Two members of the La Crescenta Woman’s Club, House Chairman Carol Benedetti and Treasurer Danette Erickson, were recently named Clubwoman and Citizen of the year, respectively, for their work during 2010. The announcements were made at the San Gabriel Valley District’s Annual Convention in Fullerton. The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is a member of the San Gabriel Valley District of the GFWC-California Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Benedetti received the honor based on her successful completion of the final year of clubhouse renovations and improvements on the venerable old building, built in 1925, prior to the club’s 2011 centennial celebrations including working through the summer while most other clubmembers were enjoying three months of vacation and relaxation.

Benedetti is an accomplished photographer who recorded the club’s activities throughout the year and created calendars, Christmas ornaments and wall-hung portraits of the other ladies in the club. She also created a “Then & Now” CD of members past and present.

In addition, she chaired Be a Santa to a Senior, a project which purchases, wraps and delivers Christmas gifts to area seniors who have no family and would otherwise have no holiday celebration. She has helped another senior with her grocery shopping for the past two years.

Benedetti continues as House Chairman in 2011 and exercises her imagination and initiative to serve her community through the La Crescenta Woman’s Club.

Danette Erickson, a woman who is dedicated to improving the present and the future of  the greater La Crescenta community, was recognized for her widespread activities, not only as a member of the LCWC but also as a Councilmember of the Crescenta Valley Town Council, which is an advisory body that serves the unincorporated areas of La Crescenta and Montrose.

Erickson served as council recording secretary; chairman of the Military Banner Committee, which placed 100 banners for hometown military heroes along Foothill Boulevard; served as a member of the Land Use Committee, and is instrumental in putting on Arbor Day in Two Strike Park annually.

In 2010, the community dedicated a new La Crescenta Library. Erickson was instrumental in obtaining the support and funding for this library, working for over eight years with Congressman David Dreier and Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, the Foothill Design Committee and the community.

She demonstrated her love of books and educational opportunities for the community by serving as a member of the Assistance League of Glendale, reading to students in many Glendale schools and volunteered her time in the ALG Thrift Shop. She is a very active member of the Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley; acted as an inspector during all election days in 2010, and she worked with both the Town Council and Crescenta Valley High School to provide scholarships to local students.

Erickson also serves on the board of St. James/Holy Redeemer Church in La Crescenta and has served as a Eucharistic minister.

Contributed by Gloria LEE

  Between Friends, GLORIA LEE, JUNE 09, LCWC