CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS Volume 55| No. 4 DECEMBER 2021-JANUARY 2022 2022 CAGCS Winter Seminar Held at Mystic Marriot The CAGCS Winter Seminar was held at the Mystic Marriot in “Leading the Way with Connecticut Golf Industry Groton, CT on Jan 11th. It was a great day of education and Management Practices”. If you haven’t done so yet, it is networking for all the attendees. important to create a BMP guide for your individual course, utilizing the tool that GCSAA has to copy and adjust the John E. Kaminski, Ph.D. delivered lectures on “How to Identify Connecticut BMP. and Manage Newly Emerging Turfgrass diseases” and “The Latest in Dollar Spot Research from Penn State”. His first Stephen Rabideau, CGCS the Director of Golf Courses at seminar recapped the last twenty years of newly discovered Winged Foot explained how he renovated and prepared turfgrass diseases and how to differentiate diseases that show the property during Covid for the 2020 U.S. Open in his talk IN THIS ISSUE: similar signs of infection. His second talk centered around his “2020 U.S. Open- West Course Restoration, U.S. Open Prep, Covid-19, & Championship Schedule Change”. clinical dollar spot research at Penn State. He discussed a different chemistry classes and what new chemistries have I would like to thank our Presenting Partner Atlantic Golf performed well in field trials. b and Turf, our Gold sponsors What's Inside This Issue: Ben McGraw, Ph.D. discussed “Turf Insect Pest Management c Products President's Message ......................2 Harrell’s, Tom Irwin, Turf Year-in-Review” and shared that the 2021 season was an and all our silver sponsors for underwhelming year for insect damage on golf courses, d I would GCSAA Certification.......................3-4 your continued support. commenting it was an A for superintendents, but a D for him also like to thank all our speakers We Want You...................................5 in terms of research. His second talk “New Insecticides for e and attendees for making it a Kevin's Corner ..............................6-7 Turfgrass Insect Management” gave insight on how well newly great day of education f and Two Person Results........................9 registered insecticides are working against ABW and other networking. pests. He made note that at this point, all three are now Duncan McGowan g Grass Catcher ...............................10 registered in Connecticut 2022 Schedule of Events..............12 Education Chair h Board of Directors..........................12 Gina Rizza of ARCUS Marketing Group communicated the Richard Kremer importance of Best Management Practices and how to Tee It Up New England...............13-14 Education CO-Chair implement BMP’s at your course in her talk titled WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 2 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT WRITTEN BY STEPHEN CURRY, PRESIDENT, CAGCS Success! Specifically, I am referring to our recent January education seminar. The speakers and topics were all very good and engaging. The response from all I’ve spoken with has been very positive. This most recent success has everything to do with Education – Duncan McGowan all our hard working and ever diligent Executive Director Golf – Peter Grace GraceMarie Chapin as well as the dedicated and well qualified Government relations – Robert Dorsch, III, CGCS leaders of our board of directors. Nominating – Paul Bonini, CGCS Membership – Wayne Lagasse More generally, I am very proud to be a part of such a group of Historian - Bob Chalilfour, CGCS(ret) leaders as highly regarded and successful as we have in our Newsletter Committee Chair/Editor – Scott association. This was made evident recently in attending the Ramsay, CGCS annual meetings of the CSGA, CTEC and Tristate Turf Research Scholarship and Research/Tristate – Rich Foundation. Our members are well respected and represented. At Duggan the national association and especially in Governmental advocacy Social and Welfare – Richard T. Kremer circles this association is second to none especially on a pound for Commercial – Gilberto Perez pound basis. Our Vice President, Scott Ramsay, CGCS has Class C – Tim Dunn represented us with exemplary professionalism.We have had numerous past President’s move up to the GCSAA board of A few of us are in the process of attaining directors most recently Marc Weston, CGCS. GCSAA certification, which has been recently streamlined by the GCSAA board of late and Now we find ourselves in the midst of true winter with