Rep. Thomas Saviello gives special recognition to Howard and Laura Dunham during the Kingfield Annual Town Meeting last Saturday. KINGFIELD — In the absence of Sen. Walter Gooley, Rep. Tom Saviello started the Annual Kingfield Town Meeting recognizing the long-term town service of Bill Brown. The annual report this year was dedicated to Bill Brown, Saviello noted.

“He has served as a selectman for 13 years and also as a town tax assessor. He is a member and creator of the Transfer Station Committee,” Saviello said.

The House Rep. also credited Brown for his contributions to the historical society as well as many other duties to the town.

“We congratulate him on receiving this honor.” The official expression of sentiment was offered by members of the House and Senate as part of the 124th Legislature and of the people of the State of Maine.

“The second one that I have is for a couple that I think are pretty well known in the area,” Saviello said. He then called Howard and Laura Dunham to the front of the room.

Saviello said he’s known Laura for over 30 years and Howard and he worked together at International Paper Company, “so we are longtime friends,” he said.

Saviello said he was presenting an honor to Laura and Howard for 55 years of marriage, “with a short break somewhere in the mix.”

“Be it known, that we the people of the Senate and House of Representatives join in recognizing Howard and Laura Dunham of Kingfield on the occasion of their 55th wedding anniversary, Feb. 10, 2010. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Dunham on this very special occasion,” Saviello read from the official expression of sentiment.

“Thank you very much,” Laura said. “This is the first time in 47 years that I’ve been able to go to town meeting without covering it.” The couple, locked in arms, showed their appreciation of the honor and received the official sentiment from the 124th Legislature.