Page 2

December, 1999

Connecticut Clippings

receive it, just as I would do if anyone
asked me. This is very unique and
something we can all be proud of.
At this time I would like to recog­
nize and thank the Board of Directors
for all they have done for the associa­
tion and for me. Each one of the board
members has done a tremendous job of
helping make this a great association.
I am proud to have served as President
to such a great group of motivated
individuals.

President's 1999 Annual Report
by Anthony Grosso

First, I would like to thank John
Napier for running the annual meeting
in my absence. 1999 was another pro­
ductive year for CAGCS as we
continue to grow both regionally and
nationally. CAGCS continues to be
in the forefront both regionally and
nationally with representation on the
Environmental Industry Council
(E.I.C.), Tri-State Turf Research
Foundation, New England Regional
Turfgrass Conference and Show and
the GCSAA Board of Directors. We
can be very proud of our contributions
to the turf industry.
As always, an organization is only
as good as the members who volunteer
their time to serve as officers and direc­
tors and the support staff.
Our support staff of Pauline Streeter
(our executive secretary) and Mary Jo
Kennedy (our administrative assistant)
do an outstanding job of keeping
CAGCS running smoothly. In a year
of severe weather like we just had,

when we are all going all out just try­
ing to keep our courses alive (with
very little or no free time), you realize
just how much work gets done in our
CAGCS office. I can never thank
Pauline and Mary Jo enough for all the
help they have given me over the past
two years. Thank you!
It’s been an honor and a privilege to
serve as President of CAGCS over the
past two years. During those years
I’ve been blessed with a very dedicated,
hard working and professional Board of
Directors who worked many hours to
make our professional organization
better.
Not only do I consider these individ­
uals a credit to our profession and our
association; but, more importantly, I
consider them my friends.
There are not many professional
organizations that have the close pro­
fessional relationship that golf course
superintendents form with others in
our industry. I know I could call any
member and ask for help or advice
with a difficult situation, and I would

John Napier, Past President
Brian Skelly, Vice President
Jud Smith, Secretary
Les Kennedy, Treasurer
Peter Pierson, Government Relations
John Motycka, Golf
Dennis Houle, Education
Dan Rackliffe, S & R
Wayne Urban, Membership
John LaBrie, Social & Welfare
Bob Chalifour, Newsletter Editor
Owen Regan, Commercial Rep.
In closing, I would like to thank our
membership for their support over the
past two years and to encourage them
to get involved in our association,
either at the board level or serve on a
committee level, to help keep our
association moving forward.

C A G C S B oard of D irecto rs
President Brian Skelly
Vice President Jud W . Smith

=

s r

Secretary Dennis J. Houle
Treasurer Les Kennedy, Jr.,CGCS
Past President Anthony Grosso
Education Dan Rackliffe, CGCS
Golf John Motycka

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MIlford, CT 06460
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Social & Welfare Kimberly Heyl
Government Relations Peter R. Pierson

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Connecticut Clippings is an official
publication of the Connecticut Association
of Golf Course Superintendents.

Newsletter Editor ■ Bob Chalifour, CG CS (Ret)

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December, 1999

H a p p y B irth d a y ,
CAGCS!
most of the New England activity cen­
tered in the Boston area, it was almost
a hardship for the Connecticut boys to
make the long trip. Besides, the re­
gionalization move was on at the
time.M

Connecticut Clippings

Unlike some other regional superin­
tendents’ groups, the CAGCS is
experiencing an increase in organiza­
tional participation. “We average any­
where from 60 to 80 members for each
of our meetings,” Baskin told. “I’d
say that’s an increase of 30 percent
since I joined in 1963.
Being a smaller group than many of
the chapters, I think we
tend to be a closer
group...more of a fami­
ly. There really is coop­
eration among the mem­
bers. I think I’ve heard
of only one unethical
episode involving fellow
members, I’d say that
proves we pull togeth­
er.”
Baskin also revealed a
strong call to serve by
the younger superinten­
dents of the state. “Our
young members appear
to appreciate the advan­

Page 3

management Host superintendent
Dave Stimson did an excellent job in
arranging the fete and creating an
informal atmosphere.
“As you can see, we have no head
table,” Stimson advised. “We thought
it would be nice to limit the formal
limelight to only a few people. What
we wanted to effect was the fact that
the spotlight belonged to every
member, present and past, of our or­
ganization. This makes for more time
for renewing old friendships and just
plain fun.”
Also prominent in making an enjoy­
able night for all were the CAGCS
officers who included president Bob
Osterman of Aspetuck, Steve
Cadenelli of New Canaan, past
presdent Bob Tosh of Rickrimmon,
plus directors Bruce Cadenelli, Ken
Kelliher, Fred Bachand, Doug Stachura, Dick Cook, Mike Wallace, Charles
York and associate director A1 Arison.
Among the invited guests were Dick
Skogley of the University of Rhode Is­

