M arch 2014

76 Pages·2014·14.54 MB·English

by  Scott Zwiebel 2

The Official Newsletter of Celebration March 2014
www.celebration.fl.us
Four seats are up for election
A LOOK
INSIDE
The polls are open. This year we are asking that you All ballots MUST be received no later than 6 p.m. EST
vote for the Election of four (4) Directors to the on Monday, March 17, 2014 in order to be counted.
Celebration Residential Owners Association (CROA),
If you have not yet received your ballot in the mail,
and the Proposed Amendment to Chapter 12.9 of the
please stop by Town Hall, located at 851 Celebration
Celebration Charter. All votes are being cast using
Ave. or call 407-566-1200. Please see the sample ballot
paper ballots.
and voting instructions on pages six and seven.
Pie Volunteers
Needed
See Page 24
Alex Carius Michael Demblewski Greg Filak Lee Moore
Posh Pooch Photos
See Page 33
Eric Oppegaard David Orosz Ory Schiesel Diana Vassallo
Turn to page eight for full information on all of the candidates.
Brooklyn Rider
Home Improvement Expo 2014
See Page 53
Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. your home in accordance with Celebration’s
Celebration Town Hall, 851 Celebration Ave. community-wide standards. There will be games,
food, drawings and demonstrations for the
Join local and national home and garden vendors
whole family to enjoy.
as they help answer your questions and offer
products and services you can use to maintain Turn to page 18 for more information.
INDEX
4 Town News
21 Parks & Recreation
48004 .oN timreP
33 Community
LF ,odnalrO
43 Groups/Events
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59 Education
egatsoP .S.U
Real Estate
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MMEEELLL PPPEEEAAARRRLLLMMMAAANNN,,, PPPAAA
AAAttttttooorrrnnneeeyyy AAAttt LLLaaawww C
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CORPORATE & BUSINESS ESTATE PLANNING & R
Incorporations, Partnerships, LLC’s, ADMINISTRATION A
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Business Acquisitions and Sales, Estate Plans for U.S. and Foreign
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Exit Strategies, Selective Litigation Nationals, Probate Administration O
(Testate, Intestate & Ancillary), N
REAL ESTATE
Asset Retitling & Transfer Assistance N
Commercial & Residential,
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Contracts, Closings, Leases, WEDDING OFFICIANT W
Land Acquisitions and Sales Customized Civil Ceremonies
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407-566-8700 M
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[email protected] c
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HHaannddyymmaann
William Benjamin
Carpentry, Painting
Also Plumbing & Electrical Repairs
25 Years Experience
FREE ESTIMATES
24 hour service Cell: 321-746-3828
Email: [email protected]
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Town News
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- Celebration CROA Celebration CCDD For detailed descriptions of the entities that play a role in
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Annual Meeting Board of Supervisors Meeting the governance of Celebration please visit
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E Registration: (At the Celebration Library) www.celebration.fl.us and view the community page.
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Tues., March 18 (cid:129) 6 p.m. Tues., March 18(cid:129) 6:30 p.m. CROA - Celebration Residential Owner’s Association
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O Meeting: 851 Celebration Ave. 407-566-1200 (cid:129) [email protected]
TI Tues., March 18 (cid:129) 7 p.m. *Meeting times subject to change
CNOA - Celebration Non-Residential Owner’s Association
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851 Celebration Ave., Room 104
R 407-566-1200 (cid:129) [email protected]
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L CJC - Celebration Joint Committee
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407-566-1200 (cid:129) [email protected]
C Celebration News
CCDD - Celebration Community Development District
851 Celebration Ave. Celebration News is the official
Celebration, Florida 34747 newsletter of Celebration and is 407-566-1935 (cid:129) FAX [phone] (cid:129) [email protected]
Phone: [phone], published monthly.
ECDD - Enterprise Community Development District
e-mail: celebration.news@
Back Issues 407-566-4132 (cid:129) FAX [phone] (cid:129) [email protected]
celebrationtownhall.com
Executive Director Visit the official publications TCC - The Celebration Company
Pat Wasson section of the Front PorchWebsite at 407-566-1900
www.celebration.fl.us to view back
Art Director issues of Celebration News. For more Current Celebration Board of Directors
Scott Zwiebel information about registering for an
e-mail account with Celebration, Bob Bisienere,President Jack McLaughlin
Advertising & Sponsorship
please call 407-566-1200.
