BUCKFIELD – More than 75 residents filled the Masonic Hall on Sunday to show their appreciation for Town Manager Cindy Dunn. Mike Miclon, owner of the Oddfellow Theater in Buckfield, served as master of ceremonies for the event.

He opened by saying how lucky he had felt over the years to have a town manager who was so responsible. His comment, “We don’t think you can be replaced,” brought thunderous applause from the crowd.

State Rep. Rosita Gagne Friel wished Dunn well, saying that while she has been serving in Augusta, Dunn has been helpful in communicating information about the town. Virgil Tilton, owner of Tilton’s Market, spoke about how many late hours he saw her putting in at the town office. He presented her with a stack of lottery scratch tickets.

Recreational committee members spoke on how much help Dunn had been to all of the committees in town. Jill Chabe said Dunn didn’t have to stay after hours helping the committee work on a playground grant, but she did it because she wanted to.

Selectperson Joanne Bly was speaking for herself when she said, “My six years on the board have flown because Cindy knew what I needed to know, when I wanted to know it.”

Bly added, “We’re not looking for someone who can fill her shoes, but we are looking for someone who can and will work with her.”

Dunn will remain in the town office as town clerk/treasurer, register of voters and motor vehicles, as well as serving in several other capacities. Bly said the town manager will serve in many capacities, such as road commissioner, code enforcement officer and secretary to the selectmen.

Miclon closed comments by saying to Dunn, “I have been performing for 21 years, and I only hope that this many people will look at my career like they look on yours, Cindy.”

Dunn thanked all who had come to honor her and for the kind words spoken. She thanked her family and husband, Bernard Dunn, for their support.

She closed by saying, “Buckfield is a great community and I look forward to working with the new town manager.”