FGCSA Legislative Delegation: Front Row: (L-R). David Court, CGCS, Greg Pheneger and Doug Abbuhl, FGCSA. Back Row. MikeGoldie, FGCSA lobbyist; Jeff Heggen and Darren Davis. FGCSA Legislative Delegation on their trip to visit Tallahassee lawmakers to make the FGCSA known as a knowledgeable source on environmental issues and to lobby for no more IFAS budget cuts affecting research operations. At press time, the budget is holding at 2002 levels. May 2 CF/GCSAA Regional Seminar, Golf Course Drainage Orlando See page 7 for details. May 6 North Florida chapter meeting, Palencia GC May 8 POA Tournament Weekend -11 Naples Beach Hotel May 9 Tommy Witt seminar, Are You Prepared to say Yes, 8:00 a.m. See related article page 5. May 12 Seven Rivers GCSA chapter meeting, Inverness GC May 14 Calusa GCS A chapter meeting, Six Lakes CC Upcoming Events May 15 Treasure Coast GCS A Chapter Meeting,Willoughby, GC June 16 Central Florida chapter meeting, Victoria Hills CC. May 20 Suncoast GCS A Annual Meeting, Sara Bay CC June 18 Everglades GCSA golf outing, Raptor Bay May 22 South Florida GCSA chapter meeting, Miccosukee G&CC June 27 Calusa GCSA Annual Meeting, Olde Hickory May 22 Palm Beach GCSA chapter meeting, Abacoa GC June 30 Seven Rivers chapter meeting, Harbor Hills GC May 13 Central Florida chapter meeting, Orange County Nat'1. July 9 Central Florida GCS A Annual Meeting, DeBaryCC June 2 North Florida GCSA Research Tournament, Pablo Creek Club July 10 Everglades GCS A Annual Meeting, Tiburon June 7 Palm Beach GCSA Future of Golf, The Falls CC July 11 Calusa GCSA chapter meeting Eastwood GC, Fort Myers President's Message President's Message David Court, CGCS Our industry has lost another leader with the passing of Mr. Jack Harrell Sr. Mr. Harrell was an icon in the fertilizer industry in Lakeland, Florida as well as a leader within his community. Among his civic service accomplishments he was very involved with his church teaching Sunday school for many years. Along with his son Jack Jr. the Harrellis family has taken a small farm supply business and made it into the fertilizer and chemical supply business which serves much of the Southeastern United States. Jack Harrell Sr. was also the recipient of the Wreath of Grass Award in 1999 with the FTGA and the Larry Kamphaus Award, CFGSA 2001 for the outstanding individual that he was. Back in March our delegation consisting of Greg Pheneger, Darren Davis, Joel Jackson, Doug Abbuhl, Jeff Heggan and myself went to Tallahassee to meet with nine representatives and three senators from the State of Florida. In addition we also met with Charles Bronson (not the actor) Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Florida. Our mission was to inform them about the importance of our industry and the impact golf has on our state. They all received a packet of information, which included the recent Economic Impact Study as well as literature on golf course water usage and pesticides. We also let the legislators know how important the IFAS programs are at UF and that further cuts to the states budget would definitely put these programs in jeopardy. Legislators now know that we are a reliable source of information on real world practices and solutions on many of the issues facing our industry. I would be remiss if I didnit mention the fact that Mike Goldie, our association lobbyist, played such a key role in making the appointments with these legislators. This trip would not have been possible without Mike and his ability to communicate with the folks in Tallahassee. Mike Goldie recommended that individual chapters invite your local representatives and senators to come to well attended meetings and give an update as to what is happening in the state legislature. You may even see fit to helping their campaign along with a donation from your chapter. Tim Hiers recently hosted a tour for regulators as part of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Tour. Members from the EPA, DACS, DERM and other agencies joined Tim at the Old Colliers Golf Club where he showed how golf courses and the environment can go hand in hand. Thanks Tim GREEN SHEE Editor: Joel Jackson, CGCS (407) 248-1971 (fax/phone) e-mail: FLGrn@aol.com News Coordinator: Mrs. Marie Roberts 1760 NW Pine Lake Drive Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 692-9349 (772) 692-9654 (fax) (800) 732-6053 (Florida Wats) e-mail: fgcsal23@bellsouth.net Financial Support: This issue of the Green Sheet is being sponsored by: Golf Ventures 2101 E Edgewood Drive Lakeland, FL 33803 800-330-8874 800-481-8911 888-222-7072 All material submitted for printing will be edited at the discretion of the editor. Material