CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS J| Volume 31, No. 3 President's Message John Napier, CGCS CAGCS President Dear Colleagues, As we go about our daily lives, we tend to become enmeshed in the chal­ lenges of career, family, and day-to-day activities. As spring is a time of re­ newal and new beginnings, it should also be a time to reflect on the needs of others and lend a helping hand. It may be difficult to think about "donating" after being hammered by telephone solicitors asking for money, after spending the day in mud up to your knees repairing a water main break, or after aerifying 18 greens. The concept of donating need not be only money—you can "donate" your time by volunteering to help out a worthwhile group or organization. Personally, I was asked to help out a local cause called "Christmas in April". This program is about people getting together on one Saturday in April to make improvements in a home owned by an elderly or handi­ capped individual who is living on a fixed income. At the time, I thought to myself, (continued on page 3) CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS June, 1997 CAGCS adopts Bishop Woods School CAGCS has adopted the Bishop Woods School in New Haven, CT, to participate in the Audubon Coopera­ tive Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for schools, an innovative environmental education program that helps students and teachers demonstrate environmen tai steward­ ship right at school. Instead of field trips or environ­ mental studies that focus on exotic places and wildlife species, the program provides in­ formation and guidance to help schools turn part of their grounds into nature areas that attract wildlife. The program also encourages the school to develop an outdoor class­ room and adopt indoor conservation projects such as water and energy re­ duction and recycling. Pictured here are students of the Bishop Woods School, grades K through 4, on May 9th attentively listening to a presenta­ tion by Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS, our Director of Govern­ mental and Public Rela­ tions Com­ mittee. The stu­ dents’ initial projects include building a butterfly garden and installing bluebird houses around the perimeter of the property. Their goal is to become a certified sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Santuary Program for schools. (continued on page 2) June, 1997 Connecticut Clippings Page 2 WsumilSf "Bishop Woods School would not be able to take advantage of this unique program if it were not for the generosity of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents." Jean Lowery, Media Specialist for Bishop Woods School. g& ■ '.... (800) 243-7582 Gteeas Quality Bentgrass Bent Blends for Tees and Fairways Poa Annua Free | 4-FootWide Rolls Washed Sod Low-Cut Rye-Blue ||l|^^Fine Fescue Vemttttf. - Blue-Fescue-Rye Installation Assistance FarmlnsSection Welcomed "By creating a sanctuary at the school, students learn that their environmental actions do make a dif­ ference," explained Lee Mangum, Manager of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System. "We welcome Bishop Woods’ commitment to man­ aging the school in an environment­ ally responsible manner." "Bishop Woods School would not be able to take advantage of this unique program if it were not for the gener­ osity of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents" stated Jean Lowery, Media Specialist for Bishop Woods School. CAGCS is proud to adopt the Bishop Woods School and assist them in setting up their program. We have "adopted" the school by paying its tui­ tion for the year and helping its students in starting environmental pro­ jects as provided by the ACSP " Adopt- A-School" Program. By joining and participating in the ACSP, the school will be involved in projects that further enhance wildlife habitat and conserve natural resources for the benefit of the local community, while offering students engaging environmental education