MICHIGAN At Thesier’s We’ve deep subject Good cultivation takes the right traction unit and the right implement. Thats why most bunker rakes don’t cultivate as well as the John Deere 1200.They simply don’t measure up. The 1200’s mid-mount cultivator features 10 deep-penetrating blades that can be locked into five different positions. A high-torque 10-hp engine powers the 1200 while a gear-driven transaxle puts that power to work with an impressive gear reduction of 164:h Combined, they deliver tremendous pulling power. The result: A combination of power and depth control that results in a cleaner, more consistant playing surface than you get with other machines. You get better bunkers, happier players. For the best in bunker rakes call Thesier’s at 1-800-870-9791. NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE* THESIER EQUIPMENT COMPANY 1-800-870-9791 28342 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, Ml 48178 (313) 437-2091 The Official Publication of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association Contents Calendar o f Events ^ J .................. & New Members On Par w ith the President A Chance to Do Some Good by Tim Doppel & You're Only As Good As Your Employees & M anagem ent/ Employee Relationships sem inar Back to the Fortress M em ber Focus: Harold Fiebelkorn Membership Meeting Updates 1993 MBCCCSA Annual Family Picnic Around th e Course Kate Speaking 1993 Turf grass Field Day— A Great Success Advertising Directory & Classifieds FOCUS page 9 at O fficers D irectors Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association P re sid e n t Ken DeBusscher Committee: Ethics V ice -P re sid e n t Jay Delcamp Committee: CAM Seminar By Laws, Historian S ecretary / T rea su rer Cary Thommes Committee: Finance, Welfare, Policy Book P a st P re sid e n t Tom Mason Committee: CCSAA Liaison Delegate, Ethics Michael Bay Committee: Christmas Party, Membership Paul Dushane Committee: Hospitality, Clothing, Picnic Paul Kolbe Committee: Editorial, Publiclty/Awards, Golf Fritz McMullen Committee: Education Co-chairman, Environmental Relations, MTF Liaison Carey Mitchelson Committee: Fund Raising, Industrial Relations David Picot Committee: Education Co-chairman, Scholarship C o n ta c t fo r MBCCCSA in fo r m a tio n KATE MASON Executive Secretary MBCCCSA P.0. Box 173, Troy, Ml 48099 (313) 362-1108 Fax (313) 362-1736 Executive Editor Paul Kolbe Publishers Kolka & Robb, Inc. Vicki Robb, Editor Kathleen Kolka, Creative Director Katie Elsila, Feature Writer Fred Wessells, Copy Editor Laura Rogers, Designer Michelle Magraw, Advertising Michael Wagester, Production A dvertisin g & e d ito ria l o ffice s are at: 30600 Telegraph Road Suite 1386 Bingham Farms, Ml 48025 (313) 642-9580 • FAX 642-5290 MBCCCSA PICNIC page 13 Cover Photo: MARK S. CARLSON Cover Design LAURA ROGERS A Patch o f Creen, November/December 1993 • 1 • Your Lakefront Specialist - Retaining W alls - Vertical or Horizontal - W ood, Steel or Stone Bridges - Pile Supported or Floating Pond/W ater H azard Construction Tire W holesalers Co., Inc. •As our name implies, we are a wholesaler of tires. •W e are an established business, having been in business for over 22 years. •W e deliver. •W e have UPS service daily. •W e guarantee what we sell. •W e want your business. •W e have a huge inventory of Passenger, High Performance, Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle, Carlisle Lawn & Garden, Industrial Tires & Tubes, Shocks, Struts, Custom Mag Wheels and Accessories, all in stock for immediate delivery. (C O B P O ra q ) S iln ) ? l l R E L L J 1030 S. Williams Lake Rd. - Union Lake, Ml 48386 1-800-359-0683 363-9995 CADILLAC WAREHOUSE 303 Hawthorn Street Cadillac. Ml 49601 (616) 775-6666 NEW! NEWI NEWI TROY DISTRIBUTION CENTER 1783 E. 14 Mile Road Troy, Ml 48083 (313) 589-9910 SOUTHFIELD WAREHOUSE 19240 West 8 Mile Road Southfield, Ml 48075 (313) 354-9910 / Increase the Speed of Play Turn Complaints into Compliments... with FAST PLAY TECHNOLOGY as seen in PGA M agazine An innovative precision laser measurement marking system that's easily visible and doesn't interfere with maintenance. • Incremental 25 yard markers with color-coded posts every 50 yards • Professionally installed • Endorsed by Michigan PGA Professional Rodger Jabara Call or m ite for more info: FAST PLA Y TECHNOLOGY 32102 Howard St., Madison Heights, Ml 48071 fax: (3 1 3 )58 3 -3 1 79 ph: (313)583-4851 THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ...TOPDRESSING WITH TDS-2150 SAND ■ Meets USGA specifications ■ Consistent Quality ■ Lab Reports with Every Shipment ■ Michigan's Largest Topdressing Sand Supplier P.0. Box 290 Grand Haven, Michigan 49417 Contact: Roy Hanson (616) 842-5180 ^.STANDARD __ S a n D C O R P O R A T I O N A Patch ofCreen, November/December 1993 • 2 • BRICHTMAN, NORMAN (Constance) Class F Cleveland C otton Products P. 0. Box 24 S t Clair Shores, Ml 48080 H-(313) 775-0225 O-(800) 533-7979 BEGLEY. WILLIAM (NANCY) Class a Bob Borst/Private Course 512 E. Eckschtay Novi, Ml 48374 H-(313) 348-2667 BLAUVELT, JAMES R. (HEIDI) Class A Rochester Hills Golf and Country Club 1019 McLean Royal oak, Ml 48067 H-(313) 547-3955 0-(313) 852-4801 FAX (313) 852-4800 OBEY, LARRY (NANCY) Class F Blue Chip Enterprises/Green and Grow 1327 Levona Ypsllantl, Ml 48198 H-(313) 485-9561 The follow ing members have reported address changes. Please mark your directories accordingly. CURRENT ADDRESS: Bertoni, Andy 531 Galen Circle Ann Arbor, Ml 48103-6611 H-(313) 761-7212 Klein, Herb (Esther) 3201 Jewell Rd. Howell, Ml 48843 H-(517) 548-4964 CALENDAR OF EVENfS 16-18 GCSAA Division III seminar Sheraton Lansing Hotel, Lansing, Ml (313)644-4111 3 ........... Christmas Party ß .q Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show Red Run Golf Club Columbus, Ohio Call (313) 614-292-2601 JANUARY 18-20 ... 