THE GCSAA 1983 CANDIDATES Questions and Answers See Page 6 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION of NEW JERSEY Vol. 6 No. 1 January - February 1983 Alexander M. Radko Named Recipient of the 1983 USGA Green Section Award The USGA established the Green Section Award in 1961 to honor those persons meriting special recognition for their distinguished service to golf in any phase of work with turfgrass, i.e., research, education, extension, superintendence, maintenance, management, etc. Furthermore, the USGA believes that there are many individuals who have made immeasurable contributions respecting the arena upon which the game of golf is played. Their contributions and services may be evidenced by their achievements over a number of years or by a single act. In presenting the Green Section Award, the USGA wishes to identify, celebrate and hold up for emulation individuals, such as Al Radko, who exemplify outstanding dedication to golf through their work with turfgrass. “A leader of national prominence, a dedicated educator, a professional with great personal character,” are but a few of the words that describe Al Radko, whose 35- year career with the Green Section was marked by many outstanding contributions to the study of turfgrass management. Throughout his Green Section career as a Research Assistant, Agronomist, Eastern Regional Director, and finally National Director, Radko provided untiring service to course superintendents, to the turfgrass industry and to the game of golf. As one of those who nominated Radko for the Green Section Award wrote, “In my acquaintance and friendship with him over many years, I have never known him to be selfish in any sense, but rather always to seek to advance the work of the Green Section to its highest levels.” Continued on page 11 FAR HILLS, N.J. — Alexander M. Radko, former National Director of the Green Section of the United States Golf Association, has been named the recipient of the 1983 Green Section Award, presented by the USGA in recognition of distinguished service to golf through work with turfgrass. Radko will receive the award during the 27th annual USGA Green Section Educational Conference at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga., on Thursday, February 24, 1983. The presentation will be made by William C. Campbell, President of the USGA; Harry W. Easterly, Jr., Senior Executive Director; and the Chairman of the USGA Green Section Award Committee, who will be appointed on January 29 at the USGA Annual Meeting at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. Dates to Remember Georgia February 19-25, 1983 GCSAA National Conference, Atlanta, February 28-March 3 Pennsylvania Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show, Hershey Lodge and Con­ vention Center, Hershey, Pa. March 17, 1983 USGA Green Section Conference, West­ chester Country Club, Rye, N.Y. April 1983 Meeting site undecided North Jersey Country Club (tentative), Jim May 1983 Remo CGCS, Host, District 1 LPGA Chrysler-Plymouth Classic, Upper Montclair Country Club, Bob Dickison, CGCS, Superintendent. June 1983 Essex Fells Country Club, Wayne Remo, May 16-22 Host, District 2 July 11-16 USGA Amateur Public Links Cham­ pionship, Hominy Hill G.C., Dave Pease, Superintendent July 1983 Springdale Golf Club, Charlie Dey, Host, District 6 District 5 The Bedens Brook Club, Jim Gilligan, Host, August 1983 September 20, 1983 GCSANJ Sixth Annual Invitational Tour­ nament, Essex County C. C., John Schoellner CGCS, Host District 2. GCSANJ Annual Field Day, Rutgers October 4, 1983 University October 1983 Rumson Country Club (tentative), Charlie Cross, Host, District 7 September - October 1984 GCSANJ Seventh Annual Invitational Tournament, Canoe Brook Country Club, Skip Cameron, Host the GREENER SIDE GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey, P.O. Box 231, New Brun­ swick, N.J. 08903. Ed Walsh, CGCS Editor Wayne Foster, Photography Dennis DeSanctis, Special Projects Maraliese Goosman, Illustrations Please address inquiries con­ cerning advertising to: Ken Kubik, Advertising Manager 489 Millbrook Avenue Randolph Twp., N.J. 07869 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION of NEW JERSEY Cook College - Rutgers University Box 231 New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903 OFFICERS OF GCSANJ Bob Dickison, CGCS President Bob Ribbans Vice President Wayne Foster Secretary Ed Walsh, CGCS Treasurer Ed Nickelsen Past President EXECUTIVE. BOARD Mike Dale Director, District 1 Glenn Gallion Director, District 2 Dennis Shea Director, District 3 John Fenwick Director, District 4 Greg McClain Director, District 6 Wayne Ballinger, CGCS Director, District 7 Chip Pfisterer Director, District 8 Dr. Henry Indyk Executive Director From the Editor's Desk With vacation and the national con­ ference just around the corner the farthest thing from most of our minds is the up­ coming season. But should it be? I know how difficult it is to start gearing your thoughts toward a time three or four months away when we are just closing our operation down from last year. As difficult as it might be, I find the successful golf course superintendents are doing just that. A term I heard many times during my early years in this profession was “a golf course superintendent prepares nine months to work three.” I think that can be changed a bit to read “the successful golf course superintendent prepares and manages his course 12 months a year.” I am not suggesting you need to put in those long days that are often necessary to assure success, this time of year. But I am stating that the success you do achieve will greatly depend on your skill to prepare for the upcoming season. Budgeting, communications, record keeping, inventory control and community relations are areas where time can be spent during the winter. Although these areas of responsibility are not usually priorities during the busy months of the season, they can greatly influence the success you achieve as a professional. Take that hour or two to visit your fellow superintendents. Attend and become active in your districts. Make yourself available for those community-related projects and programs that your professional ex­ perience can assist. If you sit around your office and your only hope is for a salesman to invite you out to lunch, you are not utilizing this time of year productively. Remember, we don’t get paid for the quantity of time we spend, but the quality of time. Utilize these winter months to improve your quality. President's Message Bob Dickison CGCS Now that our new year is underway, several things