THEGreenerside Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey January-February Volume 26 Number 1 Turfgrass economic impact study to be completed By Ken Krausz, CGCS Superintendent Paramus Golf Course Rutgers University is leading the way in researching, compiling and presenting a study to evaluate the New Jersey Turfgrass market. This study will go a long way in helping the turfgrass industry get the recognition and support it deserves. The project was announced at the New Jersey Turfgrass Expo in December 2001, and the completed project is to be presented at the NJTA Expo in December 2002. The purpose of this proposed study is to show the eco­ nomic importance of turfgrass to industry leaders, policy makers and the general public. The project will evaluate the annual economic contribution of the turfgrass industry to New Jersey’s economy. In addition, critically needed information on the cost of turf production, industry projections, inventory of turf acreage throughout the state, and estimated demand for new recreational and residential turf areas will be devel­ oped. The information gathered will be used in various ways. Have you ever tried to explain the value of the turfgrass industry to a person who was not allowed to water their lawn when we could water our golf courses? Imagine trying to explain to state policy makers that the turfgrass industry needs to be able to be treated as an industry when decisions are being made concerning rationing. If we were able to provide documentation on numbers of hired workers, paid labor expenses, maintained turf acreage and all costs asso­ ciated with the industry as well as the aesthetic, environ­ mental and safety value of turfgrass, we would be able to get our point across with a lot more authority. Members of the Rutgers University staff will conduct the study. The team leader is Ramu Govindasamy, Associ­ ate Professor, Department of Agricultural, Food and Re­ source Economics. Members include: Adesoji Adelaja, Dean of Research, Cook College Dr. Bruce Clarke (no bio necessary) Margret Brennan, Associate for Program Development and Marketing, Office of Research, and Kevin Sullivan, In­ stitutional and Industrial Analyst, Office of Research I attended a preliminary meeting in November and was The purpose of this proposed study is to show the economic importance of turfgrass to industry leaders, policy makers and the general public. very impressed with the presentation given by the above group. They explained past studies that they had done and answered many questions in a way that made me very com- Continued on page 4 In this issue Editorial........................................................2 President's Message...................................3 GCSANJ hires State Street Associates...... 4 GCSANJ News..............................................5 GCSAA News................................................. 14 Step-by-step guide to consistent bunkers 15 John Cameron: Early pioneer.....................19 Cook College presents Turfgrass Management Symposium.........................20 Golf course tractor PTO safety...................21 GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Editorial Association of New Jersey Ken Krausz, CGCS Editor Newsletter Business Staff Chris Holenstein 973-627-3748 Ken Krausz, CGCS 201 599-8301 •FAX 201 447-0301 Contributing Writers Douglas Vogel, Brian M. Remo, Shaun Barry, Joe Kinlin Please address inquiries to: Editor, The Greenerside 125 Crain Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 For Ad Placement: Judy Policastro (973) 379-1100 Art and Typography by Trend Multimedia 732-787-0786 • FAX 732-787-7212 Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey 66 Morris Ave., Suite 2A Springfield, New Jersey 07081 973-379-1100 • FAX 973-379-6507 Officers: Ed Mellor, President John O'Keefe, CGCS, Vice President Pat Campbell, CGCS, Treasurer Bruce Peeples, CGCS, Secretary Ken Krausz, CGCS, Past President Directors: District 1 Gary Arlio Paul Dotti District 2 James McNally Chris Holenstein District 3 Roger Stewart, Jr. Mickey Stachowski District 4 Gregg Armbruster Brian Minemier Chapter GCSAA Delegate James C. McNally Executive Secretary Judy Policastro Commercial Representatives Steve Chirip Shaun Barry Assistant Superintendent Representative Brian Gjelsvik © 2002 THE GREENERSIDE Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily express the opinions or policies of the GCSANJ Board and its membership. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. Printed on recycled paper Small Changes, Big Expectations Another year is ahead of us, 2002. It seems like we were just wor­ ried about Y2K, remember that fiasco? What is next? Everyday things just seem to blend together these days. Next thing you know everyone will be back from Orlando and the “season” will be here. There are drought warnings and watches throughout the state, and the long-term forecast does not look good. Hopefully, by the time you get this, the greens will be covered in snow and the reservoirs filling up. As re­ ported, GCSANJ is working hard to ease the restrictions for the next round of water cutbacks; you can help by attending meetings of the local watershed ar­ eas. Your representation at the lo­ cal level will help when the cuts come and the regulators know who you are. Contact Mickey Stachowski; he can point you in the right direc­ tion. The GCSANJ annual meeting was held at Expo this year, and the turnout was better than in the recent past. The plans are for it to be at EXPO again next year, and I’m sure a few small changes will be made to make things even better. We will report on EXPO next issue, but I just wanted to point out a couple of things that happened. The entire Executive Board was re-elected for another year, so good luck Ed, John, Pat and Bruce. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dave McGhee of Fiddlers Elbow, and the Member of the Year Award went to Steve Kopach of Mountain Ridge C.C. These superintendents will be profiled in coming issues of The Greenerside. I want to say good luck to Mark Kuhns, CGCS, of Baltusrol G.C. in his run for director of GCSAA. Mark has not been in New Jersey too long and has done a great job at Baltustrol in a short period of time. From what I can tell he has done quite a lot of work in two GCSAA affiliate chapters in Pennsylvania and a lot of work on GCSAA committees. Good luck! Visit us on the web at: www.gcsanj.org President’s Message Ed Mellor, Superintendent, The Colts Neck Golf Club For the first time, the GCSANJ held its annual meeting at Expo in Atlantic City. I think it was a success. There were nearly 60 members in attendance. Since it was scheduled at the same time most affiliate members that were in Atlantic City were setting up their booths, the vast majority in attendance was superintendents. I guess there is no perfect time for everybody. The highlight of this meet­ ing, in my opinion, was the naming of this year’s Distinguished Service Award Recipient. Anyone who’s been active in our association for any length of time knows David McGhee from Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. His selection was an excellent decision on the committee’s part. Also Steve Kopach received the Member of the Year Award for his continued work on our website. Congratulations to you both and thank you for the work you’ve done to improve our association. The next big event this winter is the GCSAA’s 73rd In­ ternational Golf Course Conference and Show in Orlando. Registration is down due to the world’s concern about trav­ eling. The travel industry as well as the GCSAA is coming up with monetary incentives to encourage you to make the trip. Hotel, airfare and car rental rates have been discounted. Also, I believe the GCSAA is not charging extra for on-sight registration and has arranged payment plans instead of pay­ ing for the entire event in advance. If you’re still considering making the trip, you might want to contact GCSAA Travel at 800-442-7220 for additional travel advice and discounts. And, finally, this winter, I strongly encourage you all to Unless we get a heck of a lot of rain and snow this winter to fill our reservoirs, 2002 promises to be a real challenge. take advantage of the winter. If it’s at all possible, make an effort to take some time off. It seems that each year is get­ ting a little longer and the job a little more demanding. This is the time to “recharge your batteries.” September 11th should have taught us just how fragile life can be. Reintroduce your­ self to your family and friends. Maybe spend a few extra days in Orlando or go north to enjoy the snow. Whatever you’re in to, do it. You need to do something for yourself so you’re ready for the 2002 season. Unless we get a heck of a lot of rain and snow this winter to fill our reservoirs, 2002 promises to be a real challenge. We had our choice of any grinder in the world for our own workshop We chose