CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 18 NO. 7 September 2012 September Meeting Woodstone CC Host: Jason Barndt, GCS Speaker: Dr. Koppenhoffer, Rutgers University September brings us the opportunity to visit a previous stop from a few years ago in Woodstone C.C. Woodstone is a private club which opened in May 2000. It is a par 72 course playing at over 7,000 yards from the tips. With 3.5 acres of greens, 3.5 acres of tees, and 22 acres fairways, all bentgrass, this Ault and Clark de- signed course winds its way over the rolling terrain and through the trees of Northeastern PA. Woodstone is a challenging course with a nice combination of elevation changes, water features, and native Pennsylvania woodland. Jason Barndt, our host this month, has been at Woodstone as the superintendent since 2006. A 1995 Rut- gers graduate, Jason has spent time at several other courses in the area. Pervious to Woodstone, Jason was the Superintendent at Mahoning Valley C.C. for 2 years. Before that he was the superintendent at Berwick C.C. for 7 years. He also spent some time as the assistant at Woodstone and working at Brookside C.C. With an in season staff of 25 and a full time staff of 5, Jason is assisted by long time Woodstone assistant Continued on Page 6 Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2012 PRESIDENT John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-840-0078 VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 TREASURER Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton 570-587-4046 SECRETARY Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 Matthew Brown, Turf Equipment & Supply 484-357-6312 Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club 570-378-2249 Thomas Height, Country Club of Scranton 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. The biggest news at the time of this newsletter is the unfortu- 484-661-6105 nate and untimely death of a larger than life icon to our world, Stanley bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com Zontek. I have included the brief article sent out by the USGA about Managing Editor Stanley in this issue. Stanley has made so many contributions to our Melinda Wisnosky industry over the years, and he will be missed by many. 570-388-2167 mmel500@aol.com Editorial Committee The season is quickly winding down, the days are getting short- Darrin Larkin er, and we’ve already had some nights in the 40’s!!! Aeration has al- Matt Brown ready happened at many courses, and the downhill slide to colder PAST PRESIDENT weather and a more relaxing work environment is in full swing. Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC 570-424-6391 What a great day for golf that we had at the C.C. of Scranton. A big thanks to Greg and all his staff. We couldn’t have asked for a better day or event. It was truly a treat for many of our members and guests, and the question that I kept hearing was: “How many times a week does someone dump a walk behind mower in those greenside bunkers?” A beautiful and challenging feature…. PTGA Office 309 Terrace Avenue Harding, PA 18643 As always, I’m looking for pictures or contributions from anyone Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 interested. Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the Brian Bachman 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. Page 3 In Memoriam Stanley J. Zontek On the morning of August 28, 2012, the USGA lost one of our own with the passing of Stanley J. Zontek. Stanley's loss will be felt by many more than his USGA family. His life was devoted to the game of golf and the improvement of golf courses throughout the world. He was tireless in his efforts to help golf course superintendents make the most of the resources at hand, whether it was the small, family golf course or the greatest of championship venues. It is impossible to calculate the impact Stanley had through his 41 years of visiting courses, writing articles, speaking at conferences and making friends all over the world. Stanley's introduction to his chosen profession was through his father who was a golf course superintendent. In the late 1950's, Dr. Burt Musser, Penn State University, visited Stan's father while he was installing the first 'Penncross' bentgrass putting green in West Virginia. This visit piqued Stan's interest in turfgrass science. He started his golf course career raking bunkers for $1.10 per hour. After high school, he enrolled at Penn State where he developed a love for agronomy that only grew stronger throughout his professional career. Stanley joined the USGA in 1971. At the time of his death he was the USGA's most tenured employee with 41 years of service. Continued on Page 4 Page 4 Stanley joined the USGA in 1971 and quickly found his calling. Stan and the USGA Green Section soon proved to be a perfect match with the shared goal of serving the game of golf through the dissemination of sound agro- nomic advice. Stan never wavered in his commitment to this goal or in his ef- forts to help others be successful. He started his USGA career as an agronomist in the Northeastern Region and he was named director of the region in 1976. He moved to the North Central Region in 1980 before becoming the director of the Mid-Atlantic Region in 1985. He trained many USGA agronomists and it was always an experience to spend a week or two "traveling with Stanley." The topics went well beyond agronomy, but you came away from your time with a much better apprecia- tion of the industry. Many organizations have recognized Stanley's contributions through various well-deserved awards, including the 1997 GCBAA Don A. Rossi Award, the 2006 International travel was one of Stan- GCSAA Distinguished Service Award, and the ley's hobbies. He was a favorite speak- 2007 Penn State University Crop and Soil Sci- er at international turfgrass confer- ences