are clearly evident. I would like to discuss two of our more severe problems in this message. First, we have a district without a director (District No. 5). This is not for lack of trying. This problem has been coming on for some time, not only in District 5 but others as well. This situation causes two problems: one, the district has no representation, and secondly, the board is handicapped in its functions. To solve the problem of district representation I will ask the board at our March executive committee meeting to assign the members in District 5 to another district. This can be done within our Standing Rules - Article II, Section 1C. Next, I will ask the executive committee to follow up by recommending to the total membership a Standing Rule change of seven district directors instead of the present eight. At the same time, I am going to seek a change in the number of people needed for a quorum at our board meetings. The problem of getting a quorum over the past years at board meetings has limited the operation of the board on several occasions. These changes are not only practical but are needed to keep the Association running smoothly. If you expect a top-rate Association, then these changes are needed to keep the membership represented fairly and the board running efficiently. Why Do Superintendents Belong To GCSAA They are proud of their profession and want to improve it. They recognize that a strong organization can better represent the combined interests of the profession through its unified voice. They are convinced that professional growth can best be achieved through the union of similarly minded colleagues. They realize that their active par­ ticipation in the Association can shape the future of their profession. They have discovered that the Association’s activities, programs and publications can keep them abreast of the latest technological information. They believe that a strong Association can strengthen their regional and local turf organization and program. They understand that their personal participation can assist other superin­ tendents and the turfgrass industry. They know that the resources of a vast organization can only act to increase their professional stature, knowledge and abilities. They appreciate the opportunities they will have to attend national and regional educational assemblies, developed to meet their specific needs. All attempts to get Willet Wilt a real job have failed again. So, Willet will answer the following questions from the Greener Side readers: Q: What’s the best way to avoid frost­ bite when working outdoors this winter? B.M., Frostbite Falls, Minnesota. A: Heavy coats, hats, and boots for your crew and tickets to Florida for your wife and you. W.W. Q: Has any new grass seed been developed for the Northeast region of the United States? R.B.I., Bound Brook, N.J. A : Yes, the newest blend of grass seed is called Staten Island Grass. It should be highly successful, because it can take 300 rounds of golf per day, pollution, noise, and even verbal abuse. W.W. Q: Snow mold is very active under layers of ice on my greens. What would you suggest I do? E.L., Franklin, N.J. A: I would follow the suggestion of a greens committee member at a noted Jersey course and steam clean your greens every two weeks. W.W. Q: Mr. Wilt, over the years you have given numerous suggestions for ridding a golf course of geese. I don’t have too many geese. I have too many golfers. What should I do? B.V.D., Lawrence, Kansas. A: My newest invention will completely solve your problem. I have developed a styrofoam figure in the shape of an I.R.S. agent. You place this figure on your first tee and it is guaranteed to repel 75 percent of all golfers. W.W. Mr. Wilt’s newest stimp meter is now available. It has been developed to measure the speed of your tees, which will be quite beneficial to the short hitters who play your golf course. Just send $29.95 and a self-addressed wooden crate to Willet Wilt, c-o Ken Kubik, P.O. Box 336, Mt. Freedom, N.J. Do You Know, In the Year 1923, Who Was: company? company? Exchange? 1. The president of the largest steel 2. The president of the largest gas 3. The president of the New York Stock 4. The Greatest Wheat Speculator? 5. The president of the Bank of In­ ternational Settlement? These men should be considered some of the world’s most successful men. At least they found the secret of making money. Now, more than fifty years later, do you know what became of these men? 1. The president of the largest steel company, Charles Schwab, died a pauper. 2. The president of the largest gas company, Howard Hopson, is now insane. 3. The president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whitney, was released from prison to die at home. 4. The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cookon, died abroad, insolvent. 5. The president of the Bank of In­ ternational Settlement shot himself. The same year, 1923, the winner of the most important golf championships, Gene Sarazen, won the U.S. Open and PGA Tournament. Today, he is still playing an excellent game of golf and is solvent. CONCLUSION: STOP WORRYING ABOUT BUSINESS AND PLAY GOLF. 340 Main Avenue Clifton, N.J. 07014 201-471-0244 TURF EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS Jacobsen Turf and Commercial Tractors, Gang Mowers, Greens Mowers, Sweepers, Aerators, Blowers, and Seeders. Cushman Turf Trucksters, Spik- ers, Top Dressers, and Sprayers. National and Howard, Mowers. Smithco, Giant-Vac, Broyhill Gravely Products. Harley-Davidson Golf Cars. Ed Lott, Ed Rockhill, Jim Petrine, Bill Luthin. 54 th Interna tional Turfgrass Conference & Show Just to Cool You Off — Do You Know??? THAT — Calcium Chloride can melt at 67 percent below zero? Use Calcium when temperature is below zero. THAT — Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride) works best at temperatures above zero fahrenheit? THAT — Calcium Chloride melts ice seven times faster than rock salt? THAT — Lithium Chloride is one of the most powerful ice-melting compounds known (melts ice at 112 degrees below zero) but costs 50 times more than Calcium Chloride? THAT — Rock Salt is approximately one half the cost of calcium chloride? So, if the temperature is between 0 and 32 degrees fahrenheit, use the less expensive rock salt instead of calcium chloride. THAT — “ICE MELTING PELLETS” advertised as “non-tracking,” “harmless to concrete,” etc., and sold under many trade names (at very high prices) is actually calcium chloride anhydrous (regular calcium chloride heated to remove moisture), and reacts slower with ice than regular calcium