Legislative record house appendix

Jason Bartlett, a native of Augusta now living in Goshen, New York, who will represent the United States in the 2009 World Driving Championship in Oslo, Norway. The 20-race series is the oldest and most prestigious driving competition in the sport of harness racing. Mr. Bartlett, who was invited to drive by the U.S. Trotting Association, will compete with 9 other drivers from around the world. He comes from a family which has been long-involved in harness racing in Maine and even though he didn't start driving until he was 17, he quickly made a name for himself. Last year, Mr. Bartlett ranked 4th in North America with 657 victories and received the Rising Star Award from the U.S. Harness Writers Association. He has won more than 2,500 races in his career. We congratulate Mr. Bartlett on his stellar accomplishments and we commend him for receiving the honor of representing our country in this competition; (HLS 77)

Dr. Theodore N. Mitchell, of Penobscot Nation, Indian Island, a beloved and respected leader and educator. Dr. Mitchell spent his entire life on Indian Island but the effects of his legacy are far-reaching and profound. He and his wife of 64 years, Eleanor, worked whatever odd jobs they could to support their family of 13 children and never asked for or received assistance from state welfare. As the children left home, Dr. Mitchell returned to college and earned his degrees in higher education while working full time in construction. He then dedicated his energies full time to the field of higher education and spent the last 40 years of his life fighting for and supporting Native American students. As a result of his drive, more than 360 students from 4 Wabanaki Tribes in Maine have received a postsecondary education. Dr. Mitchell's legacy lives on in the Wabanaki Native American Center that was established in 1991 at the University of Maine at Orono. Because of his persistent efforts, this center exists along with a Native American Studies program to serve not only the needs of Native American students but also to educate the nonnative public of the innumerable contributions Native Americans have made in Maine and the country. Dr. Mitchell received many honors and awards but the most important to him was the Native American Student Alumni Distinguished Service Award which he received in 2004. He will be deeply missed and long remembered by his family, his many friends and colleagues, and an extended community which will continue to reap the benefits of his hard work; (IN MEMORIAM) (HLS 78)

Lucas Mathers, of Presque Isle, who is the 2009 Class B Skimeister Champion and who took first place in giant slalom in the Class B State Championships. Lucas is a student at Presque Isle High School. We extend our congratulations to Lucas on his achievements; (HLS 79)

Elizabeth Marr, of Yarmouth, on the occasion of her 100th birthday, March 7, 2009. Mrs. Marr is a former teacher who taught in one-room schools in the Boothbay Region. She was married to the late Wolcott Marr for 54 years, and she has 2 children, 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. We extend our best wishes to Mrs. Marr on this special occasion; (HLS 80)

L. Herbert "Bussie" York and Brenda Voter York, of Farmington, who have received the honor of having the 2008

Town of Farmington Report dedicated to them. Mr. and Mrs. York are ardent supporters of sustainable farming and committed environmentalists and over the past 50 years have turned their Sandy River Farm into a multi-faceted organic dairy and crop business. They have also served their community as leaders of several local agricultural groups and their town as members of

the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and the Budget Committee. Mr. York has served on the Town's Planning Board since 1987 and as chairman of that board since 1991. We extend our congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. York for the honor that they have received and we commend them for their community spirit and hard work; (HLS 81)

Carolyn Gilbert, of Dexter, on her retirement from the Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union after 22 years of dedicated service. Ms. Gilbert began her career at the Credit Union as a teller and later became head teller. She then moved into lending and collections, serving as a loan officer and a collection manager. Ms. Gilbert will retire on March 6, 2009, as Vice President of Consumer Lending, a position she has held since September of 2002. She also served as the political action person for the Credit Union and as a member of the Maine Credit Union League's Governmental Affairs Committee for more than 10 years. We extend our congratulations to Ms. Gilbert on the occasion of her retirement and we send our best wishes for her future endeavors; (HLS 82)