Outstanding Alumni Award. Stan was ences. His love for the finer things in life made it easy for him to make extremely proud of his degree from Penn State friends all over the world. and was one of the university's greatest ambas- sadors. Although he went out of his way to help all young turf professionals, he had a special place in his heart for "Penn Sta- ters." Not surprisingly, during his four decades of working in golf, Stan authored an extraordinary number of Turf Advisory Service visit reports, presentations, and articles on every aspect of golf course maintenance. Dr. Kimberly Erusha, managing director of the USGA Green Section, captured Stan's approach to life and his work. "Stanley often said that this was a people business and it was about building relationships. He lived by that sentiment, Proud of his Penn State degree, Stanley was honored to be recog- and did it very well. He willingly shared his passion, expertise and experience nized by the Crop and Soil Sciences with people from around the world. For that, all of us who love the game are Department as an "Outstanding better for it." Alumni" in 2007. To read more about Stanley's career, visit the USGA website. The family has chosen a private burial in Cape May, New Jersey. Donations in Stanley's memory may be made to the following organizations: American Diabetes Association PA Turf Research Innovation Fund Stanley J. Zontek Memoriam Penn State University PO Box 11454 c/o PA Turf Research Innovation Fund Alexandria, VA 22312 240 Agricultural Administration Building 1 (800) 232-3472 University Park, PA 16802 www.diabetes.org The Turfgrass Information Center (home of the USGA Turfgrass Information File) MSU Libraries Development 366 W. Circle Drive East Lansing, MI 4882517-884-6446 Page 5 PTGA Membership Drives Thinking of becoming a PTGA Member?? Know someone who would like to be a PTGA Member?? The Pocono Turfgrass Association has revived some old initia- tives 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 Associa- tion (with their paid dues and approved application, of course) will be able to attend the monthly meeting immedi- ately following their membership for FREE!!! Please Note: Free meeting excludes the clambake in August Drive #2: Any existing member who signs up 3 new members (with their paid dues and approved application, 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 6 Continued from Page 1 John Sell, who’s been at the club since 1999. Recently, Jason, John, and the crew have embarked on some course improvement projects, including the removal of over 80 trees this year and the rebuilding/renovation of several bunkers. Also, in 2010, the club opened a 19 room Lodge to accommodate guests for their wedding facilities, visi- tors to local Blue Mountain Ski area, and created in house stay and play programs, among other things. It is a beautiful facility that overlooks the course. Jason and his staff have also worked extensively on some clubhouse renovations over this past winter by working on a new members area. We look forward to another great event at this beautiful facility. Hope to see you all there. As a service to our members and a way to say thank you…..all PTGA members will receive their own bag tag to proudly display. Jo Dow hn Please pick up your tag at the meetings ner throughout the season. PT G Me A mb er Page 7 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). August Photo of the Month I didn’t get a submission this month, so I dove into the archives for this one. The Christmas season is just around the corner….. 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 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 SEED & SOD Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Genesis Turfgrass Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Profile Products LLC Dan Fick 610.562.0547 Support our Sponsors - They support us! Page 9 August Meeting Wrap Up C.C. of Scranton A big thanks goes out to Greg Boring and his staff for opening up this beautiful golf course to our As- sociation. It was an absolutely perfect day to play golf and the course was in phenomenal condition. A great time was had by all. It was a day we won’t soon forget. 1st place in the team with a round of 60: Greg Boring Michael Lynch Jay Boring Brian Gjelsvik 2nd place with a round of 61 (on a match of cards): Duane Schell Matt Kachurak Tony Barletta Josh Popowycz 3rd place with a round of 61: John Downer John Maglio George Cobb Matt Fronczek Longest Drive (PTGA members): Chris Butler Longest Drive (non-members): Jay Boring Closest to the hole (PTGA members): #3 Barry Goodhart 5’3” #5 Lee Kozsey 9’3” #11 Bob Seltzer 3’7.5” #17 Tom Collum 29’ Closest to the hole (non-members): #3 Jay Boring 7’8” #11 Josh Popowycz 2’ There were 2 skins won: #8 Downer, Cobb, Maglio, Fronczek #14 Kunesch, Kunesch, Boyle As always, a special thanks to all of our sponsors for this meeting: Grass Roots, Andre and Son, Mitchell Products, and Syngenta PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP Sept 25th PTGA mtg @ Woodstone CC Congratulations! Speaker: Dr. Koppenhoffer, Rutgers University Congratulations Patrick and Michele Knelly on the birth of their second child. Grace Eliz- Oct 15th PTGA mtg @ Glen Oak CC abeth Knelly was born August 12th at 7 lbs Speaker: Darin Bevard 10 oz and 18.5 inches long. USGA year in review Welcome to Brian Cross, the new superinten- dent at Mahoning Valley C.C. who joins us Oct 18th MET Tournament from the Pittsburg area. The Stanwich Club Congratulations to Tom Stem, who has taken Nov 13-15 PSU Turf conference over as Superintendent at Wild Pines C.C. 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 Equipment Sales: Agronomic Sales: Finch Services, Inc. NE PA: Brent Wood, SOW, 419 Industrial Drive 570-499-1441 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED. North Wales, PA 19454