Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey The greenersidE March - April 1993 Volume 16 Number 2 Movin’ On! Although seven years is a fairly long stretch of time by anyone’s standards, the past seven years of my life have been anything but long. Not only have I had the opportunity to live the dream of many in our profession by being involved with the construction of a world class golf course, but I have also had the opportunity to be exceptionally involved with a world class association of professionals—the Golf Course Superintendents Associa­ tion of America. The past seven years as they relate to GCSAA have been most stimulating and rewarding. Never has our profession or national association experienced such growth in terms of respect, prestige, impact, membership, and financial stabil­ ity. The golf course management profession has never been better respected than it is today within the golf community. It is even more satisfying when one realizes that such progress has been made at a time when golf and golf courses have been challenged by increased costs, environmental concerns, changing demographic patterns and recessionary economics. The opportunity to have served my fellow professionals is and has been greatly appreciated. I have learned much these past seven years and can only hope that my contributions have played a small role in these successes. I am particu­ larly thankful to have had the benefit of working with and learning from such progressive and farsighted individuals as Gene Baskin, Gerry Faubel, Don Hearn, Dennis Lyon, Bill New address for GCSANJ Effective immediately, the GCSANJ has a new mailing address: GCSANJ 66 Morris Avenue, Suite 2A Springfield, NJ 07081 Roberts, Riley Stottern, and John Segui. These are men who had a vision of what our profession and our profes­ sional association could and should be and who have worked tirelessly to make it happen. I am also especially thankful to the extremely dedicated staff of GCSAA, led by John Schilling, who are truly unsung heroes working on behalf of each and every member of GCSAA. Finally, I will be forever indebted to the members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey whose support and friendship played such a major role in allowing me these opportunities. Thank you very, very much! Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS In this issue Editorial President's Message GCSAA NEWS GCSANJ NEWS Remember when Consider pest management for turfgrass Caddyshack 3 X-marks the spot Back Nine 2 3 4 8 11 12 16 14 20 The greenerside GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of NJ, 66 Morris Ave., Suite 2A Springfield, NJ 07081 Ilona Gray, Editor Ken Krausz, Newsletter Business Staff Douglas Vogel, Edward Walsh, Shaun Barry, Paul Powondra Contributing Writers Please address inquiries to: The Greenerside, Editor, P.O. Box 3672, Wayne, NJ 07474-3672. For Ad Placement: Ilona Gray, (201) 595-7172 Art and Typography by Trend Multimedia (908) 787-0786 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 66 Morris Ave., Springfield, New Jersey 07081 Officers: Chris Carson, President Martin G. Mantell, CGCS, Vice President Paul Powondra, Secretary Glenn Miller, CGCS, Treasurer David Pease Past President Directors District 1 Ken Krausz, CGCS David Mayer District 2 Vincent Bracken Ron Mencl District 3 Fran Owsik Dennis Shea District 4 Wendell Beakley Pat Wall, CGCS Executive Secretary Judy Policastro Commercial Representatives Steve Chirip Shaun Barry ©1993 THE GREENERSIDE Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are the opinions of the authors and do not 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. Editorial if we could talk to the animals by Ilona Gray T with animals is one his interesting piece of wishful thinking has been the subject of books and movies. Communication approach to learning from them . Animal psycholo­ gists and other extensively trained individuals have made lifetime commitments to learn the “why” of animal behavior. A lot, however, can be learned from observing, reflecting and creating our own metaphors. Expressions like “it’s hard to soar like an eagle when you’re being held down by turkeys” and “a turtle is the only animal that makes progress by sticking its neck out” are but two examples. “Busy as a bee”, “hungry as a wolf’ or “as lazy as a sloth” are others. These expressions are clichés that reflect a lot of misinformation about the animals themselves. An eagle is a hunter and a scavenger. Eagles like to eat carrion. Although majestic in appearance, they are hardly team players or leaders of teams. If we want to learn a lesson on leadership and teamwork, we should look at our New Jersey skies for geese. That will be explained in another issue. Turkeys are wily creatures. Ben Franklin wanted the wild turkey as the symbol of our country rather than the eagle. He felt they were independent and resourceful, and dam hard to hunt. The turtle is another creature that is basically antiso­ cial. When it senses trouble, it does not turn to its fellow turtles, it merely crawls back into its shell. Turtles, turkeys, eagles and others lack a sense of leadership, teamwork and purpose. Examples from the insect world are not much more encouraging. The busy bee is busy because it is genetically programmed to do just that. It lacks creativity and spirit. Ants, termites, and other social insects have complicated behavior patterns, but these are more or less pre-ordained in their genetic wiring. Once their position in their “society” is established, it is fixed and unchangeable. Mammals are different. If we look at the wolf, we see a leader chosen by combat. One who holds that position by being the best fighter. When it is old or weakened, it will wander off and die alone. Stallions collect mares and form a small and restricted society. The stallion must fight others to keep its leadership. Herding animals such as buffalo have no clear leader and are more or less “self directed”. They work towards mutual protection, but if one goes off a cliff during a stampede, the others will follow. Being a primate has its benefits. We have learned over the years that we (Please turn to page 13) President's Message I Chris Carson President, CGSANJ had a good trip to California, combining some vacation with the convention. During my trip, I had the good fortune to learn from a varied group of experts, and it seems to me that they shared some similar traits. In Yosemite Park, a professional photographer led an excellent camera walk in the valley, and a wildlife expert led a group through the fauna unique to this area. On the Monterey peninsula, the assistant superintendent at Pebble Beach showed problems and solutions utilized, and the superintendent at Cypress Point gave me the whole tour, discussing the problems as well as the strong points of this terrific course. At Hearst castle and the Getty museum, special talks by guides and conservators gave a deeper understanding of these two amazing places. At the Toro BMW course, professional race drivers showed the tech­ niques (and fun!) involved in racing a car. It was an inter­ esting and educational vacation, made all the more so by the knowledge and passion conveyed by these guides and teachers. I tell you about this passion because I have had recent cause to see it in a different type of guide ... the guides who lead our membership and our association through the intricacies of the GCSAA election and annual meeting process: our voting delegates. Like most of you, I did not have a true understanding of the role these delegates play in the national scene. In fact, I must admit that my perceptions of this role were, regrettably, completely off the mark. Because of the proposed bylaw changes, many of our members were galvanized to action, and many of you called to express concern and to make comment on the content and intent of these changes. As a consequence of your concern, many conversations with the GCSANJ Board and delegates took place, meet­ ings were held both locally and regionally, and opinions and voting strategies were formed. This process was an eye­ opening one for me, and the evident knowledge, interest, and passion that I saw coming from our and other associa­ tion delegates was reassuring ... it indicates that the process works and works well. As I mentioned early on in this message, I had the oppor­ tunity to see some sights on my trip, learn some things, play some golf, and enjoy the seminars and entire show. Our voting delegates, on the other hand, were in constant meet­ ings and get-togethers, always on the move and infrequently enjoying the many opportunities available to most of the rest of us who were there. They took their role seriously, and did a fine job in representing the membership and our Associa­ tion. It is with pride that I take this opportunity to thank Steve Malikowski and Ed Walsh for a job well done. Calendar March 27 Seventeenth Annual Home Gardener’s School, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Loree Building, Douglas College, New Brunswick, NJ. Contact Cook College Office of Con­ tinuing Professional Education at (908) 932-9271. Earth Day April Monthly Meeting: Cape May National GC Joint Meeting with Philadelphia, Lunch Meeting. Contact Judy Policastro at (201)379-1100. May 15-16 Spring Flower Fair: Friends of the