Mary Beth Gudewicz is vice president of the Parker Arts Council and has been a member since 2003. She has performed in numerous community theater productions, including “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “The Odd Couple,” “You Can’t Take It With You” and “Pillow Talk.” She has lived in Parker for nine years. She performs in the council’s next show, “And Then There Were None,” Nov. 3, 4, 10 and 11. Tickets are on sale at the Parker Recreation Center at 17301 E. Lincoln Ave.
Q: Tell me about the history of the Parker Arts Council.
A: The Parker Arts Council was formed in 2003 by several members of the Parker Cultural Commission. The council is intended to be an adjunct group that is directly involved with developing and promoting cultural events in Parker. Our mission statement is to provide opportunities for cultural enrichment through participation, education and outreach to the local community. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization partially funded by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
Q: Describe the volunteer work it takes to put on events such as “And Then There Were None.”
A: We have a chairperson that is responsible for overseeing all aspects of this production. She works with a committee, the director, communications director, set designer, local advertising chairperson and props mistress to pull the show together. … It takes about 20 to 25 people.
Q: What does a vibrant arts scene say about a community?
A: It brings a community together by affording people an opportunity to express themselves artistically, to be exposed to local theatre without having to go far and gives the local youth an outlet to be involved with his or her community.
Q: What got you interested in community arts programs?
A: I have always had an interest in theater, and about six years ago there was an advertisement for a theatre audition in Parker. I decided to audition, got a part and have been hooked ever since. Over the last few years I really developed a desire to see it grow, and that is when I got involved with the Parker Arts Council.
– Denver Post staff writer Joey Bunch
REGIONAL NOTES
CASTLE ROCK
Urban legends – fact and fiction
Children ages 12 to 18 can learn the facts and fiction behind many of today’s most popular urban legends during a discussion on Oct. 25 at the Philip S. Miller Library at 100 S. Wilcox St. in Castle Rock.
Children can learn how find the nuggets of truth behind the rumors and falsehoods found on the Internet and in some tabloids.
Registration is required for the free event. Tickets are available in the library’s Teen Tower.
For more information, or to make a reservation, call 303-688-7700.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Celebration for Clear Creek Trail
The completion of the Clear Creek Trail from Clear Creek Canyon to the South Platte River will be celebrated Saturday.
Trail maps and other materials about the health benefits of walking and biking will be distributed from 9-11 a.m. at stops on the portion of the trail that runs between North and South Table Mountains.
Although connections to other trails still need to be made, the Clear Creek Trail is Jefferson County’s major recreational trail.
Sponsors of the trail day are Jefferson County Open Space, Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment, Golden and Wheat Ridge.
For a recorded cancellation announcement in the event of bad weather, call 303-271-5902 after 7 a.m. Saturday.
