CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 18 NO. 4 June 2012 June Meeting Terra Greens Golf Club Host: Bryan Zukawski, GCS Speaker: Barry Craig, JDL Topic: Pesticide Safety-1 core credit available Terra Greens Golf Club will play host to our June meeting on the 19th this month. It is one of two 9-hole venues that we’ll be playing this year, which allows a lot of flexibility in your schedules with two split 9-hole rounds. But just because it’s not 18 holes, don’t take Terra Greens for a pushover. I was able to drive the course with long time superintendent Bryan Zukawski and got a good look at what is really a very nice and challenging set of golf holes. Originally opened in 1964, Terra Greens is the result of a labor of love by the Zukawski family. Bryan’s un- cles Chet and Jack, along with his father Rich and grandmother Mildred, designed and built Terra Greens over the course of 3 years in the early 1960’s. The par 36 track is 3,130 yards long and features various water features along the tree lined course. With Penncross greens and the typical older course Heinz 57 tees and fairways, Ter- ra Greens has a personality all its own. Luckily for Bryan there is also irrigation from tee to green since his uncle’s were involved in a plumbing business during the construction. Continued on page 5…... Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors Progress is a marvelous thing. The Pocono Turfgrass 2012 Association is now capable of accepting credit cards. Thanks to the efforts of Pat Healey. Any member may register a card with Melinda our Executive Managing Secretary. There is a small monthly cost to the PTGA and a small percentage for each transaction. Therefore a PRESIDENT three percent additional fee will be charged each time a John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-840-0078 card is used. Isn't modern technology great? You will receive an e-mail as to the exact way to get information VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club to Melinda. 570-384-4724 TREASURER I recently attended an equipment field day and was Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton astounded to learn of the advancements in many of the 570-587-4046 pieces of equipment we use daily. SECRETARY Designers and engineers are truly listening to our wants Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC and needs. 570-842-4705 We have to continue relating ideas and concerns to our sales representatives and they will pass it along. DIRECTORS Getting away from the job and meeting with fellow turf Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. industry people is essential to learning and growing in 973-418-3468 Matthew Brown, Turf Equipment & Supply the business. So take the time, enjoy the camaraderie 484-357-6312 and always take something away from the experience. Hope Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club to see you at the next meeting. 570-378-2249 Thomas Height, Country Club of Scranton John Downer 570-237-0878 Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC. 570-586-5791 Editor’s Notes….. James Gurzler, Green Valley Landscaping 570-592-2473 __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. Another month, another newsletter. My thanks go out to those who 484-661-6105 have provided pictures and articles for these monthly updates to our bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com association. Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky This month I need to thank Matt Brown from TESCO for his article on 570-388-2167 mmel500@aol.com pond management (a topic that most everyone has to deal with at Editorial Committee one time or another), and Gino Marchetti for providing another pic- Darrin Larkin ture of the month. Matt Brown PAST PRESIDENT As always, contributions for the newsletter are welcomed and appre- Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC ciated. I hope everyone has a chance to make it to the first of our 570-424-6391 two nine-hole meeting venues this month at Terra Greens. See you there….. Brian Bachman PTGA Office 309 Terrace Avenue Harding, PA 18643 Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the position of PTGA. Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission, as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line. PagePage 3 3 Pocono Turfgrass Association 2012 Scholarships DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JUNE 30TH The Patterson Scholarship for Turfgrass Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting scholarship applications for the Patterson Scholarship. The dead- line for application is June 30, 2012. The following is a list of guidelines for all individuals interested in applying for the scholarship: 1. Applicant must be in his or her final year of study or a recent graduate of a two- or four-year turf related pro- gram. 2. The applicant must be a member of the Pocono Turfgrass Association, employed by a member of PTGA, or an immediate family member of a member of PTGA. 3. The applicant must submit, in writing, why he or she would like to be considered for the scholarship. The es- say should include what he or she feels their contribution to the turfgrass field will be. 4. Applicants must include a letter of endorsement from their PTGA relation with their application. The Pocono Turfgrass Association Scholarship for Non-Turf Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting applications for a non-turfgrass related field of study scholarship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2012. The following is a list of guidelines for all individuals interested in apply- ing for the scholarship: 1. Applicant must be in his or her final year of study or a recent graduate of a two- or four-year non-turf related program. 