Rutgers Gardens. Con­ tact Sherry Dudas, Cook College at (908) 932-9271. April 25 April 27 GCSAA NEWS THE TRUTH LEAKS OUT by Steve Malikowski, CGCS The 1993 GCSAA annual meeting and election was held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 1993, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Contrary to what was expected, there were no deaths or injuries but certainly some trying, as well as embarrassing, moments for all present. The meeting began at 8 a.m. and was adjourned at 1 p.m. The results of the meeting are as follows. Election results and votes cast: President Randy Nichols, CGCS Cherokee Town and Country Club Dunwoody, Georgia For the Vice President, voting went as follows: Joe Baidy, CGCS Gary Grigg, CGCS 3,248 votes Elected 1,879 votes manner: Joe Baidy for Vice president received 118 NJ votes, and Gary Grigg received one NJ vote. The vote for vice president was divided this way to accommodate an indi­ vidual member who wished his vote to be cast for Gary Grigg. Well within his rights, I might add. I guess this means that you can vote individually through your delegate. For director, New Jersey cast 119 votes for George Renault, III, for Charles Passios, and for Joe Hahn. We supported Mr. Renault because of his background, his presentation at the Candidates Luncheon, his character as he portrayed it, and my personal opinion due to my knowledge of him over the last nine years. Charles Passios was supported for many of the same reasons and because his four years on the BOD would be too important to lose and also because of his convictions and drive he showed at the luncheon. Joe Hahn was supported because of his tenure, his ability, and, like Charles Passios, his willingness and ability to “Just say no” to the rest of the BOD when they felt they should. This For Director: After losing the Vice Presidential bid, Gary Grigg was nominated off the floor and the results were as follows: 4,377 votes Elected Gary Grigg, CGCS Dave Fearis, CGCS 3,826 votes Elected George Renault, III, CGCS 3,453 votes Elected Charles Passios, CGCS Joe Hahn, CGCS 2,041 votes 1,481 votes To fill the ninth Board of Directors slot, a director is normally appointed by the incoming president. This appoint­ ment is usually given to the next highest vote receiver. Tradition and common sense would suggest that the ap­ pointment go to Charlie Passios. Not!! I guess that hard work, dedication, and experience is not in the job descrip­ tion for GCSAA director any more. The appointment has actually, in fact, gone to Scott Woodhead of Valley View Golf Club in Bozeman, Mon­ tana. I can’t relay any info about Scott because before today I had not ever heard of him, but I’m sure someone knows him if he is a director. New Jersey voted in the following • Golf Courses • Estates • Athletic Fields • Commercial • Floating Aerators • Custom Built Pumping Systems AQUA-FLO, INC. 320 Basin Road • Hammonton, NJ 08037 (609)561-1777 1-800-524-0895 (outside NJ) 4155A Westfax Drive • Chantilly, VA 22021 (703) 968-7081 GCSAA NEWS delegate feels it is important to be able to disagree with the majority and discuss how they feel as opposed to just being a “yes man” for the sake of having unanimity on the BOD. (Check that word out in your Funk & Wagnals, Ilona!) Now that I’m on a roll, let me also say that if someone can invent a meter that can measure testicle fortitude, that it be used when interviewing future candidates to the GCSAA Board and that their score must be at least 66 & 2/3 and not merely a simple majority. Let me address at this point that New Jersey carried 119 votes to the Annual Meeting. We should have 163. We, at present, have 44 New Jersey members voting individually, if you will, which means that they didn’t vote at all. I wonder why the word apathy comes to mind at this point. These 44 members should be contacted, and their voting status should be discussed with them. They may now know that their votes are not being carried by the Delegate to the Annual Meeting. If so, and they wish to vote with their association, they must send an affidavit to GCSAA stating so. If not, then they should be made aware of the importance of either voting by proxy or being in attendance at the Annual Meeting and casting their own vote. I would hope that by next year’s annual meeting, New Jersey’s delegate will be representing all the members. If not, then they should look in their own Funk & Wagnals for the definition of apathy. Let me list the present ways you can vote in the next election. 1. Individu­ ally—meaning you may get in line at the annual meeting and vote your one vote. 2. With your association, through your chapter delegate—which means your one vote is carried to the meeting and used however your delegate sees fit or is instructed to do with it by your association board. 3. By proxy, which again is carried by your delegate. 4. Vote with your association but simply tell your delegate where you want your votes to go. A total of nine amendments to the bylaws was also voted on at the Annual Meeting. Each amendment had its own On Course Professional Turf Fertilizers Developed to meet the highest standards in turfgrass management • Golf Courses • Corporate Parks • Athletic Fields • Cemeteries • Commercial Turf West Coast Affiliate SEED RESEARCH OF OREGON, INC. P.O. BOX 373 DAYTON, NJ 08810 800-522-4769 Committed to providing reliable, dependable service and the best in quality lawn and garden products. For more information call Twin Light at 800-522-4769 and ask for Gerald Fountain (former Superintendent at Trenton Country Club) GCSAA NEWS ballot and was voted on individually. Amendment A and Amendment D were approved and the remainder declined. The New Jersey association, in fact, supported Amendments A and D and rejected all others. These proposed bylaw changes were sent to every GCSAA member well before the Annual Meeting as well as being addressed in the September 1992 issue of “Golf Course Management”, were listed in “Golf Course News”, were listed in GCSAA’s “Newsline” and also had been sent to every member labeled as Election Update ’93 numerous times last fall. I don’t think I need to explain each individual amendment because we have all been exposed to them enough. That is, enough for this newsletter. Because I now believe that they will and should come up again. In the next “Greenerside” I’ll try to cover why I feel this way and also what we think we gained by defeating them, as well as what we in fact lost because of it. So the following is simply the results and votes cast for each of them. Votes For Votes Against Results Votes For Votes Against Results Amendment A 4,107 Amendment B 1,175 Amendment C 1,321 Amendment D 3,329 Amendment E 1,822 2,408 Amendment F 924 Amendment G Amendment H 1,494 1,299 Amendment I 1,226 4,258 4,012 2,173 3,541 3,025 4,513 3,939 4,062 Passed Declined Declined Passed Declined Declined Declined Declined Declined Just a few days ago I spoke with both the new GCSAA directors and expressed to them what the chapter delegates would like to propose to the GCSAA Board for thought. meeting could be at the yearly convention site. 5. To eliminate any future political crap, voting results of the Annual Meeting should be sent to each Delegate’s Chapter President and board members and be made available upon request to any member who so desires it. Secret balloting to continue as is at the Annual Meeting with this being the only change. ONE MEMBER’S THOUGHTS by Steve Malikowski, CGCS Now that the 1993 GCSAA Convention and Show is over, many of us who attended have had time to absorb the tremendous amount of information and education that was presented to us. We can now begin to implement and use these invaluable experiences on our own courses and relay much of this information to others in our association who didn’t have the opportunity to attend the Conference and Trade Show. But why do we attend this great event year after year? I believe the answer is in one of the two amendments to our bylaws that was passed at this year’s annual meeting. Part B of the third Article of Incorporation of our association states the one purpose for which this Corporation was formed and now reads as follows: “To advance the art and science of turfgrass management; to collect and disseminate knowledge of golf course management with emphasis on efficient, economic and environmentally sound management of golf courses.” I’ve spoken with some superintendents who ask why they 1. Utilize the Chapter Delegates/Liaisons more wisely and 2. Develop a Chapter Delegate/Liaison educational pro­ frequently. gram. 3. Develop a Chapter Delegate/Liaison job description and/or Code of Ethics, so to speak. 