A Big Industry Secret That No One Wanted to Discuss - Until

Vermont
GCSA
A Publication of the Vermont Golf Course Superintendents Association
Fall 2013
Upcoming Events
Calendar
Vermont Greenscape Association
Turfgrass Conference
& Trade Show
West Lebanon, NH
December 3, 2013
For more info call 802-289-1074 or
email: [email protected]
Nor’Easter Ski Day
Killington Ski Resort
Killington, VT
January, 17 2014
GCSAA National Championship
& Golf Classic
Orlando, FL
February 1-4, 2014
GCSAA Educational Conference
& Golf Industry Show
Orlando, FL
February 3-7, 2014
New England Grows
Boston Convention
& Exhibition Center
Boston, MA
February 5-7, 2014
New England Regional
Turfgrass Conference
& Trade Show
Providence, RI
March 3-6, 2014
A Big Industry Secret That No One
Wanted to Discuss - Until Now
By Billy Lewis, golf course
superintendent at the Dormie Club
in West End, N.C., and a former
president of the Carolinas Golf Course
Superintendents Association
A few years back, at a Carolinas
Golf Course Superintendents Association board meeting, I made a strong
suggestion that our profession needed an advocate. We needed a voice,
someone who could communicate
with industry leaders, club officials,
management companies and the media. We needed someone who could
orchestrate a presentation to all of
those entities showing the real value
of a qualified golf course superintendent.
My suggestion fell on deaf ears, and
was quickly dismissed as unnecessary
or too difficult to achieve. Well, about
six years later, I have another strong
opinion: I was right!
Our industry has suffered through
one of the most difficult economic periods in the history of our country. As a
result, many of our constituents across
the country have lost jobs they worked
so hard to obtain, and others are working but making 30 to 40 percent less
than they had previously earned. In
many cases, superintendents are being
asked to manage multiple facilities for
a very minimal increase in the salary
they were earning. That practice alone
has reduced the active number of head
superintendents.
It’s no secret that there is a glut of
educated individuals waiting in the
wings to take jobs, almost any job,
for wages that rival those of the early
1980s. Personally, I feel that it has
been a big industry secret that no one
has been willing to discuss, much less
attempt mitigation of.
I’ve made a concerted effort to engage the Golf Course Superintendents
Association of America (GCSAA), as
well as our regional chapter, to consider creating a panel to look into advocating for the established superintendent. For the most part it has not
gotten off the ground. However, I can
say that people are now at least taking the time to listen and acknowledge
what is happening to our great profession. It’s a slippery slope, but one we
must navigate.
Wages have dropped like a bad
stock. All the work the GCSAA and
all other organizations have done to
increase the brand of the superintendent has become a moot point. This is
not a snake oil salesman standing on a
stump shouting out unwarranted facts;
this is a real situation.
It would be very interesting to interview all of the superintendents
from 2005 in the Myrtle Beach, S.C.,
(Cont. on pg 7)
Director’s Message
Pg. 2
Moss Article
Pg. 3
VGA News
Pg. 4
GCSAA News
Pg. 5
Meeting Recap
Pg. 6
Industry News
Pg. 8
Field Staff Update
Pg. 10
Member News
Pg 12
Page 2
Green Mountain Greens
2011/12
VtGCSA
2013 VTGCSA
Board of
of Directors
Board
Directors
President:
President:
Albert Choiniere
Kevin Komer
802-524-0352
802-253-3458
Vice-Pres./Scholarship/Golf:
Vice President:
Albert Choiniere
Jason Shattie
802-524-0352
802-864-4683
ext. 105
Treasurer:
Scholorship
&
Education
Committee
John Ottaviano, CGCS
802-362-2710
Treasurer:
Secretary/Newsletter:
Peter Bissell
Jason Shattie
802-422-4089
802-864-4683 ext. 105
Education Committee
Education/Research:
Jim Gernander
Secretary:
802-985-3640
Jim
Gernander
Membership:
802-985-3640
Peter Bissell
802-422-4089
Past President:
Associate Rep./Activities/Welfare:
Kevin
Komer, CGCS
Chris Cowan
802-253-3458
413-530-5040
Communications/Co-Editor
Newsletter:
I.P.P./Research/Nominating Chair
Greg Bean
Associate Representative:
802-754-2960
Chris Cowan
Trustees:
413-530-5040
GCSAA Liaison/By-laws:
Golf, Welfare & Reception Committee
Mike O’Connor, CGCS
802-879-8616
Director:
Newsletter/VPAC/Vt.Golf Ind.Rep.
