Managing partner of local LongHorn honored

DALTON, Ga. — Spencer Wyatt, managing partner of the LongHorn Steakhouse in Dalton, has achieved Diamond Club status, one of the top honors at parent company Darden Restaurants. He was recognized this year “for his commitment to delivering guest experiences at the highest level, while making a difference in the lives of guests and team members, as well as in his community.” “Spencer embodies LongHorn’s commitment to quality,” said Todd Burrowes, president of LongHorn Steakhouse. “He champions our unique culture to his team members and creates unmatched guest experiences.” This year, Wyatt joins a group of 24 managing partners selected from more than 500 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the country. Wyatt attributes his professional success to staying heavily involved in the community while taking care of his team, he said.

Area groups continue disaster relief efforts

LIVE OAK, Fla. — Area U.S. Postal Service employees will be collecting donations for the victims of Hurricane Michael to be delivered Sunday.

A U-Haul truck will be at Gwyn’s Gifts at 1031 W. Howard St. in Live Oak today and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a drop-off location.

The truck will be in Perry on Saturday for donations.

The collected items will be taken to the small Bay County community of Fountain on Sunday.

Items needed include personal hygiene supplies, baby diapers and wipes, dry pet food, bug repellent, non-perishable food items and propane cylinders. Any clothing items and Monetary donations will also be accepted.

Branford Rotary accepting donations

BRANFORD — Looking to make a difference within its district, the Rotary Club of Branford is collecting donations for disaster relief in the Florida panhandle following Hurricane Michael.

The Branford Rotary is part of Rotary District 6940, which includes all of the panhandle counties.

In a statement, the Branford Rotary said it knows the impact of the storm is far-reaching and will require long-term strategy, it wants to make a difference for those communities. It is planning to send donations to be administered by a district committee which will make sure that all of the donations are appropriated towards those most impacted by the disaster.

The Branford Rotary has four ways for people to contribute:

• Cash donations may be dropped off at Branford Dental Office on Suwannee Avenue (Main Street).

• Make a check payable to Rotary Club of Branford, PO Box 953, Branford, FL 32008. Write “Hurricane Michael Relief” in the memo line.

• Online Donations can be made via our Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/RotaryInternationalDistrict6940/

For Donors wishing a tax donor acknowledgement, please send your checks to “District 6940 Foundation” and write “Hurricane Michael Relief” in the memo line. Mail checks to Mike Tatem (District 6940 Treasurer) at 268 NW Lake Jeffery Road, Lake City, FL 32055. All donations will be processed and deposited into the District 6940 Foundation account.

Tetanus vaccine available for recovery workers

ALBANY, Ga. — Southwest Health District officials are encouraging Hurricane Michael recovery workers to get vaccinated against tetanus if they haven’t had a recent booster shot. Adults need a booster shot every 10 years to stay protected. “The vaccine is available at all of our open county health departments,” said Southwest Health District Health Director Dr. Charles Ruis. “To date, 12 of our 14 health departments are open. Further, our staff has the ability to go out into the field to give shots.” Tetanus shots given to recovery workers in the field are free, he said. Vaccine given in the health departments is billed to insurance; however, no- and low-cost tetanus vaccine is also available in health departments for eligible patients. Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria that usually enters the body through breaks in the skin. Also called “lockjaw” because tetanus often causes a person’s neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it hard to open the mouth or swallow; the disease can be fatal if untreated. Tetanus is not spread person to person. “Any wound that could be contaminated with tetanus bacteria should be tended to as soon as possible,” Ruis said. For more information about tetanus vaccinations, contact your local health department.

Trick-or-Treat coming to Georgia Museum of Agriculture

TIFTON, Ga. — Children both young and old can have an “unBOOlievable” time at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village on Oct. 27 with Trick-or-Treat in the Village from 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.  The Museum invites children to don their favorite woodland creature costume and trick-or-treat their way around the historic village. Museum interpreters will welcome all the little costumed trick-or-treaters with candy in the homes and buildings throughout the historic village. A costume contest will be held at 1 p.m. on the porch of the Historic Village Drug Store. For more information on Trick-or-Treat in the Village and other upcoming events, interested persons can contact the Museum at 229-391-5205 or visit the Museum’s website at www.abac.edu/museum.