Volume 45, No 1 March 2011
IN THIS ISSUE...
President’s Message....................2
Editor’s Message.........................3
Winter Recovery...........................5
Grasscatcher..............................6-7
Another Success...........................8
Dr. Troll.......................................10
Dogs Of Summer.......................11
2011 CAGCS WINTER SEMINAR SUMMATION
On Tuesday, January 18, 2011, the CAGCS
hosted its annual winter educational
seminar. Despite a snow and ice event
in the state that morning, 172 people
still made the journey for the seminar.
Unfortunately, there was no way to
postpone or reschedule due to the
speakers’ travelling schedules, so thanks
to everyone who “weathered the storm”.
Those who made it were not disappointed,
as we had a very good slate of talks from
three dynamic speakers. Dr. Frank Rossi,
from Cornell University, opened up the
morning with “Putting Green Mowing: It’s
more than height of cut”, which looked at
five years of field research on mower head
design, frequency of clip, and bedknife
positioning and how they relate to putting
green performance and the incidence and
severity of basal rot anthracnose.
During the first break, the Class C election
took place, and I am glad to report that
Douglas Zitnay from The Great River Golf
Club was elected to be the representative
to the board. Congratulations to Doug,
and I look forward to your presence and
insight on the board.
Our next speaker was Mr. Anthony Pioppi,
a freelance writer and author, and he
presented “Uncovering the Architectural
& Agronomic History of your Golf
Course”. This was an interesting talk
highlighting ways to research the history
of your course utilizing various resources,
internet websites, and databases. Tony
provided a handout with a list of online
resources; if anyone that did not attend is
interested, please contact me and I can get
you the information.
The final talk of the morning session
was Dr. Thomas Nikolai, from Michigan
State University. “Irrigation: Science,
Art, and Measurement” was the title of
his presentation, and it considered the
artful and scientific methods we use to
estimate daily water use that can help
conserve water in an IPM program. Soil
amendments, wetting agents, subsidence,
and plant available water were focused
on, and their relation to estimating water
use needs was examined.
After lunch, Dr. Rossi spoke on “The
Bethpage Project…The Art and Science
of Pesticide Reduction”. This focused
on a ten year research study at Bethpage
State Park that addressed key cultural
and pest management strategies which
have resulted in retaining acceptable
turf quality, while reducing pesticide
use. This ultimately resulted in reduced
environmental risk, and reduced exposure
to workers and golfers.
The final presentation of the day was
“The Top Ten Reasons to Lightweight
Roll”. Dr. Nikolai shared his findings
from over seventeen years of research on
lightweight rolling of greens, which has
demonstrated that the mechanical practice
reduces disease, weed, and insect activity.
Superintendents who have implemented
the practice have been able to reduce
pesticide inputs while still maintaining
turf quality and acceptable control of
pests. Furthermore, it was shown that
a combination of less mowing with
increased rolling can produce desirable
green speeds.
Unfortunately this year, the Distinguished
Member of the Year Award was not
presented. I encourage everyone to be
more involved with this process next
year, so we can continue the tradition
of honoring the individuals who have
been tremendous help to us and/or the
association over their careers, and are
truly deserving of this prestigious award.
In conclusion, I would like to thank our
three speakers for their participation and
wonderful presentations, Marc Weston
and Peter Gorman for chairing the two
sessions, and all of our vendors that
purchased display tables to help ensure
the success of the event. I hope everyone
has a good season and I look forward
to seeing you next January for the 2012
CAGCS Winter Seminar.
Eric Morrison, CGCS
Education Chairperson
March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 2
extent and severity of the damage. If you were
unfortunate enough to experience damage, be
sure to utilize every possible resource on the
road to recovery. Our friends at the Regional
Universities can be a great help, and many
of them are encouraging Superintendents to
reach out to them and discuss any issues that
we are seeing this spring. As an industry, the
more we learn about winterkill, the better we
can prepare for the future. Hopefully, we can
see some moderation from Mother Nature
this spring, and good weather for recovery.
Speaking of recovery, the other “experts”
(the economic ones), continue to insist that
the worst is now behind us. Although the
global economy may be on the mend, it’s
best that we continue running our operations
with a guarded optimism. Golf, is after all
a recreational activity, and therefore typically
viewed as “discretionary spending”. There
did seem to be a bit of a “buzz” surrounding
this year’s New England Regional Turfgrass
Foundation Conference and Show. Many of
our Corporate Partners are beginning to see
some improvement in terms of purchases, in
particular from the equipment end of things.
According to the “experts” New York City
and Hartford were two of the worst-hit cities
as far as winter weather in 2010/2011. I know,
I know, this isn’t exactly breaking news. But,
to put it in perspective, Hartford recorded
over 7 feet of snow this winter! We now have
endured one of the hottest, driest summers
on record, followed by one of the coldest,
snowiest winters on record. All that during
a brutal economic downturn. Hopefully, we
will soon be putting our plows and sanders
away, and shifting to preparations for another
golf season. There is widespread concern and
angst throughout the region by those with poa
annua greens. Many superintendents have
spent the last several weeks/months trying
to decide if removing snow was a good idea,
or the kiss of death. Early reports are varied
throughout New England in terms of the
Just one guy’s opinion, but I would think that
if clubs are beginning to purchase equipment
again, that we must be heading in the right
direction.
