Baldwin Park Living January 2024

BALDWIN PARK

LIVING JANUARY 2024

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

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Kimberley R. Gernert Real state Specialist Baldwin Park Resident

(423) 381-5701

KimberleyRG@kw.com

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

Baldwin Park Expert

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

lp Y!"OU!” heYOU eretotohelp ’m hhere “I"I'm

One of Baldwin Park's top realtors since 2015

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“Charles and I take great pleasure in highly recommending our outstanding realtor, Kimberley Gernert. When we decided to sell our home, there wasMeet no question we would choose to help us.

Place ingwho 2633 Kimberley was extremely diligent, energetic and professional. She 4.2 baths 4 bed was in constant contact, guiding us through every step of selling our Pool water Salt home. As a result of her hard work we had 3 offers in the first three n r Kitche Outdoo Fulland days on the market our home sold above our asking price! rds SideYa 2 Large

Orlando HOT 100 Realtors since 2019 Baldwin Park Resident for over 18 years 1878 Meeting Place wininLane 625 Lake Bald Ranked Top Producer Magazine since 2015 bath m 2.5 Keller Williams Winter Park Luxury Division Member 3 bedroo 3 bedroom 2 bath Room Bonus Goldard Key Certified Lovely Courty ard with Pool Great Courty 2 Car Garage Orlando 5 Star Professional Realtor by Orlando Style Magazine since 2017 Kimberley’s personal touch didn’t end there. She helped us find

an apartment andand offered to assist withthen our move.

She made what I earted, kind-h ional, savvy e, experienced, profess "If you are looking for a Realtor who is knowledgeablGerner to could have been a difficult transition very easy.

We could not have market the te naviga ically t. She helped us strateg strongly and unequivocally recommend Kimberley of step every stress ted done it without her. allevia wit atured good-n and iasm find a home for our lifestyle. Her professionalism, enthus the month. It was certainly smooth sailing the way. Then, she turned around and sold our current home within their clients and about genuin who ne Charlesely andcares I would not consider anyone else when selling a home. and so nice knowing we were in such good hands with someo s." familie She is simply the best”!

Kimberley R. Gernert KMP of Winter Park / Baldwin Park, FL

(423) 381-5701

-Charles and Jane Brandon.

Kimberleyrg@kw.com

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

JANUARY 2024

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

HAPPY TONIGHT

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12 WE ARE BALDWIN PARK! The new year is a perfect time to look back, forward.

SLEIGH BELLS RING! Residents had a blast at the Winter Wonderland Extravaganza.

13 FROM THE COVER A new craft beer festival is coming to Baldwin Park!

14 HEAD OF THE CLASS Meet Baldwin Park Elementary’s principal.

18 TEEN SPIRIT Learn more about Baldwin from Mimi Simmons.

20 GIVING HEART Bless those around you by helping local non-profits.

21 BEAUTIFUL BALDWIN Are you ready to get the new year started off right?

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

EDITORIAL Design Editor — Jessica Eng, jeng@orangeobserver.com News Editor — Annabelle Sikes, asikes@orangeobserver.com Contributors — Brie Bernstel, Will Campbell, Becca Schmidt and Mimi Simmons

ADVERTISING

Sales Manager — Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@orangeobserver.com

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Graphic Designer — Andrea Rukstalis, arukstalis@orangeobserver.com

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

For advertising inquiries, call (407) 656-2121.

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

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Baldwin Park notebook ROA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

and tested for leaks. The company located leaks inside the skimmer throat and patched with two-part putty. All systems are in working order. The filtration system is not due for replacement until 2026 per the Reserve Study Update.

BY STACEY FRYREAR

The following information is a glimpse of the ROA’s general updates for the month. A copy of the official Nov. 9, 2023, ROA Regular/2024 Budget Adoption Meeting Minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.

The board accepted, appointed and/or approved the following items/work: n Frederick Burnett’s resignation from the Board of Directors n Appointed Lori Pollock to the Board of Directors filling the vacant position along with participation on voting to start immediately n Appointed Robert Moenssens to the Architectural Review Committee n Resolution Ruling 70 604 Election Excess Income Applied to Following Year’s Assessments n Proposal to add mulch beds to both sides of the High Park Large Pavilion n 2024 Semi Annual Budgets (Division 1 and Division 2/common areas and parks) n 2024 TSAC Budgets (Divisions 3 to 10 / Townhome Service Areas)

UPDATES COMPLETED ACTIONS 1. November carpet cleaning at Enders and Grace Hopper.

2. SMI looked into whether the filtration system at Grace Hopper pool was leaking. It was reported by the pool maintenance contractor that it is believed to be leaking in many places and that the chemical usage was up. A leak-detection company inspected the pool

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3. SMI maintenance pressure-washed the sidewalk at Dorwin Park.

