chips % puns OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION VOL. 3, NO. 9 DECEMBER/JANUARY 1998 GPS & GIS - equipment or personnel. In cars and delivery vehicles, GPS will be used in conjunction with a WHAT DOES IT MEAN? computer in the vehicle. The computer will contain With all the chatter about technology and how it all maps and road information. When combined with changes the way we manage our golf courses, the the GPS unit, you will be able to know your precise one that has the potential to change the way we do location and the quickest route to your destination. our jobs as much as any other is GIS and GPS. In the future, your car’s computer Acronyms for Geographic Information will also receive information about Survey and Global Positioning System, “GPS helped the United traffic conditions and provide you these two computer based technologies States win the war in the with the least congested path. This will be a part of golf course Persian Gulf in 1991....and system will be used in emergency management in the future. The Global soon will help you find vehicles and will allow emergency Positioning System helped the United your way home.” officials to dispatch the closest unit States win the war in the Persian Golf to the scene of an emergency. in 1991 and soon this advanced Currently, the public is only technology will help you find the fastest way home. allowed to use GPS receivers which are purposely The U.S. Department of Defense developed GPS in made to be less than the military system. The the 1970’s so those military units can always know public’s system allows a user to determine his their exact location and the location of other units. location to within 100 meters (about 300 feet). The During Operation Desert Storm, military vehicles U.S. military’s GPS is much more accurate. Within relied on the system to navigate across the barren four to ten years, the U.S. Department of Defense, desert at night. By using GPS, along with maps of which owns the satellites, will allow release of the the desert, the vehicles could rapidly cross the more precise system to the public. This delay gives desert, allowing surprise attacks. The system is the military time to prepare for “enemies” to have comprised of satellites and portable units, which the technology. receive and analyze the satellite date. This data tells Mapmaking will become much easier with GPS, as the user exactly where they are on the earth’s anyone will be able to determine the exact longitude surface. and latitude for specific locations and plot them on a Military, as well as the public, are using the Global very accurate map. Positioning System. For national security reasons, There are many users for GPS systems, and soon the public’s system is not as accurate as the military they will be as commonplace as cellular phones. In system. a news release, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Twenty-four satellites are orbiting above the earth Federoco Pena said, “Most people don’t know what at 20,200 km (12,500 miles), simultaneously GPS is. Five years from now, Americans won’t broadcasting the time and their exact position. At (Continued on page 3) any point on the earth, one can receive the data from at least four satellites. GPS units are portable and are \ix \ 4 4 AaI ........ either attached to laptop computers or self-contained. The portable unit receives the transmissions from the four satellites and determines the receiver’s position • PTGA Wish L is t on the earth’s surface. GPS provides them user with latitude and longitude, as well as altitude and speed • J u s t M y Opinion of travel (when the unit and user are moving). GPS units can be placed in cars, boats, airplanes or anywhere else, including golf course management President’s Message. OFFICERS It’s been over a month now since we had the greensmowers out and cutting. The & sounds of leaf blowers and vacuums will soon be replaced with the scrapes of shovels, DIRECTORS snow plows and the engines of snow blowers. The Board of Directors and myself discussed the need to collect any and all PTGA TURFGRASS 1997 information from the past, set up a “Historical Committee”, if you will. We will be ASSOCIATION asking all PTGA members to donate any PTGA articles and records from the previous PRESIDENT years so that