Legislative record house appendix

Oxford Police Chief Ronald Kugell, on his retirement on March 15, 2006 after 48 years of service with the police department. Chief Kugell began his remarkable career when the department was just a volunteer force in the late 1950s. He served as a town constable, an officer on the Auxiliary Police that was set up by the Civil Defense and a State Police Reserve all while he was teaching at Oxford Hills High School in Paris. Eventually, the Town of Oxford grew large enough to require a formal police department, which was formed from the Auxiliary Police and the town constables in 1962. He first served as Assistant Police Chief, Assistant Fire Chief and Rescue Chief. Within 3 years, he took over the position of Chief of Police and has held the title for the past 41 years, never receiving a salary, only a yearly stipend. From mid-1970 until 1983, he was not only the Oxford Chief of Police, but also the Assistant Principal of the high school. Chief Kugell has tirelessly served and donated his time to the community, not only through his police work and teaching, but also as one of four members representing the Town of Oxford on the Board of Directors for School Administrative District #17, at one time holding the position of chair of the board. On many occasions he has served as moderator for town meetings, and he is always quick to donate the use of any one of his antique cars for local parades. We acknowledge Chief Kugell's dedicated and varied service to his community and we extend to him our best wishes for his well-deserved retirement; (HLS 1656)

Caitlin Hynes, of Rockland, a senior at Rockland District High School, who recently scored her 1,000th career point in basketball for the Rockland Tigers. Caitlin is the first Rockland District High School female basketball player to attain this distinction. She was named the Rockland Courier-Gazette Female Athlete of the Year, is a member of the National Honor Society, was a class officer for 2 years and a Student Senate Officer for 4 years, played field hockey, was a member of the 2nd team for KVAC Softball in 2005, was named KVAC Basketball Player of the Year for 2005-2006 and has been chosen Valedictorian for the 2006 graduating class. We extend our congratulations to Caitlin on her achievements; (HLS 1657)

Lois C. Lench, of Rockport, in celebration of her 100th Birthday, February 22, 2006. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to her on this very special occasion; (HLS 1658)

Mary J. Waterman, 58, of South Thomaston, a dedicated and active member of her community. Born in Rockland, she attended Rockland schools. She was a graduate of Colby College and attended the School of Foreign Service Summer Program in Salzburg, Austria, sponsored by Georgetown University. During the early 1970s, she worked at the Courier-Gazette in Rockland as a photographer and darkroom technician, later accepting a position as a staff photographer at the Bangor Daily News. She married Steven Waterman in 1972 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and they relocated to Maine in 1977, establishing their business, Waterman Oceanics. She was a first responder for the South Thomaston Ambulance Service and a member of the South Thomaston Planning Board. She also served as chair of the Knox County Budget Committee. Mrs. Waterman served on the MSAD No. 5 board of directors for 13 years, both as chair and as chief negotiator, and she served as chair and as chief negotiator on the Midcoast School of Technology board of directors. After taking the 100-hour course for reserve law enforcement officers, she worked at the Knox County Airport as an agent for Colgan Air in addition to working as a Knox County Sheriff's deputy at the airport. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, neighbors and friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 1659)

Steven C. Hayworth, of Scarborough, who has attained the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout. Steven, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 47, began as a Cub Scout when he was in the first grade. Over the years, he has served in the positions of Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide and Order of the Arrow Troop Representative and also has served as the troop's bugler. In June 2005, Steven completed his eagle service project, which consisted of finishing off the youth room at the West Scarborough Methodist Church. We commend Steven for his efforts and extend him our congratulations on this milestone and his achieving this distinguished honor; (HLS 1660)

