Baldwin Park Living June 2024 by Orange Observer

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

JUNE 2024

PLUMP UP

THE VOLUME

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JUNE 2024

ABOUT THE COVER

On Baldwin Park’s 20th anniversary (June 5, 2021), Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Commissioner, Robert Stuart proclaimed June 5 as “Baldwin Park Day.” This year, we celebrate our 23rd year. Baldwin Park now includes 2,023 residences and 2,373 apartments, but is really about the residents and businesses inside those structures. YOU have made this experiment of a sustainable, walkable, village-oriented neighborhood a true success!

FAITHFUL SERVANTS

20

SISTERS IN CHRIST

The Baldwin Park Ladies Bible Study Group connects members in friendship, faith.

DEPARTMENTS

8 BALDWIN PARK NOTEBOOK

Read about recent decisions made by community leaders.

16 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

See all the wonderful things happening in Baldwin Park.

19 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

Meet Baldwin Park SRO Jacqueline Horner.

22 RIPE FOR THE PICKING

Michael Lynch cultivates backyard Baldwin garden.

24 WET AND WILD

Mimi Simmons offers ways to handle summer storms.

26 #BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK

Summertime is fun time in Baldwin Park!

26 STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Meet a member of the Sentry Management team.

27 GAME TIME

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

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

JUNE 2024

EDITORIAL

News Editor — Annabelle Sikes, asikes@orangeobserver.com

Contributors — Brie Bernstel, Will Campbell and Mimi Simmons

ADVERTISING

Sales Manager Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@orangeobserver.com

Sales Associate Kassie Gustafson, kgustafson@orangeobserver.com

PRODUCTION

Graphic Designer — Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@orangeobserver.com

CONTACT

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.

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 April 25, 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 Approved the Design Guideline changes with the exception of No. 5 and No. 20 as presented by the Architectural Review Committee to be sent to the city for approval.

n Approved sending the TSAC Representative Letter and Resolutions via eblast once it is verified the resolutions were adopted properly.

n Approved the April 18, 2024, TSAC No Meeting Notice, along with the March TSAC Management Report.

n Ratified the acceptance of the 2023 Financial Audit Report.

n Approved the termite bond renewal for the facility centers.

n Approved filter grids for all pools.

n Approved landscape replacements at The Yard.

n Approved Mary Edwards Consulting Arborist to evaluate the townhome service areas canopy trees and provide a summary of which trees are in need to hazard pruning/crown reduction/etc.

n Approved waiving late fees, interest and Notice of Late Assessment fees related to the semiannual assessment due Feb. 1, 2024.

COMPLETED ACTIONS

1. The SMI community relations coordinator and the SMI multimedia and community coordinator met with the Quilts of Valor group in March to discuss the upcoming award ceremony. The group awarded seven quilts to veterans on April 13, 2024, at Enders Facility Center.

2. April carpet cleaning at Enders and Grace Hopper.

3. The association will not be able to advertise for events where raffles/lottery or games of chance are taking place. This would include any third-party events in Baldwin Park that event planners want to advertise it in the association eblast.

4. SMI is donating a popcorn maker, cups and a supply of popcorn and oil to the association to use for its events.

5. SMI sent an eblast to owners providing Hotwires Customer Communications efforts, construction updates and whom to contact for assistance.

6. BrightView replaced the plant beds at Fox Mews as approved.

7. Elevator modernization was completed as approved.

8. SMI obtained a proposal to replace all pool filter grids before the summer kicks in. Proposal in the April packet.

9. Hotwire Survey for eblast went out as a standalone on March 26, 2024, and in the March 27, 2024, eblast with a link to the survey.

10. March 22, 2024 Food Fare. Hot Wire was in attendance.

11. Hybrid controller for irrigation installed at Ardsdale Mews.

12. The SMI multimedia and community coordinator supplied association event flyers to the apartment communities as needed to be added to bulletin board in their lobbies.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Summer in Florida is right around the corner, which brings longer days, heat, humidity and, of course, the beginning of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. While the prospect of a storm impacting our area can be somewhat disconcerting, preparation can help lessen those fears. Preparing in advance for hurricane season can determine not only how safely and comfortably you ride out the storm, but also how easy it is to handle the days and weeks after the storm has passed.

The Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association, Commercial Owners Association and Joint Committee are responsible for the property owned by each association including certain parks, facility centers, parking lots and landscaping. This is not an all-inclusive list.

As homeowners and business owners, you are responsible for your dwelling during a hurricane. If you are a tenant, you need to check with your landlord for specific responsibilities.

IMPORTANT STEPS

n Make a plan. All residents should prepare for hurricane season by creating a family plan and disaster supply kit, securing personal property and having a place to go in the event of an evacuation. A plan should answer the following questions. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is my shelter plan? What is my evacuation route? What is my family/household communication plan? Learn more at floridadisaster. org/hazards/hurricanes.