Pictured (L-R) Charlie Travers, Bill Jazinski,
and Ben Kowalski

’’What this did was make the organi­
zation more compact with purposes,
problems and other variables turned
into local environment rather than to
the general New England scene.”
The CAGCS was not unlike the
mother New England association in
that growth was slow but steady.
Baskin, a past president of CAGCS,
perhaps is the most illustrious mem­
ber of the Connecticut cult in manner
of earning of national recognition. He
served as president of the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of Ameri­
ca and has been a booster of his own
organization in the ensuing years.
“We have been guided by the pur­
pose of the group from the very begin­
ning.” Baskin noted. ‘They were and
are the education of the membership,
promotion of the profession and
improvement of the golf courses in
Connecticut through continuing educa­
tion. "We really do emphasize the edu­
cational phase of our association goals
and it’s paid off.”

tages of be­
longing to an
association
like ours more
than some of
the older peo­
ple,” Baskin
disclosed.
“They see the
need for it and
the value of it,
and our average
age shows
such interest.
Again, when I
first came in,
the average age
N a tio n al T u rf C o n fe re n c e H o sp itality R oom
was 50-55.
Tony Longo, Andy Lentine, Lloyd Russell, Bob Smith, Jerry
Vaness, George Moakland, Lee Kowalski, Kay Ovian
Now, I’d say
it’s somewhere
around 35 and maybe even below that
land, Bill Dest of the University of
figure.”
Connecticut, Joe Troll of the Univer­
The celebration dinner-dance was
sity of Massachusetts and New Eng­
attended by more than 100 who were
land Golf Course Association president
Dean Robertson.
accorded the royal treatment which is
synonymous with the Tumble Brook

Page 4

Connecticut Clippings

December, 1999

C e le b ra tin g fifty y e a rs of p ro fe s s io n a l d e v e lo p m e n t
by Steve Cadenelli, CGCS

20 years ago
I have taken the liberty of coining
the above phrase for I truly believe
that it best reflects the real meaning of
our celebrating Fifty Years as an
organization.
I realize there are those of you who
are skeptics and would say that our
business has not progressed as it
should. You might say that much of
the golfing public continues to refer to
us as greenskeepers or worse yet as
“what’s his name down at the bam.”
And, in some instances you are
correct
Fortunately, these instances are few
and as superintendents, both individu­
ally and through their professional
associations, demonstrate their skills

in business and financial management,
public speaking, turf management and
the game of golf itself, our image will
improve and our profession will con­
tinue to develop.
The past fifty years have seen
changes not only in our business, but
in the world itself, that are nearly
incomprehensible. The determination
of those who led CAGCS through
these times can only be termed remark­
able. Imagine founding any organiza­
tion in 1929.
Throughout the years, the initial
goal of the founders has remained
intact “to encourage increased knowl­
edge of golf course management and
greater professionalism.” The chal­

lenge is ours and only through work­
ing together with this goal in mind,
will our profession continue to
develop and pay great dividends.
The calendar for the next couple of
months is filled with association
events aimed at celebrating our anni­
versary and promoting our profession.
Schedule as many of the events on
your own calendar as possible. Invite
guests, especially those within the
golfing industry or club members, so
that as many as possible might recog­
nize our achievements as a profession.
These events are planned for you, the
member, and depend upon you for their
success.

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December, 1999

Page 5

Connecticut Clippings

Meet Com m ercial Mem ber - Carl W allace
By Edward Goodhouse

Back in May, Bob Chalifour asked
me to interview commercial members
and write up biographical sketches for
the newsletter. I agreed to help out.
A few days later, Carl Wallace
walked into my maintenance facility
on a routine business call and as it
turned out I had the time to sit and talk
with Carl for a few minutes.
Carl has been calling on Connecticut
golf course for a long time. He is a
man who knows his business well,
and he has always done his utmost to
help golf course people. He is always
concerned, helpful, and above all
friendly.
I first met Carl in 1968 when I was
a college student working summers at
the Torrington Country Club and he

was a sales representative for the
McGovern Company.
By 1968, Carl was a veteran sales
representative.
He started his career with the Hub­
bard Hall Chemical Company in 1962.
At Hubbard Hall he learned the ferti­
lizer and pesticide business. During
this period he attended classes at the
University of Hartford. In 1964,
Carl enlisted in the National Guard,
and he served at Fort Jackson. In 1965.
Kerr McGee bought Hubbard Hall and
Carl became their sales rep for south­
east Mass and Rhode Island. In 1968
Carl went to work as an equipment
salesman for the McGovern Company.
He was with McGovern until 1992
when he went to the Double Eagle

Equipment Company. In 1994 Carl
took his present job as Regional Man­
ager for the R. F. Morse Company.
On the more personal side, Carl
Wallace grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode
Island. His family moved to Middletown, CT, when Carl was 14 and he
attended Middletown High School.
Carl and his wife, Mary Ann, now
live in Rocky Hill, CT. They love to
travel, play the occasional round of
golf, and bowl and are particularly fond
of Cape Cod.
Carl’s son, Brian, is a computer
programmer for the Hartford Insurance
group, and his daughter, Donna, is a
school teacher in Brookfield, CT.

