The definition of a solid citizen
Published on November 20th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA - There almost seems to be a magical transportation into a wonderful otherworldly dimension when you climb down the stairs into the High Street basement of Howard Porter.
Porter, who was named the Stoneham Citizen of the Year during the Chamber of Commerce Crystal Ball 2002 on Saturday night, acts as your tour guide through his realm of creation. The affable and energetic Porter, diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 16 years ago, has lined his walls with the 300 paintings he has prolifically produced in the last four years.
He sits you down and tells you about the approximately 200 poems he’s written in the last few years. He shows you a poem, written in the aftermath of 9/11, that now hangs in the Library of Congress, and a letter from Boston Mayor Thomas Menino thanking him for the design he submitted for a 9/11 Memorial.
“I know that Menino wrote it because I can almost hear the mumbles in the letter,” cracks the 62 year-old retired sheet metal worker.
Whenever Howard cracks a joke like that, a luminous twinkle shines in the eyes of a man emerging from the cage that fate has sprung on him.
“Whenever I meet people, I tell that them that I’ve had Parkinson’s Disease for years and I’m still trying to shake it,” joked Howard.
The joking just amplifies a joyful attitude that Howard has in life, and tackling a disease that can leave crippled bodies and mumbling mouths in its wake.
“When I walked down into that basement and saw all of that man’s creative work, I knew I was in the presence of something special,” said Citizen of the Year Committee member Terry Kurdzionak. “God may have taken something away from him when he developed Parkinson’s, but God has definitely given him a whole lot back.”
The entire town of Stoneham also gave back to Howard during the ceremony on Saturday night. Howard was presented with the award early in the evening, with the thinking that he might call it an early night. Howard, in true form, danced, joked and celebrated along with the rest of his extended Stoneham family at the Montvale Plaza.
“It was a great night, and I just kept thinking to myself that it’s too much and I don’t deserve all this,” said Howard. “It still hasn’t sunk in that I was presented with this award.”
Howard’s artwork is a great starting point, but there are many facets to the celebrated citizen. He maintains monthly support groups for those with Parkinson’s at both the Bear Hill Nursing Home and the Stoneham Senior Center. According to Howard, people travel from as far away as Maine to attend the meetings on the first Tuesday of every month. The group, which was first started last May, now consistently has between 18-20 members at every meeting.
“The meetings are from 10-11 in the morning, but people seem to show up around 9:30 and not leave until noon time,” said Howard. “I do wish that more of the younger seniors would come into the senior center though. People may think it’s a nursing home, but it isn’t. It’s a place for adults to go and enjoy the programs and services provided.”
He visits those not able to attend the meetings, and makes them paintings, baskets, or poetry.
“I gave paintings to a few people not doing so well at Bear Hill Nursing home, and they made gifts for me when I went back there to visit them,” said Howard, as his eyes filled with pride and appreciation. “They actually made their own paintings to give back to me, and one wanted to recite their poetry to me.”
The example serves as one of the reasons behind the explosive outbursts of creation that Howard as experienced.
“I think part of the reason is to show both people in good health, and those with Parkinson’s and MS, that it is possible to still live a full life,” said the 37 year Stoneham resident. “I give to those people when I go and visit with them or host a support group, but I get a whole lot more back in return.”
Howard takes several drugs to combat the Parkinson’s, and is also involved in a Boston University medical study on the newest cutting edge drugs. He says that the drugs allow him to function pretty normally for twelve hours or so.
“If I wasn’t taking the drugs, I’d probably be stuttering, not be able to get out of my chair, and not be able to look at you,” said Howard, who sleeps only two hours on a given night. “Coming down from the drugs at the end of the day can be a difficult experience.”
Howard has a typically simple and thoroughly humane answer to his idea of what a good citizen should be.
“I think it’s just being willing to say hello, introduce yourself and talk to people wherever you go,” said Howard. “Sometimes you’ll get yourself into embarrassing situations by doing that, but you’re also going to get to know your neighbors and the people in your community. I don’t think people do that enough today.”
Maybe if you’re lucky enough, someday Howard will say hello to you and invite you down into his basement. You can look at the artwork, and see how the former Coast Guard member and fierce patriot sneaks a little flag into each and every painting. You can see the childrens books that Howard has created to teach children of an era long gone. You can see the doll house that Howard created in the image of a house he used to live at in Melrose. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll see the twinkle burning brightly in his eyes as he takes you on a tour through his personal wonderland.
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