chloride flakes? Highway departments use the flake. (Formula of “ice melting pellets” CaCL2( (Formula of regular calcium chloride flakes CaCL2 2H2O) So use the flake instead of the pellets at one-third the cost and get the same results. THAT — Rock Salt is the salt that dries out, recrystallizes and forms the white residues that can be tracked onto floors and carpets? Calcium chloride does not dry out. It is hygroscopic (attracts moisture), stays “wet”, therefore, though it can be tracked, you can’t see it. THAT — Calcium Chloride is used to keep dust down on unpaved roads, because it absorbs moisture from the air and keeps the dirt “wet” and dust-free. It also causes dirt to “pack down” and harden. THAT — Salt mixed with sand, coal, ore, etc., makes the piles “freeze-proof?” THAT — A mixture of one part calcium chloride and ten parts sand, when applied to ice on sidewalks, driveways, etc., anchors the sand instantly and cannot be easily blown or worn away? THAT — A 100 lb. bag of salt in the trunk of your automobile puts weight on the rear wheels for extra winter traction and can be available to use in emergencies when you get stuck? THAT — Calcium chloride solutions (No. 40 calcium chloride in No. 60 - approx. 8 gal of water) are used to fill inflatable tractor tires to give extra weight and traction and won’t freeze? (One gallon of this mixture weighs 11.6 lbs.) THAT — Calcium chloride solutions are also used in highway “crash barrier” containers to cushion any accidental im­ pact and will not freeze? THAT — Calcium chloride is used in concrete mixes to give quicker initial set and greater strength? (Below 70 degrees F. use 2 lbs. per bag of cement; above 70 degrees F. use 1 lb. per bag of cement) or add to mixing water - 4 lbs. calcium chloride per each gal. water. THAT — Rock salt and calcium chloride do not themselves attack concrete and asphalt? It is the alternate freezing and thawing of surface water, increased by the use of salt, that does the damage. (To lessen the chance of damage, use salt sparingly and when ice melts, remove slush and water as soon as possible, so that surface dries before the next freeze). THAT — Calcium chloride absorbs 1 lb. of water for each lb. of its own weight? Good for drying out damp cellars. Credit: The Collaborator, NEGSCA Again Packed With Patrons The Greener Side again had more ad­ vertisers than they could accommodate in 1983. Due to the advertising policy of limiting advertising content to 25-30 percent of the newsletter, the cutoff had to be regretfully enforced. The Patrons have provided the funds to make the Greener Side a completely self-supporting publication. Design Construction Tennis Courts Running Tracks Repairs-Resurface American Tennis & Track, Inc. Harold G. Skinner President 201-778-1171 109 Wallington Ave. Wallington, NJ 07057 Christopher Whelan is the new assistant superintendent at the Hollywood Country Club. Chris comes over from the Spring Meadow Golf Course. District 7 toured the Loft Seed facilities for their District meeting on January 27th. Welcome the new superintendent of Deal C.C., Bob Matthews. Bob comes to us from Long Island. When is an irrigation pond more than an irrigation pond? When Jiggs Remo builds it - that’s when!! Wait until our State meeting there at the North Jersey Country Club later this year and you’ll see what Jiggs can do with a dozer and a little will-power! Anybody receive any postcards from Ziggy in Hawaii? Congratulations to Mike and Jeanne Dale on the birth of their first child, daughter Elizabeth Jane on December 12. Drew Kiszonak has been planting mature size trees this fall around his Apple Mountain Golf Club. The trees will add even more beauty to this scenic course located along the Delaware. Rich Fodor has also been planting trees at his High Point Golf Course, formerly Canyon Ridge, after a promising first year for superintendent and management. Ray Masker reports that development has continued strong at his Panther Valley Golf Club. The golf course has been greatly improved over the past few years and Ray has taken the opportunity to develop its great potential. District 4 held its last meeting January 26 at Storr Tractor Company where a seminar on grinding was held. Congratulations to Rick Broome who has assumed responsibilities as golf course superintendent at Little Mill Golf Club. February’s meeting of District 8 will be held on the 8th at Mooretown Field Club. The next meeting will be at Riverton C.C. on March 22. Both will be afternoon meetings. John Boyer reports the grass is still green in District 8. The snow storm on January 15 missed the entire area. Mat Ceplo is the new assistant superin­ tendent at Ridgewood C.C. Mat comes to New Jersey from Kutcher’s Country Club and Resort in the Catskill region of upstate New York. He is a graduate of Delhi’s two- year (AAS) Horticulture and Turf Program. Mat is originally from the Binghamton, N.Y. area where his family owns and operates the Afton Golf Club. He should feel pretty comfortable in New Jersey as the Binghamton area has given us many good turf men in the past. Frank Bevelacqua, Fran Berdine and Dennis DeSanctis are all from that area. The Greener Side will publish its first ever All Star football team in its next issue. The only person certain to make the first team is Jack Martin. Jack will be the starting defensive line. Anybody who’s seen him lately will know just what I am talking about. Dennis Wagner has a real good chance to make the team as the right side of CHIP SHOTS the offensive line but with the votes still out, we can’t be certain. Mat Dobbie won our 1983 Willet Wilt Racquetball Championship held recently at Racquetime in Waldwick, N.J. Stiff com­ petition came from Tony Bifano, Ken Kubik, Bob Duncan, Dave Pease, and Phil Scott, while no competition came from John Fenwick, Dick VanZandt and Ed Walsh. Our next tournament will be held some time in early March at the Yogi Berra facility in Caldwell. Ken Kubik and Tony Bifano to host. Welcome to Jersey The GCSANJ welcomes Bob Matthews, CGCS, to our state. Bob is the new Super at Deal Country Club, Deal, NJ. Bob is a graduate of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts. He has been a golf course superintendent for the last 10 years, having spent the last nine at the Fox Run Country Club in Muttontown, Long Island, NY. Bob, wife Robyn, and son Eric (1 1/2) will reside in Asbury Park, NJ. We hope the Matthews’ stay is long and prosperous. New Members our new members to the GCSANJ: The Greener Side would like to welcome Chris Kunkel, Picatinny Golf Club, B-l; Steve Cyr, Tavistock