Around Town with Jim Siegel
March 10, 2010 by Celebration Florida Magazine
Filed under Around Town
Around Town with Jim Siegel features photos and local news from Celebration Florida. Community events, society pages and more!
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Celebration Medical Company Gets Stimulus Money
March 10, 2010 by Jim Siegel
Filed under Around Town
Located in Celebration, Florida, the Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement (NCSA) was recently awarded $4.2 million by the federal government as part of the 2009 federal stimulus program. The project was one of two earmarks requested by Congressman Allan Grayson that would have directly affected Celebration. The House Appropriations Committee rejected the other, $750,000 requested to upgrade the planned Celebration library.
The Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement, located at Florida Hospital Celebration Health, develops and disseminates cutting edge surgical knowledge and techniques through state-of-the-art teleconferencing technology. Participants perform minimally invasive surgical procedures at one of nine state-of-the-art endoscopically equipped stations, mastering invasive surgical skills.
The money will pay for the training of doctors and the development of robotic surgery techniques. The money will create dozens of new high-paying jobs. A primary goal of the project is to save the lives of U.S. troops in the field. The directed spending (earmark) will come from the Department of Defense and is the largest single award in the 8th Congressional District for 2010.
Doctors will eventually be able to use the technology to perform life-saving operations on troops in the field, long before they can get to a hospital, performed remotely by surgeons that might be located anywhere in the world. The funding will lead to the direct creation of at least 50 high-tech jobs over a five-year period here. The workers will make an average of $55,000 a year.
The award will help establish a new “Global Center of Excellence in Medical Robotics and Simulation,” which will be housed at the NCSA.
“It is our vision to expand the reach of the Nicholson Center and this grant will help us make this goal a reality,” said Lars Houmann, president and CEO of Florida Hospital. “The support of the local community and lawmakers has provided us with assistance that allows Orlando to continue on its path of becoming a medical destination.”
“It is so important that physicians have access to a training facility that advances the understanding of robotic and simulation technologies,” said Dr. Monica Reed, administrator of Florida Hospital Celebration Health. “Florida Hospital Celebration Health is so fortunate to house this outstanding facility where physicians from all over the world will have the opportunity to further improve their skills in robotic surgery.”
In a press conference following the announcement of the award, Congressman Grayson admitted that the award was an earmark that apparently did not have to pass much Congressional scrutiny, but defended it on the basis of 1) earmarks are such a relatively small percentage of congressional spending, 2) because it represented defense department spending that would ordinarily go to traditional defense contractors located outside the district, and 3) because it will be used to save lives of combat soldiers in the field.
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2010 Celebration Games Rescheduled for November
March 10, 2010 by Jim Siegel
Filed under Around Town
The annual Celebration Games, a kind of friendly Olympics among the residents of Celebration, have been rescheduled. Originally slated for the traditional third and fourth weekends in February, they are now scheduled for the first two weekends in November. The postponement avoids an overlap with the Celebration K-8 School Artrageous event that will benefit the School’s Tech-up Program. When the Games finally occur in November, they will include three new events: kickball, Wii tournament, and Bocce. In contrast to the regular international Olympics, all age residents will be able to participate in many of the events.
Last February, a record number of Celebration participants turned out for the annual town event. In spite of busy schedules of work, school, children, and other civic events, hundreds of spirited residents of all ages participated in the sometimes-chilly, early-morning air to have fun together competing for bragging rights among the town villages. For the second year in a row, the Western District, comprised of Celebration Main Village, West Village, and Lake Evelyn, captured the most points.
Robin Malatino, one of the main organizers of the Games since they were initiated in 2007, credited the hard work of the District captains, plus ongoing expansion of the Games to more activities and all age groups. “The first year involved only adults,” she said. “During the second year we added board games for which children were eligible. Last year we added some new activities, including croquet, women’s basketball, and a talent show.”
The talent show was particularly a huge success by any measure. Emceed by Celebration resident DJ and entertainment extraordinaire Joe Magic, the two hour show featured twenty-one acts that included dancing, singing, gymnastics, cheerleading, musical instruments, comedy, and even karate. It was an opportunity for residents of all ages, children, teens, and adults to demonstrate the breadth of talent here in Celebration. The Celebration K-8 School Gymnasium bleachers were filled to overflowing as residents enthusiastically applauded their appreciation, while the judges (Jacqueline Hazen of the Central Florida Talent Agency, Michelle Bastone of Radio Disney, and former child star and current talent agent Stephanie Brown) carefully marked their score sheets.