Mary Pleban, 407-433-2992 Dave Orosz, Vice-President Adam Parrish
cn.marketing@celebration
Richard Joossens,Secretary William (Bill) Pelaia
townhall.com
Lee Moore,Treasurer [email protected]
Emergency Phone Numbers
New To Celebration? Town Hall Emergency Number: 866-621-4337 (after hours)
Emergency: 911
Celebration Celebration Welcome Center
Osceola County Sheriff: 407-348-2222 (non-emergency)
Town Hall & Celebration Store
Monday– Friday, 9 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. Open Daily
851 Celebration Avenue 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Trash Schedule Recycle Day
407-566-1200 690 Celebration Avenue
[email protected] 407-566-1201 Trash needs to be within 4 feet Wednesday for all villages
Here you can obtain these [email protected] of the alley or curb before 1) Plastics
necessities: Look for the rows of white pillars at 7 a.m. on the scheduled day. (#1 and #2, no caps)
(cid:129) Forms to request changes Celebration Avenue and Market Toters are to be kept by or in 2) Metal cans, tin cans
to your property Street. Here you can view open house your garage except on the 3) Aluminum Cans
(cid:129) Resident’s pass listings, pay assessment invoices, pick scheduled trash day. 4) Newspaper
(cid:129) E-mail account up community maps and resident IDs Call Celebration Sanitation 5) White paper (print paper)
(cid:129) Community website access and purchase logo merchandise.
Services (trash) at 321-939- 6) Please place all cardboard
(cid:129) Community newsletters
Celebration 1805 to arrange for bulk pick- out with your normal
(cid:129) Parks & Recreation information
Parks & Recreation up or for more information recycling
(cid:129) Veterans Memorial Bricks
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. on trash toters and recycle
851 Celebration Avenue bins. Thank you for your *Absolutely NO Glass*
407-566-1200 continued cooperation!
[email protected]
Yard Waste Day
Trash pick up
Wednesday for all villages
Stop in for your:
Mondays and Thursdays
(cid:129) Community Directory for North Village, Yard waste must be tied up
(cid:129) Welcome Packet Celebration Village, in a plastic bag and not
(cid:129) Information on Foundation Lake Evalyn, West Village exceed 50 pounds.
610 Sycamore St., Suite 110 Grant Program and parts of East Village Branches and limbs must be
(in the Seminole building behind
tied up and less than 4 feet
(cid:129) Memorial Garden Tuesdays and Fridays
SunTrust Bank from Celebration Ave.)
long. No logs or tree trunks.
(cid:129) Foundation Scholarships for Aquila Reserve, parts
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. –5 p.m.
(You must be able to close
of East Village, Artisan Park
Phone: [phone] (cid:129) Classical Concert Series
the lid).
and South Village
Fax: [phone] Information and Tickets
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Celebration Board proposes amendment
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1 for Master Recreation Plan
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a The Celebration Residential Owner’s Association, Inc., (CROA) Board Am I voting on the Master Plan as well as the funding program?
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of Directors presented a Proposed Master Plan for Recreation to the The proposed Capital Contribution Amendment is for funding only.
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S Community at Town Hall meetings on Jan. 29, Feb. 10 and Feb. 25. Residents are not voting on the package of proposed improvements
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The plan is based on input from a Community Survey which was with this charter change. The Parks, Recreation & Capital
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N conducted in January 2010, a presentation from the Park & Recreation Improvement Master Plan is not yet final as the CROA Board of
Committee in 2011, and several strategic workshops held by both the Directors continues to request feedback for its features. The first phase
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O board and community members in 2013. The entire presentation may of package (multi-purpose fields and dog parks) will be voted on later
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T be viewed on www.celebration.fl.us and on the Front Porch Theater. this spring as estimates and funding timing are finalized.
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R The big question has been, “This is a great plan, but how are you What will this income be used for?
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E going to pay for it?” Your fellow residents and neighbors presented a variety of programs
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and input desired by community during a series of open, town meet-
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The Board researched what other communities were doing to keep
C ings over the last six months. Many of these features, ranging from
home values up by ensuring they maintained up to date facilities, and
new playing fields to improved internet infrastructure and expanded
what were they using as revenue to fund the additional amenities.
meeting rooms to dog runs, have been included in the Parks,
What they discovered was that the documents for many communities
Recreation & Capital Improvement Master Plan. Details and timing
include a requirement that a Capital Contribution is collected at
have yet to be finalized, but if the amendment is approved, we antici-
closing from new home sales as well as resales. Some communities
pating being able to open the first improvements by the end of 2015,
collect as much as one and one half percent of the home’s price.
with the first large scale projects being completed within four years.
