Connections

2 "W e're looking forward to a mighty good year." Using fourth quarter 2014 as a benchmark, members of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) should anticipate great things this year, Tan Grayson said. "Members really proved themselves the past few months," said Grayson, Community Initiatives specialist - APSO. During the last of 2014, members accomplished work that strengthened communities across the state. They promoted child advocacy, helped senior citizens and less privileged children, and performed work to improve schools and assist agencies that help families. Grayson raised her hand and began to tick off the five characteristics she considers critical to APSO's success. "Enthusiasm – check; compassion – check; community spirit – check; a desire to give back – check." With a smile, she added, "And we've got people who are good at planning, to do these things – check." Reviewing APSO's numerous successes in 2014, it's obvious that talent and caring are in long supply among members. "With leaders from our 10 chapters coming together for our annual conference in February, we'll plan to make this year better for all Alabamians," Grayson said. She expects that, with support from 5,500 members across Alabama Power, Southern Company Services and Southern Nuclear, 2015 will be APSO's most productive year ever. "We did a lot last year," Grayson said. "But we're going to see even more done in our communities in 2015." Grayson said that members work year-round to fulfill the needs of deserving families and children throughout the state – particularly at Christmas. The holidays spur members to devote hundreds of hours to volunteerism and fundraising activities – everything from bake sales to golf tournaments to clay-shooting events and more. APSO made 2014 ' best ever' for many Homebound elderly and disabled people served through the South Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA) were left smiling when they received gifts from Alabama Power employees during the Christmas holidays. That generosity earned kudos from SARCOA Executive Director Robert Crowder, whose agency works to bring together funding sources and providers to deliver services. On Dec. 30, Crowder Chapters plan to help Southeast /Farley members provided gifts to SArCOA – warm blankets, food and other necessities – to deserving seniors such as this Houston County resident. Kovakas Food Pantry proprietors David and Penny Kovakas were thrilled with Gaston APSO's generous gift of 1,075 pounds of food. Barry APSO members show off their hours of toy shopping for children served Department of Human resources. Happiness abounds at Wilmer Hall Children's Home, thanks to Mobile APSO members who provided holiday meals and gifts for children. Photo courtesy of Jessica Barefield, SARCOA

• Cover