Keller Williams Winter Park Luxury Division Member
Gold Key Certified
Orlando 5 Star Professional Realtor by Orlando Style Magazine since 2017
you are looking for a Realtor who is knowledgeable, experienced, professional, savvy and kind-hearted, then I strongly and unequivocally recommend Kimberley Gernert. She helped us strategically navigate the market to find a home for our lifestyle. Her professionalism, enthusiasm and good-natured wit alleviated stress every step of the way. Then, she turned around and sold our current home with
Kimberley R. Gernert
My husband and I highly recommend using Kimberley as an outstanding real estate agent. As first-time homebuyers, we were naturally anxious and had numerous questions throughout the process. Kimberley displayed exceptional patience, professionalism, and expertise, guiding us every step of the way. Her deep knowledge of the market, particularly regarding physician loans, and her familiarity with Baldwin Park and Winter Park, ensured we found our dream home. Throughout our journey, we faced several challenges, especially during the mortgage and underwriting process Kimberley kept us calm and provided invaluable assistance, making a stressful situation much more manageable. Kimberley was always accessible, providing timely updates and clear communication. What truly sets Kimberley apart is her genuine care for her clients. She took the time to understand our needs and preferences, ensuring we felt confident and informed in our decisions. We are grateful for Kimberley’s dedication and support and couldn’t have asked for a better partner in our home buying journey.
Catherine C.
BALDWIN PARK LIVING
SEPTEMBER 2024
Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver.com
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 July 23, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes, Aug. 1, 2024, Special Meeting Minutes and the Aug. 6, 2024, Organizational Meeting Minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork. com.
The board accepted, appointed, and or approved the following items/work:
n Appointed Kai Fu to the Bulk Internet Implementation Committee.
n Approved the June 18, 2024, TSAC Meeting Minutes as presented.
n Appointed Jim Mark as the TSAC chairperson.
n Ratified the cost for hazard tree pruning of three trees in Union Park.
n Approved the following contract renewals: Florida Water Features (CH No. 3 Mews fountain maintenance), DRS (pressure-washing of playground equipment, sidewalks and pavers), Sciens Building Solutions (Grace Hooper Fire Alarm T&I, Grace Hopper FA and Elevator monitoring, Enders FA T&I, Enders FA monitoring, Lenel software), Massey (facility centers/pool buildings pest control and termite inspections), Browns Fitness (quarterly preventative maintenance for fitness equipment), Thyssenkrupp (elevator quarterly preventative maintenance), Lesleigh Foxworthy (ARC
Consultant review of Live/Work signage) and Cool-Rite (quarterly preventative maintenance for HVAC systems).
n Approved the 2024 Financial Audit Engagement Letter with Cole & Associates.
n Approved the following proposals: Rep Services (replace two spinner seats for Enders playground),
n BrightView (plant fill-ins at CH No. 3 Mews and plant installs on the Southern tip of Longview Park) and All Pro Plumbing (replace the water heater at Grace Hopper and replace the water heater at Enders).
n Action items from July 23 include SMI to send a 14-day notice to the owners of the Special Assessment Meeting where the adoption of the special assessment to Div 5 ($174 per home) and Div 6 ($954.45 per home) will be considered. Special Assessment Meeting was to be held Aug. 27, 2024, before the Regular Board Meeting. SMI to check with the Auditor Cole & Associates to see if Division 5 ISSA 28 can borrow against their reserves instead of doing a special assessment. If it is possible, the amount borrowed will have to be budgeted in 2025 to pay it back. SMI was to send an eblast out Wednesday, July 24, clarifying the mailing addresses that can be used to submit ballots and proxies.
COMPLETED ACTIONS
1. SMI ordered a new pad for the bench in the Grace Hopper fitness center.
2. The June pool party at Enders went well. There were 118 Kona Cones consumed. There was an estimated 50 to 60 people who attended.
3. SMI maintenance replaced the lock on the meeting display case at Grace Hopper Hall.
4. July carpet cleaning at Enders and Grace Hopper.
5. Met with Michael Agranoff (director) as approved by the board to go over resident engagement ideas.
6. Annuals were installed on the quarterly rotation at Union Park. They are being watered twice daily.
7. All Phases Electric installed an outlet at Enders Park for future events as approved by the board.
8. The Intent to be a Candidate forms and bios for the 2024 candidates were posted at Grace Hopper Hall, included in the Baldwin Park Living Magazine and posted on the Baldwin Park Network.