The most important part of your hurricane plan is a Hurricane Kit that includes the basic life support you will need after a disaster. Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days to two weeks.

n Tune in. Listen to and follow public announcements through local media. OCFL ALERT is an alert system that allows Orange County Government to contact you via email or cell phone text message during an emergency affecting Orange County. Download to your phone at orangecountyfl. net/Home/NewslettersAlerts/OCFLAlert.aspx#. YIgoILVKhPY.

13. Insurance Committee met to discuss revising the 2024 townhome budgets. Recommendations in April packet.

14. Canopy tree and crepe myrtle pruning in Parks and Mews.

PENDING ACTIONS

1. Massey renewal for termite bonds at facility centers automatically renewed May 22 at the same rate $1,683.

2. The SMI community relations coordinator wrote a May Day article for the May Baldwin Park Living Magazine. To coincide with the article, the SMI multimedia and community coordinator attempted to meet with the manager at Publix in Baldwin Park to see if they would donate flowers for May Day. This did not happen; therefore she met with the manager at Harry’s Flowers, which offered a 20% discount for May Day and offered it for the entire month to include Prom.

3. SMI reached out to the city’s community relations coordinator and OPD liaison to have CPR training June 3 at Grace Hopper. Bringing 30 mannequins for hands-on training. The fire department as well as a city representative will be onsite to go over neighborhood watch and getting more people involved.

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

5. SMI inspecting all park sign panels for reorder.

6. SMI hiring three maintenance techs to replace ones that resigned, etc.

Continued on page 12

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

BY MELISSA PARKER

The Townhome Service Area Committee April 18, 2024, meeting was canceled. A complete copy of previous official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.

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 will be receiving roof replacements soon. There are 26 buildings located within the Cambridge service area. The roof replacement project will begin on Lower Union Road at the beginning of June 2024. Townhome owners will receive notices on their front doors advising on the construction start date prior to the project beginning. More information will be provided to the community as it becomes available.

n New sod that was installed in May 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 BrightView has been lowering the hedges/shrubs throughout all of the townhome home service areas to bring the hedge/ shrub height to community standard. The height allowance is reflected in the Baldwin Park Landscape Design Guidelines. Further, the townhome buildings and corner lot wooden fences need to be free from landscaping touching to provide adequate maintenance/repairs/ painting. The hedges/shrubs will fill back in. If the hedges/shrubs do not recover, then BrightView will replace the species.

n Per DRS Inc., here is the townhome maintenance scheduled for 2024: Mattamy and areas of Issa 22 — June; areas of Issa 28 (Osprey Avenue) — July; painting for 2024 — none remaining.

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.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOME OWNERS

Who is responsible for maintaining townhome driveways?

The townhomes are fee-simple properties just like any single-family home, where the owner owns the townhome inside and out as well as the land on which it sits. There are specific maintenance items the association performs on the owner’s behalf, which are stated in Exhibit “G” (or Exhibit “H” for Live/Work townhomes) of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Baldwin Park Homeowner’s Association. Unfortunately, driveways are not included as an association responsibility. Anything not specifically stated under Exhibit G or H of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Baldwin Park Homeowner’s Association is a homeowner responsibility. Driveways are a homeowner responsibility to repair and/or replace.

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Baldwin Park notebook

BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.

BY BILL PATTERSON

The heat and humidity are upon us! Cool off by stopping in to one of our amazing dining and bar establishments for a cold drink.

THINGS TO KNOW

n ROA Work. The area known as the Neighborhood Business District or Unit 7, which is off Lake Baldwin Lane before the Cady Way Trail, is scheduled to get the parking lot and roads seal-coated this year. This is a collaboration between the COA and the Urban Orlando CDD, which owns Outer Road and Halder Lane. Please be on the lookout for notices concerning this project as sections of these roads and parking lot will be temporarily closed for the work.

n Landscaping. Several projects around the parking lots are being planned over the upcoming months. This will give a fresh look to the parking lots.

ROA Board of Directors Meeting from page 8

7. 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.

8. Receipt of approved weight bench for Enders fitness center. Has been ordered.

9. Replacement of Enders Facility Center double screen doors by Screen Walkers.

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

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 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.

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

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 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.

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

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS

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.

Strengthen Your Legacy

Father’s Day

#WEAREBALDWINPARK

All about PRIDE !

Hello friends and neighbors! Here we are, already sweating it out into the month of June. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for all the things the summer months have in store for us.

June not only signifies summer vacations, the end to my busiest time of year at work, but for myself and many around the country, and the world, it’s also Pride month. Not only is it pride month for the LGBTQ+ community, but it’s also the celebration of Juneteenth. There is so much more to both of these celebrations of pride, so I hope you’ll indulge me while we talk about them. None of it is meant to be divisive — just telling my truth and sharing stories that impact so many people every day. To me (and I hope for you too) equality is meant for all.

Pride month for the LGBTQ+ community is about so much more than brands rainbow-washing their social media and advertising. It’s about the first brick that was thrown at Stonewall by Marsha P. Johnson, igniting the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Something simple as the right to marry someone who you love was not legal in most places until within the last decade.

