Summer 2012

In This Issue

Curtis Harrison takes the cake 2

Energizer leaders in action 3

Simmons says: ‘Just do it’ 5

Mary Jo Hrabe earns honors in Mobile 6

ET: Phone Bob Hawkins 7

Having fun, making a difference 8

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Energizers want to save a life, and it could be that of your loved one.

“Our goal is to help the State Troopers put a Lifesavers bracelet on everyone in Alabama who needs one,” said Energizers State President Bob O’Daniel. Through the use of a specially programmed Project Lifesaver bracelet with a trackable radio signal, a search party can find a lost Alzheimer’s victim within 15 to 30 minutes after the disappearance.

Members take aim to helpDuring their Leadership Workshop

on May 21-23, representatives for the membership of 11 Energizers chapters cemented fundraising plans to encourage each group to provide bracelets to at least three needy recipients. O’Daniel hopes each of the 11 chapters will donate three bracelets at $300 each.

“We hope the Energizers will be able to donate at least $10,000 to Project Lifesaver,” O’Daniel said.

It all started with O’Daniel’s helicopter flight in Montgomery with the Project Lifesaver team. On March 12, Alabama State Trooper Aviation Unit Cpl. Kent Smith, with fellow pilot Lee Hamilton and a rescue team, proved the efficiency of Project Lifesaver. Launching the helicopter, they searched out their target – an Alabama State Trooper – 10 miles away under a bamboo canopy. The pilots tracked the “ping” – a programmed signal constantly emitted by the trooper’s Project Lifesaver bracelet.

“It was amazing how fast we found the guy,” O’Daniel said. “I was sold. I

$10,000 goal set for LifesaversProject Lifesaver rescues a lost Alzheimer’s victim.By May 2012, Energizers members’ private gifts to the program totaled $2,100.

O’Daniel (seated) and Corporal Smith prepare for takeoff.

Inside Generationfrom Vice President and Senior Production Officer Ted McCullough

At the retiree luncheons last year, many of you expressed interest and concern about the future

of our coal-fired generating plants. As you know, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a series of regulations that could have a significant impact on our fleet and stress the price of electricity in our state.

Although the EPA finalized one new rule in February – the Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (or MATS) – the future of several other environmental proposals remains unclear. As such, we face a difficult challenge – transitioning our fleet to meet current regulations when we’re not sure what the future requirements will be.

See "goal" on page 6

See "Generation" on page 6

Ted McCullough

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It may seem unusual that a retired Alabama Power crew foreman like Curtis Harrison would spend his free

time in the kitchen. But in the past three years, Harrison has baked more than 1,600 pound cakes – all for a worthy cause.

“It may sound crazy. But when it’s cold or rainy or too hot, I’d rather be in the kitchen cooking,” said the 37-year veteran of Alabama Power, who donates all the money he receives from selling pound cakes to the American Cancer Society.

From crew foreman to bakerHarrison got the idea after baking a

pound cake for a friend’s mother who was suffering from cancer. He used a special recipe handed down from his dad Lewis. The friend's family bragged about the cake and urged him to begin selling his baked creations.

Harrison now bakes up to four or five cakes a week and has raised $32,000 for the cancer society since 2009. Every one of the cakes, he said, was made in memory of his dad, whose life was claimed by the disease in 1992.

Pound cake promoterHarrison began by promoting pound

cake sales at local businesses in his hometown of Lineville and nearby Ashland. He has sold cakes as far away as Tennessee, Texas, Ohio and Afghanistan.

“The first year I pushed it hard. Since then, the word has gotten out, and people call me,” he said.

Although Harrison sells cakes all year, his busiest season is Thanksgiving and Christmas. But he still visits area businesses in January to encourage employees to buy his cakes just in time for the cancer society’s local Relay for Life in the spring.

Along with the traditional pound cake, he has made a variety of others, including chocolate, lemon, strawberry, apple, banana nut, pecan and even onion. Although he didn’t intend to sell the onion pound cake, Harrison said it tasted “pretty good.”

“I tell people, dogs will not eat these pound cakes. That’s because when you taste it, you’re not going to give it to the dogs,” said Harrison.

Giving to improve livesIn addition to baking pound cakes,

Harrison has donated several items as prizes for Relay for Life raffles for the past three years – a television, $1,000 and a painting of an old ferry that traveled across the Tallapoosa River between Lineville and Wedowee.

Harrison was recently the recipient of $600 as part of WBRC FOX6 TV news’ “Pass 6 On.” Dianne Stewart, of Lineville, first received the cash from Pass 6 On and then gave it to Harrison, who donated it to the American Cancer Society.

