Challenges: Do or Die Time

I was a bit intrigued when I saw this on several blogs.  I decided I'd bite the bullet and give it a go.  Whether I cross the "Z" finish line will be determined at the end of the month.  From what I understand, the rules are fairly simple:  Write a post/day (with the exceptions of Sundays) using a letter of the alphabet as the topic for each day.  So, today's will start with "A", tomorrow's will be "B", and so on.  Okay, ready or not, it's time to roll up my sleeves and get started!  Let's see if you can guess what the theme of my A to Z Challenge will be!

I decided to start off with "Aluminum".  Pretty weird, huh?  If you're at all familiar with the Small Town, you'd get it right away.  Aluminum built the Small Town.  There was a time when just about everybody's father worked for THE Aluminum Company, mine included.  It put food on our table, clothes on our back, and allowed my mom to stay at home and raise all 10 of her babies.  

Heck, the town even got its name from the company:  The town's name is an acronym of the company.  At one time we had 3 aluminum plants in the Small Town, but sadly that has dwindled down to 2.  The Company that was once instrumental in making aluminum now is mainly used for making the sheets used for making beverage cans.

The Aluminum Company built houses for its employees to raise families.  The first house that I lived in (until I was 9 months) was built for that purpose.  Those houses are still standing, and most of them have been renovated.  

I remember my dad showing me bauxite that is used in making aluminum.  They would get the bauxite from Arkansas and ship it here.  I remember him telling me (in more detail than I really wanted at that time!) the steps in making aluminum.  I think he was very proud to know that he had a part in that process.  I'm not sure if this was a requirement by the school or something that we chose to do, but for a science project, I think most (if not all) of my siblings completed the aluminum-making process.  And yes, we used that bauxite for the display.  As I'm thinking about it, I really, really hope that I got that back to my dad when I used it!  

Today, the Aluminum Company continues to give to the community through grants, scholarships, and donations.  The employees also clock many volunteer hours to give back to the community.  While it isn't the largest industry in the county, it is a major part of Small Town's rich history.