the EXPRESS DUAL & ANGLEMASTER Here's why Every year, we grind hundreds of reels for our customers. They depend on us for a perfect edge and a reliable grind. With customer satisfaction at stake, we chose the world's best selling grinders, the EXPRESS DUAL spin grinder and ANGLEMASTER bedknife grinder from Bernhard's for our workshop. The initial cost is a bit higher, but as the majority of the Top 100 golf courses have found out, it's worth it. We get speed, reliability and precision machine accuracy. Storr Tractor 3191 US Highway 22 • Somerville • NJ 08876 Tel 908 722 9830 • Fax 908 722 9847 EXPRESS DUAL & ANGLEMASTER We don't just sell them - We use them FREE GRINDING OFFER Call us to find out about next free grinding demonstration day. We will then arrange to grind one of your greens mowers free of charge as we demonstrate. Your greens mower will have the best grind of its life. And you'll see why we recommend the Express Dual and Anglemaster. GCSANJ hires State Street Associates In an effort to ensure that the turfgrass industry is treated fairly in future drought situations the Board of Directors of GCSANJ interviewed lobbying firms to represent the interests of the entire turfgrass industry. Hal Bozarth of State Street Associates met with us a few times and the Board felt that they would represent us well. I have heard that there are some concerns in other or­ ganizations that GCSANJ hired State Street to represent the concerns of golf courses alone. That is in no way true. Ev­ ery discussion that was held aimed at supporting the entire industry. We just wanted to make sure that progress was being made. In the recent past, a group of industry representatives formed the Alliance for Water Conservation. That group made great strides, they formulated a draft of recommendations for the next drought. Each group had input on the recom­ mendations and brought those to state employees who origi­ nally asked for them. After several meetings it was evident that progress was not being made, not from a lack of trying. At each GCSANJ Board meeting the question was raised, “Is there progress?” Eventually we decided that a lobbyist was the way to go and that the lobbyist would present one plan and that plan is the exact same plan that the AWC had been pushing for. We did not want to tell the membership that there were no changes made during the next drought because we had failed to act. When we started interviewing lobbyists we had no idea that drought watches and warnings would be in place again so soon. State Street Associates will be representing the entire turfgrass industry, as that is the only way that fair changes can be made. Let’s all hope for a snow covered winter and a wet spring so we can have time to act on this important issue. Turfgrass economic impact study Continued from page 1 fortable knowing that they would be there to facilitate this study and then be available to present the findings as a team to our lobbyist or others who would need interpretation of the findings. Other groups that were represented at that meeting were Calendar March 6,7 Advanced Turfgrass Manage­ ment Symposium:The Trials and Tribulations of the Modern Golf Green, Cook College. Contact Cook College at 732-932-9271 May 7 August 1 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic, Royce Brook Golf Club.Host Superintendent,Trent Inman. Contact NJTA at 732-821 - 7134 GCSANJ - Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day,Hort Farm II. Contact Judy Policastro at 973- 379-1100 NJTA, who volunteered to take the lead in fundraising if needed, the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Associa­ tion, the Sports Field Managers Association and others. The next step will include a focus group that will help to create a survey that will be mailed to turf managers through­ out the state. When you receive a survey please fill it out as factually as you can and return it in a timely fashion. The survey will be short and your cooperation will go a long way in helping our industry. Fertilizers • Grass Seed • Control Products MAIN STREET • TENNENT NJ 07763 SALES, INC. Reed Perrine Your Partners For Total Control CLEARY 800-222-1065 ext. 5 Chris Zelley • Matt Anasiewicz • Keith Haines • Greg Mendina GCSANJ news THREE TIMES IS A CHARM By Shaun Barry GCSANJ Commercial Representative Aventis Environmental Science The assistants of this association have many things to be proud of on a daily basis. They recognize the importance of their contributions to the golf course, and they understand that they really are a team with the head superintendent. They can also be proud of the tournament that has flour­ ished for three years. It started under the guidance of a young assistant by the name of Brian Remo. Tim Kerwin followed Mr. Remo, and now Brian Gjelsvik has continued the tradi­ tion. Along with Joe Kinlin, these three men were the com­ mittee that created this event. Many changes have taken place in each of their lives, but all four are still helping to make this event successful. The 2001 tournament was held at Royce Brook G.C. It seems that Trent Inman can’t say no to a worthwhile re­ quest. With a course and a date secured, the committee once again solicited donations from the affiliate members. These requests were met with a positive response so, once again, the cost of the day was very affordable for our C members and their guests. Recognizing the importance of education, the guest Continued on page 6 Rich Buckley touched on many important topics during his educational presentation at the C Championship. (From left) Tony Grieco, Brian Remo, Tony Benfield and Don MacKay show off the prizes that they won at the C Championship. Brian Gjelsvik was very professional as he addressed the membership at the C Championship. Shearon Golf A division of Shearon Environmental Design Company Construction / Maintenance Restorations / Renovations Arboriculture Design Drainage Experts Custom Spray Applicators Certified Irrigation Installers 337 Route 31 • Hopewell, NJ • 08525 • (609) 466-0666 www.shearongolf.com such luck). During this visit he said that Andrew would like to host a GCSANJ meeting when our schedule permitted. The clubhouse was under construction, so we just had to pick a date. We considered the April 2001 meeting, but then felt that the timing would be better for a later date. The Championship date was open so we went with that, and it was a wonderful choice. Everything was perfect. Continued on page 7 Andrew Franks and Kevin Smith surprised everyone at the Championship with their unique entrance. They jumped out of a plane and landed by the Ist tee just in time to start the competition. Amazing! GCSANJ news Continued from page 5 speaker was Rich Buckley of Rutgers University. He did a great job covering all of the topical issues with his prepared presentation and then finished the education part of the day with 15 minutes of questions and answers. He had to be on his toes with this very thoughtful gathering. An excellent lunch was followed by group photos, and then we all headed out to the West course for a real challenge. There was some fine golf played by these young guns, and, for the second time in two years, the low gross honors went to Tony Benfield. Low net honors were earned by Don MacKay. In the guest category, Tony Grieco was low gross and Brian Remo walked away with low net. There were many others who won prizes, but at the end of the day anyone who was able to attend this meeting was a winner. Attending this meeting will show you how serious and tal­ ented our C members are and how good the future will be when it is their turn to lead. THE CHAMPIONSHIP LANDS AT SCOTLAND RUN G.C. By Shaun Barry GCSANJ Commercial Representative Aventis Environmental Science My first experience with Scotland Run G.C. was in the year 2000. Kevin Driscoll had asked Andrew Franks if he could bring a group out to play the course. Phil O’Brien and I joined Kevin (yes, he did pay us), and we headed out to see what challenges this new course might offer. I immediately liked what I saw. What a great course! We were on the 8th hole when Kevin Smith stopped to see how things were going. Kevin is the assistant superintendent and he knows Mr. Driscoll’s game, so he was checking to see if Whitey had gotten lost or if he had been banished from our group (no Aerate, amend and topdress - play in 1 hour on a smooth surface The only machine in the world that injects high volumes of dry material. Before you buy, contract your greens aeration to us. Tired of drill-and-fill and time-consuming greens aeration? The new Land Pride Dryject1M injects soil amendments or topdressing so fast you can aerate, amend, and topdress in one pass. You’re back in play in 1 hour on a smooth putting surface. Adjust injection depth from 2” to 10” deep. Aerate and inject up to 8 cubic feet of amendment per 1000 sq. ft.. at 10,000 sq. ft.. per hour. Now, for about $15K, you’ll have unequaled