Jacob Gallagher, of Yarmouth, who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. The prestigious award, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities. Jacob, a student at Yarmouth High School, earned this award by giving generously of his time and energy since the 6th grade, to Safe Passage, a nonprofit organization which helps to educate and care for children living in a Guatemala garbage dump. We extend our congratulations to Jacob on his receiving this honor, we commend him for his selfless work and community spirit and we extend our best wishes for his continued success; (HLS 83)

Marine Science Technician 1st Class Richard G. Cherkauer, Marine Safety Detachment, United States Coast Guard, Belfast, who has been named the 2008 Sailor of the Year. Petty Officer Cherkauer is a respected leader at the unit who sets the bar high for military bearing and appearance, reliability in emergency response situations, portraying a positive image to the public as well as his vessel inspections skills and knowledge. He is an invaluable asset to his unit and to the Coast Guard. We extend our congratulations to Petty Officer Cherkauer on his receiving this honor and we join the citizens of the State in extending our appreciation to him for his commitment and dedication to the United States military; (HLS 84)

Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Tim Stanton, Coast Guard Station, Rockland, who has been named the 2008 Sailor of the Year. Petty Officer Stanton is a certified Heavy Weather Coxswain, Fisheries Boarding Officer and Station Officer of the Day. For most of this past year, he was the only heavy weather coxswain and was called upon not only to stand extra duty when needed, but also to conduct training during his liberty hours. Petty Officer Stanton handles all aspects of his duty with high standards of quality and a cooperative spirit which he also applies to training other personnel. His outstanding knowledge of vessel specifications and maintenance were evident in the recent preparation of the Motor Life Boat for inspection for which the unit received an award. We extend our congratulations to Petty Officer Stanton on his receiving this honor and we join the citizens of the State in extending our appreciation of his commitment and dedication to the United States military; (HLS 85)

Electrician's Mate 2nd Class William D. Rohr, United States Coast Guard Cutter THUNDER BAY, who has been named the 2008 Enlisted Person of the Year. Petty Officer Rohr applied his expert technical skills and diligent work ethic to multiple crucial repair projects aboard the cutter which ultimately made it possible for his unit to be ready for all deployments and reduced propulsion plant casualties to zero. He is continually taking on new challenges and responsibilities and at various times has served as the ship's technical liaison to the contractor during a recent installment of a navigation system, updated the Engineering Qualification packet for all engineering watch stations on the cutter and performed exceptionally when the THUNDER BAY was deployed to New York to conduct Presidential and United Nations security zone enforcements. Petty Officer Rohr also gives generously of his time to his community as an active volunteer firefighter in Thomaston. His enthusiasm, stamina and professionalism greatly benefit his division and the Coast Guard. We extend our congratulations to Petty Officer Rohr on his receiving this honor and we join the citizens of the State in extending our appreciation of his commitment and dedication to the United States military; (HLS 86)

Food Service Specialist 3rd Class Keven L. Nelson, United States Coast Guard Cutter ABBIE BURGESS, who has been named the 2008 Enlisted Person of the Year. Petty Officer Nelson has displayed outstanding abilities in food service management. He is responsible for the creation of menus, the production of over 60 meals daily and the sanitation of the dining facility while maintaining an enthusiastic and upbeat attitude which has a positive impact on the working environment of his peers. As a volunteer, Petty Officer Nelson spent 21 days on temporary duty assisting the crews of the THUNDER BAY and the ALDER in their galleys and he worked on the Coast Guard weatherization assistance effort which greatly helped to improve the lives of 20 Knox County families. His actions and conduct are in keeping with the tradition of an exemplary ABBIE BURGESS sailor. We extend our congratulations to Petty Officer Nelson on his receiving this honor and we join the citizens of the State in extending our appreciation to him for his commitment and dedication to the United States military; (HLS 87)

