May 2016 - Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents

Our 91st Year
May 2016
Great Events Kick Off
PAGCS Year
Saying Goodbye to
Our Do-It-All Su ...
In April, we traveled across the bridge to go
head-to-head with our New Jersey counterparts in our annual War at the Shore competition. Mother Nature provided attendees with
beautiful weather while colleagues talked
“shop” with each other.
By Derrick Wozniak
As you may or may not know, Suanne Gardiner,
the editor of our newsletter, The Bonnie Greensward, has accepted a position at Penn and will
be leaving the Association after 12 years of dedicated service.
In May, Cobbs Creek Golf Course played host
to the annual PAGCS Scholarship Benefit.
Members and their guests enjoyed the wellmanicured course and delicious pig roast
while raising funds for the George Ley Turf
Scholarship.
Complete golf results and photos begin on
page 10.
Suanne’s leadership has been instrumental in
maintaining “The Bonnie” as a nationally recognized newsletter. I felt the only proper way to
say thank you before her departure is to feature
Suanne’s career within the newsletter she has
devoted so much time to for over a decade.
It goes without saying that we work in a male
dominated industry, so, when Suanne began
working for a landscape company, she was
blindsided by the
amount of sexual harInside
assment she experienced. She refused to
President’s Message
let the guys she was
Assistant’s Corner
working with break
her down, proving to
Member News
them that she was
Golf Reports & Photos
able to do everything
Belts, Bolts & Bedknives
they could, and advancing into a crew
June Meeting Profile
leader by
PAGCS Scholarship Info
summer’s end.
Continued on page 4.
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10
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OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Robert Nolek
CEDARBROOK COUNTRY CLUB
cedarsupt@yahoo.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Derrick Wozniak
RADLEY RUN COUNTRY CLUB
dwozniak@radleyruncc.com
TREASURER
Douglas Rae
APPLECROSS COUNTRY CLUB
doug@applecrosscc.com
SECRETARY
Mark Rubbo
SPRING FORD COUNTRY CLUB
markrubbo@comcast.net
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Jon Urbanski
BIDERMAN GOLF CLUB
jonurbanski@comcast.net
President’s
Message
Well, in typical Philadelphia fashion, the spring
began in very sporadic fashion, with temperatures
all over the board and almost 21 straight days with
clouds and some form of precipitation. Now hot weather is here, so it
could be another interesting weather year.
As is tradition within our Association, our monthly golf meetings are
underway. The season kicked off with the “war at the shore.” In a
close fought battle, the good guys ended up losing in matches, 13-11. I
really thought we had this one with a very strong showing by the
Philly guys; thanks to everyone who made it to Scotland Run and a
special thanks to host superintendent Jeff England and the entire New
Jersey association for their gracious hospitality.
Next up was an epic day at a different venue than usual for our yearly
scholarship benefit -- a historic Philadelphia golf course, Cobbs Creek.
Host Superintendent Eli Rodriguez and his entire crew did an out-
DIRECTORS
standing job readying the course, providing great conditioning and
TERM EXPIRES NOVEMBER 2016
Brendan J. Byrne
LLANERCH COUNTRY CLUB
bjbyrne01@yahoo.com
Matthew Shaffer
MERION GOLF CLUB
mattshaffer@meriongolfclub.com
Richard Sweeney, CGCS
PLANT FOOD COMPANY
rsweeney@plantfoodco.com
fantastic greens. The ever popular pig roast took place in the cart barn,
TERM EXPIRES NOVEMBER 2017
James P. Lynagh
MEADOWLANDS COUNTRY CLUB
JLynagh@meadowlandscc.com
events, starting with the Constellation Senior Players Championship at
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES
Rich Sweeney, CGCS
PLANT FOOD COMPANY
rsweeney@plantfoodco.com
Bill Corcoran
LAWN & GOLF SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
BCorcoran@Lawn-Golf.com
Amateur at Stonewall. All of these events are exciting and offer a fan-
ASSISTANT OUTREACH
Giancarlo Sarullo
Christian Scheller
Executive Director
Kristen E. Liebsch
484-467-5298
kliebsch@pagcs.org
Editor/Advertising
Suanne Gardiner
267-784-4400
sgardiner@pagcs.org
and with plenty of food, beverages and camaraderie, the day was a
huge success. There is nothing like seeing George Ley elbow deep
while carving a pig! Seriously, without the support of George and his
family, the day wouldn’t have been complete: thank you, George.