The Celebration Charter, Chapter 12.9, requires that each new home
How much revenue will this change bring into the community?
buyer pay one sixth of the current annual assessment at closing, but
Based on recent transaction history, it is expected that approximately
has no requirement for resales. As a result, no funds are collected
300 Celebration residences will change ownership each year. This
unless there is new home construction in Celebration. The Board
proposed structure, as well as the new construction by David Weekly
would now like to ask homeowners to vote to amend the Charter to
Homes on Celebration Blvd., will deliver roughly $300,000 annually
require that all home sales pay a Capital Contribution at closing and
(over the next five years). Although that sounds like a considerable
raise the contribution to equal one year’s annual assessment as a
sum, the initial estimates for three multi-purpose sports fields with rest
one-time fee. The proposed amendment is included for your review.
rooms and pedestrian bridge to access them is $1.8 to $2 million.
If the proposed amendment passes, the Board would take a
Can these improvements be made without this amendment?
combination of Apartment Recreation Fees, Net Fees from Spring
Although some improvements are possible without this new funding
Lake, and the contingency fund and monies saved when the mortgage
source, they will take considerably longer to achieve (likely seven to
is paid off, along with the sale/resale Capital Contributions and begin
10 years). Additionally, Celebration may not remain as competitive
the implementation of the Master Plan. It is important to note that the
a choice for home buyers as new communities continue develop and
Board, with input from our residents, will establish priorities for the
other communities such as Dr. Phillips and Winter Park continue to
improvements and all work will be accomplished on a phased basis.
aggressively reinvest in their neighborhoods. Finally, a loan may be
The most common question being asked is, “Won’t my fees go up need for large scale projects.
once the facilities are built and you have to maintain the new areas?”
Will there be loans or special assessments to make these
When considering the funding as time progresses, the Board would
improvements?
take funds currently used to pay the Town Hall mortgage and allocate
The goal of this amendment is to pay cash for these enhancements.
them to pay for the additional maintenance costs. This project does
not add to the current assessments. Do other communities have similar funds?
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Many neighborhoods and home owner associations, including
Hunter’s Creek, charge similar fees ranging from $500 to 1% of
the Capital Contribution Amendment
the homes transaction price.
Is there a current Capital Contribution? Who is impacted by this fee? My real estate agent claims this will hurt the resale value
Celebration has had a Capital Contribution since its inception. The of my home. Is this true?
current contribution, 1/6 of the CROA Annual Dues ($151.83), is paid Celebration is a premium community and buyers are looking for
by the first buyer/purchaser of new construction homes at closing. community amenities to match. Even the best agents will have a
difficult time quickly selling a well-maintained home with a 20-year-
How would this change if the amendment is approved?
old kitchen and green appliances for the highest price on the block.
If approved, the Capital Contribution would be a one-time cost
Building a desirable community is no different. Amenities such as
equal to a single year of CROA Annual Dues ($911) paid by all
sports leagues, community clubs and cool pools add considerable
buyers/purchasers of both new construction and resale properties.
demand to purchase in Celebration.
Why is this change being voted on now?
Why should I vote for this amendment?
The Celebration Company has offered CROA more than 15 acres
Without the Capital Improvement funds to add, we would not
for recreation and community development. If CROA is to accept
be able to add great community improvements.
this land, a development plan including usage and funding details
must be completed as the ownership, even for the undeveloped land, Please take some time and consider this important amendment
comes with ongoing costs, including property taxes. Simply, if we to our Charter. Check out the Master Plan presentation on
cannot afford to make use of the land, it may not be fiscally www.celebration.fl.us or if you have questions you may contact
responsible to accept the land at all. Town Hall at 407-566-1200 or email the Board directly at
[email protected].