those interested in learning more feel free to temperatures averaging much closer to normal for January. In this give me a call or send an email. time many are unwinding and some vacationing, but the conditions have yielded Ice accumulation and some in the area I am very excited to be traveling to both the have already begun counting the days and taking measures to National (GCSAA) and Regional (NERTF) mitigate turf loss to winter injury. Keep in touch with your fellow conferences in February and March superintendents nearby to be prepared and plan for recovery. representing CAGCS and look forward to seeing many of you at each. I am especially excited to We have two new members added to the board at the last see many of you at our first monthly meeting election, Rich Kremer, Hop Meadow and Wayne Lagasse, Rock April 25th at Tradition Golf Club Oak Lane with Ridge each has already brought energy and enthusiasm.We are all our Secretary, Kevin Collins hosting. We have making an effort to expand our committees and welcome those frequent board meetings and are always interested to contact the committee chair of your interest to get available for comments or concerns. Enjoy your involved and look to future possibility of board service. winter and see you soon. Stephen Curry CAGCS President WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 3 New GCSAA Certification Process Recently I was in Kansas City for the GCSAA Delegates meeting. During the meeting several important topics were discussed. Probably the most important was the new and improved certification process. In my opinion the portfolio was the biggest draw back to getting certified, the portfolio is NO LONGER part of the certification process. There are four steps to become certified. 1- Eligibility: Once you are a Class A member you are eligible to become certified. 2- Exam: The exam is now taken on-line. A GCSAA proctor will monitor the exam. Proctors may be remote via webcam. Acceptable Proctors include, school counselors, librarians, clergyman, attorneys, CPA’s, Past Presidents of GCSAA, Chapter Executive Director, or GCSAA Field Staff. The Exam is closed book. It has three parts and multiple- choice questions. It must be completed in one sitting with a six- hour time limit. You may retake any failed part of the exam twice within one year. You must wait at least one week between retakes. 3- Course Attesting: To fulfill the attesting requirement, you must have your golf course operation evaluated by two certified golf course superintendents appointed by your chapter. The evaluation is conducted during the courses growing season and covers four major divisions. Course conditions: This area includes putting greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, cart paths, ponds and waterways, driving range and general grounds. Maintenance facility: This section covers office area, shop area, pesticide storage, equipment storage, fuel storage, equipment wash area, safety equipment and employee areas Record keeping: In this section, the attestors will review financial records, employee records, chemical records, and employee training. Communication skills: This section will cover professionalism, management skill statements and communication with management, members, players, staff and the community. Continued on Page 4 WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 4 New GCSAA Certification Process Continued From Page Prior to the evaluation of your course, you’ll be requested to submit a report to the attestor. The GCSAA will provide the format of the report, which will include, demographic information, your involvement in GCSAA, course budget, annual rounds, number if employees, length of season and your resume. 4 – Communication and Leadership Attesting: Option 1: Completion of the “Principles of Golf Course Leadership and Communications” Certificate within the Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series (ASCS) Option 2: Provide proof of completion of three of the four following items. Write and publish and article for chapter newsletter or GCM Volunteer on a GCSAA chapter or golf organization task group, board of directors, participate in hosting a First Green event, serve as a Grass Roots Ambassador or attend National Golf Day. Give a presentation and document the experience by providing the date and time of the presentation, meeting outline and meeting minutes Complete or update the facility BMP template. Kevin Collins CAGCS Delegate WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 5 WE WANT