4. Emergency light replacement at Enders.

5. The leak at the Enders kiddie pool was repaired (replaced line).

6. SMI maintenance replaced the door handles at Enders fitness center where someone damaged them trying to gain access.

7. Light bulb replacements (high reach) at Enders breezeway.

8. SMI maintenance cleaned the building frontage of Grace Hopper Hall.

9. The pool restroom floors at Grace Hopper were painted (including shark grip/sand additive) by SMI maintenance.

10. AC sensor cover at Grace Hopper Hall foyer was replaced and located higher on the wall.

11. SMI completed about 45 official records requests.

PENDING ACTIONS 1. Modernization of elevator at Grace Hopper approved in February. Time blocked in October/ November for modernization.

2. Replacement of shutters at Grace Hopper Hall. Special order because these are custom-sized shutters.

3. Replacement weight bench for Enders’ fitness center. Contractor ordered.

4. Proposal to replace screen doors at Enders facility center.

DRS to provide proposal. Due to cost because these are custom

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

sized doors, obtaining an additional proposal.

5. The kiddie pool at Enders was leaking at the thread of the pipe to one of the jets near the steps.

The line was replaced fixing the leak. A proposal to finish and paint the deck will be brought back to the board.

6. SMI maintenance to clean the back of Grace Hopper Hall.

7. SMI maintenance to paint (including shark grip/sand additive) the men’s pool restroom floors at Enders.

8. SMI maintenance to paint (including shark grip/sand additive) the women’s and men’s pool restroom floors at High Park.

9. SMI maintenance to touch up/ paint black marks on walls from roof at Enders pool restroom buildings.

10. Screen company to provide an additional proposal to replace screen doors at Enders. DRS provided proposal already.

11. Proposals for Poured-in Place Tot Turf Enders and Union Park playgrounds including root pruning. Have proposals for Poured-in Place surface.

Proposals for root pruning and installation of root barriers were in the September 2023 packet. Because of costs, SMI is obtaining an additional proposal for the Poured-in Place replacements.

12. Hotwire mailed the sponsorship check for 2023.

13. Proposals related to 2023 reserve expenditures per the 2023 Reserve Study Update: Asphalt overlay 1-inch Enders parking lot. A proposal will be obtained and brought to the Board. Update: SMI met with ABC Paving on-site. It will provide three options for this parking lot because of the change in code concerning ADA grade requirements/limits.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR OWNERS Do your driveway and sidewalks look dirty?

Cleaning these types of surfaces not only improves the overall look of your property, but also it helps to prevent them from becoming potential hazards, such as a fall risk to those visiting your property. Routine pressure-washing/ cleaning ensures these surfaces are not slick and slippery from the growth of mold or mildew which is so common in wet or humid conditions.

EXTERIOR CHANGES Any exterior change to your home, including, but not limited to, painting, replacing or adding gutters, roofs, windows, plant materials/sod/ trees, accessories, structural changes, etc. requires ARC approval. All applications can be found at baldwinparknetwork.com under ARC Applications. If you have questions, please call ARC Coordinator at (407) 740-5838 or email ARC@baldwinparkpoa.com.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOME OWNERS

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

BY MELISSA PARKER

The following information is a glimpse of the business that the Townhome Service Area Committee addressed in the Nov. 16, 2023, meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network (BaldwinParkNetwork.com) once approved at the Jan. 18, 2024, meeting. n The TSAC approved in-person TSAC meetings to be held at Grace Hopper Hall while management will continue to research hybrid meetings. n The TSAC recommended appointing Michael Lynch to the ROA Board for consideration of City Homes No. 2 seat vacancy.

UPDATES

n Please remember to report any landscape, building or irrigation issues on Baldwin Park Solutions. Reporting items on Baldwin Park Solutions allows residents to share photos of the reported area(s) and receive real-time updates from management staff on corrective measures being taken.

Baldwin Park Solutions can be accessed on the Baldwin Park Network. n City Homes No. 1 is receiving roof replacements. The project has been divided into two phases. Townhome buildings within City Homes No. 1 will receive roof replacements and new gutters. The roof replacement project is currently located at the townhomes on Chatfield Place/Anson Lane.

Townhome owners will receive notices on their front doors

advising on the construction start date prior to the project beginning. Please make sure to follow the directions on the notices to protect your belongings and prepare for the roof replacement on your townhome. n The Cambridge service area roof-replacement project has received bids from interested/ qualified roofing companies.

The TSAC reviewed the bid recommendation from A/R/C Associates Inc. during its meeting that occurred on Oct. 19, 2023.

The roof-replacement project is currently in negotiations.

There are 26 buildings located within the Cambridge service area. The original bid consisted of 19 buildings to receive roof replacements; however, the negotiation includes all 26 buildings to be replaced. The revised bid will be reviewed during the January TSAC Meeting. More information will be provided to the community as it becomes available. n New sod that was installed in December has been treated with a fungicide. n BrightView has continued to make multiple irrigation repairs throughout the townhome service areas. Any plants that have suffered from a lack of irrigation will be removed and replaced if they do not recover.

