Legislative record house appendix

Julia Hillman-Forbush, of Houlton, a member of Girl Scout Troop No. 059, who has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. This is the highest award in Senior Girl Scouting and is given for excellence in skills development, leadership, personal growth and community service. Receiving this award is truly significant, and we extend to Julia our best wishes for continued success within the community; (HLS 2142)

Edrie Sutcliffe, of Farmington, on her 90th Birthday celebration, April 15, 2006, held at the Ethel Walton House. Nearly 100 people from around the country gathered to celebrate the life of Ms. Sutcliffe. She retired at the age of 89 as manager of Turner Square. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Ms. Sutcliffe on this special occasion; (HLS 2143)

Lauris and Beverly Abbott, of Strong, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary, July 6, 2006. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott have 3 children and 13 grandchildren. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to them on this very special occasion; (HLS 2144)

Marsha Taber, of Fairfield, on her 90th Birthday, July 7, 2006. Mrs. Taber has lived in Fairfield since 1939 and is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was married to the late Wallace Taber for 63 years. We send her our congratulations and best wishes on this special occasion; (HLS 2145)

CYRO Industries, of Sanford, a prominent employer of the greater Sanford area, on its 30th anniversary. We acknowledge both the company and its employees for their contributions to the Sanford area and to the State of Maine. We send them our congratulations on this anniversary and our best wishes for future success; (HLS 2146)

Arnold Jasper "Bing" Gross, a lifelong and notable resident of Penobscot. Mr. Gross worked at the St. Regis paper mill in Bucksport and retired in 1993 as manager of the wastewater treatment plant. While at the mill, he served as president of the local paperworkers union for 3 terms and was vice-president of the Maine District Council of Pulp and Paper Unions. Mr. Gross was a member of the executive board of the Maine AFL-CIO and was founder and first director of the Employee Assistance Program for Maine. He served on the board of directors of the Maine Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and the labor committee of the Association of Labor-Management, Administrators and Consultants on Alcoholism. Governor Brennan appointed Mr. Gross to the Governor's Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and Mr. Gross was the Director of the Eastern Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. In addition to these extensive professional and personal involvements, he served his community by becoming a selectman in 1985 and continued to serve his town until his passing. He was a member of the Hancock County Budget Advisory Board and was a volunteer dispatcher for the Penobscot Fire Department. We acknowledge Mr. Gross's extraordinary dedication to his profession, his community and to the State of Maine. He will be greatly missed and long remembered by his loving family and many friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 2147)

the community and members of the Gray Fire and Rescue Company, as they celebrate on July 8, 2006 the 125th Anniversary of its founding. The fire department was founded in 1881 by a group of local individuals and area small businesses. The Fire and Rescue companies merged in 1993, and professional staff members were added to supplement the dedicated work of Gray's volunteers, who have lived the motto "to serve and protect life and prosperity at the Crossroads of Maine. " We extend our congratulations to the Gray Fire and Rescue Company on this happy anniversary; (HLS 2148)

Eric Caouette, of Norridgewock, who, with a friend, helped prevent the abduction of a young girl. Mr. Caouette and his friend noticed a man in a Wal-Mart parking lot accompanying an 8-year old girl and acting suspiciously. Mr. Caouette and his friend interceded and brought them into the store for questioning. We salute Mr. Caouette on his getting involved in helping this young and innocent child, and protecting her from harm. He exemplifies the Maine spirit of getting involved in the community and coming to the aid of those in need. We thank him for his efforts; (HLS 2149)

Bruce Smith, of Norridgewock, who, with a friend, helped prevent the abduction of a young girl. Mr. Smith and his friend noticed a man in a Wal-Mart parking lot accompanying an 8-year old girl and acting suspiciously. Mr. Smith and his friend interceded and brought them into the store for questioning. We salute Mr. Smith on his getting involved in helping this young and innocent child, and protecting her from harm. He exemplifies the Maine spirit of getting involved in the community and coming to the aid of those in need. We thank him for his efforts; (HLS 2150)

