Legislative record house appendix

the Acadia Corporation, of Bar Harbor, upon its receiving the 2009 Maine Merchant of the Year Award from the Maine Merchants Association. Founded in 1932 by a group of Mt. Desert Island businesspersons and professionals, the Acadia Corporation provides visitor services in Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the country. The Acadia Corporation has provided friendly and courteous service and quality merchandise to millions of visitors. We extend our congratulations to the Acadia Corporation on its receiving this well-deserved honor; (HLS 703)

the youth theater group of the Boothbay Region YMCA, on its being selected to perform in the New Works Showcase at the 2010 Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Georgia in January 2010. The group is one of four educational theater programs across the United States that have been chosen for the special honor. The Junior Theater Festival brings together hundreds of elementary and middle school students, teachers and Broadway professionals to promote theater excellence. The YMCA group first attended last year. We extend our congratulations to the Boothbay Region YMCA and its youth theater group on their receiving this distinguished honor; (HLS 704)

Bertha M. Martin, of Millinocket, beloved wife and mother. Mrs. Martin enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling to visit her children, going on trips with her husband, playing cards and bingo. She was a member of AARP, Millinocket. She will be missed by her loving family and friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 705)

Steven Dewaine Seamans, of Millinocket, beloved husband and father. Mr. Seamans enjoyed traveling with his wife Sue to Florida and Alaska. He would lend a helping hand to anyone who stopped by his garage. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 706)

the following 4 individuals and one nonprofit organization on their receiving the 2009 Giraffe Awards given by the Maine Children's Alliance at the 15th annual "Champions for Children" event: Heidi Bowden of Augusta, Barbara Ford of Winterport, Dr. James Morse of Unity, Emanuel Pariser of Waterville and Jobs for Maine's Graduates in Augusta. The Maine Children's Alliance is a statewide, nonpartisan advocacy organization committed to improving the lives of all of Maine's children, youth and families. Over the years, its Giraffe Awards have honored many distinguished child-focused organizations and leaders in Maine, and we extend our congratulations to these recipients; (HLS 707)

United States Army Specialist Fourth Class Charles Earle Crafts, of Livermore, on his being awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device and a second Bronze Star Medal stemming from his actions during the Vietnam War. Spc. Crafts is receiving the Silver Star for gallantry in action and the Bronze Star Medal for valor during his service in Vietnam from December 29, 1964 to February 23, 1967, including 2 years and nearly 3 months as a prisoner of war. We acknowledge his

heroic service and sacrifice for his State and Nation, and we congratulate him on his receiving these well-deserved honors; (HLS 708)

Andre Charles Joseph Castonguay and Marguerite Marie (Legere) Castonguay, longtime residents of Livermore, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Castonguay were married at Ste. Rose de Lima in Jay on July 11, 1959. Mr. Castonguay is retired from International Paper and is a member of UPIU Local 14. Mrs. Castonguay has been a caring homemaker for her family. They followed their faith and cultural traditions in raising their 5 children: Lucien, Marcel,

George, Noella and Celine. They are also the proud grandparents of 15 grandchildren. We send our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Castonguay on their Golden Anniversary; (HLS 709)

Richard and Nan (DeCosta) Lincoln, of Wayne, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln were married on September 19, 1959 at the Baptist Church in Turner by the Reverend Charles Watkins. During their 50-year union Richard and Nan have been blessed with two daughters, Elaine and Lisa. We extend to them our congratulations on their Golden Anniversary and send them our best wishes for continued happiness; (HLS 710)

Sandi Clark, of Georgetown, for her many years of dedicated service to the Georgetown Central School. Ms. Clark has worked for almost 20 years in the school lunch program. Long before "wellness" was a word in top news stories and research papers, Ms. Clark was baking from scratch, making her own whole wheat bread and sauces and purchasing locally grown produce for the meals that she prepared for the children. Not a holiday went by without Ms. Clark whipping up a special surprise for the children. She has mentored young girls who needed extra support. Her annual Thanksgiving dinner, complete with tablecloths and traditional foods, is legendary. Ms. Clark has always been willing to accept a challenge and do whatever she can to improve the lives of the children and staff at Georgetown Central School. We extend our appreciation to Ms. Clark for her commitment to the students of the State and wish her well in her future endeavors; (HLS 711)

