Legislative record house appendix

Ray Convery, of Winthrop, who has been named the Kennebec Journal Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. Mr. Convery coaches the Winthrop High School Girls Basketball Team and this year led the Ramblers to a 15-6 record with a spot in the Western Maine Class C Finals. During his 24 seasons at Winthrop High School, he has led the team to the postseason 23 times and has a career record of 357-117. Under Mr. Convery's direction the team has won 8 sportsmanship awards. We extend our appreciation to Mr. Convery for his commitment to the youth of the State and congratulate him on his receiving this honor; (HLS 232)

the following members of the Maranacook High School Girls' Nordic Ski Team, the Black Bears, who won the 2009 Class B Nordic State Championship: Sarah Adams, Ashley Anderson, Courtney Anderson, Jillian Blouin, Lauryn Cox, Ashley Cox, Elle Fenton-Hulett, Harley Graziano, Nunzi Graziano, Emily Harriman, Adrian Huntington, J'rae Mendall, Adrienne Nel, Emma Olson,

Emily Perkins, Simone Profus, Isabel Smith, Meghan Surette, Katie Wicks, Kara Witherill and Abby Mace, winner of the Skimeister title, and Coaches Steve DeAngelis and Steve Monsulick. We extend our congratulations to the Maranacook Black Bears on this tremendous achievement and wish them continued success; (HLS 233)

the following members of the Maranacook High School Boys' Nordic Ski team, the Black Bears, who won the 2009 Class B Nordic State Championship: Ben Barnes, Cam Best, Reid Blouin, Louis Chiappetta, Sean Diagle, Tyler DeAngelis, Artem Down, Jake Fenton-Hulett, Chase Gaewsky, Jordan Gilbert, Justin Greeley, Evan Longfellow, Eric Manley, Carson Mitchell,

Jackson Pineau, Nolan Poulin, Taylor Schwartz, Korey Solmitz, Taylor Stevenson, Walker Thompson, Evan Vincent, Taylor Watson, Luke Wenzel, Sam Whittemore and Christian Wick and Coaches Steve DeAngelis and Steve Monsulick. We extend our congratulations to the Maranacook Black Bears on this tremendous achievement and wish them continued success; (HLS 234)

Kenny A. Sweet, of Portland, who is the 2009 Maine State Youth Bowling Tournament Champion. Kenny is the youngest state champion and bowled his best games during this tournament. He is also the All Events Scratch Division Champion and the All Events Handicap Division Champion. He won the State Doubles Division and the State Team Division. Kenny is the youngest member of a 4-person team which broke the State record. In January, he qualified for the Junior Gold Division of America. He will be participating in the National Junior Gold Tournament in Indiana. We extend our congratulations to Kenny on his winning this tournament and send our best wishes for continued success; (HLS 235)

My Sister's Keeper, a small grass roots mentoring ministry focusing on the complex needs of women transitioning from jail back into mainstream society, on its service to the community and the people of Maine. Founded 10 years ago by Myrna Cook of the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church, the ministry is committed to make mentoring a major component of the church's mission work. It is affiliated with the Maine Council of Churches and is composed of volunteer mentors. The organization works collaboratively with the Cumberland County Jail, social service agencies and faith communities to ensure a smooth transition for women in corrections back to community life. There are now more than 15 churches in the greater Portland area actively working with My Sister's Keeper and members are mentoring approximately 20 women in transition annually and have helped over 56 women in 2008. We extend our congratulations on the dedicated commitment of My Sister's Keeper and send our best wishes for future success; (HLS 236)

the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, which is the recipient of the Nonprofit/Community Service Leadership Award from the River Valley Chamber of Commerce. The River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition is a nonprofit organization created by local community members who want to make a positive difference in the health and well-being of the communities in the River Valley region of northern Oxford County. The coalition works with different local organizations and schools, as well as state agencies, to implement health programs, to assess health risk factors and to evaluate health problems in the community. We extend our congratulations to the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition on its receiving this honor; (HLS 237)

Robert and Sharon Dubois, of Sidney, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Dubois were married on February 14, 1959. We honor them on their Golden Anniversary and wish them continued happiness; (HLS 238)