Robert
E. Diaz, III
Kenneth Lallier, CGCS
802-464-2756
802-299-2137
Membership Committee
Membership/By-Laws:
Kenneth Glick, CGCS
Director:
802-295-7488
Jeffrey Brown
“Green802-434-2650
Mountain Greens”
Is not a copyrighted publication and we would gladly
share our articles with anybody who would like to use
them. We do ask that you credit the original author
By-laws:
and Green Mountain
Greens. This does not apply to
reprinted material
from other publications
Mike O’Connor,
CGCS that are
printed with the permission of the original author.
Trustees:
802-879-8616
Newsletter Co-Editor/
Nominating
Kenneth Lallier, CGCS
802-299-2137
By-Laws:
Kenneth Glick, CGCS
802-295-7488
Director’s Message
By Ken Lallier, CGCS
With another golf season having come and gone, I hope everyone had a
reasonably good year. The weather certainly presented some challenges, with
copious amounts of rain early on, along with some hot & humid weather all of
which was followed by an outstanding fall. All in all, not a bad year, but I think
everyone continues to suffer somewhat from the poor economy effects. For
whatever reason, golf rounds are declining industry wide and Vermont has not
been immune to that fact, but hopefully there is a light at the end of the tunnel and
things will begin to return to pre-recession levels soon (of course, the light at the
end of the tunnel could be the train that is speeding towards us)!
Our association has also suffered recently from a similar lack of participation
and attendance at meetings and association educational events. We all can come
up with many reasons why we can’t attend a meeting and legitimately, many are
being asked to do more with less at their clubs due to the economy. Some of us
don’t have the support structure in place to leave the facility for a meeting day and
feel comfortable that things aren’t going awry in your absence. After all, we do
work for our clubs and that has to come before meeting attendance, right? Then
you throw in family commitments, travel time to get to the meetings and maybe
even financial impediments to attendance and you have so many things working
against meeting participation that it makes the decision easy not to go. I have to
admit that I have missed my share of meetings over the past couple of years and
with good reason, but I also think that had I made meeting attendance a higher
priority, I probably could have worked at least a few more into my schedule.
Our association (and the turfgrass management industry in general) was built
on networking and information sharing, much of which used to take place at
meetings. Then along came the information age and technology has put all of
that sharing and networking at our fingertips. Many people don’t feel the need to
mingle and network as in the past at meetings, however, it is still a very important
part of our business. There is a lot of value in attending a meeting even without an
education program, but taken with the education program, the value is huge! Just
getting away from your facility and seeing (and playing) another is educational
in itself. No two courses are the same and everyone tackles problems differently.
That is the beauty of our business, there is no right or wrong way to do most things
and we can all learn from each other.
If our association is to remain a strong and viable resource for our members,
it can only happen with your participation. The association needs members who
will come to meetings, volunteer for the board and committees, participate in
events and make the VtGCSA a career priority. I am personally going to mark
down the meeting dates in my calendar and then protect those dates as much as
possible so schedule conflicts don’t prevent my attendance. We have to want to
do this or it won’t happen!
The VtGCSA board is trying to come up with innovative ways to enhance the
value of meetings to our members and we will most likely be reducing the number
of meetings annually, but raising the value of those that we do have. In the end,
Our association is only as good as our members and we all need to step up and
participate to make it work. This is not drudgery and something to dred, but rather
something to look forward to. Going to meetings are a fun way to relax, learn,
share some ideas with friends and experience another golf course. I can’t think of
a more painless way to learn and network than that!
Please make it one of your priorities this year to participate in Your association’s
events and activities and don’t be shy about serving on the board. These are all
great opportunities to give something back to the great business we all chose to be
a part of! Green Mountain Greens
Page 3
Moss and Putting Greens
This fall has seen considerable amount of moss invasion
into putting greens. Moss is a serious problem on many golf
course greens throughout the northern United States. Moss
can withstand mowing heights as low as a 1/16th of an inch
and is well adapted to situations where turfgrass plants find it
difficult to grow. Moss is a primitive plant and has evolved
very little over the last 350 million years. Moss does not have
roots per se, but structures called rhizoids. Moss also lacks
a cuticle that most plants have, which makes it susceptible to
desiccating agents.
Approaches to controlling moss are usually multidimensional. First, moss is known to grow “where other
plants cannot”. One place to start is to check to see if a
nutrient deficiency is present. Moss is often associated with
turfgrass soils low in potassium or magnesium. Dr. Norm
Hummel when he was a faculty member at Cornell University
reported factors that may encourage moss included: 1)
potassium deficiencies 2) high calcium to magnesium ratio
and 3) heavy soils (Hummel, 1988). Additional research
outside of turf has also shown, in some cases, the relationship
between potassium and magnesium deficiencies and moss
encroachment. If this is the case, steps should take to correct
the deficiency.
