Golf Course S u p e r i n t e n d e n t s

Association

Sponsors and administrators of the Troll-Dickinson Scholarship
Fund - Awarded yearly to deserving Turf Management Students.

OF NEW ENGLAND, INC.
Tio/^orriKov
UCCCiilIJfcír

1 QQQ
I U J J

GCSANE pioneers Cassidy & Blúke
nurtured organization's steady growth
r Hi] Cassidy
P a c c i r i v says
e s u c he
Bp wants
AAÎANFC to
fr» live
Iñjp ic\rc\ioY
Phil
forever.
Mission impossible? Phil doesn't think so.
So far, he's still on target. In February,
the venerable lifetime member of the Golf
Course Superintendents Association of
New England will celebrate his 94th
birthday. Therefore, at a just-turned 75,
compared to Phil, the GCSANE is a
veritable youngster.
Incidentally, there is no GCSANE,
B.C. (Before Cassidy). He's been to all
its birthday parties, even kept it out of
harm's way in the form of extinction by
keeping it alive during the turbulent
World War II years. All of which makes
Phil the man to see when tracing the
association's history.
"I would have done anything to keep
the association going," Phil said in a recent
conversation. "Someone had to send out
the mailings, arrange for meetings and get
the Newsletter out on time. I'd just been
reclassified in the draft. I was three years

n\iar the
f K p age
ISRSP limit,
l i m i t so
e n IT had
Bprl this
tViic thing
t h i n r f non
n
over
my mind. A lot of superintendents had
gone into the service. Some, like myself,
had taken jobs in defense plants. I just felt
duty-bound to see to it that the association
didn't dissolve."
Because of Cassidy, the GCSANE
remained intact "Oh, it wasn't all that easy,
either," Phil informed. "Golf was put on
hold in most places. I even quit my job at
the Needham Goif Club and went to work
at Raytheon. So, there I was, not even a
super on the job but trying to save the
association. It took a lot of hard work and
a lot of support. I got that from my wife,
Viola. She always has been behind me in
everything I did. She's the reason I'm still
here. That's the kind of wife she's been."
The GCSANE has been a source of
inspiration also. Cassidy says it always has
been close to him because it pulled the
superintendents together and established
a common goal for them, to gain the
respect and recognition other professional
organizations had been tendered.

PAAJPAJ
" V r \ n know,
L-rerte*? all
pll of
mf that
t B p t work
AAI/AA-L* away
"You
from Raytheon, most of it at night to
make sure the association carried on,
almost went up in smoke after the war,"
Phil toid. "I had been there for three
years and had a chance to stay on in a
permanent position. It was very tempting.
I'd been offered the head job at Weston
Golf Club but it meant taking a hundreddollar a week pay cut. I asked Viola what
she thought but she left the decision to
me. Naturally, I went on to Weston where
I stayed 27 years until I retired."
Through those years Cassidy became
very active in the association and even
ventured to the national level where he
served on the board of directors. That in
addition to becoming GCSANE president.
"Golf always has been my life," Phil
said. "I loved working on the golf course,
ioved playing the game and loved being
part of an association that served a great
need in all of us. I was so wrapped up in

continued

on page 2

in this issue .. «
Page
Calendar of Events
The Super Speaks Out
Turf Science
Remember When?
GCSAA News
Divot Drift
Friend of the Association

Profile

^MâàMMiàLuÂàÊÀiiÀàik

.

2
3
4
4
J
6
6

s

G@lf always has been my life. I lowed working on the golf
course, Imed playing the game, and lowed being part of an
association that served a great need in all of us. I was so
wrapped up in course maintenance that I cut fairways at
Wellesley a couple times a week after I retired/*
Phil Cassidy
7©-y@ar GCSANE member

Page 3
AIUII,ILI.¡UDII

KILUIII

continued

PRESIDENT
K e v i n F. O s g o o d
14 Inman Lane, Foxborough, M A 02035
617-630-1950
Fax 6 1 7 - 9 6 9 - 8 7 5 6
N e w t o n C o m m o n w e a l t h Golf Course
VICE PRESIDENT
Robert Ruszala
69 Gelinas Drive, C h i c o p e e , M A 0 1 0 2 0
413-256-8654
Fax 413-594-4571
Hickory Ridge Country Ciub
SECRETARY
J a m e s Fitzroy, C G C S
357 W . S q u a n t u m Street, North Quincy, M A 02171
617-328-1776
Fax 6 1 7 - 3 2 8 - 9 4 7 9
Presidents Golf Course
TREASURER
M i c h a e l V. i a c o n o , C G C S
42 N e w t o n Street, Weston, M A 02493
781-899-7913
Fax 7 8 1 - 6 4 7 - 0 6 0 2
Pine B r o o k C o u n t r y C l u b
TRUSTEE
A r t h u r Silva, C G C S
35 P e n n a c o o k Road, Tewksbury, M A 0 1 8 7 6
781 - 4 8 4 - 5 4 4 0
Fax 781 - 4 8 4 - 6 6 1 3
Belmont Country Club
TRUSTEE
David C o m e e
65 Marquette Road, Gardner, M A 01440
978-297-1 223
Fax 9 7 8 - 2 9 7 - 0 9 1 1
T h e W i n c h e n d o n Golf C i u b
TRUSTEE
W a y n e F. L a C r o l x , C G C S
5 Radcliff Drive, Andover, M A 0 1 8 1 0
978-475-6638
Fax 9 7 8 - 4 7 5 - 9 4 8 8
Andover Country Club
FINANCE CHAIRMAN
Daniel Higgins, C G C S
68 H u t c h i n s o n R o a d , W i n c h e s t e r , M A 01 8 9 0
781-729-3809
Fax 7 8 1 - 7 2 1 - 1 5 6 1
Winchester Country Club
GOLF CHAIRMAN
M i c h a e l J. H e r m a n s o n
P. O . B o x 1 4 5 , G a r d n e r , M A 0 1 4 4 0
978-632-2713
Fax 9 7 8 - 6 3 2 - 2 7 1 3
Gardner Municipal Golf C o u r s e
EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
R o n a l d P. D o b o s z , Jr.
1137 Park Street, Stoughton, M A 0 2 0 7 2
781 -341-8564
Fax 781 -341 -8564, *51
C e d a r Hill G o l f C o u r s e
NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN
Russell Heiler
59 Park Street, Melrose, M A 0 2 1 7 6
978-256-5664
Fax 9 7 8 - 2 5 6 - 5 6 6 4
Chelmsford Country Club
PAST PRESIDENT
Robert DiRico, C G C S
3 2 6 Fuller Street, W e s t N e w t o n , M A 0 2 4 6 5
617-527-6968
Fax 6 1 7 - 5 2 7 - 0 0 6 9
Brae Burn Country Ciub

