POWERGRAMS

26 The Energizers retiree organization has a renewed emphasis on volunteering and making life better in Alabama communities. State President Becky York said chapter leaders "refreshed" their volunteer commitment during the board's Leadership Conference in January. The retiree group was created to serve, York noted. To that end, her mission in 2023 is to refine members' focus on that original purpose: to assist communities and strengthen grassroots connections for the company. York said Energizers are reestablishing close working relations with the Alabama Power Service Organization's (APSO's) nine chapters. She is meeting with Energizers chapter members to discuss volunteer efforts and the importance of providing detailed reports about their community service. "We're getting back to service – that's what we were really set up for," said York, who retired as Tuscaloosa Office manager in 2014. "APSO has plenty of volunteer projects for us to do with them." York and Charitable Giving Coordinator Kim Savage are spreading word of that intent across the nine Energizers chapters. Since March, Energizers have served in an array of community projects. For instance, Jasper Energizer Jim Clark helped in Read Across America March 6-10, sharing his love of reading with youngsters at Memorial Park Elementary School. Southeast Energizer Shannon Sampson read to Headland Elementary School classes on March 24. Market Specialist Brittany Killingsworth noted that Headland Elementary turned Read Across America Week into a monthlong event. "It was great for the children, and it was great for us to partner with Energizers," said Killingsworth, president of APSO's Southeast/Farley Chapter. During the annual Birmingham Heart Walk on March 11, Corporate Energizer Judy Moore handed out fruit and bottled water at Alabama Power's tent. Moore, who was 2022 president for the chapter, said she is happy to be back out volunteering. "We had a great time walking in the event, too," said Moore, 2024 Energizers state president-elect. "My friend and I have taken part in this walk for about 10 years. I always walk in memory of my late husband, James Moore, who passed away 16 years ago from a heart attack." Moore's husband worked for IT at Southern Company. Western APSO President Diane Brooker will speak at the Western Energizers meeting at Northport Baptist Church. She is inviting Energizers to take part in APSO's "boots- on-the ground" cleanup of remaining damages in Selma from the Jan. 12 tornado. Miller APSO President Judd Hamilton recognizes the benefits of joining forces with Energizers. When Miller Chapter began organizing its inaugural fishing tournament at the Smith Lake boat launch, Hamilton called on Energizers for help. He said Jasper Energizer Walt Lawes contributed to the success of Miller APSO's March 18 event. The tournament fundraiser benefiting Gardendale Family Children's Home and the Salvation Army, required two shifts of volunteers. "We were definitely out of our comfort zone, because we'd never done a fishing tournament," said Hamilton, an "APSO legacy" member. He recalled his mother, Jeanease, assisting in APSO as an administrative assistant at Miller, noting that she naturally gravitated to joining the Jasper Energizers during retirement. Chapter President Judy Beavers said that about 65 members attended Jasper's first quarter meeting March 1. Johnny Sudberry, executive director of the Walker County Children's Advocacy Center, said, "I really appreciate Energizers' support over the years, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for that." Alabama Power is a longtime sponsor of the center. While Energizers expand their focus on new ways of helping strengthen their communities, Charitable Giving is revving up for springtime retiree meetings for the company's six divisions. Savage invites all company retirees – including Southern Company Services and Southern Nuclear – to join Energizers and help continue the company's good work in communities. "Hopefully this is just the beginning of many APSO and Energizer partnerships," Savage said. "If you want to get involved or reconnect with old friends, now is the time." Savage encourages retirees who want to help to contact her at kssavage@southernco.com or 205-257-2473. By Donna Cope Energizers forging partnerships with APSO to strengthen communities COMMUNITY Jasper Energizers President Judy Beavers speaks to chapter members. Jasper Energizers board members Michelle Smith, Doug Booth, Beavers, Brenda Doss, Irene Robbins and Clark at a recent meeting.

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