David A. Mark

David A. Mark was born in New York City and grew up in northern New Jersey. He became a reader early but a writer late, as his first book, "MAYNARD: History and Life Outdoors," (2011) was published after he turned 60. Second book "Hidden History of Maynard" published July 2014.

He and his wife Jean D'Amico have lived in Maynard since 2000 in their circa 1870 house. Prior to moving to Maynard they had done stints in Chicago and New York. When not writing, Mark is a consultant, or as he puts it - a company of one. He wisecracks, "The only problem I have with being self-employed is that when I call in sick - I know I'm lying." Mark has a doctorate in nutritional biochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His consulting business focuses on advising dietary supplement and food companies on the quality of science needed to support their desired health claims. Mark takes frequent breaks from his desk work to do volunteer maintenance and improvement on the Assabet River Rail Trail and on Maynard's woodland trails. As he puts it, "It's either this or join a gym - and this is free." Most of the content of this book was written as a column for the Beacon-Villager weekly newspaper serving Maynard and Stow. Mark's first column was published in November 2009. The column count is approaching 175. Some of the columns can be viewed at www.maynardlifeoutdoors.com.