Volume 40, No 2 CT SUPERINTENDENTS HELP IN MISSISSIPPI This past February and March, Susan and John Motycka spent 6 weeks at their home in Diamondhead Mississippi helping the residents of the area rebuilding their homes and lives after Hurricane Katrina barreled through the South last August. I took a week after the Golf Industry Show in Atlanta last February to visit, see first hand the power of Mother Nature and help people in need. What a learning experience that was. How did Susan and John end up in Mississippi? It was the result of a trip they took across country 20 years ago on $50.00/day (think about it), and on their way home they treated themselves and visited New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Upon leaving New Orleans, they decided to drive an hour east that night and find a place to stay. It happened to bring them to the Mississippi gulf coast, a beautiful, peaceful place with very nice people. They visited a couple more times May 2006 and ultimately bought a house. That was over 16 years ago. When their schedule permits, they spend time there during the winter months. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi and Louisiana coasts and sent a 34 foot tidal surge of water up the St. Louis Bay. At the top of the Bay is Diamondhead MS. where John and Susan have there home. Fortunately, Susan and John’s house is on high ground and although it suffered roof, window, and tree damage, it was spared the water damage from the tidal surge. The surrounding neighborhood was not so fortunate, however, as they discovered upon arriving there the following Friday. What they found was devastation: trees down everywhere, no power, no cell phone use, non operable sewage plant, and no running, potable water. The one saving grace was that FEMA was present with food, water and ice at relief centers along the coast. The National Guard was out in force to keep looting limited and assist where needed. Diamondhead has two 18 hole golf courses. Both suffered severe tree loss, and were closed for clean up. One opened in November and the other in February. While the courses were closed, they were still able to contribute to the well being of the community in a rather unique way. The main water supply for the courses is an artesian well that feeds into a large pond. The well puts out about 50 gallons a minute of warm, (100 degrees plus), pressurized water. Someone had the idea to pipe that well into a horizontal length of PVC pipe with slits cut into it thereby creating a community shower that could accommodate about a dozen people at a time. Suzy (note picture of Suzy in shower) says that daily shower was a luxury and the highlight of each evening as the temperature was in the 90’s every day. After almost 2 weeks, they returned home with the plan to spend part of the coming winter in Mississippi helping the area rebuild. They discovered, through their church, that the First Presbyterian Church of Bay St. Louis had a program to help the people of Waveland. Some of the people that were being helped were: a 96 year old woman who had served in Patton’s army, a deaf woman who had just remodeled her house and moved into it right before Katrina hit, continued on page 3... IN THIS ISSUE... President’s Message....................2 Schedule of Events......................4 Umass Offers Turf Diagnostic Services...................................5 Umass Turfgrass Physiologist....5 Grasscatcher..............................6-7 Meeting Results...........................8 Umass Guide now Available......9 GCSAA Strategic Update..........10 Records are Made.......................11 Connecticut Clippings May 2006 Keith Angilly, President positions. Sound familiar? This subject was raised by the GCSAA awhile ago when discussing changing our job title. While I fully supported changing our title to Golf Course Manager (I am not really sure what we are clinging to with our current title), surveys suggested that there wasn’t enough interest in doing so. I have always maintained that the Golf Professionals are years ahead of us in terms of marketing their Class designations and it would appear that they are doing the same thing in terms of marketing the management title. On March 27th, I represented our Association at the Annual Spring Meeting, held by the CT Section of the PGA. The meeting was very well run and was interesting on several fronts. The second thing that struck me was that I was received very well and it seemed to me that there was genuine desire to improve relations between Superintendents and Pros. Overall it was a very positive experience. First, the Section referred to new positions their members had filled as “management” Connecticut Clippings is an official publication of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents P.O. Box 3678 Woodbridge, CT 06525 Mary Jo Kennedy Telephone 203/387-0810 Toll Free Tel: 888/561-7778 Fax: 203/387-7866 e-mail: cagcs@sbcglobal.net Newsletter Editors Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.) Heather Garvin Newsletter Committee David Basconi, John