Page 6

December, 1999

Connecticut Clippings

A n n u al m eetin g h ig h lig h ts
Brian Skelly
Elected CAGCS 40th President

On November 8th, the CAGCS
membership elected a new slate of offi­
cers and directors at its annual meeting
which was held at the Old Lyme
Country Club. Brian Skelly (pictured
above center) was unanimously elected
to serve as president David Alpeter,
President of Old Lyme CC, welcomed
our association to the club and spoke
briefly supporting Brian's presidency.
Jud Smith, Orange Hills CC,
(pictured above left) was voted in as
Vice President and Dennis Houle, Red­
ding CC, was voted in as Secretary.
Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS, The Blind
Brook Club, (pictured above right) was
re-elected to serve a second term as
Treasurer. Anthony Grosso will stay
on the board as immediate past presi­
dent
Elected to serve a two-year term on
the board were Tim Gerzabek, Grassy
Hill CC, Dan Rackliffe, CGCS,
Longshore Club Park, and Wayne
Urban, Farmingbury Hills CC.

Carol Vann
4 Monroe Street
East Hartford, CT 0611Ô-2320

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Pope and the McLaughlin Trophy to
Joe Stahl. John announced winners of
major championships and tropies as
(gross and net respectively for all
flights): A Flight - Greg Moore and
Ward Weischet; B Flight - Wayne Ur­
ban & Anthony Baviello; C Flight Joe Malay and Bob Silva; Senior
Flight - Peter Pierson & Mike McDer­
mott; Commercial Flight - Mike Dukette & Shawn Donovan.
Following the meeting, we hosted
our annual 9-Hole Scramble. The 1st
Low Gross winners were Sean Moran,
Tim Gerzabek, Roy Sibley, Joe Ma­
lay. The low net winners were Brian
Pope, Mike Decker, John Motycka and
Kevin Balocca.

Remaining on the board
serving the second of a twoyear term are John Motycka,
Skungamaug River GC, and
Peter Pierson, Pequabuck
GC, pictured below right
with Skip Deubel, Tuckahoe
Turf Farms, Inc., who was
unanimously voted commer­
cial representative to the
board by the commercial
membership.
Wayne Urban, membership chairper­
son, awarded 10-year pins to Dave
Basconi, D & S, and Kimberly Heyl,
Fenwick GC; 15-year pins to John
Callahan, The Cardinals, Cindy John­
son, Tumble Brook CC, Les Kennedy,
Jr., CGCS, The Blind
Brook Club, and Scott
Ramsay, Tower Ridge
CC; 20-year pin to Peter
Lund, CGCS, Rhode Is­
land CC; 25-year pins to
John Ferry, Turf Prod­
ucts, and Michael Wal­
lace, CGCS, Hop Mead­
ow CC. Any CAGCS
member entitled to re­
ceive a pin and unable to
attend the meeting will
receive their pin through
the mail.
John Motycka, golf
chairperson, awarded the
President's Cup to Brian

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Fax 292-1047

December, 1999

Page 7

Connecticut Clippings

avid golfer, Lee enjoyed the thrill with
seven holes in one at various courses.
Recently he won the club champion­
ship at the Executive Club.
Lee saw great value in becoming
active within his professional organi­
zation. He was active on the Board of
Directors of CAGCS and served as
President in 1962. Prior to that, Lee
was instrumental in organizing the
New York State Turfgrass Association
and served as President 1954-1955.
Lee also served as President of the
Club Managers' Associaton of
Connecticut.
When asked what it is that makes a
man so successful throughout the test
of time, Lee would answer “common
sense”.
Lee will be buried at Arlington
National Cemetery in Washington,
DC.
Donations in the name of “Lee” may
be made to Hope Hospice, 130
DelPrade Blvd., South, Cape Coral,
FL 33990.

Leon Kowalski,
52-year CAGCS
member, passes away
Leon Kowalski, age 90, bom in
Bristol, CT, passed away on October
10, 1999 after a lengthy illness. He
had been a resident of Cape Coral, FL,
since 1982.
Upon his graduation from Stockbridge School, he was the superinten­
dent at the now defunct Alpine Coun­
try Club in Fitchburg, MA. Lee then
went on to serve during World War II
in the first infantry division as first
lieutenant. He participated in the Battle
of the Bulge where he was awarded the
Bronze Star and Purple Heart with oak
leaf cluster as well as other citations.
After his stint in the service Lee
went to Edgewood Country Club for
four years. Then on to Bellevue
Country Club in Syracuse, NY. In
1955, Lee began his 27 year tenure at
the Country Club of Fairfield. An

New golf course
development
National Fairways has received zon­
ing approval for a golf resort to be lo­
cated in North Stonington, CT near
Foxwoods Casino.
Speaking of Foxes, Richard Marks,
CGCS, is the new superintendent at
Fox Hopyard, an 18-hole course with
53 homesites in East Haddam, CT.
Bill Sandri, owner of Crumpin-Fox
Club in Bemardston, MA, and Fox
Hollow Golf Course in Newport
Richey, FL, has retained the Roger
Rulewich Group to build the semi­
private course on the 520 acre site.
239 acres is deeded open space with
hiking trails and picnic areas. The
homesites will be accessed by a resi­
dent only road.
Check out their web site at
Sandri.com.

