CUMBERLAND, R.I. - "Domestic violence permeates every facet of society," says Tom Burr of Cumberland, R.I., formerly of Attleboro. "It doesn't discriminate. It cares not if you are rich or poor, white or black, affluent or anonymous."

That's an observation that came painfully when his wife's niece died at the age of 35. "She was tormented by an abuser until the last days of her life," laments Burr, who, along with his wife Judy, has launched a project to raise funds to assist the victims of domestic abuse with a line of greeting cards meant to put relationship breakups on a more matter-of-fact basis to reduce the risk of hurt feelings or violence.

"Shelters for these victims are at the mercy of our woefully under performing economy. Underfunded at a time when demand has risen, perhaps, ironically, because of this same stagnant or shrinking economy. Money problems often lead to arguments or worse, between financially struggling couples," notes Burr.

Rockland Trust is starting a summer reading program for children called Reading Makes Cents on June 29, where students entering grades 1 through 8 in the fall can earn $2.50 in a savings account for each book that they read, up to a maximum of 10 books. Students who read at least four books will also earn an invitation to an end-of-summer ice cream party.