Lindley "Mickey" and Shirley Underhill, of Etna, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Underhill began their relationship in 1954 after meeting at a basketball game in the Carmel Town Hall. They married on September 1, 1956 in the home of Mr. Underhill's grandmother. They settled into the home they were married in, where they raised their five children: Donald, Celia, David, Cathy and Cheri. They spent many wonderful years camping and enjoying Saturday night dances. They now enjoy traveling to Florida and Texas. They will be celebrating this special day with their children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and their many other friends and loved ones. We extend our congratulations to the Underhills on the many loving years they have spent together and send them our best wishes for their continued happiness; (HLS 2151)

the Ronald Moir Family, of Woodland, upon the family's being named the 2006 Farm Family of the Year by the Maine Potato Board. Ronald and Ruth (Williams) Moir come from a long line of farm families dating back at least four generations to a time when their ancestors settled in Maine from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Beginning his work in 1967 on the homestead farm in Woodland, Ronald later purchased an additional Woodland farm on the Brown Road in 1971. Ronald's father came out of retirement to help his son in the 1980s after initially ending his farming career in 1953. Ruth's father, Arnold Williams, was also a farmer in Caribou until his retirement. Together with his sons Alan, Jason and Scott, Ronald plants 1,500 acres of potatoes, grain and other rotation crops on their now expanded farming enterprise in both Woodland and Caribou. All four of Ronald and Ruth's children, including their daughter Lisa, worked on the farm while growing up. Their grandchildren are now contributing, as well. Ronald has been an active participant in the industry, including past service as Director of the Agricultural Bargaining Council, Advisory Board and Nominating Committee for Farm Credit, Processing Council for Maine Potato Board. He also served on the Woodland School Board and as Selectman for Woodland. Alan is a current director for the Agricultural Bargaining Council, is active in Young Farmers and is also a Director for Aroostook Federal Savings and Loan. Jason was in FFA, belongs to Young Farmers and is a current Selectman in Woodland. Scott was an officer in FFA, also belongs to Young Farmers and served on the Planning Board for Woodland. We extend our congratulations to the Ronald Moir Family and recognize their years of diligent labor while working the land. Their strong family commitment and faith will enable them to have continued success for generations to come; (HLS 2152)

Kevin Malenfant, of Presque Isle, a fifth-grade teacher at Zippel Elementary School, who was named the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year for Aroostook County. He was nominated by his students and was singled out from among 200 entries for the award. We send Mr. Malenfant our congratulations on his receiving this honor; (HLS 2153)

Andrew E. Shattuck II, of Wilton, of Boy Scout Troop #518, 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 Andrew on his accomplishment; (HLS 2154)

Doris Cushman, of Wilton, nutrition aide with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, on the occasion of her retirement after nearly 30 years of dedicated service. Ms. Cushman has brought her nutritional expertise into senior citizen centers, schools and private homes across Franklin County. We acknowledge her many years of service to her community and to the State of Maine. We congratulate her on her retirement and send her our best wishes; (HLS 2155)

Dean C. Stanley, of Strong, postmaster of the Strong Post Office, who has been named the League of Postmasters, Postmaster of the Year by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine's Federal Employee Program in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Stanley on the occasion of his receiving this well-deserved honor; (HLS 2156)

Dick and Carolyn Hallett, of Mars Hill, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary, July 20, 2006. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Hallett on this very special occasion; (HLS 2157)

Michelle Fournier, of Falmouth, a foreign language teacher at Westbrook High School, who has been accepted to the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program. Ms. Fournier will be teaching at the Lycee Alain Chartier in Bayeux, France for the 2006 to 2007 school year. Since 1946, the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program has helped nearly 23,000 teachers and administrators contribute to mutual understanding between the United States and countries around the world. We congratulate Ms. Fournier on her receiving this honor and we send her our best wishes for a successful school year. We also send our best wishes to the Lycee Alain Chartier and to the good people of Bayeux, on the occasion of this exchange, in hopes that it will further the goodwill between our nations; (HLS 2158)