9. SMI compiled the amended budgets and 30 days’ notice necessary for Division 3 Cambridge and Division 8 CH No. 2 townhomes budget amendments approved during the June 2024 Board Meeting.
10. SMI maintenance fixed the High Park playground gate that was off track.
11. SMI started popcorn Fridays (popcorn in the lobby) in July.
12. SMI maintenance replaced two lights in the Grace Hopper Hall gathering room.
13. A new pad was installed on a bench in Grace Hopper Hall fitness center by Browns Fitness.
14. Sciens Building Solutions performed the annual fire alarm inspection at Grace Hopper Hall.
15. A pool party at High Park with inflatable games (ax throwing, etc.) occurred July 20.
16. SMI received a proposal for new spin seats at Enders playground from Rep Services in the July board packet.
17. Screenwalkers replaced the screen doors at Enders Facility Center.
18. SMI uploaded the Phase 1 Live/Work bid recommendation letter for roof replacements to the Reserve Study Analysis company Dreux Isaac & Associates website in preparation for the 2025 Reserve Study Update.
19. The 2024 Annual Membership Meeting Notice, Ballot, and Proxy were mailed on July 17 to all owners.
20. SMI emailed all owners who consented to e-voting (more than 400) for the 2024 election letting them know that the host took the website down and that they will have to use the ballot received in the mail. In addition, they were told that in the event they are out of town where they will not receive the mailing in time to act, they can request a digital copy of the Annual Meeting Notice, including important instructions, ballot and proxy by emailing roaboard@baldwinparkpoa.com. Again, the ballot must be returned by mail or by personal delivery to Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association Inc., 1913 Meeting Place Orlando, Florida 32814. The proxy can be delivered by mail or by personal delivery to Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association Inc., 1913 Meeting Place Orlando, Florida 32814 or emailed to roaboard@baldwinparkpoa. com.
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS
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.
21. SMI created a 2024 Annual Membership Meeting / Election section on balddwinparknetwork.com for the candidate bios.
22. SMI posted the candidate bios to baldwinparknetwork.com Wednesday, July 17 per the 2024 Election Timeline.
23. SMI compiled all notices of commencement for work over $2,500 and emailed to the SMI Home Office for recording.
PENDING ACTIONS
1. SMI found that Grace Hopper Pool was leaking again. SMI called American Leak Detection, which found cracks in the filter tank. SMI contacted Spies Pools and they provided a proposal to repair the cracks. The work was being scheduled for the week of July 15.
2. Replacement of fob reader at High Park gate on the large pavilion side by Sciens Building Solutions.
3. Design Guideline Amendments approval from the city DET2024-10119.
4. CPR session on Aug. 8 before school starts. Certification class from 6-9 p.m at Fire House No. 1 on Central Boulevard. The firehouse can accommodate six people per class. It charges $20 per person, a discounted price. Depending on turnout, we will do more. It will be promoted via eblast.
5. Proposal to two new spinner seats at Enders Park playground in the July packet.
6. SMI emailed the board-approved design guideline amendments to the city of Orlando for their review and approval. A pre-planning meeting/call was completed, and the city provided comments back to the association. The city plans on completing a determination for the changes. SMI paid for the permit cost for the determination case DET2024-10119 and uploaded the Amendments to the permit website.
7. SMI is hiring one maintenance tech to replace the remaining one who resigned.
8. SMI obtaining a price to change out high-reach bulbs to LED floods (23). This is in an effort to save money in hiring an electrician to replace the high reach bulbs. Once replaced, SMI maintenance will be able to replace the bulbs and fixtures and not have to depend on electricians to do so. This will save on electrical costs in the future. Depending on the cost to replace all 23 fixtures, this may need to be a 2025 budget item. Initial cost
came in at $14,600 from one electrician. SMI is still waiting on another proposal due to the initial cost.
9. DRS to caulk the Grace Hopper pool deck and paint the coping band as approved by the board in June.
10. DRS to pressure-wash and paint CH No. 2, CH No. 3 and CH No. 4 mews benches as well as pressure-washing and painting of CH No. 2 and CH No. 4 mews knee walls. CH No. 3 mews walls are brick, and those will be pressure-washed as approved by the board in June.
