Book Lovers Study Club held its April meeting at the home of Audrey Herring, with Debbie Beason serving as co-hostess. Special guest was Theresa Mays, a member of the GFWC Laguna Nigel Women’s Club of California. Also welcomed was Book Lovers’ newest member, Gina Kiel.

“Celebrating the Positive Steps to Overcoming Abuse” was presented as the program. The main focus was on Safeplace Inc.

Safeplace is one of many domestic violence shelters serving victims of abuse throughout the State of Alabama. As the only domestic violence program in northwest Alabama, Safeplace serves the counties of Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston. It was founded in 1981 as an advocacy agency and confidential shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Safeplace is a nonprofit organization that is supported with federal and state funding, independent grants and community contributions. Members were asked to make donations for our local Safeplace.

In the business session, members approved a $50 donation to the Russellville High School art department and a $50 donation to the Russellville City Schools Foundation. As the club’s Conservation CSP project, $100 was donated to the Cultura Garden Club for the downtown spring plants. Also the club plans to plant a tree in recognition of the National Arbor Day.

Members contributed Dr. Seuss Books to the GFWC-AFWC Grand Initiatives Program. Pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House were collected and will be delivered to the annual AFWC convention.

The Education CSP project continues to support the libraries as well as scholarships. A cash scholarship will be presented to the senior with the third-highest grade point average at the RHS Awards Night Program.

In the Home Life CSP Department, a new program, Canine Companions for Independence, was endorsed by the club members.

The CCI organization breeds Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers as assistance dogs. These dogs are trained to help children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.

Canine Companions assistance dogs are given free of charge to create life-changing independence for people with disabilities. At each meeting a dog food bowl will be passed around for members to make a cash donation. At the end of the year the money will be sent to the CCI organization to be used to “Give a Dog a Job.”

Club Chronicles is written by Susie Hovater Malone.