David and Colleen Taylor, of Shirley, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. David Nolan Taylor and Theresa Colleen McKeon were married on October 31, 1959 at St. Kevin's Catholic Church in St. Ann, Missouri. We extend our congratulations to them on their Golden Anniversary and send them our best wishes for continued happiness; (HLS 712)

Boy Scout Troop #580, of Mexico, on its 50th Anniversary. We send our congratulations to the members of Boy Scout Troop #580, past and present, on their valuable contributions to Boy Scouting, to their community and to the Nation. We send them our best wishes for future success; (HLS 713)

the 40th anniversary of the United Methodist Economic Ministry, in Salem Township. The United Methodist Economic Ministry has its roots in the Sugarloaf Protestant Ministry, the Evangelical United Brethren Churches in Kingfield and Salem and Mission at the Eastward. In 1969 the first building was moved to Salem and set up as a thrift shop. The ministry's facilities have grown to include a food cupboard, office space and workgroup quarters. Through the years the mission's goals have remained the same: "to clothe the naked, feed the hungry and house the poor." The mission is in partnership with rural communities of western Maine to create healthy and sustainable communities within the region. In northern Franklin County, many individuals received direct assistance through the ministry, including emergency fuel, food and housing repairs. We extend our appreciation to the United Methodist Economic Ministry on its commitment to the community, and we extend our congratulations on its 40th anniversary; (HLS 714)

Kenneth C. Jordan, of Lewiston, longtime administrator at Lewiston Regional Vocational Center. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Mr. Jordan enlisted in the United States Navy after he graduated from high school. After his military service, he moved to Maine and enrolled in the Industrial Arts program at Gorham State Teachers College, where he received a bachelor of science degree in education, which he used in a 37-year career in vocational education. In 1969, Mr. Jordan earned his master's degree in education administration. As an administrator at Lewiston Regional Vocational Center, he helped transform the 3-course program into a multimillion dollar regional center offering 36 different courses at the time of his retirement in 1991. Mr. Jordan was named Public Administrator of the Year in 1991 by the Maine Chapter of the American Society of Public Administrators, and a special award was later established in his honor at Lewiston High School to acknowledge his years of devoted service to vocational education. We acknowledge Mr. Jordan's longtime commitment to his profession and to the community. He will be greatly missed and long remembered by his loving family and many friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 715)

Ludger J. Martin, a longtime resident of Sanford. Mr. Martin was born and raised in Van Buren, one of 18 children. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps at the age of 16 and travelled to Cheyenne, Wyoming. He then joined the United States Marine Corps, and his tour of duty during World War II included Guadalcanal. Mr. Martin earned his high school diploma in 1973 while in his fifties and attended classes at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in gerontology. He worked for Singer Sewing Machine and also was Head Dispatcher at the Sanford Police Department. Mr. Martin was an avid golfer and a member of the VFW Post 9935 and a 4th-degree member and color guard of the Knights of Columbus. He will be greatly missed and long remembered by his wife of 63 years, Lucille, his family and his friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 716)

the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education, at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, on the reopening of the center in a three-story addition. The new map library contains quadruple the space of the old library, thereby expanding its capacity to serve people both at the library and through public outreach efforts. The Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education opened in 1994 at the university. In 1986, Eleanor Houston Smith donated a collection of cartographic materials on behalf of herself and her late husband, Lawrence M.C. Smith. Dr. Harold L. Osher and Peggy L. Osher donated their collection in 1989 to form this world-class map library in Portland. Now an educational and cultural resource center, it has a national reputation as a rare maps library with an even rarer mission: to share its priceless holdings with Maine's students and the general public, not just with university scholars and researchers. Containing such treasures as a 1475 map of the Holy Land, Christopher Columbus's 1493 letter announcing the success of his voyage to the "islands of the India sea," Captain John Smith's 1614 map of New England, the first map of the State of Maine, issued in 1820, and a map used to determine the boundaries of the United States of America at the Treaty of Paris in 1782-1783. We acknowledge the extraordinary value of the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education to the people of Maine and to the Nation. We extend our congratulations to the center on its reopening in a newer and larger space, and we send our best wishes for future success; (HLS 717)

