Square and Corrine Commons. Prior to joining Sentry Management, Esau was an assembly and delivery person for

Ikea. Born in Puerto Rico, he has lived in Orlando for 13 years. He is married to Greysmarie. He has two sons, Yasiel and Angel, and two daughters, Zoe and Yarielis. When Esau is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering at his church.

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

Baldwin Park notebook BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. BY BILL PATTERSON

VILLAGE CENTER UPDATES n Monthly street light repairs and landscaping replacement/upgrades are planned for the Village Center parking lots. NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT UPDATES n Monthly street light repairs and landscaping replacement/ upgrades are planned for the Neighborhood Business District parking lots. GENERAL UPDATES n I’d like to introduce myself as your new Commercial Service Area manager. I am excited to join the Baldwin Park community.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at BPatterson@BaldwinParkPOA.com. n The annual member’s meeting was held earlier this month. Laurie Cavito (Main Street Baldwin LLC) and Jennifer Converse (Baldwin Harbor Apartments LP) were each re-elected to another two-year term. n Parking-lot light checks and replacements occur monthly in both the Village Center and the Neighborhood Business District. If you notice a light out, please report it using the Baldwin Park Services app. You can also report the city-owned light outages using this app, as well.

Continued from page 9

To avoid violations and fines, please maintain your building and property so it is looking Baldwin best. If you have any questions, please contact Bill. n Architectural Review Committee meetings take place twice a month on Tuesday for application reviews regarding commercial changes to exterior structures (roofing replacements and painting), landscaping and signage. All corresponding applications can be located on the Baldwin Park Network under Commercial Owners Association and Commercial Architectural Review Committee. For questions and application submission, please feel free to send an email Bill.

n The COA service area manager walks the property looking for covenant compliance each month

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WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN!

Welcome to the Joint Committee! O

ne question I often get asked by friends and neighbors is, “What is the Joint Committee, and what do y’all do anyway?” For those of you who don’t know, the Joint Committee is the bridge between the Residential Owners Association and the Commercial Owners Association. WILL CAMPBELL PRESIDENT, BALWIN PARK It consists of two members from the ROA and two from the COA, JOINT COMMITTEE as well as a member-at-large (that’s me!). Each year in August, the committee starts it new year with each member serving a oneyear term. Our five-member committee is responsible for the Overall Benefit Property, which is basically the shared spaces between the residents of Baldwin Park and the commercial properties. These include 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 its overall appearance, 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 Village Center — from the planters to seasonal banners to the light on the flag pole. No detail goes unnoticed! In addition to overseeing the OBP, the Joint Committee oversees the planning and coordination of certain community-wide events and functions that benefit the entirety of our beautiful cor-

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

ner of the City Beautiful. These events include the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Independence Bash, Light Up Baldwin Park, Winter Spark and New Year’s Eve. These events are first and foremost for the residents but also bring attention to our little downtown area, which is a huge win for the local, independent businesses. Although pretty much all events for 2020 are on the back burner because of COVID-19, the Joint Committee is looking ahead at how we can make these events better for the neighborhood and its guests. We’re also always looking for new ideas for different events that are best for the area. For example, as interest in Party in the Park waned in recent years, we reviewed the event and reallocated those resources to other events like the St. Patrick’s Festival. There are several other items that fall under the Joint Committee’s purview, but they aren’t nearly as fun as a pretty Village Center or events. One cool thing we are working on in tandem with the ROA is a possible update to the Baldwin Park Network website to help bring more attention to the area and also make it more functional and easy to use for residents. I’m a tech nerd, so it’s fun for me, don’t judge! Once things are safe and we’re able to gather again, the Joint Committee looks forward to bringing those great events back to downtown Baldwin Park and to all of Baldwin Park’s residents. Until then, be well, be safe, be kind!

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Photos courtesy of the Harris family

Brooke, left, and Reilly Harris love baking treats for their four-legged customers.

