chips %pirns OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION VOLUME: 7, NUMBER: 5 JULY 2001 Employers Adjust to Workforce Changes More and more turf industry employers serve you well in a competitive labor market report that they can’t find and keep good are building employee commitment and employees. They’re not alone. A slew of creating a positive image. societal factors have combined in recent years to create Build Employee Commitment labor challenges "Employee for employers Employees are more likely to be attracted to expectations and a business and stay with it if they enjoy their everywhere. And experts predict loyalty have also work and can be productive. As an that this situation changed. Employees employer, it’s your job to help create this could continue, environment by doing at least four important are more likely to even during an things: economic change jobs ....................” slowdown. 1. Create a vision and a direction for your business. Then communicate that to all First, U.S. demographics are changing. employees. This creates a purpose for their Fewer young people are entering the work and helps them to feel part of the workforce as the number of older organization and its success. The sense of Americans in the population increases. contributing to something bigger and more Women have taken a higher percentage important than just the "job" matters to of full-time jobs in the last decade. And the employees, especially to the younger number of Hispanic workers entering the U. generation. S. workforce is increasing, creating lan­ 2. Develop and support the people you guage and cultural issues for employers. employ. Determine their training and development needs. Then work with Employee expectations and loyalty have employees to develop their personal also changed. Employees are more likely to development plan. This creates a win-win change jobs if they become dissatisfied in situation: employees gain valuable skills and their current job or if wages and benefits your business benefits from a higher are more attractive elsewhere. Some of this (Continued on page 3) loss of loyalty stems from the tight job market of the ‘90s that increased Ifx \4/14a ì, % competition, plus wage and benefit packages, for workers. June Meeting Results Yes, it’s a challenging labor market for small Garden Snatchers business employers. But progressive and Spruce up your Course innovative human resource strategies can July Profile: Stonehedge GC overcome the challenges. Two human resource strategies that will President's Message & From the Editor Officers & Directors 2001 What Your Association Expects Of You As A Member PRESIDENT Gene Huelster, Pocono Farms C.C. 1. Regular attendance at monthly meetings and functions 570-894-8055 turfman@ezaccess.net sponsored by the Association. VICE PRESIDENT Darrin M. Batisky, Glen Oak C.C. 570-586-5791 2. Be willing to serve on committees, and hold office as a director dmbatisky@hotmail.com or officer. SECRETARY/TREASURER Mark Eisele, CGCS, C. C. at Woodloch Springs 570-685-2980 3. Mail monthly return cards promptly, whether you plan to eiselemk@ltis.net attend or not to attend. If a member makes a reservation and DIRECTORS does not keep it, or does not notify the host superintendent to Jason J. Barndt, Berwick Golf Club 570-759-6480 cancel, the member will be billed for the meal and that grassman72@hotmail.com meeting. Steven Chirip, Egypt Farms, Inc. 570-894-3131 4. Superintendent members should be willing to host the John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-222-9247 Association membership for monthly meetings. Eric Reed, Valley C.C. 570-788-4277 barley5@aol.com 5. Pay your Association dues and assessments promptly. Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail GC 570-868-8113 DJSchell@epix.net 6. Respect the golf course and the club facilities of your host Past President superintendent, and wear proper attire befitting of your Ron Garrison, CGCS, Fox Hill C.C. profession. 