Slater_GreenMountain_v1.pdf
11:15
AM
If nutrient
levels are adequate, 1and7/4/12
moss is
present,
other
methods of control need to be implemented. Cultural practices
would include reducing stress to the turf. Examples would
include increasing the height of cut, and minimizing mower
wear and scalping to the turf. In addition, surface layering
can provide an optimum environment for moss growth.
Eliminating the surface layering through aggressive aeration,
verticutting and topdressing could correct this problem.
Chemical control practices include the use of Quicksilver
herbicide from FMC. Eradication of moss with Quicksilver
involves multiple applications at the proper label rates.
There are numerous remedies for moss control. However,
until you figure out the reason moss is present, it will be an
uphill battle to control this plant. Before attacking the moss
problem, try to determine why it is there in the first place.
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Page 4
Green Mountain Greens
VGA 2013
Golf Recap
Our major tournament schedule started a smooth and
successful VGA Spring 4-ball with the best weather
imaginable. We had 299 teams or 598 players take part
in the 2013 event that was contested at the ProctorPittsford CC, Neshobe GC, Rutland CC, Dorset Field
Club, Manchester CC and The Golf Club at Equinox.
We had a little weather glitch with the VT Amateur
in early July at the Country Club of Barre, but the reschedule of August 5-7 came off perfectly as the course
was dry and in excellent shape. Our 2013 VT Amateur Champion is Evan Russell playing out of CC of
Vermont, Evan also won the New England Am held at
Green Mountain National GC. The VT Mid-Am was
won by Frankie Sanborn at his home club of Rutland
CC, while the Sr. Am Championship was held at Green
Mountain National and captured by Kim Perry who
plays out of The Links at Lang Farm. We had a strong
group of juniors with Drake Hull (Rutland CC) winning the Jr. Match Play at Cedar Knoll with Alex Ra-
inville (St. Johnsbury CC) winning the Jr. Stroke play
aided by making an ace at Ralph Myhre. Our VT Junior
Team of Alex Rainville, Troy Evans, Peter Scrimgeour,
Alex Rumrill, Max Major, Tyler Slusarczyk and Drake
Hull represented us with class and played exceptionally well. The team finished 3rd at the NEGA Jr. Am in
Connecticut at CT National GC.
The VGA Scholarship Fund had a great year with a big
turnout at the annual scramble event held at ProctorPittsford. The Vermont allied golf associations had a
strong presence with teams representing the VT GCSA,
VGA, VSWGA, VSGA and the VT PGA all competing and helping to raise funds. The VGA Scholarship
Fund awarded 14 scholarships (4 went to students with
a parent working at a VT golf course) in 2013 to go
along with the 30 students already on scholarships. The
total amount being given out to these students for the
2014 school year is $44,000. A big thanks to all who
played or contributed.
2014 Tournaments- 2014 will see the Amateur at Burlington CC, The Mid-Am at Jay Peak and the Sr. Am at
the CC of Barre.
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Green Mountain Greens
3-5/8”
Chapter delegates
focus on the future
The annual GCSAA Chapter Delegates Meeting (Oct. 1-2) took
on a decidedly different appearance this year, as the focus was not
so much on the current state of affairs, but more on the future of the
association and the profession.
“We were intent on getting feedback on what the profession
would look like in the future, targeting the range of 2020 to 2025,”
GCSAA President Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, said. “It became obvious
to the board through our discussions with those in the golf industry,
4-5/8”
including members, that the profession is experiencing rapid change.
Superintendents are being asked to do more, and the tools and resources
we use to do that job are changing. Just look at what is happening with
technology. The game of golf may not be changing much, but how we
manage it is.”
Page 5
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Office: 978-466-1844
Fax: 978-466-1882
We provide quality-tested custom soils to over 200
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Peering into the crystal ball
Extensive time was spent in breakout sessions, addressing the
following questions:
·
Would it be advantageous for GCSAA to simplify/narrow
membership classes?
·
Should GCSAA enhance Class A standards?
·
What would motivate a member to achieve Class A status?
·
If changes are to be made, how quickly should implementation occur?
435 Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA 01453
“We weren’t looking for the delegates to construct how we get to
the future, rather we asked them what the profession would require
in terms of competencies,” Finlen said. “With that feedback, we can
then set in motion the plans for how GCSAA can best help members
achieve future success.”
According to Finlen, the delegates were strongly in support of
the need to more narrowly define membership classes and enhance
standards. However, opinions varied as to what the standards would
look like and the timeline for implementing them. He said the next
step would be for the board to engage GCSAA members and others
outside the membership in the coming months to get a greater diversity
of input.
“...I really sensed optimism and a clear vision for the
future. The work done in the past is having an impact.
