Baldwin Park Living July 2022

BALDWIN PARK

LIVING JULY 2022

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

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Kimberley R. Gernert Real state Specialist Baldwin Park Resident

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

CONTENTS FROM THE HEART

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CUSTOM CREATIONS Baldwin Park resident Emily Scales can make any gift extra-special.

JULY 2022

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

12 WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN Want to help your community? Here’s how!

13 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Find your community fun in our monthly calendar.

14 14 TRIUMPHANT RETURN Independence Bash returns to Baldwin Park.

18 MAKING A CONNECTION This new singles group is connecting locals.

20 BEAUTIFUL BALDWIN Brie Bernstel helps you create the perfect summer!

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

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Editor and Publisher — Michael Eng meng@orangeobserver.com

EDITORIAL Design Editor — Jessica Eng jeng@orangeobserver.com

ANN KELLY YOUNG

SENIOR MORTGAGE BANKER

Staff Writer — Annabelle Sikes asikes@orangeobserver.com

407.929.0219 NMLS # 740181

Contributors Brie Bernstel Will Campbell

FOR ADVERTISING: Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@orangeobserver.com

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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.

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

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

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Baldwin Park notebook ROA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

7. Installation of approved fencing around Enders main and kiddie pool equipment.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS

BY STACEY FRYREAR

The following information is a glimpse of the ROA’s general updates for the month.

A copy of the official May 24, 2022, meeting minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork. com.

8. Proposal for electronic door handles and hardware for Grace Hopper.

Please remember there is a leash law in Florida and to leash your animals accordingly. Orange County Animal Services is the entity that enforces this law. For animal related issues or complaints, please call 311 or (407) 8363111.

The board approved the following items/work: n Rose Fence to install additional fence panels if needed not to exceed $2,500 to enclose the Enders Park pool equipment.

9. Proposal to repair and paint talking table in the Grace Hopper foyer.

10. Proposal to re-glue step risers in Grace Hopper interior stairwell.

11. Repaint NEV garage floor.

12. Re-stain birthday pavilion table top.

13. Proposal for picnic tables at High Park large pavilion and Enders playground area.

n Brightview Landscaping preauthorization for storm clean-up/response.

UPDATES

8. Landscape replacements in City Homes No. 4 Mews.

1. Access control hardware upgrades High Park.

9. Spies Pool repaired a leak in the PVC pipe at the Grace Hopper pool pump.

COMPLETED ACTIONS

2. The chaise lounges and dining chairs for Enders and Grace Hopper were replaced.

3. Cleaned chalk art in large pavilion and playground area of High Park.

10. A new sump pump for the filter tank at Grace Hopper pool was replaced.

11. Grace Hopper pool shower tile replacement.

12. Replacement tables (20 inches) High Park pool.

PENDING ACTIONS 1. High Park replacement slings for lounges and dining chairs are being replaced as time allows by maintenance staff to be completed by the end of June.

2. Replacement tables for Enders and Grace Hopper were to be shipped June 27.

3. Replacement umbrellas for Enders and Grace Hopper ship date to be determined.

4. Cleaned all pool furniture.

5. Painted pool house at Grace Hopper. DRS also painted the roof during this process at no additional cost.

6. Replaced backer rods and re-caulked expansion joints in Grace Hopper pool deck.

7. Installed signs for reserving pavilions at High Park.

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13. Interior touch-up painting and painting of trim and doors at Grace Hopper Hall.

14. Armrest for benches at City Homes No. 2, City Homes No. 3 Mews and Corrine Commons have come in and are being scheduled for installation.

15. Grace Hopper pool shower tile replacement.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

4. Coordinating pool furniture donation to Habitat for Humanity after all of the new furniture at Enders and Grace Hopper is delivered.

5. Replacement tables at High Park pool (48-inch tables).

Twenty-six- to 32-week delivery window. Ordered on March 23, 2022.

6. Spies Pool proposal to repair/replace pool equipment covers.

14. Proposal for replacement lighting at High Park large pavilion. Including a dimmer switch. Management reached out to a referred electrician to obtain an updated proposal.