Pass 6 On is a weekly news feature in which a person is selected to receive $600 to give away. That individual has one hour to pass the cash on to help someone in need, or someone who has done a good turn or simply needs encouragement to help them through a rough spot.

Harrison will never tire of baking pound cakes as long as the cancer society continues conducting research into the causes and cures for the disease.

“I’ve lived my life. But if the cancer society can find a cure for cancer before my kids or grandkids or anybody else develops it, that’s my drive for making pound cakes,” Harrison said. “I encourage everyone to get involved with Relay for Life because all of us have been touched by cancer.”

By Carla Davis

Curtis Harrison pounds away at cancer with $32,000 gift

A staunch supporter of the American Cancer Society, Harrison encourages participation in Relays for Life.

Date Chapter Location

Thursday, Sept. 13 Jasper Community Health Systems Activity Center

Wednesday, Sept. 19 Southern RSA Activity Center

Wednesday, Sept. 26 Eastern Anniston City Meeting Center

Tuesday, Oct. 2 Mobile Mobile Convention Center

Monday, Oct. 29 B'ham/Corp./E.C. Gaston Cahaba Grand

Tuesday, Nov. 6 Southeast Lakepoint Resort

Wednesday, Nov. 14 Western Indian Hills Country Club

2012 Retiree Luncheons

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To obtain success, it’s often necessary to take time to refresh, reflect and make new plans.

That was the goal of the 50 Energizers attending the annual Leadership Workshop May 21-23 at the Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel and Conference Center.

The meeting centered on “taking information from the company they can take back to their chapter,” said Energizers State President Bob O’Daniel. In his eighth year of leadership, O’Daniel said, “This meeting has rejuvenated me. I spend my free time doing Energizers, and when I’m not doing, I’m thinking about Energizers. I think all of us should take a lot of pride in what we do.”

With the purpose of training, informing and preparing 54 incoming officers – many of whom are new to their Energizer board roles – members and their spouses learned about issues and challenges faced by the 11 Energizers chapters, as well as workable solutions to problems. Team members enjoyed plenty of fellowship and hours of conversation about their chapters’ work, as well as brainstorming sessions about how to increase membership and volunteerism. Chapter leaders reported on their volunteer projects, service hours and charitable gifts.

Alabama Power thanks Energizers for serving

Alabama Power Vice President Leigh Perry thanked the Energizers for their continued service. “You provide an immeasurable gift as you serve our communities and serve our state, and you often provide the assistance that communities are unable to get anywhere else,” Perry said.

Southern Division Vice President Leslie Sanders also welcomed the Energizers.

“Throughout the years, Alabama Power’s purpose has remained constant: to provide safe, reliable electricity to the people of our state,” said Sanders, who also shared recent polling data. “You steeped our company in the traditions we have. Our retirees have left us with a great legacy to follow.”

Jimmy Sanford, an Alabama Power board member since 1983, thanked Energizers for their gifts of service to communities. “You are the soul of Alabama Power – you made the choices that brought the company to the heights it achieved,” Sanford said.

Gordon Martin, Alabama Power senior vice president and general counsel, provided a high-level overview about Southern Company’s business.

“You laid a great foundation for the growth of Alabama Power,” Martin said.

“It’s the people of Alabama Power and Southern Company that make it tick.”

Martin discussed changes in fuel sources, noting that natural gas, because of its low price, has displaced coal as the fuel choice on many units. As power needs of the

“Super Southeast” loom large, Southern Company leads the quest to revive nuclear energy in the U.S. with a $14 billion construction project for Vogtle nuclear units 3 and 4 in Waynesboro, Ga., which will make 1,100 megawatts.“We continue to keep customers at the

center of what we do,” Martin said. That commitment – and low electric prices – continues to attract new industry to Alabama.

Efforts from the heartBrenda Blanton, 2012 president of the

Alabama Power Service Organization, urged Energizers to partner with local

APSO chapters. Blanton, who hopes to one day be an Energizer, said, “When you do it from the heart, and you know what you’ve done, it’s a great feeling.”

During a training session, Chuck Hrabe, Mobile Division Chapter president and state Energizers president-elect, said,

“Alabama Power is what we have focused on – it’s our life. You don’t have to tell people if you’re a leader – they recognize it, or they don’t.”

Hrabe’s wife, Mary Jo, state secretary and Mobile chapter secretary, gave

new members instruction about serving as chapter secretary. “Every chapter is different,” she said.

