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. 

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.

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.

Taylor founded the Alternative Baseball organization in 2016 for teens and young adults ages 15 years and up with autism. As a developmental baseball organization, this would give the opportunity to those unable to enjoy this port first-hand. Mr. Duncan explained that the mission is to provide an encouraging experience to promote personal growth and development for teens and adults with autism and other special needs. The program is a true baseball experience, using professional league rules.

Paulding Rotary Club participated in the Feeding America Backpack Program this February. The club sorted and delivered over 5000 pounds of food to 16 elementary schools in Paulding County. Many children right here in Paulding County need easy to prepare food for weekend meals. More than 22 million children receive free or reduced-price meals through the national school breakfast & lunch programs.

Mrs. Imogene Nelson of the Paulding WellStar Nursing Home visits the Paulding Rotary. Mrs.Imogene brought members of the club up-to-date on the changes at the WellStar Paulding nursing home. She also recounts how the Rotary Club has made a difference to the patients at the nursing home over the years.

Paulding Rotary Club President Ford Thigpen welcomed Ashleigh Headrick from the Georgia Office of the Attorney General. Mrs. Headrick works in the Criminal Justice Division, Post-conviction Section. Introduced by club member and husband Brian Headrick, Mrs. Headrick began her presentation.