Legislative record house appendix

Chip Clary, of West Gardiner, for his assistance in organizing a farewell ceremony for the members of the Gardiner unit of the 133rd Engineering Battalion of the Maine National Guard. The Maine National Guard is currently experiencing its largest deployment since World War II, and Maine has the 3rd highest rate of deployment in the nation. As members of the 133rd Engineering Battalion prepared to head to the Middle East, members of the Gardiner community raised the spirits of all who gathered to say goodbye to the men and women who were answering the call to duty. The rally stations that were organized along the convoy route as the vehicles headed out of Maine left these guard members with a great sense of pride, letting them know that their neighbors stand firmly with them as they go overseas to defend our freedoms. We extend our appreciation to Chip for making a very difficult day for our friends and neighbors a little bit easier; (HLS 1325)

Mark Luken, of West Gardiner, for his assistance in organizing a farewell ceremony for the members of the Gardiner unit of the 133rd Engineering Battalion of the Maine National Guard. The Maine National Guard is currently experiencing its largest deployment since World War II, and Maine has the 3rd highest rate of deployment in the nation. As members of the 133rd Engineering Battalion prepared to head to the Middle East, members of the Gardiner community raised the spirits of all who gathered to say goodbye to the men and women who were answering the call to duty. The rally stations that were organized along the convoy route as the vehicles headed out of Maine left these guard members with a great sense of pride, letting them know that their neighbors stand firmly with them as they go overseas to defend our freedoms. We extend our appreciation to Mark for making a very difficult day for our friends and neighbors a little bit easier; (HLS 1326)

Steve Hanley, of Gardiner, for his assistance in organizing a farewell ceremony for the members of the Gardiner unit of the 133rd Engineering Battalion of the Maine National Guard. The Maine National Guard is currently experiencing its largest deployment since World War II, and Maine has the 3rd highest rate of deployment in the nation. As members of the 133rd Engineering Battalion prepared to head to the Middle East, members of the Gardiner community raised the spirits of all who gathered to say goodbye to the men and women who were answering the call to duty. The rally stations that were organized along the convoy route as the vehicles headed out of Maine left these guard members with a great sense of pride, letting them know that their neighbors stand firmly with them as they go overseas to defend our freedoms. We extend our appreciation to Steve for making a very difficult day for our friends and neighbors a little bit easier; (HLS 1327)

Brandon Sirois, a student at Gardiner High School, who is the recipient of the Good Citizen Award from the Samuel Grant Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Gardiner. This award is given to high school seniors selected by their schools for having good citizenship qualities. We acknowledge Brandon's exceptional contributions to his community and to his State, and we extend our congratulations and best wishes to Brandon on his receiving this award; (HLS 1328)

the members of the Fryeburg Academy Boys Hockey Team who have won the Class B State Championship. All team members are to be commended for their efforts and hours of dedication. We wish team members Domenic McAulliffe, Frederick Apt, Kris Charlong, Josh Burkett, Joshua Carter, Pakapol Praphonphan, Luke Ray, Mitchell Brown, Jordan DeLong, Nick Lawrence, John Nesbitt, Ryan Pacheco, Darren Lim, Joseph Mango and Andrew Jump; assistant coach Ralph Capachietti; and head coach Fred Apt continued success in the years to come; (HLS 1329)

Lexie McPhee, a student at Edward Little High School, who has achieved the high honor and literary distinction of winning a 2004 Longfellow Sonnet Writers Award, sponsored by the Maine Historical Society and coordinated by the Fine Arts Boosters of Portland High School. The Longfellow Awards recognize high levels of literary attainment in sustained classic forms by aspiring young writers. We send our congratulations to Lexie on this achievement; (HLS 1330)

Raynor Large, a student at Edward Little High School, who has achieved the high honor and literary distinction of winning a 2004 Longfellow Sonnet Writers Award, sponsored by the Maine Historical Society and coordinated by the Fine Arts Boosters of Portland High School. The Longfellow Awards recognize high levels of literary attainment in sustained classic forms by aspiring young writers. We send our congratulations to Raynor on this achievement; (HLS 1331)