C.C., B-l; Brett Price, Metuchen C.C., A. Groundsmaster 72 The Professional for the big jobs. The Groundsmaster 72® has power to spare from its water cooled, 4 cylinder engine. The 72” floating cutting deck is offset to handle the bulk of the trimming jobs around trees, along fences, walls and other obstacles. One pedal hydrostatic drive for responsive speed selection in for­ ward or reverse. Optional accessories like the rear discharge cutter deck, leaf mulcher, rotary broom and ROPS make this machine a versatile workhorse. TORO The Professionals STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Irrigation, Chemicals, Equipment • Weather matic. Irrigation Equipment • John Bean Sprayers • Fungicides • Herbicides • Insecticides • Fertilizers • Pumps, Valves, Controls 15 Brown Avenue Springfield, N.J. 07081 DREW MORRISON OFFICE (201) 467-1400 HOME (201) 273-8555 SOMERVILLE, NJ 08876 (201) 722-9830 Vic Gerard Golf Cars, inc. Electric Vehicle & Battery Specialists Tires, Batteries and Distilled Water FOR GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT (201) 938-4464 UTILITY VEHICLES R.R. 2 Box 28 Hwy. 547 Farmingdale, NJ 07727 The 1983 GCSAA Candidates Respond The following questions were asked our prospective Board members. Hopefully, their answers will help the GCSANJ choose the best possible candidates. 1. How do you feel about the proposed move from Lawrence, Kansas to the Orlando, Florida area? Bob Osterman, CGCS OSTERMAN: I feel the move is in the best interest of the association. Research homework continues to examine the merit and benefits to be derived from the central Florida area. Two areas, Tampa, as well as Orlando, continue to be the primary target sites for relocation. This does not mean we will not look at other opportunities that might present themselves around the country. Because of the many questions that still must be answered, no decision relative to relocation can be made until early Spring 1983. TIMMERMAN: I favor the move. From my experiences on the Board of GCSAA and from viewing the Association’s ef­ fectiveness since moving to Lawrence, I feel GCSAA cannot meet its respon­ sibilities to its members, to the game of golf, and realize all long range goals to its maximum potential at our present site. Central Florida offers these ad­ vantages over Lawrence: (1) A high concentration of golf courses, superintendents, golf media, and golf- oriented people. This has the benefit of allowing headquarters staff to interact with many golf situations, stimulating the information needed to monitor membership needs; (2) Easier access to the business, legal, financial and technological communities; (3) Im­ proved association visibility by closer interaction with the other golf associations located in Florida (PGA, PGA Tour, NGF); (4) Orlando will soon become a convention city. This fact will allow many superintendents the op­ portunity to visit Headquarters, plus the association will realize a cost savings when the convention is held in Orlando; (5) The ability to attract interested people from the golf community who would want to return something to the game by supporting GCSAA. BOIZELLE: Florida will provide GCSAA “a place in the sun” in more ways than one. A visible base of operations in central Florida will provide: (1) A better opportunity to interact with the members of the golfing community, also based in Florida; namely, the National Golf Foundation, the PGA and the PGA Tour; (2) A visible work place that will allow for good access to financial, com­ munications, marketing, media, and golf expertise; (3) Access to a working relationship with the nearby College of Central Florida. This modern facility has offered to: (a) make their Programs Development Center (audio-visual, etc.) available to our Education Department; a decided plus for GCSAA; (b) make available to us their very attractive seminar facilities; (c) allow GCSAA to par­ ticipate in their effluent water studies program. (4) An excellent opportunity for members vacationing in Florida to visit our headquarters facility; a positive way to transport pride back home to all who will listen. EMERSON: It is my belief GCSAA would improve its standing, or image if you prefer, in the world of golf and as a side effect increase its membership rolls by relocating to an area where golf and golf business is thriving. Orlando, Florida is such an area. HEARN: Based on the information I’ve received, I wholeheartedly endorse the moving of our headquarters to the Orlando area. LINDBLAD: Based on the information that I have access to at this point, I am in favor of such a move. However, GCSAA I assume, has made detailed studies regarding this proposal, and I would reserve forming a final opinion until such a time as I have been exposed to that information. SLIVINSKI: If the move can be proven to be of benefit to advance the Association without seriously jeopardizing our financial position, then it would be necessary to move. 2. What does the certification program offer today’s golf course superin­ tendent? OSTERMAN: The Certification Program is being taken from the back burner and put on the front burner for 1983. The present program has weakened over the last few years and does not represent the thoughts of the committee that put the program together. It must be strengthened with a true and clear meaning. Certification should be something special. The certified superintendent has taken the time and made the effort to take the extra step. Until we have a meaningful certification program that is accepted by our peers first, then the golfing community, the program does not have much meaning. Jim Timmerman, CGCS TIMMERMAN: Certification offers the superintendent the opportunity to im­ prove his professional stature within his industry and within the professional community in which he lives and works. It shows that he has demonstrated a level of competence necessary to be a qualified golf course superintendent. However, with the rapid advances of our industry, our professional standards must also be raised. Our present cer­ tification program has to be upgraded to reflect these improved standards. BOIZELLE: The certification program, as you know it, is presently under both review and revision. I have been told that the new revised program will be interwoven with the Master Education Program, both of which will be presented to the Executive Committee at its May meeting for final approval. The new Certification Program will be made available sometime in early September. EMERSON: Unfortunately, until the certification program first establishes credibility with the