Submitted by Pat Carrie Smith-A large crowd attended a surprise 89th birthday party for Betty Carey on Thursday July 31. The event was conceived and organized by Nance Robbins, then set up with the help of many Sandspit residents. Decorated with many balloons as well as flowers from local gardens, the community centre reflected a festive mood. Many food dishes were brought, barbecues were set up on the tennis courts, and the mood was memorably enhanced by music played through the entire evening by local musicians, who, for the most part, had not played together prior to this event but who nevertheless played like an organized professional group. The enthusiasm and energy of the music and the tide of good wishes toward Betty contributed to an unforgettable evening.
Betty and husband Neil have resided in Sandspit, as well as Puffin Cove on the west coast, for many years. Betty has accomplished a number of significant solo canoe trips, and her canoe, the BIJABOJI, is on display in the Sandspit airport.