BLEEDING BLACK AND GOLD

It’s not ‘goodbye’ but ‘see you later’

DANIELLE HENDRIX

Baldwin Park: It’s been a pleasure, but it’s time for my next adventure.

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end — but there’s beauty in new beginnings, too.

Looking at the blank document in front of me, it’s hard to know exactly where to begin. I’ll start with this: After two-and-one-half years at the helm of Baldwin Park Living — and nearly six years with Observer Media Group — I’m moving on to my next exciting adventure.

If you remember the column I wrote a couple of years ago when I rst began writing for Baldwin Park Living, I mentioned I’m a University of Central Florida alumna — and I bleed black and gold. In mid-July, I was o ered an opportunity to return to my alma mater as a communications specialist. For someone who truly considers UCF her second home, it was something I couldn’t pass up, and I’m really excited about returning to campus as a sta member.

However, it’s also incredibly bittersweet. I began working for the Observer straight out of college as a sta writer. As the years went by, our company bought the Winter Park/Maitland Observer newspaper, and that also marked the beginning of our work in Baldwin Park. In 2019, I assumed the responsibility of creating and curating content for Baldwin Park Living, and it’s been an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world.

When I rst set foot in the neighborhood, I got lost — instantly. It didn’t help that I don’t always get great phone service in the area, so my GPS often bummed out on me. I guess you could consider it a blessing in disguise, though, because it de nitely did help me get to know the main thoroughfares — and parking lot locations — pretty quickly. (This is embarrassing to admit, but even with as much parallel parking as there is in the Village Center, I never learned to properly parallel park. Oops.)

One of the rst things I did aside from driving the community was to take a relaxing walk around Lake Baldwin. If I lived close by, you’d nd me out there all the time. Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, but also it is incredibly scenic. I’ve loved lacing up my sneakers, tuning into my AirPods and taking in the lake views as I circled around.

What I treasure most about Baldwin Park, however, are the people I’ve met — who have allowed me into their stores, homes and schools to tell their stories. One of the rst people I met was Angie Montenegro, who owns Saor Boutique on New Broad Street, as well as Showroom 11 in Audubon Park. Angie was always at the Baldwin Park Elementary and Glenridge Middle events I covered, and she also connected me to so many people in the community. The great thing about Baldwin Park is there are so many people in the community who also are connected with and care deeply about their neighbors, local businesses and schools.

Many of the stories I’ve had the chance to share with you will stick with me. Take for instance Baldwin Park resident and cancer survivor Andrea Malinsky Mason, who turned a negative situation into something beautiful when she published a poetry book about her journey to defeat cancer. Then, there is Luis Morales, another resident who loves baking and has hosted pop-up bakeries around the neighborhood. And local musician Mike Lynch was the talk of the town last spring and summer with his sunset serenades from his balcony — something neighbors looked forward to during a time when everyone was quarantined.

I’ve covered too many 5Ks to count (seriously, what is it about Baldwin Park and 5Ks?), various new businesses opening their doors, fun holiday-themed events and even school art nights. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Orlando Balloon Glow that has taken place at Blue Jacket Park the last few years. There’s something magical about seeing those balloons light up against the backdrop of a dark sky.

And although I may not be writing or taking photos for the magazine going forward, I’ll still be around every now and then to grab a co ee at Baldwin Perk or go for a walk around the lake. You de nitely won’t catch me attempting to parallel park anymore, though.

It’s been an honor getting to know Baldwin Park and the people who give it life, and I can’t thank you all enough for allowing me to tell your stories.

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