energizers, winter 2012

8
A belated Happy New Year to you all! I want to take this opportunity to again express my appreciation for all you do. I continue to be inspired by your passion for community service and your commitment to Alabama Power. As we begin a new year, we continue to face many of the same challenges at the company: a slow economy, potential new environmental regulations and the uncertainty an election year brings. Now, more than ever, we must be 100% Connected with our customers, and you are an important part of that equation. As you may know, our research shows that a single encounter with an Alabama Power employee – good or bad – can determine a customer’s overall feeling about the company. I believe the same holds true for customer contacts with our retirees. As retirees, you remain the face and voice of Alabama Power in our communities. Recently, we’ve started using technology to help us connect with our customers. Alabama Power now has a Twitter account, which has been an enormously effective communication Winter 2012 The Family Place information number is 205-257-4425. k The Family Place provides temporary lodging for families who have a family member receiving treatment at Birmingham hospitals. R R In This Issue Plant Miller is honored 2 2012 Chapter presidents, board 2 Black-eyed Pea Lunch is success 3 Energizers have fun 4 Get heart healthy 5 Tom McKenzie enjoys ‘the good life’ 6 At large: Globe-trotting Energizers 7 t Continued on page 6 Darlene Sanders’ co-workers call her a “people person.” Whether someone’s mood is up or down, Sanders – on the “front lines” with customers for years – is adept at answering questions, smoothing ruffled feathers and taking care of business. Those are critical skills at Alabama Power’s busiest office, the bustling Metro Central Office in downtown Birmingham. The location receives 18,250 walk-in customers monthly, its employees fielding thousands of customer calls. Sanders enjoys doing things for others – and that includes handling arrangements for the Energizers. On Dec. 15, Sanders’ hospitality and willingness to serve earned her the group’s top honor, the Sam Booker Award. It was an amazing moment for Sanders when Energizers State President Bob O’Daniel called her name. “Mr. O’Daniel was telling everyone about the award, and I thought, ‘Wow, that is a neat award for someone,’” Sanders said. “I was looking all around the room and wondering who it would be. I never thought it would be me.” Named in honor of Sam Booker, the late former Alabama Power executive instrumental in forming the Energizers, the award is the highest honor given by Energizers and recognizes an active employee whose support has gone beyond the call of duty. That’s why Birmingham Division Energizers President Joe White nominated Sanders for the award. For the past several years, Sanders has made all the meeting arrangements for White’s A message from Leigh Perry Hospitality wins Darlene Sanders prestigious Sam Booker Award Energizers State President (left) Bob O’Daniel, Booker Award recipient Darlene Sanders and Energizers Birmingham Division President Joe White. Darlene Sanders Continued on page 8 Leigh Perry

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This quarterly newsletter is for Alabama Power retirees and covers people and events around the local chapters of company retirees.

TRANSCRIPT

A belated Happy New Year to you all! I want to take this opportunity to again express my appreciation for all you do. I continue to be inspired by your passion for

community service and your commitment to Alabama Power.

As we begin a new year, we continue to face many of the same challenges at the company: a slow economy, potential new environmental regulations and the uncertainty an election year brings. Now, more than ever, we must be 100% Connected with our customers, and you are an important part of that equation.

As you may know, our research shows that a single encounter with an Alabama Power employee – good or bad – can determine a customer’s overall feeling about the company. I believe the same holds true for customer contacts with our retirees. As retirees, you remain the face and voice of Alabama Power in our communities.

Recently, we’ve started using technology to help us connect with our customers. Alabama Power now has a Twitter account, which has been an enormously effective communication

Winter 2012

The Family Place information number is 205-257-4425.

kThe Family Place provides temporary

lodging for families who have a family member receiving treatment at Birmingham hospitals.

RR

In This Issue

Plant Miller is honored 2

2012 Chapter presidents, board 2

Black-eyed Pea Lunch is success 3

Energizers have fun 4

Get heart healthy 5

Tom McKenzie enjoys ‘the good life’ 6

At large: Globe-trotting Energizers 7

t

Continued on page 6

Darlene Sanders’ co-workers call her a “people person.”

Whether someone’s mood is up or down, Sanders – on the “front lines” with customers for years – is adept at answering questions, smoothing ruffled feathers and taking care of business. Those are critical skills at Alabama Power’s busiest office, the bustling Metro Central Office in downtown Birmingham. The location receives 18,250 walk-in customers monthly, its employees fielding thousands of customer calls.