11. DRS to pressure wash and paint the trellis/pergolas in CH No. 2, CH No. 3, and CH No. 4 mews as approved by the board in June.
12. BrightView to add two small shade-tolerant beds of liriope at Corrine Commons as approved by the board in June.
13. A/R/C to oversee the roof replacement project at Enders facility center and garage as approved by the board in June.
14. Ordered replacement umbrellas for the High Park pool as approved by the board in June.
15. Ordered replacement slings for pool lounge chairs as approved by the board in June.
16. SMI to send violation letters to owners and candidates who put out signs, flyers, circulars, posters, door hangers, or the like related to the upcoming election. It is against the association’s rules.
17. There was a plant swap at the High Park Pavilion July 27.
18. SMI emailed The Pool Specialist (resurface company) because it did not provide the documentation to the Florida Health Department per pool to satisfy the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act when the pools were resurfaced in 2020/2021 asking them to provide the completed forms. The company is unresponsive. The company was difficult to work with when the resurfacing work was being completed. SMI spoke to the Florida Health Department representative and was granted an extension to Dec. 31, 2024, for compliance. SMI emailed Becker Law on the situation, and Becker Law is sending a demand letter to The Pool Specialist.
19. SMI is gathering proposals from pool maintenance contractors to replace the current contractor. A service request came in on BP Solutions over the July 4 holiday weekend that the pool was dirty. The technician was on site Friday and cleaned the pool but was out sick Saturday. The company assured SMI it would send someone out to take care of the Grace Hopper pool on Saturday, but it did not. Subsequently, the pool was closed.
20. SMI revised the violation letter templates to reflect the changes in Florida Law (2024 Legislative Session).
21. Proposals related to 2023/2024 reserve study update anticipated work to complete. Those include:
a. Asphalt overlay 1-inch Ender’s parking lot. A proposal will be obtained
Continued on page 11
Baldwin Park notebook
TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING
BY MELISSA PARKER
The following information is a glimpse of the business that the Townhome Service Area Committee addressed in the July 18, 2024, meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork. com.
n The TSAC recommended to the ROA board to approve the A/R/C Associates Inc. bid for Live/Work phase 1 roof replacement project to Collis Roofing for $559,231.
n The TSAC recommended to the ROA Board to approve the proposal provided by BrightView Tree Care to remove an alleyway tree located about 1460 Lake Baldwin Lane.
UPDATES
n Please remember to report any landscape, building, or irrigation issues on Baldwin Park Solutions. Reporting items on Baldwin Park Solutions allows residents to share photos of the reported area(s) and receive real-time updates from management staff on corrective measures being taken. Baldwin Park Solutions can be
accessed on the Baldwin Park Network.
n The Cambridge service area is receiving roof replacements. There are 26 buildings located within the Cambridge service area. 3MG Roofing is currently working off Ethan Lane and then will head to Baldwin Park Street. Residents will receive updates via notices on their front doors when the next section will begin.
n Issa 22 & Issa 28 Phase 2 roof-replacement projects had a pre-construction meeting scheduled for Aug. 20, 2024. There is a lot of administrative work that must occur prior to the actual replacements beginning. A schedule for replacements will be created following all administrative tasks. Residents located within the two service areas will receive more information as it becomes available.
n The Live/Work service area will be receiving roof replacements for phase one. The ROA board approved the TSAC’s recommendation to select Collis Roofing as the company to conduct the replacements. The contract between the association and Collis Roofing is being drafted. The contract will be reviewed by the Association’s legal team prior to the
PET OF THE MONTH
Pet of the Month goes to Midge! Midge is a 4-year-old Yorkie who loves visiting the main office. If you have a pet you would like to see as Pet of the Week in the weekly newsletter, along with being submitted for Pet of the Month in the magazine, email a headshot to Suz Tapy at stapy@baldwinparkpoa.com with a little information about your furry family member.
ROA board president’s review/ signature.
n New sod that was installed in July 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 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 landscape touching in order 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: Live/Work and City Homes No. 1; Fence repair for Cambridge, Issa 22, and Issa 28.
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOME OWNERS
Mulching is completed once or twice a year based on the approved budgets. The mulch used is pine straw (pine needles).