At the Energizers board meeting, State Treasurer Neil Sanders outlined federal rules for contributions to selected charities. O’Daniel urged chapter leaders:

“Keep a workable amount and pay the bills. Except for operating funds, this money should be in a charity, doing good for the public.”

The next Energizers board meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Clanton Conference Center.

By Donna CoPe

Leadership Conference

Sam Booker Award Committee Bob O’Daniel selected members of the Sam Booker Award Committee, to include Mike Blankenship as chairman, with Tom Garlington and Harold Wortham. The Nomination Committee includes Frank Chandler, John Mills and Buford Lee. Nominations must be sent to Charitable Giving Consultant Don Franklin by Sept. 1.

Seen and Heard at Leadership Workshops

“Show initiative – that pops up and grabs you. Value the people you work with.” – Chuck Hrabe, state president-elect, Mobile Division Chapter president, member since 1992

“We know it’s a different company, with the retirees that now go out. Our retirees work pretty hard. It’s important to get on the phone and maintain contact with them.” – Mary Jo Hrabe, state secretary, Mobile secretary/reporter and Mobile Division member since 1996

“This meeting gave a lot of good ideas about how to motivate our members. We’ve got members who volunteer but don’t give us their numbers. I want to stress to them it helps our charities when they do this.”

– Gloria Lowery, Southern Division treasurer, seven-year board member

“The general cooperation within Energizers was good to see. I gave 2,001 volunteer hours to Regional Hospital at Anniston, and I enjoyed every minute.” – Anna Newell, secretary/reporter, Eastern Division Chapter, 19-year board member

“This was my first board meeting, and I learned a lot about the legal and technical stuff. There’s a lot to being in leadership, you need to know the background work.” – Lona Faye Bows, president-elect, Eastern Division Chapter.

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A time to ‘recharge, refresh Energizers batteries’

Chapter Awards

At the Energizers board meeting, leaders voted to award four, $1,000 gifts to high-achieving chapters.

• Birmingham Division won both awards for the large chapters for highest percentage increase in membership and volunteer hours.

• Gadsden: Won small chapter award for highest percentage membership increase

• Eastern Division: Won small chapter award for highest increase in volunteer hours.

Energizers leaders enjoyed catching up over a friendly game.

O’Daniel presides over first 2012 board meeting.

