Kiwanis Club of Paulding County, Ohio

Kiwanis Club of Paulding County, Ohio Kiwanis is a worldwide organization changing the world by helping one child and one community at a time. In 1919, the organization changed its focus to service.

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Chartered on September 29, 1960, through the sponsorship of the Kiwanis clubs of Lima and Van Wert counties, the Kiwanis Club of Paulding County has continuously worked to strengthen families through the support of character-building programs and activities for youth. Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. In the early years, members focused on busin

ess networking. In 1916, Kiwanis became an international organization with the creation of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario. By 1962, worldwide expansion was approved. In 1987, women officially were allowed into the membership. When Paulding's club was formed, men joined representing a wide array of professions. The twenty-five original members came from diverse areas including law, business, government, education, construction and insurance. It is interesting to note that a few of the sons and a daughter of those original Kiwanis members are now also members of this diverse and active club. In the early decades, along with weekly informative and entertaining speakers for members, Kiwanis sponsored educational and programs and travelogues for the general public. Kiwanis has also faithfully sponsored youth attendance at formal leadership-building programs such as Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership and Buckeye Boys and Girls State as well as local activities such as support for scouting and other youth events. In the mid 2000s, the Kiwanis Club helped develop and support a fall youth soccer league which has provided an opportunity for hundreds of children to learn sportsmanship and teamwork. The primary project for Paulding County's club continues to be the Kiwanis Community Center located in the building that was originally an armory. This building is kept and maintained for youth and family activities such as Youth for Christ, basketball tournaments, dances, concerts, youth fund-raisers for cancer research and family reunions.

This week, the Paulding Kiwanis Club was happy to welcome Quincy Thompson, Marketing Director of the Niswonger Performin...
09/03/2026

This week, the Paulding Kiwanis Club was happy to welcome Quincy Thompson, Marketing Director of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, for our Chamber Spotlight!

Quincy was invited by fellow Kiwanis member and Paulding Chamber of Commerce Director, Jen Rosebrook. She shared information about the many wonderful performances and events that have been held at the Niswonger, along with a look at what’s coming up this fall.

Members received the Niswonger’s Fall catalog, featuring an exciting lineup that includes Puppy Pals, Darci Lynne, A Christmas Carol, David Phelps, and more!

Quincy also highlighted the Encore program, which partners with local school-age children, and the Impact program, which helps provide free tickets to families who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a performance. She also shared information about the various membership opportunities available.

We appreciate Quincy taking the time to join us and tell us more about the Niswonger and the many ways it brings the arts to our communities! ❤️

In case you missed our meeting on August 20, 2026....The Kiwanis Club was pleased to welcome Derek Merrin as our guest s...
08/27/2026

In case you missed our meeting on August 20, 2026....
The Kiwanis Club was pleased to welcome Derek Merrin as our guest speaker on August 20, 2026. Derek was invited to speak by fellow Kiwanian Richard Kipp.

A lifelong Northwest Ohioan, Derek shared his extensive background in public service, including his time on Waterville City Council, as mayor of Waterville, and eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he became a leader in the House Republican Caucus.

During his presentation, Derek discussed his experience in public service, his conservative values, and the issues he has focused on, including lower taxes, reduced government regulations, election integrity, school choice, and responsible government.

Derek currently lives in Monclova Township and is running for Congress. He shared his desire to bring his legislative experience and Northwest Ohio roots to Washington.

We appreciate Derek taking the time to join us and share his perspective with our members. A special thank-you to Richard Kipp for inviting Derek to speak at our meeting!

The Kiwanis Club was pleased to welcome Jay Klophenstein, Director of the Paulding County Emergency Management Agency (E...
08/27/2026

The Kiwanis Club was pleased to welcome Jay Klophenstein, Director of the Paulding County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), as our guest speaker. Jay was invited to speak by fellow Kiwanian Jane Gray.

Jay has served as the Paulding County EMA Director for approximately a year and a half and shared insight into the many responsibilities of emergency management, including weather monitoring and response.

He discussed the county’s tornado sirens, which are tested weekly, as well as the role EMA plays in connecting communities with the appropriate resources when a siren is not functioning properly. Jay also explained how he assesses storm damage and assists residents when state funding becomes available.

Other areas of his work include maintaining the county’s emergency preparedness plans, including the Operations Plan, Hazmat Plan, and Mitigation Plan, with a Cybersecurity Plan coming soon. He also manages the county’s training facility on Fairground Drive, assists with canteen services for local EMS and fire departments, and works with the county’s radio communications system.

We appreciate Jay taking the time to share information about the important work of the Paulding County EMA and the many ways the agency helps keep our community prepared and supported. Thank you to Jane Gray for inviting Jay to join us! 💙

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This week's Chamber of Commerce Spotlight featured Coach Jim Menzie of the Paulding High School Panthers football team, ...
08/06/2026

This week's Chamber of Commerce Spotlight featured Coach Jim Menzie of the Paulding High School Panthers football team, who was invited by Jill Strahley.

Coach Menzie shared his journey as a former Panther, including being a member of the undefeated 1988 team, and spoke about his passion for leading the next generation of student-athletes. While This week's Chamber of Commerce Spotlight featured Coach Jim Menzie of the Paulding High School working full-time at Midwest Tile in Indiana, he remains committed to building a program that develops young men both on and off the field.