64th Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference Holiday Inn - South Convention Ctr. For information, (517) 321-1660 W here: Red Run Golf Club W hen: Friday, D ecem ber 3 ,1 9 9 3 Hosts: Rosemarie & Gary T hom m es W atch fo r y o u r in vita tio n in th e mail later th is fall o r c o n ta c t Mike Bay at 313-626-8325. The officers and board of directors of the MBCCCSA wish you a very happy holiday season. A Patch of Green, November/December 1993 • 3 • • FLORIDA • GEORGIA • ILLINOIS • INDIANA • KENTUCKY • MICHIGAN • WISCONSIN • OLF'S IRRIGANO How CRA Helps Superintendents: | ;!::€omplete stock of irrigation supplies I^W ater conservation analysis & troubleshooting Assistance in pumping improvement and pumping cost efficiency ^D rainage solutions §|i#ountains • Aerators • Pump Managem ent Improvements of energy-usage cost I technical Assistance Z (/) z o o(f) £ < u Xo *oD LU* < Ûz COoz F L O R I D A • G E O R G I A • I L L I N O I S • I N D I A N A • K E N T U C K Y • M I C H I G A N • R a / n *^ B ir d „ M IW R EO try MtOfetSIOMAU WOMJWIOë FREE CATALOG! 1- 800 - 347-4272 ICentury Rain Aid! < C5cro LUO < 9cr o LL • FLORIDA • GEORGIA • ILLINOIS • INDIANA • KENTUCKY • MICHIGAN • WISCONSIN • Twenty-two locations serving FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, Ml and Wl W I S C O N S I N Turf Chemicals Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL O F YO U R FE R TILIZE R , C H E M IC A L A N D G R A S S SEED N EED S EXPERIENCED, DEPENDABLE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU * RUSS HANCOCK * LOU BECKMAN ★ JAY SIDDOCK ★ FRED MILLER *TED KASEL (313) 398-8187 Contact: Robert Watt Fax (3 1 3 ) 3 9 8 -5 8 0 3 A Patch of Creen, November/December 1993 • 4 • On w ith th e presiden Every 60 days fo r th e past tw o years, I've had to fo rc e m yself to s it d o w n and re lu c ta n tly create a p re sid e n tia l m essage w o rth y to p rin t. My pulse ra te q u icke n ed and l w o u ld d e velop a ne rvo u s tw itc h as o u r p u b lis h e r’s deadlines d re w near. T h o u gh l a cce p te d th is re s p o n s ib ility (b u t to o k to it like a ch ild to a s p o o n fu l o f ca sto r oil), l n o w fe el q u ite m e la n ch o ly as l b e gin to w rite w h a t w ill be m y final m essage to you. I d o n 't have a sp e cific to p ic b u t, instead, a p o tp o u rri o f th o u g h ts to share. It is human nature to believe th a t th e grass Is always greener on the other side o f the fence. There are tim es I want to pack up my computer and soil probe and ju s t fin d som e o th e r jo b . B e tte r yet, som e o th e r profession. Headaches w ith w eather, em ployees, m em bers, irrig a tio n , fungus...I'd rather be selling shoes or or anything. But then I reflect on all th e people I know w ho think I've got the greatest job In th e w o rld, w orking outdoors on a g olf course. O bviously, d o n 't understand the problems we deal w ith . How ever, every profession has its highs and lows, and I love my jo b and profession. Despite the lows, there's no better feeling than being alone watching the sunrise from our favo rite spot on our g o lf course. It's alm ost a religious experience we all feel whenever we take the time to enjoy it. insurance th e y • Force yo u rse lf to take a sum m er vacation. Try to get away fo r a fe w days during the meat of the season. It will provide you with the kick start you desperately need to finish the season. You, your wife, children and em ployer will appreciate your m ood swing. • "You will soon wonder how you got along w ithout one," was the response from other local presidents who employ executive secretaries. The hiring of Kate Mason has justly proven th a t p red ictio n . Kate is a quality individual with lofty standards, whose real worth to the association is immeasurable. The accessibility and sta b ility she lends this chapter has been the piece to the puzzle that's long been missing. • Because of the efforts and dedication of our Board of Directors, many changes have taken place in the past two years. It has been a privilege working with these pros who have volunteered their own sweat and tim e to all our benefit. They have admirably tolerated my holy th e ir achievements. crusades and I applaud I m ust acknowledge the patience and guidance offered to me by our immediate past president Tom Mason, who will be leaving th e Board a fte r 12 consecutive years o f service. He le ft extra large shoes to fill. Thanks, Tom...and don't go to pasture quite yet. A longtim e contributing member, Jay Delcam p, w ill now fill my void. W ith his experience and vision, Jay will prove to be one of our best leaders. • Before I get too sentimental and my eyes begin to swell up, let me close by thanking you fo r the tru s t, s u p p o rt and opportunity you've afforded me. I've relished every m om ent. It is an honor to now be placed on th e distin gu ishe d list o f Past Presidents. The Warmest of Holiday Greetings, Ken DeBusscher PRESIDENT The worst part about our