570-655-2383 rgarrison@golfsat.net 7. Keep your Association Secretary posted when you change CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF address or you are due for re-certification. EDITOR Darrin M. Batisky Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky 8. Make every effort possible to welcome our new members into Editorial Committee our Association and try to bring those members who are Ron Garrison, CGCS Jeff Koch inactive to the meetings. Jim MacLaren Eric Reed 9. Know and abide by the Code of Ethics set by the GCSAA and PTGA Office RR 1, Box 2 1 9 the By-Laws adopted by our Association. Harding, PA 1 9 6 4 3 Phone/Fax: (570] 3 8 8 -2 1 6 7 May your membership in the Pocono Turfgrass Association be a very happy and fulfilling one, and thank you for your cooperation, Gene & Darrin 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. W e would appreciate a credit line. ' à (Continued from page 1J performance level. A EGYPT Dean Snyder President 3. Outline the standards for good performance and help FARMS E G Y P T F A R M S , IN C . employees meet those standards by becoming their coach and PO. BOX 223 supporter. White Marsh, Maryland 21162 4. Communicate the results you expect for jobs. Then provide Phone: 800-899-7645 employees with the freedom and resources to achieve those results. Local: 410-335-3700 Fax: 410-335-0164 Create a Positive Image Why is it that one turf related business has a ready supply of qualified Premium sod for golf courses applicants, yet the one across town struggles to find and keep good employees? Chip Presendofer A T Sales Associates, Ltd. 1011 Church Road Oreland, PA 19705 The difference may be the image that a business projects to the community and to prospective employees. The following factors can Tel 215-886-6011 help create a positive image and attract a pool of applicants: Fax 215-886-1203 Pager 800-983-3430 1. Promote what’s good about employment in your industry. Successful turf businesses highlight the benefits such as working out­ AER-CORE, Inc. doors, job variety and the opportunity to see results of hard work. 2. Maintain the appearance of your business. It helps create an image of excellence and acts as one of your most valuable advertisements. Most people want to work in a business that is highly regarded and has a reputation for professionalism. CONTRACT SERVICES USING: 3. Provide competitive wage and benefit packages. This allows you • Southern Green Soil Reliever to compete for the best job candidates. • TORO Fairway Aerator 4. Employ professional human resource practices. Begin with • BLEC Ground Prep & Seeder creative, attractive recruitment ads that promote the job you’re • Dakota Peat Topdresser offering and your business. Professional practices include your reputation for training, developing and helping people succeed. 5. Keep employees happy. A business' current employees are its EQUIPMENT SALES FEATURING best advocates for attracting new employees. • Southern Green Soil Reliever 6. Create opportunities to promote your business in your • BLEC Blecavator & Cultipack Seeder • Greensgroomer Topdressing Brush community. Building your public image enhances your ability to attract good people. Many businesses successfully use tours, open • Dakota Peat Topdressers houses and public service to promote themselves and to create ELEVEN YEARS IN THE goodwill in the community. AERIFICATION BUSINESS The best employees always have a choice of where they work, and they'll opt to work for the best employers. If you have a reputation as • PROVEN TRACK RECORD a poor, or even average, employer, it’ll be more difficult to find • COMPETITIVE PRICES • THOROUGHLY TRAINED good employees. Instructors at universities, colleges and tech schools will steer their students to the better employers. Business OPERATORS associates will also recommend the best employees to employers whom they perceive to be good ones. For Service or Demo Please Call: 610-327-3390 — Adapted for Cornell University Turfgrass Times; Volume 12, Number One (Spring 2001) Bob Eichert Bill Rahling (The author is the co-author of: Human Resource Management for the Golf Course Superintendent. And a GCSAA seminar instructor of: Pfiff, if Winners of the June Meeting: TORO. Blue Ridge Trail GC (Trifecta Partner Scoring) 1st-S c o re : 70 Tony Grieco/Charlie McGill TURF EQUIPMENT MATT BROWN 2nd- Score: 72 TELEPHONE: 215-340-5401 Ron Garrison/Eric Reed PAGER: 888-896-5094 IRRIGATION 3rd - Score: 74 GEORGE SKAWSKI Bill Joy/Rocco Cusat TELEPHONE: 215-340-5450 PAGER: 888-376-2074 EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com 4th - Score: 76 John Bodock/Joe Sellers Closest to the Pin Bill Joy I I Longest Drive E arthw orks S tr / £ > n t i c S h a u n M . B arry / iAk\CT/ il/j Sales Representative ¡Century Rain Aid I N atural Organic Products /\ CHIPCO Professional Products Featuring Joel Sim mons AventisEnvironmental Science Hunter* 1133 Rt. #27 P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com Somerset, NJ 08873 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 Tel. (732) 846-8173 G O L F Fax (732) 846-8113 800-732-TURF email :Shaun. Barry@aventis.com Rotors • Valves • Central Control Systems 800- 347-4272 PlantStar Fertigation.. .Solutions to Grow VERTI-DRAIN & 5 7 0 -6 0 2 -3 0 5 4 R0TADAIR0N 8 0 0 -5 5 4 -4 8 6 3 Looking For The Answer To DEALERS & CONTRACTORS FAX 5 7 0 -6 0 2 -3 0 5 3 E S M Golf S upply C o . Spoon-Feeding Your Golf Course? A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. 9 5 0 SATHERS DRIVE, PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, PA 1 8 6 4 0 PlantStar Fertigation Has The Solution...4V _m. SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION With over 15 years experience, we know we can help. Give us a call for more details on how fertigation can change the way you grow your turf! STEPHEN MICHAEL To learn more about PlantStar and our services, call us at: 8 0 0 * 2 7 7 • STAR www.plantstar.com The invader came like a purple wolf in sheep's clothing, flying out of nurseries and garden centers as fast as the smitten could get their green thumbs on it. In no time at all, it seemed to be everywhere. Now it actually is. “Purple Loosestrife is a very good example of an invasive that started out as a popular garden plant and grew into a big problem,” says Terry Schettini, Ph.D., director and ornamental horticulture agent for the Penn State Co­ operative Extension of Lackawanna County. “It was brought in as a garden plant and people loved it. They thought it was gorgeous, but they found out pretty quick it was an animal. No one realized it was that aggressive.” Now a major player on the state Department of Conservation and National Resources’ hit list of invasive plants, European Purple Loosestrife is muscling out native plants in wetlands, roadside ditches, shorelines and other moist areas all over North America. And it’s just one of 54 infidels on the list which DCNR maintains to warn gardeners, land-scapers and nurseries about plants that have proven bad neighbors wherever they’ve moved in. Many, like Purple Loosestrife, have been designated noxious weeds, which makes it illegal to sell or plant them in Pennsylvania. Why? Because when native plants are choked out, so are the many species of insects, birds and other wildlife that evolved in the native ecosystem. Usually foreign to American soil, invasive plants are known for their aggressive nature and ability to spread and grow quickly. Trees, vines, grasses or flowers, invasives are extremely hard to control once freed of the limitations of their native habitats. In its native habitat, Dr. Schettini explains, a plant’s growth is regulated by its surroundings, from neighboring plants to insects, diseases, weather patterns and temperatures. "All these things around it provide balance,” he says. "It ends up being introduced to a new place where these things aren’t present, and there’s nothing to keep it in check.” Trash 'em Nothing but responsible gardeners and landscapers armed with knowledge and a desire to cut down the in­ vaders where they stand. Just make sure, Dr. Schettini says, to give the fallen a proper burial. “Say you have English Ivy,” he says. “You’ve got it growing clear up a wall, and that’s fine. But then you trim it or dig it up and throw it in the woods, and it starts going like gangbusters. "People think they’re doing something good by dumping it in the woods, and they don’t want to put it in the garbage, but that’s really where it should go." To avoid contributing to the spread of invasive plants, Dr. Schettini says talking to professionals and other gar­ deners and landscapers is essential. Once you've compared notes, much of the rest is common sense, he says. “If you have a choice between something that’s known to be very aggressive and something that’s not, lean toward the one that’s not,” he says. “That doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Look for stuff that may be really fun and exotic for you, but that's been around 10 years. And don’t think you need to fill in your garden right away. "Take it a little at a time and make informed choices. That's the best advice I can give.” FOR THE COMPLETE LIST of invasive plants in Pennsylvania, visit: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry on the World Wide Web. Spruce up your Course By: Tim Roche, 2001 Intern; Glen Oak Country Club On almost every golf course the essential focus of both superintendent and crew is the turfgrass upon which