versatility for injecting both dry and liquid materials. Easy operation. No maintenance headaches. LAND PRIDE DryJect Available exclusively from Advanced Agro Technologies, Inc., Wayside, NJ 1-800-270-TURF E-mail: turf@epix.net Andrew Franks (left) is all smiles as he receives our 75th Anniversary flag from Brian Minemier. GCSANJ news Continued from page 6 The tournament committee got there early. We had our annual GCSANJ Foundation fundraiser scheduled for this meeting. In addition to the normal complement of company sponsors for our monthly skill prizes, we had asked for addi­ tional donations. We raised over $3,000 on signs alone. (There isn’t enough room to list everyone who donated so gener­ ously, but I know that is not why you gave. Just to be able to help children has always been enough, and your gifts are really appreciated.) To put out all of the signs, our day had to start around 8:00 a.m. so we could be ready for the 10:00 a.m. registration of a field of 100 players. Matt Anasiewicz and Bill Murray joined Kevin and Paul to make sure things went smoothly. Andrew and Kevin had finished course preparations earlier than normal because they had planned a surprise for the group. Fifteen minutes before the start of the shotgun these two gentlemen were stepping out of an airplane. Just as the last one of our members was finishing the great lunch we had been served (thanks go to Lebanon for sharing the cost), the host professional made the announcement. We all stopped what we were doing and looked to the skies. There they were. Within moments they were safely on the ground near the first tee. What an entrance! Without any hesitation they both got out of their gear and headed to their tees to start the tournament. A downhill 3-foot putt must seem pretty tame after this adventure off the course. Leading the adventure on the course was Tom Grimac. He shot a 76 for low gross honors, which gave him the Sherwood Moore Cup. This also gave him his third victory of the fall. He captured low gross honors at The Robert Trent Jones Invitational held at Metedeconk National, and then he won at The Met Team Championship, which was played at Sunningdale C.C. in Westchester, N.Y. Right be­ hind Tom on this day was Angelo Petraglia (77), John Alexander (77) and Ian Kunesch (78). Wendell Beakley took first place in the A net flight with a 68. This was the lowest net score of all of the flights, so he took home the Dr. Henry Indyk Cup. Completing this flight were Bob Prickett (70), T. Grimac (70) and Greg Armbruster (73). The top four finish­ ers in the B flight were Harry Harsin (69), Keith Chapman (71), Bill McAteer (73) and Jeff Wetterling (75). (Unfortu­ nately, Chip Kern’s name was inadvertently put on the wrong score sheet, so his score does not appear in this flight where it belongs. He missed out because his 69 would have put him amongst the winners. Sorry, Chip.) The C flight only had three winners and they were Joel Collura (72), Pat Wall (77) and Mark Wittlinger (78). Joel shot this fine score while he also was competing in the finals of The Leslie Cup. Despite this fine effort, Joel and Brad Pat Wall, CGCS, has long been a member of and a friend to the GCSANJ. He has chosen to retire in early 2002, so this was his last meeting as an active superintendent. He is shown here displaying the results of a great day at the Championship. Simpkins lost to Trent Inman and Tom Weinert two and 1. It was a great match and a wonderful victory for Trent and Tom. They really wanted to win and they hope to be repeat champions. It also marks the first time in the history of this Continued on page 8 Specializing in sand, stone and soils MITCHELL PRODUCTS □ GC-500 treated topdressing □ TriCure soil surfactant □ Crushed quartzite bunker sand □ Manufactured topsoil / compost □ Crushed stone and rip rap □ Green divot sand and mix □ Green waste compost Complete line: Root zone, tee & divot mixes, dry sands, drainage stone MITCHELL PRODUCTS Millville, NJ 856.327.2005 Fax: 856.327.6881 Email: dmitch67 @ aol.com GCSANJ news Continued from page 7 event that a team from the north has won. Watching and playing in this tournament I know how much fun the compe­ tition is, and I know that Bob Leslie would be very proud. Winning the Dr. Paul Sartoretto Cup for the second year in a row was Jim Woods. He shot a 77 to take this honor. His 77 also matched the scores from Angelo and John Alexander. When these gross scores were combined with those shot by H. Harsin, B. Murray and C. Kern, we come up with the district team winners. In another close match District III defeated District IV by three shots. Mr. Woods also took low net honors in the affiliate division with a 71. He edged out Ed Casteen (71) and Tom Weinert (72). Our long drive contest was conducted before the start of play. Rob Finnessey from Tree Tech Inc. continued his long-standing tradition of giving a total of $300 to the three winners and another $300 to our foundation. B. Murray and Shaun Barry won their flights with drives of443 yd. and 428 yd. (give or take 200 yd.) into a stiff breeze. There was no winner in the C Flight, so the foundation got an extra dona­ tion. Many thanks, Rob, for your constant help. The long drive contests on the course had much differ­ ent results. Winning the prizes that were donated from our affiliates were Peter Hill (Century Rain Aid), T. Weinert (Country View), Steve Rudich (Lebanon), Mark DeNoble (Wilfred MacDonald) and Bob Prickett (Storr Tractor). Clos­ est to the pin winners were J. Alexander (Koonz), 2 ft. 3 in.; K. Chapman (Storr Tractor), 5 ft. 11 in.; Doug Smith (Wilfred MacDonald), 13 ft. 6 in.; and T. Grimac (Torsilieri), 7 ft. 1 in. Making one skin each, we have J. Woods, J. Alexander, Kelly c c I Course Contractors, Inc. Golf Course Construction & Improvements Dennis Shea Division Manager P.O. Box 158 Mt. Freedom, NJ 07970 800-936-2652 • Fax: 973-895-5578 Member GCSAA and NJGCSA Barry (unlike Seamus he is my real brother), T. Grimac, Lou Bosco, Rick Broome, E. Casteen, Harry Harsin, Jr., John Fenwick, Jack Montecalvo and (last and definitely least) Kevin Driscoll. Completing the golf events of the day was a senior and a super senior event. Bob Prickett and Harry Harsin took gross honors, while Pat Wall and Jack Montecalvo walked away with net honors. Pat is retiring and moving away so this was his final monthly meeting. It is quite fitting that this forever-happy man said goodbye while holding two plaques. You will be missed, Pat. Jack has also retired and, although he has had some health problems, he looked great. I expect he will continue his winning ways for a long time to come. Our day was a great success, and we really owe a debt of thanks to Andrew and Kevin and to every person at Scot­ land Run. A lot of effort went into preparations and execu­ tion for this event to run so smoothly. I hope we can return soon. The following donors at the Championship supported the GCSANJ Foundation: Driving Range: Aventis Environmental Science Putting Green: Storr Tractor Company Tees: Floratine Products Vic Gerard Golf Cars Grass Roots Turf Products Stull Equipment Company Torsilieri, Inc. Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. Storr Tractor Company Jacklin Seed A.T. Sales Syngenta Professional Products Ocean County Utilities Authority Philadelphia Turf Bayer Company Greens: Plant Food Co. Inc. Torsilieri, Inc. Syngenta Professional Products Bayer Company Lebanon Turf Products Storr Tractor Company Continued on page 9 GCSANJ news Continued from page 8 TWO LONG TIME GCSANJ MEMBERS PASS Michael H. Leary and Dr. Paul Sartoretto passed away recently. Both men gave a lot to this organization in their own special ways. Mike Leary was 60 years old; of those 60 years 27 were spent as superintendent at Montammy C.C. in Alpine N.J. He was a superintendent for over 35 years; most recently Mike was the manager of Golf Course Operations at the Griffin E. Harris Golf Course in Greenwich, Conn. He started his career at Shepard Hills in Waverly N.Y., and worked at Oak Hills in Rochester N.Y. before coming to Montammy. Among his peers Mike was famous for his stand of Bentgrass at Montammy. Dave Pease once remarked, after Montammy hosted the GCSANJ Invitational, those greens were the most consistent he had ever played. Al Radco was always amazed at the condition of the entire golf course. It was said that some of Mike’s methods were a little unorthodox, but they worked for him. Former Assistant Superintendent Paul Jordan hosted the first annual Mike Leary Memorial Golf Outing this fall. The Mike Leary American Cancer Society, 800-ACS-2345, and the United Hospice of Rockland County, 845-634-4974, were recipients of almost $ 1,000 each, the proceeds from this tournament. Mike is survived by his beloved partner, Joan LaRose, two sons, Patrick of Howell, N.J. and Jeffery of Hilton Head, S.C., and a daughter Janet of Allentown Pa. Dr. Paul Sortoretto, a long-time employee