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2012 Alabama Power Energizers Chapter LeadershipCHAPTER/OFFICE ................................................ NAME ...............................................PHONE NUMBER(S)/EMAILSTATEPresident ...................................................................................... Bob O’Daniel .................................................334-541-4965 / 334-315-2538 (cell) / twhorsin@windstream.netPresident-elect ............................................................................ Chuck Hrabe .................................................251-344-9935 / cfhrabe@bellsouth.netSecretary ...................................................................................... Mary Jo Hrabe ...............................................251-344-9935 / cfhrabe@bellsouth.netTreasurer ...................................................................................... Neil Sanders ..................................................205-681-8637 / 205-902-9280 (cell) / mebeeneil@aol.comMember at large ....................................................................... Gloria Lowery ...............................................334-514-0852 / hrule@elmore.rr.comMember at large ....................................................................... Tom McKenzie ..............................................256-442-6330 / tommck14@bellsouth.netMember at large ....................................................................... John Mills .......................................................334-687-9669 / millsjc@bellsouth.netMember at large ....................................................................... John Taylor.....................................................205-595-7796 / 205-283-3942 (cell) / Jtaylo33@bellsouth.netBIRMINGHAM DIVISIONPresident ...................................................................................... Joe White ........................................................205-467-7589 / 205-936-3110 (cell) / horselover2w@windstream.netPresident-electCorr. Sec./Reporter .................................................................... Sara Callahan ................................................205-786-7651 / callsara2004@yahoo.com Recording Secretary ................................................................... Marrene Wilson .............................................205-669-3206 / marrenewilson@bellsouth.netTreasurer ...................................................................................... Judy Dill .........................................................205-991-5565CHILTON COUNTYPresident ...................................................................................... Gordon Smelley ............................................205-755-6145 / smelleyg@bellsouth.netPresident-elect ............................................................................ Mike Blankenship .........................................205-755-2777 / mwatt1940@bellsouth.net Secretary/Reporter .................................................................... Bo Blankenship .............................................205-755-2777 / mwatt1940@bellsouth.netTreasurer ...................................................................................... Elaine Williams .............................................205-755-1213 / ejew1937@gmail.com CORPORATEPresident ...................................................................................... Bill Hanks ......................................................205-942-1323 / 205-482-6715 (cell) / blueeyepapa@charter.netPresident-elect ............................................................................ Glenda Taylor ................................................205-467-6482 / 205-913-7729 (cell) / gbtaylor@windstream.net Secretary/Reporter .................................................................... Barbara Johnson ............................................205-565-7340 / 205-527-8701 / nonnie8701@yahoo.com Treasurer ...................................................................................... Bill Doyle .......................................................205-987-2212 / 205-936-9326 (cell) / Doylesgm@aol.comEASTERN DIVISIONPresident ...................................................................................... Bruce Baker ....................................................256-835-1697 / doodlebug10535@yahoo.com President-elect ............................................................................ Sydney Long..................................................256-435-4235Secretary/Reporter .................................................................... Anna Lillian Newell .....................................256-463-2565Treasurer ...................................................................................... Fred Self .........................................................256-236-1277E.C. GASTONPresident ...................................................................................... Dennis Turner ...............................................205-670-9371 / 205-482-3416 (cell) / catsaplentyrus@aol.comPresident-elect ............................................................................ Bill Weldon ....................................................205-678-6588 / waterboy27@bellsouth.netSecretary/Reporter .................................................................... Gene Duffey ..................................................205-669-7708 / jeanie1551@aol.com Treasurer ...................................................................................... Kathryn Carey ...............................................205-669-7860GADSDENPresident ...................................................................................... Buford Lee .....................................................256-546-7454 / 256-563-0160 (cell) / mustangsally66@att.net President-elect ............................................................................ Milton Lowe ..................................................256-492-5601 / 256-504-5601 (cell) / Miltonlowe44@bellsouth.net Secretary ...................................................................................... Alva Johnson .................................................256-494-9566Treasurer ...................................................................................... Betty Barksdale .............................................256-538-8738Reporter ....................................................................................... Tom McKenzie ..............................................256-442-6330 / tommck14@bellsouth.netJASPERPresident ...................................................................................... Guy Robbins ..................................................205-884-3745 / 205-384-8674 (cell) / gwrobbin@bellsouth.net President-elect ............................................................................ Douglas Booth ...............................................205-221-2288 / 205-302-4593 (cell) / Boothjasper@aol.comSecretary ...................................................................................... Lynn Cooner ..................................................205-387-9844Treasurer ...................................................................................... Jackie Simmons .............................................205-384-6549 / jackiesimm@bellsouth.netReporter ....................................................................................... Sarah McElrath..............................................205-221-3296 / akasam@charter.netMOBILE DIVISIONPresident ...................................................................................... Chuck Hrabe .................................................251-344-9935 / cfhrabe@bellsouth.netPresident-elect ............................................................................ Joe Hall ...........................................................251-452-9892 / 251-327-7035 (cell) / joseph3705@att.net Secretary/Reporter .................................................................... Mary Jo Hrabe ...............................................251-344-9935 / cfhrabe@bellsouth.netTreasurer ...................................................................................... Joyce Martin ..................................................251-675-8110SOUTHEAST DIVISIONPresident ...................................................................................... George Simpkins...........................................334-687-5032 / 334-695-0912President-elect ............................................................................ Ken Lane ........................................................334-618-3943 / wklane@yahoo.com Secretary ...................................................................................... Gloria Wills ....................................................334-687-4751 / grump33@att.net Treasurer ...................................................................................... Dan Farmer ....................................................334-687-6450 / d_pf@bellsouth.net SOUTHERN DIVISIONPresident ...................................................................................... John Johnson .................................................334-365-5005 / johngrim@knology.netPresident-elect ............................................................................ Tom Garlington .............................................334-244-0534 /334-300-5002 (cell) / tgarlington@charter.net Secretary ...................................................................................... Kathy Johnson ...............................................334-365-5005 / johngrim@knology.netTreasurer ...................................................................................... Gloria Lowery ...............................................334-514-0852 / hrule@elmore.rr.comReporter ....................................................................................... John Merrick ..................................................334-365-3852 / jsc124@charter.net WESTERN DIVISIONPresident ...................................................................................... Frank Chandler .............................................205-333-0614 / 205-361-3132 (cell) / fchandler@ge-andes.comPresident-elect ............................................................................ J.G. Brazil ......................................................205-758-4032 / 205-657-3672 (cell) / j.g.brazil@comcast.net Secretary/Reporter .................................................................... Corene Rogers ...............................................205-333-5944Treasurer ...................................................................................... Bob Prince ......................................................205-345-1588 / rprince990@comcast.net.