CANINE I

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

confections Young entrepreneurs Reilly and Brooke Harris bake and sell homemade dog treats through their own business, Baldwin Biscuits. 16

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

f you’ve ever wondered just what goes into your dog’s treats, you’re not alone. The first time Baldwin Park sisters Reilly and Brooke Harris looked at their dogs’ store-bought treats and read the ingredients, they found that many of them were less than ideal. Their discovery is part of what prompted them to purchase local business Benson Biscuits — which created and sold homemade dog biscuits — from their friends early this summer and make it their own. At just 14 and 11 years old, Reilly and Brooke now are the owners and operators of Baldwin Biscuits. The name might have changed, but they

We’ve learned that it takes a lot of time especially to build your customers up and do the baking and everything, but it’s fun.” — REILLY HARRIS

Continued on page 18

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pride themselves on retaining that same local charm. Reilly and Brooke purchased the business from their friends — Ella, Savannah and Kate Benson — who have since moved to North Carolina, earlier this year. “We thought, ‘This is a good opportunity to keep it going,’ and we kept going and added to their stuff,” says Reilly, a freshman at Winter Park High School. “We both help bake and we deliver it. My sister, Brooke, helps with delivery a lot. She’ll do the deliveries, and I’ll do most of the baking, and we package it together. We have stickers and stuff, and we do it all together.” For the sister duo, running the business is a learning experience, a way to make money, and an opportunity for bonding time. Their father, Mike Harris, was impressed with the way his daughters dove headfirst into acquiring their own business. “We thought it was great,” Mike Harris says. “When their friends started doing, it we bought their treats, and now they’ve taken it to the next level, which is really cool. When their friends said they were moving, at first they were like, ‘We’re so sad they’re moving’ — and they’re still sad that they’ve moved — but they also said, ‘Wait a minute, what about the biscuit business? What if we bought the business from them?’ … They actually reached out to their girls, made an offer, and the girls came back with a counter offer. It was like a real business acquisition.” Reilly and Brooke’s parents are always there to help when needed, but Mike Harris says the day-to-day operation of Baldwin Biscuits is up to them. “I think it teaches them responsibility,” he says. “We don’t have to push them or ask them. We told them when they started it that, ’It’s not our business, it’s yours.’ … We’re happy to help, but it’s not going to be our job. We take them to the store, but they spend their money on the ingredients, they do their baking, they order the supplies, they do it themselves.”

BALDWIN BISCUITS Facebook: facebook.com/baldwinbiscuits Instagram: @baldwinbiscuits Details: Baldwin Biscuits currently offers four flavors of homemade dog biscuits: peanut butter banana, sweet potato, pumpkin carrot and cheesy bites. Each bag of treat costs $2. Reilly and Brooke Harris deliver treats in Baldwin Park and Winter Park. For more information or to place an order, visit Baldwin Biscuits’ Facebook page.

Continued from page 17 Currently, the sisters offer four flavors of homemade dog biscuits: peanut butter banana, sweet potato, pumpkin carrot and cheesy bites. They post on Facebook every few days before they begin baking, and those in the area can comment with their order. Each bag costs $2. “Right now we have four flavors; we’re working on expanding and testing out recipes,” Reilly says. “Normally we get more (orders) once we’ve already baked them, so we bake a little bit extra, but we look at how many people have ordered, and that’s how much we make. We go shopping for the week, and then we bake it and deliver it within a few days.”

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

Reilly and Brooke use the Benson sisters’ base recipe, but they tweak it to create different flavors. Their own dogs have the best job as taste testers. What makes Baldwin Biscuits special — aside from the fact that they are homemade and baked with care — is they are made with natural ingredients. Nothing that a human wouldn’t eat is included, so they’re better for the dogs. “Ours don’t have preservatives,” Reilly says. “These brands that are bigger, they have preservatives and bad stuff, so that’s another thing we try to avoid. We were looking at some of our dogs’ old treats, and they have stuff like meat byprod-

