CONNECTICUT- CLIPPINGS Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents Devoted to sharing knowledge and experience for better turf November, 1992 Volume 26, No, 4 CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS President's Annual Report Steven L. Rackliffe, CGCS President Vice President John F. Streeter CGCS Peter Pierson Philip Neaton John Motycka Secretary Treasurer Immediate Steven L. Rackliffe, CGCS Past President Directors & Committee Chairpersons Scholarship & Research Public Relations Education Membership PPUC Social & Welfare Rep. to the Board David Stimson, CGCS Robert Chalifour, CGCS Michael Wallace, CGCS John Napieracz, CGCS Peter Pierson Brian Skelly Peter Hull Connecticut Clippings is an official publication of The Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Newsletter John F. Streeter, CGCS, Editor The object of this Association is to encourage increased knowledge of golf course management and greater professionalism through education, research, exchange of practical experience, and the well-being of each individual member. What's Inside? Annual Meeting Highlights......................... 3 CAGCS Wins Met Team Championships S&R Results.................................. 4 Have You Ever Wondered?........................ 5 This month marks the conclusion of my term as President of CAGCS. While preparing my annual report, I asked myself what I had learned about CAGCS and what I felt the main objectives of our organization were or should be. I believe the objectives of CAGCS or any other superintendents' organiza­ tion should be to (1) support education, (2) promote profession­ alism, and (3) support its members and fellow superintendents in a time of need. During this past year, CAGCS met all of these objectives. Education can be further broken down into three groups: educating the superintendent; education of the golfer and com­ munity; and scholarship and research. This past year, Peter Lewis did a tremendous job as Chairman of the Education Committee. He provided us with informative speakers at our monthly meetings and did a fine job coordinating the January Seminar. CAGCS played an intregal part in the planning and producing of the 1992 Connecticut Golf Summit The educational pro­ gram was composed of speakers who represented four allied associations - CAGCS, CSGA, PGA and the CMA. The program was a huge success and helped promote education and professionalism. Tom Watroba was the key individual who made this possible for CAGCS. His hard work proved fruitful for the reputation of the golf course superintendent which has achieved new heights within the Connecticut golfing community. Another part of education is that of keeping abreast of all environmental laws that are passed within the state. Peter Pierson served as the CAGCS liaison to PPUC. Peter attended all PPUC Board of Governors meetings and kept the members of CAGCS well informed. Peter also had the thankless job of keeping track of golf scores, registrants and guests for all our monthly meetings. The third part of education is scholarship and research. I am proud to say that CAGCS awarded over $3,500 in research grants to UMass, URI and Rutgers over the past year, as well as $3,850 in scholarship monies. Dave Stimson and his committee should be congratulated in the fine job they did in reviewing scholarship and research grant requests. Dave's committee also did a super job in running this year's Scholarship & Research Tournament which raised over $6,000. Bob Chalifour played a large part in promoting professional­ ism of our organization. He did so by submitting articles and news regarding CAGCS to many of the leading trade journals. He also placed ads promoting CAGCS and the golf course superintendent on television. I believe the way we, as professionals, are perceived by the (continued from page 1.) golf community will shape the future of our profession. Promoting profes­ sionalism is not just a Board of Gov­ ernors responsibility, but also is the re­ sponsibility of each and every one of us as golf course superintendents. This year, Brian Skelly and his com­ mittee did a wonderful job in organiz­ ing and running the CAGCS Annual Picnic and Christmas party. While it is important that members interact and celebrate togther, it is also important to interact and grieve together. Two of the hardest moments during my presidency were attending the funer­ al of John Halibozek and the wake of Bob Johnston. These sorrowful times showed me the unity and caring of our membership towards the