By: Liane M. Roth Valley Life Editor

More than two dozen members of the Lancaster Woman's Club, guests and family gathered on Wednesday at the Lancaster Elks Lodge to honor two of their own.

President Pam Potter awarded Phyllis MacDonald, a member since 1997, with the 2010 Lifetime Achievement award.

"This woman has been an example to all of us for her courage and loyalty. She has worked no matter what to keep this club going," Potter said of MacDonald.

"This is really a surprise," MacDonald said on receiving the award.

"Are you sure or are you just kidding me? It's been a pleasure to be able to do what I can," she continued. "I have found really good friends."

Potter announced the club's 2010 Woman of the Year, saying this member "has served this club with distinction."

"She has helped in so many ways, just helped with everything," Potter said. "She has served on various committees, she is creative, outspoken and has worked very hard.

"I can't think of anyone who deserves this more than Pat Burgener."

Potter thanked Burgener, who said she has been a member of LWC for three years, for her fundraising efforts and for sparking an interest in others in regards to the club's goals.

"It's a very nice honor," Burgener said. "I couldn't do anything without the women in the club. They have been so wonderful to work with."

Each lady received a plaque and cake in their honor was served after lunch.

The Lancaster Woman's Club, which is affiliated with the California and National Federations of Woman's Clubs, was founded in 1922 and has a long history of accomplishments in and around the Antelope Valley.

The club was instrumental in raising funds to purchase the land on which Lancaster's first "official" library was built by selling gold-colored bricks to community members. Club member Anna Davis was the first librarian, and a meeting room in the new Lancaster library is named in her honor.

One of the most popular sites in the area is the California Poppy Reserve, which opened in 1976 after the Lancaster Woman's Club raised the money to purchase the property.

Through the club's efforts, $36,000 was raised to purchase 960 acres of land for the reserve.

Before applying for membership, a prospective member should attend two Club functions. We suggest a General Club Luncheon Meeting and a board meeting. To get the most out of your Lancaster Woman's Club experience we recommend attending a minimum of two General Club Luncheon Meetings, support of the Club’s major fund-raising events, and by serving on a committee. A one-time fee of $20.00 plus current Club and Federation dues should accompany an application for membership.  The current dues are $35.00. 

Membership inquiries should be mailed to:

Lancaster Woman’s Club

P. O. Box 2041

 Lancaster, CA 93539

(661) 256-1310