Sanders enjoys doing things for others – and that includes handling arrangements for the Energizers. On Dec. 15, Sanders’ hospitality and willingness to serve earned her the group’s top honor, the Sam Booker Award. It was an amazing moment for Sanders when Energizers State President Bob O’Daniel called her name.

“Mr. O’Daniel was telling everyone about the award, and I thought, ‘Wow, that is a neat award for someone,’” Sanders said. “I was looking all around the room and wondering who it would be. I never thought it would be me.”

Named in honor of Sam Booker, the late former Alabama Power executive

instrumental in forming the Energizers, the award is the highest honor given by Energizers and recognizes an active employee whose support has gone beyond the call of duty. That’s why Birmingham Division Energizers President Joe White nominated Sanders for the award. For the past several years, Sanders has made all the meeting arrangements for White’s

A message from Leigh Perry

Hospitality wins Darlene Sanders prestigious Sam Booker Award

Energizers State President (left) Bob O’Daniel, Booker Award recipient Darlene Sanders and Energizers Birmingham Division President Joe White.

Darlene Sanders

Continued on page 8

Leigh Perry

Alabama Power’s Plant Miller, the largest generating plant in Alabama Power’s system, has completed a remarkable year of performance and innovation that is being recognized by the utility industry.

In the past year, employees brought to a successful conclusion a multi-year, nearly $1 billion initiative to install state-of-the-art environmental controls at the plant – an effort that was honored as the Best Coal-Fired Project of 2011 by Power Engineering magazine. The project is featured in this month’s issue of the publication.

Plant Miller also was recently honored with the Best Performing Plant award by the Electric Utility Cost Group (EUCG), a national organization dedicated to improving the cost and performance of electric generating plants. EUCG recognized Plant Miller as one of the top electric generating plants in the nation, and for the best performance and cost management by a large electric generating facility over a five-year period.

Plant Miller was also recognized this month by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) as part of its Best Innovation 2011 awards. Miller was cited as the successful test site for a new emissions-reduction system that garnered MHI’s Special Award for Best New Technology.

“Again and again, Plant Miller and our employees demonstrate that they are among the best in the business,” said Ted McCullough, senior vice president and senior production officer for Alabama Power.

Perry Boren, plant manager at Miller, said employees take pride in delivering exceptional service for the benefit of Alabama Power customers. “Providing outstanding reliability at the lowest cost is our goal, along with meeting our commitments for protecting the environment and the safety of employees,” Boren said.

Emission reductions are among Plant Miller’s many achievements. Since 1996, the plant has cut its emissions of nitrogen oxides by 76 percent and sulfur dioxide by 95 percent, thanks to the successful installation and operation of new scrubbers and selective catalytic reduction technology on all four of the plant’s generating units.

The scrubber project is a prime example of superior service. The $900 million project was completed in early 2011 – within budget and months faster than the original schedule. Scrubber performance has also exceeded expectations.

The largest electric generating plant in

the state, Plant Miller is located in Jefferson County, northwest of Birmingham, and provides enough power to serve the needs of about 800,000 homes. The plant employs about 330 people, many of whom are involved in community volunteerism through the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO). In 2011 alone, APSO members at Plant Miller contributed more than 3,600 volunteer hours and donated more than $65,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to community projects.

By Hallie Bradley

2

2012 Energizer Chapter PresidentsChapter Name Contact InformationBirmingham ..................... Joe White ............................205-467-7589 or [email protected] Chilton County ................ Gordon Smelley ................205-755-6145 or [email protected] Corporate.......................... Bill Hanks ..........................205-942-1323 or [email protected] Eastern .............................. Bruce Baker .......................256-835-1697 or [email protected] E.C. Gaston ....................... Dennis Turner ...................205-670-9371 or [email protected] Gadsden ............................ Buford Lee .........................256-546-7454 or [email protected] Jasper ................................. Guy Robbins ......................205-384-3745 or [email protected] Mobile ............................... Chuck Hrabe .....................251-344-9935 or [email protected] Southeast .......................... George Simpkins ..............334-687-5032Southern ........................... John Johnson .....................334-365-5005 or [email protected] Western ............................. Frank Chandler .................205-333-0614 or [email protected]

