Baldwin Park Living October 2021

BALDWIN PARK

LIVING OCTOBER 2021

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

1

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

347241-1

2

Kimberley R. Gernert Real state Specialist Baldwin Park Resident

CAL L ME

(423) 381-5701

FOR A PRIVATE SHOWIN G

KimberleyRG@kw.com

Top Baldwin Park Realtor since 2016 Keller Williams #1 Individual Agent 2016, 2019-20

Park LArtBLE Baldwin AIExpe AV

Baldwin Park resident for over 15 years Ranked top producer since 2015

YO!"U!” helpYOU o help re tto hehere "I'm “I’m

One of Baldwin Park's top realtors since 2015 Ranked in op Producer Magazine Since 2015

2064 PROSPECT AVENUE

Excellent Location in BP!s Winter Park Keller William Member of st d FloorDivisio Suiten;with Porch 1Luxury Key Certifie GoldPrivate nd Spacious 2 Floor Balcony Orlando 5 Star Professional Realtor

by Orlando Style Magazine 2017, 2018 & 2019

D SOLD 3 BEDROOM • 3.5SOL BATH

SOLD

e Lane win Top Realtor in Baldwin Park since 2015 1878 KellerMeet Williamsing WinterPlac Park Luxury 625 Lake Bald

2633 Meeting Place

Orlando HOT 100 Realtors since 2019

m 2 bath 3 bedroo Baldwin Park Resident for over 15 years Lovely Courtyard Ranked in Top Producer Magazine Garage 2 Car since 2015

Division Member

3 bedroom 2.5 bath Bonus Room Orlando 5 Starard Professional Realtor by with Pool Courty Great Gold Key Certified

Orlando Style Magazine 3 years running (2017-2019)

4 bed 4.2 baths Salt water Pool Full Outdoor Kitchen 2 Large SideYards

Client Testimonial

“Working with Kimberley was a fabulous experience.

I step of the , thenevery kind-h&earted and e, experienced, professional, She wassavvy prompt, thorough kind through "If you are looking for a Realtor who is knowledgeablGerner to t marke the te naviga ically strateg us helped t. She search for our beach house. I am quite certain without strongly and unequivocally recommend Kimberley of everywestep stress tedand wit allevia Kimberley’s guidance expertise would not have been professionalism, enthusiasm and good-natured Her e. lifestyl our for find a home sailing h smoot ly Kimberley R. Gernert certain was It . the month able to purchase our family vacation home. We were one of 5 the way. Then, she turned around and sold our current home within and clients & about caresfor ely genuin who ne other contracts this property shetheir helped us complete the someo with hands good such in were we ng knowi and so nice (423 381 - 5701 deal with ease.

We highly recommend Kimberley for families."

KimberleyRG@kw.com KMP of Winter Park / Baldwin Park, FL Baldwin Park - she helped us with our home here AND

your dream vacation home on the beach!”

BALDWIN PARK LIVING- |Amanda OCTOBERand 2021 Trey 3

I would love to talk about your real estate needs. Call me

eyrg@kw.com

346652-1

Kimberley Reed Gernert Real Estate

Kelly Price & Company Baldwin Park’s #1 Broker - More Sales Than Any Other Broker in 2020 WINTER PARK

WINDSONG

WINTER PARK

$1,200,000

$1,150,000

$1,049,000

1554 Harris Circle

1409 Chapman Circle

2034 East End Avenue

LONGWOOD

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

WINTER PARK

$995,000

$589,900

$425,000

207 Smokerise Boulevard

The Vue at Lake Eola

1378 Pelham Road

ORLANDO

LAKE COPELAND | ORLANDO

WINTER PARK

*RENDERING

$1,895,000

$1,490,000

4000 Shorecrest Drive

239 E. Copeland Drive

508 W. Swoope Avenue

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

407.645.4321 KellyPriceAndCompany.com 243 W. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 346935-1

4

$549,000

Treat Yourself & Trick The Clock!

October 1st - 31st

Call Today 407-895-8818 R.I.P Wrinkles $11 Per Unit Dysport 35 unit minimum

Trick The Clock $150 Off Sculptra

Scare Away Your Spots

Get Back Your GHOULish Figure

$150 Off IPL Photofacials

Ready for FaBOOlous Lips? $125 Off All Dermal Fillers $300 Off When You Buy 2

Schedule A FREE Body Consultation Buy One Get One 50% Off All Body Treatments

BOOty Boot Camp $500 Off A Package Of QWO Cellulite Reduction Treatment $250 Off Packages Of CoolTone, Velashape, Or Sculptra For Body

Vampire Facials & Microneedling With Growth Factors

15% Off All Skin Care

$100 Off

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

5 347272-1

Offers may not be combined with any other offers or already discounted treatment packages. Prepayments not accepted. Terms and conditions subject to change.

CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2021

DEPARTMENTS 8 BALDWIN PARK NOTEBOOK Read about recent decisions made by community leaders.

12 WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN Denny O’Neil shares more life lessons, as told by Mom. 13 OBSERVED Baldwin Park Living welcomes new writer Annabelle Sikes.

14 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Looking for something fun in Baldwin Park? Find it here.

22 22 SETTING SAIL The Sailing Club in Central Florida is hosting local classes.

24 GROUPS & GATHERINGS Looking to connect? Find your perfect group here.

PATRIOT DAY

18 6

WE REMEMBER The Central Florida Navy League hosted its Wounded Warfighter run on Sept. 11.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

26 WILDCAT PRIDE Winter Park High’s PTSA board earns national award.

28 WHAT’S SELLING See two homes that sold recently in Baldwin Park.

LIVING OCTOBER 2021

Editor and Publisher — Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver.com

DEVELOP THE SKILLS & CONFIDENCE TO SUCCEED IN DEVELOP SKILLS & SCHOOL THE & BEYOND CONFIDENCE TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL & BEYOND

Exceptional READY for SCHOOL program with STEM introduction in READY Preschool beginning Exceptional for SCHOOL program State-of the-art facility with STEM introduction with technology lab, beginning in Preschool gymnasium, and on-site pool facility swimming State-of the-art with technology lab, VPK and after-school gymnasium, and on-site programs offered swimming pool

EDITORIAL Design Editor — Jessica Eng, jeng@orangeobserver.com Staff Writer — Annabelle Sikes, asikes@orangeobserver.com Contributors Will Campbell, Denny O’Neil

ADVERTISING Advertising Executive — Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@orangeobserver.com

PRODUCTION Creative Services Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@orangeobserver.com

Bright Horizons at Baldwin Park ®

1700 Fire House Lane, Orlando, FL 32814 407-895-8339 baldwinpark@brighthorizons.com Bright Horizons® at Baldwin Park brighthorizons.com/baldwinpark Lic# C09OR0671 1700 Fire House Lane, Orlando, FL 32814 407-895-8339 baldwinpark@brighthorizons.com brighthorizons.com/baldwinpark Lic# C09OR0671

VPK and after-school programs offered

© 2017 Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC

347026-1

BALDWIN PARK

© 2017 Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC

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) 725-8162.