I first met my amazing husband, Andrew, in late 2006. At that time, same-sex marriage was still illegal in most states, especially in Florida. After years together, we started getting the usual question of, “So, when are you getting married?!” As with most people, there was hesitation in our responses, but not for the same reason as most. “Well, let’s not forget that we can’t do it … ya

WILL CAMPBELL PRESIDENT BALDWIN PARK JOINT COMMITTEE

know, legally,” which, surprisingly, was still a shock to many in the early 2010s. Something that was so common place for so many, people didn’t think about the others that were impacted by antiquated laws based on someone’s gender.

Fast-forward to 2015, thanks to a ruling in the U.S. District Court, the ban on same sex marriage was ruled unconstitutional. Thanks to that ruling, on the day of our 10th anniversary in 2016, Andrew proposed to me at a candlelit dinner on the beaches of Grenada. We went through the same motions as everyone else to get our marriage license at the courthouse and were actually surprised at how easy it was! Seriously, it took all of 10 minutes, which included some signatures, raised hand and an “I do” before we were basically officially married. Our wedding took place a year after the proposal and was filled with an unbelievable outpouring of joy and love from our family and friends. Fun fact: We actually got married during Orlando’s pride weekend in October. To this day, my dad still tells the story of how we “had fireworks at our wedding” ha-ha.

As we stand here today, a

married couple, on our second home in Baldwin Park that we own together, there are still things that endanger our rights. Every day, through national organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, and local ones The Center, One Orlando Alliance, and Equality Florida, we continue to fight for the rights afforded “normally” to most people. The fight will continue because, in the end, Love is Love!

Another important part of June is Juneteenth, our nation’s newest federal holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The name is a combination of “June” and “Nineteenth” which is the date on which it is observed each year.

That date has significance, because it is the date that the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation took place in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. What started as small church and community celebrations dating back to 1866, quickly grew across the South over the years and becoming more well known into the early decades of the 20th century. As it became more widely recognized, and with the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, Juneteenth was pushed further into the national spotlight to be recognized as a federal holiday. In 2021, the President signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making it an observed federal holiday for all.

It took almost a century before slavery was abolished in the United States, and took years before the freed men were able to own land, decades

to vote and even longer before schools became unsegregated, allowing everyone, no matter the color of their skin, to go to the same school. Notice that I said men, as it took even longer before women were afforded the same rights, but we won’t even get started on that. All of these factors, and more, go to prove why Juneteenth becoming an observed holiday was the right thing.

Not to overshadow the two important moments of pride I’ve already talked about and how they are specific to June, but I would be remiss if I didn’t encourage each of you to find your pride each day — even if it’s just a moment and something for yourself.

It’s not always easy to put my story out there for people to judge but I do it because I am proud of who I am, and who we are as a community. A diverse melting pot of so many different walks of life and backgrounds that have come together to create a safe space for all. I take pride each day in the life I have created with Andrew here in Baldwin Park and look forward to many more years of memories with each of you.

As I said earlier, I am sure this won’t be for everyone, but I like to think that the diversity that makes up the fabric of Baldwin Park can appreciate the stories. In the end, we are all human, we are all equal, and we shouldn’t be afraid to be inclusive of one another.

On that note, it’s time to get back to work … and to being prideful.

Until next time, stay safe, stay well, and remember, #WeAreBaldwinPark!

Broughttoyouby: JointCommittee

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Community Calendar

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

INDEPENDENCE

DAY BASH

The annual Independence Bash will take place July 3 right on New Broad Street. For more information, check your resident weekly newsletter!

MONDAY, JUNE 3

FREE CPR CLASS

Monday, June 3, at Grace Hopper Hall Gathering Room. Join your community for this beneficial class to teach you all about lifesaving CPR. This class will be free to attend. Check your weekly newsletter for full details including how to sign up. This class will be capped at 30 people.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

FIRST FRIDAY EVENT

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 7. 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, JUNE 8

BELLY FLOP COMPETITION

Saturday, June 8, at Tactical Brewing Company. Tactical Brewing is teaming up with Cholo Dogs to throw the annual Belly Flop Com-

petition. There will be a full-sized pool on New Broad Street with dozens of competitors looking to be crowned the winner. There will be beer releases, food pop-ups, music and vendors. This event is free to the public. Follow Tactical’s social-media platforms for more details.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 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, JUNE 15

KIDS POOL PARTY

Saturday, June 15, at Enders Park pool. Kick-start your summer with a kids pool party! Our first pool party of the season will be hosted at Enders Park pool featuring

free Kona Ice! Check your weekly newsletter for full details and also mark July 20 down for another pool party at High Park pool featuring massive inflatable games. Make this the best summer yet in Baldwin Park.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, virtually. All information for the meeting also can be found on the Baldwin Park Network, along with the link to join the meeting.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 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.

ONGOING MAHJONG

7 p.m. Thursdays at Enders Park Gathering Room. Mahjong is a tilebased game developed in the 19th century in China and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players and was featured in the hit film, “Crazy Rich Asians.” For more, visit bpmahjong.com.

