2014

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Mal McLaren Award
Government Relations
Scott Brickley
scottb@bunkerhillgc.com
330.725.2829
VICE PRESIDENT
Strategic Planning/Historical
Mark Figurella
mfigurella421@gmail.com
330.562.1691
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Sean McHugh, CGCS
spm@clevelandmetroparks.com
440.232.7247
CHAPTER ADMINISTRATOR
Finance/Communication/Benevolent
Michelle L. Frazier-Feher, CGCS
mlfrazier@aol.com
216.469.9287
TRUSTEES
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Golf & Tournament
Bryan Fitch
bry_fitch@hotmail.com
440.934.6217
Website
Charles (Chuck) Hayes
chuckshcc@gmail.com
330.933.4673
Membership
Tobin (Toby) Lane
tlane33sgc@yahoo.com
330.332.9095
Program & Education
Sam Leatherberry
sam.leatherberry@ourclub.com
678.414.7714
Social/Assistant Relations
Eric Snodgrass
eric.snodgrass@tamoshantergolf.com
330.477.5111
ASSISTANT GCS RELATIONS/ Program & Education
Dave Willmott
dwillmott2001@sharongc.com
330.239.2383
INDUTRIAL RELATIONS
Scholarship & Research
Jason Bennett
330.416.0908
osu23jb@hotmail.com
Matt Kilpeck
mkilpeck@agrium.com
440.724.1223
Lenny Marino
l.marino@bakervehicle.com
216.401.1152
Mission Statement
Promoting the profession of the golf course superintendent
through education, camaraderie and cooperation among
fellow members in Northern Ohio since 1923

First and foremost, I would like to say what

an honor and a privilege it has been to serve
as President to this Association, so deeply
rooted in history. The relationships that
have materialized with Board members as
well as with Superintendents across
Northeast Ohio has been a blessing.
I would like to thank the Board for their commitment and dedication to the
Association. Each Committee has done an outstanding job working hard to
provide information, event planning, and educational opportunities for our
members.
I would like to highlight the Program / Education and Golf Committees. It is
a difficult task organizing these events for an entire calendar year. These
Committees fulfilled their 2014 requirements as well as the 2015
requirements. This is quite an accomplishment! This will allow future
Board members to operate a year ahead of the current year. This will also
allow members to access a complete schedule at the first of every year
without delay.
I would also like to mention Vendor Day. The Board worked very hard to
provide a venue where member interaction with vendors was a top priority
Continued on page 3

Schedule of Events
Annual Meeting Notice
By The Board September
On The Road with the USGA
NOGCSA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
GCSAA
OSHA News
NOGCSA & NW PA GCSA Joint Meeting

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November 12, 2014

Annual Meeting
Portage Country Club
Host: Tom Vogel, CGCS
Cost: $25/person
Time: 10:30 AM
Program: Course Renovation and Planning

November 21, 2014

Night at the Races
Northfield Park Rocksino
Host: NOGCSA
December 9-11, 2014
OTF Conference & Show
Kalahari Resort & Convention Center
Sandusky, OH
January 21, 2015
Educational Seminar
Silver Lake Country Club
March 7, 2015
Annual Reverse Raffle
Raintree Country Club

and it was achieved. Feedback was great! With a few

tweaks, I think we have something special. A special
thanks to the Fitch Family for hosting Vendor Day. Also,
a big Thank You to all of the Superintendents that hosted
in 2014. The playing conditions were outstanding! To
the Hall of Fame Committee Thanks for all of your hard
work. Congratulations to our 2014 Hall of Fame
Inductees, Terry Bonar and Bill Burdick.
Last, but not least, I would personally like to extend my
appreciation and thanks to Michelle. Michelle has
provided me with a tremendous amount of support
throughout my Presidency. More importantly,
Michelles support and dedication to this Association has
not gone unnoticed!

offered so much to this Industry. We need to share the

same goals and purposes, so we can all strive to be the
best we can. Remember you dont have to do it alone!
Sincerely,

Scott Brickley
NOGCSA President
Scottb@bunkerhillgc.com

In closing, I encourage every member to get to know

your neighboring Superintendants. If you dont already,
lend a hand when you can. A simple phone call giving a
heads up on a disease outbreak or pest problem can go a
long way. We need to unite and not just look at each
other as completion. Every one of us can and has

