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LIVING OCTOBER 2019
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
Kimberley R. Gernert Real Estate Specialist
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I have been working with Kimberley Gernert for the past four years on various real estate transactions within Baldwin Park. I cannot say enough about her professionalism, patience and determination to find me the right home to purchase. She always has a positive attitude, a big smile on her face and went above and beyond to show as many homes as necessary to make sure I was absolutely satisfied with the home I selected. When I decided to put my home on the market to sell, I could not think of a better agent to list my home than Kimberley. No matter what time of day or night, I could count on Kimberley to answer her phone or call me back with answers in a short time period. If you are looking for an agent that is knowledgeable, motivated, professional and gets the job done, then I highly recommend Kimberley Gernert as your agent. -Jim S.
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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CONTENTS
OCTOBER 2019
DEPARTMENTS 10 BALDWIN PARK NOTEBOOK Read about recent decisions made by community leaders. 12 WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN Denny O’Neil reminisces about the good ol’ days. 20 AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Lifestyle Director Becca Schmidt offers social advice. 22 NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS Looking to connect? Find your perfect group here. 26 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Looking for something fun in Baldwin Park? Find it here. 36 WHAT’S SELLING? See two homes that sold recently in Baldwin Park. 38 KEEPING IT REAL ESTATE Are real-estate websites and TV shows fake news? 41 PARK PICS n Baldwin Park First Friday n Runway to Hope’s Sparkle and Shine 5K
FEATURES
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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STEPPING UP Baldwin Park shows its heart after Hurrican Dorian. DESIRE TO INSPIRE Shannon Walsh loves to connect people, inspire local leaders.
Courtesy of Erin Cline
n Glenridge Middle School’s Mane Event
SCARY SWEETS Baldwin baker Erin Cline specializes in Halloween cakes.
BALDWIN PARK
LIVING OCTOBER 2019
Editor and Publisher — Michael Eng
Unrivaled service. Personal attention.
EDITORIAL Managing Editor — Tim Freed Design Editor — Jessica Eng Associate Editor — Danielle Hendrix Contributors Denny O’Neil Christina Rordam Becca Schmidt
ADVERTISING Advertising Executive — Terri Hope
Creative Services Lindsay Cannizzaro
CONTACT To submit story ideas, calendar listings or have your event considered for coverage, contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com. For advertising inquiries, call (407) 656-2121. Baldwin Park Living is a monthly publication of the Observer Media Group published in partnership with the Baldwin Park Joint Committee Inc.
OrangeObserver.com
“Take time to be thankful for those who mean the most… family and friends.” Janice Cox
JANICE COX 407.990.5885 Janice.Cox@PremierSIR.com JaniceCox.PremierSothebysRealty.com
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.
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Baldwin Park notebook ROA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING BY STACEY FRYREAR The following information is a glimpse of the ROA’s general updates for the month. A copy of the official August 2019 Meeting Minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com. n The board approved plant and/or sod replacements/repairs at Longview Park, Parkland Quadrangle, Nolan Court, Fenwood Park and Ardsdale Mews. n The board approved new cardio equipment for Enders and Grace Hopper fitness centers. n The board approved adding a Little Free Library to Enders Park near the playground pending ARC approval.
and should catch most, if not all, of the debris causing the irrigation systems to malfunction. This issue has caused loss or decline of sod and plant materials in select parks but is a universal problem. n Staff has been in contact and discussions with OUC on this issue, and it will be installing a “blow off” at the back-flow locations in Unit 4 (Union Park, Union Mews, Upper Union Park, Parkland Quadrangle) that will make it easier for them to flush the system on short notice. n The fall rotation of landscape bed is being installed in front of Grace Hopper. The flowers will be a variation of colors for the season. After Thanksgiving, the bed will be changed to poinsettias for the holiday season. This is an additional rotation but will look really nice during the holidays.
n The board approved the 2019 Financial Audit through Cole & Associates LLC.
n The six pool lights inside Enders pool were replaced with LED fixtures and bulbs. This change will yield energy and cost savings.
n The filters at Enders and Grace Hopper pools were replaced. n In July, the board approved adding a filter at the irrigation meter that operates Union Park and Upper Union/ Triangle parks. The filter was installed, and updates will be provided in the future on how it is working. This filter will require little maintenance going forward
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BY ANTHONY MADDOX VILLAGE CENTER UPDATES n The COA currently is researching options to bring recycling to the Village Center. The city of Orlando/Green Works Orlando has set up an appointment to survey areas within the Village Center for a possible recycling plan for 2020. Some of the benefits for implementing recycling will include a reduction in commercial and multifamily waste tonnage, as well as cost savings for property owners: Recycling services are provided at a reduced rate compared to garbage fees. n Increased recycling will decrease garbage collection, resulting in a reduction of the total waste bill. Strong waste-reduction programs, such as commercial and multifamily recycling, can spawn new businesses, create jobs and strengthen the local economy. NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT UPDATES BrightView Landscaping completed replacing the dead elm tree in the parking lot across from 930 Lake Baldwin Lane and the dead oak tree across from 946 Lake Baldwin Lane on Aug. 21.
UPDATES
n The Enders pool is being closed from 8 to 10 a.m. on Mondays so the contractor can clean it more thoroughly. An Eblast was sent to residents and also posted on the Facebook page. So far, this is working well.
BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.
GENERAL UPDATES n Landscape replacements are occurring monthly in both the Village Center and the Neighborhood Business District.
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS Please go online to BaldwinParkNetwork.com and sign up as an owner under login. This is a great information tool where you can view association documents, meeting minutes and all the latest and greatest events going on in Baldwin Park. You can even find great place to eat in the Village Center.
n Parking lot light replacements are occurring monthly in both the Village Center and the Neighborhood Business District. n Staff continues to work on the budgets for 2020 to be adopted during the Oct. 22 Board of Directors meeting. n Architectural Review Committee meetings take place on Tuesdays twice a month 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. Feel free to submit your architectural review forms to AMaddox@ BaldwinParkPOA.com.
n Pine straw breaks down quicker into the soil, thus helping the high pH levels 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. When pine bark/pine nuggets float away, many times, it lands in the sod and can damage the sod. n The groundcover beds have pine fines installed instead of pine straw to help enhance the overall growth of the groundcover beds.
BY MELISSA PARKER The August 2019 Townhome Service Area Committee meeting was canceled. A copy of previous official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.
UPDATES n Turf and plant material in Townhome Service Areas have been fertilized. n BrightView has repaired several irrigation breaks throughout the Townhome Service Areas. Many of these breaks were reported through the Baldwin Park Services App, but others were repaired when they were found during daily inspections of the property.
baldwin_halfpage_3ofus_v5.pdf
baldwin_halfpage…5.pdf gutter system in the City Homes
n Per DRS Inc. the remaining townhome painting schedule and order is Issa 28, Issa 22 and Cambridge.
Follow-up letters have been sent to any homeowners who have not inspected their air conditioning
lines or connected to the existing No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 service area. Please contact the association office if you’re in one of these service areas and are unsure of what this means.
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TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOUSE OWNERS Mulching is completed 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:
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN!
