c

G l/

,tw
tip
l/i 72.

CLI

Ñ ol jU .

APRIL 1979

Automatic Irrigation
At Oak Hills
by Bruce Cadenelli,
Golf Course Superintendent
Oak Hills Park Golf Course, a municipal
golf course in the City of Norwalk, opened
for play in 1968. The initial and present irri­
gation system, which utilized quick coup­
lers throughout, is presently being con­
verted to a fully automatic system using
Buckner irrigation equipment.
The golf course possesses several dif­
ferent characters, thus the need for varied
design features. The front seven holes, be­
ing quite narrow, utilize a single row fair­
way design. The remaining holes are all
double row. All greens are two-zoned. The
main line piping is being used with new pipe
being installed on tees, greens, and fairway
laterals. The control system is the KCS Cen­
tral Program System with satellite micro­
processors used as well. Brass piston valves
are being installed along with all brass
heads.
The system was designed by the Andrew
Wilson Company and is being installed by
White Turf Engineering.
If any superintendents in the area are
considering an automatic irrigation system
and would like to see such an installation in
progress, please contact me. I would be
more than pleased to show you our project.

Future Happenings
April 17, 1979 CAGCS Monthly Meeting
New London Country Club
New London, Ct.
Paul Grover - Host Superintendent
May 14, 1979 CAGCS Monthly Meeting
Manchester Country Club
Manchester, Ct.
Ken Kelliher - Host Superintendent
June 11, 1979 CAGCS Invitational
Country Club of Fairfield
Fairfield, Ct.
Details in June CONN. CLIPPINGS

Grass Catcher
by Steve Cadenelli

President’s Message

Excellent reports continue to filter in re­
garding the past GCSAA Conference and
Show. Besides being the largest conference
ever both in terms of attendance and floor
space sold, it also offered the greatest vari­
ety of topics in the educational sessions.
Regarding these sessions cassette tapes are
available for many of these topics. These
tapes are a great source of information for
crew training. Contact myself or another
officer of the association for information
on how to obtain these tapes.
Committee assignments are available for
GCSAA Committees. If interested contact
myself for the names of the various com­
mittee chairman or contact them directly
through GCSAA Headquarters in Law­
rence, Kansas.
Finally, as you can see, you’re missing a
great deal of information by not being a
member of GCSAA. A professional organi­
zation such as GCSAA is not going to guar­
antee your job or provide greater awareness
among those that you work for. Only you
can deal directly with your superiors. How­
ever, membership in a professional organi­
zation offers you the tools to better equip
yourself so that you can accomplish the
above. Don’t hesitate — Join Now!
***
Spring 1979 sees several within our asso­
ciation on the move. Dave Roule has left
Clinton C.C. to become super at the Hart­
ford Golf Club. His assistant at Clinton,
John Halibozek, moves to the superinten­
dent position there. Gary Bryant, a former
superintendent and most recently employed
at TPC, has come back to the fold as a
superintendent at the Minnechaug Golf
Club. Tom Gresh left Blackledge C.C. last
fall to go into sales with TPC. Ken Pierce is
another former super who is back in the
field as the assistant at Manchester C.C.
Peter Burnham is the new superintendent at
Richter Park while Ken Burlinson has left