« K R T H E

I

N e w c x e t t e r
G OSANE Headquarters
175 Highland Avenue, Needham, M A 02494-3034
(781 ) 4 5 3 - 8 6 6 8
Fax (781 ) 4 4 9 - 4 0 2 0
Newsletter Editor .
Contributing Editor
Business Manager

R u s s e l l Heller
Gerry Finn
M t e h s e l V. I a c o n o , C G C S

I n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a i n e d in t h i s p u b l i c a t i o n m a y b e
u s e d f r e e l y , in w h o l e o r in p a r t , w i t h o u t s p e c i a l
p e r m i s s i o n a s l o n g a s t h e t r u e c o n t e x t is m a i n t a i n e d . W e w o u l d a p p r e c i a t e a c r e d i t line.

•LIIID iii.i.tjti!l iilliJ ITL.1 . I Ì L L I I . I Ì J

from page 1

course maintenance that I cut fairways at
Wellesley a couple of times a week after I
retired."
So, Phil Cassidy was the consummate
organization man. Thus, his heart always
has been with the profession and the
association. "After all," Phil added, "it did
only good things for us. The association
put us on the map. Before it was born
and grew into something effective, we as
superintendents had a tough time being
recognized. The association changed all
that. Why shouldn't I think of it as I do?"
Sharing that same enthusiastic sense
of caring for the GCSANE is another
latter day pioneer and booster, Dick
Blake, now retired in Florida after a
distinguished career as golf course
superintendent, regional president, and,
along with Don Hearn, one of the
GCSANE's two national presidents.
However, Blake recalls he had to
earn his wings before he could fly with
the New England group.
"When I came into the association, it
was a pretty tight group," Dick recalled.
"I can remember getting up at meetings
with my sidekick, Lu Duval, and offering
our 'expertise' in association matters.
Well, that didn't make base. We were
told we could listen, not speak."
That was part of growing into the
association. Soon Blake was going at
breakneck speed, up the ladder of
important assignments within the group.
Then, when Leon St. Pierre led a charge
to seat Blake on the national board in
an unprecedented nomination from the
floor, Dick was on his way.
"I've always said that the New England
association is the best of its kind within
the profession," Dick remarked. "I know
that it's the second oldest sectional group,
right behind Ohio. I really miss New
England. We really had some giants in
the field. People like Phil Cassidy, Sam
Mitchell, Les Allen, Bill Ashe, and Arthur
Cody. Then after them, Leon St. Pierre,
Tony Caranci, Bob Grant and, of course,
Donnie Hearn. The list goes on and on."
Blake and others of his era plugged
away on the professional theme of the
association. "We always had in the back of
our minds to make sure the golf course
superintendent got the respect and
recognition he deserved," Dick emphasized.
"When 1 was around, the tide really

I've always said thai the
New England association
is the best ©fits kind within
the profession."
Dick Blake
Retired GCSANE member;
former GCSAÄ president
turned. Pretty soon we had that recognition
and the upgraded pay scale that went with
it. And continuing down through the
years to the present, all of us have had
the good of the profession in our heart
and our thoughts. The association has
been like a bridge that took us across to
the land of true professionalism."
So, that's a look at our 75-year-old
association through the eyes of two
different pioneers from two different eras.
The GCSANE. Growing old under the
guidance of zealous caretakers, and
growing strong as it rounds the corner
and heads for the century mark.
GERRY FINN

Calendar
D e c e m b e r 13

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
L e x i n g t o n Golf C l u b
L e x i n g t o n , Mass.
Supt. - Leonard Curtin

J a n u a r y 10

GCSANE Annual Meeting
Cyprian Keyes Golf C l u b
Boylston, Mass.
S u p t . - Dick Zepp, C G C S

Feb. 8

UMass J o b Fair
University of M a s s a c h u s e t t s
A m h e r s t , Mass.

Feb. 14-20

GCSAA 7 1 s t International
Golf C o u r s e C o n f e r e n c e & S h o w
N e w Orleans, La.

February 23

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
S a l e m C o u n t r y Club
P e a b o d y , Mass.
S u p t • Kip Tyler, C G C S

M a r c h 6-9

New E n g l a n d Regional
Turfgrass Conference & Show
P r o v i d e n c e , R.I.

March 28

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
USGA S e m i n a r
T h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Golf C l u b
Bolton, Mass.
S u p t - R o n Milenski, C G C S

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Page 4

The Super Spe&ks Out
This month's question: What's your assessment
of the Certified Golf Course Superintendent
and how has it affected you?

program,

T o m Morris, CGCS, Sugarbush Golf
Club; "I've always been very supportive
of the certified superintendent program,
if only for the fact that it is an extension
of the educational cycle in the profession.
In other words, it keeps you on your toes
educationally and professionally. No
matter how you look at it the program
means progress and you have to be part
of that progress to become and remain a
successful superintendent.

"Finally, I think re-certification prevents
me from becoming complacent about my
position in the ranks of course operation.
It's taught me that there are no stops to
smell the roses along the way in our
profession. It's a changing world and I
have to change with it. Certification is the
main tool helping to keep me from falling
out of step with those changes."