15. Proposal for new surveillance cameras at Grace Hopper, Enders and High Park.

16. Playground mulch installation at Union Park playground and Enders playground. Mulch is on back order.

17. Revised proposal for tot turf (playground surface) for repairs only at Enders and Union Park playgrounds.

18. Maintenance to paint Grace Hopper pool bath floors.

19. Mulch installation in remaining Parks/Mews.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOUSE OWNERS Questions about pest control for your townhome?

The only pest control the association maintains is the termite bond for the building. The termites currently bonded are subterranean and formosan. Drywood termites WINGED TERMITE are not covered by the association, but the association encourages homeowners to have their homes inspected yearly as a preventative measure.

All other pest-control measures are a homeowner responsibility.

WINGED ANT If you believe you have a termite issue, you can report it on the Baldwin Park Network or contact Melissa Parker at mparker@baldwinparkpoa.com.

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

be sent out via mail and will be placed on the front door of the townhomes effected.

BY MELISSA PARKER

n New sod that was installed in May/June has been treated with a fungicide.

The May 2022 Townhome Service Area Committee meeting was canceled because of a lack of quorum. A copy of previous official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.

UPDATES

n Please remember to report any landscape, building or irrigation issues on Baldwin Park Solutions. Reporting items on Baldwin Park Solutions allows residents to share photos of the reported area(s) and receive real-time updates from management staff on corrective measures being taken. Baldwin Park Solutions can be accessed on the Baldwin Park Network. n Roof replacements are coming to the Issa 22 service area (not all addresses will have roof replacements this year; some addresses are listed to be replaced in 2023 per the Reserve Study; please refer to the previous mailing sent out for the address list).

The association has contracted with R.F. Lusa & Sons Sheetmetal Inc. to replace the roofs. The color of the roofs will remain the same, and new K-style gutters will be installed to replace the current K-style gutter. A schedule of the roof replacements will be available soon. The notice will

n BrightView has treated all Indian Hawthorn, magnolia trees, ixora and gardenias with fungicide, micronutrients, Merit and insect control in May. n BrightView irrigation techs have performed monthly inspections, and several issues were found in City Homes No. 2, which were resolved. Additional irrigation days have been added while the rainy season gains traction.

During the month of May, there was 2.15 inches of rain (normal is 2 inches). n Per DRS Inc. here is the townhome painting schedule for May/ June 2022: City Homes No. 2. n Per DRS Inc. below is the Townhome maintenance schedule for May/June 2022: City Homes No. 2; Mattamy. n Because of supply shortages, schedules will be projected one to two months out to anticipate any possible future changes or delays. 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 Keep the summer cool by stopping by one of Baldwin Park’s many restaurants for a cold, refreshing drink. Check out the Baldwin Park Network for all Baldwin Park has to offer.

IMPORTANT UPDATES

n There are three open seats for the Baldwin Park COA board. In June, the intent to be a candidate forms were mailed to all the owners.

Please contact Bill Patterson with any questions or interest. n 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. n The parking lot dumpsters are not meant for large items.

This can break or clog the city’s dumpsters and cause issues. If you have any bulk items, the city of Orlando offers bulk pick-up — in most cases, for free. This can be used for most items that cannot fit in the commercial dumpster. Visit orlando.gov/ Trash-Recycling for more information and to schedule future pickups.

n Architectural Review Committee meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month for application reviews regarding commercial changes to exterior structures (roofing replacements and painting), landscaping and signage. 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 The conversion of the parking light to LED continues throughout the year. LED lights are much more efficient and brighter than the old bulbs.

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT During COVID-19, Mayor Dyer passed an executive order allowing temporary signs.

This has since expired. The COA will start enforcing the sign guidelines again. Please note that in the Neighborhood Business District, A-frame, banners and bandit signs are not allowed. Any temporary sign must be hung in the proper fashion according to the guidelines. They much be hung on the inside of the window/door and for no more than 30 days. Any signs longer than 30 days are considered permanent signs and must be approved by the ARC Committee. Please get in touch with Bill Patterson if you have any questions.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

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WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD WE LIVE IN!

Want to help our community?

Here’s your chance!

W

WILL CAMPBELL PRESIDENT BALDWIN PARK JOINT COMMITTEE

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hen you’re looking around our neighborhood, do you ever think, “How could I be a bigger part of this?” Or, “Is there more that I can do for my community?” If so, there are multiple volunteer opportunities right now to help make Baldwin even more amazing!