Not only does a new season begin for
CAGCS, but also a milestone in a profes­
sion.
Fifty years ago a small group of men
gathered together to form an organization
that is now known as the Connecticut Asso­
ciation of Golf Course Superintendents,
Inc. Their goal was a simple one, that of
meeting on occasion to discuss their com­
mon interests and perhaps move the profes­
sion of “ greenskeeping” forward.
There were few educational institutions
available to teach these men the basics of
their profession. Their work was strictly on
a “ trial and error’’ basis. Their equipment
left much to be desired. They worked from
sunup to sundown for wages that were
among the lowest of any profession.
From this handful of men CAGCS has
grown to nearly 200 members. Men who
have the same dedication to their profes­
sion. However, many other things have
changed. There are educational institutions
around the world devoted to Turf Manage­
ment. Our work is no longer a “ trial and er­
ror’’ experience. It is highly technical, and
includes much more than just the growing
of turf. The last few years, Superintendents
are being compensated for their knowledge,
capabilities and responsibilities. The wages
are reflecting the recognition that those first
Superintendents of fifty years ago started to
build on.
Today, we have what I feel is one of the
best local associations going. Our growth
and maturity reflects in the membership.
We are getting more and more members at
our monthly meetings. Our educational
programs at these meetings are outstanding.
Membership participation on committees
are at an all time high, with more informa­
tion coming out of committee than ever
before.
There are several outstanding courses
scheduled for our monthly meetings this
year. Come and participate in golf and the

(Continued on page 3)

(Continued on page 2)

2

Connecticut Association
Of Golf Course
Superintendents
Officers
President........Robert Osterman, CGCS
The Golf Club
at Aspetuck
Office 203-261-2544
Home 203-261-0526
Vice-President Stephen Cadenelli, CGCS
Country Club
of New Canaan
Office 203-966-2145
Home 203-966-0223
Sec-Treasurer. David Stimson, CGCS
Tumble Brook C.C.
Office 203-243-0150
Home 203-289-6979
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fred Bachand
Bruce Cadenelli
Ken Kelliher
Michael Wallace
Richard Cook
Charles York
Douglas Stachura
A1 Arison, Associate Director
Robert Tosh, Immediate Past President
The object o f this association is to en­
courage increased knowledge o f golf course
management and greater professionalism
through education, research, exchange o f
practical experience and the well being o f
each individual member.
The CONN. CLIPPINGS is an official
publication o f the Connecticut Association
o f G olf Course Superintendents, Inc.
Stephen G. Cadenelli, Editor
127 Country Club Road
New Canaan, CT 06840
President’s Message (Cont. from page 1)
meeting. If you don’t play golf, come and
walk around the course before the meeting
and dinner. This is a special year for our
association. Participate, get involved in the
activities we have scheduled to celebrate
this Golden Anniversity of CAGCS. The
majority of us probably won’t be here at
the end of the text fifty years.
It is a special year for special people who
do a special job. So try to make a special ef­
fort to attend the association meetings, Pic­
nic, Field Day, Anniversary Dinner-Dance,
Annual meeting and Christmas Party. It is
only through membership participation can
we continue to grow, achieve, contribute
and perhaps leave a little more than we
found.
I am convinced that the Superintendents
of Connecticut will not only meet the chal­
lenges of this coming season, but the sea­
sons of the next fifty years as well, if not
better than the last fifty.
Robert Osterman, CGCS
President CAGCS

Editorial

Meet Your Hosts

Do you sit back and criticize without of­
fering alternatives for that which you find
at fault? Do you condemn decisions that
are made without knowing the reasons be­
hind those decisions? Do you ask why to
the people who make those decisions?
These are pertinent questions that each of
us should ask ourselves.
How easy it is to criticize without offer­
ing alternative possibilities. If one is not
willing to at least provide new insights in­
to that which he criticizes, then he should
say nothing. For an association such as
CAGCS, it is important that members ask
questions of their elected officers and direc­
tors to get, firsthand, the information
which resulted in a decision making pro­
cess. An open forum of this type provides
those making decisions with important in­
formation. How else can plans and policies,
which represent the thinking of the mem­
bership, be formulated.
Your association can only be strength­
ened by this kind of interaction.