projects. Future projects may include: placing nesting boxes for cavity-nesting birds such as bluebirds and purple martins, planting gardens to attract songbirds, conserving water and energy, and recycling solid wastes. "The Cooperative Sanctuary System benefits both people and wildlife," said Mangum. "It’s a great way for students to learn that they can have a positive influence on the environment. The program teaches them to work together to become responsible stewards of land and natural resources." In addition to schools, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System works with individual homeowners, businesses and golf courses. (This article in part was taken from a press release of The Audubon Cooper­ ative Sanctuary System.) CAGCS Board of Directors President JOHN NAPIER, CGGS Stanley Golf Course Vice President ANTHONY GROSSO Pautipaug Country Club Secretary BRIAN SKELLY Old Lyme Country Club Education DENNIS HOULE Redding Country Club Golf JOHN MOTYCKA Skungamaug River Golf Club Membership SCOTT D. GENNINGS, CGCS Wallingford Country Club Treasurer PETER R. PIERSON Pequabuck Golf Club Scholarship & Research GREGORY BRADLEY Farmington Woods CC Immediate Past President PHILIP NEATON Black Hall Club Social & Welfare PETER CURE, CGCS Crestbrook Park Golf Club Newsletter & Historian JUD W. SMITH Orange Hills Country Club Government Relations LES KENNEDY, JR., CGCS Country Club of Waterbury Commercial Rep. to Board OWEN REGAN TeeandGreenSod, Inc. CAGCS Office P. O. Box 3678 Woodbridge, CT 06525 Telephone & Fax Nos. (203) 387-0810 Toll Free (888) 561-7778 Connecticut Clippings is an official publication of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Newsletter Editor John F. Streeter, CGCS Newsletter Committee Jud W. Smith Heather Garvin Photos David Basconi June, 1997 Connecticut Clippings Page 3 President's message (continued from page 1) house for 11 hours and seeing the joy on the homeowners’ faces when we were finished, I truly realized the value of being a volunteer—not only to help the homeowners, but for myself as well. It was a wonderful experience to see a group of 25 to 30 strangers begin a project together, work hard and become friends by the end of the day. There are so many worthwhile causes that desperately need volunteers such as Habitat for Humanity, reading to the blind, Meals on Wheels, work­ ing at homeless shelters, and Christ­ mas in April. If you’re the more athletic type, you can walk, run or climb stairs for a charity. Volunteerism is vital to the success of our own association. We have com­ mittees that help the directors who are in charge of different areas of the asso­ ciation. Our association has adopted a school to help in the Audubon Coop­ erative Sancturary Program. Bishop Woods school is located in New Haven and Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS, Director of Governmental and Public Relations, is involved in our behalf. Think about the benefits of teaching young children the importance of our environment and the organisms that live in it Showing children how to live their daily lives in harmony with nature are valuable les­ sons that can be learned, such as recy­ cling, composting and respecting the world we all share. Being a superintendent with respon­ sibilities other than the golf course, I realize how important our spare time can be. However, try volunteering just once in something that interests you and seee what a difference you can make in just one person’s life. I feel you will gain as much, if not more, than the person or organization you have helped. Volunteer! It can be a rewarding and personally satisfying experience. John Napier, CGCS 1997 CAGCS President ’’This is a very busy month for me, but I’ll try it one year and that will be it” That was four years ago and I’m still involved in the program. Not only that, but I’ve been the "house captain" for the last three years. I tell you this to let you know just how good volunteering your time can make you feel. After working on this From Now On, Golf Irrigation Will Never Be the Same. TREAT And PROMOTE The RECOVERY Of Turf Under Stress Due To Water Repellency With: nrar- SOIL SURFACTANT (Thank Goodness.) Achieve Uniformity on Your Fairways For Just $4.25 An Acre, Inject: Introducing an exciting, new choice in golf course irrigation. Legacy Golf Irrigation Complete product line. Proven performance. And a fanatical dedication to customer service. 