Baldwin Park Living is a monthly publication of the Observer Media Group published in partnership with the Baldwin Park Joint Committee Inc.

BRANDY RAY realtor®

359361-1

949-449-5652

brandyray111@gmail.com

363816-1

Local Baldwin Resident & Realtor

Buy with me and I’ll sell your house for 1% 20 n orange ave suite 100, orlando fl 32801

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

7

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 Aug. 24 meeting minutes can be obtained on the Community Network (BaldwinParkNetwork. com) once acknowledged by the Board of Directors during the Sept.

28 meeting. n The board accepted the resignation of Kenneth Bush. n The board appointed Randall Black to the board. n The board appointed Irene Navarro de Lara as Secretary. n The board approved forming a bulk contract committee consisting of Tiffani Lindstrom, Kai Fu and Michael Gibbons. n The board approved the 2021 Financial Audit Engagement Letter

by Cole & Associates. n The board ratified the renewal of the Florida Water Features contract for the Mattamy Mews fountain preventative maintenance. n The board approved reimbursing a one-time reimbursement not to exceed $100 for each Baldwin Park Group or Gathering if it is not of a political and or religious nature. n The board approved the elm tree replacement in Mattamy (CH No. 3) Mews. n The board approved forming a legal committee consisting of Kai Fu, Michael Gibbons and Michael Agranoff.

8

UPDATES

n Events: Tim Weber Events will be organizing the fall Halloween event.

n Enders Facility Center paint: The approved work is being scheduled.

n Grace Hopper pool resurfacing: This work was anticipated to begin in the month of September.

n Grace Hopper Hall touch-up paint: The approved work is being scheduled.

n E-voting: 385 accounts consented, 173 actually registered and 150 actually voted in the annual meeting election of ROA directors.

n Grace Hopper Pool bath house painting: The approved work is being scheduled.

n Landscape replacements: Plant installations at the following parks/mews have been completed: Baskin Mews Liriope and Azalea fill-ins; Oak limb removal at Longview Park; root pruning at Longview Park; sod repairs at Longview Park; sod replacement at north end of High Park; Liriope installation at north end of High Park; and downspout extension repairs at north end of High Park.

The approved shade-tolerant plants for Corrine Commons were denied by the ARC. Management has asked for a proposal to repair the Bermuda in these areas.

The following approved landscape replacements are being scheduled: Bermuda repairs at Union Park; and sod repairs, root pruning and addition of drainage at south end of High Park. n Duct cleaning, installation of air purification system and installation of UV lighting at Grace Hopper: This work has been completed. n Duct Cleaning, installation of air purification system and installation of UV lighting at Enders: Per the board’s request, management is obtaining a proposal for Ender’s facility center. n Enders pool deck: The approved work to repaint, replace backer rods and re-caulk the expansion joints is being scheduled for later in the year to avoid the summer months during which the pool is in full use.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

n Enders Park lot reseal and re-stripe: The contract with DMI has been executed, and the permit application process has begun. The city of Orlando Permitting Department rejected the initial application/plans. Management has completed the private improvement cost worksheet, the Blue Sheet (erosion control plan) for resealing and re-striping of parking lot and paid the permit fee. Work will be scheduled as soon as the permit is approved. n Townhome Roof Replacement for 2022: The TSAC manager has been working with ARC associates (roof consultants) and legal on the contract for each service area. The contract has been agreed to and will be brought back to the board for review in September. Once the contract is approved, ARC will start is work on gathering bids, looking at staging areas, etc. n 2021 reserve items: Management reviewed the 2020 Reserve Study Full Site Inspection for items due in 2021. For Grace Hopper: Replace CVT flooring upstairs, downstairs and elevator. Management has requested a proposal from Creative Flooring and this will be brought back to the board in the near future. n Preventative maintenance items on hold: Proposals for bollard light painting in CH No. 2 and CH No. 4 Mews.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS Have you downloaded the Baldwin Park Services App? n Set up a profile n Submit and view requests n Report street and sidewalk repair issues n Report streetlight outages n Contact Orlando police n Receive alerts n See reported Baldwin Park items Once a request is submitted, staff will redirect and/or respond through a customized work­ flow management system, and you will receive real-time sta­tus updates if you leave notifications set to “on.” An­other way to receive information in a timely manner!

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOUSE OWNERS

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE

BY MELISSA PARKER MParker@BalwinParkPOA.com The following information is a glimpse of the business that the Townhome Service Area Committee addressed in the Aug. 19 meeting.

A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network (BaldwinParkNetwork.com) once approved at the Sept. 16 meeting. n The TSAC moved to approve irrigation upgrades (previously budgeted for) in the Cambridge service area.

The TSAC moved to approve maintenance and painting proposals for 2022 provided by DRS Inc.

UPDATES

n Please remember to report any landscape, building or irrigation issues on the Baldwin Park Services app. Reporting items on the Baldwin Park Services app will allow residents to share photos of the reported area(s) and receive real-time updates from management staff on corrective measures being taken. n Baldwinparknetwork.com has a Townhome Owner link (under Association Information tab). Check it out for amazing information! n New sod that was installed in July/August has been treated with a fungicide. n BrightView has treated Hollies on Chatfield in the City Homes No. 1 service area for scale. n BrightView has treated Topiaries and Ixora in the City Homes No. 2 service area. n BrightView has treated Lilies on Twinview Lane and Fern Avenue (Issa 28, Issa 22) for rust. n During the month of June, there was 7.06 inches of rain (normal is 8.05 inches).

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 more quickly into the soil, thus helping the high pH leaves in the soil. n Pine straw does not attract termites as much as 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, many times it lands in the sod and can damage the sod. n The groundcover beds have pine fines installed instead of pine straw, to help enhance the overall growth of the

n When BrightView lays new sod and installs plant material, irrigation is commonly broken or requires repair. Plant/sod installation crews work first, then irrigation technicians work to make repairs after all material has been installed. n Per DRS Inc., here is the Townhome painting schedule for September 2021: Live/work service area. n Per DRS Inc., here is the Townhome maintenance schedule for September 2021: Mattamy.

Because of the pandemic, there has been an adjustment to dates for painting projects and maintenance in the townhome service areas. Supplies were delayed in being shipped from vendors to DRS Inc. at the beginning of the year. Schedules now will be projected one to two months out to anticipate any possible future changes. Notices still are being left on townhome front doors one to two weeks in advance to inform residents of any upcoming projects beginning in their address range.

BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.

BY BILL PATTERSON VILLAGE CENTER UPDATES n The Village Center painting project is ongoing.

The buildings along New Broad Street from Meeting Place down to Jake Street will get a fresh coat of paint in the next few months. Please be mindful of coned off areas in front of the buildings where the painting is taking place.

GENERAL UPDATES n If you haven’t already, please sign up for the Baldwin Park Network. The website provides so much great information including the governing documents, news and events, and information about the businesses around Baldwin Park. You also will receive the weekly eblast that has all the latest events and information of the week. n Have you downloaded the Baldwin Park Services App yet? You can find it in the Android Play Store or in the Apple Store. It is a great resource to report various issues around the community, including light outages, broken sprinkler heads and many others.

You also can submit work requests for city of Orlando maintenance and repair. n The COA service area manager walks the property looking for covenant compliance each month.

To avoid violations and fines, please maintain your building and property so it is looking Baldwin Best. If you have any questions, please contact Bill, BPatterson@BaldwinParkPOA.com. n Architectural Review Committee meetings take place twice a month, on the second and fourth Tuesday for application reviews regarding commercial changes to exterior structures (roofing replacements and painting), landscaping and signage. Applications can be located on the Baldwin Park Network under Commercial Owners Association and Commercial Architectural Review Committee. For questions, email Bill at BPatterson@BaldwinParkPOA.com.

BALDWIN PARK BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT n Tactical Brewing Co. will be releasing three Halloween-themed beers to kick off the month of October: a tropical fruit punch Sour, a Double New England IPA and a caramel apple Sour Ale. The company also will be hosting its third annual Zombie Run around Lake Baldwin and “Zom Prom,” among other Halloween activities toward the end of the month. Follow along on the company’s social media platforms to stay up to date: @tacticalbrewing.

BALDWIN PARK LIVINGSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2021

9

shop, dine, unwind & live in style!

Shop safely and enjoy specialty stores, delicious restaurants, unwindsalons, & live ain style! shop, dine, unwind &shop, live dine, in luxurious style! convenient grocery store, loft apartment Shop safely and enjoy specialty stores, Shop safely and enjoy specialty stores, homes, or sit by a sparkling fountain delicious delicious restaurants, luxurious salons, a restaurants, luxurious salons, a and watchconvenient the world gostore, by.loft apartment grocery convenient grocery store, loft apartment

a one-of-a-kind destination. homes, by a sparkling fountain and homes, or sit It’s by a sparkling fountain andor sit watch the world go by.

watch the world go by.

It’s a one-of-a-kind destination. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination.

ShopWinterParkVillage.com I 407.571.2700

ShopWinterParkVillage.net BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021 ShopWinterParkVillage.net 407.571.2700

407.571.2700

364116-1

10

Stay well ahead, Winter Park.

Now Open: Our newly renovated and expanded ER.

AdventHealth is enhancing world-class emergency care for the residents of Winter Park with the reopening of our emergency room. As part of the extensive AdventHealth care network, this state-of-the-art ER seamlessly connects you to the award-winning services of the #1 ranked hospital in Orlando according to U.S. News & World Report.

Select ER features

• 29 new private rooms • Board-certified emergency physicians and nurses • Dedicated pediatric emergency care backed by nationally recognized AdventHealth for Children, including • Specially trained pediatric providers • Pediatric-friendly waiting room • Themed rooms designed just for kids

21-WPMH-09411

200 North Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792 AdventHealthWinterParkER.com

11 352184-1

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN!

More wise words from Mom W

DENNY O’NEIL FORMER BALDWIN PARK RESIDENTIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

12

ell, (another hole in the ground) (a verbal pause) it has been a slow news cycle in Baldwin Park, so I won’t be giving you important advice about some crime development from the Orlando Police Department or news from the Residential Owners Association Board of Directors latest meeting. However, I would like to mention that the Neighborhood Watch 2021 National Night Out Event will be Oct. 5, maybe in a location near you.

Check with your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain for more information.

I’ve been keeping material for this article for a couple of years, and this seemed like a good time to write it. In March 2018 and April 2018 editions of Baldwin Park Living, I related to you some of the sayings and phrases my mother used routinely while bringing up my siblings and me. This is the last of the sayings and phrases that I have, and I thought that you might enjoy them.

First, from the kitchen: “A watched pot never boils.” Now, I know this to be true. I don’t know how many times I have stood there waiting for the water to boil as I was wanting to make some ramen noodles for lunch. So, so true. “You are what you eat.” That makes me salty and sweet! “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” I thought this one was a little foreboding, that is until my Vietnam War experience. For those of you who don’t know much about history — apologies to Sam Cooke: “Wonderful World,” great song — the Vietnam War was at one time our longest war, recently outdone by our Afghanistan War, and the Vietnam War ended in 2005. Or maybe that’s not the date, look it up. Anyhow, while I was in Vietnam, I lived life to the fullest,

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

because one never knew when the game was up. “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

Beside the kitchen, this means occupations (e.g. stressful job) and locations (e.g. California, New York or Chicago), among other things.

“wonderful.” A college-age administrative person where I get my acupuncture has told me that he hopes when he gets to be my age, he can give that answer to that question. “Eavesdroppers never hear any good of themselves.”

Time: Now the “Eat, drink and …” could have been included here, but I already used it in the kitchen.

“Tomorrow never comes” (which became a title of a Zac Brown Band song — I don’t know if he ever spoke to my mother), which I took to mean don’t procrastinate.

So, I finally have decided to spend a lot more time painting canvases and doing artwork, in general. Related is “Time and tide wait for no one.” My mother also said, “Time goes faster when you get older.”

I never believed that one when I was younger, but now I do. I can’t explain it, but it does go faster.

And some that are just good advice: “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” “Believe half of what you see, and nothing of what you hear.”

That last one is really important in today’s world. “Self-praise stinks,” as I tell my many followers who love me. “Beauty is only skin deep” and “Pretty is as pretty does,” which contradict today’s view that physical beauty is everything.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness” — this lacks meaning for atheists.

“A barking dog never bites” — not sure about this one if it really applies to dogs, but I think it means something more like a dog’s bark is worse than its bite, i.e. someone just mouthing off is probably better than someone who physically assaults you. And, I’m sure that you have heard this one, “The pen is mightier that the sword” (unless you get the point of the thrust; ask anyone in a communist country).

“Better to be a true enemy than a false friend.”

Behavior: “You are known by the company you keep.” Self-explanatory. So, hang with decent people.

