CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 20 NO. 2 April 2014 April Meeting Bethlehem Golf Club Host: Tom Wilchak, GCS Our first meeting of the year takes us south to Bethlehem Golf Club. This William and Dan Gor- don design, which opened in 1956, has been the municipal course for the city of Bethlehem from Day 1. Playing over 7,000 yards from the tips with 36 bunkers and providing 5 different sets of tee markers, BGC is a test for any players ability. It’s ryegrass tees and fairways sprawl over this beautiful property where Arnold Palmer held the course record for many years. In addition to the Championship 18 hole course, there is a 9 hole Executive course and an award winning practice facility (Best Public Range in Pennsylvania in 2013). In recent years there have been some notable upgrades to the facility, including the installation of a new Rainbird irriga- tion system in 2009, the opening of a state-of-the-art indoor hitting facility, and a renovation of the golf shop. Our host is long time superintendent Tom Wilchak. Tom has been at Bethlehem for 20 years and is actually now the G.M. also, taking charge of the entire facility, including the ice rink for the city, as well. A 1988 graduate of Delaware Valley College, Tom came to Bethlehem after 4 years at Kennett Continued on Page 7 Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2014 It looks like spring has finally sprung, and we can get back to what we love. Now that the snow is finally gone we can get a look at what's been going on under there. Hopefully, it's not too bad, but in any event, we have the knowledge, tools and experience to remedy PRESIDENT anything Mother Nature dealt us this winter. Even if it's the ugliest thing Ray Waddell you've ever seen and you don't know how you'll get it back, no doubt 570-903-9571 someone in the Association has seen it before and can offer some VICE PRESIDENT advice or a helping hand. Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 That leads me to one of the most powerful tools we have at our TREASURER Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton disposal as members of this Association - our collective knowledge 570-587-4046 and experience, and the willingness we have to share that with each SECRETARY other. I believe this camaraderie is somewhat unique and special to Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club this industry. But how do you tap in to that? The key is being involved - 570-378-2249 going to meetings, taking advantage of networking opportunities, volunteering to serve the Association, helping out the super down the DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. road with a problem or project or just sharing something you've 973-418-3468 learned with someone. I can't tell you how many times I've seemingly Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC. stumbled onto something that is pertinent to what I was dealing with, 570-586-5791 Corey Pries, Pocono Manor GC but for that to happen conversations have to be going on, and what 570-994-8270 drives the conversations is this: Involvement. Chris Moran, Honesdale CC 570-253-9094 __________________________ That being said, I hope to see many of you at the meetings. The Board is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to serve on the Board CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF or help on one of the committees, please let me or any Board member EDITOR know. We are also looking for applicants for our turf and non-turf Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. scholarships. If you know anyone who meets the criteria, please 484-661-6105 bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com encourage them to apply. Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky After the long, hard winter it's great to be able to get outside and work 570-388-2167 again. I wish you all an enjoyable, successful season. mmel500@aol.com PAST PRESIDENT Ray Waddell John Downer, Saturated Solutions 4U 570-840-0078 Editor’s Notes….. Every year has a personality of it’s own, and this one is no different. It seems the comments I hear the most are all concerning the slow start to the year and colder than normal weather. Don’t worry, it will get hot soon enough and the long, never ending day that is Memorial PTGA Office Day through Labor Day will be here soon enough. 309 Terrace Avenue Harding, PA 18643 Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 Thanks for the pictures so far, and keep them coming. Hope to see Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the you all at Bethlehem Golf Club for our first meeting of the year! 