October 25, 2009.  This notice is from Michael Rochford the third..
Hi Joyce
I thought this might be of interest to you and perhaps the Rochford clan in general.  National Geographic is currently doing research on early human migration.  They are accepting DNA samples from the general public and analyzing the data with the object of painting a picture of how and when the earth was peopled. In addition they are providing the contributing precipitants with a detailed story of their origins.  It would seem that science is offering us an opportunity to peer back past our recorded history.  Our family history does not have to stop with my ancestral namesake.  I think this would add an interesting element to the work you have done so far.

(On the note of all you have done so far; thank you so much for all your hard work Joyce.  I have wondered and fascinated about my ancestry since I was a child.  My imagination has been enriched thanks to your hard work and I thank you from the bottom of my heart).

he individual analyses will be taking one of two paths; either the mitochondrial DNA (mother/daughter) or Y-chromosome DNA (father/son) of any given contributor will be examined and documented.  Contributors are not given a choice but if even a small percentage of our clan make a DNA contribution we should end up with a detailed picture of our collective prehistory.  There is a cost though!  It is $100 to become a contributor.  National Geographic offers a few trinkets to go along with the report.  This is a time sensitive opportunity. 

August 2009
Adam Grant, 16, younger son of Karen (5) (Rochford) Grant and Kirby Grant, and grandson of Eileen (4) Rochford, was a member of Team New Brunswick Men’s Soccer Team in the Canada Summer Games 2009 in PEI during August 24 – 30, 2009.

Adam’s position is keeper (goaltender) and was selected to the team in July 2009. Adam was the youngest member of the team, the team was comprised mostly of 18 year old males who were starting first year university in fall 2009. While in PEI the team played teams from Manitoba, British Columbia and Quebec, losing only once in round robin play to Quebec by one goal. The team played Newfoundland in the semi-final and Prince Edward Island in the final, which went to overtime and a loss for NB by one goal. The team ended in 6th place overall.

Adam has been playing competitive soccer since he was 12 years old, for both Club (Fredericton District Soccer Association) and school teams. In 2007 he was a member of the New Brunswick provincial soccer team that competed in Atlantics in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has participated in two Canadian Soccer Association club nationals, in 2007 in St. John’s Newfoundland and 2009 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

July 7 2009
Many thanks to those who requested rooms or meals for the planned reunion Labour Day 2010.

At the last reunion (2006), we booked 35 rooms. So far we have only had requests for one third as many.

Last reunion there were 70 who came for meals only. So far we have only 14.

With so few responses it would hardly be a true family reunion. Obviously we can only proceed if we very soon receive many more commitments to attend.

We are down to the wire!!

Sheila

July 5 2009
Joseph Rochford, son of Jim and Alice Rochford, lost his life on a WWII mission with the Canadian Air Force. A stone marker commemorating Joe’s contribution to the war effort will be dedicated on September 26, 2009 at the RCAF base in Trenton, Ontario. The six by ten inch stones are laid along the pathways in the general area of the museum. Engraved on the stones are the names of the person involved. The stone was placed in front of the 424 squadron, the one Joe flew with.

The museum at the Trenton base contains vintage WWII aircraft, including a completely restored Halifax 4 motor bomber. The museum in Hamilton has the Lancaster bomber, the plane Joe flew on. These museums also have a large book which lists the names and a short biography of every airman who died serving in the war. Joe’s name is listed on page 652 of this book.

June 19, 2009
Derek John McGowan, son of Carol Ann (Johnson) McGowan and Phillip McGowan and grandson of Patricia (Rochford) Johnson and Robert Johnson, married Jennefer Gilchrist on June 19, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario. 

June 10 2009
Maureen Rochford, daughter of Joseph and Dora O’Rourke died on June 10, 2009 at the age of 85.

The funeral is on 25 June at Saint Monica's and the wake the day before.  The notice will be in the GAZETTE this Saturday.

June 1 2009
Ila Evaline Alice Boon died on June 1st in Victoria BC.  Ila was the wife of Bill Marshall,son of Alice Rochford Marshall.  Maureen Rochford and Bill are the youngest of their generation of the Rochford clan.

Bill's daughter, Patricia Simpson, writes that "Fr. Anthony said a simple lovely mass for Mom on Fri. June 5 in the Franciscan Chapel where Kathleen's funeral was held."

May 22 2009
We have some exciting news to share as Nadine Sayliss earned a big promotion on April 1^st (no April Fools!)  and is only the 4^th Regional Vice President in Arbonne in all of Ontario!!

Here is the official invitation to my car party on June 14th (graphics removed on invitation due to web space restrictions).  I would love for both of you to be there for the celebration as my guests.  It would mean the world to me.  Please share this wonderful news and invitation with the extended family.