I used to caddy at an exclusive country club in Birmingham, and I never understood why men-some of whom played worse golf than 5-year-olds, complete with temper tantrums-could get whatever tee times they wanted, but women could only play at less desirable times. I also didn't understand why the club's exclusivity extended to the Men's Grill, and I wondered what they did to women who either courageously or accidentally strayed into that no-women's land.

One of MEC President Lana Pollack's many achievements as a State Senator that's therefore most admirable in my opinion is the bill she wrote amending Michigan's civil rights law to end discriminatory practices that kept women off private golf courses at peak times and relegated them to second-class facilities within their own clubhouses. Although the proposal ended up listing a male legislator as sponsor-of course (no pun intended)-it was signed into law in 1992.

On October 30, Lana will be inducted into the 2002 Michigan Women's Hall of Fame-one of Michigan's most prestigious honors for women and fitting recognition for someone who, like other inductees, has been the target of many slings and arrows just for speaking up for what is right. She's being inducted "for over 25 years as an advocate and leader for women, children and the environment." Other 2002 inductees include Hortense Golden Canady, Lillian Mellen Genser, Naomi Long Madgett and Muriel Dorothy Ross. (University of Michigan Head Football Coach Lloyd Carr will receive a special award for his support of women's sports at U of M.)

Lana doesn't limit her mentoring and sharing to females. I've learned from her that when one is truly committed to one's principles, one has to be prepared to be personally and unfairly attacked for this commitment. I've learned that no man is stronger than she is-certainly not intellectually or emotionally or deep inside where it really counts. And I've never met a more compassionate person of either gender. "Seeing a woman with the level of strength, integrity, intellect and class that Lana possesses is inspiring," added Natalia Petraszczuk, MEC's Development Specialist who works closely with Lana. "It's an honor to be mentored by a person of this caliber." The Women's Hall of Fame people have clearly chosen well.

The awards dinner/induction ceremony is Wednesday, October 30, at the Novi Hilton. Tickets cost $100. For more information, contact the Michigan Women's Studies Association at (517) 484-1880.