Please check out the full golf report on page 10.
In the coming months, the Philadelphia area will host several tour
The Philadelphia Cricket Club, continuing on with the U.S. Women’s
Amateur hosted by Rolling Green Golf Club, and finally the U.S. Midtastic opportunity to showcase not only the Philadelphia area but also
the outstanding talents of our comrades. Please join me in wishing
host superintendents Dan Meersman, Charlie Carr, and Dan Dale the
best of luck -- may weather be on your side and your crews be on time.
Finally, the Association has to bid a fond farewell to our long time
sponsor liaison/newsletter editor, Suanne Gardiner. Suanne has been
in and around the Philadelphia Association for a while (I won’t say
long time, kind of dates her) and has accepted a position outside the
industry. For those of you who have had the privilege of working
alongside Suanne, you understand what a truly extraordinary person
Continued on page 23.
“Suanne,” continued from page 1
“The best reward was when the
same guys who harassed me
said to me on my last day how
they could not believe I stuck it
out,” says Suanne. This was the
beginning of her career as a
horticulturalist and working on
the grounds of some of the most
respected facilities in our area.
She loved the physical demand
and instant gratification this job
provides while also taking pride
in being one of the few females
in the industry.
Upon graduation from Delaware
Valley College [now University]
with a bachelor of science in
Ornamental Horticulture, minor
in business, with a focus on
turfgrass management, she was
hired as the horticulturalist at
Greate Bay Country Club.
Suanne realized after her first
season there she wanted to
spend her days working in the
golf course industry. While
working the LPGA’s Shop Rite
Classic, she impressed Golf
Course Superintendent
Ken Thompson, who eventually hired her to work for him
at Stone Harbor, where her
stamp is still on the clubhouse
grounds.
Being from Philadelphia, when
the horticulturalist position became available at Merion Golf
Club, it was an opportunity to
come home. Due to her exceptional leadership skills, she
quickly accepted large roles under the direction of Paul B. Latshaw. She was essential to the
logistical success of the 1998 Mid
-Amateur, implementing the
safety program for the greens
department. While at Merion,
she continued to work until she
gave birth to her first son, AJ, in
November of 1999. Knowing
how important her role was on
the staff, her maternity leave
only lasted two short weeks.
But after a year, her heart was
set on being a mother to AJ, and
she made the very difficult decision to leave Merion.
Continued next page
Suanne mowing #12 during the 1998 U.S. Amateur
at Merion Golf Club
Continued at top.
“
... She is a big supporter of the
Del Val Turf Program and many
times asked me for information for
the Bonnie. In part to her, the Bonnie is one of the better quality association newsletters I read. Suanne
brought much credibility to the
Bonnie since she worked in the golf
industry and is married to an industry salesperson.”
- Dr. Douglas Linde,
Delaware Valley University
Suanne had more ways to get a
bunch of guys that never were on
time with their articles to meet the
deadline. It was almost a story
about the story, what will we do
without her?” – Matt Shaffer,
Merion Golf Club
Suanne Gardiner did a fantastic job
with the Bonnie Greensward. I have
had the privilege of knowing Suanne and Alfie for 17 years both
professionally and personally. We
lived down the street from each
other ... and went bar hopping occasionally (I know big surprise). What
made Suanne so good at her job
with the Bonnie was not only her
incredible organizational skills but
the fact she was one of us. ... she
understood what we do and go
through on both sides of this great
industry. I want to wish her the
best at her new role at the University of Penn. Thanks Suanne for
your dedication to the Philadelphia
Golf Course Superintendents Association.” – Ken Jeinnings,
Lawn & Golf Supply Company
Her departure from the industry did not last very long. A
week after leaving Merion, she
was asked to join the staff at
Aronimink Golf Club. Initially, she performed various
office tasks, but loved being
out on the course and eventually helped maintain the golf
course and became the
horticulturalist. Her family
continued to grow during her
tenure at Aronimink, adding
son Cody to the mix in spring
2002.
