POWERGRAMS

4 When it comes to children, members of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) have one aim: to pour good things into young lives. As the new school year begins, APSO members are working to help children and schools – benefitting thousands of young people across the state. APSO is uplifting kids in myriad ways: Those in underserved areas are receiving new school supplies; children are being provided with take-home meals for after school and the weekend; playgrounds and school areas are clean and beautified; an outdoor classroom and gardens are revitalized; and members are helping food banks supply food to needy families. Alabama Power employees cap off this good work by mentoring children. APSO members made concerted efforts to make this year special. Will Freeman, Power Delivery (PD) Distribution Specialist - Anniston, and the Eastern Division APSO team added a new, heartwarming feature at Cleburne County Elementary School – a "Buddy Bench." Freeman and PD Engineering Supervisor Michael Barber built the bench, spending about six hours after work, over three days. "Our APSO volunteers had an amazing time building and unveiling the new Buddy Bench, a special spot where kids can sit, chat and spark new friendships," Freeman said. "Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter was pure joy." Many APSO chapters shopped for school supplies for underserved youngsters. Magic City APSO supported Bessemer-area scholars at the inaugural Acts of Service for the Community event at Abrams Elementary, where employees gave children new mesh backpacks and other supplies. Eastern APSO volunteers helped needy Talladega-area youngsters in the 2 MEE Backpack Giveaway, packing more than 600 backpacks in 4.5 hours. Keisha Russaw and the Southeast/Farley APSO board packaged supplies and distributed them to Midland City and Webb Elementary schools, along with Barbour County schools. Six members of Magic City APSO's Shelby County subchapter spent a Saturday morning packaging food and loading boxes into clients' vehicles at Manna Ministries food pantry in Alabaster. Eastern APSO held a Backpack Buddies drive Aug. 8-Sept. 19, with employees donating easy-to-eat foods for kids. Making a difference on the coast Mobile APSO helped several local groups and gathered school supplies donated by division office employees for LeFlore Magnet High School. Members bought supplies for a Clark County special needs class and delivered items for the hygiene closet at LeFlore High School - Mobile County Public School System. Mobile APSO volunteers hosted the Southwest Mobile Chamber of Commerce Kids Day, handing out free backpacks, supplies and uniforms to kids. In August, Barry APSO members enhanced and refreshed the garden and outdoor classroom at Lee Elementary School in Satsuma. Barry volunteers added a splash of color to McIntosh High School in Mobile and cleaned the school grounds. Southeast/Farley members built new raised garden beds at Beaulah Elementary School in Valley. Barry APSO members shopped for school supplies for children in foster care and adoptive families sponsored through Fostering Together Gulf Coast. The nonprofit's Executive Director Rachel Webb said the supplies went to 400 grateful attendees of their Back to School Bash. "The donations of Alabama Power and the APSO group touch so many lives and so many children, and we truly could not do it without their partnership," Webb said, noting that Barry APSO volunteers always come through during holidays. "They help us in so many ways. That has been really special. We love having them there." By Donna Cope COMMUNITY SERVICE Back to school is better with help from APSO An exhilarating ride through the Southern Rockies and heady competition spur many people to compete in the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race. Steve Hicks has that competitive spirit. In August, Hicks joined about 1,000 competitors in the 105-mile ride, one of few who won the coveted 10-year buckle. Starting at 10,151 feet in Leadville, Colorado, cyclists climb to 12,500 feet, then descend back into the town. Riders who finish under 12 hours receive a handmade silver and gold belt buckle emblazoned with "The race across the sky;" those under 9 hours get a larger buckle. Hicks' '1,000-mile' buckle is nearly iPad size. "The elevation makes it a totally different ballgame," said Hicks, fire safety coordinator – Southern Company Generation. "You just about have to live up there to get the bigger buckle. Somebody coming from the South, which is at sea level, it's very hard to do. When you get up to the highest point, the oxygen gets slim." On the climb, cyclists traverse two big mountains, up to the very top. Riders come down the same way, so there are two big climbs on the way back. Hicks arrived four days early to acclimate and train on his specialized Epic full-suspension bike. "That was my 10th time, and I've been out there as early as seven days in advance, and as few as two days in advance," Hicks said. "Getting out there a week early, versus two days, I couldn't tell a difference." He stays in racing shape by training nearly year-round with a cycling group. A few months before the race, he begins structured training, mostly at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. "Oak Mountain is a hidden jewel," Hicks said. "A lot of people don't realize it, but it's a mountain-bike mecca." The Leadville Trail race isn't for the faint of heart. Hicks brings great physical endurance, courage and calm. During his 10th trek, after a grueling 52 miles and near elevation 12,500, a group was descending. Many riders get dizzy from a lack of oxygen, and he saw a cyclist crash. "There are usually people at the top that are having to get some medical support," Hicks said. "That's pretty common, because there are wrecks, especially on the section descending. So, if you're dizzy up there, asking for medical support, you're 'DNF' – did not finish. Once someone has to get that support, they're out of the race – you can't get back in." A retired paramedic for Vestavia Hills Fire Department, Hicks stayed with the downed rider for 20 minutes, until medical personnel arrived. He finished in 11 hours, earning the coveted 10th Leadville race buckle, well-known among competitive riders. He's well-satisfied with finishing 1,000 miles. "People say, 'I know what that belt buckle is' when they see it," Hicks said, with a smile. By Donna Cope Steve Hicks takes '1,000-mile' buckle in Leadville Trail race, helps injured rider Hicks is thrilled to have his '1,000-mile' buckle. (contributed) Magic City APSO's Acts of Service for the Community was a hit. (contributed) Barry APSO helped Fostering Together Gulf Coast. (contributed) Southeast/Farley APSO members packaged and delivered supplies to schools. (contributed)

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