Finally, I’d like to offer one more word of
congratulations to Dr. Joe Troll, and his wife
Lonnie, who were honored on Wednesday
evening of the New England Show. CAGCS
sponsored a table, and we were fortunate
enough to take part in a very touching evening
in appreciation of Dr and Mrs. Troll, and their
long-standing commitment to excellence in our
industry.
Mark your calendars for April 12th, the kick-off
of the CAGCS meeting schedule at The Tradition
Golf Club at Wallingford. Thank you to Kevin
Collins, and all of this years’ host Superintendents
for their generosity in offering up their facilities.
We have a great schedule of events planned, and
look forward to seeing you all there on the 12th.
We are now looking for sites for 2012 meetings,
and anyone interested in hosting should contact
Mary Jo Kennedy, or Eric Morrison, CGCS.
Have a great spring!
Connecticut Clippings is an
official publication of the
Connecticut Association of Golf
Course Superintendents
Newsletter Editor
Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.)
Co-Editor
Heather Garvin
Newsletter Committee
David Basconi, John Garcia,
Edward Goodhouse, Ron Holcomb,
Mike Mooney and Jud W. Smith
The Clippings is open to all
commentary.
Please send your comments to:
Bob Chalifour, Newsletter Editor,
39 First Street
Groton, CT 06340
John Garcia
March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 3
EDITORS MESSAGE
This year marks the 43rd year for our
newsletter - Connecticut Clippings. The idea
of a CAGCS newsletter began with Charlie
Baskin Jr. Country Club of Waterbury* in 1966.
The first issue however wasn’t published until
April 1968. Today, it still takes awhile to put
an issue together. Charlie was the originator
and first editor of Connecticut Clippings.
According to Charlie “it was designed to
disseminate information” and he got the
idea from other chapters which were using
newsletters as a communication tool. Charlie
retired as editor in 1972 and then-president
Bob Viera, Watertown GC appointed Bob
Osterman, CT Golf Club as editor.
In 1975, Joe Torok, Turf Manager of Hop Meadow
CC took over as editor. Joe was succeeded as
editor by Steve Cadenelli, CC of New Canaan
in 1976. Greg Wojick, Willimantic CC started
as editor in 1980 and continued for seven
years when John Streeter CGCS, Woodbridge
CC became editor in 1987. Ten years later in
1997 I took over the reins when I retired from
Shennecossett GC, and I am now turning them
over to Steve Smith, Rock Ridge CC.
I would like to thank all of those that have
helped me along the way. I would like to
mention a few. Pauline Streeter, who was our
CAGCS Executive Secretary at the time I took
over, made my job easier as she seemed to know
more about the workings of the Clippings
than anyone. Now Executive Secretary Mary
Jo Kennedy handles advertising, produces the
collages that everyone enjoys, proofreads, and
compiles items for the grasscatcher section.
Mary Jo also keeps the editor on an even keel.
Bob where are you? Are you on your boat?
Let’s get this issue finished up! Thank you
Mary Jo, for all your help.
Ideas, where do they come from? Many from
members, other newsletters, GCSAA, USGA,
and Ron Holcomb, a former golf course
superintendent, and now retired from Hart
Seed Co. And speaking of Hart Seed Co., I want
to express my gratitude to Heather Garvin
who has been assisting me with the Clippings
for the past 4 years. Pictures, everyone loves
to see them. Thank you to Dave Basconi, D&S
and Les Kennedy Jr., CGCS The Blind Brook
Club. Marysia Walker does our lay out work
and was responsible for bringing the beautiful
color to our newsletter. Marysia thank you for
all your help.
My first year as editor of the Clippings, I
volunteered to man the CAGCS booth at the
New England Regional Turf Conference. A
chance meeting led to my association with the
then owner of Holliston Sand Co. I continue to
represent Holliston Sand, Slater Farms division
and would like to thank them for allowing me
the time to spend on the Clippings.
In closing I would like to thank all of the
past editors, presidents, board of directors
and members for their contributions. Thank
you advertisers, your support pays for our
newsletter and actually helps us turn a small
profit. In the future I plan to contribute a
column that I am tentatively calling “On The
Road”. As I travel about for Slater Farms I will
report back back with items that may be of
interest to my fellow members.
Remember this is your newsletter, please
support it.