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C.C. of New Canaan-New Cannan
Country Club of Farmington-Farmington
Crestwood Park-Watertown
Darien C.C-Darien
Farmingbury C.C.-Wolcott
Farms Country Club-Wallingford
Fenwick Golf Course-Fenwick
Hopmeadow C.C.-Simsbury
Hunter Golf-Meriden
Innis Arden-Greenwich
Madison C.C.-Madison
Oak Lane-Woodbridge
Old Lyme C.C.-Old Lyme
Pine Orchard C.C.-Branford
Portland West-Portland
Portland Golf Course-Portland
Quarry Ridge-Portland
Shuttle Meadow-Kensington
Silver Springs-Ridgefield
Southington C.C.-Southington
T.P.C.-Cromwell
The Patterson Club-Fairfield
Tumblebrook-Bloomfield
Watertown Golf Course-Watertown
Westwood Golf Course-Farmington
Woodbridge C.C.-Woodbridge
Woodway C.C.-Darien
The Orchard-Milford

Page 8

December, 1999

Connecticut Clippings

Valley Country Club, Portsmouth,
RI, on his appointment as the Execu­
tive Director of the New Engalnd
Regional Turf Conference.

Grass
Catcher
Welcome new members
Andrew Cummins - Class B
G olf Club o f Avon
Mark Ericson, Class Commercial
Steve Willand, Inc.
P. Guy Mathis, Class Commercial
Steve Willand, Inc.
Dayton C. Simpson, II, Class C
Miner Hills Family G olf
Ted Tighe - Class B
Guilford Lakes Golf Course

W inding B rook T u rf F arm
celebrating there 40th Anniversary
*****

Don G ran t is presently planning a
wedding to his high school sweetheart,
Barbara Sweeney, and is moving to
Georgia. Congratulations, Don, and
good luck
Les K ennedy, J r., CGCS is the
new superintendent at The Blind Brook
Club, Purchase, NY, formerly superin­
tendent at The Country Club of Waterbury. Les plans to continue as
CAGCS Treasurer.
Sean M oran formerly with Metro
Milorganite is now representing Win­
field Nurseries.

G et well wishes to P at
Cook, wife of Dick Cook, retired su­
perintendent from Hunter Memorial
Golf Course.
*****

Condolences
K athy Grosso, wife of Anthony
Grosso, on the passing of her father.
Fam ily of Leon K ow alski,
past president of CAGCS in 1962 &
1963. See accompanying article on
page 7.
*****

*****

—

On the move —

Bob Alonzi is now at Fenway
Golf Club, Scarsdale, NY, previous
position Fairview Country Club,
Greenwich, CT.

Tim Gerzabek is the new super­
intendent at Valley Country Club,
West Warwick, RI. Tim formerly at
Grassy Hill Country Club and
recently elected to the board will be
relinquishing the position.

$ T U

N

■##

Thank you Bob Viera for the use of
your "old pictures"

Congratulations
Tony G irardi, superintendent at
Rockrimmon Country Club and his
wife, Christine, on the birth of their
son, Matthew Anthony, on September
29th.
Daniel Shay, superintendent at
Agawam Municipal, was proudly
married to Deborah on October 16th.
G ary Sykes, formerly at Green

*****

The B oard o f D irectors
o f CAGCS w ould like
to wish all m em bers
and their fa m ilies
a happy & healthy
N ew Year!
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Page 9

Connecticut Clippings

December, 1999

Dogs of sum m er
Kevin DeVaux, Ass't. Supt., Stanley Golf Course
Meet Spanky, an 11-year old
gooser extraordinaire and mascot
of Stanley Golf Course.
Spanky is part Belgian sheep­
dog which is where the goose
chasing ability comes from.
Lord knows I haven’t taught
him anything.
He has been successful at
eradicating geese populations at
three different courses. Next to
chasing the geese (as well as
other indigenous wildlife)
Spanky likes nothing better
than to bum a ride around the
course on any available golf cart Throughout the years, Spanky has been a devot­
ed companion and member of the grounds crew who has never once complained
about being overworked and/or underpaid.

Monthly meeting golf results
September 27, Pautipaug CC
A Flight
1st gross - Dan St.Laurant - 78
2nd gross - Walter Wozniak - 79
1st net - Brian Pope - 71
2nd net - Pete Cuppels - 74
B Flight
1st gross - Wayne Urban - 86
2nd gross - Dick Cook - 90
1st net - Scott Ramsay - 74
2nd net - Mike Decker - 75
matching cards with Paul Sabino
C Flight
1st gross - Robert Silva - 90
2nd gross - Mark Pelkey - 92
1st net - Mike Wallace - 69
2nd net - Kevin D ’Amico
D Right
1st gross - Bruce Morse - 96
2nd gross - Anthony Grosso - 100
1st net - Joe Stahl - 66
2nd net - Kevin Williams - 74
Closest to line #1, Charles Rustici
Long Drive #18, Chris Mauro, Closest to
pin #10, Bob Silva; Closest to pin #16,
Kevin D ’Amico, Long Putt #4, John
Callahan, Long Putt #8, Rick DiBella

C alendar of Events
Educational Opportunities
January 10-14,2000
Cornell Turfgrass Management
Short Course
Cornell Campus, Ithaca
January 17-21,2000
Cornell Golf Turf Short Course
Pest Management
Cornell Campus, Ithaca
January 24-28,2000
Cornell Golf Turf Short Course
Management to Preserve
Water Quality
Cornell Campus, Ithaca
February 21-25, 2000
Cornell Turfgrass Management
Short Course
Hudson Valley, Fishkill, NY
*****