Rebecca Ellis, of Strong, on the celebration of her 80th birthday, July 4, 2006. Mrs. Ellis has 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Ellis on this special occasion; (HLS 2159)

Walter J. LaPierre, of Sanford, who was a United States Army veteran of World War II. Mr. LaPierre was employed by Universal Shoe in Sanford for 32 years and was also proprietor of LaPierre Rooms in Sanford for 45 years. He later worked for the Sanford School Department for ten years, retiring in 1987. He will be greatly missed and long remembered by his family and friends; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 2160)

Peter B. Hodgkins, of Rockport, who has been elected to the Maine Golf Hall of Fame 2006. Mr. Hodgkins, whose golf career goes back to the 1960s, has been a Class A PGA Professional since 1973. He has been in the Maine Golf Course Superintendent's Association since 1972. Mr. Hodgkins also has a long history of management and teaching in golfing: from 1972 to 1997 he was the Head PGA Gold Professional and Superintendent at the Rockland Gold Club; from 1982 to 1995 he was the Maine Chapter PGA Director; from 1979 to 1981 he was the Maine Chapter PGA President; and from 1977 to 1978 he was the Maine Chapter PGA Secretary and Treasurer. He has been active in golf clubs in Boca Raton, Bonita Springs and Palm Beach, Florida and the Vokes Range in Trenton, Maine. From 1975 to 1990, Mr. Hodgkins was the Golf Coach for Rockland District High School and his golfers won 6 High School State Championships and 7 KVAC Championships. Presently, Mr. Hodgkins is the PGA Professional and Superintendent and Manager of the Northport Golf Course. We acknowledge his extraordinary dedication to golfing and the sharing of his skills and love of the sport. We send him our congratulations and best wishes on his receiving this well-deserved honor of being elected to the Maine Golf Hall of Fame; (HLS 2161)

Teisha A. Loesberg, of Lewiston, a senior at Lewiston High School, who died on June 22, 2006 as the result of an airplane accident. Miss Loesberg loved Air Force Junior ROTC, gardening and her church. She was involved in the "Lots to Gardens" program, which teaches families how to garden and how to enjoy the fruits of their labors. She was involved in the ROTC as a cadet squadron operations officer and was responsible for assigning squadron duties. She loved animals and she loved meeting and helping people. She was also looking forward to going to college. She was an assured, determined young lady who excelled at math, and was already taking college courses. She will be sadly missed by her loving family, friends and colleagues in the ROTC; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 2162)

Shannon Fortier, of Lewiston, a freshman at Lewiston High School, who died in an airplane accident on June 22, 2006. Miss Fortier loved to fly and planned to be a United States Air Force pilot. She was a member of the ROTC. A person who was capable of being a leader by example, she was able to get the job done, receiving the respect of those around her. Shannon collected swords and had a passion for Japanese animation. She was also an athlete: she was a member of the Lewiston High School swim team and she liked rock climbing, horseback riding and riding dirt bikes with her father. She was also an altar server at Holy Family Church. She will be sadly missed by her loving family, many friends and colleagues of the ROTC; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 2163)

Nicholas Babcock, of Lewiston, a talkative and outgoing teen who wanted to become a marine biologist, who died on June 22, 2006 in an airplane accident with 3 others. Mr. Babcock was a senior at Lewiston High School. He had been involved with the ROTC since he was a freshman and was to be promoted to chief master sergeant this year. He was intrigued by eagles, and he loved football, baseball and video games. He was also a member of the chess club at school and participated in magic card tournaments. A big-hearted person, he contributed greatly to his community, worked hard in school and fostered close friends. He will be sadly missed by his loving family, many friends and colleagues in the ROTC; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 2164)