BrightView also corrects any irrigation following the installation/replacement of plant material. n Per DRS Inc., all townhome maintenance scheduled for 2023 has been completed.

DRS Inc. will be starting townhome maintenance for 2024 in January.

Maintenance Tips: If you live in a townhome, you have probably received this information in the past, but it’s great information to keep handy in case one of these situations happen to you. n Dryer not drying? Clean the vent to prevent lint build-up and a possible fire hazard. n Use the correct wattage light bulbs for exterior lighting fixtures. Plastic fixtures will melt. Check the tag posted on the inside of the fixture or with the manufacturer for the proper wattage. n Install weatherstripping around your doors and windows to help lower utility bills, prevent water intrusion and unwanted pests from entering your home. n See black lines running down your garage door?

Adjust the garage door tensioner heads. n Need a copy of the Master Insurance Policy for your townhome? Please email Melissa Parker, mparker@ baldwinparkpoa.com.

Repainting: All association buildings that have been repainted have used AllGuard — a specialized coating with a 10-year warranty for use on stucco surfaces. Do not to pick, poke, rip, tear or penetrate the protective seal. Using brushes or scraping tools will harm the surface. If you pressure-wash, do not use pressure higher than 1,500 psi. Simple Green is the only approved cleaning product. Avoid spraying any chemicals directly onto the building due to a possible chemical reaction with the product.

BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.

BY BILL PATTERSON Happy New Year! Did you know more than 6% of gift cards are never used? Some gift cards have expiration dates, so make sure you use them before they expire. Do not let that money go to waste; come to the Village Center and spend it here. Enjoy our many different delicious food options or start the new year with some shopping. You cannot go wrong with either choice.

THINGS TO KNOW

n Trash Talk. The dumpsters in the commercial lots are meant for trash bags and small items only. For all large items, including trees (artificial or live), please use OUC bulk pick-up. Stuffing these items in the dumpster or leaving them causes multiple issues including dumpster break down and rodents. Visit orlando.gov/ Trash-Recycling for more information and to schedule future pickups. n 2024 Budget. The Commercial Association Budget was adopted at the October Board of Directors meeting. The 2024 Coupon Book was mailed sometime in late November or early December. If you have not received your coupon books, please reach out to Bill Patterson. You also can find your balance by logging into Click Pay through the Sentry website, sentrymgt.com/ make-a-payment.

Continued on page 10

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

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Baldwin Park notebook

Continued from page 9

BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. n Loading Zones. Most parking lots around Baldwin Park have loading zones. These areas are for short-term loading and unloading vehicles only — and not for parking. Please make deliveries and unloads quickly, because it causes a traffic jam if these zones are blocked. Vehicles parked in these areas which are not loading/unloading will be tagged for towing at owner’s expense.

n Baldwin Park Solutions.

Commercial owners, tenants, and managers can submit work requests through our new Baldwin Park Solutions system. It is located on the Baldwin Park Network.

Simply click “Resident Home” at the top right, and you will find the link in the middle of the page.

If you do not have a Baldwin Park Network account, you can request one from that page, as

well. Visit baldwinparknetwork. com to start. n ARC. Architectural Review Committee meetings take place twice monthly on the second and fourth Tuesday for application reviews regarding commercial changes to exterior structures (roofing replacements and painting), landscaping and signage. For the city to approve permits, the Commercial Owners Association must sign off on the project. All corresponding applications can be located on the Baldwin Park Network under Commercial Owners Association and Commercial Architectural Review Committee.

For questions and application submission, please feel free to email Bill at BPatterson@BaldwinParkPOA.com.

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n Commercial Parking Lots.

There are nine commercial parking lots scattered in the Village Center. These lots are for Commercial Building employees, tenants and guests only.

Commercial Buildings include apartments, office and retail.

Anyone parked in these lots are subject to the COA rules and

regulations. Please make sure your tags are up to date and your vehicle is parked properly.

Vehicles not following these rules or not approved to park will be tagged and towed if not corrected or removed. As a reminder, the Baldwin Harbor parking garages also have parking for commercial tenants and guests.

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

READY FOR 2024?

Join me for a free Zoom call and let’s talk about this year’s expectations

On Tuesday, January 23 at 4pm, I’ll be hosting a Zoom call exclusively for Baldwin Park residents. I’ll share my thoughts on the coming year and the most important things you should be doing as an investor—answering any questions you may have along the way.

Email info@fortresswealthgroup.com to RSVP. I look forward to speaking with you!

Fortress Wealth Group CEO John Ledford and his family are residents of Baldwin Park.

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

407-999-8998 www.fortresswealthgroup.com info@fortresswealthgroup.com

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024 Disclaimer: FWG Holdings, LLC d/b/a Fortress Wealth Group is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where FWG Holdings, LLC d/b/a Fortress Wealth Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.