"This is my second year at Sugarbush
and I get the feeling that the golfers playing
the course recognize the importance
of having a certified superintendent in
charge of course maintenance. This is
important because eventually all golf
course superintendents will have to be
armed with certification in both matters
of making an impression on present
members and carrying that impression
with you in a job change situation.
"I must admit that the program is an
expensive proposition, one that should be
paid by employers who actually are upgrading
the status and working knowledge of
an employee by sponsoring certification
involvement. I would say that the out of
pocket price for certification is around
one thousand dollars. That's kind of steep
but it's worth it.
"I also look at certification as motivation
for me to become a better superintendent.
This comes about through the fact that
anyone in the process of becoming or
remaining certified finds himself in a
continual quest for knowledge through
ongoing seminars and other educationlifting requirements. In fact, because of
the certification renewal arrangement,
I iook at myself as a perpetual student.
"This isn't ali that bad, either. The deal
is that I have to be re-certified every five years.
In preparing for renewal I'm constantly
looking at ways and means to become a
better superintendent while staying abreast
of the many changes in theory and
execution of my maintenance program.

"Certification
could just
b@ best thing that ewer
happened to our profession."
Mark Richard, CGCS
Kirkbrae
C.C.
P a u l Johnson, Ferncroft and Colonial
Country Clubs "Don't get me wrong. This
isn't a criticism. However, I've always
thought certification never was for me.
Therefore, I never tried to become certified.
"Presently, I'm the director of golf
at two different courses. My days as a
superintendent... the hands-on kind . . .
are behind me at the moment So, I
wouldn't be interested in certification
if just for that reason.
"However, when I was exclusively a
golf course superintendent and the program
was there for me, I wasn't interested. For
one thing, I've always felt secure in my
position. I had a different situation than a
lot of superintendents because I always
had to answer to a private owner,
circumventing the politics that often
rule the golf course operations.
"In a word, I didn't think certification
could do anything for me that I couldn't
do myself. I kept up with technological
changes in course maintenance methods
and applied them when I thought they
would help my operation. Becoming
certified just wasn't one of my goals.

"But this doesn't mean that the program
isn't worthwhile. On the contrary, I've
always made sure I never downgraded the
certification program. In fact, I think it's
good. Good for me? I don't think so. And
so far I think that attitude hasn't hurt me
one bit in the profession."
Mark Richard, CGCS, Kirkbrae Country
Clubs "This year marks the 13th that I've
been a certified golf course superintendent
No, I'm not one of the originais, because
the program started more than 25 years
ago. However, I've been to re-certification
twice and I'll be there again for a third
time in 2001.
"I can't say enough for the effect
certification has on a superintendent. As
far as I'm concerned, it has kept me up to
date with everything I need to give a good
performance where I am now, and gives
me the confidence to take on anything in
the profession . . . without hesitation.
"It's kind of hard to explain the feeling
certification gives me. For one thing, it
makes me feel more professional. I can
lean on the educational background I've
established during the process of getting
certified in the first place, then renewing
the same principles when I'm up for
re-certification.
"I like to think of it as enhancing my
self-esteem. I really think I've been a different
and more effective superintendent because
of my deep involvement in the certification
program. It's all a combination of the
never-ending attempt to better myself in
the profession with all the seminars I attend,
all the notes I take, and meeting all the
other requirements in the program.
"As for recognition, I'm pretty sure
country club members, many of them in
executive positions, endorse the certification
program. They realize that certified superintendents have neither the time nor the
inclination to rest on their laurels and
face the possibility of being passed by in
the professional parade. I really think those
letters after my name can be translated
into respect for me and the profession
I represent.
"So, you can see that I'm committed to
the program. I can't tell you the number
of times I rely on something I took down
during a seminar that helps me with a
maintenance program. Certification could
just be the best thing that ever happened
to our profession."
GERRY FINN

Page

3

Turf Science

New

bentgrass

fungus disease

confirmed

By Dr. Gail Schumann
University of Massachusetts
A new disease of bentgrass was
documented in Connecticut on September
27, 1999. It was first described in 1998
by Dr. Peter Dernoeden in Maryland.
It appears in August and September as
small tan to reddish spots (dollar spot
size) that may look like ball marks.
It is caused by foliar fungus that
produces numerous dark fruiting bodies
(pseudothecia) in the infected leaves.
The proposed name of this new fungus
is Ophiosphaerella agrostis, named for
its bentgrass host.
The Connecticut superintendent
reports that it has primarily been seen on
his practice green (Cato bentgrass) since
early August, and about 40 or so spots
developed. They somewhat followed
mower wheel patterns. This does not seem
to be an aggressive problem like gray leaf
spot, but the fungus does produce a lot

This does not seem to be an aggressive problem like
gray leaf spot, but the fungus does produce a lot @f spores
in fruiting bodies of the infected ¡ernes. St would probably
be prudent to mow affected areas last, ©r wash the mower
before moving to non-affected
areas.

of spores in the fruiting bodies of the
infected leaves. It would probably be
prudent to mow affected areas last or
wash the mower before moving to nonaffected areas. Very little is known yet
about cultural practices. Dr. Dernoeden
recommends thiophanate-methyl
(e.g. Cleary's 3336) + chlorothalonil
(e.g. Daconil) weekly or the problem
will recur.
There is no official name for this new
disease yet. "Fall spot of bentgrass" has

been suggested. Please submit suspicious
samples to the UMass Turf Disease
Diagnostic Lab, so we can get an idea of
how widespread the problem is. Contact
Gail Schumann at (413) 545-3413;
schumann@pltpath.umass.edu. Send
samples to Dr. Schumann at Department
of Microbiology, 209 Fernald Hall, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003.
Eepriated from Turf Notes,
September/October 1999

Remember When?

