Celebration Information

Celebration Blog

Corpus Christi Blood Drive on June 5th

May 11th, 2010 2:34 PM

The Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus are hosting the Florida Blood Centers Blood Mobile for a Feast of Corpus Christi Blood Drive.

Saturday, June 5th, 2010.

11 AM to 4 PM

Corpus Christi Catholic Church Parking Lot, 1050 Celebration Avenue.

Please join them and give the gift of life. Reserve your donor time at the Knights of Columbus table at masses during the month of May. You may also contact Alfred Valentino JR at alfredvalentinojr@yahoo.com for details.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 11th, 2010 2:34 PMPost a Comment (0)

Canned Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank

May 20th, 2010 7:51 AM

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit organization that collects and distributes donated food in Central Florida.

Help Fight Hunger in Central Florida by leaving nonperishable food donations at your local Regions Bank located in the Water Tower Plaza on Blake Blvd.
Food drive is from now until Monday June 7th.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 20th, 2010 7:51 AMPost a Comment (0)

Kids Cooking Classes - back by popular demand

May 20th, 2010 7:49 AM

Due to overwhelming demand from our Spring Break Kids cooking classes. Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Portobello Trattoria and Fultons Crab House, all located at Downtown Disney, have teamed up for a special end of school progressive cooking class. Start at Wolfgang Pucks for your sushi appetizer,move onto Portobello and learn to make pizza and finish up with dessert at Fultons Crab House. :nod:

See below for more details.

Kid-Focused Summer Cooking Class in Downtown Disney

Back by Popular Demand, Kids hit the Kitchen with the
Top Chefs of Disney’s Foodie Hot Spots

Orlando, FL (May 2010) - Calling all aspiring chefs! Heading to Disney for summer vacation this year? Take a break from the rides and hit the kitchen for Levy Restaurant’s ‘Schools Out for Summer’ Kids Cooking Class!

Back by popular demand, three of Downtown Disney’s hottest restaurants, Portobello, Fulton’s Crab House and Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe are hosting a one day, progressive kids cooking class on Saturday, June 12th, 2010.

Whether you child is a hopeful culinary master, or you just need a break from the rides, a day in the kitchen is the perfect option for a family-friendly, fun and interactive activity! The progressive class will take place from 11 AM to 2:30 PM and is $36 per child. Parents can get in on the fun too with 20% off if they stay for lunch or come back for dinner.

Kids will be in expert hands, learning from the Executive Chef’s of each restaurant, how to roll their own sushi, toss pizza dough to create a word burning pizza creation all their own and bake the perfect homemade chocolate chip cookies (see below for exact schedule). All participants will receive a chef hat, apron, pictures and recipes to take home and try on their own!

‘Schools Out For Summer’ Kids Cooking Class Details:

• Saturday, June 12th, 2010
o 11 AM to 2:30 PM
o $36 (plus tax) per child

• Wolfgang Puck Grand Café
o Class begins here at 11 AM
o Menu:
• Kids “Sushi” Chicken Finger Roll
• Rice Crispy “Roll” with Sour Gummy Worms
• Swedish Fish “Nigiri” with Fruit Rollup

• Portobello
o Class will begin here at apprx. 12:15 PM
o Menu
• Make-Your-Own Pizza

• Fulton's Crab House
o Class will begin here at apprx. 1:30 PM
o Menu
• Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Kids will receive a chef hat, apron, recipes and pictures to take home
• All participants will receive 20% off to stay for lunch or come back for dinner

Space is limited and reservations are recommended by calling 407-828-8996.

About the participating Restaurants:
Portobello, Fulton’s Crab House and Wolfgang Puck Grand Café are all owned and operated by Levy Restaurants.

About Portobello:
Portobello restaurant has recently completed a transformation into an eatery reminiscent of the Italian countryside. The revamped trattoria will offer authentic regional fare and warm rustic décor with a reinvigorated wine list.

Portobello is located at 1670 Lake Buena Vista, for more information, please call (407) 934-8888 or visit http://www.portobellorestaurant.com

About Wolfgang Puck Grand Café
Asian and California-fusion cuisine serves as art for the eye and the palate in the vibrant setting of Wolfgang Puck Grand Café. The multi-concept restaurant known for its fresh ingredients and innovative dishes gives guests four dining options in the casual-chic Café, the upscale Dining Room, the high-energy Sushi Bar and the quick-service Express.

