POWERGRAMS

19 With the COVID-19 pandemic, staying connected is more important than ever. Social distancing has become a new way of life, and Marvin Salter is doing his best to overcome those constraints. As president of the Southern Division Chapter of Energizers, Salter has decided the novel coronavirus won't keep him from reaching out to his friends in Alabama Power's retiree service organization. "I wanted our members to be in the information loop," said Salter, an Energizers member for six years. "A lot of people struggle with the technical side, but I worked in IT." A self-described "telecommunications-type of guy," Salter said that in Information Technology he had to fi gure out how to make things work. He's using that attitude to try to keep his 120 fellow members part of a cohesive group. Salter is emailing company news to members, including COVID-19 status updates from Southern Company President Tom Fanning and Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite. "This need to shelter in place has changed the game for everyone," Salter said. He occasionally emails the link for Covid-19 confi rmed cases in Alabama, allowing members to check for coronavirus cases in their area and see the state's current status. "We don't see each other that much, but I try to keep everyone informed about what's going on with the company," he said. "We reach out about twice a week with something or another. I've called and checked on people, and they've checked on me." Salter put his computer savvy to use by helping the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) reach out to Southern Division area retirees to see if anyone needs help. He provided contact information and access to the Energizers email distribution list for the Southern Division Chapter, and built an email distribution list of Clanton Energizers for APSO's use. One of Salter's biggest regrets about the pandemic is not being able to see his Energizers friends. For the past fi ve years, Southern Chapter members have met at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery. They indulge in conversation and get news about each other's families. "We like to keep up with each other," Salter said. "We have great guest speakers while enjoying the lunch buffet. We've got one guy who is 97 and still comes to the meetings. We feel that if we're able to have meetings later this year, we'll be able to have our auction. "Our June meeting would have been our spring auction fundraiser," he said. That's the chapter's major fundraiser for the year, and all the money that is raised goes to charities. With many Energizers aged 65 and up, most are taking protective measures for their health. "It's hard to plan when you don't know what the future holds," Salter said. "We want to take care of ourselves, but we also want to keep doing what's important to us. As Energizers, we care about our community." Salter worked for Alabama Power and Southern Company for nearly 42 years. He got his start at Alabama Power in 1972 in Communications, installing analog microwave systems and remote communications circuits at substations, electric generating plants, crew headquarters and business offi ces. The department was renamed Information Resources in the early 1990s. In 1995, Salter was transferred to SCS IT, where he worked for the remainder of his career. Energizers Coordinator Don Franklin appreciates Salter's dedication. "I can send Marvin an email at 9 a.m., and by 9:15 he's communicated the information to members," said Franklin, communications specialist in Community Initiatives. "He's a good communications person, and he has been very benefi cial to his membership. He sends out volunteer opportunities to get things done." Salter is ready for life to return to normal. He has caught up on his yardwork and projects around the house, and "is itching to visit" with his Energizers friends. "We're in a wait-and-see mode right now," Salter said, "but we'll be back busy when we can." SALTER SAYS STAYING IN TOUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER By Donna Cope The couple enjoy traveling and other Energizers activities. Marvin Salter and his wife, Jane, enjoyed a trip to the Canadian Rockies with the Energizers travel group. ENERGIZERS To visit the Covid-19 map, scan this code with your smartphone.

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