“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” I find this one very true. I always feel better when I get ahead on my list of things to do. “As ye sow, so shall you reap.” Raised a Lutheran, I was used to language like this, because a lot of our liturgy and hymns used words like this (from the Bible). (I particularly liked the pronouns “Thee” and “Thou” and the adjective “Thy.”) “It is better to give than to receive,” As a kid, this always rubbed me the wrong way, especially at Christmas. “Never look a gift horse in the mouth,” and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” These are good pieces of advice. “Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone.” This is good advice.

I am usually upbeat and when asked how I am, I answer with

And finally, “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.” “Cold hands, warm heart.” I once dated a woman who reminded me of this every time I held her hand (which was always cold). And, some of my personal favorites: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”

“The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” And last but not least, “Marry in haste, repent at leisure.”

Therein ends the article (Lutheran speak).

OBSERVED

Ready, excited to tell your stories ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

W

hen I was younger, I always had the same recurring dream.

I would wake up in the morning with my eyes still blinded from the flashing lights of cameras and my ears aching from the heavy shouting of the press attempting to cover that week’s traumatic political scandal or the most popular celebrity rumored to having her sixth baby.

As I got older, I realized the tabloids, politics and glamorized reporting was not for me. I knew I loved to write, and I knew I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for my career, but I hadn’t yet found my purpose.

I moved to Orlando from South Florida and attended the University of Central Florida. In May, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in sociology.

Throughout my college years, I worked and interned for just about every Orlando-based newspaper and magazine — trying to figure out where I fit in best. I interned for the Orlando Weekly, wrote for The Community Paper in downtown Orlando, served as a

digital producer for Centric Magazine and as managing editor for UCF’s NSM Today, and worked for the Orlando Sentinel straight out of college.

My first big story for The Community Paper was a feature piece on local plastic surgeon Dr. Mark McDonough.

I remember driving to the house where we were to conduct the interview and feeling my hands stick to the steering wheel with nervous sweat as my feet tapped an anxious rhythm on the floor.

On Aug. 3, 1976, a tragic fire in the McDonough household took the lives of Mark’s mother and his younger brother, before moving on to leave burns on more than 60% of Mark’s body in his attempts to save them. Mark was only 16 years old at the time.

Mark, his wife and I talked for four hours. I held both their hands while they opened up and shared their life story with me.

I could see that it was hard, but they never faltered. It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

When I left the McDonough

household that day, I called my mom and cried. I cried for the pain that Mark and his family had gone through, I cried for the strength that Mark required now to use his experiences to help others by working in a burn trauma unit. I cried at the complete transparency and rawness that Mark and his wife had shown me — a stranger.

In that moment, I knew I had found my purpose.

Community reporting offers the opportunity for something special — larger than just you and me.

I aim to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. I aim to tell the truth humbly and honestly. I aim to tell people’s stories who don’t have the means to tell their own. I learned that we aren’t meant to fit into everyone else’s boxes.

Everyone has a story. I look forward to learning yours, Baldwin Park.

Broker Associate / ® Realtor

407-399-0629 ben@bencole.org

347015-1

Your Neighbor! 13+ year Baldwin Park Homeowner

Ben M. Cole III Inc. • 910 Versailles Cir. • Maitland, FL 32751

363909-1

®

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

13

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Community calendar OCT. 30: KIDTOBERFEST 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Corrine Commons. This annual event for Baldwin Park residents will feature a pumpkin patch, stilt-walkers, caricture artists, photo opportunities, a deejay, dancing, candy, games and more. Presented by Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association.

OCT. 1

LIVE MUSIC AT GALERIA 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Galeria Restaurant, 4979 New Broad St. Head over to Galeria to enjoy great food, drinks and live music. Call (407) 543-3279 or visit galeria-restaurant.com.

OCT. 3

SUNDAY FUNDAY AT TACTICAL BREWING Enjoy beer slushies and “beermosas” starting at noon — with live music from 3 to 6 p.m. — every Sunday at Tactical Brewing, 4882 New Broad St.

OCT. 4

SAILING LESSONS If you’ve ever wanted to learn to sail, here’s your chance. Sailing lessons begin Monday, Oct. 4, and classes will meet twice a week for three weeks. There are three classroom sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays at Lake Fairview Marina, and three “on the water” sessions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays on Lake Baldwin. Learn basic sailing skills and terminology from the instructors of the Central Florida Community Sailing Program. The cost is $155 and includes a book. For detailed

14

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

information and registration, call (407) 645-1892 or email classes@ thesailingclub.us.

OCT. 6

TRIVIA AT TACTICAL 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Tactical Brewing Co., 4882 New Broad St. Join “The Intern” from BYOCB every Wednesday night as he hosts trivia at Tactical. Categories change each week. Keep an eye on Tactical’s social media to get the bonus word of the day.

Staff suggests arriving at 6:30 p.m. with your thinking caps on.

First-place team wins a $25 gift card, second place wins a $15 gift card, and third place gets a $10 gift card.

OCT. 13

THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE PARKS Meets from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The Rotary Club of the Parks is a diverse group of working professionals and neighbors that like to have fun while doing good in their community and the world. Visitors and guests are welcome. Meeting information is posted in the Baldwin Park Weekly resident email blast or at facebook.com/RotaryClubOfTheParksOrlando. If you are interested in attending or learning more about Rotary club, please visit baldwinparkrotary.com.

OCT. 14

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month virtually. Meetings are subject to change. Members should look for updated scheduling information in the weekly Wednesday resident updates.

OCT. 15

BALDWIN PARK ELEMENTARY PTA SHINDIG ...

FRESH SQUEEZED 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at Corrine Commons. This annual fundraiser for the Balwin Park Elementary PTA will be held under the stars at Corrine Commons, in the heart of Baldwin Park.

Bring your friends for a memorable adults-only night out. All proceeds go directly toward the PTA’s efforts to enhance student programs and resources. Tickets are $50. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit baldwinparkpta.org/shindig.

OCT. 21

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING Meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month virtually.

Meetings are subject to change.

Please look for updated scheduling information in the weekly Wednesday resident updates.

OCT. 25

ROA BOARD MEETING Meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month virtually.

Meetings are subject to change.

All members of the ROA can attend the meetings. The agenda for the upcoming meeting will be posted on the Baldwin Park Network the Friday prior to the upcoming meeting. You also can access previous meeting minutes. The minutes are always one month behind as they cannot be posted until they are approved.

ONGOING

“BOOK OF MERMAN” This musical runs through Oct 17 at the Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park.

For more information or tickets, visit winterparkplayhouse.org.

347348-1

364165-1

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

15

3109 PEQUOD PLACE KISSIMMEE, FL 34746

4 BED I 3 BATH 1,914 SQ FT

This 4 bedroom townhouse in the highly desirable Storey Lake Resort is a great example on what you should be looking for in short term rental investments. Fully furnished, private pool, resort style amenities, and conveniently located near theme parks, restaurants, and shops!