the Bayside Neighborhood Association, of Portland, on the honored occasion of the 10th Anniversary of its founding. Situated on the shores of Back Cove in Maine's largest city, and embracing the most densely populated square mile of Maine, the association was founded to create a sustainable, vibrant mixed-use community of neighbors, homeowners, tenants, elders, immigrants and social service providers. We salute the Bayside Neighborhood Association for its first decade of successes, and for its dedication to the challenges of its next decade, in Portland, Longfellow's beloved city "that is seated by the sea"; (HLS 718)

Jessi Welch, of Winslow, a member and president of Venture Crew 443, a coeducational division of Scouting, who is the first person in the Pine Tree Council to earn a Ranger Award. Venturing is for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20. Jessi has been a member for two and a half years. She has also served as secretary and vice-president. The Ranger Award is one of the more challenging awards to earn in Venturing, and Jessi is the second person in the State to earn the award. We send her our congratulations and best wishes on her earning this award; (HLS 719)

Thomas Maines, of Brunswick, who was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Maines was honored for his distinguished career in coaching high school boys basketball. We send him our congratulations on his being inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame; (HLS 720)

John Phillip Shaw, of Camden, who was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Shaw was honored for his distinguished career in coaching high school boys basketball since 1964 in various high schools in Maine and Massachusetts. We send him our congratulations on his being inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame; (HLS 721)

Marion (Walker) Morris, of Lebanon, on the occasion of her 106th Birthday, December 4, 2009. Mrs. Morris was the youngest child in a family of 10 children. She married Charles Morris in 1928 and they had 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. As the oldest citizen in Lebanon, Mrs. Morris is the holder of the Boston Post Cane for the town. We send her our congratulations and best wishes on this special occasion; (HLS 722)

Caldwell Auto Parts and Towing, of Limestone, for its generous donation of a 2006 Ford Explorer to the Limestone Police Department. This philanthropic gesture was made after one of the town's police cruisers was substantially damaged by inclement weather last winter. Scott and Robbie Caldwell, owners of Caldwell Auto Parts and Towing, retrofitted the sport utility vehicle with a full police package at no expense to local taxpayers. We commend the Scott and Robbie Caldwell for their generous commitment to the community; (HLS 723)

Dale and Helen (Barr) Brooker, of Limestone, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Brooker were married on August 29, 1959 at the bride's parents' home in Rowena, New Brunswick, Canada, with the Reverend Garnett officiating. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Brooker on their Golden Anniversary; (HLS 724)

June N. Baker, of East Millinocket. Mrs. Baker was born in East Millinocket in 1927 and graduated from Schenck High School, Class of 1945. She was married to Paul J. Baker at St. Peter's Catholic Church on April 1st in 1951. They were married for 58 years. She will be greatly missed and long remembered by her loving family and friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 725)

John H. Stanley, Sr., longtime resident of Medway. Mr. Stanley was born in 1925 in Medway and attended Medway High School. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was employed for 35 years at Great Northern Paper Company, retiring in 1987. He will be greatly missed and long remembered by his loving family and his many friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 726)

Eldon W. "Put" Gagnier, Sr., of Millinocket. Mr. Gagnier was born in Millinocket in 1928 and was a graduate of Stearns High School, Class of 1944. He was a fourth-degree member of Knights of Columbus, Council No. 680, and a member of the Fin & Feather Club and the Great Northern Paper Retirees Association. Mr. Gagnier worked for Great Northern Paper Company for many years, retiring in 1985. He will be greatly missed and long remembered by his family and friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 727)

