POWERGRAMS

16 maintaining ties to Alabama Power. "Retirees may be older, but we ain't dead yet," York said with a laugh. "We're still part of Alabama Power. A lot of people feel cut off when they retire. We want to be a part of the company again, and Energizers membership is a good way to do that." York said Energizers have worked thousands of volunteer hours, and she is encouraging members to turn in their volunteer numbers monthly so the organization gets credit. "That helps the company with the public," she said. Energizers leaders are considering how to raise funds and invest in communities. This year, membership dues are $15 per person annually. About $4 of each member's dues is earmarked for the statewide project, which in 2020 will be the Alabama Institute of Deaf and Blind. Supporting Energizers in a big way It's not surprising to many retirees that York is taking the top leadership role. "I took part in a lot of company and community activities over the years," said York, who worked for 30 years in Marketing positions in the Demopolis District before managing the Aliceville and Reform offices. "My first boss required that I attend the monthly safety meetings and I always had a part in any skit that came along," she said. "It was an honor to serve as a Powergrams correspondent for many years." York was a member of the companywide committee of architects and engineers, and represented Western Division in commercial electric cooking while presenting the Safety City program to school and civic groups. York's husband, Mark Thrash, has supported her work and community efforts. For several years, York was a member of Western Division's Safety Council and the couple helped with SafetyFest. She took part in Greene, Marengo, Pickens and Sumter counties' leadership classes, assisting implementation of the programs in Marengo and Greene counties. She was president of the Kiwanis Club of Demopolis and the Marengo County Historical Society, and worked with the Bureau of Prisons to bring the Federal Correctional Institution to Aliceville in 2013. "I have been so fortunate to get to do these things, and to learn from many outstanding leaders in our company and communities," York said. "I want to continue serving Alabama Power. When I'm going down the highway and see our trucks going out to work, I'm still so proud." O'Daniel, Franklin and York discuss 2020 plans. O'Daniel, York and Franklin

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