RUSK LIONS CLUB
Crisis Center program presented Feb. 28
BY BILLY WATSON

Community educator Donna Justice from the Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee counties presented the program on adult and child abuse.

Each year three-four million women are beaten by their husbands or partners. Domestic violence is believed to be the most common yet least reported crime in the country.

The majority of battered women have children who also are hurt both physically and emotionally by the violence in their homes.

These women and their children seek help from the more than 1,200 battered women's programs around the country.

These women may contact the local program for battered women, or call the national toll free domestic violence hotline at (800) 799-SAFE.

There is a 24-hour toll free hotline: (800) 232-8519.

To report child abuse use (800) 252-5400 or go to web www.mycrisiscenter. com.

The Jacksonville phone number is (903) 586-9118 and Palestine number is (903) 723-5858.

President Vic Whadford presided at the business meeting.

Evelyn Stewart, Rusk Lions Club team captain for Relay for Life, reported on the meeting with Alto Lions Club concerning the luminaria program. Dorothy Wallace is president of the Alto club.

Ms. Stewart said one Alto Lion donated $25 and several other members paid $5 per luminaria to be lit "in honor" or "in memory" of a person who has cancer or has died from cancer.

Jeff Johnson and Sonny Adams announced that $1,200 had been collected from local banks and businesses to be used for scholarships in connection with the March 15 golf tournament.

They estimate that another $300 will be collected.

Guests were Emily Tierman, Boots Burfoot and Norma Daniel.