Bob Chalifour, Editor Connecticut Clippings
sandman4098@yahoo.com
*Clubs noted are where superintendents were at that time
􀀅􀀎 􀀁 􀀜 􀀕􀀚 􀀗 􀀁 􀀏􀀕 􀀊 􀀒 􀀁 􀀑 􀀘 􀀁 􀀙􀀕 􀀁 􀀖 􀀗􀀕 􀀌􀀚 􀀋􀀍􀀁
􀀓􀀗 􀀑 􀀛􀀞􀀘􀀝􀀜􀀠􀀗 􀀘 􀀞􀀁
􀀞􀀚 􀀑􀀤 􀀘 􀀜􀀖􀀁􀀓􀀝􀀜 􀀔􀀘 􀀡 􀀘􀀝􀀜􀀠
􀀕 􀀢 􀀕􀀟􀀤􀀁􀀔􀀑􀀤􀀄􀀁
􀀉􀀕􀀚􀀁􀀄􀀗􀀍􀀁􀀆􀀕􀀙􀀁􀀄􀀒􀀕􀀔􀀍
􀀣􀀩􀀁􀀳􀀪􀀪􀀩􀀵􀀁􀀻􀀳􀀸􀀁􀀷􀀬􀀩􀀁􀀶􀀳􀀭􀀰􀀁􀀷􀀩􀀶􀀷􀀭􀀲􀀫􀀄􀀁􀀷􀀬􀀩􀀁􀀥􀀲􀀥􀀰􀀻􀀶􀀭􀀶􀀄􀀁􀀷􀀬􀀩􀀁􀀵􀀥􀀲􀀫􀀩􀀁􀀳􀀪􀀁􀀷􀀸􀀵􀀪􀀁􀀁
􀀱􀀥􀀲􀀥􀀫􀀩􀀱􀀩􀀲􀀷􀀁􀀴􀀵􀀳􀀨􀀸􀀧􀀷􀀶􀀁􀀥􀀲􀀨􀀁􀀷􀀬􀀩􀀁􀀨􀀩􀀴􀀷􀀬􀀁􀀳􀀪􀀁􀀶􀀸􀀴􀀴􀀳􀀵􀀷􀀁􀀷􀀬􀀥􀀷􀀁􀀲􀀳􀀁􀀳􀀲􀀩􀀁􀀁
􀀩􀀰􀀶􀀩􀀁􀀧􀀥􀀲􀀁􀀱􀀥􀀷􀀧􀀬􀀆􀀁􀀒􀀩􀀧􀀥􀀸􀀶􀀩􀀁􀀭􀀷􀀽􀀶􀀁􀀲􀀳􀀷􀀁􀀮􀀸􀀶􀀷􀀁􀀥􀀦􀀳􀀸􀀷􀀁􀀶􀀩􀀰􀀰􀀭􀀲􀀫􀀁􀀻􀀳􀀸􀀁􀀶􀀸􀀴􀀴􀀰􀀭􀀩􀀶􀀆􀀁
􀀘􀀷􀀶􀀁􀀥􀀦􀀳􀀸􀀷􀀁􀀶􀀸􀀴􀀴􀀰􀀻􀀭􀀲􀀫􀀁􀀻􀀳􀀸􀀁􀀺􀀭􀀷􀀬􀀁􀀩􀀹􀀩􀀵􀀻􀀷􀀬􀀭􀀲􀀫􀀁􀀻􀀳􀀸􀀁􀀲􀀩􀀩􀀨􀀁􀀷􀀳􀀁􀀦􀀩􀀁
􀀶􀀸􀀧􀀧􀀩􀀶􀀶􀀪􀀸􀀰􀀆􀀁􀀈􀀑􀀙􀀐􀀁􀀇􀀕􀀓􀀁􀀅􀀗􀀛􀀑􀀔􀀂􀀁􀀜􀀕􀀚􀀝􀀗􀀍􀀁􀀔􀀕􀀙􀀁􀀊􀀒􀀕􀀔􀀍􀀃
􀀓􀀥􀀰􀀰􀀁 􀀟􀀳􀀦􀀁 􀀚􀀥􀀵􀀶􀀳􀀲􀀁 􀀥􀀷􀀁 􀀂􀀌􀀇􀀏􀀃􀀎􀀏􀀐􀀅􀀇􀀇􀀌􀀐􀀁 􀀳􀀵􀀁 􀀙􀀩􀀪􀀪􀀁 􀀗􀀳􀀸􀀨􀀩􀀁 􀀥􀀷􀀁􀀁
􀀂􀀉􀀇􀀊􀀃􀀎􀀊􀀈􀀅􀀈􀀎􀀎􀀍􀀁􀀥􀀲􀀨􀀁􀀶􀀩􀀩􀀁􀀺􀀬􀀥􀀷􀀁􀀭􀀷􀀁􀀪􀀩􀀩􀀰􀀶􀀁􀀰􀀭􀀯􀀩􀀁􀀷􀀳􀀁􀀬􀀥􀀹􀀩􀀁􀀷􀀬􀀩􀀁􀀦􀀩􀀶􀀷􀀁􀀴􀀰􀀥􀀻􀀩􀀵􀀶􀀁
􀀭􀀲􀀁􀀷􀀬􀀩􀀁􀀦􀀸􀀶􀀭􀀲􀀩􀀶􀀶􀀁􀀳􀀲􀀁􀀻􀀳􀀸􀀵􀀁􀀷􀀩􀀥􀀱􀀆
􀀡􀀳􀀱􀀁􀀘 􀀵 􀀺 􀀭 􀀲􀀄􀀁􀀘 􀀲􀀧􀀆􀀁􀀁􀀼􀀁􀀁􀀈 􀀈􀀁􀀑􀀁􀀠 􀀷 􀀵􀀩􀀩􀀷􀀄􀀁􀀒􀀸 􀀵􀀰 􀀭 􀀲 􀀫 􀀷􀀳􀀲􀀄􀀁􀀛 􀀑􀀁􀀇􀀈􀀏 􀀇􀀊􀀁􀀁􀀁􀀼􀀁􀀁􀀁􀀎􀀏􀀈􀀆􀀉􀀎􀀊􀀆􀀇􀀈 􀀋􀀊􀀁􀀁􀀁􀀼􀀁􀀁􀀁􀀺 􀀺 􀀺􀀆􀀡􀀳􀀱 􀀘 􀀵 􀀺 􀀭 􀀲􀀆􀀧􀀳􀀱􀀁
CT Clippings Staff - (l to r) Mary Jo Kennedy,
CAGCS Exec. Sec., Stephen Smith, CGCS, Rock
Ridge CC, incoming Editor, Marysia Walker,
Designer, Bob Chalifour, CGCS, Slater Farms,
out going Editor and Heather Garvin, Chas.