we can centralize this data. We will then organize it and store it in our Ron Garrison, CGCS Executive Secretary’s office for safekeeping. Anyone interested in helping us with Fox Hill Country Club this undertaking is urged to contact myself or anyone of our board members. This is the time of year where I usually dedicate a large part of each day to catching VICE PRESIDENT up on my trade journals and cutting out articles that seem interesting for future Jack Bird reference. I don’t know how many times I’ve found articles from past magazines and The Hideout, Inc. trade journals that would have helped me “during” the season. It’s just a matter of setting aside the time for it. We all should be sure to take time for certain things - not SECRETARY/TREASURER only reading current issues, but more importantly, time for our family and for Scott A. Schukraft ourselves. Huntsville Golf Club Another nice thing about this time of the year is the opportunity to recharge ourselves and prepare for the upcoming season. The budget work is completed, the PAST PRESIDENT course is clean and and ready for its long winter nap, the staff is small and the Jeff Peters, CGCS equipment is getting prepped for another hard year. Valley Country Club Don’t forget to pick up the phone or stop by your neighboring course to see what’s new and exciting. I am looking forward to another great year with the PTGA! DIRECTORS I wish you all a very Safe and Happy Holiday Season! Stephen Stranzl Green Acres Golf Course Ronald Garrison, CGCS Jim MacLaren Turf Specialty, Inc. From the Editor’s Desk..... Thomas Wilchak It is with mixed emotions that I turn over the reins of newsletter responsibilities to Bethlehem Golf Club Jim and Tony. Fear not, you have my continued support, and I know this publication is on to bigger and better things. This may be hard to believe, but at times I actually Gene Huelster enjoyed it. Next to the Secretary/Treasurer’s position in any organization, it is the Pocono Farms C.C. least wanted job. Nonetheless, it is one of the most important, and it was with that approach that I accepted the responsibilities. It was a lot of hard work and effort, but Tony Grieco, CGCS I can honestly say that it was quite the learning experience, and at times quite Silver Creek C.C. enjoyable. Over the past three years I sincerely believe we have accomplished what the editorial committee set out to do. We have continually increased the number of CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF issues annually; we have made editorial improvements, as well as aesthetic improvements. Most importantly, we provided the membership with pertinent EDITORS information on a timely basis. At the same time, through the generous support of our Tony Grieco, CGCS/Jim MacLaren advertisers, we accomplished much without any financial burden to our general 147 Hayfield Road membership. When I begin to think about all the people to whom I owe a debt of Shavertown, PA 18708 gratitude, I need not look much beyond those that supported this publication through 717-675-3800 Fax:717-675-0564 advertisements. If not for them, Chips & Putts in its current form would not have E-Mail: sasgolf@epix.net been possible. To my Editorial committees over the past three years, thanks so much. It was with your support and guidance that we endured, persevered and accomplished EDITORIAL COMMITTEE all that we did. Finally, last but not least, thanks go out to my wife and family. There Doug Bowman was more than one occasion that I heard “that confounded newsletter is more John Chassard, CGCS Scott Schukraft important than your own family”. Although it may have seemed that way, I assure Jonathan Suitch you it could not be farther from the truth. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate your love and support. Managing Editor, Scott A. Schukraft, Editor Melinda Wisnosky (Continuedfrom page 1) 1997 C A L E N D A R FROM GCSAA.... know how we lived without it.” With a O F EVENTS statement like that, I know it will Following is a letter from Carrie N. Rior- somehow impact the way we manage our dan, GCSAA, dated November 19, 1997: golf courses. JANUARY 6-8 - Eastern PA Turf Con­ ference & Trade Show, Valley Forge Mr. Scott Schukraft Convention Center, Contact Michael Pocono TGA Smith at 610-828-0253 or P.T.C. at 814- 863-3475 or fax 814-863-3479. Dear Scott: Fran Berdine Executive Technical Representative The O.M. Scott & Sons Company We are pleased to inform you that on Professional Business Group JANUARY 29 - Northeastern PA Turf- November 18, 1997, President Clinton 199 Warn Avenue 0 Pine Bush, NY 12566 grass & Grounds Maintenance School, signed an FY98 appropriations bill for TelephOne: 91 4 /3 6 1 -4 1 05 Printed on Recycled Paper Mountain Laurel Resort, Contact An­ the U.S. Department of Agriculture drew McNitt, Dept, of Agronomy, PSU, (USDA) which includes $55,320 in 814-863-1368 or P.T.C. at 814-863- funding for the National Turfgrass Eval­ 3475 or fax 814-863-3479. uation Program (NTEP). Final passage of the bill was delayed while a confer­ ence committee resolved controversial FEBRUARY 24-26 - Western PA Turf provisions of the larger agriculture ap­ Conference & Trade Show, Pittsburgh propriations bill. Expo Mart/Radisson Hotel, Contact P.T.C. at 814-863-3475 or fax 814-863- Letters, phone calls and e-mails to 3479. Congress from member superintendents and other GCSAA allies directly influ­ Moyer & Son is the region's leading enced the appropriations committees to supplier of fertigation systems and liquid restore funding for NTEP to the spending fertilizer for the golf course industry. bills. This campaign could not have GCSAA ONE DAY been successful without the participation If You're considering SEMINAR of you and your colleagues. fe rtig a tio n at your dub, GCSAA and NTEP are now working “Enhancing Your Image as a Golf Course Superintendent” will be pre­ together on a strategy to ensure that fed­ make sure to put us on your eral funding for the program will remain sented by GCSAA and the PTGA on a priority and be included in the USDA short lis t! March 17, 1998 in the Lake Harmony budget proposal in the future. area. 800-345-0419 The seminar will be taught by Tommy Witt, CGCS, and currently a GCSAA NTEP provides valuable information to golf course superintendents and we thank ( 215) 723-6000 Board Member. This has been one of GCSAA’s most beneficial and popular you for taking the time to address this seminars. Please plan to attend! important issue. Sincerely, PHILADELPHIA TURF COMPANY Carrie N. Riordan OFFICE (8 0 0 ) 3 3 8 -1 4 6 6 Legislative Analyst HO M E (6 1 0 ) 3 8 1 -2 5 0 4 FAX (7 1 7 ) 6 4 6 -5 8 4 0 J|> 4049 LANDISVILLE ROAD, BOX 865 DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901-0865 OFFICE 215-345-7200 FAX 215-345-8132 P A R - M A R C A RS, IN C . USED GOLF CARS & TURF E Q UIPM ENT MATTHEW W. BROWN GEORGE J. SKAWSKI, JR. TURF SUPPLIES ALASKA STOKER STOVE DEALER Commercial Products Irrigation Products Voice Mail Voice Mail 215-340-5401 215-340-5450 1 KUKENBEAKER ROAD MARK B BIERY P.O. BOX 6 8 LONG P O ND, PA 1 8 3 3 4 TOROJ The 'Boardof " D i r e c t o r s t o wish the Members a n d their a Mery M erry Christmas and J-Cajrpy Mew year! February 2 -8 , 1998 Anaheim Convention Center Trade Show: February 6-8 7 P ^cS P T G A W is h L is t Tie th e S eason fo r a lit t le fu n and fro lic , and th e PTGA \e no d iffe re n t! The Pocono Turfgrass Association The E d ito ria l S t a f f o f Chipe & Putte co n d u c te d a ©mall su rve y and cam e Patterson Scholarship is awarded up w ith th i© C h ris tm a s Wi©h U©t: annually to second year two year students and fourth year four year students. One applicant is chosen as the F rom S c o t t S c h u k ra ft t o Hal P arr, CGCS - - a c a re e r ©ea©on in recipient of the scholarship and given K entucky. honorary membership to The Pocono Turfgrass Association for that calendar year. From Tony Grleco, CGCS, t o Ron Garrieon and Kelly Kre©©ler - - a 6*4” , 3 0 0 pound 2 5 y e a r old t h a t i© © till eligible fo r high ©chool fo o tb a ll. Requirements for consideration are: ♦ Applicant must be a second year From J e ff Peter©, CGCS, t o all © uperintendent© who©e member©hip student in a two-year program, or a in©i©t© on w in te r play - - th e ©ilence expected u n til June 10. fourth year student in an undergraduate program in a From th e M a yo r o f W hite Haven t o J o n a th a n S u itc h - - a lawn ca re turfgrass related major. ©ervice fo r hi© residence. ♦ Applicant must submit in writing why he or she feels that he/she From Ron Garrieon, CGCS, t o Kelly Kre©©ler - - m any ©afe ride© home