Remember Whi ?: Taking a lo©k at GCSANE's past
Remember when? looks at significant
individuals and events of GCSANE's past.

25 years ago
A then and now sequence, noted in
the GCSANE Newsletter, prompted our
president, Tom Curran, to chastise
members for poor attendance (19) at the
annual meeting.
That was now. The then surfaced in
an old picture (circa 1925) of a Green
Keepers Club of New England luncheon
that produced overflowing numbers.
"As president of our organization, I
feel that the membership is only as strong
as its actions," Curran observed in a letter
to the Newsletter editor. "The action,
too, shouid be reasonable attendance at
meetings all year. I have appointed a
committee to study this issue which
came to a head last month at the annual
meeting. It will report to me and the full
membership will be asked to take action
on its proposals."

It was further noted that the first
meeting of the GCSANE fifty years earlier
had attracted more than twice the number
making the 1974 annual meeting.

15 years ago
Another golfing season has passed
us by. A few more gray hairs for some,
a little less hair for others, especially
the golf chairman (Steve Murphy). The
cleanup champion this year proved to
be Charlie Passios who won the
Superintendent-Chairman title and
the Superintendent Team of Two net
championship with Mike Hannigan. In the
latter event word spread that one member
of the winning duo, a 15-handicapper, had
fired a 77 on the par 72 Segreggansett
course. Neither Passios nor Hannigan
were available for comment after the
alleged misdemeanor.

5 years ago
Young golf course superintendent
helpers will make up 12 percent of the

1994-95 Francis Ouimet Scholarship
Fund's record $400,000 scholarship pool,
and Edward "Chip" Brearly will continue
as the golf course superintendents'
representative to the fund's board of
directors.
Ouimet awards are for young people
who give "service to golf' in the state of
Massachusetts for three or more years as
workers in the course superintendent
operations, pro shop operations, and as
caddies. The $400,000 pool goes to 233
students who worked at 104 courses
and are attending 108 colleges and
universities.
For the first time in history, the
number of currently active superintendents
certified by the GCSAA has reached 1,400
individuals. This represents approximately
20 percent of the group's class-A membership. The program recognizes outstanding
and progressive golf course superintendents. It was instituted in 1971.

GEMRY FINN

PageS
LIILIIIILLÀIIIIIIIIHLIII^

GCSAA News

GCSÁ4 & chapter delegates set goals for
new Professional Development
Initiative
Last September, GCSAA and chapter
delegates met in Lawrence, Kansas to
discuss mandates, long-range goals, and
short-range goals. What follows is an
abridged version of the new Professional
Development Initiative (PDÍ) that GCSAA
is close to finalizing.
Membership Standards Resource Group
(MSRG) members and consultants from
the Franklin Covey Co., during a six-hour
period, presented a history of the PDI; its
goals, mission, and concepts; progress since
1996; current projects; and future plans.
The PDI is being undertaken to improve
knowledge, skills, and abilities of the professional superintendent that will contribute
toward improved playing conditions and
enjoyment of the game. The success of the
PDI will be measured by achieving:
• Increased salaries of golf course superintendents
• Enhanced job security of superintendents
• Intensified recognition by employers and influential
golfers of the golf course superintendent as the
key member of the golf course management team
• Improved job opportunities for superintendents
• Substantiated credentials that can be marketed to
employers through improved playing conditions

Franklin Covey representatives demonstrated HR Web, software that supports
and measures superintendents' professional
development Using this software, individuals
complete a competency-based performance
assessment that measures proficiency in
golf course management.
Delegates viewed slides of a mock
competency model. Once finalized, the
model would be used to develop profiles
for individual superintendents in order to
provide guidance relative to competencies
needed for their current job, a future job,
member classification, and certification.
MSRG members shared a proposed
model for a new classification system. The
association will remain inclusive for all who
wish to be members. However, there is a
need to develop a brand that can be
marketed to employers. Proposed requirements to acquire class-A status would include:
• having a minimum of three years of experience as
a golf course superintendent
• completing a competency self assessment
• completing a validation process for the assessment
LIÍIÍÁLUMMWUÍHMÁLWMÍ

• maintaining a valid pesticide license, and
• completing a nationally accredited two-year turf
program or four-year degree from a college or
university.

Proposed ongoing requirements to
maintain a class-A status would include:

• holding a town hall meeting at the 2000
conference and show in New Orleans
• collecting member comments/questions via GCSAA
communication tools (i.e. Newsline; Golf Course
Management, the GCSAA Web site). A quarterly
update of member feedback will be provided, and
• providing a complete copy of the presentation to
the delegates on the GCSAA Web site

• A three-year renewal cycle
• Completing a self assessment once every 3 years
• A required amount of continuing education
(to be determined through member input)
• Professional development (includes chapter
and civic participation)

Just as class-A requirements would
change, so would entry-level and ongoing
requirements to maintain certification. The
goal is to keep the certification program
simple, manageable, and integrated with
education. Entry-level requirements would
include a minimum of three years as a
class-A golf course superintendent member,
testing at a higher proficiency level than
class-A members, and completing the same
formal education as class-A members. The
ongoing requirements would be the same
as class-A members, but at a higher level
Grandfathering of current members into
both a new membership classification
system and changing requirements for
certification were discussed. Members
could potentially vote on these changes
at the conference and show in Dallas in
2001. However, the requirements would
not take effect until July 2002.
A part of the PDI includes redesigning
the education program. Franklin Covey
representatives are working with GCSAA
staff to analyze current educational offerings
identifying areas where more educational
opportunities are needed to fill gaps, and
developing new ways to deliver education
to members. A faculty resource group was
recently formed to recommend standards
for faculty recruitment, training, faculty
certification, and ongoing assessment.
A communication plan was developed
to share concepts and ideas about the PDI
with members and gather feedback during
the next year. The plan includes:
• presentations from MSRG members at chapter
meetings from October 1999 through May 2000
• publishing the schedule of chapter visits in
Newsline and posting it on GCSAA's Web site

The MSRG will present its recommendations at the 2000 Chapter Delegates
Meeting. Delegates will be asked to provide
feedback. The following questions, comments,
and issues regarding the PDI were discussed
between MSRG members, chapter delegates,
and Franklin Covey representatives. Note:
delegates' comments are printed in italics.
•

Will there be an impact on membership dues? At
some point, there may be an impact on dues. The
MSRG has not specifically reviewed this issue.