must be typed or clearly The Green Sheet is a bimonthly FGCSA printed. Photos are encouraged. Items newsletter printed as follows: Jan/Feb, must be for the good of the association. March/April, May/June, July/August, Sept/October, November/December. Deadline next issue: June 15. David Court, CGCS for your continued involvement for the second year. Along these same lines, Rep. Joe Spratt has organized legislative Ag tours for freshman legislators in the past. There might be an opportunity for us to become part of futures tour as well. This would give them a better insight into our industry as well. Spring and Summer bring on chapter fundraisers and events for local chapters. I hope to make it to as many of these events, as time will allow. To date I have attended the Ridge, Seven Rivers, Everglades and North Florida Chapter events. I would like to thank the members who participated in these events for making me feel welcome. The funds raised at the events could not be achieved without the generosity of our vendors and the support of chapter members. Congratulations to the NFGCSA Richards and Maccurach scholarship recipients and the best of luck for their futures. Although I wasnit able to attend the Suncoast scramble, I would like to thank them for their donation of $1,500.00 to our FGCSA Research Fund. I hope that local chapters will forward on a portion of the funds raised to either FGCSA or the FTGA. Many research proposals are waiting for funding and we need to get good projects funded. I look forward to meeting more of you in the near future. Director of Communications Report What's Up D.O.C.? by Joel Jackson In Memoriam: Our industry lost one of its gentle giants on March 28th as Jack Harrell, Senior of Harrell's Fertilizer Company passed away after a long valiant fight against cancer. Jack touched so many of us over the years with his customer service, financial support of our events and most of all his friendship and mentoring. His obituary and some other personal comments appear elsewhere in this newsletter for those did not have the opportunity to know him personally. 1. Government Regulations: The FGCSA Legislative Delegation of David Court, CGCS, Greg Pheneger, Darren Davis, Jeff Heggen, Doug Abbuhl and Joel Jackson, CGCS ably assisted by Mike Goldie, our lobbyist in Tallahassee met with nine state representatives, three state senators and the Commissioner ofAgriculture in March during a two-day visit to the state capitol. Our message and mission was to establish contact and make our association known as a knowledgeable source on environmental issues and to ask for mercy on the budget cuts aimed at UF/IFAS. Feedback from Tallahassee indicates that the IFAS budget may get passed at last years level and not endure further cuts in 2003. 25 EPA and DEP Regulators spent four hours touring the Old Colliers GC in Naples on Monday, March 31 st. Tim Hiers and his assistant Todd Draffen, assisted by Darren Davis and Joel Jackson gave the regulators an up close and personal look and what golf courses look like and how they can operate. This is the 2nd year we have participated in the annual Regulator Ag Tour organized by our friends in the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Assn. We plan to make it an annual affair. The nature of their questions showed that they needed this educational experience to better understand how the real world operates. series of 250 word articles written for Terry's use and we can make them work in your area if you're interested and you have a local contact. 3. Education: There will be two GCSAA seminars in May for those needing CEUs. May 2nd, Full day, Orlando, Topic - Drainage, Dr. Ed McCoy, Ohio State. Contact GCSAA at 800-472-7878 to register. May 9th, Half-day, Naples Beach Club. 8:00 a.m. to noon. Topic - Career Changes, Tommy Witt, CGCS, Kiawah Is, SC. See related article on all Poa weekend activities 2. Media/Public Relations: Reaching out on page 7. Contact Marie at 800-732-6053 to the public: A tip of the hat goes to Craig for registration information. Weyandt, The Moorings GC; Tom Carlson, Venice G&CC; Terry Stroyer, Shell Point The Bottom Line: We are following up on GC; and Brian Lentz, Debary G&CC. These our goals of being more proactive and gentlemen have or will have articles and reaching out to lawmakers, regulators, the letters to the editor published which either media and the general and golfing public. rebutted erroneous stories and editorials You are encouraged to participate at all levabout golf courses or are educational ar- els from local chapter meeting attendance ticles about what we do. Craig and Terry to sharing what you are doing at your club. have a continuing series of articles on golf By sharing all of our small independent maintenance issues in a "Let's Talk Golf' successes and accomplishments, we can feature with his golf pro in the local paper. build some momentum and become a posiI also have a regular feature called "Live tive force and influence public opinion on Golf' in the Florida Golf Central magazine the issues that affect your job, your prowhich is distributed from Jacksonville to fession and the industry. Melbourne and west to Tampa Bay. You can do it too. Give me a call. We will have a We are all in this together. 