DECEMBER 1975 u p e r i t i ten dentó o ufó e S ^Jupi OF NEW E N G L A N D , ^Áhâociation I N C . Out and ¡Voteivw-3 December 2 Here it is just one year from that infamous day of New England Golf Course Superintendents Association a p a t h y . . . that day when four or so tables of bridge showed for the annual meeting. And here it is approaching us again. This session promises to be no cut 'n dried event. Just as was the case a year ago there is certain to be presented new ideas and proposals to strengthen and increase interest in the organization. And there just could be something offered to instigate a floor fight. One never knows. Of course, the annual meeting is a must. . . whether there is added flavor on the menu or not. It is that one time in the association's life when decisions are made, decisions which could affect the course of action to be taken for the many years ahead. And, naturally, it is that time when the members get a chance to throw a voice into the situation with their vote. A new slate of officers will be proposed (giving it a change of guard look, by the way) for the acceptance of or rejection by the membership. It should be remembered that floor nominations are in order. So, anyone who doesn't like the handwriting on the ballot can make some of his own. There is a possibility that the membership will be faced with one of the toughest problems surfacing at an annual meeting in many a turnout. It has been brought to the attention of some that the Newsletter could hang in the balance of electing someone to chair its operation. A phase-out of same has been whispered about, leaving the only link between members the cold visible stare of the monthly post card. In other words, it soon would pass that a mailing relationship might very well be the forewarning of a complete breakdown in the organization of the association. . . and perhaps extinction. Sponsors a n d administrators of the L a w r e n c e S. Dickinson Scholarship Fund — A w a r d e d y e a r l y to deserving T u r f M a n a g e m e n t Students. Such a possibility exists, too. Needless to say there are many in the group who wouldn't be turned one way or the other if the NEGSCA were to meet an untimely death. And maybe it is in their direction that this message is cast. Those self-appointed shut-ins are the reason why articles of this type are necessary. Someone in some way must move them into coming back to the flock and becoming active members. You may remember that the total attendance for last year's annual meeting was 19. Weather was not a factor, although snow flurries might have scared a few from making the t r i p . . . however long it is. At the time proposals involving friends and other associates of the profession were introduced and but for the presence of calm and collected officers changes in the organizational setup could have been made with a minority turnout blessing them. It was during the "annual", too, that some lively verbal exchanges on various subjects kept the honorable 19 in their places long after the usual break-up hour. And, for some peculiar reason, the following monthly meeting drew some 60 members to the "battleground". It matters some, then, just what kind of meeting shapes up as to the number of people willing to attend it. And, certainly, this year's annual get-together promises to provide that kind of action afternoon. Thus, it is in the best interests of the individual member as well as the body of members, that everyone make the scene this time. Get out and vote. . . and participate! Gerry Finn NEXT MEETING Annual Meeting Date- December 2, 1975 Times- 11:00 Directors Meeting 12:00 Lunch on your own 1:00 Regular meeting followed by elections of officers Place- Holiday Inn; Newton, Mass. NOTE President Curran would like a report from each committee chairman. o u r A e S uj up pe er ri innt e n d e n t lest S Ì s ó o c i a t i on- Wishes for e Hâpff Holiday F o u r Years of Certification A recent piece in the Wall Street Journal brought to mind the institution of the certification program of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. It just so happens that a certification program was initiated among the nation's medical doctors about the same time the GCSAA came onto the scene with its version. And in each instance, the venture appears to be showing favorable signs. Medical observers, passing judgment on the "certification for family practice" program, are enthused over the fact that so many doctors are tuned into it. Perhaps the one extra special benefit from the program is the continuing education of those who attempt to become certified. Indeed, one of the aims of certification is to make sure that doctors keep up with new developments in medicine. In the field of