•

Will there be an exam or measure for conducting an assessment of superintendents
who apply
for certification? There will be a form of validation.
Franklin Covey will develop a validation process
for the Certification Committee to review.

•

Could a current class A member be reclassified
to a class-B? Yes, if that individual does not
complete ongoing requirements.

•

Why allow grandfathering
if all
superintendents
should adhere to higher standards? Grandfathering is proposed to recognize work experience of
current class-A members. Proposed requirements are
intended to provide a benchmark for what is needed
for future superintendents to be successful. (All
delegates support some form of grandfathering.)

•

Will members be provided an option to earn an
on-line degree on the Internet by GCSAA? No
discussions are currently being held on this issue.
However, GCSAA will work with institutions to
provide guidance in curriculum development when
requested and will seek to develop partnerships
that provide assistance to our members.

• Franklin Covey discussed experiences of other
companies working with the competency assessment model. Some examples of successes using
the model include higher employee retention, higher
customer satisfaction, and enhancement of employee
skills. Success depends on continuous updating
of curriculum and matrix. The pitfalls occur when
individuals do not participate in the assessment
because they do not have interest or investment in
professional development Self-directed individuals
complete the assessment and benefit from it.
• How will chapter and civic participation
be
monitored? This requirement is intended to
encourage members to serve in leadership positions
at the chapter level and be more involved in their
local associations. It supports chapter needs to
recruit and involve more members. This may also
serve as a motivator to members who need public
speaking training and encouragement to serve as
leaders. Some level of involvement at the chapter
level will be mandatory, but there will be options.
GCSAA will work with chapters to verify local
involvement

continued on page 8

Page

3
ÍMIMÍÍÍ

WIIMLIAMMHWH

Friend of the Association Profile

Novartis

Turf & Ornamental

Novartis Turf & Ornamental is part of a
worldwide company dedicated to serving
healthcare, agriculture and nutritional
needs. Created by the merger of Ciba and
Sandoz in 1997, Novartis has served
customers for over two centuries.
Turf & Ornamental offers a variety of
solutions to the golf course superintendent,
including Barricade herbicide, Banner
MAXX fungicide, Primo Maxx pre-stress
conditioner, and Subdue MAXX fungicide.
Novartis is proud to offer the newest
solution for golf course superintendents,
Compass, for the year 2000. Compass
provides the highest efficacy against
Brown Patch at the lowest rates ever, as

well as excellent control of Grey Leaf Spot,
Anthracnose, Summer Patch, and many
more. Meridian insecticide will be the next
new product offered by Novartis in 2000.
The active ingredient is Thiamethoxam,
and will be a new tool to use against grubs.
For information on any products, or to
print a label or MSDS, see the Novartis
website at
www.cp.us.novartis.com.
To reward superintendents, Novartis
created the Total Turf Managers Team, a
purchase points program designed to thank
customers for using Novartis turf products.
Superintendents can earn points toward
rewards that benefit their course operations
and make their jobs easier, such as Gateway

DIVOT
DRIFT...announcements...educational
...tournament
results...and
miscellaneous
MEMBERSHIP
Welcome New Members: Ronald Shover, Superintendent, Tewksbury Country Club.

INFORMATION
For those of you interested in turning in the
"blue tags" from Tee-2-Green and Turf Seed, Inc.,
please contact Robin Hayes at Tee & Green Sod.
She will be happy to collect them from you.
Please be sure to send your golf scorecards to
Handicap Chairman Dave Comce. This will ensure your current handicap number is correct and
up-to-date. Many members currently play with no
handicap. This means you play all GCSANE tournaments at scratch! Five scores will get you a
handicap. Send all scorecards to: Dave Comee, 65
Marquette St., Gardner, MA 01440-4007.
Brian Giblin of the Country Club of New Bedford
recently became a Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Well done, Brian.
Congratulations to Kevin and Carolyn Osgood on
the birth of their third child. William Bryant
Osgood was born Friday, November 12 and
weighed in at 8 lb. 7 oz.
Kevin Miller has recently left Bedrock G.C. and is
now at Cyprian Keyes G.C. in Boylston.
We recently learned of t h e passing of Dr. J o h n
Zack. He was a professor at University of Massachusetts. Our condolences go to the Zack family.
Please note that the UMass J o b Fair will be held
on Tuesday, February 8 at UMass - Amherst.

alms to offer

solutions

computers, Palm V Palmpilots, Nextel phones,
and other new prizes. With the largest
portfolio of turf products for the golf
market, points can be earned quickiy. The
new prize levels will be announced at the
GCSAA show in New Orleans in February.
Dave Ravel, Novartis representative, can
answer questions on products or programs.
Dave thanks GCSANE superintendents for
continued support, and looks forward to
working with everyone in the future. Dave
may be reached at (413) 967-6745 or by
e-mai! at
david.ravel@cp.novartis.com.
For questions on the Total Turf Manager
Team, visit www.totalturf.net or phone
Path Jo at (877) 375-0824.

seminars...job
items of interest to the

opportunities
membership.

Dick Blake has been appointed a member of the
GCSAA's historical committee and is looking for
memorabilia to fill the needs of a planned national
golf course maintenance museum. He's especially
on the lookout for a Stanley Clark trap rake. If you
can help Dick, contact him at 4501 Palo Verde Dr.,
Boynton Beach, FL 33436-2907; (561) 736-7051.