Ask me about investing in Short Term Rentals

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL “Alex DiMare is a Professional and Patient and Understanding Agent who always listened to us and always went out of his way to help us with the purchase of our home. Whatever our concern was, he always knew the answer and if we asked for information, he was always spot on in replying to us.

We highly recommend him as a Real Estate Agent.”

-Richard Recor

(Source: Google review)

16

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

As a Baldwin Park resident I love showing off our beautiful neighborhood! I am proud to work and live here which makes it a stress free process if you are looking to buy or sell your home.

Icon Realty Associates 305-458-1157 alexdimare11@gmail.com 5518 Pitch Pine Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

SOLD

2204 Candlenut Circle Apopka, FL 32712

HOW MUCH IS YOUR HOME WORTH? Here are some considerations before selling your home: - Hire an agent that knows the market - Set a timeline for selling your home - Get a pre-sale home inspection - Don’t waste money on needless upgrades - Get professional photos - Set a realistic price

SOLD

12627 Langstaff Drive Windermere, FL 34786

SOLD

560 Auburn Hill Boulevard Auburndale, FL 33884 BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

17 363781-1

A lex DiMare

Scott Nicholson, a member of the Sea Cadets, which helped run the event, celebrated with other younger volunteers after the race.

A run to remember Central Florida Navy League’s Wounded Warfighter Lone Sailor race brought the community together on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

T

he sun was slowly beginning its crawl into the morning sky, peeking just barely over the tops of the tall oak trees. Birds chirped as they awoke from their slumber by the sounds of friendly neighborhood chatter. Baldwin Park was covered in red, white and blue.

However, those who looked closely realized the colors went far deeper than the surface.

Something truly special was in

18

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

the air the morning of Sept. 11, 2021.

Maybe it was the way the community gathered to support their wounded service men and women.

Maybe it was how military families and friends celebrated the annual Patriot Day. Maybe it was the moment of silence by participants at 8:46 a.m., when the first plane hit the World Trade Center, for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, where time seemed to stop.

This year was the 12th anniversaContinued on page 20

Photos by Annabelle Sikes

Participants ran, jogged and walked during the duration of the race.

Osteopathic Health of Baldwin Park

Having great healthcare means means so so much much more morethan thanhaving havinghealth healthinsurance insurance We We offer offer truly truly personalized, personalized, extraordinary extraordinary medical medicalcare care Direct Direct access access to to your your physician physician via via office office visits, visits, text, text, email, email,telemedicine telemedicine Physical Physical healing healing to to eliminate eliminate your your pain pain and and optimize optimize health health Memberships Memberships starting starting as as low low as as $60/mo. $60/mo.

Come in for a consultation and experience experiencehealthcare healthcarethe theway wayititshould shouldbe. be.

Neuromuscular Neuromuscular Medicine Medicine

Osteopathic Osteopathic Healing Healing

Osteopathic Osteopathic Health Health of of Baldwin BaldwinPark Park

4625 4625 Halder Halder Lane, Lane, Suite Suite C, C, Orlando Orlando FL. FL. 32814 32814 Phone: 407-506-4776 Phone: 407-506-4776

www.osteopathic.healthcare www.osteopathic.healthcare

364027-1

Internal Internal Medicine Medicine Primary Primary Care Care

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

19

Continued from page 18 ry of Central Florida Navy League’s Wounded Warfighter Lone Sailor 5K and 10K. The event, which began in 2009, raises money for charities that support wounded service men and women and the Central Florida military communities. Throughout the years, the organization has contributed more than $400,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project, Building Homes for Heroes, The Camaraderie Foundation and the Lone Sailor Memorial of Central Florida.

This year’s event included rewards for community members involved, including premium race shirts for all participants and a newly designed, limited-edition race medal, as well as a new race for kids.

In 2019, the race attracted 800 participants. In 2020, runners participated virtually because of the pandemic. This year, the race included new additions to keep participants safe, including masks, staggered starts, social distancing and the option to run virtually.

Although this year’s race was not as large, what it lacked in size, it made up for in heart and spirit.

Beth Jeck celebrated turning 61 by completing the race.

“Flight 93 went down where my farm is and my sister-in-law is Navy, my whole family is Marines, so we support this whole project,” Jeck says. “I love these people, and I love that even in times that are hard like these, we can come together and

look toward a brighter future.”

Lisa Coe is not only the current president for CFNL but also its first female president. She does all of this as a civilian.

“I never served in the military, but I have this overwhelming passion for the military and our Navy,” Coe says. “I am super blessed and grateful for all that I have, and I’ve worked hard but also had a lot of great people guide me.”

CFNL is the top Navy League council out of 240 councils across the world, Coe says. The non-profit beneficiaries for the program include about 2,200 children in programs such as Sea Cadets, JROTC and MJROTC in Central Florida.

CFNL awards scholarships, provides uniforms, connections, assistance and more. The group also works with sister sea services, including the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant, to host events such as barbecues and Christmas parties for families at port.

This year’s event benefited the work of the Central Florida Navy League, the Camaraderie Foundation and Wake for Warriors.

Scott Nicholson, a member of the Sea Cadets, which helped run the event, has been involved with the cadets for seven years.

“My dream has always been to serve in the Navy,” Nicholson says.

“I have learned leadership, discipline, honor, courage and commitment, the Navy’s core values.”

He says the unit helps with the event every year.

Each participant received a medal upon completing the race.

Top: Will Castillo, one of the many veterans who attended the event, came to support the community — especially on a day that is difficult for many. He first enlisted in the military after the 9/11 attacks.

20

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

Photos by Annabelle Sikes

The event began with the national anthem and the presentation of colors.

The Statue of Liberty was a welcome guest at the race.

“We come out to the community and help as much as we can, and we are honored to be here on the anniversary of 9/11,” Nicholson says.

For more than 30 years, Baldwin Park was home to the Naval Training Center Orlando, which was the first co-ed Navy base. CFNL honored the rich Navy history in the Central Florida area by building the

Lone Sailor Navy Memorial and the Blue Jacket Recruit Statue at Blue Jacket Park, where the race took place.

Will Castillo, one of the many veterans who attended the event, says he came to support the community — especially on a day that is difficult for many. He first enlisted in the military after the attacks on 9/11.

“Twenty years after 9/11, we have lost a lot of love and support and community for the military and the patriotism and the flag, so I come out and try to support every part; it’s the least I can do,” Castillo says.

“I had the honor to serve my country, and I can’t do that anymore, but I can be an outstanding citizen.”

While Castillo served, he experienced combat and was faced with many challenges. He lost two of his closest friends, his leg and, ultimately, himself.