Are you a stickler for the rules that help make our community as amazing as it is? We have just the spot for you on the Covenants Committee. The purpose of this committee is to enforce the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions including the Design/Landscape Guidelines for Baldwin Park Residential Properties (the governing documents), which both authorize and obligate the board of directors to enforce deed restrictions to protect the aesthetics and financial value of your home and the neighborhood.

Basically, you and the rest of the committee help keep Baldwin Park as pristine as it is! Meetings occur once a month throughout the year, and member attendance is necessary to help maintain the overall appearance of Baldwin Park.

Another opportunity close to my heart is an opening on the Townhome Service Area Committee. If you didn’t already know, the townhomes in Baldwin are separated into different service areas depending on their location within the community. The current opening is in City Homes No. 2, which includes the townhomes located near Grace Hopper Hall — parts of Britlyn Alley, Meeting Place, Prospect Avenue and Sipes Alley. I am proud to say I served as the representative of City Homes No. 2 while I lived on Britlyn Alley.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

This is an amazing opportunity to learn more about the documents and declarations that help make Baldwin Park what it is, even if it’s just for your townhome area. The purpose of this committee is to advise the Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association Inc. board of directors on matters of interest to the owners of Townhome, City Home and Live/Work properties within Baldwin Park, including the development of annual budgets and setting of monthly assessments. Meetings happen once a month with special meetings on occasion.

Finally, it’s that time of the year when we hold the Residential Owners Association Board of Directors election next month. The ROA is the guiding force behind almost every part of Baldwin Park. It is responsible for items such as budgeting for the overall maintenance of the community, services available to the residents and much more. The term for each position is either one year or two years — depending on the opening at the time. This is probably the most all-encompassing role one could take within our community and probably one of the most important. The ROA board of directors meets once a month and the meeting is open to the public.

I was fortunate enough to serve in the role ofdDirector for about eight months, until my husband and I sold our townhome and went from being owners to being renters. It was truly a great experience and, now that I am an owner again, I hope to be able to serve our community in this role as I am submitting my Intent to be a Candidate form to run for an open

seat. Keep an eye out for each candidate’s bio right here in the next issues of Baldwin Park Living, as well as on baldwinparknetwork. com.

It’s imperative that you get out there and vote … for all the things, not just the ROA election! It’s easy to vote with the electronic or e-voting system put into place last year. You’ve seen the forms to sign up in recent Eblasts, so make sure you have signed up. Not crazy about e-voting and want to have an opportunity to close the rings on your Fitbit or Apple Watch?

Take a walk over to hand deliver this incredibly important vote with the physical ballot you received in the mail, as well as an email version that you can print and drop off or mail. The important takeaway here is that paper ballots will need to be mailed or physically dropped off to Grace Hopper Hall.

All that said, there are some great opportunities to be more involved within the community we all know and love. Even if you don’t want to commit to joining one of the committees or boards we have within Baldwin Park, they are all open to all residents so you could always zoom in — see what I did there? (Except we use Teams, so it’s only half as funny.) You can see how the meetings run to see if it may be something in which you’d be interested in the future.

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

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Community Calendar JULY 9

LIVE MUSIC AT PROVISIONS & BUZZ 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Provisions & Buzz, at 4868 New Broad St.

JULY 11

JULY 14

JULY 25

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month virtually.

RESIDENT TRIVIA Details TBA in your weekly resident newsletter.

JULY 26

JOINT COMMITTEE BOARD MEETING Meets at 5:45 p.m. virtually.

PARTY AT GRACE HOPPER POOL 2 to 4 p.m. at Grace Hopper Pool.

This event will feature Kona Ice.

JULY 18

JULY 13

DRAG BINGO This event will take place at Tactical Brewing Co., 4882 New Broad St..

RESIDENTIAL OWNER’S ASSOCIATION MEETING Meets at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month.

All members of the ROA can attend the meetings.

JULY 21

JULY 28

THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE PARKS Meets from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Visitors and guests are welcome. If you are interested in attending or learning more about Rotary Club of Baldwin Park, please visit baldwinparkrotary.com.

COVENANTS HEARING Meets at 6:30 p.m. virtually.

JULY 19

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.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month virtually.