Joseph Louis Discatio, of Portland, veteran storekeeper and entrepreneur, on the honored occasion of his 90th birthday, February 19, 2006. Born in Portland's now-vanished "Little Italy" neighborhood, he is the son of Samuel Distasio and Carmella D'Allasandro, who had emigrated to America from Italy at the turn of the last century. The eldest of 6 children, as a boy he shined shoes to help support his family. Determined to get an education, he returned to studies in his 20s and proudly graduated from Portland High School in 1937. In 1938, he married Mary Fantasia, and during World War II worked in the South Portland shipyards. Beginning with a shoeshine stand in the Preble Barber Shop, he soon opened his first shop on Congress Street to block hats, sell papers and shine shoes. On August 12, 1945, he opened Joe's Smoke Shop near that first site, to serve Portland's busy post-war boom. For over 60 years Joe's Smoke Shop, still on the same site, has been a city landmark in Longfellow Square, serving Maine's sportsmen and politicians, the elite and the average, on the common ground of good talking, good food and good company. For over 45 years, Joseph Discatio personally presided over his store and its 3 generations of patrons. We salute his decades of hard work, dedication and demonstration of the promise of the American Dream; (HLS 1661)

S. Edwin Allen and Dorothy Irvin Allen, of Westfield, on the occasion of their 69th Wedding Anniversary, February 6, 2006. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Allen on this special occasion; (HLS 1662)

Marguerite Van Tassel, of Farmington, on the occasion of her 100th Birthday, February 18, 2006. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Marguerite Van Tassel on the centennial celebration of her life; (HLS 1663)

Muriel Gervais, of Augusta, on the occasion of her retirement after 26 years of dedicated service to the State of Maine. Mrs. Gervais has worked as a custodian for both the Cross Office Building and the State House in Augusta. She is well known for her cheerful demeanor, her ready smile and her sense of humor. She exemplifies the best of the Maine work ethic. We join all her friends and colleagues in wishing her a very well-deserved retirement; (HLS 1664)

Technical Sergeant John Kustron, Jr., of Waterboro, on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. He joined the military in 1986 and went to Air Force Technical School to train as an airplane mechanic. His first tour of duty was at Loring Air Force Base in Maine. Other tours of duty, temporary and regular, included Florida, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, the Azores, England, Scotland, Italy, Turkey, South Korea and Spain. We acknowledge his dedicated service to his Nation, and we send him our best wishes for his retirement and his future endeavors; (HLS 1665)

the following members of the Glenburn School Chess Team, upon their tying for second place in the regular season: Aaron Spencer, Ian Szydlo, Jonathan Belanger, Andrew Nesbitt, Patrick Hall, Amanda Spencer, Joseph Belanger and Brendan Hall. We send them our congratulations and best wishes; (HLS 1666)

Edward Stevens "Steve" Kierstead, of Fairfield. Mr. Kierstead served in the United States Army in the Pacific in World War II as a member of the last cavalry unit. After the war he returned to Fairfield and practiced dentistry for 40 years. Along with his wife Winnie, who predeceased him, he was a tireless worker for a variety of projects in his community. As an environmentalist, he worked on the Kennebec River Trail Project and Operation Canopy, and he was the driving force behind the restoration and expansion of Mill Island Park. He and his wife were the prime organizers of the first Fairfield Chocolate Festival, which recently celebrated its 13th year. He served on the committee to restore the Newhall fountain, was active in the Fairfield Senior Circle and at the age of 84 joined high school students as they walked to clean up the roadways during the Youth Day of Caring. In 2005 the Town of Fairfield recognized him and Winnie by dedicating the annual town report to them. He was a kind and gentle man and had only positive things to say about anyone. His passing leaves a large void in the community of Fairfield and in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 1667)

the Shuman Family, of Winthrop, for their public service and dedication to the community and to the State. Charlie, Nancy, Steve, Stacey and Elissa Shuman were the United Way of Kennebec Valley Chairpersons. As a family, they served as leaders on the 2005 United Way campaign that raised over $1,500,000. The United Way of Kennebec Valley serves 18 municipalities and helps support community agencies in many fields, such as health care, child care, domestic violence issues, emergency services, elder services, youth and teenage issues, mental health care, housing and unemployment. We acknowledge the exemplary work and dedication of the Shuman Family and we send them our best wishes; (HLS 1668)

