Editor’s Message

Happy Holidays and New Year from the Editor!

Happy New Year Pennsylvania Turfgrass subscriber. I hope your Holiday season travel went smoothly and you enjoyed one or more celebrations with family and friends. If not smooth and/or joyous, then hopefully amicable. What can be said? Some years are better than others. But we can all agree on a couple of things; one being that time flies by. The increasing rate at which each successive year passes by fuels my appreciation for the end-of-year Holiday season. It’s special because it’s the time that we detach from professional duties, whether aspirations or obligations, and dutifully assemble for the sake of it.

This time goes beyond themes of thankfulness, giving, and joy. Is it a forced routine or a natural human instinct? While up there with birthdays or anniversaries, the Holiday season may be the most notable annual milestone on the road of life. When I look back at the highs and lows of my family’s generational evolution, the Holiday season comprises the thread that ties them all together.

It starts with the aptly-named Thanksgiving, a historical and well-timed celebration of the season’s bounty. If the growing season was productive, then it marked the first time of the year that our ancestors could relax worry-free. Despite the fact turfgrass managers do not produce food or fiber, celebrating the passing of a productive growing season will not be lost on this readership. Thus, if you’re feeling worry-free, then marinate in the glorious relaxation. You’ve earned it!

Likewise for the turfgrass management support team! The vendors celebrated the end of ‘Early Order.’ The consultants, architects, foremen, technical representatives, engineers, and even researchers; all wrapped up their obligations and are now relishing in their accomplishments (we hope). The turfgrass students survived Finals Week and promptly vanished. Ultimately, the sports field managers concluded their season too (depending).

Then of course came the season of shopping, decorating, wrapping, traveling, eating, drinking, and giving. Then more traveling. Did I mention eating and drinking too? Then the start of the new year. Always a good time for self-evaluation, forward planning, and conferences! More on conferences in this very Winter Issue. Life is a wild ride but participating positively sure beats the alternative. In summary, take care of yourself and your loved ones and continue making a difference where you can!

Wishing you fabulous turf and sport in 2024-

Max Schlossberg, PhD.

Editor, Pennsylvania Turfgrass Magazine