October 19, Oak Lane CC
Supt./Asst. Tournament

GCSAA

Low gross - John Gallagher & Michael
Skirkanich
Low Net- Chris Mauro & Mark Anderson
2nd Net - Mark Fuller & Mark Osbom
3rd Net - Larry Pakkala & Joe Delauter

January 18, 2000
Evaluating Your Golf Course
Irrigation System
Rockport, ME

Individual - A Flight
Low Gross, Sean Moran
Low Net - Paul Graudazzo
2nd Net - Jud Smith
B Flight
Low Gross - Brian Pope
Low Net - Scott Cheverier
2nd Net - Matthew Howland
C Flight
Low Gross - Bruce Morse
Low Net - Joe Streckfus
2nd Net - Andrew Cummins
D Flight
Low Gross - Joseph Rock
Low Net - Byron Johnson
2nd Net - Anthony Grosso
Longest Drive #16, Mike Dukette;
Closest to line #7, Brian Morse; Closest
to Pin, #6, Paul Grandazzo; Closest to
Pin #15, John Barbari; Longest Putt #8,
Eric Destafano; Longest Putt #18, John
Gallagher.

March 6, 2000
Managing Turfgrass
Root Systems
Providence, RI
March 6, 2000
Management o f Localized Dry
Spots and Water Repllent Soils
Providence, RI
March 15, 2000
Bentgrass Management and
Rootzone Maintenance
Manchester, VT
*****
New England Regional Turf
Conference & Show
March 7-9,2000
Providence, RI

Page 10

December, 1999

Connecticut Clippings

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The GCSAA has changed their
structure of the single-year business
plan structured by GCSAA’s staff
departments to a longer-term overall
association plan. The new format will
help the board and the staff to focus
on overall association goals and will
promote greater inter-departmental
team-work and efficiencies while
retaining accountability for results.
The following synopsis of the over­
all association plan for GCSAA and
GCSAA Communications, Inc. was
approved at the spring board meeting
in May.

GCSAA/GCSAA
Communications, Inc.
Plan for 2005
I. To enable our members to
achieve career success.
A. Increase compensation, job sat­
isfaction, and percentage of positive
employment changes, as measured
from superintendents’ point of view.
1. Offer members tools, informa­
tion and resources to help them
enhance their individual employment
situations.
B. Improve employers’ and influen­
tial golfers’ appreciation of a mem­
ber’s value and the importance of job
continuity, establishing the superin­
tendent as key to the economic vitality
of the golf course.
1. Develop, implement, assess,
and improve a brand marketing
strategy that favorably differentiates
GCSAA “Class A” members from
other members and non-members.
2. Increase recognition of the
Certified Golf Course Superintendent
as a premium brand.
3. Establish the superintendent as
the facility’s resident expert in the area

of health, safety, and risk manage­
ment.
4. Find out specific needs of em­
ployer groups, including Green Com­
mittee chairs and management
companies.
C. Improve the skills of GCSAA
members and key staff, as measured by
assessments based on a current and
future-oriented competency profile.
1. Expand educational opportuni­
ties through controlled, planned
growth of GCSAA programs designed
to develop core competencies..
2. Provide an integrated, compre­
hensive, job-linked, learner-centered,
continuing professional education cur­
riculum for members.
3. Provide a GCSAA brand, worldrenowned faculty and faculty support
program.
4. Provide career path planning
assistance for members.
D. Assist members and potential
golf course superintendents in becom­
ing informed consumers of educational
and informational programs and
products.
1. Explore and develop, if appro­
priate, endorsement/accreditation
program for college and university
programs.
2. Cultivate the leadership skills,
professionalism, career expectations,
and an understanding of the profes­
sional culture to future golf course su­
perintendents.
3. Develop and promote model
curricular for key golf course mainte­
nance staff positions, including turf
equipment managers, irrigation
specialists, and chemical applicators.
4. Develop a comprehensive
marketing campaign for education to
increase participation and general
member awareness.

December, 1999

Connecticut Clippings

Page 11

The new fo rm a t will help the board and sta ff to fo cu s on overall
association goals and will prom ote greater interdepartm ental team work
an d efficiencies while retaining accountability fo r results.
II.
To be a powerful and
influential advocate for the
interest of the profession and
our members.
A. Increase visibility for members,
as measured by increased membership
and media market share.
1. Increase membership to 30,000
members, including member represen­
tation at 80% and employer-member
representation at 50% of all domestic
golf facilities.
2. Initiate, support and evaluate
participation in golf industry initia­
tives with a focus on increasing posi­
tive recognition for the golf course
superintendent and their key influence
on enjoyable playing conditions.
3. Establish golf course superin­
tendent recognition/authority in the
consumer market.
B. Increase visibility of the associa­
tion, as measured by media market
share and exposure.
1. Assume highly visible role in
major golf events.
2. Conduct association award pro­
grams that attract media attention and
coverage.
3. Conduct a merchandise and
accessory program that widely distrib­
utes the GCSAA logo.
4. Promote the association and its
members through a year-long celebra­
tion of GCSAA’s 75 anniversary.
C. Influence legislation and regula­
tions that affect golf, as measured by
percentage of constructive and desirable
decisions.
1. Coordinate and support effec­
tive grassroots lobbying.
2. Build and nuture relationships
with green and golf industry advocates.
D. Strengthen GCSAA’s environ­
mental leadership role among golf and
environmental constituents.
1.
Expand the Performance Meas­
urement Program and publicize the