The Energizers started 2012 with the “ultimate road trip through Europe,”

according to Travel Organizer Horace Waugh. Waugh led 26 Energizers on their

European riverboat trip through the canals and waterways of Holland and Belgium, a 12-day journey that began March 31.

“We started our trip in Amsterdam, touring the city by canal boat,” Waugh said. “Our riverboat traveled to Enkhuizen, where we were treated to a home-hosted visit with a Dutch family. We shared coffee and treats, along with friendly conversation. Then we visited the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the world’s largest flower market. We were able to observe the sale and handling of thousands of flowers before they were prepared for shipping throughout the world.”

More horticultural delights came during the group’s visit to Floriade, an

exposition held once every 10 years. “We saw Keukenhof Flower Park, which was in full bloom with every color imaginable throughout the 75-acre park,” Waugh said. The excursion ended with a tour of the port

city of Antwerp before the group’s flight home from Brussels.

On Sept. 28, Energizers will take a 13-day trip to Spain’s Costa Del Sol – the Coast of the Sun – in the southern part of the country and the Portuguese Riviera. Energizers will sojourn two days in Madrid before boarding a high-speed train for three days in Costa Del Sol and traveling on to Seville, the burial place of

Christopher Columbus. Energizers will spend the final four days of the tour on the sunny Portuguese Riviera, the perfect respite before returning home.

On Oct. 14, Energizers travel to Vancouver for the “Canadian Rockies by Train” trip. “This is a glorious 10-day trip that will highlight tours of Victoria and Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island before we board the train for the Rockies,” Waugh said. Energizers will visit the glacial ice fields enroute to Lake Louise, one of the most picturesque areas of North America. The trip ends in Calgary.

On the road again with Energizers

Energizers at the tulip fields of Keukenhof Gardens.

Happiness – along with exercise and a healthy diet – does a body good. Newlyweds Jackie Simmons and Charles Gilliland are living proof.

The couple, both members of the Jasper Energizers, recently found love, health and happiness together. Simmons’ and Gilliland’s families had been friendly for many years, attending First Baptist Church in Jasper. Gilliland and Richard Simmons, Jackie’s deceased husband, even worked on the same Alabama Power line crew for a time.

During the past two and a half years, Simmons and Gilliland faced the loss of their spouses after extended illness. It was church that provided solace during their grieving, and also the place where their longtime friendship grew into love. On Saturday, Feb. 18, the couple were married at home in Jasper.

Today, new joy radiates from Simmons’smooth face, and her 81 years belie her slim-and-trim figure. At 86, Gilliland hums all the time.

“When I’m happy, I hum,” said Gilliland, who sings in his church choir. “Being by yourself is no fun.” He had been depressed after the death of his wife, Lora. Gilliland’s daughter has seen his uplifted mood, and recently told Simmons, “I just want to thank you for making my daddy happy.”

Getting healthy

With their new life ahead, Simmons wants to make sure they are healthy and able to enjoy activities together. She has always eaten healthily, made time to walk and keeps her weight at 118 to 120 pounds. After her husband passed away, Simmons knew she’d need to

take on more of the heavy lifting at home. She decided to "get with the program" and dedicate herself to exercising.

“I knew there were lots of things I didn’t have the physical strength to do,” Simmons said.

Enter Cynthia Meadows, personal trainer at Solid Image Gym in Jasper. Since 2009, Meadows has put Simmons – and now, Gilliland – through workouts three days a week. Two years ago, Simmons could bench press 50 pounds with her legs. But, building strength over time, she now lifts 240 pounds.

The couple’s strenuous workouts astonish other club members. “We’re the oldest members,” Simmons said. “People are

amazed at what we do. They say, ‘I am not believing that.’” “The first day, I work my legs,” Simmons said. “The next

session, it’s my chest and shoulders. At the last session, I work my back. Charles and I do three sets, 15 repetitions for each set.”

Reaping the rewards The exercise paid off: Simmons can

work several hours in her large, carefully manicured yard. She constantly bends and pulls weeds without hurting her back or feeling sore.

Gilliland also sees the rewards. “It makes me feel good, and gives me a good appetite,” he said. “My health has gotten better.”

In his first month of marriage, Gilliland lost 5 pounds. After four months, the combination of improved

diet and exercise rendered the biggest benefit: Gilliland no longer requires medicine for high blood pressure or diabetes. When he was first diagnosed with diabetes, Gilliland’s blood sugar had rocketed above 400 – four times the normal level.

“I feel better now than I’ve felt in 15 years,” he said. “I’d get up in the morning and stagger, I was on so much medicine. I really feel the difference now I’m not on it.”

