*Sers**s Turf Times The newsletter from the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association Bi-Monthly Update March/April Volume 32, No. 1 5l President’s Message Hello and welcome to the spring edition of Turf Times. My name is Steve Hammon and I am excited to be your new NMTMA President. I have been on the board for the past four years, three of them as vice president. I’ve been living in northern Michigan for the past 14 years, with the exception of two. I started as an assistant superintendent at Crystal Downs Country Club and after seven years, I accepted a superintendent’s position on the Old Course at Indianwood Golf & Country Club. After two summers in the Detroit area, I returned to northern Michigan. I have just started my seventh year at Traverse City Golf & Country Club. My wife Sue is a second grade teacher at Frankfort Elementary School and we have two children, Evan, 4 and Luke, 1. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our past president Dan Bissonette. Dan served on the NMTMA board of directors for six years, four of them as president. Everyone who had the chance to work with Dan, as I did, learned a great deal from him. Dan is a true professional and a great leader who led the association with a strong vision for the present and the future. We thank his wife Jodie, the members of Walloon Lake Country Club and Dan’s staff for sharing him with our association over the past six years. Dan will be staying involved with the association by serving on our web site committee. Please be sure to attend the mini-conference on April 2nd so you can thank him personally for all of his hard work. He will be presented with the Past President’s Award. Speaking of presidents, make sure you take the time to congratulate our very own Jon Maddem of Elk Ridge Golf Course. Jon will be leading GCSAA this year as the association’s president (see Jon’s bio in this issue). Congratulations Jon, the entire membership wishes you the best this year during your GCSAA presidency. Another enormous thank you goes to Kimberly Olson. Kimberly has been serving on and off the board of directors since 1986. During her time on the board, she focused on fund-raisers, education, and member events. Kimberly provided us with several great golf and educational programs. Thank you for all of your time and dedication serving on the NMTMA board. Your current NMTMA board of directors decided this winter to create a long-term strategic plan for the as­ sociation. With the help of Jon Maddem, the board held a planning session with the GCSAA membership director, Hannes Combest. She moderated the meeting while all of the board members shared their views on the current state of the association and what we see for the future of the NMTMA. This past winter we have been working on developing a master plan for the NMTMA. Some of the topics we touched on in this long-term master plan were an association mission statement, a vision statement, membership, education, scholarships, golf events and technology. Keep an eye on future president’s messages for more updates on our long-term planning. (Continued on page 3) MAR 2 4 2002 2002 NMTMA Distinguished Service Award Winner The Northern Michigan Turf Managers is proud to present the 2002 Distinguished Service Award to, Bruce Wolffom, CGSA for his accomplishments and contributions to the turf management industry over the years. Bruce was bom a very long time ago on a golf course not very far away. His father, Clarence was superintendent of Maple Lane Golf Course in Sterling Heights, Michigan. His mother, Viola, spent her full time raising their four boys. Gerald who grew up to be a stock broker, Clem who followed his fathers foot­ steps in the golf business, Wayne who became a Lutheran school principal, and Bruce who also followed his father and brother into the family business. Here is a brief history of Bruce Wolffom over the many years to follow: ♦ Bruce attended Michigan State University Turfgrass Management Program. ♦ During his basic training at Fort Knox, Bruce was asked to be superintendent of Anderson Golf Course at Fort Knox. ♦ He served in the Army for 3 years as superintendent of Anderson Golf Course. ♦ From Kentucky, Bruce moved to Ann Arbor to become superintendent of Barton Hills Country Club. ♦ While in Ann Arbor, Bruce was on the board of directors for Michigan Border Cities GCSA. He would later serve as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President and continuing on to serve as President. ♦ After MBCGCSA he would serve on the board for MTF and eventually become President. ♦ In 1989 Bruce would move to Northern Michigan to help Harry Melling complete the Robert Trent Jones Masterpiece at Treetops Resort. ♦ In his time at Treetops, Bruce had overseen the construction of the Tom Fazio Premire, Threetops Par-3 course, Rick Smith Signature and the Rick Smith Tradition. ♦ While at Treetops, Bruce also built and owns what is now White Pine National Golf Course in Hubbard Lake, Michigan. ♦ Bruce is the proud father of two children Beth and Tyler. He also has two wonderful granddaughters, Maddie and Ellie Bruce has made his mark on the industry he chose as a child. From the 30 superintendents that be­ gan their careers under his guidance, to the lives he’s changed and the environment he protected. Member’s Scholarship Application Forms Available NMTMA member’s scholarship application information will be available at the Mini-Conference in Gray­ ling at the Holiday Inn on April 2, 2003 or can obtained by contacting Scott Pulaski at scottp@ffeeway.net. The purpose of this scholarship is to offer financial aid to children of NMTMA members and also as an ad­ ditional benefit to our members. Eligibility requirements are as follows: One or more of the applicant’s parents or step-parents must currently be an active member of the NMTMA for at least the past two years, the student must be studying or planning to study in a field unrelated to golf course management and there is a limit of one scholarship per level of education (e.g. undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate. Criteria for selection is as follows: The student must be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution or higher learning or, in the case of a high school senior, must be accepted at such an institution for the next academic year and the student must complete an essay. The award will be in the amount of $ 1,000 and will be awarded at the September meeting. Page 2 Jon D. Maddern, CGCS Elk Ridge Golf Course - Atlanta, Mich. 2003 President Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Jon D. Maddern, CGCS, was elected GCSAA's 67th president, Feb. 14, 2003, at the Association’s annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga. As president, he will have general charge and supervision of the affairs and property of the Association, subject to rules and regulations. He also represents the association in green industry and allied golf association events. In addition, he serves on The Environmental Institute for Golf Board of Trustees. I Maddern, 44 (bom Sept. 3, 1958), has been the superintendent of golf course, grounds and facilities at Elk Ridge Golf Course in Atlanta, Mich., since 1990. Pre­ viously, he was superintendent of golf, grounds and parks for the City of Farming- ton Hills (1978-90) and superintendent at Hillcrest Country Club (1978) in Mt. Clemens, Mich. Maddern earned a Certificate in Turfgrass Management from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., in 1978. A member of GCSAA for 26 years, Maddern was first certified in 1992. He initially was elected to the GCSAA Board of Directors in 1998. He currently is chairman of GCSAA's Industry Advisory Council, and serves as vice chairman for the Historical Preservation Committee. Maddern is a member of The Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association and the Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Association. He has held numerous elected positions in those two chapters. Addi­ tionally, Maddern has been president of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Golf Foundation, and the Green Section committee of the Golf Associa­ tion of Michigan. He has also served on the GAM’s Long Range Planning Committee. A native of Reed City, Mich., Maddern and his wife, Bev, have a son, Brad, and a daughter, Heather. [CGCS designates Certified Golf Course Superintendent, which recognizes the achievement of high stan­ dards of professionalism through education and experience.] (Continued from page 1) It is time to sign up for the annual mini-conference which will be held on April 2. Craig Hoffman and Doug Kendziorski are gathering a great group of speakers for us. Mark your calendars for our first NMTMA golf event of the year which will be the MTF fund-raiser. This year’s affair will be on The Wolverine Golf Course at the Grand Traverse Resort. Our August meeting will return to the Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, September’s NMTMA fundraiser will be hosted by Boyne Highland’s new Arthur Hills course and the Tuck Tate chapter championship goes back to Red Hawk. Check the