of Cleary Chemi­ cal, was 88 years old. Dr. Paul earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Notre Dame University in 1937. He came to work at W.A. Cleary Chemical in 1944 as director of re­ search and development. After the death of William Cleary in 1965, he assumed the office of president. It was during his tenure at Cleary that Dr. Paul pioneered the technology of tank mixing fungicides to obtain a broader spectrum of dis­ ease control. Dr. Paul invented PMAS! He was the subject of GCSANJ’s member profile, September-October 2001. Dr. Paul and his wife Mary retired to Arcadia, Califor­ nia, in 1998. He is survived by Mary, to whom he was mar­ ried for 63 years, three daughters, Paula Olsen, Mary Bloebaum, Regina Fink, Ph.D., six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A RECAP OF THE MINUTES OF THE GCSANJ OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS The October 17th meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. by President Ed Mellor. The meeting was held at the Rock Spring Club; Ed thanked Jim McNally for hosting us. Those present included Ed Mellor, Jim McNally, John Continued on page 10 PROVEN PERFORMANCE WITH Adams Earth Organic Soil Amendment AND Liquid Fertilizers some formulations include: •0-0-25 w/Sulfur • 12-3-12 50% SRN & Micros • 18-3-6 50% SRN & Micros •20-0-0 50% SRN •20-3-3 20% SRN & Iron •Sugar Cal 10% PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. The Liquid Fertilizer Experts 38 Hightstown-Cranbury Station Rd. • Cranbury, NJ 08512 Toll Free: (800) 562-1291 • Fax: (609) 443-8038 E-Mail: pfc@plantfoodco.com Visit our Website @ www.plantfoodco.com GCSANJ news Continued from page 9 O’Keefe, Bruce Peeples, Gregg Armbruster, Shaun Barry, Roger Stewart, Chris Holenstein, Brian Minemier, Paul Dotti, Mickey Stachowski and Ken Krausz. Phil Scott sent a thank you note, as he is happy to be­ come a life member. Joe Ciccone is doing well after surgery. Jim McNally attended a golf tournament in the memory of Mike Leary. GCSANJ will send a $100 donation to a charity in Mike’s memory; Ken Krausz will get the charity informa­ tion to Judy. After a long search and interview process a motion was made by Ken Krausz, seconded by Chris Holenstein, to hire State Street Associates, the lobbyist firm, to represent GCSANJ and the Green industry in getting the document that was drafted by the Alliance for Water Conservation set in place in the state so the next time there are water restric­ tions, the green industry is asked to conserve in a more even percentage as the rest of businesses. Ed Mellor sent a letter to GCSAA asking for support of Dr. Bingru Huang’s research on Bentgrass drought stress EarthWorks - The Complete Biological Soil Management Company With the right soil, you can grow anything. Even your reputation. We start with the soil first and all of our products are agronomically formulated. We can provide you a comprehensive soil testing program, a full line of liquid bio-stimulants and the most complete line of Natural Organic Fertilizers available anywhere, Replenish. You can find out more by calling 800-732-TURF or look us up on the web at www.soilfirst.com. EarthWorks Natural Organic Products Introducing the Replenish line of Natural Organic Fertilizers tolerances. for GCSAA Director. Mark Kuhns spoke with the Board concerning his run Paul Dotti and Roger Stewart have finalized plans for the November educational meeting. The club relations committee reported on a recent meeting with a member club. Brian Minemier and Gregg Armbruster reported that the golf simulator was on order for EXPO and that commercial sponsorship was going well. Mickey Stachowski attended a Drought Emergency Task Force meeting and stated that superintendents should be at­ tending their local watershed meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m. The November 8th meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. at association headquarters by President Ed Mellor. Those present included Ed Mellor, Pat Campbell, John O’Keefe, Bruce Peeples, Shaun Barry, Roger Stewart, Chris Holenstein, Paul Doth, Mickey Stachowski, Ken Krausz, Jim McNally and Judy Policastro. Dennis De Sanctis sent a thank you card for the fruit basket; Dennis is doing well. Mickey Stachowski informed us that parts of New Jer­ sey are in a stage one drought watch. There is a meeting with the Alliance for Water Conservation and Hal Bozart set. There is a meeting set at Rutgers to discuss the Turfgrass Economic Impact Study. Ken Krausz will attend. A GCSAA seminar on Turfgrass Stress is scheduled for January 16th at the Ralph Geiger Center. There may be a Continued on page 11 Joe and Anne Vasta Premium Bent Grass Sod for Golf Courses People you can trust—Quality you can count on A Third Generation Farm 1107 Courses Landing Road Woodstown, NJ 08098 Business Phone/Fax. (856)299-0274 Sales - Chip Presendofer Toll Free: 888-442-2322 GCSANJ news Continued from page 10 seminar in March; plans are being tossed around. There are also plans for superintendent roundtable discussions, possi­ bly on a district basis. Shaun Barry noted that the scholarship committee is dis­ cussing changes in the way we award the scholarships, pos­ sibly opening them up to children of GCSANJ members that are not in the turfgrass field. The foundation will be adminis­ tering this. Bruce Peeples and Joe Flaherty attended a party in which Raritan Valley C.C. celebrated the 35th anniversary of Al Rathjen Jr.’s employment there. The assistant superintendents annual seminar and golf tournament had 50 people attend. The meeting was at Royce Brook and host Superintendent Trent Inman did a wonderful job. The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m. WELCOME THE NEWEST GCSANJ MEMBERS Please join The Greenerside in welcoming the following new members of GCSANJ: Robert D. Carey, Class A, Spring Brook CC, District 2 Jeremy Daubert, Class C, Pine Hill GC, District 4 Robert Arts, Class C, Stanton Ridge CC, District 3 William Goodrich, Class AF, Helena Chemical, District 4 Jeffery Davis, Class AF, Maniotino Contracting, District 2 Art Briggs, Class D, Preakness Hills CC, District 1 George Caezza, Class C, Edgewood CC, District 1 Lee Kozsey, Class AF, Syngenta, District 3 Congratulations to David Fowler, Bunker Hill GC, as he requested a classification change from class C to class B. We also wish the best to Patrick A. Wall, CGCS, who has requested a classification change from Class A to Life A. COLIN MICHAEL CAMPBELL IS OUR NEWEST MEMBER Michael and Amy Campbell are proud to announce the birth of Colin Michael Campbell, bom December 11,2001, at 12:26 p.m. Colin weighed in at 8 pounds 1 ounce. All is well and he is a true bundle of joy. Colin’s dad, Michael, and his grandfather, Pat, both work at Panther Valley. JOE CICCONE HITS THE HALF-CENTURY MARK! Did you hear? Joe Ciccone is 50! Well, that is the scoop from Buddy Rizzio. These pictures tell the story of a suc­ cessful man. Wonderful wife, great family and friends. What more can a person ask for? Happy Birthday, Joe! JanetandJoe Ciccone pose for the camera at Joe's surprise 50th birthday party. This isonebirthdaythat Joe will never forget. Joe's brother-in-law and his daughter display Buddy Rizzio's gift. It's nice to have friends. RALPH McGILLIAN Excavating Contractor Specializing in Lakes & Ponds Over 35 years experience in building new ponds, enlarging & redesigning existing ponds. Can get all DEP permits 609-655-2281 174 Plainsboro Road, Cranbury, NJ GCSANJ news Continued from page 11 AL RATHJENS HONORED FOR 35 YEARS AT RARITAN VALLEY CC By Bruce Peeples, CGCS Superintendent, Spring Lake G.C. A special evening took place on November 3, 2001, at the Raritan Valley Country Club, and GCSANJ was there to help celebrate. Al Rathjens, Jr. was honored for his 35 years of service as the golf course superintendent. The first thing that comes to mind is what an incredible achievement it is for both A1 and Raritan Valley C.C. to have such a commit­ ment to each other for that long a time period! Both are to be congratulated. Al, his wife Susan and son Al, III were invited to the annual awards night banquet at the club and nothing more was said. However, Raritan Valley C.C. and General Man­ ager Bill Hoferer, CCM, had additional ideas. A phone call was placed to President Ed Mellor asking participation from GCSANJ members. I quickly volunteered, as Al’s father, Al PARTAC TOP-DRESSING GOLF COURSE AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP DRESSING HEAT TREATED AVAILABLE IN BULK OR BAGS PLUS GREEN & TEE CONSTRUCTION MIXES, WHITE TRAP SANDS, CART PATH & DIVOT REPAIR MIXES AND MUCH MORE! DISTRIBUTED IN N.l. BY: FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY 215/483-5000 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS 973/361-5943 FISHER & SON COMPANY 610/644-3300 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION 973/263- 1234 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NEW