Kristin Dillon, of Exeter, on her receiving the Gold Award, the highest award given in Girl Scouting. Kristin is being recognized for her accomplishments in the areas of leadership, community service, career planning and personal development. We congratulate Kristin on her receiving this significant award and we extend our best wishes for continued success within the community; (HLS 239)

Chef Brian Langley, of Ellsworth, who is the recipient of the 2009 Maine Restaurant Association's Restauranteur of the Year Award. This prestigious award recognizes Chef Langley's standard of excellence and his commitment to the restaurant industry. The Union River Lobster Pot, located in Ellsworth, prides itself on extraordinary customer service. Chef Langley taught culinary arts for 30 years to Hancock County high school students and is recognized in the community as a mentor and leader. We thank Chef Langley for his commitment to the local economy and congratulate him on his receiving this award; (HLS 240)

the following members of the Mt. Blue Middle School Wrestling Team, on their winning their second consecutive Central Maine League Championship: students Daniel Reed, Joey McCrillis, Christa Powers, Nick Hickey, Jon Toothaker, Aaron Stone, Tyler Sennick, Richie Storer, Matt Loewen, Dustin Small, Justin Tracy, Kevin Moore, Josh Merrick, Drew Blanchet, Marc Haines, Calan Lucas, Brian Durrel, Wesley Villacci, Travis Stuart and Raymond Clark and coaches Bob O'Connor, Seth Trahan and George Chimenti. We send them our congratulations and best wishes on this achievement; (HLS 241)

Jerry and Jane Brackett, of Starks, for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Town of Starks. Mr. Brackett was involved as a rehabilitation technician for the Community Development Block Grant, served on the appeals board and as the fire chief. Mrs. Brackett founded the Starks Food Cupboard, served as the Salvation Army Representative for 9 towns, served on the Planning Board, the Board of Assessors and the Board of Selectmen and was Town Clerk and an election worker. She also was a member of the Progressive Club, which provided a safety net for people in difficult circumstances. People like Mr. and Mrs. Brackett are what make Maine small towns neighborly communities. We extend our appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Brackett for their commitment to the citizens of the State; (HLS 242)

the Gold Medal winners of the 2009 SkillsUSA Maine Championship competition, held on March 13, 2009 in Bangor. SkillsUSA is one of eight nationwide career and technical education student organizations. Each March, more than 450 technical education students meet to compete in their respective areas of study. The Gold Medal winners will represent Maine at the national competition in Kansas City in June, 2009. We congratulate the 2009 Maine Gold Medal Winners on their achievements and send them our best wishes on their future events; (HLS 243)

the following members of the Waterville Senior High School Science Olympiad Team, on their winning the state title for the 14th year in a row: Sarah Walker, Colin Limberger, Danielle Dechaine, Carin King, Anna Sagaser, Xinyue Wu, Michael Tozier, Brandon Gauvin, Ameena Khan, Ben Congdon-Jones, Isaac Webb, Brad Loomis, Ellen Daily and Mariam Khan. Coach Rosemarie Smith, who is a science teacher and chair of the high school science department, has coached the Science Olympiad for 19 years. We congratulate Coach Smith and the Science Olympiad Team on this impressive achievement; (HLS 244)

Wellington "Welly" Ramsey, of New Sharon, who has been named the Morning Sentinel Boys Nordic Skier of the Year for the

third consecutive year. Welly won the TD Banknorth Eastern High School 5.2 kilometer freestyle race. He competed against high school skiers from Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York. We extend our congratulations to Welly on this tremendous achievement and wish him continued success at the Maine Winter Sports Center in Presque Isle; (HLS 245)

Edward and Patricia Jillson, of Sabattus, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary, February 28, 2009. Mr. and Mrs. Jillson have 4 children, 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. They are lifelong residents of Sabattus and own Jillson's Farm and Sugarhouse, which serves Sabattus and the

surrounding communities. Over the years, Mr. and Mrs. Jillson have given much to the community, organizing and volunteering for a wide range of community events and charities. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Jillson on this very special occasion; (HLS 246)

