POWERGRAMS

14 and Erika Parker, with nine other Magic City members, read to children at Pleasant Grove Elementary School on March 7. "By taking part in this worthy cause, APSO members become stakeholders in creating a support system that empowers and encourages students through literacy," said West Jefferson Office Manager Bailey. It was a wonderful experience for Garrett, who read five books. "The children were excited to hear the stories and making comments on the stories themselves," said Garrett, who began her Alabama Power career in 1994. "Initially, I was going to several classrooms, but the kids in the first class didn't want me to leave. They kept handing me books, so I only stayed in one classroom. "They were interacting with me as I read the books, which is what I loved," said Customer Service Representative Garrett. "I would love to do it all over again." Gaston APSO volunteers made props – using a large, red box with the warning "Danger: Live Things" – during their Feb. 26 to March 2 readings. "Twenty Gorgas volunteers read to 12 area schools, to hundreds and hundreds of kids," said Gaston Chemical Technician Jodi Webb. "Jemison Elementary had over 600 kids in three grades. Volunteers donned red onesies to become Thing 1 and Thing 2, much to the children's delight. I am just really proud of how our group came together for this project in the midst of also doing our jobs." Several Gaston APSO members read during 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. shifts at A.H. Watwood Elementary, Childersburg; Childersburg Elementary; Cornerstone Christian Elementary and Elvin Hill Elementary, Columbiana; Coosa Valley Academy, Harpersville; Fayetteville Elementary, Sylacauga; Forest Oaks Elementary, Chelsea; Jemison Elementary; Thorsby Elementary; Sycamore Elementary, Alpine; and Vincent Elementary. Eastern APSO members read to nine kindergarten classes in Pell City, including Coosa Valley Elementary, Eden Elementary, Iola Roberts Elementary and Walter M. Kennedy Elementary. Tracy Dismukes was among Southeast/Farley APSO members who read to three kindergarten classes at Cottonwood Elementary. "We all met in the library," said Ashford Business Office Supervisor Dismukes, who read "Go, Dog, Go" and "The Foot Book" to kids. "They were well-behaved." Dismukes repeated the 30-minute sessions at Ashford Elementary School, where APSO volunteers read to four first-grade classes. Southeast/Farley members also read at Lakewood and Meadowlane Elementary schools in Phenix City, Oliver Elementary School in Seale and Glenwood Elementary School in Smith Station. "It's been awhile since I've read aloud, and by the second book, you need some water. You can get tongue-tied," she said, with a chuckle. "I just enjoy working with the little kids," said Dismukes, a Southeast APSO member for 25 years. "They all have to hug you, and were so sweet." More than 80 APSO volunteers read classic Dr. Seuss rhyming tales and other books: • "A Kiss For Lile Bear" by Else Holmelund Minarik • "Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey" by Herman Parish • "Dixie Loves School Pet Day" by Grace Gilman • "Go, Dog, Go" by P.D. Eastman • "Pete the Cat - Pete's BIG Lunch" and "Pete the Cat - Pete at the Beach" by James Dean • "Fox in Socks," "Green Eggs and Ham," "Hop on Pop," "One Fish, Two Fish," "The Cat in the Hat" and "The Foot Book" by Dr. Seuss. APSO's popular reading selections Richard Tubbs PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER JONES Gaston APSO members read at Coosa Valley Academy. PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER JONES

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