Baldwin Park Living April 2024

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

CONTENTS

APRIL 2024

DEPARTMENTS

8 BALDWIN PARK NOTEBOOK

Read about recent decisions made by community leaders.

13 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

See all the wonderful things happening in Baldwin Park.

14 THE HANDYMAN CAN

Meet Frank Todd, owner of Baldwin Park Handyman Services.

16 MAY DAY MEMORIES

Suz Tapy ventures down memory lane for May Day .

18 THINKING GLOBALLY

Meet locals who are making the world a better place.

22 WHAT’S SELLING

See two homes that sold recently in Baldwin Park.

24 #BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK

The annual community-wide Porch Sale returns this month.

25 STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Meet a member of the Sentry Management team.

26 GAME TIME

ABOUT THE COVER

The cover photo was taken by Tonio Bianca. Bianca is a managing partner & Realtor at the Munkberg Bianca Realty Group and also an international award-winning photographer.

Photos courtesy of Mimi Simmons Salmon pink Fashion Azalea is a Central Florida favorite.

Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver.com

Design Editor — Jessica Eng, jeng@orangeobserver.com

News Editor — Annabelle Sikes, asikes@orangeobserver.com

Contributors — Brie Bernstel, Becca Schmidt, Mimi Simmons and Suz Tapy

Sales Manager Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@orangeobserver.com

Graphic Designer — Andrea Rukstalis, arukstalis@orangeobserver.com

To submit story ideas, calendar listings or have your event considered for coverage, contact Annabelle Sikes at asikes@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. EDITORIAL

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. 27, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.

The board accepted, appointed and or approved the following items/work:

n Resignation of Frederick Burnett from the Bulk Internet Implementation Committee

n Appointed Mrs. Tiffani Lindstrom as vice president

n Accepted 2024/2025 insurance renewal cost for the following policies: Boiler & Machinery, Crime, Excess Crime, Umbrella, D&O, Cyber, Workers Comp, Legal Defense and presented by Assured Partners the Agent of Record

n Authorized the president of the association to approve up to $140,000 for the 2024/2025 GL Policy renewal as recommended by the association’s AOR

n Approved raising the OPD off-duty pay rate as presented

n Approved the February 15, 2024 TSAC meeting minutes, including the February TSAC Management Report

n Approved Screen Walker proposal to replace two sets of double screen doors at Enders Facility Center

n Approved Browns Fitness proposal to replace the extra bench at the Enders fitness center

n Approved BrightView proposal to replace the Walthers Viburnum with Podocarpus at Fernwood Park

as well as St. Augustine repair

n Approved BrightView proposal to install a Hybrid irrigation controller at Ardsdale Mews.

COMPLETED ACTIONS

1. February carpet cleaning at Enders and Grace Hopper.

2. Wayne Automatic completed the five-year inspection of the Grace Hopper sprinkler system. All gauges were replaced, as well.

3. SMI ordered new upholstery for the weight bench at Grace Hopper fitness center.

4. SMI removed pictures from Enders gathering room walls and touched up the paint.

5. SMI maintenance cleaned/ pressure washed the back of Grace Hopper Hall.

6. The men’s room toilet at Grace Hopper foyer was repaired for better flushing.

7. Eblast including information on bat mating season (April 15 through Aug. 15) was sent out. The eblast language related to the bats was to inform owners of the importance of mitigating those from attics, etc., before mating season begins.

8. SMI handed out donuts on Valentine’s Day to the first 50 residents driving by Grace Hopper for a Valentine’s Day Resident Appreciation. This was included in eblasts, and all of the donuts were claimed.

9. As directed by the board of directors and legal counsel, SMI sent an eblast Feb. 6 for City Homes No. 1, City Homes No. 2, and ISSA 28 townhome owners. The eblast included a letter from the board responding to petitions received from the service areas who demanded a new budget for 2024. This letter was also mailed to the service area owners.

10. As directed by the board of directors and legal counsel, SMI sent an eblast for City Homes No. 1 townhome owners with a letter from the board explaining the status of the roof replacements in their service area. This letter was also mailed to the City Homes No. 1 townhome owners.

11. SMI sent an eblast to owners providing Hotwire’s Customer Communications efforts, construction updates and who to contact for assistance. It also included that the covenant-violation process for the adjacent right-of-way utility easement and/or yard where the work is being done is on hold until such time as the sod is replaced by Hotwire. In addition, it included before and after pictures of the right-ofway sod at one home to show owners what to expect from Hotwire’s sod repairs.

12. BrightView replaced plant beds at Lower Union Mews as approved.

13. Effective immediately, Florida Statutes will set a presumption that the property address is the address for all required association notices. This presumption can be overcome by “written notice to the association requesting that a different mailing address be used for all required notices.” As a result, mailing addresses will be updated only when written notice is received by the homeowner. It will not be sufficient for a real-estate agent, tenant, property manager or other third party, including the USPS, to submit a change-of-address on the member’s behalf. No changes are being made to current mailing addresses unless requested by the homeowner. If more than two pieces of returned mail are received by SMI, then the mailing address will be returned to the property address.