JULY 3

INDEPENDENCE BASH 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 3, in downtown Baldwin Park. The free event will kick off with a festival in the Village Center of Baldwin Park hosted by the Baldwin Park Joint Committee and presented

by Orlando Health. Attendees can enjoy shopping, festival snacks and food trucks, a beer garden, face painting, balloon art, interactive activities, and more.

The event also will feature a main stage near the lake featuring an interactive deejay, Bradmaster J; live performances; and music. At 9:15 p.m. the bash will conclude with a 15-minute fireworks show over Lake Baldwin.

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BASH IS BACK! Baldwin’s Independence Bash returns from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 3.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

A

fter a two-year hiatus, a tradition dating back more than 10 years is returning with red, white and blue sparks for this year’s Fourth of July celebration in Baldwin Park.

The first production of the Independence Bash was a smaller rendition produced by the Rotary Club of Baldwin Park in 2010. The event was taken over by the Baldwin Park Joint Committee in 2012 and existed as an annual event until the pandemic hit in 2020.

Special Event Producer Adam Bailey says he is excited to have the event back this year and promises it will be bigger and better than ever before.

The free event will kick off with a festival in the Village Center of Baldwin Park hosted by the Baldwin Park Joint Committee and presented by Orlando Health. The Village Center will come alive with participants and sponsors of all kinds offering fun including shopping, festival snacks and food trucks, a beer garden, face painting, balloon art, interactive activities, and more.

Featured food trucks will include Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, The Knot, MiCasita, Chicken Waffle Grill, Artisan Experience, Philreal’s Smokin BBQ, Alo Cuban Kitchen, Pho Wheels Orlando and The Real Maine Lobster.

The event also will feature a main stage near the lake featuring an interactive deejay, Bradmaster J; live performances such as the local Dance 360 Orlando team; and music.

At 9:15 p.m. residents will enjoy a spectacular 15-minute choreographed fireworks show over Lake Baldwin.

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

File photos

EVENT PRODUCER

Bailey has been designing and producing events for 21 years.

He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Bailey always has had a passion for creating, entertaining and the social aspect that comes from the business.

“There are a lot of pride inducing moments that come from producing large scale events and that fulfillment is what drives me to be the best every day,” he says. “Each day in my world is different, and you never know what’s around the next corner. I just absolutely love it.

Being a longtime resident of Baldwin Park, it brings me great joy to provide the community with events

that they can be proud of.”

Bailey worked closely with the Baldwin Park Joint Committee, led by president Will Campbell, to produce this event and other signature events to bring the community together and help support the businesses within the area.

The event producer said his goal for the Independence Bash is the same for all of the community events.

“We want to produce polished, well executed events that the community can be proud of, all the while continuing to grow the signature events internally and creatively push the envelope,” Bailey says.

“The end goal is a vibrant, involved, flourishing Baldwin Park joining in community.”

IF YOU GO INDEPENDENCE BASH

WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 3 WHERE: Downtown Baldwin Park

Your Baldwin Park Neighborhood Church

Join us for worship Sundays at 11 AM. 2047 Prospect Ave., Orlando, FL 32814

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

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Emily Scales is an engraving artist who moved recently to Baldwin Park from Georgia.

Annabelle Sikes

Engraving expert Baldwin Park resident Emily Scales spreads joy through creating personalized gifts for special occasions.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

F

or Baldwin Park resident Emily Scales, nothing is better than putting a smile on someone’s face.

Although she has had a passion for people and building connections with the community her whole life, Scales is ready to share her talents with her new home in Baldwin Park through her love for engraving.

“I want to make people feel good

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

and I think that’s just who I am internally,” Scales says. “I love making people happy and I love making people smile. It’s just a part of me.”

ENGRAVING MOMENTS

Although Scales never predicted engraving to become such a large part of her life, it has now become one of her biggest outlets.

It’s a passion that lets her explore her creativity, challenge her own boundaries and create meaningful gifts for others.

“People love the personalization

REQUEST AN ENGRAVING n Email Emily Scales at engravingbyemily@gmail.com n Follow on Instagram @engravingbyemily

of engraved gifts,” she says. “Having a sweet message written on a gift just really enhances it and makes it more of a keepsake. Being able to put a smile on someone’s face when they receive the bottles, they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m keeping this forever. I don’t even want to open it.’”

