President’s Message

Welcome back to News Notes!

News Notes was a regular publication, years back, for the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) with information on past events, current news and events, and Turf Team reports. We plan on bringing back that same information and more! This will be the first of two issues you will receive this year, with the second issue being published in the Fall. The Fall issue will focus on The Conference, which is being held at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing on January 5, 6, and 7, 2022.

The year has been busy with bringing back News Notes, Tee Times 4 Turf in April, the Gam Initiative, and the Lafontaine Golf Outing. All the events had a great turnout and helped raise money to support the Graduate Assistant Fund and to continue with turf research.

At the Lafontaine Golf Outing, it was announced that Joe Vargas will be retiring in two years. We will miss Joe, he was a very big part of the MSU Turf Program. His dedication, hard work and success will be honored with the creation of the Joe Vargus Endowment. Having this endowment will ensure that the MSU Turf Program will continue to grow and be here for years to come. For more information on this, check out the article on page 27.

“Let’s Go Nuts” as we welcome our newest board member, Paul Kahuna, Head Groundskeeper for the Lansing Lugnuts. Paul will be taking over Kelly Rensel’s position as the Sports Turf representative. Thank you, Kelly, for your time and commitment serving as an MTF board member.

In each issue of News Notes, we will be highlighting the success of our members, and the impact the MTF had on them. You will find these articles under News Notes newest section, Members in the Field. If you would like to nominate a member, please reach out to us-we would love to hear from you!

Over the past six years as a board member, I have seen many positive changes that have made our foundation what it is today. We are constantly evolving and progressing to benefit the members, and I must give that credit to the outstanding board we have. We have an enthusiastic, diligent and reliable Board of Directors that are dedicated to the turf industry, and to you. Thank you for your continued support and loyalty to the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation!

Curt Boak

MTF President