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MINNESOTA PARK & SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

MPSTMA NEWS

VOLUME 10, NO. 3

FALL 2020

Luke Whittrock, University of St. Thomas, rebuilding the Mound as part of the MPSTMAâ€ˆCommunity Service Project at Legion Field in Buffalo in August. See story on Page 5.

2020 MPSTMA Fall Workshop Transitions To Town Hall Zoom Meeting on Nov. 18 (See Page 3)

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MPSTMA Fall Workshop Transitions to a Virtual Town Hall Meeting Set for November 18, 2020

A MPSTMA Virtual Town Hall Meeting will be held online Wednesday, November 18 beginning at 10:00 am. This virtual meeting will replace the annual MPSTMA Fall Workshop. The Zoom meeting is scheduled for two hours and is a free event. The year 2020 and its many issues will be the focus of this online get together. Three main moderators will be: Mark Kruse, City of Lakeville; Reid Johnson, CSFM, St. Paul Academy & Summit School, and Joshua Gerth, CSFM, Bethel University. These three moderators representing municipalities, universities, middle schools and high schools will be able to offer feedback from a broad range of perspectives on safety protocols, budget and staff cuts, etc.

FALL 2020

The MPSTMA Town Hall Meetings may become a monthly or bi-monthly event if the membership shows interest in this type of education. At this time, mark your calendars for November 18 at 9am - 11am to sit in and listen and/or share your own experience. Members will be able to ask questions by typing them in. All questions or concerns will be answered either during the Meeting or shortly after. An agenda, log-in in and an Agenda and more information will be forwarded to the membership as the Board of Directors transition the MPSTMA Fall Workshop to a Town Hall Meeting.Your feedback after the event will be appreciated.

MPSTMA NEWS 3

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MPSTMA Members Rise to the Occasion and Volunteer Time to Renovate Legion Field in Buffalo on August 19 Once again, members of the Minnesota Park and Sports Turf able assets for the day include: Matt Grosjean, CSFM, ISD 197; Managers Association rose to the occasion and renovated a baseNate Mezera, EC Grow; Trent Watters, City of Roseville; Mark ball field each year since 2001. This year’s project was Legion Roschen and Joe Bronk, City of Lakeville; Gary Ringus, SlatField in Buffalo, MN. Trax, and Ben Boeding, CSFM, Minnesota Sodding Company. In general, the field was in good shape prior to the renovation Also, special thanks to Joe Churchill, Reinders, for donating but needed work on the mound and home plate areas. Magicsupplies. (Continued on Page 8) Turfs' Mike Brunelle and Dave Simeon along with Ben Wallin, City of St. Francis, did prep work on the renovation prior to the August 19 project. MagicTurfs also provided equipment and supplies and labor for this year’s CSP. The project itself was led by retired member and certified sports field manager Mike McDonald who made sure all volunteers had something productive to do. McDonald has been the driving force behind all the MPSTMA renovations. Those who participate in the CSP’s know how valuable McDonald’s knowledge, work ethic and MAST R managing abilities are to MPSTMA’s annual BRANDE I G IN project. McDonald noted that he "would like to personally THANK all the vendors, their donations and all of the volunteers that From our supreme lightweight raincovers right to took their valuable time to help out in this the classic vinyl ones, there are cover models and year's CSP 2020. Without your help this accessories to meet your specific needs. would not be possible." The City of Buffalo was represented by Adam Farrell, Carrie Kutiliner, Adam Lettimgo, Tim Pearson and Thomas Eckstein. Other’s from Buffalo included high schoolers: Carson Schwartz, Jack Lauer, Jon Euerle and Jake Duke. Ramon Vega, a former Buffalo town ball player and now a coach with a homerun record on the field paid close attention to the renovations and will EVERGREEN™ turf covers outsmart FOOTBALL L FIELD COVERS are made of make sure those maintaining the mound and mother nature. Exclusive color lace superior strength material, providing field will do it properly. Vega was in the San coatings provide proven results. protection from rain or snow snow.. Francisco Giants Baseball Club system. Luke Wittrock, University of St. Thomas, took control of recreating the pitcher’s mound with help from Simeon who then turned his attention to revamping the home plate area. Mike Zwisler and Tom Thul, The Tessman Seed Company, provided needed supplies and labor. John Braunshausen and Eric Brunelle, MN Equipment, provided key equipment and TARPMATE™ T ARPMA ATE™ AIR roller is a revolutionary An INFLA INFLATABLE AT TABLE FIELD F COVER allows storage and handling system for field for ongoing field maintenance during labor. MTI Distributing Inc.’s Larry Gorcovers. 2-3 people can roll out or roll up a inclement and extreme cold weather weather.. man was a useful participant by bringing a 100ʼ wide cover cover.. couple of Toro Workmans and hauling clay, sod, dirt and whatever else was needed 100 0 Westmore Westmore Dr Dr., ., 1 11D, 1D, Rexdale, ON M9V 5C3 3909 390 09 Witmer Rd., Niagara Falls, NY Y 14305 throughout the day. The City of Plymouth 1-800-387-5808 1-800-3 volunteers included Brian Swartzer, Jesse Tel: T el: ell: +1-416-745-181 +1-416-745-1811 +1-416-7 1 • Fax: +1-416-742-6837 ww ww.covermaster.com • info@covermaster r.com .com www.covermaster.com info@covermaster.com Belarr and Samantha Poeschl. Other valu-

