May 2020 Volunteer Committee Spotlight

Our Volunteer Committee is made up of some of the strongest leaders within our volunteer program. This committee helps the volunteer staff make decisions, bring feedback about events, and create new ways of making procedure better for the future. We’d love for you to get to know these leaders before the next Musikfest, so each month we’ll spotlight a few members for you!

Mary Lou Straka

Q: What inspired you to begin volunteering?
A: There was an article in my church bulletin requesting volunteers for Musikfest. A shirt would be provided. A free shirt, I’m in! How could I not sign up to volunteer?

Q: What’s your favorite event to volunteer for?
A: After so many years of volunteering at ArtsQuest, it is very difficult for me to pick a favorite event. I have enjoyed all the various festivals in which I volunteered. Each one has its own uniqueness & theme. Seriously, I enjoy them all.

Q: When you’re not volunteering for ArtsQuest, what do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Besides volunteering for ArtsQuest, I also enjoy being involved in other community activities…Miller Keystone Blood Center, Historic Bethlehem & Celtic Classic. I enjoy working on my Sudoku puzzles & going out to breakfast or lunch with my friends.

Q: If you could bring any artist to Musikfest, who would it be and why?
A: If I could bring any artist to Musikfest, I would choose Yanni, I love piano music.

Q: What do you enjoy most about serving on the Volunteer Committee?
A: Being involved on the volunteer committee gives me an incite as to what is happening behind the scene. It gives me a voice for the volunteer community to express their concerns, wishes & ideas. I want to be a cheerleader for the volunteers. I want to make a difference.
 

Cindy Workman

Q: What inspired you to begin volunteering?
A: My dear parents always encouraged us to help others and have always felt a strong
commitment to give back to the wonderful community to which I live. I was living in
downtown Bethlehem at the time of the first Musikfest and walked down to the Sun Inn
courtyard (Leiderplatz) The experience was just amazing! I fell in love with the music,
the food and people really enjoying themselves. Each day I returned and walked around
to all the different platzes and participated in the fun activities and decided this is
something I wanted to be part of.

Q: What’s your favorite event to volunteer for?
A: Musikfest , since this came first but eventually there was talk of another event coming
called Christkindlmarkt around the holidays. I immediately knew I wanted to volunteer for
this too. Actually, any new event ArtsQuest develops, I plan to become part of that volunteer team.

Q: When you’re not volunteering for ArtsQuest, what do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Time spent with my family and friends is so important, but I just love volunteering
with my professional Association, my Alumni events at Northampton Community College
and DeSales University, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare festival and PSF gala, YWCA
events and the US open to name a few. So many rich experiences and close friendships
have developed through my involvement in the community with the above listed.

Q: If you could bring any artist to Musikfest, who would it be and why?
A: Bon Jovi because his music is timeless and widely appreciated. Would love for Keith
Urban to return. When Keith Urban first came to Riverplace I never heard of him and
Marta told me I would love his music and she was right ! We had the pleasure of him
returning twice more to Sands Steel stage. The energy and charity work of both are
great.

Q: What do you enjoy most about serving on the Volunteer Committee?
A:Being on the volunteer committee is so special for me because of the interaction with
staff, helping make decisions for the best interest of the organization, mentoring and
empowering other volunteers for leadership positions as Ambassadors and being a
liaison for volunteers to voice their concerns and suggestions and bring back to the
committee for discussion. I truly value what ArtsQuest brings to our community and
beyond. Thank you kindly for allowing me to share, it is an honor to volunteer beside you…..and please know YOU are all part of my “ Quilt of Life ! “