Around ASA

By B.J. Johnson

This Shop's Unusual Critter Isn't Just Playing Possum

Thomas Christopher, owner of Precision Coach in Muldrow, Okla., an ASA member since 1988, brings his pet possum to the shop every day.

Scarlett O'Possum was obtained by Christopher and his wife, Sherry, strictly by accident two years ago. Sherry is a junior high school science teacher and, through a substitute teacher, was told about the possum.

The possum's mother was killed by the substitute teacher's family dogs. Following the attack, the Christophers and the owners of the dogs were able to save the baby possums.

The Christophers nursed and fed Scarlett with a syringe and baby formula until she was able to feed herself. She has steadily grown from three inches in length to her present 32 inches, and weighs 11 pounds.

Scarlett is transported to the shop every day and relaxes in her own chair in the office. At night, Christopher takes her home where she has her spot under the bed.

ASA-Portland Chapter Elects Officers, Board

The ASA-Portland, Ore., chapter has elected the following members as officers for 2001: Camille Eber, Roth & Miller Autobody, Portland, president; Tom Morgan, Morgan's Mechanical, Portland, vice president; and Art Morse, Jr., Art Morse Auto Repair, Battle Group, Wash., treasurer.

In addition, the chapter elected the following members to its board: Dawn Mabie, Cascade Autobody, Vancouver, Wash.; Bryan Burch, Morgan's Mechanical, Portland; and Sherry Morse, Art Morse Auto Repair, Battle Ground, Wash.

ASA-Colorado Prepares for 14th Annual Expo

ASA-Colorado's 14th Annual Mountain States Automotive Trade Show will be held March 10-11 at the Denver Merchandise Mart. The show is free and open to all mechanical and collision repair professionals. Attendees of the two-day event have the opportunity to attend seminars on the latest industry trends and technical information.

In addition, the Expo will offer the most up-to-date automotive and collision repair-related products and services. Attendees are encouraged to learn about, and purchase, needed items for the future success of their businesses.

For more information, contact Linda Crist, ASA-Colorado, at (303) 202-5231.

ASA-Ohio Provides Two New Information Resources

In January, ASA-Ohio launched its newly developed Web site. The site can be accessed at http://www.asaohio.org. In addition to the site, the affiliate also added a new toll-free telephone number for members, (800) ASA-OHIO (272-6446).

Members may use these two resources to gather information pertaining to affiliate benefits, activities and more.

NATIONAL NEWS

The Automotive Service Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2001. A special celebration marking this milestone will be held during the ASA Annual Convention April 23-28 at the Westin Maui Hotel in Maui, Hawaii.

For convention registration and housing information, contact the ASA meetings department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 241 and ext. 235.

Prior to leaving office, President Clinton approved the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) plan to cut diesel fuels and heavy-duty truck emissions. The plan adopted by the EPA will produce cleaner diesel fuels and better engines. By 2007, fuel makers will have to reduce the sulfur content in diesel fuel by 97 percent.

Heavy-duty vehicles make up one-third of NOx emissions and one-quarter of particulate matter emissions that are emitted. Pollution emitted by these heavy-duty trucks and buses contribute to many serious health problems, such as asthma, upper respiratory problems and some cancers. The rule reports diesel exhaust or diesel particulate matter (soot) is likely to cause lung cancer in humans. The American Lung Association (ALA) would like to see this rule enforced. John R. Garrison, CEO of the ALA said, “Millions of Americans, especially children with asthma, will breathe easier.”

Michele Winn was the envy of everyone at the Woman's Board (WB) reception in Las Vegas. Winn was named the winner of “Let's Go to the Races,” an incentive provided by Jasper Engines and Transmissions in connection with the WB membership drive.

Winn's prize was the honor of becoming the first female NASCAR pit crewmember for the company's racing team.

“She's a technician,” said Tom Schrader, Jasper's vice president of marketing. “We couldn't have asked for a better recipient.”

Winn is employed by ASA member Linder Technical Service in Indianapolis, Ind.

Reminder of the Month

As ASA members, AutoInc. is your publication — therefore, it is important to let us know what your thoughts are on the magazine. We want to make sure we are providing valuable information relevant to our audience. Let us know if there are specific topics you would like to see covered, or if you have newsworthy information that would benefit AutoInc. readers, by calling us at (800) 272-7467, ext. 219, or by sending e-mail to editor@asashop.org.

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