Superintendents have respect and are at the table. Now we
have to figure out how we build on that momentum for the
future.” -- Bob Nielsen, CGCS at Bedford (N.Y.) Golf and
Tennis Club
First-year Peaks and Prairies GCSA delegate Dan Tolson, Class A
member at 3 Creek Ranch Golf Club in Jackson Hole (Wyo.), found
his experience to be thought-provoking. “I really did not know what
(Cont. on pg 7)
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Page 6
Green Mountain Greens
Summer Meeting
Meeting Recap
On July 29th, the VTGCSA meeting was held
at The Quechee Club. The day started with a
Battle For The Boot
On June 25th, The Battle for the Boot was contested at the
venerable Saratoga National Golf Club. Host superintendent,
Joe Lucas, provided tournament conditions with firm and
fast being the rule of the day. The Northeastern Golf Course
Superintendents Association, under the guidance of Brian
Goudey, conducted a well run event and a culinary feast after the golf event. With much hesitation the VTGCSA had to
hand over the Boot Trophy to the NEGCSA in 2013. It was
a hard fought battle on the links with the winning team just
edging their rivals by an astounding 2 POINTS!!! The Battle
for the Boot has been a true “battle” in recent years. The
VTGCSA were victors in 2012 by only 1 point. This great
event is not to be missed in 2014. The competition is heating
up against these two formidable opponents.
NEW YORK
Josh Yerdon 84
Augie Young
85
Todd Czepiel
83
Ernie Hoover
78
Harold Townley76
Total
406
VERMONT
Matt Lapinski 82
Adam Poplawski 85
David Evans 83
Nate Dyer
83
Andy Drohen
75
Total
408
New England Regional
Superintendents Tournament
On October 15th, the New England Superintendents
Association hosted this year’s event at Sterling National GC,
in Sterling, MA. Thanks to the Vermont team for a great effort.
Team VT
A Flight:
Greg Bean Matt Lapinski B Flight:
Bill Evans Craig Cochran Golf Results C Flight:
Kevin Doyle Skip Deubell D Flight:
Chris Cowan Mike Stachowicz Gross Net
Cape 523 460 low gross winner
New England 526 479
CT 538 449 low net winner
Vermont 539 456
NH
547 471
Rhode Island 558 473 Maine 589 491
presentation from Sid Bosworth, UVM Extension
Associate Professor of Agronomy, Forages, Pasture
Management. Sid’s presentation focused on the
role of Phosphorous in the turfgrass system, the
differences between SLAN (sufficiency levels
of available nutrients) and Base Saturation soil
test results, and the reason UVM uses Modified
Morgan Method for testing Phosphorus levels is
soil. The weather was great for the golf tournament
which was held on the North Course. Thanks to
the Quechee Club for hosting the meeting and for
the great conditions provided by the team of Ken
Lallier, Ken Glick, and Brett Bailey.
Golf Results
1st gross: Kennedy 73
Dyer
2nd gross: Poplawski 77
McGrath
1st net: Avery 63
Fowler
2nd net: Choiniere 64
Gray
3rd net: Barre 64
Deubell 4th net: Nicholson 65
Willette
Closest to the pin:
#1 Jason Shattie
#8 Robert Diaz
#12 Andrew Fowler
#17 Kevin Doyle
Long Drive:
#5 Matt Lapinski
#15 Guy Barre
Long Putt:
Neil Denny
And the famous River Ball on
#8: Jeff Avery
Trade Show
On October 17, the annual trade show was held at Okemo
Valley Golf Club. The weather was beautiful and the attendance
was great. A big thank you to Okemo Valley Golf Club for
hosting the event and to Rodney Williams and his team for the
great playing conditions. A special thanks all the participating
vendors and to the breakfast sponsor MTE/Turfco.
Golf Results
1st gross: Bean 69
Gaudreau
2nd gross: Duval 70
Brett
3rd gross: Bissell 74
Brown
1st net: Lapinski 65
Rowan 2nd net: Winskowicz 66
Stenquist
3rd net: Veraguth 66
Deubell
4th net: Ayer 68
Ayer
5th net: Cochran 68
MacAulay 6th net: Cowan 69
Lyon
Closest to the Pin:
#6
Gregg Mackintosh
#14
Gregg Bean
#17 Joe Chastaney
Long Drive #1:
Gary Sykes
Long Putt #11:
Eric Griffiths
And the not so famous closest to the
gas can #15: Barry Robertson
Green Mountain Greens
A Big Industry
Page 7
(Cont. from pg 1)
area and compare their wages to the superintendents of 2013.
I think the comparison would be eye-opening, especially if
those wages were divided by the number of course’s being
maintained.