Once again rising to the occasion, Suanne organized everything for the all of the volunteers as Aronimink hosted the
2003 Senior PGA Championship. After the tournament,
Suanne was asked to write an
article for the Bonnie about the
experiences during the week
and soon became the advertising coordinator. A year later,
she became the editor of “The
Bonnie” as she transitioned
The Gardiner Family [L to R]: Alfie,
Andersen, Cody, AJ, and Suanne.
out of the maintenance side of
the industry, added third son
Andersen, and began to devote more time to being a fulltime mother of her three sons.
Suanne has also worked at
Gulph Mills Golf Club, Meadowlands Country Club, and
Green Valley Country Club
with varying responsibilities,
leaving a lasting impression at
each. This industry found her
and she has befriended many
along the way. She has been a
supporter of anyone who
needed anything while play-
“
... I never had to worry about anything as you were always willing to help with whatever was needed .... I was
happy for you when you took the position at Merion Golf Club,
and remember how you found another horticulturalist to replace you before leaving. This represents the type of person you
are – caring as much as how you leave things as when you are
moving on to new opportunities. You have remained one of my
favorite employees that I have ever had the opportunity to
work with.” - Ken Thompson, Greate Bay Country Club
... the kind of person who leaves a mark on those with whom
she meets and works. She was the ultimate team player willing
to do a multitude of tasks at [Merion] including but not lim-
ing a behind-the-scenes role in
the successes of her peers and
supervisors. The greatest accomplishment in her career
has been “the lifelong friendships and relationships she
has made with the amazing
people in this industry.”
Good, bad, or indifferent, she
is forever grateful for the
memories and experiences
which made a mark on her
life. As are we, Suanne!
Suanne has left a lasting impression on a lot of the people
throughout her career. On behalf of the Board of Directors
and the entire Philadelphia
Association of Golf Course Superintendents, we want to say
thank you for all of your hard
work, dedication, and friendship through the years. You
will be greatly missed, and we
wish you the best of luck in
your new position at Penn!
ited to horticulture, mowing greens, hand watering, bunkers,
safety program and office administration work. No matter the
size or nature of the task she was always willing to help ... a
great employee with an infectious positive attitude.”
– Paul B. Latshaw, Muirfield Village Golf Club
Thank you, Suanne, for your relentless support and dedication
to the entire membership of the PAGCS. Your efficient efforts
through out the years have assisted the PAGCS to be recognized as one of the most successful chapters within the
GCSAA. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with you,
smile for you and to be nagged by you! You will be missed
by all! - Jay Parisien CGCS, Bala Golf Club
Assistant’s Corner
Calling All Assistants
As you can see, there is a monthly feature in this
By Christian Scheller
help with articles to be published. You can write
newsletter that is for assistants. We welcome any
With the mild winter and the roller coaster of a
about personal experiences, new technology you are
spring hopefully behind us, we can finally get
using, or career advice you have for other assistants.
caught up out on the course. We have all been busy
We also need help thinking up, organizing and im-
this spring with those pesky, time sensitive sprays
plementing meet-ups, golfing events, field trips to
for seedhead suppression and that damn weevil, but
clubs, and educational events for the upcoming fall
hopefully you all have started to find a rhythm in
and winter.
your maintenance schedule.
