Volunteer Spotlight: Margery Clark

This week’s addition to our Volunteer Spotlight focuses on Margery Clark, FOA’s devoted Treasurer! We love Marge over here at FOA: she does so much for our organization. She may look familiar to you if you’ve been to one of our exhibitions or fundraising events!

Volunteer Spotlight: Margery Clark

Q: Tell us about yourself!

A: My husband and I have traveled to Japan numerous times over the past sixteen years to spend time with our son and his family. We have traveled within Japan to Tokyo, Karuizawa, Nikko, Yokohama, Kyoto and Hiroshima. I have grown fond of Japan, its people and culture. We also have a daughter who is in graduate school. My husband and I retired to Maine in 2011. My career for over thirty years was in public education, as a teacher and principal. Currently, I volunteer weekly in a local grade one classroom, serve on various committees at our church, belong to two monthly book groups, spend time outdoors gardening, hiking and walking the nearby beaches, take classes at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USM and enjoy the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland Museum of Art, Portland Stage, Good Theater and art exhibitions, including MAPS (Maine Aomori Printmaking Society).

Q: How did you get involved with Friends of Aomori?

A: While taking a OLLI class at USM about Japan, I learned about Friends of Aomori from the instructors: Drs. Richard and Patricia Parker.

Q: What kind of volunteer work do you enjoy doing for Friends of Aomori?

When I joined the Board in 2015, I also became the treasurer. I enjoy overseeing our organization’s finances and keeping the Board members informed. I have been involved in several fundraising events, which allow us to support the many aspects of our state-prefecture relationship: cultural and educational exchanges and economic ties.

Q: What has been your favorite moment from volunteering with Friends of Aomori?

A: At our first KOYO celebration in October 2016, many supporters came and participated in the silent auction and raffle. It was grand to meet so many fine people with connections to the beautiful country of Japan.

Q: What makes volunteering important to you?

A: My son, his Japanese wife and our two grandchildren reside in Japan. My volunteer work on behalf of Friends of Aomori makes me feel closer to them all, despite the miles which separate us.