Continued on page 10

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 by visiting 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

14. SMI recap of Charcuterie Night Out: There were double the people showed. Initially 16 were expected but 32 attended. Keep doing this event during Valentine’s Day week. Keep event at Grace Hopper, because it is larger and can accommodate more people. Use round boards over the heartshaped boards, because they hold more product. Need more signage for doors and elevator directing people where to go. It was a huge success.

15. SMI has updated the Google map from Light Up to the Spring Porch Sale. The first “save the date” went out in the Feb. 14 eblast. Goodwill has been secured to attend as well. It will pick up any items that people don’t sell. Kona Ice also will be on-site providing a sweet treat.

16. Movie Night: Because of the elevator modification upgrade, there was not an inside alternative for Movie Night on March 11. Movie Night has been moved to April 22, and Hotwire will be in attendance.

17. SMI met with Tim Webber Events to discuss the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt. The notes from the meeting include: 18A road closure has been obtained; extra off-duty officers; officers/vehicles are being secured; barricades are being secured and all permits have been approved; and will need access to Grace Hopper Hall from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. this day (it was discussed that if the elevator is not available at that time, the stilt-walkers, etc., can use the hallway downstairs in the kitchen area to get ready); decent traction on sponsors and vendors: Tim Webber is reaching out to Wafu, Lobos and crepe place for pop-ups (due to permitting issues with the city for food trucks looking into using pop-ups); Lake Baldwin Church is sponsoring the petting zoo; and Baldwin Park Realty and Hotwire will have tents set up, as well.

18. Hotwire hosted a resident infor-

mational/sign-up sessions in Grace Hopper Hall at 6 p.m. Jan. 24 and 31. Eblasts were sent out ahead of time with a QR code for reservations.

19. Apiary hosted the Feb. 14 resident Valentine’s Day Class — Mod Podge Event, and it went very well.

20. Proposal to replace screen doors at Enders Facility Center. DRS provided a proposal. Because of the cost — these are custom doors — Screen Walkers also provided a like-for-like proposal. It is included in the February Meeting Packet.

PENDING ACTIONS

1. SMI is working on securing One Blood to be on site at Grace Hopper with the Big Red Bus during the spring and fall porch sales.

2. DRS proposal to replace hinges on attic access at Enders.

3. SMI is working on an interim design for the display case at Grace Hopper until such time as the Historical Society replaces the materials.

4. Modernization of elevator at Grace Hopper approved in February. Time blocked in March/April 2024 for modernization. Originally was scheduled for October/ November 2023, but there was a scheduling issue. The state is allowing until the end August 2024 to complete this work.

5. Replacement of shutters at Grace Hopper Hall. Special order as these are custom-sized shutters. These have come in and will be installed when Grace Hopper Hall is painted.

6. Grace Hopper Hall was scheduled to be painted March 4 to 15, weather-permitting.

7. SMI to obtain a proposal to replace all pool-filter grids before the summer kicks in.

8. SMI inspecting all park sign panels for reorder.

9. SMI obtaining a price to change out high-reach bulbs to floods. This is to save money in hiring an electrician to replace the high-reach bulbs. Once done, SMI maintenance will be able to replace the bulbs. Depending on cost, this may need to be a 2025 budget item.

10. Proposals related to 2023/2024 reserve study update anticipated work to complete. Those include:

a. Asphalt overlay 1-inch Enders parking lot. A proposal will be obtained and brought to the board. UPDATE: SMI met with ABC Paving on site. It will provide three options for this parking lot because of the change in code concerning ADA-grade requirements/limits. ABC Paving has been unresponsive. SMI will approach another contractor.

b. Poured in Place surface at Enders and Union Park playgrounds

c. New cardio equipment in Grace Hopper Hall and Enders fitness centers

d. Enders Facility Center and NEV garage roof replacements

e. New hot water heaters at Enders gathering room (2003) and Grace Hopper upstairs (2003)

f. Trash cans, benches and bike rack replacements at Enders. SMI inspected and not all need to be replaced. Need to replace two bike racks, six benches and two trash cans.

g. NEV garage door replacement

h. Stain Enders Pool Deck

i. Pump motor for Enders kiddie pool

j. Fire alarm system at Grace Hopper Hall

k. Paint band around Grace Hopper Hall pool

l. Replace Grace Hopper Hall pool heater

m. Umbrellas at High Park

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Baldwin Park notebook

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 Commercial Parking Lots.

There are nine commercial lots scattered in the Village Center. These lots are for Commercial Building employees, tenants and guests only. Commercial Buildings include apartments, office and retail. Anyone parked in these lots are subject to the COA rules and regulations.

n New Signs. All parking lots were to receive new signs in March. Please make sure your tags are up to date and your vehicle properly parked. Vehicles not following these rules or not approved to park will be tagged and towed if not corrected or removed. As a reminder, the Baldwin Harbor parking garages also have parking for commercial tenants and guests.

n Seal Coating. The COA and CDD are working together to schedule the Neighborhood Business District (Unit 7), which includes Outer Road, Halder Lane and the parking lot, to be seal-coated sometime this year. Please be on the look out for notices concerning this project, because it will create sections of these roads and parking lot to be temporarily closed.

n ARC. ARC 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 dumpster in the commercial lots are for use of commercial tenants and apartment residents. Apartment residents are encouraged to throw their trash 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. Rather, they are to go inside the enclosure and throw directly in the dumpster. 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 parking lot dumpsters and contact the office so OUC can be notified to repair.

