Gorgeous Curved Wooden Staircase Front & Side Porch & Screened Back Porch
Private Back Yard / Garage Apartment w/ Separate Entrance
Top Realtor in Baldwin Park since 2015
Orlando HOT 100 Realtors since 2019
Baldwin Park Resident for over 20 years
Ranked in Top Producer Magazine since 2015
Gold Key Certified
Orlando 5 Star Professional Realtor by Orlando Style Magazine since 2017
“Kimberley combines a sparkling personality with data-driven advice to provide exactly the kind of guidance I needed to get the best price for my home. After talking with her several times prior to the house going on MLS, my expectations grew as I saw her in-depth understanding of the current conditions and how best to market my home. And yet she exceeded those expectations.
All along, I felt like she was working for what was best for me; not what was most profitable for her. While some agents might quickly move on to the next sale after getting the house under contract; Kimberley stayed on top of every aspect of the process right through the closing-keeping me informed and reassured every step of the way.
I’m sure there are a number of good real estate agents in the Orlando area. But I believe Kimberley Gernert is the best in Baldwin Park. When you’re ready to sell your home or even if you’re just thinking about it; give her a chance to get to know you and your home and she will do for you what she did for me-listen to what is important to you, design a plan that fits you and your needs, and make an often difficult process as easy on you as possible.”
D. Collins
The Windle Family Law Firm is a boutique style high end family law firm handling divorce, custodial disputes, paternity actions, and other similar family law matters. We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of service and maintaining a positive and enjoyable work environment.
Position Description:
First impressions specialist/ receptionist who would greet clients entering the building, answer phones, assist with filing, assist in compilation of hearing/trial binders etc.
Required skills:
Must be friendly, personable, detail oriented, familiar with Outlook, and Word. Must have strong writing and communication skills and be computer literate.
Flexible hours:
Ideal position for community parent seeking to mirror the hours of their child or children’s school hours.
Former Experience:
Past clerical work or customer service work.
Compensation:
Pay would be hourly to allow for a flexible schedule and is negotiable.
The Windle Family Law Firm is seeking to fill our first impressions/receptionist position. 938 Lake Baldwin Lane Orlando, FL 32814
says. “But if I kept throwing them away, I would have nothing. You have to push through that frustration and that’s where your imagination gets to go wild.”
One of Taylor’s fast and hard rules is that there is no negative self-talk in the studio, and this includes the staff as well.
“People can find that everywhere nowadays, but they won’t find that here,” she says. “We are teaching radical self-love, because you can’t accomplish anything if you don’t have that first. You have to be kind to yourself even when you feel discouraged.”
Messy Craft is not just about a place for creativity; it’s a place for experimentation, trying and failing, and all the feelings involved in that process — as well as gathering community.
“When people gather, a different type of connection is made when your hands are busy — when you’re doing something separately or together,” Taylor says. “I feel that right now there’s a real need for that.”
Five years ago, Taylor was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and she stopped doing everything. It was a dark period for her family, which includes her husband and two children. The years since led her to an emotional healing that she didn’t even know she needed.
SUZ TAPY COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR
SENTRY MANAGEMENT
Laura Taylor, a Baldwin Park homeowner and owner of one of the community’s newest businesses, Messy Craft, has a lot to say about art. Her DIY studio is so much more than creativity — it’s a
Although “messy” can describe something untidy or dirty, Taylor also uses it to express how imperfect life is. At the beginning of every art session for children, she reads a book called “The Book of Mistakes,” which is about how through the creative process, mistakes can be the act of bringing something into existence that everyone interprets differently.
“Everything I’ve ever made, I get halfway through and say, ‘I hate this,’ and I want to throw it away,” she
“Once you face your own mortality and you can’t handle living with that feeling, it’s a breaking open that you can’t describe,” she says. “The process of healing has let all of this flow. Now I feel like I can share so much joy and more of myself. Like this is what I’m supposed to do. It’s not even about the thing that you end up leaving with. Art is meditative and so important for our mental health.
“We have a lot of offerings for kids, but Messy Craft is a place for everyone,” Taylor says. “We do monthly workshops for adults and will be bringing in other local artists. You can book a girl’s night or birthday party, and Fridays and Saturdays are open studios, where people can come in and create on their own. We provide the space, supplies, and instructions and they can come in, hang out, and get creative on their timeline.”
Laura Taylor says her new business, Messy Craft, is a fun outing for people of all ages.
Nurture nature
Earth Day got its start from a Wisconsin senator, Gaylor Nelson, concerned about the damage that pollution was doing to the planet.
SUZ TAPY
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
COORDINATOR
SENTRY MANAGEMENT
While honoring the environment is something each of us is responsible for every single day, it’s especially important on Earth Day, which falls on Tuesday, April 22 this year.
Earth Day got its start from a Wisconsin senator, Gaylor Nelson, concerned about the damage that pollution was doing to the planet. Hoping to attract attention to the issue, Nelson founded Earth Day in the spring of 1970. Since that time, countries across the globe have pledged their support, and today, more than a billion people
in 192 countries participate in various Earth Day activities.