March Meeting Report
by Bruce Cadenelli,
Education Chairman
Our 50th year jumped off to a great start
with 82 people in attendance for the year’s
first meeting, held at the Hawthorne Inn.
All directors presented reports outlining
plans for the coming year.
The speaker for the day, Thomas Porter
of the Alpine Tree Care Co., Inc., gave a
brief outline as to the proper management
practices for trees on the golf course. A ma­
jor point mentioned is that we, as golf
superintendents must secure funds in the
budget for tree care and planting. A basic
management program for trees should con­
sist of pruning, fertilizing, spraying, and
the installation of cables and/or lightning
protection where necessary. Also, when se­
lecting trees, select a tree that fits the soil
condition it will be grown in. Disease and
insect resistance should also be considered
when selecting trees.
While it’s early in the year, make a com­
mitment to attend CAGCS meetings this
year. Take part in the social and educa­
tional benefits of your association.

For Sale
Contact Dave Roule at the Hartford Golf
Club for the following: Call 236-5151
1968 International Scout w/plow
1970 Ryan A-5 Greensaire
1968 Greens spiker
1970 Bean 200 gal. sprayer
10 GPM pump

$1200
$650
$250
$1000

Paul Grover —
Although our host for the April meeting
is a relatively new superintendent, he is no
newcomer to the golf course business. Paul
spent thirteen years as the assistant superin­
tendent at New London Country Club be­
fore becoming superintendent in 1978.
Paul, who is married, joined CAGCS and
GCSAA in 1978 as well. From what Paul
says his wife must see very little of him
’cause “ When I’m not working — I’m fish­
ing!” Those playing New London will
notice that Paul is in the midst of an exten­
sive tree planting program averaging
around 200 trees and shrubs a year. He is
also doing some drainage and remodeling
work around the eighth green.
Ken Kelliher —
A fifteen year member of CAGCS, Ken
remains very active within the association.
Presently, Ken is chairman of member ap­
plications as well, as keeping tabs on 150
plus regular members. Ken graduated from
Stockbridge School in 1963 and soon after
became super at the Willimantic C.C. After
nine years there, he traveled to Manchester
C.C. where he is today. Manchester is al­
ways well groomed and a good test of golf.
This spring Ken is completing some 1300
feet of drainage work begun in the fall on
the fourteenth and fifteenth holes. He is
also supervising the construction of a new
cart storage building and doubling the size
of the sixteenth tee.
Ken and his wife, Barbara, have two chil­
dren. When not working he enjoys swim­
ming and cross country skiing.

If You Must
Fire An Employee
Now and then, every supervisor must
face the unpleasant task of firing an em­
ployee. When that time comes for you, pre­
pare as carefully as you did when you inter­
viewed that employee for the first time.
Before the meeting, think carefully about
the specific nature of your complaints and
whether you have given the employee ample
warning and an opportunity to improve.
Don’t throw away a potentially valuable
employee just because you have not ade­
quately communicated your desires to him.
If no improvement takes place, make the
termination interview clean and quick. Now
is not the time to dwell on past failures,
especially if there is nothing that can be
done about them. Get to the point and end
the meeting quickly. Be sure that the em­
ployee understands your decision is final
and you will not be swayed by pleas for
“ one more chance” .

3
Grass Catcher (Cont. from page 1)
Redding C.C. to lease a golf operation in
Brookfield, Connecticut.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!
***
The Education Committee is making pre­
liminary plans for a GCSAA Seminar to be
held in Connecticut sometime in the fall. A
show of hands at the last meeting illustrated
a preference for a one day seminar, which is
being planned.
***
Keep in mind that 1979 is the 50th
Anniversary of CAGCS. Plans are being
formulated for a gala Dinner-Dance and
Field Day to commemorate the occasion.
Our profession has come a long way in fifty
years. Plan to be a part of this celebration.

CAGCS
Rules for G olf
Players must use their State or Club
handicap. If a player has neither, handicaps
will be kept by the Association. Players will
be entered in four divisions:
1. A (0-15 Handicaps)
2. B (16-40 Handicaps)
3. Seniors (Age 50 or over)
4. Associate
Guests will be kept in a separate cate­
gory.
Prizes will be awarded in each division
for low gross and low net.
A player may win only one prize but may
be eligible to enter more than one division.