Charles Zappone, of Woodland, a full-time father, husband and student at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle, who was named a Maine Community College System 2009 Student of the Year. He will receive a $1,000 John H. Lapoint, Jr. Leadership Award. Mr. Zappone is working towards his associate degree in nursing. He is an active and contributing member of the Northern Maine Community College community, serving as president of Phi Theta Kappa and as a member of the Student Nurses Association. He has been named the 2009 New Century Scholar for the State, as the top scoring member of this year's All-Maine Academic Team. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Zappone on his receiving these well-deserved honors; (HLS 247)

Greggory Sevigny, of Sanford, a student at Southern Maine Community College, who was named a 2009 Student of the Year by the Maine Community College System. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Sevigny on his receiving this well-deserved honor; (HLS 248)

Melitta A. Nichols, of Sanford, a student at York County Community College, who was named a 2009 Student of the Year by the Maine Community College System. We extend our congratulations and best to Ms. Nichols on her receiving this well-deserved honor; (HLS 249)

Daniel Scott, of Eddington, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 23, 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. We extend our congratulations to Daniel on this achievement; (HLS 250)

Major Joshua Edward Doscinski, of Temple, a member of the Maine Army National Guard, who is returning from active duty in Afghanistan. From April 2008 to December 2008, Major Doscinski has been serving with the Maine Embedded Training Team. This team was created to serve as combat advisors to the Afghan security forces. This hand-selected group of soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard lived and worked with the local Afghan security forces to teach, mentor and train them. As Team Chief, Major Doscinski was the senior officer on the embedded training team who was responsible for the management of the team as well as mentoring the leadership of an Afghan Army Battalion. While overseas, he received several awards including a Meritorious Service Medal. We commend and thank Major Doscinski for his exemplary performance in serving his country. We join citizens throughout the State in welcoming him home and in extending our appreciation to him for his commitment to the United States military; (HLS 251)

the following members of the Maine Army National Guard for their dedicated service to the State of Maine and the nation: Major William Appel of Hampden, Sergeant 1st Class Ricky Boudreau of Hudson, Major Daniel Curtis of Norway, Captain Grant Delaware of Westbrook, Major Joshua Doscinski of Temple, Sergeant 1st Class Shawn Gurney of Bangor, Major Sean Harmon of Hampden, Sergeant 1st Class Harold Maker of Houlton, Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Merrill of Augusta, Major Kris Nelson of Bangor, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Pooler of Oakland, Captain Jeffery Shirland of Pittsfield, 1st Lieutenant Stephen Spearin of Union, Sergeant 1st Class George Yanez of Gardiner, Captain Ferdinand Slater of Ellsworth, Sergeant 1st Class Michael Wall of Cushing, Sergeant 1st Class Jason Prosser of Fayette and Master Sergeant Duane Rancourt of Fairfield. The hand-picked guardsmen spent 9 months training Afghan National Army soldiers in combat operations, vehicle maintenance, personnel management and logistical support. Three of the 18 men extended their tour and remained in Afghanistan. We acknowledge the dedication these men have to the Maine Army National Guard, and we commend them for their service; (HLS 252)

Lieutenant Bruce Knight, of Sanford, on the occasion of his retirement from the Sanford Fire Department after 33 years of dedicated service. We extend our appreciation to Lieutenant Knight for his commitment to the citizens of the State and wish him well in his future endeavors; (HLS 253)

Arline Potter, of Strong, on the celebration of her 103rd birthday on May 11, 2009. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Potter on this very special occasion; (HLS 254)

