Legislative record house appendix

Collette Sloat, of Hodgdon, who has earned the distinction of being named Second Honor Essayist of the 2005 graduating class at Hodgdon High School. Ms. Sloat is a member of the National Honor Society. She has been involved in numerous athletic teams and recognized for her strong leadership roles. We extend our congratulations to Collette on this accomplishment and wish her well as she goes on to the University of Maine at Presque Isle to major in physical education; (HLS 803)

Mary Johnston, of Gorham High School, upon her recognition as one of the top 50 scorers on the Maine Educational Assessment tests for the 2004 school year. The students are recognized for having the highest combined scores in the reading, writing, mathematics and science and technology MEA subtests. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mary on this accomplishment; (HLS 804)

Adam Lord, of Gorham High School, upon his recognition as one of the top 50 scorers on the Maine Educational Assessment tests for the 2004 school year. The students are recognized for having the highest combined scores in the reading, writing, mathematics and science and technology MEA subtests. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Adam on this accomplishment; (HLS 805)

the members of the Gorham High School Boys Indoor Track Team, who won the State Class B Championship. We extend our congratulations to the team on this accomplishment; (HLS 806)

Benjamin Thayer, of Gorham High School, on scoring 1,067 points in his high school basketball career. We extend our congratulations to him on this accomplishment; (HLS 807)

the following members of the 2005 graduating class of Hall-Dale High School, who have earned the distinction of being named Hall-Dale High School Top Ten Seniors: Katharine Reutershan, Gretchen Riker, Barbara Watson, Danielle Cromwell, Bethany Mealey, Danica Koenig, Iva Allen, Victoria Levesque, Kyleigh Corrigan and Zachary Sears. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to them on this achievement; (HLS 808)

the following students who have earned the distinction of being named as the Top Ten students of the 2005 graduating class of Gardiner High School: Ashley Devereaux, Susan McGee, Nicole Peacock, Courtney Phillips, James Pierce, Sarah Rowlands, Rose Smith, Stacey Owen, Julia Shaw and Megan Varney. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to them on this achievement; (HLS 809)

Blair Richardson, of York, a member of Boy Scout Venturing Crew 333, 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 Blair on this accomplishment; (HLS 810)

Donald J. Leaver, of Topsham, a veteran of World War II. Mr. Leaver served with the 75th Troop Carrier Squadron, 535th Troop Carrier Group for more than 3 years and was discharged in 1945. He participated in 7 campaigns and battles, including the Battle of Normandy and the campaigns of Northern France, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. During those campaigns and battles, he received the Good Conduct Medal, the European Theater Campaign Ribbon, the African Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Distinguished Unit Badge. Mr. Leaver is survived by his 5 sons, Robert, Don, Dennis, David and Wayne. We are honored to recognize the life of this distinguished veteran who served his country; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 811)

Gladys E. Conant, a lifelong resident of Canton, and prominent citizen of the town. Mrs. Conant was a 68-year member of the 4-H Club and served as a leader for many years. In 2002, she was inducted in the 4-H Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. She was a 74-year member of the Farm Credit of Maine and received its Distinguished Service Award. In addition, she was a state president, county president, county treasurer and Canton chapter president of the Cooperative Women of Extension Group. Mrs. Conant loved her community and was actively involved in it, in addition to raising her own family. She served on the Canton school department and MSAD 21 school board for 49 years. She was a member of the Canton Town Republican Committee and served as polling booth clerk. Among her many talents was a passion for music, and she was a gifted piano teacher and was church organist. Mrs. Conant exemplified the Maine heritage of good citizenship. She will be greatly missed by her loving family, her neighbors and her many friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 812)

the following members of the Lee Academy Girls Varsity Basketball Team, on their winning the 2005 Class D State Championship: Shelby Pickering, Kerri Harris, Jacqueline Moors, Ashley Jandreau, Amanda Jandreau, Karin Bird, Amanda Gifford, Dana Houghton, Aarika Ritchie, Brooke Harris, Laci McLaughlin, Nicole Jandreau, Manager Kathy Yoon, Manager Crystal Briggs, Assistant Coach Candance Gifford and Coach Ronald Weatherbee. This is the team's first state championship and their first undefeated season, with 22 wins. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to them on this achievement; (HLS 813)

