Jndedin 1936 cm % wtk OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION VOL. 10, NO. 5 JANUARY 2005 Third Annual Snow Meeting by: Darrin Larkin The third annual snow meeting brought some cold temperatures and about 20 skiers to Elk Mountain Ski Resort. With the cold temperatures we were sure to get excellent ski conditions, and we were not disappointed. I skied some of the best snow I have ever skied. The cold temps didn’t cool the spirits of this year’s attendees either. Everyone had a great time. Great skiing, socializing at the Halfway House, and a terrific meal at the Winter Garden Restaurant gave everyone a chance to enjoy themselves. It’s common to take a few runs and stop in the Halfway to warm-up with a beverage. Eric McCousland (son of Willie McCousland, Horticulturalist at Saucon Valley) even took his annual nap at the Halfway House. Lunch was served upstairs in the Winter Garden Restaurant in the main lodge. It's an easy location for non-skiers to join us. The food was great. There was more than enough to go around of baked chicken, rigatoni and meatballs, roast beef, and all the other fixings. Our group photo was taken in the lounge by the fireplace under the elk. As for the skiing, it was some of the best snow conditions I’ve skied in a long time. I never found an ice patch. Charlie Koennecker must have, because I don’t have any other explanation for him getting snow in his face on several occasions. I only saw the Downer Clan once on the mountain. Sarah and Amanda Downer were hitting every trail and even wanted more when the ski day was done. Once the ski day was over, we held an impromptu meeting at Chet’s Place, a local estab-lishment off on a dirt road. If you ever want to go there, just ask Eric Reed for directions. We even ran into the PTGA accountant, Bill Owens, out with his wife, Michelle. It was a good time President's Message O FFIC ERS AND I had high expectations of delivering to you the great DIREC TO RS news concerning the formation of an affiliated chapter in the 2005 state of Pennsylvania, but after our meeting January 18th, I would be surprised to ever see its occurrence in this state. The four sm aller chapters in our state all echo the same PRESIDENT Eric Reed, Valley C.C. sentiment and face the same problems. The affiliation idea 570-788-4277 Barley5@ptd.net would be a very positive step for the smaller chapters. The “big three” are sympathetic to the plight of the smaller VICE PRESIDENT Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G.C. associations, but differ on how they view the state chapter 570-868-8113 djschell@epix.net benefiting them. The only way a state chapter would succeed would be if all seven chapters were completely on TREASURER John Downer, Elkview C.C. board with the idea, and as of right now, that unison is 570-840-0078 j_s_downer@juno.com nowhere in sight. I wrote an article outlining what the PTGA was hoping to achieve through a state affiliated chapter, but SECRETARY Andrew Jubinski after you read it, please line your gerbil cage with it. 570-378-3043 glenturf@epix.net DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. Eric Reed 973-418-3468 Jeff Koch, Wyoming Valley C.C. 570-823-0740 Darrin Larkin, Panorama Golf Course 570-222-9260 From the Ed ito r’s Desk...... CHIPS & PUnS STAFF EDITOR Charles Koennecker I would like to personally thank each member of the Pocono fertseedchem@aol.com Turfgrass Association. Over the last 3 years, I have had the Managing Editor pleasure to call on many of you and to enjoy attending the Melinda Wisnosky meetings. Editorial Committee Jeff Koch This will be my last issue as Editor of C hips and Putts. As of Eric Reed February 7, 2 0 0 5 ,1will be covering Southern New Jersey for Finch (John Deere One Source). It has been a pleasure serving on the Board and trying to produce Chips and Putts. I will always value the friendships and contacts I have made along the way. For those of you who allowed me in your door, I am grateful. For those of you who competed against me, I wish you PTGA Office the best of luck, and I have enjoyed the camaraderie and RR 1, Box 2 1 9 knowledge gained from my experiences in the territory. I will Harding, PA never look at a Pink ball and a bottle of Yuengling the same Phone/Fax: (570) 3 8 8 -2 1 6 7 way again. Thanks