CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS^ p CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS Volume 29, No. 5 November/December, 1995 President's Message Peter R. Pierson CAGCS President GCSAA Revisits Chapter Affiliation Agreement Immediate Past President & Chapter Delegate to GCSAA John F. Streeter, CGCS As I pause to write my final presi­ dent’s message, I feel very honored to have served as CAGCS President for the past two years. The strengths of any organization are the officers, direc­ tors and staff, along with participating members. We have all of those. CAGCS has a very loyal and dedicated Executive Secretary in Pauline Streeter, and I would like to thank her for all of her help. To the officers and directors, thank you for all the many hours you volunteered and the concern you have shown to make our professional organization better. I would be remis if I did not mention the Tri State Research Foundation as a very worthwhile commitment for all CAGCS members. Dr. Noel Jackson at URI is currently involved with a research project which has the potential to help courses in the northeast. Immediate Past President, John Streeter, CGCS, got CAGCS involved in the Tri State Research Foundation during his presidency in 1993. A goal for 1996 should be to get more CAGCS clubs to contribute to the Foundation. Some strides were made (continued on page 2) The proposed chapter affliation agree­ ment is anything but new. In fact, this agreement actually began in 1935. Its intention then, as it is now, was in short, to work with chapters to serve the members’ needs, and provide our national association avenues on which they could travel to provide service and promote professionalism within our membership. Affliation with our national organization is imperative if we are going to keep moving ahead. On September 9 and 10 of this year, I had the privilege, along with our Vice President, Phil Neaton, to attend the 3rd annual chapter relations meeting held at GCSAA headquarters in Lawerence, KS. The purpose of this gathering was to revisit and strengthen the chapter affiliation agreement. To achieve a strong working relationship between chapter and national associa­ tions, certain agreements must be made between both parties to ensure stability and consistency. Among the most controversial agree­ ments is the goal to achieve 100% dual membership. In other words, any Class A or B member belonging to an affiliated chapter must be required to belong to GCSAA and vice versa. This requirement was implemented back in 1935; but, throughout the years, it has gradually diluted to a Q% dual membership requirement As you may remember at the annual meeting of GCSAA in 1993, our membership was faced with a decision whether to approve or reject many pro­ posed bylaws changes which, if approved, would have changed the course of GCSAA dramatically. After much debate, the changes were soundly defeated, all candidates who were in favor of such were not re­ elected and a new era at GCSAA began. President Randy Nichols began paving a new road for our association. We began with staff reorganization and then subsequently redirecting GCSAA to become a member-service oriented organization. The mandates which were communi­ cated by the membership at that time were to get the house in order, improve relations with allied associations and get the rank and file members involved with the association. These mandates (continued on page 3) November/December, 1995 Connecticut Clippings Page 2 President's Message (continued from page 1) during 1995, but there is always room for more contributors. I would like to congratulate the Board of Directors for taking a strong posi­ tion on Softspikes/spikeless shoes and recommend that all our monthly meet­ ings be spikeless. Thanks should go to John Donnell of Softspikes for making all those Softspikes available to CAGCS free of charge. The 1996 Golf Summit is still in the planning stages. However, the spike­ less topic would be a great incentive to attend and bring your club officials. CAGCS lost Bill Somers and Bob Kennedy, two life members during 1995. Our special thoughts go out to their families. They will be remem­ bered as very loyal CAGCS members. Please take a moment to pray for the continued recovery of CAGCS mem­ bers, Kevin Balocca, Elmridge CC, who was recendy involved in a serious accident, and for Bob Phipps, Shorehaven CC, who was befallen with a stroke. Due to the hard work of our Educa­ tion Chairperson, Brian Skelly, the meeting schedule for 1996 is in place at this early date. Please consider offering your club to host a CAGCS meeting in 1997. Our monthly meetings average about 90 people per meeting. With that large number, we can have a significant impact at a club in the cart fees paid, prize credits in the Pro Shop, and the restaurant income for the club. If you are asked, please try to host a meeting. If