0895; fax (413) 545-3075 Attn: Kathleen Carroll;
Mail UMass Extension, French Hall - Box 32910,
A m h e r s t , MA 0 1 0 0 3 ; o r e-mail g r e e n info@umext.umass.edu.

Congratulations to Stephen Tibbels Of Segregansett Country Club on being a chapter winner of
the Environmental Steward Award. The Environmental Steward Awards recognize golf course
superintendents for overall course management
excellence in the areas of technology use, resource
conservation, water quality management, integrated pest management, wildlife/habitat
management, and education/outreach.

Prescription Turf Services, Inc. is seeking technicians to provide outstanding customer service to
our sports turf, golf course, and commercial clients. We require self-motivated individuals who
can work independently. You will utilize turf management skills, customer service training, and the
ability to get the job done right the first time. We
offer full-time salaried employment, paid health
insurance benefits, paid vacation, 401k and profit
sharing. Training will be provided. PTS is located
in Middleton, Mass. Please contact our office at
(978) 777-1663 or send your resume to: PTS, P.O.
Box 39, Middleton, MA 01949.

T h e 9-Hole Budget Meeting will be Wed., Jan. 19,
9:30 a.m. at Whitinsville G.C. Anyone wishing to
attend may contact Paul Wilson at (508) 234-2533.
The New England Grows show will be held January 27-29 in Boston. For more information, contact
V i r g i n i a W o o d a t ( 5 0 8 ) 6 5 3 - 3 0 0 9 ; NEGrows@aol.com.

PUBLICATIONS
Ask for the new UMass Extension's Green Directory. This directory is a comprehensive list of
upcoming programs, publications and services offered by UMass Extension's Landscape, Nursery,
Urban Forestry, and Turf Programs, as well as
other Green Industry Association activities. The
only way to get the updated 2000 Green Directory
is to ask for it. It will not be mailed automatically
as before. To place you order phone (413) 545-

POSITIONS

AVAILABLE

2nd Assistant Superintendent. Charles River C.C.
is a private 78-year-old Donald Ross course with
an extremely high standard for maintenance. The
property includes 213 acres, pool, and tennis facility. A Mass. pesticide applicator's license, a two or
four-year degree in turf, and strong attention to
detail are required. Individual must be skilled in
all facets of course maintenance and daily set-up,
and must be able to manage teams of six or more.
Individual must have strong communication skills
in dealing with staff and membership, and must
have one year of experience as a foreman or 2nd
assistant superintendent. Compensation includes
salary, sick days, holiday pay, and vacation. Send
resume by Jan. 15 to: Charles River C.C., c / o Scott
Reynolds, CGCS, 483 Dedham St., Newton Centre,
MA 02459; or fax to (617) 244-8553.

Page 3

Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
A-OK Turf Equipment Inc.

1357 Main St., Coventry, Rl 02816-8435
Articulator, Terra Topper, Greens Groomer
brush, & used equipment.
Mike Cornicelli- (401) 826-2584

A.A. Will Materials Corp.

168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072-1748
Top dressing & bunker sand, decorative stone,
landscape materials.
Frank Will, Charlie Downing
(800) 4-AA-WILL

Agr-Evo U.S.A. Co.

Wilmington, DE
Acclaim Extra, Banol, ProStar, ProGrass,
Finale, Turcam, DeltaGard.
David Sylvester - (860) 828-8905

Allen's Seed Store inc.

693 S. County Trail, Exeter, Rl 02822
Specializing in quality seed and related
golf course maintenance supplies.
Gregg Allen - (800) 527-3898

Bartiett Tree Expert Co.

153 Rumford Ave., Newton, MA 02466-1311
Consulting, planning, IPM MoniTor, pruning,
fertilization & appraisal.
Jack Kelly-(617) 969-5990

Bay State Fertilizer/MWRA

100 First Ave., Boston, MA 02129
Manufacturer & supplier of dry organic fertilizers.
Kristen Patneaude - (617) 788-4437

Bayer Corporation

118 Ellery Ave., Middletown, Rl 02842
Bayleton, Merit, Dyiox, Tempo
Brad Herman - (800) 842-8020

The Borden Company

114 Summer St., Maynard, MA 01754-2216
Bulk limestone dealer.
Jack Borden - (978) 897-2571

Lazaro's Golf Course
Supplies & Accessories

Douglas Equipment Corp.

90 Douglas Pike, Smithfieid, Rl 02917
John Deere golf and turf equipment dealer.
Paul T. Surabian, Allen Vadala
(401) 232-3700

dba Hammond Paint and Chemical Co., Inc.
738 Main St., Suite 223, Waitham, MA 02154
Complete line of golf course accessories;
Standard, Par Aide, Eagle One.
Joe Lazaro - (781) 647-3361

Dow/Elanco

31 Old Town Trail, Narragansett, R! 02882
Bob Scott - (401) 376-7290

Lcsco Ino

20005 Lake Rd„ Rocky River, OH 44116
Ron Tumiski, Mike Donohue, Jim Wierzbicki
(800) 321-5325

Michael Drake Construction, inc.

240 Walnut St., Framingham, MA 01702
Golf course reconstruction; professional shaper.
Michael Drake - (508) 875-8247

Lofts Seed, Inc.

F.A. Bartiett Tree Expert Co.

22 Lantern Lane, Exeter, R! 02822
Victoria Wallace - (800) 648-7333

F.D.L, inc.

71 Concord St., P. O. Box 127
North Reading, MA 01854-0127
Water supply specialists; water wells
& pumping equipment.
(781) 933-3210

640 Hale St., Beverly Farms, MA 01915
Complete tree care, landscape design
& construction, disease control,
long-range planning.
Ben Staples - (978) 927-1590

D.L. Matter Co.

(Fairway Design Illustration)
95 Railroad Ave., Warren, Rl 02885
Custom granite signs and markers.
Joseph K. Martin, Robert Paoe
(800) 358-8337

McNulty Construction Carp.