for the memories and good luck in the future. Charlie Koennecker A New Era For Turfgrass at Penn State A Message from John Chassard President o f the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council As we look back over the past 75 years at Penn With mixed emotions, we look forward to State, it is hard to imagine how anyone in the recognizing the contributions of Dr. Thomas green industry has not benefited from the turfgrass Watschke to the turf industry as we celebrate his research and education that has been produced retirement this year. His presence will be truly since the inception of the University's turfgrass missed but his contributions will continue to live program in 1929.’ on. Mr. Jeff Borger has been Dr. Watschke’s trusted Research Technician and has become a The Center for Turfgrass Science at Penn State has familiar face at our conferences. We are excited the most comprehensive educational program of about Jeff’s commitment to continue Dr. its kind in the world. This program reflects the Watschke’s research programs and teaching quality of the collective efforts of those who are responsibilities. currently involved, as well as the contributions of those who came before them, beginning with Burt Carmen Magro brings a youthful enthusiasm as Musser back in 1929. the new advisor to the two-year turfgrass program. Carmen shares a similar passion with Penn State’s research, which includes work in his predecessor, Dr. George Hamilton, for breeding and genetics, edaphology, water quality, developing world-class turfgrass professionals. plant nutrition, plant growth regulation, and pest We welcome Carmen and look forward in sharing management, continues to lead the turf industry. in his vision. Dr. Watschke will formally introduce The commitment to maintaining this standard is as Mr. Magro and give a "state of the turfgrass strong as ever. program" presentation at the Penn State Alumni Breakfast during the GCSAA Conference in As we look into the future, the opportunities for Orlando next month. Penn State's Center for Turfgrass Science and the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council are greater than In closing, I would like to mention that additional ever. With the Council’s establishment of the copies of Penn State’s 75th anniversary book, "The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Research Trust, we are Grass Keeps Getting Greener" are available on a poised to make new strides and take advantage of first-come/first-served basis. Please contact these opportunities. PTC’s "Growing the Game” Heather Treaster at hawl@osu.edu for your campaign is already raising money to ensure that copy. The publication of this book was the the Research Trust becomes a reliable source of mission of our friend, Dr. George Hamilton. It is funding for continuous turfgrass research at Penn only fitting that "The Grass Keeps Getting State. Greener" is dedicated to his memory. □ The Turfgrass Council welcomes Jim Wellen to serve John Chassard, President, as the first Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council Turfgrass Research Trust. Mr. Wellen is working with volunteers that represent all aspects of the turf industry to shepherd the Growing the Game campaign. Over the next several months he will be providing additional information on the Trust and how it will impact the future of research at Penn CHUCK DeANGELO State. ----------------- SALES------------------- GOLF CARS, INC. 570-457-7420 OFFICE MAIN OFFICE 215-340-0880 570-499-2216 CELL MAIN FAX 215-340-1634 570-457-3279 FAX 4180 SKYRON DRIVE DeAngelo46@aol.com BUCKINGHAM, PA 18912-0247 w w w .p tg a .ora Darrin Larkin During the offseason, we have been busy building a new website to better serve our membership. We went online in December. In the meantime, we have been trying to fine tune the site to suit the organization's and members’ needs. While visiting the site, you will find seven pages of information. Here is a brief description of what you will find: 1. Home Page: Introduction, special announcements, and PTGA contact information 2. Newsletter: Information from Chips & Putts - technical article, President’s Message, Editor’s Message, and any other important topics from the printed newsletter 3* Board of Directors: Current list of Board members, off­ icers, and their responsibilities to the Association. 