SHORELINES

Children's Harbor E.C. Gaston Bass Tournament Since 1990, Children's Harbor has The cold fall morning doesn't bother been connecting children who have Justin Bailey, president of the E.C. long-term serious illnesses and their Gaston Chapter of the Alabama Power families with camping and adventure Service Organization (APSO), as he services at its campus on Lake Martin. helps set up the organization's sixth During the holidays, Children's Harbor annual bass tournament on Lay Lake. continues to connect people through its The E.C. Gaston Steam Plant mechanic one-of-a-kind Christmas card sale. looks forward to this event each year. Each year, the group selects art "We host a bass tournament each from local artists that carries the spirit year, and it's always a good turnout of Christmas to be featured on the from the community," Bailey says. cards. Cards are sold in packs of 10 for $15 and have been a holiday tradition Proceeds from the bass tournament are used for the chapter's annual for 15 years. Each card is personalized Home for the and informs recipients that a donation has been made to Children's Harbor in Holidays their honor. L a k e residen t s gi v e b ack , sh a re t he spiri t of t he se a s on card sales generate about $15,000 This year's card features art by Birmingham artist Lee Wilson. The annually and help support the programs and camps hosted at Children's Harbor It's the best time of the year with holiday lights aglow, festive get- throughout the year. "It's a special way for us here at togethers and time spent with loved Children's Harbor to tell our story Christmas Wish project, where ones. It is also a time for giving, and by sharing the age-old tradition of volunteers raise money to shop for lake communities are no exception. sending greetings to friends and needy children in the community. From charity bass tournaments to family through Christmas cards," holiday card sales and community says Tammy Williams, community the area get to have a Christmas," says events, lake residents across the state relations director. Karen White, an APSO member and are giving back and sharing the spirit of the season. For more information on Children's Harbor, visit www.childrensharbor.com. "It's important to us that children in project coordinator for the tournament. This year, the chapter is shopping Above left: Photo by Joe DeScoise — The lighthouse at Children's Harbor on Lake Martin is decorated for the holidays. Above right: File photo by Chris Jones — Tabitha Lemonds, a volunteer from the E.C. Gaston Chapter of APSO, shops for Christmas presents for children in need. 18 S hor el i ne s | 2013 Vol:4

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