JERSEY 07838 908-637-4191 The old backyard. Al Rathjens (left) and life-long friend Joe Flaherty. Rathjens, Sr., had been golf course superintendent at Spring Lake G.C. for a number of years, and Al, Jr. himself grew up in the same house my family and I lived in when we first arrived at Spring Lake. I then placed a call to Joe Flaherty, CGCS, who I knew was a friend of Al’s, and he and his wife Eileen quickly agreed to attend as well. Al and his family could not have been more surprised! When Al first noticed my wife Janet and I, a curious smile came over his face. But when he saw Joe and Eileen, his jaw dropped. Then he knew something was up! As I was to later learn, Joe and Al might as well be brothers as they attended school together all the way through, were in each others weddings and even share godchildren! Joe and I were asked to say a few words, which we gladly did. GCSANJ also presented Past President Al and his family with a large photograph of his old backyard—the seventeeth hole of Spring Lake Golf Club. It was great to see the sincere respect and admiration Al Rathjens, Jr. was accorded that night at Raritan Valley C.C. It certainly is well deserved! Continued on page 13 GCSANJ news Continued from page 12 MESSAGE TO THE MEMBERSHIP By Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS It is indeed an honor to be nominated for director of GCSAA. I consider GCSAA one of the strongest profes­ sional organizations in this country. We undoubtedly are one of the strongest within our industry. GCSAA has been part of my life for over 20 years. I can’t begin to imagine where we would be today without GCSAA. From humble beginnings of a handful of visionar­ ies, with virtually no funding, to a multi-million dollar organi­ zation supporting thousands of members, GCSAA has pro­ vided us with educational opportunities and membership ser­ vices that are second to none within our industry. Our staff at GCSAA has evolved into a highly organized group that could rival the management teams of many Fortune 500 com­ panies. We are indeed a very professional group. The vision of our founders has grown and been nurtured by the many dedicated members and staff that have followed in their foot­ steps. We have achieved a level of professionalism that even our founders could not have imagined. The bar will soon be raised for future generations of superintendents. PDI will introduce a new level of profes­ sionalism that many organizations can only hope to achieve. Our class A status will have significant meaning, and other professions within our industry will be striving to keep up with our pace. We will have the highest standards in the industry, and we, as a group, will only work harder to achieve the next level. Our certification program has helped many of our mem­ bers grow stronger in the quest for professionalism. Main­ taining certification status has kept those members better informed and prepared to do their jobs, through advanced education and on the job experience. The level will soon be higher as the committee is working to create a true test of our expertise and put a premium on formal education and practical experience. As a member of the Certification Com­ mittee, I am proud to be part of this process. When our work is completed, certification will have greater meaning and more clout in the golfing community. There are many issues facing superintendents today. The one issue that seems to surface more frequently is job secu­ rity. Why can’t superintendents who work very hard, day in and day out, maintain their positions until they retire? Why can’t superintendents lead normal lives like other professionals and spend more time with their families and friends without being told “you’re never on the course?” Why can’t we serve our professional organization without the threat of being fired? This is a major issue that must be addressed soon. We must ask ourselves how can we, as a professional group, help solve this problem for future generations? It is becoming all too frequent that we hear about a good superintendent losing his or her job because of political manipulation or age dis­ crimination! Surely we can look at this problem and develop a strategy to solve it. What role will this association play in solving this problem? The answer to this question is not simple. Education is the obvious answer to help us deal with today’s trends and problems associated with being a super­ intendent. GCSAA should strive to develop an educational program devoted solely to job security. Programs should ad­ dress communication skills, management skills, legal skills and other topics that will provide a superintendent with the necessary support to defend against this nationwide trend. I am very fortunate to have the full support and encour­ agement of my club to pursue this challenging endeavor. I have been involved in my professional associations most of my career, and I will continue to serve as long as I am able to do so. If elected to the Board of GCSAA, I will work tirelessly to help solve the problems we are facing. I am committed for the long haul. I am committed to professionalism. I am committed to education. I am committed to you, my fellow superintendents, and all of the members of GCSAA. I will not let you down, and I will strive to represent you with the utmost in dignity and professionalism. In conclusion, I want to thank everyone involved for pro­ viding me this opportunity. Win, lose or draw, I will always be there for my fellow GCSAA members and especially my fellow members of GCSANJ. I will always share my expe­ riences and be part of this great organization. Thank you. When service counts, you can trust Please call today to have a certified arborist visit your trees. Alpine 201-445-4949 the Care of Trees ™ to deliver Alpine thecareoftrees www.thecareoftrees.com GCSAA news FLORHAM PARK SUPERINTENDENT RENEWS PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION cational requirements and/or continuing education units (CEUs). The candidate must then pass a rigorous six-hour examination covering: knowledge of GCSAA and its certifi­ Scott Carpenter, golf course superintendent at Brooklake Country Club, Florham Park, N.J., has completed the re­ newal process for maintaining his status as a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) with the Golf Course Su­ perintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Carpenter has been at the Brooklake Country Club since 1979. He initially achieved his title of CGCS in 1992. GCSAA instituted the certification program in 1971 to recognize outstanding and progressive superintendents. Ap­ proximately 1,700 golf course superintendents currently hold CGCS status. To become certified, a candidate must have at least three years’ experience as a golf course superintendent, be em­ ployed in that capacity and meet specific post-secondary edu­ GCSAA instituted the certification pro­ gram in 1971 to recognize outstanding and progressive superintendents. cation program; rules of golf; turfgrass management; pest control; safety and compliance; and financial and human re­ source management. Maintaining certified status requires a renewal process be completed every five years since the initial date of certi­ fication. To fulfill certification renewal requirements, Car­ penter participated in 10 CEUs of continuing education and professional development. Your Trees Deserve the Best of Care! All Phases of Tree Care: Residential and Commercial BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS www.bartlett.com Local Offices: Denville Lebanon Ridgewood S. Plainfield 908-561-9440 973-983-1840 908-735-6619 201-444- 0002 Alliance for Environmental Concerns annual meeting a success If you were not sure where to get the answers to regula­ tory questions before you attended the Alliance for En­ vironmental Concerns (AEC) annual meeting, you cer­ tainly had the answer after attending this informative semi­ nar. AEC Executive Director Nancy Sadlon and the Board of Directors did a great job of getting informative speakers and setting a great agenda. Anne Waters, the New Jersey Department of Environ­ mental Protection outreach coordinator, explained the changes in the pesticide licensing and regulatory issues. This is the first overhaul of the entire process in quite a while. You can contact Anne at www.pcpnj.com or 609-984-6507. Hal Bozarth of State Street Associates gave some very interesting insight on how the state government will change in 2002. There was a panel discussion and other interesting in­ sights on the FQPA and almost anything that could impact the industry through government regulation. The silent auction bidding exceeded last year’s income and great deals were had. By Chris Hartwiger Step-by-step guide to consistent bunkers Follow the rules and you can achieve consistency, but are you sure you want to? Bunkers are one of the most popular topics discussed during