2012 Energizers State BoardOffice Name Contact InformationPresident ........................... Bob O’Daniel .....................334-541-4965 or [email protected] President-elect ................. Chuck Hrabe .....................251-344-9935 or [email protected] Secretary ........................... Mary Jo Hrabe ..................251-344-9935 or [email protected] Treasurer ........................... Neil Sanders ......................205-681-8637 or [email protected] Director ............................. Gloria Lowery ...................334-514-0852 or [email protected] Director ............................. Tom McKenzie ..................256-442-6330 or [email protected] Director ............................. John Mills ...........................334-687-9669 or [email protected] Director ............................. John Taylor ........................205-595-7796 or [email protected]

Alabama Power’s Plant Miller: a model of performance, innovation

T

3

The annual Black-eyed Pea Luncheon hosted by the Gadsden Energizers is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the Gadsden area.

The event, which features a lunch consisting of black-eyed peas, mashed potatoes, onions, cornbread and coleslaw, began when a former Energizers president decided to sell lunches to raise money for area charities.

Alva Johnson heads up the annual project. A lot of ingredients go into making a Black-eyed pea luncheon – much more than you may imagine. Johnson worked in Alabama Power Accounting in Attalla and later Gadsden, when a job opened closer to home. She “adopted” the luncheon in 2000 when it was organized.

The event Nov. 3 at the Gadsden Steam Plant Pavilion was a huge hit: More than 400 people showed up.

“It just grows every year,” Johnson said. “Many people hear about it through word of

mouth and they were standing in line before 11 o’clock this year.”

To prepare, Johnson bought 80 pounds of peas, 116 pounds of potatoes and 25 pounds of onions. The peas are seasoned with ham hocks. Johnson buys them as soon as the stores start putting them out and keeps them at her house until it’s time for the cooking to begin.

Johnson buys two bags of lemons and her niece brings a big jar of parsley. Energizers prepare and bring the desserts that patrons so highly anticipate. Norris Farm in Hokes Bluff donates tomatoes.

“I believe this year’s tomatoes were better than the summer tomatoes,” Johnson said.

The amount of ingredients has grown with the event: In 2005, she needed 30 pounds of peas, and two years later, she bought 50 pounds of peas. Energizer Tom McKenzie donates onions and potatoes. Johnson supplements those items as needed.

Johnson and her nieces, twins Alva Barksdale and Ava Garmon, live in Montgomery and travel to Gadsden to help their aunt with her major project.

About 30 Energizers show up before 6 a.m. to help on the day of the luncheon.

Johnson starts preparing in September and works through October. Watching ads in the local paper, she “tries to get by as cheap as I can.” A vibrant 89 years old, she said, “This gives me something to look forward to.”

Gadsden Energizers President Buford Lee coordinates the distribution, advertising and transporting the food to folks who want their meal delivered. He assigns jobs so everyone is busy the day of the luncheon.

“We made over 100 deliveries this year,” Lee said. “We worked our fannies off. But this is a combination/team effort. No one person could possibly do this type thing on their own.”

Lee said the annual luncheon's notoriety has spread like wildfire.

“I’ve worked on the black-eyed pea luncheon since it started," McKenzie said. "It's a great opportunity for us to socialize together and to

meet other company people and to raise funds for charities. Our membership, with its many contacts, helps us to decide the charities that benefit from our work. It’s a good thing.”

This year’s recipient was Manna, an organization that originates from Riverview Hospital, which delivers food to homebound people.

By Mike Oakley

Black-eyed Pea’s appearance is a hit

Ingredients for a black eyed pea luncheon

––––––––––––––––––––––––––80 pounds ..........black-eyed peas, seasoned with ham hocks 116 pounds .........potatoes84 ........................eggs5 pounds ............margarine9 gallons. ...........buttermilk 2.6 gallons .........2-percent milk45 pounds ..........cornmeal10 pounds...........flour 2 boxes ...............salt7 cans .................PAM nonstick spray6 bottles.............oil100 pounds ........tomatoes1 can ...................coffee2 bags .................lemons7 boxes ...............tea1 box ...................Sweet'N Low®

Gadsden Energizers worked long hours to serve customers.

“Head cook” Alva Johnson (second from left) and her crew are expert chefs.

Phot

os b

y M

ike O

akley

Gadsden Energizers President Buford Lee was busy with food orders at the Nov. 3 Black-eyed Pea Luncheon.