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Proposed Amendment
Voting Instructions
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Amendment to the Restatement of Amended L
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Your vote makes a difference.
and Restated Declaration of Covenants, B
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Conditions and Restrictions for Celebration Follow these easy steps. A
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Residential Properties O
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1. Chapter 12.9 of the Restatement of Amended and Restated N
1. Complete both parts of the YELLOW official ballot. E
Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for (cid:129) PART 1: Check ((cid:2)) up to 4 candidates up for election. W
Celebration Residential Properties is amended and shall read as (Note: Casting more than 1 vote per candidate will void your ballot.) S
follows: (cid:129) PART 2: Mark your choice for the proposed amendment. -
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Check ((cid:2)) either YES or NO.
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Section 12.9 In addition to the other types of Assessments r
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authorized by this Charter, each Owner, regardless of how title is OFFICIAL BALLOT

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acquired, at the time he or she takes record title to a Unit, shall pay PART I 0
2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ ELECTION 1
to the Association a one-time Initial Capital Contribution ChTahreterer raerve ifsoiounr s2, -eyaecahr opfo tshiteisoen ps ouspit fioonr se lweciltli obne. fIinlle adc coonr data nActe- Lwairtghe tbhaes 2is0. 0S9in Ccee lceabnradtiidoant es 4
participating in this election are all eligible for one of the seats available, you may cast
Assessment in an amount equal to one (1) year’s Annual Base up to 4 votes. The four candidates with the most votes will fill the open positions.
(cid:3) Alex Carius (cid:3) Eric Oppegaard
Assessment for the Unit. The first Owner of each Unit shall make (cid:3)(cid:3) MGriecgh aFeilla Dk emblewski (cid:3)(cid:3) DOaryv eS Ochrioesszel
(cid:3) Lee Moore (cid:3) Diana Vassallo
a contribution to the working capital of the Association in an
amount equal to one-sixth of the annual Base Assessment per Unit PART II
Should Chapter 12.9 of the Restatement of Amended and Restated
for that year. This amount shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, DCeeclelabrraattiioonn oRfe Csiodveenntaianlt Ps,r Coopnerdtiiteiso bnes, a amnden Rdeesdtr aics tfioolnlosw fosr?
the annual Base Assessment and any Service Area Assessment Section 12.9 In addition to the other types of Assessments authorized by this Charter,
each Owner, regardless of how title is acquired, at the time he or she takes record title
to a Unit, shall pay to the Association a one-time Initial Capital Contribution Assessment
levied on the Unit and shall not be considered an advance payment in an amount equal to one (1) year’s Annual Base Assessment for the Unit. The first Owner
of each Unit shall make a contribution to the working capital of the Association in an
amount equal to one-sixth of the annual Base Assessment per Unit for that year.
of such assessments. Said Assessment shall be due and collectible This amount shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, the annual Base Assessment and any
Service Area Assessment levied on the Unit and shall not be considered an advance
from the Owner at the time of transfer of record title of the Unit payment of such assessments. Said Assessment shall be due and collectible from the
Owner at the time of transfer of record title of the Unit and may be used to cover the
operating expenses and other expenses which the Association incurs. This amount
and may be used to cover the operating expenses and other expens- shall be due and payable to the Association immediately upon transfer of title, for its
use in covering initial start-up expenses, operating expenses and other expenses
which it incurs pursuant to this Charter and the By-Laws.
es which the Association incurs. This amount shall be due and
Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
payable to the Association immediately upon transfer of title, for (cid:3) YES (cid:3) NO
its use in covering initial start-up expenses, operating expenses and This ballot must be received no later than 6:00 pm EST on Monday, March 17, 2014.
For owners of multiple properties, please submit one ballot per set of envelopes.
other expenses which it incurs pursuant to this Charter and the By-
Laws. 2. Fold your YELLOW ballot.
OFFICIAL BALLOT
DNEELWE TTIEOXNT ININDDICICAATTEEDD BBYY SUTNRDIKEER-LOINUET, (cid:3)C(cid:3) hpu(cid:3)aa LTprr(cid:3)ett h tGeieocer rirM Mp4reee gaoAvaivt corFoiilhensetiri ealxgefoasoe nk.iCl un Ts Dar ,ht re2heiea-umi csyfs ohebe ua lloerercf w p ctti2aoshokn0seniid1st ei4iaod r pBnaeo tsOaes ulsiAlt pwieRo lfiinDotghsri b O wtelhleFieel (cid:3) lcf D omtbi(cid:3)rI eoP oR onf(cid:3)sA inDE.tl leIR(cid:3)Cve iOn aodoTT nt ra fDOeo ayctIsna c hER VSowv eracSaer iithssd’ cl OeslAEi a aOeafnLtrilst-lolspceEloL eslpatCaz hvwerTeaggi iIetaolOha apbb rNteadlhnseei, s p y.2 ooS0sui0ni t9mci oeCan ceysal .ecnbadsritad taiotens
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3. Insert the YELLOW ballot into the YELLOW envelope.