you are not asked, please step forward and volunteer. I would especially like to thank two CAGCS members who have been espe­ cially supportive of CAGCS during my two years as President. Jeff Rogers, Commercial Representa­ tive to the Board, has been especially helpful in 1995 when he was asked to chair the Scholarship & Research Committee. John Streeter, CGCS, Immediate Past President, has been a pillar of strength for CAGCS for a number of years. In 1995, John was a representative to the Tri State Research Foundation, Chapter Delegate to GCSAA, Employment Referral Chair­ man, Nominating Committee Chair­ man, and the Editor of the Connecticut Clippings. Jeff and John, please accept my sincere thank you on behalf of the membership of CAGCS for a job well done. In closing, I would like to thank all CAGCS members for the support given to me during the past two years. Please show your support to the new officers and directors and they will con­ tinue to do a great job and show strong leadership for CAGCS and the profes­ sion. There are some changes coming from GCSAA, but I can assure you that these changes are to strengthen the pro­ fession of the golf course superinten­ dent Thank you again! It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve CAGCS. Peter R. Pierson CAGCS Board of Directors President & PPUC Rep. PETER R. PIERSON Pequabuck Golf Club Education BRIAN SKELLY Old Lyme Country Club S & R JEFFREY F. ROGERS Robert Baker Companies Vice President PHILIP NEATON Black Hall Club Secretary JOHN NAPIER, CGCS Stanley Golf Course Treasurer HEATHER L. GARVIN Canton Golf Course Immediate Past President JOHN F. STREETER,CGCS Woodbridge Country Club Golf Co-Chairpersons ANTHONY GROSSO Pautipaug Country Club -and- JOHN MOTYCKA Skungamaug River Golf Club Membership SCOTT D. GENNINGS, CGCS Wallingford Country Club Public Relations GREG STENT Wampanoag Country Club Social & Welfare JUD W. SMITH Orange Hills Country Club Commercial Rep. to Board JEFFREY F. ROGERS Robert Baker Companies CAGCS Office P. O. Box 3678 Woodbridge, CT 06525 Telephone & Fax Nos. (203)387-0810 Connecticut Clippings is an official publication of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Newsletter Editor John F. Streeter, CGCS Committee Anthony Grosso Pautipaug Country Club -and- Thomas Watroba Suffield Country Club Photos David Basconi November/December, 1995 Connecticut Clippings "The intention of the affiliation agreement is to stimulate the relationship between GCSAA and its chapters." John F. Streeter, CGCS, Chapter delegate to GCSAA have been met with great success and have been a catalyst in moving our association forward. In 1994, GCSAA identified chapter relations as one of the three new man­ dates in which they will focus for the next three to five years. Resources and efforts will also concentrate to enhance the image of the golf course superin­ tendents’ profession, communicate the positiveness of golf on the environ­ ment, and work with chapters to serve members. The proposed chapter afflia- tion agreement is a vehicle that has to be updated and enforced if we are going to co-exist in harmony with GCSAA. The following is a glance at the agreement and the privileges of being an affliated chapter of GCSAA. Take note that these standards were altered from the original proposal due to the feedback from the delegates in atten­ dance at the chapter relations meeting. • Dual membership. Any Class A or B member joining a chapter or GCSAA after July, 1997 will be required to join both organizations. • Bylaws and membership classifica­ tions for chapters and GCSAA shall be the same. • All officers of local chapters must be GCSAA Class A or B members. • Incorporation. Chapters must incorporate in the state where their principal business is located. • Annual reporting. All chapters will be required to submit an annual report outlining chapter activities for the year, such as current bylaws, current officers, current membership roster, a certificate of good standing from the state where the chapter is incorporated, a certificate of insurance, a summary of the annual financial statements, and the chapter’s annual tax returns. The financial report would, of course, be kept stictly confidential. GCSAA’s annual report and financial information is and always has been available to chapters. • Chapter representation. Chapters must send a representative to the annual chapter relations meeting and a representative to vote at GCSAA’s annual meeting. This requirement is important so that chapters can be kept abreast and given the opportunity to discuss GCSAA affairs. Insurance. All chapters must obtain a minimum of $1,000,000 for both general liability and directors' and officers’ insurance. • • Tax exempt status. Chapters will be required to seek and retain tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. • Reaffiliation process begins January 1, 1996. Any chapter not