Hart Seed, Co-Editor
March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 4
Basagran® T/O
Herbicide,
Drive® XLR8
Herbicide,
FreeHand® 1.75G
Herbicide
Onetime®
Herbicide,
Pendulum®
AquaCap™
Herbicide,
Pendulum® 2G
Herbicide
Pendulum® 3.3 EC
Herbicide,
Segment ®
Herbicide,
Tower® Herbicide
Curalan® EG
Fungicide,
Emerald®
Fungicide,
Honor™ Fungicide
Insignia®
Fungicide,
Iprodione Pro 2SE
Fungicide,
Trinity® Fungicide
Always read and follow label directions.
Basagran, Curalan, Drive, Emerald, FreeHand 1.75G, Insignia, Onetime, Pendulum, Segment, Tower and Trinity are registered
trademarks and AquaCap and Honor are trademarks of BASF. ©2010 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.
For diseases, weeds or pests,
BASF is at the top of the class.
Contact John Bresnahan at (413) 565-5340 or john.bresnahan@basf.com.
betterturf.basf.us
March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 5
RECOVERY FROM WINTER INJURY
EARLY SEASON SEED ESTABLISHMENT
David Kerr, CGCS, Ridgewood Country Club
PREPARATION
1) Mix 50% Creeping Bentgrass Seed with 50% topdressing or construction mix
2) Dampen material and mix daily, temperature of mix between 65-70.
3) After three days the mix will need to be applied. It is very important that the
mix goes out at the very beginning of root initiation …. No later
APPLICATION
4) The area to be seeded should be prepared with holes approximately !” apart
by approximately !” deep.
5) Apply mixture by hand over the area
6) Repeat step 4
7) Lightly brush in
8) Topdress by hand using straight topdressing
9) Lightly brush in
10) Apply starter fertilizer
11) Daily light watering
CT Clippings
NN-West Suffield
1/6 page (2 1/4 x 4 1/2)
Member cost $150.00 per issue. $300.00
March - June -
1320 Mountain Road
WEST SUFFIELD, CT
PHONE: (860) 668-5225
MANAGER: TERRY MISH
www.nor thernnurser ies.com
W h o l e s a l e H o r t i c u l t u r a l D i s t r i b u t i o n C e n t e r s
􀀂􀀁Quality Plant Material
􀀂􀀁Stone Products
􀀂􀀁Landscape Lighting
􀀂􀀁Water Garden Supplies
􀀂􀀁Fertilizer & Grass Seed
􀀂􀀁Spyder Delivery
􀀂􀀁Competitive Pricing
􀀂􀀁Ice-Melt Products
Northern Nurseries
Shoveling # 4 Green and porch roof at Redding CC submitted by Brett
Chapin, GCS. Editors note: I hope the membership appreciated this effort.
March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 6
Condolences
To the Petersen Family on the passing of Jack
Petersen, co-founder of Tom Irwin Inc., who
passed away on February 17, 2011.
To the Otte family on the passing of Peter Otto,
long time Hunter service technician who passed
away on February 20th
Congratulations
To Shannon Slevin formally of Pine Orchard
Yacht & Country Club on accepting the position
of Golf Course Superintendent at Shorehaven
Golf Club
To Peter Gorman, formally of Suffield Country
Club, on accepting the position of Golf Course
Superintendent at Pine Orchard Yacht &
Country Club.
To Lance Heil who accepted the position of Golf
Course Superintendent at Suffield Country Club.
Announcement
The 4th Annual Rhode Island Turf Foundation
Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday May
10 at the Meadowbrook GC Rt. 138 Richmond,
RI. Starting time is 1:00 PM Shot Gun with
lunch served at noon and dinner at 6:00 PM.
Sign up www.riturfgrassfoundation.org using
Pay Pal or make a copy or registration and mail
in. Cost $500.00 for a foursome or $150.00 per
single player.
Reminder!
CAGCS Scholarship Applications are due by
Friday, May 6, 2011
Notes
I just returned home to Florida after having
attended the New England Turf Grass
Association Conference in Providence, Rhode
Island. At the conference, I gave a talk that
I hoped expressed my gratitude to all my
students and colleagues who enriched my
life over my many years at the University of
Massachusetts. There were people I am sure
I neglected to mention, no excuses but I am
going to be 91. However, there is one person,
Steve Curry, who I wanted to recognize and
thank for initiating ATG which continues to
raise money for turf research. Steve, I am glad
you came into my life. – Sincerely Joe Troll
CAGCS - GCSAA certified
superintendents honored for 25
years of certification in Orlando
Peter Lund – Barrington, R.I.
Scott E. Niven – The Stanwich Club,
Greenwich, Conn.
Michael C. Reeb – Country Club of
New Canaan, New Canaan, Conn.