The following reasons are why the TSAC decided to use pine straw:
n Pine straw breaks down quicker into the soil, thus helping the very high pH leaves in the soil.
n Pine straw does not attract termites like pine bark/pine nuggets.
n Pine straw is considered an all-natural or “green” mulch.
n Pine straw doesn’t float away as easily during rain storms because the needles become tangled together. When pine bark /pine nuggets float away, often it lands in the sod and can damage the sod.
n The ground-cover beds have pine fines installed instead of pine straw to help enhance the overall growth of the ground-cover beds.
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.
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Baldwin Park notebook
BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.
BY BILL PATTERSON
Summer is approaching its end, and school is back in session. Our Village Center’s restaurants and shops have a wide variety of food and trinkets to settle those after-school cravings or shopping urges.
THINGS TO KNOW
n Parking Lot 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; sections of these roads and parking lot will be closed temporarily for the work.
n Back-in Parking. Please refrain from back-in parking throughout the parking lots. This causes damage to the plants and the irrigation heads by hitting them, as well as by the exhaust blowing directly on the plants.
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.
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.
ROA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Continued from page 8
and brought to the board. Update: SMI met with ABC Paving on-site. It will provide three options for this parking lot due to the change in code concerning ADA grade requirements/ limits. ABC Paving has been unresponsive. SMI approached DMI another contractor. DMI was onsite June 20 and will be providing a proposal. Still need one more proposal. Atkins is taking a look at the parking lot; engineered drawings are needed for the permit process.
b. Poured-In-Place surface at Enders and Union Park playgrounds. Rep Services to provide proposals.
c. New cardio equipment in Grace Hopper Hall and Enders fitness centers. Fitnessmith to provide proposals.
d. New water heaters at Enders gathering room, Enders high-reach water heater, and Grace Hopper high-reach water heater. Need a price for Enders fitness center and Grace Hopper downstairs. All Pro Plumbing provided a proposal, which was in the July packet.
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 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. 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 trashcans. Victor Stanley to provide a proposal.
f. Garage door replacement. Overhead Doors to provide a proposal.
g. Stain Enders Pool Deck. DRS to provide a proposal. Received proposal and reported that to the reserve study analysis company. It came in at three times the cost. Once SMI is fully staffed in maintenance, it could be completed inhouse to save money.
h. Pump motor for Enders kiddie pool. Not needed at this time. Will revisit this during the 2026 full-site inspection by the reserve analysis company.
i. Fire alarm system at Grace Hopper Hall. Not needed at this time. Will revisit this during the 2026 full-site inspection by the reserve analysis company.
j. Replace Grace Hopper Hall pool heater. Not needed at this time. Will revisit this during the 2026 full-site inspection by the reserve analysis company.
The ordinary becomes extraordinary
HAVE A TINY STORY?
We’re reaching out to you for your tiny stories of 450 words or fewer. Something relatable that you’d like to share with the community when less is more. Submit your tiny stories to stapy@ baldwinparkpoa. com.
JULIE REMINGTON
Very early in the morning, as I was walking my dog, I saw, on the ground in front of someone’s door, a bouquet of flowers. Not the wedding kind or the artificial kind, but rather the supermarket kind. A sweet, colorful little bundle, all wrapped up in a clear, crinkly package of cellophane and optimism.
Were they a reparation for an indiscretion of some sort? Probably nothing too serious; maybe an apology for being late or not emptying the dishwasher for the 100th time. Something
Courtesy
more serious, such as a revealed flirtation or unjust, angry words surely would require a heavier penance, involving, say, a professional arrangement, along with a humble begging for forgiveness.
Maybe the flowers were “just because.” Maybe the recipient is one of those people who life shines upon and they,
in turn, inspire gestures of kindness and romance.
Perhaps it was a secret admirer. Someone desiring from afar, too shy or afraid to declare affection. Waiting for just the right moment, or maybe missing it altogether, unwilling to take a chance.
Regardless, someone woke up today, got ready to go to work, and, as they left, came upon this token, laid at their feet, so to speak. And the everyday routine maybe brightened a bit, and whether someone was saying I’m sorry, or I love you, or both, the ordinary became extraordinary.
L A K E B A L D W I N
POWER COUPLE
ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR
Baldwin Park resident Bill Vasquez doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.
Vasquez remembers building three-story tree forts with electricity when he was only 12 years old. He always loved working with his hands.
So, it only makes sense Vasquez’s perfect match made would be a woman whose upbringing was steeped in commercial development and entrepreneurship.