Garcia, Edward Goodhouse, Ron Holcomb, Mike Mooney and Jud W. Smith Newsletter Designer Marysia Brejwo www.cagcs.com The Clippings is open to all commentary. Please send your comments to: Bob Chalifour, Newsletter Editor 39 First Street Groton, CT 06340 I would like to thank Kevin Balocca for his service to the Board. He stepped down after a job change. Kevin did an excellent job as Government Relations Committee Chair and will be missed. Page 2 Scott Ramsay, CGCS has graciously volunteered for another tour of duty on the CAGCS Board, and will take over the Government Relations duties. Finally, Mary Jo Kennedy will be adding the Meeting Policies to our meeting notices, so everyone understands their responsibility when committing to attending a monthly meeting. These policies are spelled out in the Green Book, but we would like to make sure they are very clear. In a nutshell, the headcount goes to the host club on the Friday prior to the meeting. If you cannot attend, you must notify the office prior to that, or you are responsible for the appropriate fees for the day. It has become very difficult to get Clubs to give up their course for a day, and our Association will honor our financial commitments. I hope everyone is having a good season so far, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting. Good Luck, Keith Angilly May 2006 continued from page 1... a woman with a handicapped child, and a man who lost his Mother in the hurricane. These people lost not only their property and family, but also their jobs as the casinos, hotels, restaurants and all of the associated tourism industry and businesses were simply washed away. The church had coordinators from Seattle, Raleigh and Richmond organizing the volunteers which totaled as many as 160 one week. The church supplied sleeping arrangements and food for the volunteers along with the tools and materials. There are two churches, in Florida and Mississippi that supplied casseroles each week for the volunteers. Susan and John worked with Mennonites and people from different parts of the country. The Mennonites were very special as they sang hymns as they worked. The jobs ranged from demolition to sheet rocking, taping & mudding, sanding, painting, electrical and plumbing. You could work as many days as you could and you could pick the jobs you wanted to do. Not bad! And the work is continuing and will continue for years to come. The overwhelming part of this picture is that each block had eight houses on it and the blocks go on for miles, so there Connecticut Clippings Page 3 are so many people that are in need. One unpleasant point of the situation is the insurance companies don’t want to pay because they consider it flood damage instead of wind damage. The fact that the wind drove the water is being totally discounted by the insurance companies. As a result, many people are getting no monetary relief. lot. Children play on the blacktop around the trailers as that has become their yards. Still, the people and their resolve keep it a beautiful place. Another hurricane season is on the horizon, and the clean up will continue for a long time. If you know a family or someone looking for a different, rewarding vacation or a scout troop looking for a project, this would be a great outlet. Still, there are people like Willie who lost his house and was living out of his garage, but finds the energy and means to make lunch for the volunteers each day and refuses to take donations from the volunteers. His neighbors, a state policeman and wife, who were trying to adopt state foster children before the hurricane. After the storm, the state planned to stop the adoption because they had lost their home. Theirs’ was one of the first houses completed after Willie spoke to the church organizers. As a result, the adoption went through. And if nothing else, count your blessings that we don’t have hurricanes to wipe out our homes, employment and lives. Susan and John said it taught them many things, one of which was how to wait. The first two weeks they had to stand in line for food, water, toilets, showers and cell phones that worked, to communicate. They appreciate the necessities in life; all the things they had to wait in line for. The rewarding part of the experience was the human spirit of the residents that gave when it really hurt and were thankful they could give. Sometimes, we have to be reminded of how lucky we all are in life and how giving something of ourselves doesn’t take anything away from us but gives us more in return. The landscape has changed, and what was a pristine place, is now dotted with white FEMA trailers. Garbage (refrigerators, cars, washing machines) abounds in the swamps, along the roads, and debris carried by the surge waters, hangs from trees, too high to retrieve. Neighborhoods along the shore are replaced by rows of FEMA trailers in the Wal-Mart parking Have a great season, take deep breaths when you need to and lend a hand when you are able. By Heather Garvin with John & Susan Motycka May 2006 Connecticut Clippings Page 4 CAGCS 2006 