5 Inducted Into HoCo Women's Hall Of Fame

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- They are five extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to their community. Later this week, they'll be honored in Ellicott City.

Ron Matz has more on this year's inductees into the Howard County Women's Hall of Fame.

From Ellicott City to Columbia, women like Judge Lenore Gelfman are doing some incredible work. Five of them, including the judge, will enter the Howard County Women's Hall of Fame this week.

"Having lived in the county for over 40 years, it's wonderful to be honored by the community and by your family," said Judge Gelfman.

The Howard County Commission For Women selected the nominees.

"They're women who in many cases 20 or 30 years ago just found something that needed to be fixed, needed attention and put their passion there. And now, many years later, we as a community, want to say thank you," said Joan Webb Scornaienchi, Howard County Commission for Women.

Judge Gelfman has been on the bench for 25 years. She's seen the changes in the legal profession.

"I've seen an evolution over the years in the legal profession. When I started in law school, there were only four women. Now law school classes are well over 50% female and I think that's a good thing," she said.

The honors started in Howard County in 1996 and each year, up to five women are inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"It's beautiful for the women who get inducted and for their families and friends. It means a lot to them and it means a lot to us as a community," Scornaienchi said.

"The letter said, `Congratulations, you've been selected to the Hall of Fame' and I said, `Why are they writing to me?' but it's a wonderful honor," Gelfman said.

The other Hall of Fame nominees are Colette Roberts, Courtney Watson and Margaret "Peg" Whyte. The ceremony is Thursday night at 7:30 at the George Howard Building in Ellicott City. The event is free and open to the public.