Vasquez met his now-fiancee, Colleen Sheive, in 2018 in Baldwin Park. Together, the two run Construction Services of Orlando — a home remodeling company specializing in both indoor and outdoor kitchen renovations. The business expanded recently from the couple’s home office to Lake Baldwin Lane.
Vasquez’s story is one of resilience and passion.
He was born in Medellin, Colombia, and raised on Marathon Key.
He is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and his dedication to construction led him to Gaines-
ville, where he obtained a degree in construction management technology. He honed his skills by managing countless new home builds for a prominent production builder in Orlando.
His other half, Sheive, a homegrown talent with deep
roots in Central Florida, hails from a family entrenched in of commercial real estate and development.
With a father in commercial development, a stepmother in title insurance and a mother who held the reins of one of Central Florida’s largest boarding kennels, her upbringing was rooted in entrepreneurship.
Her academic journey led her to the University of Florida, where she pursued business management, setting the stage for a successful 20 years as a licensed Realtor and a seasoned home flipper.
Currently on the path to obtaining her certified general contractor’s license, Sheive has left an indelible mark on the Central Florida landscape with her portfolio of hundreds of flipped homes and numerous commercial, retail and medical buildings constructed in collaboration with her father.
In 2019, the pair embarked on a new chapter together by founding Construction Services of Orlando. They have worked
Annabelle Sikes
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES OF ORLANDO
1420 Lake Baldwin Lane, Orlando
PHONE: (407) 664-4002
WEBSITE: constructionservicesoforlando.com
on many homes in Baldwin Park and also were instrumental in converting the old Provisions & Buzz on New Broad Street into the modern Blue Jackets Gastropub.
Locals now can step inside their recently unveiled office and showroom to witness firsthand the magic of Sheive’s design prowess and Vasquez’s expert project supervision. The two have about 15 employees working on their team.
The company has completed myriad project, including kitchen, bathroom, flooring and whole-home remodels, as well as exterior projects, such as paver installations, exterior painting and outdoor kitchens.
Although the company will service clients as far away as
Cocoa Beach, the couple is hoping to garner more clients closer to home in Baldwin Park. The two also hope to focus exclusively on kitchen projects in the future.
Vasquez says 95% of the houses in Baldwin Park are dated and have kitchens that are more than 20 years old, so there is a huge opportunity for the business.
“We want to be big fish in a little pond,” he says.
When they are not immersed in transforming spaces and creating dream homes, Sheive and Vasquez find solace in shared passions — teeing off on the golf course, savoring fine wines and basking in the sun-kissed shores of a nearby beach.
Their community spirit shines through, as they engage in friendly matches on the softball field in the Baldwin Park league.
In addition to their professional and personal pursuits, they love spending time with their family and friends, which includes quality time with their four children.
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NEW MOM CONNECTION
Baby and Me Yoga is a great chance to connect with your bundle of joy, yourself and with other Baldwin Park moms.
LISA SCHREIBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The first thing I tell moms about my Baby and Me Yoga class is that there are no expectations! Moms do not need to have any prior yoga experience and babies do not need to be calm and quiet. The class is completely relaxed and very casual, and because newborns are five to 10 years away from a partially developed brain-controlling social skills, we go with the flow. And go with the flow we do! In Baby and Me Yoga, a class of new moms and their newborns, it can be nothing but!
The class meets at Enders Community Room in Baldwin Park and is open to all residents. It makes no difference if the mom is an experienced yogi or has never taken a yoga class. Yoga and movement for mom is the goal — but not the only goal. Finding connection to other moms in the community is critical to many caregivers, especially those of babies and young children, and was the inspiration behind the creation of this class.
INSPIRED BY LIFE
Fifteen years ago, when my older son was born, my world as I knew it was thrown upside-down, backward, inside-out and completely out of whack. I would have likely fallen into postpartum depression had it
A NEW SESSION
The fall session of Baby and Me Yoga begins Sept. 17 and meets from 11 a.m. to noon weekly through Oct. 29 in the Enders
Community Room. Because life with babies is a bit unpredictable, moms are welcome to come and go as needed. Moms and their newborns/infants are
not been for one thing: my mommy groups. I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment as I buckled my 8-week-old into the car seat and drove us to our first mommy and baby group. At this breastfeeding support tea, I also successfully fed, diapered and transported my fussy little guy.