“Twenty-five percent of GCSAA’s Class A
members have achieved the highest level of
recognition through the CGCS professional
designation,” said Robert M. Randquist,
CGCS, who was elected GCSAA’s president
at the annual meeting held on the last day of
the conference, Feb. 11, and also was one of
the 45 superintendents honored for 25 years
of CGCS designation. “This program requires
!"#$%&'&()"*+',%-&'&./)"0%-*1&'&2*$"%#&'&3-*)2"*&'&4)0%+0$&'&56$%"*7&81*$&'&59#:0&;"%61&
&&&&2)10-6$%1<&=)%&!"#&,%+-%+0#&
&&&&&&&&$%"&&'(#)*+,'-+./01.2&&
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&>?@'AB>'>CDB&
3+20.'$&.024"5.+,'676$''&
!08'9":%.''''''''''''''''''''''''''&
;"<.+&'$&.028*2,'676$'&
=*>.'6"2+*1''''''''''''''''''''&
?*02'@550%.'A'7*+:'*21'!"8'
EFC'B@A'@GDC&
'&D?G'CG>'GB@B&
'&>?@'DAA'FBC?&
'&>?@'@>F'CG>A&
'&>?@'BGF'G??E&
BBBC8.&+"&D+5/#.%0*E0/&/C%"8'
March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 7
CAGCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – John Garcia
Vice President – Mark B. Mansur
Secretary – Donald Beck
Treasurer – Paul Bonini, CGCS
Past President – Christian P. Mauro
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Education – Eric Morrison, CGCS
Golf – Marc Weston
Membership – Stephen J. Curry
Scholarship & Research –
Peter Gorman
Social & Welfare –
Stephen A. Smith, CGCS
Government Relations –
Scott Ramsay, CGCS
Commercial Rep to Board –
Michael Donahue
Class C Representative –
Douglas Zitney, Great River GC
their demonstration of a higher set of competencies in
golf course management through testing and practical
application. Employers can feel confident they employ a
career professional who has made a strong commitment
to professional development.”
To qualify for GCSAA’s competency-based certification
program, a candidate must have at least three years
experience as a golf course superintendent, be
employed in that capacity and meet post-secondary
educational requirements and/or continuing education
points. The candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities
are validated through the development of a portfolio
consisting of their responses to skill statements, casestudy
scenarios and submission of work samples; an
on-site inspection of their golf facility; and a rigorous
six-hour examination covering competencies relating to
agronomic, business, communication, environment and
leadership domains.
Maintaining certified status requires renewal every
five years after the initial date of certification. To fulfill
certification renewal requirements, a candidate must
participate in 150 hours of continuing education and
professional development. A total of 347 GCSAA certified
superintendents renewed their certification in 2010.
Turf Products Receives Awards
The Toro Company announced their “Partners in
Excellence” awards at the recent GCSAA show in
Orlando, FL.Turf Products was awarded in three
different categories:
Irrigation Distributor of the Year: The Toro Company
has awarded it prestigious “Irrigation Distributor of the Year” award to Turf Products, LLC of
Enfield, Ct. This award is given to only one Toro distributor each year based on meeting specific
standards outlined in Toro’s “Partners in Excellence” program. Turf Products Irrigation Division
services golf courses from Westchester County, NY to Maine. TPC is celebrating 41 years in the
turf industry.
Toro’s “Green Blazer” Award: Nat Binns, of Turf Products, LLC has received the Toro Company’s
“Green Blazer” award. This award recognizes the top commercial salesmen in the United States.
Mr. Binns is the sales representative servicing the greater Boston marketplace for Turf Products.
Please join us in congratulating Nat on this outstanding achievement and national recognition!
Irrigation Serviceperson of the Year: Paxton Mallard has been awarded Toro’s top honor for
outstanding customer service – “Serviceperson of the Year”. Paxton is the lead service technician
for Turf Products LLC, of Enfield, Ct. servicing golf course irrigation systems. Paxton’s technical
expertise and outstanding work ethic were just two of the key factors that earned him this
coveted award. Please join us in congratulating Paxton!
Cars of Yesterday
March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 8
NOT JUST A ROUND, BUT
ANOTHER SUCCESS!
The 2011 New England Regional Turfgrass
Conference and Show concluded on March 10
at 1pm. As I stand in the middle of the Exhibit
Hall watching everyone begin their breakdown
of exhibit space I reflect on this great week!
The feelings are very similar to watching the
last putt of major tournament that you just
spent many months preparing for and then it
is over! Our Monday qualifier was a day full of
seminar attendees viewing a variety of topics
including Basic Turf Management, Irrigation
Conservation, Computer Training and even
life-saving training for AED Equipment.
More than 300 seats were taken as new and
old management concepts were shared and
instructors fielded questions to fulfill the
needs of the audience.
Our opening round included a full-field
hearing several topics directed by the USGA,
including remote broadcasts, all to benefit
of superintendents and those they work
with. The NERTF President, Mike Buras,
reminded attendees that the show continues
to focus on its objectives and that attendees
should understand that the show is “their”
show and all suggestions and comments are
important to the foundation. The day peaks
with a highlighted keynote and then a few
opening hours on the trade show floor with
a welcoming reception and the opportunity to
initiate conversations with vendors. Tuesday
is nice day without many distractions or
decisions other than where to find lunch. As
the players gain confidence while visiting
vendors, those first day butterflies diminish. A
boost by Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Team
Captain Mike Eruzione comes as he helps
those in attendance realize that with hard
work and focus on their goals, that they too
can be a champion!
