Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/887598
plant where the turbines' hum is loudest. Employees ensured that refreshments were available to runners and visitors. Hydro Journeyman Terry Smith said the day was rewarding. "Anytime we have community activities, our employees are always involved," said Smith. "We wanted to have a great crowd out here, and we were glad to be out here to watch the 5K run." Several members of the Alabama Power Service Organization, the company's charitable arm for employees, helped by handing cold water to runners and supporters. Children were happily occupied with inflatable "bounce" houses and games. Ohatchee and Ragland law enforcement personnel helped oversee the event, as well as Alabama State Troopers and emergency medical technicians. Hydro General Manager Herbie Johnson was pleased with the outcome. "It was a great family event," said Johnson, who ran in the 5K. "It was a nice way for Alabama Power's Hydro community to reach out to their surrounding communities. We are proud that it was a safe event for everyone." SHARING BLESSINGS WITH OTHERS With a cause so dear to her heart, Nowak said she was moved by the support of her co-workers and community. Funds raised through the 5K will help families with ill children provide for medical bills and gasoline cards. "at first year of life, there's so much uncertainty," Nowak said. "We've even attended an OI convention in Indianapolis. We have been so blessed, we want to provide relief and knowledge to other families." Harlan has been fortunate to have been treated by some of the country's top OI specialists, Nowak said. She and her husband, Steve, a survey specialist for Alabama Power's Transmission Survey/Mapping department, have journeyed as far as Nebraska for their son's treatment. Because some families depend on Medicare and Medicaid for their child's healthcare, Nowak said she hopes the run can assist with co-pays and travel expenses. She noted that many families depend on the income of one parent, because the other parent must devote all of his or her time to caring for an OI child. "We plan another event next year, and want to eventually have a 'Dam Series' of runs along the Coosa River System," Nowak said. "It has a lot of potential. We want to help as many people as possible." Casandra Maudsley 13 www.apcshorelines.com