POWERGRAMS

7 APSO T here is perhaps no higher calling than to give of oneself – time, talents and energy – to help the community and people in need. That is the aim of members of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO), whose chapter leaders met in February to establish 2019 goals. Last year, APSO's 6,200 members volunteered about 40,000 hours to fortify the places where they live, strengthening families, building Habitat homes for the needy, supporting schools and charitable organizations, feeding the homeless and helping the state's underserved. APSO's 10 chapters touched 245 nonprofit organizations. APSO members in 2019 pledged to take part in statewide projects for Backpack Buddies, Good Roots, Let's Can Hunger, Lile Free Library, Meals on Wheels, Support Our Troops, American Cancer Society Relay for Life and many other worthy efforts. EASTERN KICKS OFF YEAR WITH SENSORY ROOM PROJECT There was rejoicing at John Jones Elementary School in Rainbow City as Eastern Division APSO members completed a sensory room for autistic and special needs students. "We are so excited, because we could have never afforded this on our own," said Principal Tanya Clark. "We have a large special needs population to begin with. We have about 80 students with autism and sensory issues who will use this room." The area will be open to the school's six special education teachers and their students. On Jan. 17-18, Eastern APSO President Varnestra Jones, with president-elect Casandra Maudsley, helped bring the sensory room to life. Maudsley, who received Eastern Chapter's Volunteer of the Year award at APSO's state conference, researched the items needed to create the special space. Jones said the chapter invested about $1,500 in the equipment, which members bought through many fundraising projects. Eastern APSO supplied two ceiling-to-floor swings, gel floor tiles that "move" with children's steps, beanbag chairs, a calming-light projector, a VOLUNTEERS VOWING TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES by Donna Cope Eastern APSO's Maudsley (left) and Jones created a sensory room at Jones Elementary School. Mobile APSO's Robbie Riddick (right) and Jason Kudulis, Monitoring and Science coordinator – Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, install downspouts.

• Cover