Lee Academy as the recipient of the prestigious 2009 International Innovator of the Year award through the Maine International Trade and Investment Awards. Founded in 1845, Lee Academy is a private, independent boarding and day school serving local students from 23 Maine towns and boarding students from all across the world. Students have traveled to the small Maine town of Lee because of Lee Academy's dedication to providing a quality education in a safe, clean and nurturing environment. In addition to hosting students from 16 states, 7 Asian countries, 5 Central American and Caribbean countries, 10 European countries, Australia, Israel and Canada, the school is opening affiliated high schools in Shenzen, China and Daegu, Korea. We commend the administration, staff and faculty of Lee Academy for their commitment to education and their pioneering endeavors encompassing the globe; (HLS 255)

the University of Maine at Augusta Women's Basketball Team, which placed in the final four of the 2009 Yankee Small College Conference for the first time in its history. We extend our congratulations to the members of the team, coached by Nate Rende, on this achievement; (HLS 256)

the University of Maine at Augusta Men's Basketball Team, which won the 2009 Yankee Small College Conference, coming out of 6th place to achieve this championship. We extend our congratulations to the members of the team, coached by Jim Ford, on this achievement; (HLS 257)

Kelton Beal, of Beals, a senior at Jonesport-Beals High School who is the recipient of the 2009 Principal's Award, which is sponsored by the Maine Principals' Association and given to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and citizenship. We extend our congratulations to Kelton on his receiving this award; (HLS 258)

Theodore W. "Ted" McInnis, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and formerly of Millinocket, a veteran of the United States Army and longtime employee of Great Northern Paper Company. Mr.

McInnis was a 1964 graduate of Stearns High School. After his graduation, he spent 4 years in the active reserves, attaining the rank of captain and serving his country until 1977. He worked for 25 years for Great Northern Paper Company in Millinocket and then for more than 13 years at Bowater headquarters in South Carolina, retiring in 2006. He and his wife of 42 years, Lee Ann, enjoyed their vacations back in Maine. He will be greatly missed and long remembered by his loving family and his friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 259)

Mary "Ernie" Yarmall, from the Passamaquoddy Community of Pleasant Point, for her many contributions to the Passamaquoddy Tribe. She has served in the United States Armed Forces, and she is the first woman to have served as

Lieutenant Governor of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Ms. Yarmall has had a long involvement with, and has made many valuable contributions to, the tribe's government and cultural preservation. We acknowledge her extraordinary support of her community and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and we send her our appreciation; (HLS 260)

Betty Brown, 84, of Skowhegan, for her outstanding service to her country as a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots in the Army Air Corps during World War II. The WASPs, as they were called, were the first female military pilots who were recruited after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. When she was only 20 years old, Mrs. Brown was accepted into the WASP program. Although they were not allowed in combat situations themselves, these women performed such crucial duties as towing targets for ground runners to practice on, transporting cargo and moving planes from coast to coast which freed up the male pilots to engage in combat. Through their service as WASPs, Mrs. Brown and her colleagues opened the doors for female pilots both in the military and the private sector. The WASPs finally received much-deserved military status in the 1970s. We extend our profound thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Brown for her service to our country and for being a part of history; (HLS 261)

Alice McBride, of Machiasport, who is the recipient of the 2009 Principals' Award from the Maine Principals' Association in acknowledgement of her academic excellence and citizenship. Alice is an exemplary student at Washington Academy and has an outstanding record of scholastic achievement and commitment to her community. We extend our congratulations to her on her receiving this honor, and send her our best wishes for continued success; (HLS 262)

Alice and Rodney Allen, of Buckfield, as they celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on August 31, 2009. Mrs. Allen, a lifelong resident of Buckfield, met Mr. Allen on a blind date in 1958 when they went to see Old Yeller at the Empire Theater in Lewiston. Mr. and Mrs. Allen raised two daughters and welcomed two sons-in-law and four grandchildren to the family. They have always been dedicated and engaged citizens. Mr. Allen served in the United States Army National Guard and on the local school board and planning board, established the Streaked Mountaineers Snowmobile Club and served 20 years on the Buckfield Volunteer Fire Department. They are members of the local church, where Mr. Allen has served as an elder and Mrs. Allen has served on many church committees. In 1972 they opened Allen's Auto Body, a successful business that they owned and operated until retirement. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Allen on their Golden Anniversary; (HLS 263)

