Michelle and Pat Truman, P.L.E.A. Luncheon Organizers

The Pro-Life Education Association (P.L.E.A.) held its 2006 Annual Pro-Life Awards Luncheon on Saturday, September 16, in Augusta.  Over ninety Maine pro-life officials, activists, and supporters gathered to honor this year's award winners, and to listen to keynote speaker Jim Sedlak, Executive Director of STOPP (Stop Planned Parenthood).  Honored at the luncheon banquet were Jason Lavoie of Portland, Senator Paul Davis of Sangerville, Mrs. Jean Barry of Bangor, and Dr. George Rodrigues of Westbrook.  The awards luncheon organizers were League supporters Michelle Truman and her mother, Mrs. Pat Truman of Hallowell.  Pat Truman also served as the event's emcee.  The P.L.E.A. President is Gerry Thibodeau.

Gerry Thibodeau and Bob King, State Deputy, Knights of Columbus

The early afternoon awards luncheon began with an opening prayer by Rev. William Modlin, Parochial Vicar of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Augusta.  Bob King, the State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.  The pianist for the event, Joyce Fessenden, played delightfully throughout the reception.  P.L.E.A. Director Ronald Stauble, Sr. began the official award presentations by acknowledging the achievements of Student P.L.E.A. organizer Jason Lavoie of Portland.  Jason is currently a candidate for State Representative in House District 119, and recently received a grade of 'A' from the League for his candidate's questionnaire responses.

P.L.E.A. Director and State Senator Carolyn Gilman of Westbrook introduced and presented an award to State Senator Paul Davis of Sangerville.  He graciously acknowledged State Representatives Ross and Judy Paradis of Frenchville, who were in attendance at the event.  Senator Davis spoke briefly, but powerfully, reminding the audience that, "God will not honor us as a nation or a people if we continue to kill our young."  

Terry Hughes presents award to Mrs. Jean Barry of Bangor

P.L.E.A. Director Dr. Terry Hughes of Orono then introduced League supporter Mrs. Jean Barry of Bangor and presented her with an award.  Jean recently started the organization Revolutionaries for Positive Change as a call for the Democrat Party to genuinely embrace the pro-life cause, and for the Catholic Church in Maine to continuously advocate for the pro-life cause.  "We must not be afraid to speak out," said Jean, who brought her two sons to the event.

P.L.E.A. Director Mary Dottie McGuirk of Westbrook presented the final annual P.L.E.A. award to League supporter Dr. George Rodrigues of Westbrook.  Dr. Rodrigues admitted that while he was relatively new to the organization, he felt compelled this past year to attempt to prevent the Westbrook School Department from installing a pro-contraception, pro-abortion sex education cirruculum. 

P.L.E.A. Award Recipient Dr. George Rodrigues of Westbrook

The comprehensive sex education would be allowed for children as young as kindergarten, and include the normalization of the homosexual lifestyle and abortion as a viable pregnancy alternative.  Dr. Rodrigues, who has recently sponsored a table at the 2006 Christian Civic League Banquet, said that to expose his school district's agenda was warranted and necessary.  "The sunlight," Dr. Rodrigues said, "IS the remedy to the scandal" that beset his community.

Jim Sedlak of Stop Planned Parenthood (STOPP) gave the keynote address for the event.  He exhorted the audience to oppose Planned Parenthood and their abortion-at-all-costs business.  He noted that over $1.4 million dollars is given by the State of Maine to Planned Parenthood each year, and that they run several abortion clinics in Maine, including Augusta.  Jim mentioned that his organization supports the State of South Dakota's attempt to outlaw abortion and urged Mainers to elect pro-life officials.  He said the 'secret weapon' of pro-life supporters was the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as outlined throughout Scripture, especially Matthew, Chapter 10.  He noted that the conversion of the unsaved to Christianity would only add to the pro-life ranks and cause.

After Mr. Sedlak answered several questions from the audience, the State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus, Bob King, presented P.L.E.A. President Gerry Thibodeau with a check for $250 to continue with the important pro-life work that the organization does throughout the year.  Pastor Jean Wood of Cox Memorial Methodist Church in Hallowell closed the awards luncheon with prayer.

Tax deductible contributions can be made payable to P.L.E.A., c/o Hazel Magnusson--Treasurer, 16 Mosher Road, Gorham, ME 04038.  Pro-life news for the P.L.E.A. newsletter can be submitted to P.L.E.A. News, c/o Gerald E. Thibodeau--Editor, P.O. Box 553, Bangor, ME 04402.             

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