families that have lost loved ones. When Bob passed away, he left two young chil­ dren (Robert and Brian). The Associa­ tion was so touched and supportive that it raised $1,450 in raffle money and committed $2,000 over the next four years to be put into the education fund for Bob's children. CAGCS has recent­ ly donated $400 to help families of golf course employees in Florida. This is what CAGCS is about - learning, education, professionalism, and helping those in need. To achieve these goals, we need to have a strong membership, a strong financial base, and good communica­ tion. The membership numbers of CAGCS are stronger than ever. Mem­ bership has grown immenseley over the past 10 years. Keeping track of the membership and membership classifi­ cations is no easy task. John Napieracz and his committee have done a fantastic job in revamping the mem­ bership application forms, updating membership files and keeping track of prospective members at monthly meet­ ings. Unlike many other industries, golf course superintendents are fortunate fo share a close comradery with those who sell in the industry. A very large por­ tion of CAGCS' membership is com­ posed of commercial members. This year, I was fortunate enough to have worked with Peter Hull. Peter served as the commercial representatives' liai­ son to the Board, as well as Chairman of the Superintendent of the Year Steering Committee which consisted of past recipients. This is my 10th year as a member of CAGCS. During this time, the finan­ cial stability of CAGCS has grown immensely. Keeping track of each and every account takes hours. John Motycka has done remarkably in updat­ ing CAGCS and its financial records. His job is, in my mind, one of the most difficult and time consuming. The evidence of his hard work was put in your hands at the Annual Meeting, the easy-to-read and accurate financial statment of CAGCS. This year, the Board of Governors of CAGCS has mailed to its members very thorough minutes taken by Phil Neaton at each and every Board meet­ ing. Our Vice President, John Streeter, has kept us abreast of all newsworthy information through the Connecticut Clippings. My hat goes off to John, who managed to edit the Clippings and chair the Long Range Planning Committee, that reviewed and presented the Bylaws change proposals. I would also like to acknowledge Greg and Pandora Wojick for their help in making this year's Golf Course Operations Survey a success. As President of CAGCS, I was for­ tunate to work with a dedicated Board of Governors. Each and every member worked hard on every committee they chaired, as did the mebers of their committees. As my last duty, I would like to thank all of you who served on this Board and the committee members who served behind the scenes. I would also like to thank the membership of CAGCS for allowing me the honor and privilege of serving our Associa­ tion. And last, but not least, I would like to recognize and thank Pauline Streeter, whose work and dedication all too often is taken for granted. - 2 - PARTAC TOP-DRESSING GOLF COURSE PLUS GREEN & TEE CONSTRUCTION MIXES, WHITE TRAP SANDS, CART PATH & DIVOT REPAIR MIXES WHITE OR OPTIC YELLOW, U.S. GOLF HOLE TARGETS AND MUCH MORE! DISTRIBUTED IN CT BY: JAMES CARRIERE & SONS 914-937-5476 914-937-2136 VALLEY FARMS SUPPLY 203-651-8555 800-247-2326 EGYPT Sterilized Mm’s Top '''■fo— Dressing WHITE MARSH, MO (301) 335-3700 1-8OO-899-SOIL (7645) EGYPT FARMS EXCLUSIVE! All top dressing ingredients are thorough­ ly mixed and sterilized by indirect heat in ourspecial process. The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homoge­ nous mixture that will not separate during handling and spreading. Egypt Farms top dressing is formulated especially for your area to specifications recommended by leading universities and testing laboratories • Computerized blending of soil mix­ tures for a superior growing medium. • Custom on-site soil blending and testing with a portable computerized blender to meet your specifications. • Bunker Sands • Mulch • Canadian Sphagnum Peat The Terre Co. (201)473-3393 Distributed by: Metro-Milorganite, Inc. (914)666-3171 CAGCS Annual Meeting Around the Association Highlights The annual meeting of CAGCS was held on November 10th at the Rock Ridge Country Club. Officers and direc­ tors accounted for their duties throughout the past year with the reading of their annual reports. Bylaws changes were voted on and approved with the exception of Article II, Section 2, Annual Dues. The pro­ posed change to the bylaw read "all