I understand the effects that lower green fees and membership dues have had on our industry. But reducing a salary by $30,000 isn’t going to save the ship, and might even
create conditions that could result in far greater losses at the
cash register.
Unfortunately, many courses today are settling for average in an effort to save that extra few thousand in wages.
I believe we have a huge quantity of individuals who can
achieve excellence with much lower budgets than we had
in the past. However, those individuals have to be vested in
GCSAA
(Cont. from pg 5)
to expect, but it was an eye-opener for me
just to sit and listen to people talk about the
issues and how members are impacted,” he
said. “It will be interesting to go back to my
chapter and hear what the members have to
say. I was impressed by the deep thought
the delegates put into the questions.”
State of the association
Finlen and GCSAA Chief Executive
Officer Rhett Evans briefed delegates on
various programs and services, noting the
2014 GCSAA business plan would continue
to focus on the following priorities:
·
what they are doing, rather than watching the clock waiting
for 3 p.m. to hit so they can go work a second job because
they don’t feel fairly compensated, or simply go home.
It’s real. It’s happening. This isn’t a dream. When will
they come knocking at your door to tell you that you no longer have a job?
Oh, and in case you haven’t noticed, most of the good
sales jobs are already taken in the industry. That’s not a put
down of the individuals who work tirelessly to compete for
sales in this economy. I simply mean that those jobs are being handled by seasoned veterans who already heard that
knock on the door.
So let your voice be heard, whether anyone wants to listen
or not. You just may be right.
Enhance technology to allow
GCSAA to better serve members
and provide them with tools that
provide on-course solutions
·
Complete the implementation of
the field staff program and the
extension of member services to
regions/chapters
·
Dedicate additional resources to
advocating on behalf of members
to golfers, employers and policymakers
·
Enhance education programming
and evaluate membership classifications to remain relevant in
the marketplace
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·
Explore means to increase
revenues through traditional and
non-traditional sources
·
Continue to be prudent in exploring and implementing programs
and services that expand GCSAA’s contribution to growing
the game worldwide
“This was a great meeting,” said
Metropolitan GCSA delegate and Class A
member Bob Nielsen, CGCS at Bedford
(N.Y.) Golf and Tennis Club. “This is my
ninth delegates meeting, and I really sensed
optimism and a clear vision for the future.
The work done in the past is having an
impact. Superintendents have respect and
are at the table. Now we have to figure out
how we build on that momentum for the
future.
“I think there was a time GCSAA and
the members were on the defensive, just
trying to keep what we have. Now I feel
we are on the offense. GCSAA and its
members are doing good things and we’re
being recognized for it.”
Not business as usual
Contact Fred Montgomery to learn more about Syngenta products.
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For the first time since 1999, the entire
function was conducted in Lawrence, Kan.,
with the majority of the time spent at the
association’s headquarters. It was also
held on successive weekdays for the first
time instead of following the traditional
weekend schedule. While a post-event
survey is being conducted, a straw poll
indicated the new format was preferred
by the majority of those in attendance (83
delegates representing 87 chapters).
Page 8
Green Mountain Greens
Industry News
Secure (Fluazinam) meets
prescreened criteria
Secure fungicide from Syngenta is the next generation in
multi-site contact disease protection for turf. Secure is the only
registered fungicide for turf in FRAC group 29, Secure contains
the active ingredient fluazinam. It has no known resistance and as
a multi-site contact, it has a low risk of future resistance.
Prescreened products may be added to a golf course permit by
written request to the Secretary of Agriculture. The request needs
to include the following:
Product name
• EPA Reg. No.
• Proposed site of application (greens, tees, fairways, roughs,
etc.)
• Acres treated/application • Rate of application
• Number of applications proposed per year
• Total amount of product and active ingredient required per
year
For all inquires and submissions contact: Matthew Wood
Pesticide Certification & Training Supervisor
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St
Montpelier VT 05620-2901
phone 802.828.3482 [email protected]
WinField enters Vermont
As of October 1st, Matrix Turf Solutions was purchased
by WinField, a National Distributor of Turf and Ornamental
products. Joe Charbonneau will remain on as Professional Sales
Representative covering Upstate NY, Vermont, Western NH, and
Western Massachusetts and can be reached at (802) 681-6531. For Imm
Stinson Joins BISCO
Bisco is pleased to announce that Bill Stinson
has joined the company as Golf Manager, effective
September 9, 2013. Bill brings with him nearly
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He also has extensive experience with the Rain
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Green Mountain Greens
Page 9
OBITUARY
Robert Huffman “Tiger “ Miller
Jr. of Myrtle Beach, SC died on October
31, 2013. He was 75. Tiger was born in
Boston, MA, and raised on Marblehead
Neck. Always an outdoorsman, he spent
his youth sailing 110 class sailboats at the
Eastern Yacht Club, playing ice hockey,
and skiing in the Mt Washington Valley
of New Hampshire. He attended New Prep School in Boston, MA
and Norwich University.
