Shaw ranked high on list of top training companies

DALTON, Ga. —  Shaw Industries Group gained national recognition as a high-achieving private sector company through ELearning! Magazine’s “The Learning! 100.” Honored for the eighth-consecutive year, Shaw is the only flooring manufacturer to be recognized on the 2018 “Learning! 100 List.” The floorcovering company ranked fourth on the private sector list. Contributing to the company’s high ranking is its dedication to investing in its associates by offering learning opportunities through Shaw Learning Academy. Shaw provides more than one million hours of training annually, offering diverse solutions and platforms to meet the various learning needs of its associates and customers. “The Learning! 100” list is comprised of 60 corporate enterprises and 40 public sector organizations that are evaluated across three criteria: Collaborative Strategies’ Collaboration Index, Darden School’s Learning Culture Index and overall organizational performance. Every submission is evaluated on the same criteria, scores are totaled and ranked to generate “The Learning! 100.”

Health departments urge South Georgia residents to come in for flu shots

ALBANY, Ga. – The 14 county health departments in Southwest Health District have received shipments of seasonal flu vaccine and are recommending patients come in now for flu shots. “The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone six months old and older get vaccinated against seasonal flu,” said Southwest Health District Immunization Coordinator Rebecca Snow. “The CDC is also recommending that you receive your flu vaccine before the end of October.” Snow said getting the vaccine before the end of October gives it a chance to reach full effectiveness before flu season reaches its peak. In our region, flu typically peaks in January-February. Cost per dose is $30 for self-pay patients, but the health department staff is happy to file insurance, and most patients will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses. Flu shots are especially important for the very young, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, HIV or heart disease, Snow said. For more information about preventing flu, contact your county health department or go to http://dph.georgia.gov/seasonal-flu-influenza.

Walk to School Day slated for Oct. 10

VALDOSTA, Ga. — The Greater Lowndes Coalition Highway Safety, Valdosta police and fire departments, Valdosta/Lowndes community, Pinevale Elementary School, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 9 Office are scheduled to observe International Walk to School Day, Oct. 10. More information: Contact Dr. Ronnie Mathis, 229-630-3109, or visit www.walkbiketoschool.org.

Paradise PFA hosts JAKES Day Sept. 22

ENIGMA, Ga. — Outdoor Adventure Day and the National Wild Turkey Federation J.A.K.E.S. Day event return to Paradise Public Fishing Area (PFA) on Sept. 22. This event is held to celebrate the 47th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. No fishing or trout license required on this day. In addition, residents do not need to possess a Georgia Lands Pass on this day to visit Paradise Public Fishing Area. Fishing activities begin at 7:30 a.m., registration begins at 9 a.m., all other venues open at 10 a.m. and lunch is at noon. Fishing activities end noon. The day ends with a prize drawing at 2 p.m. for a .177 caliber pellet rifle and other prizes provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation. For more information, contact Paradise PFA staff at 229-533-4792, Waycross Fisheries Office at 912-285- 6094 or NWTF Regional Director Danny Sparks at 229-455-3734. For more information on NHF Day in Georgia, including a complete listing of events in the state, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/get-involved/nhfday. For information on nationwide events, visit www.nhfday.org.

Hamilton County Fair Events Day set for Oct. 4

JASPER, Fla. — The Hamilton County Fair Events Day is next month at the Hamilton County Arena in Jasper.

There will be events for all ages to attend during the Fair Events Day, slated for Thursday, Oct. 4.

The Swine Exhibits checkin will be held from 8-10 a.m. and the show will be held at 1 p.m. The Horse Show will be at 4 p.m. Registration is open to all youth and at no cost. Categories include lead line, pee wee, small fry and junior events are Texas barrel, arena race and clover leaf.

A barbecue supper of Boston Butt pork, cole slaw, baked beans, bread and tea will be available at 5 p.m. for $6 per plate.

The 4-H Dog Show will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This event is open to all Hamilton County youth ages 8-18. A 4-H membership is not required. Registration starts at 4:30 p.m.

Participants can enter their dogs into category competition for Best Trick, Best Costume, Most Adorable, Youngest and Oldest with a small entry fee.

The Pee Wee Pig Scramble will be at 6:30 p.m. followed by the swine sale at 7 p.m. The evening will end with the 4-H/FFA Pig Scramble at 9 p.m.

For more information, call the UF/IFAS Extension Office at 386-792-1276.