Women's commission selects six for its hall of fame

The Howard County Commission for Women has selected six women for induction into the Women's Hall of Fame for 2001.

Selected were county residents Joan Athen, Sharon Bedke, Lucille Clifton, Doris Ligon, Patricia Rouse and Almira Hart Lincoln Phelps.

Phelps was headmistress of the Patapsco Female Institute from 1841 to 1856. Joan Athen is founder and president of Maryland Therapeutic Horsemanship Association. Sharon Bedke, who has taken in 178 abused, addicted or abandoned youngsters as foster children, works with Dorsey's Search Women's Foundation. Lucille Clifton, former poet laureate of Maryland, won the National Book Award for Poetry last year. Doris Ligon is founder and director of the African Art Museum of Maryland. Patricia Rouse is known for her efforts in promoting low-income housing through the Enterprise Foundation, and working with senior citizens and people living with AIDS.

A ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 15 in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building, Ellicott City.

The Commission for Women was established in 1980 to promote the economic, social and political equality of women.