FRIDAY

MORNING YOGA

9 a.m. Fridays at Enders Gathering Room. Yoga instructor Lisa Schreiber is looking forward to Friday mornings with Baldwin Park yogis at Enders Gathering Room! For more info, email lisafineman@ yahoo.com.

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

JACQUELINE HORNER

Jacqueline Horner is the School Resource Officer at Baldwin Park Elementary School. Horner is in charge of keeping the school safe and handling any reports that happen during the school day. She makes sure the school and perimeter are locked and secured. She also talks with children and parents and helps assist the school and people the best she can.

REPORT CARD

School: Baldwin Park Elementary School Position: School Resource Officer Time at school: Five years

What brought you to your school?

When I was a rotating SRO, I wanted to make Baldwin Park my permanent assignment based on seeing how much the staff, students and community cared and how accepting everyone was of me into their family.

What you love most about your school?

The sense of community, the staff, and kids make coming to work every day a privilege.

The most rewarding part of your job?

Putting a smile on the student’s faces, getting hugs and making a positive impact on the students.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

A coach. I love teaching and interacting with children and seeing the lightbulb go off.

Who influences you?

Children. They are the reason I

became an officer. I want to keep them safe and rescue them from things they can’t help themselves.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

Mrs. Rausch. She was supportive, easy to talk to, taught me to question things, and be bold and myself.

Favorite children’s book and why?

Harry Potter. The series made me fall in love with reading.

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If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be?

Henry Cavill.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Magic. It would give me the ability to learn more than one superpower, and the world would be limitless.

Go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

Square pizza and a chocolate chip cookie.

Favorite holiday and why?

Halloween. It’s fun to coordinate costumes with family and friends and dress up.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I was a 19-time varsity letter holder, All-American and Athena Award Winner.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Through His words

Carolyn Carrara started the Baldwin Park Ladies Bible Study Group with the hope of forming a community through God’s word.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

When Carolyn Carrara moved in June 2023 from New Jersey to Baldwin Park, she asked God to send her friends.

One year later, Carrara says she has been blessed in more ways than she ever imagined thanks to her creation — the Baldwin Park Ladies Bible Study Group.

“A few of my children had moved to the Orlando area, so we visited of-

ten,” Carrara says. “Eventually, my husband’s job went remote and then stayed remote because of the pandemic. Our family fell in love with Baldwin Park when we stumbled upon the community. It immediately felt like home, and everything fell right into place to help us get here. When we moved, I realized I didn’t know anyone. With six children, I was used to knowing almost everyone in New Jersey. I prayed about it, and I asked God to connect me with some good people.”

‘TEACH ME YOUR PATHS’

In August 2023, Carrara decided to make a post on Facebook in one of the Baldwin Park community groups to see if there were any local Christian or Bible study groups where she could meet people.

The post was flooded with engagement.

“I wasn’t planning on starting a group; I thought I would join one,” Carrara says. “But, the Lord really

put it on my heart that I was going to do this. … People started messaging me saying that they have been looking for something like this for so long and even thanking me. That really warmed my heart.”

After seeing the interest, Carrara edited the post and decided to invite those who had responded over to her home. That same month, the Baldwin Park Ladies Bible Study Group was created.

The first time the women met, Carrara says they simply talked, got to know one another and shared their testimonies. She says every woman had an interesting story.

The ages of the women in the group range from 21 to 58, and they come from all walks of life.

“What’s so beautiful about it is that in a group like this you just come together and you meet people right where they’re at,” Carrara says. “You just feel really supported. There’s no pressure about doing the homework; we just all love every-

Courtesy photo

Although the group has dispersed for the summer, the members plan to stay connected and meet up multiple times before starting the Bible study back up in August.

body up. It’s cool, too, because everyone is at a different season or stage with where they’re at with the Lord. There are so many perspectives.”

The group meets every Thursday at Carrara’s home, with light bites and refreshments.

The women also have met outside of the study group, such as at Christmas time, when they went to one of the members’ apartment complexes and had a gathering in the common area with family.

Carrara says she tries to find Bible studies for the group that will last about six to eight weeks.

The group most recently completed a series called “The Armor of God” from the book of Ephesians, as well as a series on Psalm 91.

Although some members have come and gone from the group, there are a core few who have remained consistent throughout the group’s evolution.

“There were a few times when we didn’t have as large of a group, and so the space felt a lot more intimate,” Carrara says. “At first, I would think, ‘Oh, that’s too bad,’ or even feel a bit nervous about it. But then I would realize that the safe space created an environment where people would share. We may live in a beautiful space with beautiful people, but people are still hurting. When you have an intimate group like that, that you know loves you and don’t share your stories outside the confines of the space, that will listen to you and offer advice, it just allows people to open up. Sometimes, there’s some weeping and some hugging. It’s also the praise reports that we have come back. The answered prayers have been immense.”

Holly Gilpin has been part of the group since the beginning and makes it a priority to attend.