the reputa­ tion of the course lies. Of equal importance, however, and often overlooked is the health and well-being of the tress which add to both the grandeur and the playability of the course. It is essential that careful diagnoses of potential problems and a planned prognosis for the survival of each species on the course be planned in a proactive manner. It is only by such meth­ ods that treatment or removal can be planned before the need arises. The fungus Leucostona kunzei (Cytospora kunzei variety picea) causes Cytosporo canker, a stem disease. It appears most frequently on Colorado blue spruces (Picea pungens Engelm.) and Norway spruces (Picea abies (L.) Karst). The fungus kills areas of bark, usually at the bases of small twigs and branches, creating elliptical to diamond-shaped lesions. If the lesions enlarge faster than the stem, it will create a girdling effect, and the portion beyond the canker dies. The disease normally starts on the lowest branches and slowly progresses to higher branches. The entire tree is rarely killed except when the trunk is girdled. In most conifers, the cankers are usually confined to the branches. White Spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss.), Black Spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.), Red Spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Engel- mann Spruce (Picea engelmannii) trees develop trunk cankers more often than other affected species. Spruce trees less than 10 to 15 years old usually do not have Cytospora canker. Browning of needles and dying of the lower branches of affected trees are usually the first symptoms of Cytospora can­ ker. As the disease progresses, it spreads to higher branches. Occasionally branches high in the tree are attacked even though lower ones are healthy. The cankers produced are not immediately obvious because the affected bark does not per­ ceptibly change color or become depressed. Frequently, amber, purplish white or white patches of resin materialize on the bark in areas where cankers have formed. What color the resin may be, depends on how much air mixes with the resin. Care­ ful removal of a thin outer layer of bark in the area that separates diseased and healthy tissue will reveal tiny, black, pinhead­ like fruiting bodies of the fungus in the diseased bark. These fruiting bodies contain minute spores which can be spread by rain, wind, or pruning tools (See Sinclair, Lyon and Johnson. Diseases of Trees and Shrubs for more details). Control of Cytospora canker requires that all diseased branches be cut back to the nearest living laterals or to the trunk of affected trees. The bark should not be injured unnecessarily, since the fungus may enter through wounds resulting from inju­ ries. Since weakened trees are susceptible to this disease, fertilizing to stimulate vigorous growth may help to combat Cyto­ spora canker. Fertilizing may also stimulate new growth that may fill in small vacant areas in the trees but large dead areas seldom fill back in. Both too much and too little water are stresses that can weaken spruces. Make sure there is adequate drainage and water the trees during droughts. There are no fungicides that effectively control this disease. For more information, please direct your web browser to Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet - http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/3000/3033.html Thomas C. Weinert, Jr. jp j The Liquid Fertilizer Experts 38 Highstown-Cranbury Station Road is h e r y ^ s o n Cranbury, New Jersey 08512 (609) 448-0935♦ (800) 562-1291 eompany,inc. Fax: (609) 443-8038 Superior Products for the PLANT Turf and Horticultural Professional E-Mail: pfc@plantfoodco.com www.plantfoodco.com FOOD COMPANY INC. Direct Numbers: Cell Phone: (914) 262-0111 Phone: (570) 839-2636♦Fax: (570) 839-4002 Mark Reed (610)282-2381 (610) 282-2392 fa x 237 East K in g St. M a lv e rn PA 19355 E-Mail: tweinertjr@juno.com PH. 1-800-262-2127 FAX (610) 644-7791 www.fisherandson.com • Layout and Design • Typesetting I t ’ s e v e r y p la y e r ’ s r e s p o n s i b i l i t y .. . • Mac/IBM desktop publishing interface • Laser color separations ■ Repair ball marks • Scitex® electronic photo retouching ■ Replace or fill divots 31 Hill Street, P.0. Box 507 • Full electronic prepress services • Foil stamping, embossing ■ Rake bunkers Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 570-822-8181 FAX: 570-823-3579 • Complete bindery including saddlestitch and perfect binding