2. The applicant must be a member of the Pocono Turfgrass Association, employed by a member of PTGA, or an immediate family member of a member of PTGA. 3. The applicant must submit, in writing, why he or she would like to be considered for the scholarship. The es- say should include information pertaining to field of study, educational achievement, and future goals with respect to utilization of his or her education. 4. Applicants must include a letter of endorsement from their PTGA relation with their application. Applications should be submitted to: John Downer Elkview C.C. 161 Country Club Road Greenfield Twp., PA 18407 Page 4 PTGA Membership Drives Thinking of becoming a Know someone who PTGA Member?? would like to be a PTGA Member?? The PTGA association has revived some old initiatives to make your membership even more valuable than it already is by introducing two new membership drives: Drive #1: Any Class A superintendent member who joins the association (with their paid dues and ap- proved application of course) will be able to attend the monthly meeting immediately following their membership for FREE!!! Fine print…..Free meeting excludes the clambake in August Drive #2: Any existing member who signs up 3 new members (with their paid dues and approved appli- cation of course) will be able to attend the monthly meeting of their choice (excluding the clambake) for FREE!!! Talk to any board member for additional details. Page 5 The original property was part of the Zukawski family dairy farm with additional land being purchased by Bryan’s grandfather during the prohibition days. And yes, if you’re wondering, there was a still and moonshine money involved in the purchase, but we’ll let Bryan elaborate on that. After the courses initial construction, it was owned and operated entirely by the Zukawski family until 2006 when the Borough of East Stroudsburg purchased the golf course and made it part of their parks system. Bryan has remained as the super- intendent of the course that he’s worked at since his youth. Working on the course has always been a passion for Bryan, so after graduating from Penn State with an agronomy degree with a specialization in turf management in 1983 (where he was a class- mate of the late George Hamilton), Bryan returned to the family course to continue the labor of love. With his right hand man Jack Eilenberger and one additional part time employee, the three men take care of this entire tract. So come on out and enjoy this hidden gem….you might get as much of a lesson in the history of Bryan’s family and the area as you will a test of your golf skills. As a service to our members and way to say thank you….. All PTGA members will receive their own bag tag to proudly display. Please pick up your tag at the meet- John ings throughout the season. Downer PTGA Member Page 6 Vendor’s Views By: Matt Brown Pond Management Tips This year has delivered an unusually mild winter followed by spring temperatures that have been warmer than normal. Because of these conditions, expect water quality issues to appear sooner and be more persistent. If aquatic weeds such as water meal and duck weed are present, a broad spectrum herbicide application will probably be necessary. In most cases this will require a permit and needs to be applied by a licensed applicator with an aquatics category. Consider using lake dye to prevent the sunlight from reaching the bottom of the pond . The dye will keep temperatures down and interferes with photosynthesis. Algae is a different organism and can be problematic especially with these warmer temperatures. Chemical applications can be effective but usually re- quire multiple applications. Algae feeds off of the nutrient load in the pond. The nutrient load can come from many sources such as leaves, clippings, effluent and fertilizer runoff. Any organic mat- ter will add to this nutrient load. Phosphorus is particularly troublesome. The death of one algae bloom will feed the next bloom. Here are some tips to help reduce the nutrient load in your pond Continued on page 8 Photo of the Month We all see interesting things every day….wildlife (like bald eagles and bears), strange turf problems (like a lightning strike), an employee who stayed out too late the night before, etc. So if you have a great photo, send it to me (bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com) and share it for everyone to enjoy (or laugh at). June Photo of the Month This photo was submitted by Gino Marchetti at Glen Oak CC. This is another example of another unfortunate acci- dent committed by the one of the two employees on every crew named “It wasn’t me” and “I don’t know”. Who knew that seed ger- minated in a bucket could be solid enough for use as a building material….. Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING Aer-Core Ryan Davidheiser 610-310-3925 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Turf Equip. & Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 710.933.5801 Matt Brown 484-357-6312 PLANT PROTECTANTS EQUIPMENT Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Aer-Core Ryan Davidheiser 610-310-3925 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Turf Equip. & Supply Matt Brown 484.357.6312 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 George Skawski 610.554.9366 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Harrell’s Fran Berdine 201-424-7900 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 FERTILIZER Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 SEED & SOD Genesis Turfgrass Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 East Coast Sod & Seed Kevin Driscoll 609.760.4099 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Harrell’s Fran Berdine 201-424-7900 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Harrell’s Fran Berdine 201-424-7900 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Geo. Schofield Jim Gurzler 732-433-5474 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Harrell’s Fran Berdine 201-424-7900 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Support our Sponsors - They support us! Continued from page 6 1. Avoid blowing clippings and leaves into your pond. 2. Consider creating a vegetative buffer zone around your pond to help filter runoff. 3. Although labor intensive, manually raking algae and weeds out of the water will help tremendously. 4. Consider using pond aerators. Aerators oxygenate the water. Oxygen acts as a catalyst to help digest the nutrient load in the pond, thereby reducing the food source of the algae. Cold water holds more oxygen than warm water. Aerators also move cold water from the bottom of the pond and helps break up the various thermo layers. Types of aerators include surface, subsurface, and diffused air systems. The type of system used is determined by the severity of the problem, aesthetics, and the expectations of the client. Any aera- tion is better than none but, the system should be sized appropriately. 1-2 HP/surface acre is the recommen- dation. If pond aerators are already in place remember to get them serviced at least every other year. Keep in mind that aerators will not control aquatic weeds and aeration takes time to be effective. Severe water quality issues may require a combination of chemical application, aeration, and mechanical removal to achieve the desired results. May Meeting Wrap Up Mt. Airy Golf Club Despite the dreary weather, Andy Faist and the crew at Mt. Airy had the course in great shape for us...and of course, the food and complimentary trip to the Casino were great as well. Due to the rain, the official tournament was shortened to a 9 hole 2-man scramble and many of the groups actually played all 18 holes because they enjoyed the course so much. The results of the meeting were: First Place: Chris Moran and Don Stanton Second Place: Tom Howe and Doug Richard Closet to the pin: Longest Drive: #4 Dave Roglish John Downer #9 Darrin Larkin There were 3 team skins won: Sal Scalzo and Dave Roglish Jerry Decker and John Vojick Steve Chirip and John Downer Special thanks to our speaker Jim Neden and TESCO for their sponsorship of the meeting. Tough Mudder Event comes to Pocono Manor This worldwide event was recently hosted right in our own backyard at Pocono Manor Inn and Resort during back to back weekends in the end of April/early May. The sold out Mudder ended up with over 17,000 participants each weekend!! The track wound through the expansive property at Po- cono Manor with much of the event being held around the West Course at the Manor. Special pits, climbing obstacles, and electric shock runs were specifically constructed for the event to put anyone brave enough to the test. Here’s an excerpt from the Tough Mudder website: Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. As the leading company in the booming obstacle course industry, Tough Mudder has already challenged half a million inspiring partic- ipants worldwide and raised more than $3 million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project. But Tough Mudder is more than an event, it’s a way of thinking. By running a Tough Mudder challenge, you’ll unlock a true sense of accomplishment, have a great time, and discover a camaraderie with your fellow participants that’s experienced all too rarely these days. Pocono Manor superintendent Corey Pries is still putting some things back together on the edg- es of the course, but the days of the event were certainly memorable ones. And for those of you who didn’t recognize him, that dirty man in the pictures is Scranton CC’s own Tom Height who participated in the event. Congratulations to Corey and the folks at Pocono Manor for their roles in hosting such a large event and contributing to such a worthy charity as the Wounded Warrior Project. PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP June 19th PTGA meeting @ Terra Congratulations to Casey Sheehan Greens GC (Huntsville CC) and his wife Tiffany on Speaker: Barry Craig, JDL the birth of their first child, a daughter, Pesticide Safety-1 core Riley Rose Sheehan. She was born on credit available April 14th. July 16th PTGA meeting @ Honesdale Speaker:Dr. Landschoot PSU Aug 13th PTGA Clambake @ Scranton CC POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. 1, BOX 219 POSTAGE HARDING, PA 18643 POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 309 TERRACE AVENUE HARDING, PA 18643 NAME & ADDRESS PHONE/FAX 570-388-2167 WEBSITE: ptga.org ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.