1LEGACY” BIIIP.I.E. SUPPLY CO. . PIPE & IRRIGATION III EQUIPMENT SUPPLY COMPANY Tel: (203) 878-0658 Fax: (203) 878-3596 Contact: Chris Weimann For Information About AQUEDUCT Or InfilTRx, Call AQUATROLS: 1-800-257-7797 June, 1997 Connecticut Clippings Page 4 Earthworms in turf by Dr. Steven R. Aim URI Entomologist Dr. Steven R. Aim was voted into CAGCS membership as an Honorary member at our annual meeting in November, and we were fortunate that he was able to be a speaker at our January Seminar. We look forward to future articles from Dr. Aim for print in the Clippings. This article is reprinted from the May issue of the Rhode Island GCSA’s newsletter. Earthworms in turf Earthworms are often abundant in turfgrass soils where their burrowing and feeding enhances soil fertility, aeration and rates of water infiltration. Two-thirds of the total pore space in soil may consist of earthworm tun­ nels. Their feeding also aids in the physical degradation of plant litter. A lack of earthworms can result in soil compaction and excessive thatch. Charles Darwin showed that as much as 18 tons of earthworm casts could be brought to the surface per acre per year; about equal to a uniform, 1/4” layer of soil being deposited annually (Potter 1995). Considering these benefits, turf man­ agers would be advised to conserve earthworm populations whenever possible. Toxicity Low (0-25% reduction) Common Name Formulation Rate (lbs ai/acre) Class’ 2,4-D Dacamine 4D Trichlopyr Garlon 3A Dicamba Banvel 4E Pendimethalin Pre-M 60 WDG Triadimefon Bayleton 25 WDG Fenarimol Rubigan 50 WP Propiconazole Banner 1.1 EC Chlorothalonil Daconil 2787 2.0 0.5 0.5 3.0 2.68 2.68 3.0 11.27 H H H H H F F F Isofenphos Oftanol 5G 2.0 I-OP Moderate (26-50% reduction) Trichlorfon Proxol 80 WP Chlorpyrifos Dursban 4E Isazofos Triumph 4E 8.0 4.0 2.0 I-OP I-OP I-OP Severe (51-75% reduction) Benomyl Benlate 50 WP 10.87 F Diazinon Diazinon 14G 4.0 I-OP Very Severe (76-99% reduction) Carbaryl Sevin SL Bendiocarb Turcam 2.5G 8.0 4.0 I-C I-C Ethoprop Mocap 10G 4.98 I-OP aH, herbicide, F, fungicide, I-OP, insecticide-organophosphate, I-C, insecticide- carbamate. Earthworms as indicators of ecotoxicity There is a strong interest among environ­ mental scientists and regulators in using soil organisms as indicators of soil quality. Current regulations in several European coun­ tries demand data from tests on earthworms. Laboratory methods for studying sublethal effects and standardized field tests are being de­ veloped to improve understanding of poten­ tial adverse effects of pesticides and other chemicals. These tests will pro­ vide information on the bioavailability of chemicals in soils. Bio­ availability is the main factor determining effects on soil organisms. There are three main reasons why adverse effects of pesti­ cides on earthworms may be impor­ tant. First, as mentioned above, worms play a major role in maintenance of fertility in most soils. Second, reductions in worm densities will reduce the quality of habitat for their predators, who may switch to for­ age elsewhere, or may suffer impaired breeding success. Third, the presence of toxic residues in earthworms poses a risk of secon­ dary poisoning of predators. Predators higher in the food chain may be affect­ ed if the chemical has bioaccumula­ tion properties (Greig-Smith 1992). Earthworms and fertilizers Excessive fertilization can increase thatch by increasing production of or­ ganic matter and by inhibiting decom­ position. Ammonium nitrate at high rates can increase soil acidity, which can inhibit