The signing of the historic Paris Agreement took place on Earth Day in 2016. It was signed by 175 countries in the United Nations with the goal of limiting global temperature rise and addressing climate change.
Marking half a century, Earth Day 2020 adapted to global challenges by hosting virtual events, engaging more than 100 million people online, making it one of the largest digital mobilizations in history.
THE CITY BEAUTIFUL
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the city of Orlando, also known as The City Beautiful.
Florida state Rep. Anna Eskamani sits on the board of Keep Orlando Beautiful, a non-profit affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, and is ready to get busy for Earth Day.
“During COVID, when everything was shut down and indoor activities had to be paused, we got involved with the Earth Day cleanup,” Eskamani says. “It’s more about neighbors helping neighbors. It’s a way to be helpful and connect at the same time.”
Eskamani and state Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis share district lines. Both love strong partnerships so they share in the cleanup efforts.
“Helping to clean up someone’s community that has been directly impacted by litter lets them
know that their environment has value,” Eskamani says. “It’s not just about the trash but the psyche. It’s also a great way to bring people together. Families can see immediate results.”
Corporate partners are welcome. Collaborating with corporations helps provide supplies that are needed such as trash bags, gloves and trash picker-uppers.
If you would like to join Eskamani in the clean-up efforts on Saturday, April 12, go to the events page at orlando.gov.
SAVE BLUE. LIVE GREEN. Florida’s water comes from the Lower Floridian Aquifer, an underground reservoir that in many places is a quarter-mile below the earth’s surface. To keep pace with increasing water demand as Central Florida’s population grows, last year, the Orlando Utilities Commission approved an alternative water supply project — a reverse osmosis water treatment plant in Lake Nona.
Senior Engineer for OUC and Baldwin Park resident Alyson Escribano ensures OUC’s compliance with the St. John’s River Water Management Consumptive Use Permit conditions (OUC’s groundwater permit to pump water from the aquifer).
tolerant to the hot, dry summers,” she says. “Consider another type of ground cover that is approved by the ARC. Mulch helps maintain water and insulate plant roots from the heat. Healthy soil is an important part of carbon sequestration. Soil stores about three times more carbon than the atmosphere.”
Some resources to educate yourself on conservation are sjrwmd.com, ouc.com, and conservationfla.org to learn about protecting what we save and what we pave.
We only have one Mother Earth and our actions today can positively impact our water, wildlife, and overall quality of life.
Escribano urges everyone to check how many days per week their irrigation system is running, and then go a step further and check the duration of the cycle and health of the system.
nity, we will all pay the price to resurface.”
“Run each zone to see if you have broken sprinkler heads or if you’re spraying water onto impervious surfaces (sidewalks or roadways),” she says. “Is your irrigation system causing water to run off into the road eroding the asphalt? Collectively as a commu-
She adds that in her own yard she removed sprinklers for established bushes and added mulch.
She also advises installing Florida-friendly landscaping and adding mulch when it’s time for a refresh.
“St. Augustine requires an immense amount of water and is not
Finally, teach your children to do their part at an early age. Participate in a neighborhood cleanup, plant a tree, and teach them about conservation and sustainability. We can all make positive changes for our amazing planet, and the achievements of young change-makers can inspire us all to do our part to help create a better future.
Now Welcoming New Patients
Quality Care Close to Home
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR:
Kathleen Smee
Baldwin Park resident Kathleen Smee is in the pool at 5 a.m. every day for her morning swim.
SUZ TAPY COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR SENTRY MANAGEMENT
Researchers have found that swimming promotes both physical and mental well-being. This isn’t news to anyone who regularly frequents the pool deck.
“Blue Mind” is a term associated with water-related calm and peace. This science tells us that as humans, we are naturally drawn to blue space. This leads to a feeling of
piness, a lower heart and breathing rate, and safe, better workouts. Aquatic therapists are increasingly looking to the water to help treat and manage PTSD, addiction, anxiety disorders, autism and more. Mere contact with water or hearing water flow can induce a flood of neurochemicals that make us happier, healthier and less stressed out.”
Perhaps Baldwin Park resident and avid swimmer Kathleen Smee knew she would love the water from the moment she took her first swim lessons in Walden Pond before it was named a national historic landmark. As a small child in Massachusetts, she loved swimming from Day One.
“I was not coordinated in gym class,” she says. “As a matter of fact, I failed gym, but swimming I could do — so I kept swimming.”
One of Smee’s favorite parts about living in Baldwin Park is taking advantage of the warm water in Grace Hopper pool during the winter months. She has sent many emails letting the association office know of her satisfaction over the years: “I was able to swim a mile under the semi-full moon. I am grinning and want to express my genuine gratitude to all who made this possible.” And, “I think I saw the glow of the tree in Grace Hopper’s lobby when I went swimming this morning, and if I am not imagining this holiday happiness, I wanted to thank you.” Or, “I think we have established that I swim my daily mile with a smile, but I neglected to mention that the view of the glowing trees and their reflection in the pool, fills me with peace before I jump in.”
wellness and peace when we are in or around bodies of water. Because water makes up 70% of our bodies and covers about 75% of the earth’s surface, our brains have an immediate positive response when we’re near water.
Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, author of the best-selling book “Blue Mind,” says: “Research has shown that being near, in, on or under water can provide a long list of benefits for our mind and body, including lowering stress and anxiety, increasing an overall sense of well-being and hap-
For Smee and many others, moving their bodies, especially swimming, helps their mental well-being, too.
“I’ve been in the pool for space launches, jets flying over, seeing the moon and the stars, and I’ve learned that the early-morning swim is really very cool,” Smee says. “You dash over to get your exercise and dash back home — unless it’s 30-something degrees — and then you call on your spouse to pick you up after the swim because even though the pool is warm, the air is not so much.”
Courtesy photos
Kathleen Smee is one of Baldwin Park’s most dedicated swimmers.
She gets up at 2 a.m. and does yoga and stretching to get her day started, then chores and makes sure breakfast is ready to go, then she zig-zags her way over to the pool, where she swims freestyle for one hour and just over a mile.
“It’s a pleasant time — probably the only time of day when I’m not reading something or listening to something,” she says. “It’s serene.”
She finishes her swim at about 6 a.m., changes clothes and heads back for that breakfast. After that, she’ll go for another walk with her husband, Jock, then lunch, and in-between, she enjoys listening to audiobooks and reading. Her TBR is full of fiction because she gets her fill of real-time news from reading five newspapers
per day on average. This daily regimen may be proof that swimming provides extraordinary energy, as well!
She admitted that in the evening there is a lot of sports watching, especially the NBA. Jock is a Knicks fan, and Kathleen’s team is the Celtics. On this day, the Celtics lost the night before, and she shared that she would support her husband and watch the Knicks tonight — but draws the line at wearing any of their paraphernalia.
Her team may be unpredictable, but one thing is certain — Smee will be back in Grace Hopper pool at 5 a.m. the next morning.
Baldwin Park pool hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and Grace Hopper pool is heated at 82 degrees during the winter.
Kathleen Smee took to swimming immediately.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Community Calendar
FRIDAY, APRIL 4
FIRST FRIDAY
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 4. Stroll down New Broad Street for shopping, live music and even snag some dinner. Find the full vendor list by searching “BP Community Market Day” on Facebook.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
SPRING PORCH SALE
8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 5. It’s that time of the year again! The Spring Porch Sale in beautiful Baldwin Park is back, and it is the perfect place to find some treasures. Residents: You can sell your items on your front porch or join in one of the “Flea Markets” set up at Enders Park, High Park, and at Corrine Commons in front of Grace Hopper Hall. Email Suz Tapy at stapy@baldwinparkpoa. com with your name, address and brief description of what you are selling to be added to the map. Adding your items to the map promotes foot traffic to your area. Listing specific items such as Pelotons will increase the chances of you selling your big-ticket items. This includes setting up at the “flea markets” by showing buyers what you have to offer! Find more information in your weekly newsletter: baldwinparknetwork.com
ANNUAL HOME RUN DERBY
4 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Moffatt Real Estate Field at Blue Jacket Park. Baldwin Park Softball invites you to the Brokers Insurance Home Run Derby. The league is excited to partner for the third time with the local
charity, Baldwin Cares, which is committed to helping families in need within our neighborhood at Baldwin Park Elementary.
WOUNDED WARFIGHTER
LONG SAILOR 5K/10K
6:45 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at Blue Jacket Park, 2501 General Rees Ave., Orlando. For more than 30 years, Baldwin Park was home to Naval Training Center Orlando, and in celebration, the Central Florida Navy League holds its annual race at the former “Grinder.” Join the league for a run to honor Orlando’s rich military heritage and support our sea service members and their families, as well as our chosen charities. For more information, visit bit.ly/3neMqgm.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, virtually. Because of the current high volume of Residential ARC
applications, the number of applications accepted is being capped at 25 per meeting. Once this number is reached, subsequent applications will be held for the next scheduled ARC meeting. The ARC meets twice a month. More information can be found in your weekly newsletter.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
KID’S EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 12 at Corrine Commons. There will be free face painting, balloon animals, photos with the Easter Bunny and more. Find more information at baldwinparknetwork.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, virtually. All information for the meeting also can be found on the Baldwin Park Network, along with the link to join the meeting.
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
MUSIC BY THE LAKE Friday, April 18, at the Village Center. Members of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform. This fun, family friendly happening will take place every third Friday through May.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20 EASTER
PET OF THE MONTH
This is Beluga! He is a 2-and-one-half-year-old American Bully. He was born in New York and spent most of his time running up and down the many sand dunes of Rockaway Beach. He absolutely loves to run in big open spaces with lots of sticks, so he has been enjoying his time here in Baldwin. Although he can be shy at times, he has loved meeting all his new puppy neighbors as they pass by the patio.