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 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.

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. 15, 2024, meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork. com.

n The TSAC approved approaching additional companies to obtain more bids for the 2024 annual tree trimming.

n The TSAC recommended the three provided companies provide proposals for different levels of multimedia hybrid options in Grace Hopper Hall to the ROA Board of Directors for review.

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 City Homes No. 1 is receiving roof replacements. The project has been divided into two phases. Townhome buildings within City Homes No. 1 will receive roof replacements and new gutters. Townhome owners will receive notices on their front doors advising on the construction start date prior to the project beginning.

n The Cambridge service area roof replacement project has been voted by the TSAC to be rebid. There are 26 buildings located within the Cambridge

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOME OWNERS

Tile floors on exterior porches or balconies require grout sealing to prevent water damage. The grout may need touched up from time to time as well. Likewise, re-caulk areas around windows and doors where caulking has shrunk because of sun or weather.

Water Emergency! See how to shut off the water at the youtu.be/a_P44FBxgMY. You’ll find a black lid in the front or rear yard. It helps to have the right tool — Water Valve Shut-Off Tool — available at any hardware store for about $5 to $20.

service area. More information will be provided to the community as it becomes available.

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. 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.

n Per DRS Inc. here is the townhome maintenance scheduled for 2024: Mattamy and areas of Cambridge: April; Painting — Mattamy: 2000-2036 Brink Alley, 2042-2060 Brink Alley, 2040-2058 Prospect Ave. and 2004-2034 Prospect Ave.

Schedules will be projected one to two months out to anticipate any possible future changes or delays. Notices are still being left on townhome front doors one to two weeks in advance to inform residents of any upcoming projects beginning in their address range.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Community Calendar

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

SPRING PORCH SALE

Saturday, April 13, throughout Baldwin Park. It’s that time of the year again! The Spring Porch Sale in beautiful Baldwin Park is back and 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 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. Check your weekly newsletter, Facebook and Instagram (@VisitBaldwinPark) to access the map. Shoppers: There will be some great finds — from clothes and toys to electronics and furniture. Come early and shop around! Kona Ice will also be selling delicious shaved ice in front of Grace Hopper Hall. Follow the map link above to see participating homes as well as the flea market location at Corrine Commons. One Blood and Goodwill also will be in attendance. Donate anything you don’t sell and snag a free Kona Ice after donating blood.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

FIRST FRIDAY EVENT

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, on New Broad Street. 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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

6:30 p.m. Thursdays, April 11 and 25, virtually. Because of the current high volume of Residential ARC applications, the number of applications accepted is being capped at 25 per meeting. this number is reached, subse quent 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 13

COMMUNITY MARKET DAY

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13, on New Broad Street. Shop 40plus vendors, eat local food and sip fresh pressed juices. It is the perfect way to spend a lovely day in Baldwin Park.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

TOWNHOME SERVICE

Area Committee Meeting

6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, virtually. All information for the meeting also can be found on the Baldwin Park Network, along with the link to join the meeting.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

SPRING SHOP HOP

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at The Shops of Baldwin Park. Enjoy raffles, pop-ups, and sips and snacks. Participants include Apiary, Lafayette &

MONDAY, APRIL 22

EARTH DAY + MOVIE NIGHT

6:30 p.m. Monday, April 22, at Grace Hopper Hall Gathering Room. Enjoy a screening of “Zootopia” and refreshments courtesy of Hotwire Communications. For more information, check your weekly newsletter or email Brie Bernstel at Mediacomm@BaldwinParkPOA. com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

BALDWIN PARK

CO-ED SOFTBALL

HOME RUN DERBY

4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Blue Jacket Park. Join Baldwin Park Co-Ed Softball for a day full of fun! The Home Run Derby will include music, food, a balloon artist, face painter, kids games and more. The event is sponsored by Brokers Insurance and will benefit Baldwin Cares. For

FIX-IT FRANK

Baldwin Park resident Frank Todd can be seen around the neighborhood assembling furniture, installing vanities, repairing and installing appliances, pressure washing, organizing garages, and more through his handyman business.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Baldwin Park resident Frank Todd always has loved tinkering, fixing and building.

His childhood years include fond memories of building forts, taking apart and rebuilding toys, and working for hours on Lego projects.

Todd’s father was a carpenter by hobby, and he learned craftsmanship tricks from him as well as from his stepfather, who was a handyman. The family always worked to fix projects by themselves at home. Eventually, he fell in love with people and the belief that service is beautiful.

His belief has persevered into the creation of his own business: Bald-

win Park Handyman Services.

“I’m a kinesthetic learner,” he says. “So, I work best with my hands. As a boy in school, I would always excel when I could use my hands. It’s just how my brain works. … What I really love about the work is the service and help I am able to give to people and neighbors. Putting together a gift for a child, fixing a leak and beautifying someone’s home all bring relief and joy. It’s so cool being able to do that daily.”