golf industry, media, government,
employers, the golfing public, etc.
1. Position the GCSAA interna­
tional golf course conference and show
as the full spectrum venue for the golf
industry up to the playing of the
game, allocating over 30,000 attendees
annually by 2005.
2. Provide industry supported,
comprehensive informational offerings
through publications, web site content
and other media, dealing with
the technical/operational aspects of
golf course management, and the prod­
ucts and services that support superin­
tendents.
3. Provide information packs, tools
and training for members to assume
the position of local authority on
III. To be the recognized
information and issues related to golf
authority on information and
course development, management and
issues related to golf course
operations.
development, management and
4. Generate practical, technical and
operations.
operational research and publish find­
A.
Position GCSAA as the source ings of value to the superintendent,
golf course owner and industry.
of golf/turf information (up to the
5. Monitor government initiatives
playing of the game) valuable to the
findings, as appropriate.
2. Establish the golf course super­
intendent as the environmental leader
on the golf course.
E.
Establish strategic partnerships
to leverage our industry and member­
ship interests.
1. Strengthen relationships with
leaders of allied associations in golf.
2. Strengthen GCSAA’s research
presence among industry and allied
organizations.
3. Strengthen relationships with
leading golf course industry manufac­
turers and suppliers, and increase the
influence of the superintendent on
industrial innovation and trends.

co n tin u ed p ag e 12

P hampionship
b

T

m

SERVICES
W

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Our laser-guided
grading will fit you to a tee.

• Laser-guided grading for precisely accurate tee
and green construction and renovation
• Bunker construction and renovation
• Custom aerification services
• Seedbed preparation and planting
Connecticut Toll-Free: ( 800) 562-5860
77 Locust Rd, P.0. Box 195 • Hawintoa CT 06791 • Phone: (860) 485-0219 • Fax: (860) 485-9946

Page 12
GCSAA

December, 1999

Connecticut Clippings
continued from page 11

and inform GCSAA members and
allies.
6. Expand the display of materials
reflecting the history of the role of
superintendents in the game of golf and
the history of the association.
7. Expand media relations pro­
grams that cause golf writers and
broadcasters to look to GCSAA and
the golf course superintendent for
information on course conditions and
management.
8. Market/promote/facilitate the in­
volvement of GCSAA in the GCSAA/
RISE/PLCAA Ambassadors Speakers
Program.
9. Develop/implement plan to
collect, maintain and market superintendent/golf course demographics and
operations information for members/
non-members and all golf courses for
internal and external use.
B.
Customize the delivery of infor­
mation, where appropriate, to meet
user needs in terms of content,
medium, timing, etc.
1. Develop and implement an indi­
vidualized target marketing program
to anticipate information needs.
2. Expand the use of E* push sys­
tems to additional audiences.
3. Investigate and implement new
technology and media as appropriate.

IV. To be a strategically
positioned, dynamic and
responsive organization.
A. Establish a greater strategic
connection between GCSAA, its
members, and chapters.
1. Develop a shared vision for the
ideal national/chapter relationship that
most effectively promotes and sup­
ports the professional superintendent
now and in the future.
2. Develop effective programs and
services to strengthen the ability of
chapters to serve members.
3. Organize, implement and
encourage various methods of inter­
chapter networking.
4. Provide comprehensive association/membership information through
publications and communications.
B. Effectively utilize the organiza­
tion’s available resources and oppor­
tunities to position the organization
as a leader in service to its members,
the industry, and other constituents.
1. Attract, retain, and fully utilize
a professional, motivated, and serviceoriented staff.
2. Increase and conserve financial
resources.
3. Apply resources and technolo­
gies to maximize effectiveness and
efficiency in the development and

delivery of programs, including a 90%
target for day-to-day member use of the
internet by 2005.
C. Solicit, utilize, and recognize
member/volunteer participation in
policy direction and program develop­
ment.
1. Develop opportunities that
encourage and develop leadership for
the organization’s furture (e.g., new,
young, and diverse people).
2. Investigate and implement
opportunities to capitalize on
volunteer participation.
3. Identify ways to assist volun­
teers in effectively managing their vol­
unteer time commitment
D. Provide significant, meaningful
contributions to the game of golf.
1. Assume a leadership role in
player development in the game of
golf.
2. Develop and implement an
environmental awareness and education
program that reaches beyond the golf
course, perhaps targeting a youth
audience.
3. Develop and implement diversi­
ty programs to encourage minority
participation in the game of golf and
the golf course superintendent’s
profession.

New England Regional Cham pionship Tournam ent
The New Hampshire Golf Course Superintendents Associaton hosted the New England Regional Championship tournament
on October 12,1999 at the Nashua Country Club. Host superintendent, Barry Robinson, provided an excellent course, playing
conditions and weather.
The event was a Stableford net format, which consisted of eight
teams from each of the seven associations - Cape Cod, Connectiuct,
Maine, New England, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Our Connecticut team (pictured left) Kevin D’Amico, Eric Morrison,
Joe Malay, Bruce Morse, John Callahan, Sean Moran, Brian Skelly,
Matt Faherty came in fifth with a 161. Other results were:
1st - New England
2nd - Rhode Island
3rd - Cape Cod
4th - Vermont
5th - Connecticut
6th - New Hampshire
7th - Maine

168 points
166 points
165 points
162 points
161 points
154 points
146 points

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Services Available:
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“Distributor of Several Turf
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Call 1-800-999-8873 For More Information
James Favreau - V.P. & General Mgr. Jason Bassi - Sales Rep. Southern N.E. Bob Hobbs - Sales Rep. Northern N.E.