microbial breakdown of thatch. Ammonium sulfate can in­ crease soil acidity even faster than ammonium nitrate. Earthworms also tend to be sparse in acidic soils. Application of 5 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 ft.2 per year for seven years resulted in a 50% reduction in earthworms and increase of thatch (Potter 1995). Earthworms and pesticides Turfgrass pesticides can have a dra­ matic impact on earthworm popula­ tions; for example, one application of the fungicide benomyl, or of the insec­ ticides ethoprop, carbaryl or bendiocarb at labeled rates can reduce numbers and biomass of earthworms in Kentucky bluegrass by 60% to 99%. In some cases, significant effects lasted at least 20 weeks. The table on this page lists toxicities of several turfgrass pesticides to earthworms. Table 1. Relative toxicity of turf­ grass pesticides to earthworms based on mean reduction in population density in two independent field tests (continued on page 8) SAWTELLE BROTHERS, INC. Introduces SOIL RELIEVER Deep Tine Aerifier “The ultimate in deep compaction relief of all soils” Sales & Deep Tine Aerifing Services Provided By S.B.I. Fertilizer & Turf Services A Division of Sawtelle Brothers, Inc. Southern Green Model 80 $22,500 & Model 60 $18,900 Ideal way to relieve deep soil compaction caused by increased traffic Deep Tine Aerification => Minimize water use by reducing surface run off => Promote healthier turfgrass with deep root system => Reduce chance of sports related injuries Also Providing overseeding, verti-seeding, core aerating, and fertilizer spreading services Call Jim Favreau at 1-800-999-TURF to arrange for deep tine service for your Golf Course June, 1997 Connecticut Clippings Page 6 Tri-State Turf Research Foundation At the 1997 Rutgers University Research Symposium, representatives from the Tri State Turf Research Foundation presented funds for two projects underway at Rutgers. Presi­ dent, John Streeter, Vice-President, Timothy O’Neill, and Past-President Ed Walsh, attended the day-long sym­ posium and made the following pres­ entations: * $11,000 to a root-zone study being conducted by Dr. James Murphy. A total of $55,000 will be awarded to this project over the next five years. This project is being co­ funded by the USGA and GCSAA. * $10,000 to a project being con­ ducted by Dr. Randy Gaugler for his work developing disposable fermenta­ METRO MILORGANITE, INC. For a HEALTHY ADVANTAGE over SEASONAL PROBLEMS WE OFFER a WINNING LINE-UP GOLF COURSE SUPPLIES Rick Apgar Scott Apgar Joe Stahl (914) 666-3171 Fax (914) 666-9183 365 Adams Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 DEPEND ON US FOR FOUR SEASON SOLUTIONS tion equipment to produce in­ secticidal nem­ atodes for the biological con­ trol of white grubs. A total of $30,000 over the next three years has been committed to this project. This project recently received matching funds from the GCSAA Chapter Cooperative Research Program. Pictured above is Dr. Randy Gaugler being presented his first installment of $10,000 by President, John Streeter, with Vice President, Timothy O’Neill, (far left) and Ed Walsh, Immediate Past President (far right). The Tri-State Turf Research Founda­ tion is committed to the identification of turfgrass problems that exist in our region and support the research to gen­ erate environmentally friendly solu­ tions and controls. Along with repre­ sentation from CAGCS, the founda­ tion is also governed by the Met GCSA, Long Island GCSA, New Jer­ sey GCSA and Hudson Valley GCSA representating over 500 area golf facilities. Upcoming Events June 17 - Monthly Meeting Crestbrook Park Golf Club Peter T. Cure, CGCS July 8 - Monthly Meeting Westwoods Golf Club Kevin D'Amico, CGCS July 19 - Annual CAGCS Connecticut River Cruise July 31 - Round One First Annual CT Golf Scramble See enclosed flyer! Annual Family Day - TBA August 11 Annual Invitational Tournament Hartford Golf Club Herbert Watson, Supt. 