Kevin Bui, a student at Edward Little High School, who has achieved the high honor and literary distinction of winning a 2004 Longfellow Sonnet Writers Award, sponsored by the Maine Historical Society and coordinated by the Fine Arts Boosters of Portland High School. The Longfellow Awards recognize high levels of literary attainment in sustained classic forms by aspiring young writers. We send our congratulations to Kevin on this achievement; (HLS 1332)

Teresa George, of Standish, who is one of the recipients of the Above the Call Award given by the Standish Fire Department. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to her; (HLS 1333)

Rob Caron, of Standish, who is one of the recipients of the Above the Call Award given by the Standish Fire Department. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to him; (HLS 1334)

Ross Larrabee, of Standish, who received the Junior Firefighter of the Year Citation from the Standish Fire Department. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to him; (HLS 1335)

Aaron Riley, of Standish, who is one of the recipients of the Above the Call Award given by the Standish Fire Department. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to him; (HLS 1336)

Kristina Coffin, of Standish, who has been named EMS Person of the Year by the Standish Fire Department. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to her; (HLS 1337)

Jason Webster, of Standish, who is one of the recipients of the Above the Call Award given by the Standish Fire Department. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to him; (HLS 1338)

Kevin Leeman, of Standish, who received the Most Loyal Firefighter Award given by the Standish Fire Department. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to him; (HLS 1339)

Reverend Peter Remick, of Orland, on receiving the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Hans Honders award for public service. Reverend Remick earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education from the University of Maine at Machias and later received his Master's in Divinity Degree from the Bangor Theological Seminary. He is being honored for his lifetime of service to numerous organizations including the Grange, 4-H, scouting groups and churches. We commend Reverend Remick for his dedication and commitment to his community and send him our sincere congratulations on achieving this distinctive honor; (HLS 1340)

Phillip "Butch" Osborne, of Bucksport, on receiving the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce "Business Person of the Year" award. Mr. Osborne has spent many years in the plumbing and heating industry, forming his own company in 1993. Osborne's Plumbing and Heating, Incorporated has grown to be one of the largest heating and plumbing companies in the region. We commend Mr. Osborne for his dedication and commitment to his community and send him our sincere congratulations on achieving this distinctive honor; (HLS 1341)

Sean Leary, of Fairfield, a senior at Lawrence High School, who has been named the Waterville Morning Sentinel's Boys Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year. He also received the Ray Winship Award given to an athlete for dedication and leadership of his team. Sean is the State Class B Champion in the 55 and 200 meters. Sean is a 3-sport athlete, participating in football, baseball and track. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to him on these accomplishments; (HLS 1342)

Rita Saucier Dubé, of Lewiston, who has been elected to the Franco-American Hall of Fame. She and her husband Paul owned and operated Dubé Travel Agency, where their bilingualism was a real asset, as it was when they traveled the globe. As a member of the board of St. Mary's Church, Rita has raised funds for the Franco-American Heritage Center. The Heritage Center, a former church in the heart of "Petit Canada," was built by the French-speaking immigrants in the early 1900s. It will now be a museum, performing arts center and education center to pay tribute to those immigrants who were a vital part of the industrialization of Maine. These individuals brought their language, culture, Catholic faith, work ethic, strong family values, patriotism and good citizenship to the building of a better society. Rita, a mother and grandmother of 3, is a very important part of the effort to preserve the French heritage, language and culture. Rita and the Franco-American Heritage Center pay tribute to her ancestors' efforts to build Maine; (HLS 1343)

Daniel J. Desjardin, D.P.M., of Auburn, devoted husband and father. Dr. Desjardin served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he attended Bates College, Arizona State University and the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Desjardin practiced podiatry in Auburn for 38 years. He was a president of the Maine Podiatric Medical Association and was appointed to the Maine State Board of Podiatry by former Governor James Longley. He was a member of American Legion Post 153 of New Auburn and a member of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club. He will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 1344)

