Energizers

4 Energizers enjoy exceptional time fishing Joe White has his own special method for catching fish: "Put a little bit of spit on the line, and that makes the fish bite." That homespun tactic must work, because during the Exceptional Anglers "Gone Fishin', Not Just Wishin' Tournament" at Oak Mountain, White's young fishing partner caught 17 fish. A mainstay project for the Birmingham Division Chapter, 12 Energizers assisted during the event, working alongside many volunteers from the Alabama Power Service Organization. About 600 physically and mentally challenged students from the Shelby and Jefferson county school systems were given the opportunity to fish – many of them for the first time. Energizer volunteers helped special- needs students, ages 5 to 21, with a variety of tasks, from outfitting the children with life vests to baiting poles. Members working during the course of the five-day tournament included Edgar Archie, Roger Calvert, Harold Dailey, Jerry Frazier, Bill Goodman, Tom Killian, Doug Page, Fred Rodgers, Benny and Brenda Severance, Ed Wiggins and White. When they weren't fishing, youngsters took part in art projects, listened to music and stories, and learned how to stay safe around the water, including how to properly fasten and wear life jackets. "It's always a great event," said White, who shared a pier with President- Elect Tom Killian. "This year seemed even more special than the others – it was just great fun. The children get a picture with all of the fish they caught." If the fish were still alive after they swallowed a hook, volunteers threw the fish back – better to be caught another day. White brought a lifetime of fishing experience. He has a pond stocked with bass, catfish and bream at his home place near Springville, where he spends many a warm, sunny day fishing with his 7-year-old grandson. The Energizers have volunteered at Exceptional Anglers for about 10 years. White said it's not only an opportunity for the children, but also makes the volunteers feel good. "I've been preaching it for so long," said White, whose chapter membership has increased 25 percent during the past three years. "You get double-blessed through what you do. You enjoy doing it for them. This will mean money for charities down the line." This youngster (in green) experienced the wonderment and joy of a day at the lake with avid fisherman and Birmingham Division Chapter President Joe White (center, with fish). Energizers came out in force to make the day better for special-needs children – and enjoyed the happiness of helping others. This year, Alabama Power line crews have been called to restore power about 17,000 times. Keeping the electricity on is goal No. 1 to employees, but the company's retirees – having lived through thousands of restoration efforts here and out-of-state – are the perfect spokespersons for discussing Alabama Power and its dedication to customers and the communities it serves. During a meeting with 160 Southern Division retirees at the Retirement Systems of Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery, Zeke Smith called on retirees to provide grassroots support of the company. "No one understands our history and the "ins and outs" of Rate Stabilization and Equalization – Rate RSE – like you do," said Smith, executive vice president of External Affairs at Alabama Power. "Rate RSE has worked well for three decades. It's a winning approach for our customers first and foremost, our company and the Alabama Public Service Commission." Those benefits, Smith said, include improved job growth to the state because low electric rates attract industry; stable rates and highly reliable service; continuous regulatory oversight; and a strong credit rating, which ultimately means customers save money. He said Alabama Power ranks high among its peers when it comes to restoring power after major storms or natural disasters. "We provide award-winning service and our reliability is among the highest in the United States," Smith said. "We're committed to taking care of our customers, and they can count on us for superior restoration efforts, terrific customer service and programs that save them money." Alabama Power is here for its customers

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