Machinery Technician 2nd Class Eugene Peters, United States Coast Guard Cutter TACKLE, who has been named the 2008 Sailor of the Year. Petty Officer Peters' attention to detail and hard work as the Assistant Engineering Petty Officer, the Assistant Training Petty Officer and the Damage Control Petty Officer is a major contribution to the overall success of the TACKLE in Ready for Operations and Atlantic Area Compliance inspections. Much of the praise that the cutter receives from unit visits and inspections is due to his pride and commitment to high standards. Petty Officer Peters has devoted countless off-duty hours volunteering within the community of Belfast, including assisting needy families to weatherize their homes. He has consistently demonstrated sound leadership skills with strict adherence to the Coast Guard Core Values. His dedication, pride and professionalism is a credit to himself, his unit and the United States Coast Guard. We extend our congratulations to Petty Officer Peters on his receiving this honor and we join the citizens of this State in extending our appreciation to him for his commitment to the United States military; (HLS 88)

the following members of the Hermon High School Cheerleading Team: Jody Demmons, Kayla Whittemore, Rayshell Gagnon, Casie Frederick, MacKenzie Reynolds, Rachel Taggart, Katelyn Lugdon, Kyla Whittemore, Kelsey Small, Brianna Savoy, Cortney Hawes, Meagan Dearborn, Abbe Curtis, Jasmine St. Pierre, Makelle Jarvis, Kayla Pelletier, Kasey Fratini, Kelsey Carmichael and Coach Lisa Pratt, winners of the 2009

Class B State Cheerleading Championship. This is Hermon High School's second Class B state cheerleading title in the last 3 years. We extend our congratulations to the team on this accomplishment; (HLS 89)

the Jay High School Girls' Basketball Team, which has won the 2009 State Class C Basketball Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to all of the members of the team; (HLS 90)

the Bangor High School Boys' Swim Team, which has won the 2009 Class A State Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to all of the members of the team and to the coach; (HLS 91)

the Cape Elizabeth High School Girls' Swim Team, which has won the 2009 Class A State Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to all of the members of the team and to the coach; (HLS 92)

Nate Olsen, of Pittsfield, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 428, 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. Nate has been a member of Troop 428 for 6 years and has served as a patrol leader, senior patrol leader and, currently, in the position of quartermaster. His service project was the rehabilitation of the gazebo in the Town of Newport for the benefit of the Newport Women's Club. We extend our congratulations to him on this achievement; (HLS 93)

the following members of the Cony High School Wrestling Team: Andy Ancira, Ryon Pelletier, Conner Dufour, Peter Tracy, Will Lundquist, Thon Itthipalakorn, Cody Geroux, Blake Doucette, Chris Robinson, Ben Sirois, Justin Pelletier, Tyler McKinley, V.J. Tantoco, Cody Dular, T.J. Vallee, Joey Metcalf, Mike Fraser, Nick Fraser, Hunter Frost, Shawn White, Bobby Metcalf, Manager Sammy White, Manager Audrey Norton, Assistant Coach Jeremy Mahns, Assistant Coach Nate Gurney and Coach Shawn Totman, winners of the 2009 Class A Eastern Maine Championship. Coach Totman, the KVAC Wrestling Coach of the Year, also led his team to 3rd place at the State Championship meet. We commend all of the team members for their work ethic and their hours of dedication to the sport and we wish them continued success in the years to come; (HLS 94)

the Falmouth High School Girls' Swim Team, which has won the 2009 Class B State Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to all of the members of the team and to the coach; (HLS 95)

the Town of Portage Lake in Aroostook County on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Portage Lake was originally settled in the mid-1800s by lumbermen from Canada and gets its name from the French word meaning "to carry." In March 1908, the citizens of the township voted to become incorporated and less than one year later, on March 24, 1909, Portage Lake was officially named a town by the 74th Maine Legislature. Today, winter is the busiest season for this small town which is a thriving center for winter activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing and the Can-Am Sled Dog Races. We extend our congratulations to the residents of Portage Lake on this special occasion; (HLS 96)

Cory Rucker, of Gray, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 86, 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 Cory on this achievement; (HLS 97)