A movie and a Coke … T
DENNY O’NEIL FORMER BALDWIN PARK RESIDENTIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
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he other day, I got an email from a friend that included a photo of a McDonald’s 1972 menu board displaying selections and prices. It reminded me about how cheap things used to be. Here are the prices: a Quarter Pounder with cheese, 70 cents; a Big Mac, 65 cents; an order of French fries, 25 cents; and a Coca-Cola, 15 cents. My first visit to a McDonald’s was probably in 1966 or 1967. McDonald’s restaurants were not everywhere in those days. This particular McDonald’s was located in Youngstown, Ohio. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that a burger was 15 cents. Fries were 15 cents also, and a Coca-Cola was 5 cents. So, for less than 50 cents, you could get a meal, and it was served fast. Fast food was a new concept to me. For comparison, once in a while, some friends and I used to stop at the S. S. Kresge Department Store lunch counter after high school and have a Coca-Cola and a burger. It took foreeeeeevvveerr to get a Coke and burger. That was normal. We didn’t care, because it was more of a social event, and we’d meet other people. I was lucky, because my hometown had two movie theaters centrally located and within walking distance of both of my family’s homes. The Latonia Theater was located on the south side, and the Colonel Drake Theater on the north side. The Latonia Saturday matinees were cheap! Twenty-five cents! My first trip to a movie theater was with my Grandmother O’Neil to the Latonia. I was about 5 and thrilled to go, because we had no TV (very few people did then), and it was the first time I saw a movie. It became a regular weekend
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
event. An extra benefit was that we would stop at an ice-cream store and get a cone on the way home. A couple of years later, my family got a TV, and a couple of years after that, my family moved about a mile farther from downtown. It was from that home when I was older that I walked with friends to the movies. (My grandmother still bankrolled my event!) As a 10-year-old, it was great. Our parents never had to take us to movies. I’d say, “Mom, we’re going to the movies. See you later.” Didn’t say what movie I was going to or when I would be home. Imagine! Also, I didn’t lay out my route to the theater or even which theater to which I was going. I was on my own. A normal Saturday matinee offering was two cartoons, a newsreel, a movie serial and two feature films (films were shorter — about an hour long). Except for some of the cartoons, everything was in black and white. Color films came later. We didn’t care. Television shows were black and white, also. A movie serial was an adventure that lasted about 20 minutes and continued in the following weeks. Most of the serials were 10 to 20 years old. One that I remember was “Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe,” in which Flash Gordon (played by Buster Crabbe, “the King of the Serials”), Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov returned to the planet Mongo (you remember the planet Mongo, don’t you?) for an antidote to the “Purple Death,” which was wreaking destruction on Earth. As kids, we loved westerns, war movies, some romances and horror movies. One horror movie, “The Tingler,” scared me to death. The plot was that there was a parasite in your body called a “tingler”
that fed on your fear, made your spine tingle when you are scared and killed you. I thought it was in the seat back. I spent the entire movie sitting forward in my seat! It didn’t get me. Phew! Between features, on the screen would appear the words, “Let’s all go to the lobby! Let’s all go to the lobby!” — with music playing and a chorus singing the words. At this point, most of the theater audience would get out of their seat. In the lobby was the concession stand, which, besides the restrooms, was the point of going to the lobby. The concession stand offered popcorn, soda, candy and other items. And, the cost — drinks, 5 cents; candy bar, 5 cents. The Latonia was a $500,000 art-deco theater built in 1928. It was operated by Warner Brothers and could seat 1,534 people. Hanging in the theater was an art-deco chandelier that weighed more than 2,000 pounds and had 800 light bulbs. The theater had a whispering dome ceiling and curved walls with bumps, which diffused the sound in the theater and made it easy for the sound to carry to the entire balcony with no amplification. Because the Drake was almost as nice, I thought all movie theaters were like the Latonia. I was fortunate to have such a beautiful and well-designed theater and didn’t know it. Sort of like today, when some Americans think all countries are like ours. Nope. The United States is exceptional. A couple of other tidbits of information: The Latonia showed its last movie in 1969. The Latonia was purchased and renovated in later years. Several businesses were located inside. Most of the theater was turned into a ballroom and event center.
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Erin Cline shows off part of her arsenal of baking supplies, which she uses to create the magic.
Extraordinary confectionery BY DANIELLE HENDRIX | ASSOCIATE EDITOR
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
S
Danielle Hendrix
Baldwin Park resident Erin Cline owns Misfit Cakery and especially enjoys creating Halloweenand horror-themed cakes.
ome people choose to express themselves artistically through painting, drawing, sculpting or performing. As a professional performer and a skilled baker and cake decorator, Baldwin Park resident Erin Cline does all the above and more. Cline owns Misfit Cakery, previously called Zombie Cakes Bakery, and through cake decorating, she discovered another creative outlet. “I have always been an artist of some type — whether performance art or painting on canvas,” Cline says. “I grew up with a family who really enjoyed cooking and was quite good at it. Ten years ago, I started dabbling with making cupcakes. I started with flavors, and I realized that I did really enjoy it.” Cline loved playing with flavors but also understood the importance of baking a quality cake. Tiered cakes can tend to be dry. “There’s so many wonderful bakers breaking that sort of reputation, and I hope that I’m also one of them, because what’s inside is just as important as what’s on the outside,” she says. After perfecting her baking methods, Cline wanted to focus on the design elements of cakes, including sculpting, fondant placement and decoration. Her specialty — and the inspiration behind the original name of Zombie Cakes Bakery — is Halloween- and horror-themed cakes. “I noticed that what I really, really loved was the dead realism with sculpting these horror cakes — making things look gross and disgusting, but you bite into them, and they’re delicious,” she says. “I did a Leatherface cake where it was fondant — I work primary with fondant and molding chocolate and gum paste — and I would just sculpt Freddy Krueger hands or axes or pumpkins. It’s a canvas that you can eat, and it combines all of the things that I love — baking, painting and sculpting. All of my cakes are custom. I’ve never made the same cake twice.”
Courtesy Erin Cline
This Freddy Krueger/Nightmare on Elm Street-themed cake was one of Cline’s favorite creations.
SCARY START
Cline grew up in a horror film-loving family and is still a massive fan of Halloween and horror films today. As a 13-year Universal Orlando Resort employee, Cline has worked in Halloween Horror Nights for most of those years. In 2000, Universal created the icon Jack the Clown for HHN, and the character became wildly popular. In 2007, Universal developed a show called the Carnival of Carnage and introduced a new character — a sidekick of sorts to Jack the Clown — named Chance. Cline earned the role of Chance the Clown, whose character she had a large part in creating. It was a successful show, and for the 25th anniversary of HHN in 2015, Jack and Chance — and therefore Cline — returned for a different show. In 2016, Chance became her own standalone icon. “She was very popular, and it was continued on page 18
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Continued from page 17
TRICKY TREATS
Zombie Cakes Bakery launched three years ago Friday the 13th with a series of Stephen King-inspired cakes. Now, the brand has become Misfit Cakery to expand on Cline’s demographic. Not only does she create horror-themed cakes but also kids’ cakes, smash cakes and wedding cakes. “I make cakes that bleed when you cut into them, and then I make beautiful, fun girly cakes with flavors (such as) pink lemonade and lavender cream,” she says. “I love the variety. I love the fact that one week I can make a gory, disgusting-looking cake, and the next week, I can sculpt magnolias and put it on a wedding cake, and the next week
Courtesy of Erin Cline
Cline created a Game of Thrones themed cake.
I can do a smash cake. “It’s art — it’s hard to cut into when it looks pretty or it looks real — but it’s so fun,” she says. “I get so much joy out of it, and I really do want to expand to the Baldwin Park area, because I think the families here will love the things that I’m
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humbling how popular she was,” Cline says. “They still remain popular among the Horror Nights fanbase. I had influence in the horror community, and I loved it so much and knew people in that community year-round. I have been doing horror-themed cakes year-round. I hope that I’m the person they will come to — not just because of the connection to HHN but because of my love of that genre.” She did much of her research when learning to craft the perfect cake while at Universal. On her 30-minute breaks between shows, she browsed Pinterest and researched how to work with fondant, sculpting and design techniques, and more. Cline is a self-taught baker and didn’t go to school for culinary arts. She has an acting degree, and her cake business is secondary, but it’s something she loves. “I would start teaching myself and watching online tutorials,” she says. “I started looking into Florida cottage law, which does allow you
to bake and own a business out of your home (as) long as you’re not shipping or making things in bulk. I started with just friends’ parties. I’d throw large dinner parties or birthday parties, and I got better and better and honed the skills to the point where I felt I was ready to offer this as a service.”