Harvey Williams, of North Anson, who is the recipient of the Maine Snowmobile Association's Groomer of the Year Award. Mr. Williams has been both the trail master and chief groomer for the Anson-North Anson Snowmobile Club since it was founded and is responsible for the more than 70 miles of trails maintained by the club. He has been instrumental in encouraging the club to upgrade equipment. We thank Mr. Williams for the many hours that he has contributed to making and maintaining outstanding snowmobile trails that are available to all snowmobilers. We extend our congratulations to him on his receiving this award; (HLS 814)

Travis Watson, of Oakland, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 436, who has earned 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 Travis on this accomplishment; (HLS 815)

the members of the Bonny Eagle High School Ice Hockey Team, of Standish, who are the recipients of the Class A Ice Hockey Coaches Association Western Maine Sportsmanship Award. We extend our congratulations to the team on their receiving this award; (HLS 816)

Michelle James, of China, an 8th-grade student at China Middle School, on winning the 2005 Kennebec County Spelling Bee, and then going on to compete and win 2nd place at the 2005 Maine State Spelling Bee. We extend our congratulations to Michelle on her achievements and send her our best wishes on her future endeavors; (HLS 817)

the Center for Cultural Exchange, of Portland, which is dedicated to advancing cultural understanding and appreciation by bringing together diverse communities and artists in our state and from around the world. In a short time, the center has built a vibrant and exciting cultural resource for all people of the state, attracting some of the finest and most diverse performers. Hosting more than 200 events a year, the center is among the most active public presenters of ethnic heritage in New England. We congratulate the Center for Cultural Exchange on its success and we send our best wishes on its future success; (HLS 818)

Weston and Charlotte Elliott, of Canaan, who have been named Snowmobile Family of the Year by the Maine Snowmobile Association. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have been lifelong enthusiasts of snowmobiling and belong to their local club, the Smokey's Angels Snowmobile Club of Hartland. They have volunteered with the club since 1977. Mrs. Elliott has held the office of treasurer and served as a trailmaster for 28 years. Mr. Elliott has been the club president, vice president and served on the club Board of Directors. We extend our congratulations to them on their receiving this recognition and wish them many more years of safe and enjoyable riding; (HLS 819)

the Honorable Gwilym Roberts, of Farmington, who represented District 56 during the 112th Legislature. He was a professor at the University of Maine at Farmington for 43 years. His greatest accomplishment is considered to be his participation in the drive to create a liberal arts department at the university, which is now one of the top public liberal arts schools in the Northeast. The Roberts Learning Center has been named in his honor. Professor Roberts brought a wealth of knowledge and history to all that he did and he was a mentor to thousands of students. We acknowledge his dedicated service to his students and to the University of Maine at Farmington. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, his colleagues and his many friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 820)

Christine Hastedt, of Freeport, who is the recipient of the Mabel Sine Wadsworth Women's Health Achievement Award, signifying her outstanding contributions to the health and welfare of the people of the State of Maine. Ms. Hastedt has been an advocate for more than 30 years for the rights and economic justice of people and families in Maine with low incomes. We acknowledge her dedicated service to the people of the State, and we send her our best wishes; (HLS 821)

Captain Robert S. Winneg, U.S.N., of Brunswick, and in extending best wishes to Captain Winneg, his wife Teresa and their children on the occasion of his reassignment. As Commanding Officer of the Brunswick Naval Air Station, Captain Winneg will leave a lasting impact on the midcoast region. Through his involvement with numerous civic organizations, he has strengthened and enhanced the partnership between the Navy and the surrounding communities. He is recognized for his outstanding leadership skills. We extend our best wishes for continued success to Captain Winneg; (HLS 822)