GCSAA mem­ bership, it offers little but self- satisfaction to today’s golf course superintendent. HEARN: The certification program offers an individual the opportunity of an evaluation of knowledge gained through study and experience. Unfortunately, this evaluation serves more as an “in- Continued on page 7 Continued from Page 6 house” recognition by our peers rather than a mark of distinction or qualification to the general public. I have a feeling this will remain so until the superintendent gains the long- overdue recognition he deserves. Another area where GCSAA does not meet its responsibility is research. For an association our size, our research support is woefully inadequate. We have to improve in this crucial area. Through directed research, many of our future problems can be solved. BOIZELLE: GCSAA is providing many of our needed tools, but certainly not all of them. Within the framework of the coming year many new programs (tools) will spring from our Master Education Program; certainly, a giant step in the right direction. EMERSON: GCSAA has, at present, an enthusiastic staff that by proven per­ formance is doing all in its power to provide its members with the tools for individual and collective growth. However, to sustain their momentum, continued membership imput is essential. Jim Lindblad, CGCS LINDBLAD: To be a good golf course superintendent requires continuing self- education. Certification is a measure of your growth and an indication to others of your commitment. SLIVINSKI: It is a method available to club officials which lets them know that the certified individual is engaged in an educational program to enable him-her to better himself-herself professionally. 3. Do you think GCSAA is providing the necessary tools for our individual and collective growth in the golf industry? OSTERMAN: For almost the last two years the Executive Committee, Staff and members have been reviewing current GCSAA programs, their meaning, and the effect on our members. They have also been working on new and revised program “TOOLS.” For an intelligent, meaningful program to be developed, it takes long and careful planning. I use the analogy of building a house. You must build a strong foundation to sup­ port the superstructure. GCSAA has its foundation almost complete, and in 1983, you will see the superstructure; “TOOLS” that will provide the in­ dividual, as well as the association, and within the golfing industry. TIMMERMAN: Not to its greatest capabilities. The association does offer good educational opportunities through its seminar program, magazine, con­ ventions and reprinted material which allows the superintendent to improve individually. However, these are not always available to the whole mem­ bership at a reasonable cost. Our future efforts have to be directed in two specific areas: (1) Lowering the cost of continuing education; and (2) im­ proving chapter programs which educate and promote the superin­ tendent. Don Hearn, CGCS HEARN: Yes, particularly with the seminar program. Other programs in the development stage and presented to us at the Chapter Newsletter Editors Seminar should be realities in the near future. Concerning collective growth - we have a highly visible golf com­ munity-oriented Executive Director, our magazine is first-rate, and our headquarters staff is genuinely in­ terested in the welfare of the superin­ tendent. While maybe not thought of as tools for growth, these assets certainly have a bearing on our growth. LINDBLAD: Yes, I have been a member of GCSAA for 16 years, and I have seen and been a part of the many educational opportunities that our association has provided to the membership. GCSAA is currently making a major effort to become a greater force in the golf in­ dustry. SLIVINSKI: I think we are now laying the groundwork which will lead the golf superintendent to higher stature within our industry. We must continue to forge ahead and not allow ourselves to remain the conservative individuals we have been in the past. 4. What do you think is the most pressing issue our profession has to deal with? OSTERMAN: Economics - inflation, etc., are pressing many golf courses today. Many parts of the country - water. Course conditions - golf was not designed to be played on billiard table top conditions. This holds true for fairways as well as greens. Courses are becoming overly groomed, too con­ ditioned, increasing many budgets to possible breaking points. TIMMERMAN: Insuring that our mem­ bership and other interested people are afforded the educational and research opportunities to remain current in a dramatically changing profession. Persistent pressure is applied to the game of golf by troubled economic times, limited access to natural resources and governmental in­ tervention. How well we meet these pressures and solve golf’s problems will be determined, to a large extent, by our educational and research processes. BOIZELLE: The WATER issue. Our water problems have just begun. We haven’t seen anything yet. The problems faced by New Jersey Superintendents over the past few years is merely a preview of what is to come. EMERSON: In my opinion, the most pressing issue our profession has to deal with is establishing recognition as a profession. I’m concerned that because of the nature of our work, we, as a group, have little recognition beyond the committee or board member level at our place of employment and thus we are extremely vulnerable. HEARN: The lack of recognition. Namely, who the golf course superintendent is and what it is he does. The complexities of the job are totally misunderstood by most people. LINDBLAD: The effect that the overall economy may have on golf facility operations and the ramifications that increased energy conservation needs may generate. Rich Slivinski, CGCS SLIVINSKI: We must assume the leadership role in the golf industry. We, collectively as a group, have the skills Continued on page 8 Continued from page 7 and expertise to solve the problems of water shortages, pesticides, pollution, etc. but we must find a way to let the rest of the world know this. 5. What do you personally have to offer your peers as a prospective leader? OSTERMAN: Having been involved on various GCSAA committees prior to election as a director, serving as a director, secretary-treasurer and currently vice president, I have gained an enormous amount of knowledge about GCSAA, its members and golf. As president, I can apply that knowledge to our association and its members. I can bring together many of the issues and programs I, as well as other members of the executive committee, have