If you have a pet you would like to see as Pet of the Week in the weekly newsletter, along with being submitted for Pet of the Month in the magazine, email a headshot to Suz Tapy at stapy@baldwinparkpoa. com with a little information about your furry family member.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22 EARTH DAY
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, virtually. Because of the current high volume of Residential ARC applications, the number of applications accepted is being capped at 25 per meeting. Once this number is reached, subsequent applications will be held for the next scheduled ARC meeting. The ARC meets twice a month. More information can be found in your weekly newsletter.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
FOOD TRUCKS IN THE PARK
5:30 p.m. at Corrine Commons. Join your neighbors for Food Trucks in the Park featuring five local food trucks. Take a blanket or chair, and we will see you there!
SUNDAY, APRIL 27
VINTAGE MARKET
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Corrine Commons. The Florida Vintage Market will be Baldwin Park’s largest market to date! Shop more than 70 vendors, have coffee, a bite to eat and enjoy the beautiful weather! Find more information by following us on Instagram at @BaldwinParkOfficial.
A TALE OF TWO SIDE YARDS
It was the best of yards, it was the worst of yards …
For those of you pining for a written piece compounding the representation of the major literary themes of Charles Dickens’ famous novel within our present-day concerns about property upkeep in Baldwin Park, you will be disappointed. My days of high schoolstyle essay writing are long gone. Still, you might be surprised to find examples of dramatic tension resolving into satisfying endings that settle conflicts and provide an outlook for a promising future in the least likely of places.
THE THIRD ESTATE OF LANDSCAPES
While walking through the thoroughfares of our community, the first thing noticed about a property here is the front-and-center front yard. Like high-society London of Dickens’ time, our formal front yards are ruled by spatial order exemplified by tiered hedgerows and tightly trimmed lines. Side yards, on the other hand, perhaps due to years of vegetative conflict and chaos not dissimilar to pre-Revolutionary Paris, often go unnoticed and even intentionally ignored. The result can be a dark, mucky mess of mud, mulch, and overgrowth or a barren wasteland where nothing thrives.
APPLIED JUSTICE
The Baldwin Park Residential Design Guidelines require accent and/or canopy trees along with a minimum ratio of shrub coverage in new side yard landscapes. Frequently, these compulsory elements are missing altogether, inappropriate plants were placed, or maintenance has been lacking.
REDEMPTION, RENEWAL & TRANSFORMATION
The following are just two examples of a growing trend of neighbors coming together to make the best of their mutual side yards.
GAYLE AND KYLE ON ETHAN LANE
We were first called to review Gayle’s side yard, where grass had died and a few out-of-control bougainvillea had taken over. It seemed that nothing was thriving due to shade and drainage issues. While clearing her side, we met her next-door neighbor, Kyle, who had just gotten ARC approval to improve his adjacent side yard. It soon became apparent that the two should work together.
Both ended up submitting plans (Kyle submitted an
amended plan) that included tree removals, regrading, a French drain connecting to both of their downspouts, irrigation changes, new sod, hedges and accent trees. The plans included screening plants to provide privacy and blooming trees that enhance other prominent views. The result was something functionally and aesthetically better than either individual plan could have created.
“We enjoyed planning with Kyle, appreciate his extra effort and are proud of what we were both able to accomplish,” Gayle says.
Kyle agrees: “Doing this together with Gayle makes it easier and less costly. It also means that the plan can be developed as a unified whole, making the final product so much better.”
violation. The multi-faceted solution involved bringing in more soil to correct erosion, adding and modifying French drains, and providing new plants including shrubs that screen rock from the public right-of-way.
LAURIE AND TRICIA ON MEETING PLACE
Laurie called us after receiving a covenants violation for drainage rock visible from the public rightof-way. She had three magnolia trees alongside her home that had shifted soil levels creating a drainage issue for both her property and the one next door, owned by Mark and Tricia. All worked with us to come up with a coordinating plan that ultimately resulted in the removal
of a magnolia tree, grinding of its disruptive roots, regrading, planting screening hedges, new sod, rock refreshment, and modified French drains.
“It makes sense to work together and has brought us closer,” Laurie says.
Tricia agrees: “I appreciate everything she has done, and I am eager to collaborate in the future because it’s not just fixing our yard, it’s fixing our relationship and making us better neighbors.”
MIMI SIMMONS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Photos courtesy of Mimi Simmons
Laurie and Tricia teamed up to tackle drainage issues and address a covenants
THE HAVES AND THE HAVE-NOTS
Further problems stem from drainage and erosion because of a lack of gutters. Most builders did not provide them, so it has been up to homeowners to make incremental investments. Fifteen to 20 years after our homes were built, there are still a significant number of them without gutters. Depending on roof configurations, heavy rains can dump a large volume of water into a narrow area between homes, sometimes as small as 6 to 10 feet in width and can be trapped in place by mature tree roots lifting soil levels.