PURSUING PASSION

Todd attended Florida State University where he obtained two college degrees before earning an additional degree from the University of Central Florida.

He was in the finance industry but always remembers working on

small projects and fixing things for his family and friends in his free time.

When the Great Recession hit in 2007, Todd worked as a teacher, coach and dean in Seminole County.

With his summers free, he began dabbling more frequently into handyman services.

Todd moved from Oviedo to Baldwin Park about six years ago with his wife, Lizzy, and their daughters Ivy, 10, and Ila, 7.

He says the main reason the family chose to make the move was to be around more children and have the opportunity to grow stronger community ties.

“My friends would tell their friends and family, and the idea of becoming a handyman grew organically,” he says. “I realized it was

Frank Todd has been serving the Baldwin Park community and surrounding areas through his business, Baldwin Park Handyman Services, since 2021.

something that I was much more passionate about as a career. In 2021, I wanted to see if I could turn my hobby into a career, so I made an LLC — Baldwin Park Handyman Services — purchased insurance, posted a flier on the Baldwin Park Facebook page, and I now have had consistent work for three years. I enjoyed the aspect of being able to help people, and there was a huge demand in the neighborhood.”

Through his handyman business, Todd works on custom projects and repairs, specializing in mounting (TV, pictures, shelving, etc.), furniture assembly, painting, vanity installation, appliance repair and installation, pressure washing, baby proofing, holiday decoration, garage organization, screen repair, and more.

His daily goal for the business is to provide the highest level of reliable and professional handyman services in a trustworthy and friendly manner.

Now, three years into the business, Todd is booked out for weeks in advance — with a cli-

ent base built primarily through referrals. He says about 80% of his clients are repeat customers, and about three out of four of his contacts are from Baldwin Park.

However, he also does work in surrounding areas, including Winter Park, Oviedo, Maitland and downtown Orlando.

Being a small-business owner, Todd is able to respond quicker than most larger agencies, and he has even helped with emergencies for customers late at night.

“I would like to thank all my customers, especially longtime customers, who have allowed my business to grow,” he says. “I love being a handyman, and I love the life it gives to my family. Thank you for the support!”

SUPER DAD

Since starting his business, Todd estimates he has worked on close to 1,000 projects.

“I just put my headphones in, and I can zone out and work for hours and hours,” he says. “It’s like an artist being able to work on creating their craft.”

NEED A HANDYMAN? CALL FRANK TODD

PHONE: (407) 949-1744

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BaldwinParkHandyman INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/baldwinparkhandyman

He most enjoys projects with a big “wow” factor, such as wall art, or hanging big, beautiful pieces like chandeliers. His happiest moments are when he is able to problem solve for clients.

Todd keeps busy and enjoys the new experiences and challenges the plethora of jobs present.

“Sometimes — in anything in life — things go bad, and there’s times when you make a mistake,” he says. “You have to accept that. It’s all about how you handle those experiences. It’s important to be honest, forthright and to do your best in improving the experiences.”

Todd hopes to continue growing his business in the future. His client base currently is growing at about 50% per year.

Todd runs the business com-

pletely by himself. He does all the jobs, accounting, billing, marketing and quotes. He would love to hire a secretary or an assistant for office responsibilities and paperwork, as well as an additional handyman technician, to help him with the work.

A normal day for Todd starts off with him getting up and getting his daughters ready for the day before biking them to school. He then bounces around at different jobs in the neighborhood before later on picking up the girls on the bike again. He feeds them and gets them settled before sometimes going back to work when his wife gets home.

In their free time, the Todds enjoy the beach, the park, traveling to the mountains or snorkeling in the Keys and staying active.

Making May Day memories

May Day was a time to celebrate “bringing in the May” since the ancient days in England.

SUZ TAPY COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

When I was 5 years old, my parents built a house in the country. Every weekend, the family would load up in the car and drive from the city to look around at property. The five of us rode through the rolling hills and gravel roads that were about an hour from where we lived. I remember counting fence posts and making shapes out of clouds as we drove. The farther we went, the fewer cars there were — replacing them were horses, hay bales and yellow wildflowers.

My dad had his eye on a few acres on Wild Horse Creek Road, but the elderly gentleman who lived on the hill just next to this plot of land owned those few acres, along with many more in and around the surrounding area. We discovered this during one of the numerous times we stopped by his tiny house with the front, screened-in summer room. The aroma of apple pie wafted from the general direction as a slight, apron-wearing lady peeked around the door frame.

Charlie and Mildred St. Onge.

I didn’t know until years later that the St. Onge’s sold part of their parcel of land to my parents because they “just couldn’t resist those little girls in the car.”

This lovely couple taught us many things over the decades that followed: How and when to plant crops to get the most out of them; how to work with our hands; how to

get the skunk smell out of a dog; when the pond was frozen enough to ice skate; the difference between helpful and nuisance wildlife; substitutions for pie ingredients; and on and on. The abundance of helpful information they shared was immeasurable, but more than that, they took the time to listen. I would invite myself into their kitchen and sit at the table to watch the Mrs. do her magic at the stove. I don’t remember everything that was said, but I’m certain I gave her an earful about what was happening at school or the latest playground gossip. I only remember an agreeable nod or soft smile as I chatted. At the end of my visit, all I cared about was that the crayon art I made for her was happily displayed on their refrigerator.

