POWERGRAMS

16 Most important, they learned about water safety and how to use life jackets while fishing or spending time on the water. Some students watched or touched fish swimming inside a small boat. Energizers Edgar Archie, Bernice Archie, Gene Burke, Sara Callahan, Roger Calvert, Harold Daily, Linda Daily, Calvin Jackson, Tom Killian, Billy Stewart, Vickie Stewart, Grady Smith, Joseph White, Judy Willoughby, Tim Willoughby and Page each spent about four hours helping the children. Callahan, who works two days a week as a customer service representative at the Gardendale Office, loves being active and geing outside. She oen keeps her great-grandchildren on her days off. "I love seeing the expression on the kids' faces when they catch a fish, and they get so excited," said Callahan, who has been a member of Birmingham Energizers since she retired from full-time work in 2002. "The volunteers who help them are just as excited. "The event is so well-planned by the conservation department, the teachers and parents who come," said Callahan, who has been the secretary for Birmingham Energizers for five years. "It's a joy for them." Alabama Power was among the event's 24 sponsors this year. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources stocked the lake with about 3,000 fish, mostly catfish with some bream and bass mixed in. The goal is for every student to catch a fish and have their picture taken. At the end of the day, they take the photo home. The retirees were a huge help, said Kasie McKee, event coordinator and biologist with the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. "The Energizers did a fabulous job," McKee said. "Most of them were either fishing buddies, or they helped repair the rods and reels, and fixed tackle. They were on the front lines with the kids, helping us with the business of keeping rods and reels ready to go. Keeping up with tackle can be a big job. This is my fourth year working in this event, and I bring 160 rods each year. "We have four flights of fishing each day, and we accept 80 kids for each flight," McKee said. "Some of these kids require a lot of assistance. If you've ever been in a fishing derby, there are a lot of hooks flying. Our volunteers keep the kids and volunteers safe. There were no accidents." Callahan said she's gone to the event with Energizers for many years. "Energizers was set up to be a service to the community," she said. "I've had a really good time being in Energizers since I retired." By Donna Cope

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