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
doing. We can create together. I like the challenge of being given an idea and being able to run with it, and I love the combination of sculpting and hand painting.” Cline’s cakes are such a treat for both the palate and the eyes that they caught the attention of Food Network executives, who reached out to her about appearing on the Holiday Baking Championship. Although Cline was grateful for the offer, she knew the show focused on a variety of desserts rather than just cakes, and she declined. As she rebrands and hopes to begin sharing her talents with residents in Baldwin Park, she’s grateful for the amount of support she has received. “What brings me the most joy about this is when I see a design in my head, and it’s executed exactly the way I see it in my head,” she says. “I’m so excited for people to see them. ... I hopefully give people more than what they think they’re getting, because people don’t often know what you can truly do with cake.”
MISFIT CAKERY Whether you’re looking for a custom wedding cake, birthday cake, smash cake or horror-themed cake, Erin Cline has you covered. Reach out to Cline via any of these methods to begin creating your perfect cake. Instagram: @misfitcakery Website: misfitcakery.com Email: erin@misfitcakery.com
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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Practice mindfulness during the holidays… and have a good time H 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 baldwinpark.net for a list of Baldwin Park-based 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.
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ave you ever met someone at a cocktail party who seemed to be “working the room?” Their eyes drift, they talk fast and their body language tells you they would rather be somewhere else. The “mindless mingler” archetype seems to be wandering simultaneously in the past, present and future (it’s hard to tell which). Mindless minglers are not just at cocktail parties, you’ll also find them at the workplace, the gym … and — eeeek — maybe in your own mirror! There’s not much you can do about other people’s habits, but you certainly can strive to be more present, no matter where you are or with whom you’re in conversation. Learning mindfulness habits are available through classes like yoga, meditation, tai chi and karate. Add to that magazine articles, blogs and online workshops on how to become more mindful. But, overall, “mindfulness” stems from being fully present/fully seeing/in the moment — and not in the past or future. Being present with friends, family and coworkers during the holidays can substantially boost the joys of the season. Practicing mindfulness is actually quite fun. Here are a few ways to practice mindfulness over the next few months:
n Look a person in the eyes during conversation. Start with noticing a person’s eye color, and that will act as an anchor for keeping eye contact. Try this with your child or spouse, and notice their words slowing down and their body relaxing. That’s because they see you are fully tuned in and they
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
feel acknowledged. Now, try this with a neighbor or someone you meet while dog-walking. Good eye contact is a recognized measure of effective communication, and it works. n Absorb a person’s words before responding. Authentic listening is a huge part of mindfulness. It’s natural to want to interject with your valuable opinion, but hold off until you really have absorbed what the other person means. Imagine your favorite writer or actor personally telling you a compelling story. I guarantee, you’d listen. Try authentic listening with one of Baldwin Park’s shopkeepers. Ask them what motivated them to open their store, then authentically listen.
n Recognize and respect what another person might be experiencing. This is a big one. Everyone has his or her own story, and today may be a particularly difficult chapter for someone you meet. The holidays evoke many emotions — two big ones are loneliness and grief. You cannot fix the source of their emotions, but you can respect their needs and offer compassion. n Ask questions that go beyond the surface. We tend to default to talking about the weather. Boring. Some good icebreaker questions at a holiday party — after the initial introduction of names — are, “Did you grow up in Florida?” or “Have you been to any great restaurants around here?” or “Have you been to the new escape room in Baldwin Park?”
n Offer a sincere thank you for a holiday gift or kind gesture — and ponder over it with that person. If your neighbor brings
you herbs from her garden, take time to savor the sweet aroma and comment on how this gesture makes you feel. Do you reminisce about your childhood garden or an amazing meal you had in Sicily? Share this with your neighbor.
Our iPhones and earbuds have changed the scenario of human interaction dramatically. For many people, it’s easier to look down than to engage in authentic conversation. But what if we all made small but mindful choices to connect with one another? Now, that’s a holiday present we can all love!
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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Groups & gatherings
Connect with like-minded neighbors. Choose from dozens of activities every month. For a complete list of groups, visit baldwinparknetwork.com.
MIGHTY MOMS STROLLER WALKS
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The mission of this group is to get Baldwin Park moms together doing something good for themselves while building friendships. The group meets at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for walks around the neighborhood. Children must be willing to sit in a stroller or be worn for the duration of the walk. Contact Dana at dana@drobinfitness.com.
BALDWIN PARK ART October is full of fabulous events, including meeting artist Kristy Lee Oct. 23 at The Gallery at Mills Park. Lee will host a private tour of her abstract, mixed-media collection. Then, the group will stroll down Ivanhoe Row to meet owner
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MEET & MINGLE EVENING EVENT
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Meet three local “space experts” at the next Meet & Mingle gathering, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at Enders Gathering Room. Three home-spacing specialists will present: Hassle-Free Holidays, How to Fill the Nest When the Kids Have Gone Off to College and Energizing Your Space. The three speakers are all Orlan-
Stacy Coon at a small artisan gift shop called “Yay!” 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 up to 5 years old. Parents and kids enjoy a variety of casual get-togethers, including story time, play dates, park picnics, moms nights out and more. Contact Piper at bpkidsclub1@gmail.com. COOKING AROUND THE WORLD Learn the artful craft of cooking ethnic foods and much more! Every class features edible, handson demonstrations. Meetings are limited to 12 people because of kitchen sizes. Contact Dianne at dianne.brownmorin@gmail.com. CRUISE AND TRAVEL Hear guest speakers, share travel tips and plan group travel with this popular Baldwin Park group. Contact Kathleen at kmpeters2009@gmail.com.
do-area home organizers who specialize in de-cluttering, storage solutions, paper management and making the most of the space you have. The event is free and will feature fabulous refreshments. Space is limited to 35 people, so reserve your seat now. Register with an email, including how many people in your party, to Becca Schmidt at lifestyledirector@ baldwinparkpoa.com.
ateurs are invited to come to the tennis courts at Glenridge Middle School on occasional Saturday mornings to practice hitting, serving and volleying for exercise. Players with just a little experience (and a tennis racquet) come together to support one another without all the competition. Tennis balls will be provided. Contact Becca at lifestyledirector@baldwinparkpoa.com.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT WALKERS Digest dinner while you walk with friends on Wednesday nights, beginning at 6 p.m. from Blue Jacket Park. This new group is open to anyone who enjoys walking for fitness. Contact Carrie at carrie. mohanna@gmail.com.
ETHNIC FOOD ENTHUSIASTS Craving global cuisine? Explore an exceptional epicurean eatery every month. Experience a chef talk or food flights and bites at unique local restaurants. Singles and residents new to the area are encouraged to jump in with this friendly group to enjoy incredible food and conversation. Contact Shannon at sfaith14@gmail.com. BALDWIN PARK JAM SESSIONS Play an electric or acoustic instrument? Get together once a month with other Baldwin Park musicians and play until your heart’s content. All ages, life stages and music backgrounds are encouraged to jump in and jam. For the date, time and location of the October jam, contact Fred at backesf@bellsouth.net. MAHJONG Ready, set, play Mahjong! Mahjong is a tile-based game played by four people at a time. New players at all levels are welcome. Contact Christopher at cfc106@ gmail.com.