Social meet-ups can be as simple as a couple of assis-
With this being said, I would first like to reintroduce
tants meeting at a local watering hole talking turf or
planning a trip to a university’s field
myself and my counterpart. My name
is Christian Scheller and I am the assistant at Squires Golf Club in Ambler, Pa.
My counterpart is Giancarlo Sarullo,
assistant at Bala Golf Club. Together
we run the Assistant Outreach Committee. This program was set up and
designed to help assistants in the Philadelphia region create a network among
“… our first order
of business is to
develop a
database of
assistants and
interns in our
area.”
members or not, and our first order of business is to
develop a database of assistants and interns in our
area. So please email us at assistantoutreach-
to schedule due to the crazy hours we
work, but nine holes after work with a
couple of foursomes would be great. We
would like to offer one or two educational events during the winter months
focusing on issues assistants face. We
would love to get a group of fellow
“turfheads” together to do a community
professional turf managers and vendors.
We want to reach out to assistants and interns,
days. Golfing events are a little harder
project at a local park or school looking to renovate a
sports field or open space. We are open to all suggestions so please do not hesitate emailing us with
any ideas.
pagcs@gmail.com and tell us a little about yourself.
Finally, I would like to ask of any vendors or busi-
Supply us with contact information, place of em-
nesses in the industry to help out with these events.
ployment, and title. For any superintendents read-
Any sponsorships would really help: even the use of
ing this, please share this email with your staff. This
demo equipment for education or projects would be
database and email address will be used to inform
a great way to get the word out about new equip-
you of upcoming events that are hosted by the Asso-
ment or products without taking time out of a su-
ciation or by the Assistant Outreach Committee. We
perintendent’s busy schedule. Plus you could very
sent out a test email a few weeks ago to assistants in
well be helping an assistant move forward in their
the Association. If you did not get this email, be sure
career and eventually become a potential
to check your junk folder.
client of yours.
Christian can be reached at cschellerturf@gmail.com.
Membership Summary: May 2016
First Name
Last Name
Employer
Class
Proposed
Seconded
Ryan
Day
Shreiner Tree Care
Affiliate
Matt Shaffer
Doug Rae
John
Dwyer
Shreiner Tree Care
Affiliate
Matt Shaffer
Doug Rae
Dan
Dale
Stonewall Links
A/SM
Doug Rae
Mark Rubbo
Michael
McAllister
Stonewall Links
C
Doug Rae
Mark Rubbo
Joel
Madden
Stonewall Links
C
Doug Rae
Mark Rubbo
Tara
Beauregard
Dow Chemical
Affiliate
Alan Fitzgerald
Jim Lynagh
Kyle
Basehore
Philadelphia Cricket
C
Dan Meersman
Derrick Wozniak
Matthew
Herman
Philadelphia Cricket
C
Dan Meersman
Derrick Wozniak
Philip
Braselton
Philadelphia Cricket
C
Dan Meersman
Derrick Wozniak
William
Leedom
Philadelphia Cricket
C
Dan Meersman
Derrick Wozniak
Tony
Razionale
McCall GC
C
Jon Urbanski
Joe Candelore
Luis Martinez
Ramirez
Biderman GC
C
Jon Urbanski
Derrick Wozniak
Kevin
Rundstrom
Huntingdon Vall CC
C
Scott Anderson
Ron Nolek
William
Mast
Aer-Core, Inc
Affiliate
Mark Rubbo
John Welsh
Stephen
Thompson
Aer-Core, Inc
Affiliate
Mark Rubbo
John Welsh
Troy
Pelesky
Waynesborough Country Club
C
Ben Kovacs
Derrick Wozniak
Devon
Moll
Gulph Mills Golf Club
C
Matt Rogers
Derrick Wozniak
Collin
Harley
Gulph Mills Golf Club
C
Matt Rogers
Derrick Wozniak
Luis Martinez
Raminez
Bidermann Golf Club
C
Jon Urbanski
Derrick Wozniak
Gregory
Boring
Country Club of Scranton
A/SM
Jon Urbanski
Derrick Wozniak
Kevin
Rundstrom
Huntingdon Valley Country Club
C
Scott Anderson
Derrick Wozniak
William
Hierman
Radley Run Country Club
C
Derrick Wozniak
Mark Rubbo
RJ
Kane
Concord Country Club
C
Greg D'Antonio
Derrick Wozniak
Membership Applications are available on the
PAGCS website: http://www.pagcs.org/
member-services/become-a-member/
For questions, contact Membership Chairman
Bill Corcoran at bcorcoran@lawn-golf.com
Know of any member news? Please contact
Member Services Chairman Brendan Byrne:
bjbyrne01@yahoo.com
New Arrivals
Neil Andersen and his wife Loreen
welcomed their second son into the
world on Friday, April 29th. Derek
Bryce Andersen weighed in at eight pounds, nine
ounces. Mom, dad, big brother and the new guy are
all doing well!