BALLOT SECRECY ENVELOPE
Place your completed ballot in this envelope, seal and then place this envelope in the blue,
postage paid, pre-addressed envelope provided.
4. Seal the YELLOW envelope.
5. Insert the sealed YELLOW envelope into the BLUE envelope.
Annual CROA
Your property PRESORTED
address pre-printed FIRST CLASS MAIL
U.S. Postage
here PAID
Meeting Scheduled Orlando, FL
Permit No. 40056
CROA VOTING MEMBER ELECTION
851 CELEBRATION AVE.
SIGN
HERE! CELEBRATION, FL 34747
Please plan to join us at the 17th Annual Meeting of the Celebration
Residential Owners’ Association (CROA). This is an opportunity to
______________________
meet your Board Members and neighbors as we review the past year’s
YOUR SIGNATURE
highlights and accomplishments. Light refreshments will be served.
SIGN
6. Seal and SIGN the BLUE envelope.
HERE!
Date: Tuesday, March 18 7. Place the sealed BLUE envelope
in the mail,
Time: 6 p.m. Registration and Social Hour
or
7 p.m. Annual Meeting
Deliver the sealed BLUE envelope to Celebration Town Hall, 851 Celebration Ave.
Location: Town Hall, 851 Celebration Avenue and deposit it in the Official Ballot Box located in the lobby.
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2014 CROA Board of Director Candidates
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1049 Nash Dr. 206 Longview
- Regional Hotel Management Cyber Security Consultant
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Celebration Resident Since: 2005 Celebration Resident Since: October 1997

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Have you ever served on a Community
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A Association Board of Directors and, if so, Association Board of Directors and, if so,
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when, where and in what capacity
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Have you ever served on any other Board of Directors (Service Club,
Have you ever served on any other Board of Directors (Service Club,
Charitable Organization, Corporation, etc.) and, if so, when, where
Charitable Organization, Corporation, etc.) and, if so, when, where
and in what capacity (director, president, etc.)?
and in what capacity (director, president, etc.)?
I have served on the Celebration Parks, Recreation & Special Events
No.
Committee for the past several years and have been involved in many
Briefly, what prompted your decision to declare your candidacy? community events and functions for the past 17 years.
Concerned about development in and around Celebration.
Briefly, what prompted your decision to declare your candidacy?
As a previous CROA Director, I have the knowledge about the intricate I’d like to serve on the board and the community of Celebration and
workings of Celebration. During my years of involvement as a CROA Director represent the interests of our homeowners, to make sure we are well
in 2010/2011, the board has diligently worked on lowering the delinquency positioned to meet future challenges and capitalize on growth
by a ‘win-win’ approach. As a licensed Community Association Manager opportunities.
and successful hotelier, my experience also encompasses dealing with fiscal
responsibility as well as owner concerns. As a resident since 2005 and our My family and I have been residents of Celebration for 17 years.
triplet boys being enrolled in the K-8 school and soon high school, I am very
involved in their education and am concerned about the future developments Background:
in and around Celebration. Dealing with this growth in a proactive manner B.S. Business Management
will help keep our schools at their best rating and protect our home values. M.S. Information Management
Our family also enjoys some of the great town events and we volunteered PhD. (ABD) Information Management- Security
our time in the past. My wife Leah and I also served on several committees
in the past to stay involved and to contribute to the success of this great place. Over 30 years experience creating/developing/managing all aspects
As a growing and diverse community, it is also important to plan and look of information systems security. Currently employed at AT&T as a Security
out for the residents of all ages to ensure their ability to interact, stay involved, Architect. Owner/CEO Arete Research Laboratories LLC,
physically fit, mentally challenged and therefore ‘young’. I feel that Celebration an Information Security Consulting firm.
is the perfect community to live, work and play and will give my input to
continuously improve the place we call home. Strengths:
Organizational and project work
Cost/Benefit analysis and risk management
Communications and interpersonal skills
Creative problem solving
Current and prior work responsibilities have included supervisory roles,
project management, team leadership and business development.