Garry Dyer, of Otisfield, upon his retirement after 20 years as Fire Chief. Mr. Dyer joined the Otisfield Fire Department at 16 years of age, has been a firefighter for 34 years and will continue serving with the department after his retirement as Chief. Mr. Dyer has always worked to create a positive environment at the fire department. During his tenure as Fire Chief, he enlisted new members and made upgrades to training. He has always made himself available to his firefighters as well as to the community. We extend our congratulations to Mr. Dyer on his retirement and wish him the best in his future endeavors; (HLS 1669)

Lenny Adler, of Otisfield, upon his retirement as town selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor on March 4th, after 38 years of dedicated service. Mr. Adler has been a constant presence in the community, serving as a member of the fire department since 1965 and as the assistant fire chief for 20 years. He was chair of the board of selectmen for many years and was an Oxford County Deputy Sheriff. He also served as road commissioner, Otisfield's health officer, town constable, snow plow operator, representative to the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, member of the Oxford County Regional Solid Waste Corporation, Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee, the Solid Waste-Septic Sludge Disposal Study Committee, Oxford-Otisfield Rescue and the Otisfield Ordinance Review Committee. His willingness to serve for so many years in numerous leadership positions expresses his commitment to the community and we commend him for his dedication to the town. We extend our best wishes to Mr. Adler for an enjoyable retirement; (HLS 1670)

Ronnie K. Belanger, of Bridgton, where he served as town manager. Mr. Belanger grew up on the family potato farm in Eagle Lake. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Boston. Mr. Belanger attended the University of Maine at Fort Kent, earning a bachelor's degree in history. He later attended the University of Maine at Orono and earned a degree in public administration. In addition to his service as town manager of Bridgton, he also served as town manager for the towns of Princeton, Damariscotta, Richmond, Jackman and Clinton. Mr. Belanger was known for his prudent oversight of taxpayer's money, and his fellow citizens felt at ease with his monitoring of their town's finances. We extend our appreciation to Mr. Belanger for his commitment to the citizens of this State and extend our condolences to his family; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 1671)

Marybeth Hoover, of Bryant Pond, who is the recipient of a 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Award for exemplary volunteer service. This award, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to serving their communities. Marybeth, a senior at Oxford Hills Christian Academy, organized a school and community memorial assembly to honor the victims of September 11, 2001. We congratulate Marybeth on her receiving this award and thank her for her dedication to her community and State; (HLS 1672)

the Foxcroft Academy Wrestling Team, upon its winning the 2006 Eastern Maine Class C State Championship. The team has won 2 state titles and 2 regional titles as well as 4 Piscataquis Valley Conference titles. Twelve members of the team placed 3rd or better, and the following students were winners in their weight classes: Colby Johnson, Jerod Rideout, Nick Lancisi, James McPhee and Josh Pelletier. We congratulate Coach Luis Ayala and the members of the team on their achievements; (HLS 1673)

Bert Dutil, of Lewiston, a veteran of the Korean War, who will be presented with the following medals: the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star attached, the United Nations Korean Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar. We extend our appreciation to Mr. Dutil for his commitment to his State and Country and congratulate him on his receiving these medals; (HLS 1674)

the Bonny Eagle Boys Track Team, of Standish, upon its winning the 2006 Class A Boys Indoor Track State Championship. We send the members of the Bonny Eagle Scots our congratulations on this achievement; (HLS 1675)

John and Elizabeth Smith, of East Hartland, Connecticut and Monmouth, Maine, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary, March 4, 2006. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have raised 5 children and have been involved in their community, working with the volunteer fire department, air museum, church and advocating for the mentally ill. We send them our congratulations and best wishes on their golden anniversary; (HLS 1676)

Philip Chauncey Libby, of Buxton, who lived his life to the fullest and truly did it his way. Mr. Libby began racing the day Beech Ridge Speedway opened in 1949. He won hundreds of races all over Maine in a driving career that spanned nearly 40 years. In 1960, he had a season that many only dream of, winning 21 of 27 races at Beech Ridge and dominating the racing at Oxford Plains Speedway, where he won his first track championship. A five-term president of the Maine State Stock Car Racing Association, Mr. Libby was an ambassador of auto racing, particularly Maine auto racing, for nearly 55 years. In 2004, he was inducted into the Maine Motor Sports Hall of Fame and was honored in 2006 with induction into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame. He was also passionate about fly-fishing. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his loving family, friends and colleagues; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 1677)