Green Section Turf Advisory visits. These hazards, as defined in The Rules of Golf, are often criticized for being too hard, too soft, too wet or contaminated with sediment. Bunker discussions al­ most always end with the familiar refrain: “All we want are consistent bunkers!” For those of you who share in this de­ sire, I have good news for you. It can be done. Having been down the long, winding road to bunker con­ sistency with golfers before, the first step is to weed out a few of the pretenders from those who are ready to get down to business. This short survey will do the trick. How would you rate bunker consistency at your golf course: 1. The bunkers are fine just the way they are. 2. The bunkers are not consistent, but I am not willing to pay any money out of my own pocket to improve them. 3. The bunkers are not consistent and I am willing to pay up to $500 to improve them. 4. The bunkers are not consistent and I am ready to pay whatever it takes to improve them. For those of you who selected 1, 2 or 3, you have per­ mission to stop reading. For those of you who selected 4, read on. For years golf course superintendents have tried to main- Continued on page 16 Hunter GOLF Here's The First Step To Improving Your Irrigation System More Than 200 Branches Nationwide DeereEvery golf course has irrigation system challenges. That’s why your local John Landscapes golf representative offers a range of custom solutions for your course. With the recent acquisition of Century Rain Aid, your local John Deere Landscapes branch is now one of the most comprehen­ sive suppliers of golf course irrigation equipment in the U.S. Our fully-staffed golf support team brings more than 25 years of experience to the game and can help you solve any site challenge. Irrigation Systems Featuring Hunter Golf Rotors, valves, central control systems, maintenance radios Pump Stations Customized for your course Fountains and Landscape Lighting Boardtronics Controller Board Repairs Replace outdated Toro™ and Rain Bird™ controller boards. Call 888-855-9132. John Deere LANDSCAPES www.JohnDeereLandscapes.com On-Site Consultation: 800-642-3706 Step-by-step guide to consistent bunkers Continued from page 15 tain all the bunkers with the same riding machine or hand raking technique. In the quest for consistency, this approach was doomed to fail because of the many factors that influ­ ence bunker performance. The shape of the subgrade, the runoff of surface water, the spacing of the drain lines, the amount of irrigation coverage and the position of the bun­ kers in relation to the prevailing wind are a few of the fac­ tors that make each bunker unique. The same maintenance program does not produce consistent bunkers. The first step in our quest for consistency is complete reconstruction. Purchase the best sand in your area and use the most technologically advanced construction technique. Here is where things get a little sticky. If we really want consistent bunkers, it is imperative to make each bunker the same size and shape. After all, it would be inconsistent to have a sloped subgrade on one bunker and a flat bottom on another. Come to think of it, this will make construction even easier. The next step does require me to break a little bad news to you. If we want consistent bunkers, and we do, we had better go ahead and make each green identical to avoid any inconsistencies in the way the shot should be played. For example, a bunker shot to a green sloping away from the player is going to perform differently than a shot to a green sloping toward the player. This would represent inconsis­ tency. Hang in there—the last two changes are almost pain­ less. Every approach shot on par 3s, par 4s and par 5s should be the same length. Change the length of the holes as needed to meet this requirement. Although our sand is perfect, I have a feeling that a ball hit high with a pitching wedge into a bunker will have a different lie than the lie of a ball in the bunker hit with a low screaming 3 iron. Again, different lies would result in inconsistent bunkers. Timely tips... By Joe Bianco, NJTA Board member The United States Department of Treasury/Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) released pertinent busi­ ness and personal credit access information concerning how and when your personal, financial and business information may be released to anyone effective July 1, 2001. The important part of the release reads as follows: The four major credit bureaus in the United States will be allowed, starting July 1, to release any and all credit infor­ mation, including mailing addresses, phone numbers, rela- Finally, we must do something about the variety of sand wedges that are available. Some sand wedges are great for firm sand, while others are better for softer sand. If we want consistency in our bunkers, we cannot stand for different equipment. Each club can specify which wedge their play­ ers must use. To offer a little variety, maybe a different wedge could be specified for different days of the week. There you have it—consistent bunkers. Although I have offered great recommendations, I hope no one follows them. Now I will tell you why. (Caution: The next few statements may infuriate some of you.) First, most people who complain about the bunkers being inconsistent are really saying that they are not getting the ball up and down as frequently as they think they should. Second, who ever said bunkers are supposed to be consistent? Every bunker is different and, therefore, bunkers are inherently inconsistent. If you do not take anything else from this article, re­ member that golf is a game of inconsistencies. A player must make adjustments for yardage, the lie of the ball, the direc­ tion and speed of the wind, the slope of the putting green, and on and on and on. What is consistent about playing the game? Nothing. And that is precisely why it is fun to try to get that little ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. If the bunkers at your golf course frustrate the daylights out of you, take a lesson from a golf professional. Become a better course manager and avoid them. But above all else, do not allow the condition of a hazard to take the fun out of the game. Chris Hartwiger shares innovative ideas as agronomist for the USGA Green Section Southeast Region, based in Birmingham, Alabama. Reprinted from November/December 2001 USGA Green Section Record fives, employment history and past credit practices, etc. - to anyone who requests it. If you would like to opt out of this release information, you must call 888-567-8688. I have done this and it only takes a couple of minutes. You can also have everyone in your household removed with one phone call as long as you have their social security num­ ber. Reprinted from NJTA Turfgrass Clippings, Fall 2001. When you spend 87 years listening you pick up a few tips. To all of us at Toro, there is no better source of information for our product designers and distributor professionals than people like you. When we are able to listen to your ideas, address your concerns and answer your questions, we are better able to make products that get the job done. And get it done right. Were proud of our long-standing history, but were most excited about the future. After all, with a relationship we both can count on, who knows how far we’ll go? Storr Tractor Company 3191 Highway 22, Somerville, NJ 08876 908-722-9830 TORO. www.toro.com FCC's radio audit includes golf courses The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) is conducting an audit of the operational status of Pri­ vate Land Mobile Radio (PLMR) stations licensed on fre­ quencies below 512 MHz. The purpose of the audit is to update and increase the accuracy of the Commission’s PLMR licensing database. Golf courses that utilize radios to communicate and operate irrigation systems will be included in the FCC’s audit. As part of the audit, the FCC is sending audit letters to licensees with authorized facilities operating on frequencies below 512 MHz. The Bureau began mailing letters August 15, 2001, and will complete all mailings approximately six months later in February 2002. The audit letter includes a form designed to gather the required information to com­ plete an audit response. Licensees are required to respond within 60 days. The FCC has created a website that provides informa­ tion associated with the audit, http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/plmrs/ audit.html. Information located at this site includes: the golf course name, contact name, call sign, date the audit letter was mailed and any responses received from the licensee. Utilize the following steps to access audit information for a specific golf course: 1. Enter http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/plmrs/audit.html to access the FCC’s Construction and Operation Audit web page. 2. Click on the Spectrum Audit Database bullet, located at bottom of the text on the Construction and Operation Audit page. In the Spectrum Audit Search web page, enter the golf 3. course name in the search by licensee section or enter a license call sign in the search by call sign section. 