Dunedin resident honored as patron of the arts

Good for you | by Nova Beall

On Feb. 1, the Sterling Society auxiliary group of the Dunedin Fine Art Center presented Gail Gamble with its Patron of the Arts Award during the sixth annual Founders Luncheon at Dunedin Golf Club.

Gamble has studied art and been an avid art student at DFAC. While summering in New York with her husband, Chip, she has also been an advisory committee member for six years at Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution in New York.

The longtime Dunedin resident has spent many hours at the Dunedin Fine Art Center involved in almost every aspect of its operation. She was a member of the board of directors for nine years and served as president in 2006 and 2007. She chaired and assisted with the spring Garden Party for many years. And in 2005, she created and chaired the "Second Time Around Art Sale," now known as "Trashy Treasures," and also chaired the preview party.

"Gail is a dedicated supporter of DFAC whether as an artist, board member, volunteer or benefactor," said Susan Gehring, a past Patron of the Arts Award winner. "Her leadership, although quiet, is extremely effective. She is a person that I admire."

This year's awards luncheon also honored the tradition of growing artists at the center. Artist Christopher Still, serving as guest speaker, was introduced by his brother, DFAC Youth Education director Todd Still. Both spoke on the quality and necessity of art education.

Founded nearly seven years ago by DFAC members, the Sterling Society's mission is to promote the growth of the Dunedin Fine Art Center and to promote interest and participation in its activities.

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The Pinellas County Technical Rescue Team received the 2012 Search and Rescue Responder of the Year Award from the Florida Chiefs Association at the annual Florida Fire Chiefs Fire Rescue East conference, which took place in Daytona Beach Jan. 23-26.

The award recognizes a team or individual whose acts and deeds as a search and rescue responder or volunteer demonstrates the highest level of excellence and ongoing commitment to the fire service and community.

The Pinellas County Technical Rescue Team is made up of representatives from Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg fire departments. They respond to any incident that requires specialized equipment or skills, including building collapses, trench cave-ins and industrial accidents. Firefighters selected for the Technical Rescue Team attend specialized skill training and development programs.

Pinellas County provides funding for vehicles and equipment assigned to the team.

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Firefighters from Clearwater Fire and Rescue took top spots in the first annual Firefighter CrossFit Challenge Feb. 9 at CrossFit Rebels, 2077 Sunnydale Blvd., Unit 1, Clearwater. The event involved firefighters from departments in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Clearwater driver operator Wendy Arnold took first place in the women's division.

In the men's division, Clearwater firefighter Christian Miller earned the top spot.

The competition consisted of three workouts. During the first two, the participants performed firefighter specific duties and CrossFit exercises while wearing full gear and self-contained breathing apparatus. The final workout took place in normal gym attire and consisted of running and other physical exercise.

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"Firefighting is a difficult and very physically demanding occupation which requires the members to be in top physical condition," said Clearwater Assistant Chief of Health and Safety Ronald Gemsheim. "This is not just for their safety but also for anyone requiring their assistance. This event showcased some of the finest and most fit firefighters in the area and the Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department is very proud of how its members performed."

Mail Good For You items to Nova Beall at 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756; fax to (727) 445-4119; or email nbeall@tampabay.com.