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Wednesday May 31 (Rescheduled) Stonington CC Mike Marino Host Superintendent Monday, June 19 Mill River Country Club Keith Angilly Host Superintendent June 26-July 2 Buick Open Tpc @ River Highlands Tom DeGrandi Host Superintendent Wednesday, June 21 UMASS Turf Field Day South Deerfield, MA Monday, July 24 Wintonbury Hills Golf Course Mark Mansur Host Superintendent Tuesday, August 8 Great River Golf Course CAGCS Invitational Sean Flynn Host Superintendent Wednesday, August 23 URI 75th Annual Turf Field Day Kingston, RI Sunday, September 10 Lake Compounce Monday, September 25 Connecticut Golf Club Mark Fuller, CGCS Host Superintendent Tuesday, October 3 Hop Meadow Country Club Scholarship & Research Tournament Eric Holm, CGCS Host Superintendent Wednesday, November 1 Rock Ridge Country Club Robert Welch Host Superintendent Friday, December 8 CAGCS Christmas Party J. Timothy’s Taverne May 2006 UMASS EXTENSION PLANT DIAGNOSTIC LAB OFFERS TURF DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES The presence of disease pathogens, insects or plant parasitic nematodes can lead to unacceptable reductions in appearance and functional quality of fine turf. Accurate identification of causal agents is critical for economically and environmentally responsible management decisions. The newly-renovated UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab is well equipped to quickly and correctly analyze affected turfgrass specimens. Diagnostics can also help to determine whether or not a problem is caused by a pest that needs to be controlled or a condition that can be resolved without pesticides. Diagnostic results are accompanied by sound management recommendations appropriate for the particular situation. To insure that we continue to provide the most reliable service, all of our plant diagnostics expertise has been integrated into one location in Holdsworth Hall on the UMass Amherst campus. The diagnostics team of the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab are able to call upon each other’s expertise to make fast and accurate diagnoses. For sampling instructions, complete details on sending/delivering samples to the new lab, and appropriate submission forms, visit: http://www.umass.edu/agland/ diagnostics Alternatively, call the lab at (413) 545-3208. Wednesday June 21, 2006 UMASS Turf Field Day at Joseph Troll Research Center. Please join Joe for a tour of building. The UMass Extension Turf Program http://www.umassturf.org Connecticut Clippings Page 5 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS HIRES TURFGRASS PHYSIOLOGIST The Alumni Turf Group welcomes the announcement from University of Massachusetts’ Dr. Peter Veneman, Professor and Head at the Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences, regarding the hiring of a turf physiologist, Dr. Michelle DaCosta. ATG President Steve Curry is “very excited about this development and the forward progress the University is making in reinvigorating the turf program.” Dr. Michelle DaCosta graduated program at Rutgers University degree, also from Rutgers entitled: “Physiological and associated with drought Her advisor was Professor turf physiologist. Dr. starting her academic widely published. “The university is to invest and develop DaCosta is the great lead the turf program Curry. DaCosta stated, “I’m really meeting and working with Alumni Turf Group and New willingness of the industry to research program at UMASS decision to join the turf group at UMASS.” with honors in 2000 from the turf and recently completed her Ph.D. University. Her dissertation was morphological characteristics resistance in bentgrass species.” Bingru Huang, a well-known DaCosta, although just career, has been already making good on its promise the turf program. Dr. addition Umass needed to back to prominence”, said excited about the prospects of the members of the UMASS England turfgrass industry. The be active and support the turfgrass was one of the major reasons for my Dr. DaCosta has considerable experience with both field and laboratory research, as well as with fundamental and applied research, but she recognizes the importance of relating her research objectives to the needs of the turfgrass industry. Dr. Veneman stated, “Her references spoke very highly about her abilities as a teacher and public speaker.” Dr. DaCosta will start her employment at UMass on September 1, 2006. She is planning on attending the UMass Turf Field Day on June 21, 2006. The Alumni Turf Group (ATG), formed in 2005, is made up of turf professionals who are graduates of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts. Through fundraising, ATG hopes to further research and education, promote UMass alumni in the turf management profession, and instill pride and commitment in the turf programs at the University of Massachusetts. ATG information is available online at www.alumniturfgroup.com. Connecticut Clippings May 2006 New Members Chase Cameron; Class SM Country Club of Waterbury Victoria Wallace, Class Commercial Central