Published: 5/23/2017 11:31:54 PM
PETERSHAM — On May 7, 1945, Vincent “Bill” Purple celebrated his 21st birthday sailing home from World War II combat in Europe.
Seventy-two years later, Purple is newly 93 and receiving local recognition for his years of selfless service to his country and his community.
Purple was bestowed the second North Quabbin Inspiration Award and was one of nine people or organizations honored at the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau’s annual awards banquet at The Quabbin Retreat on Tuesday.
Purple, a Petersham resident, was born in Athol and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps when he was 17. He flews 35 bombing missions as a B-17 pilot as part of the 379th Bomb Group while stationed in Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire, England. In addition to years of municipal service, Purple bought the Union Twist Drill Co. and in 1960 helped the L.P. Athol Corporation, where he works to this day. He thanked the Chamber for his award.
Purple told The Recorder stamina and work ethic keeps him involved.
“If people don’t … get up in the morning, look in the mirror and say, ‘What can I do good today?’ — why are (they) there?” he said, sipping a glass of white wine. “I do that. I look in the mirror every morning and say, ‘I’m here. What can I do good?’”
Heywood Healthcare — with Heywood Hospital, Athol Hospital and the Quabbin Retreat under its umbrella — won the Citizen of the Year Award. Vice President Rebecca Bialecki said everyone involved is thrilled with the recognition.
“We’re certainly very honored to be chosen. It’s a big deal,” she told The Recorder, adding that holding the event at the Quabbin Retreat allowed for an opportunity to show off its space.
Orange Innovation Center, a business incubator operating out of the former Minute Tapioca factory at 131 West Main St., won the Business of the Year Award. Development Director Brianna Drohen said finding out about the recognition was “an awesome surprise” and said the building’s 47 tenants are proud to be affiliated a Business of the Year Award winner.
“Every business that is there is prideful of the fact that OIC won it,” she said.
Owner Jack Dunphy told the sold-out crowd of 160 people that he is “delighted and gratified” the innovation center won the award.
The other award winners are as follows: Chris Milusich, Presidential Service Award; Brian Hunton, Chamber Service Award; Carol Courville, Director of the Year Award; town of Erving/Usher Mill Re-Use Committee, Outstanding Municipal Recognition Award; town of Athol/EDIC, Outstanding Municipal Recognition Award; Athol Savings Bank, Lifetime Achievement Award.