25 EPA regulators toured the Old Collier GC, Naples, on March 31st. Superintendent Tim Hiers gave them an earful on real world golf course practices. While the regulators were impressed with the golf course and saw lots of wildlife, they were even more impressed with the neat and clean maintenance area. The message was clear — a clean shop sends a positive message about your operations credibility. USGA Green Section Florida Regional Update by Todd Lowe, Agronomist Updated 2-27-03 in memory of Jack R. Harrell, Sr. Harrell's, Inc. Chairman of the Board Jack R. Harrell, Sr. died on March 28th, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Mr. Harrell spent more than 50 years serving the turf and ornamental industry. His work began when his parents purchased an existing feed store in 1941 in downtown Lakeland. That location served local farm and ranch customers in greater Lakeland for many years. Mr. Harrell was thrust into leadership of the business following his father's sudden death in 1964. The company soon expanded by adding five additional retail locations across west central Florida. The focus of the business during the 60s and 70s was lawn and garden supplies. Mr. Harrell then directed the company into the specialty turf and ornamental market, beginning in the early 1980s. He oversaw construction of the company's first manufacturing plant and distribution center, which began operating in Lakeland in 1984. Through his initiative as Chairman of the Board, Harrell's has grown to be a recognized industry leader, serving turf customers across the southeast and around the world. Harrell's serves the ornamental marketplace in all regions east of the Rocky Mountains. Manufacturing plants are now located in Alabama and South Carolina in addition to the corporate headquarters in Florida. Known for his integrity and for his deep concern for people, Mr. Harrell was often consulted by industry associates throughout his home state of Florida. Superintendents would often request Harrell's assistance and advice regarding challenges faced on their golf courses. Mr. Harrell received the Florida turf industry's highest honor in 1999 when he was awarded the prestigious Wreath of Grass Award. He also received the Larry Kamphaus Award in 2001, presented by the Central Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association. El Nino challenged Florida golf course superintendents from lateNovember through January with low temperatures, reduced sunlight, and increased rainfall. Golf courses in Central Florida and even parts of South Florida that usually experience only temporary cold weather discoloration went semi-dormant this winter. This caused additional deterioration in golf course conditioning and aesthetics over the past two months. During February, a break in the weather has occurred and courses are finally beginning to green up. The annual Golf Course Superintendents Association ofAmerica Conference and Show took place in mid-February. It was announced that several new tools will become available for warmseason turfgrass managers during the upcoming year. These include: * New Herbicides - Monument, Velocity and Revolver are new herbicides targeted for hard-to-control weeds like nutsedge and Poa annua, and have provided good results in university trials. The warm, humid environment in Florida supports aggressive weed growth throughout most of the year, and having a greater variety of herbicides is good news for golf course superintendents. * Curfew 24(c) label - The nematicide Curfew (1,3-dichloropropene) has been applied over the past few summers in Florida under an Experimental Use Permit (EUP) which limits the amount of treated area to 5000 acres each year. This product has provided excellent nematode suppression throughout the state and with its new label, there are no restrictions on total acreage allowed for treatment. Although its current label allows for applications only on tees and fairways, it was mentioned during the meeting that researchers are working on application for putting