For more details about causes and solutions related to drainage issues, including foundation plantings, drainage rock, and French drains, see my article in the June 2024 issue of Baldwin Park Living titled, “When it rains, it pours.”
DIPLOMATIC BORDERS
The addition of fences, air conditioners, paving, tanks and pool equipment can further limit what can be done in our small side yards. And window placement within these close confines means we have to look directly at what our next-door neighbor has or hasn’t done.
DUALITY
It takes two. If only one homeowner attempts to make side yard improvements, but the owner of the adjoining property does not, it can be a lost cause. Tension can build. It takes a real sense of cooperation to effectively find fulfillment between our buildings on both a personal and property level.
Mimi Simmons is the owner of Mimi Simmons Design.
EASTER EGG EASTER EGG
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
10:00am - 12:00pm @ Corrine Commons
Photos with the Easter Bunny, Caricature Artists, Face Painters, Balloon Benders, Activities, DJ, Dancing & much more!
Don't forget to bring your basket!
Ages 0-2 Hunt Starts at 10:30am
Ages 3-5 Hunt Starts at 10:30am
Ages 6+ Hunt Starts at 10:30am Corrine Commons @ 1913 Meeting Place
Brought to you by:
Residential Owners Association FREE RESIDENT ONLY EVENT
#BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK
Shop till you drop in Baldwin Park!
BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
The month of April has something going on every weekend, and we live by the motto that busy is always better — so let’s gear up for an exciting month!
First Friday leads right into the annual Spring Porch Sale on April 5, which gets bigger and better with each passing year. Last year, we introduced Goodwill to the event, and the organization was able to fill its truck in only a few short hours! This is a great way to clear out that closet, attic or garage while giving back to your local community. Each Goodwill organization designs its own structure, programs and services to meet the needs of its local community. Your donations will go directly to the surrounding area.
Give a little, get a little. While you are shopping around at Corrine
Commons, don’t forget to stop by the Brightview tent for free plants! Every year, Brightview brings a tent full of blooming, annual plants that thrive in Baldwin Park and are ARC approved. What is better than an easy to manage plant? Oh, a free one? That is true! Brightview will be located directly in front of Grace Hopper Hall in the park.
If you are in need of a little pick-me-up, Lobos Coffee Roasters, located right down the street on Corrine Commons, also will be set up at Corrine Commons to sell delicious, in-house coffee, teas, juices and freshly made pastries. You will need all the energy you can get to cover all of Baldwin!
If you are unfamiliar with the Porch Sale, “markets” will be set up at the major parks — Corrine Commons being the main one. Residents also will have the ability to set up in front of their homes, on their porches if you will, making this truly a community-wide event! Have no fear, there is a map of participating homes available that also has a brief
description of what they will be selling. This is an awesome tool to use if you plan on selling from your homes. Any key words like “Peloton” or “antiques” can make it so your items get scooped up in no time! Email Suz Tapy at Stapy@BaldwinParkPOA. com with your name, address and brief description of your items to be added to the map.
Last, but certainly not least, we have the first Florida Vintage Market coming to Baldwin Park April 27! The goal is to make this the largest market Baldwin Park has ever seen with more than 70 vendors scattered throughout Corrine Commons! The market will begin at noon and will last until 5 p.m. We are thrilled to welcome this traveling market to our wonderful community and hope you enjoy this unique experience taking place right in your backyard!
As always, find out more information on all of the upcoming happenings by following us on social media and by signing up for the weekly newsletter at BaldwinParkNetwork. com.
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 Feb. 25, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.
n Approved that with the approval of the treasurer, SMI determines how much money from the Division 1 and Division 2 transfer fees can be transferred into either a money market(s), CD or CDARS. Whichever is the best instrument to gain the most interest.
n Approved SMI to move the contingency reserve amounts under Division 1 and Division 2 to an insurance deductible/claim reserve. In addition, to move the contingency reserve amount under Division 3 Cambridge townhomes to the working capital account code on the balance sheet.
n Approved that the Hotwire contract addendum that the Legal Committee has been working on with CCG be sent to Mr. Rawlson for execution once completed without further board approval.
n Approved the off-duty OPD pool patrols starting May 3 and ending Sept. 21. Included in the motion, the contract will reflect seasonal rather than permanent duties.
n Accepted the 2025/2026 Umbrella, General Liability, Crime, Excess Crime, Cyber, D&O, Legal Defense and Workman’s Comp policy renewals/costs.
n Approved authorizing SMI to execute gathering room/pavilion reservation agreements with the residents.
n Discussed that SMI should attempt to obtain multiple proposals for the 2026 Full Site Inspection Reserve Study. In addition, the reserve study analysis groups also should provide a proposal for the 2027 Reserve Study Update.
n Approved that the TSAC form a TSAC Finance Committee of its members to consider starting with about three key savings areas affecting multiple or all of the service areas in their analysis. If needed, The treasurer has offered to be a resource for questions or guidance. Included in the motion were the following: TSAC can appoint a non-TSAC member to the committee, must ensure quorum is not obtained with the committee, liaise with SMI Melissa Parker, the TSAC community association manager, up to four hours per month, the TSAC Finance Committee should provide a written report to the board 10 days before the board meeting, and the savings must be significant to enlist Ms. Parker’s time.
n Approved that the board does not consider the waiver of hard costs (Notice of Late Assessment Letters, Intent to Liens, Liens, attorney fees, etc.) absent allegations of administrative errors or mistakes by an ROA vendor. Waiver of hard costs would be a reallocation of the expense to the rest of the community and not fair to the community.