been working on over the past few years. TIMMERMAN: I feel my education and experience have given me the knowledge and insight which will enable me to make the vital decisions beneficial to GCSAA, the individual superintendent and the game of golf. The three years served on the Board have further stimulated my already existing desire to improve the GCSAA and the image of the superintendent. I feel I have the capacity and energy to initiate and effectively promote those programs which will achieve our long- range goals. Furthermore, I feel my speaking and writing ability will allow me to represent GCSAA in a very professional manner. Finally, I believe strongly in the American tradition that it takes hard work to accomplish your goals and aims in life. I’m willing to expend whatever it takes to be an ef­ fective and dynamic leader for GCSAA. Paul Boizelle, CGCS BOIZELLE: A sincere desire to serve my fellow superintendents in any con­ structive way I can. Certainly the value system that I’ve acquired during the course of a 35 year career in the turf industry should reflect some degree of worth. I would like to believe the ex­ perience gained over that same period of time would allow me a voice in things to come; to express that experience in behalf of my fellow superintendent. Bill Emerson, CGCS EMERSON: I offer my peers my time and best effort on their behalf. I feel that I possess the courage of my convictions, the persistence to purpose to achieve goals and enough sensitivity as well as flexibility to function properly as a member of the Directorate of GCSAA. HEARN: Experience as an officer of my local association as well as a member of many committees of GCSAA. I am not, and don’t pretend to be a “one man think tank.” But I do promise to work hard, listen intently and make judgments based on the betterment of all golf course superintendents. LINDBLAD: I have the time, the initiative, and the concern to keep the membership abreast of all GCSAA happenings, and I will continually be aware of member questions and concerns. SLIVINSKI: Through my experience in the public sector and dealing with the politics of getting things done, I feel I have obtained the training to make things happen. I have a tendency to be aggressive, but I don’t believe in sitting back and just “letting things happen.” Editor’s Note : Introductory information on all the candidates was recently sent by the GCSAA. Please examine that information and these answers. Any suggestions or preferences should be discussed with our voting delegates, Dave McGhee or John Boyer. The GCSANJ will hold a caucus in Atlanta before the elections. Please contact Dave or John for time and place. Who's Playing Golf? The team of McGhee, Finamore and Walsh (sounds like an Irish law firm) is looking for a player to fill another team at the GCSAA Golf Tournament. Contact one of us if interested. E.W. Keep on going and the chances are you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I have never heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting down. Charles F. Kettering • White Trap Sand • Top-Dressing Sand • Colorful Cart Path Stone • Landscape Stone & Boulders • Variety of Pavers & Edging Geo. Schofield Co. Inc. P.O. Box 110 Bound Brook, N.J. 08805 (201) 356-0858 MEET OUR PATRONS How to Turn Complaints To Your Advantage How do you handle complaints from golfers? Nobody finds it easy to take criticism, especially when the gripes come from someone whose only turfgrass ex­ perience is his dandelion-free lawn. Un­ fortunately, golf courses were built and supeintendents hired for the benefit of golfers, a situation which often necessitates a kid-glove approach to complaints. Even if complaints are supposed to go to your green chairman, chances are you’ll still have to field a few questions and comments from golfers who catch you on the course. Generally, they will be friendly, but there are always a few who aren’t. The first rule is keep your temper. Some people actually enjoy harassing an em­ ployee, and others have to find someone to blame for a bad round. However, if you stay cool, he will soon realize he is out of line. Hear him out. Many people who have honest complaints only reveal portions of their grievances because they are afraid you don’t have time to listen to them. When you’ve heard the whole thing, try to give a thorough explanation. Above all, don’t cut him off abruptly, even if you are in a hurry. Try to set up a time when you can go into the problem in detail if you think it is necessary. Don’t try to laugh it off. If he is serious CUSHMAN TURFCARE Equipment to Increase Productivity and Improve Your Greens and Tees • TRANSPORTATION • DUMPING • AERATION • TOP DRESSING • SPRAYING • SPREADING • SCARIFYING (201)521-2500 285 Dayton-Jamesburg Rd. Dayton, NJ. 08810 about his complaint, he probably won’t be very receptive to joke about it. After all, he may have a point. Don’t try to cover up. Even if it’s your fault, he’ll be more impressed with your forthrightness than with a slick, superficial explanation which blames everything from the weather to last month’s ladies tour­ nament. There are some positive steps you can take to head off complaints. You can keep members informed of construction, maintenance operations and other problem areas on the course by posting signs in the pro shop. If your club has a monthly newsletter, you can use it to keep members informed of upcoming operations and ex­ plain why they are necessary. Some superintendents have found it helpful to compile regular reports of their operations so that everyone, including club employees, knows not only what and when but also why an operation is taking place. You can also train your crew to suc­ cessfully deal with problems on the course. Make sure they have enough information to handle the problem and that they realize they are representing you and the club when they handle a complaint or answer a question. Credit: GCSAA Fore Front GOLF COURSE PARTAC TOP-DRESSING DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR PARTAC IS THE BEST BUY! Control Thatch and Improve Playing Surface with Partac Top-Dressing . . . Heat Treated, Uniform Particles, Water Stable Aggregates, with Balanced Organic Content and Water Retention. Also Available, High Sand Mix Top- Dressing, Tee Mix Top-Dressing, and Construction Mixes for Tees and Greens. AVAILABLE FROM THESE N.J. Distributors: FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY Howard Scott 215-483-5000 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS Ken Kubik 201-361-5943 GREEN HILL TURF SUPPLY Jim Roach 201-462-2349 PRO-LAWN PRODUCTS