A Message From BY CAREY MITCHELSON, MTF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MTF Updates
C “All at once
Summer
collapsed into Fall.” — Oscar Wilde
The MTF hopes you are taking those chances at home and at work.
ount 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
Course Conditions
| Issue #48 - Q3 2020
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