NIFTY FIFTIES PLUS Socials for active couples and singles, age 50 and up, who meet several times a month for a variety of social activities including ladies coffee, happy hour, luncheons, parties and more. Be sure to sign up for the group’s annual Octoberfest at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at Tactical Brewing on New Broad Street. Contact Dianne at niftyfiftiesplus@gmail.com. NOVEMBER PROJECT Unlike the name, this group meets year-round. Run, squat, plank and laugh while you work out with this all-levels fitness group. Meets 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. PICKLEBALL GAMES Grab your paddle and whiffle ball for a friendly game of pickleball. Players for October tournaments are gathering now. Beginners are welcome. Find out about the next game. Contact Craig at cgile@cfl.rr.com. WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? A novice tennis group has just formed and is seeking new players of all ages and life stages. Am-
YARN CIRCLE FOR A CAUSE Share knitting and crocheting ideas and work on projects for charitable causes. Yarn Circle meets once a month at a member’s home. For details about time and location, contact Dawn at finddawn@gmail.com.
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. n BOOK BUDS This fiction book club welcomes new members. This group meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month at various members’ homes. To find out the October book selection and location for this month’s gathering, contact Audean at audean63@gmail. com. n HOOKED ON BOOKS This club just launched last month and is welcoming new members who love fiction. They meet on Mondays at various members’ homes. For October’s book selection and location for their gathering, contact Melissa at melissajay522@gmail.com. n REAL DEAL NON-FICTION BOOK CLUB This new book group reads and discusses biographies,
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 directions on how to get started.
memoirs, business books and contemporary non-fiction. They meet at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. For October’s book selection and location for this month’s gathering, contact Kathy at klhgibbons@gmail.com. n BOOKS & COOKS If you salivated while reading “Fried Green Tomatoes” or drooled during “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake,” then Books & Cooks is the group for you. Readers will gather to discuss a book where food is a prominent theme and enjoy fare featured in the book. This group needs a group leader for its first meeting in October. Contact lifestyledirector@ baldwinparkpoa.com. n 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 October meeting by contacting Genie at bsrocky@ hotmail.com.
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Experience Matters
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Cynthia Blue
Leah Bonich
Nicole Bradford
Cody Chase
Rhonda Chesmore
Elim Cintron
Teresa Jones-Cintron
Christy Cisneros
Caroline Croft
Mya DeStefano
Nick Falbo
Cheryl Geluso
Nick Giovanetti
Jenna Gomez
Tiffany Grindstaff
Justin Harvey
Drew Henner
Wendy Henner
Heidi Hudakoz
Cody Judge
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Jennifer King
Annie Kirscht
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Mark Medei
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Dee Morgan
Amanda Osberger
Tiffany Phillips
Laura Roche
Pam Ryan
Kimberly Slinger
Jenni Sloan
Tanya Smith
Lou Supowitz
Maria Velez
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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Community calendar OCT. 2 PILATES FUSION 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Enders Park Gathering Room. Pilates Method Alliance-certified Baldwin Park resident Adriana Duarte Pontual is offering something new for Baldwin Park residents — a fusion of Pilates, yoga and ballet to work the body, mind and spirit and help build strength, increase flexibility and improve balance and coordination. Beginners are welcome; take a mat. If you are interested in signing up for stretching classes, contact Adriana directly at adriana.tmrj@ gmail.com. OCT. 4 ALL LEVELS YOGA 8:30 a.m. Fridays, in the upstairs gathering room at Grace Hopper Hall. Focus on strength, balance, stability and endurance. This 50-minute class is for yoga enthusiasts of all fitness levels. Instructor Becca Schmidt has more than 15 years of experience teaching group classes, workshops and private sessions. Classes are $7. Visit bluemoon. yoga or text (407) 276-3478 to reserve a spot in class. FIRST FRIDAY FESTIVAL 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, along New Broad Street in the Village Center. First Friday Festival, presented by Consult Boom, 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, fashion and community-service opportunities. This free sidewalk
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OCT. 25 BALDWIN PARK KIDS’ CLUB HALLOWEEN PARTY This event is through the Baldwin Park Kids Club. For more information, visit meetup.com/BaldwinPark-Kids-Club. OCT. 26 KIDTOBERFEST 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Corrine Commons across from Grace Hopper Hall. Presented by the Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association and Bloom-Kee Realty, and sponsored by BrightView Landscaping. Plan to join the fun with a fall-themed photo opportunity, as well as a balloon twister, a pumpkin patch, face painters and so much more. To find out how you can become a sponsor, please contact sydney@consultboom.com, or check out more information about the event at baldwinparkevents.com/kidtoberfest-2019-residents.
festival is held the first Friday of every month and is both familyand pet-friendly. Sponsored by Westminster Communities of Central Florida. For more information, visit baldwinparkevents. com. OCT. 5 SAOR BOUTIQUE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Help SAOR Boutique celebrate its one-year anniversary with a
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
fun celebration. Join staff and attendees on the red carpet for drinks, small bites, live music and so much fun. If you wear something you bought from SAOR Boutique, you will get 50% off of a regular-priced item, good for 30 days. Live music will be performed by Danni Vidot. RSVP at bit.ly/2lTX1Os. OCT. 6 DRAG RACE 5K 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin. Come Out With Pride and Zebra Coalition invite you to the second annual Drag Race 5K. Put on your best colorful outfit, favorite running shoes and get moving. Join several local Drag personalities and hundreds of participants as they run, walk and sashay their way through Baldwin Park.
OCT. 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. OCT. 9 THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE PARKS Meets from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The Rotary Club of the Parks is a diverse group of working professionals
OCT. 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. OCT. 11 SHINDIG GOES WILD 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at the Orlando Science Center.
Hosted by Baldwin Park Elementary’s PTA, this shindig is going wild as attendees party with the dinosaurs and under the stars at the Orlando Science Center. Bring your friends and get your tickets to the night out that we’ll be talking about all year. Tickets and information at bit.ly/2lVSgUc. OCT. 12 TRACK SHACK’S HALLOWEEN RUN 5K 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin. Enjoy photo opportunities and candy stops along the route. Finish with bounce houses, cold treats, face painters and trick or treating. Registration includes a post-race party, Halloween costume contest, finisher medal, commemo-
rative T-shirt and Kids’ Run capes. The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., with a Kids’ Run to follow at 9:15 a.m. and Halloween costume contest at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Track Shack Youth Foundation. To register, visit trackshack.com/ event/10352.
OCT. 22 ROA BOARD MEETING Meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Grace Hopper Hall. All members of the ROA can attend the meetings. During this meeting, the board will vote on budget adoption.
OCT. 17 TSAC MEETING Meets at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Hopper Hall. Members should look for updated scheduling information in the weekly Wednesday resident updates.
ORLANDO CREEPY CRAWL 5K AND VAMPIRE MILE 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin. This event benefits the Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida. Attendees are creepy crawling again in Orlando for bleeding disorders! Register for the 5K or the fun walk — either way will be fang-tastic amounts of fun! After the Creepy Crawl, stay for an awards ceremony and Halloween party. Register at bit.ly/2lQTqRb.
OCT. 18 BALDWIN PARK KIDS’ CLUB ART WORKSHOP This event is through the Baldwin Park Kids Club. For more information, visit meetup.com/ Baldwin-Park-Kids-Club.
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and neighbors who like to have fun while doing good in their community and the world. Visitors and guests are welcome. For more information and the current meeting location, email RotaryClubOfTheParks@gmail. com or visit our Facebook page for the latest events at facebook.com/RotaryClubOfTheParksOrlando.
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It was a hot, sweaty job, but volunteers at Runway to Hope and XL 106.7’s supplies drive were happy to help.