meeting the above standards by January 1, 1998 will be revoked from affilia­ tion with GCSAA. WHITE CONTRACTORS GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION A RENOVATION Thomas A. White James E. Morris, jr. 203-869-8808 914-234-0092 PO. Box484 Old Greenwich, CT 06870-0484 J Being affiliated with GCSAA has its benefits. Amongst some of the benefits GCSAA is providing are voting representa­ tion, promotional materials and logos, regional seminars, cooperative research programs,annual con- continued on page 4 Page 3 ■ METRO MILORGANITE, INC. For a HEALTHY ADVANTAGE over SEASONAL PROBLEMS WE OFFER a WINNING LINE-UP Emerald Isle, Ltd. AEGYPT FARMS pRirtiEfiO Aqua-T WaterTreatment Andersons • FERTILIZERS • TOP DRESSINGS • BIOSTIMULANTS • SEED • PESTICIDES • GOLF COURSE ACCESSORIES Rick Apgar Scott Apgar Joe Stahl Metro Milorganite Inc. DEPEND ON US FOR FOUR SEASON SOLUTIONS (914) 666-3171 Fax (914) 666-9183 365 Adams Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 (800) 243-75821 CHOICE OF BENTGRASSES r Maintained at 5/32” and 1/4” - Penncross •Providence •Pennlinks 3-Way Fairway Blend Pallets or Big Rolls Washing Service Available High Fine Fescue Mix Versatile Blue-Fescue-Rye Mix Low-Cut Blue-Rye Available Farm Inspection Welcomed Connecticut Clippings Page 4 "GCSAA is investing one million dollars in promoting golf and the image of the golf course superintendent." The Board of Directors of CAGCS c ference and show, together with being the recipient of the public relations program which, at the present time, is investing $1,000,000 in promoting golf and the image of the golf course superintendent. Personally, I am impressed with GCSAA officials’ desires to listen to the ideas and input from chapter repre­ sentatives. GCSAA also provides consulting to local chapters in the areas of chapter management, educational sessions, along with a certification attesting program. The chapter relations committee will submit the revised proposal to the GCSAA Board for the fall Board meet­ ing. The Board can implment the affli­ ation agreement without a vote of the membership. As you can see from the changes that were made to this particular item, they not only listen, but actually implement some of the suggestions that come across the table. Incoming GCSAA President Bruce Williams states, “ We needed to strengthen a relationship that had started to fall apart.” “To enforce an agreement of such magnitude with­ out input from the chapters would not have been fair.” Fellow CAGCS member, Tim O'Neil, and MetGCSA Chapter Dele­ gate, agrees that "[This agreement] will smooth the way for better communica­ tions with GCSAA and other chapters and allow us to share-and benefit from—each others' knowledge and experience." would like to wish all members a happy, healthy and safe holiday season! © Tee & Green & In Between VVhether your challenge is a dead­ line, a tee, a green, a fairway, a rough, or a bunker surround, we have a blend that fits your needs. We understand the variety of problems you face because we have spent a great deal of time listening to golf course superintendents. As a result, Tee & Green Sod offers the most complete product line available to the golf course industry- even a four-foot wide washed roll! Give us a call for information about our selection of products, and our unique harvesting and washing techniques. •Bentgrass •Bluegrass •Washed sod •Bluegrass-Ryegrass •Bluegrass-Fine Fescue -INCORPORATED - 401/789-3895 (fax) * PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 J- 401/789-8177 Jacobsen Introduces The New Greens King V Product Features: Interchangeable Quick Flash Reels* Hydrostatic Drive Power Steering and Tilt Wheel Off Set Reels JACOBSEN TRI-KING Product Features: Power Steering with Steering Wheel Three Wheel Drive on Demand Ease of Maintenance Hydraulic Reel Drive JACOBSEN TURFCAT Product Features: 60" and 72" Mulcherizer Decks Larger Quieter Engines Electric Clutch More Cutting Power Setting New Standards For Ease of Operation and Comfort 65 GLENN STREET • LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS 01843 21 E. DUDLEY TOWN ROAD • BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT 06002 * Patented 1-800-999-TURF November/December, 1995 Connecticut Clippings Around the CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS^ Association CAGCS annual Christmas party any additions and/or corrections and promptly return it to the CAGCS office. The annual CAGCS Christmas party will be held again at the Race Brook Country Club on Friday, December 8th. Deadline for reservations is December 1st. As in past years, we have made arrangements for a block of rooms at the Quality Inn Conference Center (203/387-6651). They again have a special called "Don't drink and drive package" which includes a shuttle ser­ vice which will transport you to Race Brook CC and back to the Inn for no charge. Mention that you are