Message From the WSTMA President

I hope you and yours are all healthy and had a fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday!
I wanted to update you all on what's been going on with the WSTMA and our thoughts on the upcoming year. 

First off, and sadly, we are canceling the Winter Education Conference planned for February at Timber Rattlers Stadium in Appleton. I'm pretty confident this is no surprise to anyone. We thought of having a virtual event, but decided on something a little different. For the month of February, we are deeming the month "Sports Turf Education Month" and will be posting educational videos and publications on the website, along with highlighting our Commercial Partners and their products and services. It's not a one day event, but will continue throughout the month. Stay tuned for more information. 

 As the end of the year approaches, memberships will but up for renewal. We are keeping dues at the ever economical $45.00. With that however, we are going to offer a little twist. Which brings me to our next point...

 We are opening an account specifically for donations to Sports Turf Research at the University of Wisconsin. This money will be earmarked for donations to the O.J. Noer Turf Research Center, Dr. Soldat, and Dr. Koch and anything related to Sports Turf Research. If you choose, with your membership, you may pay an extra $5.00  and that money will go directly into the Research Fund. Your choice to donate or not. With that, we are offering our Commercial Partners an option to donate with their Sponsorship renewal for 2021 also. Our hopes are that your donations facilitate increased Sports Turf related research to help you produce healthy and safe playing surfaces. Watch for more details. 

 We have ordered some new WSTMA apparel. Wind Shirts, Sweatshirts and hats, both stocking caps and normal hats. Once we receive them, we'll give you an opportunity to acquire them.

 Finally, as you may know, Peter Bemis has retired from the WSTMA Chapter Manager position. I have been temporarily filling in to keep things going. Well, as of the end of my term as WSTMA President ends this year, I will be stepping into the Chapter Manager position permanently. I have experience as a Chapter Manager, as I held the position for my local Chapter of the GCSAA when I was a Golf Course Superintendent, along with Newsletter Editor and various Board positions. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. 

 So, look for more messages from the WSTMA in December.

 May your roots be healthy!
Michael Krupke
President WSTMA