Willing & able In the wake of Hurricane Dorian’s destruction in The Bahamas, Baldwin Park residents stepped up and embraced relief efforts. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR
F
or more than a week, Central Florida residents kept a wary eye on the strengthening Hurricane Dorian. A major hurricane that originally was projected to have a direct hit on Central Florida ended up almost completely swerving it, with the path seeming to shift a bit more eastward with every new report. But the people of the Baha-
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mas weren’t so fortunate. Dorian slammed into the islands as a Category 5 Hurricane, first striking the Abaco Islands Sept. 1. A day later, it hit Grand Bahama Island and stalled there for a day. With at least 50 deaths, more than 13,000 homes destroyed and an estimated $7 billion in damages, the Bahamas is in dire need of assistance — and Baldwin Park residents answered that call. In the days following Dorian’s departure from both the Bahamas and Florida’s East Coast, Baldwin Park
Photos by Danielle Hendrix
sprang into action. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, SAOR Boutique announced it would serve as a drop-off location for clothing donations. And on Friday, Sept. 6, radio host Johnny Magic from station XL 106.7 broadcast his morning show live from the Village Center, calling on Baldwin Park and Central Florida at large to partner with them and Runway to Hope in collecting donations. Runway to Hope hosted its inaugural Sparkle and Shine 5K at Harbor Park Saturday, Sept. 7, so founders Mark and Josie NeJame already had rented the space in the heart of Baldwin Park. “Our family is about service, and we saw the need, and Josie had gone and rented out the space for Friday, as well as today for the race,” Mark NeJame says. “Accordingly, we thought, ‘Well, we have all these people and we have the venue.’ It’s a
Baldwin shows its spirit, support
fantastic venue, of course, central to Central Florida, and so we started utilizing our resources and putting it together, and the community support was overwhelming.” In all, Runway to Hope and XL 106.7’s drive collected 51 pallets full of supplies. At Saor Boutique, staff and community members collected three truckloads of clothes. “Knowing that our family was safe and sound and then knowing what all these families are going through right now, there is this heart of this: ‘What can I do to help?’” Josie NeJame says. “We were spared and we know that, and we have the resources right now. There’s so many people here living in Central Florida (who) have the ability to go ahead and donate their food, donate their batteries, any extra supplies that they might have gotten for Hurricane Dorian on the way.” SAOR Boutique owner Angie Montenegro said the clothing drive she assisted with began with friend and Baldwin Park resident Melissa Ruy, who posted online that she was collecting clothes as a way to give back. Montenegro volunteered SAOR to be a drop-off site. Then came the challenge of determining which organization to give the clothes to, ensuring they would go directly to the people in the Bahamas. That’s where another Baldwin Park resi-
dent, Catie Guy Bean, came in. “They weren’t necessarily just doing a clothing drive, they were doing clothing and food that were going to go to the Bahamas,” Montenegro says. “One of her very best friends — which is Karen Murphy and her family — they had a direct connection to Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas. Every single house on that portion of the island did get demolished, so they were at the point where they were just kind of collecting tents and camping stuff.” Publix even donated a barge to the group for delivering the shipping container directly to the people in Green Turtle Cay. The clothes will be taken to a store there — not for sale, but for distribution. “It’s going to go directly from the Baldwin Park residents who donated to the island who needs it,” Montenegro says. “There’s no middlemen; there’s no fees or anything included with it. It’s just going to the people who need it. … Everybody wants to help. They just want to be a part of (it), they want to be involved and just give back.” At Runway to Hope and XL 106.7’s clothing drive, there were volunteers out in the sun all day to man the tent and organize donations that people dropped off. Countless cases of water, flashlights, batteries, snacks, diapers See Relief on page 30
In all, Baldwin Park residents helped Runway to Hope and XL 106.7 collect 51 pallets full of supplies.
DANIELLE HENDRIX Maybe it’s a bit cliché, but I think Mr. Rogers’ mother was onto something when she told him, “Look for the helpers. You can always find people who are helping.” Fred Rogers once said he was comforted by that phrase — something his mother would tell him during times of tragedy or disaster. It’s a phrase in which I’ve taken comfort over the years, too. As a 9-year-old growing up in St. Petersburg during the infamous 2004 hurricane season — when Florida got hit with four hurricanes — I remember going to the beach with my dad to fill up sandbags. It was a time of uncertainty and stress, but complete strangers were assisting others in filling bags and carrying them to cars. “Look for the helpers. You can always find people helping.” Baldwin Park: You were among the helpers I found this past month in the wake of Hurricane Dorian’s wreaking havoc on the Bahamas. Seeing the photos and videos coming out of the Bahamas in the days following — and even now — is heart-wrenching. With so many homes destroyed, many residents in the affected islands have noSee Hendrix on page 30 BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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Hendrix from page 30
and more would stack up, waiting for a truck to come get them. And when the trucks did pick them up, volunteers were there, ready to help load it all. “It feels good to be able to help others,” Mark NeJame says. “I was born and raised in Orlando and to see Central Florida and Orlando become what it has, it’s really a community that cares. People from every spectrum were there helping and it was heartfelt. … Everybody was there, and it was just wonderful.” For Montenegro and the people with whom she coordinated the clothing drive, the community response still is inspiring. “It’s so amazing,” she says. “It’s so great that they really just stepped up. It’s much more than we thought. Going back, we didn’t have enough room here for it — it was definitely a lot. We had people calling or stopping by just to check and see if we were still doing it and then coming back (with clothes), and for the really small-town vibe of Baldwin Park
where to go but shelters. Debris litters seemingly every inch of roadways and neighborhoods. Although the situation in the Bahamas is dire, the helpers are showing up in droves. Local pilots have offered the use of their private planes to deliver supplies, and thousands of people have overwhelmed donation drives with food and supplies. Teams of medical staff and search-and-rescue personnel are arriving daily in the Bahamas to lend their assistance. On Friday, Sept. 6, radio station XL 106.7 and Runway to Hope were teaming up to host a donation drive for the Bahamas in the heart of Baldwin Park. Johnny Magic, host of XL’s “Johnny’s House” show, was broadcasting live that morning, and donations could be dropped off near Lake Baldwin and the Village Center. What I didn’t expect when I got there that evening, though, was the extent of the community response that I saw. By the end of the day Sept. 7,
Baldwin Park had helped collect 51 pallets full of necessities requested by the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The area around the tent was overflowing with items waiting to be loaded into the back of a truck — the second pick-up that day. I met one volunteer who had been outside helping collect and organize supplies all day. She was so sunburnt, hot and tired, but she never stopped smiling as she organized boxes and moved cases of water. At Baldwin Park’s First Friday Festival, at least three random men — plus four teenage boys — jumped in without question to help load supplies into the truck. These were passersby just there to enjoy First Friday, but they saw a need and they filled it. If that’s not a prime example of finding the helpers, I don’t know what is. My heart swelled a bit with pride for this community. Knowing there is a need somewhere is one thing, but acting on and fulfilling that need is another.
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RISE& SHINE
Shannon Walsh finds joy in connecting with people, coaching leaders and helping others reach their fullest potential.