4 Host Course: Information about the upcoming meeting, host superintendent, directions, and weather. Also, past meeting results and future sites are available. 5. Bulletin Board: A forum for questions, answers, or com­ ments about any topic important to any member. Sorry, this page is still under construction. 6. Vendors’ Links: A current member list of all our associa­ tion's vendors and their specialties. There are direct links to their websites (if available). 7. Member Services: Information on membership, printable membership application, by­ laws, and dues. Also, employment and educational opportunities, scholarship requirements and printable scholarship application. Helpful links are also available. Vendors! Check your information. E-mail corrections, new phone numbers, and company website information. Advertising space will be available on most pages. Please e-mail company logos for advertising purposes. We will put your logo on our site with available links. We hope this site will be useful to many members. Visit our site at w w w .p ta a .o rg . Please feel free to use the e-mail link (found on every page) to send questions, comments, or suggestions. Happy surfing. (Continued from page 1) for some pool shooting (Susan Downer is a shark; don't play with her), TurfSafes & Consuftation foosball, and video games. Speaking of foosball, I might mention that the super combo of Eric Reed and Darrin Larkin beat up on the Finch ANDRE 8c SON* (NC. boys, Andy Jubinski and Charlie Koennecker. TURF KING PRODUCTS & We want to thank everyone for coming. Our sponsors were great CONTRACTED SERUICES again, helping with refreshments and snacks at the Halfway House and Chet's They were Finch Turf, Grass Roots, Philadelphia Turf Co., JOHN VOJICK VOICE/FAX 1.888.887.3770 EXTN 671 and Andre and Son. CELLULAR 1.607.768.0575 2 M ILL S TR E E T RESIDENCE, VOICE/FAX 570.222.TURF MONTROSE, PA 18801 We had a great time and are looking forward to the Fourth Annual Snow Meeting next year. We hope more people can make it. Remember, you don't need to ski to come up and have a good time. Lee Kozsey Territory Sales Representative Syngenta Professional Products C l/n P P I li'r ) Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. Jr 1 1 ■ 3710 Amherst Court Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 Tel. 610-861-8174 Fax 610-882-9358 Mobile 215-796-0409 www.syngenta.com lee.kozsey @syngenta.com KOON Inc. D iscussing th e m o rn in g 's skiing. Office & Home Phone Top Dressing Dean Snyder White Haven 570-443-9596 Fax 570-443-9590 Bunker Sand Infield Mix A E G Y PT President •' FA R M S EGYPT FARMS, INC. Blue Ridge Peat Farm s, Inc. P.O. BOX 223 White Haven, PA 18661-9674 White Marsh, Maryland 21162 Irrigation supplier to the Golf Course Superintendent Phone: 800-899-7645 Potting Soil Gene Evans, Owner Local: 410-335-3700 Soil Mixes Professional Engineer Fax: 410-335-0164 No one knows irrigation like Koonz PARTAC" GOLF COURSE Jfe» Premium sod for golf courses 8 0 0 -7 7 2 -8 4 8 6 TOP-DRESSING Chip Presendofer A T Sales Associates, Ltd. 39 Waverly Avenue, P.0. Box 55 America's Premium 1011 Church Road Springfield, NJ 07081 Oreland, PA 19705 HEAT TREATED Top-Dressings 1 800 247-2326 - - 908-63 7-4191 • Fax 908-63 7-8421 Tel 215-886-6011 Fax 215-886-1203 Pager 800-983-3430 R a /n ^ B /r d in GREEN-RELEAF« ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■h r POCONO TURFG RASS ASSOCIATION BYLAW CHANGE PRO PO SAL Shearon Golf A division of SHEARON Shearon Environmental Design The following proposal for bylaw change of the Pocono Turfgrass S pecializing In: Association has been recommended by the Board of Directors: Construction / Maintenance Current: Article V, Section 2- Qualifications and Terms of Office Only Class A or Class SM members who are actively Restorations / Renovations employed as Golf Course Superintendents are eligible to serve as Directors of this Association, with one exception, that b e i n g one Arboriculture se a t on the Board o f D ire c to rs may be held by an A ffilia te (AF) Member. Design Drainage Experts Proposed: Article V, Section 2- Qualifications and Terms of Office Custom Spray Applicators Class A o r Class SM M em bers who are a ctively em ployed as G o lf Course Sup e rinte nd e nts, and A ffilia te Certified Irrigation Installers (AF) M em bers are eligible to serve as D ire c to rs o f this A ssocia tion. 337 Route 31 ■ Hop 5160 Militia Hill Road ■ Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Contact Charlie McGill at (609) 466-0666 or (610) 828-5488 ■ www.shearongolf.com VERTI-DRAIN & 57 0-602-3054 Earthworks ROTADAIRON DEALERS & CONTRACTORS 800-554-4863 FAX 570-602-3053 iM s h e r son inc. Natural Organic Products E Si M G o lf S u p p l y C o . Superior Products for theTurf and Horticultural Professional Joel Simmons A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. 