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 Brian Bachman permission, as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line. PagePage 3 3 Building Your Environmental Program Contributed by Chase Rogan, GCSAA Field Staff Environmental programs are gaining popularity among golf courses across the land. In some states, we already have well documented BMP manuals that serve as the benchmark for golf courses in the given states. But if you are interested in building on that established base to complete a more robust environmental program, GCSAA can help. By clicking on the “Environment” menu on GCSAA’s homep- age, you will be on your way to tailoring a custom-made environmental program that suits your course, your budget, and your staff. Once you reach the Environment page, there is a box of links under the heading “Get Started.” Here, you have a quick start guide, sample policies and objectives, and a guide to environmental pro- grams. Click on the quick start guide, and there appears a list of tips under various topics including: gen- eral facility practices, basic risk management, water use, water quality, energy conservation, and pollu- tion prevention. One of the keys to any successful environmental program is continual improvement. While it may seem like a daunting task getting started, don’t be afraid to start small. Making minor adjustments here and there can give you a taste of what building a program is all about. From there, document your im- provements – documentation is key! Then, build on those improvements over time. A good environmen- tal program is a living document that is constantly evolving. Try not to take on too much at one time and burn yourself out. Set small goals, and build from there. Before you know it, you will have a showcase en- vironmental program in place that you and your facility can be proud of. Page 4 Pocono Turfgrass Association 2014 Scholarships The Patterson Scholarship for Turfgrass Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting scholarship applications for the Patterson Scholarship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2014. 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 essay 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 scholar- ship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2014. 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 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 essay 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: Patrick Knelly Sugarloaf Golf Club 18 Golf Course Road Sugarloaf, PA 18249 psk114@sugarloafgolfclub.com Page 5 Proposed Changes to the PTGA By-Laws As required in the By-laws, any changes made by the Board of Directors must be presented to the membership for review over a 3 month period and must then be voted on by the membership. What follows, while not an exciting read, are the proposed changes (highlighted in red) and the explanation for those changes. They will be presented in the newsletter for the next three months and will be voted on at the Annual Clambake Meeting in August (which is our best attended event). Below is a link to the current By-laws on the PTGA website. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Ray Waddell, President, or any Board member. http://www2.cybergolf.com/sites/images/1270/BYLAWS.pdf Class C - Assistant Golf Course Superintendent To qualify for Class C membership, an applicant shall be, at the time of application for membership, an Assistant to a Golf Course Superintendent, and shall be presently employed in such capacity. Class C Members shall have all the privileges of the Association, subject to the provisions of Article V, Section 1 hereof. Sentence moved to Article V, Section 2. Class D – Golf Course Employee To qualify for Class D membership, an applicant shall be any person of good character who at the time of application for membership is employed at a golf course (phrase omitted). Class D members shall have such privileges of the Association as the Board of Directors may specify by Standing Rules, except those of voting or holding office. SECTION 2 – QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE Class A, Class SM, Class C and Class AF members are eligible to serve as Directors of this Association. Assistant Superintendent (C) Members and Affiliate (AF) Members can hold positions on the Board of Directors as long as their numbers are in a minority to the Class A and Class SM Board Member summa- tion. The Directors of this Association shall hold office for a period of two (2) years and an election shall be held each year for those Director positions whose terms are to expire in order to maintain a total of ten (10) Directors. These will include the following named Officers who shall serve on the Board of Direc- tors: a President, a Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer who shall perform the duties hereinafter prescribed for each of such offices. The Board of Directors will also include one (1) Assistant Superin- tendent (C) Member who will serve as a “C Liaison” on the Board of Directors as voted on by the mem- bership. The Immediate Past President of the Association shall continue to serve as a Director until he is succeeded by the presiding president. The Officers of the Association, as hereinabove provided for, to- gether with the Directors as above constituted, shall constitute the Board of Directors of this Association. Each member of such Board of Directors shall be entitled to vote at the meetings thereof and a quorum necessary for the transaction of business shall be not less than a majority of said Board of Directors. The majority of a quorum must be made up of Class A and Class SM Board Members. In the event a Class A, Class SM or Class C member of the Board of Directors becomes unemployed, he/she has six (6) months to become employed again as a Class A, Class SM or Class C Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent before having to resign his/her seat on the Board of Directors. In the case of an Affiliate Member, a va- cancy shall occur, and a replacement found under the guidelines of Section 3 of this Article. Continued on Page 6 Page 6 Continued from Page 5 SECTION 4 - DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors shall have general charge and management of the affairs of the Association. The Board of Directors shall, at each annual meeting, make a full report of its activities during the preceding fiscal year. A financial audit shall be completed within thirty (30) days of the end of each fiscal year and a reconciliation thereof shall be presented to the membership at the next annual meeting. SECTION 7 - DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY The Secretary shall be an officer of this Association and be present at all meetings of members of the Associa- tion and of the Board of Directors, and shall be responsible for and keep a record of all the transactions at the meetings in a book, belonging to the Association, kept for such purposes. The Secretary will maintain a record of election results and terms of office for all Directors of the Association and will within ninety (90) days of the Annual Meeting inform the Nominating Committee of any Directors whose terms are expiring. The Secre- tary shall read the minutes from the previous Association meeting and all appropriate correspondence of the Association. The Secretary shall ascertain that due and proper notice, as provided by the Bylaws, has been giv- en of all the meetings of the members of the Association and of the Board of Directors, and shall be the custo- dian of the corporate seal, and shall perform all other duties usually performed by the Secretary of a like corpo- ration and such other additional duties as may be required by the Board of Directors. The books of the Secre- tary shall be open at all times for inspection by the members of the Board of Directors. SECTION 8 - DUTIES OF THE TREASURER The Treasurer shall be responsible for all monies, bills, notes, bonds and similar property belonging to the As- sociation and the safekeeping of the same in the name of the Association. The Treasurer shall prepare an annu- al budget and submit it for approval to the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall keep such financial records and accounts as may be required of them by the Board of Directors and in accordance with standard accounting and bookkeeping procedures and shall make a monthly report of all Association transactions. The books of the Treasurer shall be open at all times for inspection by the members of the Board of Directors. ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS SECTION 1 The Board of Directors shall meet prior to monthly meeting preferably the same day as the monthly general meeting of the Association members. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the President, providing the request is made fourteen (14) days in advance of such meeting. President’s request may be in writing or verbal communication. There must be a majority of members present at said meeting. A majority of members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum at any Board of Directors meeting, provided that the majority of the quorum is made up of Class A and Class SM Directors. The general meeting of the Association’s members shall be held on the third Tuesday of the month, unless otherwise specified in advance. General meetings shall be held each and every third Tuesday, provided a quorum is indicated by the return attendance card provided by the Association Secretary. The Association’s annual meeting shall be held in the month of August on the third Tuesday as provided by Standing Rules or as designated by the Board of Directors. Any valid Association business may be conducted at this time. The annual election of Officers and Continued on Page 7 Page 7 Continued from Page 1 Square Golf & C.C. where he served as the assis- tant for 2 years before becoming superintendent there, as well. Tom and his crew of 5 full time, 8 part time, and 3 seasonal employees always have the course in great shape. Come out and get the year started off right by enjoying the camaraderie and golf at the PTGA’s first meeting of 2014. See you there! Continued from Page 6 Directors will be held at this time with the Nominating Committee Chair acting as elections Director. The ballot of such elections shall be by secret written ballot and shall be provided for by the Association Secre- tary. A simple majority vote shall be required to be elected. All standard and proper election procedures shall rule at all elections. A quorum at any annual or general Association meeting shall be fifteen (15) vot- ing members. SECTION 2 - ANNUAL REPORT The Association Board of Directors, or specially appointed committee by the Board of Directors, shall pre- pare an annual chapter financial statement in accordance with general accepted accounting principles and a summary thereof shall be filed with the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America. The Associa- tion shall submit an annual report to GCSAA which shall contain an outline of Chapter activities for the year, current Bylaws, current Officers, a current membership roster, a certificate of good standing from the state the Association is incorporated in, a certificate of insurance, summary of the annual financial statement and a copy of the Association’s annual tax return. This report will be submitted to GCSAA within sixty (60) days following the Association’s annual meeting. SECTION 5 – INSURANCE The Association shall procure Insurance coverage for its operation, activities and conduct to include, but not limited