Wolfgang Puck Grand Café is located at Downtown Disney® West Side in the Walt Disney World® Resort. For more information, please call (407) 938-9653 or visit http://www.wolfgangpuckorlando.com

About Fulton’s Crab House
The freshest catch from around the world turns up in the inspired dishes of the nautically themed Fulton’s Crab House located at Downtown Disney® Snow crab, blue crab and Alaska King Crab are specialties on the three dining decks of the grand Empress Lilly Riverboat, named for Walt Disney’s wife, Lilly. Each deck offers an expansive view of the Downtown Disney waterfront, and guests can book special-event dining on the riverboat’s third floor.

Fulton’s is located at 1670 Buena Vista Drive Lake in Downtown Disney, for more information, please call (407) 934-2628 or visit http://www.fultonscrabhouse.com.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 20th, 2010 7:49 AMPost a Comment (0)

Internation Space Station and Space Shuttle Atlantis fly-by

May 20th, 2010 7:44 AM

We have exceptional viewing conditions coming up tomorrow night (Thu, May 20) for the ISS and Atlantis here in Celebration:
http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummar ... t=0&tz=EST

It should pass directly overhead, going from NW to SE, between 8:28-8:34 PM, and be quite bright (mag -3.3).

Watch for it!

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 20th, 2010 7:44 AMPost a Comment (0)

Celebration Art Stroll

May 13th, 2010 3:07 PM

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, the Artists of Celebration and Lexin Capital will once again host the Celebration Art Stroll. Between 5:30 and 9 p.m., artists will open their easels and invite onlookers to watch as they create oil paintings, charcoal sketches, watercolor, jewelry, knitted textile and more.

In the Life Drawing station, visitors may purchase a quick-sketch drawing of themselves for $20 after sitting for a 5-10 minute session with stroll artists who will be rotating and sharing turns in the Life Drawing Station. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a charity elected by the Artists of Celebration.

“I am thrilled to see an event like this in Celebration where the casual atmosphere gives us a chance to actually meet the artists individually and learn a little about the person who painted the lovely work hanging in my family room. Not only will I have a personal story to tell when folks ask about my painting, but I’ll also be able to say I got a glimpse into the technique, style and working habits of the artist as he paints,” says Doris Weldon, a volunteer helping to publicize the event.

“The Celebration Art & Wine Stroll gives the artists a chance to connect with the community, each other and visitors while delving into what we love – be it painting, sculpting, drawing… And instant feedback from onlookers is priceless. I’m excited to be amongst my fellow artists in the stroll,” says Rob Kaz, one of the participating artists and Celebration resident.

“The response from our first Celebration Art Stroll was fantastic. Both artists and patrons alike gave a big thumbs up. The Stroll offers a fun evening out for families while art truly brings people together. The affordably priced artwork is a bonus!” says Meryl Rachlin, President of Artists of Celebration and organizer of the Celebration Art & Wine Stroll.

The Artists of Celebration is a Celebration community group formed by artists and those with an appreciation for the arts. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Center. For more information, please email merysmurals@comcast.net.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 13th, 2010 3:07 PMPost a Comment (0)

Foreclosure Filings Drop first decline in 5 years

May 13th, 2010 3:05 PM

Foreclosure Filings Drop in April - First Decline Since 2005, says RealtyTrac

Nationwide, RealtyTrac Inc. is reporting the first annual decline in monthly foreclosures since it started tracking filings in 2005. The Irvine, Calif.-based firm says foreclosures may be leveling off, even though they likely will remain at a high level for a while. In Florida, many counties report foreclosure filings are down for April, 2010, as compared to previous months. Broward foreclosures were down 30 percent in April from a year ago. Palm Beach county had far fewer filings in April -- 3,037 -- but that was still a 7 percent increase from a year ago. In Southwest Florida, Sarasota County's 927 filings represented a 31 percent drop from a month ago and a 28 percent decline from April 2009, while Charlotte County's 561 filings represented a 42 percent drop from the previous month and a 26 percent decline from a year ago

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 13th, 2010 3:05 PMPost a Comment (0)