Nurseries & Valley Green Condolences Condolences to Bob Goglia on the passing of his mother Ella Mae Goglia, 66, on May 3, 2006. Congratulations Tim Gerzabek formerly Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at New London CC is now Golf Course Superintendent at Blackledge CC in Hebron. Congratulations to Dan Rackliffe, CGCS on his renewal of Certification through GCSAA. Mike Mooney former Golf Course Superintendent at Pequot GC is now full time with his hydroseeding business. M & M Hydroseeding. Vincent Sylvester formerly Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Pequot GC is now Superintendent at Pequot GC. Tom Gresh formerly at Blackledge CC is now with R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc. Mark Mansur formerly at Richter Park GC is now at Wintonbury Hills GC. Robert Dorsch, III formerly of Tom Irwin is now Superintendent at Richter Park Golf Club. Calendar October 23, 2006 Dr. Joseph Troll Education Fundraiser sponsored by the Alumni Turf Group and The Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association to honor Ted Horton. Joseph Alonzi, CGCS host superintendent. Page 6 Phoenix Environmental Care donates to UCONN Turf Research Recently Phoenix Environmental Care LLC made a donation to the turfgrass pathology research program headed by John Kaminski, Ph.D at the University of Connecticut. CAGCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS President – Keith A. Angilly Vice President – Christian P. Mauro Secretary – Kimberly J. Heyl Treasurer – John Garcia Past President – Wayne C. Urban COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Education – Mark B. Mansur Golf – Sean Flynn Membership – Bruce Morse Scholarship & Research Paul Bonini, CGCS Social & Welfare – Donald Beck Government Relations Scott Ramsay, CGCS Commercial Rep to Board Peter Hull Class C Rep to the Board Peter Gorman May 2006 Connecticut Clippings The donation is based on the recommendation of a board of advisors made up of golf course superintendents. The work by Dr. Kaminiski on anthracnose and other turf diseases goes far beyond the state of Connecticut is one reason for support. B.S. degree from Penn State University in 1988. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D at the University of Maryland where his work involved the investigation of the biology of Ophiosphaerella agrostis and epidemiology of bentgrass dead spot. “It’s great to have Phoenix supporting our efforts,” Kaminski says. “The money will be used to hire a summer technician to assist in all aspects of our turf pathology program. We continue to grow at a rapid pace, and our goal is to make a positive impact throughout New England. The funding they’ve provided will play a large role in accomplishing this.” Dogs of Summer Recently, Kaminski was chosen to receive the Musser International Turfgrass Foundation Award of Excellence for 2005. A native of Upper Marlboro, MD., Kaminski earned a Sable, is a 13 year old Sheltie. She has been going to work with me most every day since she was a puppy.When she was younger she woulld travel in the cart while I would change cups.She would often jump off to chase a squirrel up the nearest tree. Nowadays her routine has slowed with age. When we get to work she takes her morning stroll, then over to the snack bar to beg for a treat, and then she usually sleeps in the flower bed next to my office for the rest of the day. What a life! Page 7 May 2006 Connecticut Clippings APRIL MEETING GOLF RESULTS NORWICH GOLF COURSE MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2006 GROSS: 1st 66 Skip Deubel, Tuckahoe Turf Farms Byron Johnson, Terre Co. Andy Drohen, Pursell Technologies Jim Calladio, ET Equipment Company, Inc. 2nd 66 match of cards Ward Weischet, New London CC Eric Morrison, Shennecossett GC Al Adaskaveg, Rockledge CC Michael Wallace, Simsbury Farms GC 3rd 68 Al LaPrise, Allens Seed Store, Inc. Mike Mooney, M& M Hydroseeding Les Kennedy, Jr., The Blind Brook Club Dan St.Laurent, Falls Creek Farm NET: 1st 51 Sean Flynn, Great River GC Jim Stafstrom, Club Car Rob Larson, Tom Irwin, Inc. Jeff Houde, Tom Irwin, Inc. 2nd 54 Richard Cook Brian Skelly, Old Lyme CC Bob Chalifour Phil Neaton, Black Hall Club 3rd 55 Mike Donahue, R. F. Morse John Wynne, From the Ground Up, Inc. Mike Krudwig, Winding Brook Turf Farm Dave Wallace, Tee & Green Sod Closest to line: Les Kennedy, Jr., The Blind Brook Club Long Drive: Eric Morrison, Shennecossett GC Long Putt: Les Kennedy, Jr., The Blind Brook Club Long Putt: Kevin D’Amico, Westwoods GC Closest to the Pin: Ward Weischet, New London CC Closest to the Pin: Les Kennedy, Jr., The Blind Brook Club Page 8 May 2006 NOW AVAILABLE: UMASS EXTENSION’S 2006-2007 PROFESSIONAL GUIDE FOR IPM IN TURF FOR MASSACHUSETTS Connecticut Clippings Page 9 ������������������������� http://www.umassturf.org/publications/ extension_turf_pubs.html The freshly revised 2006-2007 Professional Guide for IPM in Turf for Massachusetts features the latest techniques critical to environmentally sensitive, integrated management of lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses. The