Wow, if New Brigden had been at risk of drying out any time soon, this is no longer the case.  Those farms and homes along the 41 received between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 inches of rain and hail Wednesday early evening.  The dugouts and sloughs are overflowing, the ducks are celebrating and the farmers are strategizing how best to battle the water runs… it’s another lush spring in New Brigden!

On the June 2nd weekend Erwin and Carol’s home filled with kids and grandkids.  Farrah, Dean, Elyssa, Ashley and Dylan came from Arrowwood to celebrate Farrah and Elyssa’s birthdays with the family.  Ryan, Simone and girls and Preston, Sarah and boys headed over for supper and celebrations in the afternoon.  The grandkids had a great time catching up on their play time – as always, “it’s never enough” we were told.

Johnny and Carol Hagens travelled to Vancouver last weekend to spend time with their eldest, Tammy Compagna and family and son Derek Hagens.  Tom and Tammy’s eldest daughter, Nicole, graduated from high school, so much of the focus was on this very important celebration.  Also joining in on the weekend’s festivities were Auntie Kendra (Hagens) and newborn, Connor, from St. Albert (Terry stayed home with Christian and Vivian), Uncle Derek, and Tom’s mom and sister and friend.  Saturday evening Tom and Tammy hosted a family supper and Sunday was spent taking in Nicole’s graduation, and her sister, Kelsey’s, ballet recital.  Nicole is Johnny and Carol’s eldest grandchild and they are very pleased to share that she will be attending UBC in the fall, and is enrolled in their Arts and Science Program.

Things are winding down for the New Brigden School students as well as the NB Dirt Devils.  The school kids have enjoyed year-end field trips to various destinations where they participated in some fun activities.  The last day of classes will be Thursday, June 28.  This will be an extra special day, as the community will be celebrating 3 very important educators:  Principal Jack Shields who will be transferring to OPS, teacher Joan Pennett who will be retiring, and Lorie Herron who announced her resignation at Christmas.  Please consider this your invitation to join in on the Tabloid and BBQ farewell.  The Dirt Devils held their wind-up family ball game and BBQ on Thursday and were most grateful for the window of sunshine and light breeze.  Thank you to all the parents for making it another great family-friendly ball season.

Our community clean-up and BBQ will begin at 5:00pm on Tuesday, June 26.  Kids games will begin at 6:00pm.  Please bring your yard tools to lend a hand and a snack or dessert to compliment the BBQ – thank you!  The History Book Committee will be meeting that same evening at 7:30pm.  The main focus will be on the planning of the fundraiser (all community members welcome) to be held on Heritage Day (fitting), Monday, August 6th.  The details are being ironed out, but the following events are planned to kick off around 2:00pm:  Johnny Hagens: JD Toy Show and Lawrence Wilson: Antique Show at the Curling Rink; Old Vehicle show in and around town (all vehicles welcome); NB Town History Walk; Photo Ops; Kidz Zone; Coffee-Tea-Bar and Desserts at the hall in the afternoon; Beef on a Bun Supper in the evening; and Talent Show (local and nearby talent welcome) to round out the evening at the Hall.  A notice has been put on FB and Sarah will soon create an event page for sign up and for contact information and event details.  Please check in on our website and link to FB for continuing updates:  www.newbrigden.ca.  This is your friendly reminder to add “submit my family history” to your to do lists!

I saw this notice on FB yesterday on behalf of Roger Kett’s wife, Peggy: “Yesterday Roger was moved into hospice care. It has been a long journey. As many of you know this is Roger’s 3rd go round with cancer, his second since 2008. I hope you understand when I say Roger has requested no visitors and he is not strong enough for telephone calls. However, he would be delighted to receive your cards. So, please remember him in your prayers, and also remember what he always said: “You are blessed, to be a blessing!”.”  So… from our community, Roger and Peggy, we send our love, our courage and our prayers.

Please send your news to Sarah this month: sarahjeanhagens@gmail.com.  Have a great week!