Scales can engrave almost any glass, customizing items such as

champagne flutes, wine and liquor bottles, or even perfumes and colognes. Her portable engraver, small enough to fit in her purse, uses a standard script calligraphy font paired with the customer’s choice of silver or gold ink. She said she commonly tries to match any markings on the bottle with the most flattering of the colors.

Scales says she is big into writing the selected message out beforehand so she can have it in front of her as she works. Any small mistake can prove detrimental for the small space suited for engraving — especially because Scales considers herself a perfectionist.

“If I am not perfect, it’s really tough for me,” she admits. “I continued practicing and didn’t give up, and the more I did it, the better I got.”

Scales offers free pick-up and free delivery in the Baldwin Park area. She says it takes about 24 to 48 hours for her to get the item back to the customer, with the customer being able to select eight to 10 words he or she would like on the bottle.

The engraver’s most popular projects are for special occasions or holidays. She said creating a handmade keepsake can sometimes create a special moment for not only the recipient but also the giver.

“I feel like when somebody has a gift that they want to give to someone, it’s already special to them in a way,” she says. “I want to be able to take it one step above that and really wow them.”

TWO PEAS IN A POD

Scales’ passion for engraving is a great way for her to connect with individuals in the community.

She just recently moved to Baldwin Park in April after being born and raised in Georgia.

Scales attended Kennesaw State University in Georgia and was an apparel and tech style major, studying fashion and clothes. After college, she interned with Target and took a job with the company after graduating in 2020. Then, COVID-19 hit.

Although Scales says she enjoyed retail, she wanted some-

thing more challenging and also an opportunity where she could spend more time with her family and friends; relationships are important to her.

That’s when her mom gave her the opportunity to come and work with her at Inkwell Designers, a family company that specializes in elegant embossing, hand lettering, sublimation, toner printing, menus, glass and metal engraving, signage, brush and watercolor lettering, hand painting, and so much more.

Scales says her mom gave her the opportunity to learn more about the entrepreneurial side of life. She has been a CEO for more than 20 years and starting both a web design company and Inkwell from their home in Georgia.

“I tried engraving four years ago and I just couldn’t do it,” Scales says. “It was not for me at the time, and I didn’t want to practice with everything I had going on in my life.

Then, when I started to work with my mom, I realized I actually loved doing it and it was fun. Now, it’s kind of that creative outlet where I can turn the music on, I’ll have my bottles, I’ll get them ready to go and I just kind of feel like I’m out of my head.”

Like her mom, Scales enjoys being challenged and said she is always looking to “fill up her tool belt” and try new things.

Emily Scales says one of her favorite parts about engraving is creating a unique gift for someone’s special occasion.

TURNING A NEW LEAF

As part of her adventurous side, Scales has moved to Orlando to be with her previously long-distance boyfriend Tyler, who is studying law at Barry University. She says her boyfriend drove almost every weekend to come and see her while also maintaining his grades.

The two picked the Baldwin Park area because of its smalltown charm and environment, and so far, they love it.

Scales also recently started a new remote job doing technology sales in March.

Outside of doing her best to make other people’s special days extra special, Scales enjoys spending time with Tyler, where they enjoy running, walking and jogging together as well as sharing a pas-

Courtesy photos

Emily Scales can engrave fragrances, liquor and wine bottles, and more.

sion for food and trying new spots in Orlando.

As far as the future, Scales is taking the journey one day at a time.

“I just want to help whoever I can,” she says. “I love helping people, and of course, I’m not going to say no to business either, but I do have to also focus on my full-time job and my other responsibilities.”

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

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Meet Daniel Kempinger,

Glenridge Middle School’s new principal Daniel Kempinger is Glenridge Middle School’s newest principal. He began his teaching career in 2001. He became an administrator in 2013 for Orange County Public Schools after teaching reading, language arts and serving as a reading coach at the secondary level.

He said his main responsibility is to ensure every student has a promising and successful future. To do that, he manages the budget effectively to ensure the school has the best staff available to support the students.

But, as with all public-school jobs, his daily responsibilities can range from data analysis and managing professional learning communities to helping to clean the campus and work through middle-school conflicts with students.