ucts and smoke flavoring, so we try to avoid that unnatural stuff.” The sister duo has received many orders, even from people they don’t know. They work hard to market their treats, using Facebook and Instagram as their social-media tools to reach more people in Baldwin Park and Winter Park. They’ve even gotten some influencers in the dog community on Instagram to test and review their treats. “We’ve learned that it takes a lot of time especially to build your customers up and do the baking and everything, but it’s fun,” Reilly says. “I really just like delivering and meeting customers and their dogs,” says Brooke, a sixth-grader at Glenridge Middle. “It’s just really fun to deliver.” Now that school is back in session, Reilly and Brooke plan on using their time on the weekends to bake and do the bulk of their deliveries. They will continue to do some deliveries after school. But they also have something new coming in September — a treat subscription service. The idea came after a customer mentioned wanting to consistently receive treats every week. “It’s kind of like a monthly subscription online where you get a delivery,” Reilly says. “You can choose if you want it twice a month or four times a month. They choose what kind of treat their dogs like, so it’s personal to their dogs but they also keep getting the treats repetitively.” For Mike Harris, one of the best parts of his daughters having their own business is watching them work together and learn entrepreneurial skills. “Brooke is learning from Reilly, and I think it’s a really good influence for her,” he says. “We’ve told them them, ‘Look, it’s good to have a job, but it’s great to be your own boss, too.’ They’ve taken that to heart. … That’s what you want. You want them to show that they can start really doing something on their own and taking control and being responsible — not only responsible but also successful. … I love seeing entrepreneurial talent out of our kids.”

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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

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

Do something bigger than yourself!

ne of the many downsides of this pandemic may be an emerging feeling of being less important or “smaller” than usual. Without daily face-to-face interaction with coworkers or friends — at school, your book club or trivia night, or even at the playground or gym — we may have fewer interactions with humans who otherwise make us feel like we’re making a difference in this world. Unless you are in the medical field or another essential line of business, you simply may not have enough interactions that make you feel appreciated. Even social media lacks the ability to recognize faceless participants. Because this feeling of lack of appreciation certainly goes both ways, I have a few suggestions on how you can create a sense of being bigger by reaching out to make someone else feel good.

Write a cheerful note to a senior. Baldwin Park’s Share a Smile Community Service club already has the wheels rolling on this one. Anyone can participate with some of these ideas. Buy a greeting card from a local stationery shop or make a card. Choose from the following greetings: “Just Sending You a Smile!” “Thinking of You” or “A Little Note to Brighten Your Day.” Inside, please write a message in legible cursive or print.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

Include a little about yourself and if you have any hobbies or interests to share. Do not seal the envelope. Encourage the whole family to write something in the card as if it were a card for a grandparent. Your cards will be shared with the 30 residents at AdventHealth Orlando Center North. Reach out to me at lifestyledirector@baldwinparkpoa. com for more direction on getting your card in the next batch of letters to these seniors.

Use your gardening skills to perk up your street. Recently, my husband and I noticed a lot of Spanish moss and air plants growing on the trees in front of our houses. We began to pull the moss out of our trees and when our neighbors noticed, they began to pull the moss out of their own trees! Same goes for trimming loose branches, power washing the sidewalk, painting the mailbox and planting new flower beds. Sprucing up one’s house seems to be contagious, and it usually starts with just one or two people doing a small yard makeover on a Saturday morning. Soon, other homes join the spruce-up effort, and suddenly, the whole street looks better!

Find a GoFundMe cause or participate in the Kiva loan program (kiva.org), which helps small-business owners and entrepreneurs around the world make a living. Talk about

your cause to others and open up a dialog on why it’s important to you to offer a hand up to others.

Volunteer! Contact our local volunteer-matching organizations, or reach out directly to nonprofits that support programs important to you. You might be surprised how many of these organizations still need volunteers. Volunteering is one of the best ways to feel needed.

Be an environmental leader! Walk — don’t drive — to the shops, restaurants, fitness centers and doctor’s offices within Baldwin Park. Bring your own grocery bags. Eat a plant-based diet. Say no to Styrofoam and plastic containers. Recycle — don’t “wish-cycle.” People around you really do notice and may even think twice about their own environmental footprint. You can be a leader by example. So, dive in. Be your best you. And notice what a difference you are making.

