On Tuesday, September 2, 2014 3:36 PM, SNC Communications wrote:

Farley media tour
SNC Communications provided an exclusive tour of Plant Farley today to Bill Riales of WKRG in Mobile and Jennifer Calhoun of the Dothan Eagle. The group received a presentation on plant operations by Cheryl Gayheart and J.J. Hutto, and an overview of Vogtle 3 and 4 construction by Mike McCracken. They also received a walking and perimeter tour of the plant.

Vogtle Unit 1 status
SNC Communications was contacted today by Christine Buurma of Bloomberg, Kevin Jose of Reuters, Bill Freebairn of Platts and David Givens of Argus asking about the status of Plant Vogtle Unit 1. Communications responded with the following:

On Friday, Aug. 29, operators at Plant Vogtle reduced the power of Unit 1 to perform maintenance on the cooling water system of the main generator. Work is complete and operators are safely returning the unit to full power.

On Tuesday, August 26, 2014 4:03 PM, SNC Communications released the following news release:

Used fuel storage and today’s NRC vote

SNC Communications was forwarded a media inquiry by Georgia Power from JoAnn Merrigan with Savannah Morning News asking about used fuel storage at our plant sites and our view on today’s NRC vote on the used nuclear fuel rule. Michelle Tims responded with the following statement:

Southern Nuclear’s top priority is the safety and health of the public and our employees. We are committed to the safe operation of our nuclear generating facilities with equipment and systems that meet rigorous NRC safety and design regulations.

We have safe, reliable on-site options to store the used fuel at our nuclear plants. All of our sites have the capability to safely store used fuel on-site for the duration of our plants’ operating licenses and the expected life of the plant. Continue reading →

Corinne Donnelly Hart of Vestavia Hills (May 22, 1925 – Aug. 22, 2014) passed away August 22, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was the only child of Willie and Don Donnelly; both deceased. A native of Birmingham, Corinne was a 1943 graduate of Jones Valley High School. Following graduation, she worked at the First National Bank of Birmingham. She was a member of the Vestavia Hills Historical Society, The Club, and the Faith Mustard Seed Sunday School Class of Shades Mountain Baptist Church. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she took great pride in her Irish heritage. Her cheerful attitude brought joy to many she encountered along lives journey. She was also very proud of the fact that all eight members of her immediate family graduated from the University of Alabama. She was considered by the family to be the matriarch of their accomplishment. In 2010, Corinne and her husband endowed a scholarship in the College of Engineering. Survivors include her husband of sixty seven years, Samuel Robert “Bob” Hart; son, Gary Hart (Marcia) of Vestavia Hills; daughter, Lisa Reynolds (Preston) of Hoover. Also surviving are her three granddaughters who were a special joy in Corinne’s life; Leigh Lehman (Gordon), Ashley Nail (Cliff), and Lesley Reynolds. These girls will have many fond memories of happy times spent with their “Gingee”; and brother-in-law Bill Hart of Dothan. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Elmwood Chapel on Monday, August 25, 2014. Funeral services will be conducted at Elmwood Chapel following visitation. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Several years ago, the family endowed a scholarship at Big Oak Ranch. Therefore, the family request that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to: Big Oak Ranch, P.O. Box 507, Springville, AL 35146. Please request that your gift be added to the Hart Family Scholarship Endowment.

Our July 14 meeting presentation by Brian Whitley, Regulatory Affairs Director at Southern Nuclear, was very informative. His comments and update on the construction at Vogtle Units 3 and 4 was well received by so many of us who have a vital interest in the continuing success of Southern Nuclear and the Southern Company.

Whether we like it or not, SCS/SNC Retirees must accept that we are now in the age of electronic communications where a great deal of our information will come to us through the emails and websites. We are fortunate to have Cary Campbell providing and maintaining our website at www.scsretirees.com so we can access the latest news, including Member Care information. I encourage you to use this resource for information about our organization and its activities.

The Nominating Committee, chaired by Gray Murray, will be reviewing our membership in the next few weeks for potential officers, Board Members, committee members, etc. for next year. When I look at our membership list, I see retirees who contributed to the success of our respective companies. SCS/SNC Retirees needs your help to not only carry us into the next year, but to ensure the organization stays viable.

Please join us on September 8, 2014, Room 130 Building 42 at SCS Inverness at 1:00 PM for our next meeting.  Our featured guest speaker will be George Marling, Benefits at Southern Company Services. This is a great opportunity to get an update and ask any questions you may have on insurance issues, particularly as it relates to the latest laws and regulations.

I am looking forward to seeing you at our September 8 meeting for fellowship with friends and coworkers, and to hear an update on benefits. Hope everyone has had a great summer.

H. Ray Bailey

President, SCS/SNC Retirees Association