With a Library degree, and a passion for Russian history and Scandinavian mysteries, Parker has spent the past 9 years lending her talents to the  Friends of the Arlington Public Library's all-volunteer book donation team. She says of her fellow volunteers, whom she clearly enjoys working with, "We have a team of 18 and fill daytime shifts 7 days a week. It is both intellectually and physically challenging.”

When she's not volunteering, her days are filled with helping to care for her two granddaughters, knitting, indulging in local culture and planning her next cruise to Copenhagen via the Russian Arctic.

Parker, who has called Arlington her home since 1981, advises others who want to make a difference:

“There are many good opportunities. I recommend volunteering at a library book sale as a start—it is so much fun.”