a member of CAGCS when making your reserva­ tions. ’96 Conference & Show Hospitality Suite CAGCS will once again be co­ hosting a hospitality suite with the New Jersey, Met and Rhode Island chapters at the national convention in Orlando, FL, on Friday, February 9, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m„ at the Omni Rosen Hotel. Watch for the January issue for final details! • • • • • 1996 Dues Statements CAGCS January Seminar Page 6 Classified FREE—Bucker Model M-24DD Irrigation Controllers with boxes. Call Peter Cure, Crestbrook Park GC (860/ 945-5248). For Sale—1982 Vibratory Plow. An excellent machine for installing wire and irrigation lines. In good condition. $5,500. Call Dan Rackliffe (203/454- 1530) and leave a message. For Sale or Trade—Jacobson F-10 reel mower, hydraulic reels; mows a 14' swath. Call Bill Leonard at (860/ 289-7234, 628-8387, or 628-6996). • • • • • Mass Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show The 65th Mass Turfgrass Conference and 20th Trade Show is scheduled for January 15,16 & 17,1996 at the Bos­ ton Marriott Copley Place Hotel in Boston, MA. You must register to be admitted to the educational program or the trade show. Pre-registration is $50. Registra­ tion at the door is $60. For further conference information, contact Denise Ruszala, Ex. Sec., (413/562-0120). For registration information, contact Jennifer Howland, U-Mass Conference Services (413/545-0172). The 1996 dues statements will be sent out the first week of December. FYI - If you happen to have not attended the annual meeting, the dues for 1996 will be increased to $140, $10 of which will be used to register every­ one in the USGA GHIN system. The 1996 green book informational sheet will be included with your dues statement. Please be sure to carefully double check all of the information and make The annual CAGCS Winter Seminar will be held on January 9th at the Ramada Inn in Mer­ iden, CT. Details for this semi­ nar are in the final stages, so watch for your mail and register early! Consistently High Quality Competitive Prices Prompt Delivery CONNECTICUT MULCH DISTRIBUTORS, INC. KEN LINDELAND WOOD CHIPS — BARK — LANDSCAPE TIES Business Address 1300 East St. Suffield, CT. 06078 Mailing Address 1515 North Stone St. W. Suffield, CT. 06093 Telephone (203) 623-2987 Fax 292-1047 Immediate Past President, Peter Pierson, with our Executive Secretary, Pauline Streeter (That's Greg Stent trying to get out of the way) 1996 - Executive Board (Standing L-R) Philip Neaton, President, Peter Pierson, Immediate Past President, Anthony Grosso, Secretary; (sitting) John Napier, CGCS, Vice President, and Heather Garvin, Treasurer Philip Neaton, incoming President, welcoming newest members to the Board, Art deAtienza and Greg Bradley Two CAGCS Past Presidents, Left - Robert Chalifour, CGCS (1988 & 1989) and Right - Steve Rackliffe, CGCS (1992) Board Members (L-R) Scott Gennings, CGCS, John Napier, CGCS and Greg Stent (L-R) John Gallagher, III, Race Brook CC, Dennis Houle, Redding CC, Jud Smith, Orange Hills CC, Wayne Urban, Mill River CC Our newsletter committee is blessed with the willingness of David Basconi, D & S, who has become our official photographer There are many occasions when he is called the night before an event, and he never says "NO"! We always have many pictures taken at all events, but space does not allow them to be published. Our office has quite a library of pictures, and you never know when you will appear in an issue of the Clippings. The pictures on this page were taken at the 1995 Invitational at Tower Ridge Country Club. Pictured above left is our friend and long-time CAGCS supporter, Frank Lamphier, Aspetuck Valley CC. Pictured above right is Cindy Johnson, Tumble Brook CC, who is always a contender in our golf tournaments. Pictured left is Paul Sabino, The Farms CC, and below left, Bruce Morse, Norwich GC, two very active CAGCS members. And, pictured below right, is David Basconi, accepting our gift from outgoing President, Peter Pierson, at the annual meeting. November/December, 1995 Connecticut Clippings Page 7 Annual meeting highlights at their respective clubs, received recog­ nition and were presented with an engraved plaque from CAGCS. Also, Anthony Grosso and John Motycka, golf co-chairpersons, awarded the gifts to the low gross and low net golf champions in their respective divisions. Immediate Past President, John Streeter, presented an indepth look into GCS AA’s chapter affiliation agree­ ment and also talked about the impor­ tance of the Tri State Research Founda­ tion. He urged more Connecticut mem­ bers to contribute and support the Foundation. Heather Garvin, Treasurer, reviewed the budget for the 1996 fiscal year. The budget was voted on and approved by all voting members in attendance. It was deemed that there will be a dues increase of $15 which will bring our 1996 dues to $140 per year. Following