15 minute read
WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN
So much to see, so much to do!
Can y’all believe it’s already December?!
The new year will be here before we know it, but before then, let’s look at everything there is to see and do until then. I’m sure you’ve seen blurbs, posts and ads about some of these things ,but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give you a full roundup of everything happening in and around the bubble in December.
You ready?? Let’s go!
BALDWIN PARK IS GETTING LIT!
Last year, with COVID-19 still in full effect, we wanted to do everything we could to bring a little joy to the neighborhood. With the help of our amazing management team, we came up with the idea for a resident and business decorating contest for the holidays which we ever so cleverly named, Light Up Baldwin Park. I was lucky enough to be a judge last year, and let me just say, Baldwin Park knows how to do it up! Inflatables everywhere, photo stations, lights upon lights upon lights. … If it weren’t for the categories, we never would have been able to pick the winners.
Well, we had so much fun last year that we’ve decided to make it an annual tradition, and there’s still time for you to enter. Go to baldwinparkcontests.com, log into the network and register your residence for one of three categories: The Griswold (how many lights are too many lights?), Santa’s Favorite (best theme) and The North Pole (most creative). Businesses can get in on the fun, too, by registering in the same location for the Deck the Halls category.
Keep checking the weekly eblasts and our social media posts for a virtual map of all the participants so you can get out there and see the spectacular displays. With the temps cooling off, it’s a great excuse to get out of the house and enjoy the neighborhood!
SPEAKING OF SOCIAL MEDIA …
I know, terrible segue, but you get the idea. We are in the final stages of bringing someone onto the team to take our community engagement and social media to the next level. Make sure you are watching the eblasts and our existing Facebook account, Baldwin Park: What’s Happening, for new and exciting ways to interact with your Baldwin Park community.
IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME, OF THE YEAR!
You know we love a party here in Baldwin Park and what better way to celebrate the holidays than a tree lighting and holiday parade! You may already have seen the snowflakes going up along New Broad Street, but what you may not know is that we have also been hard at work to bring a true tree to Downtown Baldwin Park. While it may not have seemed like much of a Christmas tree to some, it was a start to bringing a tree into the Village Center amidst many hurdles and obstacles. Those former Joint Committee members who pioneered the effort are appreciated greatly and not forgotten. By the time you read this, the tree will be up but won’t be lit just yet. We’re planning a special night to celebrate the awesomeness of the new tree — and there even may be a surprise after the tree is lit — so make sure you’re ready!
Additionally, Baldwin Park will be hosting its annual holiday parade and festival, this year with a fabulous new name: Winter Wonderland Extravaganza! There will be floats, music, entertainment, Santa and so much more. We can’t wait to bring all the joy of the holiday season to the neighborhood.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
Because it wouldn’t be one of my columns without getting a little personal, the holidays are truly one of my most favorite times of the year. I look forward to seeing the beauty of Baldwin Park under the twinkle of holiday lights and the smiles on both children’s and adults’ faces as they enjoy everything our amazing neighborhood has to offer. The restaurants and shops are abuzz, and we get to show off to visiting family and friends the true essence of Baldwin Park: community. If you see me out and about, don’t hesitate to give a wave or say hello; it’s always nice to meet a new neighbor.
No matter what you have planned, on behalf of myself, my better half, Andrew, the Baldwin Park Joint Committee, and our Sentry Management team at Grace Hopper Hall, we hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.
Until next year, stay safe, stay well, and remember … We Are Baldwin Park!
