Howard grew up in Brattleboro and worked here all his life. He fondly recalls Powers Restaurant, the barber shop, and Kinsley Market in the South Main Street neighborhood where his grandmother lived.
Howard got his first job maintaining the facilities at Living Memorial Park. He made sure the ball fields were in good condition and vividly remembers painting the pool. Howard spent many years cleaning the laundry-mat in back of Stockwell’s Store and was for years a reliable trash hauler for Triple T Trucking.
Howard has always loved being helpful to his neighbors. And at 74, he still likes to mow his neighbors’ lawns, and shovel for them. Though, now that he uses a walker, he really shouldn’t do too much of that!
Things changed for Howard during the pandemic when he stopped seeing people.
“He went backwards. He wasn’t using his mind, and wasn’t talking with people. He watched TV all day. When he did have to talk to someone, he’d get nervous, start to say something, forget what he was going to say, and just stop. For someone like Howard who loves connecting with people, this was serious. I was so worried about him, but I couldn’t be there every day.”
-Kathy, Howard’s sister
When Howard found The Gathering Place, he found his way back to himself.
At The Gathering Place, Howard is fully engaged in every activity we do. His mind is sharp, making jokes, competing in games of cards with his friends, and helping by anticipating other’s needs and lending a hand.
But there’s more! Not only has Howard rediscovered himself, he’s also expanding his horizons. He’s found he not only loves art, but he’s really good at it! And the friendships he’s made are some of the best of his life. Howard is showing us all how to reclaim oneself after the pandemic, and to continue life-long learning and personal growth.
Please make a gift so that Howard and all our participants can remember, maintain and celebrate their individuality in a safe and joyful environment for years to come. For Howard it means the happy continuation of a Brattleboro life well-lived.