As Wednesday approaches, attendees prepare
for a full day that can feel much more like 36
holes from start to finish. There are four tracts
of education in the morning to consider. The
tradeshow heats up starting at 10am and
going until 5. There are more education and
credits to pick up in the afternoon and if you
are looking for some friendly competition,
come and challenge the field at the show
auction where you can put yourself in a better
position as you approach the final round. At
the end of the day, there was the annual social
event sponsored by Syngenta and Harrells to
relax and consider how the day played out.
If you are lucky to be around for the finale,
then also some time to plan. Many weren’t
done yet though, as this year’s special events
included a dinner in honor of Dr. Joe and
Lonnie Troll. This historic event seated more
than 100 in attendance and cited the creation
of the NERTF Distinguished Service Award
given to them for the many years of personal
atten-tion that they have given to the turf
industry and for the many whose careers
have benefitted by
being educated and
fellowshipped by the
Troll’s. It was special
to be a part of and
with Joe and Lonnie
in attendance will
be a landmark event
always!
As the final round
is here, the field is
thinned out and the
opportunity to spend
quality time on the
trade show floor is
still possible. Two
hours of high level education with appealing
topics is scheduled. Networking continues
as the field can anticipate the approaching
finish. Conversations tend to be more about
the events of yesterday than what to do
about today. The clock hits 1, and the week
is, as Jim Nantz would say, one for the history
books! The exodus has begun on the floor!
With 53 hours of education and 13 hours of
tradeshow time during the week, it takes a lot
of planning and commitment to make it all go
smoothly. We thank all sponsors, attendees,
exhibitors and presenters for your vital
support. We appreciate everyone who has
worked so hard to continue to be as strong
a conference and show you can find in the
industry. We thank you for your compliments
and your suggestions. Keep them coming!
Don’t forget to mark your calendar, as in 2012
we will surprise many with an earlier show.
The planning has already begun. Our dates
are February 6-9th and before you know it….
it will be here and gone!
By Gary Sykes, NERTF Executive Dir
From the GCSANE’s “The Newsletter”
Pictured (L-R): Michael Buras, NERTF President; Mary Owen,
UMass Ext., Director; Joseph Troll, Lonnie Troll, Gary Sykes
and Robert Ruszala.

March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 10
DR. TROLL
Dr Troll, your career has spanded many
decades of service to the fine turf profession,
during those years you had some help,
Joe and Lonnie have been married for 67
years, for many years when you were at the
university and after your retirement, you and
Lonnie continued to work hand and hand.
I know you would agree that Lonnie was
instrumental in all you achieved in creating a
academic environment of excellence. I’ve had
the pleasure of serving with you both on the
MTLGC for 20 years.
During that time I saw you both in action
and the many contributions Lonnie made
working with you and the board, working to
raise 800,000’s of dollars for turf research and
grant funding her work in assisting students
working in the early years with the turf plots,
her many years of excellence in administrative
duties performed serving turf conferences,
Lonnie’s your work as secretary and treasurer
of the MLTGC.
You two had the most successful 1-2 punch
in all you’ve accomplished working together.
Through your combined efforts you created
a environment of excellence in your years
of service together, the number of friends
gathered there tonight reflect this.
Dr Troll the number of students whose lives
you have enriched through your lifelong
commitment to excellence at the University of
Massachusetts, will never be equaled. I know
I speak today for the countless number of
former students that have achieved successful
professional careers as a direct result of your
mentoring, and stewardship. Your watchful
eye and encouraging word always seem to
follow us all long after we completed our field
of study at the University.
You truly inspired your students as a educator,
teacher, mentor and friend your quidance and
wisdom served your former students well
long after your students left the university.
Your greatest gift of all was to bring out the
best in people. Your friendship is a gift we all
cherish your one of a kind.
The turf industry and the game of golf, as
we know it today, have been well served and
uniquely blessed through the contributions of
so many who have come and studied before
you. The professional careers of so many of
your former students span the globe, truly
enriching the game.
The educational experience you provided at
the University were invaluable to us all. Your
legacy will always remain with all of us who
benefited from your wisdom, through the
various skills and talents you taught us.
These values you instilled in us, served us
all very well. This I believe is education at its
very best! The impact you made throughout
the turf industry, as it relates to golf, is
everywhere. The success of your former
students who manage some of the finest golf
courses in the world, reflect this. Each time
a round of golf is played, your fingerprints
are there! Many of the turf industries top
educators are former students of yours who
now educate the next generation of the best
and brightest. And the countless others
who have made significant contributions,
affiliated within the golf and the fine turf
profession whom you guided. You helped
shape the high professional standards that
exemplify the golf course industry and the
golf superintendents throughout the world,
as we know it today.
In closing on behalf of myself and so many
others who have been blessed to have enjoyed
a personal association with you and Lonnie, to
know you is to love you, your motivation and
drive was never about Joe Troll, always about
the students you guided, your legacy lives
in the hearts and minds of all who studied
under you and that unwavering strength of
character puts you number 1 in the hearts
and minds of all who studied before you, in
our book you’ll always be at the head of the
class. You’re the best the American spirit has
to offer, you’re an American originial. Thanks
for the opportunity to share a few words
with you tonight, it has been a great honor
for me.