COMPLETED ACTIONS
1. The January and February carpet cleaning at Enders and Grace Hopper was completed.
2. SMI sent notices via Constant Contact to homeowners who had the consultation with Hotwire but have not brought the line to the home.
3. SMI sent notices via Constant Contact reminding townhome owners about the Hotwire highspeed fiber being installed and to make an appointment for consultation.
4. SMI provided the financial auditor with the completed questionnaire for the 2024 audit and other information requested by the auditor.
5. The Food Truck Rally on Jan. 31st was a success. About 200 people attended.
6. SMI obtained another proposal to replace all of the blinds in
Grace Hopper Hall and Ender’s gathering room. Both options are provided for in the February packet.
7. SMI has registered the VYNCS vehicle trackers (JC expense) and ordered adapters needed for the GEMS. Once received, the vehicles will be equipped with the trackers. The trackers will also provide maintenance suggestions, recall information, mileage, etc.
8. SMI has a flyer at the office’s front desk that provides owners with Hotwire’s hours of operation, phone number and address.
9. SMI provided the financial auditor with the completed questionnaire for the 2024 audit and other information requested by the auditor.
10. SMI met with Greg Ford to discuss the use of transfer fees, the legal RFP, outsourcing maintenance and Hybrid meeting options. Mr. Ford updated the board during the February meeting.
11. The legal RFP was sent to the firms and attorneys as provided by Greg Ford. Mr. Ford discussed this further during the February meeting.
12. The potable water backflow was replaced at Grace Hopper.
13. The potable water invoices at Grace Hopper Hall and Enders have been over budget. Some of it is related to the backflow at Grace Hopper. All Pro Plumbing investigated for leaks and repaired toilets and shower heads as needed. SMI will continue to monitor the invoices.
14. The pre-bid meeting with A/R/C & Associates occurred for the City Homes No. 2 townhomes. Collis Roofing, 3MG Roofing and Tempest Roofing were in attendance.
Continued on page 18
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS WILDLIFE IN STRUCTURES
The tree-lined streets of Baldwin Park offer shady canopies for residents to enjoy the outdoors and provide homes for amazing animals like songbirds, squirrels and even bats.
Bats provide great pest control. They are protected year-round from harm and cannot be evicted from buildings until after the end of the annual bat maternity season, between April 15, and Aug. 15.
Now is the time to evaluate your home for potential wildlife entry points and make necessary repairs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided us with a comprehensive video addressing “How to Remove Bats from Buildings.” You can access it at going to: bit.ly/3SmCoXK.
Exterior Changes.
Any exterior change to your home including but not limited to painting, replacing or adding gutters, roofs, windows, plant materials/sod/ trees, accessories, structural changes, etc. requires ARC approval. All applications can be found at baldwinparknetwork. com under ARC Applications. If you have questions, please call ARC Coordinator at (407) 740-5838 or email ARC@baldwinparkpoa.com.
Baldwin Park notebook
ROA BOARD OF DIRECTORS continued from page 17
15. SMI received the following response from the city of Orlando regarding street parking on Prospect Ave. Lakemont, Meeting Place and Keenan Lane: “I have added our traffic studies group to the email, they will be able to follow up on the request for possible parking time restrictions. There are a number of considerations that we look at when we look at adding any parking restrictions so I am not sure if we would be able to implement something or not. In regard to transferring the parking spaces to the HOA, I discussed this with a few folks including our real-estate staff and there is not a lot of support for transferring city owned real estate to the HOA. Tract 61, as well as many other tracts in Baldwin park were dedicated in the plat to the perpetual use of the public and while it is a tract we treat it very similarly to a ROW. To transfer a part of Tract 61 to another entity would at the minimum require a re-plat of the property (because) it was dedicated to the city via plat and possibly an abandonment of some sort, neither of which is an easy or quick process. The other parking spaces mentioned would be even more difficult to transfer and would definitely require a full ROW abandonment. It sounds like there is a concern with having enough parking in the area once the apartments open, and I gather that the idea is if the on-street parking spaces were transferred to the HOA there would be some sort of HOA policy put in place to restrict who could or could not park in those spaces. While I understand the concerns, I truly believe that once the apartments open, including the on-street parking and parking garage in the site, there will not be a major parking issue in the area. All of the on-street parking spaces were constructed for the general public and we would plan on keeping these as such. I will finish in saying
that the city also does not do any parking permit areas anywhere in the city, there are a lot of unintended and unanticipated issues implementing a program like this and they tend to cause more headaches for surrounding residents than it helps.”