With the popularity of video games in our culture today, it was not surprising that “arcade wars” was also an added event last year and were held at the Family Fun Station on Front Street. It may not be recognized by the International Olympic Committee (at least not yet), but admittedly video games do require a great deal of eye-hand coordination, as well as mental acuity and fast reaction time. Most importantly, the event had been one more way of including more residents in the Games, not to mention giving children and teens an opportunity to easily best their parents. This year arcade wars will be replaced by the Wii competition.
Again this year the various villages of Celebration will be organized into four Districts that will compete against one another: East District Pirates (East Village, Roseville Corner, Condo Terraces, and Aquila Reserve), North District Knights (North Village, Georgetown Condos, and Acadias), Western District Alleycats (Celebration Main Village, West Village, Lake Evalyn, and The Downtown Condos), and South District Leprechauns (South Village, and Artisan Park Homes and Condos).
Residents interested in learning more should go to www.celebrationgames.org.
Originally posted 2010-02-06 11:40:22.
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Justin Bieber and Jasmine Concert in Celebration
March 9, 2010 by Celebration Florida Magazine
Filed under Around Town
Screaming teenage girls strain the reach Justin Bieber as he sings favorites from his newest album My World at the December 19 concert held in the Town Center in Celebration, Florida.
Celebration Town Center became an entertainment happening on a recent Saturday night with the appearance of teen-age phenom Justin Bieber (aka “JB”) at the annual Radio Disney Holiday Concert. JB was joined by Jasmine, another 15-year old singer, who had recently been named winner of a competition that earned her a spot on the venue.
Crowd estimates ranged from 24-35,000 fans, who jammed Market and Front Streets to watch first Jasmine and then JB perform their latest hits. Many fans drove from as far away as Georgia to attend the event, and we talked with other avid JB fans who flew in from Colorado and Los Angeles. For Celebration Town Center, the size of the audience was second only to the appearance last year by Hootie and the Blowfish.
Being a largely teenage audience, the cheers and screaming were often deafening. Fans near the stage strained to reach out and touch JB’s hand when he occasionally approached the edge during his performance. Those few that did may not have washed their hands for some time.
Thanks to the restraint by the fans and with the help of deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Department, the concert was safe with virtually no injuries. No less than eight Sheriff’s Deputy cars were spotted nearby just before the concert began.
In this reporter’s exclusive interview with JB prior to the concert, he revealed that he keeps up with school studies with the help of a tutor who travels with him. His favorite subject is writing. His favorite sport is Hockey, not surprising for a native Canadian who grew up and still resides in Stratford, Ontario. His Christmas present wish? A Segway. (No word as to whether he actually got his wish gift or not.)
JB recently released the first part of a two-part album My World; the second part is due to be released soon. He is the only artist in Billboard history to have four singles from a debut album appear in the Top 40 of the Hot 100 before the album’s release. Those four included One Time, One Less Lonely Girl, Love Me, and Favorite Girl.
Also appearing onstage was another 15-year old singer named Jasmine, who the week before had been named winner of Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” competition. A Nashville native, Jasmine had just arrived from Los Angeles where she recorded an acoustic performance and appeared onstage with Justin Bieber at a Citadel Concert. Her singles Make a Movie and Nothing Left Said are already hits. Jasmine is home schooled and particularly enjoys American History and Language Arts. Her Christmas gift wish list? Clothes, make-up, and another hamster.
Predictably, the crowds resulted in the usual traffic gridlock through town, especially after the concert, causing some irate comments by residents on the Town’s Front Porch website. But Lexin Celebration Property Manager Gillian Walker was both pleased and relieved after the concert. “These sorts of events really help the business owners here in Celebration both short and long term,” she commented. “Their viability is important to the vibrancy of the community.”
Originally posted 2009-12-23 13:50:43.
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Celebration Hosts Community Covenant Soldiers
March 4, 2010 by Jim Siegel
Filed under Around Town
Florida National Guard Enjoys Family Holiday Party Hosted by Town of Celebration
Last Fourth of July the Town of Celebration signed a “Community Covenant” in support of our Armed Forces and decided to adopt a local Army National Guard Unit scheduled to be deployed overseas in early 2010. Recently, residents of the Town organized a combination Christmas and Send-off party for the soldiers and their families at the Celebration Community Center. The event was a resounding success that buoyed spirits and touched the hearts of those who attended.
The Unit being deployed is the Headquarters Company of the Second Battalion, 124th Infantry of the Florida National Guard, led by Captain Jason Craft.. Stationed at the Ferncreek Armory in Orlando, the unit has been activated for deployment in the Middle East Theater. Ferncreek Armory is about 20 miles northeast of Celebration, and a few miles north of the Orlando International Airport. But the soldiers are from all over Florida, not just the Orlando area.