“I love studying God’s word with other women,” she says. “I am new to the area and was very interested when I saw Carolyn’s post on Facebook. My favorite part is the friendships I have made in Christ. Spending time with fellow believers is inspiring and helps me not only grow in my relationship with the Lord, but also helps me stay grounded in faith. Jesus said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ — John 4:16 We invite

all to join us in fellowship and learn God’s word. It is such a blessing each and every time we meet.”

Sarah Nardella also has been with the group since its inception.

“This group connects me to new friends who share a heart for knowing God,” she says. “For whatever reason, possibly because we aren’t associated with anything official or because it’s set in Carolyn’s comfy family room, our get-togethers have a very organic feel. We hear a message, share personal stories, encourage each other, and believe for the best. No week is the same, but each week I leave feeling just a little bit lighter.”

‘FOR NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD’

Although Carrara was raised Catholic, she said one of her sons joining a youth group changed her outlook on faith forever.

“Around 2016, one of my children who was in about sixth grade got invited to a youth group in our town at a nondenominational local Christian church,” she says. “I watched him transform. At first, I was like, ‘What are they doing over there?’ And, ‘What’s happening?’ He was always smiling. … He was always known as the popular and cool kid in school, and he started inviting and bringing people to this youth group. It started to transform our family, and we ended up going to that church and reading the Bible, which honestly wasn’t really something we did when I was growing up. It transformed me and my family. Every relationship got better. My marriage got better, my children got better, anxiety fell away. … I’ve seen stuff you would never even believe.”

The Bible study group has yielded its own share of miracles.

“To watch what the Lord can do when we’re obedient has been my favorite part of this group’s journey so far,” Carrara says. “He put it on my heart to start that group. I’ve watched the way he’s touched these people’s hearts. He’s pursuing them. I’m in awe of what he’s done in this group.”

Ailiz Bodzo has witnessed the miracles firsthand as a member since the group’s start.

“The focus of our group is to

know more about Jesus, draw closer to Him, and we do so by being a diverse group of godly women that are willing to support, encourage and love one another in Him,” she says. “This group also allows women to participate even if they haven’t placed their faith in Jesus, are new to the faith or are ‘seasoned’ in their walk with Him. My favorite part of this group is that we all come from various denominations within the Christian faith with diverse theology. We don’t allow our differences to create division.”

‘GRACE BE WITH YOU ALL’

Recently, Carrara and her husband, Glenn, were asked by their church to help lead a marriage ministry group. The couple have six children: Lizzie Greenbaum, 29; Kate Allen, 26; Aiden, 24; William, 20; Matthew, 18; and Charlie, 15.

Although Carrara struggled on how to run both groups, the Bible study group decided to disperse for the summer, with plans to start back up in August.

However, the women plan to use the group’s private Facebook page to encourage gatherings and stay connected throughout the next few months, with events such as walks, coffee dates, movie nights and dinner gatherings.

The women also plan to include their partners and children in events, such as at a meet-up at Baldwin Park’s Fourth of July celebration.

The group, “Baldwin’s DOP women’s Bible Study (Daughters of Promise),” is open to anyone with interest. Those who have additional questions can message Carrara on Facebook for more information.

“I just want it to be a place where people can come together,” Carrara says. “I want the word about the group to spread to even more individuals throughout Baldwin Park. Everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a Christian or maybe you just have questions about it. There are a number of churches represented in the group. Even if you just want to check it out. The Lord loves us all, and He wants you to know He’s got this amazing love, peace and joy that surpasses anything you’ve ever experienced that he wants to give you.”

GET INVOLVED

Interested in getting involved? Message Carolyn Carrara on Facebook for more information or join the private Facebook group at shorturl.at/yl11G.

RIPE PLACE, RIPE TIME

Michael Brady Lynch’s Baldwin Park garden nourishes his body — and his spirit.

MICHAEL BRADY LYNCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For Baldwin Park resident Michael Brady Lynch, gardening is more than just a pastime; it is nourishment for the soul.

“My wife, Rachel, is convinced I have a little bit of Hobbit in my blood,” Michael says. “Because as Bilbo Baggins says in ‘The Lord of The Rings,’ ‘All Hobbits share a love of things that grow.’”

Spending his formative years in New Jersey, Michael was accustomed to enjoying very tasty tomatoes every summer.

“Sadly, vine-ripened, delicious tomatoes aren’t always easy to find in Central Florida,” he says. “Most supermarket tomatoes are grown for appearance and hardiness in

utilizing only a small portion of the available backyard space.

“I have a modest backyard in my home in Baldwin,” he says. “I make the best use with raised bed planters for tomatoes and other vegetables throughout the year. But not everyone wants one-half or one-third of their backyard devoted to a garden. And the lovely trees we value so much here in Baldwin are great for their beauty and shade but do very little to contribute to the growing of grass, let alone vegetables.”

His experience has shown that with proper planning and sunlight considerations and the strategic use of pots, you can have quite a nice garden in Baldwin Park.

transport as opposed to flavor.