the annual meeting, the election of officers and directors took place. A 9-hole scramble was held after the meeting with over 45 participants be­ ing treated to a quaint and challenging golf course provided by our host, Ed Consolati. Golf Results 1st Low Net Frank Lamphier Peter Pierson Art deAtienza Dave Basconi 2nd Low Net Brian Skelly Wayne Urban Dennis Houle Phil Neaton 3rd Low Net Ron Holcomb Gary DePaola Henry Suchinski 4th Low Net Greg Stent Craig Terrell Bruce Morse Carl Samuelson Closest to Pin #4 - Greg Stent - 3’6” Closest to Pin #7 - Bruce Morse - 8’ Longest Drive #3 - Heather Garvin Longest Drive #9 - John Gallagher Dick Cook Election Results The annual CAGCS meeting was held on November 7th at the Birch­ wood Country Club, Westport, CT, Edward Consolati, superintendent (pictured above). Officers and directors accounted for their duties throughout the past year with the reading of their annual reports. Frank Lamphier, Aspetuck Valley CC, and Robert Chalifour, CGCS, Shennecossett GC, superintendents who have achieved their 25-year mark President - Philip Neaton Vice President - John Napier, CGCS Secretary - Anthony Grosso Treasurer - Heather L. Garvin Three directors were elected to serve two-year terms. They were Gregory Bradley, Jud Smith, and Scott Gennings, CGCS. Continuing to serve on the Board as directors will be John Motycka and Brian Skelly. Peter Pierson will serve on the board as Immediate Past President Art deAtienza, PIE Supply, was voted as commercial representative to the board. Thank you to Birchwood CC for their hospitality. It truly was a perfect place for our annual meeting. 1996 Board of Directors (Standing L-R) Brian Skelly, Gregory Stent, Scott Gennings, CGCS, Art deAtienza, Gregory Bradley; (Sitting) Jud Smith and John Motycka. November/December, 1995 Connecticut Clippings Page 8 CAGCS Scholarship & Research Tournament ... a major success! Jeffrey F. Rogers, 1995 S & R Chairperson The Watertown Golf Club played host to the annual Scholarship & Research tournament on October 10th which was supported by 123 partici­ pants. All those who played are still talking about the course conditions provided by Bob Viera, superintendent, and the gen­ erosity and hospitality of the staff at Watertown GC. This tournament is the main fund raiser of the CAGCS S & R Commit­ tee, and we thank all who contributed to this year’s achievement of raising over $8,000. A special thanks is extended to our commercial membership who pur­ chased tee signs which is the major contribution of the day, individual members who sent in personal contri­ butions, along with the generous cash gift of $570 from Pro-Lawn Products, Mike Dukette, Rep. It was a pleasure serving as Chairper­ son of this committee, and I would like to thank Al Adaskaveg, Bob Chalifour, Peter Cure, Ron Holcomb, and Mike McDermott for their hard work and effort put into the preparation of the tournament. Thanks to those who donated raffle prizes which consisted of a beautiful jacket donated by John Motycka, Skungamaug River GC, a pitching wedge donated by Richard Crowe, Golf Pro at Rockledge CC, and a round of golf for four with carts at: Banner Lodge & Resort Crestview CC IF YOU WERE A TREE.... WHO WOULD YOU TRUST? Over 75 Years of Excellence in Tree Care Golf Course Programs Better than EAR OUR GOAL IS TO PRESERVE YOUR TREES! ▲ ~ ALPINE ~ the QARE TREES MLPSNB SJNCE 1919 Norwalk - 847-1855 Westport - 222-5595 Greenwich - 661-8014 655-8008 Darien - CC of Pittsfield The Farms CC Metacomet CC Oakridge CC Pautipaug CC Shuttle Meadow CC Tallwood CC Wee Burn CC Woodbridge CC Congratulations to all who won! I would also like to thank all who supported S & R throughout the year by purchasing raffle tickets at our monthly meetings. Golf Results 1st Gross - 61 Dave Wallace Peter Pierson Bob Douglas Bruce Carlson 1st Net - 50 Bob Silva Brian Bannister Paul Bednarczyk John LaBrie 3rd Net-52 Mike Streckfus Joe Streckfus John Napier Mike Hadvab 2nd Gross - 61 Peter Cure Al Adaskaveg Peter Bacon Jim Staszowski 2nd Net-50 Jim Goodrich Joseph Malay Frank Bava 4th Net - 53 Barry Anes Carl Samuelson Bob Viera Douglas Cooper Closest to the Pin - #9 Peter Palmer - 4* 5” Closest to the Pin - #15 Peter Bacon 9’ 1" Longest Drive - Eric Johnson Closest to Line - Heather Garvin 14” This year, CAGCS Scholarship & Research awarded 13 scholarships for higher education. Those receiving scholarships were: Recipient Sponsor Lauren Beck Michael Consolati Christopher Donato Cortney Fletcher Karen Johnson Shane McDermott Jennifer Rice Ryan Rogers Eric Skelly Jeffrey May-Stahl Sian Wallace Travis Watroba Mark Weedall Walter Beck Edward Consolati Midiad ChrzarKwski Thomas Fletcher Eric Johnson Michael McDermott John Streeter Jeffrey Rogers Brian Skelly Joseph Stahl Michael Wallace Thomas Watroba John Ruzsbatzky November/December, 1995 Connecticut Clippings Page 9 CAGCS renominates Michael Wallace, CGCS Director - GCSAA As you know, Michael Wallace, CGCS, superintendent at the Hop Meadow CC, was appointed to a one-year term on the GCSAA Board of Directors at the 1995 National Convention in San Francisco. Mike says that 1995 brought with it a higher level of involvement. Since his appointment, he chaired two GCSAA committees (Membership Committee and Conference & Show Committee) while serving as vice chair of three others (Technical Information Services, Scholarship Committee, & Career Development Committee). Aside from all of the above duties which required much traveling and many hours of commitment, (approx. 