4. Have the Chapter Delegates/Liaisons meet at least two times per year, one time in Kansas at headquarters for meetings with the BOD. This can ensure the account­ ability factor of the BOD. This can be a two-way accountability because the minutes of these meetings should be sent to each chapter delegate’s Board Mem­ bers, making the delegate accountable also. The second Alyn J. Janis President Golf by Janis 11215 Beauchamp Rd., Berlin, MD 21811 GOLF COURSE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION Projects include: Alpine CC, Pine Valley, Atlantic City CC, Shark River GC, Marriott-Seaviev Golf Resort and Navisink CC. GCSAA NEWS should become members of GCSAA, or ask how they can justify to their clubs the reasons for being a member. Well, I believe the third Article of Incorporation addresses and answers those questions. I believe that part B of our third Article of Incorporation is not only our purpose but also our mission, and I interpret our mission as education. Finally, on behalf of at least two thirds of our member­ ship, let’s say thanks to Steve Cadenelli for the 7 years of his life he has dedicated in serving us through GCSAA and, in fact, helping to make GCSAA what it is today. I know, like myself, he now has a “bad taste” left over from this year’s Annual Meeting, but, in fact, I think we’ve all learned something valuable from it. Once again, thanks, Steve. Frank A. Macchione Construction Inc. • Specializing in Cart Paths • Waterfall Ponds • Rock Gardens • Water Aerator • Landscape Designing • Tee Building 168 Midwood Road Paramus, N.J. 07652 652-0694 THE ED WALSH CHRONICLES FROM SAND DIEGO by Steve Malikowski, CGCS When will the USGA come up with a handicapping system that will be fair and equitable to everyone? What do the words Walsh and sandbagger have in common? When will the GCSAA tournament committee actually check the handicaps that are sent to them? What do Ridgewood, Pennsauken, Tavistock, Brooklawn, Fairfield and Little Mill Country Club have in common besides great courses and superintendents? Well, I’ll tell ya. These clubs serve lun­ cheons on solid brass plates with the GCSAA Championship logo. But this year’s Sultan of Sand Award must go to the soon to be in the senior flight, Ed Walsh. But I must admit that modem technology had played a big part in Ed’s victory this year. Sure an 11 handicapper can shoot 73, 74, good enough to win the Championship flight. But with the aid of his new driver Ed brought Sanddd Diego to its knees. It all began with the introduction of the oversized drivers. First came the Jumbo, then the Whale, then the Whopper, then the Boom Boom. But now with the prototype tested and approved by the USGA, Ed Walsh will be introducing the 101X. Made here in New Jersey at the Tuckahoe Sand and Gravel laboratory of a composite material, the head is a silica quartz material with a shaft made of petrified rattlesnake skin. Actually the 101X name is only temporary because I believe Karsten Solhiem has just bought the rights to it and will rename it and produce it as the Ricochet Rabbit. This name was picked because no matter how far one hits the ball out of bounds, it always seems to hit something and end up in play. This will be the hottest driver available this year, so you had better order early. I’ve got one ordered because after 9 years of GCSAA tournaments and $9,000 invested in them, I’m determined to get a plate somehow. GCSANJ News OBITUARY It is with sadness that we were notified that Charles (Chuck) Steiger passed away on December 24, 1992. He was a member of the GCSANJ for thirty years during which time he worked at Florham Park Country Club and the Braidburn CC. Chuck was the superintendent at High Mountain Golf Club from 1981 to 1992. Upon retirement he moved to Dingman’s Ferry, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Ethel; daughter, Robin; and two sons, Mathew and Charles, and two grandchildren. A NEW ADDITION A big “Greenerside” congratulations to Susan and Douglas Vogel upon the birth of their son, Noah John on January 13. Noah weighed in at 8 lbs. 6 oz. Douglas Vogel, a frequent contributor to “The Greenerside”, is the superin­ tendent at Packanack Golf Club. SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH NEWS by Dennis Shea, Superintendent Cherry Valley CC The GCSANJ scholarships for the 1992-1993 season have recently been awarded. The recipients of this year’s scholarships are Steven Wantz, Beth Bevins and James Gurzler. Steve is currently enrolled at Delaware Valley College, majoring in Agronomy and Environmental Science. He has been on the Deans List since the fall of 1991. Beth and Jim are completing the Rutgers two year Turf Program, FEATURES... Wide -1 00" Mowing Width. Progressive, Selective, All-Wheel Drive. Independent Full-Floating/Pivoting Reels. Easily Adjustable Height of Cut. Choice of Onan 24 hp Gas or Kubota 22 hp Diesel Powered Engine. BUNTON 5-GANG FAIRWAY MOWER Golf Course Construction & Renovation P.O. Box 400 • Clarksburg, NJ 08510 • 908-928-0600 Available in New Jersey through Fertl-Soil Turf Supply, Inc. Double Eagle EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. 285 Dayton Jamesburg Road Dayton, New Jersey 08810 • (908) 329-9292 Marty Futyma (908) 322-6132 NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZER Milorganite 4%lron METRO MILORGANITE 365 Adams St. Bedford Hills, NY 10507 GCSANJ NEWS where both are excelling. All three recipients are employed at New Jersey golf courses and are anticipating bright futures upon completion of their studies. Please join me in wishing them success in their careers and welcome them into the ranks of a great profession. At the Anaheim meeting, the GCSANJ annual contribu­ tion to the GCSAA Scholarship and Research Fund for the 1993 season was duly noted. Besides the continued funding of the scholarships and independent research studies, the foundation will begin a study this year into golf course pesticide exposure and its potential effects on GCSAA members. Another major component of this year’s program will be to collect and organize data from golf courses monitoring groundwater, surface water, and soils. The foundation hopes to create a data base in this area which will enhance other on-going laboratory and field research. THE SWEET TASTE OF VICTORY by Shaun Barry Ed (101X) Walsh is Back. That teenager who led his high school team to so many golf victories has done it again. Larry Dodge, Jim McNally, Wayne Remo and Ed formed a New Jersey team that competed against teams from the entire country. They won low chapter net honors as Ed shot 78 and 76. These scores also placed Ed as the low gross winner in the first division. Obviously he did not mark his spot very often. Wayne Remo was an integral part of this victory. When he came home with his golf trophy, however, he picked up his bowling ball. On February 9, this once a week bowler had games of 269, 289 and 279 for an 837 total. This could be a Tee & Green & In Between Whether your challenge is a dead­ line, a tee, a green, a fairway, a rough, or a bunker surround, we have a blend that fits your needs. We understand the variety of problems you face because we have spent a great deal of time listening to golf course superintendents. As a result, Tee & Green Sod offers the most complete product line available to the golf course industry— even a four-foot wide washed roll! Give us a call for information about our selection of products, and our unique harvesting and washing techniques. •Bentgrass •Bluegrass •Washed sod • Bluegrass-Ryegrass •Bluegrass-Fine Fescue -INCORPORATED - 401/789-8177 • 401/789-3895 (fax) • PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 GCSANJ NEWS new record for a superintendent. We know each one of you works hard, and we would like to share in your victories when you play hard. So drop me a line when something special happens. That is what a newsletter is meant to do. SUCCESS IN SOMERSET by Shaun Barry December is the last month of the year unless you are a superintendent in New Jersey. It then becomes the beginning of the new season because it starts off with “Expo”. This year was no exception. An extremely strong educational program attracted people from every section of the turf industry. Almost every seminar was filled to capacity. This alone would have made the show successful, but the exhibit floor was also crowded most of the time. One of the major attractions was the GCSANJ booth. I was told that the reason for this interest was the presence of Chris Carson, Steve Finamore, Ken Krausz, Fran Owsik and Dennis Shea, who were there to promote our industry. It was either that or perhaps it was the giant putting green which was donated again by Dave Wallace of Tee and Green Sod Co. I, however, think it was those pictures of Ireland that were on display at the booth. Whatever the reason(s), it was a very worthwhile show and, hopefully, there will be the same interest next year in Atlantic City. HOW SUITE IT IS by Shaun Barry The elevator door opened up to the fifth floor of the Anaheim Hilton. My invitation to the hospitality suite said 6 p.m. to whenever. It was now 9:30 p.m., and I had spent the whole day on my feet both at the Trade Show and at our own hospitality suite. One step out of the elevator and immediately it occurred to me how tired I really was. What else would explain the sensation that I was hearing the roar of Niagara Falls. Intrigued by this sound, my interest forced me to investi­ gate. Two turns later and some familiar faces appeared. Mary Lou DesChamps and all of Storr Tractor were quietly (?) discussing business in the hallway. I quickly realized that I had found the suite. Upon entering the room my eyes immediately searched for Saddam Hussein because this was the Mother of All Hospitality Suites. The GCSANJ had joined with nine other associations from the Northeast to share costs while securing a larger room than normal. Steve Malikowski had actually gotten a room that opened out onto a patio. This was good planning on