Domestic violence awareness

A number of local organizations will mark the observance of DomesticViolence Awareness Month with a special opening event at 1:30 p.m.Thursday at an uptown Charlotte church.

Anew Web-based program designed to help clergy members and othervolunteers get help for victims of domestic violence will be unveiledat the program, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. Seventh St.It's called Religion and Violence E-learning.

Its designers say the site will put clergy in touch with local agencies that can help victims.

Anumber of other events are scheduled in Mecklenburg and Union countiesin October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Among them willbe a fundraising golf tournament in Stallings.

The schedule:

• Take Back The Night: 6:30-8p.m. Oct. 1, at UNC Charlotte's Belk Tower. A rally and march, designedto unify women, men and children in awareness of the problem ofdomestic violence.

• Lunch & Learn: 12:30-1:30p.m. Oct. 2, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St. Guestspeaker Wanda Anderson, of the Shelter for Battered Women, will discuss"Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence." Free. Bring your lunch.

• Food for Thought: Noon-1p.m. Oct. 11, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St. Twosurvivors of domestic violence will share their experiences andinsights.

• Domestic Violence Awareness Golf Tournament: 10 a.m. start, Oct. 15 at Emerald Lakes Golf Club, Lawyers Road, Stallings. Contact Thomas Vidak, 800-868-2876, or thomas.vidak@securitasinc.com.

• Charlotte Checkers games: Fansare asked to bring used cell phones, which will be given to domesticabuse victims for their protection. There are two dates: 7:30 p.m. Oct.19, against the Columbia Inferno; and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20, against theTexas Wildcatters. Both games are at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

• Candlelight Vigil and Memorial: 6 p.m. Oct. 21, at Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road.

• Masquerade Party: A fundraiser at 6 p.m. Oct. 27, at Cafe Room and Lounge, 1250 Lucky Penny St. Cost: $15.