dues received after February 1st will be assessed a late charge." After motions and discussions, it was voted on and approved to amend this change with: "All dues received after February 1st will be assessed a 10% per month late charge". Immediate Past President, Thomas Watroba, handled the duties of election of officers and directors. Voted in as officers were: President - John F. Streeter, CGCS Vice President - Peter Pierson Secretary - Philip Neaton Treasurer - John Motycka After a very close election, Brian Skelly and Michael Wallace, CGCS, were voted in to serve on the Board for two-year terms. Tom Watroba and Peter Lewis both have ended their terms on the Board and on behalf of the Association, we would like to thank them for their work and dedication while serving CAGCS. After a fine lunch provided by host manager Don Samatulski, we had 63 golfers that ventured out into the bright, brisk day for a 9-hole scramble. Host superintendent, Bob Welch, is to be congratulated for the fine conditions provided on this neatly-arranged layout. 413-637-2592 Mark Armstrong Verti-Drain Service Armstrong^Turf Care 56 Lime Kiln Road, Lenox, MA 01240 - 3 - On December 19th, CAGCS will hold its annual Christ­ mas party at the Old Lyme Country Club. Host, Brian Skelly, is arranging for a spirited night! Along with a vast entree of food, we will be enjoying our favorite tunes provided by a local D J. Please watch your mail for the party invitation and we hope you all can make an effort to attend and celebrate the holiday with your friends. Winter Seminar The time is coming for CAGCS' Annual Winter Seminar. Peter Lewis, this year's Educational Chairman, has a full- rounded slate of education scheduled for January 5,1993 at the Ramada Inn in Meriden, Connecticut. We will have the opportunity to hear Dr. Pat Vittum, Dr. Steve Aim, and Dr. Michael Villani present their integrated insect research, pest controls, and nematode notes. We will also be hearing from Jim Connolly of the USGA Green Section and Wayne Wall who will speak on the role of bio stimulants. Rounding out our seminar, will be Don Kiley, Executive Director of PPUC. New Members William Abetz, Jr. - B Skungamaug River GC Bruce C. Budrow - C Soil Resource Group Dana K. Garvin - B Canton GC Shawn A. Gill - B Richter Park GC Mark Gostkowski - B Wallingford CC Anthony Grosso - B The Farms CC Peter O'Meara - C B &P Turf Farm Timothy J. Pogue - C Atlantic Irrigation William D. Raus - C R. F. Morse & Sons, Inc. J. Lawrence Rustici - C Soil Resource Group Joseph Rustici - A Elmridge GC John Weber - C Wesco, Inc. Congratulations to Greg & Pandora Wojick on the birth of their baby girl, Kara, born September 24, 1992. Connecticut team captures Met Team Championship, A very sweet victory. . . On October 5,1992, the Met Area Team Championship was held at the Country Club of Farmington. Teams of superintendents from throughout the tri-state area and beyond competed in the annual event. Accolades were a plenty for the conditions provided by host superintendent, Peter Lewis. The CC of Farmington and all its staff is to be congratulated for a most hospitable day. CAGCS has been competing in this event since its incep­ tion. Winning it on our home turf, after a nine year drought, was especially sweet. team - Mike Dukette, Ward Weischet, Peter Pierson and Frank Savakis. Mike Dukette was the low gross individual winner with a hard fought 77. Mike's 77 was good enough for a four-way tie which resulted in a playoff victory on the 2nd hole over John Carlone, Met GCSA, Dave Kroll, Philadelphia GCSA, and Scott Wagner, Mid-Atlantic GCSA. The CAGCS team consisted of four players on the gross The net team was comprised of Frank Lamphier, Ed Lam­ phier, Paul Jamrog and Mike Ovian. Congratulations to all participants! Met Team Competition Results First Place Connecticut AGCS - 469 Second Place MET GCSA - 482 Third Place New Jersey GCSA - 488 Individual Low Gross Mike Dukette - 77 S&R Tourney yields record attendance On October 6, 1992 the Annual CAGCS S&R Tourna­ ment was held at the Golf Club of Avon. With over 148 participants, the largest field ever, the objective for the day to support our S & R Fund was easily achieved. Thanks to the support from all of our members and our commercial members who purchase tee signs, our profit for the day was $6,645. One of the most important events which was staged for the day was the raffle fund raiser which was held to support our late colleague, Bob Johnston's childrens' educational fund. It was very rewarding to see the