guide, intended for use by professionals, presents researchbased material regarding turfgrass selection and water conservation, as well as current approaches for managing disease, insect, weed, and nematode problems. Municipal and school officials charged with establishing IPM programs in their communities, and gardeners and homeowners serious about sensibly caring for their properties will find unique and critical information in the guide as well. The 2006-2007 Professional Guide can be used effectively in a wide range of management schemes: from organic, to low-maintenance, to high-intensity care of high-use turf. Alternative and cultural pest control options are highlighted, and pesticide selection advice is based on least environmental impact. While certain portions of the guide are specific to Massachusetts, much of the information is applicable throughout New England. Initially developed in 1991, this revision for 2006-2007 marks the 8th edition of this popular publication. For complete information and online ordering, visit: http://www.umassturf.org/publications/ extension_turf_pubs.html Alternatively, contact the UMass Outreach Bookstore at (413) 545-2717. ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��� ����� �������� ��� �������� ���� �������������� ����� ���� ��� �������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������� ������������ ������������������������ ��������� ������������ ������������������� ������������ Notes from Editor At press time it is still not clear if all golf courses in the storm ravaged area will reopen. None have reported that they will not reopen. ••• If you would like to be in Dogs of Summer (or any other pet that you wish to feature) please contact your editors or the CAGCS office May 2006 GCSAA STRATEGIC UPDATE 1. Strategic Indicator: Volunteer Engagement The Board devoted significant time to discussing how to most effectively engage volunteers. As part of our goal to thrive as a strategic, inclusive and responsive organization, the committee system is our key strategy for developing new leaders and tackling complex or contentious issues. GCSAA currently invests more than $200,000 in committee and task group meetings, not including the large component of staff time dedicated to working with committees and task groups. When the Board initially adopted our strategic indicators, targets were set for both numbers of participants and their satisfaction with their committee experience. However, the Board soon determined that when it comes to volunteer engagement, quality matters more than quantity. Therefore, the Board discarded the indicator that set a goal of nearly doubling the number volunteers, and kept the indicator measuring satisfaction with the experience. In 2005, 93.6% of committee and task group members who completed the brief survey said they were “satisfied” or “extremely satisfied” with their overall experience. The next step in formulating recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of volunteer engagement will be to gather feedback from committees and task groups regarding: **Characteristics of their best committee experience and suggestions for how to replicate that experience **Motivations for volunteering **Expectations for committee service Connecticut Clippings 2. Identity, Values and Goals During the Spring Board Meeting, the Board: **Formalized the long-standing tradition of identifying GCSAA as “a golf organization focused on golf course management.” Accordingly, a quotation from Col. John Morley at the organizational meeting of the National Association of Greenkeepers of America (NAGA) is being added to the history that appears on the GCSAA web site and in the membership directory and source book. **Discussed a draft articulation of GCSAA’s core values with the chapter representatives and sent the draft back to the small group for further refinement. **Adopted a minor change in wording of the GCSAA goal statements to make the grammatical structure more parallel with the GCSAA vision statement. GCSAA’s mission, vision, goals and strategic indicators are available online at http:// www.gcsaa.org/about/governance/mvg. asp. 3. Chapter Delegates Meeting The Board reviewed the proposed agenda for the 2006 Chapter Delegates Meeting with the chapter participants. Some of the chapter representatives said that previous meetings have had too many items on the agenda to allow sufficient time for full discussion of important topics. The Board agreed to not only share the proposed agenda with the delegates in advance, but to use a Zoomerang survey or other means to find out which topics the delegates are most interested in discussing. Vice President Ricky D. Heine, CGCS, will use the survey results to reduce the number of topics on the agenda. 4. Membership Marketing Steve Mona reported to the Board that Page 10 membership continued to grow during March, with 447 new members year to date. Last summer, the Board approved funding for a membership marketing campaign consisting of seven key strategies. The three campaigns initiated so far target previous members, assistant superintendents at larger facilities with GCSAA-member superintendents and superintendents at mid- to high-end public facilities. 