P. O. Box 3218, Framingham, MA 01705-3218
Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways,
parking areas; Imprinted asphalt.
John McNulty - (508) 879-8875

Gold Star Nursery & Sod Farm

250 West Rd„ Canterbury, NH 03224-2127
Growers of turfgrass and ornamentals
Malcolm McPhail
Lexington, M A - ( 7 8 1 ) 861-1111
Canterbury, NH - (603) 783-4717

Miller Golf Construction

1 Leicester Rd„ Marblehead, MA 01945
God course construction & renovation
John Miller-(781) 631-2030

R.F. i o r s e & Sons, Inc.

Grseno, inc.

22 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, MA 02576-0099
Larry Anshewitz, Jack Gronln, Chris Cowan,
Alan Anderson - (508) 295-1553

2352 Main St., Concord, MA 01742
Tree transplanting, landscape construction,
and masonry
Kevin Mulcahy - (800) 439-7244

Nardone Sand and Gravel, Inc.

37 Power Rd„ Westford, MA 01886-4112
Topdressing sand & mixes, bunker sands, root-zone
mixes, loam, cart path materials, drainage stone.
Greg Frederick - (978) 692-8221

Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc.

P.O. Box 9169, Wethersfield, CT 06109-0169
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski
(800) 326-HART

Boston Irrigation Supply Company

60 Sturgis Way, Dedham, MA 02026
Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories.
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon, Robert Barbarti
(781)461-1560

Breudait Corporation

40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
Doug Hopper -(508) 379-0092

The Cardinals, Inc.

166 River Rd„ P.O. Box 520
Unionville, CT 06085-0520
Golf course and landscape supplies.
John Callahan, Dennis Friel - (800) 861-6256

Cavicchio landscape Supply, Inc.

110 Codjer Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776
Annuals, perennials, garden mums, ground
covers, ioam, and mulch.
Darren Young - (978) 443-7177

Cedar Lawn Tree Sereice, Inc.

32 Nickerson Rd„ Ashland, MA 01721
Pruning, fertilization, removal,
and professional care.
William P. Maley - (508) 881-2622

Cornish, Silva, & iungeum, Inc.
207 N. Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
Golf course architects.
(508) 278-3407

North Shore Hydroseeding

Hartney Greymont

20 Wenham St., Danvers, MA 01923
Hydroseeding, erosion control, & tree services
Brian King - (978) 762-8737

433 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02492-2822
Tree care, landscape construction, consulting.
MarkTobin-(781) 444-1227

Norartls Specialty Products, Inc.

International Golf Construction Co.

394 Monson Tpk. Rd„ Ware, MA 01082
Banner MAXX, Barricade, Subdue MAXX, Primo
Dave Ravel - (413) 967-6745

5 Purcell Rd„ Arlington, MA 02474
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganis - (781) 648-2351;
(508) 428-3022

Partae Peat Corporation

Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Heat treated topdressing, golf hole targets,
turf blankets, other specialty golf supplies.
Jim Kelsey - (800) 247-2326

irrigation Management & Services

21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760
Irrigation consultation, design, and
system evaluation.

P.I.E. Supply Co.

Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (508) 653-0625

For your Irrigation needs; dedicated to sales
and service of quality irrigation equipment.
(203) 878-0658

Tom Irwin Inc.
11B A St., Burlington, MA 01803-3404
Jack Peterson, Wayne Ripley, Paul Skafas,
Chris Peterson, Jack Pluta, Greg Misodoulakis
(800) 582-5959

Prescription Turf Services, Inc.

P. O. Box 39, Middleton, MA 01949
Deep-tine and hydro-Injection services,
custom fertilizer & pesticide applications,
fairway aeration, topdressing operations.
(978) 777-1663

Ken Jones Tire, Inc.

71-73 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01613
Distributor of fires for lawn & garden, trucks,
cars, industrial equipment, and golf cars.
Gerry Jones - (508) 755-5255

Read Sand and Gravel, Inc.

171 VFW Drive, Rockland, MA 02370
Topdressing, root-zone mixes, bunker sand,
3/4 & 3/8 screened loams, cart path materials,
mulch, drainage stone.
Joe Farina - (800) 660-2955

Koonz Sprinkler Supply, Inc.

39 Waverly Ave., Springfield, NJ 07081
(973) 379-9314

Country Club Enterprises

P. 0. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles,
Ed McGuire, Dave Farina, Steve Butler
(800) 662-2585

Country Golf, Inc.

4852 Westchester Dr., Traverse City, Ml 49684
Golf course construction & reconstruction;
specialists in Donald Ross courses.
Jerry Deemer - (616) 947-5751

landmark Construction

P. 0. Box 662, Winchester, MA 01890
Tee/bunker shaping 8< remodeling, cart paths,
drainage, tree planting, landscape construction.
Daniel Champion - (781) 729-3250

Larchmont Engineering

Shawnmark Industries, Inc.

P. O. Box 8966, Warwick, Rl 02999
Matt Howland-(401) 295-1673

Sodco Inc.

P. 0. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Bluegrass/Fescue, Bluegrass/Rye,
Bluegrass/Fescue/Rye, Bentgrass
Matt Faherty, Pat Hogan - (800) 341-6900

Sports Club Management

104 Wyman Rd„ Braintree, MA 02184
OSHA and EPA compliance services and training
Ron Smith-(781) 848-5978

Dahn Tibbett
Professional Golf Services

dba Weed & Feed, Inc.
20 Clark Lane, Marshfield, MA 02050
Specialists in golf course construction,
bunker restoration, and irrigation installation.
(781) 837-3503

Tse and Green Sad, Inc.

P. O. Box 418, Exeter, Rl 02822
Bentgrass, Bluegrass, and Blue/Fescue sod.
Dave Wallace, Robin Hayes
(401) 789-8177

Tuckehoe Turf Farms, Inc.

