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HOT News OPEI expanding TurfMutt program The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) announced on February 17 the expansion of TurfMutt, an environmental stewardship and education program funded and managed by OPEI's Research and Education Foundation. TurfMutt is a program for schools and families designed to help youth learn about science and the environment from the perspective of the backyard, community and personal green spaces they enjoy everyday while gaining an understanding of their benefits to the planet when cared for in a sustainable way. The new TurfMutt program, created in conjunction with Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, includes lesson plans for teachers, take-home sheets and learning activities for families, a website and blog, interactive games and a digital storybook. The program's materials, available at www.TurfMutt. com, are free and aligned to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) standards for grades K to 5. The environmental program is built around a real-life rescue dog named "Lucky," who is "behind the cape" of TurfMutt. After being rescued from a busy highway, Lucky is "pawing it forward" by fighting environmental villains with the help of his team of cartoon superheroes, "The Outdoor Powers." TurfMutt uses this unique cartoon-based, story-telling format to make science accessible, entertaining, and engaging for children and their families. "We have found that children identify with the TurfMutt character, and now he is larger than life with additional materials and characters, thanks to Scholastic," said Kris Kiser, OPEI's president and chief executive officer, who adopted Lucky. "Green space matters," added Kiser. "It matters to our communities and our families. There's a ripple effect from the TurfMutt program. It's not just about teaching children science and environmental education. It's about getting outside and taking care of green space and being part of a community that cares and together making a difference." In the classroom materials, TurfMutt and The Outdoor Powers are on a mission to "Save the Planet One Yard at a Time" and they invite children to join them on their adventures and chip in. In the process, children learn how a green space benefits their community. Backyard science activities explore how grass keeps water and air clean and the planet cooler, how plants make rivers and lakes healthier, and how grass helps to prevent water pollution. "We are pleased to join with OPEI to share the importance of sustainable environmental practices with students across the country," said Ann Amstutz Hayes, senior vice president, Scholastic. "We have created teachable moments that are fun and appealing for kids, while empowering teachers, students and families to become responsible citizens of their communities and the environment." The TurfMutt environmental education program has reached 38 million students, teachers and families since 2009. INDUSTRY NEWS www.outdoorpowerequipment.com OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT APRIL 2015 9 OPEAA announces 2015-16 officers and directors The Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association (OPEAA) announced its 2015-16 officers and board of directors during its 29th annual meeting Feb. 7-9 in San Antonio, Texas, at the Omni La Mansion Del Rio Hotel. Franck Sogaard of Jarden Applied Materials will serve as president. Rounding out the officers will be Vice President Scott Harris, Blount International; Secretary/Treasurer Mitzi Kiefer, Stens Corporation; and Immediate Past President Jeff Andrews, Desert Extrusion Corporation. Rodney Deloach, Rotary Corporation; Britton Harold, Husqvarna; Jim Paugh, NGK Spark Plugs; and Bob Wehmueller, Prime Line, were elected to the board. Jerry Alexander, HBD/ Thermoid, will continue his service on the board. "OPEAA is growing, membership is at a record level, and I am excited to lead the association with a strong board that is committed to promoting and growing our industry," said OPEAA President Franck Sogaard. "In the upcoming year, our goal is to refine OPEAA's strategy to ensure that we position ourselves to better serve the needs of our growing membership. "We will also increase our focus on enhancing the Market Statistics program, so that we can better understand today's market trends and opportunities, as this is of paramount importance to our members. Amidst regulatory, technology and market challenges, there are plenty of opportunities to grow, and OPEAA's goal is to help facilitate growth for all of its members." For additional information and photos from OPEAA's annual meeting, go to www.opeaa.org.