Computers For Classrooms

May 11th, 2010 2:32 PM

Do you have an old working or non-working computer collecting dust in your home or garage? The Missionary Computer Fellowship (see http://www.realm-fl.org/announcements/M ... puters.pdf for more details) is collecting computers which they will repair for use in school classrooms. They are currently collecting computers to be used by students in Pineloch Elementary School in Orange County. Computer and/or accessory requirements are:

- Pentium II computers or faster. If possible, operating systems from Windows 98 to XP with Microsoft Office software. THEY DO NOT HAVE TO WORK; THE MISSIONARY COMPUTER FELLOWSHIP WILL FIX THEM. Working computers are also accepted.

- Working monitors less than 10 years old. They need to work. They cannot be fixed.

- Keyboards, Mouse, Speakers, Attachments and cables/cords.

- Donor can erase the hard drive or MCF will erase the hard drive.

- On request the donor may receive a Tax Gift Form when the computer is donated.

- The MCF goal is to acquire at least 120 computers this year.

Contact me, George Moran, at gcmoran@smartcity.net or 321.939.0277 to arrange for me to pick up your old computer. Please pass this information on to your friends and associates at your place of business.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 11th, 2010 2:32 PMPost a Comment (0)

Jr. Lifeguard Program for 12-15 yr olds.

May 11th, 2010 2:31 PM

If anyone is looking for an awesome program for your 12-15 year old over this summer, I would highly recommend the Jr. Lifeguard Program here in Celebration. Sara Williams does an amazing job with the kids, teaching them lifesaving skills, including CPR/AED and First Aid Certification. The classes meets Tues-Fri from 1-4pm (so your teens can sleep in), June 15-July 9 at Spring Park Pool. Call 407-566-1698 for details.
Gina McKercher

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 11th, 2010 2:31 PMPost a Comment (0)

Foosball Table For Sale

May 6th, 2010 12:07 PM

Foosball Table (great condition)

Manufacturer: Harvard

Price: $60.00

Call: 321-939-2704

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 6th, 2010 12:07 PMPost a Comment (0)

Orlando, FL – Distressed Sales and Tax Credit Continue to Draw Bargain Hunters

May 6th, 2010 11:39 AM

(3,707 single-family permits in 2009, 19th largest market in the country)

Tax credit pushes traffic above agents’ expectations. Buyer traffic came in aboveagents’ expectations in April, as our traffic index increased to 60 from 50 in March,pointing to traffic exceeding agents’ expectations (readings greater than 50 suggest better than expected traffic). In our April survey, agents continued to stress the importance of thetax credit to the region’s overall demand. Comments suggested that April demand saw an additional bump from the credit because of its expiration at the end of the month, with last minute buyers rushing into the market before they lose out on the incentive. One agent noted, “The main driver of our higher than expected traffic is buyers wanting to take advantage of the tax credit.” In addition, agents mentioned that buyers were most interested in foreclosure and short sale inventory, as they continued to look for deals.

Some agents also highlighted buyers’ sentiment of a market bottom and an improving economy for the better traffic in April. However, we are cautious on demand following the credit’s expiration, given its central role in improving traffic, as a potential pull forward will result in a lull in demand in May and June.

Prices remain under pressure, inventory trends improve. Home prices fell again inApril, but started to move toward stabilization, as our home price index came in at 40 (from35 in March), with readings short of 50 indicating sequentially lower prices. Prices havestruggled to gain traction throughout the downturn. Meanwhile, inventory trends werebetter in April, as our home listings index came in at 56 (from 57 in March), staying abovea neutral reading of 50 (readings greater than 50 suggest lower inventory levels). Our timeto sell index also improved, coming in at 60 from 59 in March, suggesting a reduced timeto sell (readings above 50 indicate a reduced time to sell). We view the better inventorytrends, and less time to sell as positive indicators for future pricing, but remainedconcerned over the potential level of shadow foreclosure inventory held by banks.

Comments from real estate agents:

¦ “Most of the activity we get is for REO and short sale listings.”

¦ “The looming tax credit deadline got people off the fence and into the market.”

Ryland and KB Home have the greatest exposure. Ryland and KB Home have the

largest percent of sales from Orlando at approximately 5% each.