greens as well. * Cutless - Cutless (flurprimidol) is a plant growth regulator that suppresses turfgrass growth and improves turf density, but it has been off the market for several years. The company SePro recently bought the rights to the product and new research has shown that when tank-mixed with another plant growth regulator Primo (trinexapac-ethyl), improved quality and reduced application rates resulted (as compared to either product alone). Primo treatments are standard at many courses throughout Florida to improve summer playing conditions, and integrating Cutless into the program may improve its efficacy. Bermudagrass (and pests) will soon be actively growing and these tools will provide more options for golf course superintendents throughout the southeastern United States. Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-2625 2003 Poa Weekend Set for May 8 - 11 Again this year, the Everglades GCSA has scheduled the popular Poa events for Mother's Day weekend, May 8th through 11th at the Naples Beach Hotel. This funfilled family weekend starts with the FGCSA Spring Board Meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. Friday begins with an 8:00 a.m. seminar presented by Tommy Witt, CGCS, Past President of the GCSAA. The seminar is co-sponsored by the GCSAA and offers .35 CEU's (Education Points).. Entitled, "Are You Prepared to Say Yes", the seminar attempts to help the superintendent make some difficult and necessary decisions when considering a job change. While the superintendent may tend to seek a new position based on such criteria as increased compensation or the reputation or name of a club, there are a significant number of other important issues that need to be researched before accepting or rejecting a potential offer. If the opportunity of a lifetime arises, are you prepared to make a career impacting decision? Call FGCSA office for late registration. Suncoast GCSA President John Van Vranken (center) presented $ 1,500 checks for turf research to FTGA's Don Benham (left) and to FGCS A's Joel Jackson Mike Richards Memorial Scholarship Tournament John Scott, a 2nd year student at Lake City Community College, received the $3,000 Mike Richards Memorial Scholarship at this year's event. John works at the Marsh Creek GC. First year LCCC students, Kevin Churchill and Jack Newton, each received a $1,500 Alan Maccurrach scholarship. Kevin works at Timaquana CC and Jack works at the Queens Harbor GC. The seminar will conclude in time for those wishing to play in the G. C. Horn Tournament which has a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start at the Beach Club. Mike Smith points out that all previous winners of the G.C. Horn Tournament may register for the 2003 Me- The NFGCS A presented their annual Alan Maccurrach Keeper of the Green Award to morial at a special discounted rate Mr. Harold Jones, Director of the Duval The Poa Tournament has an 8:00 a.m. start County IFAS Extension Service. Mr. Jones on Saturday. For the rest of the family, the has been serving the North Florida area Beach Club offers a Kids Club on the for 37 years arranging educational opporWatkins Lawnfrom9:00 a.m. to noon. That tunities, making presentations, consulting night the always delicious luau will be held and overseeing pesticide license testing.. on the Watkins Lawn which provides a His long friendship and partnership with spectacular view of the famous Naples NFGCSA is greatly appreciated. sunset. The weekend finishes up Sunday morning with an optional Mother's Ridge Invitational Day Brunch at the Beach Club restaurant. Brian Mortiallaro, GCSfromThe Hamptons For more information and registration forms GC shot a par 72 at the Grasslands CC to for the Poa, please contact Mike Smith at capture the 11th Annual Ridge Invitational. 239-860-6680 or Steve Durand at 239-597- Last week, the Ridge Chapter announced 1710. For information on Friday's G. C. that they were re-naming the event the Jack Horn Tournament, please contact David Harrell, Sr. Memorial Ridge Invitational in Barnes at 863-651-7133. honor of Mr. Harrell. Suncoast Scramble In a moving and poignant speech, Kathy Crawford, thanked the members of the Suncoast GCSA for their support of her and her family following Tom Crawford's death last year. The association raised $40,000 for the children's college trust fund. Kathy reports that she is going back to school to become a radiologist and mammographer. She praised the association for their love, friendship and helping hand whenever it was needed. Everglades GCSA Spring Symposium A capacity crowd filled the Sunset Terrace meeting room at the Naples Beach Club hotel on April 17th to hear