It Seems Nothing Is
Immune From Rising Prices
The Wall Street Journal recently reported
that prices for “ natural” fertilizers,
especially cattle and horse manure, are up
sharply from last year.
Processing and transportation costs are
partly to blame, says the article, but in­
creased demand by home gardeners trying
to escape high bills at the grocery store have
also contributed. Increases range from five
percent in the Cleveland area to 20 percent
around Chicago.
Dealers are trying to soften the blow by
reducing the size of a $2 sack, “ like candy
bars” .
The newspaper went on to tell readers
that hope is not lost, however. “ Forty
bushels of leaves mixed into the soil do as
much good as 15 bushels of manure, ac­
cording to a University of Illinois agrono­
mist,” it says.

Photo by C. York

L. to R. Bob Tosh, Lee Kowalski, Bob Viera, Charlie Baskin, John Perry, Harry
Meusel, Frank Lamphier.

Past Presidents Honored
Recognizing the contributions of the Past Presidents of CAGCS was the main order of
business at the recent March meeting. Citing the need for such recognition, the Board of Di­
rectors last fall initiated the awarding of a Past President’s Jacket and appropriate patch to be
presented to each President upon completion of his term. This was begun with the presenta­
tion of a jacket and patch to Bob Tosh, Immediate Past president, at the Annual Christmas
Party. Unfortunately, jackets with patches could not be presented to all Past Presidents for
obvious reasons. Therefore, the presentation of patches to the above recipients. Others who
were unable to attend and who will receive their patch at a future meeting include: Everett
Pyle, Kay Ovian, W.A. Jaschinsky, and Mike Ovian.
It is with great pride and thanks that the association honors these individuals. These men
established a sound foundation for which the association of today can continue to develop the
profession of golf course superintendency.

Scholarship Applications
The S & R Committee wishes to remind
all members that applications for scholar­
ships for the 1979-80 school year must be in
by June 1, 1979. Applications should be
sent to Doug Stachura, Chairman of the
S & R Committee. His address is 23 Oxford
Lane, Cromwell, Ct. 06414.

Photo by C. York

Immediate Past President Bob Tosh models his newly received Past President’s Jacket with
emblem.

4

The Following Companies Are Contributing To The Support Of The Conn. Clippings:
ALCOTT-HAIG & CO., INC.
Building Sanitation Supplies
316 So. Main St.
Botsford, CT 06404

C .B. DOLGE COMPANY
Westport, CT 06880

Raymond G. Miller, CAGCS member

O . M. SCOTT & SONS
Proturf Division
Marysville, OH 43040

(203) 227-9591

A l Arison, CAGCS member

Robert O'Connor
(203) 426-4495
ALPINE TREE CARE, INC.
P.O. Box 1034
New Canaan, CT 06840

Rolf Brandt

(203) 336-9890
GOLF CAR RENTAL SERVICE
Route 85 (West Road)
Bolton, CT 06040

Nick Carlo
(203) 647-9371

Jesse Anderson, CAGCS member
(203) 677-0225
ANDREW WILSON, INC.
1170 Route 22
Mountainside, N.J. 07092

Brian Makar, CAGCS member

Louis Toth, CAGCS member
(203) 255-3075
(203) 255-2774
JAMES CARRIERE
& SONS, INC.
USGA Sand & Partac Topdressing
7 Cottage St.
Port Chester, N.Y. 10573
(914) 937-5479
(914) 937-2136
CHAS. C. HART COMPANY
304 Main St.
Wethersfield, CT 06109

Robert Kennedy, CAGCS member
Roy Sibley, CAGCS member

Richard Smith, CAGCS member
Richard Hosking, CAGCS member

E.J. Sanson, CAGCS member
Frank Paladino
(212) 338-2153

THE REICHERT COMPANY
Oilzum Motor Oils & Lubricants
P . O. Box 273
Riverside, CT 06878