membership of CAGCS support both the tournament and the raffle that day. I I In addition to the $6,645 for S & R, we raised $1,450 for the Robert Johnston Memorial Educational Fund. A special thanks goes to the Golf Club of Avon for their generosity and hospitality. If not for the cost conscious effort that was made between Dave Stimson, Jim Medeiros, host superintendent, and his manager Don Malen, the profits that we realized for that day would not have been possible. Also congragulations to Jim Medeiros and his staff for the fine conditions that they provided for the field. After many years of a steady diet of sound turf management practices, Jim Medeiros seems to be getting a hold on the ever difficult growing conditions found at the Avon Golf Club. Gross Winners 1st Place - 60 Jim Staszowski, Peter Bacon Peter Cure, A1 Adaskaveg 2nd Place - 62 Ward Weischet, Brian Pope Chuck Myers, Jud Smith Net Winners 1st Net - 56.2 A1 Arison, Alan Arison Jim Morehouse, Ed Mallox 2nd Net-56.4 Eric Cadenelli, Kevin Williams, Mark Giannetta, Richard Sheldon 3rd Net-56.8 Jim Medeiros, Dave Roule, Matt Howland, Mat Medeiros 4th Net - 58.2 Mike Dukette, Greg Stent, Dick Kaupin, Dave Basconi - 4 - HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED? by Frank E. Lamphier How many Class A & B members there actually are in Why, if something isn't broken, there is always someone GCSAA? who wants to fix it? Where the "best" candidates for GCSAA office come from? Chances are at one time they were delegates learning the in’s and out's of our Association. Why it costs so much to attend a seminar? Why it costs so much to become certified and how expen­ sive it is to remain certified? Why seminars that are already filled might not always be filled by our Class A and B members first? Why, if through proper planning (at least one year ahead) everything has to be done yesterday and can't possibly wait for the next annual meeting where the membership can also cast their opinions and ideas, no matter how silly this may sound? Why you, as a member, have a difficult time getting a straight answer to anything? Why, if your opinion differs from that of the "powers that be" can't we have our opinions expressed in "our magazine" and not just selected depositions? What is being done with the former headquarters building and what is it costing us annually to maintain? What is the new expansion (approx. $1.5 million) to our new headquarters building all about? Or, is this just a rumor? Why the directors shy away from meeting with the dele­ gates to perhaps pick our brains for the betterment of all? Why everything is a deep, dark secret within the Board? Are they sworn to secrecy, blood oath, or what? We are paying the freight! Why the Board seems to want the power of just setting the dues, with no input from the membership as a whole? What are they afraid of? Only once in my 30 years in the Associa­ tion has a dues increase been shot down and that was instituted a year later. Again, plan ahead and the membership will back you 100%, through individuals and delegates. What is wrong with a 2/3 vote to amend bylaws? Let the directors sell their ideas to the membership, both individually and through the delegates, instead of mandating them. What are we paying yearly for legal council? To defend us from what? Are we afraid of something or someone? If so, we want to know!!! What are our key personnel being paid and how many do we really have on the staff? Are we being governed by the assist­ ants' assistants? Finally, it has often been stated, "The best government is the least government." What is wrong in this country today can usually be traced to too much government Take away the voice of the people and you can count us along with the countries in Europe that have failed in the past two years. Are we about to let ourselves fall into this trap? I hope not We, as an Association have too much to offer in a positive manner. Let's not try to be everything to everyone. The last time I looked, we were still the "GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA"! The recent Bylaws changes by GCSAA and the continuing presence of a separation of Association officers and the rank in file members has spurred questions such as these from GCSAA members. Frank Lamphier is the superintendent at Aspetuck Valley Country Club and has been for the last 20+ years. Frank is a past president of our Association and has also served many years as voting delegate to GCSAA. THE STEPHEN B. CHURCH COMPANY P. O. BOX 67 SEYMOUR, CT 06483 Telephone: (203) 888-2132 Fax: (203) 888 1863 Irrigation Wells Packaged Pumping Systems Well & Pump Maintenance TEE AND GREEN SOD, INC. Specializing in Bentgrass and Fine Fescue Sod Dave Wallace 401/295-1870 (Home) 401/789-8177 (Office) P.O. Box 418 Exeter, RI 02822 401/789-3895 (FAX) v - 5 - The Clippings __________ Calendar.