MESSAGEFROM THE
PRESIDENT
I am a an o history, not necessarily a history bu, but generally speaking,I’m interested in reading about evolutions. In 1998, I had the good ortunes obeing Vice President o the Northern Ohio GCSA during it’s 75th anniversary.Part o the preparation or the big year included reviewing the contents o avery old briecase belonging to GCSAA ounding ather Colonel John Morley. Although there were many items o historical signicance (one was a letterrom Donald Ross to Colonel Morley), we were ortunate that those who wereinvolved with the association through the years understood the importanceo these documents, and had the oresight to keep them preserved and inairly good condition.OTF will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary in 2011, and thanks to a coupleo OTF pioneers, Harry Murray and Gene Probasco, the ground work isbeing laid to ensure as much o OTF’s historical inormation is captured andpreserved. Both Harry and Gene are leading an ad-hoc Historical Committeethat will ensure we are ready or 2011. One o the initial projects or thecommittee includes the development and publication o a historical book.During our May Board meeting, Harry Murray and Gene Probasco gave apresentation on OTF’s 50th Anniversary book and introduced Ernie Shannon,who will be compiling the history o OTF through interviews and historicaldocuments. The book will document the annual accomplishments o OTFthrough the eyes o each year’s OTF president. Although there are many pictures and artiacts rom the beginning years, theHistorical Committee members recently received Dr. Bob Miller’s recollectiono the early years. Ater reading the inormation, it’s very apparent that manyo the early “ounders” had a tremendous passion or the industry and gettingOTF o the ground ... literally. Many people have played important roles withOTF over the years and through their dedication to our organization andindustry, we have continued to uphold the vision o the initial group thatmet in Wooster back in the early 60’s. I eel very ortunate to have workedor mentors such as John Spodnik and Rick Kucharski as they shared theirstories, vision and passion or the industry and organization.Speaking o history, on May 30th the 2007 OTF Board created some historyo it’s own during Ohio Turgrass Week, as Senator Sue Morano (D-13thDistrict) recognized the Ohio Turgrass Foundation, Ohio Turgrass Week andthe board, both individually and collectively, rom the Senate foor. It was agreat experience or all involved and gave our organization and the turgrassindustry good exposure with our state government. Thanks to SenatorMorano and her sta or arranging this opportunity.Until next time ... keep it green! Yours or Better Tur,Mark Jordan, CGCS
FOR THE LATEST RESEARCHAND INFORMATION FOR OHIO’S TURFAND LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALSVISIT THESE IMPORTANT WEB SITES:
Gol Course Tur Management & SportsTur Management Buckeye Tur
www.buckeyetur.osu.edu/
Lawn, Grounds & LandscapeBuckeye Yard & Garden Line
www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/bygl
These sites can also be accessed rom the OTF website at www.OhioTurgrass.org.
OTF Board members (let to right) Mark Jordan, MikeDietrich, Kevin Thompson, Don Lawrence and Todd Voss visited the Ohio Statehouse May 30 seeking a Leg-islative Proclamation or Ohio Turgrass Week. SenatorSue Morano, District 13, introduced OTF and the boardmembers to the Ohio Senate. Senate Chair Bill Harristhanked OTF or its support o The Ohio State Universityand Ohio’s turgrass industry.
AT THESTATEHOUSE ...
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