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#WEAREBALDWINPARK

Welcome to the new year!

Let’s take this one slow!

H

WILL CAMPBELL PRESIDENT BALDWIN PARK JOINT COMMITTEE

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ello friends and neighbors, and welcome to 2024! I feel like I was just talking to you about the new year the other day — not a full year ago — yet here we are.

Hopefully, everyone had a safe and happy holiday month because, let’s be real here, the holidays basically start at Thanksgiving and go until Jan. 2 (sometimes Jan. 3, depending on your New Year’s Eve plans). There was a lot of talk about “circling back after the holidays” at almost every meeting I had in December, so I guess now we actually have to talk about all those things we tabled.

As we roll into the new year, now is the best time for a reset — whether it be physical, mental or both. There’s no better time to start fresh than at the start of a fresh, new year. As cliché as it sounds, “New Year, New Me” isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

I always like to take the first couple days of the new year to reflect on what happened in the previous year and what I want to accomplish with the opportunity of a new year.

Over the last year, I’ve been challenged professionally — sometimes to the point where I thought it might break me. Those challenges provided me with litmus points on how to move forward — and through — something that I didn’t think I could overcome.

I traveled more this year than before the pandemic, which could be viewed as both good and bad.

It’s good because I love status at hotels and airlines … I mean, who doesn’t?! On the flip side, all that business travel took me away from my home and my favorite little neighborhood within the City Beautiful.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

Looking ahead to this new year, I’m hopeful that I will be able to challenge myself in things outside of work. I’m setting an intention (not a resolution) to read more books. I used to read so much, but then work always seemed to get in the way. I’m also setting an intention to not let work get the better of me every single day and to take time for myself when it’s needed.

I also want to balance my travel better. I spent so much time on the road for work — traveling between offices and to clients — and so little time visiting friends and just traveling for relaxation. I already have one trip planned, a cruise in February, with my husband and our friends, and we’re looking at another trip to somewhere we haven’t been later in the year.

Another thing I want to do is get back to spending more time in the neighborhood. I feel like I’ve been gone for so long and miss everything Downtown Baldwin Park has to offer. I haven’t even had the chance to visit Apiary since they opened or treat myself to Greenbeat. Let’s not forget the new menu items at Osprey and Seito — can’t miss all of that!

What are you taking with you from 2023 and what are you leaving behind? What intentions do you plan to set for 2023? It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a new year, but I encourage each of you to take the time to reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going. Let’s look at our past experiences and see how we can better not only ourselves, but those around us.

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

NEW THIS YEAR

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Community

Calendar

MONDAY, JAN. 1

SEMIANNUAL ASSESSMENT DUE

FRIDAY, JAN. 5

FIRST FRIDAY EVENT 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, on New Broad Street. Find the full vendor list by searching “BP Community Market Day” on Facebook.

MONDAY, JAN. 8

COVENANTS HEARING 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, virtually. More can be found on the Baldwin Park Network or by emailing Erin at covenants@ baldwinparkpoa.com.

THURSDAY, JAN. 11

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, virtually. Because of the current high volume of Residential ARC applications, the number of applications accepted is being capped at 25 per meeting. Once this number is reached, subsequent applications will be held for the next scheduled ARC meeting. The ARC meets twice a month.

THURSDAY, JAN. 18

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18,

virtually. All information for the meeting can also be found on the Baldwin Park Network, along with the link to join the meeting.

THURSDAY, JAN. 25

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, virtually. Because of the current high volume of Residential ARC applications, the number of applications accepted is being capped at 25 per meeting. Once this number is reached, subsequent applications will be held for the next scheduled ARC meeting. The ARC meets twice a month. More information can be found in your weekly newsletter.

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

BACKYARD FOOD FARE Join your neighbors at Corrine Commons for delicious food vendors and live entertainment!

Residents: Check your weekly newsletter for more information.

FADED KINGDOM BEER FESTIVAL Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Tactical Brewing Company, 4882 New Broad St., Baldwin Park. Faded Kingdom is a celebration of the Orlando beer scene.

Tactical Brewing and Brewed Events have invited breweries from all over the country to deliver a festival the amazing beer fans of Orlando deserve. Both VIP and general admission tickets will be available. VIP Entry will include a barrel-aged stout from Tactical Brewing and noon entry into the festival. General admission entry will begin at 1 p.m. For more, visit TacticalBeer. com.

LAKE BALDWIN CHURCH 415812-1

WINTER PARK HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAYS AT 10:45AM lakebaldwinchurch.com

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces when they know they are loved and cared for. It is extremely rewarding when I get to see our amazing teachers work so hard with our students and see the spark for learning come to life in a student’s eyes.

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

Prior to relocating to Florida and becoming an educator, I was a firefighter and paramedic in New York. I also was enrolled in nursing school. So, chances are I (would) be doing something in the medical field.