A message from your golf course superintendent and GCSAA PAfri DCNR Gives You The Creeps Nothing Runs Like A Deere The State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says these plants are some of Northeastern Pennsylvania's most dangerous TOM BRAGO D ALE AND REW invaders: • Musk Thistle, flower, designated as a noxious weed in Pennsylvania FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. (215) 661-0390 • Canada Thistle, flower, noxious weed 419 Industrial Drive (800) 875-TU R F North Wales, PA 19454 FAX: (215) 661-9161 W eb Site: www.finchlnc.com PARTS: (800) 78-D E ER E • Bull Thistle, flower, noxious weed • Purple Loosestrife, flower, noxious weed • Johnson Grass, grass, noxious weed John Fowler The following are worth keeping an eye out for: Syngenta Professional Products Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. • Goutweed, flower, commonly planted in the past syngenta 325 Mill Pond Lane Oxford, PA 19363 • Dame's Rocket, flower, planted in gardens, escaped and natural­ Tel. 610-998-2896 ized along roadsides Fax 610-998-2987 www.syngenta.com • Wild Parsnip, flower, found commonly along roadsides john.fowler@syngenta.com • Japanese Barberry, shrub, escaped from cultivation (The above appeared in the Scranton Times, Tuesday June 19, pages 11 & 12) Stemming the invasion in Your Own Back Yard (or Golf Course) The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers the following tips to fight the spread of invasive plants: • Avoid the use of known invasive plants. Learn which plants present a threat, and spread the word. • Minimize landscape disturbance. Invasive plants thrive on bare soil and disturbed ground where native plant community has been displaced. ■ Use fertilizers wisely. High nitrogen levels can give an advantage to invasive species. Try using organic, slow- decomposing composts and mulches. ■ Have a land management plan. Have a blueprint for maintaining your land and nipping invasive plants in the bud. Scout for invasives and remove them before they become a problem. » Dispose of them wisely. Don’t dump them somewhere they might get another foothold. • Replace invasive plants with native and non-invasive species. Removing an invasive plant is not enough. Unless you replace it, it will likely grow back. FOR SUGGESTIONS on good replacements and other information on planting native species, visit www.dcnr. state.pa.us/forestry on the World Wide Web. (The above appeared in the Scranton Times, Tuesday June 19, 2001; page 11) j P*# POCONO ROUNDUP NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO members. The golf course also boasts one of the TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION toughest holes in northeast Pennsylvania. According to the Sunday Times, the par 4, second hole is one of the hardest holes in this part of the state. Its length is July Profile - Stonehedge Golf Club hardly short of a par 5, with a second shot being hit uphill to an undulated green that slopes from right to Tony Kenia - General Manager left. The fairway and green are heavily protected by Dan Kenia - Golf Course Superintendent bunkers, which only add to its difficulty. A bogey is actually a solid and average score on this hole. Located near Lake Winola, Pennsylvania, southeast The scenic views Stonehedge offers of Tunkhannock, is a total golfing experience, the accompanied by the quality course conditions Stonehedge Golf Club. With a course yardage of 6,200 provided by the Kenia family, makes it is easy to see yards and a par of 71, Stonehedge offers the low to high why the course is a huge attraction to so many handicapper a variety of shots with this challenging golfers. From those golfers who play casual rounds to layout. This Jim Blaukovich design covers 176 acres of rounds of evening league play, the atmosphere once farmed terrain with bentgrass tees and greens, inside the clubhouse and on the course allows ryegrass fairways, and bluegrass roughs. Plans for everyone to feel welcome and leaves long-lasting converting the fairways to bentgrass are currently being memorable experiences. For the Kenia family, life is discussed which will only enhance the courses' aesthetic golf, and golf is life. Their hard work is easily seen and value. very much appreciated. This family owned golf course hosts nearly 25,000 rounds a year and has nearly 70 regular season golfing - By: Jeff Koch POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION c/o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.