Steve’s part because there were at least 100 people outside mingling and enjoying the California night. It was here that my systems slowed down. Business was forgotten as I laughed at the story of Phil Scott’s driving skills and Jack (Rip Van Winkel) Montecalvo’s extended stay in the St. Louis airport. Soon the minutes turned into hours, and it was time to leave. We headed to our rooms but many people continued enjoying the suite. The only person who seemed to be tense was Mr. Malikowski. He said something about Dave Pease, paying the piper and never again. I wonder what he meant? Sterilized Top Dressing 1-800-899-S0IL (7645) FAX (301) 335-0164 Our top dressing is formulated especially for your area to specifications recommended by leading universities and testing laboratories. EXCLUSIVE! All materials are thoroughly mixed and sterilized by indirect heat in our special process. The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homogenous mixture that will not separate during handling and spreading. Computerized blending of soil mixtures for a superior growing medium. Green and tee construction materials and mixes conforming to specifications are available. Custom on-site soil blending and testing with a portable computerized blender to meet your speci­ fications are available. Remember when by Ken Krausz, CGCS It seems like it was only ten years ago (only ten years), actually it was more like fifteen years, that I started working on a golf course. When I need a chuckle, when things are not going right, I look back to when I started working and see how far I have come. When I hire a new person it pays me to remember these first days. I’ll tell you about my first day but it goes further back than that. Old Tappan Golf Course was owned by the town that I grew up in. The interview was fairly easy, heck, I had to talk with the Mayor and Council, and I knew them all. I still wanted to give a good impression so I trimmed my beard and put my hair in a pony tail; I’m not quite sure if I wore a jacket and tie, I doubt it. The only thing I knew about a golf course is that it had a great sleigh riding hill. It never occurred to me that the top of the hill was the sixth green. Now I can understand why the sixth green is the one weak green on the golf course, something to do with bonfires and fifty kids on it at the sign of the first snowflake. The day after the interview I’m told I have got the job. I told all my friends I’m working on the golf course, and all I have to do is ride on a tractor and cut grass. Fertilizer and all that other stuff was not my job, so I thought, the DPW handles all that, NOT. The Monday before I started working I figured I’ll go to the course and introduce myself. Well, let me tell you, it is not a good idea to go to a course and say I’ll see you next The only thing I knew about a golf course is that it had a great sleigh riding hill, it never occurred to me that the top of the hill was the sixth green. week when it is ninety degrees out, and the entire three man crew is aerating and topdressing greens! They could not be bothered talking to the guy who was going to miss the entire topdressing experience. My eyes lit up when I saw the greens; what happened, there was dirt and holes all over, maybe the course was in big trouble, and I would be out of a job soon. Well, my first day came and the Greenkeeper (we were not superintendents then), John Hellman, a man who could grow grass on concrete, showed me how to run the rough mowers and told me to cut everything. I was smart enough to realize that the flat areas with flags should not be cut in this manner but that was about it. I cut an area that I now realize is the rough around the second fairway, and I kept mowing, but it seemed like I was not cutting anything, so I asked a guy on the crew, “Am I supposed to be cutting here?” He said, “Yes, cut every­ thing.” Thank goodness that about two minutes later a kid from the summer crew (a veteran of two seasons) came by and showed me the difference between a fairway and rough; it is no wonder I was not cutting any grass. After lunch I gassed up the G-10 and went out to pick up the gangs. I am sure I lifted up the stand on those gangs, but I guess I did not secure it well enough. A minute later I realized that the stand had dropped, and I cut a ditch large enough to put irrigation pipe in. While I am trying to put the grass back in place and straighten the bent stand, John showed up. To say he was not pleased would be an under­ statement. He was discussing the situation with me, when Harry Lake, the DPW superintendent, shows up (read BIG (Please turn to page 15) JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, Inc. PAVING, EXCAVATING Millburn, NJ 201-467-8622 • DRAINAGE SYSTEMS • TEE BUILDING • GRADING PENELOPE ALTHOFF, PH.D. Consulting Geologist 908-534-9706 High-yield wells Water Diversion Permits Consider pest management for turfgrass by Deborah Smith-Fiola, Agriculture Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County Turfgrass Research at Rutgers and other universities has focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the past decade. Scien­ tists have highlighted management of pests, versus pesticide control of pests. IPM is a common sense principle, considering that long term control of most insects and diseases will only occur as a result of properly managing the plant culture (proper soil conditions, variety selection, lime, fertilizers, etc.) and preventing pest outbreaks by early prediction and intervention. This cultural aspect of IPM has been proclaimed as a program in its own right by some parties, dubbed “Plant Health Care” or “Total Plant Management”. The “Inte­ grated” part of IPM calls for utilizing two or more methods to control a pest, focusing on alternatives to traditional pesticides, resistant varieties, traps, biological control, and/ or other tactics to keep pest numbers low. Plant and turf quality must be, and can be, protected and enhanced under IPM. The issues turfgrass managers must understand and respond to is the mood of the day toward pesticides. The public percep­ tion of pesticides leans toward that of “poisons, designed to kill,” created by the chemical industry. The public has a hard time distinguishing a “good” pesticide from a “bad” pesticide; and does not understand the dose versus risk correlation. Instead, pesticides are perceived to cause cancer, pollute the groundwater, harm wildlife, and so on. These generalities unfortunately can be true in some cases, placing the applicator in the black garb of “the bad guy” when you use and promote these products. Of course, scientists now also have the technology to detect pesticide residues down to one part per trillion or more, but nobody wants to drink water where there’s anything detectable. (Please turn to page 16) THE NEW HR-5111 • 51 HP KUBOTA DIESEL • • 4WD STANDARD • • 11 FT CUT • • CRUISE CONTROL • • HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION • HYDRAULIC DECKS—NO BELTS • • ★ 2-YEAR WARRANTY ★ WitfrJ Wlac^onafJ, Jnc. 340340 MAINMAIN AVEAVENUE,NUE, CLIFTON, CLIFTON, N.J.N.J. 0700701414 201-365-6801 201-365-6801 JACOBSEN TEXTRON Jacobsen Division of Textron, Inc Caddyshack 3 by Jim Gilligan Remote controlled TV has altered my television viewing habits. Before the introduction of the remote controller, I would watch TV from a discreet distance from beginning to end. Now with the RC, I scan all the regular and cable channels with the fervor of a Top Gun pilot; I’m right in the face of all the programs. In my house, I’m banned from watching TV with the “flicker” in my possession. I used to be able to hold it during commercials, but I lost control one night and caused a blinking phenomenon in the rest of my family. So in the solitude of the late hours, I do my scanning. It was in one of these moments that I glimpsed Bill Murray whirling a woman spectator through the sand trap at the eighteenth green at Pebble Beach. He was finishing his third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Instinctively, I thought Murray was desecrating hallowed ground. My next thought was to fire off a letter of indigna­ tion to him for his antics. I had quickly related the results of his actions to my situation as a golf course superintendent and saw visions of my meticulous work being used as a playground. High fives for "The Greenerside" “The Greenerside” has been advised by "Golf Course Management" that it has been awarded the “Second Runner Up” in Category 3 of the 1993 GCSAA Chapter Editor’s Contest. An announcement on this will be made in “Golf Course Management” and “Newsline”. Now, normally second runner up is not the kind of award that gets you excited. In this case, however, Category 3 is as Paul Harvey says, “the rest of the story”. Category 3 covers professionally managed newsletters. Our competition is the large, often four color magazines from the larger state associations. This is the big leagues and “The Greenerside” is holding its own. It can compete with these slick publica­ tions because of the quality of the contributed articles from our fellow GCSANJ members, and our friends at Rutgers and others. The support from our advertisers and patrons is indispensable. As is the terrific job done by Alampi and Associates Management Corp, and TrendMultimedia’s design efforts. Atta-boys and high