Energizers

5 Make a positive difference in someone's life, and you can change the future. On June 5, the Jasper Energizers did just that, providing more than $8,100 to 12 charitable organizations that help improve the lives of others in Jasper and surrounding areas. About 65 Energizers and community leaders attended the two-hour meeting at Musgrove Country Club. "We are very fortunate this year to be able to do this," said Jasper Energizers President Jan Webb. "We received two $1,000 awards from the State Energizers for having the greatest percent increase in volunteer hours and in membership, so we're able to give a little more help this year. We want our members to get their friends to sign up and get busy in Energizers." Hope Clinic of Walker County was among the beneficiaries receiving a $1,000 donation. Tim Hodge, executive director for Hope Clinic, said the facility provides free medical care, doctor visits and medicines to needy residents who don't have access to healthcare. "We monthly give $6,000 to $7,000 in medicines to individuals," Hodge said. The volunteer staff at Hope Clinic sees about 1,500 patients yearly, with about 350 people depending on the health center's free services. Retha Cabaniss, nursing director for Bevill State Community College in Sumiton, said she is always excited to attend the Energizers' check presentation. Jasper Chapter Treasurer Jackie Simmons presented Energizers' $1,000 scholarship to Kayla Sides, a 24-year-old enrolled in Bevill State's nursing program. Sides, a single mother with a 1-year-old son, will graduate in May 2014. "I've had a dream to become a registered nurse since I was little," said Sides, a surgical technician at Baptist Medical Centers. The Energizers are helping fill the country's growing need for nurses, Cabaniss said. "In Alabama, there are more associate-degreed nursing graduates," Cabaniss noted, in comparison to students earning bachelor degrees. The past year, Bevill State graduated 140 registered nurses and 90 licensed practical nurses with associate's degrees. Approximately 96 percent of Bevill State graduates pass the state licensing exam, one of the best rates in Alabama, Cabaniss added, and their graduates enjoy 90 percent job placement. Energizers State President Bob O'Daniel congratulated Jasper Energizers for their fundraising success. The Jasper Chapter also made a donation to ARC of Walker County, the third donation made recently through a charitable organization associated through Alabama Power's Charitable Giving department. Volunteers from the Miller Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization helped ARC in May, building a raised garden area, painting around the finished beds and planting vegetables. Miller APSO gave $1,200 to ARC in 2012. BY DONNA COPE Energizers' gifts brighten lives in Jasper community Making Life Better for Alabamians This summer, Jasper Energizers gave financial gifts totaling $ 8,100 to the following: ARC of Walker County Bevill State Scholarship Camp Mitnick Concerned Citizens for Our Youth Inc. (Beacon House) Daybreak Girl Scouts Troop 303, Bristol Hope Clinic James Ministries Missions Unlimited Project LifeSaver - Alabama State Trooper Association Walker County Humane Society Walker County Outreach. Sides (left) and Cabaniss were thrilled by the Jasper Energizers' $1,000 scholarship, given annually to a Bevill State student. Officers Jan Webb (front left), Douglas Booth, Michelle Smith, Sarah McElrath and Jackie Simmons are pleased their chapter can donate "gifts that keep giving" in the Jasper area. Photos by Bill Snow

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