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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD BOOK CLUBS All book clubs listed below welcome new members! Find the day of the week and type of book that best suits you. Book clubs meet once a month at a member’s home. BOOK BUDS This fiction book club welcomes new members. Book Buds meet at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at various members’ homes. Contact Audean at audean63@gmail.com. HOOKED ON BOOKS This club is welcoming new members who love fiction. They meet on Mondays at various members’ homes. For September’s book selection and location for their gathering, contact Melissa at melissajay522@ gmail.com. REAL DEAL NON-FICTION BOOK CLUB This group reads and discusses biographies, memoirs, business books and contemporary non-fiction. For September’s book selection and location for this month’s gathering, contact Kathy at klhgibbons@gmail.com. PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB This club meets on the second Monday of each month to discuss a variety of books. New participants are always welcome! Ask about the next book selection and the location of the September meeting by contacting Genie at bsrocky@hotmail.com.

Groups & gatherings Connect with like-minded neighbors. Choose from dozens of activities every month. For a complete list of groups, visit baldwinparknetwork.com. We’re also now on Facebook! Check out our new page for clubs, classes and Meet & Mingle, plus photos from around the neighborhood! Find Baldwin Park Groups and Gatherings and ask to join today. Many of the Baldwin Park groups have postponed meetings due to the COVID-19 precautions. Please take a look at what interests you here and reach out to a group leader and connect! Some groups are meeting on Zoom. Meanwhile, please connect virtually on Facebook. BALDWIN PARK ART Baldwin Park’s art club is a mixture of art classes, studio tours and gallery openings for art lovers. It’s open to everyone! Contact Pat at plremingt@ gmail.com. 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.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

COOKING AROUND THE WORLD Learn the artful craft of cooking ethnic foods with hands-on cooking demonstrations. Contact Becca Schmidt at lifestyledirector@baldwinparkpoa.com for more information. ETHNIC FOOD ENTHUSIASTS Explore exceptional epicurean dishes every month. Experience a chef talk or food flights and bites at local restaurants. Singles and residents new to the area are encouraged to jump in and enjoy incredible food and conversation. Contact Shannon at sfaith14@gmail.com.

NEW! LIFESTYLE LEARNING SERIES This month, our Lifestyle Learning program brings you dance lessons, time with a local children’s book author and learning about butterfly conservation right here in Central Florida. For dates and to sign up for your lifestyle-learning session, contact Lifestyle Director Becca Schmidt at (407) 808-9601 or lifestyledirector@ baldwinparkpoa.com.

WIN! WOMEN INNOVATORS NETWORK This new group is for Baldwin Park women who own or manage a business – big or small. Come for lunch to exchange ideas and hear guest speakers. Reservations can be made by contacting Bekah at beautifiedbybekah@gmail. com.

GAMES GALORE! Adults are invited to play a variety of games on various Saturdays. Learn new games like Settlers of Catan or play the classics. Contact Robyn at rhzgrodin@gmail.com. MAHJONG Ready, set, play Mahjong. Mahjong is a tile-based game played by four people at a time. All levels are welcome. Contact Christopher at cfc106@gmail. com. NIFTY FIFTIES PLUS Socials for active couples and singles, age 50 and up, meet several times a month for a variety of social activities including ladies coffee, happy hour, luncheons, parties and more. Reach out to niftyfiftiesplus@ gmail.com. NOVEMBER PROJECT Unlike the name, this group meets all year round. Run, squat, plank and laugh while you work out with this all-levels fitness group. Meets at 6:29 a.m. every Wednesday at Harbor Park. Contact Dyani at novemberprojectorlando@ gmail.com. PICKUP BASKETBALL Basketball enthusiasts meet at Blue Jacket Park basketball courts at 8:15 a.m. Saturdays for five-on-five play. Contact Rick at rickschreiber2@gmail. com.

