However, if your plans include grabbing a drink from the local downtown Starbucks…you may want to reconsider. “Why?” you may ask.  Yes, the rocking chairs along Celebration lake are tranquil, beautiful, and that would seem like a perfect afternoon to relax, read a book by the water and drink a refreshing frappuccino.  However, I can almost guarantee that if your pre-relaxing activities include a visit to the Starbucks in Celebration, Florida downtown (715 Bloom St, #110), you are in for one of the most unpleasant customer service experiences you will ever encounter in a retail establishment.

I want to be clear; I’m not hating on Starbucks in general.  I’m quite the coffee addict and a good cup of Starbucks and the right music have served as a reset button for my attitude on many occasions.  I simply wish to inform those who may be interested in avoiding unpleasant experiences at this particular location of Starbucks in Celebration, Florida downtown.

You may be asking yourself, “what causes this girl to take time out of her day to make sure that people know the low quality of customer service at this particular location of Starbucks?”  Well, I’ll tell you. Without going into tedious and boring detail, I will share my motivation in 2 generalized points:  1) expectations of customer Service, 2) three strikes, you’re out!

1)      To be brief, I believe that businesses whose business model is literally built on serving customers should require their staff to not only be equipped with the proper customer service skills, but more importantly, require them to execute them effectively.  THIS is what was lacking at the Starbucks in Celebration, Florida.  Multiple members of the staff were rude, not only to me but to numerous others.  It’s like they don’t realize that the reason they have a job is because you just spent $5 on a cup of coffee.  “Sorry to put you out, buddy…next time I’ll take my $5 elsewhere.”

2)      I’ve had 3 consecutive bad experiences at the Starbucks in Celebration, Florida.  The first time, I ordered a redeye with Pumpkin Spice flavor.  They forgot the pumpkin spice.  When I asked them to add it, the barista argued with me and said it was in there and I just needed to stir it up more.  Long story short, he did, in fact forget it, gave me a hard time about remaking it.

I decided to give them a 2^nd chance… messed up my drink… and the Same barista argued with me about it (not loudly, just arrogantly) and dramatically dumped out my old drink before remaking it

3^rd chance — same story, different barista…

So, this leads me to this moment, where I have decided to save you all the annoyance and disappointment by urging you to steer clear of the Starbucks in Celebration, Florida which is across the street from the Celebration Town Tavern.  I would suggest you drive the extra 1.5 miles East of Celebration on Celebration Blvd. directly across Hwy 192 (6083 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL) and go to the Starbucks location there (next to Golden Coral and CSV Pharmacy).  The staff is very friendly, helpful, and dedicated to making your experience what it should be.

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The 2011 Celebration Great American Pie Festival could not have picked a better weekend for the annual event and weekend festivities.  Central Florida’s sun was shining, the sky was a bright blue, and not a chance of rain could be found.  The bake-off was held downtown and consumed the entire towns city streets and off-site park and ride lots.  It felt like the official kickoff for the town’s spring weather festivities. 

There were large crowds with very few parking spaces, but everyone was smiling and having a great time.  Kids were running around all over the place enjoying a great Florida spring day.  There were booths with bbq,  booths with games for kids and of course the big annual pie festival.

For 9 straight years the town of Celebration has been host to the Great American Pie Festival.  There was a fee of $10 for adults to get into the never-ending pie buffet.  They would have the opportunity to try all the pies and decide for themselves which they liked best.  Pie lovers come from all over to get there taste of a countless number of delicious pies.  If you went in with an empty stomach then it was money well spent. 

There were the usual favorites like an apple pie, cherry pie, and blueberry pie.  The apple tasted like one your grandmother would make for thanksgiving.  There was also the coconut cream pie that you have tasted in the past but had yet to try one that matched up until this weekend.  For those being careful with what they were eating, they could have a sugar free blue berry pie.  There were also some new ones that you have maybe never heard about.  There was a raisin and chocolate chip pie that was a pleasant surprise. 

Local Celebration residents could enjoy an afternoon at the pool and at the same time take in the festivities going on just outside the pool area.  Across the lake you could find lines of sports cars anyone would dream of owning.  It’s a treat to be able to walk down the lake front checking out these cars you have only seen in pictures or movies.  The inside of the cars are very unique and custom made.

Once again it was a great weekend in Celebration.  The festivities were run extremely well.  The food was great and the people even better.  All in all another weekend, another Success!

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On May 14, Central Florida residents and visitors had a chance to view the historic last launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis from the Kennedy Space Center.  Atlantis is one of three remaining shuttle orbiters, each of which was scheduled to have its final flight.  The mission designation for the flight is STS-132 (which stands for Space Transfer System mission #132).

