This month, Meet A Senior's Anita Hickey talks with retail store owner, amateur musician and fellow senior Gerry Mark.
After graduation from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Music Education, what led you to Concord?
My first job in the area was with the Penacook High School as instrumental music teacher and band director. Penacook High School is now part of the Merrimack Valley School District. After a year I accepted employment with the Concord School District. My first teaching position with the district was instrumental music, strings and band director for both the elementary schools and the junior high. . . . . After 18 years of teaching I decided to retire from education and pursue another field.
What did you select for a second career after retiring?
I've really never retired and don't want to. To me it is important to keep busy and active, to get involved. In 1980, I joined my wife Donna as a partner in Caring Gifts. I love going to work at the store each day.
What is your favorite instrument and performer?
Trumpet. I am a trumpet player and for many years have performed with various bands around the state, including the Nevers' Band. Presently, I am a musician with the Freese Brothers Big Band, 10 years of which I was the director. Jazz and big band swing are two of my favorite styles of music, but I enjoy classical and some of the alternative rock groups as well.
As a longtime business owner, what do you feel is important for our Main Street?
We need to find new businesses to settle onto Concord's Main Street. I have often thought that a well-known anchor store or two would help draw shoppers to Main Street. We have a wonderful parking garage that is underutilized, so parking would not be a problem.
What do you like about living in Concord?
Donna and I moved here in the early '60s. Concord is a great community. We have wonderful arts events and fabulous restaurants. Concord is a safe community. It's a city where neighbor helps neighbor. Many downtown merchants . . . do many things to help the less fortunate. This city has so much to offer, including the farmers market, the arts market, (and) the many stores on Main Street.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I love to bike, doing 20-to-30-mile short trips in different New England communities when I can. My favorite city to bike in is Washington, D.C. I love to spend time with our three grandchildren and Donna. Of course, music and reading is right up there.