profession is lack -i0*3 security. How manY superintendents JmB B B actually retire peacefully from our industry? Very few. Many can read the writing on the wall and switch professions as they grow older. Others cling precariously or are forced o u t o f positions by people w ho are unappreciative of the lifelong com m itm ent and ded ica tio n you've given th e ir club. Certainly, we must produce at all times and never compromise the stretch fo r perfection. But, those who have shown consistent excellence should be rewarded with longer-term contracts and reasonable re tire m en t packages. This is a serious issue that should be acted upon locally and nationally. Maybe we should collectively consider foregoing annual pay increases in exchange fo r security and deferred financial packages. The best part of our profession is the quality of people it attracts. I consider ourselves educated tu rf farmers—and I say this in a very proud way. Working with the earth, weather and a living landscape certainly keeps us humble. Unlike other professions, haughtiness and arrogance is rare. Unpretentious, salt-of-the-earth people are the norm. • Our local associations are invaluable because they provide a fo ru m to exchange ideas, o ffe r solutions and share our miseries. Out of this camaraderie develops the lifelong and sincere friendships we all need to deepen the quality of our lives. Ken DeBusscher A Patch of Green, November/December 1993 • 5 • OSBURN INDUSTRIES Custom Top Dressing Blends ♦ TDS 2150 Dune Sand ♦ 540 Best ♦ Local Mason Sand ♦ Precision Blend Mixing 0 Michigan Sphagnum 0 Canadian Sphagnum 0 Sandy Loom Topsoil 0 Reed Sedge Peat Trap Sand 0 Best 530 0 Local 2NS Sand 0 Local Mason Sand O ther M aterials C> Cart Path Slag 0 Pea Pebble 0 Decorative Boulders 0 Parking Lot Stone Call for details (313) 292-4140 Ask for Dick, Rick or Tim 5850 Pardee Taylor, Michigan 48180 A Patch of Green, November/December 1993 • 6 • A CHANCE TO DO SOME GOOD by Tim Doppel The advent of the so-called "off season" gives us an opportunity to do some work that m ight have gotten away from us during the hectic days of the summer. Of course, we all know that the mowers need to be sharpened and painted and that the tractors could stand a little work. We all know that our employees need to be trained and that we need to attend the various educational conferences (Are YOU going to the CCSAA this year?). But if you stop and think fo r a moment, there Is another area that you may want to spend some time on this winter that could pay you real dividends next spring. What I mean is, spend some tim e with the members of your club at their meetings this winter. Spend some time around the club house during the day when a few of the folks come in fo r lunch or an afternoon break. Use that tim e to talk about their concerns about the course and, most importantly, what you apply to the course. I know that most of you are doing a great job of posting when you make applications and you have been visible on the course all summer. But it is now, in the winter, that you can really score some points with your members and players when they least expect it. We all talk about public relations as a part of our job description, but do we truly understand what is required fo r good PR? I'm sure that most of us think in terms of being good at reacting to a situation as good PR. But that is just crisis management, not public relations. PR entails a long-term , consistent program at getting inform ation to your customers (and we all have customers!) about what it is that you do fo r them. The emphasis here, is on long term. If all you do is train yourself and your employees on how to answer questions about a particular application, you only have scratched the surface o f true public relations. A well th o u g h t out program of reaching the people who are impacted by the work you do will take time, effort and, yes, even a piece of that already stretched budget. Maybe you could get some brochures that describe environmentally sound practices done by superintendents. Maybe you can make some flyers that talk about some of your programs. Maybe you just need some reference material on hand in case you get asked to back up some of your claims of safety. But, in any case, have the resources you need to sell your case well. But don't rely entirely on printed materials to make your case. That would be like me, a lawn care guy, trying to build my business just by mailing a post card. Even if it were a really good post card, it would not generate much response at all because it will get lost with the 200 other flyers and post cards sent out each spring by all us hose- jockeys. I must depend on the abilities of my salespeople in face-to- face conversations to convince my potential customers to trust me with their landscape. The same applies to you. W ithout eyeball to eyeball contact, the trust you want to develop simply will not materialize. You even may not have to bring up th e to p ic o f pesticide applications in th e conversation fo r you to make a good impression. Just the fact that you are present, making contact and being a professional will begin that long process of building trust and perform ing good, positive public relations. The results will be seen, not next week, but next summer, as you notice a decrease in the number of inquiries about what you applied and why. ^ Effe ctive Management/ Em ployee Relationships