Covers That Make the Difference

FALL 2020

MPSTMA NEWS 5

Community Service Project -

MPSTMA Community Service Project

(Continued from Page 5)

2020 VOLUNTEERS

The following projects were performed at Legion Field: Home Plate Circle Renovation; Pitcher Mound Renovation; Arc Restoration/3rd Base Overrun Repair, and Ag-lime Restoration. Home Plate Circle: + Plate raised 2 inches + Clay added and graded + Front of circle: cut out, graded, sodded Pitcher Mound: + Mound returned to 18 ft. diameter + Mound rebuilt to specs with clay Arc Restoration/3rd Base Overrun: + Arc restored to 92” + Lip from 2nd to 3rd removed and restored + Overrun at 3rd restored to match 1st Base Mike Brunelle, Magicturfs, volunteers his time and equipment at most of the MPSTMA Community Service Projects that took place throughout the years.

Ag-lime: + Fill Base paths + Grade Infield

Each year, the MPSTMA chooses a CSP from a list of applicants by visiting the fields that apply. If your field is in need of renovation, go to the CSP tab at www.mpstma.org and apply or volunteer your services next year and do a hands-on renovation! (Photos on Pages 9 and 11)

Adam Farrell, City of Buffalo Carrie Kotlinek, City of Buffalo Carson Schwartz, City of Buffalo Jack Lauer, City of Buffalo Jake Duke, City of Buffalo Jon Eaerle, City of Buffalo Ramon Vega, City of Buffalo Thomas Eckstein, City of Buffalo Tim Pearson, City of Buffalo Nate Mezera, EC Grow Matt Grosjean, CSFM, ISD 179 Joe Bronk, City of Lakeville Mark Roschen, City of Lakeville Dave Simeon, MagicTurfs Mike Brunelle, MagicTurfs Ben Wallin, City of St. Francis Eric Brunelle, MN Equipment John Braunshausen, MN Equipment Jeff Turtinen, MPSTMA Ben Boeding, CSFM, MSC Larry Gorman, MTI Distributing, Inc. Brian Swartzer, City of Plymouth Jesse Belarr, City of Plymouth Samantha Poeschl, City of Plymouth Mike McDonCity of ald, CSFM, Retired Trent Waters, Roseville Gary Ringus, Slat Trax Mike Zwisler, The Tessman Company Tom Thul, The Tessman Company Luke Wittrock, University of St. Thomas

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MPSTMA NEWS 9

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MPSTMA NEWS 11

Simeon, Brodd, Gustafson and McDonald Capture 2020 MPSTMA Scramble Title at Royal Golf Club The 1st Annual MPSTMA Scramble at Royal Golf Club fielded ten, 4-person teams on July 16 at the beautiful Lake Elmo site. Winning by five strokes, with the help of a couple of eagles, at 14-under-par and a score of 58 was the team of Dave Simeon, Magicturfs/Town & Country Landscaping; Gregg Brodd, Turfco Manufacturing; Cody Gustafson, Turfix, and recently retired Mike McDonald, CSFM. A team of MTI Distributing, Inc. representatives finished second at 63. The MTI team included Bob Frank, Larry Gorman, Joe Buegge and Tim Fleegel. Third place finishers at 7-under par was a City of Lakeville team comprised of Brandon Oppelt, Jeff Vinkemeier, Mark Roschen and Tom Weiss. A big winner was Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation Board Member and MPSTMA member Tom Redmann who had the best shot of the day on MTI's Closest-to-the-Pin contest on Hole No. 4 and won a 21-inch Toro lawn mower. The day was a fun success. Blue skies and happy golfers. Special thanks to Head Golf Pro Kent Blaschko and Course Superintendent Mike Sonnek for helping us produce a first-class day.

Pictured left above is the winning team. Seated on the left is Mike McDonald. CSFM, and on the right is Dave Simeon. Standing on the left is Gregg Brodd and on the right is Cody Gustafson. Results on Page 14.

