Although Hal and Marianne Petschke admit they don’t have much experience in music, that didn’t stop them from volunteering with an organization dedicated to the arts. The couple—who have been married for 27 years—both have backgrounds in the information technology field and met when they were working at Aetna, an insurance company.
The Petschkes settled in Easton about 10 years ago, and almost immediately began volunteering with the Avalon Foundation. Whether they’re working as ushers at events, or assisting with—and sometimes starring in—the Christmas plays, there’s not much the pair won’t do to help the organization.
“They have been reliable and excellent ushers for many years, and have also helped out during the plein air festival and many other Avalon Foundation events,” Avalon Foundation Artistic Director Suzy Moore says. “They are excellent communicators and are always willing to help as needed. It’s people like Hal and Marianne and their long-term commitment to the Avalon that have made it possible to do what we do!”
We recently spoke with the couple about their involvement with the Avalon Foundation.
How did you initially get involved with the Avalon Foundation?
Marianne: When we first moved here, honestly, we just stumbled upon Easton. We knew not a single soul, and one of our neighbors was a volunteer and said, “Hey, you guys like music? You looking for something to do that’s a great place to meet some new people?” And that just opened up a new world of opportunities for volunteering, and a lot of great new friendships that we’ve made since we’ve been here. That’s what we love about volunteering. Everybody loves a volunteer. People who are willing to give up their time, that says a lot about the person from the get-go in my opinion. So, it’s really wonderful to make friends with likeminded people when you find them volunteering for the same cause.
Hal: It’s been a real privilege to be involved with the Avalon Foundation. Not only for all of the good that it does for the community, but what we get out of it, too. Like Marianne said, not knowing anybody to getting to meet, work with, and play with so many people, it’s been very fortunate for us as well.
What type of work does the Avalon Foundation do?
Hal: There is so much that the Avalon does for the community here. Not only does it bring entertainment into town and into the theaters, but it does a lot for the community and for children, getting them involved both in music and in the arts.
Marianne: When an artist comes to town, some will actually put on a special performance for different levels of elementary school kids. They will bring 400 elementary school kids to the Avalon [Theatre] for a daytime performance to expose the kids to a different type of music or a different technique, and really get them to be a part of something they wouldn’t otherwise get to see. The Avalon also has their children’s theater that has been growing over the past couple of years.
In what ways do you contribute to the annual plein air festival?
Marianne: This year, I helped the existing housing coordinator because she was transitioning out, so I am the heir apparent for the housing of the artists. Hal and I both work in the sales galleries, selling artwork over the weekend when the festival is culminating, and we also work some of their special events; I do the Tilghman Paint Out. We also volunteered with parking and art sales at the Meet the Artists dinner.
Hal: We helped set up and tear down, so pretty much whatever they need. They just look for the volunteer staff to fill in and help out.
Marianne: Plein air is always so cool to be around [with] all that art talent. Easton, in general, is in a frenzy that week when all the artists and art collectors are coming to town. The electricity in the air is just amazing. [People are] pumped and excited, especially during the quick draw on that Saturday. The town is just so alive with activity.
What do you hope that Avalon Foundation can accomplish in the future?
Marianne: Well right now, they’re in the midst of renovating the beautiful building that they are in, coming up on its 100th anniversary. I would love a big gala celebrating that building and for Avalon to keep on doing what they are doing. I don’t want to see it slowed down; I don’t want it to lose its head of steam. They really have a lot of good things going right now. They have a great staff of people who can teach the volunteers and teach the participating community to keep everything moving forward.
What do you each enjoy most about volunteering with the Avalon Foundation?
Marianne: We have met some of our best friends volunteering.
Hal: We obviously love music and since we volunteer and help at most of their events, we get to experience a lot of great entertainment, which is fun for us, certainly. And we’ve gained an appreciation for art, being involved in the plein air festival every year. There are lot of things that we do that we can list as favorite things because there is so much going on. It’s good for the community, but it’s good for us and good for our friendships.
For more information on the Avalon Foundation, visit avalonfoundation.org