Gilliland is proud of his whittled waistline. “I’ve lost weight around my middle,” Gilliland said. “I’m

down two notches on my belt – that’s about 1 inch for each notch.”

Love is in the air This newly united

couple believes their relationship was destined to be. Simmons and Gilliland enjoy spending time together – even if it’s doing yard work. With birthdays one day apart – his is Nov. 24, hers is Nov. 25 – the annual celebration is another special connection between them.

“I always said I’d never marry again,” Gilliland said. “The good Lord put us together. I feel so good now, I could go back and have another honeymoon.”

By Donna CoPe

Simmons says: Exercise, good diet are key to health

Simmons’ rule: ‘Make up your mind, and just do it’

A lifetime of healthy diet and exercise keeps Jackie

Simmons in shape. Carrying these habits into their

marriage, in only four months, Charles Gilliland said he

feels “like a new man.”

Simmons encourages everyone to try to eat right, for

the sake of their well-being. “You’ll feel so much better,”

she said. “You know what to do – just do it.” She never

eats fried food or sweets.

Here’s a sampling of their meals, from which

Simmons rotates healthy foods throughout the week.

Breakfast ... Eggs or an English muffin, with cheese grits

and garlic salt. On Saturday, the couple sometimes has waffles with

blueberries.

Lunch ... Turkey sandwich with cheese on whole wheat bread.

Dinner ... Broiled salmon, tilapia or other fish; green beans and

brown rice; and a green salad, without bread.

At 81, Simmons is slim ‘n’ trim.

Simmons bench presses 240 lbs. with her legs.

The happy couple married Feb. 18.

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Beth Thomas (left), Corporate Communication manager at the Mobile Division Office, bestowed Via honors on Mary Jo Hrabe.

MMary Jo Hrabe is a “grand friend,” in more ways than one.

Making life better and happier for senior citizens is a role she takes seriously. For more than 15 years, this devoted Energizer has given 20 hours a month or more being a “grandfriend,” taking a caregiver role for seniors at Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center in Mobile.

On May 23, Via championed Hrabe’s considerable years of service by honoring her as Volunteer of the Year. Via board member Beth Thomas bestowed the honors during Via's annual awards luncheon.

“I am so honored by this award,” said Hrabe, longtime Energizers member, secretary/reporter for the Mobile Division Chapter and Energizers state secretary. Hrabe said she is proud to serve in the Grandfriends adult day care program.“The needs of senior citizens have really

hit home,” said Hrabe, who retired from Alabama Power in 1996. “A lot of our people are affected by Alzheimer’s and other age-related issues, and can't be left alone during the day.”

Thomas said Hrabe’s help is much appreciated. “Via is a dedicated advocate for mature adults facing the challenges of health and aging, and we depend a lot on

our volunteers,” Thomas said.As a Grandfriends volunteer, Hrabe

helps Via caregivers as they work with seniors suffering with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other illness. Grandfriends offers an alternative to daytime home care or nursing-home placement, while providing seniors the chance to paint, play dominoes, bingo and other games, as well as get exercise.

Volunteering is family affair Hrabe's husband, Chuck, organized computer training classes for seniors. The classes provide a basic approach to typing, using the mouse and keyboard, and learning to surf the Web.

“We get beginners on board,” said Chuck Hrabe, Mobile Division Chapter president, state president-elect and a computer enthusiast. “Seniors are getting more involved in the Internet. That's where it’s at, and once they get started, they usually continue using it.”

Chuck Hrabe has volunteered at Via more than 15 years. He and Mary Jo also volunteer as a team with Mobile's Area Agency on Aging, as well as conduct tours at the Mardi Gras Museum.

This couple loves volunteering, and

plans to continue doing so well into their retirement.“My view is we can be of a lot more

service to our company when we're out as Alabama Power retirees, as part of the Energizers organization,” Chuck Hrabe said.

By Donna CoPe

Mary Jo Hrabe is Via Volunteer of the Year in Mobile

knew we could make a difference in people’s lives with Project Lifesaver. ”

Preventing tragediesSpearheaded by Alabama State Troopers,

Project Lifesaver exists in 37 of Alabama’s 67 counties, said Robyn Bradley Litchfield, Public Information/Education representative - Alabama Department of Public Safety.

Highlighting Project Lifesaver’s importance, Litchfield said, “In April, search teams spent eight days looking for Billy Heartsill, a 77-year old with dementia who went missing from his home. Search teams were called in, and if he’d been wearing a bracelet, the situation could have had a happier ending.” Eight days after he went missing, Heartsill’s body was found half a mile from his home, in an area searched by dozens of law enforcement officers and volunteers.