That experience led to other mommy and baby groups around town with a group of moms I met at the breastfeeding tea. We did music classes, yoga classes, puppet shows, museum visits, play dates at our homes, and even a book club (moms only!).
When my son got older and his brother (who also rocked my world) was out of the baby stage, I turned to yoga to deal with the stress and exhaustion ever-present in my life. And I loved it. After I received my certification to teach kids’ yoga and was in training to teach adult yoga, my teacher devoted one session to exploring options post-certification.
“What do you want to do now? Where do you feel called?” she asked.
And the answer that surfaced to the front of my heart was: new moms! I knew I wanted to create classes to help moms manage the lonely days, long sleepless nights, and the challenging transition to mommyhood, just as they were created for me.
BRINGING IT HOME
After teaching Baby and Me Yoga for a few years at the Maitland Jewish Community Center, I decided it was time to bring the class to Baldwin Park, my community, where young families can be spotted on every street. In 2022, I offered the inaugural session and was thrilled by the level of interest and participation it drew. Anyone who teaches fitness classes knows the struggle to attract and maintain students.
welcome and encouraged to join — even if they are only able to make one or two of the dates. Moms should bring a yoga mat, a blanket for baby and some
water. The fee is $10 per class. If you are interested in registering or have any questions, please email lisafineman@ yahoo.com.
WHAT TO EXPECT
So what do we do at Baby and Me Yoga? There is no set agenda, but I do try to include three components that are essential for that sense of connection new moms need.
1. Connection to baby. After introductions, I start the class with yoga for baby. We begin with a Good Morning stretch. “Good mooooorning,” the moms sing as they gently lift their baby’s arms over their head. As they repeat the salutation a few more times, the moms begin to light up with grins of adoration! The stress seems to melt away, as mom and baby gaze lovingly at each other, moms singing “IIIII looooove youuuuu!!!!!” while opening/ crossing their baby’s arms a few times. The gentle stretches are helpful for the baby’s growth and development. When paired with physical touch and verbal communication from mom, including singing and smiles, it becomes a rewarding multi-sensory experience that also strengthens the connection between mom and baby.
2. Connection to self. Some of the moms who come to class are physically fit — having kept up with exercise during their pregnancy and bounced back into a modified routine relatively soon after delivery. Some have been away from exercise for a few years or have dedicated minimal time to it. Regardless of the level of mom’s fitness, yoga is a perfect way to connect to the body. Yoga allows us to “take inventory” of our entire self. With this knowledge, we can take action to fill any deficiencies or desires; conversely, eliminating any unneeded surpluses that do
Getting moms and their babies out of the house is no small feat, but these amazing moms made it happen.
Not only did they show up, but also the moms exceeded my expectations by connecting outside of the
not serve us. Moving the body and finding stillness in the body can help postnatal moms better discover their path to recovery. With the baby lying on her back at the top of the mat, moms are led in gentle poses that stretch the areas of the body where they typically need love — the lower back, neck and shoulders. Cat/ cow is a favorite, as is the child’s pose. Moms are reminded to listen to their breath instead of their swirling thoughts and are encouraged by just a few moments of much-needed rest. They are grateful.
If baby is not sleeping and is ready for some fun, baby and mom also get to practice partner poses, which always draw big smiles and giggles from both parties! If baby is catching some Z’s, mom gets to practice solo! Warriors with mom lifting baby in
class for play dates and support. To this day, the kids continue to play and the moms continue to serve as a support system to one another.
“It was such an incredible addition to my life,” says Jenni Lonski, a Baldwin Park resident. “It was
the air (hello biceps!), tree pose with mom rocking baby (hello balance!) and superbaby pose with mom on her back, flying baby on her legs (hello laughter!) are just a few of the mom/baby poses well-loved by all!
“My favorite stretch was bridge pose while supporting my baby on me,” says Jenni Lonski, who was able to reconnect with her postnatal body with the help of the class. “Once I felt stronger, I loved holding him for Warrior One! I love yoga, but it was hard to practice it during my pregnancy.”
3. Connection to other moms. No matter what happens, there always needs to be time for conversation. Whether it’s an introduced topic (“If you could get one hour to yourself, how would you spend it?”) or the moms share whatever is on their mind, related to mommyhood or not, connection to other moms is established. These connections are important and very much needed, just as they are at any age and stage of life. Having a neighbor or a friend in your life going through similar life experiences, with all of the highs and the lows, leads to less stress and doubt and more of the good things we all hope for: safety, security, happiness, excitement, peace, love and more.