My experiences as a volunteer have always complimented and strengthened
my work performance through teamwork toward a common cause, personal
approachability and conflict resolution.
I intend to continue to utilize these strengths toward the betterment and
continued improvement of our neighborhood. I'd like to serve on the board
and the community of Celebration and represent the interests of our
homeowners, to make sure we are well positioned to meet future challenges
and capitalize on growth opportunities.
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Greg Filak Lee Moore E
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1105 Tapestry Lane 807 Oak Shadow Rd. T
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Program Director Business Consultant O
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[email protected] [email protected]

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732-403-4005 407-566-9571
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Celebration Resident Since: 2013 Celebration Resident Since: January 1999 W
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Yes. I was both President and Treasurer of Yes. Celebration Residential Owners 0
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my Homeowners Association in Middletown, NJ from 2008-2013. Association. Presently Treasurer, Former President, and former 4
Secretary.
Have you ever served on any other Board of Directors (Service Club,
Charitable Organization, Corporation, etc.) and, if so, when, where Have you ever served on any other Board of Directors (Service Club,
and in what capacity (director, president, etc.)? Charitable Organization, Corporation, etc.) and, if so, when, where
Yes. I was a Board member on a volunteer fire department for and in what capacity (director, president, etc.)?
several years. Yes. Supervisor Celebration Community Development District,
Celebration Youth Soccer Board of Directors, and others.
Briefly, what prompted your decision to declare your candidacy?
I have experience running and participating in a HOA, as well as
extensive business background in program management, finance, Briefly, what prompted your decision to declare your candidacy?
and contracts. I feel I can bring benefit to the HOA. This CROA Board has accomplished so much and is still in the
process of making some long-term decisions that will ultimately add
tremendous home owner value. We need long term vision on the
I am eagerly seeking an opportunity to serve on CROA.
board with the business experience to make things happen with little
to no impact on our dues. Our community is aging and growing
My qualifications include:
tremendously and now is the time to develop our future.
I was both President and Treasurer of a Homeowner’s Association in
Middletown, NJ from 2008- 2013. I led an intensive transition from the I am running for CROA because I want to give back to the community that
homebuilder and saved the community over $400,000 by aggressively has given me so much. I believe Celebration is a great place to live and bring
identifying and documenting issues which our management company and up my family. I also believe that I should do my part by volunteering my time,
attorney had written off as losses. I led the process to solicit and award two experience, and ideas to help the community. Since moving to Celebration
new service contracts which resulted in 18% reductions to cost while increasing
I have participated and been a part of various organization and clubs over the
services which we held the contractors to perform to. I developed and
years including the Celebration Safety Committee, Recreation Committee,
maintained relationships with the town Mayor and Board which resulted in
CCDD Supervisor, and Celebration Joint Committee. I am also a past president
increased services to our community at no additional cost. I led the Budget
of the Celebration Residential Owners Association, and as you know,
committee which managed over $600,000 of annual expenses and was able
a proud long term CROA board member.
to hold homeowner dues steady despite significant transition costs through
detailed analysis of financials. I worked with the board to increase
My wife Melanie and I live in East Village and try to enjoy Celebration to its
homeowner participation in committees.
fullest. All three of my children go to school in Celebration and are very active
in the community. I have two kids at the K- 8 school and one in high school.
I am a Program Director for a technology company overseeing 72 employees
and managing over $20 M per year. Prior to this I was a police officer in
Thank you for your consideration and your vote of confidence to continue
North Carolina for 5 years. I also have spent 17 years as a volunteer fireman
to improve Celebration.
and had leadership positions both operationally and through our Board of
Directors, budget committee, and equipment committees. I have an
Continued on page 10
undergraduate degree from Davidson College and an MBA from
Pfeiffer University.
My wife, Tania, and I have a two year old son, Lucas.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve the Celebration community.
10
2014 CROA Board of Director Candidates
Continued from page 9
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h Eric Oppegaard David Orosz
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r
a
M
1126 Mosaic Drive 1052 Banks Rose St.
- Marketing Communications Manager Retired Police Detective
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W [email protected] [email protected]
E [phone]-566-0839
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Celebration Resident Since: 2011 Celebration Resident Since: May 2000

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O
I Have you ever served on a Community Have you ever served on a Community
T
A Association Board of Directors and, if so, Association Board of Directors and, if so,
R
when, where and in what capacity when, where and in what capacity
B
E (director, president, etc.)? (director, president, etc.)?
