Quilts win awards: Melba Rilott of Palm Harbor recently entered her three quilts in the "Garden of Quilts" show at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville, N.C.
Her Healing Hearts quilt received a second-place ribbon, while her Señoritas Dance to the Argentine Tango received a third. Her A Victorian Keepsake took the Viewers' Choice ribbon.
The quilt is her original heirloom quilt depicting the life of the Rilott marriage to the last grandchild born.
It is embellished with laces, beads and special family mementos.
Make-A-Wish recipient enjoys trip: Zachary Metcalfe, 4, and his family enjoyed a week's stay in the Tampa Bay area thanks to a Make-A-Wish flight into St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport donated by Allegiant Air. The family is from Missouri and flew in from Youngstown, Ohio. Metcalfe and his family received a special greeting from the Allegiant crew and a welcome bag from the airport and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater.
Metcalfe's wish was for a pool party with his family. Allegiant hosted a small reception for the family in Gates 2 through 6 for their departure this month. In addition, PIE concessionaire Stellar Partners provided Florida souvenirs for the children traveling with Metcalfe.
Dunedin festival proceeds being counted: The annual Dunedin Orange Festival was held this month at Edgewater Park. Drawing a crowd of more than 4,000 people, the festival featured a competitive Mojo cook-off, Fun Zone for the Kids, Miss Orange Queen Pageant, Duck Derby, local craft beer, wine and food. Though the proceeds are still being tallied, it is expected to bring in between $5,000 and $10,000. Last year, $4,500 was raised. Proceeds are split between the Dunedin Historical Society and Museum, and the Dunedin Chamber Cultural & Educational Foundation.
Blue Jays do charity shopping spree: Dunedin Blue Jays players and staffwent on a $1,000 shopping spree at the Clearwater Toys "R" Us this month to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation with toys for children in need. The spree followed the Camp Day game against the Bradenton Marauders. For more information, contact Tyler Murray at tyler.murray@bluejays.com or (727) 733-9302.