Passing the Baton

Wow! It is hard to believe it has been almost three years since I was elected President of this informative and necessary organization for the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs, myself and each and every Turfgrass Professional in Maryland. Now it is time for me to write my last President’s Message and pass the baton off to the next President to guide us all into the future and for me to slip into the Immediate Past President position to advise and help where I can.

Have you ever considered helping the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs, the Maryland Turfgrass Industry, and possibly most important, helping yourself by being a part of spreading the use and need of quality natural turfgrass by framing how things are done here in Maryland? Being a member of the MTC Board requires one meeting a month, starting at 4 p.m., usually at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Turf and Seed Herbarium, and lasting one to one-and-a-half hours to discuss the policies, and programs that benefit us all.

Each year three of the nine directors are elected to serve. If you would be interested in serving, please contact me or our Executive Director, Vernon Cooper and we will prepare the nominations for election during the Annual Conference on Dec. 10.

Speaking of the Annual MTC / Univ. of MD Turfgrass Conference, I certainly hope you can arrange to join us on December 10th for a fabulous program designed and planned by Dr. Roberts and the Board. We have four individual tracks: Golf Course Management; Sports Turf Management; Lawn & Landscape Management; and Mechanics Update Management. Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification is being offered including for all surrounding states if you need that too.

Some of the guest speakers include:

Elliott Downing, from the USGA

Joe Doherty, University of Maryland

Dr. John Kaminski, Penn State University

Geoff Rinehart, IAA

Dr. Mark Carroll, University of Maryland

Dr. Kevin Mathias, Professor Emeritus University of Maryland

Dr. Travis Gannon, NC State University

Dr. Jim Brosnan, University of Tennessee

Dr. Joe Roberts, Clemson University

Ryan Bjorn, New England Patriots

Dr. Karen, Rane University of Maryland

Turf Equipment and Supply doing an advance Mechanics class

We have also added more time for lunch and Trade Show. We moved the Mechanics class inside, which will be more conducive for learning. Toro is planning a more advanced program to tie into last year’s program.

Simply complete the registration forms found in this publication, send them to Vernon by US mail, e-mail or fax and plan to come be amazed.

Thanks for continued your support!

Jamie Roell

MTC President

Jamie Roell, MTC President