fives all around! Now being wiser (older), I cooled off and waited for the Sunday papers and read the “New York Times” account of the incident. They described his “performance art” and his golf attire with comments from his playing partner, Scott Simpson. Quoting from the “Times”, “It’s the greatest thing for golf in the world,” maintained Simpson, who had a 68 amid all the chaos. “There is nothing mean spirited about Bill. Golf is a game, and it’s supposed to be fun.” The quote continues but the point I digested was the fact that golf is a game, it is fun, and that Murray meant no harm. My thoughts are focused now on the meaning of the game of golf and how it impacts my role as a golf course superin­ tendent. Simply: if everyone enjoyed the fun and played the game it would reduce the tension that exists between super­ intendents and golfers. Maybe I wouldn’t have to be perfect. Even a mistake might be tolerated. Perfectionism is the downside of the golf course mainte­ nance profession. We live in fear of bad lies, footprints in the sand, or dreaded slow greens. We become defensive, minds search for excuses, and the mouth foolishly apolo­ gizes. Maybe Bill Murray, being a former assistant golf course superintendent (see the movie “Caddyshack”), as a celebrity will lower the perfect conditioning expectation down to a manageable level. If we could talk to the animals (Continued from page 2) can successfully count on one another when there is trouble ahead. Baboons work towards their common defense. Gorillas share food and keep each other well groomed. Man, the most dominant of all species on earth, knows how to cooperate and seek mutual support. This spring marks yet another season. The great migration from the GCSAA meeting is over. GCSANJ members are implementing their plans for course management and improvement. We can look forward toward a great 1993 season, because we know that we can count on one another. “The Greenerside” counts on its contributors, its advertis­ ers and the GCSANJ membership to keep it vital. It would be great to be able to talk to the animals, but like any advice, you’ve got to consider the source! marks the spot The recent GCSAA Convention in Anaheim, Califor­ nia, was one not many of us, at least the politically involved ones, will soon forget. I know I can speak for Steve Malikowski and myself when I say let’s hope what happened doesn’t happen again. Probably most of the GCSANJ membership were aware of the Bylaw changes that were proposed and the candidates for national office. Many of you voiced your opinions to Steve or me before we departed for California on the issues and candidate selections. We both probably thought we were reasonably well informed before we got on the plane, and I think it’s fair to say we were. Both of us talked to other voting delegates in the Met area and others we knew from past conferences and meetings. Most of the discussion was negative regarding the direction and speed with which the GCSAA Board was going. It wasn’t that we were against progress, but many of us felt that maybe too much was being done at one time. Well, I can tell you that my opinion didn’t change when I found out that half of the GCSAA Board felt the same way. That was made very clear during personal discussions and at the "Meet the Candidates Luncheon," which is held for the benefit of Voting Delegates and any voting member who wanted to listen and question the candidates. What became even clearer was the fact that I personally started to feel very bad about the entire experience around this time. I am not sure what happened that separated our national board of directors, but this was the first conference that I attended that left a bad taste in my mouth. I guess I am an average type person who likes harmony, and I realized that politics doesn’t always work out that way. I also realized that some people that I respect did what they thought was best for us and our association and paid a pretty high price when the rest of us didn’t agree. I feel the new GCSAA Board of Directors will work hard to regain the harmony we need to be productive and, in fact, resubmit some of the ideas presented at this year’s confer­ ence for future consideration. And I’ll go as far to say I think many will be approved by the membership if they are (Please turn to page 19) LIQUID FERTILIZER GREEN T For golf course greens, tees and other fine turf areas. • Clear liquid-100% water soluble • Quick green up • Compatible with pesticides • Does not leach or evaporate • Maintains rich green color • Low burn potential • Organic Nitrogen • Controlled release RANSOMES GREENS 3000 BRINGS GREENS CARE INTO THE 21st CENTURY High cutting frequency of 138 cuts per yard at 4 mph with 9 blade reels. Cutting height adjusts quickly and easily without the use of tools to as low as 1/8’. Versatile reel options are all interchangeable. Choose from 9 blade front mounted Verti-Groom, 9 blade Greens, 7 blade Fairway and Tees, or Verti- cut reels. Armchair comfort reduces operator fatigue. Adjustable tilt steering wheel and power steering. All controls and gauges are in easy reach and sight. Padded seat with adjustable back rest. ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE The Grass is always Greener on the Green-T side! PLANT POOD COMPANY, Inc. Manufacturers of Fluid Fertilizers Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road Cranbury, NJ 08512 • 609-448-0935 800-562-1291 • FAX 609-443-8038 RANSOMES GREENS 3000 WHERE GREAT IDEAS START ' For a FREE demonstration contact: Steven Willand, Inc. 201-579-5656 April monthly meeting site View from practice tee over­ looking the chipping green at Cape May National Golf Club with the 18th green in the back­ ground. The 18th hole is rated by Golf Digest’s Matt Ward as the best finishing hole of all public golf courses in New Jersey. Remember when (Continued from page 11) BOSS), and again I get the feeling I’m out of a job soon. Harry looks over the situation, John and Harry talk, and then Harry says, “Those things will happen.” (Read relief.) I learned a good lesson that day about training employees, and have not had an employee cut fairways with rough units. By the time my employees get out on the course, they even know what those flat areas with flags, are called. I have come to enjoy cutting the rough, and when having a bad day I will take the G-10 out and cut the bottom half of the course along the reservoir and feel better within the hour. I have always been an advocate of trying different jobs on the course every once in a while. It is very easy to forget how tedious a job can be or the amount of time it takes to get it done. Sometimes it takes less time to do a job than you remember, and that is when you have a word with the crew. Sometimes a job is harder than you remember, and then you realize that maybe that crew could use an extra person. Sometimes when a job is done you remember why you enjoyed this business so much. This probably goes back to cutting along the reservoir. I’m sure each of us can think of something we or an employee have done which seemed awful at the time. When you look back at it you should realize that it was probably an innocent mistake with a lesson in it. I hope so. Here is hoping that we all had a good season with a better one next year. When the going gets rough, look back to your first day on the job, and if you can remember back that far get on from there. SERVING THE TURFGRASS INDUSTRY OF THE GARDEN STATE grass roots turf products, inc. KEN KUBIK (201) 361-5943 LANDSCAPE-IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR, INC. 908-469-7782 TEE AND GREEN CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE • RETAINING WALLS IRRIGATION • OTTERBINE INSTALLATION • PONDS SNOW PLOWING & SNOW REMOVAL MEMBER OF NJ TURF GRASS ASSOC. & GCSANJ Pest management for turfgrass (Continued from page 12) Perhaps five percent of the public doesn’t care about pesticide issues, but another five percent are opposed to any pesticide use at all, anywhere, anyhow, no matter what the facts are. That leaves 90 percent of the public on the fence. This majority is asking questions, expressing fear, voicing distrust and asking for change. EPA has responded by requiring re­ registration of all pesticide products by 1995—with those not meeting strict new requirements being eliminated from the market. Within five additional years, all pesticide containers will be required to be recycled, effectively reducing the future sales and develop­ ment of liquid products, some granular products have already been banned on golf courses. How will you respond to these issues? Can you effec­ tively satisfy a customer/club member who asks questions about that fungicide you are spraying? Is the owner putting subtle pressure on you to reduce the pesticide load? IPM programs have proven reductions in pesticide use without loss of plant quality. In Maryland, landscape IPM The Poly-S difference: a unique multiple coating system. Each Poly-S™ particle is manufactured using a com­ puter-controlled, two-tier coat­ ing process that allows nutri­ ents to be released steadily and safely by controlled dif­ fusion through the polymer coating. Thus the rate of re­ lease can be regulated over a pre­ programmed period of time over a wide variety of weather conditions — providing higher nitrogen analysis than