Mr. St. Onge was always outside, using a hoe to help him get along. His hunched silhouette, his dogs,

Clockwise from top left: Childhood home on Wild Horse Creek Road built in 1971.

Sister Cathy sledding on snow and ice-covered hill in the back yard. Suz with sisters Cathy and Sandy. Dad and Suz sitting in their new living room, 1972.

Fido and Sporty, and our cat, Smokey, behind him — in that order. (Yes, even the cat knew he had all the answers.)

We had mulberries, blackberries, a cherry tree, cucumbers, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and (my favorite) a big strawberry patch. Many days, I would ask the bus driver to drop me off at the strawberry patch, and when I got home, my mom would ask if I had been eating the strawberries. How I said, “No,” with a straight face and red lips I’ll never know. On strawberry-picking nights I blamed the birds for all the stems with no fruit attached.

I’m not really sure how it came about, but the first of every May, I went down to the creek to pick all the wildflowers I could find. I’d get an old Easter basket out of the basement or fill a jelly jar with water and put those flowers on the St. Onge’s porch step. And then I would knock — and run. The excitement I felt when Mrs. St. Onge opened that door and found the flowers (usually with a homemade “anonymous” card) made me want to squeal, “It’s me! I did it!” But I never did. I would stand behind a tree on the corner of the property and peek every

so often — both hands over my mouth so I didn’t make a noise. She would make a show out of saying how beautiful the bouquet was, contemplating out loud who in the world could have left it. I mean, there was no one else around for a half-mile. The next day, the flowers could be seen from outside, sitting on the kitchen window sill.

More than 50 years later, I still remember this like it was yesterday.

MAY DAY

I never realized that May 1, or “May Day” was a time to celebrate “bringing in the May” since the ancient days in England. Villagers went to the woods in the early dawn to pick flowers and lop off branches to bring them in and decorate their houses to celebrate spring and to acknowledge that the cold, barren winter was over.

May Day has also been associated with flowers — whether it be collected bouquets or garlands, which is a custom that has survived still today. May garlands were used by the kids while begging from door-to-door. At other times of the year, begging would have been offensive, but not if it was done on

May Day with a garland. This is why groups of small girls, crowned with leaves and flowers, went from door to door singing and begging.

In this modern age of correspondence when anyone can send a text to check in with friends and neighbors, it may seem unnecessary to go to such great lengths to create a basket and even sillier to dash away, leaving it on their doorstep, but the truth may be the opposite. A small act of kindness (like taking time to curate a gift basket with your own creativity) speaks volumes more than any text message ever could.

Although I just recently learned of the origin of these deeply rooted (no pun intended) May Day traditions, I am so thankful they made it all the way to my childhood home on Wild Horse Creek Road. The memories are just as beautiful as the flowers.

My hope is that you and your children find this tradition fun and unique enough to share with your friends and neighbors in Baldwin Park so that when you look back on May Day years from now, you’ll have a heartwarming story to tell.

Local efforts have big benefits for a healthier Baldwin Park

This month, for Earth Day, we are featuring people and businesses in our community who are acting locally for positive global impact.

BECCA SCHMIDT

Going green in 2024 can feel daunting, especially in a suburban neighborhood like Baldwin Park, where just about anything can be delivered to your doorstep within hours of clicking a button.

But even on a local level, the sheer volume of single-use products that aren’t recycled; merchandise being delivered in dense cardboard or plastic shipping packages; gas-powered lawn service equipment; and delivery trucks have a negative impact on the health of our neighborhood. This month, for Earth Day, we are featuring people and businesses in our community who are acting locally for positive global impact.

WHAT TO BUY

“Oh Eco” is a quaint little shop on Winter Park Drive that specializes in super-sustainability. Owner Alyssa Bolaños explains that the name of the store has a double meaning.

The ‘Oh’ in Oh Eco is for Orlando, but it also represents how customers react when they come into the shop.

“The common response we get when our customers see natural makeup, skincare, eco-friendly toys, organic prenatal and postpartum products is, ‘Oh! This is eco-friendly?’” Bolaños says.

The shop also sells a large variety of zero-waste laundry products, refillable plant-based shampoos, conditioners and soaps. Customers bring their own glass containers and fill up.

Bolaños believes shopping hyper locally is good for everyone from the artisan to the consumer.

“Shopping consciously helps us do our part in minimizing our emissions and supports our local economy,” she says. “Shopping small is shopping sustainably. It’s a trickle-up effect that makes a big difference in our community.”

WHAT YOU TOSS

Baldwin Park Eye Care, on New Broad Street, is doing something positive about the ecological impact of disposable contact lenses and packaging.

“With millions of people wearing daily disposable contact lenses, you can imagine how that waste compiles quickly,” owner/optometrist Dr. Aliasghar Jagani says. “Soft contact lenses turn brittle when dry and break down into tiny particles called microplastics. Microplastics are not

biodegradable and have an extremely harmful impact on our ecosystem and food chain.”