In 1958 he moved to the Mt. Snow Valley in Southern Vermont.
From 1958-1989, Tiger held many positions at the Mt Snow Ski
Resort, Assistant Ski School Director, Lift Personnel Supervisor,
Lift Department Director, and Lift Operations Supervisor. His
skiing career began as an alpine racer. He entered and competed in
many notable national races such as The Inferno at Mt Washington,
The Roch Cup in Aspen Colorado, and The Harriman Cup in Sun
Valley, Idaho. In the winter of 1959 he became a professional ski
instructor. He was a “Fully Certified” member of the Professional
Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), and a member of the Canadian
Ski Alliance. In the early 1970’s he was an Eastern Region
Examiner for the PSIA.
He began his golf career in 1964. From 1964-67, Tiger was the
Assistant Superintendent/Foreman for the first nine holes at The
Mt. Snow Golf Course. He was Superintendent from 1967-1989.
In 1970 he oversaw the construction of the second nine holes.
He was instrumental in making the 200 acre 18 hole Geoffry
Cornnish design championship course what it is today. In 1968
he was a member of the inaugural class of Turf Management at
the University of Massachusetts. Tiger’s extensive turf expertise
was called upon to oversee the construction of two smaller par
3 golf courses: The Sitzmark Lodge and Club in Wilmington,
Vermont, and one on Cappaquiddick Island off of Martha’s
Vineyard, Massachusetts, for a private landowner. He was a class
“A” member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of
America, member and board member of the Northeastern Golf
Course Superintendents Association, founding member, president,
and board member of the Vermont Golf Course Superintendents
Association. In 1989 he moved his family to Myrtle Beach, SC. In
Myrtle Beach he worked at Island Green Golf Club, TPC Myrtle
Beach, and Pawley’s Plantation Golf and Country Club.
Tiger never met a stranger and genuinely loved to share a laugh.
He was civic minded and served as a Selectman for the town of
West Dover, Vermont from 1984-1989. Other interests included
fishing, hunting, boating, and landscaping.
He leaves behind, his wife of 33 years Carole D. Miller, and
their two daughters Paige E Miller, Abigail C. Miller, and soon
to be son-in-law Peter J. Copeland. A brother Philip Miller.
Daughters from a previous marriage, Deborah Porcarelli (Tony) of
Fairfield, Montana, and Niece Massoni (Donald) of West Dover,
Vermont, and grandson Max Massoni.
Condolences may be sent to Carole D. Miller, 9722 Smalls DR,
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588.
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Page 10
GSCAA’S FIELD STAFF REPORT
“Oh, you work on a golf course. What do you do in the winter?”
Does that question sound familiar? How many times have you
answered that, or some variation of it? To the uninformed golf
is a seasonal leisure sport that is over when they stop playing, or
is ready for the season when they bring the sticks out again. We
know better. This is the time of year when many large projects
and changes occur at our clubs that can make a real impact on
the health, aesthetics, and playability of the golf course. Many
of these projects require a different skill and level of expertise.
While often outsourced, many of you will undertake projects
that will expose you and your staff to potential hazards not seen
during the day to day grind of the golf season. I ask that you be
careful, stress safety, and also know that there are resources available for you and your staff.
Is it time to break out the chainsaws and get a little light on those
tees and greens? If the answer is yes, there is more healthy turf in
your future. There is also some inherent danger with the process
as well. Not surprisingly, chainsaws are listed among the most
dangerous tools. Current statistics are not easily found, but this
blast from the past courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety
Commission can easily be adjusted for 2013:
·
40,000+ injuries by chain saws in U.S. annually
·
Average chainsaw injury requires 110 stitches
·
Average medical cost was $5,600 in 1989; $12,000 in
2000
·
Total medical costs = $350 million in 2000
·
Workman’s comp. costs = $125 million per year
·
Based on four weeks recovery time
·
Largest cost (not included) = Loss of production & quality of life for the injured
Start with the simple safety steps first. Reread the operator’s
manual. Just a quick glance at safety tips can reinforce even the
most experienced operator. Be sure to wear the proper protective gear. My research shows that a staff member can be outfitted with the proper safety gear for under $500. Be sure your
tools and saws are safe for use. Consider outside resources
and education that are available as well. UMass extension and
Massachusetts Arborists Association are two valuable tools that
can reinforce and educate on proper procedures. Both Stihl and
Husqvarna offer free safety videos online as well.
