CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 22 NO. 2 April 2016 April Meeting Mahoning Valley Country Club Host: Brian Cross We kick off the golfing season with a trip to Mahoning Valley C.C. in Lehighton. This classic design originally opened its first 9 holes in 1926 and were designed by William Gordon. As golf continued to gain in popularity, they decided to open another 9 holes in the mid 1960’s. In an interesting twist, the second 9 holes were also designed by a Gordon….William Gordon’s son, David Gordon. The two 9’s are quite distinct, with the front 9 routed through the trees and river that runs through the property while the back 9 is considerably more open and on some higher ground. At 6,670 yards, this par 73 (that’s right, it’s a par 73….the only one I’m aware of in the area) is a beautiful blend of wooded seclusion, natural scenery, and great conditions. Mahoning Valley had been a private club since its inception. In 2004, after declining membership and financial struggles, the Club was purchased and went through a variety of ownership and management until 2010. The current ownership, with management via Brown Golf Management, has made a solid commitment to the Club, investing in the property and infrastructure. Mahoning Valley is maintained by Superintendent Brian Cross, who’s been at the Club since July of 2012. A 2006 Colorado State graduate, Brian found his way here after a stint in his native Pittsburgh area at Continued on Page 6 Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2016 PRESIDENT Greg Boring, C.C. of Scranton 570-587-4046 VICE PRESIDENT Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak C.C. 570-586-5791 TREASURER Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club 570-378-2249 SECRETARY Chris Moran, Honesdale C.C. 570-253-9094 DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 Corey Pries, Greg Boring 570-994-8270 Ron Garrison, Fox Hill C.C. 570-655-1065 Jerry Decker, Elkview C.C. 570-282-3080 __________________________ Editor’s Notes….. CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. 484-661-6105 bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com What a difference a year makes…..this year we took the covers off and found a much better scenario underneath. Coupled with the Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky early warm temperatures in March, it was off to the races. While 570-388-2167 things have settled down and returned to more seasonal averages now, mmel500@aol.com the season is certainly off to a good start and moving ahead. I’m out of interesting pictures, and I know you have them….send them to me!! 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 2016 Scholarships The Patterson Scholarship for Turfgrass Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting scholarship applications for the Patterson Scholar- ship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2016. The following is a list of guidelines for all individu- als 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 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 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, 2016. 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 fu- ture 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: Greg Boring Country Club of Scranton P. O. Box 269 Clarks Summit, PA 18411 Page 4 Congratulations Shane Miller!! News Release March 24, 2016 Allentown superintendent receives professional certification Contact: Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell) csmith@gcsaa.org Shane A. Miller, golf course superintendent at Iron Lakes Country Club, Allentown, Pa., has earned the title of Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Amer- ica (GCSAA), a top designation currently held by only about 1,500 golf course superintendents worldwide. Shane, a 19-year GCSAA member, has been the superintendent at Iron Lakes Country Club since 2010. “This certification program requires the highest set of competencies in golf course management through testing and practi- cal application, and we are proud of the Association’s Class A members who have advanced to earn this highest level of pro- fessional recognition as a certified golf course superintendent,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer. “We con- gratulate Shane on his accomplishment.” To qualify for GCSAA’s top certification, a candidate must have at least three years’ experience as a golf course superintendent, be currently employed in that capacity and meet post-secondary educational require- ments and/or continuing education points. A candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities are validated through development of a portfolio consisting of case-study scenarios, skill statements and work samples; an on-site inspection of the golf facility; and a rigorous six-hour examination covering turfgrass cultural practices, golf course landscapes, pest management, equipment, Rules of Golf, business systems, regulator and program- matic systems, project management, human resources, environmental management and stewardship, natural systems and ethics and values. Page 6 Continued from Page 1 Churchill Valley C.C. from 2006-2012, where he was everything from the Landscape Manager to the Assis- tant Superintendent. Brian and his Assistant, Michael Robertson, supervise a crew of five full time seasonal employees and his mechanic. In his free time, Brian enjoys boating/fishing, playing guitar, and most other outdoor activities. I look forward to you joining us to enjoy this great golf course and the camaraderie of our peers. 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). April Photo of the Month When you don’t send me any pictures you get mine….saw this vehicle at a gas station in the Lehigh Valley. They guy that was driving it looks just like you picture him in your head. 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 Air2G2 John Downer 570-840-0078 Turf Equip. and Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Les Lear 570.903.8412 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 PLANT PROTECTANTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 EQUIPMENT Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 William Mast 610.327.3390 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Air2G2 John Downer 570-840-0078 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Turf Equip. & Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 Les Lear 570.903.8412 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 SEED & SOD Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 FERTILIZER Coombs Sod Farms John Downer 570-840-0078 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 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 Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Plant Food Co., Inc. Tom Weinert 914.262.0111 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Fertl Soil John Downer 570-840-0078 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 Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Support our Sponsors - They support us! PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP Apr 18 PTGA Meeting @ Mahoning Congratulations! Valley C.C. Congratulations to Shane Miller, CGCS, at May 11 Joint Meeting With Central Iron Lakes C.C. on his recent achievement of Penn @ Reading C.C. becoming a certified golf course superinten- dent. June 22 PTGA Meeting @ Eagle Rock July 19 PTGA Meeting @Jack Frost G.C. Aug 15 PTGA Annual Meeting and Clambake @ Glenmaura National G.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.