November 2021 Volunteer Spotlight

Each month, our volunteer committee decides on volunteers to spotlight. For November 2021, we wanted to highlight the efforts of one volunteer who helps all throughout the year no matter the weather or event: Tom Horwath!

Q: What inspired you to begin volunteering?
A: I would attend a lot of shows as a patron and became friends with some of the volunteers. They recommended that I should just volunteer since I was there all the time. I also had retired so I had more free time. I worked for Bethlehem Steel and Martin Guitar and I’m constantly reminded of my two careers. It was a good move on my part.

Q: You often volunteer at Set Up and Tear Down for events like Musikfest and Christkindlmarkt. What do you enjoy about working with the Ops team as they build festivals from the ground-up?
A: I like to work hands on and it’s interesting to see how the whole process works and how much is involved with the set up and tear down, especially Musikfest. I also became friends with the Ops team and work well with them.

Q: Do you volunteer anywhere else besides ArtsQuest?
A: Yes, I volunteer with Wildlands Conservancy. I’ve done Bike and Boat and Lehigh River clean-up. I also have been involved with the Lehigh River Sojourn and D&L Trail.

Q: When you’re not volunteering for ArtsQuest, what do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I love being on the water. I like to go kayaking on the Lehigh and Delaware rivers. I also bike all the local trails in the area. I enjoy gardening in my around my house and I love to cook.

Q: If you could pick any act to play at the Musikfest Café, who would you pick and why?
A: Neil Young and Crazy Horse. A favorite of mine since the late 60’s. I’m an old hippie at heart now!

Q: What is a favorite memory of something that happened while you were on an ArtsQuest volunteer shift?
A: Meeting new volunteers for the first time and also the excitement of the outdoor shows during the summer. Gov’t Mule in particular was a great show!