Dave Sylvester
Stockbridge Class of 75
See the MAXLine Products at www.harrells.com
Mike Dukette
(860) 930-8888
mdukette@Harrells.com
Jim Wierzbicki
(860) 424-7250
jwierzbicki@Harrells.com
Harrell’s MAXLine™ Liquid
Nutritionals Fully Chelated.
Quick Response. Long-lasting Results.
TM
March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 11
DOGS OF SUMMER
Voluntary puppy raisers take pups at about
eight weeks of age, love, and care for them,
participate in weekly socialization and
training activities at the Fidelco training center
and the when the pups are approximately 14
to 16 months old, return them to Fidelco for
formal guide dog training.
The John Gallagher family of Race Brook
CC is among thousands of families and
individuals that have participated in the
Fidelco volunteer puppy raising program
over the years. They expose the pup to a
wide variety of experiences in the home, on
the street, at the golf course and the world at
large; the very things that the dogs will be
required to deal with as a guide for someone
with a visual disability.
The payback is immeasurable. The freedom
and independence that the pup brings to its
human partner is based on the love and care
provided by the Fidelco puppy raisers.
Fidelco exclusively breeds, trains, and places
German Shepard guide dogs because of
their stamina, health, temperament, and
intelligence. The puppies are continually
evaluated from birth to give them the best
possible chance to be successful as Fidelco
guide dogs.
What happens when the puppy is returned
to Fidelco? You cry. But you have the comfort
of knowing that you have helped prepare
your pup for a lifetime of service. When
the pup returns to Fidelco, it enters a six to
nine month formal training program. Once
the dog is placed with a Fidelco client, you
are given a photo of the dog in a guide dog
harness. You are also invited to participate
in a graduation walk; one last visit with
the dog you raised before it partners with a
Fidelco client.
If you would like more information the site
for Fidelco which is located in Bloomfield
CT is www.fidelco.org.
Editors note: Congratulations to John Gallagher
III on over 25 years at Race Brook CC
“Lizzy” with our pound rescue goose chaser.
“Eddy” on the seat wanting to go play in the snow. “Lizzy” with Sean Gallagher at Fidelco Fund Raiser.”
March 2011 Connecticut Clippings Page 12
D & S
Floratine – JRM
TURBODROP NOZZLES
Jerry Marin (203) 380-9503
Dave Basconi (860) 349-1291
DryJect N.E./TurfPounders
Dryject, Core & Deeptine Aeration
Kevin Collins (914) 525-3681
Home Office (914) 672-6029
Servicing CT & NY since 2004
Egypt Farms, Inc.
Sterilized Topdressing, Greensmix
Bagged Topdressing & Divot Mix
Dean Snyder
(800) 899-7645 FAX (410) 335-0164
Executive Turf Products
Performancefertilizers.com
Earthgreen.com
Ken Gentile (203) 496-0891
executiveturf@aol.com
Grigg Brothers
Gordon Kauffman III, Ph.D.
Email: gordon@griggbros. Com
Website: www.griggbros.com
Become a Fan @ facebook.com/griggbros
Harrell’s
Jim Wierzbicki (860) 424-7250
Mike Dukette (860) 930-8888
Customer Service (800) 228-6656
www.harrells.com
The Chas C. Hart Seed Co.
Wethersfield, CT - Roy Sibley,
P. Bednarczyk, Heather Garvin
(860) 529-2537 or (800) 326-4278
Quality Since 1892
James Carriere & Son, Inc.
Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136
Trap Sand Partac Top Dressing
Const Mixes
Decorative Stone
Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc.
Hydrogeologic Consulting and
Environmental Engineering Services
CAGCS member since 2001
Rob Good (860) 678-0404
Metro Turf Specialists
Customers, OUR TOP Priority
Dave Conrad (914) 490-3698
Rob Steinman (914) 588-6593
(203) 748-4653 – metroturfspecialists.com
MGC Developers, LLC
P.O. Box 280915
East Hartford, CT 06128
Steven LaMesa – (860) 749-4434
email: info@mgcdevelopers.com
A-OK Turf Equipment
Lastec Articulator, Graden, Wiedenmann,
Pequea, Agrimetal, Baroness, Therrien, Sweep
& Fill, Blec. Michael Cornicelli (401) 826-2584
Fax (401) 826-3749 – aokturfequipment.com
Allens Seed
Seed, Fertilizer, Turf Supplies
Exeter, RI 02822
Al LaPrise
(401) 741-4444 - (800) 527-3898
Aquatrols Corp. of America
Innovative Products for Effective
Resource Management
Kevin P. Collins, N.E. Territory Mgr.
(609) 841-2077 (cell)
Bartlett Tree Experts
~Providing Scientific
Tree Care since 1907~
Matt Flanagan, Arborist
(203) 744-1400 or www.bartlett.com
BASF
47 Falmouth Road
Longmeddow, MA 01106
John bresnahan
(413) 565-5340
Bayer Environmental Science
Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven Counties:
Dave Sylvester (860) 841-3173. Hartford, New
Haven, New London, Middlesex, Tolland,
Windham: Brian Giblin (508) 439-9809
BISCO
Irrigation Supplies featuring Rain Bird
60 Stergis Way, Dedham MA 02026
(800) 225-8006 - MA / (888) 522-9182 - CT
J. Anderson III cell: (203) 494-5217
C.R.I.S., LLC
Golf Course Irrigation
P.O. Box 6194
Wolcott, CT 06716
Troy Carney – (203) 879-2362
The Cardinals, Inc.