Andy Mulick, 201-967-9124 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. Ernie Rizzio, 201-263-1234 Al Janis Al was born in Connecticut and moved to Wilmington, Delaware in 1949 when his father, Jim Janis, became golf course superintendent for the DuPont Country Club, a position he held over sixteen years. Al worked “summer maintenance” on the golf courses while being involved in the various Junior Golf programs, becoming Junior Club Champion in 1956. He majored in Landscape Architecture in the School of Design at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. After college, Al worked in the golf course design office of the late Dick Wilson in Boynton Beach, Florida. He also worked a couple of years for golf course architect, Al Tull on various projects. It was in 1967 that the golf course con­ struction company, James E. Janis & Son was formed. Al’s present company, Golf by Janis, was formed in 1974, a year after Jim resigned from active participation due to health reasons. Though based in Maryland, Al has been active in golf course con­ struction projects in New Jersey, including Howell Park G.C., Seaview C.C., Pine Valley G.C., and the U.S.G.A. Headquar­ ters in Far Hills. In 1979, Al developed Pine Shore Golf, his own 18 hole executive golf course in Ocean City, Md. It is here that Al, his wife Peg and four children live. Operating two golf businesses leaves little free time for one of his favorite diversions - fishing. However, when he is working on projects in New Jersey, Al likes to spend some time on the charter boats off the Jersey Shore. Tree of the Month DAWN REDWOOD (METASEQUOIA GLYPTOSTROBOIDES) The Dawn Redwood is a deciduous needle bearing tree which makes it a low main­ tenance tree. It is upright and pyramidal in growth, can reach a height of 100 ft. and grow several feet a year. This tree grows best in moist, well-drained soil. The Dawn Redwood is an ancient tree that dates back to pre-mesozoic times but was not discovered until 1945 in China. 54th International Turfgrass Conference & Show ATLANTA FEB. 19-25 For details call: GCSAA at (913) 841-2240 JAKE KRINEY VICE PRESIDENT RICHARD LEWIS SALES REPRESENTATIVE WHO Who comforts me when my greens turn brown, Who does my work when I'm not around? Turns off the pumps when they're forgotten, Sooth my brow when I feel rotten? Gives me Mallox when my men don't show, Overlooks the green they "forgot" to mow? Who calms me down and kisses my tears, When I waited six months for the part from Sears? Who says I'll walk, I don't have to ride, And does a day's work with old-fashioned pride? Is a comfort, a blessing, a joy to be near, Boosts up my ego and dismisses my fear? Lifts my balls out of the rough, When the scene is bad and the going is rough? nobody. Bill Smart R.J. MANNING 1129 LINWOOD AVENUE WESTWOOD, N.J. 07675 444-0676 652-3530 DON’T GET CRABBY USE — ROCKLAND’S BETASAN LIQUID BETASAN 7G or 12G Granular BETASAN/Fertilizer Combo Available from your local golf course supplier Rockland Chemical Co., Inc. BOX 809, WEST CALDWELL, N.J. 07006 (201) 575-1322 Scientists to "Starve" Weeds Every frustrated farmer and gardener knows that the only things which grow without fail are the weeds. And how to get rid of them without en­ dangering other aspects of nature is a problem that has bothered man ever since he began tilling the soil. Now a Japanese team of scientists has announced a breakthrough in creating what potentially is an unprecedented ideal herbicide. They have developed a spray which literally “starves” the weed to death by inhibiting its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and nitrogen from the soil to produce life-sustaining RADKO Continued from Page 1 Born and raised in Yonkers, N.Y., Radko first became interested in golf as a caddie at the Sunningdale Country Club. The ex­ perience made a lasting impression, which guided him into his career in golf. A veteran of World War II, Radko served as a second lieutenant with the U.S. Army’s occupational forces in Japan. During that period, he was responsible for the rebuilding and rehabilitation of several golf courses in the area. He did so with very little funds, no fertilizer, and equipment held together with baling wire. Radko also was involved with training Japanese as golf instructors so that they, in turn, could teach the game to interested servicemen. One of his pupils was Pete Nakamura, who later became one of Japan’s greatest golfers. In 1947, Radko joined the USGA Green Section staff and worked as a research Assistant while completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy at the University of Maryland. Working with Charles G. Wilson, Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson, Green Section Director, Dr. Fred V. Grau and the U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel, Radko participated in the turfgrass research effort at the old Arlington (Va.) Turf Gardens, presently the site of the Pentagon building, and later at the turfgrass research facility at Belt­ sville, Md. Among the more noteworthy turfgrasses developed from this cooperative research were Merion Kentucky bluegrass, Meyer zoysiagrass, U-3 bermudagrass, and the C- strains of creeping bentgrass. In the early 1950s, Radko was designated to build a putting green on the White House lawn for President Dwight Eisenhower, an avid golfer. With the establishment of the Turfgrass Advisory Service in 1953, Radko became the Green Section’s Eastern Regional Director. He served in this capacity until 1976, during which time he made more than 3,000 visits to golf courses and spoke at literally hun­ dreds of turfgrass conferences, seminars and golf course superintendents association meetings. From 1968 until he retired in the fall of 1981, Radko served as the USGA’s National Research Director, administering the Green Section Research and Education Fund, the largest private turfgrass research fund in the United States. In 1976, Radko became the Green Sec­ tion’s National Director, responsible for coordinating staff activities of six regional offices and for site preparation of the USGA’s national championships, in ad­ dition to his role as Research Director and Editor of the USGA Green Section Record. Throughout his more than three decades of dedicated service, Radko held stead­ fastly to the motto that became his personal trademark — “Better Turf for Better Golf.” And for his hundreds of friends and acquaintances in the industry, Radko always was ready with an attentive ear, a broad sense of humor and an effective helping hand. As another who nominated Radko for the Green Section Award wrote, “The modest and gifted Radko brought to flower the work of his predecessors, John Monteith and Fred Grau, in identifying the USGA Green Section and its associates in golf turf research as immensely valuable and generous public servants.” Surely, Al Radko’s career has been truly one of steady, far-reaching leadership. 