iBerkshires Profile: Joel Howard: "The Expectations Are My Own"
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| Pownal town Constable Joel Howard [Photo by Sue Bush] |
Pownal, Vt. - Town Constable Joel Howard was visibly uncomfortable when referred to as a "role model" and "a community example."
"I don't think so, I have my stuff just like anybody else," he said during an April 14 interview at the Pownal Valley Volunteer Fire Department fire house.
Howard is a firefighter-elected assistant chief of that department. The department fire chief is Jerrod Lillie.
But as a youth living in one of Vermont's small towns, the 34-year-old Howard said he did have "heroes."
Family Matters
"My grandfather [Charles Tornabene] was kind of like my hero," Howard said. "My grandfather was a huge supporter and one of my friends. We could sit and talk for hours. He was like the sun; he was there."
Tornabene died in October 2006, and his friendship and guidance are missed, Howard said.
As a child and prior to his parents' divorce, Howard said his father was a presence as well.
"My father coached baseball, soccer, basketball, all that, and I played those sports," he said. "[My father] basically got into all that to spend more time with us."
"Us" includes Howard's five siblings, who all grew up in Pownal. The brothers and sisters attended the Pownal Elementary School and as each reached their teen-aged years, began the early-morning ritual that included a lengthy bus ride to the Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington, Vt..
Joel Howard entered what was then called the school's "Boy's Program" in 1990. Dyslexia played a part in a decision to enter the program, which included vocational training and life skills as part of the curriculum, he said.
Howard graduated from MAUHS in 1991.
"I Like The Small Town Way Of Life"
Howard is a long-time advocate of community service. He spent five years as a member of the Pownal Rescue Squad and has been involved with the town's volunteer fire fighting services for over 10 years.
He is currently employed full-time as a service technician at Joe Tornabene's GMC in Pownal, and was elected to a two-year constable term in March. Prior to the election, Howard was appointed to the post in 2006 by town Selectmen after then-Constable Claude "Chip" Beckwith resigned the post and relocated to another community.
Howard is the town's emergency management coordinator, school truancy officer, and a training officer for the Pownal Valley Volunteer Fire Department. He is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the community, he said.
"I like the small town way of life," he said. "I like that I live in a place where I know people and people know me, know that I have values. I've always wanted to achieve and I've always liked doing work that helps the community."
A trait that benefits him in every aspect of his life is an ability to remain calm in any situation, he said.
"When the [situation] hits the fan, I am able to stay calm," he said. "And even as a kid, I was kind of a peacemaker."
"I'm Lucky"
Howard is married to Clara Howard, who is very active in the community as well. She is a full-time employee at the Pownal-based Stewart's Shop. The couple were married in July 1999.
"I'm lucky," Joel Howard said. "I have a wonderful caring wife who is very, very supportive of me and the things I do."
Clara Howard, 29, is the force behind a monthly clothing giveaway held at the Pownal Valley fire house. She collects donations of used clothing that is in good condition and keeps the items in the basement of the couple's Route 7 home.
With the help of a few volunteers, she sorts the items, sets up tables and folds the clothing the evening before the giveaways, and then cleans up after the event is over. An April 14 giveaway resulted in hundreds of clothing items being given to dozens of families.
The event is not associated with any agency and is not dependent on income. There are no forms or requests for personal information. Any town family is welcome to participate with the giveaway.
"I Don't Make Differentiations"
The Howard household is a blended family and includes Joel Howard's children from a previous marriage who spend many weekends at the Pownal home. Also included in the household is Clara Howard's adult brother whose health situation is often eclipsed by a generous grin and an impish sense of humor. Children from Clara Howard's previous relationships round out the home's lively population. The children range in age from 15 years old to eight years old.
"I don't make differentiations and distinctions, I have seven kids," said Joel Howard emphatically. "And [Clara's brother] is a member of the family, period. We are not rich people, we're not the people who have everything. But we do like to be involved with the things that help other people."
As a boy, Howard enjoyed hunting and fishing and he continues those activities, he said.
"I really enjoy fishing and taking the kids out in a boat," he said.
Howard studied karate for several years as a youth and admitted that he still has an interest in martial arts and television "fight" shows.
"And I love NASCAR," he said with a smile.
"We Really Need Something In Pownal"
He has a desire to see the town attract and retain employment opportunities, he said.
"We've lost everything in this town that created any revenue," he said. "The track is gone - hopefully something will come through down there - we lost the tannery and only a handful of people are working at[a Route 346-based] Mack Molding. We really need something in Pownal for the people of Pownal, something so that everybody doesn't have to work in other towns or even other states."
The Trust and Respect, The Expectations
His future will unfold within the town, Howard said.
"I have no intentions of leaving this town. I plan to continue in a community service capacity. I really enjoy working with people and I care about people. I enjoy working with the fire department and I am very happy about the trust and respect we all share. I do aspire to be the kind of person my kids can be proud of but the only expectations I worry about are my own."
"I have to do what I believe is right. If I please anybody else along the way, that's a bonus."