Baldwin Eye Care has two receptacle boxes in their office and encourages anyone to bring in their used contact lenses and clean containers, which are sent to TerraCycle for responsible recycling. Since April 2020, Baldwin Eye Care has sent 110 pounds of lenses and packaging to be recycled.

“It’s a small act we can do together that makes a difference for our earth,” Jagani says.

WHAT YOU SCRAP

“We’re motivated to change our society from a throw-away culture to a conscious one” says Charlie Pioli, founder of O-Town Compost, an Orlando food-composting business that serves Baldwin Park residents.

The composting pick-up service is a clean, odor-free and pest-free

Shauna Junco is a clinical infectious diseases pharmacist at Orlando Regional Medical Center, board president of Florida Clinicians for Climate Action and a member of the Orange County Sustainability Advisory Board.

Courtesy photos Ken LaRoe is the CEO and founder of Climate First Bank.

Dr. Aliasghar Jagani is the owner of Baldwin Park Eye Care.

solution for getting rid of food scraps (think coffee grounds, wilted lettuce and broccoli stems). Users, in turn, receive garden soil twice a year or can donate it to one of O-Town’s farm partners.

Home composting is extremely easy and one of the most impactful ways residents can make a difference to reduce landfill space, Pioli says.

“Nearly half of the landfill is organic material that could be converted into a nutrient-rich soil amendment,” Pioli says. “I wish people knew how big of an impact composting makes to repair our depleted soils, prevent greenhouse

gas emissions, and keep our landfills from filling up.”

WHERE YOU INVEST

There is no doubt sustainability can affect your wallet in a positive way. Climate First Bank, with a branch located within easy biking distance from Baldwin Park, offers their customers Earth-friendly ways to manage their money.

“We operate as a vehicle for positive impact by helping customers live a sustainable lifestyle, without worrying that their transactions will go towards financing fossil fuels,” Climate First Bank CEO and founder of Ken LaRoe says. “Customers can find sustainable banking options (such as) financing for solar panels, sustainable building retrofits, and paperless, digital banking.”

The Winter Park branch location is LEED Platinum-certified and retrofitted with carbon-neutral and sustainable building upgrades. It also has free EV charging stations on location that anyone can use during regular banking hours.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Baldwin Park residents Alyson and Carlos Escribano, lead an eco-friendly lifestyle for the future of their three small children.

“It is important to my husband and me to minimize our impact on planet Earth, because our children will inherit what we leave behind,” Alyson says. “Owning an EV since 2018 has been one of the many ways we choose to decrease our impact. The distribution of energy through the electric grid is much more efficient and safer than the transport of gasoline and management by gas stations. My husband always highlights the benefit of eliminating the need for oil changes and taking the time to pull into a gas station!” Alyson’s day job and active volunteer work also focuses on conservation programs.

At home, organic gardening is a family affair. Everyone participates in planting, nurturing, harvesting and eating vegetables from the family’s hand-built raised bed garden. Recently, their daughter celebrated her birthday by sharing milk weed plants and monarch caterpillars with her birthday party guests.

USING YOUR VOICE

Shauna Junco is a clinical infectious diseases pharmacist at Orlando Regional Medical Center, board president of Florida Clinicians for Climate Action and a member of the Orange County Sustainability Advisory Board. This Baldwin Park resident is passionate about raising public awareness about the adverse effects of climate change on personal health.

“What many people don’t realize is that climate change and its causes are negatively impacting our health right now,” Junco says. “Extreme heat, stronger hurricanes, mosquito-borne diseases, air pollution from fossil fuels, and chemicals and plastic contamination in our food are directly harming Floridians today, and not in some distant future.”

Even something as ubiquitous as a delivery truck driving through the neighborhood has an affect on personal health.

“While we might consider this normal, vehicles emit enormous amounts of harmful air pollution,” Junco says. “When you breathe that in, it injures your lungs. It increases the risk of asthma and lung cancer and heart disease.”

Florida Clinicians for Climate Action is a nonprofit organization made up of a diverse group of hundreds of clinicians across the state of Florida.

“We are doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other clinicians who share a common understanding that climate change is a health issue, and are working to teach our patients, colleagues and communities that climate solutions are health solutions,” Junco says.

Junco has been a Baldwin Park resident since 2016, and enjoys riveting conversations with her neighbors about making our community a healthier place to live.

Green Up Baldwin Park is a new initiative starting with the Plant Based, Whole Food Club whose members are learning about not only the health benefits, but also the positive ecological impact of less eating animal products and packaged and processed food.

Recently, the group held its first meeting and made plant based recipes to enjoy together.

Oh Eco is a quaint little shop on Winter Park Drive that specializes in super-sustainability. It is owned by Alyssa Bolaños.

Baldwin Park residents

Alyson Escribano and her husband, Carlos, lead an eco-friendly lifestyle for the future of their three small children.

What’s blooming in Baldwin Park?

MIMI SIMMONS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As of the penning of this article, there is a beauty pageant happening in Baldwin Park — with contestants from all over the community vying for attention and prize-winning points.

The springtime blooms of Central Florida commence in late February and last through early April. These flashy florae are hard to miss driving down New Broad Street, meandering through our muses and even peering from our own porches.