“Many people have an impression of New Jersey that is limited to the views from the New Jersey Turnpike,” he says. “People forget that New Jersey is named The Garden State. New Jersey is in actuality a leader in agricultural production in the United States.

“When I lived in New Jersey, I always had a garden every summer — whether as a teenager living with my parents or on my own as an adult,” Michael says. “When I moved to Florida in 2003, I thought my gardening days were over.”

Having moved in 2015 to Baldwin Park, Michael tried for several years to grow grass in his backyard.

“I kind of felt like Sisyphus rolling the rock uphill,” he says. “Every time I thought the grass would survive, something would happen, and I was back to square one with dead sod.”

Michael’s mother, Virginia, who lives with the couple, eventually impressed upon him to finally give up on the idea of grass and try his hand at gardening again.

“I think Mom really missed the taste of a home-grown, fully vine-ripened tomato,” he says. “My mom does a lot for our family and she deserves a good tomato. As it turned out, in Baldwin Park you can have a delicious crop of tomatoes

“I was growing my tomatoes in the ground for years, but in the off-season, the backyard didn’t look particularly attractive,” he says. “Raised bed planters really streamlined the planting process and esthetically are much easier on the eyes. I also switched from trying (in vain) to grow grass to ground cover, which has worked out very well.

“My friend Mimi Simmons, of Mimi Simmons Design, had the suggestion to switch to raised beds and ground cover,” he says. “It really changed the whole way I approach the backyard.”

Michael starts his planting season in early January with tomatoes in raised beds, with fruit ripe for picking in spring and early summer.

“I also utilize pots for blueberries, Meyer lemons, key limes and Haas avocados,” he says.

He has even experimented with some low-chill peach varieties, which he says is a crop dependent on how cold a winter we get each year.

Michael says a nice element of a Baldwin Park backyard garden is that getting up and running is both easy and simple.

“I purchased galvanized steel raised garden bed kits right from Amazon,” he says. “There are a lot of size options for every yard. They require a little assembly, but you don’t need anything other than a socket wrench and some elbow grease. The tomato cages are available right at Home Depot. At the end of the season, I stack and store them in my garage for the next season.”

Courtesy photos

Resident Michael Lynch pruning his tomato plants.

Another nice feature of a backyard garden is it requires only a minimal investment in gardening tools.

“A long-handled spade shovel, hand trowel and sturdy metal rake are all you really need,” Michael says. “I even have special waterproof gardening shoes, but that might be going overboard for those just getting started.”

Michael does swear by one absolute must-have for gardening: Gloves.

In his experience, Baldwin Park soil can be hit or miss. For that reason, Michael suggests spending the extra dollar and going with high quality in-ground soil from a nursery or big-box retailer.

“For in-ground soil, I used a combination of 1/2 garden soil and 1/2 potting mix,” he says. “Palmer’s Garden right down the way has a very nice Professional Growing Mix that I have had good results with for many years. I hand-till the ground at the start of the planting season and sup-

plement with some additional potting mix. For my fruit, citrus and flowers growing in pots, I use the Professional Growing Mix exclusively.”

Michael advises that watering is crucial for plant health and production.

“Anything in a pot requires more watering than in-ground, especially in the hot summer,” he says. “For the tomatoes, most of my growing season is over before the really hot months arrive, so I water only one to two times a week.”

If Michael has one pet peeve, it is that cardinals and squirrels just love ripe tomatoes.

“My general rule is that if you spy a tomato that you think is ripe for picking, pick it,” he says.

“Don’t wait until tomorrow, because you might wake up the next morning and find it a mess.”

Gardening is a true family endeavor for the Lynch household. Rachel Lynch is involved in all the planting, maintenance and harvesting.

“Basically, not a day goes by when we don’t check out the progress of our fruits and vegetables,” he says. “And I can’t wait to get my little girl, Ava Christina, involved when she gets older. Back yard gardening is a great way to get kids learning at an early age about sustainable agriculture.”

The benefits of a home garden also go well beyond having delicious fruits and vegetables at your fingertips and the beautification of your surroundings. Gardening also can provide an excellent source of stress relief

and personal satisfaction.

“It is immensely satisfying to see your efforts of garden preparation, planting and care produce such great results in such a short time,” he says.

Michael is an attorney and operates his law practice, The Michael Brady Lynch Firm, from his home in Baldwin Park. Given the stressful nature of his profession, gardening offers an easily accessible respite from his workload.

“Working from home is great, but you need to get out of the house a few times a day minimum,” he says. “On a nice day, there is nothing better than taking a break and checking out what is happening in the garden.

On the flip side, Michael says if there is a downside to tomatoes, it is that there are times you may actually have too many tomatoes. For times when the ripe crop becomes too much on a given day, Michael has an easy solution.

“I regularly do impromptu tomato deliveries to my neighbors and friends,” he says.

When it rains, it pours

MIMI SIMMONS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Iused to live next door to WFTV/ Channel 9 meteorologist and former Baldwin Park resident Brian Shields and his family. Every so often, I would wake up at 3 a.m. as he pulled his car out of the garage on his way to work and think, “Now that’s commitment.” Then, I would roll over and catch a few more hours of Z’s. Meanwhile, Shields would get busy preparing the morning’s weather report.