SCU products with less sensitivity to temperature than fertilizers coated with poly­ mer only. It is the most efficient—and cost-effective— turf fertilizer technology ever developed. For more information about Poly-S fertilizers and their performance advantages, con­ tact your Scott Tech Rep. Or call 1-800-543-0006. Scotts ProTurf programs have reduced pesticides by 40 percent to 83 percent in residential communities. In New York green­ houses, pesticide use has been reduced by 45 percent under IPM. The National Park Service has implemented IPM programs at all park sites across the country, reducing pesticides by 70 percent. Reduced pesticide use means a dollar savings as well. Within five additional years, all pesticide containers will be required to be recycled, effectively reducing the future sales and development of liquid products. Education is the first step in imple­ menting an IPM program. Learn the components of a complete IPM program, and start small. Implement one method at a time, building up to a complete program. Use a small section of the golf course for your initial program, and expand from here as you gain confidence and competence. But start now—don’t wait until you are forced to. Some components of a turf IPM program include: 1. Cultural Controls - This is the basis for many pest problems. Make sure turf is growing under ideal soil and fertility conditions. Irrigate properly and judi­ ciously. Address problems of compaction, soil inter­ faces, poor drainage, etc. Change the turf species if the present turf is a continual maintenance problem. Correct mowing height to discourage weeds. Fertilize judi­ ciously—only to maintain health and promote deep rooting. Return clippings. Overseed weedy sites and mow high to discourage weeds. Correct conditions that promote excess thatch. 2. Monitoring - this is the primary way to begin an IPM program. You’re already monitoring when you notice (Please turn to page 17) RES. 201-992-2335 BUS 201-227-7183 GOLF COURSE & LANDSCAPE MATERIALS Decorative Stone • white Sand • topsoil Humus-Tee & Green Mix • Bark mulch Earthlife Established 1953 460 HORSENECK RD. FAIRFIELD. NJ 07004 Pest management for turfgrass (Continued from page 16) problems in the turf during daily activities. Formalize this by inspecting the turf on a regular basis—every 3 days to a week on a golf course. Look for cultural problems, signs of stress, and catch insects and disease problems early. Diagnose off-color turf to determine its cause (use the Rutgers plant diagnostic lab!), since many pesticides are applied because of misdiagnosis. Pitfall traps, pheromone traps, flushing agents, other monitoring methods help to determine if a pest is present, and whether the pest is numerous enough to cause noticeable damage to turf. For example, 15 to 20 chinch bugs per square foot (floating in a coffee can of water) is the threshold amount at which a control is necessary or damage will occur. This threshold number may be less on the first tee, but greater on the rough, where damage is not as noticeable and can be tolerated. The benefit of monitoring is that it allows the scout to catch a problem early, prior to damage, and control it quickly and with a minimal amount of control product. Structure your monitoring to follow a set route and record observations in writing. Use a simple rating system for each site at each visit, such as recording the presence or absence of problems, and whether the problem is light, medium or heavy. Pinpoint the con­ tinual problem areas for future changes, e.g. southern and eastern slopes. Many IPM monitors carry a back- pack sprayer with them on their route (with a special­ ized vehicle or bicycle) in order to treat problems immediately as they appear. This saves time in returning to the site, and prevents delays, which increase pest populations and damage potential. 3. Resistant Varieties - The extra cost of resistant turf varieties is well worth the future savings in maintenance cost. Select grasses that contain endophytes for reduc­ tion of many above-ground pests. Select new varieties of turfgrasses that are more tolerant of site conditions; for example, the Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars ‘Glade,’ ‘Eclipse,’ ‘Enumundi,’ ‘Midnight,' etc. are more shade tolerant if the rough is in the shade most of the day. Consider using the new turf-type Tall Fescues as a substitute for Bluegrass. Tall Fescues have superior drought tolerance and pest tolerance than bluegrass; lower fertility and mowing requirements. Keep up-to- date with new variety releases, research trial reports, and trade shows when selecting your seed. 4. Alternatives to Pesticides - Good cultural growing conditions for turf are the best way to reduce pests. Remember what encourages insects, diseases, and weeds: over fertilization, overwatering (and watering at night), compaction, poor drainage, mowing too low, and (Please turn to page 18) IF YOU WERE A TREE . . . WHO WOULD YOU TRUST? Over 70 Years of Excellence in Tree Care Golf Course Programs Better Than PAR OUR GOAL IS TO PRESERVE YOUR TREES! ALPINE the CARE of TREES (201) 445-4949 Pest management for turfgrass (Continued from page 17) using non-adaptive turfgrasses. Some biorational pesticides (soaps, oils, etc.) will soon be labeled for turf, and also greatly enhance the effectiveness of pesticides when used together (this synergism also decreases the amount of pesticide used). Soaps cur­ rently labeled for weed control currently have limited commercial use. The use of entomopathogenic nematodes (Ex­ hibit, Biosafe) is looking promising, particularly in field tests where a New Jersey strain of nematode (Steinernema glaseri; re: Dr. Gaugler, Rutgers) produced equal control of grubs as did the insecticide Turcam. Special application requirements must be strictly followed when using nematodes or other biological controls, including milky spore (B.T.). Nematodes should be applied during the cool part of the day (e.g. dusk) to wet turf, followed by plentiful irrigation. The best use of milky spore is new sites/lawns, so the bacteria has a chance to build up in the soil over 3 to 5 years before adult beetles begin to breed on the site. SAVE TIME • WATER • MONEY Get your course on AXIS the Amercian made porous ceramic. Incorporate AXIS into the root zone Aerify or Rototill Only the product “DOOM” is currently recommended. 5. Pesticide Use - Monitoring, early detection, and treating only the area that is infested (not a broadcast spray) will significantly reduce the amount of pesticide needed on any one site. Although alternatives to tradi­ tional pesticides are encouraged, pesticides will still be used under the IPM program (albeit in smaller amounts, mixed with soaps/oils for synergism, and spot treated). Select the pesticides you use carefully for superior control and minimal residual activity (long residuals affect the presence/action of beneficial organisms and earth­ worms). READ THE LABEL!! A pilot golf course IPM program at Cornell University has demonstrated the applicability of IPM tactics on turf. Sampling 25 acres for grubs (cost: $252; 36 hours @ $7/ hour) cost significantly less than standard broadcast insecti- (Please turn to page 19) Since 1923 MATERIALS FROM THE EARTH'S CRUST Geo. Schofield Co., Inc. P.O. BOX 110, BOUND BROOK, NEW JERSEY 08805 • White Trap Sand • Top Dressing Sand • Construction Mixes • Drainage Gravels • Suprgro Topsoil • Landscape Products • Compost • Cart Path Materials • Bagged Lime & Gypsum Products • Increase the gas exchange in the soil • Resist compaction • Increase water holding • Increase percolation OVER 60 YEARS OF QUALITY SERVICE (908) 356-0858 Exclusive distributor of Break-Thru a non ionic wetting agent Agroroots/Marine-Gro organic biostimulants AXIS a diatomaceous earth soil amendment 908/922-4743 215/598-3132 Pest management (Continued from page 18) cide treatments: $2,053 to treat the same area with Dylox, and $3,600 with Turcam. Over the course of a year on 327 home lawns in New York in 1992, monitoring resulted in 82 percent of the lawns not requiring any pesticide treatment— yet all the lawns were treated with broadcast sprays in 1991 (Ferrantino et al, Cornell University). These studies show that pest sampling and spot treatment of only the problem area are effective and economic alternatives to traditional blanket pesticide applications. IPM is a concept which is growing in acceptance and is here to stay. Learn about the new techniques, learn early symptoms of pests, and learn to monitor. Savings from reduced pesticide treatments can be rolled over to offset any additional labor costs to monitor. Start small and be ready to move into the next era of pest control. Rutgers Cooperative Extension will be holding classes and field clinics during 1993-1994, courtesy of a grant from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. For those interested in IPM tactics, an IPM newsletter will be reinstated in February 1993. For a $15 fee, landscapers and turfgrass managers will receive timely information on pest control (stressing alternatives to pesticides), pesticide information, plant health care techniques, upcoming events, etc. Call (908) 349-1246 for information or a subscription form. X-marks the spot (Continued from page 14) presented with the full board’s backing. I encourage the present GCSAA Board to please use this experience as an example of what not to do again. Everybody loses under these circumstances. P.S. Many, many thanks to Steve Cadenelli for all the hard work these past six or seven years. Please don’t judge our sincere appreciation by what happened at this year’s conference and don’t judge your success as a result of this year either. Good things sometimes take a little more time than we expect. SPECIAL OFFER! TEST DRIVE A DUAL Call us for a FREE three-day tryout in your workshop.