So many people find friendships at the gym. Although many gyms are slowly reopening, some Baldwin Park-area fitness and yoga studios are continuing the connection with live Zoom classes, Instagram feeds and Facebook Live. n BLUE MOON YOGA — Live Zoom yoga classes at 8:30 a.m. Friday mornings, followed by outdoor yoga classes at 9:30 a.m. Friday mornings (ask for location). Meditation classes are available to whoever needs a one-on-one session! Classes are 100% donation based. Contact Becca Schmidt at becca@bluemoon.yoga. n CHAMPIONSHIP MARTIAL ARTS — Virtual training classes still take place directly from the studio so kids don’t miss a thing! Visit championshipmartialarts. com/baldwin-park. n MIGHTY GIRLS FITNESS — Dozens of live classes a week are offered on Zoom, Facebook Live and Instagram. Classes include Go With the Flow Yoga, Pilates, Barre and Burn, Cardio Hip Hop Fit, Core and Cardio, Restorative Yoga, Self Care and Mighty Mobility. Classes cost $7 per drop in. Newcomers

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

welcome! Sign up for classes at mightygirlsfitness.com or on the MINDBODY app. n 9ROUND FITNESS — Online workouts are being offered on Instagram and more. For information, visit facebook.com/9RoundOrlandoJakeSt/. n NOVEMBER PROJECT — This group is offering free weekly workouts online. Visit november-project.com. n ROCK HARD FITNESS — Zoom fitness classes are available. Visit rockhardfitnessorlando.com.

DECEMBER 2020

Walt Disney Theater

n WARRIOR ONE YOGA — The studio offers dozens of virtual classes each week. Choose classes on the MINDBODY app or online at wearewarriorone.com. n ZOOM BALLET AND PILATES — Baldwin Park resident and PMA-certified instructor Adriana Duarte Pontual offers Zoom pilates classes from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Saturdays, along with ballet barre from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Classes are $10. Those interested in taking these classes can fill out a form at adrianaduartepontual.com. br/virtual-classes.

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

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BACK TO THE BEGINNING

Danielle Hendrix

Weslley Albuquerque and Cristina Figueiro operate ExchangeMate.

Dedication to education A Baldwin Park-based student-exchange organization is

celebrating 10 years in business while navigating unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ew industries have been hit harder by the coronavirus pandemic than hospitality and tourism. It’s also posed major challenges for Baldwin Park resident and business owner Cristina Figueiro. She is the founder and president of ExchangeMate International

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020

Education, which gives international students with the F-1 visa an opportunity to study here in the United States. ExchangeMate places students in various public and private high schools, boarding schools, shortterm programs, colleges and home stays. The business celebrated its 10th anniversary in August.

Originally from Brazil, Figueiro was an exchange student in the United States when she was in high school. She returned to Brazil to finish high school and college, and soon after, she opened a travel-abroad agency. “We would send students to other countries, different programs and things like that,” she says. “That started in 2002. In 2010, I came here to the U.S., and I opened this company here to organize programs for students to come here. It all started with my experience. … It was such a great experience that I wanted to be ale to help other students to have that type of experience.” ExchangeMate’s headquarters have been in Baldwin Park for three years. It has partnerships with various high schools, colleges, universities and English schools throughout the nation. Students have many options to choose from when it comes to the program they want to complete. ExchangeMate works to place the student and takes care of all paperwork and documentation needed to receive a student visa and host-family placement. “We find host families that are willing to host a student and have that kind of experience as a family — having someone from a different culture,” Figueiro says. “Some families have kids, so they like to host students because they think it’s cool that their kids get in contact with kids from other countries. Other families don’t have any kids at home any more. … They have the space, and they feel like the kids kind of bring new life (to the house). Every family hosts for different reasons, and most of the families that we have in the program have been hosting for a long time because they really enjoy it.” The company does monthly check-ins with both students and host families, and staff monitors students’ grades. Local coordinators are available with every program placement, so students always have someone to turn to for local support.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Although the pandemic has placed restrictions on travel and hospitality — as well as education — Figueiro’s passion for helping exchange students find and rearrange their placements hasn’t wavered. For many students, coming to study in the United States this year has not been possible because of COVID-19. Figueiro says some students had to cancel, but many simply postponed their program to the spring semester or another time in 2021. “There are still some states and schools that are going to be opening now in the fall, and they’re ac-

cepting students, so some of the students have changed locations and have decided to go these other places and schools that are going to be opening,” she says. “Right now, we’re just holding onto what we have. We have this plan in place.” Figueiro is especially excited for a new program that ExchangeMate will begin offering next year. Currently, her business specializes in inbound programs; next year, it will expand to include outbound programs to send American students abroad. “If American students want to have an experience abroad, we can also do that for them,” she says. “Even our host families have younger kids and they always talk about, ‘Oh, it’s so cool that the kids come here! If my kids wanted to go abroad, I would never know where to start.’ It’s usually more common to do the type of program in university, if they have an agreement abroad with another university. But there are so many options — even for younger kids and high school kids — where they can