368457-1
Build, Buy or Refi
An expert in financing properties in Baldwin Park, Winter Park, Orlando, and surrounding areas since 2004. Contact me today to learn more about: • Conventional • Jumbo • Construction • Government • Doctor and Dentist
ANN KELLY YOUNG
SENIOR MORTGAGE BANKER 407.929.0219
NMLS # 740181 ayoung@bell.bank annkellyyoung.com
367315-1 243 W Park Avenue | Suite 200 | Winter Park, FL 32789
28091
Each o ce is independantly owned and operated Each o ce is independantly owned and operated28091 AD - Baldwin Park, FL Ann Kelly Young Oct 2020.indd 1 10/1/20 1:29 PM
THE PROOF IS IN THE NUMBERS 99% 23
Our listings sell at an average of 99% of list price 59 #1
THE PROOF IS IN THE NUMBERS 99% 23 is the average number 23
Our listings sell at an of days our listings are on average of 99% of the market list price 59 #1
THE PROOF IS IN THE NUMBERS 99% 23
Our listings sell at an average of 99% of list price 23 is the average number of days our listings are on the market 59 #1
23 is the average number of days our listings are on the market
The total number of families we’ve served last year
Our office is #1 for listing and The total number of sales volume in 2020 families we’ve served in Baldwin Park last year
The total number of families we’ve served last year Our office is #1 for listing and sales volume in 2020 in Baldwin Park
Our office is #1 for listing and sales volume in 2020 in Baldwin Park
Each o ce is independantly owned and operated
When selling your home, it is critical to partner with a real estate team that has a proven track record and holds themselves accountable to a very high standard. When selling your home, it is critical to partner with a real estate team that has a proven track record and When selling your home, it is critical to partner with a real estate team that has a proven track record and holds themselves accountable to a very high standard. These numbers depict not only the trajectory of our business, but the expertise, dedication and commitment that you will receive. holds themselves accountable to a very high standard. These numbers depict not only the trajectory of our business, but the expertise, dedication and commitment These numbers depict not only the trajectory of our business, but the expertise, dedication and commitment that you will receive. Your property will be sold quickly, with the least amount of hassle and for top dollar. The proof is in our numbers. that you will receive. Your property will be sold quickly, with the least amount Your property will be sold quickly, with the least amount of hassle and for top dollar. The proof is in our numbers. of hassle and for top dollar. The proof is in our numbers.
Park Life Group Direct: (407) 873-5222 Info@ParkLifeOrlando.com www.ParkLifeOrlando.com Park Life Group Direct: (407) 873-5222 Info@ParkLifeOrlando.com www.ParkLifeOrlando.com Park Life Group Direct: (407) 873-5222 Info@ParkLifeOrlando.com www.ParkLifeOrlando.com
Luxury International Certified Members: Luxury International Certified Members: Farah Bloom & Andy Lockhart
Farah Bloom & Andy Lockhart Luxury International Certified Members: Farah Bloom & Andy Lockhart
367312-1
GIFT OF GIVING
Annabelle Sikes
Baldwin Park resident Lauren Colby Hudson coordinates the Angel Tree program at her home church in Palatka.
This season, many Baldwin Park residents have found ways to give back to celebrate the holidays.
ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER
For many, the holiday season is a magical time full of laughter, joy, family and cheer. For others, the holiday is just another painful reminder of what they’re missing.
Baldwin Park residents and organizations are working to change how the holiday season is perceived by those who are less fortunate.
BALDWIN PARK KIDS CLUB
Bree Holbrook and the Baldwin Park Kids Club have already begun work for the season of giving. The club is currently working on packing shoeboxes for kids overseas who do not have a Christmas.
The shoeboxes will be filled with items such as a large stuffed animal, a soccer ball with a pump, arts and crafts, personal hygiene items such as shampoo and conditioner, small toys, underwear and socks, and personal letters of encouragement.
Holbrook says she wants her kids to realize the holidays not only are about getting new toys but also serving others.
“I love giving my children gifts and connecting that to the generosity of Jesus,” Holbrook says. “I also want them to know that generosity flows from Him to others. We all know that feeling you get from giving your time, energy or resources is one of the best feelings in the world. I want them to experience that feeling and for their memories of Christmas to be filled with the excitement and joy of both giving and receiving.”
Although the group was unable to do much last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year, the club is filling 10 shoeboxes with the help of 10 local families. Holbrook says they hope to double the shoeboxes packed next year.
The club also will be putting together packages for families in the NICU at AdventHealth.
“The Kids Club was a huge reason we fell in love with Baldwin Park eight years ago, and we have now never felt more at home,” Holbrook says.
Those who wish to join or get involved in future events can email the BPKC Community Service Coordinator Bree Holbrook at Bree. holbrook@live.com.
BALDWIN PARK ELEMENTARY
Terri Poulos, who leads the PTA Baldwin Cares program at Baldwin Park Elementary School, is also instilling the importance of volunteering in her children’s lives.
From a young age, Poulos says her parents taught her to give back to the community and help others who are less fortunate.
“We all need help at some point in our lives, so I feel that it’s important to help others when we can,” Poulos says.
An important part of the program during the holidays is the school’s Giving Tree.
Every year, the school comes together to host the Giving Tree holiday drive to help assist some of the school’s families during the holiday season.