Complete Distributor of Golf Course
Accessories & Turf Maintenance Supplies
John Callahan cell – (860) 673-3699
cardinalsinc@att.net – (800) 861-6256
Championship Turf Services
Precision Laser Leveling
Custom Aerification - Overseeding
Sisis Turf Equipment
Michael Flowers (800) 562-5860
DGM Systems
Specialty Products Distributor For Golf & Sports Turf
Servicing Your Needs www.dgmsystems.com
Office (401) 647-0550 or (877) DGM Products
Manny (401) 524-8999 - David (401) 742-1177
New England Specialty Soils
1mm + 2mm Top Dressing Sand, HD
Bunker Sand, Divot Blends, 5221 Mix, Root Zone
Blends. ed@nesoils.com
Ed Downing (978) 230-2300
Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing
(800) 247-2326 Fax (908) 637-8421
Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136
Joe Bidwell (860) 651-8555
Jim Wierzbicki (860) 424-7250
Plant Food Company, Inc.
The Liquid Fertilizer Experts
Larry Pakkala, CGCS (203) 505-3750
Tom Weinert (914) 262-0111
Customer Service (800) 562-1291
Sodco, Inc.
P.O. Box 2
Slocum, RI 02877
Sean Moran
(800) 341-6900 - sodco.net
Steven Willand, Inc.
Jacobsen – Club Car – Smithco – Turfco
Parts/Service (203) 775-5757
Mark Osborn-Brett Armstrong
www.stevenwillandinc.com
Syngenta Professional Products
Fairfield County - Dennis DeSanctis
(732) 580-5514 - dennis.desanctis@syngenta.com
All other CT Counties - Melissa Gugliotti
(860) 221-5712 - melissa.gugliotti@syngenta.com
Terre Co.
206 Delawanne Ave. Clifton NJ
(973) 473-3393 FAX (973) 473-4402
Byron Johnson
Home (203) 748-5069
Tom Irwin, Inc.
Turf Management Products
Knowledge & Experience You Can Trust
Rob Larson (508) 789-0059
Jeff Houde (203) 731-1776 office (800) 582-5959
TurfLinks, Inc.
Committed to your success!
Products, Equipment & Agronomic Services
Jim Favreau (978) 815-9810
Turf Products Corporation
157 Moody Rd., P.O. Box 1200
Enfield, CT 06083
John Ferry - Mark Loper
(800) 243-4355
Westchester Turf Supply, Inc.
34 Years of Serving the CAGCS
Bob Lippman (914) 447-6257
Dave Lippman (914) 447-5192
Office (845) 621-5067 – westturf@comcast.net
CAGCS thanks these patrons for their continued support of our association.


Spring Green Up / Aeration Program Rate per
1,000 sq. ft.
Gallons per
One Acre
Blu-Gro® 10-4-6 & Micronutrients 9 oz 3.1 Gal
Ammonium Polyphosphate 10-34-0 9 oz 3.1 Gal
Phosphite 30 0-0-27 3 oz 1.0 Gal
AdamsEarth® Biostimulant 3 oz 1.0 Gal
Flo Thru™ Plus Soil Penetrant 4 oz 1.3 Gal
Nutrients per
Application
Nitrogen
Phosphate
Potassium
Sulfur
Boron
Copper
Iron
Manganes
e
Zinc
Humic
Acid
Carbo
Amino
Acids
Lbs per 1,000
.140
.308
.120
.002
.0003
.0004
.0068
.0004
.0004
.079
.019
.272
Spring Green Up / Aeration Program
! Yellow, sick looking Poa.
! Anthracnose attacking plant.
! Poa looks horrible; bentgrass looks OK.
Apply when Orange Hue Appears
Solve These Turf Issues with This Program:
Plant Food Company’s
! Blu-Gro® 10-4-6: Provides immediately available primary, secondary and micronutrients to promote plant recovery.
! 10-34-0 Ammonium Polyphosphate: Promotes stronger roots and initiate nutrient uptake .
! Phosphite 30, 0-0-27: Systemic potassium and phosphite combination that provides healthier turf under stress
conditions.
! AdamsEarth® Biostimulant: Feeds soil microorganisms and improves stress tolerance and nutrient assimilation.
High rate of kelp take turf out of growth regulation.
! Flo Thru™ Plus Penetrant: Breaks water tension and eliminates “water channeling”.
Ensures that this liquid drench evenly penetrates the soil profile.
Contact Us To Place Your Order:
Jason Dowgiewicz 860.508.5419
Larry Pakkala 203.505.3750
Tom Weinert 914.262.0111
Customer Service 800.562.1291
www.plantfoodco.com
! This is a soil application in which liquid application needs to be irrigated in.
! If puddling occurs, pause irrigation until water subsides. Continue to irrigate to push nutrients into the roots system
! Recovery begins within 24 hours. Repeat applications may be needed.
What these Products do:
How to Use: