July 2011 Communicating Sustainable Use of Pesticides By Kyle Miller, Senior Technical Specialist, BASF Professional Turf & Ornamentals Superintendents are faced with all kinds of job-related questions, particularly about the agronomics of using pesticides and other chemicals on their courses. Many are having a hard time clearly explaining the benefits of chemical use to curious golfers and community members, and as a result, sometimes avoid the topic. However, communicating with the public is no longer optional; superintendents must address questions, ease concerns and take part in community education programs on a regular basis in order to continue building and sustaining community confidence. Many people assume pesticides are toxic and harmful to their health. That belief, however, is rarely grounded in science. Antibacterial soap, dishwasher soap and laundry detergent are technically toxic pesticides because they kill germs; however, when used correctly, they do not harm humans. The same goes for chemicals that are used to protect plants. Just as soap controls harmful pathogens that humans encounter, fungicide controls pathogens that damage plants. Simply put, plants – like people – get sick. For example, when their systems get overrun, plants can suffer from environmental stress that creates conditions for pest pressure and disease. When that happens, medication in the form of pesticides is required to nurse the plant back to health. Like human drugs, pesticides today are highly targeted to specific problems, including fungi, weeds and insects. The need for plant medication, so to speak, is understood by most people. But they may need more explanation about the science behind responsible chemical use. The Safety Stance. Scientifically proving with reasonable certainty that a pesticide will not harm people or the environment is a fundamental part of the product-approval process. The United States has one of the strictest registration processes in the world. Federal law requires that before selling or distributing a pesticide in the United States, a person or company must obtain registration, or license, from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Before registering a new pesticide – or a new use for a registered pesticide – the EPA must first assure the public that the pesticide is considered safe, when used according to label directions. To make such determinations, the EPA requires more than 100 different scientific studies and tests from applicants. Even before they go through government review, these chemical compounds are tested for toxicity by non-biased, third-parties. If a pesticide receives a “strike” against it at any point during testing process, the manufacturer does not approve it for government testing. Once the product is registered, it is selected and applied by highly trained professionals. Just as a pharmacist would recommend medicine for a specific ailment, superintendents work with industry experts – including chemical applicators with years of formal education – to prescribe a pesticide for a specific problem. Not all pesticides are equal. Toxicity levels vary by product and instructions for use are clearly outlined on each pesticide’s label. Labels are designed to explain the correct application procedure, so the chemical has little or no direct negative impact on organisms beyond the targeted pest. As a rule, chemical experts consistently stress the importance of reading and following the pesticide label. As a precautionary measure, most pesticides cannot be bought over the counter. Some products also require applicators to post signs or flags that alert the public that a given area has been treated recently. The signs, which usually are left standing for 24 hours, are simply informative, since no danger to humans or animals exists after application. In many cases, the majority of pesticides break down naturally in the soil after controlling target pests. What is your role? Some superintendents have taken a proactive communication approach to combating the general public’s misperceptions and fear of pesticides. Superintendent Jed Spencer, CGCS, for Chenal Country Club in Little Rock, Ark., participates in monthly Greens Committee meetings and now hosts annual open houses to give all members a behind-the-scenes look at how he maintains his course. In addition to addressing topics such as chemical continued on page 5 GCSANE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Jason S. Adams 27 Cherry Street, Wrentham, MA 02093 781-828-6540 Fax: 781-326-3801 E-mail: jadams@bluehillcc.com Blue Hill Country Club VICE PRESIDENT Michael W. Stachowicz 68 Westfield Road, Westwood, MA 02090 781-326-7860 Fax: 781-326-0664 E-mail: Mstach@dedhamclub.org Dedham Country & Polo Club TREASURER Mark Gagne 233 Baker Street, Walpole, MA 02081 508-668-3859 Fax: 508-668-9969 E-mail: Mgagne@walpolecc.org Walpole Country Club SECRETARY Michael Luccini, CGCS 10 Griffin Road, Franklin, MA 02038 508-520-3615 Fax: 508-528-1885 E-mail: Mluccini@verizon.net Franklin Country Club TRUSTEE (Membership) Richard T. Gagnon 85 Gulliver Street, Taunton, MA 02780 508-823-0466 Fax 508-823-3915 E-mail: sccturf@hotmail.com Segregansett Country Club TRUSTEE (Government Relations) J. Michael Rose 181 Winter Street, Belmont, MA 02478 617-484-5360 Fax 617-484-6613 E-mail: mrose@belmontcc.org Belmont Country Club President’s Message Greetings everyone, Well summer is definitely upon us. I hope you all are doing well. For a season that started out pretty easy things have seemed to turned pretty quickly. I have heard of numerous reports of pump problems, root pythium, nematodes, bacterial wilt and hyperodes. The good news is that there is only 5 weeks till labor day and aeration will be here before you know it, so hang in there! We recently had our July meeting at Whitinsville Golf Club. We had 34 for golf and I am told that Dave Johnson had the course in immaculate shape. Thanks Dave! The Ouimet Golf Marathon is coming up August 10th. Kevin Corvino, superintendent at Norfolk Golf Club, will be representing the association with Nat Binns as his caddy. Please support Kevin with donations so we can continue to support the Ouimet Fund. Please contact me at jadams@bluehillcc.com if you would like to make a pledge. The next meeting will be our Individual Championship at Marlboro Country Club on August 9th. I would like to give Ken Crimmings, CGCS many thanks for continuously hosting this event. It is the meeting that I look most forward to every year! Take care and think about the cooler days ahead! TRUSTEE (Scholarship & Benevolence) Sincerely, Jason Adams President, GCSANE David Stowe, CGCS 30 Western Avenue, Natick, MA 01760 617-789-4631 Fax 617-789-4631 E-mail: Newtonmaint@aol.com Newton Commonwealth Golf Club AFFILIATE TRUSTEE David Wallace PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 401-789-8177 Fax: 401-789-3895 E-mail: dave@teegreensod.com New England Turf FINANCE CHAIRMAN Scott Lagana, CGCS 840 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420 978-342-6451 Fax 978-345-2044 E-mail: slagana@oakhillcc.org Oak Hill Country Club GOLF CHAIRMAN Carl Miner 357 W. Squantum Street, North Quincy, MA 02171 617-328-0277 Fax: 617-328-9479 E-mail: Carlpminer@gmail.com Presidents Golf Club EDUCATION CHAIRMAN David W. Johnson 179 Fletcher Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588 508-234-2533 Fax: 508-234-2533 E-mail: djohnson.wgc@verizon.net Whitinsville Golf Club NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN Jeffrey Urquhart 70 Green Lodge Street, Canton, MA 02021 781-828-2953 Fax 781-828-3220 E-mail: jmartin101@gmail.com Milton-Hoosic Club PAST PRESIDENT Patrick J. Daly, CGCS P.O. Box 2284, Framingham, MA 01703-2284 508-872-9790 Fax: 508-872-5393 E-mail: Pat@framinghamcc.com Framingham Country Club EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Sharon K. Brownell P.O. Box 566, Mattapoisett, MA 02739-0566 508-758-6474 Fax: 508-758-3688 E-mail: Sbrownell@verizon.net BUSINESS MANAGER, THE NEWSLETTER Julie Heston Phone: (401) 934-3677 Email: jheston@verizon.net GCSANE Headquarters 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Tel: (800) 833-4451 Fax: (508) 758-6474 Web Site: www.gcsane.org Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the position of GCSANE. 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. We would appreciate a credit line. 2 GCSANE Starts Process to Hire Chapter Executive By Michael Stachowicz, Vice President, GCSANE In June, GCSANE’s longtime Executive Secretary Sharon Brownell notified the Board of Directors that she, after much thought and many conversations with her husband, has decided that she will retire from the association effective December 16th, 2011. Sharon has been dedicated to the association for 14 years and finding a replacement for her will be no easy task. The President has appointed me to head the search committee for a new executive. There has been a great deal that has changed since Sharon was first hired and she grew and changed with the association and the times. This is why as our first step will be to develop an accurate job description. Information for this will be solicited from other organizations and former board members. By identifying all the tasks that it takes to run the association we can then look at the skill set required to run our association effectively. This document will be pre- sented to the Board at the August meeting for their approval. Concurrently, a search committee will be assembled and will start work right after the August meeting at Marlboro. There will be a wide range of association talent on this committee that will come up with a job announcement, identify how and where to advertise for the position, and post the job by the end of August. The interview process should take part of September and into October. Hopefully we will have settled on someone by the end of October leaving 45 to 60 days for a transition with Sharon’s help. We will endeavor to keep the lines of communication open without sacrificing the process, so keep an eye out for updates in this Newsletter. The search committee will be very open to ideas and comments during the process, so please feel free to contact me at mstach@dedhamclub.org.  The golf course is his hobby where he tries to excel, For without a good course a club has little to sell, His work has no glamour he doesn’t strut in fine clothes, But his skill and club value is recognized by those, Who know some of his problems and they understand, Why the greenskeeper is called golf’s forgotten man. February 1952, Jack Counsell 3 Thinking About It By Don Hearn to keep people happy and meet their expectations, I believe their enjoyment on the course has very little do do with "inconsistent bunkers." It's obvious that I've yet to read the Manual of Consistency, otherwise I would by now have read the section decreeing that all areas of a golf course must be consistent for the game to be played. To be serious, I doubt that bunkers can be made consistent. It might be a goal, regardless how unreasonable, for some to reach but surely the cost to get there is way out of line. I think a lot of the drive to produce consistent bunkers is a belief that what golfers see when they watch golf on television or when attending a TOUR event is what they should experience where they play. What many don't consider is the wide difference between them and those who play professionally. For example, the handicap of the average male golfer is somewhere around sixteen. On the PGA TOUR it's plus five. A huge difference! The way I see it, an amatuer golfer's handicap or enjoyment of playing the game isn't going to change based on the consistency of bunker sand. We should stop fooling ourselves and let those who control the purse strings know that trying to provide consistent bunkers is a waste of resources - financial and personnel wise. There should be an effort to lessen the quest for perfection and more emphasis on playing the course as it is.  Recently I watched a GCSAA video on the web and one of the topics was golfer complaints. It got me to think about some of the complaints (and whining) I've heard over the years. How about "The bunkers aren't consistent." I'll bet not many of you have heard that before. Yah, sure you haven't. I wonder how many dollars have been spent to remedy this supposed injustice. Countless labor hours spent raking, trimming or naturalizing the edges, trimming around slopes, watering, applying wetting agents, replenishing sand, rebuilding edges, restoring to the original architect's intent, changing the type of sand, moving to accommodate the longer game, repairing washouts, removing stones, power tamping, removing leaves and, in some cases, daily raking have helped create maintenance monsters. Let's be real. First, do bunkers need to be consistent? Second, is it possible to have every bunker play the same? Or, is this more an issue of a demanding clientele continuing their unreasonable ways? I believe it's more an issue of demanding clientele promoting unreasonable demands. Surely I can be way off base on this one but after many years trying 4 Pesticides - continued from page 1 Tips for Communicating with your Community Know your topic and know it well. Be willing to give research to back up what you are saying. Do not lie. A lot of the information you share is a matter of common sense; however, your audiences will fact check. Be as consistent as you can. Some information will change over the course of time, but the majority of it should remain constant. Be patient. It is important to remember that members of the community are not as versed on the subject matter as you are. Provide resources where people can obtain additional information. Encourage them to spend some time learning about the issues they care about.  and fertilizer use, maintenance and even golf etiquette, his crew operates equipment for participants, allowing them to get a firsthand look at what his crew does and how they do it. Spencer’s goal is to educate the community, and show members the purpose behind his crew’s actions. “The response to our communication efforts has been extremely positive,” Spencer said. “Community members really appreciate the visual component. It reduces concerns about the possible effects our treatment plan could have on them and their surroundings.” Spencer has taken additional steps to show his concern for the environment, which the community has applauded. Three years ago, he formed a partnership with Ducks Unlimited to establish a wood duck colony on the course, which helps attract the birds and allows his crew to manage the population. He also maintains a chemical building on his property that houses a 1,000-gallon storage tank for recycling chemicals. Fred Gehrisch, superintendent for Highlands Fall Country Club in Highlands, N.C., holds educational forums for residents living on or near his course to explain what his crew is spraying and why. He also writes a regular column for his local newspaper that addresses course issues such as the scientific benefits of safely controlling disease and invasive plants on his course. Gehrisch also is involved in a study under way by the University of Missouri on salamanders at 10 courses in the area – including his – to see how they are affected by chemical use. Along with the university, he regularly works with environmental groups, whether it is coordinating joint speaking engagements or donating his staff to support a local event. Gehrisch says most people he speaks with are relieved once they learn the chemicals he uses are similar to everyday household products. “I have found that using common medications as examples is the most effective way to demonstrate why they do not need to fear the products we use,” Gehrisch said. “I read a list of side effects and lead them to believe it is a chemical I am using to treat turf disease when, in reality, it is aspirin.” Communicating with the public falls under the many dayto-day responsibilities of a superintendent, and more of them are taking it upon themselves to go above and beyond that duty. At a minimum, superintendents should be able to confidently explain the parallels between plant and human disease, and how science helps alleviate damage in both cases. “We talk a lot within our inner circle about what needs to be done, but as an industry, we tend to be slower in responding to the public than we should,” Gehrisch said. “For any change to happen, supers need to leave their desks and get out in front of their communities.” Despite the fact that pesticides are useful tools that can provide significant benefits to our communities, the debate over whether to use them will undoubtedly continue. By basing communications on science instead of emotion, superintendents can help community members appreciate the time, labor and money-saving benefits of environmentally sound chemicals. For more information on disease control and healthy plants visit http://www.betterturf.basf.us/, follow our Twitter at www.twitter.com/basfturf_us, or contact Kyle Miller at kyle.miller@basf.com. Always Read and Follow Label Directions. 5 GCSANE AUGUST MEETING INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP TUESDAY AUGUST 9, 2011 Marlborough Country Club, Marlborough, MA. Host -Kenneth Crimmings, CGCS Reservations Required by Noon Friday August 5, 2011 No Reservations After this Date!! Reservations at 1-800-833-4451 or E-mail: Sbrownell@verizon.net Cost: $75, $35 for Lunch, Barbecue and Meeting. We Accept Visa/M.C. & AMERICAN EXPRESS 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting 10:00 a.m. Registration 11:00 a.m. Shotgun with box lunch Regular meeting, Barbecue and prizes to follow golf Scores will be used to determine New England Superintendent Championship team **To avoid charges, kindly give 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your reservation.** 6 Persistent heat, drought and flooding strain golf courses nationally Superintendents dealing with extreme conditions again this year Randquist urged golfers and leaders at golf facilities not to panic. Every golf course is unique and thus reacts to the weather extremes differently. Variations in soil conditions, air movement, shade, water quality and availability, and budget make course comparisons a dangerous proposition. "We know the weather conditions will become more agreeable," Randquist said. "What is important right now is to manage the golf course in a manner so that turf can be kept alive until that point. Pushing turf too hard might result in longer term damage."  Extended periods of excessive heat, widespread moderate to severe drought, and pockets of flooding have beset golf courses for the second consecutive year, putting a strain on revenues, golfers and the professionals who manage the game's playing fields – golf course superintendents. "We saw widespread turf loss last year, and the feedback from our members is that this year has the potential to be as severe," Golf Course Superintendents Association of America President Bob Randquist, certified golf course superintendent at Boca Rio Golf Course in Boca Raton, Fla., said. Researchers, university extension agents and golf course superintendents agreed that the conditions last summer were the worst in decades in terms of the geographic scope, Randquist said. The impact of this year's weather – although not as widespread – will not be determined for a few weeks, but he indicated superintendents are pulling out all the stops to counter the wrath of Mother Nature. Superintendents have implemented a variety of management practices such as reducing green speeds by raising cutting heights and rolling less frequently; less mowing frequency; restricting cart traffic; increased hand watering; reducing/postponing verticutting and topdressing activities; if aerifying, doing so with small tines; and reducing of fertilization programs. "The simple fact is the cool-season turfgrasses such as bentgrass, fescue, bluegrass, annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and others are stressed with sustained high temperatures and humidity," Randquist said. "Golf courses in many parts of the country experience this every year, however what made the situation so dire last year and now have been the high levels of extended heat and humidity, and the sizeable part of the country affected. “Certainly homeowners, athletic fields and businesses suffer turfgrass damage brought on by these kinds of conditions. What makes it more difficult for golf facilities are the mowing heights are much lower and traffic is much heavier. That just adds to the stress on the turfgrass." Also unknown is what the final impact of flooding will be. Some courses were under water for extended periods of time so the turf started the season already in a compromised position. Randquist also cautioned golfers from thinking that water, whether from rain or irrigation, is the answer to the ills. There is a difference between heat stress and drought stress. Adequate irrigation will alleviate drought stress. Adequate irrigation will not alleviate heat stress. It is not only possible, but likely, for a turfgrass plant to be adequately watered and still suffer from heat stress under extended periods of high temperatures. Source: GCSAA News Release, www.gcsaa.org 7 8 Send your BEST photos Please send your photos to jmartin101@gmail.com. I have the ability to scan photos for those who might have older material that cannot be sent via email. They can be mailed to me at 70 Green Lodge Street, Canton, MA 02021. Thanks, Jeff Urquhart Here's a photo of a truck dropping into the hole for our new pool at Framingham Country Club. I should have known the project was going to be difficult when it started with this unfortunate mishap. Photo submitted by Patrick Daly CGCS, Framingham Country Club. July Tournament Results and Photos July 18, 2011 Whitinsville Golf Club Host: David Johnson Winning team at 4 under par 31: Scott McLeod, Manny Mihailides, Bob Chalifour and Dave Stowe Robert McNeil had CTP on hole 2 9 Herbicide Blamed for Damaging, Killing Trees manifests in evergreen trees as brown or yellow needles. Trees then shed their canopy and eventually die. The Imprelis label states: “Do not apply this product directly to, or allow spray drift to come in contact with, ornamental groundcovers, foliage plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, nearby crop plants or other desirable plants; or to the soil where potentially sensitive plants will be planted during the same season.” In response to growing claims that its product is killing trees as well as weeds, DuPont posted a letter on its Web site signed by global business leader Michael McDermott stating that the company is investigating reports of damage to trees and cautions users to cease using Imprelis near Norway spruce and white pine until the matter is resolved. Many of those who seek a legal remedy, however, say that is not enough. They argue that DuPont did not do enough to warn users of the threat to evergreen trees. “The manufacturers of this product, which was touted as being environmentally friendly, have some explaining to do,” said attorney Richard J. Arsenault, whose Alexandria, La.based firm of Neblett, Beard and Arsenault filed a classaction suit against DuPont in Ohio on July 25. “The public deserves to know whether this product is safe and all of the consequences associated with its use.” Included in parties that have filed suit against DuPont are golf courses in Indiana and Michigan. Michigan State University offers information about how to do with trees that might be affected by Imprelis. Likewise, other universities, including Nebraska , Purdue and Wisconsin have established Web pages to handle Imprelisrelated questions from users.  Reports have been spreading like wildfire that a chemical approved by the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection for control of broadleaf weeds in turf has been turning nearby trees into kindling at an alarming rate. Professional turf managers and private homeowners in at least 22 states say trees have been dying like weeds since they reported using Imprelis, a Group 4 herbicide from DuPont Professional Products. Lawsuits are flying and the EPA is scheduled to conduct its own review, which, it says, could result in a revised label, additional testing and research, or even removing the product from the market completely. Damages, according to published reports in several states, likely will run into millions. DuPont spokesperson Kate Childress did not return calls to her cell phone. But she recently told the “New York Times” that DuPont was investigating the matter and that it was difficult to say what caused the phenomenon until the investigation is complete. Promoted as an environmentally safe herbicide, Imprelis represents a new sub class of chemistry – pyrimidinecarboxylic acid. With the active ingredient potassium salt of aminocyclopyrachlor, Imprelis is labeled for control of a variety of broadleaf weeds in cool-season and warm-season grasses, including golf courses, athletic fields and sod farms as well as commercial and residential landscape applications. It’s also still relatively new to the market. The subject of many conversations at the DuPont booth during the 2010 Golf Industry Show in San Diego, Imprelis received label registration from the EPA last year and has been on the market since fall of 2010. According to DuPont, Imprelis is labeled for use in 49 states and Washington, D.C., with New York being the exception. Whatever is causing these trees to die by the thousands Reprinted with permission from Turfnet.com Syngenta Business Institute - Applications Due August 17 Syngenta is excited to announce for the third year they are inviting golf course superintendents across the United States to apply for the Syngenta Business Institute, the innovative professional business development program Patrick Daly, CGCS from Framingham Country Club attended last year that was developed specifically for Superintendents in conjunction with Wake Forest University. Superintendents that are interested should go to Syngenta’s online application process at http://www.greencastonline.com/GolfMarketIndex.aspx? market=2 . Applications are due by Wednesday, August 17. The unique, four-day program includes areas like financial management, human resource management, negotiating and other leadership professional development skills. New in this year’s program is a session to help attendees manage the challenges presented from generational differences among their employees. Syngenta is eager to provide a learning experience that goes well beyond the agronomic requirements of a superintendent’s job. The Syngenta Business Institute will be Dec. 5 -8, 2011, at Graylyn International Conference Center on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. Superintendents must fill out an application, which requires them to write a 250-word essay on why they believe they should be selected to attend. The application is due by Wednesday, Aug. 17 and can be found at http://www.greencastonline.com/GolfMarketIndex.aspx? market=2 . Only 25 Superintendents will be selected to participate. Please contact Pat Daly if you have any questions.  10 New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation, Inc. Elects New Officers and Announce Show Dates for 2011-2012 The Foundation enjoyed a successful 14th Turfgrass Education Conference and Trade Show on March 7-10, 2011 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI. More than 3000 individuals attended 4 days of education conference and trade show activities. The 15th Annual New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show scheduled dates for 2012 are February 6-9th. These are unusual dates as the foundation will normally target the 1 st Monday in March. The NERTF continues to fund turfgrass research in the New England Region and, since 1996, the foundation will soon reach 1.3 million dollars of research funding to New England Universities. For more information concerning the foundation, the conference and show, or funded turfgrass research go to www.nertf.org.  