POWERGRAMS

22 At top, Don Nichols presenting check to Pam Nichols - Support Committee for Alabama National Cemetery. Middle: Energizer Libba Ellison presenting check to Lindsey Miller of Red Mountain Grace, and at bottom, Ellison presenting a check to Forge's Claire Gray, manager - Community Outreach. Class Act, an Anniston Middle School mentoring program, curtailed this year because of COVID-19. "At Alabama Power, we've concentrated on the sixth grade classes at Anniston," said Glover, who retired as a Transmission analyst after a 40-year career. "The kids at the middle schools need some mentoring. Some get to where they feel no one cares about them, besides their parents and teachers. They need some outside guidance." He noted that a female student he'd mentored, starting in 1992, became a high-school valedictorian and graduated from Alabama A&M University. Ellison believes that COVID has given everyone a different perspective about what really counts. To Ellison, the personal aspect of being together is very important. "We tried a Zoom membership meeting," Ellison said. "It doesn't compare to meeting in person. We're mostly communicating through emails sent by our communications chair, Bill Holmes." She plans on holding the Birmingham chapter's annual Christmas party at the Birmingham Country Club: "We want to get that social contact going again." Because his members enjoy learning about what's happening in their community, Gadsden President Lamar Pruitt intends to offer informational programs. With hopes that Gadsden Chapter can meet this summer, Pruitt has requested Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton and Probate Judge Bill Hassell to speak. "I'm just waiting on the word to start meeting so people can get in groups again," said Pruitt, who noted the chapter has met only once since he was elected. Ellison, who has met with her board twice on Zoom during the pandemic, looks forward to when Birmingham Energizers can meet again. "It touches my heart to see people want to stay in touch," said Ellison, who retired in July 2016 as a Sarbanes- Oxley auditor after a 36-year career. "This pandemic has taken away the personal connection from our Energizers and the chance to have a meal together, which is an outing for our members. I look forward to the day we can resume." Longtime Energizers Coordinator Don Franklin is happy that the group is excited to return to work. "I am so proud of the way the Energizers have reacted to the pandemic," Franklin said. "They have used the virtual meetings to stay connected to their friends as well as Alabama Power. There truly are great rewards to being a member of the Energizers." By Donna Cope

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