30 days away from his club) Hop Meadow became the 40th "Certified" Audubon Sanctuary in the United States. Mike became involved with CAGCS in 1973 and has not stopped since. In the article below, he shares with us some of his experiences and goals. CAGCS is proud to renominate Mike for the position of Director of GCSAA. Good luck to you, Mike! Where has the summer gone? Michael Wallace, CGCS Powered rotary brush and thatcher attachments for grain control and healthy turf, non-floating head design for true cutting heights, and dual powered drive rollers for straight cuts make this unit the premier walk-behind greensmower. WESCO FORD TRACTORS 27 Broad Street Norwalk, Conn. 06851 203-847-2496 I knew things would be different, i My appointment to the GCSAA Board of Directors last February was i just the begin­ ning. It started off with the post conference meeting which took place the day after the show’s conclusion. That meeting was a blur with everything being new and happening quickly. This rookie had a lot to learn, that was obvious. The good news—everyone in atten­ dance knew it and made a point of tell­ ing the new boy that if there were any concerns or questions, all he had to do was pick up the phone and call. Gary Grigg, Steve Mona, Joe O’Brien and Julian Arrendondo met with me during my orientation at head­ quarters in Lawrence, KS. Another day that went by in a flash. During that meeting, I was exposed to the corporate structure and philoso­ phy of GCSAA. It is that philosophy that I would like to address in the remainder of this column. GCSAA is working very hard to mend fences and move forward into the future. It is dedicated to serving you, the member. The association is look­ ing into ways to enhance and, if possi­ ble, improve your benefits. Recently, I had the opportunity of witnessing the improvement of the Life Insurance Program. It is now staged in such a way that the individual who is just starting their career and family is afforded greater protection. Another change that has occurred this year is the condensing of the Confer­ ence and Show. It is the hope that this new format will allow all attendees the opportunity to participate in all of the events. (Studies had shown that 80% of the members were leaving on or before Sunday.) Chapter Relations is an area that GCSAA is working very hard to im­ prove. The major topic of discussion at the recent Chapter Relations meeting in Kansas which I attended with John Streeter and Phil Neaton was the Affili­ ation Agreement which GCSAA has (continued on page 11) PARTAC TOP-DRESSING GOLF COURSE ((( HEAT TREATED AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSINGS TYFAR GEOTEXTILES & TURF BLANKETS U.S. GOLF HOLE \\\ TARGETS"))) AND MUCH MORE! 800-247-2326 /// DISTRIBUTED IN CT BY: JAMES CARRIERE & SONS 914-937-2136 VALLEY FARMS SUPPLY 203-651-8555 November/December, 1995 Connecticut Clippings Page 10 LEGAC Y SERIES IRRIGATION ood Things Start Out Right! Legacy products are built to go the distance, especially the new Electric VIH Models of sprinklers for large turf areas; 70E, 75E and 90E/95E. 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The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homogenous mixture that will not separate during handling and spreading. Computerized blending of soil mixtures for a superior growing medium. Green and fee construction materials and mixes conforming to specifications are available. Custom on-site soil blending and testing with a portable computerized blender to meet your speci­ fications are available. Inaugural New England Championship Tournament Anthony Grosso The inaugural New England Championship Tournament between the seven New England Associations (Cape Cod, Connecticut, Maine, New England, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont) was held on October 12th at Hop Meadow CC. The tournament was founded with the idea of being a first class tournament and it was easily accomplished thanks to host superintendent, Mike Wallace, and Hop Meadow CC. The course was in great shape and challenging—all the 3 and 4 putts that were reported—the accommodations provided by the clubhouse were superb, and the help and professionalism shown by Ken Doyle and his pro shop staff... first class all the way! The New England Championship