4

Energizers in action ...Having fun and making a differenceChilton County Energizers President Mike Blankenship (right) presents a quilt to Keith Barnett, who contributed to the Energizers for an Auburn University scholarship. Blankenship presents a quilt to Rhonda Frederick,

who donated to the Energizers for a University of Alabama scholarship.

Gadsden Energizer Alva Johnson, left, with chapter President Buford Lee, presents a $2,000 check to Duyen Stokes, director

- Metropolitan Area Noon Nutrition Association.

Eastern Energizers President Bruce Baker (left), on behalf of his chapter, made donations to Solamor Countryside Hospice, represented by Teely Samson; United Cerebral Palsy of East Central Alabama, represented by Linda Johns; Community Enabler, represented by Audrey Noel; and Rainbow Omega, represented by Stinson Carpenter.

Western Division Energizers enjoy a breakfast meeting at Mr. Bill’s Kountry Kookin Restaurant.

Southern Division Energizers made gifts to Rea Cord (left), Elmore County Humane Society; Lee Cash, People That Care; Kathy Ware, Shiloh Restoration; and Philip Powell, Adullam House.

As always, the Southeastern Energizers enjoy a fine lunch at their membership meeting.

Some Energizer chapters make collections year round for food banks.

A

5

Celebrating Go Red for heart healthCardiologist gives top tips for living a better, healthier life

Dr. Alan Gertler is a cardiologist for UAB Hospital.

Ask Dr. Alan Gertler his “numbers” – for blood pressure, blood sugar and other data – and he rattles them off easily.

This cardiovascular expert at the Heart Health Center at UAB Hospital owns a mass body index (BMI) of 25, a great number for anyone. Though he’s always on the go, Gertler said exercise is necessary for everyone at every age. Because heart disease is the leading cause of death, people after age 50 should pay particular attention to ways to maintain their cardiovascular fitness.

“I try to practice what I preach,” said Gertler, often described as “a young 60.” He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, completed his cardiology fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina and has been a cardiologist 30 years. “I walk the walk, and I talk the talk.”

That includes trying to do some form of activity every day. Though Gertler works 40 to 50 hours weekly, he starts the day with exercise.

“Exercise is very important in the senior age group,” Gertler said. To get the heart pumping and improve heart health, he advises doing at least 30 to 40 minutes of activity each day, which may include:

• Walking• Dancing• Swimming• Bicycling• Yoga.

On weekdays, Gertler awakes at 5 a.m. to a routine of stretching, core-strengthening exercises and aerobic exercise such as walking on a treadmill.

“For seniors, it’s very important to do stretching because lots have back problems,” Gertler said. “The elderly should stretch their hamstrings. I’ve done yoga for several years, and I like biking, golfing and walking my dogs.”

Around 5:45 a.m., his Shih Tzus Sport and Jewel get a morning walk with their master.

To help enjoy a longer and healthier life, Gertler gives patients these “heart healthy” recommendations.

Keep your weight down

“In the senior age group, extra weight is harder on your heart,” Gertler said.

Fat – especially around the chest and abdomen – places pressure on the heart and pancreas. Extra weight in the midsection can cause elevated blood pressure and insulin resistance, increasing the chance of getting type 2 diabetes.

To control your weight, try to eat smaller portions. Gertler recommends fish such as salmon, halibut and sardines, which contain omega-3 fatty acids for heart health. Increase dietary fiber by eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Check food labels for the amounts of unhealthy fats, which are in saturated and transfat foods.

Drink wisely

“Too much alcohol can cause blood pressure to go up and cause problems with the heart muscle,” Gertler said. Therefore, drink alcohol in moderation. One drink per day for women and up to two per day for men is sufficient. More than that may increase the risk of heart disease.

For healthy seniors, Gertler said, it is important to stay hydrated. “Ideally, you should get six to eight glasses of fluid, preferably noncarbonated drinks,” he said. “You don’t need the calories, and carbonation has bad effects on bones and teeth. Caffeine has a negative effect in that it can raise your heart rate and blood pressure.”

Know your numbers

“Every senior needs to know their numbers to help promote their good health, as far as the body is concerned,” Gertler said. Be sure to know your:

• Blood pressure• Cholesterol• Blood sugar• Ideal weight• BMI.