Topic of Seminar CCSAA is offering a Division III seminar on "Developing and Maintaining Effective Management/Employee Relationships." The seminar will be held November 16 -18 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.daily at the Sheraton Lansing Hotel in Lansing, Michigan. Participants can earn 1.6 CEUs by attending the seminar. Anyone interested in golf management will find the seminar pertinent. Seminar instructors Mike Jousan, owner of Clear Communication Co., and Tony Walker, executive director of Interactive Trainers, will cover topics such as: * Understanding Your Personality Profile and the Motivation and Needs of Your Employees * Handling Specific Problem Employees * Resolving Employee Conflicts Effectively * Training and Developing Personnel * Reaping Benefits of an "Open Door" Policy * Providing Employee Recognition" The fee fo r the seminar is $495. Hotel lodging is available at $68 to $78 per night. You can register by mail, phone or fax. CCSAA, 1421 Research Park Dr., P.0. Box 927, Lawrence, KS 66044-0927, (913) 832- 444 or (800) 472-7878, FAX (913) 832-4449. For further information, call CCSAA Liaison Tom Mason at 313-644-4111. ^ You're Only As Good As Your Em ployees WHEN SEEKING NEW EMPLOYEES OR LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PROMISING, YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL THE FOLLOWING LIST OF PROGRAMS AND CONTACTS AT MSU. 4-year tu rf program. Dr. Trey Rogers, Crop and Soil Science Department. 2-year tu rf program . Dr. Trey Rogers (see above.) 2-year lawn care program. Dr. David Cilstrap, Crop and Soil Science Department. 4-year landscape horticulture program . Dr. Curtis Peterson, Horticulture Department. 2-year landscape horticulture program. Dr. Robert Schutzki, Horticulture Department. Certified Turfgrass/Landscape Equipm ent Technology Program. Frank Galbavi, Departm ent o f Agricultural Engineering. Entom ology M.S. Degree. Dr. David Smitley, Departm ent o f Entomology, t, A Patch of Green, November/December 1993 • 7 • Gone Fishing. Thanks to 7-3-22 with Team: Back to the Fortress by Jay Delcamp, Chairman The 1995 Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Championship field was once again challenged by the beautiful Frankenmuth course. The Fortress was in magnificent shape fo r the 55 participants hoping to tame the strong winds faced in 1992. This year, the winds were calm, but the course has its own way of blowing you over. The scores were much better and all the field finished. Scott Watkins, superintendent, and his crew received many thanks from all the participants fo r having the course in perfect shape and also fo r the refreshments given out at the turn. We also thank the pro shop staff and the staff at Zenders for a great day. This year's guest speaker was Dr. Jeff Collenkark from the Ciba Geigy Company. Dr. Collenkark spoke to us and answered many questions on the company's new growth regulator, Primo. Many superintendents shared their experiences—the good, the bad and even the ugly! The good experiences by the golfers were highlighted by these Championship winners: Carey Mitchelson.............Championship flight David Pawluk....................................... First flight Pete P afford.....................................Low net ^ (Right) Dr. Jeff Collenkark of Ciba Geigy answers questions about Primo growth regulator. (Below) Jay Delcamp (L.) organizer of the 8th Annual Championship, congratulates Scott Watkins, superintendent of The Fortress, fo r an outstanding job. For controlling grassy weeds and restoring potash levels, there’s no more economical, effective and time-saving combination than Country Club® 7-3-22 with Team* pre­ emergence herbicide. So start applying an advanced herbicide and fertilizer in just one step. And take advan­ tage of all that free time for more W I T H leisurely pursuits. ‘ Trademark of DowElanco. Country Club® is the Registered Trademark of Lebanon Chemical Corporation. Country Club 7_3 "22 T E A M * Distributed By: Benham Chemicals (313)474-7474 Turfgrass, Inc. (315)437-1427 HAS IT! Everything you need for professional turf management. •Fertilizers •Control Products »Seed •Irrigation »Equipment «Replacement Parts •Golf Course Accessories »Safety Products •Service Brochures • Low Voltage Lighting (8 0 0 ) 321-5325 Your Growth Partner LESCO, Inc., 20005 Lake Rd., Rocky River, Ohio 44116 A Patch of Green, November/December 1993 • 8 • STOP SNOW MOLD With a Chipco 26019/Daconil Combination. RHONE POULENC AG COMPANY CONTACT BOB DUGAN CHIPCO TURF & ORNAMENTAL SPECIALIST P.O.BOX 398 «ROMULUS, Ml 49174 0398 (313) 782-0323 Fax: (313) 782-6344 gh*Be4*l P l f p l j M ichigan & B order C ities GCSA MEMBER FOCby Katie Elsila Harold Fiebelkorn STONEYCROFT HILLS CLUB m not appreciate this rule, Fiebelkorn has plenty of policies that employees do appreciate. He is a hands- on superintendent and believes in w orking w ith employees. "I'm careful to show them exactly how to do som ething instead o f assuming they know," Fiebelkorn says. He says his philosophy brings higher morale and more cooperation. "This sum m er I g o t m ore done w ith my small crew than some people could have gotten from 20," he says. This fall, one o f Fiebelkorn's sum m er crew began the turfgrass program at Michigan State University and called Fiebelkorn to tell him, "When my professor presented m aterial to the class, I was familiar with it because of my