tournament will be hosted next year by the Cape Cod Association with the other associations to follow in alphabetical order (1996 - Cape Cod; 1997 - Maine; 1998 - New England; 1999 - New Hampshire; 2000 - Rhode Island; 2001 - Vermont.) We will host this tournament again in the year 2002. Before I get to the results of the tournament, I would like to thank Mike and Hop Meadow for hosting the tournament and for all their help. I would like to also thank John Motycka, Jeff Rogers, and Pauline Streeter for their help in putting this tournament together. At this time I want to recognize and thank all the commercial sponsors who made a contribution to the tournament. Without their support, there would not have been a tournament. $300 Contributors Atlantic Irrigation Bruedan Corp. Baker Nursery Imperial Nurseries Tee & Green Sod, Inc. Turf Specialty, Inc. $200 Contributors Agriturf, Inc. Shawnmark Industries TurfNet Assoc. $100 Contributors Arbor Care, Inc. The Cardinals, Inc. D&S Egypt Farms Glenmore Landscape Greenacres Co. Chas C. Hart Seed Co. Lesco, Inc. Metro Milorganite, Inc. R. F. Morse & Sons Sodco, Inc. Tuckahoe Turf Farms White Contractors Winding Brook Turf Farm Halfway House Pro-Lawn Products, Inc. Golf Carts Sawtelle Bros. Open Bar Turf Products Corporation First place went to the Cape Cod Association with the New Hampshire Association coming in second, and the Rhode Island Association finishing third. V November/December, 1995 Connecticut Clippings Page 11 Where has the summer gone? (continued from page 9) always had with its chapters. In an effort to get its house in order, GCSAA realized that this process had lapsed over the years. A committee was formed. It met over the past couple of years and discussed the existing agreement. They came to a consensus and brought their proposals forward to the Chapter Relations meet­ ing. (There were 95 different chapters represented at this meeting.) The dis­ cussion was spirited and many different viewpoints were raised. An understand­ ing of the Affiliation Agreement was obtained and a time frame for imple­ mentation was brought foward. The board will be taking the matter under consideration in the future and acting upon the material presented. At the Chapter Relations meeting, we had a guest speaker who spoke about associations, the way they inter­ act, and the way members act. It was interesting. In this talk, the point was made that there are issues that people skirt around. They just don’t feel com­ fortable discussing them. Trust is the issue GCSAA and its chapters are going to have to address. More than once, the point was made that the relationship between GCSAA an its local chapters is a two-way street. In the future, I would like to see the chapters and GCSAA working together. One of my goals will be to build that trust, or bridge, from GCSAA to the chapters so information moves freely on the highway. The new Affiliation Agreement will allow that process to begin. Each organization has a great deal to offer the other. Working together with GCSAA and its chapters will move the profession of the golf course superintendent forward. Both parties will benefit. Once the issue of trust is behind us, there is no limit to the progress that can be made. Sharing of data bases, re­ search information and funding are only a few areas that come to mind. GCSAA is working hard to promote the image of the superintendent and the profession. In order for this to be suc­ cessful, we all must be on the same page and move forward together. Let us then all get our houses in order and move on into the 21st century united. I see a great future over the horizon. It comes with cooperation and trust. Dates to Remember November 29 & 30 Rhode Island Turfgrass Show & Conference Providence, RI December 8 CAGCS Christmas Party Race Brook Country Club Orange, CT January 9 Ramada Inn Meriden, CT CAGCS January Seminar January 15 - 17 Mass TurfGrass Conference & Trade Show Boston, MA February 5-11 GCSAA’s 67th International Conference & Show March 7 & 8 GCSAA Regional Seminar Farmington Marriott Farmington, CT Congratulations to Thomas R. Pelletier, CGCS Thomas R. Pelletier, superintendent of Richter Park Golf Course, has been desig­ nated a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) by the GCSAA. Tom has been superintendent of the Danbury course since 1987 and lives in Southbury, CT. GCSAA instituted the certification program in 1971 to recognize outstanding and progressive superintendents. More than 1,400 active GCSAA members currently hold "CGCS" status. To become certified, a candidate must have five years' experience as a golf course superintendent, be employed in that capacity and meet specific educational require­ ments of college credit or continuing education units. The candidate must then pass a rigorous six-hour examination covering knowledge of GCSAA and its certifica­ tion program; the rules of