The spirit and love that people have for this community continues to astound and amaze us.
The 41st annual Sea Cavalcade festival is in the books for another year. The community came out in force, despite the sweltering heat, enjoying live entertainment, parade, children's games, loggers' sports and fire works. They also celebrated the good achievements of many past and present volunteer ladies that do so much. We're of course talking about the Golden Girls. These special ladies are recognized every year during the opening ceremonies. This year's recipient Phyllis Hurschman is a worthy choice to enter this exclusive fraternity.
The 83-year-old senior has adopted this community with open arms and opened her heart to volunteering, be it at her church, Gibsons United or teaching line dancing at Harmony Hall, the senior's centre in Gibsons. She's a giving person and had nothing but praise and gratitude for receiving the honour of being the latest Golden Girl. Her smile was infectious when she was waving to the crowd during Saturday's parade. Indeed a special lady.
And we can't forget about the Sea Cav volunteers, especially Conchita Harding and Barrie Custance who stepped up in the ninth hour to chair this year's committee, even though they retired last year. Here's hoping that other volunteers step up to the plate to ensure that this festival continues.
We'd also be remise to not pay homage to Bob Burlin.
After delivering hundreds of babies, treating and caring for hundreds of patients, the good doctor, who has practiced for 29 years on the Coast, is hanging up his stethoscope and heading to a well-deserved retirement.
A handful of his loyal patients held a retirement social for him on Tuesday at Chaster House. We don't know Burlin personally, but judging by the many stories told to us, he has left a lasting impact in our community.
All of these people mentioned and many more embody the spirit of the Sunshine Coast. They make our community what it is, a special place to live, play and work. They are the spirit of our community.