Avoid smoke

Avoid all forms of smoking. “Even secondhand smoke can be detrimental,” he said. Smoke diminishes the amount of oxygen in your system, creating a greater risk of heart disease.

Cut the salt

“Too much salt is not good for the heart or brain,” Gertler said. “Don’t add additional salt at the table.” Too much sodium can increase the risk of stroke caused by high blood pressure. Try not to consume more than 2 to 2.5 grams of sodium a day.

Relax

For stress relief, Gertler has practiced yoga several years.

“Practice deep breathing and slowly exhaling,” he said. “Try to relax and not be stressed.” Routines such as having some quiet time at breakfast and reading the paper are helpful to Gertler, as well as a quiet lunchtime. “When I eat lunch at work, I listen to the radio and chill, before I get ready for the afternoon.”

Take time each day to do something enjoyable: play a round of golf, read, fish or talk with an Energizer friend.

Listen to your body

Know the symptoms of a heart attack so you can act quickly if they happen. “Chest pain or jaw or neck pain, lightheadedness and weakness can be symptoms, or can be a warning of underlying heart problems,” Gertler said. Always seek prompt medical attention. If you feel these symptoms, immediately call for an ambulance.

“Exercise and a healthy diet can help you live longer and feel better,” he said. “They improve your quality of life.”

By Donna CopeFor exercise, Dr. Alan Gertler walks his pets, Sport and Jewel.

6

Energizers group. All 11 chapters of Energizers nominate a candidate.

“The last two years, Darlene has looked after and met the needs of our chapter when we meet at the Metro Central Office,” said White, who retired in 1995 and immediately joined the Energizers. “She is very dedicated in working with us to plan and set dates for our meetings a year in advance. At each meeting, we’re met with a smiling welcome from Darlene, who has the room set up, the coffee and water ready, and is there to help with any audiovisual needs we may have.”

O’Daniel said Alabama Power employees ranging from vice presidents to plant managers to area managers have received the honor.

“We feel this is a prestigious award,” O’Daniel said. “It is annually awarded to one person out of the 11 applicants nominated by our chapters. We’re proud to have Darlene join the ranks of Sam Booker Award recipients.”

It’s all in a day’s work for this administrative assistant in Accounting at the 1313 Building. Sanders assists Business Office Manager David Hoyle and performs work to support the office’s 23 customer service representatives. She often fields calls that must be sent to another Alabama Power business office or other departments. Sometimes those calls are from customers who are having a bad day.

“Customers call and some are upset,” Sanders said. “Sometimes they’re crying or distraught. The first thing I tell them is ‘Get a glass of water and take a deep breath, then come back.’

“They have to take a breather, then they can tell you what’s wrong,” she said. “It all comes out and I hear their problems: They have no power; the baby is sick; some have lost their jobs and are facing economic hardships. I lend an ear – I listen to them tell their story, and usually a supervisor calls them back.”

Despite the challenges, Sanders enjoys her work. Throughout a long and

varied career in the administrative world, Sanders has learned the value of personal interactions and understanding people.

Her quietly effective work philosophy? Sanders recommends, “Work as though you’re working unto God.”

Sanders is happy to help the Energizers in their work, as these 1,400 retirees lend their support to schools, hospitals, libraries, and numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations. In 2011, the membership gave 41,069 volunteer hours to strengthen the communities of Alabama, O’Daniel said.

The excitement of receiving the Booker Award only heightened Sanders’ dedication to serving her co-workers, customers and the Energizers.

“I think of all of us as a team,” Sanders said. “We’re all here together for the same purpose. We try to keep the good name for Alabama Power.”

By Donna Cope

On a warm and sunny day, Tom McKenzie’s favorite place to relax is his backyard hammock.

“I may work for 30 minutes in the yard, then rest for 2 hours,” said the jovial McKenzie, with a smile and a chuckle. Visitors may catch him reading a book, or as he puts it, “resting his eyes a bit” when the hammock catches a breeze.

This Alabama Power retiree is living the good life, in more ways than one. McKenzie enjoys a challenging game of golf, and relishes time with his wife and family. But, after retiring 23 years ago, this former district manager for the Gadsden area hasn’t rested on his laurels.

A couple of years after retiring, McKenzie was tapped by then-Gadsden Mayor Steve Means to become the mayoral assistant. It was a natural for McKenzie, who, in his managerial role at the company, was well-accustomed to handling people issues. As a distribution engineer for some 20 years, he’d spent a lot of time working with customers, and had also served as assistant-to then-Distribution Vice President Alan Barton.