a panel of experts address the overall theme of golf and the environment and the state of the industry and profession. Speakers included Dr. Joe Dipaola, Dr. William Simpson, Mr. John Piersol, Dr. Fred Yelverton, Dr. Frank Rossi, Mr. Paul Thomas and Mr. Steve Mona, GCSAA. More detailed notes from the presentations will appear in the Summer issue of The Florida Green. Local Chapter Happenings SFGCSA 16th Annual Exposition Offers Another "Really Big Show" The SFGCS A's annual Exposition and University of Florida Field Day at the Fort Lauderdale REC attracted more than 260 paid attendees. Together with the booth and equipment personnel, the total head count was over 450! Not quite as large as last year's record turnout but certainly a respectable showing of support. The SFGCSA board of directors would like to thank Hector Turf, Kilpatrick Turf, and Emerald Island Turf for their outstanding contribution. NuCrane Machinery and Disbrow Enterprises also demonstrated a large number of tractors, mowers and other turf vehicles to make an impressive showing. And the number of booths almost exceeded the square footage under the big top again this year. After a lunchtime address by Dr. Mike Martin, V.P. Agriculture & Natural Resources for the University of Florida, the remainder of the program centered around education courses for all attendees. All funds raised will continue to be earmarked for the upkeep and maintenance of the FGCSA research green and the bermudagrass plots at the Center. Dr. John Cisar discusses results of the maintenance studies done on ultradwarf bermudagrass on the Otto Schmeisser Green during the SFGCSA 2003 Turf Expo Management Tips Twelve questions designed for you and your staff to build a better work environment. * Do I know what is expected of me at work? * Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right? * At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day? * In the last 7 days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work? * Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person? * Is there someone at work who encourages my development? * At work, do my opinions seem to count? * Does the mission/purpose of my company make me feel my job is important? * Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work? * Do I have a best friend at work? * In the last six months, has someone at work talked to me about my progress? * This last year, have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow? Source: First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently (Simon & Schuster, 1999) by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman Education, Education Beginning July 1st, the GCSAA has made it easier for Superintendents to gain some education points at your chapter meetings! Encourage your board of directors to apply. With the advent of the PDI, the GCSAA will approve one hour programs on a single topic for .1 "education points" (formerly known as CEU's). The chapter must submit a very simple form to the GCSAA for approval. These points may be used for application to Class A status as well as for renewal of your Class A status. After obtaining Class A status, renewal is required every five years. Within the five-year renewal period, Class A member will be required to obtain a total of five points which can be derived from a combination of education and service points. Service points are awarded for association, civic, community service or other professional development activities. Proof of pesticide license or completion of GCSAA IPM exam is also required by the end of your cycle. Superintendent Activities GCSAA Chapter Delegates Meeting Information At its pre-conference board meeting in Hilton Head, GCSAAis Board of Directors discussed the timing of the 2003 Chapter Delegates Meeting. The boardis consensus was in favor of moving the Chapter Delegates Meeting back to a traditional September time frame. The 2003 Chapter Delegates Meeting will be held Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 at the Kansas City Airport Marriott in Kansas City, Missouri. The reason for resuming a September meeting schedule was to ensure that chapter delegates have time to relay the outcomes of the meeting to their boards and members at chapter annual meetings and other venues. It also provides chapters and members with more time to discuss and formulate their opinions regarding issues that are voted on at the GCSAA annual meeting and election. The importance of the Chapter Delegates Meeting will continue to grow, as the association and its members look toward the future. The opinions and ideas shared at this annual meeting guide the GCSAA