YOU! The golf season is winding down and we finally get to As the newly elected Membership Chair, my focus will breathe a deep sigh of relief. Irrigation systems have been be to grow our membership. I am asking all Golf Course winterized, golf courses are beginning to close and we can Superintendents to introduce and sign up their spend the time with our loved ones during the Holiday Assistant(s) to become a member of CAGCS. Hiring can season. As we reflect on 2021, I would like to highlight the be exceptionally difficult and for those quality Assistants need for help as we begin planning for an even better 2022 who help make our operations run smoothly, I believe golf season. introducing them into CAGCS will highlight how special our association is. To those who are not members and It goes without saying that CAGCS is one of the strongest have been considering joining, please reach out to any memberships across the country. CAGCS was one of the first of our Board members and they can speak to how states to complete our BMP guidelines, we continuously rewarding and enjoyable it is to be a member of CAGCS. educate and advocate at the state capitol, and work diligently at the club level educating our members. Anyone In closing, we have a truly awesome association and we who has interest helping out at the Board level, reach out! would like more member involvement. It does not Whether it is assisting with golf events, reading Scholarship matter in what capacity; any help will always be and Research essays or volunteering your course to host a welcome. Please do not forget to sign up for the Winter meeting. We have been asked to create sub-committees to Seminar in Mystic on January 11th. The speakers and help alleviate any issues that may arise throughout the education will not disappoint. Goodbye 2021, on to 2022! season. We all understand that the golf season can become Wayne Lagasse Membership Chair hectic and unexpected, thus having additional help will allow for smoother operations. MAY 2021 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 6 KEVIN'S KORNER COMING SOON.. One talking point that has been a lead topic at every site visit I Ask John Inguagiato, Ph.D. can remember is labor. The early years in my role as Field Staff it would typically revolve around the quality of the crew. Now of course, discussion leans more towards volume, are you able to find enough labor. There are forward thinking people Coming this spring, the CT Clippings will feature a undertaking creative ways to solve those issues, and enterprising individuals blazing trails to assist others. One recent site visit new section, Ask John Inguagiato, Ph.D. reminded me the that the oldest marketing strategy may still be a very effective method. While word of mouth may work for See something on your course that you would like some, would it work for you? to ask John Inguagiato, Ph.D. about? Email a I was delighted to hear Chris Johnson at Bellport CC tell me late picture with your question to cagcs@sbcglobal.net fall 2021 that his labor was in good shape. For this to occur on the south coast of Long Island was truly surprising to me. I know so many superintendents on the Island struggle to find labor. Johnson explained to me that a 2020 hire had recommended employment at the club to a family member. She was brought on this year and was a great fit! Word of mouth working at its best, but is it really that easy? So, let’s say one of your employees approached me and wanted me to work at your facility. What do you think they would say? They could be your biggest sales staff. Good pay, engaging work, flexible hours when needed, and being a wonderful place to work? That would pique my interest. Now if I approached a friend of mine, one of your employees, and asked if they are hiring. I didn’t receive the afore mentioned information, instead I got the opposite. Pay is ok, no flexibility to handle personal items, some people are nice but all I do is string trim and rake bunkers. If you have tried to utilize current employees to fill out your staff, they may indeed have already given you a heads-up about your operation. If it worked, you may have found a great mix of the items employees are looking for. If your word-of-mouth initiative wasn’t successful, understanding why could help grow your crew/business. This area of Clippings has expanded on employee feedback before. The staff performing daily tasks are often the best resources for ideas to maximize efficiency. We have highlighted off-season strategic planning and how