Exhibit 18: Buyers Continue the Search for REOs and Short Sales; Tax Credit Provides Boost to Traffic

Traffic Levels Versus Expectations

32%

44%

24%

More than expected Meets expectations Less than expected

How Do the Recent 30 Days Compare to the Prior

30 Days...

25%

20%

64% 67%

40%

28%

40%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Home Prices Incentives Time to Sell Increased Remained the same Decreased

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 6th, 2010 11:39 AMPost a Comment (0)

Memorial Day Flag Ceremony

May 1st, 2010 2:10 PM

Memorial Day Flag Ceremony
Monday, May 31; 11 a.m.
Veterans’ Memorial
Remember the men and women who have defended our freedoms. Honor the heroes who have sacrificed in order to uphold the values of the United States of America. Join us as we pay tribute to our nation’s heroes at Celebration’s Veteran’s Memorial. For information, please contact Celebration Parks and Recreation at (407) 566-1200 or parks.rec@celebration.fl.us.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 1st, 2010 2:10 PMPost a Comment (0)

Art & Wine Stroll

May 1st, 2010 2:09 PM

Art & Wine Stroll
Saturday, May 22, 5:30 and 9 p.m.
Downtown Celebration
The Artists of Celebration and Lexin Capital will once again host the Celebration Art Stroll. Artists will open their easels and invite onlookers to watch as they create oil paintings, charcoal sketches, watercolor, jewelry, knitted textile and more. New this year, participating restaurants, including Imperium Food & Wine on Main Street, will offer their favorite wines to buy and enjoy while patrons visit the artists and listen to live musical performances. Visitors are invited to sip wine and take their time perusing a number of the finest artists in the region. For more information, contact merysmurals@comcast.net.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 1st, 2010 2:09 PMPost a Comment (0)

Letter Carriers Food Drive

May 1st, 2010 2:08 PM

Letter Carriers Food Drive
Saturday, May 8
By Your Mailbox
Help the community by placing food items in a bag near your mail receptacle on that day, and your letter carrier will pick up and deliver the food to a collection center. The items are then distributed by Second Harvest Food Bank to emergency food pantry programs throughout the community.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 1st, 2010 2:08 PMPost a Comment (0)

Celebrator's Cinco de Mayo

May 1st, 2010 2:07 PM

Celebrator's Cinco de Mayo
Wednesday, May 5; 11 a.m. (instead of the usual 9 a.m.)
Celebration Community Center
Join us for a Mexican-themed luncheon. Want to join the Celebrators? Contact the Membership Chair, Herb, at (407) 566-8933, or the President, Pat, at (407) 566-0328.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 1st, 2010 2:07 PMPost a Comment (0)

Donut Days Return to Celebration

May 1st, 2010 2:06 PM

Donut Days Return to Celebration
Saturdays, May 1 & 8; 8 - 9 a.m. (Order Deadline: Wed May 6th)
Delivered to your Home (Orders taken at Town Hall or Community Center)
Town Hall’s Relay for Life Team is offering to deliver oven-fresh Krispy Kreme donuts right to your front door! Cheerful Town Hall Staff will be making Saturday morning “runs” on May 1 & 8 from 8-9 a.m. These delicious glazed donuts are $10/dozen - a small price to pay for not having to get out of your jammies! Click here for the order form. Orders accepted at either Town Hall location and must be paid for at that time. All net proceeds donated to Celebration’s Relay for Life to be held at Lakeside Park on May 14-15. Please help win the fight against cancer…your tummy will be glad you did!

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 1st, 2010 2:06 PMPost a Comment (0)

Artists of Celebration Meeting

May 1st, 2010 2:05 PM

Artists of Celebration Meeting
Tuesday May 4, 7 p.m.
Wine Imperium Restaurant
Join us for a glass of wine or enjoy some food while Cafe sketching who and what you see. Bring your sketch pad and whatever you wish to draw with. This is the last meeting until September, so come and enjoy the company of other artists for an informal creative meet up. RSVP to Meryl Rachlin at merylsmurals@comcast.net so space in the restaurant can be reserved ahead of time to accommodate the group.

Posted by Karyn Smith on May 1st, 2010 2:05 PMPost a Comment (0)