If you were a judge, which would be your top pick?

Note: This is a pun drop. Please don’t pick the flowers!

BEST IN SHOW: AZALEAS

First on my list and almost everyone’s favorite is the azalea. As part of the Rhododendron genus, azaleas seem to proliferate during their short peak season — some shrubs look so heavily laden

with flowers this year they looks like they could fall over. Alhough azaleas are known to bloom several times throughout the year depending on variety, placement and care, their extra-showy statement of springtime is short-lived.

ONE OF A KIND

It’s been rumored that there are more than 8,000 kinds of azalea, including cultivars that have been intentionally bred and varieties that are naturally occurring. Only a few are commonly used in Baldwin Park landscapes.

FORMOSA AZALEA

These shrubs with bright fuchsia flowers can reach a mature height of 6 to 8 feet. Although this type of azalea often is seen growing in natural, unkept mounds throughout Orlando and Winter Park, Formosa is typically kept trimmed to 42 to 54 inches as high-tier hedges in our front yards.

FASHION AZALEA

This dwarf variety produces a salmon-pink flower and is often used as a mid-height tiering hedge or in a grouped massing. It can

WHERE TO VIEW AZALEAS?

If you are looking for an azalea-oriented field trip, check out these great local and regional destinations.

HENRY P. LEU GARDENS

Just a few miles away from Baldwin Park down Corine Drive, this botanical garden boasts more than 50 varieties of Azalea.

MEAD BOTANICAL GARDEN

Explore more than 47 acres of Florida flora just a few more miles up Lakemont Avenue in Winter Park.

KRAFT AZALEA PARK

I lived here for years without knowing about this hidden gem in Winter Park on Lake Maitland. Bring a friend. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic, an engagement or a wedding!

BOK TOWER GARDENS

Located in Lake Wales, Florida, only about two hours south off U.S. 27, take a tour of magnificent gardens designed by famed Central Park landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. It’s worth the trip.

Once you have found your favorite azaleas, email me about your experience at MimiSimmonsDesign@gmail.com. And remember: Don’t pick the flowers unless they are in your own garden.

George L. Taber blooms are famous for their ombre colors.

Blooms seem to be especially proliferating in Baldwin Park this spring.

Fashion azalea is a dwarf variety often used successfully as a tiering hedge here in Baldwin Park.

CURATING YOUR EXPERIENCE

The spectacular sights of springtime azalea can flood the senses. To get the most out of this year’s bloom show, mix in even more sensory inputs.

n For dramatic notes, add Stravinky’s “The Rite of Spring” to your playlist.

n Most azaleas are not fragrant. Consider wearing Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom Cologne to bring your mind back to Central Florida.

n Why not try a floral-inspired wine? Trader Joe’s offers a bottle of Honeymoon Viognier for less than $10. It is “splendidly botanic aromatics” are a perfect pairing with picnic staples of creamy bries and spicy curries.

mature to a height of 4 to 5 feet, but because of its slow growth rate, it is easily maintained at 30 to 40 inches. A great place to see them is next to the townhomes on the shady south side of Common Way Road and in many sun-dappled front yards.

GEROGE L. TABER AZALEA

This cultivar is known for its pale pink flowers. If you look closely, however, they are not merely monochrome but variegated white with a darker pink. One website calls them “ombre.” Like Formosa, this is a relatively larger species that can grow to a mature height of 6 to 8 feet. Notable placements are on the interior sides of New Broad Street and the northwest corner of Lake Baldwin Lane and Fox Street.

STORYTIME

For a fascinating horticultural tale of a Florida nurseryman who made a mark on his industry, check out George

Lindley Taber’s story at the Azalea Society of America’s website, Azalea.org.

STANDARD OF CARE

For some, azaleas are easy. Plant, wait and “Wow!” Eventually, though, Azaleas of Baldwin Park need special care or, sometimes unfortunately, to be replaced.

WHERE IS YOUR MODESTY?

The first consideration is placement.

According to the South Florida Plant Guide, “Most of these plants prefer part sun to part shade. In full shade, an Azalea will grow leggy with fewer leaves, though it will flower.” Apparently, showing too much “leg” can be considered unattractive for a front yard shrub. Many of our yards started out as sunny, then as canopy trees matured, they transformed into the opposite — deep shade. As a result, plant selection often needs to be reconsidered.

NUTRITIONIST RECOMMENDED

Potted plants purchased at a local garden center or nursery already have specifically formulated fertilizer incorporated into the soil that gets a plant through its first few months. After that, quarterly application of fertilizer is a must to maximize plant health and optimize blooms. Azalea.org offers further care tips.

Photos courtesy of Mimi Simmons Formosa azalea can get ‘leggy’ without proper placement and care.

WHAT’S SELLING

DETAILS: This home is located in the heart of Baldwin Park. You are greeted by brick pavers and a traditional covered front porch. The home features a formal living room, which can be closed in and enjoyed as a private office, and a formal dining room that opens up to the large kitchen. The kitchen features ample storage, wood cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. There are lots of windows throughout, and plantation shutters adorn all of the windows.

