Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/134419
POWER OF GOOD Nearly 1,000 students, teachers go fishing at Oak Mountain Park O n a cul-de-sac near Oak Mountain State Park's fishing pier, the sigh of swinging school bus doors and the jostling of disembarking children signaled the culmination of a year's preparation and anticipation for the 19th Annual Gone Fishin' Not Just Wishin' event May 8-10. Nearly 1,000 students and teachers from Jefferson and Shelby county special needs classrooms eagerly exited to the sight of equally excited – and numerous – volunteers waiting along the pier with baited fishing lines in hand. "This is something our students look forward to all year," said Wanda Westbrook, a retired teacher who helped start the event nearly two decades ago. "Many of these children never get the opportunity to go fishing outside of Gone Fishin.' And because they look forward to it so much, it gives us an opportunity to help build their motor skills in the classroom practicing casting and other fishing skills." As they put their lessons to work, each student is paired with a volunteer – 126 of whom are members of APSO – to help hook and reel in what for many students is their first live fish. "Each year, we see more and more volunteers sign up for Gone Fishin'," said Administrative Assistant Beatrice Rafferty, who along with Survey/Mapping Supervisor Photos by Bill Snow Alabama Power Service Organization volunteers helped students at event. PAGE 4 Brian Horsley recruited and organized the horde of red-shirted APSO members lining the Oak Mountain pier. "Once someone gets out to the event and sees the excitement of these kids catching a fish and the difference it makes, they are usually back year after year." To further stack the deck in favor of the eager anglers, Alabama Power and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) team up each year to stock the Oak Mountain lake with more than 10,000 catfish and largemouth bass. The multiple stockings, as well as handicap-friendly piers and restrooms, fishing tackle donations, arts and crafts and live music, allow the students a special day enjoying the outdoors without limitations. "This event serves hundreds of people who might not otherwise have access to a fishing experience such as this," said ADCNR Commissioner Gunter Guy. "Without the hard work of our volunteers and the support of the sponsors, this event would not be possible. We are very grateful for their help in enriching the lives of these students." By Brandon Glover