spend a month abroad in the summer or even a semester abroad. “After a few years hearing from host families and people we know, we decided to start an outbound program, because there is interest, but people don’t know where to start,” she says. “It’s a good thing to have a company that can give you all the information and (assurance) that a program abroad is good. … It’s so much paperwork that it’s so overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing.” The original goal was to begin the outbound program offerings this year, but Figueiro postponed the launch. However, everything is set up with the international schools and programs. “I’m hoping that by January, things are better and we can get students here again,” she says. “Our host families were so sad we weren’t going to have students here. Here in Baldwin Park, we do have a lot of families in the neighborhood who have hosted our students, so that’s cool to see the involvement of the community.”

EXCHANGEMATE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION 1450 Lake Baldwin Lane Unit A, Orlando PHONE: (407) 6307087 WEBSITE: exchangemate.org EMAIL: info@exchangemate.org DETAILS: ExchangeMate has 10 years of experience placing international students in public and private schools, boarding schools, short-term programs, colleges and more in the United States. Its main goal is to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education and experience the American culture in a safe and loving environment through their program of choice.

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“It’s just a whole system we have in place to make sure they’re safe and having a good experience,” Figueiro says. “It’s always been my passion to do this, and we have had so many students from so many different nationalities over the past 10 years. It’s just so nice to see. It’s very rewarding. I don’t even know how to do anything else. This is my life.”

WHAT’S SELLING 2091 SHAW LANE, ORLANDO SALE PRICE: $617,000 SQUARE FEET: 2,282 BEDROOMS: Three BATHS: Two

DETAILS: This lovely, one-story home has an open floor plan and is located on a quiet, tree-lined street. The kitchen features an island with breakfast bar, 42inch cabinets, granite countertops and a wine refrigerator. The family room has beautiful built-ins and a wood-burning fireplace. Other features include a separate dining room, a private study with French doors, a rear screened porch and fenced backyard.

Photographer: Debbie Gamble

LISTING AGENT: Janice Cox, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty SELLING AGENT: Lisa Fleming, Fannie Hillman and Associates

2120 MEETING PLACE, NO. 102 SALE PRICE: $402,000 SQUARE FEET: 1,668 BEDROOMS: Three BATHS: Two

Photographer: Hermann Sverrisson

LISTING AGENT: Lisa Fleming, Fannie Hillman + Associates SELLING AGENT: Sandra Jones, Fannie Hillman + Associates

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DETAILS: This beautiful, first-floor condo has been upgraded throughout and is located in the heart of Baldwin Park. This home features a large, wraparound porch and is just steps away from the Corrine Commons park, as well as the Grace Hopper pool, fitness area and community room. The immaculate home features an open floor plan with three large bedrooms and two full bathrooms all on one level. It boasts 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, as well as a beautiful upgraded kitchen. The spacious great room features gorgeous newer wood floors, French doors and beautiful plantation shutters.

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COVID-era criteria: Buyers’ home preferences reflecting the times CHRISTINA RORDAM FLORIDA REALTY INVESTMENTS Christina Rordam is a local Realtor and a member of ORRAs Top Producer Club. For more, visit christinasellsorlando.com.

oom rooms, bigger backyards and walkable neighborhoods: The COVID-19 landscape is impacting the features buyers are hoping to find in their new homes. With historically low interest rates and more companies continuing to allow employees to work from home, it can feel like everyone is out shopping for a new place. And, in fact, many people are taking full advantage of the state of the market, as well as the endless possibilities working from home can offer. I’ve enjoyed working from a home office for many years and have always loved it. No commute to get started on the workday, unlimited coffee and furry coworkers who are happy to quietly keep me

company and not gossip about my online shopping habits. Recently, I wrote about the faster timeline buyers have adopted for relocation to the Sunshine State and away from tightly packed cities. But location isn’t the only reason buyers are

changing addresses. As the quarantine/half quarantine/whatever it is we are doing these days continues, people are looking at their spaces with more scrutiny. Here are some of the hottest features buyers have been asking for.