building a plan with the entire staff can build ownership in those new-innovative ideas. Consider utilizing your best possible sales staff, your current employees, to ensure your facility and employment opportunities are the best they could possibly be. If your employees are seeking to bring friends or loved ones to your team, you know you have built an employee package and inclusive culture that everyone at the facility can be proud of. Continued on Page 7 WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 7 KEVIN'S KORNER UPCOMING FREE WEBCASTS: Goosegrass Control Options to Avoid GCSAA Resources and Deadlines Resistance It's very crucial to plan how your company newsletter will come to life. Will you be assigning the writing tasks to your employees who are good with words or hiring an off-site emplyee for the task? Who will provide the images? Will these be sourced by human resources or will a professional photographer will be designated for it? These are just some of the many questions you need to answer. Once you have made the relevant decisions and have your newsletter's editorial team built, brainstorm on the content you will share. Since a company Fred Yelverton, Ph.D. newsletter can serve a variety of you Get Cool Stuff from your Association Already: purposes, ensure the messages you will publish are aligned with your objective. Don't hold back on light materials too, such as comics, fun photos from your company vacation, or inside jokes written in good taste. Some comic relief is a great way to keep readers interested! Mar. 10 @ noon Lowering the Cost of Managing Trees, Shrubs Get Started on Your and Flowers John Fech Facility BMP Mar. 23 @ noon Once your state BMP manual is available through GCSAA’s Get Ideas to Get Ahead: Tips from a Veteran BMP Planning Guide and Template you can easily create a CGCS facility BMP manual for your facility. Access is easy with your Don Garrett, CGCS GCSAA website member log-in using the link immediately Mar. 29 @ 10 a.m. below, then select the facility BMP icon and go. Webinars are available to assist you with this easy to use tool. https://www.gcsaa.org/environment/bmp-planning-guide Be Precise! Reduce Water Use in Your Fairways Chase Straw, Ph.D. Mar. 31 @ 10 a.m. Education Line Up... In-Person and Virtual Looking for the latest info an GCSAA Education? Whether in-person in San Diego, or the Virtual opportunities February 24-25th….You can find it ALL here:Education (gcsaaconference.com) If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me. Kevin Doyle GCSAA Field Staff kdoyle@gcsaa.org Follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_NE WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 8 WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 9 Congratulations to Tim Nadeau & Jay Popko the winners of the 2021 Turf Products Two Person Championship 2022 CAGCS Board of Directors WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 10 GRASS CATCHER CONGRATULATIONS! Mary Jo and Les Kennedy on the arrival of their new granddaughter Josie Hart Branson born on January 20, 2022. CONDOLENCES Ed Downing on the birth of Luca Mariani Downing born on Feb 20, 2022. Jud Smith and family on the passing of Walter "Bud" Marc Weston, CGCS on being re-ecleted to the GCSAA Smith. Bud, who turned 97 on Dec. 27, was a lifetime national board of directors. member of the CAGCS, having joined the association in 1949. Michael Marino, CGCS, newly recertified by GCSAA The Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) Jonathan Case and family on the passing of his father, designation is bestowed upon those who voluntarily Kenneth Case. meet the stringent requirements. The CGCS designation https://www.ahernfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Kennet is the most widely recognized in the golf industry and h-Edgett-Case?obId=23731489#/obituaryInfo the highest recognition that can be achieved by golf course superintendents. Read more: MEMBERS ON THE MOVE https://www.gcsaa.org/education/certifications-exams Victor Faconti - Golf Course Superintendent - The Farms Andrew Hannah for a 2nd place finish in the 2022 Health Country Club in Action 5k with a time of 18:39. Andrew was join by several CAGCS members on the beautiful San Diego Wayne Lagasse - Golf Course Superintendent - morning. Stonnington Country Club Mike Morawski - Golf Course Superintendent - Country Club of Waterbury Josh Breiling – Assistant Superintendent - TPC River Highlands Do you have news to share? We would love to hear it Email cagcs@sbcglobal WINTWE2021 