4310 ETHAN LANE, ORLANDO

SOLD PRICE: $865,009

SOLD DATE: March 19

BEDROOMS: Three

BATHROOMS: Two

SQUARE FEET: 2,214

LISTING AGENT: Kristin Haughwout Osorio, Parkside Properties LLC

BUYER AGENT: Jenny Lake, Fannie Hillman + Associates Inc.

DETAILS: This four-story townhome is a blend of luxury, serenity and modern convenience. On the first floor, you are welcomed into a foyer along side an en suite bedroom. The second level features an open-plan living and dining area designed for entertaining and living. The heart of this floor is the gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, hardwood cabinets and a closet pantry. The third-floor offers an additional guest bedroom with a private bathroom and the master bedroom. The fourth floor features a loft that can be used as a guest room, entertainment area or home office.

1383 CHATFIELD PLACE, ORLANDO

SOLD PRICE: $659,000

SOLD DATE: March 18

BEDROOMS: Three

BATHROOMS: Three full, two half-baths

SQUARE FEET: 2,160

LISTING AGENT: Maria Elena Perez, MEP Realty Investments LLC

BUYER AGENT: Patricia Schraiber, EXP Realty LLC

realtor.com

realtor.com

BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA

Twice a year, the community comes together for an incredible community-wide Porch Sale right in Baldwin Park. This event not only allows you to meet your neighbors but also gives you the opportunity to de-clutter your home or find some treasures. Find anything from furniture, baby essentials, sports equipment, antiques and more!

This year’s Porch Sale — scheduled for Saturday, April 13 — will be bigger and better than ever, with the addition of Goodwill, Kona Ice and One Blood. Goodwill will be set up at Corrine Commons to accept any donations you may have including clothing and furniture. One Blood, Kona Ice and Sentry

Management also have teamed up to offer everyone the change to donate blood to help save a life. In return, donors will receive a $20 eGift card, an insulated tote bag and free Kona Ice! This is a great way to give back to your Orlando community while enjoying a delicious treat.

Now is the time to start organizing anything you wish to sell. You have the choice of setting up right from your front porch or taking

your goodies to Corrine Commons to join everyone in a flea market. You may set up at the other parks but the main area to sell will be Corrine Commons.

If you plan on selling from your home, be sure to email Suz at Stapy@BaldwinParkPOA.com with your address and a brief description of what you will be selling, so you can be added to the map which will be shared via the weekly newsletter and on our so-

cial media. De-cluttering has never been so easy and so fun!

If you are looking to keep the good vibes going, be sure to head down to the Village Center to check out the monthly Community Market Day.

Find full details on all community happenings by signing up for the weekly newsletter by visiting BaldwinParkNetwork.com.

There is always something to do in beautiful Baldwin Park!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Erin Gilreath

Sentry Management, your on-site management team for the Baldwin Park Residential Owner’s Association Inc., Commercial Owner’s Association Inc., Joint Committee Inc. and the agent for the Urban Orlando Community Development District, is made up of an experienced group of licensed Community Association Managers and individuals. Our team talks with homeowners, meets with board members, supervises contractors and maintenance personnel and provides leadership to the association’s Board of Directors. The staff is cross-trained to accommodate peaks and valleys in the workload, and encourages you to take the time to visit the offices at 1913 Meeting Place to meet the team!

At Sentry, people are the difference.

Covenants Coordinator Erin Gilreath was born in Gainesville and is a fourth-generation Floridian. Between ages 7 and 10, she moved between Florida and Illinois a few times, finally settling in Illinois until she was 19. She moved back to the Sunshine State to attend the University of Florida but has since lived in both

Illinois and Indiana, settling in Orlando in 2016.

Erin enjoys working out three to five days a week. She studied Spanish in college and likes learning new languages. She’s been learning Norwegian for over a year now.

“There was a time when I enjoyed traveling, and I hope to get back to doing that again,” she says. “But I also enjoy experiencing the beauty of my home state by visiting local and state parks.

“Another hobby is buying houseplants — only to kill

them within six to eight months,” she says. “Thank goodness I don’t have children!”

Everyone in Erin’s family (besides her mother) lives in Florida. She has a brother who is in Orlando, and he comes with a nephew and two nieces.

“I would love to see my family more,” she said. “However, I’m quite partial to my quiet life with my boyfriend of 18 years and our kittens, Butters, Randy and Jimmy.”

Prior to working in Baldwin Park, Erin worked as a

coach at the CrossFit gym in Oviedo, where she is a member. It was an easy transition; she was previously a collegiate track-and-field coach at two different Division I universities. She coached several athletes to All-American honors and even one NCAA Championship.

Higher education in coaching and sports performance was a way to capitalize off her background as a collegiate athlete and Olympian.

“My competitive nature aids in my job as Covenants Coordinator,” she says. “Finding something that has gone unnoticed on the property is like finding a hidden Easter egg, and in turn, assists in preserving the character of the community.”

One of the things Erin loves about this community is the walkability.

“Those of you who live here are so lucky to have all the parks and trails available right outside your front doors,” she says. “I also enjoy how idyllic the community is. I love the order and symmetry of it all, and I appreciate my role in that. There’s also a ton of amazing food options within minutes of Baldwin Park.”