South Village resident Karen Whelden spearheaded the planning and organization of the entire event for the soldiers and their families. Her spouse, retired Army Major General Craig Whelden, developed the Community Covenant Program now used to support all branches of the United States Military. Covenants with military units have now been signed by 400 American towns, communities, groups, and States across the country (www.army.mil/community).
The recent event held in Celebration was not only a Holiday party, but also served as a venue for awarding Unit commendations earned while the soldiers have been preparing for deployment. After a breakfast and other business, the Company’s 108 members assembled and marched smartly two blocks down Celebration Avenue to Founders Park and the Veterans Memorial. Family members followed along on the sidewalk, while residents lined the street to applaud their adopted heroes. With the Company in precise formation, Captain Craft and Battalion commander Lt. Colonel Ralph Ribas thanked the community and bestowed about 10 commendations to unit members. In particular, Captain Craft presented framed certificates of thanks to Katie Tamanini of Town Hall, Karen Craft, and Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
Following that troop formation ceremony, the soldiers and their families (numbering about 220 in total) returned to the Community Center for a Christmas feast, entertainment, children’s games, and other activities. Later, children and their parents were transported by Mike Gaw’s Celebration Express train to the Santa Station on Front Street for a visit with Santa, photos, and a present.
Said Captain Craft afterward, “My soldiers and their families were absolutely overwhelmed by the visible and practical outpouring of care demonstrated by the people of Celebration and the surrounding area. Our children will not soon forget the great food, train ride, visit from Santa, presents, entertainment, and so much more. Our soldiers could not have been prouder as they paraded in the town. They and their loved ones could see, in a real way, the reason for their sacrifice. For a short time they did not have to think about deployments and separation; for a short time it was all about enjoying the season.”
Much credit goes to all those residents and groups that contributed time, materials, and food. They include CROA, Celebration Town Hall Staff, Joseph Judge, Hank Wake, Desiree Eastman, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Joe Magic, Mike Gaw, Family Fun Station, Lee Moore, Town Tavern restaurant, other local businesses and entertainers, and scores of resident volunteers.
Deployment date for Headquarters Company is now set for January 6.
We will be following the progress of both the soldiers in theater as well as families left back home, and we will be periodically reporting on how they are doing.
Originally posted 2009-12-31 10:06:25.
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Celebrators Start Year on a Cruise
March 4, 2010 by Jim Siegel
Filed under Around Town
Nearly 100 members of the Celebrators Club recently returned from their second annual cruise to Nassau and the Bahamas aboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ship.
One of the highlights of the four-day cruise was an interactive Murder Mystery written by Earlyn and Con. Suspects included Kenny Zisel, Jan McChesney, Pat Wells, Harold Kollman, Shearer Richardson, Bob Sublet, Sal Negro, Fred Bartok, Ann Fitzpatrick, Coach Rich, Pat McGoldrick, and Mary Orr. The identity of the perpetrator remains a carefully guarded secret to protect the guilty.
Other activities included a treasure hunt organized by Susan Lovely and her mom Barbara, bridge, and a rousing series of mah jongg. Said Ann Fitzpatick, “ Fun and fellowship abounded. Everything about the ship was great, including the entertainment, shopping, and of course the food.”
To the disappointment of some of the more adventurous (such as Bill and Catherine Pelaia), no pirates in an 18th century brigantine were spotted, and no buccaneers in leather cavalier hats and carrying razor-sharp cutlasses attempted to board the vessel. On the other hand, guests were warned of piracy among the merchants of Nassau.
The Celebrators Club is open to residents age 50 and over. Their mission is to continue life-long learning, do volunteering and socialize with others in Celebration, both young in age and young in heart. They meet on the first Wednesday of each month, usually at Heritage Hall, at 9 am.
Among their next outings are dinner at Seasons 52 on Sand Lake Road on February 25, and another dining experience (location TBD) on March 25. Those interested in joining should contact Herb Winfield at 407-566-8933.
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Celebration Florida’s Fun Station Closes
March 4, 2010 by Jim Siegel
Filed under Around Town
The Family Fun Station, a Celebration Town Center business that has specialized in delivering family fun, has sadly decided to close its doors. Mike and Pattie Gaw, well-respected and much admired Celebration residents, announced the closing with a December 30 posting on the Front Porch website.