should be considered for the fro m Cook College. scholarship. ♦ Applicant must include what he or F rom J o n a th a n S u itc h t o M ark Sobeck and Rich Croeeln o f Four she feels his/her contribution to the Season© G o lf C ourse - - H appy Holiday© and a P ro sp e ro us New Year! turfgrass field will be. ♦ Applicant must submit a letter of From M elinda W isnosky t o th e B oard o f D ire ctor© - - a tim e r fo r th o s e endorsement from his/her employer hoard m eetings. in the turfgrass field. This endorsement may come from an employer from an internship From John C h a ssa rd t o T u rf N e t Tony - - a cure fo r hi© c a rp a l tu n n e l program. syndrom e. ♦ Applicant’s request for F rom Hal P a rr t o th e Pocono Member© who have played in th e M e t consideration and his or her employer endorsement must be T o u rn a m e n t - - th e Pocono field© a te a m . submitted TOGETHER on or before December 31, 1997. From Tom W ilchak t o Gene H u e ls te r - - G o Dolphins! ♦ Applicants requesting consideration for the Patterson Scholarship should From th e H id e o u t Boy© (J a c k & J o d y ) t o th e W oodloch Boy© (M a rk & send requests to: J e ff) - - an im proved g o lf gam e t o s tim u la te a m ore c o m p e titiv e g o lf rivalry. The Pocono Turfgrass Association c/o Melinda Wisnosky 147 Hayfield Road From Gene H u e ls te r t o th e M em bership- - Have a H e a lth y & H appy 1996. Shavertown, PA 18708 M erry Christm as! that point across to the people who have the greatest impact on us? How we are HOW’S YOUR BEQ? perceived is how we will be treated. Proper business etiquette is key to get­ Why not have an Association that ting ahead. According to Secrets o f Execu­ promotes our image in a positive light. tive Success, etiquette books are outselling There is much that goes into cookbooks. Test your Business Etiquette professionalism, but what it really comes Quotient (BEQ). Answer Yes, Sometimes down to is the perceptions that people or No to the following questions: have of us - - the way we conduct To say I was taken aback with the phone ourselves in different situations, our 1. When I am invited to a business func­ conversation I was a part of would be the mannerisms, our ethical conduct, our tion, I always RSVP within the week. understatement of the year. At first I associations and the way we perform our 2. I always return a phone call the same didn’t quite believe what I was hearing, jobs. I, for one, would like to be part of day I receive a message. but then I wholeheartedly agreed with a “professional association”, as are a 3. I never use curse words at home. what was being said. number of other individuals, judging by 4. I always write thank-you notes for The phone conversation was about the aforementioned telephone meals and gifts. professionalism, particularly that of the conversation. I have been fortunate to 5. My table manners are superb. Pocono Turfgrass Association. Are we a enjoy many of the benefits that go along 6. I see myself as a part of a team, rather professional organization, or just a group with being a part of well run, well than seeking praise for my individual ef­ of “good o f boys” who like to get organized golf courses and forts. together once a month during the season Superintendents’ organizations which 7. I answer important letters immediately to play a little golf and enjoy a boy’s there is much to be gained. Although we and take care of the rest of the mail within night out. I would like to think we are have stumbled along the way, I honestly the week. the former, not the latter. In fact, why believe there is not an affiliated GCSAA 8. Before dealing with someone from have an Association and all that goes chapter in the country that has come as another culture, I find out the proper eti­ with it, if we are just looking for a little far as the Pocono Turfgrass Association quette unique to that culture. fun once a month. We can certainly do in the last three years. Being a part of 9. I give verbal or written credit where that without all the aggravation and this association at the board level has credit is due. expense that can go along with running proven to me that we are headed in the 10. I send holiday cards to my most an Association. right direction. Stick by us, and you will valued business