association web site for more de­ tails. It is truly an honor to be elected president of this fine association. Thank you to the current board of direc­ tors for electing me for this position; I am looking forward to working with all of you. Please feel free to call me at (231) 947-0487 or send me an email at steveh@tcgcc.com to discuss your questions or concerns about our association. Steve Hammon Page 3 2003 NMTMA MINI CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2 HOLIDAY INN: GRAYLING, MI Registration:8:00am Conference begins:8:30am Agenda: Jon Maddern, CGCS Elk Ridge G.C. President GCSAA State of the GCSAA, information on PDI John Scott, PGA Tour Tournament Preparation for the PGA tour Jeff Holmes, CGCS Egypt Valley Country Club Tournament Preparation for Senior PGA Tour Tom Smith, Executive Director Michigan Turfgrass Foundation State of the MTF, short and long term goals Brian Mastenbrook, Wildlife Biologist Department of Natural Resources Updates on deer herd, TB in Lower Peninsula, CWD in the Upper Peninsula, and general wildlife Dr. Kevin Frank, Turfgrass Extension Michigan State University Research Updates Greg Lyman, Environmental Specialist Michigan State University Current Issues, Legislation updates, Environmental issue affecting the golf industry Keith Creagh, Deputy Director Michigan Department Agriculture Current and future issues in the department that are affecting the state Deb Swartz, Marc McMullen, Environmental Stewardship Program Michigan State University, Jeff Spencer, Department of Environmental Quality New environmental purchasing guide, updates on the stewardship program Scott Pulaski, Treetops, Dan Bissonette Walloon Lake Country Club NMTMA web page Tonia Branch, Golf Association of Michigan Communications Director and Editor of GAM Publications COST: $35.00 which includes morning coffee and rolls as well as a buffet lunch in the dining room. Reg­ istration is at the door, make checks payable to: N.M.T.M.A. Call Kay Patrick (517-327-5474) by Thursday, March 27th, to make your reservation. New Member incentive: Sign up and make payment for a new member at the door and they will receive complimentary admission to the mini conference. Please let Kay know when you make your reservation if you will be bringing a new member. New and improved NMTMA Website Over the winter the Website committee has been busy changing a few things on the website. Be sure to go to nmtma.org for the latest on up and coming events, equipment for sale, job postings, surveys and coming soon for the MTF Fundraiser will be online registration and payment with a credit card. Many thanks again to Gaslight Media for their contributions to our website in making it to be one of the best. Page 4 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY March 19,2003 Dear T urf Cooperators, It’s snow mold time again! We haven’t been up north yet to rate the plots as they still have about 6 inches of snow on them. Ron and I are hoping to get up there early next week to rate, but that depends on whether the snow melts off this weekend or not. We have tentatively scheduled the viewing of the plots for Thursday, April 3. Since we’re at the mercy of the weather, this field day date may change to sometime during the week of April 14. We will plan to meet at the Pro Shop at Treetops/Sylvan Resort at 10 am and will travel as a group to the plots. As far as air transportation goes, Joe recommends flying in to either Detroit (4 hr drive following flight), Flint (3 hr drive), or Traverse City (1 hr drive). From the Gaylord exit off I-75 (exit #282), proceed east though Gaylord on Rt 32 until you reach Chester Rd (2-3 miles east of town). Turn left (north) on Chester Rd and proceed until it dead ends on Wilkinson Rd (1-2 miles). Turn right (east) on Wilkinson Rd and proceed about 1 mile to the resort entrance on the left. The pro shop is located on the first drive on the left. Lodging is available at the resort or at the Gaylord exit off of I-75 (Holiday Inn, Days Inn, Super 8, etc.) As always, be prepared for any weather conditions for the tour. Rainy and cold weather gear is recommended. We will conduct the tour despite light rain or non­ accumulating snow. Feel free to bring as many associates along as you wish, but please RSVP with the DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PATHOLOGY number attending from your organization to (517)353-9082. Please reconfirm, just prior to April 3rd, that the field day has not been postponed. Michigan State University 164 Plant Biology Building East Lansing, Ml If you have any questions, you can contact us at 517-353-9082. Joe, Ron and I are 48824-1312 looking forward to seeing you. 517/353-8645 Fax: 517/353-9704 www.plantpathology.msu.edu Sincerely, Nancy Dykema Michigan State University Research Assistant MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity institution. Your 2001-2002 Board of Directors and Committees President.................. .Steve Hammon Vice President......... ..Craig Hoffman Treasurer ................ .Dan Hunt Secretary................ .Doug Kendziorski Executive Secretary .Tom Reed Sr. Director.................... Craig Hoffman Director.................... Scott Pulaski Director.................... Mike Normand Director.................... Steve Sump Director................... Jim Bluck Director.................... Jim VanAntwerp Director................... Joe Breighner Director................... .Steve Princinsky Committees: Program & Golf: Mike Normand, Jim Bluck, Steve Sump, Joe Breighner Student Scholarship: Scott Pulaski, Dan Hunt Members Scholarship: Scott Pulaski, Dan Hunt Membership: Jim VanAntwerp, Steve Princinsky By Laws/Ethics: Scott Pulaski Finance: Dan Bissonette, Steve Hammon, Joe Breighner Education: Craig Hoffman, Doug Kendziorski, Steve Princinsky MTF Fundraiser: Steve Hammon, Mike Normand NMTMA Fundraiser: Jim Bluck, Mike Normand, Joe Breighner Environmental: Craig Hoffman, Steve Sump Publications/Website: Scott Pulaski, Dan Bissonette, Steve Hammon Hospitality Room: Steve Hammon Membership Welfare: Jim Bluck Welfare Committee becomes part oi the NMTMA As of November 2002, The Northern Michigan Turf Mangers Board of Directors has instituted a committee to service our membership in times of hardship or celebration. The goal of this committee is to provide contact to any member in need of sympathy, compassion or support. As with any entity, this com­ mittee’s worth can only be measured if it is to be used by the people for whom it was developed. Do you know of a member going through tough times or has a professional accomplishment worth celebrating? If so, contact your Welfare Committee Chairman and let your Board of Directors work for you. Contact Jim .Bluck at 989-275-2907 or mail requests to 6499 Forest Dunes Dr. Roscommon, MI 48653. Page 5 p — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —— — 7- — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —n The NMTMA appreciates the support from the following businesses... i ‘IRRIGATION* ‘FERTILIZER, CHEMICAL & SEED* ‘EQUIPMENT, SERVICE & SUPPLIES* I John Deere One Source Rhino Seed and Supply Great Lakes Turf Equipment One Source for All Your GolfNeeds Next Day Delivery Guaranteed! Quality Used Turf Equipment (800) 642-3706 / (231) 632-3337 (800) 790-1898 / (800) 677-1006 (248)640-1174 *SOD, SOIL, & CONSTRUCTION* Lesco, Inc. Spartan Distributors Mark Hensley Your Full Line Toro Distributor Tri Turf Soils, Inc. (800)321-5325 (800) 822-2216 “USGA Screened Soils” (231) 943-7806 / (888) 616-7806 Sweeney Seed Company Weingartz Golf & Turf It Pays To Plant The Best Distributor ofJohn Deere Equipment Great Lakes Golf Construction, Inc. (989) 773-5391 / (800) 344-2482 (616) 696-2913 / (248) 295-0105 Experts bi Remodel & Repair (231) 582-6783 / (231) 582-5269 FAX Tri-Turf *QOLF CART SALES & SERVICE* “A Warehouse On Wheels ” Huggett Sod Farm, Inc. (231) 943-8343 / (800) 636-7039 Boylan Sales, Inc.—Yamaha Golf Cars Bent & Bluegrass Sod, Shade & Ornamental Trees Jim Atchison (989) 635-7482 Turfgrass, Inc. (269) 685-6828 I (269) 437-2602—Cell Serving Northern Michigan From Gaylord Beck Sod Farm, Inc. (989) 705-81801 (866) 705-8180 Kodiak Equipment Company David Beck Golf Cars, Parts, Service, Rentals, Accessories (989) 864-3549 / (800) 968-2325 Turf Chemicals, Inc. (888) 746-0800—Kalkaska / (866) 743-6817—Flint Russ Hancock Great Lakes Bentgrass (989) 725-7145 / (800) 733-7145 Finest Quality Sand Grown Sod (734) 677-3618 United Horticultural Supply *TIRES & TUBES* Steve Fent *CONTRACT SERVICES* (989)277-4704 Tire Wholesalers Company Dan Cress Turf Services, Inc. *OTHER* (231) 775-6666 / (231) 775-8810 Matt Heiss (616) 842-4975 Holiday Inn Grayling (989) 348-7611 / (800) 292-9055 .and we encourage you to support them Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association P.O. Box 80086 Lansing, Michigan 48908 Information Center GCSAA NMTMA Executive Committee 1421 Research Park Dr. Lawrence, KS 66045-3851 Steve Hammon President Craig Hoffman Vice President Dan Hunt Treasurer Tom Reed, Sr. Executive Secretary Doug Kendziorski Recording Secretary lilltt tlltsllt mlitlltlttt slltlult tliltlt ill tfiilii tlllitlil