Texas native aims to volunteer year round

FACE OF A VOLUNTEER

Ellen Greeney

First, Betty Luedecke was a season ticket holder at the Palace Theatre. Then she became a regular volunteer at both the Theatre and the Palace Playhouse. She serves as a greeter, an usher or works the concession stand.

After moving from Austin to Georgetown in 2004, she phased out volunteering at The Paramount Theatre and the Ole Bakery Emporium and devoted her time locally. She has been a docent for Preservation Georgetown for the Christmas Home Tours and the Kiwanis Christmas Tour of Homes in Sun City.

She has volunteered all her life, starting with church, school activities, social and educational programs, and adult opportunities.

“I firmly believe in the organizations that I volunteer for because without volunteers we would not have the wonderful educational and musical performances,” she said. “I have always been a volunteer. When the children were in school, it was homeroom mom, sports, Girl Scouts with my first troop of 36 girls, fortunately two mothers stepped up as assistant leaders. Always at church teaching and Vacation Bible Schools.”

Ms. Luedecke was born, raised and educated in Texas.

“I left Texas once and came back as soon as I could,” she said.

Her titles are varied and interesting: wife, mother, divorcee, grandmother, widow, crafter, seamstress, world traveler, Santa connoisseur, tupperware demonstrator, bank Trust Department secretary, Texas Department of Health Staff Services Officer and Society of Meeting Professionals member.

“Life changes,” she said. “So did I.”

Now, she devotes her time planning trips, finding great opportunities with groups including Georgetown Newcomers and Friends, Women Helping Others and participating in classes and travels with Senior University.

She is a ‘young’ 88, outpacing many of her younger friends.

“I’ve always loved going places which led me to touring the U.S. then world traveling,” she said. Taking cruises is her favorite.

“My primary and favorite cruise line is Holland America with 742 sea days so far; and 157 [days] yet to sail,” she said. “I have learned so much more about people and their countries by seeing and conversing in person. We’re all different in our ways but the bottom line is we’re all God’s children.”

To volunteer at the Palace Theatre, visit georgetownpalace.com/volunteer.

Making our community better one volunteer at a time. To nominate a volunteer, please send the name, email address and volunteer organization to ellen@wilcosun.com.