Ridge Top Golf Course

President Brickley called the Board of Trustees of the
Northern Ohio Chapter of the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America regular board
meeting to order at 8:21 AM.
ROLL CALL: Bennett, Brickley, Feher, Fitch,
Leatherberry, Kilpeck, Leatherberry, Marino, Snodgrass,
Willmott present. Hayes Late. Figurella and McHugh
Absent
Secretary/Treasurer Fitch moved to accept the minutes
from the August 5, 2014, regular meeting. Trustee
Leatherberry seconded. Motion passed
President Brickley asked the Board to send their
Committee reports to Chapter Administrator Feher by
October 15, 2014, for the Annual Meeting Power Point
Presentation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget & Finance Chapter Administrator Feher
reported that there was currently $6,997.69 in the
checking account, $33,046.83 in the scholarship &
research account, $28,793.02 in the money market
account, $2,872.32 in the 100th Anniversary account
and $4,677.56 in the Pay Pal Account. The Profit & Loss
through September 16, 2014 shows Net Income of
$8,210.86.
Program & Education Trustee Leatherberry presented
a tentative schedule for the 2015 Meetings and
Educational Seminars. The Board Discussed the Joint
Meeting with NW GCSA. Kilpeck will discuss with Tim
Cunningham today and let the Board know if we are
moving forward. Assistant Liaison Willmott reported
that the Annual meeting is scheduled for November 12,
2014. Tom Vogel will be doing a presentation after the
meeting and members can tour the course afterwards.
There will be no golf. Chapter Administrator reported
that she still needed a contract so and costs so that the
meeting notice can go out 30 days in prior to the
meeting.
Editorial No Report.
Golf & Tournament Secretary/Treasurer Fitch
reported that he is working on the team for the Ohio
Cup which will be at Catawba Island C.C. on October 16.

September 18, 2014

Social Trustee Snodgrass reported that Northfield Park

is holding November 21, 2014 for us. He forwarded the
contract to Feher to review on September 17. Chapter
Administrator Feher reported that she confirmed dates
at Clays Park for 7/25 & 7/26 for next year.
Strategic Planning No Report
Historical & Benevolent Chapter Administrator Feher
reported that the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is
scheduled for October 15 at Canterbury C.C. The cost
will be $30/person.
Public Relations President Brickley reported that
Camp Cheerful went well.
Industrial Relations Vendor Day The Board
discussed the success of the event and a couple areas
that needed improvement such as parameters on
demos. They will also decide if their should be a
speaker next year or offer more time for the Vendors.
Assistant Relations Assistant Liaison Willmott
reported he had no further information on doing a
meeting this winter for the assistant superintendents.
Employment Relations No Report.
Mal McLaren Award Bill Prest put the letter of
recommendation the Board sent him in the pile of
recommendations. Feher will discuss with Prest to see
what is going on with it.
Scholarship & Research Feher reported that we
received one application Brian Webner. The committee
will meet afterwards to discuss.
Government & Environmental Relations President
Brickley discussed the email we received about the
needing to be certified for fertilizer. September 5
GCSAA sent support for HR 58 to fight the waters of the
US.
Website Trustee Hayes reported that we still have not
received information on the new website or back
continued on page 7

Membership & Welcoming No Report.

end. Kregg will not return phone calls either. Trustee Hayes
will look into getting three quotes to switch hosts.

members for reinstatement:

Tony Cardinale Residex

Bylaws & Ethics No report.

Chapter Administrator Feher presented the following

members for reclassification:

OLD BUSINESS
Regional Impromptu Social Gatherings
Bennett & Willmott will host an event on November 6 at the
Winking Lizard in Fairlawn at 3:00 PM.
Hayes & Snodgrass Snodgrass will discuss with Hayes
Committee Members Chapter Administrator Feher
reported that Bill Farhney and Alan Clark would like to help.
The Board will decide where to utilize them.
NEW BUSINESS
Chapter Administrator Feher presented the following
applications for membership:
Kenneth Westover Columbia Hills Golf & Swim Club SM

None
Trustee Hayes motioned and Secretary/Treasurer Fitch
seconded to approve the above members for membership
and reinstatement. The motion passed.
There was no correspondence.
The next Board meeting is set for October 20, 2014 at 8:00
A.M. at Youngstown C.C.
President Brickley adjourned the meeting at 9:24 A.M.

Chapter Administrator Feher presented the following

TIMELY PRUNING BENEFITS TREES AND TURF

By John Daniels, agronomist, Central Region
November 7, 2014

Courses throughout the region are continuing to

concentrate efforts on fall cleanup. As the remainder
of leaves drop, superintendents are taking steps to
protect turf going into the winter. A common focus is
improving sunlight and air circulation. Managing the
growing environment for turfgrass is critical to
sustaining year-round turf performance.
Identifying areas where shade is a problem and
selectively pruning will pay dividends for 2015 and
beyond. Remember, a well-designed tree pruning
program benefits the turf as well as the trees.
Deciduous trees are best pruned when they are
dormant. Thin out cluttered canopies and remove
problem trees to give your turfgrass the sunlight it
needs to begin the season strong and healthy. Remove
low-hanging branches that impede air movement and
obstruct golf cart traffic. More sunlight will reduce the
potential for winterkill and provide a quicker spring
green-up of both warm- and cool-season turfgrass
species.

A proactive approach to tree management is a proactive

approach to turf management. Now is a great time for
selective tree pruning to improve growing environments
for better turf next year.