“About 70,000 Alabama residents suffer

from Alzheimers,” Smith said. “The average search lasts nine hours and costs taxpayers $300,000.” Some 36 percent of victims

are never found, Smith said. The Project Lifesaver bracelet can change the outcome.

“Time is critical,” Smith said. “The survival rate drops to just 50 percent after just one night.”

O’Daniel said the membership is excited and committed to supporting Project Lifesaver.

A cause we believe in“Most of us can relate to this project – it

is a real jewel to support,” O'Daniel said. “The Alabama State Troopers are dedicated enough to try to give one to everyone in Alabama who needs one, and we are excited to be a part of that.”

He said the project is one of many Energizers members can relate to.

“This is something that tugs at your heartstrings,” Smith said. “This is about our parents and grandparents. Project Lifesaver provides a way to protect them. Investing in this program literally saves lives.”

By Donna CoPe

Lessons from the past None of us can predict the future, but we can certainly learn

from the past. Those of you who were with the company in the 1970s might remember another challenge Alabama Power faced. After three consecutive decades of price decreases, our prices started creeping upward due to the capital investment associated with new generation projects. At the same time, unrest in the Middle East led to increases in oil prices, and extreme inflation mired the U.S. in a recession. The combination of our capital spending and coinciding economic downturn resulted in cost pressures for our company and our customers. We face similar economic and political conditions today, so we must be cautious and thoughtful in identifying capital projects regarding our generating units.

For MATS compliance, we are exploring several options for our generating fleet, including adding more environmental controls

to some units, converting others from coal to natural gas and perhaps shutting down some units. These are difficult decisions, particularly since there are so many unknowns. But, given the time it takes to add equipment or convert units, we have to act now if we are to meet the proposed deadlines.

Immediate plans include working to minimize the short-term price impact on our customers. We will not make large capital decisions until we know what the EPA’s final rules will be. I have committed to my employees that no one will lose their job as a result of the new regulations.

Protecting our future We are studying the numbers to determine the appropriate

risk-adjusted compliance solution for each of our units. Despite the unknowns, I can assure you with confidence that we will meet these challenges. As always, we will meet all government regulations or do better than required. We will continue to safely and reliably provide electricity to our customers, while doing everything possible to mitigate any price increases.

"Generation," continued from page 1

"Goal," continued from page 1

The Project Lifesaver bracelet uses a trackable signal that allows search parties to quickly locate a lost Alzheimer’s victim. Alabama State Troopers replace the batteries free of charge.

“The toothpaste is out of the tube.”

That is how Alabama Power retiree Bob Hawkins – now a consultant for electric transportation (ET) for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) – views the

industry’s growth in the United States. Stifled in the late ‘90s by big oil companies and major automobile manufacturers that failed to deliver promised electric vehicles (EVs), the industry is rising again through new offerings in electric plug-in and hybrid vehicles.

“The automakers can’t go back now,” Hawkins said. “The public is demanding alternatives to high gasoline prices and increased fuel efficiencies.”

Laying the framework for ET Thanks in part to groundwork Hawkins helped lay the

past two decades, Alabama Power and Southern Company are poised to meet the evolving challenges created by new EV technologies, both on-road and non-road.

After his January 2006 retirement, EPRI offered Hawkins the opportunity to stay involved nationally as a consultant, particularly on the non-road side. Non-road EV technologies include airport ground support equipment, lift trucks, truck stop electrification and mining equipment. Since then, Hawkins has consulted for CenterPoint Energy, the New York Power Authority, Progress Energy and First Energy, among other electric utilities.

While most employees usually have a template for their job responsibilities, that was not the case for Hawkins, who became manager of the company’s Electric Transportation department in 1994. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 required major automobile fleets use certain percentages of alternatively fueled vehicles – such as EVs – as replacements.

“Alabama Power sought to meet industry and company needs head on as automakers continued to bring electric-car technology forward,” said Hawkins, who worked 40 years at Alabama Power.

“The government passed the Energy Policy Act without additional funding, and there were few alternatively fueled vehicles, making it nearly impossible to meet the mandate.”

Because there was no history behind the marketing process for Hawkins’ role, it was “Just do what you think is right,” he said. “Even if EVs were available, it was a real challenge trying to sell or lease an electric vehicle in the late ‘90s.”