Golf Technical Services, Inc.

Golf Technical Services, Inc. Providing The Finest Service In The Irrigation Industry

Meg grounding of all control system components.
Valve coil readings.
Winterize all irrigation lines.
Spring start up.
Set all sprinklers and valve boxes to grade.
24 hour -7 days a week emergency service.
Periodic testing of sprinklers for rotation and auto­
matic operation.

Any repairs of four inch pipe and under. Required
parts are billed at manufactures recommended retail
pricing.
Marking of wires or pipe lines in areas of construction.
Comprehensive report of all repairs and findings, with
recommendations.

For Information and Scheduling Call Jeff Snoonian at 1-978-618-9902

December, 1999

Page 15

Connecticut Clippings

0-

Turf Program
Management Updates
UMass Extension
September 24, 1999
DISEASES
New bentgrass disease confirmed
A new disease of bentgrass was
documented in Connecticut on
September 27, 1999. It was first
described in 1998 by Dr. Peter
Demoeden in Maryland.
It appears in August and September
as small tan to reddish spots (dollar
spot size) that may look like ball
marks. It is caused by a foliar fungus
that produces numerous dark fruiting
bodies (pseudothecia) in the infected
leaves. The proposed name of this
new fungus is Ophiosphaerella
agrostis, named for its bentgrass host.
The Connecticut superintendent
reports that it has primarily been on
his practice green (Cato bentgrass)
since early August, and about 40 or so
spots developed. They somewhat
followed mower wheel patterns. This
does not seem to be an aggressive
problem like gray leaf spot, but the
fungus does produce a lot of spores in
the fruiting bodies of the infected
leaves. It would probably be prudent
to mow affected areas last or wash the
mower before moving to nonaffected
areas. Very little is known yet about
cultural practices. Dr. Demoeden

recommends thiophanate-nethyl (e.g.
Cleary’s 3336) + chlorothalonil (e.g.
Daconil) weekly or the problem will
recur.
There is no official name for this
new disease yet. “Fall spot of bent­
grass” has been suggested. Please
submit suspicious samples to the
UMass Turf Disease Diagnostic Lab,
so we can get an idea of how wide­
spread the problem is.

October 1, 1999
DISEASES

The big news was the confirmation
of the NEW FALL SPOT DISEASE
OF BENTGRASS described in the pre­
vious message. The continuing moist
weather is favoring a variety of fungal
problems in turf. In lawns, RED
THREAD and RUST are common­
place. Rust takes 10-14 days to appear
after infection, so it occurs mostly on
turf that is growing slowly due to
compaction, drought, and/or low
fertility.
ANTHRACNOSE BASAL/
CROWN ROT is appearing on some
golf putting greens. This disease is
most common where root growth is
limited and in compacted and
particularly wet areas. It may occur in
somewhat circular patterns or just ir­
regularly in the turf. Both poa annua
and bentgrass are susceptible, but one
species may be more affected than the
other depending on the fungal strain
present. The sticky spores are easily
spread to other areas, so mow affected
areas last or hose off
the mower before
moving to non­
G O LF C A R T PAVING
affected areas.
Chemical control
MACHINE PAVED
is best with a tank
mix of chlorotha­
lonil plus a DMI
fungicide. Plants
( 203) 938-3735
with badly infected
crowns may be slow
Box 1181
Established 1975
to recover, if they do
Redding, CT 06875
Excellent References
at all.
The cooler weather

FAH AN PAVING

Tee & Green
And In Between
^A/hether 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
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•BluegrassRyegrass
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401/789-8177 • 401/789-3895 (fax)
PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822

and abundant moisture is also allowing
the return of the infamous FUSARIUM PATCH (PINK SNOW
MOLD). It can appear as greasy/
reddish spots, sometimes like a hy­
draulic fluid leak. If the spores have
been spread widely by mowing, there
may be a general reddish cast to the
turf. As with anthracnose, the abun­
dant spores are easily spread around.
High N fertility and high surface pH
(e.g. recent liming) favor the disease
along with favorable environmental
conditions.
REMINDER: Please send a cupcutter plug of fresh Fusarium patch
outbreaks by express delivery to the
UMass Turf Diagnostic Lab (attn. Dr.
Gail Schumann, D ept of Micro­
biology, Femald Hall, UMass,
Amherst, MA 01003-2420). We would
like some good strong isolates for this
year’s snow mold fungicide trail. You
will get a free diagnosis if you’re not
sure!

CAG CS thanks these patrons f o r their continued support o f our association.
A-OK Turf Equipment

Glenmore Landscape Service

Sawtelle Brothers, Inc.

Articulator Dealer
Coventry, RI 02816
Michael D. Comicelli
(401) 826-2584

Glenn S. Moore
98 Hack Green Road
Pound Ridge, NY 10576
(914) 764-4348

65 Glenn Street
Lawrence, MA 01843
George Wise - Art deAtienza
(800) 999-TURF

AgrEvo USA Company

Golf Technical Services, Inc.