Castillo says hope is what kept him going. He now serves his country as a Paralympian. Castillo currently is ranked No. 1 in the United States for seated para bobsleigh and top 10 in the world.

Runners had a blast participating in this year’s Wounded Warfighter Lone Sailor race.

Each runner who completed the race was awarded a medal as they crossed the finish line.

Orlando’s premiere Orlando’ social destination Located behind Waterford Lakes Town Center

Waterford Lakes Town Center

Bowling axe throwing Ping Pong karaoke arcades Billiards Restaurant 4 Bars Event Space 364234-1

Planning A holiday party? party?

You’ve worked all year! Let us handle the planning while you sip on whatever makes you merry and bright. www.thekegsocial.com

@thekegsocial

12850 Waterford Lakes Pkwy, Orlando FL 32828 BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

21

Adventurous & free

Courtesy photo

Todd McCurdy and Penny Potter say there is nothing quite like the feeling they get when they’re on the water.

Todd McCurdy and Penny Potter love sharing their passion for sailing with others through a series of classes offered in Balwin Park.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

T

odd McCurdy and Penny Potter both found passion in sailing from their fathers.

Now, McCurdy, current commodore for The Sailing Club in Central Florida, and Potter, in charge of instruction and classes, pursue that passion in Baldwin Park.

Potter says her love for the water is a family affair.

“My dad had been in the (U.S.) Navy, and he was on a Destroyer in World War II in the Mediterranean,” she says. “He always loved the water and boats, and some of that passion transitioned on to me and my sisters.”

22

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

In the 1970s, both Potter’s sisters, who lived in Maryland, found a sailing class where they lived and took it. They told Penny she should find one in Florida.

“I took it, and I was hooked,” Potter says.

Potter purchased her first sailboat less than a year after she took the class.

McCurdy also fell in love with sailing quickly.

His grandfather was passionate about fishing, and his father, who passed away before he was born, was a sailor.

McCurdy lived in northern California and had a sailboat growing up that was bought by his parents, who taught him to sail. When the family moved to Ohio, McCurdy

SETTING SAIL The first sailing lesson of fall 2021 will take place Oct. 4.

For detailed information and registration, those interested can call (407) 645-1892 or email Classes@thesailingclub.us.

stopped sailing for a while. When he moved to Florida, he found a passion in windsurfing.

However, about three years ago, McCurdy was walking around Lake Baldwin with his older daughter when he saw the sailboat compound. The pair immediately signed up, took the class and loved it. They have been part of the club ever since.

THE EXPERIENCE

McCurdy said the sailing program is unique, because it is cost-effective, the instructors are all volunteers, and the program is local and

A BIT OF HISTORY

The Sailing Club in Central Florida’s history dates back almost 50 years; it began with the American Red Cross small craft program. The Red Cross taught both sailing and canoeing before opting to dispose of the program in the mid-1990s.

That could have been the end of the program, but two members who were friends with former Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood and her husband, Charles, helped save it. The Hoods were avid sailors and helped to arrange for the program to be taken over by the city.

In the late 1990s, the Orlando Recreation Department bought a fleet of 12 new boats and

free sails, race series, fun sail cruises and more.

The group also used to have events such as picnics or Christmas parties in winter before the pandemic. Potter says the club

moved the program from Lake Orlando in Rosemont to Lake Fairview. When Glenda’s term ended, the city lost interest in the program and abandoned it, leaving the sailing program without a sponsor and without boats.

The program decided to set up a 501(c)(3) in 2008 and received enough funds from members and other organizations that it could purchase boats. The program also made a deal with the city of Winter Park recreation department to use a portion of Lake Baldwin Park to store the boats.

Today, the program still resides in Baldwin Park and has six sailboats.

is working on bringing more of these activities back — but with improved safety guidelines. McCurdy says the club currently is meeting via Zoom to be safe.

355977-1

community-driven.

“It is such a serene but also exciting experience being on a sailboat,” McCurdy said. “You feel adventurous and free.”

McCurdy says sailing has many benefits, including the social aspect, exercise, fresh air and fun.

“We’ve got people of all ages in our program, and it’s such a great way to bring everyone together,” McCurdy says.

The program is currently the only one in Orlando that offers group (rather than individual) classes.

The curriculum for the classes almost mirrors that used by the American Red Cross. The classes have a maximum of 12 students, and the classes last three weeks, with two classes per week. The class is a combination of both textbook and lecture learning, as well as on-water experience.

Those who pass the final tests are invited to join the club.

The official sailing club offers a variety of benefits for members.

The members get to enjoy all the club activities, including Sunday

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

23

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Groups & gatherings Many of the Baldwin Park groups have postponed meetings because of the COVID-19 precautions. However, some groups are meeting on Zoom, or connecting via email or Facebook. Please take a look at what interests you, and reach out to a group leader to connect make an introduction. Check out the Baldwin Park Groups and Gatherings Facebook page for posts about club events, Zoom meetings and photos from around the neighborhood.

BALDWIN PARK ART Baldwin Park’s art club is a mixture of art classes, studio tours and gallery openings for art lovers. It’s open to everyone.

Contact Pat at plremingt@ gmail.com.

BALDWIN PARK KIDS CLUB Activities for children ages infant to 5 years old. Parents and kids enjoy a variety of casual get-togethers, including story time, play dates, park picnics, mom’s night out and more.

Contact bpkidsclub1@gmail. com. Many programs for kids are now on Zoom.

NEW! BALDWIN PARK LGBTQ+ The purpose of the Baldwin Park LGBTQ+ group is to provide social activities for Baldwin Park residents that identify as LGBTQ+, family members and allies of the community. For more information, contact Byron P. Lee at byron@ biobitworks.com or call (470) 898-9315.

COOKING AROUND THE WORLD Learn the artful craft of cooking ethnic foods with hands-on cooking demonstrations. This group will resume when residents can meet in the kitchen again!

ETHNIC FOOD ENTHUSIASTS Explore exceptional epicurean dishes every month. Experience a chef talk or food flights and bites at local restaurants. Singles and residents new to the area are encouraged to jump in and enjoy incredible food and conversation. Contact Shannon at sfaith14@gmail.com.

GAMES GALORE! Adults are invited to play a variety of games on various Saturdays. Learn new games like Settlers of Catan or play the classics. Contact Robyn at rhzgrodin@gmail.com.

GARDENERS GROWING TOGETHER This group will start hosting socially distanced meetings for exchanging ideas. Email alysonescribano@gmail.com for details.