The New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation announces that Christopher Cowan of Atlantic Golf & Turf has been elected as the 15th President for the 2011-2012 Fiscal year. Chris has served on the NERTF Board of Directors since 2001 as a delegate appointed by the Vermont Golf Course Superintendent Association. Chris replaces Mike Buras, CSFM of the Longwood Cricket Club, Chestnut Hill, MA, who will continue to serve as the foundation’s Immediate Past President. Scott Cybulski, of the Martindale Country Club, in Auburn, Maine will serve as Vice-President. Steve Mann, CGCS of Captain’s Golf Course in Brewster, MA will serve as Treasurer for 2 years. Michael Stachowicz of Dedham Country and Polo Club will serve as the Foundation Secretary. Other board members will include: Roderick Blake, NHGCSA, John Clark, NHGCSA; James H. Connelly, MALCP; Matthew Crowther, CGCS , GCSACC, Anthony Grosso, CAGCS; James Hodge, MGCSA; Ted Maddocks, VTGCSA; Steve Mann, GCSACC; William Morton, CGCS, RIGCSA; Philip Neaton, CAGCS; Mark Richard, CGCS, RIGCSA; Robert Ruzala, GCSANE. Also serving in an advisory capacity is: Mary Owen, UMass Extension and Dr. Noel Jackson, URI. Submitted by: Gary J. Sykes, Executive Director (401-8415490) 2011-2012 NERTF Board of Directors: Sitting (l-r): Steve Mann, CGCS (Treasurer), Bob Matthews, CGCS, Mary Owen (UMass Extension), Michael Buras, CSFM (Immediate Past-President), Christopher Cowan (2011-2012 NERTF President) Standing (l-r): Bob Ruszala, Mark Richard, CGCS, Jim Connolly, Scott Cybulski, CGCS (V-President), Bill Morton, CGCS, Dr. Noel Jackson (Professor Emeritus URI), Cliff Drezek, Phil Neaton, David Rosenberg (M&E, Inc.), Ted Maddocks, Michael Stachowicz (Secretary), John Clark, Rod Blake, Jim Hodge, Gary Sykes and Jason Lanier (UMass Extension). 11 NEW Lower Rates to Help Make Advertising in The Newsletter More Budget Conscious THE NEWSLETTER 2011 DISPLAY ADVERTISING ORDER FORM Company Name: Address: Contact Name: Phone # Issues (List month and total number): (Made payable to “GCSANE”) Amount of Check: 4 Times Per Yr. (Save 5%) Monthly Rate Member Rates: 1/4 page (vertical; 3.75" wide x 5" deep) $ 90.00 $ 342.00 6 Times Per Yr. (Save 10%) $ 486.00 8 Times Per Yr. (Save 10%) $ 648.00 Annual Rate (Save 15%) $ 918.00 1/2 page (horizontal; 7.5" wide x 5" deep) $150.00 $ 570.00 $ 810.00 $1080.00 $1530.00 Full Page (vertical; 7.5" wide x 10" deep) $200.00 $ 760.00 $1080.00 $1440.00 $2040.00 Non-Member Rates: *All payments must be received in full before the ad appears in The Newsletter. 1/4 page (vertical; 3.75" wide x 5" deep) $120.00 $456.00 $648.00 $ 864.00 $1224.00 1/2 page (horizontal; 7.5" wide x 5" deep) $180.00 $684.00 $972.00 $1296.00 $1836.00 Full Page (vertical; 7.5" wide x 10" deep) $240.00 $912.00 $1296.00 $1728.00 $2448.00 *DEADLINE for ads: The first of the month for that month’s issue. Ad Preparation Specifications: File Specifications for Ads Supplied in Digital Format: Ads may be sent either by email or by mailing a CD to the address below. Formats preferred are .GIF; .JPG and .PDF. Ads can also be accepted in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher files. Full color is available with all ads. Advertising Design Services: Design services are available by request and consultation and will be billed separately. Send all Newsletter ads to: Julie Heston 36 Elisha Mathewson Road, N. Scituate, RI 02857 401-934-3677 jheston@verizon.net 12 DIVOT DRIFT... announcements ... educational seminars ... job opportunities ...tournament results...and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership. ANNOUNCEMENTS CALENDAR Our condolences are extended to Jim Skorulski and family on the passing of Jim’s father, Eugene Skorulski, on May 7, 2011. August 9: GCSANE Individual Championship Marlborough Country Club Host: Kenneth Crimmings, CGCS As in the past, The Newsletter continues to invite Affiliate members to submit a press release about new personnel, new products or a company bio. We will print each and every release free of charge. This is a great way to advertise for free. Who said nothing in this world is free? Free advertising to better your company, wow what an offer. Who could turn this down, you ask? I have the answer for you-ALL of the Friend and Affiliate members of GCSANE. There hasn’t been one submission for years. I ask all Friend and Affiliate members to offer some advice to see how we can make a better offer. Jeff Urquhart, Editor September 19: GCSANE Monthly Meeting Glen Ellen Country Club Host: Jeffrey James UMass Turf Selection and Identification In Amherst, MA August 11, 2011 (8:30 am - 3:00 pm) - Learn to match turfgrass species and varieties to site characteristics. - Learn to select for traits like drought tolerance and disease resistance. - Learn to recognize the principal cool-season turfgrasses. Pre-registration is required due to limited enrollment; the registration deadline is August 5, 2011. Registration includes lunch and parking permit. Five pesticide re-certification contact hours valid for all New England states have been requested for category 37, Turf and category 00, Licensed Applicator. 1 additional contact hour has been requested for those participating in a free optional NTEP session at the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center in South Deerfield, MA. For online registration or to download materials to register by mail, visit the following location: http://extension.umass.edu/turf/events/2011-turfgrass-selction-identification-workshop GCSANE Offers Website Banner advertising at www.gcsane.org The price is $500 for one year which will be re-occurring annually from your first billing unless otherwise specified. For more information, please contact Jeff Urquhart at 781-828-2953 or jmartin101@gmail.com 13 Let’s Go Back To 1978 A monthly addition by the Editor 14 Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION Page 1 A.A. Will Materials Corp. 198 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072-1748 Root zone mixes, divot mixes, topdressing blends, bunker sands, cart path mixes, bridging stone, & hardscape supplies. Charlie Downing, Rob Fitzpatrick - (800) 4-AA-WILL The Cardinals, Inc. 166 River Rd., PO Box 520, Unionville, CT 06085 Golf course and landscape supplies. John Callahan, Dennis Friel - (800) 861-6256 www.aawillmaterials.com Cavicchio Landscape Supply, Inc. 110 Codjer Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776 Annuals, perennials, garden mums, ground covers, loam, & mulch. Darren Young - (978) 443-7177 A.D. Makepeace Co. 158 Tihonet Road, Wareham, MA 02571 (508) 322-4092 Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc. 304 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109 Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta, Grigg Bros., Foliar Fertilizer, & Aquatrols. Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski, Robin Hayes - (800) 326-HART Agresource, Inc. 100 Main St., Amesbury, MA 01913 Tim Gould, Guy Travers (800) 313-3320, (978) 388-5110 Ahearn Equipment 460 Main Street, Spencer, MA 01562 Full service equipment dealer. Kubota tractors, Stihl power equipment, Agrimetal, Exmark, ASV. Mike DiRico - (508) 873-4363 Country Club Enterprises PO Box 670, 29 Tobey Rd.,W.Wareham, MA 02676 Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles. Dave Farina, Keith Tortorella, Mike Turner (800) 662-2585 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 Michelle Maltais - (401) 835-0287 DAF Services, Inc. 20 Lawnacre Rd., Windsor Locks, CT 06096 Irrigation pumps - sales & service; northeast warehouse/distributor for ISCO HDPE pipe & fittings. Richard Young - (860) 623-5207 The Andersons Technologies, Inc. 26 Waite Ave., S. Hadley, MA 01075 Manufacturer of fertilizer & control products. Rick Forni - (413) 534-8896 DGM Systems 1 Snagwood Rd., Foster, RI 02825 Your New England specialty products distributor: Reelcraft, POK, Allen, Kenyon, Echo, Carhartt Office - (401) 647-0550 Manny Mihailides - (401) 524-8999 David Mihailides - (401) 742-1177 Atlantic Golf and Turf 9 Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls, MA 01376 Specializing in agronomy through the distribution of fertilizer, seed and chemicals throughout New England. Chris Cowan (413) 530-5040, Gregg Mackintosh (508) 525-5142, Scott Mackintosh CPAg (774) 551-6083 Atlantic Silica, Inc. P.O. Box 10, Enfield N.S. B2T 1C6 Canada (902) 883-3020 DHT Golf Services 8 Meadow Park Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 Serving the GCSANE for over 20 years. Planning to proposal to completion. Golf construction and irrigation consulting. Emergency irrigation repairs. Dahn Tibbett (20 year member), Jaime Tibbett 508-746-3222 DHTGOLF.COM A-OK Turf Equipment Inc. 1357 Main St., Coventry, RI 02816-8435 Lastec, Tycrop, Blec, Wiedenmann, Therrien, Graden, Sweep & Fill, Baroness, and used equipment. Mike Cornicelli - (401) 826-2584 G. Fialkosky Lawn Sprinklers PO Box 600645., Newton, MA 02460 Irrigation services to golf courses throughout New England. Gary Fialkosky - (617) 293-8632 www.garyfialkoskylawnsprinklers.com Barenbrug USA Great in Grass 166 Juniper Drive, North Kingstown, RI 02852 Bruce Chapman, Territory Manager (401) 578-2300 GPS New England Mapping 39 Cedar St., Cohasset, MA 02025 Precise irrigation & drainage as-builts; wire tracking & electrical repairs. Greg Albanese - (781) 789-1166 BASF Turf & Ornamental 47 Falmouth Rd., Longmeadow, MA 01106 “We don’t make the turf. We make it better.” John Bresnahan - (413) 565-5340 Gustavo Preston Service Company 10 Kidder Road, Unit 8, Chelmsford, MA 01824 Flowtronex irrigation pumps - sales and service. Spring start ups, winterization and 24 hour emergency service for all irrigation pumps. Ed Ceaser (978) 250-3333 The Borden Company 114 Summer St., Maynard, MA 01754 Bulk limestone dealer. Jack Borden - (978) 897-2571 Harrell’s 19 Technology Drive, Auburn, MA 01501 Turf & ornamental supplies. Chuck Bramhall, Mike Kroian, Mike Nagle, Jim Wierzbicki - (800) 228-6656 Boston Irrigation Supply Co. (BISCO) 60 Stergis Way, Dedham, MA 02026 Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories, featuring Rain Bird. Andrew Langlois, Jay Anderson III, Dan Fuller, Jeff Brown, Greg Hennessy, Chris Russo (800) 225-8006 continued on next page 15 Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION International Golf Construction Co. 5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02474 Golf course construction. Antonios Paganis - (781) 648-2351; (508) 428-3022 McNulty Construction Corp. P. O. Box 3218, Framingham, MA 01705 Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways, parking areas; imprinted asphalt. John McNulty - (508) 879-8875 Irrigation Consulting, Inc. 4 Hotel Place, Pepperell, MA 01463 Professional services firm providing golf course irrigation design and consulting services. Dedicated to the proper design of irrigation systems and related components with water conservation and energy efficiency as focal points. Aaron Gagne - (978) 433-8972 x23 Miller Golf Construction P.O. Box 1008, Essex, MA 01929 Golf course construction & renovation. Jonathon Miller - (978) 768-6600 MTE 87 Concord Street, North Reading, MA 01864 New and Pre-owned Equipment / Sales / Parts / Service JACOBSEN – NEARY TECHNOLOGY – HUSQVARNA – TURFCO – SMITHCO – BUFFALO TURBINE – PAR AIDE– REDEXIM – TRU TURF – GOLF LIFT – GANDY – SDI – BROYHILL – RYAN – PROGRESSIVE Office: 978-276-3180 or Mark Casey 617-990-2427 Irrigation Management & Services 21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760 Irrigation consultation, design, and system evaluation. Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (508) 653-0625 John Deere Golf Offering our customers the most complete line of products, service and expertise in the industry. Tom Rowell, Ren Wilkes, John Winskowicz - (508) 295-1553 Ron Tumiski 1-800-321-5325 x6219 Mungeam Cornish Golf Design, Inc. 207 N. Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569 Golf course architects. (508) 278-3407 New England Lawn & Golf 15 Del Prete Drive, Hingham, MA 02043 Distributor of Express Dual and Anglemaster Speed Roller and Converted Organics a liquid compost & fertilizer from food waste John Lenhart - (781) 561-5687 Ken Jones Tire, Inc. 71-73 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01613 Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks, cars, industrial equipment, and golf cars. Gerry Jones - (508) 755-5255 New England Specialty Soils 435 Lancaster, Street, Leominster, MA 01453 1mm. Top Dressing Sand, High Density Bunker Sand, Rootzone Mixes, Tee Blends, Divot Mixes, Bridging Stone, Cart Path Mix, Infield Mixes, Inorganic Amendments, SLOPE LOCK Soil. Ed Downing - 978-230-2300 Rick Moulton (978) 230-2244 www.nesoils.com Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation 11 Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02420-4483 Kevin Rudat - (781) 862-2550 Lazaro’s Golf Course Supplies & Accessories dba Hammond Paint and Chemical Co., Inc. 738 Main St., Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154 Complete line of golf course accessories; Standard, Par Aide, Eagle One. Joe Lazaro - (781) 647-3361 New England Turf P.O. Box 777, West Kingston, RI 02892 Phone: 800-451-2900 or Ernie Ketchum 508-364-4428 Website: www.newenglandturf.com Maher Services 71 Concord Street, N. Reading, MA 01864 Specializes in Water well drilling, pump sales, pump repair, well redevelopment and preventative maintenance Peter Maher (978) 664-WELL (9355) Fax (978) 664-9356 NMP Golf Construction Corp. 25 Bishop Ave., Ste. A-2, Williston, VT 05495 Golf course construction. Mario Poirier - (888) 707-0787 Norfolk Power Equipment, Inc. 5 Cushing Dr., Wrentham, MA 02093 Sales, service, rentals, leasing, Kubota tractors (508) 384-0011 MAS Golf Course Construction LLC 60 Hope Ave., Ste. 107, Waltham, MA 02453 Fulfilling all your renovation and construction needs. www.masgolfconstruction.com Matthew Staffieri (508) 243-2443 Northeast Golf Company Golf Course Architectural/Consultation Services 118 Beauchamp Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 Robert McNeil (401) 667-4994 Maltby & Company 30 Old Page Street, P.O. Box 364, Stoughton, MA 02072 Provides expert tree pruning, tree removal and tree planting services. Our two other divisions include Natural Tree & Lawn Care, which treats for winter moth caterpillars, ticks and mosquitoes etc. Forest Floor recycling manufactures color enhanced mulch and natural composted leaf mulch. For more information or to speak with one of our arborists please call Bill Maltby at 781-344-3900 North Shore Hydroseeding 20 Wenham St., Danvers, MA 01923 Hydroseeding, erosion control, & tree services. Brian King - (978) 762-8737 On-Course Golf Inc., Design/Build 16 Maple Street, Acton, MA 01720 We serve all your remodeling and renovation needs. You can trust your project with us! We make you look good! Sean Hanley (978) 337-6661 www.on-coursegolf.com Mayer Tree Service 9 Scots Way, Essex, MA 01929 Your one source tree care company. Our certified arborists specialize in plant health care as well as tree pruning and technical removals. Jeff Thomas (978) 768-7232 continued on next page 16 Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION Partac 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 Turf Products Corp. 157 Moody Rd., Enfield, CT 06082 Distributors of Toro irrigation & maintenance equipment and other golf-related products. Tim Berge, Dave Beauvais, Nat Binns, Andy Malone, Tim Stays - (800) 243-4355 Putnam Pipe Corp. 90 Elm St., Hopkinton, MA 01748 Underground water, sewer, & drain pipe and fittings-Erosion and sediment control material. 24-hour service. David Putnam, Eli Potty - (508) 435-3090 Valent Professional Products 294 Archer Street, Fall River, MA 02720 Valent Has Turf Covered Jim Santoro - 508-207-2094 Valley Green 14 Copper Beech Drive, Kingston, MA 02364 Phone: 413-533-0726 Fax: 413-533-0792 "Wholesale distributor of turf products" Read Custom Soils 125 Turnpike St., Canton, MA 02021 Custom soil blending, top dressing sands, Root zone blends, “early green” black sand, divot & cart path mixes. Terry Driscoll, Garrett Whitney – (888) 475-5526 Winding Brook Turf Farm Wethersfield, CT 06109 Scott Wheeler, Mike Krudwig, Sam Morgan - (800) 243-0232 Slater Farms (Holliston Sand Products) P. O. Box 1168, Tifft Rd., Slatersville, RI 02876 USGA recommended topdressing, root-zone mixes, compost, pea stone, angular & traditional bunker sand. Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.) - (401) 766-5010 Cell: 860-908-7414 Philip Wogan & George F. Sargent, Jr. 17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983 Golf course architects. (978) 887-3672 Sodco Inc. P. O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877 Bluegrass/Fescue, Bluegrass/Rye, Bluegrass/Fescue/Rye, Bentgrass. Sean Moran, Pat Hogan - (800) 341-6900 Southwest Putting Greens of Boston P.O. Box 827, Westford, MA 01886 Synthetic turf, tee lines, practice greens, outdoor and indoor practice facilities. Douglas Preston - (978) 250-5996 Stumps Are Us Inc. Manchester, NH Professional stump chipping service. Brendan McQuade - (603) 625-4165 Syngenta Professional Products 111 Craigemore Circle, Avon, CT 06001 Melissa Gugliotti (860) 221-5712 Tom Irwin Inc. 11 A St., Burlington, MA 01803 Turf management products. Paul Skafas, Rob Larson, Chris Petersen, Greg Misodoulakis, Mike DeForge, Brian Luccini, Jeff Houde, Fred Murray (800) 582-5959 Tree Tech, Inc. 6 Springbrook Rd., Foxbvoro, MA 02035 Foxboro, Wellesley, Fall River Andy Felix - (508) 543-5644 Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. P. O. Box 167, Wood River Junction, Rl 02894 Joe Farina (774) 260-0093 TurfLinks, Inc. 29 Gilmore Drive, Sutton, MA 01590 Distributor of quality fertilzer, grass seed, & control products for the golf course industry. Kevin Lyons, Jim Favreau (888) 398-TURF (8873) 17