As principal, he said he is most looking forward to continuing the Legacy of the Lions.

What brought you to your school?

I was transferred from Union Park Middle School as the assistant principal of instruction in the summer of 2019. In the summer of 2021, I was hired as the principal.

What do you love most about your school?

This is difficult to answer.

When you get to watch 1,150 students interact with more than 100 staff members every day, there is so much to be excited about. I love that our teachers maintain high expectations for all students and our students shine in that atmosphere. That includes all aspects of learning-academics, arts, athletics and emotionally.

What is your motivation?

My motivation as an educator has never wavered. I believe

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If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

My wife will absolutely be mortified by my choices. I don’t spend much time listening to music, but when I do, it’s mostly for nostalgia. My wife is a huge music fan of all genres. Billy Joel: I grew up in New York and Billy Joel was a fixture on the radio and in the house. Dave Mathews Band: This is the first concert I attended with my wife, and their library is diverse and powerful.

Bon Jovi: I need something to jam out to. that teaching is a talent and gift.

I began my career in the classroom and spent most of my time working with struggling readers.

I have seen the difference it can make when children realize their potential. Every day, we wake up with the opportunity to change lives. It absolutely inspires me.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

As an administrator: Seeing my teachers happy. When you hire the right people and everyone is committed to a vision, it is extremely rewarding to see those people happy. Deep down, I know that they are happy because they are seeing the results of hard work.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Most of my spare time is spent with family. I have two sons (who) are baseball players.

My wife and I can be found at various fields around the state year-round watching them play.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher was Mr. Chu. He was my freshman

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

REPORT CARD School: Glenridge Middle Position: Principal Time at school: Four years

English teacher. He was as eccentric as they come. We read novels almost exclusively and he taught us to think on our own.

It was the first teacher who I felt wanted to know what the students were thinking. He was ahead of his time in that regard.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Early on, I wanted to be a veterinarian. My parents owned a pet shop, and I loved animals.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

I was obsessed with anything

by Dr. Seuss, but especially “Yertle the Turtle.” I remember my mom and I reading that book hundreds of times.

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

I would love the power to fly — especially with the price of gas these days.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

Peanut butter and jelly for the first four years. Then, I remember vividly switching to ham and cheese in fifth grade. And of course, I would always buy lunch on “square pizza” day.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend growing up was Chris Bissaccia. He was in my wedding, and our boys are roughly the same age. Even though he lives in New York, we still keep in touch and see each other on special occasions.

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

I played the trumpet for seven years and was in the marching band. I was also on the varsity baseball team in high school.

There were various other clubs and extracurriculars that I would participate in, but nothing that I stuck with.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Single & ready to mingle The new Baldwin Park Singles group is encouraging local men and women ages 35-55 to come out and explore a spark.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER Jenny Lake says she always believed in inviting rather than waiting to be invited.

And as a divorced woman, Lake says she appreciates having single friends.

Now, she is sharing that appreciation with the community through a new group – Baldwin Park Singles.

“It’s a great way for us to get to know locals in the community who share similar experiences and it is a great way to create new relationships,” Lake says.

The Baldwin Park resident originally started the group a few months ago, because she was

tired of meeting people through dating sites and figured she was not alone in her thoughts.

“It’s better to meet in person — the old-fashioned way,” she says. “I hoped to create a way for people to make both friends and maybe find someone they would like to date, as well.”

Lake was right, and many other members of the group, including Marc Steinberg, agree.

Steinberg and Lake have been friends for a few years and he says they go on walks around the lake almost every day to talk about numerous topics, including dating.

“We talk about the dating apps and how they don’t really work, and you meet a lot of strangers,” he says. “For me, they don’t work,

JOIN THE CLUB

Facebook group: bit.ly/3KHfMLw Contact: Email jennylake94@gmail.com

and every guy you talk to will say it’s made for women. I mean, every woman gets a thousand hits, and we’re lucky if we get one, so it just doesn’t work. We need things like this that do work where we can meet people in person.”

Another strong characteristic of the group is helping people experience more social interaction.

Member Tracy Sanft has lived in the area for almost seven years and does not have a single friend in the neighborhood. Having to switch to working from home because of to the pandemic, Sanft says it has become even harder to meet people.

