🌱 Dallas Vietnam Vet Fights Parkinson's + Hiram Tight End's Final Two

Hey, everybody! It's Tuesday in Dallas-Hiram and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. In today's issue, you'll find news about:

• A Dallas Vietnam veteran with Parkinson's disease found a new way to battle the disease.
• Hiram tight end Walter Matthews chooses final two, Florida and USC.
• Tips and resources to protect older Georgians from financial abuse and exploitation.

But first, today's weather: Humid; an afternoon t-storm. High: 83 Low: 59.

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Here are the top stories in Dallas-Hiram today:

1. Dallas native Bruce Craft, a 78-year-old Vietnam veteran who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013, has found a new way to battle the disease: non-contact boxing. The YMCA of Metro Atlanta, in collaboration with PD Gladiators and the Parkinson's Foundation, offers low-cost, non-contact boxing classes for people with Parkinson's and other movement disorders at all of its facilities. Parkinson's boxing classes aim to improve balance, movement, strength, and hand-eye coordination. Craft said that he found the boxing classes to be physically and mentally beneficial and that they have made a big difference in his health. (Fox 5)
2. Walter Matthews, a tight end from Hiram, recently visited the University of Florida for an unofficial visit, where he met with coaches Billy Napier and Russ Callaway. Callaway discussed how Matthews would fit into Florida's offense, while Napier emphasized the importance of the tight end position. Following the visit, Matthews stated that Florida and USC are his final two choices, and he plans to take official visits to both schools in June before making a decision. (GatorCountry.com)
3. With 23 players drafted, Georgia secured a spot in the top 10 states that produced the most NFL Draft picks in 2023. Will Anderson Jr., an edge rusher who attended Dutchtown High School, was the first player from Georgia to be selected in the draft, going to the Houston Texans with the third overall pick. Florida topped the list with 36 players drafted, while Texas had 30 players selected. Other states in the top 10 included California, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Louisiana, Ohio, and South Carolina. (Fanbuzz)
4. Attorney General Chris Carr has shared tips and resources to protect older Georgians from financial abuse and exploitation during Older Americans Month. The Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults, available in English, Spanish, or Korean, offers comprehensive information on topics including scams, identity theft, credit and debt, and elder abuse. Throughout the month, representatives from the Consumer Protection Division have been visiting organizations to help educate older adults and caregivers about elder abuse and how to avoid scams. To report the financial abuse or exploitation of an older adult, individuals can contact Adult Protective Services or file an online report with the Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. (Georgia Attorney General)

Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Storytime — Dallas Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Babytime — Crossroad Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Youth Yoga — Bee Humble Studio (4:30 PM)
• Star Wars Trivia — Bucking Goat Brewing Company (7:30 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know an incredible mom you'd like the rest of Dallas-Hiram to know about, too? We want to hear about her! Just fill out this simple form and we'll do the rest. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, have a look at these awesome moms!

From my notebook:

• Patch Business News: To help job seekers find new employment opportunities, a list of recently posted job openings in the Dallas-Hiram area is available, powered by ZipRecruiter, and includes both full-time and part-time positions. Interested candidates can click on the job titles to obtain more information about the jobs and apply for them. (Patch Business News)
• Paulding County School District: Three PCSD elementary Science Olympiad teams recently competed in a state-wide competition at Kennesaw State University. The Shelton Elementary School Science Olympiad team took home 1st place in Backyard Biologist, while New Georgia Elementary School students Reese and Denver placed 5th out of 62 teams in Data Crunchers. Hal Hutchens Elementary School had a top ten finish in straw rockets thanks to Science Olympiad students Bella Miller and Harrison Wadsworth. The students and their achievements were celebrated with a photo alongside School Board member John Dean. The teams and their schools are proud of their accomplishments. (Paulding County School District via Facebook)
• Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library: Copies of "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng are available at the library to read before the upcoming book club meeting on June 1 at 5:30 p.m. The invitation to attend is extended to all who are interested in discussing the book. (Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• a Jazzy Mother's Day Brunch & Show featuring CHRIS WILLIS (May 14)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Linda Marlow

About me: Linda Marlow is an experienced writer and communications professional with a diverse background in industries such as healthcare, education, publishing, and performing arts. She is a Dallas resident who is passionate about sharing the latest news and events happening in Paulding County through her writing. Linda is currently serving as a contributing writer for the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter, where she continues to use her storytelling skills to inform and engage the local community.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter? Contact me at Dallas-Hiram@Patch.com