Who influences you?

My wife and children influence every decision I make.

ANDREW SCHWARTZ Andrew Schwartz is school principal at Baldwin Park Elementary School. As principal, he oversees the overall operation of the school and instruction.

What brought you to your school?

I served as an assistant principal in Orange County Public Schools since 2015, and I was at the point where I wanted to take the next step and lead a school of my own.

Baldwin Park stood out to me as an amazing school with an even more amazing community. When the opportunity

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presented itself to apply to be the next principal, I jumped at the chance.

What do you love most about your school?

I love how invested the entire community is in the success of the school. From the teachers to the families to the local businesses, everyone wants each child (who) comes into our school to be as successful as possible. It is evident the community is willing to come together and do whatever is needed for our kids.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? Her name was Mrs. Walsh. She was my favorite for two main reasons. The first was that she made learning exciting.

She made it applicable to our lives as children. The second and more important reason is because she “got me” as a student and understood how I learned and what it took to educate me. She did not just treat me and my learning style like every other student. If it wasn’t for her, I do not know where I would be.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” I love reading it with my two daughters.

What do you in your spare time?

I love to spend time with my family. I also enjoy cooking and firing up either my smoker or pizza oven on the weekend.

REPORT CARD Position: Principal Time at school: First year Time at OCPS: Since 2013

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

I would dine with my father.

He was taken from us too soon on Sept. 11, 2001. He was the first man I ever knew, and the greatest man I will ever know.

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

Time travel, because I have so many questions for people from my past, and as I am sure most people would say there are a few things that I would do differently.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

Ellio’s Pizza was a daily favorite of mine when I got home from school in the afternoon.

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

My best friend was, and still is, Jimmy Ervolino. He and I just shared common interests around public service. We are still in touch all the time as we are going on 30 years of friendship.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

I played baseball, volleyball and bowling. I also was a musician playing percussion and piano.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Florida Department of Education releases 2022-23 school grades MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER The Florida Department of Education on Dec. 11 released school grades for the 2022-23 school year.

These scores are the first since Florida’s transition to using progress monitoring instead of traditional high-stakes testing.

Grades for the 2022-2023 school year serve as a baseline and carry no negative consequences.

“These school grades serve as a baseline for districts and provide a starting point for future achievement,” Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. said. “I look forward to seeing schools rise to the occasion as they continue to provide Florida students a first-rate education.”

When Gov. Ron DeSantis took office in 2019, he charged FDOE with developing new standards that were clear and concise and that outlined what a student should know and be able to do at each grade level.

After dozens of workgroup meetings with educators and stakeholders were held throughout state over a one-year period, the state Board of Education adopted the new Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking standards.

Following the transition to the B.E.S.T. standards, FDOE developed a new test, Florida’s Assess-

ment of Student Thinking. FAST is a progress-monitoring system that provides teachers, students and parents real-time, immediate and actionable data at the beginning, middle and end of the school year to drive student improvement.

Florida was the first state in the nation to establish a system using progress monitoring.

Public schools serving Baldwin Park fared well in the new system.

Both Baldwin Park Elementary and Winter Park High received A grades, while Glenridge Middle earned a B grade.

THE GRADING SCALE

School grades provide a way to measure the performance of a school. Parents and the general public can use the school grade and its components to understand how well each school is serving its students. Schools are graded A, B, C, D or F. Each school is graded based on the components for which it has sufficient data. Schools must test at least 95% of their students.

COMPONENTS

In 2022-23, a school’s grade may include up to seven components.

There are four achievement components, a middle-school acceleration component, as well as components for graduation rate and college and career acceleration.

Each component is worth up to 100 points in the overall calculation. Learning gains will not be calculated in 2022-23, because there is only one year of the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking assessment results available.

Learning gains will return to the school grades calculation for the 2023-24 school year.

Four Achievement Components: The four achievement components are English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. These components include student performance on statewide standardized assessments, including the comprehensive assessments and end-of-course assessments.

The component measures the percentage of full-year enrolled students who achieved a passing score.

Middle School Acceleration: This component is based on the percentage of eligible students who passed a high school level EOC assessment or industry certification.

Graduation Rate: The graduation rate is based on an adjusted cohort of ninth grade students and measures whether the students graduate within four years.

College and Career Acceleration: This component is based

2022-23 SCHOOL GRADES

School ELA Math Science BALDWIN PARK ELEMENTARY 72 77 79

Social School ELA Math Science Studies GLENRIDGE MIDDLE 53 63 58 65

Total Pts. Earned 228

Middle School Acceleration 88

College & Career

Social Grad rate Acceleration School ELA Math Science Studies 2021-22 2021-22 WINTER PARK HIGH 62 53 81 81 98 67

on the percentage of graduates from the graduation rate cohort who earned a passing score on an acceleration examination (qualifying AP, IB or AICE), earned a passing grade in a dual enrollment course that qualified for college credit, earned 300 clock hours through career dual enrollment courses in the same approved program, earned an Armed Services Qualification Test score and two course credits within the same military branch, or earned an industry certification.