According to their post, “We have made a decision to close the Family Fun Station at the end of the business day on December 31st. We have made this decision for several reasons. First, the business as currently structured cannot generate sufficient income to justify remaining open; second,we have not had success in any attempts for the addition of different activities that would generate revenue;and third, we no longer can afford to pay the rent, utilities and wages required to remain open. We are saddened by this set of circumstances, and the fact that our dream of providing a wholesome place for the community,young and old, to relax and have fun will not be realized. We fully accept the fact that we made a business decision to open the Family Fun Station in October 2007, but as it turns out like thousands of other small businesses the decision in retrospect was not timely. We had hoped that the economy would improve and business would be better, but we learned a lesson that I well knew from my military experience that hope is not a method. “
Mike and Pattie were among the first residents of Celebration, having had their name chosen during the original lottery held by Disney in November 1995. A former army major general, Mike is one of the town entrepreneurs, and has served the community as a CROA board member. Pattie is a successful real estate agent who plans to continue that business.
The Gaws explained that they would be selling the contents of the Fun Station over the next few weeks, including games, vehicles, prizes and bikes. That includes the popular Celebration Express train that has given thousands of passengers a mini-tour of Celebration around the immediate Town Center area. Anything that is not liquidated would be donated to Give Kids the World, an organization that they have long supported.
Magnanimously, the Gawsacknowledged that many children have been saving redemption tickets and that they would do their best to redeem them for prizes, cash they can spend, or donations to a charity.
The Gaws can be contacted through the Front Porch posting thread or at the Fun Station while liquidation and clean-up proceeds.
Pattie and Mike concluded by noting, “We would like to sincerely thank each and every customer who has frequented the Family Fun Station, our long time immediate neighbors Kilwin’s Ice cream–the very best ice cream in the area, and our new neighbors the unique Spot Me Kids. We wish continued success to you both.”
Originally posted 2009-12-31 10:47:42.
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Celebration Library Planning Underway
March 3, 2010 by Jim Siegel
Filed under Around Town
The long anticipated permanent library branch building for Celebration is moving closer to construction. The County and The Celebration Company (Disney) reached an agreement on the terms of transferring the planned parcel of land to the County. As reported previously, the site selected is in the civic corridor near the intersection of Celebration Boulevard, Campus Street, and Celebration Place. Construction may start by the end of the year.
According to Osceola County’s Beth Knight, the County is now conducting a detailed due diligence assessment prior to the closing currently scheduled for April 1; they will be reviewing the many issues affecting site appropriateness. . Looney, Ricks, Kiss Architects have been chosen to design the project.
The County has $1.55 million appropriated to build the facility. Said Ms. Knight, “We anticipate this funding will be sufficient.” This a fortunate, since the U.S. Congress House Appropriations Committee did not approve the earmark request by Congressman Allan Grayson for additional funds for the library as part of last year’s Federal Stimulus package.
On the other hand, Ms. Knight revealed that the County Staff recently discovered a half million-dollar grant available for new library construction. The County is in the process of completing the application due in later February. “We are excited about the possibility of receiving such a grant,” said Ms. Knight. The funds would be used to enhance and upgrade the technology and other resources available to library patrons.
Once construction begins, hopefully in the late Fall 2010, the normal expected construction time would be 12-18 months, according to Ms. Knight. That could mean an opening around the early to mid part of 2012.
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Celebration Rhodes Scholar Headed For Afghanistan
February 28, 2010 by Jim Siegel
Filed under Around Town
Celebration, Florida, resident Roxanne Bras is another of America’s heroes soon to be deployed to Afghanistan to help fight the War on Terror. But that’s not the only reason for the Town to be proud of her. Having graduated in June with a degree in Economics from Harvard, the second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was recently named a Rhodes Scholar, a first for both Celebration and Osceola County. Following her tour in Afghanistan, she will report to University of Oxford in October to pursue an M.Phil. in international relations, specializing in strategic studies.
After having attended the Celebration K-8 School from 1996 to 2001, Ms. Bras graduated valedictorian from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Kissimmee’s Gateway High School in 2005. While at Gateway, she was on the tennis and cross-country teams. Her mother, Karen Bras, credits the IB Program for “opening up the world” for her daughter, noting that IB commands a lot of respect among Ivy League Schools that otherwise might not consider graduates from high schools in Osceola County. Last year, Celebration High School announced that it would also be offering an IB Program.
Having received a four-year scholarship from the U.S. Army to attend Harvard, Ms. Bras studied the economics of national security, with emphasis on counterinsurgency. Her senior thesis involved the quantitative metrics in counterinsurgency, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan. While an ROTC cadet during her freshman year, she met General David Petraeus, head of the U.S. Central Command, who has been her mentor ever since. In addition to her undergraduate degree, she also earned her second lieutenant’s commission, as well as graduation from the U.S. Army Airborne School and the U.S. Army Air Assault School.