Are trees an issue on your course? A Course

Consulting Service Tree Evaluation can help find ways
to improve turfgrass health and playability as well as
tree quality and aesthetics.

Source: John Daniels (jdaniels@usga.org)

Information on the USGAs Course Consulting Service
Contact the Green Section Staff

This year the NOGCSA Inducted two more members into its
Hall of Fame; Terry Bonar and Bill Burdick!
Congratulations!!
Terry Bonar
Terry Bonar retired Golf Course Superintendent Canterbury Golf Club. Terry started working at Canterbury
GC in 1961 as a crew member and worked his way up to
Golf Course Superintendent starting in 1984. When Terry
retired he had 48 years of service with the club. During
Terrys tenure at Canterbury they hosted eight Tour Events.
Two of then being Open Championships plus two Amateur
Championships. Terry also found the time to mentor 37 turf
students over the years and many of them have become
very successful Golf Course Superintendents.
Bill Burdick June 1940 June 2008
Bill Burdick started his Golf Course Superintendents career
at the North Olmsted Golf Club owned by Earl Yesberger.
From there he moved to Sliver Lake Country Club. He kept
climbing the ladder and his next move sent him to
Canterbury Golf Club from 1972- 1984. However in 19781984 he was also the Superintendent at Shaker Heights
Country Club. Thats right he was Superintendent at both
clubs at the same time. Then Bill moved back to Canterbury
GC exclusively as their GM from 1984-1986. In 1987, Bill
went into sales for a while with the Toro Company. Bills
final move as a Superintendent/GM sent him to
Youngstown CC. During Bills career he traveled the country
giving educational talks at the local, state and national
levels. He also taught a course at Cleveland State
University, Turf Grass Management.

GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors

GCSAA is taking its government relations efforts to the
next level. We are looking for GCSAA Grassroots
Ambassadors. The goal is to match a member of
GCSAA with each Member of Congress, and to build
strong relationships between them. The program will
establish a network of committed volunteers to serve
as the go-to people for lawmakers and their staff on
golf course management issues. The most important
thing you can do as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador
is share your story.

opportunities. This may include participating in

webinars, attending town hall meetings during August
recess and Get Out the Vote efforts.

Ambassador Training and Education

September 2014 Training - Get Out The Vote (GOTV)

Ambassadors will receive the tools and

resources needed to become an effective advocate for
the profession.

November 2014 Training - Mid-Term Election Review

GCSAA will start offering Advocacy Boot camp at the

2015 Golf Industry Show. Ambassadors will interact
with a leading grassroots trainer in the country and
learn the art of political engagement. Advocacy Boot
camp is by invitation only.
August 2014 Training - Town Hall Preparation

Ambassadors will receive an Ambassador Engagement

Calendar with their Welcome Packet that outlines
monthly advocacy training, meetings and education

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SAVE-THE-DATES FOR TOURNAMENT

February 21-23, 2015
The 2015 GCSAA Golf Championships, presented in
partnership with the Toro Company and benefiting
the EIFG, is returning to San Antonio for the first
time in over 10 years. This beloved event will
feature some of the best courses Texas Hill Country
has to offer.
Are you a casual golfer looking for a good time or
an intense competitor hoping to be crowned
National Champion? This Saturday through
Monday tournament offers four different events so
you can choose to play one, two or all three days.
The GCSAA Golf Championships offer something
for everyone, so plan to join us in San Antonio!

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(Jerry) Gerald E Husemann

Senior Sales Specialist
Phone: 937-492-8597
Mobile: 937-604-5617
gerald.huseman@basf.com

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The first joint meeting with the NW PA GCSA was

a success! Frank Dobie spoke to the group about
how he flourished working at one club for 50
years. Thank you to Tim Cunningham and his staff
who had the course in great shape!! Everyone
had a great time!!

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2014 Advertiser Directory

Arms Trucking
Brian Bates
800.362.1343

Baker Vehicle Systems

Harland Baker, Rick Baker,
Kevin Kroll, Lenny Marino
330.467.2250
BASF Corporation
Gerald Husemann
937.604.5617
Century Equipment
Norton Brick - Tim Hughes Ryan Miller - Ron Smolik
800.522.8676

Harrells Turf Specialty

Glenn Omori
440.439.1393
H & S Stump Removal
Jack Hopkins
330.654.2347
Perk Air
Bob Doty
330.296.7307
Precision Golf Construction
Mike ODonnell, CGCS
440.285.2117

Shearer Golf
805-GOLF-909
South East Golf Car Co.
888.684.4653

Walker Supply
Mike Sekula - Bill Walker
800.792.5537
Wolf Creek Company
Scott Knowles
937.854.2694
denotes new advertiser
Remember to thank our
advertisers for supporting
you!

NOGCSA
CONTACT INFORMATION
E-Mail: info@nogcsa.com
Website: www.nogcsa.com
1106 Royce St. NW
Uniontown, OH 44685
(216)469-9287
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