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North Pinellas hometown for June 27

 
Graycie Cameron of Palm Harbor celebrated her 100th birthday in June with a family gathering.
Graycie Cameron of Palm Harbor celebrated her 100th birthday in June with a family gathering.
Published June 26, 2014

Three students win Anne Frank awards: The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the humanitarian efforts of exceptional teens with its 12th annual Anne Frank Humanitarian Award. Twelve years ago, the museum created the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award to focus attention on the positive actions of teens. By "doing the right thing," the recipients hold true to the spirit of Anne Frank who, in the face of hardships, endured and did not abandon her ideals. Honorees were nominated by their principals, guidance counselors or teachers. This year there were three Pinellas County winners. David Siegel of Countryside High School is the Clearwater Chapter President of United Synagogue Youth. He is a leader in several Jewish youth groups that work locally and internationally. Mar'keta Alston of Bayside High School is a member of Girl's Club where she meets regularly during lunch hour with the adult club sponsor and other female students to discuss issues they all face. Alston is a member of her Bethel neighborhood church youth group, and she donates her time as part of the youth group's Hospital Cheer Campaign, visiting children during hospital stays. Brendon Bloomfield of East Lake High is an avid volunteer and supporter of the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the ALS Association. He has been a mentor for elementary school children, and he has worked in a homeless shelter. He also participates in the Best Buddy program.

Palm Harbor woman celebrates 100th birthday: Graycie Cameron of Palm Harbor celebrated her 100th birthday in June with a family celebration. Cameron is a former registered nurse and public school teacher. She has been a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary female educators sorority for more than 50 years. She recently received a special proclamation from the international office of the organization explaining that she will now become part of the permanent history of ADK.

Eight wildlife artists show work: Tampa Bay Watch worked with local artist Bill Castleman to present "Bay Life," an exhibit featuring eight distinguished Florida wildlife artists. The event, held at the Tampa Bay Watch Marine and Education Center, featured Castleman, George Chase, Paul Ladnier, Pauli Maiville, Bill Renc, Douglas Taylor Jr., Joyce Ely Walker and Sandra Williams. Paul Ladnier, professor emeritus of fine arts at the University of North Florida, gave a talk. A portion of all proceeds from art sales was donated to support the mission of Tampa Bay Watch.

Dunedin man marks 100th year: John Giammaria of Dunedin celebrated his 100th birthday in April. He was born in Riverside, N.J., in 1914, and moved to Florida is 1977. He worked for Mobil Oil Corp. for 34 years as a research chemist, pioneering oil refining processes and developing 49 patents for the oil industry. Giammaria enjoys classical music and watching his favorite baseball team, the Tampa Bay Rays. He played golf until his early 90s, scoring three holes-in-one on his 85th birthday. His secret to a healthy life is moderation and a solitary drink in the evening, which he has done for the past 60 years.

Clearwater, St. Petersburg hotels get awards: Nine St. Petersburg and Clearwater hotels received awards of excellence from the Superior Small Lodging Association. The hotels' performance was measured on guest amenities, guest services, pet-friendliness, family choice, captain's choice, website excellence, first impression, impressive pool and patio, eco-friendly and destination wedding. Five hotels won excellence awards in seven categories, including Plaza Beach Hotel Beachfront Resort of St. Pete Beach, Camelot Beach Resort of Clearwater Beach, Bayview Plaza Waterfront Resort of St. Pete Beach, Bay Palms Waterfront Resort — Hotel and Marina of St. Pete Beach, and Pasa Tiempo Waterfront Resort of St. Pete Beach. Two hotels were given excellence awards in five categories, including Island Paradise Cottages of Madeira Beach and Frenchy's Oasis Motel of Clearwater. Two hotels also earned awards of excellence in three categories, including Cay Pointe Villa of Indian Rocks Beach and Ebb Tide Resort of Clearwater Beach.