Atlantis’ 12-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) delivered a 23-foot long, 17,000 pound Russian-built research module that will provides additional storage space and a new docking port. The module was to be permanently attached to one of the existing sections of the ISS and will carry important hardware on its exterior including a radiator, airlock and a European-built robotic arm.  Three spacewalks were planned to install spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a Ku-band antenna and spare parts for the Space Station’s Canadian-built robotic arm.

This and the other final flights of Discovery on November 30 and Endeavor will be the last opportunity to transport large components and spare parts to the ISS, which can only be delivered using the large cargo bay provided by the Shuttle.

This was the 32^nd flight for Atlantis, which lifted off on its maiden voyage on Oct. 3, 1985.   Later missions included the launch of the Magellan probe to Venus in May 1989, Galileo interplanetary probe to Jupiter in October 1989, the first shuttledocking to the Mir Space Station in June1995 and the final Hubble servicing mission  in May 2009.

Atlantis is named after a two-masted sailingship that was operated for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute from 1930to 1966.

In total Atlantis has logged 115 million miles of space flight has spent 282 days in earth orbit.

Prime launch viewing sites are along the Indian River on U.S. Highway 1 especially in Titusville, the Beachline Expressway Rt. 528 where it crosses over the Indian River, in Cocoa Beach off Route A1A, and at Jetty Park at Port Canaveral.  Plan to arrive at least 3-4 hours prior to launch.

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Now this is the fast way to get into shape quickly for the summer months ahead. You can find Celebration Bootcamp classes mornings right across from the main pool area at the main clubhouse in downtown Celebration.

Enjoy the group for a morning fitness workout and push it to the max. No matter if you’re looking to tone up, get in shape or a loose a little weight for summer. This is a perfect class for beginners as well as advanced. Celebration Bootcamp.

This calss id for Women of all fitness levels, sizes and age. Whether you are a beginner, an avid fitness enthusiast try this approach and attitude to exercise and fun.

The Celebration Bootcamp class is 4 weeks that features outdoor fitness programs to provide fitness instruction, nutritional counseling and motivational support coaching and training – jam packed with fun activities that can help you reach your fitness goals by summer.  To lose weight, shed a few extra pounds, increase your energy and look great, this is the program for you.

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If you live in Celebration, there may be a kind of “time bomb” ready to go off in your house at any moment.  Thanks goes to a dozen or so residents who have called our attention to it, including Dennis Kennen (who started a thread on the Front Porch last month) and to Rick Amick (who posted a thorough explanation and warning).  The problem is sudden and unexpected water leaks inside the house.  The root cause: water pressure delivered to our homes that significantly exceeds County and Uniform Plumbing Codes, coupled with the omission by Celebration builders to install simple pressure relief valves.  

Just ask residents such a Thomas Muery, Renato Texiara, and William Abendschein.  All had expensive repairs totaling thousands of dollars.

The solution is relatively simple: a pressure relief valve installed in the water line just before it enters the home.

I just had one installed in my house in East Village, after I learned of the danger by reading the Front Porch thread started by Kennen.  Suddenly, recent incidents nearby suddenly became clear.  Earlier this year, my immediate neighbor suffered extensive water damage to the entire first floor of his house.  Three months later, his neighbor had a water pipe burst, flooding half his house and ruining the carpet.  A few blocks away, a friend had a burst water line just a week ago.  The next day I had a mysterious trickle of water form under our washing machine.

Kevin the Plumber verified my fear.  The pressure was about 120 psi, far exceeding the recommended maximum of about 80 psi.   In a bit over an hour, Kevin installed a pressure relief valve, his second such installation that day.  The water pressure time bomb has stopped ticking at my house.

But that raises an interesting issue.  Should not some public organization (such as the County, CCDD, or CROA) be warning residents of this danger?  Do the builders have an ethical responsibility to warn all the homeowners?  What about real estate agents who sell houses to unsuspecting buyers? 

Based on the talk around town, the attitude seems to be Caveat Emptor … Let the Buyer Beware.  The Water Department, CCDD, The Celebration Company, builders, and real estate agents all seem to be pointing their fingers either at the others or at the home owners themselves.

Thus it falls to the Fourth Estate (a term coined by Edmund Burke, meaning “the Press”). 

We urge you not to procrastinate.  Test your water pressure with a simple pressure gauge available at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or a good hardware store.  If it exceeds roughly 85 psi, buy and install a pressure relief valve.  Or call a reliable plumber like Kevin (their repair costs reportedly vary between $150 and $250, depending on the size of house and other factors).

Even if the water lines in your house have held until now, the excessive pressure month after month may eventually produce a weak point, causing what could be inconvenience (at best) and catastrophic, expensive damage (at worst).

Just because our public servants haven’t waived a red flag, it doesn’t mean there isn’t danger.  Just ask the residents with posts on the Front Porch, category “Place& Community.”

Originally posted 2010-02-07 13:03:52.

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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 18^th 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.

Originally posted 2010-03-04 10:38:15.

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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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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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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.

Originally posted 2010-03-03 18:04:55.

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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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