School Grades Calculation: The number of points earned for each component is added together and divided by the total number of available points to determine the percentage of points earned.

SCHOOL GRADING SCALES

Elementary: A = 62% of points or greater; B = 50% to 61% of points; C = 33% to 49% of points; D = 22% to 32% of points; and F = 21% of points or less.

Middle: A = 68% of points or greater; B = 58% to 67% of points; C = 40% to 57% of points; D = 31% to 39% of points; and F = 30% of points or less.

High: A = 70% of points or greater; B = 60% to 69% of points; C = 40% to 59% of points; D = 23% to 39% of points; and F = 22% of points or less.

Combination: A = 67% of points or greater; B = 56% to 66% of points; C = 35% to 55% of points; D = 23% to 34% of points; and F = 22% of points or less.

% of Total Possible Pts. 76

2023 Grade A

Total Pts. Pts. Earned 327

% of Total Possible Pts. 65

2023 Grade B

Total Pts. Earned 442

%of Total Possible Pts. 74

2023 Grade A

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WHAT’S SELLING

1853 ROBIN ROAD, ORLANDO SOLD PRICE: $1,100,000 SOLD DATE: Nov. 13, 2023 BEDROOMS: Three BATHROOMS: 2.5 SQUARE FEET: 2,698

CONTACT US TODAY

(904)-504-0335 @venturahousedesign venturahousedesign@gmail.com

VENTURA HOUSE

RENOVATION

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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

INSTAGRAM

NEW

REMODELING

AFTER

US ON

NEW

INTERIOR DESIGN

BEFORE

FOLLOW

Ventura House is a full spectrum design and renovation firm.

We have our own general contractor team and we project manage the full design & reno project to the end, delivering quality results and ensuring your home or business is kept clean & livable during the course of all projects. We take the stress and worry out of embarking on a home or business improvement project!

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Closets, Home Design, Re-Design & Renovations!

YEAR

SPACE!

Transform your living space into a sanctuary of simplicity and functionality with our Home Edit services. We specialize in minimalizing and creating functional organization solutions tailored to your lifestyle. Say goodbye to clutter and welcome a streamlined, stressfree environment where every item has its place. Offering: Minimalist Styling Space Planning Storage Solutions Overall Organization

Kitchen Revitalization Closet Optimization Home Office Efficiency Bedroom Tranquility

V H

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Photographer: Kate Porter, Kelly Price & Company

LISTING AGENT: Jenny Lake, Fannie Hillman & Associates SELLING AGENT: Kate Porter, Kelly Price & Company

DETAILS: This gorgeous single-story Mediterranean home is bathed in natural light and graced with beautiful dark wood flooring. Upon entering, you will find the spacious office on your left and, to the right, an indoor laundry, versatile flex space and two bedrooms. The open kitchen features quartz countertops, soft-close drawers and top-tier stainless-steel appliances.

Enjoy meals at the kitchen island or in the charming breakfast nook, while the separate dining room provides a sophisticated space for gatherings. Off the kitchen is the spacious living room with ample relaxation space. The large primary suite boasts a walk-in shower, soaking tub and dual sinks.

Step outside to the covered porch and a fully fenced backyard with the potential to add your own pool.

2023 WINTER WONDERLAND EXTRAVAGANZA Baldwin Park residents celebrated the Christmas season with the 2023 Winter Wonderland Extravaganza in the Village Center. Attendees enjoyed tons of vendors, food trucks, activities for the little ones and, of course, a festive parade featuring herd of corgis, a platoon of marching bands, classic cars and clubs from around Orlando. The night culminated with the traditional tree-lighting ceremony.

Photos by Brie Bernstel

Your Baldwin Park Neighborhood Church

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

416359-1

www.gonorthpark.com

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A Test of New Urbanism”: “Like any master-planned development, Baldwin Park is at risk because of the uniform ‘newness’ of its buildings, which over time is going to transform into uniform ‘oldness.’”

HOWDY NEIGHBOR

I recently had a conversation with Bobby Livera. He is an original Baldwin Park homeowner and co-owner of Baldwin Park Realty, the corner store real-estate office located at Lake Baldwin Lane and Meeting Place. Because of his longtime-resident status and hyperlocal business perspective, he has kept an eye on the curb appeal of both individual properties and the community as a whole.

IT’S AWKWARD

Baldwin Park: A Community in the ‘Teenage Years’ Properly selected, installed and maintained plants can last many years.

A

s an architect and prior chair of the Baldwin Park HOA Architectural Review Committee, I have a passion for how design shapes a community and how its physical infrastructure stands the test of time — or doesn’t.