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 11 WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 12 BOARD OF CAGCS 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS January 11 Mystic Marriott DIRECTORS Tuesday CAGCS Winter Seminar President Stephen Curry April 19 Tradition at Oak Lane Tuesday Host: Kevin Collins Vice President 2 Ball Shamble Scott Ramsay, CGCS May 16 Mill River Country Club Treasurer Monday Host: Sean Flynn Andrew Fries, CGCS CAGCS Scholarship & Research Tournament Secretary June 7 Richter Park Kevin Collins Tuesday Host: Robert Dorsch, CGCS Low Gross/Net by Flight Past President 1st Round CAGCS Championship & MET Team Championship Qualifier Paul Bonini, CGCS July 11 Golf Club at Windham Committee Chairs Monday Host: Kevin Miele Low Gross/Net Blind Partners Education 2nd Round CAGCS Championship & New England Team Championship Qualifier Duncan McGowan July 26 The Hartford Yard Goats Golf Tuesday CAGCS Social/Network Event Peter Grace September 26 The Hartford Golf Club Government Relations Monday Host: Curtis D'Anna Robert Dorsch, CGCS CAGCS Member/Guest October 17 Fox Hopyard Membership Monday Host: Jeff Swanson Wayne Lagasse 2 Person Best Ball Superintendent/Assistant Tournament & President’s Cup & McLaughlin Trophy Scholarship & Research Richard Duggan October TBA Host: Social & Welfare CAGCS Class C Tournament Richard Kremer November 3 Borough of Fenwick Thursday Host: Daryl Aresco Commercial Rep 9-Hole Scramble ABCD Gilberto Perez CAGCS Annual Meeting Class C Rep TBD CAGCS Christmas Party Timothy Dunn Clippings Editor SAVE THE DATE FOR THE CAGCS WINTER SEMINAR JANUARY 10, 2023 Jay Popko WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 13 WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 14 WINTER 2021-2022 | CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS | PAGE 15 CAGCS thanks these patrons for their continued support of our association. Aquatrols Finch Services/John Deere SiteOne Golf Keeping Conservation on Course 458 Danbury Road Stronger Together Tom Valentine - (619) 299-4470 New Milford, CT 06776 Ward Weischet - (203) 605-0013 Tvalentine@aquatrols.com (800) 560-3373 www.finchturf.com wweischet@siteone.com www.aquatrols.com sales@finchturf.com Sodco, Inc. Atlantic Golf and Turf Harrell’s High Quality Sod For All Your Golf Course Needs Our Roots Run Deep Jim Wierzbicki - (860) 424-7250 Sean Moran - (401) 569-1108 John Garcia - (203) 996-6267 Mike Dukette - (860) 930-8888 Alicia Pearson - (401) 215-8698 Chris Cowan - (413) 530-5040 Customer Service - (800) 228-6656 www.sodco.net/1-800-341-6900 Peter Gorman - (860) 573-2605 www.harrells.com www.AtlanticGolfandTurf.com Syngenta Professional Products Fairfield County – Brian Goudey (518) 859-2953/Brian.goudey@syngenta.com Helena Agri Enterprises All other CT Counties - Melissa Gugliotti Bayer U.S. People…Products…Knowledge (860) 221-5712/melissa.gugliotti@syngenta.com Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven Counties: Tim Gerzabek - (609) 221-9240 Dave Sylvester - (860) 841-3173. Sean Kennedy - (802) 558-4009 Hartford, New Haven, New London, www.helenaAgri.com Tom Irwin, Inc Middlesex, Tolland, Windham: With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone. Brian Giblin - (508) 439-9809 Rob Larson (508) 789-0059 Plant Food Company, Inc. Jeff Houde (203) 731-1776 The Liquid Fertilizer Experts Main (800) 582-5959 The Cardinals, Inc. www.plantfoodco.com Complete Distributor of Golf Course Jason Dowgiewicz - (860) 508-5419 Accessories & Turf Maintenance Supplies David Conrad - (914) 263-3244 Turf Products John Callahan cell - (860) 916-3947 Toro Equipment & Irrigation cardinalsinc@att.net - (800) 861-6256 Serving the Industry Since 1970 Read Custom Soils Enfield, CT - (800) 243-4355 Top Dressing Sand, www.turfproductscorp.com Chas. C Hart Seed Co. Divot Mixes, Bunker Sand Quality Since 1892 Rootzone Mixes, Bagged Sand www.hartsturfpro.com Ed Downing - (508) 440-1833 Westchester Tractor Inc. (860) 529-2537 • 1-800-326-HART ed@readcustomsoils.com Brewster NY - (845) 278-7766 Keith Angilly - (203) 901-7257 www.wtractor.com - sales@wtractor.com Heather Garvin - (860) 836-7337 Grounds, Construction Equipment Sales/Rentals/Service/Parts Dunning Custom Soils Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. Top Dressing Sand, Divot Mixes, Bunker “SERVING THE CAGCS SINCE 1976” Sand, Premium Mulch, Rootzone Mixes, Bob Lippman - (914) 447-6257 Bagged Sand Dave Lippman - (914) 447-5192 Gilberto Perez - (860) 670-3222 www.westchesterturf.com gperez@dunningindustries.com