Non-road projects increaseEven then, the interest was so great that Alabama Power

leased as many EVs as possible. “Fleet Services did a great job of securing on-road vehicles

for us to use for research and marketing purposes,” Hawkins said. “We installed public charging throughout the state, but the vehicles never came. We eventually removed them because they became a testament to the automakers not delivering their vehicles as promised.”

As a result, Hawkins’ primary emphasis moved to non-road projects and equipment promotion, including electric lift trucks, airport ground support equipment and electric dredging, while working with automakers on plug-in-hybrid efforts.

“Equipment such as lift trucks is not glamorous, but few people know that we make millions of dollars annually from battery-charging revenue,” Hawkins said. “As a result, we worked with EPRI to set up research projects in Alabama. At one time, we had accomplished more lift truck fast-charge research projects than anyone in the country.” Today, the technology is universally used and Alabama Power’s non-road program is the industry template.

Supporting EPRI's mission EPRI never let up on the automakers regarding the plug-

in hybrid concept. As the Southern Company lead to EPRI, Hawkins supported EPRI representatives in meetings with major automakers.

“In the late ‘90s, we couldn’t even agree on the types or shapes of connectors and chargers,” he said. Finally, all parties agreed it was time to move forward.

“It appears significant progress is being made,” Hawkins said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the plug-in hybrid vehicle wouldn’t be on the market had EPRI not put forth so much effort. The EPRI folks were relentless – they deserve a lot of the credit for making this happen.”

The alternative is clear “The public is demanding an alternative to the oil

companies having us over the barrel all of the time,” he said. “Electric/hybrid cars are one way individuals can decrease their dependence on petroleum, and the initial vehicle cost will decrease eventually.”

Hawkins said that battery-charging revenue from electric plug-in vehicles (PEVs) could be huge for Alabama Power when the number of EVs increases.

“With the plug-in hybrid, you come home at 6 and charge the car at 9 p.m., when electric rates are low,” Hawkins said. “Then come back to work in the morning with a full charge and never use one drop of gas. From the commuter standpoint, PEVs are the way to go.” With a projected 40-mile range, many commuters could use EVs every day, assuming they travel less than 20 miles each way.

Life after retirement Hawkins has enjoyed seeing his work come to fruition.

“It’s not often that you get to impact an industry,” he said. “It’s been very gratifying to me, and it’s one of the highest points in my career.” Calling ET “a very difficult process at times,” Hawkins said Alabama Power had a great team of employees who made it all work, as well as EPRI representatives who played major roles in birthing this function.

“Our initial goal was to ensure that electric transportation was accepted and recognized as a viable revenue source for Alabama Power,” he said. “I believe we accomplished that.”

“There is life after retirement,” Hawkins said. “I had a really great career working in multiple functions, and Electric Transportation was my biggest challenge ever. The best part of consulting is being able to maintain relationships I built over the past years. It is fun – and it fits my schedule just right, between playing golf and fly fishing.”

By Donna CoPe

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How Alabama Power Gainedthe Edge in Electric Transportation

Hawkins takes a look at the Chevy Volt in the Corporate Headquarters Gallery.

NONPROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

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Alabama Power CompanyPost Office Box 2641Birmingham, AL 35291

s Summer 2012Editor ......................... Donna CopeCoordinator ............. Don FranklinDesigner .................... Tim Towns

Energizers in action ...

1. Western Division Energizers President Frank Chandler stands at the Taylorville ballfield concession stand. Chandler volunteered his time by designing all the plumbing, HVAC and electrical work and providing prints needed for permits, saving the park thousands of dollars.2. Professional auctioneer Rodney Outlaw “doing his thang” helping at the Southeast Division Energizers annual auction, which raised $4,500 for local charities.3. Western Division Energizers guest speaker Dr. John Fisher of Alabama Poison Control Center (left) chats with President-elect J.G. Brazil and member Susie Nelson.

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Having fun and making a difference

4. Mobile Energizers Cathy Odom, Miriam Turner, Mary Jo Hrabe and Carol Mitchell volunteered at the Mobile Division Safety Symposium.5. Gadsden Energizers feed the homeless. President-elect Milton Lowe (left) and President Buford Lee (right) present a $1,000 check to Way of the Cross Ministries Director Ken Brown.6. Western Division Energizers Treasurer Bob Prince and chapter board member Anne Land register members to the membership meeting.7. Mobile Division Chapter President-elect Joe Hall sang beautifully at the Leadership Conference in Prattville.8. Guest speaker and Superintendent of Shelby County Schools Randy Fuller (left) is congratulated by E.C. Gaston President-elect Bill Weldon.

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