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 June, 1997 Connecticut Clippings Page 7 Monthly meeting golf results April - Manchester Country Club (Par 72 — Built 1918) Host Superintendent: Gary Bryant Long-time CAGCS member, Gary Bryant, has been the superintendent at the Manchester CC for 11 years. Gary describes the course as having two distinctive nines (one hilly and a flat nine). The course has 50-60,000 rounds of golf per year. Last fall, the 7th green was rebuilt and Gary is trying to implement a master plan for future construction. The signature hole is the par 3, 18th hole. The golf tournament was a two-person best ball shamble, and the winners were: Low Gross Low Net John & Kevin Kelley - 71 Jud Smith & Mike Dukette - 72 Peter Cure & Greg Stent - 72 Closest to pin #5 - Paul Bonini Closest to pin #12 - Kevin St.Denis Longest drive - Greg Stent Closest to line #2 - Ron Holcomb Longest putt #2 - Dave Brownell Longest putt #18 Mike Streckfus John Ruzsbatzky & Paul Bonini - 65 Peter Pierson & John Motycka - 68 Rick Schock & Ken Clear - 68 Sean Moran & Scott Gennings - 70 Wayne Urban & Dennis Houle - 70 Steve & Dan Rackliffe - 70 Jim Staszowski & Doug Stachura - 70 May - Pequabuck Golf Club (Par 69 — Built 1902) Host Superintendent: Peter Pierson Peter, CAGCS Past President and currently serving as Treasurer, has been a mem­ ber of CAGCS since 1978. During the past four years, Pequabuck has hosted two CSGA amateur qualifyings, Father/Son finals, and a qualifying for the US Amateur Championship. The May meeting’s golf tournament was a low net/low gross tournament and also was the first round of the CAGCS Championship. It appears that our host superin­ tendent, Peter Pierson, along with Les Kennedy, Jr., CC of Waterbury, Mike Duk­ ette, LESCO, Inc., and Frank Savakis, Bruedan Corp., are leading the pack shooting 73, 74, and 75, respectively. The second round will be at our June meeting on the 17th at the Crestbrook Park Golf Club. A Flight Gross Peter Pierson (73) Net Les Kennedy, Jr. (74-6-68) Greg Stent (76-7-69) Jim Staszowski (76-5-71) B Flight Gross Scott Ramsay (80) Net Dick Cook (83-15-68) Sean Moran (87-18-69) Mike Sullivan (88-16-72) C Flight Gross Tony Baviello (85) Net Dave Basconi (92-31-61) John Moran (96-33-63) Brian Skelly (95-28-67) Longest Drive - Greg Stent Closest to Line - Tom Fletcher Closest to the Pin #4 & #16 Les Kennedy, Jr. Longest Putt #10 - Jud Smith Longest Putt #17 A1 Adaskaveg PARTAC TOP-DRESSING GOLF COURSE HEAT TREATED AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSINGS lYRAR® 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 ))) Tee & Green And In Between ^Whether your challenge is a deadline, a tee, a green, a fairway, a rough, or a bunker surround, we have a blend that fits your needs. Give us a call for information about our selection of products, and our unique harvesting and washing techniques. •Bluegrass-Fine Fescue •Bentgrass •Bluegrass •Washed sod •Bluegrass- Ryegrass •Installation -INCORPORATED - 401/789-8177 • 401/789-3895 (fax) PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 June, 1997 Connecticut Clippings Page 8 Earthworms in turf (continued from page 4) (treatments were applied to Kentucky bluegrass in April and watered in, and earthworms were sampled using for­ malin drenches after 7-9 days) (modi­ fied from Potter 1995). Short term effects of pesticides A single application of diazinon, isa- zophos, benomyl, carbaryl, ethoprop or bendiocarb caused significant short­ term reductions in earthworm num­ bers, the latter three by 90% or more (Potter et al. 1990). None of the herbi­ cides (2,4-D, trichlopyr, dicamba, pendamethalin) significantly reduced earthworm populations. And none of the fungicides (fenarimol, triadimefon, chlorothalonil, propiconazole) tested other than benomyl significantly reduced earthworm numbers one week after treatment. Long term effects of pesticides Five of the pesticides that caused the greatest reductions in short-term tests (bendiocarb, ethoprop, benomyl, carba­ ryl and diazinon) were