Josh Titus, of Auburn, upon his receiving the "Spirit of the Game Award" presented by the Maine McDonald's Owner/Operators Association. Josh, a senior at Edward Little High School with high-functioning autism, is the manager for the Edward Little boys varsity basketball team. On Senior Night, Josh donned the Red Eddies uniform and joined the team in the fourth quarter of a game against Leavitt High School. During his 5 minutes of play, Josh scored 9 points and pulled down a pair of rebounds. In honor of his achievement, the Maine McDonald's Owner/Operators Association sent Josh on an all-expenses-paid trip to Detroit, Michigan for the NCAA Final Four. We extend our congratulations to Josh on his achievement and wish him well for continued success; (HLS 264)

Robert Chandler Bell, of Bridgton, upon his passing at the age of 72 on April 8, 2009. Mr. Bell graduated from Norway High School and served in the United States Air Force as an MP for four years. He also served in the United States Army Reserves for 24 years. The chief of police for the Town of Bridgton for 32 years, Mr. Bell was also a member and president of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association and was the association's liaison to Special Olympics Maine. His hard work and ingenuity resulted in the Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run and he was instrumental in the establishment of Law Enforcement Torch Runs for Special Olympics around the world. He served on the Special Olympics Maine Board of Directors for 6 years and also served on the Law Enforcement/Special Olympics National Advisory Council. Mr. Bell is the only member of Maine law enforcement to be elected to the International Law Enforcement Special Olympics Hall of Fame. In 1999, Special Olympics Maine established the Bob Bell Award in Mr. Bell's honor. It is the highest award a member of the Maine law enforcement community may receive and is awarded for outstanding dedication to the Special Olympics. Mr. Bell was a member of the Bridgton Board of Selectmen and a longtime member and president of the Bridgton Lions Club. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Janice, and his many friends and community; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 265)

Brandon Palmer, of Bridgton, a student at Washington County Community College, who was named a 2009 Student of the Year by the Maine Community College System. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Palmer on his receiving this well-deserved honor; (HLS 266)

Ashley Higgins, 17, a junior at Bangor High School, who has won the 2009 Class A Maine High School Diving Championship and the 2009 New England Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championship. Coached by Jared Lizotte, she also took first place for diving in the 2009 Penobscot Valley Conference Swimming and Diving Championship and the 2009 Irene Palmer Diving Invitational. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Ashley on her many accomplishments; (HLS 267)

Dr. John Fitzsimmons, President of the Maine Community College System, for his being named the 2009 Non-Profit Business Leader of the Year by Maine's leading business publication, MaineBiz. During his 19-year tenure, President Fitzsimmons has guided Maine's community colleges through a period of unprecedented growth. Since he assumed leadership of the system, enrollment has grown from 3,300 to 15,000 credit-seeking students. In the last six years alone, since President Fitzsimmons led the transformation of Maine's technical colleges to community colleges, enrollment has grown 63%. Since 2000, nationally tuition has increased by 68% while Maine's community colleges' tuition increased by only 14%. The importance of the growth of Maine's community colleges is evident across the state's economy. Ninety-four percent of employed system graduates are working in Maine. Last year, President Fitzsimmons created the Maine Rural Initiative and raised over $6,000,000 to establish an endowed scholarship fund for the state's rural residents and bring seven health care programs to

underserved areas of Maine. In its first year, the Maine Rural Initiative has served 571 students in 100 Maine communities. We acknowledge President Fitzsimmons' dedicated service to the field of higher education, to the state's economy and to the People of Maine; (HLS 268)

the City of Presque Isle, on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of its incorporation. Originally settled in 1828, the Town of Presque Isle was incorporated on April 4, 1859 and became Aroostook County's first city in 1940. Over the past 150 years, the City of Presque Isle became the leading city in Aroostook County, Maine. Fondly known as the Star City of the Northeast, the City of Presque Isle and its citizens have contributed greatly to the character and the accomplishments of

Aroostook County and the State of Maine. Presque Isle was home to the first church organized in Aroostook County and the first newspaper. It was also home to the first State Park in Maine. These accomplishments all attest to the spirit of the residents of the Star City and their desire to create a leading community defined by generous, hard-working people, meaningful growth and an enjoyment of the character and culture of the region. We acknowledge the City of Presque Isle and its citizens and their dedicated service to the People of Maine; (HLS 269)