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MPSTMA GOLF SCRAMBLE July 16, 2020 Royal Golf Club Lake Elmo, MN Par 72 58 63 65 65 66 67 68 70 70 74

McDonald, Brodd, Simeon, Gustafson Gorman, Buegge, Fleegel, Frank Leivermann, Langager, Counselman, Schmid Oppelt, Vinkemeier, Rosche, Weiss Kuehner, Johnson, Weinbrenner, Mezera Redmann, O’Neill, Sullivan, Turtinen Waters, Sidle, Larson, Sypaseuth Stadler, Boeding, Krey, Vick Brennan, Crouley, Krensing, Evasich Campbell, Carson, Closson, Daniel

MPSTMA thanks our golf tournament sponsors for their support and participation! The 2020 sponsors were Superior Turf Services, Inc.; E.C. Grow; Eco Works Supply; Gertens Wholesale; MTI Distributing Inc.; \Turfix, and SavaTree.

Tom Redmann, a retired member of MPSTMA and a current and a founding Board Member of the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation. Redmann won a lawn mower donated by MTI Distributing, Inc. with a closest- to-the-pin shot on the MTI’s sponsored 4th hole at Royal Golf Club.

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14 MPSTMA NEWS

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FALL 2020

Northern Green 2021 Will Be a Virtual Event With the “Best Education Yet” January 11-14 Even in an industry where every year is different, 2020 has been exceptional. Despite our hope to hold an in-person event in January, Northern Green is going online. How are you dealing with that news? Are you grieving the opportunities you’ll miss by not being face-to-face with your green industry friends and business partners? Or maybe you’re relieved that you won’t have to decide whether to travel in these strange times, whether to shake hands or not, wear a mask or not, or make a myriad of other decisions that were once much easier. Or maybe you feel a little of both. Let’s face it: change can be tough. Even good change. It can involve denial, anger, bargaining and depression before you finally reach acceptance. But sometimes, when we’re lucky, change simply makes life better. That’s the case when it comes to this year’s Northern Green event. Here are five ways that you will benefit from Northern Green going digital, and becoming more accessible than ever before. More is better when it comes to your team. By going digital, we’re making it even more affordable

! -

for you to give more of your team access to Northern Green. That makes it easier, more effective and more efficient to create real positive change and growth based on what you learn at the event. You’ll be able to inspire buy-in for new ideas you want to put to work in your company by participating in sessions as a team, and you can build a plan to make it happen together with the employees who will execute it. More is better, times two when it comes to education. Three paths are better than one. When you’re inperson at Northern Green, you must choose between educational sessions that run at the same time throughout the event. When you attend Northern Green Virtual, you can experience one session during the scheduled time, then circle back to attend the other two sessions in your spare time later that day, in your pajamas that night, or anytime that’s convenient for you. More is better when it comes to best practice sharing. We’ve always believed in the power of industry professionals learning from each other, and Northern (Continued on Page 17)

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16 MPSTMA NEWS

FALL 2020

2021 Northern Green(Continued from Page 16)

Green has always attracted the industry’s best. With the tools available to us in this digital environment, attendees will have the opportunity to share what is working and not working in their businesses with each other. They’ll be able to use the chat and Q&A features during the education sessions, participate in coffee chat discussions on the topics that matter most to them and to their employees, and learn from each other. More is better with all your vendors in one place at one time. The Northern Green experience will remain the same in that it offers excellent content, relevant resources, exhibits and networking opportunities, but the medium has evolved for enhanced online interaction. We miss face to face and are sure you do too! So, we made sure that you will be able to visit with vendors online using either video or text chat. Whatever your preference, you won’t want to miss learning about all the new products and services available from vendors in 2021! It’s a one stop online shopping experience to kick off 2021.

FALL 2020

You’re in charge. Northern Green Virtual will provide the opportunity for you and your team to take advantage of the training, tools and professional connections the event provides. We encourage you to create an education plan for yourself and your employees. All those who participate get the chance for pro-

fessional development, and the resulting growth will benefit your organization and customers too. In the meantime, as we work to finalize this year’s educational line-up, we’re also working on a guide to Northern Green Virtual that will help you make the most of the education, people, tools and technology it will offer. We can’t wait to join you for the best education yet at Northern Green Virtual, January 11-14, 2021!

MPSTMA NEWS 17

ONLINE PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION ZOOM WORKSHOP NOVEMBER 20, 2020 | 8:00 AM—4:15 PM Due to concerns regarding large group events and Covid-19, the November MNLA/MTGF Pesticide Recertification Workshop will be a Live Online Recertification Zoom Workshop. Once you register, you will be emailed a Zoom log-in and password with instructions.