FITNESS AND FUN

So many people find friendships at the gym. Most gyms have been slowly reopening, but some Baldwin Park-area fitness and yoga studios are continuing the connection with live Zoom classes, Instagram feeds and Facebook Live. n BLUE MOON YOGA — Classes for Baldwin Park residents are held Friday and Saturday mornings. Restorative Yoga for Women is at 9 a.m. Fridays inside Enders Gathering Room. Saturday offers two outdoor classes: All Levels Yoga at 9 a.m. and Power Yoga at 10 a.m. at Corrine Commons, in front of Grace Hopper Hall. For more, contact Becca at (407) 276-3478 or becca@bluemoon.yoga or visit bluemoon.yoga. n CHAMPIONSHIP MARTIAL ARTS — In-person classes are back in action with various safety precautions. Visit championshipmartialarts. com/baldwin-park to learn more. n F45 TRAINING — Enjoy a functional, full-body workout while improving energy levels, metabolic rate, strength and endurance. Visit f45training. com/baldwinparkfl. n 9ROUND FITNESS — Enjoy a 30-minute total body workout in a kickboxing-themed

NIFTY FIFTIES PLUS Socials for active couples and singles, age 50 and up, meet several times a month for a variety of social activities including ladies coffee, happy hour, luncheons, parties and more. Reach out to niftyfiftiesplus@gmail.com.

NOVEMBER PROJECT Unlike the name, this group meets year-round. Run, squat, plank and laugh while you work

24

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

fitness program. For information, visit facebook. com/9RoundOrlandoJakeSt. n NOVEMBER PROJECT — This group is offering free weekly workouts. Visit november-project.com for more information. n RAY OF LIGHT YOGA — Yoga instructor Lisa Schreiber hosts various yoga classes.

You can also enjoy monthly outdoor Mommy and Me Yoga, best for little yogis ages 2 to 5 and their adult. Practice relaxation techniques and yoga poses, and get mindful with crafts and other activities for family fun. Reach Schreiber at lisafineman@yahoo.com. n ROCK HARD FITNESS — Various fitness classes are available, along with personal training and boot camps. Visit rockhardfitnessorlando.com for more information. n ZOOM BALLET AND PILATES — Baldwin Park resident and PMA-certified instructor Adriana Duarte Pontual offers Zoom pilates classes from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Saturdays, along with ballet barre from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Classes are $10. Those interested in taking these classes can fill out a form at adrianaduartepontual. com.br/virtual-classes.

out with this all-levels fitness group. Meets at 6:29 a.m. every Wednesday at Harbor Park.

Contact Dyani at novemberprojectorlando@gmail.com.

PICK-UP BASKETBALL Basketball enthusiasts will meet at Blue Jacket Park courts for five-on-five play as soon as the city basketball courts reopen! Contact Rick at rickschreiber2@gmail.com.

BOOK CLUBS

REAL DEAL NONFICTION BOOK CLUB This group reads and discusses biographies, memoirs, business books and contemporary nonfiction. Contact Kathy at klhgibbons@gmail.com.

PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB This club meets on the second Monday of each month to discuss a variety of books. Contact Genie at bsrocky@hotmail.com.

WINTER PARK, FL 32789

Buying & Selling Real Estate with Jenny Lake

PIECE OF CAKE

You can count on Jenny, as your local Baldwin Park neighbor and real estate agent.

WIN! WOMEN RECENT SALES WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR JENNY LAKE INNOVATORS NETWORK PROUD BALDWIN PARK RESIDENT AND REAL ESTATE AGENT This group is for Baldwin Park women who own or manage a LD SO business. Reservations can be made by contacting Bekah at beautifiedbybekah@gmail.com.

121 HILLANDALE LANE MAITLAND, FL 32751

WRITERS’ BLOCK WRITING GROUP This group discusses many topics to help writers. Come with a desire to meet other writers and learn to hone your writing skills.

Contact Rich at powerofselfentertainment@gmail.com.

228 E. MILLER STREET ORLANDO, FL 32806

1550 CHESTNUT AVENUE WINTER PARK, FL 32789

Please reach out to me for all your real estate needs.

2977 RIDLEY AVENUE ORLANDO, FL 32814

LD SO

SUE DRIVE 1835 SQUARE SALVADOR 246LAKE FL 32803 ORLANDO, FL 32789 WINTER PARK,

1550 CHESTNUT AVENUE WINTER PARK, FL 32789

RECENT SALES WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR JENNY LAKE

PROUD BALDWIN PARK RESIDENT AND REAL ESTATE AGENT OFFERING FREE CONSULTATIONS

jenny lake

jenny@fanniehillman.com 407-607-4878 121 HILLANDALE LANE MAITLAND, FL 32751

361739-1

HOOKED ON BOOKS This club is welcoming new members who love fiction.

Contact Melissa at melissajay522@gmail.com.

TACTICAL BREWING RUNNING CLUB If you love beer and running, this group is for you. Meet at 6 p.m.

Thursdays at Tactical Brewing Company’s tasting room. Then, head out on a run around Lake Baldwin with fellow runners. For more, visit bit.ly/2H6OX7q.

246 SALVADOR SQUARE

is truly a

BOOK BUDS This fiction book club welcomes new members. Contact Audean at audean63@ gmail.com.

2977 RIDLEY AVENUE ORLANDO, FL 32814

Life’s even better when you get your premium back.

347059-1

Adjustable Premium Level Term Life Insurance policy series 08025 in all states except MT, NY, WI; 08075 in MT; A08025 in NY & WI. State Farm Life Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL (Not licensed in MA, NY and WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI), 1101001.1 Bloomington, IL

347037-1

Find out how you can help protect your family for less, build cash value, or even get your premiums back if the life insurance benefit has not been paid out at the end of the level premium period.

CALL ME TODAY.

259601

John Psomas RICP, Agent 922 Lake Baldwin Lane, Suite A Orlando, FL 32814 Bus: 407-277-2997 www.johnpsomas.com Hablamos Español

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

25

BLEEDING ORANGE & BLACK The Winter Park High School Parent Teacher Student Association recently earned national praise for its work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

F

ollowing an unprecedented year of trials and tribulations, one Winter Park High School entity is celebrating an unprecedented win.

The Winter Park PTSA in August earned National PTA School of Excellence recognition.

The distinction lasts for a twoyear span, and selected schools

26

receive celebration tools and consideration for the top honors — the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award and a $2,000 grant. Only 45 schools in the United States were awarded for the 2020-2022 span.

The WPHS PTSA also earned the distinction during the previous span, and this year’s honor marks the first time the school secured the award in successive terms.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

Annabelle Sikes

The National PTA School of Excellence recognition program “supports and celebrates partnerships between local PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students,” according to the National PTA website.

Members of the WPHS PTSA executive board, which includes five Baldwin Park residents, say the distinction is particularly special given the challenges COVID-19 presented.