* □ We’ll bring the machine right to you and pick it up. □ No charge. □ Your chance to precision grind your reels on the world’s best spin grinder. Subject to scheduling and machine availability. EXPRESS DUAL Storr Tractor Company 3191 US Highway 22, Somerville, New Jersey 08876 908-722-9830 Back Nine FLASH REPORT FROM THE NJ DEPE This is the year that the Pesticide Control Code will be opened for discussion and revision. The task force on notification has already met, and other task force groups are also active. These include aerial application and farm worker safety. The Alliance for Environmental Concerns held an all day workshop this past winter to get ideas on changes for the code. These have been given to NJ DEPE Office of Pesticide Control, Assistant Director, Ray Ferrarin. The next meeting of the task force was March 12, when notification procedures were again the focus. In the meantime, as GCSANJ members we have unique needs from the code. It’s comforting to know that Paul Powondra of Princeton Country Meadows C.C., and Armand LeSage, at White Beeches, are both active in the Alliance for Environmental Concerns and on the state notification task force. They will provide input from a golf course superintendent’s viewpoint, but this is a big job, and your ideas and support are needed. Call Paul or Armand if you’d like to contribute or participate in future public hearings. NEW YORK STATE COURT OVERTURNS BAN ON "DEET" INSECT REPELLENTS DEET is considered by many as one of the most effective tick repellents available. A New York state ban on the sale of products containing more than 30% DEET was recently overturned by the New York State Supreme Court. The NY DEC (the pesticide regulating authority) had proposed the ban based upon anecdotal reports of adverse health effects. The court ruled that improper procedures had been used in assessing the situation. GREAT TOYS It opened in late January. The greatest toy box ever built in New Jersey and one of the best in the world. In Jersey City, within view of the great Statue of Liberty, is the newest museum in the state. I use the word museum loosely. It’s better described as a hands on science center aimed at establishing within everyone’s mind that science equals fun. It does a great job at doing just that. It’s filled with amazing toys. Want to take a tarantula for a walk? Or have your hair stand on end from 100,000 volts? This is the place to visit. As golf course superintendents, we work with science every day, but to most of the population, science is an abstract thing. Something dangerous and, perhaps, even evil. The general population needs to be educated in scientific terms and to do this we have to have available buildings like the New Jersey Science Center. Philadelphia has its Franklin Institute and New York City has dozens of museums, but this is a big first for our state. The Science Center has a different mission: make science equal fun. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN NEW JERSEY Last fall a number of major radio stations and newspapers reported the sensational death of rock star Jeff Porcaro, a 38-year-old drummer from the band "Toto," which was popular in the 1970s. His sudden death was attributed to an allergic reaction to pesticides while working on his lawn. The Los Angeles coroner’s office has determined that he died from the hardening of the arteries brought on by cocaine use. Tests found no traces of pesticides but did find traces of cocaine. The autopsy reports did receive some press coverage, but not nearly the volume that the pesticide misinformation was given. New Jersey is considering adding an environmental curricula to the school system. We can only hope that this provides a better understanding of the actual role of pesti­ cides in our society and some measure of the more prevalent dangers that surround our lives. Too often misinformation is easily accepted by an uneducated population. The press can never undo the damage it brings when condemning something erroneously. Another classic example is the Alar episode. This pesticide and many apple growers are no longer in business. The facts are now available to all, and the official conclusion was that Alar was not a problem. The press cannot bring back this product, and it cannot bring back the lost farms or the confidence the public once had in the quality of its food supply. The only action we can take is to help educate the public. Over 35 states have instituted some form of environmental education. New Jersey will likely be joining this list. The Alliance for Environmental Concerns has commented on how this should be done. The Science Center at Jersey City and the potential curriculum are positive steps toward helping the public interpret information. (Please turn to page 21) Back Nine ASPEN GROVE DECLARED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION In the ongoing contest to identify the largest, heaviest, most awesome organism in the world, blue whales lost out to redwood trees, redwoods were topped recently by a large soil fungus in Michigan, and now the fungus is dwarfed by a grove of quaking aspen trees in the mountains of Utah. Three professors at the University of Colorado say that all 47,000 stems in the grove of aspen arose from the root of a single tree. This “growth” now covers 106 acres and weighs approximately 13.2 million pounds, perhaps three times more than the largest redwood, a Sequoia gigantea tree. “Quaking aspen, already recognized as the most wide­ spread tree species in North America, can now take its rightful place as an acknowledged giant among giants,” life science professors Michael Grant, Jeffry Mitton, and Yan Linhart wrote recently in a letter to the English journal Nature. The large clone of trees is located in the Wasatch Moun- Creeping Bentgrass It's outperforming some well-known competition with its dense, upright growth and attractive color! To learn more contact: Lofts Seed Inc. Chimney Rock Rd. Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (908) 356-8700 • (800) 526-3890 tains, south of Salt Lake City. It was originally described in 1975 by a forestry researcher, Burton Barnes, from the University of Michigan. The Colorado professors estimated that is about 33 times heavier than a 396,000-pound blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. The king-size fungus, which has spread through 37 acres of soil in northern Michigan, was estimated to weigh about 20,000 pounds. Mitton said there is no accurate way to estimate the aspen grove’s age. PAW PAW TREE JOINS CANCER FIGHT Another obscure tree may hold one of the keys to curing cancer. Researchers have isolated a powerful chemical found in the twigs and small branches of paw paws, a small tree that grows on moist sites in eastern United States. According to Jerry L. McLaughlin of Purdue University, early tests indicate that the paw paw substance is one million times as potent as the widely used cancer drug Adriamycin. Like the lowly yew of the Northwest, paw paw is a tree that has received little attention in the past but could hold the key to life for cancer victims. Reprinted from the Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission ’s December 1992 newsletter. SOME COOL PROOF Having come through last years hot summer, we all appreciate the value of shade. However, some people believe that trees require too much water to be worthwhile in dry climates. Scientists at the University of Arizona now offer evidence that should put this notion to rest. In their study, three scale model houses were built and surrounded with decorative red granite, Bermuda grass or tall shrubs close to the building walls. Using instruments to measure heat and a computer program to simulate landscape treatments, it was found that even though the rockscape needed no water, its costs in energy outweighed that advantage. In the grass lawn model, savings on air conditioning were two times greater than water costs. Where the shrubs were used to simulate shade trees, energy savings were five times greater than water costs! Reprinted from the Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission’s December 1992 newsletter. Need a map? The United States Geological Office is map central for the USA. There are dozens of maps showing great detail of New Jersey. Satellite photo maps, topographic maps, hydrologic maps, and even road maps! You can get these by county, by areas smaller than counties, for the whole state or for groups of states. Maps can serve as more than good wall decorations. Your golf course is an integral part of the state’s geologic and geographic features. Knowing its relationship to its surrounding areas is important. There are two ways to obtain government maps: direct from the US Geological Office or through map stores. You can address your ques­ tions directly to the