Through the Central Florida Leadership Forum and her new Ethnic Food Group, Shannon Walsh hopes to encourage and inspire others to become the best versions of themselves. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR
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orld travels often come with a wealth of stories, knowledge and cultural enrichment. For Baldwin Park resident Shannon Walsh, her life experiences, travels and education have led to her transformation into what she calls a multi-potentialite. Now, she’s using those experiences to share inspiration and tastes of different cultures with fellow residents of Baldwin Park. From Syracuse, South Korea and Japan to Orlando, New York City and countless other places, Walsh has held a number of business-leadership and executive roles. She currently offers executive coaching and
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consulting to help people build their dreams within organizations. It’s why she’s hosting the Central Florida Leadership Forum, which features many movers and shakers in the Central Florida community. As part of the CFLF, one of the highlights for leaders only is a “Dock-U-Mentory,” held on the covered dock on Lake Baldwin. The goal of the CFLF is to get local business leaders out of their offices and into an environment where they can learn strategies for creating and leading healthier teams. To achieve organizational health and high-performing teams, leaders also need to focus on leading healthy teams — not just productive ones, Walsh says. At the CFLF, leaders will be able to connect with other influential business leaders, as well as view a
Danielle Hendrix
simulcast of world-renowned experts addressing leading healthy teams and developing leaders worth following. But Walsh also wants to help mold leaders into the best and healthiest versions of themselves. That’s where her personal connection to the dock at Baldwin Park — and therefore the Dock-U-Mentory aspect of leadership training — comes in. “Because I’m on the dock every day, I thought it’d be great, because my whole goal is to get leaders out of their offices and into nature,” she says. “I try to get people out in nature, and I firmly believe that instead of snapping on the news or turning to your phone first thing in the morning, if you go and watch the best show in the world (the sunrise), you’re going to have an amazing day. I firmly believe you can’t have a wonderful day unless you include some time for wonder. “Sometimes, we get our schedules so booked that there is no time Continued on page 34
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CENTRAL FLORIDA LEADERSHIP FORUM WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 WHERE: Full Sail Live, 175 University Park Drive, Winter Park TICKETS: $135 for individual tickets or $1,250 for 10 tickets DETAILS: The CFLF will connect leaders with other influential business leaders, as well as allow attendees to view a simulcast of experts who will address leading healthy teams and developing good leaders. INFORMATION: bit.ly/2kNMfZB
Continued from page 32 for wonder,” she says. “It creates a paradigm shift, and we need those all the time. The Dock-U-Mentory … it’s leaders from the Central Florida community talking about how they need healthy teams. It’s an opportunity to brag in a positive way and inspire people, and we can all learn from each other.” Walsh often finds herself at Lake Baldwin when the sun rises — it’s her way of starting her day off on the right foot, getting some time in with nature and taking time to be present. She loves striking up conversations with other passersby. “The dock … presents this opportunity to communicate with nature, be present, ground yourself and realize every day is a new start to a day,” she says. “If you see the incredible wonder of what happens first thing every single morning, you’re going to understand all the possibilities you’re going to have throughout the day. As I’m speaking so many languages and meeting so many people around the lake, we
have to be open to … the way that we work with people in our offices, (our) customers, the way we interact with our community — people are from so many different cultures.” Aside from organizing the CFLF and Dock-U-Mentory for local leaders, Walsh also is spearheading a new Ethnic Dining Group for Baldwin Park residents. The idea is to expand people’s minds and palates, as well as to teach them more about other cultures. Once per month, Walsh plans to take group members to a new ethnic-food restaurant. For August’s meeting, the group ate at Cocina 214 and learned about Mexican culture there. September’s food and culture of choice was Vietnamese. “I feel like there are so many wonderful ethnic-food restaurants in our area, and it’s getting better and better,” she says. “I wanted to get people out of the Baldwin Park area and just kind of roam around town. What I want to do is feature different individuals from different restaurants — Vietnamese, Ethiopian and more. I want people to
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Jim Ackerman CLU, Agent 922 Lake Baldwin Lane, Suite A Orlando, FL 32814 Bus: 407-277-2994 www.jimackerman.net
feel comfortable. If you don’t know what Ethiopian food, is you don’t know that you have to eat it with your hands. “My whole thing is getting people out of their comfort zone,” she says. “There’s an opportunity for us to come together as a community, meet each other and do something. We’re going to learn a bit of the language before going to the restaurants, meet with the owners and get a little bit of their philosophy about the food. “Baldwin Park is a place of new beginnings, and it’s a very special, special place,” she says. “It’s very special that we have this type of community within our community. It’s really exciting just to see … people coming together to learn from each other and experts, and to get out. When you’re in a corporate bubble or working from home or anywhere else, you’re not engaging with people who can make you better, and I believe you are the sum total of your personal and professional orbit.”
With your new home comes new responsibilities – like protecting your new investment with the right amount of homeowners insurance. That’s where I can help. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ®
Exceptional READY for SCHOOL program with STEM introduction beginning in Preschool
State-of the-art facility with technology lab, gymnasium, and on-site swimming pool
VPK and after-school programs offered
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State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
1700 Fire House Lane, Orlando, FL 32814 407-895-8339 baldwinpark@brighthorizons.com brighthorizons.com/baldwinpark Lic# C09OR0671
© 2017 Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC
313651-1
0907507FL
313679-
Bright Horizons® at Baldwin Park
REHABILITATION THERAPY at Our Sister Clinic
Our sister clinic, Integrative Animal Hospital of Central Florida, is now offering canine and feline physical rehabilitation therapy. Physical rehabilitation is extremely important for a quicker recovery for post-operative patients. The therapeutic modalities we provide help with range of motion, coordination and joint mobilization.
These methods include:
Physical rehabilitation helps pets who recover from a variety of ailments, including but not limited to:
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Acupuncture
• Underwater treadmill • Thermal therapies • Manual therapies
• Laser therapy
• Range of motion and joint mobilization • And more!
• Therapeutic exercises
• Surgical procedures including orthopedic surgery • Arthritis
• Weight management • Pain management
• Cancer quality of life
OUR WHY To relieve pain and suffering
To expand the boundaries of traditional medicine
To not just think outside of the box, but to remove the box
946 Lake Baldwin Lane, Orlando, Florida 32814 313690-1
321-319-5417
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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WHAT’S SELLING 3675 ETHAN LANE, ORLANDO SALE PRICE: $1,155,000 SQUARE FEET: 4,900 BEDROOMS: Six BATHROOMS: 5.5
Rickie Agapito
DETAILS: This is an extraordinary manor lot home featuring pool and detached inlaw suite. It features a plantation-style front porch, Brazilian wood flooring and a spacious kitchen. The location is to be envied: Walk to Blue Jacket Park, baseball fields and parks.
LISTING AGENT: Jenni Sloan, Kelly Price & Company SELLING AGENT: Stellar Non-Member Agent, Stellar Non-Member Office
1155 FERN AVE., ORLANDO SALE PRICE: $647,500 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,288 BEDROOMS: Four BATHS: 3.5
Rickie Agapito
LISTING AGENT: Jenni Sloan, Kelly Price & Company SELLING AGENT: Wendy Williams Crumit, Fannie Hillman & Associates
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
DETAILS: This traditional home is located in the heart of Baldwin Park — on one of the neighborhood’s best tree-lined streets. It has an open-concept kitchen and family room with large picture windows overlooking a covered porch and private fenced yard. It is located one block from Lake Susannah and near Lake Virginia, with plentiful parks steps away. The home is also perfectly situated near Enders Park, the most popular residents-only clubhouse.
NEW LISTING IS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE PARK AND POOL ON FERN STREET. GREAT BUY AT $389,900
John Penne
Betsey West
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Lic. Real Estate Broker-Associate
934 FERN AVE $399,900
Enjoy the Baldwin Park life style . Pool, playground and workout room just across the street. Walk to downtown, stores, and restaurants. Two car garage. Large rear garden courtyard . Call to see 407-896-5520 316868-1
Selling? • 6% 3 ½% Commission! • Full Service * Realtors * MLS • 407-896-5520 • PennyBrokersOrlando.com
SPECIAL OFFERS FOR BALDWIN PARK OIL CHANGE SPECIALS
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*SEMI-SYNTHETIC oil change includes up to 5 qts. of 5w20 or 5w30 motor oil. FULL-SYNTHETIC oil change includes up to 5 qts. of 0w20, 5w30, or 5w40 (varies by vehicle) and new standard oil spin-on oil filter (some filters extra). Shop supplies/waste and taxes extra. Additional fees may apply. In lieu of other offers. Most cars and light trucks. Valid N. Semoran location only. Expires 11-30-19. OCT-BP
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BALDWIN PARK SPECIAL
ICE COLD AC CHECK
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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KEEPING IT REAL ESTATE
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.