work at Stoneycroft." Fiebelkorn was, of course, pleased and thinks that this might be the result of the fact that he lets his employees take on a wide range of jobs at the Club, unlike facilities where each employee is assigned only one task. "They appreciate the opportunity to learn a number of skills," he says. Coming from a farming background, Fiebelkorn is used to a seven-day work week. But, he also says he is working harder today than he did when he started the job 28 years ago because o f the ever-rising expectations of golfers. "They see the golf courses on television and, w ith o u t taking our b ud g et into account, they think, 'If they can do it, we can, too,"' he observes. Having a lot of work to do combined w ith a great desire to design and invent things, inspired Fiebelkorn to build some time-saving machinery for his work at Stoneycroft. He built a spiker that gets the jo b done in tw o hours (com pared to six hours required by some com m ercial equipm ent) and co nve rte d his bed knife g rin d e r so it w orks automatically. Although Fiebelkorn says his eight-hour-a-day schedule at the nine-hole Club doesn't allow him tim e to play golf, w hat really keeps him o ff the course is his game. "It makes me mad that someone my size can't move the ball," he confesses. "I see people who weigh about 100 pounds hitting it farther than I can." Hard work, long hours and rising custom er e xp e cta tio n s— and years, Superintendent Fiebelkorn says he still enjoys his job. "People often don't realize what nature provides," he says. "When I'm on the grounds at sunrise, when the trees cast their shadows on the water, there is almost nothing nicer in the world." ^ a fte r yet, 28 Harold and Blanche Fiebelkorn, m em bers o f St. Luke's Lutheran Church, have been m arried 43 years. They have a daughter, Rose Ann, and a son, Terrance. Terrance and his w ife, Rhonda, are the parents of the Fiebelkorn’s two grandsons, Kurt and Daniel. At th e GCSAAA convention in Dallas in 1994, the Lely Company will award a new m achine th e to th e e n tra n t w ho owns o ld e st Lely p ro d u c t in working order. Look fo r the fro n t runner to be Harold Fiebelkorn, superintendent of Stoneycroft Hills Club in Bloomfield Hills. Fiebelkorn's fa ith fu l Lely fe rtilize r spreader is more than 28 years old and still is in at Stoneycroft. regular e q u ip m e n t In fa ct, thanks to his mechanical ability, lots o f th e at Stoneycroft has been there since Fiebelkorn became its s u p e rin te n d e n t in 1965. "Equipm ent can last if it's taken care of," he says. "I make sure ours is w ell- maintained and I don't allow any hot-rodding." Although "hot-rodders" may use A Patch of Green, November/December 1993 • 9 • A Commitment to Quality Turf Care Products for You - The Turf Care Professional L Tee Time Fertilizer 25-5-15 with Nutralene ™ the professional's partner* _____ T h c Ä i ö * Andersons ~\ Your Tee Time Distributor offers you: *► Homogeneous Greens Fertilizers Greens and Fairway Fertilizers with Nutralene® * * Quality Sulfur Coated Urea Fertilizers •+ Combination Products Granular Insecticides Granular Fungicides Complete Granular Maintenance Programs by: Distributed TURFGRASS, INC. 28064 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, Ml 48178 (313) 437-1427 1-800-521-TURF (Ml only) the professional's partner» T h e ^ £ £ S » Andersons Lawn Products Division IP.O. Box 119 I Maumee, Ohio 43537 Nutralene - Trademark of NOR-AM Chemical Co. Tee Time and "the professional's partner" - Trademarks of The Andersons Elite Turfgrass Seed Mixture BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU BETTER- SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE Michigan’s Largest Stocking Dealer for R&R PRODUCTS D&C DISTRIBUTORS, INC. 51000 Grand River, Wixom, MI 48393 313-349-7779 • 1-800-888-7779 • Fax 313-349-4670 Triple Play is the unique blend of ryegrasses that has been care­ fully selected to meet specific needs for seeding Athletic Fields, Lawn Areas and Golf Courses. Triple Play contains the elite turf-type ryegrasses of PENNANT, PEBBLE BEACH and STALLION. Triple Play will produce a beautiful dark green color with excellent heat and drought tolerance. ■ . . Seeding Recommendation 5 to 7 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Turf Chemicals Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL OF YOUR FERTILIZER, C H E M IC A L AN D GRASS SEED NEEDS QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS Genuine Kohler • Jacobsen • Hahn-Westpoint Cushman • Toro • Roseman • Ransomes Mott National • Ryan • Yazoo • Ford • Excel • Reel Sharpening Compound ULTRA-TURF & GREENSIRON YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR SUPPLY ITEMS: FLAGS - POLES - RAKES - CUPS - RICO MFG. Excellent Quality Personalized Tube Flags WE ALSO HANDLE AaB-SORBOIL EMULSIFIER BAYCO SUPPLIES CLOVER LAPPING COMPOUND DEDOES PARTS DRIVING RANGE EQUIPMENT EARTHWAY SPREADERS FAIRWAY MARKERS FOX VALLEY MARKING PAINT PLASTIC SIGNS PLASTIC CHAIN RAIN SUITS HAND CLEANER HOLE-IN-ONE PAINT HOSE* 3/4' & 1' «ARCHER POWER WASHER RED MAX EQUIPMENT LEWIS LINE SUPPLIES LIFT RAMP/WORK TABLE MARFAX .00 LUBRICANT PAR AIDE SUPPLIES ROPE & STAKES ROTARY BLADE GRINDERS ROTARY BLADES SIMPLEX GRINDING EQUIPMENT TEE TOWELS TIRE SEALANT TIRE TIRE CHANGERS TRIMMER LINE & HEADS WHITE CEDAR FURNITURE WOODEN RAKES CALL US TOLL FREE - 8 0 0 -8 8 8 -7 7 7 9 V________________________________________________________________ J WE GUARANTEE WHAT WE SELL! A Patch of Green, November/December 1995 • 10 • MEMBERSHIP MEETING UPDATE RIVERVIEW HIGHLANDS MEMBERSHIP MEETING by Roy Szyndlar and Paul Kolbe The August 11 MBCGCSA meeting was held at Riverview Highlands Golf Course with Director of Golf Dick Matthews and Superintendent Scott Ford as host superintendents. Riverview Highlands is a 27- hole complex owned by the City of Riverview. Dick Matthews also was the guest speaker and talked about a topic of interest to all—golf course irrigation systems. Dick explained that through years of record keeping and communication with the city council, he succeeded in convincing them to begin an irrigation system upgrade. One major change was the adoption of radio controls to run current satellite boxes. The radio controls help with programming and in trouble­ shooting the system more efficiently. The programming ability reduced the fluctuation of pressure, which caused many breaks and irrigation head failures. He used the resources of association members C.J. Colein and D.G. Irrigation, both irrigation consultants. Following the talk, the board of directors proposed a dues change in the Associate Membership to include a Corporate Membership category. The voting members unanimously approved the change. (See details below.) it was a beautiful day to enjoy the hospitality of Riverview Highlands. Scott and his crew had the course in fine shape and conditions were ripe fo r scoring. We used the Chapmann system, which is a two-man alternative shot contest. There were two flights based on their combined handicaps. The winners were: Dan Prospal and Jim Egler, and Bob Rabideau and Greg Snider. We enjoyed hot dogs and pop at the turn, which gave everyone a chance to re-energize their games. Afterward, we adjourned to the clubhouse for a fine meal and a chance to exchange stories from the day's event. Thanks again to the staff and the City of Riverview fo r an outstanding day. At the August 11 membership meeting, the MBCGCSA Board of Directors SPECIAL NOTE: CHANGE IN DUES STRUCTURE proposed, and the membership approved, the following dues structure fo r Class F Associate Members to include: first m em ber-$ll5; second member-$115; each additional member $75. This results in a savings of $40 per member, fo r companies with three or more members. The change was made to encourage companies that have dropped members because of the cost to rejoin and, also, to offer a slight break in expenses to those companies who have not yet joined because they have a large number of employees. The 1994 dues structure fo r Class F Associate Members is as follows: 1 Member 2 Members $115 $230 3 Members $305 4 Members $380 t, SYCAMORE HILLS SITE OF SEPTEMBER 14 MEETING by Tom Stark, Superintendent Dunham Hills Coif Course to have addressed golf course safety. Instead, we held an open-forum discussion with our 52 participants. Among the topics discussed were: greens covers, rotary mowing, roughs, controlling geese populations and rolling putting greens. Sycamore Hills Golf Club was the site of MBCCCSA's September 14 meeting. The scheduled speaker, Donna Nott, from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), was unable to attend due to a medical emergency. Ms. Nott was Following the meeting we enjoyed a great buffet meal, after which we teed o ff with each group getting one orange ball. At each hole a different player used this ball, the object being to keep it in play throughout the round. Only tw o out of 12 groups were able to avoid the woods and waters! Thank you to host superintendent Craig Roggeman and his staff for the extra preparations that went into providing us with a well-conditioned course and an enjoyable meeting, A Patch o f Green, November/December 1993 • 11 • DAVEY OFFERS EVERY TREE CARE SERVICE YOU’LL Ev e r N e e d . You know that mature trees add challenge as well as beauty. You also know ma­ ture trees are impossible to replace. Davey knows how to help protect these valu­ able assets from decline, lightning, storm damage, insects and disease. Davey professionals will inventory your trees, evaluate the condition of each one, and give you a report prioritizing treatments. Over time, expert care from Davey will actually reduce your tree maintenance costs. Keep your most valuable assets standing tall with the leader in tree care since 1880. Call Davey today at 689-2200 D A V E Y ' TREE AND I.AWN BEAUTY T O u r b e s t to y o u ! i TURFGRASS INC T *■URFCRASS k I 1-313-437-1427 Office 1-800-521-8873 (Michigan Only) 28064 Pontiac Trail P.0. BoxT South Lyon, Ml 48178 A Patch of Green, November/December 1993 • 12 • Annual Family Picnic 1993 MBCCCSA Held August 17 by Paul Dushane, Chairman 1993 Picnic Committee This re p o rte r has ju s t returned from the scene of a miraculous event. The annual fa m ily picnic was held ra in fa ll!!!! T urf w ith o u t in d u stry professionals m arveled at w hat was basically an ideal day fo r a picnic. Games were played w ithout delay, conversations and w e n t unchecked, food was devoured as quickly as it could be served...Did we have an enjoyable and relaxing day??? la u g h te r Aaaabsolutely. Paaasitively. No doubt about it!!!! Yes, the sun was shining and children and adults alike were and playing co m p e tin g in a plethora o f e nterta inin g games. Coins were sought after in sawdust, marbles were picked up with toes, sack races