Marian Emery has been the subject of a month-long investigation ? almost everyone who knew her was contacted, family members located and brought in, information about her life gathered up.
‘If she had thought that everyone was talking about her behind her back, she wouldn’t have been paranoid,? said Anita Demster this past Saturday.
A crowd of about 150 friends and family gathered at Clarkston United Methodist Church this past Saturday for a surprise birthday party for Emery, a longtime community activist
‘I’m really surprised ? I didn’t think I had any friends,? joked Emery.
Emery is a key member of Clarkston Farm and Garden Club, CAYA, Clarkston United Methodist, and the local P.E.O. club.
‘Marian is the most giving, caring person I know,? Demster said. ‘She is involved in a lot of organizations that do good in the community ? it’s time for us to recognize her, to thank her for all she has done.?
When Demster moved to Clarkston 12 years ago, it took Emery about three weeks to find her and get her involved in the community.
‘She’s a little dynamo,? Demster said. ‘She a manager, an organizer, she’ll even do plumbing and electrical work.?
She has always taken care of others, said her brother, Jack Emery.
‘She’s a great example of what the whole world needs,? Jack said.
‘I loved to be involved in the community,? Marian said. ‘CAYA is very important.?
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance (CAYA) in Oakland County is a non-profit volunteer organization, established in 1961, for the purpose of preventing juvenile delinquency and neglect in the community.
CAYA offers family education programs, school presentations, a mentoring program, a youth recognition event, summer camps and skill building experiences for the youth in the community. Call the office at 248-625-9007 with questions.
The Clarkston Farm and Garden Club, founded in 1948, maintains the planters along Main Street in Clarkston, as well as children’s literary gardens, environmental education programs, and college scholarships. Check the website at www.ClarkstonGardenClub.org.