891-1764 WYCKOFF, N.J. FULLY INSURED DAVENPORT Tree Service QUALITY SERVICE JAMES DAVENPORT BS IN FORESTRY • U of MAINE • NJ CERTIFIED TREE EXPERT glutamic acid. Being essentially an amino acid, the herbicide easily circulates through any given weed, including its roots. The product is the result of years of research by a team from the Agricultural Faculty of the governmental Utsunomiya University, led by Professor Tetsuo Takematsu, in collaboration with Meiji Seika, one of Japan’s oldest confectionary makers now actively involved in advanced pharmaceutical products. The herbicide, named “bialaphos,” is yet to be produced and sold here. Meiji Seika is hoping to obtain government permission for commercial debut in April 1983. Experiments so far have shown that it is highly effective when sprayed on weed leaves and stalks without limitation to the type of plant. However, it is not so good when sprayed onto the soil - in other words, against seeds. So timing is important to ensure the weeds are attacked before they drop their seeds. The latest trials have shown that it begins to work against the weeds in two or three days. But most important of all, no adverse toxic effect to the ecology has been detected, since it is essentially a natural product of the soil. Once it returns to the soil, it either separates into inert properties or is consumed by micro-organisms. Credit: The Japan Times Sunday, September 26, 1982 t P C • GRASS SEED • TURF TOOLS • IRRIGATION SUPPLIES • COURSE ACCESSORIES • TURF EQUIPMENT • FERTILIZER • FUNGICIDES • INSECTICIDES • HERBICIDES • ALGAECIDES WE SPECIALIZE IN THE ODD AND THE UNUSUAL TURF PRODUCTS CORP. 47 Howell Road Box 296 Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 201-983-9333 Ernie Rizzio 201-263-1234 Rick Berberich 201-853-4713 THE GREENER SIDE PATRONS Tennis Courts and Running Tracks ALAN G. CRUSE, INC. Top Soil, Sand, Stone, Spar, & Humus Al Cruse (201) 992-2335 ALPINE TREE CARE, INC. Serving Northern N.J. for 64 years Bob Mullane - Peter Moritz (914) 948-0101 AMERICAN TENNIS & TRACK, INC. Repair and Construction - Harold G. Skinner (201) 778-1171 ANDREW WILSON, INC. Irrigation, Chemicals, Equipment Drew Morrison (201) 467-1400 (office) (201) 273-8555 (home) ARTESIAN PUMPING SYSTEMS Pumps for Watering Systems Peter J. Mauro (201) 845-7080 AQUATROLS CORPORATION AQUA-GRO — it drives your dirt to drink... OF AMERICA & drain. Demie, Andy, or Bob Moore (609) 665-1130 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS, INC. Top Dressing, Peat, Humus, & Potting Soil Gene Evans (717) 443-9596 BRUE DAN CORPORATION Golf Cars & Industrial Vehicles Jake Kriney - Richard Lewis (914) 469-2275 DAVENPORT TREE SERVICE New Jersey Certified John Schaus (201)891-1764 DOUBLE EAGLE GOLF & INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS The Cushman People (201) 521-2500 EGYPT FARMS, INC. Golf Green Top-Dressing John Strickland (301) 335-3700 FERTL-SOIL Turfgrass Supplies Martin Futyma (201) 388-0100 GARDEN STATE GOODALL Goodall Turf Equipment Phil Mowery, Stan Stevenson, Dave Walter (609) 799-4101 GEO. SCHOFIELD COMPANY, INC. Sand, Stone, Mulch Chips, Compost Plus (201) 356-0858 GOLF BY JANIS INC. Golf Course Construction, Renovation, Irrigation Al Janis (301) 641-8156 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Ken Kubik (201) 361-5943 Bert Jones (201) 686-8709 COMPANY JEP SALES, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Jack Poksay - Tony Ripple (609) 585-2300 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY Rainbird Irrigation Equipment William Koonz (201) 379-9313 LAKESHORE EQUIPMENT & Manufacturers, Distributors Turfgrass SUPPLY COMPANY. & Horticultural Supplies Les Guedel (800) 321-5325 LEBANON CHEMICAL CORP. Country Club Fertilizers & Chemicals Bill Nist (201) 329-4011 LEON’S SOD FARMS Certified Sod Grown on Mineral Soil Samuel Leon (201) 996-2255 LOFT’S PEDIGREED SEED, INC. Seed for the Turfgrass Industry Richard Hurley (201) 356-8700 LONGO MOTOR & PUMP, INC. Motors - Pumps - Bearings Rewind, Repair, Sales (201) 539-4141 24 hours The listed PATRONS are the sole financial supporters of this publication. Without them this newsletter would not exist. Please give strong consideration to supporting them whenever possible. If you don’t support them, they will not be able to sup­ port us. EDITOR METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Tony Grasso and John Wistrand (914) 769-7600 MID-ATLANTIC EQUIPMENT CORP. Golf Cars & Turf Maintenance Equipment Sam Baird, Jr. - Tom Haskell Bill Marberger (215) 489-1400 MONTCO PRODUCTS CORPORATION Surf Side & Zap Robert Oechsle (215) 628-3144 MOUNTAIN TURF PRODUCTS Turfgrass Supplies Richard Grant (717) 646-7220 O.M. SCOTT PROTURF Fertilizer, Chemicals Fran Berdine (914) 361-4105 Bob Dwyer (201) 238-5941 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Golf Course Top-Dressing James Kelsey (201) 637-4631 ROCKLAND CHEMICAL CO., INC. Turfgrass Chemicals & Fertilizer Cliff L. Belden, III (201) 575-1322 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones (201) 744-4031 SEACOAST LABORATORIES, INC. Granular Turfgrass Pesticides Richard Baker (201) 257-7772 STANDARD GOLF COMP. Pro Line Golf Course Equipment Steve Tyler - Chief Waseskuk (319) 266-2638 STEVEN WILLARD INC. Ransomes Grass Machinery Bill Rapp (201) 227-5612 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Maintenance Equipment, Irrigation Paul Deschamps - Gene Tarulli (201) 722-9830 STUMP REMOVAL CO. Clean - Efficient - Inexpensive Ron Manning (201) 444-0676 THE TERRE COMPANY Turfgrass Supplies Dennis DeSanctis - Greg Hutch (201) 473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION Turfgrass Supplies Ernie Rizzio - Rich Berberick (201) 263-1234 UPJOHN - TUCO COMPANY Turfgrass Chemicals David Sylvester (203) 828-8905 THE VAUGHAN-JACKLIN CORPORATION Turfgrass Supplies Sky Bergen (201) 377-2054 VIC GERARD GOLF CARS, INC. New & Reconditioned Golf Cars Vic Gerard, Jr. (201) 938-4464 (office) (201) 367-5303 (home) W.A. CLEARY CHEMICAL Turfgrass Chemicals Clay Nelson - Shaun Barry (201) 247-8000 WILFRED MacDONALD, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Ed Lott — Ed Rockhill (201) 471-0244 WM. STOTHOFF CO., INC. Pump Sales and Service Wm. “Pete” Stothoff, III (201) 782-2717 (bus.) (201) 782-7060 (res.) CORPORATION