COMMUNITY DESIGN BASICS MIMI SIMMONS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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You might have read my recent article, “Baldwin Park: A Stunning Successful Example of New Urbanism,” (Baldwin Park Magazine, October 2023), where I walk through the basic concepts of new town planning upon which redevelopment of our former U.S.

BALDWIN PARK LIVING | JANUARY 2024

Navy base was founded. If not, you might want to find that back issue or search online to catch up.

IS THE IDEA OF BALDWIN PARK ULTIMATELY SUSTAINABLE?

Because most of the homes and commercial buildings here were built during the same 10- to 15-year period, it appears our initially successful example of a New Town is especially vulnerable to decline in the form of concurrent aging. Or as Strong Towns, a 501(c)3 nonprofit advocate for safe, livable and inviting cities, said in its early assessment titled, “Baldwin Park:

Livera likens Baldwin Park to a person in their teenage years (yes, I stole his line for my headline) with perhaps a few pimples and greasy hair.

“We are not young enough to have the shiny sheen of newness and not old enough to be historic,” he says. “We are in the in-between years requiring extra attention to keep the freshness fresh.”

NOTHING LASTS FOREVER

Indeed, old, tired and awkwardly overgrown landscaping is a common reason why my company, Mimi Simmons Design, is contacted by homeowners here. When landscape elements have been neglected over a long period or have gone without proper maintenance, it can be too much of a challenge to bring them back to optimal life.

“Some people think that plants should last forever, but in the context of a front yard in Baldwin, they most likely do not,” Livera says.

MORE REASONS FOR REFRESH

Even with the best of care, some want to put their own mark on the place they call home — a pollinator-friendly annual bed, a line of blooming shrubs, a trellis with a fragrant vine, a new paint color, exterior lighting or address numbers. A lifestyle change, such as a new addition to the family (child, pet or parent), can occur, prompting a new fence, pool or room addition. Other top

To guide inevitable change, the professionals who planned Baldwin Park drafted a declaration of their design intent for the community called Baldwin Park Residential Design Guidelines. This 11-inch-by17-inch printed booklet (also available electronically through the HOA’s resident’s portal or city of Orlando’s website) lays out the structure of Baldwin Park neighborhoods, categorizes residential lot types and home styles, and delineates design details, requirements and restrictions.

A PHONE CALL AWAY

Since the founding of the community, various additional policies have been set forth by the Residential Owners Associ-

A WORD OF CAUTION

If you are a Baldwin Park homeowner and are thinking it’s time to make a change, there is something else you need to know. Before you start planting, removing, or painting, please read this carefully: Every single change to your home exterior or property requires approval by the HOA. Specifically, each change requires an application to be reviewed and approved

by ARC prior to the change.

TIMING IS OF THE ESSENCE

Be sure to plan ahead. For instance, if you want your new landscape to be installed in March, be aware that it takes time to create a design plan

Courtesy of Mimi Simmons

Some plants fare better than others in certain placements.

and draft an application. Once the application is submitted to ARC, it might take up to eight weeks to get a spot on their agenda, especially during peak seasons. Especially if your project is connected with a potential home sale or other deadline, start the process at least two to three months in advance.

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY

We all play a role in maintaining the community we live, work and play in. In Baldwin Park, that could require extra knowledge and effort, but in the end we might make it into “young adulthood” more gracefully.

Mimi Simmons is the owner of Mimi Simmons Design.

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INTENTION IS KEY

ation to amend the guidelines.

It makes sense to be familiar with these documents or at a minimum ensure that the professionals improving your property have a working knowledge of them. A call to the HOA office is a great way to start.

Call (407) 234-5282 Location: 1376 Lake Baldwin Lane, Unit B Orlando, FL 32814 416514-1

incentives for modifications including HOA Covenants Violations and functional issues such as site drainage will be addressed in future articles.

@jbhmed1

@jbhmed1

JBHmed1.com

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Baldwin Park: Where better living means better giving B BECCA SCHMIDT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

aldwin Park residents love design. They love decorating, they love the little things that make a home beautiful and comfortable.

Baldwin Park residents also love giving to those in need. But sometimes, there is a big gap between “loving stuff” and graciously parting with stuff. Whether you are downsizing, merging households or redesigning for more functional living, changes in the home often mean getting rid of furniture, lamps, pillows, art, window coverings and decorative accessories. It may be tempting to just trash it all.

But of course, trashing home décor items has significant

Time to Plan For Spring!

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321-252-8722

negative environmental implications, because they end up in our landfills.

Shiela Wyatt, of Shiela & Co Moving and Organizing Solutions, says organizing before the big change will help you make a plan for “eco-purging.”

“You may have run out of room for your large antique table, or your queen headboard or matching night stands, but there is someone here in our greater community who is in need of just those things,” she says. “The key is matching the items you have to give with the people who can benefit from them.”

If you’re planning on getting rid of home décor items, consider these avenues so your treasures live a second life.