P. O. Box 167, Wood River Junction, Rl 02894
Chris Beasley - (800) 556-6985

Turf Enhancement Enterprises

6 Jessica J Dr., Millbury, MA 01527
Fioratine products, Precision Small Engine Co.,
Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts.
Tom Fox-(508) 865-9150

TurfNet Assosiates, Inc.

21 Brandywine Rd„ Skillman, NJ 08558
Cutting edge communication for
the golf course industry.
Peter McCormick - (800) 314-7929

Turf Partners, Inc.

15 Londonderry Rd„ Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Chuck Bramhail, Jim Cohen, Geoff Houghton,
Rick Howe, Mike Kroian, Scott Mackintosh,
Mike Nagle - (800) 228-6656

Turf Products Corp.

157 Moody Rd„ Enfield, CT 06082
Distributors of Toro irrigation and maintenance
equipment and other golf-related products.
Irrigation: Tim Berge, Palmer Whitney
Commercial: Ed Fallow, Rick Moulton,
Mike Turner-(800) 243-4355

United Horticultural Supply

18 Legate Hill Rd„ Sterling, MA 01564
Fertilizer, seed, chemicals, and IPM.
Glenn Larabee, Bruce Chapman, Mark Miller
(800) 224-4440

Varney Bras. Sand & Gravel

79 Hartford Ave., Bellingham, MA 02019
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian - (800) 441-7373

Waterflowers Ecological Design

116 North Street, North Reading, MA 01864
Environmental audits, planning/design,
& permits for all environmental details
Terry Bastion - (978) 664-8059

Winfield Nursery, Inc.

1320 Mountain Rd„ Sutfield, CT 06109
Wholesale nursery trees and shrubs.
Stan Hiidreth

Sawtelle Brothers

65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brown, Larry Bunn, Mike Hannlgan,
Frank Higgins, John Lenhart - (978) 682-9296

11 Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02420-4483
Keith Savage - (781) 647-3361

Philip Wogan & George F. Sargent, Jr.
Golf Course Architects
17 Walker Rd., Topsfieid, MA 01983
(978) 887-3672

SB! Turf Services

65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Deep-tine, core, & water-injection aerification,
DOL & Verti-Seed overseeding, irrigation services.
Jim Favreau - (800) 999-TURF

•••llhMalgyilMÉMMH

Zip Type Service

50 Kent Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
Design, printing, mailing, advertising specialties.
Sheila Johnson - (978) 462-9358

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Page 3
BRILIIJLDULIJIUFOHIIRIIIJIIUINUI^

,II I TJ 11

Mew PDl goals
continued

discussed

from page 5

• A majority of delegates agreed that civic and chapter
participation is a key component of professional
development It is a tool to enhance the image and
professionalism of superintendents.
• A degree from a two-year certificate program is
sufficient as long as an individual meets a minimum
800-hour criteria.
• Should individuals with a 4-year degree in a nonturf-related field be permitted to apply for
certification? The MSRG members discussed this
issue extensively and reached a consensus that a
superintendent with experience who wishes to
become certified may do so by earning the education
credits required. In order to become certified, an
individual must have a minimum of three years of
experience as a golf course superintendent and be
a GCSAA class-A member for a at least three years.
• Why should ciass-A members be required to
maintain a pesticide license, but not B or C?
Most states require one individual on the golf course
property to hold this license, but it is preferred
that the superintendent also holds a license.
•

Will GCSAA bylaws need amendment if members
approve the PDI? Yes, any changes in membership
classification require a bylaws change.
• It is advantageous to use the web site interface for
competency assessment. However, a paper version
will be available to those who do not have access
to the Internet or prefer the hard copy option.

If members do not approve the PDI, does the
MSRG have a back-up plan? Because they provide
good career planning and educational tools, the
HR Web and competency assessment are likely to
be implemented, regardless of member approval
of the membership class requirements. The proposed
membership classification changes are the only
part of the PDI that will require member approval.
Will a currently certified superintendent
that
does not have a four-year degree be required to
get one in order to maintain certification? No.
However, future members that apply for certification
would be required to have a two-year turf or fouryear other degree under the proposal.
If a superintendent does not keep up with ongoing
requirements while recertifying, will that individual lose certified status? Yes. The individual must
collect all required CEUs and successfully complete
a simple self-assessment to maintain certification.
Did the MSRG consider playing the game of golf
as a requirement for being certified or maintaining a class-A status? No. Knowledge of the game
and rules of golf are an important part of the profession, but the MSRG has not discussed payability.
Currently, a certified superintendent
is not
required to have formal education.
Current
certified members were able to use their experience
and collect CEUs to maintain certification. In
the future, the proposal is that a formal degree
will be required for those applying to the program.
Class-A members should be given
consideration
for previous experience. Class-A members that
declare intention to work toward certification by
July 2002 will be allowed to forego forma! education

•

•
•

•

•

•

requirements until 2007. They will be required to
meet ail other requirements for certification.
A majority of chapter delegates were in favor of
implementing a minima! standard that class-A
members must complete a 2-year turf program or
a 4-year non-turf degree.
A majority of chapter delegates said a 4-year nonturf degree is acceptable as a ciass-A requirement
How do you validate the results of the competency
model, when the responses are subjective at
best? Franklin Covey representatives will further
define and develop specific measures to validate
the assessments. Examples include: working with
a mentor on completing the assessment (i.e.
general manager or owner).
When an individual advances to general manager
or higher, does the individual move beyond a
class-A status, and if so what occurs? GCSAA
committees will discuss individual career tracks.
What is the timeline for educational
upgrades?
New seminars and educational offerings will be
provided at the 2001 conference. New programs
and alternative delivery mechanisms for education
will be provided in the following three years.
There's very little difference between a class-A
member and certified superintendent,
according
to the competency chart. The difference falls
within proficiency levels on the competency models
and the amount of ongoing continuing education
and professional development. The Certification
Committee will review certification requirements,
work with Franklin Covey on redesign of the
program, and make a recommendation to the
Board of Directors within two years.

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