The famous Rhodes Scholarship Program was created in 1904 and is funded by a trust established by Cecil John Rhodes (1853- 1902), a British-born businessman and mining magnate in South Africa, and founder of the DeBeers Diamond Company. Each year, the trust funds nearly one hundred scholarships to Rhodes’ alma mater, University of Oxford, about thirty-two of which are allocated to the United States. This year there were over 800 final applicants for those thirty-two awards. Winners receive up to three years’ of fees and living expenses while in graduate studies at Oxford; by some estimates that’s about $50,000 per year.
Rhodes Scholarships are awarded based on high academic achievement, personal integrity, leadership potential, and physical vigor. Roxanne’s mother noted that her daughter distinguished herself athletically not only as a marathon runner, but also in the airborne and air assault schools. “But the clincher, “ said Karen Bras, “may have been her thesis on counterinsurgency.” The Rhodes Scholarship recipients for 2010 were announced a few days before Thanksgiving, no doubt adding to the blessings for which the family gave thanks.
In a December speech to the Middle School Girls Leadership Forum at All Saints Academy in nearby Winter Haven, Lt. Bras warned the girls against putting too much importance on being a woman. “Don’t try to be the best female president,” she noted, “ … just be the best president.” She emphasized that hard work inside and outside school would some day pay off.
Lt. Bras is currently preparing for deployment at Fort Campbell (KY), and she is scheduled to leave in early February for Afghanistan, where she will serve as a combat engineer before reporting to Oxford in October. She will remain an Army officer while she is studying at Oxford.
Concluded her mother in an exclusive interview, “ We are proud of all our children. We have urged each of them to follow their dreams.”
Originally posted 2010-01-29 11:41:59.
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Corpus Christi Opens New Church
February 28, 2010 by Jim Siegel
Filed under Around Town
The new Corpus Christi Catholic Church is conveniently located on Celebration Avenue in Celebration, Florida, at the intersection of the Town's East, South, and West Villages
Celebration’s Corpus Christi Catholic Church, which had previously held its services at Celebration High School Cafeteria, recently competed its new church building on Celebration Avenue and Waterside Drive, just in time for Christmas. The result is a stunning, classical-style building inside and out that not only fits well with the architectural pattern established by The Celebration Company, but also becomes an attractive, prominent landmark of the community.
Groundbreaking for the church was held in November 2008, though construction did not begin in earnest until the following January. “It seems remarkable that they could finish such a large and complex building in such a relatively short time,” said Celebration resident Dan Tomsick, who during his daily walks past the site kept track of progress. Brasfield & Gorrie, the general contractor for the project and a Fortune 500 company, kept up a steady pace, especially in the last three weeks when the seating, altar art, and stained glass windows were installed.
As a consequence, pastor Father Gregory Parkes, was able to celebrate the first Mass in the new building on December 24 morning to a nearly full house of excited parishioners from not only Celebration, but also Orlando, Kissimmee, and the entire Four Corners area. In a ceremony beforehand outside the front doors, Tim Dwyer of Brasfield & Gorrie handed the keys over to Building Committee Chairman Jack Blitch, who in turn presented them to Father Gregory. After humbly thanking the Committee, Father Gregory acknowledged the hard work and support of the trades people, the Parish, and the Town.
“We received the certificate of occupancy only a few days before,” later confided Father Gregory, “and the parishioners scrambled to move our liturgical materials from the High School and to set up the church, complete with the Nativity scene and various Christmas flowers and decorations.” Parishioners were particularly touched by the members of the Celebration Presbyterian Church down the street; they brought two lighted Christmas trees that were placed alongside the exterior front doors of the church, as well as some beautiful Christmas wreathes that were hung on the front facade.
Fortunately, everything worked relatively smoothly at that first mass. Seven hours later, the Church hosted an overflow crowd for its 5 pm Christmas Eve Mass that featured the Children’s Choir. Father Gregory opened the liturgy with a greeting and then the rhetorical exclamation, “Can we give glory and praise to God for this beautiful church?” — to which the congregation responded with enthusiastic and prolonged applause.
Even without any advertising or notices in the neighboring hotels, the turnout for the four Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses was remarkable. Observed Bert Fitzgibbons, “We had about 3200 people attend those four Masses, nearly double the number at the same number of Masses held last year in the High School cafeteria.”
The Church will be formally dedicated at 5 pm on Saturday January 16, with Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Orlando Diocese presiding.
Details about Corpus Christi Catholic Church can be found at www.celebrationcatholic.org.
Originally posted 2009-12-29 10:00:16.
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