“That was the same public I’d been dealing with for years,” said McKenzie, who served the mayor’s office nearly six years. “It was a responsibility I knew how to handle.” He also was a member of the Greater Gadsden Housing Authority Board, acting as chairman for 17 of the 23 years he served.

McKenzie’s community involvement didn’t end there. He is on the executive committee for Keep Etowah Beautiful, and is a past president of the highly active environmental group, which has received numerous Keep America Beautiful awards. He has served as president of Gadsden Kiwanis and is immediate past president of CARIA – the Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association, started by Alabama Power’s

founder, Captain William Patrick Lay. McKenzie now is reporter for Gadsden Energizers,

taking minutes for their bimonthly meetings. He has served two stints as chapter president and, in these roles,

helps with the group’s major fundraiser, the annual Black-eyed Pea Luncheon.

This active community volunteer, who turns 84 on Feb. 28, enjoys every minute.

“The Lord’s been good to me,” McKenzie said. “I’ve had a happy life. I always tell people my wife has taken good care of me, and she still does.”

Evidence of a life well lived, McKenzie and his wife, Charlotte, have been happily married more than 60 years. He met the future Mrs. McKenzie when she was just 13, when both lived in Tuscaloosa. “I’d ask her out to the picture show or to go to the swimming pool.” Though his family moved to Mobile when he was 16, McKenzie didn’t forget Charlotte. The two met again at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa – he was a senior and she was a freshman – and “the rest is history.”

The McKenzies have eight grown children – four boys and four girls – all who attended

the couple’s alma mater. “For 19 straight years, we had a child in college, with no gaps,” he said. “When people ask if my wife worked, I always say she ran a commercial kitchen and a commercial laundry.” Their family includes 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

“We’ve been fortunate,” McKenzie said. “They’ve all stayed close, and they all get here by noon on Christmas Day.”

He plans to “keep on keeping on” with the Energizers, whose involvement has provided much personal satisfaction. The McKenzies have toured Europe three times with Energizers travelers.

“I enjoy just socializing with people I worked with years before,” McKenzie said. “I’m having fun, and we’re gonna keep doing what we’re doing.”

By Donna Cope

Energizers is ‘part of the good life’ for Tom McKenzie

Gadsden Energizers Tom and Charlotte McKenzie have been happily married more than 60 years.

Tom McKenzie (left) said Energizers membership helps him keep in touch with colleagues such as Jim Freind, division area manager – Anniston.

Continued from page 1

This whimsical sign expresses McKenzie’s retirement philosophy.

The Energizers Travel Group had an

exciting year in 2011, with four trips that covered nine countries.

We started 2011 with 23 Energizers traveling to Egypt. In Cairo we visited the Museum of Antiquities, climbed the Pyramids of Giza, viewed the Sphinx and traveled to Alexandria by train before flying to the city of Luxor. At Luxor we boarded a Nile River cruise ship and traveled to the Valley of the Kings, where we entered the ancient tombs of the Pharaohs and visited the Palace of Queen Hatshepsut. The tour was cut short due to political unrest that was developing, but we had a wonderful trip.

In August, 26 Energizers took a 14-day river cruise called “Castles along the Rhine and Danube.” The journey began in Budapest, Hungary and continued through parts of Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and the Netherlands, ending in Amsterdam. We were treated to a concert by an orchestra in Vienna, cruised through the beautiful Wachau Valley and made our way through 81 locks from the Danube River to the Rhine River.

In October, 28 Energizers traveled to beautiful Ireland for a 10-day excursion that began in Dublin. After a two-night stay and tour of Dublin, we traveled to medieval Kilkenny, before moving on to Waterford for a visit to the House of Waterford crystal. After a night in Waterford, we visited the Blarney Castle where we kissed the famous Blarney Stone. Then, we sojourned on to the famous Ring of Kerry, known as one of the world’s most beautiful coastal routes. We visited the home of an Irish dairy farmer who shared a cup of coffee and the Irish people’s way of life, before moving on to the town of Limerick. On our last day, we toured the town of Tullamore, famous for its Irish Whiskey. We learned about the distilling process before spending our last night at Cabra Castle in Kingscourt. Six of us added to our Irish experience by playing a round of golf at the Cabra Castle Golf Course.