Everyone knows it gets hot and rainy here during our summers, but according to Shields, a high probability of La Nina conditions developing in June could mean even wetter conditions.

“Expect higher than average periods of wet weather, plus it will be a more active hurricane season, too,” Shields says.

In other words: Prepare for soggy soil if your property is not set up to handle the downpours.

IN-BETWEEN SPACES

As an architect and landscape designer, I often get called in to fix the quagmire that can develop in the narrow nether regions between homes as a result of poor drainage. Initial requests are often understandably superficial solutions that act more like a bandaid when a medical intervention is needed. If you have ever tried to cover your muck with mulch, sink pavers into it, or install sod one more time, consider a more comprehensive approach to decreasing the dampness.

IT DIDN’T START OUT THIS WAY

Single-family residential properties in Baldwin Park were initially set up for successful drainage — at least in theory. The home and its components, including the roof, soffit, façade and surrounding pavement (aka “impervious surfac-

es”) were designed to deflect and direct rain away from vulnerable construction seams, openings in the structure and foundations. Once water hits ground level, the site was engineered to: (1) allow it to be absorbed by the soil (aka a “pervious surface”) or (2) to run off laterally toward property lines and then toward the alley or front sidewalk to the street. The city of Orlando’s Streets and Stormwater Division takes over from there.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Note that each lot style in Baldwin Park has a “Maximum Allowable Impervious Surface Percentage.” If you are thinking about building a home addition or adding a pool deck or paved area, calculation of the resulting “Impervious Surface Percentage” will be required as part of your ARC application. Artificial turf recently was deemed impervious by the city of Orlando, so it should be included in your math.

RE-USE AT ITS BEST

Drainage was planned at an even larger scale here. Back in the early 2000s, after the former Navy base that preceded Baldwin Park had been decommissioned, more than 250 of its concrete buildings were demolished, yielding 600,000 tons of concrete. As told by Navy Base to Neighborhood: The Baldwin Park Story, “About one-third of the crushed concrete was used in an exfiltration trench to improve water quality of the lakes on the property.” Basically, the bottom part of Blue Jacket Park closest to Lake Baldwin sits on top of this massive pile of Navy base rubble serving as a giant-sized Brita filter.

A MUDDY MESS

In your own yard, things can occur over time to produce unwanted standing water or change drainage patterns. Check for these issues to understand the cause of your drainage problem: Irrigation leaks. Have your system checked annually to be

A foundation wall hedge is a great way to prevent erosion and provides additional security.

Aged irrigation joints are fragile.

Photos by Mimi Simmons

Homeowner Michael Lynch turned a damp, narrow side yard into a beautiful and functional space. See Lynch’s article about gardening on pages 22-23.

sure you are getting adequate coverage for your landscape but also to make sure heads are not leaking, inadvertently cut or buried by your lawn care team, and brittle PVC lines have not been cut. The glue that holds PVC joints together can fail at about 15 years.

Erosion. Heavy rain dropping from roof lines can create channels that eventually take away some of the soil protecting your foundation walls. On an optimally operating property, soil levels should be higher against the exterior walls of your house with a gradual slope toward your property line.

Ground lift. Now that live oaks and other canopy trees are maturing, extensive roots of these trees and other plants can raise the ground level significantly enough to trap water where it does not belong.

Clogged gutters or downspouts. Make sure to examine what happens while it is raining. Gutter guards in areas with trees can help prevent this.

MAKING IT RIGHT

Solutions range from simple to complex, most of which require HOA approval:

Re-grading. The minimum slope recommended away from your foundation wall is 4%. If you have an ongoing issue, consider over-grading to ensure successful runoff after some level of erosion. In the process, make sure exposed roots get re-covered.

Replanting. Perhaps it’s time to add a plant bed against the foundation wall to help hold the soil and prevent erosion. Foundation hedges serve this purpose, achieve shrub coverage requirements and other added benefits.

River Rock. Adding stones under the roof line can facilitate drainage away from the structure and further prevent erosion. Note that rock, pebbles and stepping stones are allowed only within a private zone and screened from the public rightof-way.

New gutters. A more expensive but effective solution is to add gutters, being mindful of the placement of downspouts and direction of extensions. In Baldwin Park, gutters must be K-style or half-round, and downspouts must be smooth round or smooth rectangular, according to your home’s style.

French drains. This term covers a range of techniques that could be as simple as burying gravel wrapped with a weed barrier in a trench (a la Navy base rubble reuse) and as involved as attaching corrugated black pipe to downspouts that connect to underground vents or catch basins. The idea is to increase the capacity of the soil to store water once the ground becomes saturated. Eventually, the water will evaporate.

Tree removal. In a limited number of cases, removing trees and grinding roots may be required to re-route draining water. Canopy tree removals require city of Orlando permitting.