Kaitlin Dirrig, of Holden, a senior at Bangor High School, who is a recipient of the Charles E. French Medal. This medal is given to the 4 students having the highest cumulative average in the graduating class. We extend our congratulations to Kaitlin on this achievement; (HLS 823)

Ben Weissman, of Dedham, a senior at Bangor High School, who is a recipient of the Charles E. French Medal. This medal is given to the 4 students having the highest cumulative average in the graduating class. We extend our congratulations to Ben on this achievement; (HLS 824)

Elizabeth Burroughs-Heineman, of Bangor, a senior at Bangor High School, who is a recipient of the Charles E. French Medal. This medal is given to the 4 students having the highest cumulative average in the graduating class. We extend our congratulations to Elizabeth on this achievement; (HLS 825)

Jue Wang, of Bangor, a senior at Bangor High School, who is a recipient of the Charles E. French Medal. This medal is given to the 4 students having the highest cumulative average in the graduating class. We extend our congratulations to Jue on this achievement; (HLS 826)

August 13, 2005, as First Founders Day, to honor the founders of Acadia National Park. We also recognize the private citizens group The Spirit of Acadia, which organized to inform the public of the men and women who donated lands to the federal government to preserve it for the future and of the importance of what they did. On August 13, 1901, the founders of Acadia National Park met for the first time in Seal Harbor. Because of their generosity and foresight, we now enjoy one of the most beautiful national parks in America, located in the State of Maine. We join the group The Spirit of America and the towns on Mount Desert Island and in the rest of Hancock County in celebrating First Founders Day, in appreciation of the gifts of the first founders' time, energy and financial donations; (HLS 827)

Jack Hoyt, of Temple, on the occasion of his retirement as a custodian for School Administrative District No. 9. We send our appreciation to Mr. Hoyt for his dedicated service and commitment to the youth of the State and extend to him our congratulations and best wishes on his retirement; (HLS 828)

Melvin Burnham, of Skowhegan, on the occasion of his retirement as principal of W.G. Mallett School in Farmington. We send our appreciation to Mr. Burnham for his dedicated service and commitment to the youth of the State and extend to him our congratulations and best wishes on his retirement; (HLS 829)

Lucinda Poulin, of Wilton, who has been named a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. Ms. Poulin has been a 5th grade teacher at Academy Hill School for 21 years. We extend our appreciation to Ms. Poulin for her commitment to the youth of the State and congratulate her on her receiving this award; (HLS 830)

Norma Beedy, of Strong, on the occasion of her retirement as a bus driver for School Administrative District No. 9. We send our appreciation to Ms. Beedy for her 25 years of dedicated service and commitment to the youth of the State and extend to her our congratulations and best wishes on her retirement; (HLS 831)

Cynthia Leib, of Wilton, on the occasion of her retirement as a physical education teacher at Mt. Blue Middle School. We send our appreciation to Ms. Leib for her 18 years of dedicated service and commitment to the youth of the State and extend our congratulations and best wishes on her retirement; (HLS 832)

Paul Gooch, of Wilton, on the occasion of his retirement as a principal of schools in Wilton and Weld. We send our appreciation to Mr. Gooch for his 27 years of dedicated service and commitment to the youth of the State and extend to him our congratulations and best wishes on his retirement; (HLS 833)

Holly Price, of Farmington, on the occasion of her retirement as a differentiated curriculum coordinator and elementary school teacher for School Administrative District No. 9. We send our appreciation to Ms. Price for her 24 years of dedicated service and commitment to the youth of the State and extend to her our congratulations and best wishes on her retirement; (HLS 834)

Janice Mildram, of Carrabassett Valley, on the occasion of her retirement as a physical education and math teacher for School Administrative District No. 9. We send our appreciation to Ms. Mildram for her 23 years of dedicated service and commitment to the youth of the State and extend to her our congratulations and best wishes on her retirement; (HLS 835)

Deborah Burd, of Strong, who has been hired as director of the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, an alliance of hundreds of organizations from across the country representing the interests of farmers and farm workers who live in urban and rural communities. Prior to this, Ms. Burd has been executive director of the Western Mountain Alliance. In recognition of the strong base of support she has, the agency's main office will move from New York City to Portland, Maine. We extend our congratulations to Ms. Burd on her new position and we send her our best wishes; (HLS 836)