16. SMI and the president will continue to push this issue with the city.
17. SMI continues to replace the no parking laminated signs around Grace Hopper as needed.
18. Spies Pools made repairs to the Grace Hopper pool heater because it was not heating.
19. SMI maintenance repaired a light in the High Park large pavilion that was knocked down.
20. SMI ordered new vacuums for Grace Hopper Hall and Enders gathering rooms.
21. Certified Pool Pros installed two flow meters at the Grace Hopper pool.
22. Certified Pool Pros replaced two skimmer grates at High Park pool.
23. Certified Pool Pros replaced a spigot in the Enders pool filter tank.
24. The annual fire extinguisher inspections took place. Some were replaced and all were recharged and tagged.
25. SMI maintenance removed swings that someone attached to the Longview gazebo.
26. Massey treated Grace Hopper Hall for ants.
27. SMI maintenance replaced bulbs in the Grace Hopper fitness center.
28. The pool signs were changed out that read: “Life Isn’t Always Wonderful But You Are.”
PENDING ACTIONS
1. SMI is working on creating the Constant Contact single-family and condo list.
2. SMI will receive an owner list by cabinet of owners from Hotwire as they do not have contact information for all owners. Once received, SMI will email those owners via Constant Contact about the Hotwire services. SMI will also mail letters to owners that the association has no contact information.
3. SMI met with the ROA treasurer and is to reevaluate the need for a full-time admin assistant to work with the community association manager over TSAC as the group insurance was not budgeted under the Joint Committee.
4. SMI contacted Best Buy and is in the process of setting up a consultation for the hybrid meetings.
5. SMI will ask OUC for a credit for the leaks that were found and leaks related to the backflow.
6. SMI asked Hotwire to provide a list of addresses and pictures of the boxes located on the townhomes.
7. All Phases Electric will provide a proposal for lights out in the Grace Hopper pool restrooms because of the height.
8. A/R/C to oversee the roof replacement project at Enders facility center and garage as approved by the board in June. A/R/C went out to bid and the work was awarded to Tempest Roofing. The contract was reviewed by Legal and has been executed. Work will be scheduled for April 2025. The gathering room has been blocked off; the building and pool will need to be closed for this work.
9. There are four more replacement umbrellas for the High Park pool that need to be ordered.
10. SMI maintenance has replaced the slings for pool lounge chairs and dining chairs at High Park. They are working on replacing the ones at Grace Hopper. More slings may need to be ordered.
11. SMI is still down one maintenance technician.
Celebrating 70 Years of Caring for Winter Park
Baldwin Park notebook
TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING
BY MELISSA PARKER
The following information is a glimpse of the business that the Townhome Service Area Committee addressed in the Feb. 20, 2025, meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.
n The TSAC recommended to the ROA Board to approve the annual tree trimming proposal from BrightView Tree Care.
n The TSAC recommended to the ROA Board to approve the proposals, from BrightView Tree Care, to replace two trees in the Issa 22 service area and one tree in the Live/Work service area that were damaged during Hurricane Milton.
UPDATES
n Please remember to report any landscape, building or irrigation issues on Baldwin Park Solutions. Reporting items on Baldwin Park Solutions allows residents to share photos of the reported area(s) and receive real-time updates from management staff on corrective measures being taken. Baldwin Park Solutions can be accessed on the Baldwin Park Network.
n The Cambridge service area has received new roofs. All 26 buildings have been replaced. The landscaping has been walked with BrightView, 3MG Roofing and SMI. Any and all affected landscaping has been replaced. 3MG Roofing is responsible for any landscaping damages and payments. 3MG Roofing will be completing the post project of nine out of the 26 buildings within the service area. This project does not have a start date available yet.
n Issa 22 Phase 2 Roof Replacements. Issa 22 is currently receiving roof replacements. G&A
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOME OWNERS
Have you thought about touching up the exterior paint of your home? There are many different paint colors for the townhome buildings. The association touches up buildings during the preventative maintenance once a year. In addition, if you have a need to re-paint your door, touch up the trim or re-stain the entry steps, the trim paint, door paint and concrete deck stain can all be found at the Winter Park, Sherwin Williams store, 1770 FL-436, Winter Park, FL 32792; (407) 677-0741.
n When a building has been completely repainted, the body of the building is painted with a product called Allguard by Dow Corning. This is a silicone elastomeric coating system that has a 10-year warranty. As the homeowner, you have some important responsibilities. Failure to do so may void your warranty. Please note the following requirements:
n Any action to pick, poke, tear or penetrate the painted surface will break the protective seal and may void the warranty.
Certified Roofing North is working off Upper Park Road. Residents located within the service area received notice prior to the work beginning. Upper Park Road is the last area to receive replacements for phase two.
n The Live/Work service area is currently receiving roof replacements for phase one. The project is currently working on 1300/1308 Lake Baldwin Lane. 1300/1308
Lake Baldwin Lane is the last building out of 11 receiving new roofs and gutters during phase one.
n The City Homes No. 1 service area is receiving roof replacements and new gutters. The association has a contract with Tempest Roofing. Tempest Roofing has completed two buildings off Vir-
n Any pressure cleaning must be performed with pressure less than 1500 psi.
n The only cleaning product specified for use is SIMPLE GREEN. Most cleaning should be performed with only water and sponges.
n Do not use harsh brushes or scraping tools. They will harm the surface.
n Any plant material growing on the building voids the warranty on that area of the building. The homeowner then assumes responsibility for these areas.
n Please note the following information: Creeping fig roots itself into the building’s stucco about every three inches, and it pulls any moisture out of the stucco, which eventually destroys the stucco. If the creeping fig is not maintained properly, it will grow into the soffit and attic, potentially causing leaks in the roofs among other issues.
n To touch up the body paint, you must be certified in the application by Dow Corning or you can void the warranty.
ginia Drive. There have been a few delays because of poor weather and when a bee hive was discovered, which required removal. Tempest will start on the remaining two buildings on Virginia Drive next before moving to Chatfield Place. Tempest originally wanted to move to Chatfield Place prior to finishing the last two buildings off Virginia Drive. However, there was an issue with the MOT plan, so Tempest revised the schedule to keep the project moving forward. Residents will receive a notice prior to construction beginning on their building. Residents have been encouraged to provide access to Tempest Roofing for interior inspections to be conducted.
Continued on page 22
Baldwin Park notebook
TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING
n DRS Inc. is currently providing annual preventative maintenance in the Cambridge service area. Notices will be placed on the front doors of townhomes prior to maintenance beginning in order to inform residents of the upcoming service.
n Wayne Automatic has completed the annual fire sprinkler inspections.
n New sod that was installed in February/March has been treated with a fungicide.
n BrightView has continued to make multiple irrigation repairs
throughout the townhome service areas. There have been many lines breaking because of large tree roots. Irrigation controllers are also being replaced because of old age and they no longer functioning. Any plants that have suffered from a lack of irrigation will be removed and replaced if they do not recover. BrightView also corrects any irrigation following the installation/replacement of plant material. BrightView is also working directly with HotWire on any irrigation breaks that occur because of the fiber optic project. BrightView also walks the buildings receiving roof replacements, with the roofing contractor, following a roof’s completion. Roofing contractors are responsible for any damaged landscaping during roof-replacement projects.
BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.
BY BILL PATTERSON
Here come the April showers! When those showers pop up, duck into one of the fantastic Village Center Restaurants, bars or shops to wait it out.
THINGS TO KNOW
n Landscaping Upgrades. Keep an eye out for several landscaping and parking lot upgrades. Many projects are planned in the early part of the year.
n Towing. All nine parking lots in the Village Center are privately owned by the Commercial Association. The owners have adopted rules and regulations for these parking lots. Any vehicle not following the rules is subject to towing at the owner’s expense. This includes: out of date tags/stickers, inoperable vehicles, double-parking and abandoned vehicles. The parking lots are for residents and guests of the apartments and employees and customers of the commercial businesses.
parking lot dumpsters and contact the office so OUC can be notified for repairs.
n Bulk Pick-up. The dumpsters in the commercial lots are meant for trash bags and small items only. For all large items, please use OUC bulk pick-up. Stuffing these items in the dumpster or leaving them causes multiple issues, including dumpster break down and rodents. Visit orlando.gov/ Trash-Recycling for more information and to schedule future pick-ups.
n ARC. An architectural review is required for all exterior — and some interior — changes, including roof replacement, painting, signs and landscaping changes. For the city to approve permits, the Commercial Owners Association must sign off on the project. All corresponding applications can be located on the Baldwin Park Network under Commercial Owners Association and Commercial Architectural Review Committee. For questions and application submission, please feel free to email Bill at BPatterson@BaldwinParkPOA.com.
n Trash Talk. The dumpsters in the commercial lots are for use of commercial tenants and apartment residents. Apartment residents are encouraged to throw their trash all the way down the chute on the side. When the door is closed, it will compact. Commercial tenants are not to use the trash chute for discarding trash. Instead, they are to go inside the enclosure and throw directly in the dumpster. Apartment residents are welcome to do this as well, if the chute is blocked. Please do not leave trash bags in front of or around the dumpster; this attracts bugs and rodents. If the dumpster is not working, please go to one of the other
n Baldwin Park Solutions. Commercial owners, tenants and managers can submit work requests through our new Baldwin Park Solutions system. It is located on the Baldwin Park Network. Simply click “Resident Home” at the top right, and you will find the link in the middle of the page. If you do not have a Baldwin Park Network account, you can request one from that page, as well. Visit baldwinparknetwork. com/ to start.
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