were run and goofy golf was attem pted, all thanks to our games and e n te rta in m e n t directors: Mark and Kim McKinley and Jim McGuire. What a wonderful job these people do, and seem to have so much fun doing it. Rum or has it th a t these three have been approached by numerous cruise ship lines to keep guests entertained and busy. W ouldn't they all look great in flowery bermuda shorts and big sunglasses?!! Seriously, these folks do a great job and many well deserved thanks go out to them fo r their hard work and patience. Nice Job!!!! A fte r th e gam es and c o m p e titio n , everyone's appetite was large and a fin e spread o f food was set o u t— all the picnic favorites— barbecued ribs and chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans and things th a t make you go M m m m m m m m . And, o f course, a fte rw a rd, Haagen Daaz sundaes served up by our own president— Ken DeBusscher. You all know the president's m otto, don't you? One scoop for them, two scoops fo r me. Can that guy eat ice cream, or what? Many disappointed young children were sent away without ice cream due to his lopsided scooping trick. "Let them eat cake," the president declared again and again!!! Shortly after dinner, this reporter saw som ething th a t his eyes co u ld n 't believe. Flying saucers!!! Coming from every direction in the sky. This reporter ran fo r cover and then was surprised to see children running for and grabbing at these UFOs from the sky. Were they crazy? Were they nuts? No, not at all. They knew fro m past experience th a t these were just paper plates being throw n fro m above w ith exciting prizes attached. When I figured this out, I tried to join in and was abruptly h it in the face w ith a w ater balloon. A water balloon? Yes, it seems that our ice cream eating president was seeking some revenge fo r the many tim es he had been hunted down and whacked by balloon w ielding children. W hat a shock to them !! Way to go, prez!! It appears that you got the last laugh. But, there's always next year. Right, kids??!! Aaaabsolutly. Paaaasitively. No doubt about it!!!! Thanks to everyone who helped out: the 1993 Picnic C om m ittee Mark McKinley, Jim McGuire and Doug Johanningsm eier (who did another great job w ith the beverages), Craig Roggeman, K urt M uendelein, S cott Johnston, Mary Andreucci, and anyone else I may have fo rg o tte n . Thank you very much. Sincerely, Paul Dushane, Chairman and the 1993 Picnic Committee:, Mark McKinley, Jim McGuire, Doug Johanningsmeier ^ Above: Knollwood's assistant mechanic, Scott Johnson, makes sure the chicken is done rig h t Below: Sycamore Hills Coif Club's Craig Roggeman and son Derek. A Patch o f Green, November/December 1993 • 13 • Above: Digging for the silver! Below: That's Entertainm ent! Phone:(313)373-8277 FAX (313) 373-0398 PALACE EQUIPMENT RENTAL INC. 4640 Lapeer Road • Orion, Ml 48359 SKID STEERS SNOW BLADES BROOMS BUCKETS AUGERS FORKS HYD. HAM MERS DIESEL 4W D TRACTORS • FRONT END LOADERS • SNOW BLADES • YORK RAKES • BRUSH HOGS • GRADE BOXES • AUGERS • SPREADERS • BROOMS LOADER/BACKHOES SNOW BLADES ENCL. OR OPEN CAB STANDARD OR EXT. HOE 2W D OR 4WD • AUGERS • HYD. HAM MERS • HYD. COMPACTORS • FROST TEETH • FORKS ALSO • GENERATORS • PUMPS • POWER TROWELS • ROLLERS • 6 WHEEL DRIVE OFF ROAD TRUCKS • PLATE COMPACTORS • BREAKER / DRILLS • WHEEL LOADERS • COMPRESSORS • DOZERS • GRADERS L. A Patch of Green, November/December 1993 • 14 • round “»Course Member Activities Completely revised and updated, Management o f 1 Turfgrass Diseases, 2nd Edition, by Dr. Joe Vargas, Jr., Michigan State University, Is now o ff the press. The book provides the latest Information on maintaining healthy turf and identifying tu rf diseases and covers cultural, genetic, biological and chemical approaches to tu rf management. It also provides practical solutions to everyday tu rf management problems. Dr. Vargas' book Is available fo r $59.95 from Lewis Publishers, 121 South Main Street, P.0. Box 519, Chelsea, Ml, 48118,800-272-7737. t, ’ Am turf Seeds, a division of Ampro Industries, formerly < Cowbell Seeds, has been granted a DNR Solid Waste Alternatives Program $1 million grant to construct a seeding mulch plant. The $1.5 million, 64,000-square-foot facility Is currently under construction in Bradley, Michigan, and will employ approximately 60 people. This plant will use newsprint from landfills In western Michigan to manufacture paper mulch. Paper mulch is a key Ingredient In Lawn Patch, a seed, mulch and fertilizer product used to repair bare spots In lawns. Lawn Patch is distributed throughout the United States, y a k i n g "Michigan and Border Cities...Kate Speaking." "Hi, Kate. It's Pete Miller. Sorry to bother you again." "No problem, Pete. That's what I'm here for." "Well, I wondered where your office is located. I have something I think the membership should receive in the next mailing. Could I drop it o ff to you?" "I work out of my home, Pete. In Troy." "Oh. I thought you were in a regular office building." "Nope. But, just drop it in the mail. That's probably more convenient for you. Better yet. You might want to share that request with Ken...Ken DeBusscher, the president. Yes, in fact, I'd have to run it by him myself, if you were to bring it to me." "Good idea! I'll call Ken. And what's the best time to call you, Kate?" "Between 8 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday. Actually, if