Valmore Dunn, of Vienna, on the occasion of his retirement as a bus driver for School Administrative District No. 9. We send our appreciation to Mr. Dunn for his 21 years of dedicated service and commitment to the youth of the State and extend to him our congratulations and best wishes on his retirement; (HLS 837)

Maurie Shink, of Jay, on the occasion of her retirement as an education technician at Mt. Blue High School library. We send our appreciation to Ms. Shink for her dedicated service and commitment to the youth of the State and extend to her our congratulations and best wishes on her retirement; (HLS 838)

James Mario Fossa III, of Waterville, a member of Boy Scout Troop #436, who has earned the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout, the highest award in Boy Scouting. This award is given in recognition of excellence in skills development, leadership, personal growth and community service. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to James on his accomplishment; (HLS 839)

that October 15, 2005 and the 15th of October of subsequent years is named "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day," to recognize the grief of the families involved, remember the pregnancies and infants lost and to help heal and comfort the families and give them hope for the future. Each year in our nation, more than 16% of pregnancies end in either a miscarriage or stillbirth and tens of thousands of live-births end in deaths of infants 11 months old and younger. We encourage that information on this subject be made available to the public and we also encourage all society to respond with compassion to help heal the pain of these families; (HLS 840)

the following members of the 2005 graduating class of Fort Kent Community High School, who have earned the distinction of being named the Fort Kent Community High School Top Ten Seniors: Iris Guimond, Valedictorian; Minal M. Caron, Salutatorian; Burke Dean Perreault, Honor Essayist; Sarah Dubay, Keisha Marie Hartt, Adam Jandreau, Mathew Kinney, Ashley Pelletier, Deidra Pelletier and Patrick Robichaud. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to them on this achievement; (HLS 841)

the 3 Global DestiNation Imagination teams from John Bapst Memorial High School, in Bangor, which made it to the 2005 national competition in Tennessee. We extend our congratulations to the following members of the school's teams: Kylie Hopkins, Kristy Kerns, Brian Cowan, Danny Wheeler, Michael Sekera, Sam Swanton, Charles Bergeron, Nick Gramlinch, Nick Hubbard, Sam Rioux, Justin Bousfield, Lukas Wong-Acorn, Joe Price, Matthew Edwards and Matthew Dooman; (HLS 842)

Sharon Elwell, of Buxton, on his 33 years of dedicated service to the Town of Buxton in the Highway Department. Mr. Elwell was elected Road Commissioner for the lower district in 1972 and in 2001 he assumed the position of Road Commissioner for both the upper and lower districts when the duties were consolidated. We join the town in acknowledging his service to his community and we extend our best wishes to him on his retirement; (HLS 843)

Edith "Virgie" Wright, of Buxton, who has had the town's annual report dedicated to her in recognition of her service to her community. Mrs. Wright is a founding member of the Saco Valley Civic Association and has been active in the PTA, boosters and her children's schools. Mrs. Wright exemplifies good citizenship and we extend our congratulations to her on her receiving this honor; (HLS 844)

Carl Estes, of Buxton, a longtime prominent citizen of the town. Mr. Estes was on the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission and the Buxton Comprehensive Planning Committee and Planning Board. We acknowledge his dedicated service to his community. He will be missed by his family and many friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 845)

Robert Strong, of Bangor, professor of finance and University of Maine Foundation Professor of Investment Education, who has been named Distinguished Maine Professor by the University of Maine Alumni Association for his outstanding achievements in teaching, research and public service. He has been a faculty member at the University of Maine since 1983 and his colleagues have noted his positive interaction with his students throughout his 22 years of teaching. In 1993, Professor Strong started the Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY), through which students manage a University of Maine Foundation investment fund. It began with a $200,000 allotment and the fund is now valued at more than $1.1 million. He is a recognized scholar in his field, and is very active in civic organizations and statewide commissions. We extend our congratulations to Professor Strong on his receiving this honor; (HLS 846)