David M. Poitras, of Saco, on his retirement from the Saco Fire Department after 26 years of dedicated service. We acknowledge his longtime commitment to his profession, his community and to the State of Maine. We extend our congratulations and best wishes on this special occasion; (HLS 98)

the following members of the Presque Isle High School Ice Hockey Team: Brennen Shaw, Connor Shaw, Jacob Buck, Jordan Hallett, Jason Martin, Josh Buck, Derek Sczuroski, Isaac LaJoie, Mitchell Davis, Cody Merrill, Steve Ford, Mark Carvell, Dylan Collins, Zac Campbell, Caleb Buck, Evan Waddell, Mitchell Sperrey, Nic Davis, Josh MacFarline, Manager Casey Carson, Manager Kacey Wilcox, Assistant Coach John Haley and Coach Carl Flynn, winners of the 2009 Class B Eastern Maine Championship. We extend our congratulations to all of the members of the team on their accomplishment; (HLS 99)

Frances L. Copp, of Mechanic Falls, on the occasion of her 90th birthday, March 16, 2009. Mrs. Copp and her late husband, George, have one son, 2 grandsons and 4 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Copp is an active member of the Minot United Methodist Church and still lives in the same home she has had since 1942. We extend our very best wishes to Mrs. Copp on the occasion of her 90th birthday; (HLS 100)

Solo Bistro, the midcoast Maine restaurant located in historic downtown Bath, which has earned Santé magazine's Innovative Culinary Hospitality Award. The only peer-judged restaurant and hospitality competition in North America, this award recognizes the highest level of cuisine, wine and service within the hospitality industry. The Solo Bistro opened in 2005 and is owned and operated by Will and Pia Neilson. We congratulate the Solo Bistro on its receiving this honor; (HLS 101)

the following members of the York High School Girls' Basketball Team: Alexandra Brennan, Hana Carey, Meredith Reid, Kim Rigano, Brooke Simpson, Laney Yeomelakis, Elizabeth Cartier, Emma Clark, Emily Graziano, Stephanie Gallagher, Chelsea Morley, Nicole Taylor; managers, Greta Hayes, Kelsey Heroux, Samantha Taylor, Jenna Apgar; and Head Coach Rick Clark; winners of the 2008 Western Maine Class B Championship. The team finished the season with 21 wins and no losses. We extend our congratulations to this group of skilled athletes and we wish them well in their future endeavors; (HLS 102)

the Scarborough High School Debate Team, which has won its 4th consecutive State Student Congress Championship. We extend our congratulations to the team on its victory and send our best wishes for future success; (HLS 103)

the Scarborough High School Girls' Track Team, which has won the 2008 Class A State Championship. We extend our congratulations to the team on its victory and our best wishes for future success; (HLS 104)

the Scarborough High School Boys' Track Team, which has won the 2008 Class A State Championship. We extend our congratulations to the team on its victory and our best wishes for future success; (HLS 105)

the Colby College Men's Lacrosse Team, which ran a 106-mile relay race to raise money for Maine-based Marines. The 40-member team volunteered to run from Colby College to Bowdoin College and back in order to raise funds for the Marines in Iraq. Through the selfless actions of these young men, those Marines will be receiving about $5,000 to purchase requested supplies.

We commend the members of the Colby College Men's Lacrosse Team for their patriotic spirit and we thank them for their giving of their time to aid our military; (HLS 106)

Gifford's Ice Cream, of Skowhegan, a multi-generational, family-owned and-operated enterprise, which has been recognized with 3 national industry awards for its chocolate, vanilla and orange sherbet flavors. Gifford's chocolate ice cream

received top honors at the National Ice Cream Retailers Association, Inc. and it was the only perfect score of the competition. Gifford's vanilla ice cream earned 2nd place in the same competition. In addition, at the World Dairy Expo Championship Produce Contest this past October, Gifford's orange sherbet won the top prize in the new sherbet category and received "World's Best Orange Sherbet" accolades. We extend our congratulations to Gifford's Ice Cream on its outstanding accomplishments and we send our best wishes for its continued success; (HLS 107)

the members of the Skowhegan Area High School Field Hockey Team, who won the 2008 Class A State Championship. Their final season record for 2008 was 17 wins and 1 loss. This marks the team's 8th consecutive state championship and 11th overall. Skowhegan Area High School has also won 14 regional titles in field hockey. All of these successful seasons have occurred during the 28 years that Paula Doughty has been the head coach. Coach Doughty was named the National High School Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2008. We extend our congratulations to Coach Doughty and to all of the members of the Skowhegan Area High School Field Hockey Team on their outstanding achievements; (HLS 108)