Board of Directors in making decisions that serve the best interest of members, and help superintendents advance in their profession. Affiliated chapters are required each year to send one representative to the Chapter Delegates Meeting. Chapters are asked to send either their voting delegate or an officer to represent their association at the meeting. The representative should be an actively involved and experienced chapter leader that has a greater awareness of the association initiatives and issues that will be discussed at the Chapter Delegates Meeting. Chapter delegates carry the following responsibilities: * Listen to presentations made by the 200405 GCSAA Board of Directors candidates and visit with them during the iMeet the Candidates! session. * Take detailed notes during the meeting and openly express the viewpoints and ideas of your chapter members during the discussions. GCSAA Regional Seminar "Golf Course Drainage: Applications and Design" * Present a comprehensive oral report of the meeting outcomes to your chapter members at your next monthly meeting or The Central Florida GCSA joins with the annual meeting, conveying the true spirit GCSAA in presenting a Regional Seminar, of the meeting. "Golf Course Drainage: Applications and Design", in Orlando on Friday May 2nd. * Write an article for your chapter newslet- Cost to GCSAA members is $130.00. Semiter that summarizes the outcomes of the nar begins at 8:00 a.m. with lunch provided. meeting. (Delegates are encouraged to use the post-meeting outcomes provided by The all-day seminar offers .7 CEU's and will GCSAA to help write the article). List your be presented by Dr. Ed McCoy, Ohio State telephone number and e-mail address in the University As a soil physicist, he has conarticle so members may contact you directly ducted research on soil hydrology and golf to discuss the issues. course drainage issues. Attendees will be able to define basic hydrological principles; * Listen to feedback from your members identify the hydrologic properties of variregarding the Chapter Delegates Meeting ous soils; identify various outlet types and outcomes and share those issues and con- describe the fundamentals of the drainage cerns with GCSAA board members or staff. system found on golf courses to include fairway drainage, tee boxes, greens, bunAn invitation and registration form for the kers and roughs. 2003 Chapter Delegates Meeting will be mailed to chapter leaders in May. Attend- Contact the GCSAA office at 1-800-472-7878 ees will be asked to register for the meeting for late registration information. by early August. Florida T\irfgrass Association 51st Annual * M XURF Conference & Show ^ 1L G R A S S Downtown Hyatt Regency v The Florida Turfgrass Association is beginning to make plans for the 51st Annual Conference and Tradeshow at the Downtown Hyatt Regency Sept. 8th - 10th. All events will be under one roof. New this year will be a "Central Activity Area" on the trade show floor which will serve as venue for the President's Reception and trade show breakfast. The annual golf tournament will be played on Monday, September 8th at Sandpiper GC at Sun City Center. Shotgun start is 1:00 p.m. The trade show will be open on Tuesday, September 9th from 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 10th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Education will include Workshops Monday through Wednesday, Concurrent Sessions on Tuesday morning and General Sessions on Wednesday morning. Rooms at the Tampa Hyatt Regency are at the special conference rates which range from $97.00 to $127.00 per night. nGOLF VENTURES A Meadowbrook 800-330-8874 800-481-8911 888-222-7072 Lakeland Fort Myers Jupiter Company Order These Products NOW to Dress Your Best This Winter For overseeding, Colonial bentgrass is a great alternative to persistent creeping bentgrasses that transition slowly in the spring. We selected Alister and Glory Colonial bentgrasses for their improved resistance to disease, low nitrogen requirements, and upright growth habit. Combine them with Winterstar Poa trivialis to produce an excellent blend for over seeding your greens in the winter. Developed by Pure Seed Testing, Inc. Produced and marketed by: BGOLF VENTURES Order Alister & Glory today from: A Meadowbrook ^TURFSEEDINC www.turf-seed.com 800-247-6910 www.golfventuresonline.com 888-222-7072 Company Local Chapters Prepare for Annual Meetings/Election of Officers FGCSA Marie Roberts 1760 NW Pine Lake Drive Stuart, FL 34994 W XS^^ ^ ^ ^iSSiSS*^ FIRST CLASS U.S. Postage PAID Permit #137 Stuart, FL Cookingham, Peter Turfgrass Information Center MSU: W-212 Library East Lansing, Michigan 48824