USGS Maps Sales, Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225. Request a catalog of published maps and an order form. Most New Jersey map stores can be of help in obtaining the maps that include your golf course. STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY TURF and INDUSTRIAL DIVISION 201 WINDSOR RD. • POTTSTOWN, PA 19464 AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR: BUNTON REEL MOWERS • CUSHMAN TURF CUSHMAN FRONT LINE MOWERS CUSHMAN INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL VEHICLES RYAN TURF MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT RANSOMES TURF EQUIPMENT HOWARD PRICE TURF EQUIPMENT S.D.I. SPRAYING EQUIPMENT VICON SPREADERS • BECK TRAILERS MITSUBISHI MIGHTY MITS TRUCKS_________________ 800-724-1024 GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB SIGNAGE DIS PRO DISPLAY PRODUCTS CORP - (908)988-5400 PARTAC GOLF COURSE TOP-DRESSING 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 NJ. BY: FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY HOWARD SCOTT, 215-483-5000 FISHER & SON CO. FRANK FISHER, 215-644-3300 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS KEN KUBIK, 201-361-5943 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. ERNIE RIZZIO, 201-263-1234 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NEW JERSEY 07838 908-637-4191 PATRON DIRECTORY ♦ AGRO-TECH 2000, INC. Axis/Isolite/Agroroots/Break-Thru Peter Van Drumpt - Chris Des Garennes (908) 922-4743; (215) 598-3132 ALPINE, THE CARE Of TREES Complete tree care Michael Cook; (201) 445-4949 AQUA-FLO, INC. Irrigation Equip. Distrib. Phil Demarco - Jerry Purcell (609) 561-1777; (800) 524 0895 AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Manufacturer of Water Management Products Andy Moore - Phil O'Brien - Drew Effron (800) 257-7797 ATLANTIC MILLS INC. Tee Accessories, Towels, Detergent Peter Donnelly - Jack Brady - Laura Irving (908) 774-4882 JAMES BARRETT ASSOCIATES, INC. Irrigation Design & Consulting Jim Barrett; (201) 744-8237 SKY BERGEN Sales to the Professional Turf Industry S.J. Bergen, Jr.; (201) 635-6469 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS Topdressing, Sand Gene Evans; (717) 443-9596 BRUEDAN CORP. Yamaha Golf Cars/Yamahauler Jay Antonelli - Michael Gesmundo (800) 535-1500 CIBA-GEIGY CORP. Turf and Ornamental Products Randy Moser, (215) 343-5654 Michael Oleykowski, (609) 267-8041 W.A. CLEARY CHEMICAL CORP. Somerset, NJ Bob Leslie; (201) 993-6696, (908) 247-8000 CONSOLIDATED STEEL & ALUMINUM FENCE CO., INC. Fencing Contractor Eugene T. McLaughlin; (908) 272-6262 ALAN G. CRUSE INC. Golf Course Materials Alan Cruse - Jim Cruse; (201) 227-7183 DE BUCK'S SOD FARM Sod Farm Leonard M. DeBuck; (914) 258-4131 DISPRO DISPLAY PRODUCTS CORP. Sign and Display Manufacturing Jerry Blaine; (908) 988-5400 DOUBLE EAGLE EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Distributor Jerome Pearlman - Nancy Pearlman (908) 329-9292 EGYPT FARMS, INC. Greens Topdressing, Construction Mixes, Bentgrass Sod Jeff Lacour - John Strickland - Dean Snyder (410) 335-3700; (800) 899-7645 E-Z-GO/TEXTRON, INC. New & Used Golf Cars & Turf Equip. Tom Sauer, Branch Mgr.; John Myers, No. & Cen. NJ; Paul Proter, So. NJ (609) 586-4000 FERTL-SOIL TURF SUPPLY Topdressings, golf course supplies Marty Futyma - Cathy Futyma (908) 322-6132 FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. Turf Equipment Dealership Dennis Wagner - Tom Wojcik - Ray Finch (800) 78-DEERE FISHER & SON CO., INC. Grass seed, Fertilizers, Chemicals Allan C. Phillips - Frank Fisher - Mike Fisher (800) 262-2127; (609) 478-6704 FLANAGANS LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR, INC. Landscape Contractor Robert J. Flanagan - Roger P. Flanagan - Christine Flanagan (908) 469-7782 VIC GERARD GOLF CARS, INC. Sales & Service Vic Gerard, Jr.; (800) 339-4302; (908) 938-4464 GOLF BY JANIS INC. Golf Course Construction, Renovation, Irrigation Al Janis; (301) 641-5108 GOLF CARS, INC. Club Car Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles, Sales, Service, Leasing Jon F. Schneider, Genl. Mgr. - John A. Czerwinski, Rep. - Linda A. Wunsch, Sls. Mgr. (215) 340-0880; FAX (215) 340-1634 GRASS ROOTS, INC. Golf Course Supplies Ken Kubik; (201) 361-5943 JONATHAN GREEN INC. Grass Seed, Fertilizer, and Turf Chemicals Barry K. Green II - Ed Barbano - Todd T. Pretz (908) 938-7007 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones - Keith Evans - Greg Muirhead (201) 744-4031 STEPHEN KAY, GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS Restoration, Master Planning, Consultation Stephen Kay - Ron Turek (914) 699-4437; FAX (914) 699-4479 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY INC. Distributors Turf Irrigation William F. Koonz, Jr. (201)379-9314 LAWN & GOLF SUPPLY COMPANY Specialists in Equipment and Supplies for Maintenance of Turf Sam Baird Jr.; (800) 362-5650 LEBANON TURF PRODUCTS Fertilizer Manufacturer Steve Chirip - Bill Smith - Alan Kulibaba - Chris Zelley (800) 233-0628; NJ (201) 329-4011 LEON'S SOD FARMS Sod Grower Samuel Leon - Irene Leon - Wayne Berger (908) 996-2255 LESCO, INC. Manufacturer & distributor of Green Industry products Dan Cavallo; (800) 321-5325 LOFTS SEED INC. Turfgrass Seed Company John Morrissey - Dr. Rich Hurley (908) 356-8700; (800) 526-3890 LONCO MOTOR & PUMP INC. Electric motor, Pump repair, Sales Jim Austin (201) 539-4141 (x336) RALPH MCGILLAN EXCAVATING Lakes & Ponds Ralph McGillan; (609) 655-2281 JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, INC. Paving, Excavating, Cart Paths, Tee and Trap Construction Joseph Mercadante - Robert Mercadante (201) 467-8622; FAX (201) 467-8419 METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Rick Apgar - Scott Apgar - Joe Stahl (914) 666-3171; FAX (914) 666-9183 MONTCO PRODUCTS CORPORATION Surf-Side Wetting Agent/Zap! Defoamer Bob Oechsle; (215) 836-4992 NK LAWN & GARDEN CO. Turfgrasses for the professional user George Rosenberg, Br. Mgr. Sky Bergen, Turf Spec. (800) 828-5856 NOR-AM CHEMICAL CO. Manufacturer of Fine Turf Chemicals Shaun M. Barry (908) 846-8173 NORTHEASTERN ASSOCIATES Sales & Service for Golf Course Industry Vincent Dujets - Chuck Kolenut (201) 227-0359 P & P EXCAVATING INC. Excavation Bob Laner (201) 227-2030; (201) 227-2819 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Golf Course Top-Dressing Jim Kelsey; (908) 637-4191 PAVALEC BROS. GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. Golf Course Construction Tony Pavelec; (201) 667-1643 Emil Pavelec; (201) 939-6182 PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. Manufacturer of Fluid Fertilizers Ted Platz - Anthony 'Rip' Rippel (609) 448-0935; (800) 562-1291 FAX (609) 443-8038 POCONO TURF SUPPLY CO. Turf Supplies Ron Olsen; (215) 672-9274 PRO-LAWN PRODUCTS INC. Professional Turf Seed, Fertilizer & Chemicals Craig Lambert; (201) 663-3368 Ingrid Kern; (215) 750-1732 Brad Simpkins; (609) 758-7620 GEO. SCHOFIELD CO., INC. Golf Course Supplier (sands, stone, soil products) Kevin Schofield - Bob Carson - Tom Casmer (908) 356-0858 THE SCOTTS COMPANY - PROTURF DIV. Turf Fertilizers, Protectants, Seed Fran Berdine, (914) 361-4105 Steve Rudich, (215) 253-4003 SEACOAST LABORATORIES, INC. Granular Turf Products, Grass Seed Gerald Fountain; (800) 522-4769 SEQUOIA TREE SERVICE INC. Paul Portsmore - John Schaus - J.T. Kievit (201) 891-0309 SHEARON ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Golf Course Design and Construction Chip Kern (609) 466 0666; (215) 828-5488 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Maintenance Equipment, Irrigation Mary Lou Deschamps - Gene Tarulli - Paul Granger (908) 722-9830 WILLIAM STOTHOFF CO. INC. Well Drilling, Pumps & Pump Repairs William L. Stothoff III (Pete) - William E. Snyder (908) 782-2717 ♦ STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY Turf Equipment and Supplies John Barrow - Charlie McGill, Jr. (215) 495-7441 SWEENEY SEED COMPANY Turfgrass Seed Jeffrey Shockley - Andrew Sweeney (215) 275-2710 TARGET ENVIRONMENTAL CO. INC. Environmental Consultants/Contractors Mark Hartman - Linda Crane (609) 692-7575 ♦ TEE AND GREEN SOD INC. Bentgrass, fine fescue and ryegrass sod blends, washed sod David Wallace; (401) 789-8177 TERRE CO. OF NJ. Seed, Fertilizer, Nursery Stock Byron Johnson - Bryan Bolehala - Pat O'Neil (201)473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. Golf Course Supplies Ernie Rizzio; 334-6684 Buddy Rizzio; 335-5499 Ron Lake; 875-8246 (201) 263-1234 WILFRED MCDONALD Turf Maintenance Equipment Dennis DeSanctis - Blair Quin - Mike Pelrine (201)365-6801 STEVEN WILLAND INC. Turf Equipment Distributor Mark Ericson - Bruce Pye - Rich Brandel (201) 579-5656 New Patrons for 1993 Baltusrol • Bedens Brook • Canoe Brook • Shackamaxon • Spring Brook • Timber Trails and others . . . What do the superintendents of these prestigious golf courses have in common? They use the services of . . . KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY ... the smart choice for all your irrigation needs Service Excellence • Complete inventory . Service assistance and technical support . 25 years experience KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. Quality product lines Distributors of RAIN BIRD® HUNTER® WEATHERMATIC® Sprinkler Equipment 39 Waverly Avenue • Springfield, N. J. 07081 (201) 379-9314 Branch Offices: Wall Township • Toms River • Hackensack