Golf Report
Thursday, April 21st, Scotland Run Golf Club
PAGCS
1st Low Gross (TESCO ) Chet Walsh 69
1st Low Net (Plant Food ) Tony Gustaitis 72
2nd Low Net (Lawn & Golf ) Paul Brandon 72
LD #8- ALL Hdcps (Synatek) JC Clevenger
LD #12- 0-14 Hdcps (Site-One) Lance Ernst
LD #12- 15-40 Hdcps (Site-One) George Hoopes
GCSANJ
1st Low Gross (TESCO) Joe Scioscia 76
1st Low Net (Fisher & Son) Tony Hooks 67
2nd Low Net (DryJect NJ) Rolf Strobel 68
LD #5- 0-14 Hdcps (Fisher & Son) Kevin Tansey
LD #5- 15-40 Hdcps (Fisher & Son) Jeff England
LD #8- ALL Hdcps (Syngenta) Doug Gray
LD #17- ALL Hdcps (DryJect NJ) Doug Gray
LD# 17 60 Years Old Plus (Bayer) Bob Prickett
CP #4 (Bayer) Greg Hufner 5’ 1”
CP #9 (Double “D” Turf) Rolf Strobel 6’ 11”
CP #13 (DryJect NJ) Patrick Haughey 2’
CP #15 (Site-One) Mike Tardogno 7’ 1”
Skins:
0-14
#3 Jeremy Batz (NJ) Eagle*
#6 Chet Walsh (PA) Eagle*
#7 John Gosselin (PA)
#9 Ron Garrison (PA)
15-40
#6 Keith Bennett (NJ)
#7 Pat O`Neill (NJ)
*Note: Both eagles were on par 4s.
WAS (Turf Equipment & Supply Co)
GCSANJ 13 & PAGCS 11
Monday, May 16th
Cobbs Creek Golf Course
Annual Scholarship Outing
1st:
Jeff Haas, Brad Helcoski & Tim Riismandel
2nd:
Sumner Cross, Tom Currie, Dave Stockmal
& Ed Boyskey
Closest to the pin:
Kris Shreiner
Mike Ryan
Drew Goehler
Thank you to our May
meeting sponsors!
Tee Gift
Pocono Turf Supply
Beverage Sponsor
Genesis Turfgrass, Inc.
Skill Prize Sponsor
Fisher & Son Co., Inc.
Lunch Sponsor
George Ley Company
Hole Sponsors:
Dryject
Hershey’s Mill G.C.
Springford C.C. Whitemarsh Valley C.C.
Finch Services Green Valley C.C.
Turf Equipment Windview Athletics
Penn State Berks/Dr. Mike
Belts, Bolts & Bedknives
by Robert Smith
Hello and welcome to another article on “Belts,
Bolts, and Bedknives.” My name is Robert Smith,
Equipment Manager at Merion Golf Club. The topic
today is ethanol and a few inexpensive tools you
could use to correct the damage that ethanol is do-
percent your small engine can burn. If you decide to
burn 15% ethanol in your small engine, just remember that most manufactures only approved up to
10% ethanol and more than likely will void your
warranty.