golf course superintendents, the response hasn't been as overwhelming. But it shows signs of gradually being accepted and becoming a fixture in raising the standards of the profession. A check with GCSAA educational director Bill Knoop's office shows that 13 percent of eligible certification candidates have passed the rigid test and have the old "sheepskin" to hang on the wall. The breakdown in participation in the program is not conclusive since a marked upswing is being experienced between the fourth and fifth years of operation or between 1975 and the part of the year already spent. The program was initiated in September of 1971 and from that date to a corresponding date on 1972, 32 candidates passed the S L A T E OF O F F I C E R S President-Wayne Zoppo First Vice President-Dean Robertson Second Vice President- Ronald Kirkman Secretary-Dave Barber Treasurer-Don Hearn Finance Chairman-AI Auger Golf Chairman-Brian Cowan Educational Chairman-Pete Coste Newsletter Chairman- certification examination. So, the program had a natural beginning with only a mere handful getting passing grades. But still, it was promising. The second year saw a pronounced jump in number of graduates. The overall number increased to 97 for a net gain of 65. There were 60 more in the fold in 1973 but the number trailed off somewhat in '74 when only 31 were accepted to bring the total to 185. The count still goes on this year. At last checkpoint the total of certifieds had soared to 244 for an increase of 59 over the preceding year's figures. However, it should be remembered that this is only a partial accounting for '75. At the present rate it appears that the number of new grads could hit the 100 mark. There have been made a couple of surveys in relationship to the GCSAA certification program. The first involved the certified supers, themselves. It was, in effect, a personal assessment. Some of the responses told of higher salaries, more respect from members and a general overall improvement in the certified super's status. The second survey was aimed at the superintendent's employer, the chairman of the golf board, green committee and what have you. The response here was summed up in the fact that club members have become more aware of the complexities involved in the work arrangement of the super. A definite recognition factor was surfaced with the implementation of the certification program and promises to become more prominent as the program continues. It is too early in the game to come to a clear-cut assessment of apparent that certification one day will become an asset to both the superintendent and the club which hires him. It definitely is a plus in the ever-increasing strength in identity the super is experiencing. Gerry Finn NOTE Due to expanding responsibilities of my business and personal reasons, I will not be able to accept the nomination of newsletter chairman for the coming year. A n y o n e interested in this position, please contact Bob Grant. Editor President First Vice Presidei Second Vice President Secretary THOMAS CURRAN Fox Chase Road South Sutton, N.H. 03273 Phone 938-5436 Eastham Golf Course W A Y N E ZOPPO 9A Village Green North E. Providence, R . I . 02915 Phone 434-1759 Club Affili, Agaw i Hunt DEAN ROBERTSON 24 Riverview Drive Newbury, Mass. 01950 Phone 462-4540 Club Affiliati Chestnut Hill Country Club R O N A L D K I R K M A N CGCS 25 Green St. Needham, Mass. 02192 Phone 444-8412 Club Affili Needham Golf Club LUCIEN DUVAL 12 Gault Road Bedford, N.H. 03102 Phone 472-3454 Club Affili York Golf & Tennis Club MAX MIERZWA 106 Crestwood Street Chicopee, Mass. 01020 Phone 594-4996 Club Affiliano Chicopee Country Club Trustee Trustee Finance Chairman DAVE BARBER 1 Muriel Road Chelmsford, Mass. 01824 Phone 256-4417 Club Affiliation Wayland Country Club ARTHUR WASBURN 520 No. Main St. Cohasset, Mass. C 2025 Phone 383-9532 Club Affiliation Cohasset Golf Club DONALD HEARN 4 Topeka Road Chelmsford, Mass. 01824 Phone 256-8709 Club Affiliatio Weston Golf Club OF NEW E N G L A N D , I N C . Sound Off (All right, get ready for another salvo of orchids, onions and maybe the whole garden from our readers. This is Sound O f f , the monthly taking of the golfing pulsebeat, presented by those who play or tend the sport. The rules for participation are simple. Simply get whatever item you wish spread to the rest of the readership down on a piece of paper, stuff it into a stamped envelope and send it to Newsletter Mail Bag, 290 North Road, Sudbury, Mass. 01776. Names and addresses should be included but will be withheld upon request. The Newsletter reserves the right to comment on all published letters.) " I ' v e noticed more than ever that many of the golfers I play with a r e aware of the certain types