David J. Sylvester
311 Carriage Drive
Kensington, CT 06037
(860) 828-8905

Irrigation Services
Lawrence, MA 01843
Jeff Snoonian
(800) 999-TURF

Shawnmark Industries, Inc.
Specialty Products & Service
Warwick, RI 02888
Matt Howland (24 hours a day)
(401) 295-1673 (www.shawnmark.com)

Allen's Seed, Inc.

Greenacres Company

SODCO, INC.

693 South County Trail
Exeter, RI 02822
A1 La Prise
(401) 884-2097 - (800) 527-3898

Dave Pijnenburg
Irrigation Contractor
75 Codfish Hill Rd.3ethel, CT
(203) 748-0558

Bentgrass 3 lue/Ry e/Fescue
High Fescue & Blue/Rye blends
Washing Services
Matt Faherty (800/341-6900)

Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc.

James Carriere & Sons, Inc.

Sound Beach Services, Inc.

5 Cronk Rd., P. O. Box 7036
Plainvillc, CT 06062
Jesse J. Anderson, Jr.
(860) 747-9911

7 Cottage St., Port Chester, NY 10573

d/b/a White Contractors
Golf Course Construction & Renovation
P.O.Box 484, Old Greenwhich, CT 06870
James E. Morris, Jr. (203/869-8808)

06801

Trap Sand - Partac Topdressing-Drainage Stone

Bill Carriere
(914) 937-2136

The Bruedan Corporation

LESCO, Inc.

T D W Golf Course Designs

E-Z-GO & YAMAHA
GOLF, TURF & UTILITY VEHICLES
Scott O. Lowe ~ Frank Savakis
(800) 773-6740

Rocky River, OH 44116
(800) 321-5325 FAX (800) 673-3030
Mike Donahue (860) 668-0821
Mike Dukette (860) 684-6242

Complete Design & Renovation Service
Niantic, CT 06357
Tom Watson, Golf Course Architect
(860) 739-7595

C. R. I. S.

Lofts Seed Company

Tee & Green Sod

Golf Course Irrigation
923 Woodtick Road
Wolcott, CT 06716
(203) 879-2362

2202 Hangar Place, Suite 170
Allentown, PA 18103
Mary Beth Ruh
(800) 708-TURF

P. O. Box 418
Exeter, RI 02822
Owen Regan ~ Dave Wallace
(401) 789-8177

Metro Milorganite, Inc.

Terre Company of NJ, Inc.

Complete Distributor of Golf Course
Accessories & Maintenance Supplies
John Callahan
(860) 673-3699

54 Miry Brook Road
Danbury, CT 06810
Sean Moran ~ Scott Apgar
(888) 217-1039

206 Delawanna Ave., P. O. Box 1000
Clifton, NJ 07014
Byron Johnson, Jr.
(973) 473-3393 FAX (973)473-4402

Championship Turf Services

Millane Nurseries, Inc.

Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.

Prec. Laser Leveling/Custom Aerification
Green/Tee/Bunker Const.& Renovation
Michael Flowers
(800) 562-5860

604 Main Street
Cromwell, CT 06416
Jim Goodrich
(860) 635-5500 (w.millane@ntplx.net)

Golf Course Turfgrass
West Suffield, CT 06093
Skip Deubel
(800) 243-7582

The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co.

NORTHERN Professional Tirf Products
Winfield Nursery, Inc.
Nursery Stock & Turf Care Products
West Suffield, CT 06093
Stan Hildreth (860) 668-5225

Turf Partners

Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing

Turf Products Corporation

The Cardinals, Inc.

P.O. Box 9169, 304 Main Street
Wethersfield, CT 06129-0169
R. Sibley ~ R. Holcomb ~ P. Bednarczyk
(860)529-2537 & (800)326-HART

D & S

15 Londonderry Road, Unit 3
Londonderry, NH 03053-6604
Joe Stahl
(800) 228-6656
157 Moody Rd., P. O. Box 1200
Enfield, CT 06082
John Ferry ~ Mark Loper
(203) 763-3581

Floratine Products
Flymo, Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts
Dave Basconi
(203) 250-TURF

Great Meadows, NJ 07838
(800) 247-2326 (908) 637-4191
Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136
Joe Bidwell (860) 651-8555

ELM

R. F. Morse & Son, Inc.

Westchester Turf Supply, Inc.

ParEx Fertilizer - Power Equipment
West Wareham, MA 02576
Carl Wallace
(508) 295-1553

Servicing the Fine Turf Profession
Bob Lippman, Sr. ~ Bob Lippman, Jr.
Office (914) 248-7476
FAX (914) 248-6862

Golf Services

Golf Construction & Renovation
Bruce Moore ~ John Grib
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 316-5433 FAX (203) 316-5434

Earth Works, Inc.
Custom Deep Aerification Service
West Wareham, MA 02576
Carl Wallace
(800) 815-1113

S. B.I. Turf Services

Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.

Deep & Core Aerification & Overseeding
Lawrence, MA 01843
Jason Bassi
(800) 999-TURF

240 Griswold Road
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Don Grant
(860) 529-6869 or (800) 243-0232