To help a student in need, residents can visit the Giving Tree located in the school’s front office. For further questions or information, contact Terri Poulos or Sandra Silver at Baldwin Park Elementary.
SEMINOLE CLUB
Growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood, Shonta McCord says her passion for community outreach came naturally.
McCord’s mother and godmother played a major role in the passion. McCord says her mom, who was a teacher, would take money out of her own pocket to help struggling local families.
Now, McCord volunteers out of Baldwin Park as a member of the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando.
The club is an all-volunteer alumni group dedicated to providing support and financial assistance to Orlando area students who wish to fulfill their dreams of attending Florida State University.
This year, the club is working
on organizing an event tentatively called “Seminoles for Seniors.”
The alumni will work together to support multiple assisted living facilities through a Christmas drive where seniors will have the opportunity to receive socks, blankets, slippers and other essential items.
McCord says the organization is also planning to host a “Wrap Party” during which residents can help wrap and prepare gifts. She says it would be a great opportunity for people who cannot donate to get involved.
For more, visit orlandonoles.org.
GLENRIDGE MIDDLE
Like other local organizations, Glenridge Middle School has also had their holiday plans affected by the continued pandemic.
Glenridge Middle School PTSA Community Events Chair Katie McBride says although the school normally would host a food drive at this time of year, because of safety concerns, the school instead is putting together a gift card drive.
The initiative, run by school staff member Kenlyn Talbot-Williams, asks donors to purchase gift cards to shops such as Publix or Walmart. The gift cards will be given to students and their families in need for Thanksgiving.
McBride and her husband also put together a Christmas light display each year that collects donations. The couple has been decorating their home for eight years.
The McBrides triple the donations given and use it to support the local schools in the Baldwin Park community.
Katie says they have collected for Baldwin Park Elementary’s Cares program for four years. The program provides food, clothing, school supplies, holiday gifts, and more, to the under-served students at the school.
The McBrides received $2,000 in donations last year, tripled to more than $8,000 raised.
Last year, because of the amount of donations, they we were able to donate to Glenridge Middle School and Winter Park High School for their similar programs, as well.
“These past few years have been so hard on everyone, and we just want to ensure that students in our community have the support and necessities they need to succeed,” Katie says.
The display can be found at 4564 New Broad St.
ANGEL TREE
Even with no time, money, or resources, Lauren Colby Hudson is giving back to her hometown community in Palatka all the way from Baldwin Park.
Hudson is the coordinator for the Angel Tree program at her hometown church.
Angel Tree, which is run through the Children’s Home Society of Florida, provides Christmas gifts for children that are from families being serviced by the organization.
Hudson says parents often are placed in the program through a court order because of involvement with factors such as neglect, abuse, criminal charges or drugs.
Working with an area coordinator, Hudson provides gifts for children in her specific home county.
Now, four years later, Hudson is leading the program at age 23 while also attending law school.
Through the program, each child picks two wishes and a need, totaling for three gifts per child. Even as their wishes, Hudson says many children ask for things such as clothes, shoes or bedding. Each child and adult also receives an age-appropriate Bible.
Those who wish to donate can do at bit.ly/3FuSm9a.
WINTER PARK DAY NURSERY
Winter Park Day Nursery Executive Director Ali DeMaria also is passionate about giving back locally.
DeMaria has been at the nursery for 16 years and helps the program serve its mission in providing high quality care and education to children. The program currently serves its max enrollment of 64 students.
“The results, the impact and the feedback that we are able to see in each child as they come through our program, and not only each child but each family, is so rewarding” DeMaria says.
This year, the nursery will host a holiday program through which families can come see their kids perform, as well as a holiday store for families in need, stocked by donors.
Children will receive one free gift at the store, and parents will have the opportunity to cheaply shop various items such as toys, books, or clothing for their child.
DeMaria says the shopping gives parents the opportunity to feel like they have a say in what their child is receiving, and the rest of the funds earned will go back to the school.
DeMaria says the holidays sometimes magnify struggles parents face. Parents can face mental-health challenges, because they are not able to buy their children gifts, and many parents must take off work for their child’s winter break, which causes increased financial stress.
“Giving is something that we shouldn’t just be thinking about during the holiday season,” DeMaria says. “Giving back is important all year long, and that is what we will continue to strive for and give thanks for.” “ Giving is something that we shouldn’t just be thinking about during the holiday season. Giving back is important all year long, and that is what we will continue to strive for and give thanks for.”