Jeff Manchester, of Gorham, a senior at Gorham High School who has been nominated to the 2006 McDonald's All-American High School Basketball Team. We extend our congratulations to Jeff on this achievement; (HLS 1678)

Robert R. Doyle, of Gorham, beloved husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife Evlyn Yarumian Doyle were married for 33 years. Mr. Doyle began his career in the gasoline business working for the C.N. Brown Co. as a district supervisor and leasing his own garages in Portland and Gorham. In 1989, he built a convenience store named 3-D Variety and went on to establish and own businesses such as 3-D Energy, 3-D Storage and Redemption and Deer Pond Variety. Mr. Doyle excelled in sports in high school and continued with his love of baseball by playing in the Twilight League and the Over 40 League. He was active in Babe Ruth Leagues and enjoyed coaching his son's teams. He was an assistant coach at St. Joseph's College for 12 years. Mr. Doyle will be remembered as a person with a big heart and a caring and generous spirit and will be dearly missed by all who knew him; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 1679)

Cheryl Lee Rust, owner of Le Garage Restaurant in Wiscasset, who is the recipient of the Maine Tourism Award for Food Service. The award was presented by the Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Commission at the annual Governor's Conference on Tourism in Augusta. These awards are given to those who lead by example in making Maine an attractive destination for visitors. Le Garage has been recognized as one of the midcoast's finest restaurants and has been featured in national magazines. Ms. Rust, in addition to her work in the restaurant, is also an active volunteer. She serves on the board of directors for the Miles Hospital and the Midcoast Hospital. We extend our congratulations to Cheryl Lee Rust on her receiving this well-deserved honor; (HLS 1680)

Kevin Cooper, of Buxton, coach of the Bonny Eagle High School Football team, on his being named Coach of the Year by the Maine Sunday Telegram and the Southwestern Maine Activities Association. Coach Cooper's team won the 2005 Class A State Championship for the second year in a row, and one of his students, John Weichman, won the prestigious James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy as the top senior high school football player of the year. We acknowledge his dedication to the school, the team and the players and we send him our best wishes on his receiving these honors; (HLS 1681)

Margaret A. Strout, of Gorham, beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Strout and her husband, Reverend Kingsley Strout, were married for 60 years. She graduated from Monson Academy, where she was salutatorian of her class, and also attended Farmington Normal School, Gorham Normal School and the University of Maine. She taught school in East Livermore, Pittsfield and Jay. Mrs. Strout will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 1682)

Janine Winn, of Temple, on the occasion of her retirement after 21 years as director of Franklin County's rape crisis center, Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services, SAVES. Ms. Winn started as one of the first volunteers at SAVES and moved up to director. While director of SAVES, Ms. Winn saw the development of the Sexual Assault Response Team, where victims, law enforcement and the court system collaborate to obtain successful sexual assault prosecutions. The program resulted in the creation of the county's sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse investigator position. We acknowledge the exemplary work and dedication of Ms. Winn and extend our best wishes to her in her future endeavors; (HLS 1683)

Maine Wood Turning, Inc., in New Vineyard, which is the recipient of the Maine Wood Products Association's 2005 Pine Tree Award. Owners Doug and Jody Fletcher and Andy Robbins have a long family history of entrepreneurial spirit. In 1971, Wayne and Earl Fletcher bought the run-down wood-turning mill, rebuilt the old building and repaired or replaced the machinery in it. In 1983, Wayne bought Earl's share of the company and when Wayne retired, he passed the reins to his sons Doug and Jody and son-in-law Andy. The family continued the expansion and improvements to the mill. We extend our congratulations to Maine Wood Turning on its receiving this prestigious award and wish it continued success in the future; (HLS 1684)

the Franklin Journal newspaper, upon its earning 2 New England Press Association awards in the 2005 Better Newspaper Contest. The contest received a record 6,200 entries from more than 350 newspapers representing the 6 New England states. Bobbie Hanstein was awarded a second-place honor in the contest's General News Story category and Steve Bull won a second-place honor in the contest's Humorist Columnist category. We send our congratulations to Ms. Hanstein and Mr. Bull and to the team at the Franklin Journal on exceptional work; (HLS 1685)

