The Northwestern Medical Center (NMC) Board of Directors recognized John Casavant as the recipient of NMC’s 2026 Community Service Award in recognition of his deep commitment to community.
The award was presented by Barbara Toof, the Chair of NMC’s Board of Directors. “Tonight, we’re proud to recognize someone whose service reflects the values of this award in a lasting way, through steady leadership, a true commitment to community, and a family legacy of caring for Franklin County,” said Toof.
Casavant was honored for his volunteer work with organizations such as Peoples Trust Company, Hard’Ack and Smugglers’ Notch, as well as his service on boards including for the St. Albans City School and many years on the NMC Board. His support of NMC continued the healthcare legacy of his father, Dr. Harlan Casavant, and his mother, Betty Casavant, a longtime school nurse.
“John, your steady leadership, your generosity with your time, and your commitment to the people of this region embody the spirit of this award, Toof said. “You have strengthened NMC and helped carry forward a legacy of service that has benefited our patients, our staff, and our neighbors for decades.”
The NMC Community Service Award was established by NMC’s Board in 2013 to recognize a local individual or organization who exhibits enthusiasm, integrity, and perseverance beyond the ordinary to help fellow citizens and the community through selfless giving to improve the overall health of the community. Nominations are taken from NMC’s Board, staff, medical staff, volunteers, and Incorporators. The NMC Board makes the selection from the nominations.
The NMC Community Service Award is presented each year at a meeting of the NMC Incorporators. Recipients are presented with a commemorative crystal maple leaf-shaped award and have their name added to a plaque which hangs in NMC’s Conference Center. Prior recipients of the NMC Community Services Award include: Dr. Thomas Howrigan; Marcia Perry; Helene Biggie; Dr. Frank & Judy Zsoldos; Retired Rear Admiral Warren and Barbara Hamm; Emerson Lynn; Kathleen Keenan, RN; Pam Cross, RN; Janet McCarthy, RN; Leon Berthiaume; Molly Grismore, RN; Melinda White and Ted Tyler.