of grasses used in seeding greens, tees and fairways. " I t ' s probably a sign of the times since golfers and most of the other people who a r e interested in the participation of sports seem to make themselves aware of what goes into keeping a course in shape or making sure the right kind of surface is used on a tennis or paddle court. "And as we learn further about these things, some of us a r e beginning to appreciate more the work that goes into keeping all these facilities in top playing condition. I used to think that all you people had to do was turn a spade and flip on a faucet in order to keep the grass growing tall and green. I did until I tried to put in a lawn of my own and keep it looking 'best in neighborhood'. Now I know there's much more to it. It's not all that easy." STEVE MCCARTHY Worcester, Mass. "Recently I got hold of a British newspaper in which there was an interesting article about an entire superintendent's course conditioning crew being fired after they staged a strike. "The article went on to say that 'this was the first ever strike in greenkeeper history.' Furthermore, it revealed that the crew, You must have read that eye-opener here last month, Steve. including the head man, was appealing the sacking because of You know, the one where the guy figured it would take him over unfair labor practices or some other official language. $400,000 to keep a golf course in shape if he projected his personal " T h e dispute arose over what the superintendent called poor lawn costs there. pay and poor working conditions. In his plea for justice he pointed out that the course greenkeeper's barn (at a place called Grange P a r k ) was a veritable death trap with a single wooden span holding up the roof. It is in the barn where his men and himself eat their lunches. "Since I seldom get to see British papers, I was wondering if " J u s t hope some of my colleagues look upon the old budget time you people had heard of the incident and whatever became of the with the idea we have to keep calling to our chairmen the fact that appeal?" HARRY PEARSON our efforts require the embellishment of working equipment and Wilbraham, Mass. chemical products to make the whole process of course conditioning feasible. " I n these times, when every word in a conversation usually Haven't heard a thing about it, Harry. But it's an interesting case. Makes one wonder, too, what would happen if the entire starts out with something referring to cutting back or pinching super body went out on strike. . . like even the doctors a r e doing this or saving here, we run the risk of undoing all the good by succumbing to the theory we can operate on a peeled-back nowadays. budget. "So, we just have to become salesmen in the hope of convincing our bosses that cutting back the golf course budget is the worst "The unusual w a r m weather (early November style) as I write possible thing a country club can do at this moment. We have this certainly has prolonged the golf season for those of us who proof in the steady increase in play and the return to the club in have to depend strictly on the s u m m e r months to enjoy the game. lieu of other vacations. "We have ammunition to work for increases rather than cut"With it, our course is enjoying more play on November weekends than during those sticky hot days of August. I was in- backs. So, let's keep punching with the pitch that the golf course terested if the carryover of s u m m e r weather actually hinders or still r e m a i n s the country club m e m b e r ' s best buy. And it's that helps the superintendent in trying to get ready for the start of the way because he's willing to spend a few dollars to keep it the next golf season which actually is only a few months away best." NAME WITHHELD (April). Club Withheld " I t seems to me that you guys must be sick and tired of seeing golfers beating their way across the greens and over the fairways Oh, budget time. Let's pray for logic by all on the subject. And by this time of year. I know I would be in your situation.'' JAMES CALDWELL logically speaking, we all need an increase! Somers, Conn. The super really isn't that much of a stickler for proper order of season, J i m . In fact, he doesn't look upon the golf course as his holy domain. . . as some folks think. And his present season doesn't end until the golf course closes. Golf Chairman Educational Chairman Newsletter Chairman Past President B R I A N COWAN Robins Way Harwich, Mass. 02645 Phone 432-9041 Club Affiliation r-iuu L A R R Y BUNN 145 Dedham Street Canton, Mass. 02021 Phone 828-7266 Club I Affiliation Blue Hills Country Club THOMAS SCHOFIELD 290 North Road Sudbury, Mass. 01776 Phone 443-3712 Club Affiliation o u u WIIII.UUI Wellesley Country Club R O B E R T G R A N T CGCS 22 Patricia Road Sudbury, Mass. 01776 Phone 443-2671 Club ' .