golf; turfgrass management; pest management, safety and compliance; and financial and organizational management. As part of the certification process, an on-site inspection of Tom’s golf course operation was conducted by two certified golf course superintendents, Peter Burnham, CGCS, of Heritage Village CC, and Barry Anes, CGCS, of Candlewood Valley CC. On behalf of the Balocca family, I would like to thank you all for the sup­ port and encouragement during the preparation of the "Kevin Balocca Recovery Fund" outing. I could never have imagined the number of thought­ ful notes and the generous donations that have been collected. I am proud to be associated with a group of professionals who, time after time, rally to support and encourage one of their own. Donations and letters of support are graciously appreciated and can be sent to: The Kevin Balocca Recovery Fund, 16 Sunrise Avenue, Trumbull, CT, 06611. Gratefully, Patrick Sisk, Superintendent Country Club of Fairfield A-OK Turf Equipment Articulator Dealer Coventry, RI 02816 Michael D. Comicelli (401) 826-2584 AgrEvo USA Company 2711 Centerville Road Wilmington, DE 19808 David J. Sylvester (203) 828-8905 Agriturf, Inc. Dwight St., Hatfield, MA 01038 Fertilizer, Seed & Chemicals Chris Cowan (800/346-5048) Paul McDonough (203/779-9811) ALPINE, the CARE of TREES Excellence in Tree Care Ridgefield (431-4100) Westport (222-5595) Norwalk (847-1855) Greenwich (661-8014) Darien (655-8008) Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc. 5 Cronk Rd., P. O. Box 7036 Plainville, CT 06062 Jesse J. Anderson, Jr. (203) 747-9911 Atlantic Irrig. Specialties/ Supplies 70 Research Drive Stamford, CT 06906 Tim Marcoux (800) 886-4774 Bruedan Corp, of Connecticut E-Z-GO & YAMAHA GOLF, TURF & UTILITY VEHICLES Scott O. Lowe ~ Frank Savakis (800) 773-6740 The Cardinals, Inc. 166 River Road Unionville, CT 06085 John Callahan (203) 673-3699 The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. P.O. Box 9169, 304 Main Street Wethersfield, CT 06129-0169 R. Sibley ~ R. Holcomb ~ P. Bednarczyk (203)529-2537 & (800)326-HART D & S Floratine Products, Nova Tee Flymo, Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts Dave Basconi (203) 250-TURF Earth Works, Inc. THE Soil Restoration Specialists Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Patrick Lucas, CGCS (203) 698-0030 Eastern Land Management, Inc. Golf Course Construction/Renovation Shelton, CT 06484 Bruce T. Moore, Sr. (203)924-7272 & (800)926-GREEN Egypt Farms, Inc. P. O. Box 2223 White Marsh, MD 21162 Ray Bowman ~ Dean Snyder (800) 899-7645 Glenmore Landscape Service 98 Hack Green Road Pound Ridge, NY 10576 Glenn S. Moore (914) 764-4348 R. F. Morse & Son, Inc. West Wareham, MA 02576 ParEx - KPower - Vertidrain Carl Wallace (508) 295-1553 Robert Baker Companies Wholesale Nursery West Suffield, CT 06093 Jeff Rogers (203) 668-5225 The Scotts Company 26 Waite Avenue South Hadley, MA 01075 Rick Fomi (413) 534-8896 Golf Cart Services, Inc. 275 Wells Street, P.O. Box 327 Greenfield, MA 01302 Jim Bernier (413) 772-0955 Shawnmark Industries, Inc. Specialty Products & Service Warwick, RI 02888 Matt Howland (24 hours a day) (401) 295-1673 Greenacres Company Irrigation Contractor Redding, CT Dave Pijnenburg (203) 938-8618 Terre Company of NJ, Inc. 206 Delawanna Ave., P. O. Box 1000 Clifton, NJ 07014 Byron Johnson, Jr. (203) 748-5069 James Carriere & Sons, Inc. 7 Cottage St., Port Chester, NY 10573 Trap Sand - Partac Topdressing-Drainage Stone Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 Lesco, Inc. 20005 Lake Road Rocky River, OH 44116 Mike Donahue (800) 321-5325 FAX (800) 673-3030 Toelles Road Sand & Gravel Co. Wallingford, CT 06492 Golf Course Sands & Topdressing Hal Kraus (203) 561-2442 Turf Products Corporation 157 Moody Rd., P. O. Box 1200 Enfield, CT 06082 John Ferry ~ Mark Loper (203) 763-3581 Lofts Seed Company 68 White Cedar Drive Madison, CT 06443 (203) 421-4641 (800) 708-8873 Turf Specialty, Inc. 15 Londonderry Road, Unit 3 Londonderry, NH 03053 Dave Schermerhom (603) 437-0008 Metro Milorganite, Inc. 365 Adams Street Bedford Hills, NY 10507 Joe Stahl ~ Scott Apgar (914) 666-3171 or (203) 321-0678 Partac Golf Couise Top-Dressing Great Meadows, NJ 07838 (800) 247-2326 (908) 637-4191 Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 Joe Bidwell (203) 651-8555 Pro-Lawn Products, Inc. 102 Conklin Road Stafford Springs, CT 06076 Mike Dukette (203) 684-6242 Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. P. O. Box 198 Lincolndale, NY 10540 Bob Lippman (914) 248-7476 FAX (914) 248-6862 White Contractors Golf Course Construction & Renovation Old Greenwich, CT 06870 James E. Morris, Jr. (203) 869-8808 Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc. 240 Griswold Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 Donald Grant (203) 529-6869 & (800) 243-0232 CAGCS thanks these patrons for their continued support of our Association!