In addition, the support system is beneficial to many moms who don’t have extended family nearby. Because Central Florida is home to many transplants from different parts of the country — or out of the country — many locals are not easily able to rely on grandparents for help or celebrate holidays with loved ones. These friendships are a welcome substitute when extended family is not available.
a positive environment and a way for me to connect with others going through the same things, at around the same time, which was extremely validating. My son was also able to make friends and we still hang out!”
Courtesy photos
The Community Beautiful: CARE OF OUR CANOPY
MIMI SIMMONS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
It can be hard to see the forest through the trees. That’s an old saying meant to remind us not only not to get lost in the details of a situation but also to consider the bigger picture. When it comes to the larger trees of Baldwin Park, this saying rings true both literally and figuratively. While each of the trees on your own property requires maintenance and care, we might need to be reminded of a larger civic vision to restore and preserve a continuous green “canopy” that once predominated areas of Central Florida.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
The city of Orlando’s “One Person, One Tree” program has a goal of expanding the city’s canopy from 25% to 40% by 2040 and is reflected in its moniker — The City Beautiful. Similarly, Winter Park’s
“Community Canopy Program” strives to sustain and grow that community’s storied canopy. Both initiatives fall under the umbrella of a modern movement called urban forestry, which, according to the U.S. Forest Service, sets out to improve air and water quality, reduce heat island effects, control stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife through planting and maintaining more trees close to where we live.
FORESIGHT FOR FORESTRY
The planners of Baldwin Park endeavored to create a community with plentiful canopy. Original concept sketches show streets lined with mature oaks arching over shaded thoroughfares and stately homes framed by magnificent magnolias. Eventually, this vision manifested into the design of common areas and parks, a
WHEN CAN A TREE BE REMOVED?
Tree care, in general, does not require Homeowners Association or Architectural Review Committee approval, but removal and/or replacement does — even if you plan to replace it with a like kind. Be sure to apply for any changes to your home exterior or landscape prior to making those changes.
Officially, the city of Orlando requires a permit for tree removals even after ARC approval. Alternatively, a letter from an ISA & TRAQ certified arborist can be obtained.
street tree plan, and tree requirements for individual lot types prescribed in the Baldwin Park Residential Design Guidelines.
LIVING LARGE
While smaller ornamental accent trees are requisite on all private parcels here in Baldwin Park, larger canopy or shade trees must be incorporated into the landscapes
of the larger properties here. Park and village lots have a minimum requirement of a single front yard canopy tree and were planned with large enough setbacks between homes and sidewalks to accommodate them. The more generously sized manor and custom lots allow for multiple canopy trees in both front and side yards.
VIP LIST
Allowable canopy tree species are listed in section 3.4 of the guidelines. Oaks and magnolias seem to be the most popular. Elms, maples, hollies and cedars are planted regularly. Lesser known and rarely specified are sweet gum and loblolly bay, both of which are native to Florida.
AND NOW FOR YOUR PART
As a homeowner here, you are responsible for maintaining and, if necessary, replacing not only the trees on your property but also your street trees. According to Steele Napoleon, owner of Napoleon Tree Service, plan to have your trees evaluated by a certified arborist every year or at
least every other year. Important certifications are International Society of Arboriculture and ISA’s voluntary training program, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
CERTIFIED ARBORIST VS. ARBORIST
As an alternative, there are a handful of local tree professionals that might fall short of these certifications but whose years of dedication, training and experience make them an excellent choice for tree care. In any case, ask for references, a clear explanation of their assessment of your trees and recommendation for future care. Also critical is familiarity with the unique conditions of Baldwin Park landscapes.
One of those self-taught professionals is Craig Smith, of Craig Smith LLC. He says although trees can be trimmed any time of year in Florida, it is best performed in winter when trees are dormant and before the flush of spring. Of course, most of us hold off until right before we need it. A quick turnaround during peak season can mean higher prices.
KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES
The necessity of professional tree care is driven by three motivations:
LIFE & PROPERTY SAFETY
n At a minimum, trim limbs that are touching a structure or getting clipped by vehicular traffic.
n Thinning out a tree to allow airflow can build up a tree’s resilience in high winds. Avoid over-thinning, also called “lion-tailing,” when too much interior growth is removed leaving foliage only at the end of limbs. This can result in a higher likelihood of snapping boughs.