Are real-estate websites and TV shows fake news? T
he world of real estate is constantly evolving. Realtors and real estate agents are no longer the sole gatekeepers of information regarding homes for sale. Now, a consumer can view available homes online on a variety of different websites. Often, these websites offer layers of helpful information — school info, nearby shopping, dining and more. It’s truly an incredible thing to be able to be able to view the recent sales in most any neighborhood with a few taps on your phone or tablet. HGTV has made all things buying, selling and renovating into entertainment for the masses. Watching “Flip or Flop” or any number of
design shows has become a weekly ritual for many, providing ideas for decorating their home office or landscaping their backyards in style. But as an agent, I can see an increasing reliance on sites built to attract clicks and shares to create revenue. In some cases, this has encouraged consumers to rely less on real-estate professionals. And I have to be honest: Real-estate content online and on TV is a double-edged sword.
HELPING OR HURTING?
What I believe we are seeing more is real estate “infotainment” akin to the news talking heads on CNN, Fox News and more. Consumers
can turn on their TVs to watch a couple acquire a beautiful home right in Central Florida. In the case of the many of the house-hunting shows, the buyers either already have closed on the home of their choice or are already in escrow. The sale could have taken place years prior if it’s a rerun — meaning the market conditions and available inventory likely are different than they are now, and the show can paint an unrealistic portrait for today’s viewer. Buyers often are encouraged to be “overthe-top opinionated,” making it appear buyers in negotiations are more successful by aggressively campaigning for discounts on
New, Pre-Owned & Reconditioned Golf Cars Street Legal (LSV) Carts
“I have been a Baldwin Park resident since 2007 and I still love driving to the pool or the village for dinner with my kids. We enjoy trips to Park Ave and Lake Eola too. Even my dog Boomer asks to come along! If you’re thinking about a Street Legal golf cart for your family, I’d be happy to help you find the perfect one!” – VP, Jason Brownell
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
www.GEVehicles.com 407-568-2122 • 18754 E. Colonial Dr. • Orlando, FL 32820
316339-1
• We service all makes and models • Pick-up and delivery available • Award Winning StarEV Dealership
DIY HOME BUY — BUT WHY?
“
But the more niche a community is — i.e. historic homes, homes in an amenity-rich, resort-style community and so forth — the more difficult it can be to plan value from afar. price and terms. Price reductions and sales concessions can and do happen. But just because a home doesn’t have granite countertops doesn’t mean it isn’t a great deal. Details such as that can be hard to discern when viewing a neatly choreographed television program. The reality for HGTV and similar programming is that they will continue and their market share will grow. We all love seeing what our neighbors’ homes look like, getting décor inspiration and watching negotiations take place. But, much like personality-driven news media, let’s all remember to take what we see onscreen with a grain of salt. Reality TV in almost any vein is mainly for entertainment, and real-estate content is no different.
FACTUAL OR FALSE?
Although it’s difficult to say which has a greater impact on today’s buyers and sellers — TV or online content — I’m willing to bet the internet rules here. As Realtors, we have allowed our data to be shared with countless websites, including our personal web pages. Mainly, though, consumers have become accustomed to visiting a handful of top real-estate sites for their information. As is well documented, online property valuations vary wildly when it comes to accuracy. How can an algorithm accurately predict a home’s market value? Granted, as a Realtor, numbers
and sales data of similar homes play a large part in my suggestion for pricing a home. But the more niche a community is — i.e. historic homes, homes in an amenity-rich, resort-style community and so forth — the more difficult it can be to plan value from afar. It’s crucial to see a home’s condition and the conditions surrounding the nearby sales to get an accurate picture. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of this, which is good. Now, I see more and more websites, hungry for clicks and eyeballs, placing data for all homes online, often ambiguously labeled as being potentially for sale when they are, in fact, not. A “pre-foreclosure” may represent an owner behind on their payments but with no intent to sell. Pair that with a computerized estimate of value that may be different than the market value for said home — much less what that owner is willing to accept. It has become more confusing than ever. The more eyeballs on the websites means more leads can be sold to agents — and more money for these companies. And there isn’t anything wrong with making money. Consumers just need to be increasingly vigilant about what they see online and if it is, in fact, real-estate reality. Ask a Realtor to be sure; we are obligated to keep our MLS data accurate.
I see also a trend encouraging consumers to do it all online — from the search to the purchase to the title company to the lender. Many resources can be found online, but I would take a hard look at all options before I opt to allow one company — especially the wouldbe purchaser of my home — to handle all aspects of my transaction. I’m not saying one-stop shopping is always bad, but rather that consumers should comparison shop in all instances, including before going with the same corporation for their mortgage, Realtor and closing. Real estate has never been a one-size-fits-all, so shop around. This is especially a great idea when considering allowing an “iBuyer” to purchase your home. If you are relying on any purchaser to be the authority on what your home is worth, it is wise to get a second and even third professional opinion. Aren’t they out to get the best deal for themselves? Would it not benefit them to buy your house under market value? These are questions worth considering. If they aren’t charging commissions, ask what fees they charge to buy your home and look at your bottom line. I am seeing some real-estate portals that started off as mainly home search engines encouraging consumers to DIY, and guess what? Some of these portals are also starting to become iBuyers themselves, open mortgage companies and so forth. I do think the information provided to consumers across all screens is becoming more difficult to separate into information and entertainment categories. I would love to see more accountability for any websites displaying home sale data and more disclaimers on real-estate reality shows, but I’m not holding my breath. In the meantime, it’s buyer (and seller) beware. Just because it’s online or on TV doesn’t mean it’s a fact.
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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Matt Buckland 313675-1
Financial Advisor
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
300945-1
MKT-1952F-A
808 Virginia Dr Orlando, FL 32803 407-897-7120
w
watercrest w in t e r pa r k
Sales Office Now Open! Watercrest Assisted Living and Memory Care Attend an Information Event at Winter Park Country Club 761 Old England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 10/1/2019 10/16/2019 11/6/2019
9:00 am -11:00 am Brunch 1:00 pm -3:00 pm Afternoon Tea 4:00 pm -6:00 pm Wine & Cheese
Secure your reservation today! Visit our Sales Office at 1007 Lewis Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789 40
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
314445-1
Call 407-907-2685!
Bethany Robertson had a huge selection of adorable hair bows for sale.
BALDWIN PARK FIRST FRIDAY FESTIVAL
Volunteers still were helping XL 106.7 and Runway to Hope collect and load up donations for the Bahamas throughout the First Friday event.
After a week filled with uncertainty surrounding Hurricane Dorian, Baldwin Park residents were excited to be out and about in the community again in time for First Friday. Held Friday, Sept. 6, the event featured numerous vendors selling food, handcrafted goods and more. At the same time, Runway to Hope and XL 106.7 were wrapping up their donations drive for the people of the Bahamas.
Right: Triple Play guitarist Bob Gingras rocked some shades as he played music.
— DANIELLE HENDRIX 3 LOTS ON ANZLE DRIVE| WINTER PARK
PRICED INDIVIDUALLY OR IN COMBINATION, TOTALING 20,044 SF
Winter Park Hospital
LOU SUPOWITZ, GKC 243 West Park Avenue Winter Park, Florida 32789 www.KellyPriceandCompany.com
REALTOR | TOP 10 PRODUCER DIRECT: 407.415.0338 OFFICE: 407.645.4321 BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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Lakemont Avenue
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Angelo Gonzalez helped daughter Aubrielle apply a glitter tattoo.