95 0 SATHERS DRIVE, PITTSTON T0WNSHIR PA 18640 P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com Bo b S e ltze r 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION 165 N. Center Street * Fredricksburg, Pa 17026 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 610-704-4756 * Fax 717-865-4712 S T E P H E N MICHAEL www.fisherandson.com 800-732-TURF Layout and Design § Typesetting Mac/IBM desktop publishing It’s everymmplayer’s responsibility... 'f i.. , interface Laser color separations Repair ball marks Scitex® electronic photo retouching Replace or fill divots I k SBi 31 New Hill Street, P.O Box 507 Fu ll electronic prepress services m m Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 Foil stamping, embossing Rake bunkers 570-822-8181 Complete bindery including FAX: 570-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding A message from your g o lf course superintendent a n d GCSAA W INTER EDUCATION MEETING HARRELL’S TURF SPECIALTY & TORO„® POCONO TURFG RASS ASSOCIATION FEBRUARY 21, 2005 TURF EQUIPMENT MATT BROWN SPLIT ROCK LODG E MOBILE: 484-357-6312 IRRIGATION GEORGE SKAWSKI 7:00-8:30 REGISTRATION Coffee & Danish MOBILE: 610-554-9366 EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com 8:00-8:45 Lee Kozsey Syngenta 8:45-9:30 Bryan Bolehala Cleary’s 9:30-10:15 Marie Pompei Jacklin Seed 10:15-10:45 BREAK III 10:45-11:30 John Wiblishauser Bayer [ E F n n s ] 11:30-12:00 Phil O'Brien Aqua Aid 12:00-1:00 LUNCH \aa^ 1:00-1:30 Phil O'Brian Aqua Aid 1:30-2:15 Len Conley Sanctuary N orthern N urseries , inc. Professional Turf Products Division ,,, 2:15-3:00 Chris Santore PDA RT 115, S u lliv an T rail J » W in d G a p , PA 18091 Phone: (610) 863 6006 Fax: (610) 863-6384 H o m e P h o n e /F a x : DAN FICK (610) 562-6812 SALES REPRESENTATIVE P ag er: (610) 791-8336 r U hts m | Harrell's Turf Specialty JIM MACLAREN 14 James Place Sales Representative White Haven, PA 18661 Mobile:(570) 840-2561 Fax: (570) 443-7015 Growing a Better World j macla ren @harrells. com ■ -------------------------------------------------------.— — — POCONO ROUNDUP Condolences: NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION We would like to extend our condolences to the Harper Family on the passing of Jack Harper on January 3, 2005. He was truly a legend in our New Positions: business. A $100.00 memorial remembrance was made by the PTGA to the JC Harper Memorial Fund to be used for the continued renovation of The Pocono Turfgrass Association would like to State College Area High School’s Memorial Field congratulate the following people on their recent where Jack was an alumnus. job changes: The State College Area School District thanked PTGA for their donation: Tommy Height, formerly Assistant Superintendent “On behalf of students and faculty at the State at Fox Hill, now Superintendent at Frosty Valley. College Area School D istrict who stand to benefit from your recent donation, I would like to thank Andrew Jubinski, formerly Superintendent at you for helping us go above and beyond public Glenmaura National, now Account Manager for education funding as we strive to prepare our Finch Services (John Deere One Source) covering students for lifelong success through excellence in Northeast PA. (Welcome to the dark side Andy!) education. ““We appreciate your gift and treasure it as a Charlie Koennecker, formerly of Seeton Turf, now tribute to the past and an investment in the future. Account Manager for Finch Services (John Deere Sincerely, One Source) covering Southern NJ. Patrice Best Superintendent POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION do MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED