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[Top] Register Holy Matrimony Tanya Fulda to Robert MacDonald September 10, 2005 Confirmations Anne Millar November 20, 2005 Scott Warden November 20, 2005
Renewal of Confirmation Vows Nicholas Plante November 20, 2005 Funerals Florence Kimber October 6, 2005 Florence Scott October 6, 2005 Julian Nicholas Bertrand-Eddington October 23 2005 Arnold Carroll December 31, 2005 Memorial Service Donald Oswald September 24, 2005 [Top]
[Top] M. JAROSLAV (JARKA) LOFFELMANN A few weeks I agreed to a request from our Editor, to prepare a short biography of Jarka, as he is known hereabouts. It became abundantly clear to me, a relative new comer to Rawdon, following a very warm welcome, introduction to one of six cats and a few minutes conversation with Jarka and his wife Marion, that it would be nigh impossible to do justice to Jarka in a few sentences, as no doubt many reading this will I'm sure, agree. The following may give you an insight into the life of this quite exceptional man. Jarka, fluent in Czech, German, French and English, an only child, was born in 1928, in a prince's castle in Czechoslovakia, where his parents were employed. It is interesting to note that his mother had two sisters whom each had one male child only. Jarka was brought up as a member of the Moravian Church, founded by Jan Hus, Priest and Martyr, burned at the stake in 1415. During his days in Czechoslovakia Jarka became an expert mountaineer, he still gives one the clear impression of being very fit. He took an apprenticeship as an aircraft toolmaker, a very skillful craft. In 1945 he joined the Czechoslovakian Air force as a mechanic working on the famous “Spitfire” fighter planes. There followed time gaining further knowledge and experience in the aircraft industry by working in England at DeHaviland and four years in Paris. In 1952, Jarka emigrated by ship to Canada, with $200 to his name, landing in Quebec on a Friday 13th. the same date upon which this interview took place. Before disembarking, like many others, Jarka was interviewed by representatives of companies seeking employees, in Jarka`s case Canadair later Bombardier, who were quiet rightly suitably impressed, and on the following Monday, Jarka started work with them in Montreal. The next weekend Jarka visited Rawdon, where he met his future wife, Jana, ( who passed away in 2001 after a long illness) . They adopted, when young, a boy Danny who tragically died in a road accident not long ago, and a girl Andrea. Jarka invested in the piece of land in Rawdon, upon which he built, putting every brick in place himself, the house in which he and his wife Marion live. Following its initial completion, Jarka decided that a basement was needed, so dug one having nine feet of headroom, using a hand shovel. Jarka noted that after deciding to marry Jana, and both being Czechoslovakians, the ceremony had to be delayed until they were granted Canadian citizenship in 1958. Not being one to sit still, Jarka whilst at Canadair, registered his own company, Canada Tool in 1956, and working from a small workshop, machined precision parts for the aircraft industry, as well as for the military around the world. He also took an evening course at McGill, earning a Diploma in Optical Tooling. He continued with the machining business when moving to Rawdon, firstly in the garage at home, and later in 1958as the business grew, purchased the property adjacent to the Post Office. As the business further expanded to include plastic products and an enlarged payroll of 37, it became necessary to “incorporate” the company. During this process the word Canada was rejected. Jarka decided to rename the company Sirius Inc.(Sirius being-Brightest Star in the Southern Sky). The word Sirius has very recently been in the news, being that of a recently formed American Satellite Radio company. It also has relevance to the fact that Jarka and Marion are very active members of Order of the Eastern Star, the largest fraternal organisation in the world to which men and women belong. This Order provides financial support for training and furthering their knowledge, to those who believe in an Supreme Being. In 1985 Jarka accepted an offer for the building, but the company continues to operate, currently with eight employees, in accommodation rented from the new owners. The products produced include plastic items used for the protection, during shipment, of high value items manufactured by suppliers from here to Japan, as well as continuing to machine precision moulds. As you will have gathered, Jarka has not let the grass grow under his feet, and has participated in community life to a very great extent, fulfilling a leading role in many organisations including:- The Rawdon Chamber of Commerce, the Masons, the local branch of the Canadian Red