Lewis and Mertie (Huntington) Abbott, of Phillips, on the occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott were married in Phillips on March 11, 1944. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Abbott on this very special occasion; (HLS 109)

Francis and Fran Bliss, of New Vineyard, who have received the honor of having the 2008 New Vineyard Town Report dedicated to them for their extensive community efforts. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss have been year-round residents of the town since his retirement in 1979 and have been loyal supporters of such organizations as the New Vineyard Library and the New Vineyard Historical Society which he co-founded. We extend our congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Bliss on their receiving this honor; (HLS 110)

Alyssa Duron, of Hampden, who has received 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. Alyssa, a senior at Hampden Academy, is an honor student and very active in her church youth group. We send our congratulations to her on this significant accomplishment and we send our best wishes for her continued success in the community; (HLS 111)

John F. Dionne, of Grand Isle, for his many contributions toward the economic development of the St. John Valley and to the State of Maine. Mr. Dionne received a degree in Commerce from St. Joseph de Memramcook College in New Brunswick. He has had a long career in agribusiness, first as a potato and grain grower and then advancing into other areas, including potato brokerage and shipping, ownership of a potato starch factory and importing and breeding of beef cattle. Mr. Dionne played a pivotal role in assisting northern Maine farmers in modernizing potato and grain storage systems and facilities while also helping to resolve a trade dispute between the Maine Department of Agriculture and the French Ministry of Agriculture. A longtime advocate of the extension of Interstate 95 into St. John Valley, Mr. Dionne continues to raise awareness and build support for the initiative. He was recently selected as a recipient of the "Prix Meritas." We commend and thank Mr. Dionne for his strong dedication to the promotion of the economic well-being of the St. John Valley; (HLS 112)

Nick Adriance, of Westbrook, who has won a 2009 Class A State Championship in Swimming. Nick was the winner in 2 individual events, the 200 Medley Relay and the 400 Free Relay. We extend our congratulations to him for his accomplishment; (HLS 113)

Keegan Goan, of Westbrook, who has won a 2009 Class A State Championship in Swimming. Keegan was the winner in 2 individual events, the 200 Medley Relay and the 400 Free Relay. We extend our congratulations to him for his accomplishment; (HLS 114)

Andrew Drouin, of Westbrook, who has won the 2009 Class A State Wrestling Championship. Andrew, a junior at Westbrook High School, won both the regional and state tournaments. He is only the 4th underclassman to win a state championship for Westbrook in wrestling. We extend our congratulations to Andrew for his accomplishment; (HLS 115)

Catherine "Kay" Bell, of Houlton, on the occasion of her 90th birthday, March 22, 2009. Ms. Bell is retired from the United States Border Patrol where she worked for 32 years as a Communication Supervisor. She has a long history of civic involvement, serving at various times on the Houlton Town Council, the Board of Budget Reviews, the Aroostook County Extension Executive Board, the Aroostook Regional Transportation System, the Aroostook County Jail Action Committee, Aroostook Area of Aging and Houlton Housing for the Elderly. For the past 5 years, she has served as the curator of the Aroostook Historical and Art Museum. We extend our best wishes to Ms. Bell on the occasion of her 90th birthday and we commend her for her outstanding community service; (HLS 116)

the Belfast Free Library, on the completion of its Historic Preservation Project. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original portion of this book repository was constructed in 1888. A capital campaign to raise $200,000 began in September 2006 subsequent to the culmination of a major expansion. The fund-raising effort ended in January 2007 due in part to a $20,000 grant from the State of Maine's New Century Program. Building renovations were completed in February 2009, thus preserving the beauty and historic integrity of the original building while making adaptations to better meet the needs of the present patrons. We acknowledge the extraordinary support of the Belfast community, as well as the diligence and perseverance of the many people who saw this project to fruition; (HLS 117)