Clara Waterman, of North Haven, on the occasion of her 100th Birthday, October 27, 2009. She taught fifth grade for 37 years at Stanley School in Swampscott, Massachusetts and retired around 1970. During a recent ceremony honoring Ms. Waterman for her contributions to education, former students praised her as being "born to teach, a master from the moment she walked in the door. Mesmerizing, with a contagious enthusiasm for life.” Ms. Waterman holds the Boston Post Cane as the oldest citizen of North Haven. We send her our congratulations and best wishes on the centennial celebration of her life; (HLS 728)

the Town of Farmington, on its being designated as a Preserve America Community. Preserve America is a federal program that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. We congratulate the good citizens of Farmington on their achieving this designation; (HLS 729)

Michelle Souliere, of Portland, on the occasion of the grand opening of The Green Hand, the first bookstore to open in the Parkside neighborhood of Portland in 20 years. A Cum Laude graduate of the Maine College of Art, in 2005 she founded the Strange Maine Gazette, a journal with an international circulation, and the award-winning Strange Maine Blogspot, one of the State's most popular and rapidly growing websites devoted to research into the marvels and mysteries of the Pine Tree State. We salute her ongoing spirit of entrepreneurship and continuing contributions to the revitalization of the Downtown Arts District in Portland, Longfellow's beloved city "that is seated by the sea"; (HLS 730)

Loren Coleman, of Portland, upon the honored occasion of the opening of the International Cryptozoology Museum, in the Arts District of the Parkside neighborhood of Portland. A Master of Social Work graduate of Simmons College, Boston, Mr. Coleman has for 50 years been an intrepid investigator in the field of cryptozoology, the study of hidden and recently discovered animals. A veteran of field expeditions in 49 states and in Canadian provinces, Latin America, the Carribbean and Scotland, he has authored over 30 books and 4,000 articles and columns. A former Senior Researcher at the Muskie School at the University of Southern Maine, he has trained in anthropology and zoology and taught at 6 New England universities. Today his award-winning crypto-research blog receives over a million visitors a week. The International Cryptozoology Museum, the first of its kind in the United States, will share evidence, artifacts and information to educate, inform and inspire students and future researchers. We congratulate Loren Coleman for his sharing a lifetime of work in this long-awaited museum, and for his contributions and career of commitment to the questing spirit and sense of wonder which so enriches our world; (HLS 731)

the Honorable Barbara E. Strout, of Windham, for her public service to the Town of Windham and the State. Ms. Strout

served as Windham town clerk during the 1960s and 1970s, leaving for a brief period to serve as Casco Town Manager. She was elected to the Maine House of Representatives, representing District 37 during the 113th and 114th Legislatures. She is extremely active in local politics, serving on the Windham Republican Town Committee, where she served as secretary and chair, and the Cumberland County Republican Committee, where she served as secretary. Ms. Strout has also worked at the polls for the Town of Windham for many decades. We extend our

appreciation to Ms. Strout for her commitment to the people of the State; (HLS 732)

Jim Ellis, of Dover-Foxcroft, for his dedication and commitment in supporting local youth programs. Mr. Ellis helped establish the Arthur L. Hitchcock, Jr. wild game dinner 7 years ago to raise money for scholarships for children to attend the Piscataquis Regional YMCA in Dover-Foxcroft and to support Hooked on Fishing and Hooked on Hunting, Not Drugs and Alcohol programs and the Kiwanis Club bicycle safety program. Mr. Ellis solicits fish and wild game meat from hunters and guides as well as meat confiscated by Maine game wardens and then prepares and serves the food for this annual event, which more than 400 people attended last year. In addition, he sells hot dogs and hamburgers during Dover-Foxcroft Homecoming Days to benefit these programs. More than $5,000 is raised annually by these 2 events. We extend our appreciation to Mr. Ellis for his commitment to the youth of the State; (HLS 733)