relationships. As a professional organization, be duly rewarded. Continue to voice dedicated to improving ourselves, our your criticisms, for it is the silence that Give yourself a 3 for each Yes, 2 for each careers and our lives, there is much to be is most damaging. The phone Sometimes and 1 for each No answer. gained. Wouldn’t it be great to have the conversation made me swallow hard at BEQ Scoring: 25-30, Excellent; 25-27, respect of our membership, to be first, but I knew the truth had been Good; 20-24 Fair. If you scored 10-19, compensated with above average spoken. Professionalism is truly the key your BEQ is poor. packages, and be considered more than to our success. just the guy that cuts the grass. As we all Source: Margaret Fitch-Hauser, Auburn know, our responsibilities go far beyond Scott A. Schukraft University, Auburn, AL just cutting the grass. Are we doing our part as a professional organization to get • Layout and Design • Typesetting It’s every player’s responsibility... • Mac/IBM desktop publishing interface • Laser color separations ■ Repair ball marks • Scitex® electronic photo retouching • Full electronic prepress services ■ Replace or fill divots 31 New Hill Street, P.0 Box 507 W ilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 • Foil stamping, embossing ■ Rake bunkers 717-822-8181 • Complete bindery including FAX: 717-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding A message fro m your g o lf course superintendent a n d G CSAA — $7 1998 TENTATIVE MEETING SITES March 1998 - Schuylkill Country Club July 1998 - Shawnee Inn and C. C. Host: Nathaniel W. Binns Host: Steven Taggart April 1998 - Silver Creek Country Club August 1998 - Blue Ridge Country Club Host: Tony Grieco, CGCS Host: Paul E. Weiss, Jr. May 1998 - Berwick Country Club September 1998 - Delaware Water Gap Host: Jason Bamdt Host: Charles LaBar June 1998 - C. 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NAA & PLCAA Main Office: (800) 648-7626 1127 Littlestow n Pike (Rt. 97N) W estm inster, MD 21157-3005 W IT H FIV E L O C A T IO N S 410- 848- 7211 . 410- 876-2211 TO S E R V E Y O U . S ervicing MD » DE • VA • W.VA Haw thorne, N.J. 2 0 1 -4 2 3 -0 2 2 2 , 404 Elm Avenue S. Plainfield, N.J. 9 0 8 -7 5 3 -5 2 0 0 , North W ales, PA 19454 Dover, N.J. 2 0 1 -3 6 6 -2 3 6 6 , 215- 661-0390 * S ervicing P A* NJ Conshohocken, PA 6 1 0 -9 4 1 -6 6 6 2 , N ew C astle, D E 3 0 2 -3 2 8 -3 3 2 6 9 POCONO ROUNDUP NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO « TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION O.K., Jeff, you one upped me good this time. After thoroughly riding you about the Berwick Football Program, the following appears in the local paper: A special thanks to Fran Berdine and the Scotts Company for a donation of $217.50 to our Scholarship and Research Fund. The “LIFE GOES ON”: The team enjoyed its traditional donation comes from a small sales promotion sponsored by Scotts post-game meal at a Hoss’s restaurant and returned to the during the Spring/Summer of 1997. Berwick area around 3:10 A.M. Saturday. Despite the hour, junior guard Jeff Peters had to prepare Gene Huelster, Chairperson for the Social/Welfare Committee for his second big test in less than a day - - the Scholastic needs your help. If you know of someone who has been sick or has Aptitude Test (SAT). had a death in the family, please let him know. Gene can be “Education before sports,” he said. “I got three hours reached at 717-894-8055. Or you can let a salesperson know and sleep, and I was there at 8:00 A.M. (Saturday) morning.” he will contact Gene. I was very impressed, as most people should be. O.K. - - no Seems that a simple, yet quite effective solution to controlling moss more “Classless Berwick” remarks. My congratulations to you, on putting greens is Dawn Dishwashing Detergent. Several area Jeff, and all those associated with the Berwick Football courses have reported excellent moss eradication with this material Program. at 4 ozs. Dawn/gallon with little or no discoloration to the turf. Higher fertility and raising the height of cut are also recommended Editor to keep the area free from re-infestation. POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 147 HAYFIELD ROAD POSTAGE SHAVERTOWN, PA 18708-9748 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.