TREE HEALTH
n Get trees assessed regularly for common diseases, such as mistletoe, witch’s broom and fungi. Swift treat-
ment might help to avoid the costly replacement of a tree down the road. Evaluate branch and limb configuration.
n Trim for balance, structural integrity and optimal life span.
AESTHETICS
n Trim trees to avoid conflict with neighboring trees and allow light to penetrate to understory plantings, if appropriate.
n Decide if you want a natural or shaped look. How does it fit within the setting of your home and landscape?
n Top off height conservatively and never more than 25%.
n As much as we know what we want our trees to look like, make sure the previous points take precedence.
Set sail into a spectacular September in Baldwin Park!
BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
There are a ton of exciting events happening all across Baldwin Park during the month of September — all of which you will want to know about!
Starting off strong, we have the return of our annual Fall Porch Sale taking place community-wide on Sept. 7. If you are unfamiliar with this unique experience, you can only find locally in Baldwin Park. This event gives residents and surrounding locals the chance to sell their unwanted items or to
find some treasures of their own. It is a great day to tour the neighborhoods searching for goodies, plus you can also donate items at the Goodwill truck that will be setup at Grace Hopper Hall. The main area will be Corrine Commons, but sellers will be set up at Enders Park and High Park, as well. Residents, check your weekly newsletter for more information on how to sign your items up to be added to the map.
The association is hosting
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Suz Tapy
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.
Meet Suz Tapy, who has been with Sentry for 13 years. She began as the receptionist, eventually became office manager and now holds the title of community relations coordinator.
Some of her duties include overseeing and taking part in communications for the ROA, COA and Joint Committee, including Baldwin Park Network, weekly resident newsletter, Baldwin Park Living magazine, social media and Baldwin Park Solutions. She works with the
multimedia and community coordinator planning and executing small ROA events, collaborates with the contracted event planning company, and oversees the larger ROA and JC events. Suz is also the communication liaison with city of Orlando, schools and other civic organizations.
Currently, a big part of her day is dedicated to corresponding with residents and Hotwire during the bulk internet work taking place in the neighborhood. She also handles special projects assigned by ROA, COA or JC boards of directors, such as e-voting, organizing, verifying the ballots and proxies for the annual election, and cultivating and strengthening relationships with local community leaders and municipal services.
She coordinates with instructors to contract classes for Baldwin Park residents and shares new class inquiries with the board for class approvals. She also assists with vendor correspondence and contract information as needed for the
the second National Night Out sponsored by the city of Orlando. Come together Sept. 10 at High Park Pavilion for games, music, free food and to even meet some city officials. The last National Night Out at Enders Park was a huge success, so let’s make this one even better! Check your weekly newsletter for full details.
Last — but certainly not least — is another PLANT SWAP! You requested another one be held, and we are happy to oblige! Join your neighbors from 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 21 at High Park Pavilion with trimmings, seeds or full plants you would like to trade. You may even find that bucket-list plant you have been wanting for years! Email Brie at Mediacomm@BaldwinParkPOA.com with any questions!
community director.
Some of the new entities Suz has introduced to events and communications in her new role are OneBlood, Goodwill, Central Florida Navy League and OnSpot Dermatology.
“I love trying new things and seeking out organizations that I believe will fit the community well,” Suz said. “My favorite aspect about my job is helping residents get the information they need while also providing resources they want.”
Suz also loves the rich military history in Baldwin Park, so she’s implemented the Bravo Zulu and Did You Know sections of the weekly eblasts.
“I also satisfy my love for animals by viewing everyone’s submittals in the Pet of the Week segment,” she says.
Suz has been married to her husband, Mike, for 32 years, and they have a 24-year-old son, who recently graduated from college and is chasing his artistic dreams in New York City. Their household includes two Great Pyrenees pups, Athena and
Artemis, who love to go for car rides and pup cups.
Her career began in St. Louis, and includes fields such as property management, costume character production and performance, radio and promotions, and painting murals. She moved in 1992 to Orlando and spends her free time gardening, doing mid-century modern DIY projects, and spending time with her family.
Please feel free to reach out to Suz with any questions about events and communications, or to submit a human-interest story or furry friend picture at stapy@baldwinparkpoa.com.
