Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/921986
48 The Gaston Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) partnered with Metro Bank in Pell City to create a unique nautical-themed "Little Free Library" packed with free children's books. The little library at Pell City Lakeside Park sits on an intricate metal base, which features an octopus, ship anchor, fish and pirate's sword. Using scrap metal, Mike "Homie" Gaskin, Plant Gaston mechanic-welder, spent about 80 hours sculpting the artwork. The wooden box atop the base was painted by Plant Gaston Power Generation Analyst Donna Coshatt and her daughter, Megan Sasser. The Gaston APSO Chapter and Metro Bank will set up the libraries in Oak Grove and Harpersville. Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that seeks to inspire a love of reading, build community and spark creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. B.A.S.S. and Alabama Power are partnering to award two $5,000 scholarships this year for students attending, or planning to attend, a technical school in the state and are members of a B.A.S.S. club. "Our partnership with B.A.S.S. is a great opportunity to teach students how to be good stewards of the environment, but it also provides resources for students involved with the organization that are interested in pursuing a trade, who could become valuable additions to our workforce here in Alabama," said Executive Vice President of External Affairs Zeke Smith. Paula Stokes, relationship manager for Veterans Affairs Southeast District Veterans Experience Office, saluted the company and APSO for their efforts to assist Birmingham-area veterans. In July, members of Magic City's Shelby County sub-area chapter and company volunteers helped with Operation Reveille, a communitywide effort by the Birmingham VA Medical Center. The event enabled veterans without housing to connect with housing authorities, landlords and utility companies. Magic City APSO members provided home items including sheets, towels, plates and eating utensils for the veterans. Stokes said the event wouldn't have been possible without the help of volunteers, including Nadra Austin, Natalie Bailey, Christin Blackburn, Keith Chandler, Tevarius Foster, James Hardy, Shandeon Logan-Buie, Jamie McWilliams, Greg Neal, and Roland and Jessica White. Corporate Headquarters Budgeting and Reporting Manager Teresa Mixon's book, "Scraps Goes Country," 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. Mixon's main character, she said, is modeled after a beloved pet who died in 2013. Mixon said she had two goals in writing the "Scraps" story: She hopes it will help give children a love for reading and an appreciation for animals. The book is available on Amazon and other internet sites. Foster (left) and Roland (right) were among company volunteers helping veterans during Operation Reveille. Mixon with friend. Little Library, top, and Gaskin, above, creating sculpture. Thumbs Up!