Cross, member of the Rawdon Branch of the Legion, 25 years membership of the Rawdon Optimists and its president twice, founder member of the Multiethnic Centre in Rawdon. Jarka represented Czechoslovakia at the Expo `67 Multiethenic Center, is a member and has been Worthy Grand Patron of the Order of The Eastern Star. Jarka was recently honoured by the Municipality of Rawdon for his outstanding work in this multiethhnic community. After settling in Rawdon Jarka joined the United Church and with Marion, an Anglican, together on a rotating and regular basis, attend the United Church, and Christ Church where they are Readers. In 2005, they donated to Christ Church some wonderful white hangings and vestments. Jarka shows no sign of slowing down and continues, on a daily basis, to take an active part in running his business, which reaches its 50th. anniversary this year-many many congratulations. John Clague [Top] From the Choir Pews. Twelve Months as our resident Organist Ralph Purser, will celebrate his first anniversary with us in February this year, and now would appear to be an appropriate time to find out a little of his background, we are aware of his expert command of the organ and keyboard. Ralph was born in Ottawa. He took his music training in piano with Irene M. Woodburn, a prominent Ottawa musician and in organ, including the associated theoretical and written work, with Dr. J. W. Bearder (FRCO and co-founder of the Canadian College of Organists), organist and choir director of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church at the time. Dr. Bearder encouraged Ralph to sing in the choir at the boy soprano level and later as a teen-aged tenor. Ralph also acted as his summer vacation supply organist. Ralph later took the Toronto Conservatory examinations leading to the Associated Diploma in piano. Ralph attended Queen’s University, Kingston, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Moving to Montreal in 1947, he joined Northern Electric (now Northern Telecom), then later moved to Mitec Electronics Ltd. from which he retired in 1993. Before joining us at Christ Church, Rawdon, in February 2005, during his years in the Montreal area, Ralph has been organist and choir director in the following Anglican churches: St. John the Divine, Verdun, St. Columba, N.D.G., St. Mark’s, Dorval and St. Georges, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Christ Church, Beaurepaire. Ralph also “filled in” at several Presbyterian and United Churches, and found time to teach piano and organ. One of Ralph’s piano students successfully passed Toronto Conservatory examinations. Ralph and Margaret Page were married in St. John the Divine, Verdun in 1948, have three children and two grand children. We are pleased to have Ralph, with his Anglican upbringing as our resident organist and the choir welcomes the advice Ralph offers from time to time, and Margaret, a new voice in our choir, especially bearing in mind that they travel from Beaconsfield to be with us, a good hours drive, in favourable weather. John Clague [Top] WARDENS
REPORT TO CHURCH VESTRY …
FEBRUARY 2006 We the wardens would like to say it has been a productive year. We thank Fr. Edward for his work and leadership during the past year, in particular we remember his thought provoking sermons. In addition to the usual Christmas and Easter events he introduced us to the Blessing of the graves, the sung compline and meditation, the healing services. Our hope is that more of the congregation will take advantage of these services. The general feeling of the congregation is that Fr. Edward has offered us stability and security and for this we are thankful. At this time we would like to thank the benefactors for the gift of the white altar hangings and robe, the green robe and accessories, the gospel book cover, the carpet, the memorial board and the bell rope. The church would not have been able to purchase these items from our funds. We thank the late Grey Steele for remembering us with a generous gift to the general funds. Some of the highlights of the year: 1) The Pastoral Sunday visit of our Bishop, Barry Clarke, for confirmation, dedication of new Church furnishings and the presentation to Lillian Parkinson of the Bishop’s Award. 2) Visiting clergy who participated in the church services