5. International Affiliation Guidelines The Board reviewed proposed guidelines for affiliating with international organizations of golf course superintendents. The guidelines are important for implementing GCSAA’s International Superintendent Member classification, which was approved by the membership in 2003, in new countries. The ISM classification requires potential members to be members of the “home organization” in their own country, if one exists -- much like the shared membership requirement between GCSAA and its affiliated chapters. Organizations that meet the criteria would be provided a complimentary affiliate membership in GCSAA and be listed on the GCSAA web site as meeting the standard for a “home organization” for that country. (GCSAA has long-standing, existing relationships with several organizations, such as with BIGGA, the Canadian GSA, etc., and those organizations would not be required to go through the process of proving that they meet the guidelines.) 6. GIS Major Events The Board discussed a number of proposed changes to the Opening Session, General Session and President’s Celebration and provided feedback and recommendations to staff. May 2006 RECORDS ARE MADE AND THEN MEANT TO BE BROKEN! by Gary Sykes, Executive Director NERTF The Ninth Annual New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show was held March 6-9th at the R.I. Convention Center in Providence. If weather was ever a concern it wasn’t at all a factor for those who did attend this year’s show! That must have been a record in its own. With each year, weather has always seemed to be an issue with making a negative impact on at least 1 day, but not in 2006! With the cooperation of the weather, numbers were at an all time high for pre-conference seminar attendance. More than 280 seminar attendees experienced topics from “old school” Weed Management to the cyber world of PowerPoint 2003 training. Agronomic topics on green speed and bunker maintenance, along with basic management skill training rounded out the most extensive seminar schedule ever offered prior to the 3-day trade show and education conference. Tuesday’s dry and cool weather helped attendees get in place to hear a diverse set of topics during the USGA morning session. Handicap accessibility, growing the game and course rating were topics touched upon by morning speakers. In the afternoon, as numbers continued to grow, topics were aimed at anyone that may be concerned with playability and maintenance operation challenges of the golf course. Even successful tree removal programs (hooray!), were touched upon by USGA agronomist Jim Skorulski. The session was capped off by a very unique Mr. Martyn Jones of the National Turfgrass Foundation in Preston England, who taught and entertained everyone with his great wit and humor of the true history of golf. Concluding the day was the well-tanned Hall of Fame Pitcher Dennis Eckersley, who shared many personal stories about his career and life’s challenges. All I can say is, if any of us were blessed with the ability to throw a ball as good as Dennis was, we’d probably be sporting a great tan in March just like him! Dennis even though he grew up in California, and spent most of his Connecticut Clippings career out of the Boston area, still lives in Hopkinton, Massachusetts during the warm months, proving once again that when you have played in Boston, you never really want to leave! The completion of Dennis’ remarks signaled the trade show opening as scheduled. A busy show floor with some tasty food for the next 3 hours kicked everything into high gear! Other highlights of this year’s trade show and conference included two days of excellent speakers on Golf, Sports Turf, Equipment Technicians, and Lawn & Landscape management. Drs. Peter Dernoeden (U of Maryland), Marty Petrovic (Cornell), Fred Baxendale (U of Nebraska), Nathaniel Mitkowski (URI), and John Kaminski (UConn) highlighted this year’s education programs. Wednesday morning began with U of Mass College of the Environment and Life Sciences sponsored Alumni & Friends Breakfast and shared a video presentation concerning the dedication of the Dr. Joseph Troll Turf Research Building. URI hosted a lunch for friends and alumni of the URI Turf Program on Wednesday. The NERTF indoor driving range was a “hit” along with the Callaway Golf representatives, who were providing demo equipment and long drive prizes for longest drives each day. At 4pm Wednesday on the other end of the trade show floor, the second annual live auction was the talk of the floor with the masterful product introductions done by Manny Mihailides and Auctioneer Supremo Danny Calais would then take control of the scene. With help from Danny’s point man; Bob “How Can I Get You To Up Your Bid” Gebo, bidding excitement and sometimes competition reached new heights and in the end, a new record of more than $19,000 was raised