GREENDALE, Wis. - Weeping Water resident Betty Colbert has been active with the Lofte Community Theatre for nearly 30 years, having sold tickets, sewn costumes and painted set during that time. However, perhaps her most valued contribution has been the dual role of music and vocal director for the summer musicals.

It was Colbert's dedicated service to such a unique rural arts organization that caught the attention of editors at "Country Woman" magazine. Editors contacted the Lofte Theatre last October and requested more information about the theatre and an interview with Colbert. The two-page pictorial and story about Colbert and the Lofte is included in the current August/September 2009 edition of the magazine.

"Country Woman" is a bi-monthly publication distributed throughout the United States and Canada. The Wisconsin-based magazine focuses on women, families and their hobbies in their rural lives.

In addition to her many hours of service at the Lofte, Colbert is also the K-12 music instructor at Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools. She led vocal students during their performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City last school year.