Rita Saucier Dubé, of Lewiston, who has been elected to the Franco-American Hall of Fame. She and her husband Paul owned and operated Dubé Travel Agency, where their bilingualism was a real asset, as it was when they traveled the globe. As a member of the board of St. Mary's Church, Rita has raised funds for the Franco-American Heritage Center. The Heritage Center, a former church in the heart of "Petit Canada," was built by the French-speaking immigrants in the early 1900s. It will now be a museum, performing arts center and education center to pay tribute to those immigrants who were a vital part of the industrialization of Maine. These individuals brought their language, culture, Catholic faith, work ethic, strong family values, patriotism and good citizenship to the building of a better society. Rita, a mother and grandmother of 3, is a very important part of the effort to preserve the French heritage, language and culture. Rita and the Franco-American Heritage Center pay tribute to her ancestors' efforts to build Maine; (HLS 1345)

the Franco-American Heritage Center at St. Mary's in Lewiston. The Heritage Center, a former church in the heart of "Petit Canada," was built by the French-speaking immigrants in the early 1900s. It will now be a museum, performing arts center and education center to pay tribute to those immigrants who were a vital part of the industrialization of Maine. These individuals brought their language, culture, Catholic faith, work ethic, strong family values, patriotism and good citizenship to the building of a better society. We join the Franco-American Heritage Center in celebrating "The Week of the Francophones"; (HLS 1346)

Marie-Anne Gauvin, of Madawaska, who has been elected to the Franco-American Hall of Fame. After retiring as a French teacher in Connecticut, she returned to her native Madawaska and has been a relentless advocate for the preservation and active use of French in the St. John Valley. She became involved in the Save Our French movement in the 1990s and was one of the founding members of Le Club Français, a nonprofit advocacy group for the French language. She created the club's inspirational and meaningful newsletter, "Le Fanal," which she continues to write under her pen name, "la pie bavarde." She also chairs the organization's finance committee, which she steers with aplomb and common sense. She was instrumental in securing a trust fund from Marvin and Marie-Reine Mikesell from Chicago, Illinois, and is making sure that those and other funds will be dispensed wisely to help younger generations learn French. Marie-Anne remains an inspiration to Franco-Americans of all ages; (HLS 1347)

Doctor Marc Chasse, of Fort Kent, who has been inducted into the Franco-American Hall of Fame. A retired chiropractor, Dr. Chasse continues his active advocacy for the Acadian and Franco-American populations of the St. John Valley and the State. He is active in the Save Our French movement, a founding member and first president of Le Club Français. He served as the first president of the Maine Acadian Heritage Council. He has videotaped French-speaking residents of northern Aroostook County to ensure that their stories will be preserved for posterity. He films current events involving Franco-Americans and has built an impressive library of videos about the St. John Valley people and their important milestones. He has labored tirelessly in revitalizing the Fort Kent Historical Society. He led the restoration of the old B&A Railroad Station for the Society while serving as its president from 1986 to 1990. He is presently compiling and will publish Les Belles Histoires in honor of a century of service of Daughters of Wisdom, a French order of sisters that settled in St. Agathe in 1904. Dr. Chasse is married to the former Priscilla Hanna of Biddeford and has 4 children: Daniel, Carl, Kevin and Christine. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Chasse; (HLS 1348)

Dave Billings, harbor master of Cape Porpoise, on his retirement after nearly 15 years of service. Mr. Billings attended Maine Maritime Academy in Castine and joined the United States Navy after graduating. After 21 years in the service, he became a fisherman, operating 3 boats. Mr. Billings became harbor master in 1989. We acknowledge his dedication and service to his town, his profession and to the State of Maine and we wish him a happy retirement; (HLS 1349)

Phillip Perkins, of Augusta, for his 30 years of service to the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Togus, 20 years of which he served working with veterans in the dialysis unit. Mr. Perkins is also an accomplished musician and often plays at the center as well as at area senior centers. We send our appreciation to Mr. Perkins for his dedication and commitment to the veterans and other citizens throughout the State; (HLS 1350)

Louis Heimann, of Skowhegan, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 485, who has attained the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout. We commend him for his commitment to the Boy Scout principles of character, citizenship and personal fitness, along with many dedicated hours and service to his community. We extend our congratulations to Louis and best wishes on this accomplishment; (HLS 1351)