for Turfgrass Research. A huge, “THANK YOU” goes out to all companies and individuals who donated items for the auctions this year! Everyone who then wanted to, gathered over at the Westin for the Conference Reception, sponsored by HTS and Syngenta. Needless to say the room was buzzing! Many exhibitors have commented that this year seemed to be the busiest year yet for the trade show. Page 11 The weather continued to cooperate through and into Thursday, and many arrived early to attend the last day of education and trade show floor activity. More informative sessions on fertility, turfgrass stress management, and concluding with a seminar on Communicating with the Environmental Community. Three and a half days of continuous turfgrass education, product discussions and socializing was coming to a close and the only thing left to do was.... yup...have the Foundation President Jim Hodge pull the raffle ticket for the 27” Sony Trinitron that was sponsored by The Anderson’s. A sense of accomplishment was settling in among our show management staff. And the winner is..... Al Choiniere of the Country Club of Vermont!!! Al found out in the same week that not only did he win the grand prize, but he also landed a new job as the golf course superintendent of the Champlain Country Club. Congratulations to Al, I sure hope Al will be able to find the time to use it; at least the St. Albans weather report will look great! Many thanks to everyone who had a part in making this year’s show another success! The New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show has enjoyed much success for more than nine years as great example of professionalism and cooperation within the New England Turfgrass Industry. The foundation as an asset to the New England Turfgrass Industry continues to grow in many ways. The foundation continues to be guided by a board of directors appointed by the nine associations who make up the membership of the foundation. The mission is to improve turfgrass conditions here in the New England states. Through cooperation of the turfgrass researchers in New England, the proceeds generated by the trade show and conference are used to fund research projects that would have the greatest impact for the local turfgrass managers. These funds strengthen the turfgrass programs in New England. Each dollar that funds turfgrass research is accounted for and reported on back to the foundation. The conference is also used to disseminate research findings through presentations and postings at the show and on the website www.nertf.org. This information we hope is then used to improve Turfgrass conditions. Sort of like a “New England Turfgrass Green Cycle.” May 2006 Connecticut Clippings Page 12 A-OK Turf Equipment Articulator Dealer, Granden, TyCrop, Blec Wiedenmann, Therrien Conventry, RI 02816/Michael D. Cornicelli (401) 826-2584 - Fax (401) 826-3749 Earth Works, Inc. Custom Deep Aerification Service West Wareham, MA 02576 Carl Wallace (800) 815-1113 Shawnmark Industries, Inc. Specialty Products & Service Warwick, RI 02888 Matt Howland (24 hours a day) (401) 295-1673 | www.shawnmark.com Allen’s Seed, Inc. Seed, Fertilizer, Turf Supplies Exeter, RI 02822 Al La Prise (401) 884-2097 - (800) 527-3898 Egypt Farms, Inc. Sterilized Topdressing, Greensmix Bagged Topdressing & Divot Mix Dean Snyder (800) 899-7645 FAX (410) 335-0164 Aquatrols Corp. of America Innovative Products for Effective Resource Management Kevin P. Collins, N.E. Territory Mgr. (609) 841-2077 Sodco, Inc. P.O. Box 2 Slocum, RI 02877 Sodco.net Sean P. Moran (800) 341-6900 Glenmore Landscape Service Glenn S. Moore P.O. Box 890 South Salem, NY 10590 (914) 533-5554 A. T. Sales Associates Premium Sod for Golf Courses Lincoln, RI 02865 Owen J. Regan (401) 465-8066 - cell Greenacres Company Irrigation Contractor Dave Pijnenburg 75 Codfish Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 748-0558 Bartlett Tree Experts 66 Wooster Heights Danbury, CT 06810 Matt Flanagan, Arborist/Rep. (203) 744-1400 x 17 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Jim Wierzbicki (860) 424-7250 Joe Stahl (203) 209-6951 Customer Service (800) 228-6656 Bayer Environmental Science Dave Sylvester (860) 828-8905 - Servicing Litchfield, Middlesex & Fairfield County Jim Santoro (508) 272-9590 Servicing Eastern Connecticut The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. Wethersfield, CT | Roy Sibley, Paul Bednarczyk, Heather Garvin (860)529-2537 or (800)326-4278 Quality Since 1892 BioSafe Systems Manufacturers of ZeroTol TerraCyte, OxyGROW & GreenClean Glastonbury, CT John Wynne (888) 273-3088 James Carriere & Son, Inc. Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 Trap Sand Partac Top Dressing Const Mixes Decorative Stone C.R.I.S., LLC Golf Course Irrigation P.O. Box 6194 Wolcott, CT 06716 Chris Carney (203) 879-2362 Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. Professional Ground-water and Environmental Engineering Services Office in Shelton & Farmington Rob Good (860) 678-0404 The Cardinals, Inc. 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