James Acheson, of Bangor, professor of anthropology and marine resources, who is the recipient of the Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award. Professor Acheson has been a professor at the University of Maine since 1968 and among his scholarly achievements are 4 books, including The Lobster Gangs of Maine, a book listed by the Baxter Society as one of the One Hundred Distinguished Books about Maine. He received the American Anthropological Association's Solon T. Kimball Award for Public and Applied Anthropology in 2004, the nation's highest honor in his field. We extend our congratulations to Professor Acheson on his receiving these distinguished awards; (HLS 847)

David Lambert, of Orono, who is the recipient of the Presidential Public Service Achievement Award from the University of Maine Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences. Professor Lambert is a plant pathologist and has worked extensively to inform and educate the potato industry about potentially damaging diseases that have had significant implications for potato growers in Maine and elsewhere. We acknowledge his valuable contribution to Maine agriculture and we extend our congratulations to him on his receiving this award; (HLS 848)

Patricia Burns, of Orono, professor of English, who is the recipient of the Presidential Teaching Award. She has been on the faculty of the University of Maine for 33 years, and is coordinator of English Composition, required of most first-year students. She oversees College Composition, a post that includes supervision of all English Department teaching assistants. Professor Burns also teaches other English courses, including a course on teaching college writing. She has been an active participant in departmental and university faculty organizations throughout her career and has benefited students and teachers throughout Maine. We extend our congratulations to her on her receiving this award; (HLS 849)

Thora Maltais, of Thomaston, who has earned the distinction of being named Salutatorian of the 2005 graduating class of Georges Valley High School. We send our congratulations to Thora on this accomplishment; (HLS 850)

the following Honor Parts students of the Glenburn School: Sean Seekins, Valedictorian; Kristi Woods, Salutatorian; Brianna Morrissey, Flag Salute; and Ashley Wiley, Class Marshall. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to them on this achievement; (HLS 851)

Irma D. Folsom, of Monmouth. Mrs. Folsom was known as "Grammie" Folsom to all of the children in the Monmouth School system because of the 26 years she worked in the school cafeteria as a cook. She was born in Rome and graduated from Monmouth Academy. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Boynton Chapter, a 76-year member of the Monmouth Grange, a member of the Friday Club and a member of Monmouth Senior citizens. Mrs. Folsom will be greatly missed by her family and friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 852)

Constance "Ginny" Bragdon, of Peru, on the occasion of her retirement from Maine School Administrative District #21 after many years of service as a volunteer, a school board member and the school librarian. We extend our appreciation to Mrs. Bragdon for her commitment to the youth of the State and wish her well in her future endeavors; (HLS 853)

Arlene Collins, of Livermore Falls, on the occasion of her retirement as a teacher at Dixfield Elementary School. We send our appreciation to her for her 31 years of dedicated service and commitment to the school and extend to her our congratulations and best wishes on her retirement; (HLS 854)

Wanda Howard, of Rumford, on the occasion of her retirement as a teacher for Maine School Administrative District #21. We send our appreciation to her for her 33 years of dedicated service and commitment to Maine School Administrative District #21 and extend to her our congratulations and best wishes on her retirement; (HLS 855)

the annual Rockland North Atlantic Blues Festival, as it celebrates the popular American music form on July 9 and July 10, 2005 in Harbor Park, Rockland, overlooking picturesque Rockland Harbor. Some of the top names in blues music are performing at this festival, one of the most prestigious on the East Coast. We extend our best wishes to the Rockland North Atlantic Blues Festival for its continuing success; (HLS 856)

Alecia Palmer, of Presque Isle, who has been named a United States National Award winner in mathematics. The United States Achievement Academy recognizes fewer than 10 percent of all American high school students to receive this award. Alecia attends the 6th grade at Skyway Middle School. Students are selected based on their academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, citizenship, attitude and recommendation from a teacher or director. We extend our congratulations to Alecia on her receiving this prestigious honor; (HLS 857)