3) Stewardship Workshop on preparing for the future:-planned giving, wills, mandates, funeral arrangements etc. We wish to thank Robert Friend and his committee for arranging the day. Please remember this is only a few of the numerous activities that have taken place. Please consult your year calendar for the complete list Main Activities: 1) Summer Fair 2) Thanksgiving Supper and Easter Breakfasts 3) Winter BBQ 4) ACW who continue to provide the congregation with many fund raising events. The Valentine Tea proceeds go to Fr. Edward’s African mission. 5) Baptism in June of the Simonton twins. It was an honor to have the family chose Christ Church Rawdon for this blessed event. The delightful garden party, which followed, gave us an opportunity to meet Father Edward’s family. We could consider the idea of perhaps making the garden party at the Rectory an annual event. Remember the strawberry socials? 6) Youth Group who sponsored a 30-hour vigil and famine to raise funds for World Vision. We are happy that some of our youth participated in the WLI Cambridge trip with Fr. Edward. The confirmation class who also went to Cowley House Retreat in Boston. 7) The Torch Bearers who support us in our outreach activities. Our Sunday school continues it’s work solely because of the dedication and effort of The Torch Bearers. At this point we wish to thank Merle Parkinson Campbell for her many years of services rendered as treasurer and advisor. She continues as co-chairperson of our family fair. It current success is mainly due to her many skills and leadership. We welcome Brenda Purcell as treasurer. It has been an experience for all of us as we explore and learn more about investments and the financial picture. Brenda arranged for the corporation to meet the Wood Gundy advisors who currently hold most of our portfolio. Our parish lost a great friend and pillar, Arnold Carroll. Over the years he helped in so many ways-last summer he undertook the responsibility of caring for the Church grounds and did so with much dedication as witnessed by the numerous compliments we received. In closing we wish to thank all for their help and support during the past year. We encourage members to consider accepting responsibilities. We need new ideas and are concerned about the long-term plans. As we face the future new blood and new ideas are needed! Not only are we concerned about the financial picture but more importantly the future life our parish. Remember our ancestors who struggled to leave us a wonderful endowment. It is now up to us to not to lose it., Respectfully submitted
[Top] FROM THE EDITORS DESK
[Top] TWITTERINGS The Christmas holidays are a time for family gatherings...Derek and Lois Morris' daughters, one from Ottawa, the other from Chicago and their 3 grandchildren were here to attend the Christmas Mass, enjoy the turkey and all the festivities. Wayne, Helene, Phillip and Chloe Tinkler from Wabush, Labrador were here to visit family and friends. Neil and Carole Asbil were visiting from Barrie, Ontario. Neil is just back from Afganistan where he has been working for most of last year. Aggie Blagrave Campbell spent two weeks at Christmas at her son Melvin's new home near Kingston. Sadly, while she was away her beloved niece Agnes Dupuis Haines passed away. Our sympathy to Dorothy Montgomery and family on the death of her sister Mary Ruth Beale Trainor. Wendy Asbil has accepted a position as an Agronomist for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. She will remain at Kemptville College supervising certain research projects. Shirley and Gordon Rourke's son Shawn (the auctioneer) became engaged over the holidays. Good News!! Patience and strength to carry on go to Laurie Ranger and to Kim Wilde Rourke as they work hard on their studies toward a Bachelor of Education. Disastrous, at anytime - but to break the bones in your foot just before the Christmas rush! Bernice Rourke managed though! Good wishes and patience as she recuperates. Merle Parkinson Campbell, our district Commissioner for the Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board, certainly had her share of headaches and decisions to make with the flooding and ensuing damage to Rawdon Elementary and Middle School in December. The mailman whose home was raided by the authorities recently due to bags and bags of undelivered mail that had been stashed away was Keith and Elizabeth Burgoyne's! No personal mail got through but the bills did! Dot Smith heard on January 14th that her last remaining sibling had passed away...her sister Alberta. Our condolences. There are some ladies at the St. Anne's Residence who meet every Tuesday afternoon to knit, sew and do all sorts of crafts under the leadership of Gerry Allen. Just before Christmas they held a sale of their creations. There were some great bargains! Next year make sure to get there early! Some of the proceeds will be used to purchase material for further projects. Agnes Morrissette celebrated her 96th birthday on January 22. Best Wishes Agnes! [Top] MAINTENANCE REPORT CHURCH: The door lock was repaired. The flagpole was painted, a new pulley was installed and a new flag was raised. A piece of wood protruding from the ground at the church entrance was removed as people were tripping over it. A pin to secure the altar rail from falling out of position has been installed. The outside