IT TAKES TWO

Often, homeowners with adjacent properties must work cooperatively to address the situation adequately. ARC has approved common French drains in the past. Also, if only one homeowner gets gutters, wet conditions might persist. It helps if both sides invest to solve the problem.

IF YOU CAN’T BEAT THEM, JOIN THEM

A final recommendation is to embrace and even celebrate the shadier damp areas. One of my clients recently did just that. After trying to grow sod multiple times in a narrow 7-foot-wide fenced area along the side of his house, he ended up turning this isolated area into a tomato garden with raised plant beds, stepping stones in river rock, sweet-smelling shade-loving florals and a rain barrel. It’s now a pleasant and functional place. Mimi Simmons is the owner of Mimi Simmons Design.

#BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK

Spend your summer in Baldwin Park!

It may feel like summer in Florida eight months of the year, but at the end of June, it is officially summer! We all chose to live in this beautiful state, even with the heat, so when the temps go up, let’s make the most of it!

Starting off strong is Tactical Brewing’s annual Belly Flop Contest, happening June 8 right on New Broad Street. If you didn’t attend last year, here is your chance for some awesome food, vendors, drinks and a ton of laughs. Tactical Brewing will bring in its own flop tank. Contestants can dress however they please and compete for No. 1 flopper of the day. It is a unique, fan favorite event you won’t want to miss! To sign up for this event, head over to their social media page at @TacticalBeer and click the link in the bio.

During June, July and Au-

BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR

gust, your Residential Owners Association hosts pool parties at all of your community pools! These are fantastic ways for parents, babysitters and children 12 and under to meet some friends and enjoy our beautiful facilities.

June 15 kicks off our first pool party of the season from noon to 2 p.m. at the Enders Park pool. During this time, Kona Ice will be handing out free shaved ice

to help you cool down, and the ROA will provide refreshments and even some pool toys for everyone to share (last year’s bubble blowers were a huge hit). Enjoy the sound of music and kid’s having a blast to launch you right into those summer vibes.

July is going to a fun-filled month, and you won’t want to miss a single happening! The annual Independence Bash gets your month moving in the right direction with a stellar firework display right over Lake Baldwin. Join your community July 3 and celebrate our country’s independence. There will be stilt-walkers, entertainment, vendors, food and drink leading up to the big BANG! This event keeps getting better and better every year, and we can’t wait for you to join us this year.

July will also have a pool party — only this one will look just a

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Melissa Parker

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.

Community Association Manager, Melissa Parker, is a native Floridian and has been a part of the Baldwin Park team since 2010. She started as the receptionist and has held many titles over the years.

Melissa has a daughter, boyfriend, two

dogs and two parakeets — all under one roof. Her parents and sister also live close by. Her dad is a Yankee from Massachusetts, and her mom is a Southerner from Tennessee, who ended up together in Florida.

You will find her outside enjoying nature when she’s not in the office. She likes fishing, boating, riding ATVs and exploring trails. Photography is also a hobby she finds herself going back to often.

Melissa graduated with a criminal justice degree; however, she worked in the front office of an animal hospital just prior to joining Baldwin Park.

She likes her job because she says it’s never boring.

“I learn something new every day, and I get to be outside while conducting on-site reviews,” she said. “Baldwin Park is a unique place. There really is nowhere else quite like it! I love the walkability of the community, the landscaping, all of the parks and Lake Baldwin.”

little different. We have teamed up with an events company that specializes in huge inflatable games such as axe throwing, basketball and more to bring a full field day right to your backdoor. These games will be set up right in High Park during the pool party at High Park pool, so you and your family can play some games and then cool off in the pool. There will be waivers you will have to fill out, but the entire event will be free to attend. You won’t want to miss this one!

The final pool party of the season will be Aug. 17 at Grace Hopper Pool. We will have a Pizza and Popsicle Party (free to residents and their guests) along with music and plenty of pool toys. We hope to see you at all of these awesome events and look forward to another epic summer here in Baldwin Park!

PETS OF THE MONTH

Landscape Design & Installation  Premium Gardening Services

Landscape Desi n & Installation

ARC Applications  Assistance Resolving Covenants Violations

Porch Furnishings & Design  Potted Plants & Drip Irrigation

Florida Native & Pollinator-Friendly Gardens  Raised Beds

Exterior Home Staging  Lighting Selection  Paint Color Palettes

Fence Design  Gutter & Drainage Planning  Paving & Hardscape

Mow & Blow Service  Pressure Washing  Tree Care Coordination

(321) 252-8722

MimiSimmonsDesign@gmail.com

June’s Pets of the Month are Persian kitties, Mochi (white) and Matcha (red). They are littermate brothers and love sitting on the front porch and greeting neighbors. When not on the porch, they flank their front door and look out through the windows on each side. Delivery folks must get quite a kick out of the kitties when they make an appearance in the photos for package confirmation.

Pet of the Month is selected randomly from the Pet of The Week in the Baldwin Park weekly newsletter. Email a photo and a short bio of your pet for consideration to stapy@baldwinparkpoa.com.