Rocco Palumbo, of Wellington, for his dedication and commitment in supporting local youth programs. Mr. Palumbo helped establish the Arthur L. Hitchcock, Jr. wild game dinner 7 years ago to raise money for scholarships for children to attend the Piscataquis Regional YMCA in Dover-Foxcroft and to support Hooked on Fishing and Hooked on Hunting, Not Drugs and Alcohol programs and the Kiwanis Club bicycle safety program. Mr. Palumbo solicits fish and wild game meat from hunters and guides as well as meat confiscated by Maine game wardens and then prepares and serves the food for this annual event, which more than 400 people attended last year. In addition, he sells hot dogs and hamburgers during Dover-Foxcroft Homecoming Days to benefits these programs. More than $5,000 is raised annually by these 2 events. We extend our appreciation to Mr. Palumbo for his commitment to the youth of the State; (HLS 734)

Miles Ingraham, of Rockport, who has attained the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout. This is the highest award in Boy Scouting and is given for excellence in skills development, leadership, personal growth and community service. For his Eagle service project, Miles worked for many months to raise $2,500 in cash as well as materials for a new pathway to Harbor Park in the Town of Rockport. We extend our congratulations to him on this achievement; (HLS 735)

Pat Niidas, of Kingfield, on her retirement after more than 20 years of dedicated service with the Mt. Abram Regional Health Center Board of Directors. We extend our best wishes to Ms. Niidas in her future endeavors; (HLS 736)

the Boothbay Region High School Boys Cross-country Team, which has won the 2009 Mt. Valley Conference Cross-country Championship. We send the members of the team our congratulations on this accomplishment; (HLS 737)

Skowhegan Savings Bank, in Skowhegan, on its being named one of the 2009 Best Places to Work in Maine by the Society for Human Resources Management. The award was created in 2006 and was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Maine, benefitting the State's economy and its workforce and businesses. We congratulate Skowhegan Savings Bank on its receiving this high honor; (HLS 738)

Velma Pearson, of New Sharon, on the celebration of her 104th birthday, September 3, 2009. Mrs. Pearson continues to attend church on special occasions. She loves to play cards, especially bridge, and enjoys crocheting and crossword puzzles. As the oldest citizen of New Sharon, she holds the Boston Post Cane. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Pearson on this very special occasion; (HLS 739)

the week of November 16th to November 20th, 2009 as National Geography Awareness Week, to promote geographic literacy and education in the nation's schools and communities, as an essential part of a 21st-century education. The United States Congress established National Geography Awareness Week in 1987 to support education about the world's cultures, environments and contemporary issues. Yarmouth schools will honor National Geography Awareness Week using curricula developed by the National Geographic Society and other committed organizations. We congratulate the students and teachers of the Yarmouth school system for their commitment to learning and to their community; (HLS 740)

Mr. and Mrs. Howard B. Ellis, III, of Wayne, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary, March 28, 2009. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis were married at the Old South Congregational Church in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. They have 2 daughters, Dawn Elizabeth and Nancy June. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Ellis on this very special occasion; (HLS 741)

Walt Abbott, longtime University of Maine educator and former student-athlete, football coach and athletic director, on his 50 years of commitment and service to the University of Maine. Mr. Abbott, currently professor of Kinesiology and Physical Education in the College of Education and Human Development, has been employed by the University since 1960, and the 2009-10 academic year represents his 50th year of employment. A Rumford native, Mr. Abbott was an outstanding high school and college football player. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1958 with a degree in Resource Economics and also earned a master's degree in Education. He started his career at his alma mater in 1960 as an instructor in physical education and assistant football coach. Mr. Abbott became the Black Bears' head coach in 1966 at age 30, one of the youngest collegiate coaches in the nation. He led the team through the 1975 season, when he relinquished the post to devote his time to teaching and to building a campuswide physical fitness program. We congratulate Mr. Abbott on his 50 years of dedication to the University of Maine, and we send him our best wishes for future success; (HLS 742)