¡oil Affiliation MiriliaiiOn Brae Burn Country Club Eastward Ho Country Club ¡ f t * * * * * * * * * * * : } : * : } : * * * : } ! ; } ! (That wraps letters coming. it up for now. Remember to keep those cards They are the backbone of this feature.) and Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as long as the true context is maintained. W e would appreciate a credit line. PCeaûe FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION A l f c o , Inc. Fertilizers and Chemical Specialties P. O . B o x 2 6 7 , M a r i e t t a , Ohio Baker T r a c t o r C o r p . , F o r d T r a c t o r s Harley Davidson Golf Cars Swansea, Massachusetts G r o u n d s E q u i p m e n t Co., Inc. 3 8 3 B o y l s t o n St., N e w t o n Cen., Mass. Chanderlin Seed Co., Inc., Division of L o f t s Pedigreed Seed, Inc., 20 Beck R o a d A r l i n g t o n , Mass. 0 2 1 7 4 J o e Moran — R e p . New England Sealcoating Co., Inc. Tennis Court Const, and Maintenance Sealcoating — H i n g h a m Industrial C e n t e r H i n g h a m , Mass. Tel. 7 4 9 - 3 2 3 6 Gull Agricultural Service Co. Allen Bonnell 6 1 7 - 3 6 2 - 2 1 8 1 J o e Silk 6 1 7 - 7 8 4 - 3 9 6 6 55 F r e e m a n R o a d Y a r m o u t h p o r t , Mass. 0 2 6 7 5 T h e Charles C. Hart Seed C o . Wethersfield, C o n n . James R. Fitzroy, Rep. Bus. (203) - 5 2 9 - 2 5 3 7 Old F o x Chemical Inc. Fertilizers — Seeds — T u r f Chemicals 66 Valley Street East Providerice, R h o d e Island 0 2 9 1 4 Holliston Sand C o m p a n y , Inc. L o w l a n d S t r e e t , H o l l i s t o n , Mass. 0 1 7 4 6 Sand for G o l f B u n k e r s and Traps Sil Paulini, Inc. 6 Manor A v e n u e N a t i ç k , Mass. 0 1 7 6 0 Irrigation & E q u i p m e n t Supply C o . P . O . B o x 147 R o u t e 1 Walpole, Mass. 0 2 0 8 1 Tel. 6 1 7 - 6 6 8 - 7 8 1 4 * T h e Clapper C o . 1 1 2 1 Washington S t . West N e w t o n , Mass. * G e o f f r e y S. Cornish & William G . R o b i n s o n Golf Course A r c h i t e c t s Fiddlers-Green, A m h e r s t , Mass. 0 1 0 0 2 George E . Cull Terra-Green Soil C o n d i t i o n e r 1 1 2 Green St., A b i n g t o n , Mass. T r e n c h e r & E q u i p m e n t Leasing, Inc. Ditch Witch T r e n c h e r s 38 Fairview St., A g a w a m , Mass. 0 1 0 0 1 Phone 413-786-8600 K a r a n d r e w T u r f F a r m s , Inc. Sam Mitchell, Sales R e p r e s e n t a t i v e 15 L o n g m e a d o w Drive, C a n t o n , Mass. L a r c h m o n t Irrigation C o . L a r c h m o n t L n . , L e x i n g t o n , Mass. E-Z-Go Golf Car Sales - Service - R e n t a l s Polaris / E-Z-Go N o r t h e a s t Box 8 1 7 N o r t h F a l m o u t h , Mass. 0 2 5 5 6 F a r m B u r e a u Association 158 L e x i n g t o n St., W a l t h a m , Mass. 0 2 1 5 4 F r e d Heyliger, R e p r e s e n t a t i v e Bus. 8 9 3 - 3 5 7 0 H o m e 7 7 2 - 3 6 0 5 *SawteIle B r o t h e r s 5 6 5 H u m p h r e y Street S w a m p s c o t t , Mass. Tel. 6 1 7 / 5 9 9 - 4 8 5 6 Lee Lime Corp. L e e , Mass. (413) 2 4 3 - 0 0 5 3 2 Special Spreaders designed for Golf Courses R e p . Bill Kershlis 4 1 3 - 2 5 3 - 7 4 8 5 Mallinckrodt, Inc. Second a n d Mallinckrodt Streets St. Louis, Missouri 6 3 1 4 7 Magovern C o m p a n y , Inc. L a w n Acre R o a d Windsor L o c k , C o n n . S c o t t s Pro-Turf Div. R e p . R o n Gagne 7 4 6 - 7 0 0 0 R e p . Allen C u m p s 4 1 3 - 2 5 3 - 2 9 9 5 ta-the Lawrence Richey & Clapper, Inc. 28 R u t l e d g e R o a d Natick, Mass. 0 1 7 6 0 K e n n e t h Barrie C o r p . 2 4 9 Milton S t . D e d h a m , Mass 0 2 0 2 6 Tel. (617) 3 6 4 - 3 3 3 3 * T o m Irwin, Inc. I I B A Street B u r l i n g t o n , Mass. C. S. C u r r a n T . R . C. P r o d u c t s , Oils a n d Greases 7 Linden St., F r a m i n g h a m , Mass. -*-Gontributors New England Power Sweeping Co. Inc. Parking Lots and R o a d w a y s 187 S o u t h Street N e e d h a m , Mass. 0 2 1 9 2 J a c k Kidd P h o n e 3 3 2 - 1 4 5 1 Gold Star Sod F a r m s , Inc. Sod & Pine Bark Mulch Canterbury, New Hampshire 1-800-528-5205 S. Dickinsvn Scholarship Tuco Products Co. Division of the U p j o h n C o m p a n y K a l a m a z o o , Michigan David Sylvester 203-828-3790 White T u r f Engineering 5 S u m n e r Drive, W i n c h e n d o n , Mass. 0 1 4 7 5 617-297-0941 Philip A . Wogan Golf Course A r c h i t e c t 2 1 Budleigh Ave., Beverly, Mass. Fund- First Class U . S. Postage J d p dsvxr-i* ; :: • . • • • • 'V.v; TOM SCHOHirtD : - : a • : : : 290 North Road i : : .-.•:••".•• . â ' Phone 443-3712 Club Affiliation : hi ' V - A.; : 0 ;• : : DONALD HEARN : : a ' : 1 1 1 ! ! LÉOS/ST.,FjiRS| à . ' Si i f l f Il Co-ordiny tor a...... a a ; A . I n ; art : a .à: 1 a GERRY FINN aaa/adaa -aa a-:-on editor a a f a a a Q FIRST CLASS PAID Maynard, M A Permit # 1 7