evaluated for long-term effects (Potter et al. 1990). Twenty weeks after treatment, earth­ worm numbers in plots treated with ethoprop, carbaryl, bendiocarb or ben- late were still significantly reduced by 40%, 50%, 60% and 77% respectively. However, there was a drought that occurred during this test. Earthworm populations did recover by the follow­ ing spring. In further tests, Potter et al. (1994) found that thiophanate-methyl and fonofos had the greatest adverse effect, reducing abundance of earthworms by 88% to 95% after three weeks. Syn- —> 8o 8 >o 8 JB 8> 8 ■8 80 ■888O fa fa o BioGain™ WSP® & BioGain™ WSP®(Fe) The industry’s first biostimulants available in Water Soluble Packets! BioGain contains, natural humic substances, cold water kelp and a proprietary blend of natural sugars, vitamins, amino acids and beneficial bacteria. BioGain (Fe) contains 10% fully chelated iron for maximum tank mix flexibility. Canteen™ Spreader and Soil Penetrant Derived From Yucca Plant Extract Canteen is a performance-enhanced soil penetrant and spray adjuvant derived from yucca schidegera plants, a unique species of cactus that produces natural sugars which enhance soil microbial activity. LakePak™ WSP® Biological Lake Clarifier and Deodorizer LakePak is a concentrated microbial-blend of beneficial bacteria that biodegrades nutrients, organic matter and hydrocarbons in ponds and lakes- - -\\ .............. jam •••••, BU BioTech* 801 Dayton Avenue* Ames, Iowa 50010 Tel (800)232-5907* Fax (515) 232-5961 email: biotechinfo@bucolor.com http://www.bucolor.com/biotech.htm a division of Becker-Underwood, Inc. ( June, 1997 Connecticut Clippings Page 9 Earthworms in turf (continued from page 8) thetic pyrethroids, including bife- nthrin, fluvalinate and cyfluthrin ap­ peared to have relatively little toxicity to earthworms (Potter 1994). What about the toxicity of new chemistry? Merit (imidacloprid) sprayed at high­ er than standard rates had only a tran­ sient effect on earthworm populations (Pfluger and Schmuck 1991). Mach 2 (halofenozide) also appears to be rela­ tively low in toxicity to earthworms (Rohmid, Tec. Bull.). Summary The carbamate insecticides carbaryl and bendiocarb, the organophosphates ethoprop and fonofos, as well as the benzimidazole fungicides benomyl and thiophanate-methyl appear to have the greatest adverse effects on earthworm populations in turf. References Greig-Smith, P.W. 1992. Risk assess­ ment approaches in the UK for the side- effects of pesticides on earthworms, pp. 159-168. In Ecotoxicology of Earth­ worms, P.W. Greig-Smith, H. Becker, P.J. Edwards and F. Heimbach [eds.]. In­ tercept, Andover, UK. Pfluger, W. and R. Schmuck. 1991. Ecot- oxicological profile of imidacloprid. Pflanzenschutz-Nachrichten Bayer 44: 145-158. Potter, D.A., M.C. Buxton, C.T. Red­ mond, C.G. Patterson and A.J. Powell. 1990. Toxicity of pesticides to earth­ worms (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) and effect on thatch degradation in Kentucky bluegrass turf. J. Econ. Entomol. 83: 2362-2369. Potter, D.A., P.G. Spicer, C.T. Redmond and A.J. Powel. 1994. Toxicity of pesti­ cides to earthworms in Kentucky blue­ grass turf. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxi­ col. 52: 176-181. Potter, D.A. 1995. Beneficial and innoc­ uous invertebrates in turf, pp. 101-104. In Handbook of Turfgrass Insects, R.L. Brandenburg and M.G. Villani [eds.]. En­ tomol. Soc. Amer. New England's Finest Sod • High Fine Fescue Mix Blend • Quality Bluegrass Sod • Bluegrass/Fescue Blends • Bluegrass/Rye Blends • Penncross Bent • Penncross • Providence • Providence/Putter/SR 1020 • Sod Handler Delivery • Washing Services Available • Installation Available • Unrolling Service • Competitive Prices • 500 sq. ft. pallets or Big Rolls • Farm Visits Encouraged • Site Review/Samples 1 -800-341 -6900 PROFESSIONAL IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS Quick Establishment NORTHERN DESIGNS http://www.northerndesigns.com COMMERCIAL, RECREATIONAL, RESIDENTIAL