(203) 878-0658

Frank Reichert

IMPERIAL NURSERY
4 Griffin Rd. North
Windsor, CT 06095

SOMERS TURF SUPPLIES
P.O. Box 294
Devon, CT 06460

John Perrotti, CAGCS member

Bill Somers, CAGCS member

(203) 688-5293

(203) 878-2108

LARCHMONT ENGINEERING &
IRRIGATION, INC.
Larchmont Lane
Lexington, MA 02173

Stephen P. Butler, CAGCS member
(617) 862-2550
THE MAGÖVERN CO.
Windsor Locks, CT 06096

Curtis Stimson, CAGCS member
Carl Wallace, CAGCS member
(203) 623-2508
METO MILORGRANITE, INC.
P.O Box 267
Hawthorne, N.Y. 10532

John Wistrand, CAGCS member
(914) 769-7600
OLD FOX CHEMICAL CO.
Hazardville, CT 06082

John Grant, CAGCS member
P.O. Box 62
Pleasant Valley, CT 06063
(203) 379-3579

(203) 289-3471
Branch Location
10 Fitch St.
East Norwalk, CT 06855

Roger Morhardt
Rudy Litke
(203) 838-7581
TUCO DIVISION OF UPJOHN, CO.

(203) 661-1816

(203) 529-2537
CLORO-SPRAY
Div. of Henry E. Sanson
& Sons, Inc.
475 Beaver Street
Bristol, PA 19007

PURPLE KINGS FARM
Custom Greens Dressing
Northwest Hill Rd.
Williamstown, MA 01267
(413) 458-4646

I&E SUPPLY, INC.
66 Erna Ave. P.O. Box 9
Milford, CT 06460

(201) 654-5800
AQUA-LAW N, INC.
328 Figlar Ave.
Fairfield, CT 06430

John Ferry, CAGCS member
Tom Gresh, CAGCS member
Ed Lane
Mark Loper, CAGCS member

Ralph Mason, CAGCS member

(203) 323-7245
ANDERSON-WARNER
ENGINEERING CO., INC.
Turf Irrigation
164 Nod Road
Avon, CT 06001

TURF PRODUCTS
CORPORATION
1496 John Fitch Blvd.
South Windsor, CT 06074

David Sylvester, CAGCS member
47 Main St.
East Berlin, CT 06023
(203) 828-3790

THE TERRE COMPANY
I Sampson Street
Saddle Brook, N.J. 07662

VALLEY FARMS NURSERY
& SUPPLY, INC.
133 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10)
Simsbury, CT 06070

Skip Klimas

Joe Bid well, CAGCS member

(201) 843-6655 office
(201) 875-5665 home

(203) 651-8555

TOM IRWIN, INC.
II B A Street
Burlington, MA 01803

WESTCHESTER TURF
SUPPLY, INC.
P.O. Box 68
Port Chester, N.Y. 10573

John Callahan, CAGCS member
(203) 677-7054
(617) 273-0143

Bob Lippman, CAGCS member
(914) 937-6523 office
(914) 248-5790 home

TOWER TURF
& LANDSCAPE CO.
35 Tower Lane
Avon, CT 06001

Robert Scully, CAGCS member
(203) 611A220
EMANUEL SHEMIN —
HORTICULTURIST
1081 King St.
P.O. Box 64, Glenville Station
Greenwich, CT 06830

Peter Moore
(203) 531-7352

WHITE TURF, INC.
5 Summer Drive
Winchendon, MA 01475

William Ussinger, CA GCS member
ALBERT ZIKORUS
G olf Course Architect
Member ASCGA
Do Little Drive
Bethany, CT 06525
(203) 393-2635

Please Support These Companies

C onn. Clippings

f;

U.S.POSTA-GEI
/ieéfchì Ï .1 5 z ««
/<

fcz APR127 9 AYf j î

Stephen G. Cadenelli, E ditor
127 C ountry Club Road
New C anaan, Ct. 06840

V

«

MI C H I G A N S T AT E U N I V .
L I BR A R Y - S t R I ALS
Z . L ANSI NG, MI CH. 48824