Heather Nagy, Laura Shields and Sharron Shields represented Team Joseph. Left: Ruth Esquilin and her daughter, Ruzaidi, shined as bright as their smiles.
RUNWAY TO HOPE’S SPARKLE AND SHINE 5K
Tracey Currey, left, was all smiles with Runway to Hope founders Josie and Mark NeJame. Left: This stilt walker wore a gold, sparkly outfit in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
Glitter filled the air — and even some participants’ hair — during Runway to Hope’s very first Sparkle and Shine 5K Saturday, Sept. 7, at Harbor Park at Lake Baldwin. Hundreds of participants donned their brightest, most sparkly attire to raise funds for beating childhood cancer. XL 106.7’s Johnny Magic was the emcee, and participants enjoyed getting glammed up at glitter stations.
— DANIELLE HENDRIX
FREE
LIVE MUSIC Artists were on hand to help participants apply glitter to their hair and bodies.
SERIE S
THURSDAYS BY THE FOUNTAIN, IN FRONT OF REGAL CINEMAS 6 PM—9 PM
Artists were on hand to help participants apply glitter to their hair and bodies.
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XL 106.7 radio host Johnny Magic emceed the event.
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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GLENRIDGE MIDDLE
MANE EVENT Julio Montenegro was awestruck with the VR goggles.
Members of the new PTSA Student Club helped hang posters advertising snacks for sale. Left: Madi McCall manned a T-shirt table.
We are two full-time agents that live in Baldwin Park and work throughout the greater Orlando market. Combined we have over 20 years experience and have represented 100’s of buyers and/ or sellers.
316118-1
REALTORS®
Service you deserve. People you can trust.
Contact us today for a FREE market analysis on your home.
WEBSITE
c-craigvoyk.kw.com
314427-1
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
CHRIS CRAIG-VOYK 407-595-9908 c.craigvoyk@kw.com
313707-1
TOM CRAIG 407-625-7687 tomcraig@kw.com
Sixth-grader Jacolby Hutson proudly showed off his new GMS gear.
Torun Vetelino, Tatiana Veras and Kennedy Maun enjoyed running the snack table.
The hallways of Glenridge Middle were buzzing with excited students Wednesday, Aug. 8, during the school’s Mane Event. The Lions received their schedules for the 2019-20 school year and got to walk through many of their classes. Students also had the chance to meet teachers, get information about clubs and grab a snack or sweet treat from the PTSA or Yum Yum Pops.
— DANIELLE HENDRIX
Caroline DeSormoux brought her handcrafted organic ice pops, called Yum Yum Pops, to the Mane Event.
Trust Your Baldwin Park Expert
JUST LISTED
Heart of Baldwin Park Townhome at Corrine Commons
Justin Yvonne Wiechart, LLC, CDPE www.FloridaHomeLeader.com
407-704-0420
BALDWIN PARK
316363-1
Georgia Tech Graduate Baldwin Park Resident Over 10 Years with Over 17 Years Real Estate Experience
BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
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316684-1
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2019
FEATURED PROPERTIES This three story townhome features 3 bedrooms/3.5 baths and is located in the heart of Baldwin Park. Downstairs bedroom and full bath are perfect for your teenager, guests or home office. Hardwood floors throughout the main floor and a custom wood and iron staircase. Gorgeous cherry cabinets w/ granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. Open living room/dining room combo flows easily from the kitchen. Front balcony off of the family room makes it easy to entertain. Master bedroom and 3rd bedroom are located on the third floor, as well as the laundry room. Upgraded features that include plantation shutters, crown molding and taller baseboards really set this home apart from the others. Brand new AC unit (April 2019) and foam insulation make this a very energy efficient home. Amazing location and close to everything. Just a short walk to Baldwin Park’s restaurants, shopping, pool/ fitness center, and schools. Less than two blocks from Baldwin Park Elementary and across the street from Bright Horizons Foundation for Children.
2018 Award Winner of “Real Estate Agency Neighborhood Favorite” by Nextdoor Baldwin Park 2017 Ovations Award Winner for “Best Real Estate Agency” by the Winter Park/ Maitland Observer Readers
• One of Baldwin Park’s Top Realtors in 2018
Asking $375,000
NE
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E RIC
• Highest Sales Volume in Townhomes in 2015
This exceptional Baldwin Park beauty was custom built by RexTibbs and sits on an oversized corner lot, overlooking a beautiful park setting that is one of the best in the neighborhood. With 7 bedrooms and 7.5 baths, this home boosts almost 6200 SF of living space w/a spacious floor plan featuring refinished wood floors, beautiful ceilings, trim and moldings. Gorgeous chef’s kitchen with Wolf appliances and custom cabinetry w/a large island and wine refrigerator. Enormous downstairs master suite overlooks the custom built resort like saltwater pool and spa. Also downstairs is another bedroom, currently being used as an office, that would make a great nursery/guest bedroom with its beautiful built-ins and a full bath nearby. Upstairs are 3 full bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet and private bath. Large playroom area is perfect for the family’s needs and the fully equipped theater room that seats six. 1 bed/1 bath apartment over the 2 car garage. Plenty of covered areas and an outdoor summer kitchen for all your entertaining needs. Separate pool house with full bath is perfect for your home gym.
• Highest Sales Volume in New Construction in 2013 • Ranked Top Producer since 2002 • Resident of Baldwin Park since 2004
Asking $1,595,000
WHAT’S SELLING ys Da 1 1 in ld So
Highly sought after park front location, this 4/3 townhome is a rare find! Spacious family room with park views, surround sound and plenty of storage. Upgraded kitchen w/cherry cabinets, granite countertops & stainless steel appliances open to large dining room. Master suite and two additional bedrooms are upstairs. Full bed/bath downstairs is ideal for a guest room, playroom or home office. Beautiful wood floors and custom plantation shutters throughout the home. Oversized brick paved patio with gorgeous new pergola. Just steps away from the community pool and fitness area at Grace Hopper Hall. Walking distance to schools and Baldwin Park’s downtown area with shops and restaurants, as well as, easy access to downtown Orlando and Winter Park.
Sold for $550,000 Highly sought after park front location makes this ISSA townhome a rare find. Meticulously maintained this 3/2.5 shows like a model with its beautiful cherry hardwood floors throughout the first floor and brand new upgraded carpeting on the stairs and upstairs. Separate open living and dining room PLUS open kitchen that overlooks the family room and eat-in breakfast area makes it perfect for entertaining. Light and bright kitchen features white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and overlooks the lovely paver patio. Custom plantation shutters, moldings and trims throughout really make this townhome stand out. Detached two car garage with high ceiling and plenty of overhead storage plus an epoxy floor. All bedrooms are located upstairs, as well as, the inside laundry area. Spacious master suite with sweeping park views and includes a walk-in closet, dual sinks, separate shower and large soaking tub. Dropdown stairs to attic with oversized air-conditioned storage space is unique to this builder and provides even more storage for all your storage needs. A fenced in private paver courtyard with landscape lighting leads to the detached two car garage with rear alley entrance. Conveniently located in Baldwin Park to parks, playgrounds, Blue Jacket Park and easy access to downtown Orlando and Winter Park. This truly is a must see!
Sold for $462,000
Lisa Fleming
407.644.1234 321.228.8341 cell Lisa@fanniehillman.com “The Right Representation All| SEPTEMBER the Difference” BALDWINMakes PARK LIVING 2019 47
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