Here are a few things we do to help prevent ethanol
ing to the internal parts of your engines.
So, what is ethanol? Ethanol is an alcohol-based al-
problems.
ternative fuel that is blended with gasoline to pro-
We use a fuel additive called Star Tron. This stuff
duce fuel with higher octane rating and fewer harm-
works great for removing moisture out of the fuel
ful emissions than unblended gasoline. Ethanol fuel
system. We also found that it helps prevent ethanol
is produced from ferment-
and octane (gas) separation which
ing and distilling grains of
will cause a gummy material
corn, barley, wheat, etc. It
has been around for quite
some time, but it didn’t
start to show its ugly side
until 2013, when the percent of ethanol in gasoline
went from 5% to 10%. Cur-
Ethanol is a
smallengine
mechanic’s
worst
nightmare.
rently, some gas stations
build up in your float bowels and
your fuel lines. A fuel additive
will run you about $10 for an 8 oz
bottle, and it can treat up to 40
gallons of gas.
Ultrasonic systems are better
known for cleaning jewelry, but
work wonders on carburetors. An
sell as high as 15%.
ultrasonic system uses bubbles and high frequency
Ethanol is a small engine mechanic’s worst night-
sound to penetrate dirt, grime, and, in our case,
mare. Although the government stats show it burns
ethanol build up. It gets to the hard-to-reach areas
cleaner and lowers fuel prices at the pump, it de-
like fuel rods and venturis. This machine can be
stroys the internals of your mowers, trimmers, etc.
bought at your local tool supplier for approximately
Ethanol has inherent properties that cause corro-
$60. We also use a mix of water and degreaser sol-
sion, eating away plastic parts and rubber compo-
vent. We have adopted this machine to fit into our
nents. You may notice that the machines start
regular maintenance schedule.
harder and the engine life isn’t as long as it used to
I hope this topic was an eye opener to many. Next
be.
time you buy an outdoor machine, make sure you
Ethanol also draws moisture out of the air, which
check the operator’s manual to see what the manu-
works its way through the fuel system and then into
facture’s recommendation is on the percent of etha-
the engine. It is a proven fact that ethanol burns hot-
nol. I Hope you all have a great season.
ter; therefore, your smaller engine may not be able
Robert Smith is the equipment manager at Merion Golf
to take the heat; it is very important to know what
Club. He can be reached at 610-642-5600.
Continued at right.
June 27, 2016
Member-Member
Bidermann Golf Club
Registration: 10:30
Lunch: 11 a.m.
Shotgun: Noon
Reception: 5 p.m.
Meeting Sponsor
Fisher & Son Co., Inc..
Trophy Sponsor:
Shreiner Tree Care Specialists
Tee Gift Sponsor:
Fisher & Son Co., Inc.
Beverage Sponsors:
Arader Tree Care
Syngenta
Sole Skill Prize Sponsor:
Lawn & Golf Supply
Our Host: Jon Urbanski
http://www.vicmead.com/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp
PAGCS 2016 Scholarship
Program: Deadline to
Apply is Aug 15
President’s message, continued from page 2.
The PAGCS is proud to provide scholarships to cur-
in case you want to stop in.
rent turf students who are or have been employed
That’s it for now; if there is anything the PAGCS can
by PAGCS golf course superintendents. These schol-
help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me
arships are funded by the generosity of benefactors
or any of our board members.
she is. I personally want to thank Suanne for her
time and dedication to our Association, best wishes
in your new endeavor, and please don’t be a
stranger; I’ll make sure you get the meeting notices
Frank T. Shuman, George E. Ley, and PAGCS members and supporters via the annual PAGCS Scholarship Tournament.
The application deadline is August 15, 2016. For
complete application information, please visit the
website: http://www.pagcs.org/member-services/
turf-student-scholarship-program-information-andapplication/
Rob Nolek, president