The Paulding Rotary annually recognizes Paulding's First Responders with Public Safety Awards. The Paulding County Sheriff's Department, the Dallas Police Department, the Hiram Police Department, the Paulding County Fire Department and joining us for the first time Paulding Post 29 of the Georgia State patrol were in attendance. These awards are given in sincere appreciation and recognition for the service that these individuals have displayed for Paulding County. 

President, Dr. Newcomb and CTC's Executive Director Missy Cusack or Chattahoochee Technical College (CTC) addressed Paulding business leaders last week at the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, providing an update on the school’s growth and impact in the last year on both the county and the region.

The 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War was March 29. The Captain Edward Hagin Chapter DAR honored Vietnam Veterans for their service with lunch in Cartersville, March 28. This lunch is hosted each year by DAR Service for Veterans Committee Chair Jo Prater. Helping to serve were Regent Eleanor Brinson Quigley, National Defense Chair and Treasurer Hilda Shipp, Recording Secretary Mary Linde, Registrar Lynn Harburn, and HODARs.

April 13th, Paulding County Rotary Club members joined with Hiram and North Paulding high school volunteers to support Kindworks United's 2nd Annual Family Fun Day. Kindworks is Paulding County's local support group for foster and adoptive parents. This event provides foster parents with the opportunity to bring siblings together who are in foster care.

The children of Paulding County are cordially invited to visit with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 13th at the 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by American Legion Post 111 on 2587 Scoggins Road in Dallas.

"Industry Appreciation" with Guest Speakers Dr. Ron Newcomb, President Chattahoochee Technical College & Missy Cusack, Executive Director Chattahoochee Technical College Featuring the 2019 Industry or the Year & 2019 Service Industry of the Year Award Presentations.

Paulding County Rotary Club member Tina Drummond introduced her two guests to the Rotary Club. Aileen Culberson, Manager of the Paulding County Animal Shelter and Jason Flatt owner-operator of Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue. Mr. Flatt is looking to expand to a larger facility. The rescue is saving funds to purchase land to that end. They are looking to stay in Paulding to remain close to the animal shelter and veterinary partner that provide his rescue with much-needed support.

Superior Court Judge David Lyles spoke to the Rotary Club about the most recent accountability Court in Paulding County. It is a program designed to provide case disposition for people with a documented mental illness who have been charged with a crime. In many ways, Georgia is leading the nation in prison reform, and Paulding County is leaving the state through Accountability Court programs.

The Shepherd's Rest Ministries Women's Shelter operates around the clock, 24 hours and 7 days a week to take calls from women and families in dire need. During 2018 over 16,700 calls were answered and 14,892 calls were followed up on. Legal advocacy helped 457 women with temporary restraining orders. The 2 crisis houses that they operate provided shelter for 26 women and 60 children.

Paulding Rotary welcomed Seth Bice. Mr. Bice is a Cobb County firefighter and a resident of Paulding County. Last year Mr. Bice founded and coordinated the first Paulding Public Safety Rodeo. The rodeo was held in March of last year in Earl Duncan Park. While first-time benefit events are usually difficult to coordinate, the rodeo was very much a success.