lighting timing mechanism has been adjusted a few times. Rubber mats were placed under the new altar cushions to prevent them from slipping. A frontal cabinet was made by RRA members to hang frontal altar clothes. A list of approximately 30 items needing repair, painting varnishing etc. were attended to in the church with help. RECTORY: A step guard was placed over the top step of the balcony to prevent people tripping over the join in the carpet. A hole in the floor of the outside kitchen was repaired. The roof and wall were braced in the garage or carriage house at the rectory as they were separating after the winter snow. This work was done by RRA members. Due to the lack of hot water, a plumber was called and a blocked pipe and broken valve in the basement were repaired. All the ducts for the furnace were cleaned and filters have been replaced. The bed in the guest room was repaired. Two large boxes have been made and donated by the Rawdon Rural Association to house tents and their accessories which are used at the Family Fair. These are stored in the garage. HALL: A kitchen window that was broken by children playing there was repaired. The Copping Family Tree was hung in the hall. No furnace oil was reported one night due to a communication misunderstanding and was promptly corrected. We have switched to Marlin service for all our buildings. Bob Ranger Deputy Warden [Top] Altar Guild: The altar guild now consists of six men and women. Our newest members are Father Edward and John Clague. Father Edward now sets up for the feasts and John for Wednesdays. We would like to thank Kathleen Bertrand for all her time and dedication on both the Altar Guild and Flower Guild. From now on all flower requests are to be made to Ann Allen with cheques made out to Christ Church Alter Guild. Since our harvest letter we had an increase of flowers until Christmas (which was supported by 14 families). For January and February only 2 of the 9 Sundays have flowers reserved. Also as promised a regular giver to the church had their memorial flowers added to their 2005 tax receipt. Many thanks to all who came out to help us with setting up for Christmas, once again our church looked beautiful for Christmas. Ann Allen
[Top] BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE Marion Lofflemann
I was always intrigued by the money left to the church after people had passed on. One I remember particularly was a Miss Hamilton, she attended the church regularly and was like the Matron of the church. Miss Hamilton had no family so a very generous sum was left the church. Beautiful hanging light fixtures were purchased in her memory --- I thought how sad, she never got to see them. My grandfather attended a small country church. He used to say how they needed candleholders, so you guessed it -- they were purchased after he died!!!! After this I hoped one day to be able to leave something to the church. With Danny's sudden death, Jarka and I decided the time was NOW!! We approached Father Edward and told him what we would like to do. He and his wardens then suggested the vestments and hangings. We approved and now we along with all the members can enjoy them, hopefully for many years! Why wait! Our children live out of the province and may never visit this beautiful little church when the hangings and vestments are in use, so "before it is too late" we will enjoy them.
The Annual Meeting of the Laurentian Deanery was held in Rawdon, Thursday, Sept. 28,2005with ladies from Arundel, Lakefield, Morin Heights, Ste. Agathe, and Wier attending . Father Simonton conducted the Eucharist service. He also gave a most interesting and informative talk on our beautiful stained glass windows. Lunch was served in the hall by our A.C.W. ladies . Elizabeth Hutchison chaired the meeting. The group made a donation of $200.00 to the Rawdon Comptoir Familial. The next annual meeting is tentatively scheduled to be in Arundel, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006 Johanne Arsenault catered a delicious spaghetti supper for the ACW on Tues. Oct. 18 before the card party. This was a very pleasant social event and we netted over $325.00 that night. Our sincere thanks to Johanne for all her work. Saturday, Oct. 22, our fall rummage sale netted $168.00 Saturday, Nov. 26, our Christmas Luncheon and Sale proceeds were $1,076.00 Dec. 6, our Christmas card party was and enjoyable in spite of the furnace problems. Thanks to Shirley Rourke’s hard work all our 2006 Church Calendars were sold. On Tues. Jan 3, two of our members took gifts to and visited about 18 of our older church members, most of whom are in hospital or residences. Tuesday Card Parties – Feb 6: Feb 21: Mid Lent cards Mar 21: Apr 18: May 2: May 16: May 30 Please note our card parties start at 7:30 p.m. until further notice. Spring Lunch and Sale: April 29. |
