ATHOL — On Wednesday morning, a number of Heywood Healthcare officials, local legislators, area residents, and family and friends gathered near the main entrance of Athol Hospital to honor two local men who, over the years, have dedicated a great deal of time and energy to improve the facilities and services provided of Athol Hospital.
“Today,” said Dawn Casavant of Heywood Healthcare, “we gratefully commemorate and celebrate the contributions of two individuals who exemplify service above self: Mr. Alan Bowers and Mr. Richard Chaisson.”
Pastor Mark Ellis then led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem and God Bless America before providing the invocation for the celebratory event.
“On this warm, wonderful, sunny day,” said Ellis, “we are grateful to have the opportunity to honor these gentlemen, who have given so much of their time and talents to support this institution, the Athol Hospital. As we reflect on their accomplishments and achievements, may we all be inspired to make our own lives, communities, businesses better.”
“As Dawn said it is a great joy to be here today to recognize two outstanding individuals,” said Heywood Healthcare President/CEO Win Brown, “as we dedicate our Flag of Honor in honor of Al Bowers, in recognition and gratitude for his service to our country and gratitude for his service to our hospital. What better day to celebrate him than on Flag Day.
“We thank Dick Chaisson for keeping the rich history of Athol Hospital alive through his collection of memorabilia, which will serve as a reminder of our roots for generations to come,” he said.
Also speaking in honor of Bowers and Chaisson were state Rep. Susannah Whipps and state Sen. Anne Gobi.
“It is such an honor and a privilege for us to be here today,” Whipps began. “Alan, thank you for your service to this community, to our country. I appreciate you for all the work you’ve done for the community.
She continued, “Dick Chaisson, my mother’s favorite classmate — Class of 1952 of Athol High School — who has been a tremendous supporter and just a keeper of the history of Athol.”
Brown then presented Bowers and Chaisson with framed copies of the plaques that will be posted in their honor; one at the flagpole honoring Bowers, the other honoring Chaisson, which will be affixed to the Wall of History which is still being built.
Bowers’ plaque reads: “…In honor of his service to our country. U.S. Air Force, 1957 to 1974; Disabled America Veteran (DAV), Vietnam War 1974; DAV Junior and Senior Vice Commander 1996-97; DAV National Commander 2002; DAV Board of Directors 2004; DAV National Service Foundation 2006.”
The plaque honoring Chaisson states: “On this date, June 14, 2022, the Athol History Wall is dedicated in grateful recognition to Richard J. “Dick” Chaisson for his preservation of Athol Hospital History and Memorabilia.”
Brown explained that the History Wall will be unveiled sometime this fall, adding that a ceremony will be held when the time comes to unveil it to the public. He then offered thanks to the committee that is working to “compile and put that together.”
“I love how the community comes together around our hospital and the many other things that happen,” Brown said, “because that’s what makes this community great. It’s such a pleasure to see how Athol has just enjoyed such a renaissance. We continue to add to the services on this campus as we try … to make sure that we have local access to care.
“But we also celebrate our rich history and those who have forged the way forward for us to be who we are today.”
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com