Christopher Indorf, of Saco, on his nomination as Maine Teacher of the Year 2005. Mr. Indorf teaches social studies at Thornton Academy. We extend our congratulations to him on his receiving this honor; (HLS 1352)

Clarence R. "Cap" de Rochemont, of Rockland, beloved husband of Permilla. Mr. de Rochemont was a flight engineer with the 2nd Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a realtor in the Midcoast region for more than 40 years. He was a past president of the Rockland Rotary Club, a past president of the Penobscot Bay Medical Center, a former chair of the Board of Assessment Review of the City of Rockland, a former director of the Mid-Coast Mental Health Center and a former director of the Southern Maine Comprehensive Health Association. He also was a member of many civic and community organizations. He received numerous honors, including the 1972 Jaycee Distinguished Service Award. He was elected a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, was the 1999 recipient of Rotary International's Four Avenues of Service Citation and was the recipient of the 1983 Member of the Year Award of the Rockland Area Chamber of Commerce. He will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues and will be remembered for his integrity, generosity and service to his community and State; (HLS 1353)

the Katahdin Federal Credit Union, with locations in Millinocket and Island Falls, on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary "retro" celebration on March 25, 2004. From its modest beginning in 1954, with a membership of 7 people and $25 to obtain a charter, has sprung a multi-million dollar financial institution. Originally established to serve the employees of Great Northern Paper Company, the credit union now has a membership that encompasses a number of area communities. We send our congratulations and best wishes to the Katahdin Federal Credit Union, its President and CEO, Don Casko, and its members throughout the Katahdin region as they celebrate this milestone; (HLS 1354)

the following members of the Falmouth High School Boys Soccer Team, the Yachtsmen, upon winning the 2003 Class B State Soccer Championship: Kyle Burnett, Chris White, Chris Davis, Chris Piper, Jordan Hale, Nick Babikian, Dan Forcella, Chris Hooper, Alex Urquhart, Mike Webster, Will Barns, Hobson Bradford, Mike Thoreson, Connor Hallowell, Jimmy Velas, Ryan Bradford, Miles Libby, Thomas Starkey, Mike Carr, Sam Alpert, Chris Labrecque, Kevin Frantzen, Ray Baston, Ben Rayder and Bryant Barr; Coach David Halligan, Jr.; Assistant Coach Todd Whitcomb; Principal Allyn Hutton and Athletic Director Jason Hurley. This is the fourth consecutive Class B State Title for the team. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to the team on this achievement; (HLS 1355)

Jimmy Velas, of Falmouth, Captain of the Falmouth High School Boys Soccer Team, the Yachtsmen, 2003 Class B State Champions. Jimmy is a 4-year varsity letter winner as well as an All-State Western Maine Class B winner and an All-New England and All-American winner, and he has been named to the Western Maine Conference All-Star first team. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Jimmy on his sports awards; (HLS 1356)

Jordan McGuire, of Linneus, who won the Aroostook County Spelling Bee. Jordan is an 8th-grade student at the Greater Houlton Christian Academy. We send Jordan our congratulations and best wishes on this occasion; (HLS 1357)

Burns, Perry and James Lilley, of Smyrna, who have received the Maine Dairy Industry Association's 2004 Dairy Leader Award. We send our congratulations and best wishes to them on this occasion; (HLS 1358)

Eric Pettengill, of Gorham, owner of Pettengill Landscaping Company, whose "Weekend Retreat" theme won the company several awards at the People, Places and Plants Spring Flower and Garden Show at Scarborough Downs. The awards included the Beatrix Ferrand Design Award, for distinctive design; the Melvin Estabrook Award, for attention to detail; the Spring Flower Show Theme Award, for best use of theme; and overall Best of Show, for the highest points from the panel of judges. This is the company's 12th year participating in the show. We extend our congratulations to Mr. Pettengill and his team on their winning these awards; (HLS 1359)