Philip B. Harrington, of Manchester, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 622, who has attained the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout. This award 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 Philip on this accomplishment; (HLS 1686)

the members of the John Bapst Memorial High School Jazz Band, on their performances at the District V Jazz Competition. The musicians earned the highest possible rating of "1" with a total score of 90.5 out of 100 points. We extend our congratulations to the band on its accomplishment; (HLS 1687)

Justin Bousfield, of Glenburn, a member of the John Bapst Memorial High School Jazz Band, on winning a top honors award for solo performance on piano at the District V Jazz Competition. We send Justin our congratulations and best wishes on this accomplishment; (HLS 1688)

Bill Laughlin, of Levant, Penobscot County Deputy Sheriff, on the occasion of his retirement. He has been a contract deputy for the Town of Hermon since 1996. His tenure in Hermon was preceded by 28 years of service with the University of Maine's Department of Public Safety. We acknowledge his many years of dedicated service to his profession and to the community. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to him on his well-deserved retirement; (HLS 1689)

United States Army Specialist Joshua Humble, of Appleton, during a security patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. Specialist Humble attended Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport and he enlisted in the United States Army in January 2004. He was trained as a cavalry scout and was a member of the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, New York. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Army Achievement Medal. We acknowledge his dedicated service and we recognize the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country. He will be greatly missed and long remembered by his loving family, his friends and his grateful State and Nation; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 1690)

Francis J. Megno, of Millinocket, on his retirement after 30 years of dedicated service to the Knights of Columbus Council #680 as Financial Secretary. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to him; (HLS 1691)

Frederick Kingsbury Bull II, of Freeport, as he celebrates his 80th Birthday, May 22, 2006. Born in New York City and raised in Litchfield, Connecticut, he volunteered to serve in World War II and eventually served stateside in the United States Air Force as an engineer after the war and during the Korean War. After his service, he lived in New York City, where he pursued his interest in photography, doing freelance work for LOOK Magazine. He also pursued a career in theater and stagecraft. While living and working in North Carolina during the 1950s and working in theatrical set construction and lighting, he taught stagecraft to noted actor Andy Griffith. Mr. Bull married Susan Leigh Bartlett and together they discovered Maine and developed a lasting love for our State. They commuted regularly from Connecticut to engage in outdoor activities, such as skiing at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, where they both became certified members of the National Ski Patrol. By 1967, they moved here permanently, making their home in Freeport. During his nearly 40 years in Freeport, Mr. Bull has been active in community affairs, primarily with Freeport Community Services. He is the father of 2 sons, Michael Bull and the Honorable Thomas Bull, former member of the Maine House of Representatives. We send Mr. Bull our congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of his 80th Birthday; (HLS 1692)

the Deering High School Boys Basketball team, the Rams, of Portland, on its winning the 2006 Class A State Championship. This is the first state championship for the Rams in 80 years. We extend our congratulations to the team on this achievement; (HLS 1693)

the following members of the Presque Isle High School Girls Basketball Team, on their winning the 2006 Class B State Championship: team players Katie Delong, Kylan Smith, Moriah Morris, Katie Moody, Ingrid Braley, Ashley Cash, Janna Clukey, Chelsea Glovins, Shaina Watananuchit, Angela Norsworthy, Amy Michaud and Sarah Porter; Head Coach Jeff Hudson; Assistant Coach Monica Bearden; and Managers Robb Johnston and Brooke Buckley. This is the team's first state title since 1997 and it is their 3rd title overall. We extend our congratulations to the team on this achievement; (HLS 1694)