“Serving as WPHS’s PTSA president last year, during a pandemic, was not only rewarding but extremely humbling,” 2020-2021 PTSA President Anne Knapp says. “Through consistent communication and connection with our parents, our school community came together with valuable resources and time to provide for our teachers, students and staff. It was an important goal of our PTSA that they felt supported and taken care of during this unprecedented and challenging time.”

The WPHS PTSA works to

2021-2022 WINTER PARK HIGH SCHOOL PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD President: Tanya Veras Past president: Anne Knapp First vice president: Iris Fernandez Treasurer: Niki Tringas Treasurer: Katie Maun Recording secretary: Jill Ciambella Corresponding secretary: Becky Junod

2021-2022 PTSA COMMITTEE CHAIRS Membership: Sara Cambron, Daneen Cross and Francee Williams Homecoming BBQ: Miriam Garcia, Whitney Langholz and Johnny Miller Staff appreciation: Mandy Borkman, Dawn Wehrum and Erin Wright College and Career Center: Iris Fernandez, Amy Samelson Baccalaureate: Elise Breth, Endsley Hewitt and Jen Sommer Wildcat Outreach: Stacey Soll, Jamie Storey and Francesca Asher Progress to Success: Dawn Young

347048-1

tunities. Face-to-face meetings transitioned to Zoom, the food pantry was shut down, teacher appreciation events turned into “box lunches,” and larger events moved to socially distanced events such as a car parade to celebrate WPHS seniors.

“The award is a true testament to the support, dedication and commitment of our volunteers who strive to make Winter Park High School the best it can be,” Principal Matthew Arnold says.

This year, the PTSA recently finished supplying its pantry with items such as clothes, toiletry and school supplies. The program also has increased the number of times teacher grants are given and implemented new mentoring processes in its “Progress to Success” program.

“My first job out of college was teaching at WPHS,” Veras says.

“My mom is a retired teacher from WPHS. Now that my twins attend here, I feel I have come back around full circle. The Veras crew bleeds orange and black!”

358046-1

keep the school updated with information and events through a weekly email newsletter and Facebook page; and organizes and plans events such as the Welcome Back Cats, Homecoming BBQ, Teacher Appreciation and Baccalaureate. The PTSA also provides resources to the College and Career Center, provides support through student scholarships and teacher grants, and helps to fund and support programs that aid students in need.

Tanya Veras, the 2021-2022 WPHS PTSA president, says the award is a win for everyone involved.

“This acknowledgment is super rewarding,” she says.

“WPHS, as well as other schools, had to maneuver through many more difficult challenges this past year. It was such a pleasant surprise to receive this prestigious recognition. I am so proud to serve WPHS PTSA.” The WPHS PTSA was forced to pivot multiple times and place resources toward new oppor-

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

27

WHAT’S SELLING 1353 FERN AVE., ORLANDO SALE PRICE: $1,250,000 SQUARE FEET: 4,532 BEDROOMS: Five BATHS: 5.5

DETAILS: This home features classic Georgian Colonial exterior design and panoramic views of Virginia Park from the full front porch. The plan of the home is practical, functional and efficient — from the first-floor master suite with glamour bath and the “U” staircase with bridge balcony overlook to the island kitchen and outdoor pavilion with fireplace.

Photographer: Donte Norwood

LISTING AGENT: Bill Creekbaum Jr., Fine Properties SELLING AGENT: Greg Martinez, Greg Martinez Realty

3055 KASELL ALLEY, ORLANDO SALE PRICE: $750,000 SQUARE FEET: 2,785 BEDROOMS: Four BATHS: 3.5

DETAILS: This beautiful home features four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, plus a study and loft. Perfectly positioned, this home overlooks a private Mews and is just one block from a community pool and playground.

Photographer: Jose Barrios Photography The downstairs study with French doors and the formal dining room both overlook the front porch and green space. The home features wood trim LISTING AGENT: Myriam Garcia Borbon, Baldwin Park Realty work throughout, wide-plank wood floors, a center island and stainless-steel SELLING AGENT: Lisa Fleming, Fannie Hillman + Associates appliances. All bedrooms, as well as the laundry room and a loft/playroom area, are upstairs. The home also features an outdoor living space, complete with fenced yard for privacy.

28

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

Each office is independantly owned and operated

THE PROOF IS IN THE NUMBERS 99% 23 Our listings sell at an average of 99% of list price

59

The total number of families we’ve served last year

23 is the average number of days our listings are on the market

When selling your home, it is critical to partner with a real estate team that has a proven track record and holds themselves accountable to a very high standard.

These numbers depict not only the trajectory of our business, but the expertise, dedication and commitment that you will receive.

Your property will be sold quickly, with the least amount of hassle and for top dollar. The proof is in our numbers.

#1

Our office is #1 for listing and sales volume in 2020 in Baldwin Park

Direct: (407) 873-5222 Info@ParkLifeOrlando.com www.ParkLifeOrlando.com

347298-1

Park Life Group Luxury International Certified Members: Farah Bloom & Andy Lockhart

BECOME A HOST FAMILY HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Benefits of Hosting • Create lifelong international friendships

• Receive a monthly stipend per student you host

• Introduce your family to a new language, culture and tradition without leaving home

• Give back and help make a difference in the life of an international student

• Grow closer as a family as you help your new son/daughter learn more about your family values and beliefs

• Receive 24/7 support from a wonderful team of local coordinators during your hosting experience.

363870-1

www.exchangemate.org info@exchangemate.org (407) 630-7087

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

29

RESIDENT EVENT

KIDTOBERFEST Saturday, October 30th, 2021 3pm - 6pm

I

Corrine Commons

PUMPKIN PATCH, STILT WALKERS, CARICATURE ARTISTS, PHOTO OPS, DJ, DANCING, CANDY, ACTIVITIES, GAMES & MUCH MORE!

Join us on Saturday, October 30th, at 3pm at Corrine Commons Park across from Grace Hopper Hall at 1913 Meeting Place.

Don't forget to dress up in your Halloween Costume!

Brought to you by:

Guests will be encouraged to follow current CDC guidelines for safety and social distancing

FREE EVEN T! 364109-1

FREE !

T N E V E

Residential Owners Association

30

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

hey neighbor I'm your local real estate expert and Baldwin resident since 2004!

Are you interested in buying or selling? Or maybe you're just interested in what the market has to offer? Let's chat!

Lisa Fleming

JUST LISTED!

LISAFLEMING_REALESTATE

3055 kasell aly SOLD $750,000

1974 Common Way Rd SOLD $725,000

2907 Upper Park Rd SOLD $461,000

321-228-8341

LISA@FANNIEHILLMAN.COM BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021 31 346634-1

4553 Corbel aly $597,000

2727 meeting place SOLD $1,250,000

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | OCTOBER 2021

363937-1

32