This Workshop Meets MDA’s Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements For: Category A (Core), E (Turf and Ornamentals), and Optional Category J (Forestry, Rights-of-Way and Natural Areas) • This is the last opportunity to renew your Pesticide Applicator License in 2020. • Licensed pesticide applicators who attend a workshop in their needed category fulfill their recertification requirement. Workshop attendance will be monitored. • If you are not sure you need to recertify, check the “recertify by date” on your applicator’s ID card or review your license Information on the MDA website: www.mda.state.mn.us. NOTE: There are 2 Registration Options—Choose the Category Needed to Fulfill Recertification Requirements. 1) Category A & E: 8:00 AM—2:30 PM 2) Category A, E & J: 8:00 AM—4:15 PM

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE 7:45 AM | Log into Zoom Workshop 8:00 AM—2:30 PM | Sessions 1-7 Category A (Core) and E (Turf & Ornamentals) Session 1. MDA General Session MN Dept. of Agriculture Session 2. Pesticide and Pollinators | Pesticide Hot Topics MN Dept. of Agriculture Session 3. Invasive Landscape Insects in Minnesota: Look Who Wants to Come to Dinner Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Session 4. Pesticides and the Environment Jolene Hendrix, University of Minnesota Session 5. PPE Pop Quiz Tana Haugen-Brown, University of Minnesota Session 6. Pollinators/Endangered Species Vera Krischik, University of Minnesota

Session 7. Turfgrass Weed Control Sam Bauer, Bauer Turf — End of Workshop for Category A & E

2:45 PM—4:15 PM | Session 8 Category J (Forestry, Rights-of-Way, and Natural Areas) • Vera Krischik, University of Minnesota • Chad Giblin, University of Minnesota !" #$ $ ! $ % &' "() ('$ # $ * * * + ,!- * * * .$/ $ 000 12! ! $ 1 (

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ONLINE PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION ZOOM WORKSHOP NOVEMBER 20, 2020 This Workshop Meets MDA’s Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements For: Category A (Core), E (Turf and Ornamentals), and Optional J (Forestry, Rights-of-Way and Natural Areas) NOTE: There are 2 Registration Options—Choose the Category Needed to Fulfill Recertification Requirements. 1) Category A & E: 8:00 AM—2:30 PM 2) Category A, E & J: 8:00 AM—4:15 PM

Registration Form Business Name: ____________________________________________________ Contact: ___________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City: __________________________ __ State: ________ Zip: ________________ Phone: __________________ E-mail: ___________________________________

Due to concerns regarding large group events and Covid-19, the November MNLA/MTGF Pesticide Recertification Workshop will be a Live Online Recertification Zoom Workshop. Once you register, you will be emailed a Zoom log-in and password.

Registration Options 1) Category A & E (Register by November 13, 2020)

2) Category A, E, & J (Register by November 13, 2020)

MNLA/MTGF Members: No. of Persons ______ @ $129 = _______ Non-Members: No. of Persons ______ @ $149 = _______

MNLA/MTGF Members: No. of Persons _____ @ $159 = ______ Non-Members: No. of Persons _____ @ $179 = ______

Attendees (must include applicator license #)

Name: _______________________ Email: _____________________

Name: _______________________ Email: ____________________

Applicator License # __________________________

Name: ________________________ Email: ____________________

Name: ______________________ Email: ____________________

Applicator License # __________________________

Payment Please note that payment MUST accompany this form or it will not be processed.

Payment Method ____ Check enclosed for $__________ ____ Visa

____ MasterCard

____ Discover

3 Ways to Pay 1. Make checks payable and mail registration to: MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave . N, Roseville, MN 55113 2. Online registration available at MNLA.biz. 3. Fax registration to MNLA at: 651-633-4986

Number: __________ - ___________- ___________- _________ Exp. Date: ________ / ________

Credit Card Total $_________

Name on Card: _________________________________________ If the address listed above is not the same as the billing address for this credit card, please provide the billing address below. Address: _______________________________________________

Registration Refund Policy For all MNLA/MTGF education events, MNLA will gladly make a full refund of your registration fee if cancellation notice is received more than two business days in advance of the event. In the two business days prior to the event, a 50 percent refund will be given. No refunds will be given for no-shows or cancellations made the day of the event. Cancellations must be made in writing, by fax, or by telephone call received at the MNLA office during normal business hours.

City: ______________________ State: ______ Zip: ____________

1813 Lexington Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113 | Phone 651-633-4987 | www.MNLA.biz | mnla@mnla.biz 3412