MTF Updates

“All at once Summer collapsed into Fall.”

— Oscar Wilde

The MTF hopes you are taking those chances at home and at work.

A Message From

BY CAREY MITCHELSON, MTF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MTF Updates

Count me in among those contented to see this year’s Summer collapse. It has been unlike any other… and hopefully… one never to return. There have been countless words and endless articles written regarding the effects of the pandemic and how it has impacted every phase of our lives. A return to some normalcy will be welcomed and hopefully a new beginning for everyone. Those thoughts were expressed when the MTF Board of Directors met (via Zoom – naturally) and it was decided to step into the water and see if they can bring some symmetry yet this year. Each of our Board members accept a leadership position when the agree to participate in a voluntary role with the Board. This year has stretched the limits of everyone’s personal and professional lives…and certainly impacted our normal MTF operations. However, like other past boards, taking on difficult decisions can be expected, and it is important that the mission of the MTF be calculated into the choices made. Supporting the Turf Team and providing a solid ground for future boards is important part of the process. The MTF Mission Statement is as follows:

“The mission of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is to work in partnership with Michigan State University, supporting ongoing programs in research, education, and extension in the area of professional turfgrass management that will benefit all individuals who manage turfgrasses or derive pleasure from the results of such management.”

Supporting the Turf Team is a key portion of that statement and the board had to work thru the dynamics of what would be acceptable and feasible fundraising efforts while understanding the industry and its supporters struggled with day to day operations.

“In tough times will you whine… or shine?” Daren Martin

It was decided that a survey would help determine the appetite our TT4Turf courses would have for donating their facility in order to help fund Turf Research. We received an overwhelming positive response to host the auction fundraiser…even under the

restricted circumstances that many courses faced. After reviewing the survey results, TT4Turf Chairman –Scott Rettmann encouraged the Board of Directors to go forward with an amended auction in late summer. The auction was reduced from a normal 2-week event to single week (Aug 1 – Aug 9) and bidders would have a limited time to claim the precious tee times. This year’s online auction generated $30,000 with over 100 courses donating to support Turf Research and the Turf Team at MSU. The MTF thanks all courses who participated for their generosity and committment to the Turf Program in Michigan. The list of courses who donated this year can be viewed on our website.

The LaFontaine Golf outing also faced a postponement decision.

“Don’t focus on who let you down. Appreciate who lifted you up. Don’t focus on who darkened your days. Appreciate who brightened them.” Karen Salmansohn

The words above provide a glimpse at why Gordie LaFontaine is in the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame and has been honored by almost all allied golf organizations and by Michigan State University as well. Inspiration, appreciation and commitment to goals are qualities that produce what others cannot even envision. Gordie guided the MTF for many years with these talents and it was his vision for the Turf Team that provided many of the tools required to enhance the Turf Program at MSU. The LaFontaine Golf Outing appropriately serves to benefit funding for Graduate Students for the Turf Team at MSU. The outing reflects the possibilities that Gordie envisioned when requesting the MTF Membership to support of the MSU Turf Team and the service they provide. Graduate Students are the core of research and they are also the future that represent MSU and golf in Michigan for years to come.

This year’s event will be held September 17th at Coyote Preserve Golf Club. With so many changes and cancellations this year we hope this is one day that many of you can find the time to relax, enjoy some golf and camaraderie while supporting a great cause. A small breakfast – 9am shotgun - boxed lunch and short cocktail hour to follow will be the timeline for everyone. Those interested in playing or participating as a Sponsor can do so on the MTF Website or by calling 517-392- 5003. We welcome all and encourage everyone to find the time to attend and enjoy themselves.

Dr. Kevin Frank has been diligently coordinating all the communications coming from MSU since the shutdown in Mid-March. He is to be commended for all his efforts in trying to keep everyone updated as best possible despite all the restrictions he faces as part of the Universities requirements. In addition, Dr. Frank has teaching duties (suspended temporarily), research obligations, extension responsibilities and serves as the Liaison for the Turf Team for the MTF, apretty full day. His extension responsibilities with the University include coordination for both our Field Day and Turf Conference events. Both events are key components to our funding research.

Dr. Frank serves as the hub for a great deal of what the Foundation provides and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual. Like so many of our superintendents at courses in Michigan who go about their work without notice or appreciation, Kevin plugs away with little fanfare. But a thank you now and then can go a long way. From our Board of Directors – Thank you Dr. Frank

Membership

Many of you will be receiving your membership renewals soon. Anniversary dates can now be used when renewing. If you prefer a certain date, it can be set for any date you wish. Most members still receive our annual notice for renewal by Oct 1 and that is still acceptable for our system. The MTF is aware that cost cutting is part of the process we are all a part of. However, when we finally see a better future, MSU will be instrumental to courses returning to normal and the Turf Team be a part of that process. Your support will be important. Thank you for your consideration.

Board Update

When accepting a positon on the Board of Directors, many incoming members are not aware of all the responsibities and decsion making that may come with a voluteer postion. Mark Wildeman is an exception. Mark was asked to serve a second time on the MTF

Board after after previously seving in the 1990’s This go around, he took on the Secretary position as well as handling other activites made use of his experience and judgement. Mark recently notified the MTF Board that he will be taking some time well earned time with family and relaxation. The MTF is fortunate to have individuals in our industry like Mark Wildeman. The MTF, members of the Foundation and all those who know Mark certainly will miss his direction, but more importantly thank him for being an important part of our industry. Thanks Mark.... for all you have done. Replacing Mark as Secretary is Scott Rettmann - our current TT4Turf Chairman. Scott has been actively involved with the Foundation since coming on board and we look foward to Scotts involvement with the Executive Committee. Marks position on the Board was filled by appointment at the last Board Meeting by Rob Steger. The MTF looks forward to Robs input to the Foundation ...and as he serves as the current MIGCSA President the term volunteer takes on a whole new level. Thank you Rob for taking on the appointement.

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”

Henry Ford

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