AND GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED WITH A COMMITMENT TO WATER MANAGEMENT, SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND SERVICEABILITY. MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS MICHAEL J. ASTRAM 65 Oriole Lane Milford, CT 06460 (203) 878-2710 fax (203) 876-2104 email: mike@northerndesigns.com Creeping Bentgrass GET YOUR COURSE IN PLAY ...FAST! Used alone or blended with other Bentgrasses regent has shown to be quicker to establish than most Bentgrasses. Excellent diseases resistance, medium dark green color and an upright growth pattern make regent an outstanding variety to blend with other bentgrasses. Call Barenbrug to get your course in play FASTI Barenbrug Northeast Barenbrug Northeast Pittsburgh Division 800-435-5296 Ogdensburg, NJ 412-321-1272 Pittsburgh, PA BARENBRUG NORTHEAST Regent Distributed By: ALLEN’S SEED STORE Exeter, RI (401)294-2722 June, 1997 Connecticut Clippings Page 10 Harsh reminder — happy ending! by Mike Reeb, CGCS Country Club of New Canaan On a recent Saturday morning, sitting in my office contemplating plans for the day, I was unaware of a potential tragedy taking shape in our equipment staging area: one of my workers was fueling a hand greens- mower while the engine was running. When the fumes ignited and the young man recoiled from the flash fire, more gas was spewed onto the mower, trailer, utility vehicle and ground. The five gallon gasoline can, still in his hands, also burst into flames. Responding to frantic cries for help, all too familiar from my work with the town rescue squad, I ran outside to find a wall of flame obscuring equip­ ment and employee. Initially, I feared the worst, but relief came an instant later when he appeared off to one side and the blaze was quickly brought under control with a fire extinguisher. Duration of this incident: 30 seconds from flash point to fire knockdown. Outcome: miraculously, the young man was not injured at all. Potential outcome: serious injury, disfigurement, loss of life, destruction of equipment and buildings. What happened here? Lack of com­ mon sense? Temporary lapse of good judgment? Flawed training? It's remarkable to be able to reflect on this issue without the added burden of human suffering. Clearly, the equip­ ment worked—a safety valve in the gasoline can prevented a devastating explosion, and a fire extinguisher was readily available and operating proper­ ly. But safe thinking failed, resulting in a harsh reminder to supervisors and maintenance personnel: safety precau­ tions need frequent reinforcement and should never be sidestepped. Sharing this experience is intended to encourage thoughtful review of your own training and work procedures— never mind the happy ending! Thank you, Mike, for contributing this article. All members are urged to share information and experiences. Deadline for September issue August 8th TURF SAVERS YOUR OVERSEEDING SPECIALISTS Overseeding greens will help increase bent grass population Verti-Drain’s verti-seeder is specifically designed for overseeding greens and is a great way to incorporate new bent grass into your greens. The verti-seeder’s close spacing and sowing at proper depth allow for quick germination and plant protection from foot traffic. Because of the verti-seeder’s unique cutting discs, it plants seed with minimal surface disruption. SCHEDULE NOW FOR FALL SEEDING Call Scott Walker for more information and a demonstration. 