____________ CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS DATE EVENT LOCATION HOST Dec. 1,2 & 3 N. J. Turfgrass Expo Garden State Convention Center N.J. Turfgrass Assoc. December 19 CAGCS Christmas Party Old Lyme Country Club Old Lyme, CT January 5,1993 Annual Winter Seminar Ramada Inn Meriden, CT January 23 & 24 1993 GCSAA Golf Championship Golf Championship San Diego, CA Jan. 25 - 30 1993 GCSAA Conference & Show Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, CA March 16, 1993 Technical Training for Spray Technicians Seminar Hartford Golf Club Hartford, CT CAGCS CAGCS GCSAA GCSAA GCSAA March 23, 1993 CAGCS Monthly Meeting TBA CAGCS CAGCS Thanks the Following Patrons for Their Continued Support o£out_Association. Purple Kings Farm Golf Green Topdressing Williamstown, MA 01267 Ralph Mason Bus: (413)458-4646 Home(413)458-3184 Reichert Company P. O. Box 273, Riverside, CT 06878 Petroleum Products Frank X. Reichert (203) 637-2958 Shawnmark Industries, Inc. Specialty Products & Service Warwick, RI 02888 Matt Howland (24 hours a day) (401) 295-1673 Terre Co. 206 Delawanna Avenue Clifton, NJ 07014 Byron Johnson, Jr. H-(203) 748-5069/W-(201) 473-3393 Toelles Road Sand & Gravel Co. 29 Toelles Road Wallingford, CT 06492 Hal Kraus - Bruce Imbt (203) 284-8552 Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. West Suffield, CT 06093 Penncross - Bluegrass ~ Fescue - Rye Skip Deubel (800) 243-7582 Turf Products Corporation 157 Moody Rd., P. O. Box 2576 Enfield, CT John Perry - Mark Loper (203) 763-3581 Turf Specialty, Inc. 15 Londonderry Road, Suite 3 Londonderry, NH 03053-3388 Dave Schermerhom (603) 437-0008 Imperial Nurseries 713 Pigeon Hill Road Windsor, CT 06095 Karl Novak - Bruce Adams (203) 688-0598 James Carriere & Sons, Inc. 7 Cottage St., Port Chester, NY Trap Sand - Partac Topdressing Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 Larchmont Eng. & Irrig, Co. Box 66, Larchmont Lane Lexington, MA 02173 Steve Butler (914) 862-2550 Lesco, Inc. 20005 Lake Road Rocky River, Ohio 44116 Mike Donahue (800) 321-5325 Lofts Seed, Inc. Chimney Rock Road Bound Brook, NJ 08805 Paul Bednarczyk (800)526-3890 or (203)421-4641 Nor-Am Chemical Company 311 Carriage Drive Kensington, CT 06037 David Sylvester (203) 828-8905 O. M. Scott & Sons P. O. Box 286 Naugatuck, CT 06770 Steve Di Vito (203) 723-5190 P.I.E. Supply Co. 243 Woodmont Rd., P.O. Box 3049 Milford, CT 06460 J. Anderson (203) 878-0658 Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc. 5 Cronk Rd., P.O. Box 7036 Plainville, CT 06062 Jesse J. Anderson, Jr. (203) 747-9911 Bruedan Corp. 25 West Street Bolton, CT 06043 Scott Lowe - Frank Savakis (203) 647-1774 The Cardinals, Inc. P.O. Box 520, 166 River Road Unionville, CT 06085 John Callahan (203) 673-3699 Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. Wethersfield, CT 06109 Roy Sibley, Bob Kennedy Ron Holcomb, Roger Barrett (203) 529-2537 - (800) 432-SEED D & S Floratine Products, Reveal Test Kits Precision Small Engine Co., Flymo Dave Basconi (203) 250-TURF Eastern Land Management, Inc. Golf Course Renovation, Hydro/Aeration Serv. Shelton, CT 06484 Bruce T. Moore, Sr. (800) 926-GREEN Earth Works Deep Aerification Specialists Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Patrick Lucas, CGCS (203) 698-0030 Egypt Farms, Inc. Golf Green Topdressing (800) 899-7645 (Soil) The Terry Co. (201) 473-3393 Metro Milorganite (914) 666-3171 Fairway Landscapers, Inc. Green, Tee, Bunker Construction South Glastonbury, CT 06073 Walter Vami (203) 633-1273 Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing Great Meadows, NJ 07838 (800) 247-2326/(908)637-4191 Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 Joe Bidwell (203) 651-8555 Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. P. O. Box 198 Lincolndale, NY 10540 Bob Lippman (914) 248-7746 Glenmore Landscape Service RR 3, Box 285, Hackgreen Rd. Pound Ridge, NY 10576 Glenn S. Moore (914) 764-4348 Pro-Lawn Products, Inc. Syracuse, NY Professional Turf Maintenance Stephen Kotowicz (203) 792-3032 Michael Dukette (203) 684-6242 Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc. 240 Griswold Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 Donald Grant W/(203) 529-6869 H/(203)225-9232