Allow me to introduce myself…

Hello friends and neighbors, and happy March! Because it’s my birthday month, I thought now would be a good time to introduce myself to those of you who may be new here — and to tell you a little more about what we do on the Joint Committee.

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve introduced myself, so let me give you a little background. After all, I’m more than a pretty headshot and a great writer (I’m also totally modest, as you can see!).

I’m originally from South Florida — Coral Springs to be exact — where I graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. After graduating in 1998, I moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida, from which I earned my degree in advertising and public relations. In 2004, after graduation, I moved back south to help my mom, who had been diagnosed with cancer.

By 2006, my mom’s cancer had gone into remission, and I had met someone, my (now) husband, Andrew. We had gone to the same schools in town, and I had known his brother, but we had never met. It’s strange how things happen right when they’re meant to. Andrew had wanted to get out of South Florida for some time, and my parents had been talking about moving to Central Florida around the same time to be closer to our family here. So, in 2011, after waiting months for his transfer, we made the move to Orlando, and boy was I glad to be back. Not only does a lot of my family live in the area, but also my best friends from college had somehow found their way back to Orlando.

In our search for where we wanted to be once we got here, we stumbled upon Baldwin Park and signed a lease right away at Ender’s Place. After a couple of years there and a couple more Downtown, it was time to consider buying. We looked at no fewer than 80 homes in different areas of Downtown and in Baldwin Park. Fun fact: You may think that all the townhouses are the same based number of floors. But I can assure you, after having seen at least 25, they are all different! We finally decided on a City Home near Grace Hopper and spent six wonderful years in it.

The timing felt right to sell, so we did. The day after signing a lease at Baldwin Harbor, a friend of a friend was like, “Oh you want a single family in Baldwin? We’re thinking of selling!” And that’s how we ended up on Hanks Avenue!

Clearly, I love Baldwin Park, which is what led me to becoming more involved in our neighborhood. I was a resident, I have friends who own businesses in the Village Center, so what better way for me to be involved than through the Baldwin Park Joint Committee?

The Joint Committee is the unifying board between the Residential Owners Association and the Commercial Owners Association. It consists of two members from the ROA, two from the COA and one member-at-large. Each member serves a one-year term so, every year in August, new members are appointed from the ROA, COA and then they appoint the member at large. I served as the member-at-large for several years before I was elected to the ROA last year.

This five-member board is responsible for the Overall Benefit Property, which is basically the shared spaces between the residents and the commercial properties. This includes the sidewalks, signage, plants and public space outside of the commercial spaces along New Broad Street — from Chatfield Place down to Lake Baldwin Park — which is city of Orlando property.

As a resident of Baldwin Park, I know how much pride we all take in our community and the Joint Committee takes equal pride in the areas we service. You would be surprised at how much effort is put into all of the details within the Village Center — from the planters to seasonal banners to the flags that are displayed at the end of New Broad Street. No detail goes unnoticed!

In addition to overseeing the OBP, the Joint Committee is responsible for the planning and coordination of the larger community-wide events that benefit of our beautiful corner of The City Beautiful. These events include the Independence Bash and Winter Wonderland Extravaganza. It’s been amazing to be able to have a role in these events and allowing them to showcase all that Baldwin Park has to offer. There are many other functions that the Joint Committee oversees, but I can assure you, they aren’t nearly as pretty as the Village Center or as fun as the events!

As always, it’s a true pleasure to be able to serve our community on both the Joint Committee and the ROA. Our community is so vibrant, inclusive and diverse, and to be able to write about it each month is an honor and something of which I am very proud to be a part. It’s always great to meet neighbors, as well, so don’t hesitate to say hi if you see Andrew and me out and about in the bubble!

Until next time, stay safe, stay well and remember, We Are Baldwin Park!

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