Furniture often sells quickly on Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace. If you aren’t interested in the money and purging quickly is your goal, then list your item for well below market price or post it for free.

It’s better to post a “curb alert” in the Baldwin Park section on Nextdoor and set a strict time parameter for pick up than to leave your items in the alley.

Drive your items to a charitable organization you trust.

Think thrift stores for the Boys and Girls Club, your local synagogue, church or non-profit thrift store. Only donate furniture that is safe and household items in good condition. Most do not accept mattresses.

Arrange for a pick up. Make one phone call, or fill out a pick-up form on the charity’s website and arrange a convenient time for collection. These pick-ups are almost always contact-free and will come directly to your front porch.

Wyatt has a special place in her heart for the non-profit,

DONATIONS ACCEPTED

n One Heart for Women and Children: oneheartorlando.org n Audubon Covenant Church: audubonparkchurch.com n Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida: bgccf.org n Out of the Closet: outofthecloset.org n Mustard Seed of Central Orlando: mustardseedfla.org

One Heart for Women and Children, because donations to this organization do double duty.

“One Heart uses the money from their thrift store to feed families,” she says. “A family who doesn’t have enough for food certainly doesn’t have money for luxuries like Christmas gifts. Donations are crucial for their survival.”

As the holiday season approaches, it’s reassuring to know that making a donation of something as small as just one lamp may make a world of difference to a neighbor in need.

Note: The EPA estimates that 9 million tons of furniture are tossed every single year. That’s about 5% of everything brought to landfills. This is just a small sampling of local non-profits that will accept gently used furniture and household items and funnel proceeds directly to recipients.

#BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK

The perfect start to the new year in Baldwin Park!

T BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR

he holiday rush has come to an end, and Baldwin Park is a little calmer … for now!

There are always activities around the community for you to choose from; you just have to know where to look.

As always, First Fridays are the easy, safe bet for a leisurely activity that is ideal for the whole family. Grab a scoop of ice cream or warm up with some hot chocolate from ICE NY, and stroll the more than 40 vendors that set up on New Broad Street. This event has grown immensely since its conception last year and features local artisans from all over Orlando. These events also have

incorporated live music making for a perfect, chill date night.

If you are looking for something to break up your monotonous month, check out Baldwin Park’s first craft beer festival hosted by Tactical Brewing. Craft-beer lovers rejoice, because you will have a full-blown beer festival right in your backyard featuring 40 of the best breweries from around the country along with local brewery spotlights. The festival will take place down New Broad Street with the main section being in the Village Center. Faded Kingdom will be closing out Orlando Beer week from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 27.

This is a fantastic opportunity

to not only sample the best beer in the country but also to try more than 20 local food vendors, listen to live music and, to top it off, enjoy live entertainment by nationally known armored combat knights who always put on quite a show. The block party will be open to the public, but to partake in the beer fest, you must purchase tickets ahead of time. Find full details by visiting them on social media at Tactical Brewing or on its website, tacticalbeer.com.

As always, don’t forget to follow Baldwin Park on social media (@ VisitBaldwinPark) for all current and up-to-date information on everything happening in the community. Exciting things pop up weekly, and you don’t want to miss a thing! Also, check your weekly newsletter via the Baldwin Park Network for all current resident only activities and classes.

See you soon in #BeautifulBaldwinPark!

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

people are the difference.

Maintenance Technician Derrick Helmondollar just celebrated his 10th year with Sentry Management. He currently works in the Enders Park area taking care of the gathering room, pool, fitness

center and surrounding grounds.

Originally born in West Virginia, Derrick grew up in Central Florida and spent most of his life in the sunshine state. He is the oldest of four boys and continued the “boy”

trend with Owen Ryder, his 13- year-old son who loves to play hockey.

Prior to working in Baldwin Park, Derrick worked in retail for 10 years, then as a frozen food manager at Winn Dixie, and finally property management maintenance. What he likes most about working in Baldwin Park is the freedom of working on his own and spending time outside. He also loves attending the many events Baldwin Park offers as well as getting to know his co-workers.

Attending concerts, collecting vinyl, traveling on road trips and watching his son’s hockey games are some of his favorite things, and you may hear Derrick singing tunes from Elvis or Johnny Cash while he works.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR LET'S TALK

numbers ..

I am ranked as one of Baldwin Park’s Top Agents in Home Sales.

I was the #1 individual agent in townhome sales for 2021 and the #1 individual agent in condo sales for 2022 and 2023.

Fannie Hillman + Associates sold over $375 Million in 2023.

SOLD IN 3 DAYS!

1954 Meeting Place $888,000 321-228-8341

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LISA@FANNIEHILLMAN.COM

415813-1

LISAFLEMING_REALESTATE

Exceptional

654 W. MORSE BOULEVARD

WINTER PARK

415807-1

LEARN MORE:

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