Potentially dangerous equipment doesn’t end there. Chippers
for tree and brush disposal add another layer of hazard to tree removal. Those doing irrigation upgrades or drainage projects are
not free of hazardous equipment use either. Trenching machines,
open trenches, and buried surprises create opportunities for injuries from minor to severe.
Green Mountain Greens
GCSAA Resources and Deadlines
Does your employer offer you a financial tool to save for retirement? In partnership with the PGA of America, GCSAA does!
This vehicle also allows for your employer to add to your fund
without the mountains of paperwork.
Golf Retirement Plus is a non-qualified supplemental retirement
program tailored exclusively for the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Club Managers Association
of America (CMAA). Golf Retirement Plus allows these professionals to contribute to their own personal retirement annuity and
allows their employer to make contributions to their retirement
annuity.
Hazard Communication, the Globally Harmonized System &
Your Golf Course:
OSHA’s MSDS safety system as we know it now is GOING
AWAY! Any facility that has hazardous chemicals on the property is required to train all staff on the new system by December
1, 2013. GCSAA members have access to a FREE 90-minute webcast designed to answer many of the questions OSHA
has received in this first year of Hazard Communication 2012
implementation. The webinar is also available to non-members
for a fee. The web page also includes forms designed to document your employees as they are trained. Time is running out to
become compliant
Golf Industry Show:
Housing for the 2014 Conference and Show in Orlando is now
open! Reserve your housing early before they fill up.
Conference Registration for Members opens November 5th.
Details, including changes to the 2014 show and highlights from
2013 can be found
Regional Pages:
The latest addition to the GCSAA communications vehicles are
the GCSAA Regional Pages. The regional pages feature several
dynamic elements including a field staff blog, member transitions, regional forums and resources relevant to members right
here in the Northeast Region.
Chapter Educational Funding Program:
Arysta LifeScience has developed a pilot program, which they
are rolling out to all of the Northeast local chapters of the GCSAA. Arysta LifeScience will be donating up to 2% of all gross
sales back to the local associations for educational expenses.
Look for details of the program soon, and be sure to help your
chapter help you!
Again, if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Kevin Doyle
GCSAA Field Staff
[email protected]
Follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_NE
GcsaaTwoColumnLayout.aspx
* GCSAA has worked hard advocating against rule changes to
the
H2B Mountain
temporary visaGreens
program. If any of you took the five minGreen
utes or so to respond to the action alert requested by GCSAA,
working you will be happy to learn that your efforts so far have been sucA, an en- cessful. This program is utilized by a few locations in Vermont,
, and ac- and nationally by many in the golf industry, including grounds
strategic and food and beverage personnel, as well as other back of the
house operations. Watch for more information on the status of
H2B as it becomes available in the future.
* Nominations for Lebanon Turf’s 2013 Dog Days of Golf
a pipeline
prised of Calendar are now open. Enter your dog for a chance to appear in
tion is of the calendar, which will be mailed with the November issue of
be in de- Golf Course Management magazine. If selected for the calendar,
perform your pup will have a chance to be crowned 2013 Dog of the Year,
earning $3,000 for your affiliated chapter, $500 for your local
humane
society,
and $500
for you.
Entries
are being accepted
Our
Sands
Make
The
Difference
through 1-800-461-5521
August 1. For more Guillaume
information on howBarre
you and Fido
can
enter:
http://www.gcsaa.org/_common/templates/
sues and
n tell you GcsaaTwoColumnLayout.aspx?id=2455&terms=dog+calendar
* Beginning January 1, 2013, the FCC is mandating changes to
the
bands your facilities might be using for handheld radios and
e expannot only irrigation systems. This change could cost your facility THOUGCSAA SANDS of dollars! Be sure to educate yourself and be prepared
nforming for changes coming down the pike. You might take a look at the
webcast, GCM May issue for the article detailing those changes: http://
means for digitalgcm.gcsaa.org/?id=36&pageid=46
with
GCSAA, in partnership with the National Golf Course Owners
ility speHarrell’s MAX® Liquid Nutritionals
about the Association, broadcasted a webinar on June 14 with more inforFully on
Chelated.
the issue.Quick
If youResponse.
missed it, you can view the webinar as
urses that mation
Long-lasting
Results.
ccessible an archived webcast. Go to the webinar section on GCSAA.org
more details.
ters. You forRoger
Whitaker
Keep
an eye out for •more
[email protected]
(603) valuable
505-1618 information, and feel free to
k: http://
a t e s / contact me with any issues or questions you’d like to have ad-
ve
GCSAA to conduct four new
Page
11
Projects made possible by EIFG
support
Through support provided by the Environmental Institute for
Golf (EIFG), the Golf Course Superintendents Association of
America (GCSAA) has announced it will fund four new research
projects in 2012.