In December, 24 Energizers traveled to the European Christmas Markets. We began with three nights in Oberammergau, Germany, famous for its passion play held every 10 years and the woodworking craftsmanship. From Oberammergau, we took tours of Munich, Germany and Innsbruck, Austria, before traveling on to Breitnau, Germany in the Black Forest two nights. In the Black Forest, we

traveled to Strasbourg, France for one day where we visited the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Our last two days, we moved to Bern, Switzerland where we visited the Bundeshaus (the Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit and Lucerne.

With 2012 charging ahead, we are getting things geared up for another exciting year.

On March 31, we will go to Holland and Belgium in the springtime. We’ll take a riverboat trip through the canals and waterways of the Netherlands during the spring flower bloom. During this trip, we will visit the largest flower market in the world and tour the Floraide, a horticultural event held once a decade.

On June 6, we will cruise the Greek Islands and Turkey, beginning in Athens, Greece. We will visit the ancient Acropolis and Parthenon, then board a cruise ship to Istanbul, Turkey and the ancient city of Ephesus. We will

cruise to the Greek islands of Patmos, Santorini, Mycanos, Rhodes and Crete before returning to the mainland.

On Oct. 1, we take the Canadian Rockies by train, starting in Vancouver with a trip to Victoria and the famous Butchart Gardens. Then, we board a train for a two-day trip into

the Rocky Mountains. We will travel the mountain roads to the the glacial ice fields, Lake Louise, and the towns of Roper, Banff and Calgary.

By Horace Waugh

Energizers Travel

7

For more information

about our travels, contact:

––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Horace and Martha Waugh

Phone: 205-663-7720

120 Shady Lane

Alabaster, Ala. 35007

Email: [email protected]

Energizers having dinner in Cabra Castle in Cavan, Ireland.

Bill and Jerri Gober with Bern, Switzerland in the background.

Energizers travelers pause at the famous Lion of Lucerne sculpture in Switzerland, praised by Mark Twain as

“the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”

NONPROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 2087

Alabama Power CompanyPost Office Box 2641Birmingham, AL 35291

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

Throughout its 100-year history, Southern Company and its predecessor companies have faced every conceivable impediment to progress – natural and manmade disasters, a hostile takeover, a “death sentence,” federal invasions, financial ruin, and numerous threats and attempts to pull its business apart and scramble the pieces.

The story of how the company survived these challenges is the focus of “Big Bets,” a history book published to commemorate Southern Company’s 100th anniversary this year.

Alabama Power employees and retirees may purchase the book for $10 – half the regular sales price – or download an electronic version of the book at no charge.

To order a hardcover copy, visit www.kilowattkorner.net or fill out the form below.

To download a free electronic copy, go to http://southerncompany.com/historybook.

BIG BETS Book Order FormFirst Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

Last Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

Email Address: ________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________________

Address Line 1: _______________________________________________________________________

Address Line 2: _______________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________________________________________________

State: ________________________________________________________________________________

Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________________________

Which company did you retire from? ____________________________________________________

What year did you retire? ______________________________________________________________

Number of books: _____________________________________________________________________

The cost per book is $10.00 plus $3.00 shipping, for a total $13.

Mail this form along with your check or money order for the total cost of your book order to:Kilowatt Korner4404 North Shallowford RoadBuilding AAtlanta, GA 30338

If you prefer to use a credit card, please go to kilowattkorner.net.

Thank you for your order of Big Bets. Please allow 2-3 weeks delivery time.

tool for us during storm events. We’re also using technology to promote the many good things our company and employees are doing in our communities. I hope you’ve had an opportunity to visit our new Charitable Giving Web page on the alabamapower.com site. I also invite you to visit the new Power of Good website at powerofgood.com.

The Power of Good is a site developed to capture stories about people who are making a difference. People like retired Alabama Power crew foreman Curtis Harrison. For the past three years, Curtis has baked more than 1,000 pound cakes to raise money to fight cancer. People across the state and country have had the opportunity to meet Curtis through the Power of Good website.

The philosophy of the Power of Good can be summed up in a quote from Leo Buscaglia, an author and educator: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Every day, each of us has the opportunity to touch or change the life of another. That is the Power of Good.

I know many of you share that power, and we want to hear your stories. I hope you will visit the site and then share your story ideas with us, so we can share them with others.

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