POWERGRAMS

48 Uniform Security and Training Supervisor Ed Earp was in the drive-thru line of a Jasper restaurant when he noticed an elderly man holding jumper cables next to a vehicle with the hood up. Earp offered his assistance, repairing the faulty cables and getting the car started. When Earp reached the service window, he was told the two salads were free. The manager said, "We sat here and watched 30 cars drive past that man and you were the only one that stopped to help him." Budget Manager Teresa Mixon is bringing a special message to children with the release of her first book, "Scraps Goes Country." The book is a fun page-turner for kids, kindergarten through second grade, about a dog who learns to embrace change when he's forced to leave his city home for a farm. In a world where change is inevitable, Mixon believes it's important for children to learn to face it with courage as early as possible. Her manuscript was accepted by Christian Faith Publishing, the first company she approached. The Free Little Libraries project has taken off in Heflin and Tuscaloosa, with help from Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) members. In Heflin, children and adults are enjoying books at the Community Arts Center and the Parks and Recreation Center supplied by Eastern Division APSO. Diana Price was instrumental in setting up Little Free Libraries. In Tuscaloosa, Western Division APSO members held a book drive, with plans to place library boxes at Fayette Middle School and Capitol Park in Tuscaloosa. Sarah Barnes said, "We are thrilled with the participation we have received for the Little Library book drive. We are looking forward to installing the libraries but also hope we can add more locations in the future." The Miller APSO Chapter hosted its annual golf tournament at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Birmingham. The Miller Open raised more than $21,643. There were 240 golfers on 60 teams vying for victory, while 33 volunteers kept the event running smoothly. The Miller Open supports the chapter's signature Adopt-A-Child program. In 2016, Miller APSO spent $35,000 to purchase Christmas gifts for 320 children through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program in Jefferson County, the Walker County Department of Human Resources, and Corner and Crumley Chapel schools. Thumbs Up! Eastern Division APSO Chapter President Breanna Walker, board member Valerie Ledbetter and Price helped establish Little Free Library.

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