William Charles Weir, of Auburn, who died on June 22, 2006 as the result of an airplane accident. Mr. Weir would have graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in August. He was a pilot and flight instructor for Twin Cities Air Service in Auburn. Mr. Weir's love of airplanes and of flying began when he was a toddler, and he earned his private pilot's license at 16 years of age. He received his commercial pilot's license in 2003 and earned his flight instructor certificate in 2005. Mr. Weir was well liked and will be greatly missed by all who knew him; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 2165)

Marguerite Sinclair, of Patten, on the occasion of her 90th Birthday. Marguerite Bradley Hatt was born on July 16, 1916 to Flora and Curtis Hatt and has lived in Patten all of her life. She enjoys picking strawberries and fiddleheads as well as counted cross-stitching, knitting and spending time with her dog, Sweetie Pie. We extend our congratulations to Mrs. Sinclair on this tremendous milestone and we send her our best wishes; (HLS 2166)

Florence Sturgis, of Standish, the oldest resident of the town. We extend our congratulations to her on this tremendous milestone and sent her our best wishes for her upcoming 99th birthday this August; (HLS 2167)

Jason Smith, of Farmington, who has earned the distinction of being named Northern Maine Community College's Student of the Year for his academic standing, his contributions to the college and his wide variety of community involvement. We send him our congratulations and best wishes on his receiving this honor; (HLS 2168)

Winthrop and Alice Loring, formerly of Berwick, now of Dover, New Hampshire, on the occasion of their 67th Wedding Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Loring were married December 17, 1938. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Loring on this very special occasion; (HLS 2169)

Wasco Products, Inc., of Sanford, on its 50th anniversary as a prominent employer in the greater Sanford area. We acknowledge both the company and its employees for their contributions to the Sanford area and to the State of Maine. We send them our congratulations on this anniversary and our best wishes for future success; (HLS 2170)

Vaughan Gagne, of East Dixfield, for her 10 years of dedicated service to the Wilton Free Public Library. Vaughan has led the library into the 21st century by successfully integrating the Internet with a traditional library. We extend our appreciation to Vaughan Gagne for her commitment to the community and wish her well in her future endeavors; (HLS 2171)

Donald James, of Avon, who was named as the Phillips Old Home Days Honored Person. Mr. James was born in Strong in 1918 and moved to Phillips in 1925. He now resides in Avon. He owned and operated a funeral home in Phillips for 25 years, drove a school bus for MSAD #58 for 7 years and did carpentry work in the area. He is a World War II veteran, a member of the Masons and the American Legion and a past member of the Men's Club and the Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce. We congratulate Mr. James on his receiving this well-deserved civic acknowledgement; (HLS 2172)

Roma Lou Kent Wiles, of Wilton, on the celebration of her 70th birthday, August 1, 2006. Mrs. Wiles and her husband Gerald have been married 48 years. They have 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Wiles on this special occasion; (HLS 2173)

Robert Thorndike and Karen Thorndike, of Phillips, recipients of the 2006 Community Service Award, given by the Aurora Grange 202 Strong. We extend our congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Thorndike on their receiving this award; (HLS 2174)

Reverend John Neff, of Winthrop, upon the honored occasion of the publication of his new book, Katahdin: An Historic Journey, the first volume of which is to be published in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Baxter State Park. As cofounder and first president of the Friends of Baxter State Park, and as former president of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, Reverend Neff has for over a quarter century devoted his energy and enthusiasm toward the protection and preservation of Maine's natural gifts and changing landscape. We salute him for his lifetime efforts and the successful completion of this comprehensive chronicle of the history, heritage and mystery of Katahdin, Governor Percival Baxter's beloved "Mountain of the People of Maine"; (HLS 2175)