4. The completed search will provide the following infor­ mation: audit letter’s date, addressee and responses received. If a golf course does not receive an audit letter, a re­ sponse to the audit is still required, and the golf course should utilize the FCC’s web site to determine if it was included in Continued on page 20 PROformance Golf Sands U.S. Silica offers quality construction and maintenance products: • Pro White™ Bunker Sands • Sure Play™ Top Dressing Sands • Sure Play™ Root Zone Mixes • Sure Play™ Drainage Media U.S. Silica Golf Sands are offered from 12 locations throughout the,United States including New Jersey. Our products enhance the beauty of your course, reduce maintenance and pieet all USGA recommendations.; U.S. Silica is the name to trust for quality material and superior PROformance. For more information, call U.S. Silica Company toll free at (866) 321-SAND or e-mail at sales@ussilica.com Visit us on the web at www.golfsand.com ©2001 U.S. SILICA John Cameron: Early pioneer By Doug Vogel, Superintendent Packanack Lake C.G. GCSANJ Historian The Yountakah C.C. in Nutley, N.J., enjoyed the repu­ tation of being one of the best-maintained golf courses in the New York Metropolitan area. The man responsible for the excellent conditions was a hardworking Scotsman named John Cameron. Cameron joined the Greenkeepers Association of New Jersey in 1927, one month after its first official meeting. This fraternity of greenkeepers was a tight knit bunch, so much so that two members were on hand supporting John on his wedding day. Vic Eaton of the Trenton C.C. was a groomsman and Alex Reid of the Plainfield C.C. was his best man. All three men figured very prominently in the early formative years of the association. Cameron, Reid and Eaton were elected to numerous Board positions, each attaining the top position of president. John Cameron installed the first central watering sys­ tem on a New Jersey golf course. He was a stickler for weeds in his greens and employed summer help to crawl on their hands and knees to remove them. He hosted the 1939 and 1942 New Jersey Open. 1939 Open Champion Long Jim Barnes praised Cameron’s effort as being the “man with the best greens.” Vic Eaton, Trenton C.C. (left) and John Cameron, Yountakah C.C. Having grown up in Scotland, Cameron enjoyed the game of golf just as much as its maintenance. One memorable round of golf took place in 1931 at the Trenton C.C. with friend Vic Eaton. Adjacent to the club was the New Jersey State Insane Asylum. As both golfers played up the 18th fairway during a heavy downpour, they heard a voice from across the street yell out a window, “You should be in here, not me!” The effects of a bad economy and the outbreak of World War II caused the Yountakah C.C. to close in 1943. It was Continued on page 21 National Scope, Local Focus Our Controlled Release Fertilizers Feature Polyon® Technology Contact Simplot Partners: Fran Berdine, (845) 361-4105 Alfie Gardiner (610) 278-6762 or Toll-Free (800) 228-6656 www.simplotpartners.com Stnce 1923 MATERIALS FROM THE EARTHS CRUST Geo. Schofield Co., Inc. P.O. BOX 110, BOUND BROOK, NEW JERSEY 08805 • Bunker Sands • Construction Sands/Blends • Topdressings • SUPRGRO Topsoil' • Construction Gravels • Cart Path Materials • Landscape Materials •STABILIZER Blending Customized blends available with our new mobile blending equipment. ★ U.S.G.A. specification products. ★ (732) 356-0858 Cook College presents Turfgrass Management Symposium On March 6-7,2002, Cook College of Continuing Pro­ fessional Education will present “Advanced Turfgrass Management Symposium: The Trials and Tribulations of the Modem Golf Green.” This annual ad­ vanced winter turfgrass symposium provides a grounds-up review of the current state of golf green research. From the root zone to what makes the ball roll, leading turfgrass scien­ tists will share their view of what it takes to meet the ever increasing demand for high performance turf How far can we go? When is enough enough? These and more exciting questions will be addressed in these two education-packed days. Contact the Cook College Office of Continuing Profes­ sional Education at 732-932-9271 to reserve your place at this informative symposium. (The cost to GCSANJ mem­ bers is $295.00 before February 15, 2002.) FCC's radio audit includes golf courses Continued from page 18 the audit. Golf courses that do not respond to the FCC’s audit risk having their licenses cancelled. After cancellation, the golf course will incur the costs required to comply with current FCC regulations before acquiring a new license. Thanks to Joe McCleary, CGCS, at Saddlerock Golf Course in Aurora, Colorado, for providing this information. Joe is the government relations liaison for the Rocky Moun­ tain GCSA. Contact the GR department at 800-472-7878, ext. 610, or mail to: grinfo@gcsaa.org if you need assistance using the FCC website. Pavelec Bros. Golf Course Construction Co. Professionalism and Excellence in the Construction of New and Renovation Work. ♦Large and small crews for any size job ♦ Rock Walls ♦ Pond Construction / Pond Dredging ♦All equipment necessary ♦ Extensive drainage design ♦Certified Irrigation Contractor Fax: 1-973-667-6599 1-973-667-1643 Golf course tractor PTO safety By Richard Oates Oceangro Fertilizer Would you like to be saved from a monster lawsuit, headache and major injury to one of your staff members? How about a reminder of something you know but may have forgotten? My name is Richard Oates and I am the sales representative for Oceangro Fertilizer. I formerly worked as a sales manager for Lesco and was an assistant at Metedeconk National in Jackson. Oceangro is the 5-5-0 organic fertilizer produced in Ocean County and sold in bulk to golf courses and municipalities in New Jersey for grow in and as a maintenance fertilizer. Large volumes of Oceangro must be applied to turf be­ cause of the low fertilizer ratio, and using a Lely or Vicon spreader to apply the material is not practical. Oceangro purchased large volume wet lime spreaders to loan out for free to make an Oceangro application. My job with Oceangro is not only to promote the material, but also drop off the spreaders and help with calibration. I thought I would just clean, grease and drop the spreaders off, but complications do arise. The spreader PTO shafts, bearings and safety shields quite often returned mangled—sometimes like a train wreck. The thing is, now I notice a lot of golf course PTO- driven equipment with damaged or missing PTO safety shields. It seems to be the norm for at least some golf courses. I’ve seen some PTO shields so badly damaged that one-half of the PTO shaft is exposed. So what’s the big deal? Those damaged plastic safety shields mean that: 1) The tractor isn’t hooked up to the equip­ ment correctly or 2) The equipment isn’t being used cor­ rectly. If you allow this to happen, your insurance company won’t like you and OSHA won’t like you either. Do PTO Early pioneer Continued from page 19 sold to the International Telephone and Telegraph Company, who retained Cameron as its grounds superintendent for the property. He was set on saving his irrigation system only to come to work one morning finding steam shovels and bull­ dozers digging it up. John was let go after one year of em­ ployment and lived only long enough to see his beloved Yountakah turned into brick buildings and blacktop. Visit us on the web at: www.gcsanj.org accidents really happen? You have a better chance of being killed by a tractor roll over (you do have a roll over bar on that tractor, don't you?) than being caught by an unguarded PTO shaft, but it does happen. Type in the words “Farm Tractor Accidents” on the Internet and you’ll be surprised at what you find. When hooking up a tractor to PTO-driven equipment, there are certain measurements and clearances that must be checked to guarantee safe use to the equipment and the operator. The plastic safety shroud will not tear, shred, melt or be deformed if those measurements are checked first. You know RPMs should be low before engaging the PTO, sharp turns should be avoided and safety shrouds should be in place, but does your operator know that? I used to think golf course people were the true green industry profession­ als, but after seeing the damaged spreaders returned to Oceangro, it seems that not everyone working on every golf course could be considered a professional. Don’t let this happen. The grass will grow back—a staff member’s arm or leg will not if it’s tom off. PRESTIGE TREES Landscape Nursery LLC 732.446.7888 • 25' Evergreens • 30' Shade Trees • Don't Cut-Transplant • Course References Golf Course Specialists Buy-A-Brick The New Jersey Turfgrass Association and Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Sci­ ence are sponsoring the Buy-A-Brick project, an opportunity for you to leave a lasting imprint of your support for the Ralph Geiger Turfgrass Education Center by purchasing a paving brick engraved with your name or the name of your club or organization. Your engraved brick(s) will be used to pave the patio area outside the Geiger building and support the construction. For a limited time, a personalized brick can be yours for the donation amount of $100 per brick. Each brick may include a maximum of three lines of 13 characters (including spaces). To order your brick(s), complete the form below and mail it with your check (made payable to: New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation) to: NJTA, PO Box 340, Milltown, NJ 08850-0340. Buy-A-Brick Order Farm (Please print clearly) Name Affiliation Address City State Business Phone Fax Total Amount Enclosed $100 (per brick) Zip □ My check is enclosed (payable to New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation) □ I wish to be invoiced □ I wish to pay by credit card (please contact the NJTA at 732-821 -7134) My 13 character (including spaces), three line inscription will read: 2002 Patron Directory ADVANCED AGRO TECHNOLOGIES, INC. DryJect, Axis Peter van Drumpt - Chris desGarennes - Chris Collins (732) 922-4743 EGYPT FARMS INC. Soils Steve Chirip - Dean Snyder - Dave Cammarota (800) 899-7645, (410) 335-3700 WILFRED MacDONALD, INC. Turf Equipment Tim Kerwin - Chris Hunt - Mike Pelrine (888) 831-0891; www.wilfredmacdonald.com ALPINE THE CARE OF TREES Arboriculture Firm Bobbie Carlos - Wendy A. Riehm, Designer (847) 394-4220 E/T EQUIPMENT CO. John Deere Golf & turf distributor Dick Neufeld - Tom Fallarcaro - Kevin Collins (914) 271-6126 RALPH McGILLAN EXCAVATING LLC Lakes & Ponds Ralph (609) 655-2281 AQUARIUS IRRIGATION SUPPLY, INC. Wholesale Irrigation Supplies David Beausoleil - Renee Mure - Joe Jaskot (973) 423-0222, (800) 922-0717 AQUATROLS Soil Surfactants Phil O'Brien (856) 573-9795 AT SALES ASSOCIATES, LTD. Sod Sales & Installation Chip Presendofer - Owen Regen (215) 886-6011, (401) 465-8066 ATLANTIC MILLS INC. Course Accessories Jack Brady - Diane Hill - Bill Vogel (732) 363-9558 AVENTIS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Plant Protectants Shaun M. Barry (732) 846-8173 JAMES BARRETT ASSOCIATES, INC. Irrigation Design & Consulting Jim Barrett (973) 364-9701 BAYER CORPORATION Pesticide Manufacturer Jeffrey Weld (973) 208-2418 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS Top Dressing, Bunker Sand, Cont. Mgt. Gene Evans - Chuck Evans (570) 443-9596 BOHM'S SOD FARM Growers of Premium Golf Turf David Bohm (800) 624-1947 CLEARY CHEMICAL CORPORATION Turf & Ornamental Chemicals Bryan Bolehala (732) 329-8399 ALAN G. CRUSE INC. Golf Course Materials Alan Cruse - Jim Cruse (973) 227-7183; Fax (973) 227-1984 COUNTRY VIEW, INC. Design, Renovation, Construction & Root Zone Mixes Scott A. Bills (732) 560-8000; Fax (732) 560-0535 E-mail cvi560@aol.com DuBROW'S NURSERIES INC. Certified Landscape Architects, Ground Management Michael Branch - William Mulvaney (973) 992-0598 EARTHWORKS NATURAL ORGANIC PRODUCTS, INC. Organic Fertilizer Joel Simmons - Tina Woolverton (610) 250-9560 ♦ EAST COAST SOD & SEED Bentgrass, Fine Fescue & Bluegrass Sod/ Turfgrass Seed Kevin Driscoll (856) 769-9555 FERTL-SOIL TURF SUPPLY Golf Course Supplies, Topdressing & Divot Mixes Marty Futyma - Cathy Futyma-Brown (908) 322-6132 FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT John Deere Turf Equipment Dennis DeSanctis, Fred Blaicher, Bob Fields (215) 661-0390 FISHER & SON CO., INC. Agronomic Products for the Turfgrass Professional Alan Phillips - Mike Fisher - Mike Oleykowski (610) 644-3300; www.fisherandson.com FLORATINE PRODUCTS GROUP Soil Analysis, Biostimulants, Soil Amend­ ments Richard Hendrickson (609) 714-1151 GOLF CARS, INC. Golf Car & Utility Vehicle Jon Schneider, John Czerwinski (215) 340-0880 GO WILD! NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Wildlife Consulting, ACSS Certification Consulting Christopher J. Markham (973) 726-0995 GRASS ROOTS, INC. Distributor of Golf Course Maintenance Supplies Ken Kubik - Keith Kubik - Jay McKenna (973) 361-5943; Fax (973) 895-1388 JOHN DEERE LANDSCAPES Hunter Golf Chuck Gooding (800) 642-3706 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones (973) 744-4031 STEPHEN KAY, GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS Golf Course Design, Master Planning Stephen Kay - Doug Smith - Ron Torek (914) 699-4437 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY, INC. Irrigation Distributors to Golf Willliam F. Koonz, Sr. (973) 379-9314 LEBANON TURF PRODUCTS Fertilizer, Seed, Mulch, Control Products John Farrell (800) 532-0090 LEON'S SOD FARMS Sod Diane Leon (908) 713-9496; Fax (908) 730-7454 LESCO, INC. Manufacturer and Supplier to the Green Industry Craig Lambert - (973) 663-3368 Brad Simpkins - (609) 758-7620 Greg Moran - Tim Reinagel (800) 321-5325 JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, INC. Golf Course Construction/Paving Joseph J. Mercadante - Robert T. Mercadante (973) 467-8622; Fax (973) 467-2225 METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Barley Straw, Echo Chlorothalonil, Biobarrier, Golf Course Supplies Scott Apgar - (914) 282-00049 Ernie Steinhofer - (914) 760-6112 Office - (888) 217-1039; Fax (203) 743- 0458 MITCHELL PRODUCTS Treated Topdressing TriCure Surfactant, Construction Sands & Mixes Dave Mitchell (609) 327-2005 MONTCO PRODUCTS/SURFSIDE ZAP! Defoamer & Surfside Wetting Agents: Liquid, Granular, Pellets Bob Oechsle - (215) 836-4992 Information/Orders - (800) 401-0411 NATIONAL SEED COMPANY Seed & Seeding Supplies Ken Griepentrog - George Rosenberg (732) 247-3100 P & P EXCAVATING INC. Excavating, Ponds & Lakes Bob Laner (973) 227-2030, (973) 227-2819 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Premium Top-Dressing & Construction Mixes, Green Sand Divot Mixes, Bunker Sands, Cart Paths, Turf Blankets Jim Kelsey (800) 247-2326, (908) 637-4191 PAVELEC BROS. GOLF COURSE CONSTRUC­ TION CO. INC. Golf Course Construction/Renovation Anthony Pavelec, Jr. (973) 667-1643 PENNINK ARRIMOUR GOLF Golf Course Construction & Irrigation Tom Ristau - Rick Shriver, Irrigation - Brian Ruhl (215) 914-2490; Fax (215) 893-4767 PLANT FOOD CO. INC. Fertilizer Supplier Ted Platz - Anthony Rippel (Rip) - Tom Weinert (609) 448-0935, (800) 562-1291 E-mail pfc@plantfoodco.com REED & PERRINE SALES INC. Fertilizer, Seed, Control Products Matt Anasiewicz - Chris Zelley (800) 222-1065 RIGGI PAVING INC. Asphalt, Concrete Frank S. Riggi, Jr. (201) 943-3913 SADLON ENVIRONMENTAL Environmental Consultant Nancy Sadlon - John Sadlon (732) 560-9377 ♦ New Patrons for 2002 SAVATREE/SAVALAWN Tree, Shrub and Lawn Care Paul Carone - Northern N.J. - (201) 891-5379 Craig Decker - Central N.J. - (908) 301-9400 Chuck Baker - Southern N.J. - (609) 924-8494 GEORGE SCHOFIELD CO., INC. Golf Course Maintenance & Construction Materials Adam Geiger - Wes Perrine (732) 356-0858 SEETON TURF WAREHOUSE A Distributor of Golf Course Maintenance Supplies Lance Seeton - (856) 802-1713 Steve Rudich - (610) 253-4003 Mark Coffey - (609) 653-6900 SHEARON GOLF Golf Course Design/Build/Maintenance R.K. Chip Kern, CGCS (609) 466-0666 SIMPLOT PARTNERS Suppliers of Fertilizers, Seed, Protectorants and Specialty Products to the Golf Course Industry Fran Berdine - (845) 361-4105 Alfie Gardiner - (610) 278-6762 (800) 228-6656 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf and Irrigation Equipment Blair Quin - Rick Krok - Bruce Wild (908) 722-9830 WILLIAM STOTHOFF CO., INC. Well Drilling, Pump Sales and Service David C. Stothoff - Bill Snyder (908) 782-2717; Fax (908) 782-4131 STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY Turf Equipment, Seed and Fertilizer Charlie McGill - Bob Fetzko (800) 724-1024 SYNGENTA Turf Products John Fowler (610) 998-2896 TEE AND GREEN SOD INC. Sod Supply and Installation Owen Regan - David Wallace (401) 789-8177 THE TERRE CO. Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Chemicals, Top Dressing Byron Johnson - Bob Schreiner - Pat O'Neill - Peter Glanvill (973) 473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION Golf Course Supplier Buddy Rizzio - Ron Lake - Jim Dempsey (973) 263-1234 TURFNET Information Services Peter L. McCormick (800) 314-7929 UNITED HORTICULTURAL SUPPLY Fertilizer, Grass Seed, Chemicals Gerald Fountain - Richard Baker - Keith Lord - Tom Hughes (732) 296-8448 Rich Bernard - (609) 414-9185 WESTCHESTER TURF SUPPLY INC. Accuform - Paraide - Standard Pesticides - Fertilizer - Seed Bob Lippman, Sr., Bob Lippman, Jr. (845) 621-5067; Fax (845) 621-7180 KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. Irrigation supplier to the Golf Course Superintendent one knows irrigation like Koonz 800-772-8486 No 39 Waverly Avenue, P.O. Box 55 Springfield, NJ 07081 RAIN BIRD GREEN-RELEAF