“Research is vital for the golf industry and is a fundamental to
the success of golf course superintendents.” GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans said. “The new projects were selected by the research committee and approved by the board of
directors. A survey of chapter leaders helped to prioritize areas
for needed research. We are pleased to be funding new projects
for the benefits of our members, their facilities and the game.”
Three chapter cooperative grants, where GCSAA-affiliated
chapters contribute to the funding, were awarded. A new funding
category was introduced this year to encourage the implementation of best management practices or new technology.
The following chapter cooperative projects were funded:
2013 Trade
show at Okemo Golf Club.
• Characterization and management of root-infecting Py-
thium species bentgrass putting greens in the Midwest. Gerald
(Lee) Miller, Ph.D., University of Missouri. Completion date
MAX Your Turf
Beverly Fedolfi greating guests and members at
the 2013 trade show.
2013 Newsletter Article Contest!
Prizes for Best Member Articles
First Prize $100.00 • Section Prize $50.00
Third Prize $25.00
Starts with Jan 2013 Issue • Prizes in Jan 2014
Al Choiniere, VTGCSA, handing “The Boot” to
Brian Goudy, NEGCSA.
Page 12
Green Mountain Greens
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
New Members
Welcome to the following new
members:
J. Berrie Robertson, Foster
Materials
Nicole Krieger, Assistant
Superintendent, Woodstock Country
Club
Congratulations
Greg Bean, formerly golf course
superintendent at Orleans Golf Club,
is the new golf course superintendent
at Newport Country Club.
Kevin Komer, formerly golf course
superintendent at Stowe Mountain
Club, is the new Director of Golf
Maintenance at Stowe Mountain
Resort. Kevin’s new role includes the
management of Stowe Mountain Club
and Stowe Country Club.
Condolences
One of the VTGCSA’s founding
fathers and 2nd President, Roger
“Tiger” Miller passed away on
October 31st of a heart attack in South
Carolina.
Executive Director Column
After 10 years serving as VTGCSA
Executive Director/Secretary, Beverly
Fedolfi has decided to resign her duties. Other work commitments have
taken away from her ability to fulfill
the duties to the VTGCSA. We would
like to thank Beverly for her hard
work and superior attention to detail.
We are sure that all of the VTGCSA
members would wish Beverly the best
of luck in her future endeavors. Beverly will be resigning on December 31,
2013. Any association business can be
conducted through Beverly up until
that time. Thanks Bev! Jim Gernander,
superintendent at Kwiniaska Golf Club
and acting Secretary of the VTGCSA
, has been named Interim Executive
Secretary. Moving forward, all association business can be done through
email at [email protected]
Battle for the
Cup-Ski Day 2014
With the nip in the air and ski
season right around the corner,
The Vermont and Northeastern
Superintendent Associations thought
we’d send out a save the date notice
for the Second Annual Nor’easter Ski
Day for 2014!
Last year’s event was a huge
success with over 100 skiers attending
and great snow…in fact, so much
snow we unfortunately could not hold
the race! This year’s calendar shows
a lot of major events in February
including February vacation, so we
decided to move this year’s Ski Day to
January and continue to hold the event
at Killington Ski Resort since they
are so great to work with! This year’s
date will be Thursday, January 16th
which is the beginning of the long
MLK weekend.
We are in the middle of finalizing
details, but Killington is being
gracious enough to hold discounted
rates over the weekend for all those
that would like to plan a family or
“guys” weekend! As soon as we get
things finalized within the next couple
weeks, we’ll send out all the details
and the website for registering.
Any questions, please let us know!!
Ski Day Committee
E-News
From Kevin Doyle’s article:
www.umassgreeninfo.org
www.massarbor.org
www.pgainsurance.com
GCSAA’s Regional Pages
www.gcsaa.org go to “Communities”
Green Mountain Greens co-editor
Kevin Komer’s blog,
www.smgcturf.blogspot.com
The “Moss on Putting Greens” article
was derived from Syngenta’s Green Cast
website,
www.greencastonline.com
Green Mountain Greens
Page 13
Position Available
Orleans Country Club,
Golf Course Superintendent
Orleans, VT
18 hole /with clubhouse
Duties include operation of the maintenance dept,
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Interview hire, train and supervise employees.
Responsible for pesticide and chemical
applications, irrigation system operation and
maintenance of mechanical equipment.
Salary and benefits negotiable.
This space is Available for
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Position available spring 2014
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East Charleston, VT 05833
Page 14 Green Mountain Greens
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Page 15
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Green Mountain Greens
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