CALAIS — The City Council recently created “The Mayor’s Award” to recognize residents who the council believes have demonstrated a commitment to community service.

At a council meeting Thursday night, the recipients were presented with a framed plaque and a congratulatory handshake from Mayor Michael Sherrard.

City Solicitor Francis Brown and six other Calais residents were recognized. When he made the presentations, Councilor Dennis Brown explained why each of the recipients had been selected.

The councilor, who is not related to the city solicitor, said Francis Brown had been chosen because of his 45 years of service to the city.

“This is believed to be the longest tenure in the state of Maine,” Councilor Brown said. “His sound legal advice has served the city well. He can still be called upon today to explain details of decisions and policies which have been blurred over time. Francis is always quick with an interesting story to illustrate a point, to which he admits, `Some of which are true.”‘

The second recipient, Harold Silverman, served in the state House and Senate for several years. Silverman also served as an aide to then-Gov. James B. Longley Sr.

“It was through his hard work and dedication that the Washington County Technical College came to Calais,” he said.

Former Mayor Harold Clark also was honored Thursday night. Brown said Clark was known for his dedication and hard work on behalf of the city.

“Harold was not shy and would `tell it like it is,’ sometimes causing disagreement, but he was respected because you always knew where he stood on issues. Always popular with the voters, Harold stepped down in 1995 because of health reasons,” Brown said.

Businessman C. Louis Bernardini also received an award. Brown said Bernardini served as a city councilor for three years beginning in 1979, and also served on the planning board and economic committee.

“He led the effort of the waterfront walkway committee to convert the [former] rail line into a beautiful walking trail,” Brown said.

Recognized posthumously were Philip Manship, who served as city clerk and treasurer for 35 years; Ruth Brogan, who was the city controller for 25 years and a member of the City Council for seven years; and businessman Frank Fenderson, who spearheaded a number of efforts in the city, including the drive to add a wing to the Calais Free Library.