Eric Pettengill, of Gorham, owner of Pettengill Landscaping Company, whose "Weekend Retreat" theme won the company several awards at the People, Places and Plants Spring Flower and Garden Show at Scarborough Downs. The awards included the Beatrix Ferrand Design Award, for distinctive design; the Melvin Estabrook Award, for attention to detail; the Spring Flower Show Theme Award, for best use of theme; and overall Best of Show, for the highest points from the panel of judges. This is the company's 12th year participating in the show. We extend our congratulations to Mr. Pettengill and his team on their winning these awards; (HLS 1360)

Reginald MacDonald, of South Portland, on his retirement after 17 years as superintendent of schools in South Portland. Mr. MacDonald has been in education for 34 years. We extend our appreciation to Mr. MacDonald for his many years of dedication to the students of the State and wish him well in his future endeavors; (HLS 1361)

Ellen Jordan, of South Portland, on the occasion of her retirement. Mrs. Jordan has served the children and citizens of the South Portland Public Schools since September 7, 1970. While Mrs. Jordan's children and grandchildren will enjoy more time with her, the staff of the South Portland schools will greatly miss her. We extend our appreciation to Mrs. Jordan for her dedication to the students of South Portland and wish her the best in her future endeavors; (HLS 1362)

the members of the Orono Middle School Chess Team, who won the State Middle School Chess Championship. The competition was held at the University of Maine at Orono. We extend our congratulations to the members of the team and coach Joseph St. Pierre on this accomplishment; (HLS 1363)

George H. Smith, of Carmel, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, April 4, 2004. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to him on this very special occasion; (HLS 1364)

Brian Higgins, of Brewer, for his many years of dedicated community service in the Penobscot Valley area and throughout the State. Mr. Higgins has worked with the State's blind and visually impaired citizens, serving as President of the American Council of the Blind of Maine and as a member of the Maine State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Mr. Higgins is also a local historian, author, Civil War reenactor and a leading authority on the Underground Railroad within the State. He has served as President of the Brewer Historical Society since 1995 and as Facilities Manager of the Curran Homestead historical farm since 1999. He is the cofounder and developer of the Chamberlain Freedom Park, which depicts Gettysburg's Little Round Top where the famous Civil War battle took place. The park also honors General Joshua Chamberlain, the 20th Maine Regiment and the Underground Railroad. We send Mr. Higgins our appreciation for his strong advocacy for the visually impaired, for his untiring community service and for his devotion and commitment to preserving the State's role in the Civil War and the Underground Railroad; (HLS 1365)

Dorothy Pribish, of Saco, on her nomination as Maine Teacher of the Year 2005. Ms. Pribish is a 6th-grade teacher at Saco Middle School. We extend our congratulations to her on her receiving this honor; (HLS 1366)

Monmouth Academy on the occasion of its 200th anniversary. The academy started in January 1801 when the General Court of Massachusetts granted a request for land to establish a school in the Town of Monmouth. With a gift of more than $1,500 from Lady Elizabeth Bowdoin Temple, John Chandler and General Dearborn, and a land grant of 1,500 acres, the Monmouth Free Grammar School opened its doors to the young people of Monmouth and surrounding areas in 1803. In 1809, the school was renamed Monmouth Academy. The Monmouth school system continues to provide to its students and the town quality education, diverse extracurricular activities, as well as a strong sense of community. We extend our congratulations to Monmouth Academy and the citizens of Monmouth on this special occasion; (HLS 1367)

Homer R. Ward, Jr., of Limestone, on February 7, 2004. The son of Chrystal and Homer Ward, Sr., Mr. Ward served his nation proudly in the United States Army during World War II and served again in 1950 in the Korean War. Later he joined the Army National Guard and moved through the ranks before he retired as a Colonel in 1984. When he was not serving his country, Mr. Ward farmed the land and was very active in town politics. He served on various committees and contributed to the efforts of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Limestone United Methodist Church. He is survived by Julia, his wife of 60 years; his 3 children, Billie Ann, Gregory and Constance; as well as 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and a brother and 2 sisters. We recognize Mr. Ward's committed service and wish to offer our sincere condolences to his family; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 1368)