“Some people have little expo-

sure socially during the work day, except via Zoom calls,” Lake says. “ I think people will appreciate getting together with others in a social setting. It’s a great way to expand your social network and possibly meet someone you would like to date, as well.”

The group is for single men and women ages 35-55 who reside in Baldwin or within 10 minutes of it, although Lake said she has been giving a little grace in terms of age to get more people involved.

Lake selected the age range for a specific reason.

“If you have older kids, you are not meeting others through your kids as much,” Lake says. “It can be more challenging to connect with others at this point.”

Although the Facebook group only has a little more than 100 members, the members seem to continuously reap the benefits.

“I have enjoyed meeting neighbors and also trying the local bars or restaurants (because) I haven’t been to many of them,” Sanft says.

“Also, I love that I can expand my social circle, as you never know who you may meet.”

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#BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK

IT’S HERE:

The perfect summer!

T

BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR

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he moment we have all been waiting for, summer!

There is no other place like Baldwin Park during the summertime for many reasons.

Only in Baldwin Park can you walk around a beautiful lake, finish with some oysters and stroll over to one of the neighborhood parks for a resident event. There is always so much going on; you just have to learn where to find it!

Let’s start with where to find the happenings before the actual happenings. Residents have so much information at their fingertips, but it can get a little bit overwhelming trying to gather it all in one place to plan out your summer. The first place to start is the community network, baldwinparknetwork.com. Once you sign up, you will receive a weekly newsletter that gets sent out via email every Wednesday with resident Groups & Gatherings, classes, association-sponsored events and Village Center merchant events and happenings.

You always can reference “Visit Baldwin Park” on Instagram and Facebook for the most current information regarding an event or class.

These are your best bets to find out about everything going on in your community!

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JULY 2022

SAVE THE DATE n Aug. 4: Dance Night at The Pool, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Grace Hopper Pool n Aug. 15: Kona Ice truck from 2 to 4 p.m. at High Park n Sept. 10: Pasta Making Class with Pizza Bruno! n Sept. 30: Backyard Food Fare from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Corrine Commons

Finally, you can always email me, your multimedia coordinator, with any questions or if you would like to start a club that we don’t already have established. You can contact me anytime at MediaComm@BaldwinParkPOA.com. You also can email if you are a small business looking to sponsor a small resident event such as the Backyard Food Fare, pool party or trivia night.

Now let’s get into the fun stuff, shall we?

Running all summer long, you can find exciting and family friendly happenings almost every week. Here are just a few fun festivities to keep you and the little ones entertained through the next few weeks! n Independence Bash will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. July 3 in the Village Center and will be free to attend! This annual firework extravaganza will include face painters, stilt walkers, balloon artists, live music and performances.

All right in your backyard! To find more information, head to our Facebook events page at “Visit Baldwin Park” and while you are there mark yourself “attending!”

n Shaved ice, pizza and a pool party? Yes please! From 2 to 4 p.m. July 11 at Grace Hopper Pool, join fellow residents for a fun afternoon at the pool! There will be a guided dance class, games and refreshments. Kona Ice will even make an appearance to hand out free shaved ice to attendees! Check your weekly newsletter for current information and to find out what pools the Kona truck will head to next! n If you are looking to do some activities in the AC (which no one will blame you), check out “Not Just Country Line Dancing,” which will be hosted at a different gathering room each month. Join your host Paige, who has been teaching Zumba for 10 years and aqua dance plus line dancing for five, for an active night perfect for kids and beginners. Email her at pperrigan26@gmail.com to sign up for upcoming free classes in July! n Trivia also will begin in the gathering rooms starting in July!

We know the weather can be unpredictable here in Florida, so let’s stay dry, cool and test our knowledge while getting to know our neighbors! Check your weekly newsletter for upcoming dates and locations. n Summer is about the kids (mostly),, but if you need a break from the water balloons fights and the constant sound of cartoons in the house (looking at you Cocomelon), head over to one of Baldwin Parks fine restaurants for a much-needed Happy Hour!

Here are all the days and times so you don’t have to go looking for them: The Osprey, 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; Provisions and Buzz, Ladies Night every Thursday featuring 25% off tabs; The Wildflower, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; Seito Sushi, 5 to 7 p.m. daily; and Gator’s Dockside, kids eat free from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

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