Resident named Alaska's museum volunteer of the year
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Max Graham
Michael Marks, front right, gathers with friends and colleagues Sept. 22 at the Hammer Museum to be awarded Museums Alaska's "volunteer of the year" award on Zoom.
Museums Alaska last week named Haines resident Michael Marks the state's "volunteer of the year."
"I'm completely flabbergasted," Marks, 69, said of the award.
When Marks isn't volunteering at the Portage Cove dock to greet cruise ship passengers, he's gifting his time and resources to the Hammer Museum, Sheldon Museum and several other local organizations. And "if he's not volunteering for one of the nonprofits in town, he's either sleeping or subsistence fishing," said Hammer Museum founder Dave Pahl.
About 10 colleagues and friends - the "Michael Marks Fan Club" - gathered at the Hammer Museum Sept. 22 to celebrate the award over Zoom with Museums Alaska staff in Valdez.
"It's been the most rewarding time in my entire life," said Marks, who first visited Haines in 2002 and moved here 14 years ago. "I've met thousands of people, and I've worked with thousands of volunteers, or hundreds of volunteers or tens of volunteers who have inspired me to volunteer and meet people, and I thank you so much. And I'm flabbergasted."
In addition to the museums, Marks has volunteered with the American Bald Eagle Foundation, the Chilkat Center for the Arts, Alaska Arts Confluence and the Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association. He has served on several nonprofit boards and has made generous donations to local organizations.
Haines Borough tourism director Steven Auch said he thinks Marks "deserves Volunteer of the Decade, but 'of the year' will do for now."
Mayor Douglas Olerud recognized Marks at Tuesday's regular assembly meeting.
"If anybody sees Michael please give him a congratulations and a thank you for all the effort he's put in in Haines over the years," Olerud said. "He's a great asset to the community and congratulations to Mr. Marks."
Marks is the third Haines resident to win the award, which has been given annually since 1996. Museums Alaska named Pahl "volunteer of the year" in 2013 and Cynthia "CJ" Jones in 2016.