Kevin Eastler, of Aurora, Colorado and formerly of Farmington, who won the 2006 USA Outdoor 20K Race Walk Championship for the second time, having won this event in 2003. He is also the 2006 Indoor Champion runner-up. Mr. Eastler is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and has won many All-America honors. He qualified for the Olympic team in 2004 with a third-place finish at the Olympic Trials in Sacramento, California and placed 21st in the world at the Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece. We proudly salute Mr. Eastler for his accomplishments and we send him our best wishes for future success; (HLS 2176)

Fernand and Violet Barriault, of Lisbon, upon the celebration of their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Barriault were married on June 22, 1946. We extend to them our congratulations on this special milestone anniversary and we send them our best wishes for continued happiness; (HLS 2177)

Lillian Knapp, of Phillips, who, when school starts this fall, will be the oldest employee of School Administrative District No. 58. She joins her granddaughter, Amanda Knapp Wilkins, who will be the youngest employee in the district as she starts her teaching career in Strong. Mrs. Knapp has worked for SAD 58 for 40 years. She started as a teacher's aide for principal Elwood Allen even before Phillips became part of SAD 58. In 1968 Mrs. Knapp began work at Phillips Elementary School in the cafeteria as an assistant, went to the junior high school as a teacher's aide in 1976 and in 1986 became a secretary at Phillips Primary School. Since 2002 she has worked at the Phillips Middle School library. We extend our appreciation to Mrs. Knapp for her dedication to the youth of the State; (HLS 2178)

Doctor John R. Gallant, of Rumford, who is retiring from the field of dentistry after 51 years of practice. Longing for more time with his wife, children and grandchildren, Dr. Gallant has decided to close the doors of his Hancock Street office in mid-August. Dr. Gallant is a first generation American. His father and grandfather emigrated from New Brunswick to Rumford nearly a century ago to work in the paper mill. In high school, Dr. Gallant suffered a serious ski accident, causing him to fall a year behind. Dr. Gallant's graduation from Stephens High School was delayed an additional 2 years subsequent to his being called to honorably serve his country in the United States Army near the end of World War II. He would go on to graduate from St. Michael's College in Vermont and then from Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, now known as the University of Maryland. His service to patients has spanned several generations, as those he has treated have grown accustomed to his positive, upbeat attitude and natural cheerfulness. We wish to express our gratitude to Dr. Gallant for his commitment toward improving patients' perceptions of going to the dentist. Dr. Gallant's experience and dedication to those under his care will be sorely missed; (HLS 2179)

Mary McGuire, of Stonington, on the celebration of her 100th birthday, August 6, 2006. Ms. McGuire enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943, where she served in Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C. She received her doctorate degree in English from Columbia University. She became a professor at Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following her career, she retired to her family home in Stonington. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Ms. McGuire on this very special occasion; (HLS 2180)

M. F. Chip Gavin, of Portland, after 6 years as Deputy Secretary of State, and for his work for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. We acknowledge Mr. Gavin's dedicated service to the people and the State of Maine, and his contributions to the constitutional office that he represented. We send him our best wishes on his future endeavors; (HLS 2181)

John J. Bernard, Sr., of Rumford, upon the celebration of his 90th Birthday on August 8, 2006. Mr. Bernard was born in Rumford and has 3 children, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He has been an active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church for many years and holds the love and respect of his fellow church members as well as many people in his community. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Bernard on this special occasion; (HLS 2182)

Cory Googins, of Gray, of Boy Scout Troop #86, 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 Cory on his accomplishment; (HLS 2183)

Carol Fitzherbert, of Presque Isle, upon her retirement from the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services. We congratulate Ms. Fitzherbert for being a successful social worker from July 9, 1979 through August 31, 2006, which has allowed many people to attain self-sufficiency through the ASPIRE program. We extend our best wishes to her for a happy retirement; (HLS 2184)

Urban West, of Wilton, on his receiving his high school diploma at a recent meeting of the MSAD #9 School Board 62 years after leaving high school to fight in World War II. Mr. West enlisted in the United States Navy on his 18th birthday in 1943 and served his Nation with distinction until 1946. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. West on his receiving this honor; (HLS 2185)