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n Backyard bliss. Be it a strip of green and a spot to sit or a large lot with no rear neighbors, many are hoping to find some fresh air on their own piece of land — or a neighborhood built with outdoor community spaces in mind, just like Baldwin Park. After so much time indoors, families are finding the value of being outside not just aesthetically pleasing but good for their mental health. If you are thinking of selling, it’s smart to maximize any yard or patio areas you have. Add some string lights and seating, incorporate a few more plants or shrubs, maybe even add a fire pit or a water feature. Remember a space for Fido, too: Today’s buyer often considers their pet pooch to be family and looks for fenced-in yards for him or her to enjoy and quickly do their business in.

of these possibilities is a smart way to show how new owners can enjoy the space. Whether it’s floating shelves — or closets with room to house a desk or store office supplies — buyers are looking for Instagram-worthy workspaces, so don’t forget to dress up that spare bedroom with some workchic essentials before putting it on the market. n Great gatherings. While the world works its way toward a vaccine for this horrible virus, families are spending more quality time together. Family rooms and flex spaces are getting more use than ever as households are often opting to simply spend time with those they live with rather than risk added exposure socializing with strangers. From movie and game nights to family crafting and group studying, bonus rooms and communal areas add more value than before. Open floor plans are always popular, but don’t downplay the den or formal living area. Get creative with some staging and really highlight all the wonderful memories your home can host for its new owners. More quality time with loved ones is precious, pandemic or not. COVID-19 quarantining will end — and hopefully sooner than later — but many of the lifestyle trends brought to light now will last for years to come.

n Video-conferencing vistas. With working from home becoming the new norm for so many, the home office has become an integral part of the way people live now. Today’s home office isn’t just about a filing cabinet and a desk, however; it’s got to be fit for Zooming. Good lighting is key here, so sellers should splurge on overhead lights with brightness and style to attract those who wish to telecommute. Bonus points for space to set up a green screen and a ring light — in fact, staging your home to show all

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Featured Property g din ays n Pe 7 D in

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

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Asking $689,000

• Highest Sales Volume in Townhomes in 2015

What’s Selling in ld ays o S D 6

• Highest Sales Volume in New Construction in 2013

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

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

Sold for $402,000

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

Sold for $617,000

This 4 bedrooms/3 full baths + 2 half baths townhome is located in the heart of Baldwin Park! The downstairs bedroom with full bath & a custom walk-in closet is the perfect spot for your teenager, guests, or home office. Spacious open floor plan featuring beautiful wood flooring throughout the living and dining rooms, as well as, a large private balcony. Gorgeous kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar and an island. Master bedroom and an additional guest bedroom, are located on the third floor plus the laundry room. Fourth floor bonus room can be an additional bedroom with its own half bath and walk-in closet. Just a short walk to all the restaurants, shopping, pool/ fitness center, and schools.

Sold for $439,000

Lisa Fleming

407.644.1234 321.228.8341 cell Lisa@fanniehillman.com “The Right Representation All| SEPTEMBER the Difference” BALDWIN Makes PARK LIVING 2020 31 326413-1

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T H E

M A Y F L O W E R

A T

W I N T E R

P A R K

PLAN AHEAD. BE PREPARED.

“We planned ahead and didn’t wait until the last minute. Now, we’re enjoying every day – and we feel safe. We’re so happy that this is where we’re going to be for a long time.” – Bob and Toni Barr

For more than three decades, The Mayflower has been regarded as one of the area’s premier senior living communities – offering a safe, peaceful environment with luxury amenities, outstanding service, and the assurance of long-term care. Here, residents like Bob and Toni Barr find stability, predictability, protection and peace of mind, knowing they’ve made the best decision for themselves and for their children. Now, more than ever. If you’re considering a Life Plan Community, now is the time! Take control of your future … by planning for it today.

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407.672.1620

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1620 MAYFLOWER COURT | WINTER PARK, FL 32792 32 BALDWIN PARK LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2020