to, premises, operations, property, personal injury, special events, and Directors and Officers Liabil- ity. A Certificate of Insurance shall be provided to the GCSAA with the annual report confirming that the minimum requirements for General Liability and Directors and Officers coverage are met. Page 8 Explanation of proposed bylaw Changes: The red highlighted sections show what the proposed changes are and are explained section by section below. Page 1: To reflect the date of the current revision if the changes are adopted. Page3, Article II, Section 3, Class C: This sentence is moved because it isn’t really part of the description of the class and seems to it better in the Qualifications and Terms section. Page3, Article II, Section 3, Golf Course Employee: To allow a golf course employee to be a member of the association without requiring that the Superintendent that they work for be a member. Page 5, Article V, Section2: This section is completely rewritten. Instead of stipulating that only one Class C can serve on the board this simply says now that they can serve on the board the same as AF members as long as the majority of the board is made up of (A) and (SM) members and wording has been added to make cer- tain that a quorum of the board must be comprised mostly of A and SM members. This allows the possibility of more than 1 assistant (C) member serving on the board because it doesn’t seem reasonable that they should be more restricted than the affiliate (AF) members are. The position of Secretary and Treasurer is separated instead of designating one officer as Secretary/Treasurer to reflect our current practice. Instead of stipulating a 1 year term for the officers and a two year term for the other directors the new wording states that all directors will serve 2 year terms and that at the annual election enough directors will be elected to replace those whose terms are expiring so that we maintain a 10 member board. Also eliminated is the stipulation of no more than 3 successive terms. Page 5, Article V, Section 4: This is changed so that the audit is performed within 30 days of the end of the fiscal year rather than within 30 days of the annual meeting, because it has not been completed within the time frame outlined in our current bylaws because our fiscal year ends about 15 days after the annual meeting. We have agreed to make the fiscal year end on March 31st and changing the annual meeting to August would make it possible to get the audit done in time for a report of it to be made at the annual meeting. It is hoped that these changes will increase membership awareness of and involvement in Association activities and make the Annual Meeting more relevant. Page 6, Article V, Section 7 & 8: This is simply the separation of the duties of the secretary and treasurer with the addition that the secretary will be responsible for keeping track of the board members terms and letting the nominating committee know whose terms are expiring. Page 7, Article VIII: To reiterate that a quorum of the board must be mostly superintendents, and to change the annual meeting to August. Page 7, Article IX, Section 2: Lengthens the time frame for getting the report to the GCSAA. The GCSAA doesn’t stipulate a time frame so we are at liberty to change this. Page7, Article IX, Section 5: We currently stipulate a minimum dollar amount for the Association insurance coverage and this is something that is likely to change over time so it would be better to simply say we will meet the GCSAA’s minimum requirement rather than specify a dollar amount. Page 9 Board Members Needed If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, please contact one of the Board members. Con- tact information can be found on Page 2 of this newsletter. 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). April Photo of the Month A new trend in tee mark- ers? Photo courtesy of Chris Snopkowski at Wyoming Valley C.C. He’s showing off their new, homemade tee makers. Made of ce- dar with the Club’s logo burned into the face, the picture doesn’t do them justice. Impressive work Chris and Scott!! Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE William Mast 610.327.3390 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Turf Equip. & Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 710.933.5801 PLANT PROTECTANTS EQUIPMENT Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 William Mast 610.327.3390 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Turf Equip. & Supply Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 George Skawski 610.554.9366 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 SEED & SOD FERTILIZER 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 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 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 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 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 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Support our Sponsors - They support us! POCONO ROUNDUP PTGA SCHEDULE April 28 PTGA Golf Meeting Congratulations! Bethlehem Golf Course Congratulations to Patrick Moran (formerly an assistant at Glen Oak C.C.) May 12 PTGA Golf Meeting on his new position as Superintendent at Lehigh C.C. Berwick Golf Club. Joint meeting with Central June 9 PTGA Golf Meeting Elkview 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 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.