L
E No. Yes. Celebration 7 years.
C
Have you ever served on any other Board of Directors (Service Club, Have you ever served on any other Board of Directors (Service Club,
Charitable Organization, Corporation, etc.) and, if so, when, where Charitable Organization, Corporation, etc.) and, if so, when, where
and in what capacity (director, president, etc.)? and in what capacity (director, president, etc.)?
2013 Celebration Communications Committee No.
2013 Celebration Community Standards Task Force
2007-2010 Secretary, North Madison Volunteer Fire Department, Briefly, what prompted your decision to declare your candidacy?
Madison, CT Re-election
2010-2011 EMS Coordinator (Line Officer), North Madison
Volunteer Fire Department, Madison, CT I currently serve on the CROA BOD as Vice President. I have attended my
2006-2008 EMS Crew Leader, North Madison Volunteer required State Certification for holding an HOA position. My time began
Fire Department, Madison, CT February 2006 to March 2014. My total amount of time provides me with
2002-2005 Board Member, Madison Cable Access Television, experience and knowledge. This is a definite asset.
Madison, CT
All Celebration residents know they may personally avail me to assist with any
Briefly, what prompted your decision to declare your candidacy?
CROA issues with which they may consider an issue. They are aware they can
Community involvement is something that is very important to me.
phone, meet with, or stop by my home. I am able to wholly dedicate myself to
I would like to volunteer as a Board member to ensure that CROA
this position, since I am retired. Therefore there are no time conflicts. Many
is open and listening to the community, remains fiscally responsible
residents have availed themselves of my help in the aforementioned ways.
and be driven to bring Celebration back into the spotlight as a
technology driven community.
I have always worked diligently toward the advancement of specifically
necessary accomplishments during my time on the board. Following is a
Who I am:Eric Oppegaard
synopsis: a lowered budget, maintaining low annual assessments, institution
1126 Mosaic Drive (Artisan Park)
of security cameras, photo ID cards, and Park Monitors at ALL parks.
Marketing Communications Manager – Newmarket, Celebration Office
Keeping HOA assessments reasonable and doing everything possible in
Volunteering and community service is very important to me.As a previous keeping Celebration and its’ residents safe are number one priorities.
volunteer firefighter/EMT, I served as Line Officer, EMS Coordinator and house
officer as Secretary. I am passionate about technology, and want to see better
I was also involved with the initiation of the Community Volunteer Patrol.
infrastructure brought to Celebration.
Cliff Ackey and Sheriff Hansell helped in bringing it to fruition. I make it
Why I am running:Since running for CROA in 2013, I have remained a habit of knowing my neighbors and their habits to further address safety
involved in Celebrationwith the Communications Committee, serving on the matters.
Community Standards Task Force, and being active in the ongoing
technology infrastructure exploration. With each of these experiences,
Another idea, was the relocation of the Children’s Park at Lakeside. I am
I have learned more of what makes Celebration the amazing place it is. If given
currently involved with the Board creating a Sports Park behind the new
the opportunityto serve, I want to help increase communication to the
library. This includes upgrades to our current parks and buildings.
community as well as see the technology infrastructure update to success.
Our Children and Seniors is another top priority. Children involved with
As a full- time resident, my wife and I want to ensure our community sports, Girl and Boy Scouting, and other activities aids in making them
continues to be a nurturing place to raise our future children. “well rounded.”
Education:Quinnipiac University,Hamden, CT (cid:129) BA in Communication
December 2006, Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society Member The seniors need adequate meeting space. We will also be sure to
provide them with space for other activities. HOA dues must be kept “inline.”
Professional Experience:
Thus assuring their continuation of living in Celebration. My involvement
Newmarket, Celebration, FL
with these projects is the reason for my reelection bid. I am happy to serve.
Marketing Communications Manager, January 2012- Present
OMedia Group, Celebration, FL
I was employed by County and Municipal Governments for 32 years.
Owner, January 1999- Present
My experience was diversified. It ranged from Civil Engineering to Law
Libra OnDemand, Celebration, FL (Acquired by Newmarket) Enforcement as a Gold Shield Detective. I apply this broad “knowledge base.’’
Professional Services Consultant, December 2011- January 2012
Fairview Media, New Haven, CT
Media Supervisor, August 2008- May 2010