His coaching philosophy centers on Faith, Family, and Football, with an emphasis on respect, teamwork, strong character, community involvement and the importance of education. He also shared traditions that bring the team together, including the Thursday night meals prepared by football and cheer parents and an optional Bible study available to players.

Thank you, Coach Menzie, for sharing your story and for your dedication to the students and families of the Paulding community. We appreciate all you do to make a positive impact—on the field and beyond! 🏈💙

This week, the Kiwanis Club welcomed Carina Meyer, Jeremy Dasher, and Mark Ferris from Antwerp Exchange Bank, who were i...
07/31/2026

This week, the Kiwanis Club welcomed Carina Meyer, Jeremy Dasher, and Mark Ferris from Antwerp Exchange Bank, who were introduced by fellow Kiwanis member Harvey Hyman.

Our guests shared the history of Antwerp Exchange Bank and highlighted the many services the bank provides to customers throughout the region.

They also announced exciting news—Antwerp Exchange Bank will soon open a new branch at 1099 N. Williams St. in Paulding! The branch will operate during the same hours as the bank's existing locations, with plans to add a drive-thru and ATM in the future.

Thank you to Carina, Jeremy, and Mark for an informative presentation, and best wishes as Antwerp Exchange Bank expands its commitment to serving Paulding County!

Debbie Carter and Cheri Estle, invited by fellow Kiwanian George Carter, shared highlights from what they described as t...
07/18/2026

Debbie Carter and Cheri Estle, invited by fellow Kiwanian George Carter, shared highlights from what they described as the trip of a lifetime. Their presentation featured beautiful photos and stories from visits to the Vatican, Naples, Pompeii, Athens, Rome, and the island of Crete, Greece.

Members enjoyed learning about the incredible history, breathtaking artwork—including masterpieces by Michelangelo—and memorable experiences such as a golf cart tour through Rome and a delicious food tour in Crete.

A special thank you to Casey Schwartz of Happy Travel for coordinating their travel arrangements and helping make this amazing adventure possible.

Thank you to Debbie, Cheri, and George for bringing a little piece of the Mediterranean to our Kiwanis meeting!

Thank you to all our volunteers who helped with the inflatables for the Paulding Summer Blast and America 250 celebratio...
07/11/2026

Thank you to all our volunteers who helped with the inflatables for the Paulding Summer Blast and America 250 celebrations!! The kids had fun and so did we!

Jim, Renee, Jane, Stan, Barb, Stacie, Dave, Matt & Harvey - Thank you for all you do for the community and our club!

The Legacy Continues!Kiwanis members enjoyed hearing from this week's Chamber Spotlight speaker, Zach Gorrell, the new P...
07/09/2026

The Legacy Continues!

Kiwanis members enjoyed hearing from this week's Chamber Spotlight speaker, Zach Gorrell, the new President/CEO of Gorrell Brothers. Invited by fellow Kiwanis member Jill Strahley, Zach shared the remarkable story of his family's business and its 100-plus years of history.

A fifth-generation Gorrell, Zach recently took over the reins from his grandfather, Larry Gorrell. Founded in 1920 by three Gorrell brothers in Angola, Indiana, the business began with horse sales before relocating to Ohio in the 1950s.

Today, Gorrell Brothers specializes in residential, farmland, and multi-parcel auctions, with online auctions continuing to grow in popularity while onsite auctions have made a strong comeback.

Congratulations to Zach as he carries on the Gorrell family legacy! Be sure to visit Gorrell Brothers at their new office on the upper floor of the building at 112 N. Water St., Paulding.

Kiwanis was pleased to welcome Paulding County Engineer Scott Strahley as our guest speaker this week. Thank you to Kiwa...
06/25/2026

Kiwanis was pleased to welcome Paulding County Engineer Scott Strahley as our guest speaker this week. Thank you to Kiwanis member Michelle Stahl for arranging the program.

Scott shared updates on current projects, future plans, and improvements being made through the Paulding County Engineer’s Office. He discussed the transition of county maps and plat books to an online platform, while noting that a limited number of printed copies are still available through the Engineer’s Office.

Members also were reminded about the county’s snow and ice removal procedures and plans to add center lines to certain newer paved roads that meet state criteria. These efforts are aimed at improving safety for motorists while remaining fiscally responsible.

Thank you, Scott, for the informative presentation and for your commitment to keeping Paulding County’s roads safe and well maintained!

The Kiwanis Club was delighted to welcome Lynessa Watterson, the new Director of Paulding County Job & Family Services, ...
06/18/2026

The Kiwanis Club was delighted to welcome Lynessa Watterson, the new Director of Paulding County Job & Family Services, at a recent meeting. She was introduced by Kiwanis member Lisa McClure.

Beginning July 1, the previously consolidated Defiance and Paulding County Job & Family Services offices will separate to better serve their local communities with more focused, local support.

Lynessa shared that she and her team will be working closely with area schools, courts, and the sheriff’s department to help strengthen families throughout Paulding County. Some of the services they provide include unemployment assistance, SNAP benefits, child and adult protective services, and Ohio Means Jobs.

📍 Paulding County Job & Family Services
252 Dooley Drive, Paulding
🕗 Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Address

Paulding, OH
45879

Telephone

+14196703159

Website

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