necessary, I take calls anytime. But, as a rule, I try to be in the office every morning. I'm really pretty flexible with my time. "Don't hesitate to call. And if Ken okays the information, mail it to the P.0, box. "Thanks again, Kate." "Anytime." ^ The 1993 Michigan Turfgrass Field Day was held on August 19 at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center at Michigan State University. Overcast conditions and some raindrops didn't dampen the spirits of turfgrass enthusiasts. Dr. Bruce Branham w elcom ed the participants and introduced Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) President Jim Bogart and Dr. R obert Cast, d ire cto r o f the agricultural experiment station. Brief speeches by both were followed by th e fie ld tours. The 16 educational topics were divided between the lawn care and golf industries. One interesting highlight was the underground green aeration project discussed by Dr. Joe Vargas, in which four- inch pipes with 1/4 inch holes were installed. Air was blown through the pipes by a seven horsepower leaf blower. A plastic tarp on the surface was floating to show that the air was traveling through the soil profiles to the surface. Dr. Vargas said they hope to automate the system in the future. Crowing in new sand-based greens is another problem 1993 Michigan Turfgrass Fie d Day: A by Paul Kolbe facing superintendents. Dr. Paul Rieke stressed the need fo r continual phosphorous level testing, water management and letting the greens mature to develop good root systems and sod to support the anticipated traffic. Sand-based greens need co ntin ua l m o n ito rin g in every aspect o f tu r f management to be successful. Two o th e r stops w ere led by fo rm e r MBCGCSA scholarship winners. Thomas Nickolai talked about tall fescue compaction, and Darren Uckfeldt spoke about plant growth regulators and overseeding with bentgrass. The trade show th a t fo llo w e d th e fie ld to u rs had numerous representatives showing their products and gave participants the o p p o rtu n ity to m ingle w ith friends and discuss th e num erous p rod ucts th a t are available to superintendents. An excellent lunch was served and the equipment auction followed. Another great job was done by the MTF Board of Directors and the Michigan State University teaching staff. ^ A Patch o f Green, November/December 1993 • 15 • ■ POND DREDGING SPECIALIST Off Road Trucking Wide Track Bulldozing Shore Line & Land Developm ent ^ Shore Control BRIDGES • DAM S • BO ARDW ALKS SEAW ALLS — Steel • W ood PVC C-LOC Boulders C o m p le te Jobs o r P ro d u cts O n ly F R E E Q U O T E S — (313) 8 8 7 -7 8 5 5 You Talked... We Listened. And This is What We Heard. Grading V I k if c A \ & S W E E T C O IN C . 27405 Henry Rd. South Lyon, M ichigan 48178 313-437-1830 ADVERTISERS' Directory American M arine....................... 16 Anchor M arine.............................2 Andersons...................................10 Benham Chemical.....................16 Bush Bros....................................IBC Century Rain A id ......................... 4 D & C D istributors.....................10 DaveyTree ................................. 11 Fast Play Tech................................2 Lebanon T u rf................................8 Lesco...............................................8 North Electric Co..........................4 Osburn Industries.......................6 Palace.......................................... 14 Rhone-Poulenc.............................9 Standard Sand .............................2 Sweetco ......................................16 TCI ........................................... 4,10 Thesier........................................ IFC Tire W holesalers...........................2 Turfgrass......................................12 W.F. Miller.....................................BC To Place Your Classified Ad Contact A Patch of Green at (313) 642-9580, Fax, (313) 642-5290, or mail your ad to: 30600 Telegraph Road, Suite 1386, Bingham Farms, Ml 48025. Payment must accompany copy! Charges: $ .75 per word, minimum charge $10. Borders, bold lettering or special set-up additional charge. BENHAM CHEMICALS 24800 N. Industrial Drive PHONE: (313) 474-74 74 (800) 482-65 20 (Ml ONLY) FAX: (313) 474-32 28 Mon.-Fri. 3:00 AM-4:30 PM A Patch of Green, November/December 1993 • 16 • ¥ > « a ' àI 1Xt £ f f i ' « * * r w f f l i p i ‘from ACC O f Us, To ACC O f ‘You, D e n n is , J im , T o m , D a n , B o b 9dave A Safe AndOtappy SioCiday Season! USH POTHERS 20788 Osmus • fFarmington Cfiiiis, M l • 48336 • % % t m i i i IIf% Special Thanks to Bloomfield Hills Country Club v%Springfield Oaks Golf Course Cattails Golf Course Dearborn Country Club Forest Lake Country Club Franklin Hills Country Club Wabeek Country Club Washtenaw Country Club O ’ Shanter Country Club Stoneycroft Hills Club ' ■'w H Western Golf & Country Club W.F. Miller Co. Welcomes Cushman, Ransomes, Ryan To Our Family of Professional Turf Care Products. The Cushman, Ransomes, Ryan com m itm ent to excellence shows in the way each product is designed and built. Call us today for further inform ation or a product demonstration. (313) 349-4100 Fax: (313) 349-0406 W.F. MILLER CO. FOR ALL YOUR PARTS & SERVICE NEEDS. W .F. MILLER CO. TURF & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT (313) 349-4100 - FAX (313) 349-0406 25125 TRANS-X. NOVI. 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