53 loretta road TORRINGTON, CT 06790 (860) 489-8108 SCOTT AND LINDA WALKER New HERITAGE" Fungicide Changing the Course Disease Control Effective against 18 of the toughest turfgrass diseases Controls brown patch, Pythium, take-all patch, summer patch, anthracnose and snow mold Preventative and curative activity Low rates, extended spray intervals Novel mode of action Low risk toxicological profile Reduced risk to environmental resources For more information contact your authorized Zeneca distributor or call Zeneca Professional Products Toll Free at 1-888-617-7690. Professional Products HERITAGE’ Always read and follow label directions carefully, a trademark of a Zeneca Group Company ©1997. Zeneca Inc. A-OK Turf Equipment Articulator Dealer Coventry, RI 02816 Michael D. Comicelli (401) 826-2584 Glenmore Landscape Service 98 Hack Green Road Pound Ridge, NY 10576 Glenn S. Moore (914) 764-4348 AgrEvo USA Company 2711 Centerville Road Wilmington, DE 19808 David J. Sylvester (860) 828-8905 Agriturf, Inc. 59 Dwight St. Hatfield, MA 01038 Gary Norman - Jim Wierzbicki (800/346-5048) Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc. 5 Cronk Rd., P. O. Box 7036 Plainville, CT 06062 Jesse J. Anderson, Jr. (860) 747-9911 B D E Sports Black Dog Enterprises Golf Course* Athletic Field Construction P.O. Box 588, Monoe, CT 06468 Skip Filanowski (203) 925-8249 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 (860) 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 (860)529-2537 & (800)326-HART C. R. I. S. 923 Woodtick Road Wolcott, CT 06716 Chris Carney (203) 879-2362 D & S Floratine Products, Nova Tee Flymo, Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts Dave Basconi (203) 250-TURF Greenacres Company Dave Pijnenburg Irrigation Contractor 75 Codfish Hill Rd.,Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 748-0558 James Carriere & Sons, Inc. 7 Cottage St., Port Chester, NY 10573 Trap Sand - Partac Topdressing-Drainage Stone Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 LESCO, Inc. Rocky River, OH 44116 Mike Donahue (860) 668-0821 Mike Dukette (860) 684-6242 (800) 321-5325 FAX (800) 673-3030 Lofts Seed Company 1300 Waterford Drive East Greenwich, RI 02818 Albert J. La Prise (401) 884-2097 (800) 526-3890 Metro Milorganite, Inc. 365 Adams Street Bedford Hills, NY 10507 Joe Stahl - Scott Apgar (203) 321-0678 or (860) 663-8048 Millane Nurseries, Inc. 604 Main Street Cromwell, CT 06416 Jim Goodrich (860) 635-5500 & (860) 526-3991 NORTHERN Professional Turf Products Winfield Nursery, Inc. Nursery Stock & Turf Products West Suffield, CT 06093 (860) 668-5225 Old Mountain Landscaping Div. of Nutmeg Builders & Developers Specializing in Landscaping Brink Schoonmaker (860) 628-0390 Fax (860) 621-4880 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 ELM Golf Services Golf Construction & Renovation Bruce T. Moore, Sr., CCLP Stamford, CT 06911-0322 (203) 316-5433 R. F. Morse & Son, Inc. ParEx Fertilizer - Power Equipment West Wareham, MA 02576 Carl Wallace (508) 295-1553 Earth Works, Inc. Custom Deep Aerification Service West Wareham, MA 02576 Patrick Lucas, CGCS (800) 815-1113 Sawtelle Brothers, Inc. 21 E. Dudley Town Road Bloomfield, CT 06002 Peter Moran-Dave Brownell-Frank Bava (800) 999-TURF The Scotts Company 13 Two Mile Road Farmington, CT 06032 Sean Moran (860) 676-0366 Shawnmark Industries, Inc. Specialty Products & Service Warwick, RI 02888 Matt Howland (24 hours a day) (401) 295-1673 T D W Designs Complete Design & Renovation Service Niantic, CT 06357 Tom Watson, Golf Course Architect (860) 739-7595 Tee & Green Sod P. O. Box 418 Exeter, RI 02822 Owen Regan - Dave Wallace (401) 789-8177 Terre Company of NJ, Inc. 206 Delawanna Ave., P. O. Box 1000 Clifton, NJ 07014 Byron Johnson, Jr. (203) 748-5069 Toelles Road Sand & Gravel Co. Wallingford, CT 06492 Golf Course Sands & Topdressing Hal Kraus (203) 284-8552 Turf Products Corporation 157 Moody Rd., P. O. Box 1200 Enfield, CT 06082 John Ferry - Mark Loper (203) 763-3581 Turf Specialty, Inc. 15 Londonderry Road, Unit 3 Londonderry, NH 03053-6604 Jack Pluta (800) 228-6656 Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. P. O. Box 198 Lincolndale, NY 10540 Bob Lippman (914) 248-7476 FAX (914) 248-6862 Walgren, the CARE of TREES Excellence in Tree Care Hamden (203) 288-1629 Monroe (203) 268-2545 Trumbull (203) 377-4646 White Contractors Golf Course Construction & Renovation Old Greenwich, CT 06870-0484 James E. Morris, Jr. (203) 869-8808 CAGCS thanks these patrons for their continued support of our Association!